Chapter 40
House was sitting in front of the TV, Abby in his arms with a bottle in her mouth and Emily was playing with her dolls at her father's feet. House looked up as Cuddy walked in and then turned back to the baby.
"Hey, how is everyone?" Cuddy smiled and took her coat off waiting for an answer.
"Fine" House answered quietly looking at Abby who was almost finished her bottle and who was falling asleep.
"Momma!" Emily jumped up and ran into her mothers arms squealing with delight bringing a smile to Cuddy's lips.
"Oof! Hey baby, how was your day?" Cuddy sat on the chair tired and pulled Emily onto her lap. Emily smiled and proceeded to tell her every detail about her day.
"Well, it sounds like you've had quite a day. You must be so tired. I see you already have your pj's on, you ready for bed?" Cuddy tickled Emily's belly causing her to giggle madly before answering.
"I'm not tired. I want to stay up with you and Daddy" Emily looked over at her father who was putting the empty bottle on the coffee table and moving Abby to his other arm.
"Not tonight Emily, its bed time. Go in the bathroom and brush your teeth ok?" Cuddy gave her a stern look and Emily pouted walking to the bathroom.
"So, I take it everything went ok then. Anything to tell me?" Cuddy sat back and closed her eyes. She was exhausted.
"Nope, just an ordinary day. Nothing to report." House looked up and saw how tired she was and wished he could let her rest and put the kids to bed himself. But he couldn't.
"You ready to put the munchkins to bed?" He broke her out of her trance and nodded to Abby whom he could not hold and get up at the same time. Cuddy understood and walked over and picked up her baby smiling and talking with her as she walked into the nursery. House limped down to Emily's room and tucked her in.
"Goodnight" He put a small kiss on her forehead and made to walk out when she said;
"Daddy, can you tell me a story?" she gave him one of her most angelic looks and House almost said yes.
"Daddy's not really good at story telling. Maybe mommy can tell you one." House turned around but Emily stopped him.
"No! I want you to tell me a story!" Her angelic smile vanished to be replaced by her stubborn look. Cuddy always referred to it as her House look.
"You're such a brat" House whined as he limped back to her bed and sat down. "I'm no good at this. What kind of story do you want me to tell you?" House looked impatiently at his daughter as she squealed with delight and then thought about it.
"Tell me a love story." Emily smiled. She had always had her mommy tell her about the prince and the princess who were in love, and so she wanted to hear her daddy's version of a love story. House rolled his eyes appalled at her choice. He thought hard before starting aware of the tantrum that would ensure if he raised an objection.
"Once upon a time there was a woman…."House started.
"A PRICESS daddy she had to be a pricess."
"a P-R-I-N-C-E-S-S" House corrected. "And why might I ask does she have to be a princess?"
"Because daddy every love story has a princess duh" Emily rolled her eyes and House smirked. If her mother had heard her say that she would have gotten a mighty big speech. Cuddy hated it when her daughter gave her or House attitude and saying "duh" fell under that category. She always blamed House for that.
"Fine fine, the PRINCESS, worked hard in her kingdom. She was always working and didn't do much else." House thought a moment trying to phrase his story to make it sound exciting to a two and a half year old.
"There has to be a monster daddy" Emily smiled. She liked this story.
"Let me finish, yes there was a monster. He lived in the village with her. And they always fought and screamed at each other and made each other miserable. But, at one point, they fell in love." House hated how gushy he sounded and prayed he would never have to do the story telling again.
"She fell in love with the monster? Even if he made her mad?" Emily's face was screwed up in confusion.
"Yes, the monster, had no idea how she could love him. He didn't think anyone could love him. But she did" House was getting into the story, though it wasn't a story of course. He thought of Cuddy as he continued to tell now speaking more to himself than to his daughter.
"The monster was in love with the princess, he wanted to do anything for her. She wanted something; she wanted it to make her happy. And one day, she asked him to give it to her, she could have gotten it from anyone, but she wanted it from him" Emily's mouth dropped open.
"Did he give it to her daddy?"
"Yes he did, and he was so glad he did" House smiled at Emily caught up in a memory for a second.
"So then what happened?" Emily asked impatiently. House had to think of it for a second. They lived happily ever after didn't seem to apply to this story.
"The monster continued to try and make the princess happy. And to this day he continues to do what he can for her. And he hopes everyday that the princess is happy." House trailed off not sure if Emily would understand.
