Chapter Thirteen
God Bless Catastrophe
Thanks to PaulaAbdulChica2007, Huddytheultimate, starstacey, HouseholicMD, thevigilante15, DrusillaBraun, HOUSEM.D.FanForever, Boys Don't Cry, HouseAddiction, csi7, Abbeyannmd, and gabiroba for their reviews!
Disclaimer: I do not own anything that has to do with House. All rights belong to David Shore, the writers, and Fox, plus their respective owners. No profit made.
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"I believe taking the child out of her current situation right now is the best course of action." Tritter stated to a room full of social workers, cops, and attorneys alike.
"Why should we listen to a washed out cop that took advantage of a relationship with his ADA girlfriend?" A blonde, slim woman asked from the back.
He grimaced, recognizing the voice. Alex Cabot, ace attorney and running for DA election. He wasn't fond of her and she wasn't fond of him.
"Because I have observed the suspect and victim in question." He said. "I know my reputation at this station as become a joke, but you never stop being a cop. Watching Dr. Cuddy and her daughter, have led me to believe that her job does not allow her the time and attention her daughter desperately needs. We vowed to protect and serve. I am here to do both."
He eyed her closely. "And Counsel, no offense, but doesn't your job circulate in the courtroom, not in the investigation?"
She smirked. "Just thought I'd learn what it's like on the other side of the fence." She replied slowly, sure he was going to retaliate with a smartass remark. She wasn't disappointed.
"Then learn Ms. Cabot, don't try to teach a dam how to feed a foal." He seethed at her.
She fell silent, not because she was afraid of him, but she wanted to know what he was up to. Nothing good, she was sure of that. He turned his attention back to his audience, the board, the people who were the biggest obstacle in his brilliant plan.
"Now, Dr. Cuddy is a great doctor. I don't deny that. I would be the first to argue that she is. However, her career is the very thing that makes her a bad mother. She needs to focus on her daughter's needs, not her job or how far she can go to be on top. I'm not saying take her child away from her forever, I'm saying long enough for us to do a thorough investigation. We are here to protect children, even from their own parents. We need to act and we need to act now." He announced.
A few people were nodding, completely blind sighted by Tritter's pretty words and colorful language. Alex had to give him props for his speech. He already gained support, but she knew the woman he was talking about and she knew he was digging his own grave. She said nothing as she quickly slipped from the room, unseen and unheard and not even considered a threat.
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They sat side by side in silence, watchful yet completely calm. Jesse asleep in the crib before them. She sneaked a side glance at the man that sat beside her.
His eyes were soft and affectionate. The bitter lines that surrounded them were disappearing and his expression was gentle. The stubborn lines around his mouth that came from too much frowning were faint in the dim light. He wasn't smiling, but he wasn't frowning. He was amazed, in awe of the puny person before him. She had never seen him like that before and it surprised as much as it warmed her. She never wanted it to go.
"She has her father's ears and nose." She whispered.
"She has her mother's eyes." He said back, in a tone just as soft.
It was so comfortable between them and he imagined what it would be like to spend every night like this. A family, something he never thought he could have, but in some little corner of his heart, always wanted.
Jesse stirred and let out a soft baby sigh, drifting further into sleep and they slipped from the room and firmly shut the door, blocking out all noise into the room. Cuddy set up the baby monitor placed it on the table beside the couch.
Outside in the living room, things were silent. The lights were dim but the wind was howling outside. December was coming and soon. Cuddy shivered as the cold seeped into her thin nightgown. House saw this and he wrapped a blanket that had been sitting on his couch around her. She gave him a grateful smile as she settled on the couch.
Without even realizing his movements, he slung an arm around the back of her chair. She nestled into his arms, seeking warmth. He gladly obliged and then realized what he was doing. He froze and so did she.
"What are we doing?" she breathed, not even knowing she had spoken outloud.
"Giving in." he said simply.
She stared at him. "To what?" she asked. "To this? To this disaster that we know is going to happen?"
He caught her hand and held it tight when she tried to pull it out of his grasp.
"You're leaving in two days, Lisa." He said softly, gentle, completely different than the usual House. "I won't see you ever again, probably, or Jesse. For one weekend, can we just relive college, relive the memories we've made in the past? Just for one weekend, then you can go back to New York, be Dr. Cuddy, the supermom and doctor and I'll go back to being House, the jerk and smartass. But for one weekend, let's be Lisa and Greg, what we were before pride and the harsh world changed us, jaded us."
