A/N: Thank you to GratefulInsomniac for reading this and V,and MystryGAB both of whom took the time to explain realistic pain treatments for House's leg, which will be addressed throughout the story.

-allthingsdecent, partypantscuddy, HillyHuddy, Alica1990, incendioctober, itzaboo, huddyloverxox, 6cbrilhante, winnywriter, InTheHouse, toledogirl, ParijanTaiyou, nikollie, byte size, superboetti, Lia Huddy, drhousefan4eva22, EllieShelly, Penelope S. Cartwright, SissiCuddles, fender24, dyslexic csi, BackToTheStart, huddysmyvicodin, Cherokee Jedi, TheVerbalThingComesandGoes, Maya295, tvshowaddict, aleramp88, huddlesnumba9, DespisedByThePluralofMoose, stenveny, hisbrainisonfire, Shameless4hugh, adieangel, csilover8, paramorefreak24, Iane_Casey, blowersgate, huddysosayweall, houseenthusiast, raffinit, ARiverGhost, Andree Campbell, TeddisonEddison, imnotcrazy82, smackedfan454, JasonMorganFan87, juliabohemian, loveandsqualor, icecreamcastles, huddycat, Zayz, Percy's Gadzooks, jacksam4eva, cunninglinguist20, SVUProductions, jaded27, lukeisfrakkinsexxxy, KatieF-House, TDCSI, Whatuwant15, Fieldsy, lobeisallyouneed, sweetpants, and many others...

...for their never ending persistence in continuing older stories and starting new ones, keeping the House-Cuddy dynamic alive and well for all of us. Please don't give up on your unfinished stories and please continue to write new ones!

Monday morning Cuddy and Rachel were heading out the door when Cuddy realized she'd forgotten something very important. On top of the coffee table was a letter addressed to one Gregory House at 221 Baker Street in Princeton. Cuddy had left the envelope unsealed all weekend because she'd reread what she had written several times, trying to put herself in House's shoes and read it from his point of view. She'd wanted to rewrite it a half dozen times just to get it perfect but she talked herself out of it knowing that House would suspect she'd done just that. She had no idea how House would be able to tell, but he would. Cuddy picked up the letter and before sealing it, she took it out of the envelope, closed her eyes and kissed it lightly, in the hopes that she could pass some good vibes on to him, thinking he probably needed them right now. She placed the letter back in the envelope, sealed it and placed it in the mailbox. It would arrive in Princeton in just a couple of days and she had no idea what would happen next. Deciding there was nothing more she could do except wait, she smiled, got into her car and drove Rachel to school.

That same morning, House arrived at work earlier than usual. He hadn't slept much the night before because his leg was bothering him and he was having strange dreams so he decided he might as well go to work early. He had a couple of journal articles he wanted to write and figured he might have some time to do that today. As he walked towards the elevators, a few nurses in the reception area glanced his way with a look of surprise on their faces. Instead of being his usual jackass self, he winked at them, smirking to himself as their mouths dropped open in shock. He loved messing with the nurses, especially the really bitchy ones. Just when they think they had him figured out he'd do something unexpected that would shock them even more.

On the way to his office he stopped by to see Wilson. As he barged in unannounced Wilson didn't even bother to look up from his paperwork, instead motioning towards the couch with one hand as House made himself comfortable.

"What say you boy wonder oncologist? Save any lives today?"

"House, I'm busy. What do you want?"

"Is that the best you can do for your bestest friend in the whole wide world?"

Wilson put down his pen, took off his glasses and looked at House. "Okay I give up, what's on your mind?"

House looked surprised. "Nothing's on my mind Jimmy, I just missed you."

"Flowers would do."

"Yeah but then you don't get to see my smiling face, besides people would talk."

"They already talk."

"They'll talk more."

Wilson rolled his eyes. "House, what do you want?"

"I'm bored."

"You haven't even been to work yet."

"Okay, when I get to work, I will be bored. I can predict the future; it's one of my many gifts."

"Yes, if only you were known for that instead of being an annoying asshole."

"Words hurt you know."

"Somehow I'm sure you'll find a way to move on."

House grabbed his cane, got up from the couch and as he passed Wilson's desk he knocked over his pencil cup. On his way out he asked Wilson, "See you at lunch?"

"Yep."

"Later."

"Bye House."

After House left the office, Wilson sighed. Something was on House's mind and Wilson was determined to find out later. For now he had a lot of work to do.

As House entered his office, his fellows were shocked to see him. He looked at them quizzically, "What? Last I checked I work here too."

Taub shook his head and replied, "We're just not used to you gracing us with your presence this early."

House wanted to reply with something snarky but he was more interested in why Foreman was sitting in the diagnostics conference room with his team. It had become a habit recently and it was annoying the hell out of him.