"Does he still make the princess mad?" House chuckled.
"Yeah, he is still a monster after all. Sometimes the princess forgets that, they still fight, but they love each other and people who love each other fight"
"Why daddy? Why do they fight if they love each other?"
"It's complicated. I'll tell you another time, it's getting late and you need to get to sleep." Emily smiled and turned over falling asleep almost instantly and House limped out. He knew before even turning around that she was watching and when he turned he saw Cuddy and her tear-stricken face standing at the doorway. House didn't say a word but limped into the kitchen to fix himself a sandwich.
"The princess is happy" Cuddy watched House take out the food from the fridge tears still falling unashamedly down her face.
"Is she really?" House looked over at Cuddy giving her one of his most intense stares. Cuddy walked over and put her hands around his waist.
"Yes, and she doesn't want the monster to change. Because he's not really the big monster he thinks he is" Cuddy put her head on House's chest holding him tightly and listened to the beat of his heart. House didn't say a word, but just held her there until the sound of the doorbell jolted both of them back to reality. Cuddy wiped her eyes and headed for the door. She put on a smile ushering Wilson in. Both headed for the kitchen where House was now eating his sandwich.
"Jimmy!" House smiled. He was surprised; Wilson didn't often come to call since he had moved in with Cuddy. Cuddy withdrew saying she was going to get ready for bed to be fresh for her shift the next day, and House limped into the living room Wilson following him. Both sat down and then for a moment just stared at each other.
"How've you been House?" Wilson sat up on the couch not completely relaxing, prepared for a battle to try and destroy the armor that shielded his friend from everyone else.
"Fine" House said gruffly. "You? Still with wife number three?"
"Yeah, it's going pretty well"
"Glad to hear it"
"How are the kids?"
"Great… they're great"
"Good"
"Something on your mind?" House looked Wilson over. He looked tired and stressed. House's curiosity was piqued.
"What's it like being a father?"
"Where did that come from?"
"I just… I always wanted to have kids. I want to know what it's like, if I'm missing anything." Wilson looked away and House just stared at him.
"My answer is not one you would want to hear"
"That's what I thought"
"Look, it's not all easy you know, it can be damn frustrating at times"
"Like when?"
"Like when I can't do something for my own daughter, when I have to wait for Cuddy to save the day because I'm a goddamn cripple! I can't put them both to bed when she comes home tired from work, I can't give them piggy back rides or teach them to skate." House waited a minute before continuing. "Sometimes I think Cuddy would have been better off choosing you" Wilson's mouth dropped open and he couldn't speak for a moment as House stared at a photo of Emily's first birthday sitting on the TV.
"You don't mean that"
"No? You think I'm lying? That I would say that just to make you feel special?!"
"I didn't mean it like that…"
"Well how did you mean it?!"
"I just meant that you can't possibly be thinking that anyone would father those kids better than you. House you are the world to those girls, no one could do it better than you"
"I know"
"I asked Julie about having kids" House suddenly looked up surprised.
"What did she say?"
"That it's too late" Wilson avoided eye contact looking miserable.
"Is that what's been bothering you?"
"It hasn't been bothering me!"
"The hell it hasn't. You've been bitchy for about two weeks non-stop and looking miserable from what I've heard. If it means that much to you quit pouting and tell your wife about it"
"You really think I should?"
"I think that if you want it, sulking isn't going to get it for you. Do something about it, tell her how important it is to you." Wilson nodded and both men sat there deep in thought.
"Thank you" Wilson got up and put on his coat.
"Anytime"
…
Wilson got home and immediately headed for the bedroom where he knew Julie would be reading or watching TV waiting up for him. He hung up his coat on the coat rack and walked to the bedroom thinking about the little baby he wanted so badly.
"You're home earlier than I expected." Julie dropped her book and smiled.
"Yeah, it didn't take us that long to say what we wanted to say" Wilson started to undress.
"What did you guys talk about?"
"All kinds of stuff' Wilson pitched his jeans into the hamper and got into bed.
"Like what?"
