Here we go. Let's continue with House and Cuddy's journey now that they are together again. I hope, this won't turn out to be too cheesy. It's really easier to write a crying Cuddy than an overjoyed one.
There will be some edited Hollywood and local movie references throughout the chapter. PROPER CREDITS GO TO THEM.
Thank you so much for the wonderful reviews, #Huddies. Special mention to the anonymous reviewers: a. Anon who posted this: "I for one love the story.. And, yes, Cuddy would leave her child to go bring House back. But oh, that House's line was soooo sweet my heart jumped. That was great. Keep it coming." – THANK YOU. I'm glad that you find it plausible on Cuddy's part. And you meant, House's proposal lines? That was my dream proposal and I will say YES in a whim. LOL..
b. plastocyjanina who posted this: "Im absolutely in love with your story. You have a real gift of writing, keep going! :) – Thank you for reading and taking the time to post a comment. I'm glad you're liking this.
In addition, thank you to: huddy-lover-gregandlisaforevawho posted this one: "Omg omg with a awesome chapter like that people should bow and kiss ur feet cause that was beautiful cant wait for the next chapter :)" – Oh, no. Please don't do that. You'll give my troll hater here a heart attack just by saying that. LOL, she's still lurking around here. But, thank you really. That just surpassed the 2 simultaneous negative comments I got from that said person.
DISCLAIMER: I OWN NOTHING. ALL BELONG TO DAVID SHORE AND COMPANY.
CHAPTER 19 – THE PROMISE
A few hours earlier at House's old apartment…
Gregory House was brought out of his peaceful slumber by the steady breathing of his woman who was still nestled in his arms while her head was still laying on top of his chest. Looking down at the sleeping angel enveloped in his arms, he noticed her long eyelashes and slightly opened pouting lips. Like the previous night while they were like this in exactly the same position but just on the opposite side of the globe, he did his usual ritual. He slowly lean down on her to kiss her nose and then, moved to touch his lips to that of her inviting ones. Lisa Cuddy was still peacefully asleep but as soon as her man's lips touched hers, she let out a small moan and stirred a bit in her current position. House then gently adjusted her head so that she was now on her own side of the bed on her own pillows.
With his arms still around her petite frame, he took a glance on the digital clock on top of the small table and saw that it's now 5am in the morning. The Diagnostician recalled that since he and Cuddy broke up, this is the first time that he was able to sleep straight through the night. It feels good to be once again in her close proximity as her unique scent always lulled him deeper into morpheus land. This is one of the few simple luxuries he missed much all these months that they were separated by physical distance.
During the times that they were still together, most of the times, it was really House who is awake first in the morning as his leg always demands attention every early morning especially during colder days. And so, the Diagnostician after taking his Ibuprofen pills finds himself indulging on the simple guilty pleasure of intently admiring the lovely features of this amazing woman that is safely cocooned in his arms.
Most of the times, he just drowns himself on her charms while she is still deeply out in her slumber. It gives him a sense of contentment just being mesmerized by her natural beauty that is devoid of make-up and other cosmetics this early on of the day. Lisa Cuddy is looking at her best during these times because only her God's given natural beauty is still present here.
The world-renowned doctor was still lost in the overwhelming feeling of being able to hold this woman again when he remembered what his mother had said and the "plan" he almost let slipped his mouth last night to Cuddy. He needs to put those plans into action then before this goddess will open her eyes or else everything will be a failed mission. His mother did insist that it should be done first thing in the morning.
Casting one more glance on Cuddy's lovely features, he leaned down to place a gentle kiss on her forehead and, then he slowly lift up his arms from around her to make sure that she wouldn't wake up. Then, he sat on the bed to rub his damaged thigh, reached for the bottle of Vicodin on top of the table and dry swallowed 2 pills.
After a few minutes to give time for his leg's pain to subside, he went to stand up. He needs to start planning for his plan to be put into action as fast as he could for he wouldn't want Cuddy to have some suspicions. He needs to be back in bed with her before she wakes up.