She wanted to. Desperately. She understood him. Knew that his regret was as strong as her own. She always knew there was a deeper, more complex side to him than the usual cynical one he feigned to the world. She always knew it was there and part of her knew that she was the only one that was able to expose it.
Working with patients had taught him one thing, and that was how quickly life can be snatched right from your grasp. He hadn't listened to the message each dying patient tried to convey to him. He had ignored each one that tried to tell him to love and to never let a chance slip through his fingers.
He hadn't listened and he had treated life as if it were as disposable as latex examine gloves. He hadn't learned until she left. Until the only stability in his life was ripped away from him. Then he learned the lesson that so many people had tried to save him from.
He wouldn't make the same mistake twice.
She looked at him. Full on, eye to eye, heart to heart, looked at him. He saw turmoil, regret, and fear in her blue eyes. Then he saw longing and a hint of what could have been passion or something else altogether.
He made his move.
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Warning: Next part might be a little graphic for some readers. It's only a little snippet, so I didn't change my rating. I've never tried to do a scene like this before, so please forgive me if it's sketchy. If you do not want to read about House and Cuddy going at it, scroll down until you reach the next set of X's. Thanks!
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His mouth found hers and for one split second she was at a loss for what to do. Then habit and memories filled her as her heart took over what her mind should have been in control of. She kissed him back. Every moment filled with passion and pure desire.
He kissed her just as hungrily and with a raw primal strength that left her breathless. He tangled his hands in her long curly hair and she ran her soft fingertips down the length of his back, leaving him shivering and wanting more of her touch.
Seconds later, they were both bare and staring at each other once again.
"Wow." He breathed as his eyes traveled up and down her slim figure, fingers gently stroking her apple white skin.
"Same goes for you." She whispered back in his ear, kissing his neck.
He did the same procedure on her until she was sure there would be a bright vivid hickey on her neck the following morning.
When she felt him inside of her, a soft whimper escaped her that she didn't even know she made. He was gentle yet completely rough and passionate. He needed her, wanted her and she needed him just as badly. They made love over and over again, consumed by hot fire and relentless desire, longing, and the fact that they had waited so long for the satisfaction of being so close. Each time he muffled her scream with his mouth, kissing as she felt the ripples of pleasure wash over her and then smile at the look on his face when he felt the same pleasure that made him shudder with pure bliss.
Then they lay still, completely worn and satisfied. She rolled over in the cramped couch and laid her head on his chest, tracing gentle fingers around the scar on his leg. He stiffened for a moment, but she ignored him, just running her gentle touch upon the scar that caused his bitterness. She then kissed the wound and buried her face in his chest. He pulled her closer to him, recalling what it felt like to have a woman that wasn't paid in his arms. He kissed her forehead and she responded by snuggling closer.
He watched her in the dim light and remembered their agreement. Two lonely people that needed some love in their lives. Nothing permanent. Nothing lasting. No promises of love or forever exchanged. It was a weekend of no strings attached romance, just long enough to pretend to be a family, but not long enough for true commitment.
It was bittersweet, but thoughts of the situation left both their minds as they fell asleep in each other's arms.
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They laughed at each other's jokes and chatted over wine and candlelight.
"It was sweet of you to take me to dinner." Stacy said with a bright smile.
"It's really no problem at all." Wilson replied with a smile that mirrored hers. "It's not everyday two of your best friends come back into town and one as pretty as you are."
"You're flirting with me." Stacy called him out.
"Yeah, and I've had too much wine." He retorted, leaning back in his chair. "Too bad you're married."
She laughed. "Yeah." She mused. "Such a sad situation." She stated sarcastically.
He grinned at her. "Well I'm an old friend. I'm entitled to flirt. Anyway, if your husband ever pisses you off, call me. I'll teach him a lesson or two." He joked.
She grinned back at him. "Sure, and he'll probably beat you over the head with the first thing he can get his hands on."
Wilson flexed his arms. "Oh yeah, I can take him."
Stacy laughed at his actions, completely amused and enjoying herself.
Conversation continued throughout the night without even a second's pause in between. They had so much to catch up on. So much to talk about and so much that they were never going to say because it was too many years too late for them to say. Friends that go way back and lovers that would never be.
They were never the center of attention. Their affection for each other was quite in contrast to House and Cuddy's. Those two argued. Bantered and every second they were trying to prove the other wrong and win a battle of wills and wit. Stacy and Wilson were the opposite. They had an easy relationship, filled with long conversations and the simple things that couples did. Only they weren't a couple and because of Stacy's marriage, they never will be.
