Summary: The developing of a Love Affair in Years with ups and downs - Huddy.
Disclaimer: I do not own House, nor do I make any profit.
Special Thanks to my Beta Reader
A Co-writing by Klara Papkin and Miss Mila
Chapter 13 – Benefits, Dancing and Dreams
The evening of the Benefit finally arrived. The schedule, which was very full and ambitious, contained short performances from the children of the Pediatric Unit, performances by Rachel and Michelle together, and other performed by Michelle herself. There was also music entertainment from a local jazz orchestra. Everything was spaced out nicely, and there were times set aside for the dances the donor asked for. Michelle did an excellent job teaching everybody how to dance the waltz, polka, and other dances.
Everything was going just as planned. Better, even.
Cuddy's personal assistant was collecting the numerous checks from the donors. The Dean wouldn't have any financial problems for a long time after this event.
Everyone was in a good mood thanks to the way the event has been planned. House is sitting alone at his table, smiling slightly smiling at Cuddy. God, she looks gorgeous in that black silk dress…And recently she looks more beautiful than ever. House didn't know what it was, but there was a soft glow on her face. Maybe it was just an impression. Maybe it was just a trick of the light, or the effect of his love growing stronger day by day. Whatever it was, the look suited her. He, the one viewed as the monster in the past, could never imagine his life without her now. It'd only been a year since they'd gotten engaged, and things couldn't be any better.
Of course, there were still the quarrels and the tricks. He was still House, after all. But then there were new things. The necessity of each other's touch, the way that they were no longer afraid of their personal feelings, and even better, the way they weren't afraid to admit these feelings. Everyone was so glad for them. After years as lonely human beings, they really deserved that happiness.
After Michelle's last performance, "Paquita", it was time for all the guests and hosts to dance the tango. Michelle quickly changed her dress; she was supposed to join Wilson to dance. She arrives in her tango suit, and reaches the table where now House, Cuddy, and Wilson are sitting.
Michelle smiled brightly at the three of them. "Hello."
"Hi, Mick. Are you tired?" Cuddy asked, a bit of concern creeping into her voice.
Michelle shook her head adamantly. "No, I'm fine. I couldn't feel better, really! After all, I'd never miss the tango for anything."
"Uncle James will make you look great up there." House smirked at her.
"I know. We worked very hard for that." They exchanged understanding glances.
"I won't let you down." Wilson said smiling.
"Let's go!" She says, pulling Wilson up with her toward the dance floor. The tango begins.
Once they are out of earshot, Cuddy leans close to House, "When are we going to tell her?" She whispers in his ear.
"Later this evening. Or maybe even tomorrow, I think."
"Why not now?" Cuddy asks, a confused frown on her face.
"There's something important I have to do right now." He says determinedly. Staring out at the dance floor.
"What do you mean?" She asks, following his gaze.
House turns back to her and puts a finger on her lips. "Shhh, you'll see it. Just be patient, love." He whispers.
Cuddy was really starting to become confused right now. She simply stared at House as he grabbed his cane and stood, making his way around the dancing figures.
Some people are confused by the presence of this crippled man as he limped between them, though they said nothing of it.
House approached Wilson and Michelle, and an understanding flashes between the three. In a few quick seconds, the two stop dancing. Wilson grabs House's cane, and House immediately put his hand on Michelle's waist, and holds her hand with his other. Michelle's voice during their secret lessons come back to him, Everything is in your head. You're no more a cripple than another dancing man. Just move with your heart…And they dance. Even better than when they practiced.
Half of the audience simply stops dancing, and stares in shock. Cuddy is staring at him from the table.
She barely notices as Rachel comes up to her and says, "Dad is very good now. Isn't that true, mum?"
Cuddy looks at her little daughter with wide, surprised eyes. "You knew!"
Rachel shrugs. "I promised Dad that I would keep my mouth shut. He wanted to surprise you."
Cuddy smiles at her. "He succeeded, didn't he?"
After a few more minutes of dancing the music stops. The room bursts into applause, and everyone knows some of it is aimed at House. Michelle and House approach the spot where Cuddy is still glued, staring.
A huge grin is plastered on Michelle's face, and she curtsies in front of Cuddy, who is still astonished.
"May I have your hand in this dance, milady?" House asks as ballroom dance music starts to play.
"Are you…are you sure you can manage this?" Cuddy asks breathlessly.
"Trust me." He says, twirling her towards him, and towards a different world. A beautiful, musical, world.
For Cuddy, this seems like a dream. Or better yet, like her own personal fairy tale. House is dancing very well; He doesn't miss a single step. And Cuddy noticed her love for him growing in her chest. She was so happy that she could scream, and would, if not in a room full of donors.