Reaching the living room, he located his backpack resting near the couch. Opening it, he searched for his family's most prized possession. He took out a box containing an antique heirloom that had been passed on to every House first born males. This has been with the House family longer than the necklace he gave Cuddy before he left the country.
He opened the box and lifted out the engagement ring that was originally and specifically made by his great great grandfather in 1891 when he proposed to his great great grandmother after they run away since the family of his late grandfather wouldn't approve of his late grandmother. The late Josephine House comes from one of the slave families serving the House family when she and Abraham House fell in love and decided to elope in a new place where they were free to live and enjoy each other's company. This piece of precious gem had been part of their family for generations as a token of eternal love during the times when the world seems to be against his ancestor's unique love.
This century old heirloom had been given to Gregory House by his mother, Blythe House as soon as he turned 18 as part of the treasured tradition of their family. Since then, this was placed hidden in a wooden crest which the young Greg House always left below his bed in any place he goes. Somehow, during his younger years, he truly was amazed by the love story of his ancestors and this is a solid proof to him that life indeed has something great to offer even if during his growing up years under the strict dictatorial reign of the abusive John House, all he ever experienced was the total opposite of what this jewelry represents.
The first time the campus jerk met Lisa Cuddy in Michigan, though it wasn't a sudden thought that he considered her to be the lucky recipient of this most prized possesion, he did feel something very special about her. She was definitely one of a kind and he enjoyed spending every single time with her. When he met Stacey and had lived with her under the same roof for five years, it never occurred to him to give the ring to the lawyer. She just wasn't the right one. The deeper meaning of what the century old gem symbolizes doesn't fit her.
Somehow, at the back of Gregory House's mind, it already belongs to the lovely brunette he met years ago and eventhough, they only spend a short period of time together, he knew that no one else can own this piece of gem but her. It even has the exact same size fitted for her feminine middle finger.
All these years that he kept his hidden want and love for one Lisa Cuddy, this jewelry that had been passed on to their family for generations were left in a safe place under his bed. This is among of the few things he did bring with him in his hasten departure in this old apartment of his. Certainly, this is by far the most treasured piece of memorabilia he had of one Lisa Cuddy as his subconscious mind already established her as its sole owner even if by those times that he chose to run away from her, he has no clue if their paths will cross again. If Lisa Cuddy can't have it, then no other woman can do so.
After more than 20 years, it's time for this precious gem to be handed to its rightful owner. The time has come for one Lisa Cuddy to have this and wear it on her middle ring finger as it has always been hers all these years at the back of one Gregory House's mind.
Closing the lid of the box once again, the famous Diagnostician then stood up and took a small card in one of his drawers located near the table on his old living room. Writing the all too-familiar words that the House males had always used to propose to their chosen future brides, though in their cases, these words were spoken personally in front of those women, Gregory House chose to defy that particular manner his family had always practiced. He was never good at his words but his actions always preceded the best in him.
With a serious expression on his face, he wrote the words he knew by heart since he was 18 when Blythe House first recited it to him with happy tears in her eyes. "I want to be your favorite HELLO and your hardest GOODBYE. Marry me?" Closing the card, he addressed it to the one woman that truly captured his elusive hearts years ago, "Lisa."
Not thinking twice as he knew he was slowly running out of time, he went to limp as fast as he could outside his front doors and knocked at the door that has the number sign of Apt. 1B. Charlie, his 17 year old buddy opened the door and without wasting time, he instructed the teenager to deliver that most important piece of parcel to PPTH especially to the Dean of Medicine's office. Charlie who is the grandson of this apartment building's landlord had always been his errand boy ever since the teenager had moved in with his grandfather 5 years ago. Gregory House trusted this boy with his most important errands as the two of them had bonded well during the few months when the Ketamine treatment worked and he was once again able to enjoy his favorite hobby of skate boarding.