They didn't let it affect their friendship. In some ways, they were more stable than House and Cuddy. Where those two needed each other in a blind passion and primal attraction that was undeniable and unmistakable, Wilson and Stacy could survive without the other. They only need to know that the other was well and happy and that was enough.
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She awoke at the first crack of dawn and forgot where she was for a moment. Staring straight into House's sleeping face, she smiled. She kissed him gently on the cheek, sure that he would not awake to know her act of affection that was more sweet than sultry. She slipped from his arms and quickly slipped into her clothes.
Her daughter was still sleeping and for a moment, Cuddy watched her, admiring the miracle given to her. She kissed her daughter's forehead and stroke her cheek. The child cooed and stirred but did not wake. Satisfied that her child was safe, content and would not wake, she hopped into the shower, allowing the cold water to wake her up to a new morning and wash the looming thoughts of potential disaster with House from her mind.
He heard the shower and sat up. Beside him on the pillow was a small indent of the formerly sleeping Cuddy. He smiled as he traced his scar. She had felt the source of his destruction and she had chosen not to hate him for allowing it to change him. He made his way into his bedroom and smiled at Jesse.
She was still sleeping and he sat down on the bed and watched her. Then she awoke. No scream was heard. She merely looked up at House and grinned. He laughed and picked her up.
"Good morning!" He said, cheerfully. "How are you, half-pint?"
She giggled.
"Daddy doesn't have work today, so you don't get to see me boss stupid assholes who are a lot stupider than Daddy around. Of course, Mommy always bosses Daddy around, so it would probably be old to you." He teased, completely unaware of the profanity he accidentally slipped into his sentence.
She clapped her hands and laughed.
"I just did not hear you say that." Cuddy said coming up behind House and wrapping her arms around his waist. She leaned her head onto House's back and her daughter peered at her curiously.
Jesse the laughed and grabbed a fistful of Cuddy's hair. House tilted his head at them curiously.
"Her favorite toy." Cuddy said, with a good-natured roll of her eyes.
He smiled. "Mine too." He said, pulling at it as well.
"Grow up." She said.
Then he gave her an expression that looked so much like Jesse's pout she snorted and laughed. It was adorable yet completely hilarious at the same time.
"Nice." She said. "Now I know who the baby is."
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Tritter walked into PPTH with a smug grin on his face and a social worker in tow behind him.
"What room is Ms. Lisa Cuddy in?" he asked the head nurse Brenda.
Brenda looked at him up and down for a moment, recognizing him. She was still extremely loyal to her former boss, and despised the trouble this man caused and him being the cause of a new Dean being put in place. Cuddy may have believed that no one knew the real reason she left, but Brenda had her ways of finding out things that occurred in the hospital, so she knew Tritter's method of blackmail.
"Dr. Cuddy has been discharged." She said briskly. "I have no idea where she is."
Tritter leaned in closer to her. "I'm sure you have some idea, you just won't tell me."
She met his square in the eye. "I don't know and even if I did, I wouldn't tell you." She hissed.
He fought the urge to slap her. Instead he turned and walked toward the Dean of Medicine's office. Brenda snorted.
"If you think she'll know you're sadly mistaken. Nobody here will tell her anything." She said as she gathered some files and started to head for the elevator, throwing a smug grin over her shoulder.
He felt a wave of frustration as he found his way to House's department breakroom. Cameron was the only one there, reading up on patient files.
"Dr. Cameron, do you have any idea where Dr. Cuddy is?" he asked her, putting on a smile that one would expect from a favorite uncle.
"No idea." She said, eyeing him.
"Dr. Cameron, I think you should know the situation. Dr. Cuddy is a suspect in a child neglect case. We are not arresting here, but merely investigating the claims. Dr. House no longer works here and I'm sure you find the cause of his leave incredible unjustified. Please do not make things worse for yourself by ignoring the law."
"I quit." She said. "I'm just finishing the paperwork for this file and I'm out of here."
"Well Dr. Cameron, I'm sure you would want to save a child whether or not you have this job." He said.
She sighed deeply, but the loyalty that had driven her to defend House again and again was not present at the moment. Defending Cuddy wasn't as easy. Why? Because Cameron had always felt a certain degree of jealousy toward her. Cameron was never jealous. Her entire life she had always been the sweet innocent one that never raised her voice and never questioned her morals.
After working with House, however, she found herself feeling negative energy for the first time. House felt it almost all the time, but he executed it in a way that made so much sense and ended gaining a positive outcome. She could not do the same.