"To what do I owe this great honor oh wise Interim Dean?"

Foreman said, "I've got a case for you."

"And you couldn't just drop it off and go?"

House picked up his copy of the file, took it into his office, sat down and began reading it. Foreman seemed irritated his former boss was ignoring him so he went after him. House didn't look up when Foreman walked into his office, but he did speak.

"Was there something else you wanted?"

"No. I just want to make sure you're doing your job."

"I am. You can go now."

"House."

House looked up at Foreman and asked, "What? You're up my ass so much these days I'm expecting a proposal of marriage."

"I've gotten some complaints."

"About moi?"

"Yeah. You're not doing clinic duty."

"What else is new?"

"You have to do clinic duty."

"What makes you think that?"

"It's your job. I'm your boss. You work for me therefore you do what I tell you to do."

"And if I don't?"

Foreman just stood there with a look of irritation on his face. He couldn't threaten to have House's parole revoked, not that he would actually have done it, but he couldn't even threaten because House's parole was long since complete. He couldn't threaten to fire him because House knew he didn't have the balls to do it. Besides, the Board would have a fit. House's name and reputation as a world renowned diagnostician still brought in millions in donations to the hospital not to mention worldwide recognition. Foreman knew he was the worst person to be supervising House because the diagnostician never listened to him. The only person who could keep House in line was long gone from the hospital.

"I just need you to do your clinic duty."

"Not right now."

"No, but when you're scheduled to do it, I expect you to do it."

"Is that it?"

"Yeah."

"Then you can go now."

The two stared at each other until Foreman finally gave up and left. House was frustrated with Foreman. He did not dislike Foreman, in fact he respected him, as a doctor though not as an administrator. He thought Foreman's best talents were being wasted pushing paper and dealing with donors and personnel issues. Foreman was a neurologist and diagnostician in training. House felt Foreman had come a long way over the years and that someday he would make a great diagnostician. He believed Foreman was wasting his time and talents as an administrator. He walked back into the conference room, throwing a dry erase marker at Chase and motioning him towards the whiteboard.

"Fifty-six year old African-American male with sickle cell disease, transfusion associated iron overload and state III chronic kidney disease admitted to the ER with fever, shortness of breath and tachypnea. Go."

Taub began reading the notes, "Patient reported a fifteen pound weight loss and increased frequency of bone pain over a period of six months. His medications included hydroxyurea and deferasirox. He was treated for painful sickle crisis and community-acquired pneumonia with analgesics, oxygen and antibiotics. He showed an initial improvement in clinical condition and was released. Then last night he got worse. His family was upset over the course of care he received at New York Mercy and transferred him to us."

Adams picked up where Taub left off. "It looks like he received repeated blood transfusions for the worsening anemia but did not show a subsequent increase in his hematocrit."

House pointed at Taub, "You and Adams do a chest radiography, refractory anemia workup and peripheral smear" and pointing at Park he said, "You talk to the wife and get a patient history."

"What about me?" asked Chase?

"Come with me" as he led Chase into his office.

"Have a seat."

Chase took a seat and asked "What's this all about?"

"I'm appointing you team leader."

Chase's eyes got wide.

"You seem surprised."

"Well I am. I mean why me?"

"You want me to appoint one of the three stooges out there? Because if you're really stupid enough not to want the job, I know one of them will jump at the chance."

"No, no. I'll take it, I'm just surprised. Why me?"

"Well, of everyone on my team, you've been with me the longest. In the beginning you annoyed the hell out of me, then you ratted me out to Tritter, started screwing Cameron, kissed an underage patient, I punched you, you punched me, and then eventually you kinda grew on me."

"Whoa! I didn't rat you out. I…I wanted to but I didn't. Tritter set it up so that everyone's bank accounts were frozen but mine, so you would suspect me, so I would…."

"Shut up. I already know all that. If I thought you were that much of an asshole I would have fired you a long time ago. Oh wait, I did." House leaned back in his chair laughing.

"So, is this really a leadership position or just someone to do your shit work and keep Foreman off your ass?"

House leaned forward with his elbows on his desk and said in a serious tone, "The truth is yes, I need someone to be my eyes and ears and keep Foreman at bay. But I also need someone to supervise those morons out there before they blow up a lab or run the wrong tests and kill a patient. I can't be here all the time and even though I want to be here all the time, my shrink doesn't think it's such a good idea. You didn't hear that from me, got it? You've come a long way since I first hired you. You've learned a lot, you've been through some shit and you made it. I'm proud of you and if you tell anyone I said that, I'll deny it then I'll fire your ass and put Taub in charge."

The two looked at each other. Chase nodded his head and said "Okay."