After handing the kid a 20 dollar bill, he was assured by Charlie that delivery will be made right away and will securely be waiting on the Dean's desk before the lovely woman will come in.
Hearing that and being grateful of this kid's presence, House went back in his apartment and slowly crept into his old bedroom to be by his future bride's side before the sleeping beauty will wake up and suspect anything unusual on him. Gently, lifting Cuddy's head back on his chest, and wrapping his arms around her, he closed his eyes and once again succumbed to the peaceful slumber that only her unique scent can bring to him.
6am, still at House's old apartment…
When the clock strike at 6am, Lisa Cuddy slowly opened her eyes, and as soon as her mind registered the events of last night, a full bloom smile immediately plastered on the Dean of Medicine's lovely features. She can feel House's firm grip on her as his steady breathing sounds music to her ears. This is one of the few things she truly missed during those months that she woke up without feeling his death-lock embrace around her and his adorable little snores that tickles her neck.
She figured that at some point during the night, they might have moved as she now finds House's face snuggled against her neck and his rise and fall warm breathing is tickling the sensitive spot on her neck. Taking more time to enjoy this simple intimate moment with her man first even though she knew that she really needs to get ready now as Rachel will soon be waking up and she needs to drop her first at her house before going straight to the hospital; Cuddy slowly moved her head a bit away from those of House that is snuggled on her neck. She did bring her change of clothes already and all she has to do is to get Rachel ready to leave with Marina at her house, then, she can also get ready herself to start her day at PPTH.
Tracing the man's gruff features in front of her with her own grey orbs, she noticed that there seems to be a trace of a small smile on his face. It's odd to see him this content but even before they were together as a couple, Gregory House is at his best when he is asleep like this. The world seems not to take its heavy burden on his shoulders when he in his slumber. His eyebrows are not drawn together and his features with his eyes closed seem relax as opposed to the grumpy expression he always wore on his face when he is wide awake. Truly indeed, this is one of the best moments Lisa Cuddy wants to engrave in her memory about a certain Gregory House.
Seeing him like this again made her realized what a huge mistake she did when she decided to let go of him after his one slip when she knew all along that the man was just scared of losing her just like all those people who abandoned him in the end after he trusted them. Now that there was a tiny perfect person that needs them both, she bowed to herself that no matter what mistake this man will eventually do in the future, she will forever be by his side to guide him back to the right path and to remind him that life is worth living for.
Glancing at the clock one more time, Cuddy saw that it's now 6:15am. Taking another time to inhale House's natural scent that she also missed the most, she went to place a gentle kiss on his lips before pulling away. Slowly, she lifted up his arms around her, careful not to wake him up as he doesn't need to be up early.
She did her morning yoga routine in the living room for around 20 minutes before she heard Rachel stirring on her baby monitor. She ran towards the bedroom quickly as not to wake House.
It took an hour for Cuddy and Rachel to be ready to be on their way to the Dean's house. On her way out, she carefully placed a little note on top of House's piano informing him that she will drop Rachel off at her house and then, she will be going straight to the hospital. She told him that she will call him and if they can meet at the hospital for lunch.
At exactly 7:45am, Dr. Lisa Cuddy was seen entering PPTH entrance doors with a radiant smile plastered on her glowing face. The spark behind her eyes was also back along with her confident stride as she approaches her office. As soon as her office doors closed, the mill buzz surrounding the hospital begun as one Dr. Robert Chase with the full permission of another Dr. James Wilson started collecting money for the bet as to how long will it take for Drs. Gregory House and Lisa Cuddy to tie the knot.
Lisa Cuddy without any little knowledge at all about the on-goings outside her office doors went to take off her coat and was excited to put down the files she brought and her things on her desk so she can right away visit her son, Aaron didn't notice at first the small box meticulously placed in the middle of her desk.
But when she put down her attaché bag on top of the side closet near her desk, she finally noticed that odd thing as she couldn't remember seeing it the day before. As soon as her eyes saw the handwriting written on the small card on top of the box, her heart started beating faster. She knew that handwriting by heart.