"Julie having children means a lot to me. I don't think it's too late for us to have one"
"Jim we've discussed this. We both have demanding jobs and not much time to be raising children. I thought we had come to an agreement about this"
"I can't just dismiss this Julie, I really want a child. And look at House and Cuddy, they're our age, they both have hectic jobs and yet they have two children. This means a lot to me"
"Just because House has two kids suddenly you want some really bad? Must you two insist on copying each other? If they can manage it Jim then that's really great for them but I just don't think we can"
"Think about it Julie. I'm not going to let this go." Wilson turned over and closed his eyes.
…
"House! Will you quit eating the cookies and come here!" Cuddy held a small little envelope in her hands as House limped into the living room his mouth full of cookies.
"Whaa?"
"This just came in for you" Cuddy nervously handed the envelope to House and watched his reaction. When he had finished he threw the letter onto the couch and limped towards the bedroom.
"House! What did it say?"
"My parents want to come visit the kids. They'll be here a week from Sunday"
"Really? Are you ok with this?"
"Nope, but I don't have a say in this do I?" House limped angrily towards the attic to his piano and Cuddy began making a mental list while watching him.
…
Back at the hospital Chase, Foreman and Cameron were sitting at the round table discussing their newest case. House had been visiting every couple of days and they had his cell number for him to ok the treatments so they were trying to discuss the best course of treatment for the patient.
"So are we agreed?" Foreman put the cap back on the marker and placed it on the table.
"Yeah" Cameron and Chase said in unison.
"Good. I'll call and get the ok from House and then you guys can start the treatment. Be back in a sec" Foreman walked into House's office while Chase and Cameron sat there a little annoyed with Foreman's bossy attitude.
"That guy needs to stop giving us orders"
"Come on Cameron that's like asking House to quit being rude and insane."
"Shut up I'm being serious"
"Well, what are you going to do about it?"
"I'm going to start standing up for myself. I think you should do the same"
"And how exactly are you going to do that? You going to argue with him on everything? Refuse to do the treatment if he says to do it?"
"No!"
"Well?"
"I'll figure it out. Thanks a lot for the support!" Cameron stomped out of the office and Chase just shook his head. It was times like these were Cameron just made him laugh. Though he had tried to keep his temper in fear of losing her, sometimes a little teasing just couldn't be helped…
…
A week and a half later, House was sitting in the attic with Emily in his lap. He was making music with her fingers and she was enjoying every minute of it giggling like crazy.
"Look Emily listen. Can you hear that?"
"Star!!"
"Yeah that's twinkle twinkle little star"
"Sing daddy sing!"
"Ok. Give me your fingers." House placed Emily's fingers on the right keys and began to play. "Twinkle Twinkle little star, how I wonder what you are, up above the sky so high, like a diamond in the sky, twinkle twinkle little star, how I wonder what you are" House played out the final note and Emily clapped.
"Yay!"
"House!"
"Ok you little munchkin, your mom's calling us, wonder what we did now?" House got up and Emily grabbed his hand and together they walked to the living room. House was getting nervous. He had a feeling he knew what Cuddy wanted.
"House they're here!" House made a face and subconsciously tightened his grip on Emily's hand. Emily looked up in confusion.
"Fantastic"
"House, you said you wouldn't do this. Can you answer the door please?"
"Can't we just lock the door and pretend were not home?"
"House! Please you promised!"
"Fine!" House opened the door but didn't smile. Emily stood holding onto his good leg looking shyly at the couple at the door. John and Blythe stood there a smile spreading across Blythe's face and a scowl upon John's. House could tell his father was angry with him about not telling him about the kids. He had a feeling he was in for it.
"Greg! How wonderful it is to see you!" Blythe gave her son a small hug which he returned somewhat awkwardly. Blythe then looked down at the little girl at her father's feet.
"Oh and this must be Emily! Oh dear you've gotten so big look at you!" Blythe smiled and House ushered his parents in. John's gaze was on Emily and House watched as he stared at his granddaughter.
"I'm tree!" Emily smiled up at Blythe.
"Th-ree Emily" House corrected automatically.
"Three!" Emily showed three fingers.
"That's wonderful dear" Blythe began to remove her scarf and House looked around for Cuddy. He guessed she had gone to get Abby though he couldn't be sure.
"Well Greg, that's one fine young lady you have there, glad I finally got a chance to see her" John sent a disapproving look over to his son and House began to feel the shame he knew was inevitable.
"Mr. and Mrs. House! How wonderful it is to see you again!" Cuddy walked into the room Abby in her arms with a huge smile on her face.