She wanted what Cuddy had. She wanted the big office, the amazing job. She wanted House to stare after her and for the rest of the boys to gawk at her yet completely respect her in the process. She wanted to prove House wrong and save lives that were deemed unsaveable. She wanted to be confident enough to dress the way Cuddy did and to stand up to House the way she did. She wanted to be like her and found that it was easier to hate someone you wanted to replace.
"Chase told me she was staying with House." She gave in.
Tritter smiled at her. "Thank you Dr. Cameron. From the deepest crevice of my heart, I thank you."
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The door was thrown open and Cuddy jumped back. Without a second thought House was standing before her. Their mouths fell open when they saw Tritter standing before them.
The social worker, Jamie, had a look of contempt. She didn't think that throwing open the door was really necessary. A simple knock would have been sufficient.
"Dr. Cuddy, you are a suspect in a case of child neglect. Upon impending investigation, we need to remove your child from your care until the investigation proves or disproves these allegations." She said, her tone professional.
Cuddy was speechless. Her throat worked but no sound came out. Someone was actually accusing her of being a bad mother. Tears filled her eyes and House felt pain radiate out of her and seep right into his skin. He reached for her hand and was surprised when she pulled away.
"You can't have my baby." She said, her voice iron.
"We have no choice, ma'am." Tritter said, barely able to keep the glee from his tone.
She whirled upon him and glared at him. "You son of a bitch!" She ranted. "You fucking son of a bitch! I saved your fucking worthless life and this is how you react to it? You accuse me of neglecting my child and try to take her from me? You worthless, stupid moron!"
"I don't think such language is appropriate of a mother who's within earshot of her child." He said, more smug than ever.
She wanted to hit him, again and again until he stopped moving. She had never felt such murderous hate in her life, never even knew she was capable of feeling such a strong emotion, always thought herself to be above such petty emotions. Now she realized she was just as human as anyone else. She was just as much a victim to her emotions as anyone else and every moment that she stood before Tritter with her fists clenched brought a furious pounding hate into her.
He walked around her and into House's bedroom and emerged with Jesse. Jesse was wailing, screaming. Demanding that he put her down and hand her back to her mother. He ignored the cries, completely unsure of how to comfort a baby.
House's heart broke at the pitiful sound. Cuddy was crying now, not even trying to hide the tears. He reached for her again. She moved away. He gave up. Just watched in quiet fury as Tritter handed the child to the social worker. She walked out with the child, still screaming.
Cuddy spoke up. "I'll get her back Tritter and I'll prove that you're nothing but a cop that abuses his power." She seethed.
"We'll see. I took your job. I can ruin your family just as easily, Dr. Cuddy." Tritter said to her. "House I'm done with. He's as miserable as he'll ever be. He'll probably kill himself in time and I'll throw a party at his funeral."
Cuddy took a step toward him. "Shut up and get out." She hissed at him. "Shut up, you ignorant bastard that can't deal with anyone outsmarting you. Well fine, you want a trial. I'll give you a trial. I took the stand once and I'll do it again and Tritter, this time you won't escape unscathed or burned. I'll show everyone just what you do to get your way."
He took a step toward her now and raised a hand as if to hit her, but House stepped in and knocked Tritter's leg with a cane. Cuddy was immediately pulling him back, whispering it's not worth itinto his ear. House was breathing hard as Tritter came in for a retaliation. Cuddy pulled House toward the floor, but caught the punch straight on the jaw. She winced as she felt the impact of the hit, knock her to the ground.
House felt newfound fury and with a yell, began to throw a punch at Tritter. Cuddy grabbed his arm and held it firmly.
"No, House. It's not worth it." She said to him, her voice pleading. "Please, just let it go."
They were all breathing hard. Tritter sent them one last nasty look and stormed out. House turned to kneel beside Cuddy. For a moment there was silence. Not a sound from House's bedroom or the empty crib. It was lonely and desolate.
With a soft whimper, Cuddy lost her mind, her senses, and herself altogether. She broke down in sobs. Each cry causing her body to shake and shudder. She sobbed into House's arms as if her heart had broken. He held her close and felt wetness fill his eyes and though he was silent. His tears trickled down his face and landed on Cuddy's hair, where they stayed.
They stayed like that for hours, crying, knowing that across town Jesse had never stopped since she left the safety of Cuddy's arms and sight.
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Author's Note:
That is the next chapter. I know there was some smut going on in the middle. Hehe Coudn't resist, after I saw Airborne again. Of course, there will be some Tritter ass kicking, hopefully. Crazy asshole. Anyway, enjoy!