House nodded in reply. Chase walked out of the room, a spring in his step. This was going to be great. Before he stepped out the door House yelled to him. "Better let me tell them."

"Yeah." Chase smirked and walked out.

House felt oddly comforted by the idea of appointing someone to manage the team for him. One of the things Nolan was helping him with was acknowledging when he needed help and not being afraid to seek it. Since returning to his job, he spent a lot of time at the hospital. It wasn't as if he had extracurricular activities to take him away from his work for in reality work was all he had, besides Wilson and therapy. He realized though that he could not spend every waking moment working and after a few weeks considering Nolan's suggestion he finally realized it had to be done. Besides, appointing Chase team leader would be a teaching and learning opportunity for both of them. House would never admit it publicly but he admired how far Chase had come in fact he was actually proud of Chase, Foreman and Cameron and how much they'd grown up and become such great doctors in the time he'd known them. He actually missed the old days working with the three of them. Ahh the old days, he thought. With that he opened up a folder full of notes and began working on his article.

It was around one o'clock when Wilson stopped by House's office. House was so engrossed in his reading and writing that he didn't even realize Wilson had entered his office until Wilson cleared his throat, making House nearly jump out of his chair.

"Are you exacting revenge by making me crap my pants?"

"No. Although the thought of you crapping your pants is rather funny. I thought you wanted lunch."

"Well now you're speaking my language."

The two took the elevator down to the cafeteria and grabbed some food and their usual booth. As always, House piled on anything he could manage to get onto his plate without spilling over. As they ate, they talked about the day's events.

"So what's going on House?"

"Not much."

"Not much?"

"Is there an echo in here?"

"You had something on your mind this morning. Wanna talk about it?"

"No."

"Sure you do."

"No I don't."

"Oh come on House, cut the crap. You came into my office this morning because you wanted to talk. I'm sorry I didn't have time. I've got three patients who aren't doing so well and I just have a lot going on right now."

"Wilson none of your patients are doing well, that's why they are seeing you."

"House."

"Ok what do you want to know? That my leg hurts? That I worry I might slip up and wind up back on Vicodin? That my life is boring and dull? That I spend way too much time at the hospital? That I'm wondering if Cuddy will ever respond to my letter or if she's just thrown it away? That enough for you?"

"Wow you do have things on your mind."

"Of course I do."

"Sorry House. Really, I am. About your leg, why is it hurting?"

"Because years ago I had an infarction and my girlfriend had my..."

"I'm leaving House."

"Okay okay. Yeah it hurts, for no reason, it just does. Before you ask, yes the therapy is helping quite a bit but sometimes it just hurts a lot and there's nothing I can do about it."

"The pain management specialist did say you could take oxycodone for breakthrough pain."

"No!" House exclaimed a little too loudly because people around them had turned their heads. "No, not if I can help it."

"But House, if you're in that much pain..."

"Wilson so help me if you mention it again I'll put my foot up your ass so far..."

"Okay, okay no need to get violent. I just know that in the past I tended to dismiss your real physical pain as psychosomatic, even conversion disorder. I was wrong then and I never want to make you feel that I am underestimating the amount of pain you are in ever again. I'm sorry I ever did that."

House nodded his head in appreciation of Wilson's apology. Now he wanted to change the subject. "So uh I appointed Chase team leader today."

"Really? How'd that go over with Taub?"

"Taub?"

"Well, he's been with you for five years and I just assumed he might be the kind of guy you'd choose."

"Are you kidding? Appointing him team leader would be like releasing his inner Hitler. No thanks. Besides I haven't told them yet."

"When will you tell them?"

"When I get around to it. Meanwhile they'll be wondering why Chase is assuming more responsibility and acting all boss-like. Should be fun."

"House. Don't play games with your team. Every time you do that it backfires on you."

"I'll tell them before I leave today okay dad?"

"Okay son." The both laughed.

As House picked up his water with one hand, he also reached down with his right hand and began rubbing his thigh. Wilson decided to continue their conversation.

"So you've been thinking of Cuddy?"

"No."

"Yes you have. You told me as much earlier. Besides I know you too well."

"I can't keep a secret from you can I?"

"I'm sure she didn't throw your letter away House."

"Yeah. Oh damn would you look at the time? I've got to go. Patients to be saved." With that House departed the table leaving his tray for Wilson to deal with.

Wilson just rolled his eyes as he got up from the table and disposed of both trays. On the way back to his office, he couldn't help but think about what Cuddy's reaction was to House's letter. He hadn't talked to her about it; he'd been so busy lately to even call her. He was a friend to both of them but he had decided a few days ago that he had to be very careful about his involvement in what was taking place. He realized that House and Cuddy had to do this, whatever this was, on their own. He didn't mind listening and giving advice but it was second nature for him to meddle and push, and he didn't want to do that, not this time. He couldn't be the one to make things right, this time they had to do it on their own.