"Lisa, how good to see you, and oh… this isn't… the baby?" Blythe's gaze turned to Abby who smiled.
"This is Abby" Cuddy smiled as Blythe began gushing over Abby.
"Maybe we should go sit in the living room" House suggested. His leg was starting to protest.
"Yes, good idea. Supper's almost ready and you two must be exhausted from you're trip. Can I get you anything?" Cuddy handed Abby over to Blythe and waited.
"No no we're fine. I can't wait to get to know these little angels!" Blythe was ecstatic and followed Emily into the living room with Abby cradled in her arms. House followed his mother not saying a word and John followed him glaring at him as he went. It was going to be a long night…
…
The group settled themselves in the living room, House and Cuddy on the couch, and John and Blythe each in an armchair Abby in Blythe's arms and Emily sticking next to her father and mother.
"Emily, why don't you go sit with your grandpa, I'm sure he'd like that" Cuddy smiled warmly at John who looked at Emily hopefully.
"Kay" Emily walked over and John smiled a huge smile and brought Emily up onto his lap. He moved his leg up and down pretending she was on a horse and Emily laughed and clapped. House watched in jealous surprise. His father had never done anything of the sort with him.
"I'm going to the bathroom" House got up and headed for the hallway but instead of the bathroom he headed for the bedroom. He just needed a couple of minutes…
"House?" Cuddy had followed him. House didn't want to hear her tell him to be nice once again.
"Just give me a minute ok?" House tried deliberately to be nice in hopes she would take the hint and go away. Unfortunately it didn't work.
"Oh House what is the problem now?" Cuddy gave him a look he remembered often receiving at work and House smiled despite himself.
"Nothing, is supper ready?" House didn't want to talk about it. Whenever he thought of Cuddy's childhood he thought of the perfect little family, very happy and honest with each other. The absolute opposite of everything he had.
"We'll talk about this later, you're not off the hook. But yes, supper is almost ready. I suppose it would be too much to ask you to set the table?"
"I can taste the food and make sure it's good while YOU set the table" House gave her his most angelic smile.
"Ha! No. Go talk to your parents." House groaned and walked out but not before giving Cuddy a slap on the butt. She gasped in surprise and then covered her mouth and House snickered as he walked out the door.
…
Supper was served not ten minutes later and everyone got together at the table. Emily refused to sit anywhere but beside her father so after some failed attempts to persuade her otherwise Emily sat on House's left with Cuddy on his right, Abby in a highchair beside Cuddy, Blythe beside Abby and John on the other side of Emily.
"Well Lisa this dinner certainly looks delicious" Blythe smiled politely and began to eat.
"Thank you, it's one of my mother's old recipes" Cuddy smiled and looked at Abby who was giggling and squishing her food with her fingers.
"That's nice dear"
"How are things at the hospital?" It was John House's first sentence since he first arrived.
"Great, everything's running pretty smoothly." Cuddy answered quickly knowing full well the question was intended for House.
"Yup couldn't be better" House answered meekly under his father's watchful eye.
"How old are the kids going to be?" John was on a roll now.
"Emily just turned three and Abby will be turning two" House looked his father in the eye.
"Well I'm glad we could visit before that happened" Blythe shot her husband a shocked look and Cuddy looked sympathetically over at House.
"Yeah lucky you" House grumbled.
"Would you have ever called us Greg? You know, just to let us know you're GIRLFRIEND was having two kids of yours?" House's anger spiked.
"My GIRLFRIEND happens to be sitting right here, and I guess now we'll never know will we?" House sent one of this death glares over at his father. He felt so angry at that one remark. Cuddy's hand grabbed his bad leg but gently and House looked over at her. She looked just a bit pale.
"John please" Blythe begged and looked over at her husband. He nodded and continued to eat.
"Daddy dessert?" Emily pointed over at the brownies sitting in the middle of the table. House grabbed the plate and gave her one.
"Fank you!"
"Th-ank you"
"THANK YOU" Emily smiled.
"Why do you correct the child?" John asked. "She's still young"
"Why shouldn't we encourage her to speak correctly? You always did with me" House looked over at Emily who was happily munching on her brownie.
"Not at that age" Blythe gave her husband a look.
"Mom seems to disagree" House smirked to himself and John began to turn red.
"House will you help me bring the dished into the kitchen?" Cuddy needed a break from all the insanity.