Silently inviting her was the unique way the letter "L" was written on her first name, Lisa. With trembling hands, the Dean of Medicine lifts opened the card to read what was written inside. What she read afterwards made tears to instantly fall from her eyes. In a still all too-familiar handwriting, the joyous words that stared back at her were, "I want to be your favorite HELLO and your hardest GOODBYE. Marry me?"
With her blurry vision, she slowly opened the box and what was revealed to her very eyes made her gasped and covered her mouth with her right hand to control the sob she was controlling not to let out. In broad day light, casting the sun's rays coming from her office's window blinds sparkled an antique 3-karat diamond engagement ring. Lifting it out from the box, the Endocrinologist did not dare to hide her tears of happiness as she closely inspected the precious stone in front of her. She saw that there were some words engraved inside and bringing it closer to her field of vision, she read the following words, "Forever, House – 1891".
Giant tears can now be seen on the Dean of Medicine's smooth cheeks. She couldn't believe that she is actually seeing and holding this precious symbol of House's love for her. She can't even fathom the idea as to how this was sent to her office when she left the man responsible for this happiness still snoring at his bed. This was by far the most romantic thing the great Gregory House had done for her. Suddenly, all the painful deeds he did to her were erased from the core front of her brain. All that matters now is the here and now. Aside from the wonderful gift she got by carrying House's baby into this world, this was indeed on top of those moments that the man never ceased to amaze her in his simple yet unique ways.
Gregory House had proposed to her in ways that she couldn't imagine was possible for him to do so. The note attached to this century old piece of gem was just so sweet and she can still feel the rapid beatings of her heart until now. Imagining his serious expression while scribbling down those words made her smile all the way more. She knew that it took all of him to actually come up with the courage to write down those honest words.
With shaky hands, she carefully placed the ring on her middle finger and she let out a gasp as she felt the solid evidence of House's love fitted perfectly on her. It sparkled more in her eyes as the sun's rays caught its brilliance and magnificence. Of course, her answer was a BIG YES. There's no doubt about that.
Even during the first time she saw House all those years ago in Michigan, she knew by then that he was the one for her and even if their time together was only short-lived when he left after the night they spent together, she knew deep within her heart that there's no one else for her. Hell, the first time the campus jerk, Gregory House had cast his deep ocean blues on her, she felt her knees go weak and flashes of their life together had already crossed her mind that precise moment.
Lisa Cuddy during her growing up years believed in the happily ever after she reads on her fairy tale books. But, as she grew up and became more ambitious during her teenage years, she knew that she had to set aside those childhood fantasies if she wants to be a dominant figure in a man's world. And, up until she crossed the path of one Gregory House, those happily ever after dreams were buried in her was young and so naïve by then but she already made up in her mind that this is the man she wants to spend the rest of her life with and be the father of her future children. With all the imperfections and flaws of the man even back then, she knew that life with him wouldn't be full of rainbows and sunshine but she still knew that he was the one for her and no one else can replace that.
It took all of her willpower to restrain herself to put her arms around the man when in an unfortunate event, their destined paths crossed again during the infarction days. Her heart was telling her that there was no chance for them to be together again seeing the worried expression of the lovely brunette lawyer beside him. She never knew the concept of jealousy before until she saw Stacey holding House's hand in his room and when, she heard House uttered his I love you's to the woman before surrendering to the effects of the drugs into his system, she forced herself to ignore the stabbing pain in her heart. That wasn't the time for her to have all those uncalled emotions. What is important is that she was able to convince House's medical proxy to take the middle ground to avoid complete amputation. She knew a part of her was being selfish when she offered that third option. She couldn't fathom the thought of having to continue life without knowing that Gregory House is alive and breathing somewhere even in the arms of another woman.
