House's night was just as bad as he had expected. He did not get even an hour of sleep and the pain in his leg often made him want to cry out. He kept looking at the clock, willing everyone to get up so he could cut the silence and let out the frustration that was building up inside him. The pain was getting worse, as were the symptoms of withdrawal. He was puking every couple of hours now, most likely because of the intensity of the pain, the chills were getting bad, his eyes leaked. His breathing was harsh, he didn't know if he would make the night. Some part of him hoped he wouldn't, that it would all end there. But he knew his girls needed him and that helped him continue on without any of the pills that he knew were stashed around the house. Finally when the sun began to rise, House smiled weakly and grabbed the phone to get relief.

…

Cuddy sighed. She had gone to bed only to lie there thinking and then get up and watch House from her doorway where he couldn't see her. She watched him for some time, wishing there was something she could do, then she returned to bed and tried to sleep. After sleeping a little, she would get up and check on him again. With all the excitement of Chris's visit and then the worry over House, Cuddy was tired, more emotionally than physically, but she couldn't seem to drift off because her mind was working at a mile a minute. Cuddy looked at her clock until she couldn't take it anymore and finally got up and headed for the living room.

…

Wilson was at home sitting on the couch thinking. He was trying to think of a plan, a regiment that would control House's pain, without getting him into trouble. It was proving much harder than he had thought; he needed a strong enough medication but that wouldn't be too addictive. Not many choices in that category. He had barely noticed his wife's absence when he had walked in and jumped when he heard her voice behind him.

"I didn't think you were coming home tonight, so I went out. How long have you been home?" Julie sat down on the chair. Wilson glanced over at her more focused on his task.

"Came home about an hour ago." Julie seemed to be waiting for more. Once it was obvious he had nothing else to say, she spoke.

"I have something to tell you" Wilson looked up.

"No way"

"Yes way. I'm pregnant" Wilson sat there numb. He didn't know what to say, he was completely stunned.

"Well? You wanted this child so badly, why don't you look happy?" Julie looked angry. She had been hoping for a somewhat happier reaction.

"I'm sorry I'm just surprised. There's a lot going on, I can't believe this happened so quickly" Wilson smiled faintly. Julie was angry.

"Oh, I'm sorry did I pick a bad time to get pregnant? You and House have plans or something? My mistake. You wanted this Jim and now you're not even happy about it? What is wrong with you?" Julie got up and stocked off to the bedroom. Wilson got up.

"Julie of course I'm happy! We're going to have a baby! You just caught me by surprise, give me some time to let it sink in!" Wilson banged on the locked door but not a sound came out.

"Julie come on. You know I want this baby. Don't do this"

"Maybe you should go stay with House tonight Jim"

"I can't"

"Why the hell not?"

"He's… sick"

…

Foreman was in the dean's office waiting for him. He wanted an answer, he didn't want to think about the job offer or listen to his colleagues taunts any longer.

"Hello doctor Foreman" the dean walked in and strode behind the desk. Foreman couldn't help but miss Cuddy at that moment.

"I suppose you're here for an answer" the dean sat down. Foreman didn't.

"Yeah I am."

"Well here it is; no." Foreman's mouth fell open shocked.

"No? It's perfect. Everyone gets what they want"

"Doctor Foreman, listen. I offered you a promotion because of doctor House's absences. Obviously, I was wrong when I thought you had ambitions. You are letting your fear of doctor House get in the way of your goals. Now, I got a phone call this morning and it would seem that my days here as hospital administrator are limited, so here it is. You have a choice, take over completely or remain where you are."

"How long until Cuddy's back?"

"I asked you a question first"

"Fine. I'll stay where I am" The dean chuckled. "I knew you would. That's fine. You can go" Foreman was surprised.

"When's Cuddy coming back?"

"I'm not at liberty to say" Foreman stormed out without another word.