It all felt like heaven, and their eyes never lost contact.
Cuddy finally spoke. "How have you done this, managed this?"
House smiles and nods to Michelle in the audience, who gives him an encouraging smile. "I had the best teacher."
Cuddy smiles knowingly. "And why did you do it?"
House chuckled. "For you. I love to make you happy, and I adore the glow on your face in precious moments like these."
Cuddy shakes her head and smiles. "But, isn't this painful for you?"
House shrugged. "You make the pain fly away."
"I'm glad for that."
After a while, House stumbles and loses his balance. They grab at each other and manage to stay standing. A little bit of fear is in both of their eyes. House looks disappointed and almost humiliated.
"I'm sorry, I make you look bad out here." He says, gesturing to the dance floor.
Cuddy shakes her head. "No, no. It's okay." She caresses his cheek and places a soft kiss on his lips. "You've done great."
House shakes his head, too. "No. It's not true. You deserve something better."
"Greg," Cuddy says sternly, "It's okay. What you've done…it's more than enough. I really appreciate it. Really. We're both fine. I love you, how long you can dance doesn't have anything to do with that. You are great for me. Amazing. It's you that I chose, you that I want. Not a professional dancer. There's NO ONE else I'd rather be with. You're like my other half. You're mine…and I'm yours. Forever."
"Forever?" House repeated.
Cuddy nodded. "I already am yours forever. We're engaged! We just need to fix a date…" "What about now?" House asked as he twirled her out.
"Now! Are you kidding? How?" She asked, twirling back to him.
House shrugged. "Everything's ready. The chapel…the Priest…"
"Priest? The chap - I don't understand."
"Will you marry me, Lisa?"
"You already planned…"
"Yes." House said firmly. "So, what do you say?"
"But…our parents…the ring…the dress…"
House shook his head. "I took care of everything. Actually, Wilson did. He's quiet experienced, as you know."
Cuddy shook her head in confusion. "But why hurry? What's the rush? Greg, I'm confused."
"I don't want to wait any more. You waited for me for years. I wanted to give you your dream wedding. The wedding you deserve." He leans down on one knee, even though the pain that causes is quite great. "I'd like to wake up every morning, knowing that I could find you by my side." He pauses dramatic effect. "Lisa Cuddy, would you like to be my wife?"
Cuddy laughs and wraps her arms around his neck as he stands. She covers him with kisses, saying, "Yes." Her eyes are full of tears.
Somehow everyone in the audience is aware of them at this moment; they all break out clapping.
Even Wilson, who is sitting at the table with Rachel and Michelle, has tears in his eyes. God knows how long he worked to get House to do this. How much he helped to make this wedding one worthy of Cuddy. He was happy for them.
Cuddy laughed again, full of happiness, "But House, how are we supposed to make it?"
"A tailor is waiting for you in your office, just in case the dress needs last minute fixing. There are even hairdressers and a make up artist."
"I can't believe you arranged all this." Cuddy said in disbelief.
House shrugged again. "I'd do anything for you."
She kisses him passionately. "I guess I'll see you in a couple hours, then."
"I guess you will."
"I still can't get over this." She said, spinning to look at it all. "Is it all true?"
House laughed. "Sometimes even dreams come true, Lisa. And you're mine."
"I love you."
"I love you, too."
Cuddy starts walking to her office. House's eyes stay on her, until she disappears through the doors.
Wilson approaches House. "You make her happy."
"She makes me happy. Hey, you think you can get rid of everyone until we get ready?"
"Yeah, sure. Just remember, you can't start without me. I'm you're best man."
House rolled his eyes. "I know, Wilson."
Just then, Michelle, who'd come up behind Wilson, got pale and sat down. House and Wilson immediately go to her side.
"Mick, are you okay?" House asked worriedly.
"Sure…why are you asking?" She said, trying to focus her eyes. House knows she's lying. She's just too proud to admit her pain.
"Why don't you go and rest before the wedding starts?"
Michelle rolls her eyes. "I'm okay. But fine. Hey, can I bring Rachel with me?"
House nods. "Sure. I don't think I can handle her right now." He says, masking his worry with humor.
"Good. In a few hours you will see the best brides' maids in the world." She stands up and goes to find Rachel.
"She's not feeling okay." Wilson whispered when she was far away enough from the table.
House sighed. "I know. It's not a good sign."
Wilson shook his head, clearing it. "Come on. She's a strong girl. Don't worry about her. Right now you're supposed to be the happy groom."
"Yeah, I'm lucky." House says distractedly. He's still looking at Michelle, concern in his eyes. Maybe this evening was too much for her.
He shakes his head in a similar way to Wilson, and then goes to his office, wanting to at least look good for his wedding.
