Cuddy and Chris discussed the party and made plans for the rest of the meal. House made sure to catch every word but didn't utter any of his own. He was afraid, the Vicodin was not working and the pain was magnifying. Something wasn't right, he knew it. He very tense as he looked at all the smiling faces around him. Why did it always have to be him? Rubbing his leg roughly he tried his best to keep his attention on the conversation beside him.

"Well, do you want to meet us at the airport? Or you can even fly down and come with us if you want?" Cuddy took a sip of her wine. Everything was going just as she had hoped.

"Well, I have some things to take care of first… I guess I have something to tell you" Chris's face went from happy to grave.

"What is it?" Cuddy frowned. Oh no, I knew this was too perfect.

"I have a daughter, she's about Abby's age. Her name is Kianna" Chris looked over at House who only nodded knowingly. 'This guy is good' Chris thought to himself.

"You do? I mean where is she? Are you married?" Cuddy had a feeling her plans were going to change now.

"She's at home with a friend of mine. My girlfriend Kay died during childbirth." Chris smiled sadly and looked at Cuddy who was mortified that she had been thinking about her plans when her brother had been through something so devastating. He seemed to be able to read her mind through her expression.

"I'm so sorry" Cuddy couldn't think of anything else to say.

"It's over now. I thought so many times of calling you sis, at one point I did but you weren't at the same address anymore. Everything's fine now" House looked into Chris's eyes. He had been sure something had happened to Chris, this all made perfect sense. He had seen the hurt in the man's eyes when he had walked in and he was surprised Cuddy hadn't seen it, it was so painfully obvious.

"Chris if you can't go I'll completely understand. I knew when I called that you had a complete life of your own, and I didn't expect you to just drop everything and come with me. I'm glad you could come here tonight, I have missed you" Cuddy wiped a tear from her eyes and smiled.

"Lisa, I said I would help you. And I will. I haven't spoken to mom and dad in years, and we both have children who deserve to have grandparents. I'll bring Kianna, I just wanted to point out that arrangements would have to be made. I'd like to fly up with you guys, Kianna can meet her adorable cousins." Chris smiled at Abby and Emily who smiled shyly.

"If that's what you want to do, I'd be really happy if you guys came with us" Cuddy smiled and Chris grabbed her hand.

"It's what I want. Thank you" House took a quick sip of his drink. He could barely stand it. He was fighting to keep his face neutral; he knew how much this moment meant to Cuddy. He didn't want to disappoint her like he always did.

"Your welcome. I'll call you sometime this week. The party is in two weeks, but I think maybe we should go a couple of days before. Just in case." Cuddy smiled sadly.

"You think they'd kick us out?" Chris already knew the answer.

"God I hope not" Cuddy looked over at her kids. Both were laughing as they ate their ice cream.

"I'm going to go pay the bill" House grabbed his cane. He noticed his voice shook but hoped the two would attribute it to the alcohol.

"Don't worry about it House. I'll get it." Chris took out his wallet.

"I'm already up. Unless you want to race me?" House limped over to the cash leaving Chris looking at him curiously. Cuddy was too busy cleaning up Abby to notice.

…

Once at the cash out of view from the table House asked the woman at the counter to use the phone. He was a little ticked that his cell phone chose this time to have the batteries die out.

"Hello?"

"Wilson. Meet me at the hospital in an hour"

"Why? I have a life you know"

"Yes. But this is a medical emergency"

"Who's the patient?"

"Me"

…

Cuddy got Abby and Emily all cleaned up and told Chris they'd meet him at home once House returned to the table. House was waiting for the right moment to fake the page. Once they got to the car he decided to do it.

Beep beep! Beep beep!

House grabbed the pager out of his pocket and pretended to read it. Cuddy looked at him as she started the car.

"What is it?"

"Patient troubles, wanna drive me over to the hospital? Wilson'll drive me home I won't be that long" House put the pager back into his pocket. Cuddy had her eyes on the road.

"Sure. Remember we have company. Try not to come home too late ok?" House nodded and silently took a deep breath. He hoped he could hold on until they got there.

…

Foreman sat in the conference room waiting for the dean. He had made his decision, at least partially. He hoped his plan would work, it would take some sucking up but he was sure he could do it. Thank god he was the only one on duty that night.

"Doctor Foreman, I trust you've made your decision?" Foreman looked up from his daze.

"Yes"

"Good" the dean sat down and waited patiently.

"Now or never" Foreman thought as he took a deep breath.

…

Wilson drove over to the hospital in deep thought. Christ, House had said he was the patient. He only hoped House hadn't gotten himself into more trouble. They both didn't need any more drama. Wilson parked his car and headed for House's office. He was just about to enter when he heard the dean and Foreman in the other room. He was going to go in anyway, when he heard them talking about House's job. Then he stood quite still and listened his hands slowly curling into fists.