When Stacey eventually left, Lisa Cuddy couldn't help the feeling of being relieved that the woman is no longer by her man's side. She made sure that she was there with House every single way. She masterfully convinced her Board of Directors to open a premiere Department of Diagnostics so she can hire him knowing that he was working at a Blood Bank after he was fired from 3 hospitals who couldn't handle his temper after he was released from PPTH and after Stacey left. It hurts to see him everyday in constant pain and eventhough, House had never blamed her, she still couldn't help but feel responsible for his misery and so, without realizing it, she was setting herself more to heartaches by allowing the man to once again enter her heart.
Lisa Cuddy was content to be just his boss as there was no threat of another woman in Gregory House's life until Stacey came back. She was on the way back from her Board meeting when her assistant informed her that a certain Stacey Warner waiting for her in her office. Hearing that House's ex is back made her more anxious. As the saying goes, "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer," she decided to hire the lawyer as PPTH's legal counsel. She needs to be in close radar when it comes to House and Stacey.
When Stacey went to talk to her in her office after the Baltimore incident, she felt her heart sink when the brunette lawyer said that something happened between her and House. She tried to maintain a normal composure in front of her rival when deep inside her heart felt like life is taking out of her. She tried to convince the other woman to think twice by reminding her that this is still House they are talking about and that she's still married. But seeing House almost happy again made her think twice. It became a big relief on her part upon hearing from Wilson that in the end, it was House who ended it with Stacey.
During the times that she tried IVF, when House was being an extra "pain in the ass" with her sperm donor choices, she felt a bit of hope that maybe the Diagnostician likes her, too. After his ambiguous comment in the clinic during their "injection sessions", she finally finds the courage to go up in his office to ask him to be the father of her child. That was indeed her wish all along back when they first met in college. But, at the last minute, something stopped her from telling him and in the end, she changed her mind and just left his office without uttering her heart's desire. She wasn't exactly sure but when she stared at his ocean blues, she finds herself wishing it to be done in an old-fashioned way with him being beside her as the father of her child all along. She knew that it was a long-shot wish and so, she kept her mouth shut.
She was glad that she didn't eventually ask him as she wouldn't know how to cope up with the knowledge that she did carry House's child but in the end lost it in a miscarriage.
The Dean of Medicine didn't realize that her mind had wandered back to all those years that she had known House and the events that occurred in between until her office phone started to ring. Putting the box and the card down on the table, she answered it, "Dr. Cuddy."
The person on the other line informed her that a certain Blythe House was waiting for her at the NICU ward. She thanked the person and told her that she will be on her way upstairs.
Composing herself first, the hospital administrator went out of her office now with a full bloom smile plastered on her face. Her features were glowing more and everyone she met on her way up to the NICU ward knew the reason why their favorite Dean of Medicine was such in a good mood.
Everyone in the hospital had heard about the sudden appearance of the missing Dr. Gregory House and of course, knowing that both doctors now shared a tiny person, it was evident to all that it will only be a matter of time before they will get to hear the news that PPTH most troublesome employee is back on board not only professionally but personally on the Dean's life.
Most of the doctors and staff are quite surprisingly glad about this news as even though the world-renowned Diagnostician was most of the times wrecking havoc within the four walls of the hospital, there was no doubt that days at PPTH were never boring when he is around and their hospital administrator is at her best around him. Seeing her glowing spark and confident stride back now after months of not seeing it within her only made them appreciate the appearance of the grumpy doctor more. After all, it was part of their everyday routine to witness the banter arguments of both Drs. Gregory House and Lisa Cuddy in the four walls of this hospital. The on-going bets led by Dr. Roberts Chase also started as soon as the Diagnostician made his presence known again. Life at PPTH is once again amusing and full of challenge. It became dull and boring when their biggest jerk employee took off.
Dr. Lisa Cuddy saw Blythe House contently staring at her grandson on the window displays at the Nursery room. As soon as she reached where she was standing, she called the older woman's attention, "Blythe, how are you?"
