Chapter 10

Disclaimer: I do not own House. Thank you for the reviews and thank you to the spoiler and speculation boards that have helped inspire this story to keep going!

The next morning….

The first things House felt when he opened one eye was the pounding headache along with nausea and the overwhelming need to relieve himself. He knew Cuddy was on his chest only beginning to stir. The more she moved on him, the worse he began to feel. Sorry Cuddles, but I need to do this…

"Hey, move."

Cuddy lifted her weary head and stared into his eyes. "What?"

"I said move it or you will have a huge mess on your hands in about 20 seconds."

Cuddy knew that didn't sound good and moved off of him as quickly as possible. He sat up a little too quickly to his tumbling stomach and grabbing hold of his cane stood up and made his way to the bathroom.

Cuddy followed standing outside as he slammed the door shut. She stood wincing at the retching sounds coming from her bathroom. Wonder how much of a mess I will be cleaning up later on….

House didn't know what he should do first. He took one look at the sink as his stomach rebelled I hope my aim is a lot better than I imagined.

She knocked on the door. "House? You Ok?"

The sound of vomiting came and passed before House answered. "Just peachy, thanks."

Cuddy pushed the door opened. The smell was nauseating in itself. She found herself covering her nose as she gazed at her vomit stained sink and House gripping the toilet bowel with little strength. . House took note. I am such an embarrassment.

He reached his hand up to flush the toilet releasing the foul stench to the ocean.

"What the hell did I do last night?"

Cuddy flinched as she handed him a towel. She expected this…part of her wished it so….but now that he is asking her for answers she isn't sure she should willingly give them.

"What do you remember?"

House's eyes narrowed. I don't like being on the other side of these games.

"Why don't; you just tell me and get it over with."

Cuddy stood her ground. "No."

House sighed, wiping his mouth on her towel. His eyes were hollow and red, and sweat matted his thinning hair.

"I remember….remember seeing Wilson…"

Cuddy 's head perked up at this information. That was new.

"Do you remember what you said to him?"

House thought back. Wilson…don't; remember exactly….but he said….awful things…probably deserved it…

"Wilson said you didn't care." His voice grew softer. "Said I was your resource…nothing more."

He briefly met her eyes so sad…pitying…."Probably true, right? I mean…"

Cuddy placed one finger to his lips hushing him.

"Wilson's hurt. He wants you to hurt." House couldn't help but laugh at the irony. "Has he seen me lately? I think I am hurting …."

Cuddy squeezed his shoulder. "You know what I mean."

House avoided her penetrating gaze with honesty. "I know."

She pulled her hand off his shoulder. "Remember anything else?"

House thought long and hard. Maybe Amber? A cold chill shifted through his body. God I hope not…dad…

"Don't know."

Cuddy nodded. "You'll remember and when you do…I'll be here."

House growled at her. "Woman, why do you have to make this so difficult?"

Cuddy smirked. "You do it to me all the time. Welcome to my world!"

Spinning on her heel she left to get ready for work.

About an hour later, Cuddy emerged freshly showered, dressed and smelling like heaven. House sat twirling his cane watching her move. Even with his head beating like a bitch, he could still feel his body relaxed enough to get aroused. Self control is still limited to me right now…

Cuddy reached up putting a gold earring in watching him. His eyes were still glassy, but they had that look… Cuddy cleared her throat garnering his attention. Light blue eyes greeted hers. He wants sex…badly….I need to leave….

"I'm…going to be late for work…"

Her voice trailed. He nodded finding that he couldn't; remove his gaze. She swallowed hard as he stood up and came toward her. Don't kiss me…please don't kiss me…

He stopped right in front of her never taking his eyes off her face. "I need to work."

Cuddy cracked a smile. Not what I was expecting….

"You have the world's worst hangover, are still recovering from your seizure…"

House watched her intently. "Excuses. I need to work."

He stressed it more firmly this time. Cuddy didn't know what to say. Maybe this way I can still keep an eye on him …

"Fine. Clinic duty supervised by someone from your team. No more than three patients a day. "

House scoffed. "That's more than usual."

Cuddy placed a hand on his chest causing his heart to quicken.

"Take it or leave it."

House grabbed her hand holding it tightly. "You supervise me."

Cuddy laughed nervously. "I can't…I have work to do…"

"Hey, if you want me there, you'll do it."

Cuddy found that logic ridiculous. "You are the one who wants to be there."

House leaned in further not sure if even he could resist her at this moment of passion. "You want me too."

Cuddy's eyes softened. Please don't; kiss me…please don't kiss…

He leaned in until his lips touched hers brushing them ever so slightly before pulling away.

"Say you'll do it for me."

Cuddy shook her head. House grinned as he walked away one thought nagging him as she caved.

"What the hell did I say to you last night?"

Clinic was just as House remembered it…unfortunately. The only thing that kept him from dozing was seeing Cuddy's face taking notes…watching him. Thoughts of earlier flooded into his mind. I should have just kissed her….

"Why is she here again?"

House grinned looking to Cuddy. "She's a med student. She loves doing extra credit for the teacher."

While the patient bought this, Cuddy resented the underlying implications.

"I'm actually the Dean of Medicine."

The man looked to House for assurance. House muttered something about her being a psyche student and Cuddy had enough.

"I will not supervise you if you keep undermining my position."

House stood up with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"I have nothing against your position unless you can make it a bit more horizontal."

Cuddy reached up knocking his gesturing hands away. She looked to the man who was clearly baffled.

"Leave. You have a cold."

Her head shook in annoyance as she stormed off.

House watched her. A part of him wished for the way things had been back at her house and a part of him truly missed this …whatever this was.

Staggering to keep up with her, House limped as quickly as possible.

"Hey!"

Cuddy refused to acknowledge him continued to her office, slamming the door behind her.

House pushed past yet another secretary into the brightness of the office.

God my eyes are killing me with this light. He put his hand around his eyes to shield them Blinking rapidly, he pulled his hand away and adjusted to the scene before him. The room had transformed. Cuddy's desk was still present with Cuddy in it ignoring him. Behind her were the wail of sirens and the images of the dead. Bodies were being pulled form the wreckage and House felt his heart begins to pound. I must be hallucinating again….why?

"Why are you still thinking about me?"

House turned to the voice…not Cuddy's…Amber's…

"I'm not." His words sounded hesitant and unsure.

She smiled. "You're lying."

He stood as still as he could taking her in. She wasn't distorted like the others. Her features were smooth and angelic….perfection.

"You still want me even though I'm dead." She shook her head as she took a step toward him. "How sad."

House had no rebuttal. She's not real…

"Cuddy here…she really does care about you but you….you only see her as a replacement to get to him don't you?"

House denied the information presented. No….I wouldn't do that…would I?

Amber smiled. "You don't even know yourself do you?"

House dropped his gaze. I have no answer.

"Do you like her?"

House looked to Cuddy who still seemed oblivious to her surroundings…I mean my surroundings…

"I don't know."

Amber was finally close enough to touch him.

"Think about it. Decide soon."

"House."

House opened his eyes barely at the voice calling to him. Smooth hands ran over his face cradling his head in her arms.

"Please, answer me."

Lines were blurred…dream….reality…love and lost….what am I suppose to do? He said the only word he could remember.

"Amber."

Cuddy felt the tears slip down her eyes as she gripped the warm hand enveloped in hers. Her eyes were clouded and she didn't make out the figure staring from the shadows at the scene before him taking it all in. With one word, three hearts were broken.

Please review? Please let me know your thoughts! Will he remembr? Will he figure out what he's suppose to do? It helps me write faster!!

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