Rating: G

Words: 100

Episode: 1x21 Three Stories

Pairing(s): House/Cuddy, House/Stacy

He lies on the hospital bed, full of drugs and willpower.

"I love you." He tells Stacy, and Cuddy is certain it is not a common occurrence.

The words strike her, hard. She's his doctor. She shouldn't be hearing this. She shouldn't be here. This shouldn't be happening.

They are toying with his life. But she has no choice, not anymore.

She watches him go under and all she can remember is a time when those three words had been hers; too long ago to appreciate now.

All she can do now is watch as Stacy rips his heart out.