The older woman turned on her direction and instantly went to search for her hands. As soon as she spotted what she was looking for, her smile widens and immediately enveloped the Endocrinologist into a warm hug saying, "Lisa, I'm great." Lisa Cuddy returned her embrace and when they parted, still with a smile on her face, Blythe House added on a teasing tone, "I see my son made his move."
The Dean of Medicine felt herself blushing hearing the older woman's words. It went out of her mind that due to overwhelming happiness, she didn't take off the ring when she got out of her office. She wanted it for House himself to slip it on her fingers later on when she will give him her yes answer. It was too late to try to hide it in his mother's probing gaze. She found herself stuttering, "Ahmm, well… yeah…"
She tried to explain when she was cut off by the older woman's still happy voice, "Oh dear. You don't have to say something. I'm just glad that Greg finally gave you what belonged to you long ago." Blythe House took hold of the Dean's hands to fully admire the beauty of the century-old piece of gem that once adorned her own fingers, too. She felt tears begin to form in her eyes as she saw the confused expression on the younger woman's face. Then, she added, "I knew all along that it belongs to you, Lisa when I first saw you here in the hospital years ago. I can still recall at the way Greg was looking at you as you two were engaged in a medical argument in the hallway when I decided to grant him a surprise visit. I never saw my son that passionate in the presence of any other woman before. Of course, when he was forced to introduce us to each other, I also saw that you felt the same way."
The older woman was really enjoying seeing the younger woman in front of her blush more with the things that she was saying. It's a great feeling to have someone to tease to after all these years of not being around many people since John House won't really allow her to go out without him. And knowing the importance of this attractive woman in her son's life made it all the way better.
Lisa Cuddy forced herself to say something after hearing those words from the mother of her man. "I don't know what to say, Blythe. I just…."
Once again, she was cut off by the older woman. "Of course, you know, dear. A simple yes will do the trick." She did wink at the blushing expression on the Dean of Medicine's face.
"I know that. But, isn't this too soon?" Cuddy answered her back though she's definitely feeling not comfortable discussing this to House's mother of all people.
Blythe House just smiled at her more and then responded, "Oh, I think, on the contrary, this has been long-overdued already. You two had known each other for more than two decades. How long do they do you think you have to wait more?" She saw that the younger woman was about to interrupt her but she preceded her by adding, "If you love someone, you say it. Say it right then and there, out loud. Otherwise the moment just passes you by. Besides, when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible."
The older woman felt reassured when the hospital administrator just nodded at her and gave her, her radiant smile. Finally, she knew that her son has found his true happiness in the presence of this lovely brunette in front of her.
After her brief talk with Blythe House and her usual visit to her son, Aaron, Lisa Cuddy was on her way back to her office to start her day. It was only 9am in the morning and though, she really eagerly wanted to call House already, she knew that he was still peacefully asleep.
With a naughty smile on the Dean's face, she thought that he needs all the rest he can get as she will drain all his energy later tonight with the plans she had in mind. Opening her office doors, her breathe caught as she saw the flower arrangement waiting for her on top of her desk. There sitting at the center of her desk was a bouquet of a dozen fresh red roses and the room was filled with their natural scents.
Slowly, approaching them, Lisa Cuddy thought how was it possible to love the great Gregory House more and more at each passing moment? Even without reading the card yet, her heart already knew that this gift came from the same man that captured her heart all those years ago. Lifting the card that was placed on one of the stems, she felt happy tears are beginning to once again form in her eyes. Her man is really full of surprises this day as through her cloudy vision, she read the following words, "I have a crush on your mind. I fell for your personality, and your looks are just a bonus. Say YES?"
There you go. Too cheesy for House? LOL, I hope not. I always knew the man was a true romantic deep down.
Share me your thoughts on the reviews? There will be more surprises coming up on the next chapter with the help of the amazing, SissiCuddles. You'll gonna love her more, #Huddies.
Thanks for reading,
Helen