It was around eight o'clock that evening and House still hadn't gone home. So much for not spending my nights at work, he mused. Confident that his team hadn't killed their patient yet, House closed the blinds in his office and settled back in his Eames chair for a nap. He just needed a few hours away from everyone and everything. His mind started wandering as he drifted off to sleep.

"House?"

"House?"

House's eyes flew open and there, standing before him, with a smirk on her face and hands on hips was the gorgeous delight of his life.

"What mom? I was sleeping."

"Come on, you're not spending the night here, let's go."

"I can't. The kids will blow up the hospital and the administrator will be very mad to me." He grinned.

"I think the administrator would understand, don't you think?" she asked him as she motioned for him to move his feet off the ottoman so she could sit across from him. When she sat down he put his feet back up trapping her between them.

Cuddy put both her hands on House's legs and rubbed them as she sat between them. He was beginning to get aroused.

"Uh Dr. Cuddy do you think we should be doing this here?"

"What? I'm just helping my favorite employee relax."

"Oh really? I'm your favorite employee now?"

"When you do that certain thing with your tongue that I love so much, then yes you are. When you're a pain in the ass, not so much." Her eyes sparkled as she laughed that throaty laugh that he adored.

They both leaned forward at the same time and kissed. It was a long, deep and meaningful kiss full of longing and want. As they broke apart, they opened their eyes slowly. Neither said a word but their hands entwined and the looks on their faces said it all for them. They were a deeply non-verbal couple with so much being said through facial expressions and body language.

"You should go home to Rachel and I'll be there when I can. I can't leave yet."

"We have a few more minutes before I have to go."

"Do we?"

"We do."

House patted his lap motioning for Cuddy to come closer. She sat on his lap with her weight on his left leg and her legs hanging over his right side. He just held her like that a long time and neither of them said anything. During these moments House felt he was the luckiest man in the world. He had never felt more loved and wanted than when he and Cuddy were together like this. Cuddy felt the same way. Being in House's arms made her feel more safe and secure than she'd ever felt in her life. Despite the dysfunction that accompanied their relationship, each of them offered something to the other they could never find anywhere else. At times, the intense need they felt for one another scared them both though neither would ever admit it.

They sat there quietly for some time with House's arms protectively around Cuddy while she nestled up against his warm chest. House kissed the top of her head occasionally and ran his hands up and down her left arm and leg as he held her. He thought there was no better feeling in the world than holding this woman. As if she could sense what he was thinking, she opened her eyes and looked up at him, into those amazing blazing blue eyes that she could never get enough of, and she offered him her lips. They kissed for what seemed to be an eternity. They started with small, gentle kisses and eventually morphed into deeper, more passionate kisses with tongues battling for control. Their kisses seemed to reflect the type of relationship they had, sometimes gentle and soft, other times passionate and wild. Neither wanted to pull away but they did, at the same time opening their eyes and staring at each other. Words would never be enough to express their thoughts and feelings.

"I should go." she finally said to him while not making an effort to move just yet. "Rachel's waiting for me."

"Okay. Wait up for me?"

"Yeah."

They kissed one more time, so incredibly deep and full of need that it elicited passionate moans from both of them. House reached his right hand up her shirt, gently caressing her stomach and breasts. Meanwhile Cuddy massaged his neck with both her hands, pulling him as close as she could, never wanting to let go. Finally he patted her leg and she rose from the chair. He moved to follow her but she insisted he relax a bit more before he had to deal with his team.

"I'll see you tonight." she said as her left hand squeezed his right. He nodded and with that they parted.

"House."

"House!"

House nearly jumped out of his chair. He was disoriented for a moment until he saw his team standing there looking at him oddly. He glanced around and the blinds were still shut, the lamp was the only light in his office. He realized he'd been dreaming. He sighed and slumped back, rubbed his hands over his three day stubble.

Chase proceeded to explain patient's latest tests. "Chest radiography shows bilateral lunch crackles, leukocytosis and bilateral basilar infiltrates. Refractory anemia workup doesn't support any active bleeding or hemolysis. His reticulocyte count was 1.2% and his parvovirus B19 antibody assay is negative."

"What about the smear?" House asked.

Taub replied, "Peripheral smear showed anisocytosis and Howell-Jolly bodies, but no schistocytes."

House rubbed his leg, grabbed his cane and got up from his chair, leading the way to the conference room, his fellows following. It was going to be another long night.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter. As you can see it's moving slow because it has to be that way, at least that is unless some sort of catalyst propels things forward unexpectedly :) Thank you for reading! Please leave your comments!