A/N: Thank you for all the terrific comments. I'm glad I've been able to keep you interested. I'm so sorry I didn't update last weekend. Something came up that required my time.

Round Four of the Huddy Madness Championship Bracket is going on. Just google "Diagnosing House" and you'll find DrDiagnostic's blog. Vote for the best Huddy scenes ever! We're going into the Final Four now!

Thanks Cherokee Jedi for taking a peek. I love that you're always chompin' at the bit to read this first!

In this chapter, it's still Thursday, this time we're in Boston.

Cuddy kept busy with patients throughout the morning and most of the afternoon. One of her colleagues was attending a conference in Memphis and asked her to help with his patients. Between that and preparing her upcoming lecture schedule, she didn't have much free time so when Sharon approached her during an hour-long break between patients and asked if she could do a late lunch, she readily accepted. Though they usually preferred to eat outdoors, it was raining heavily outside so they sought refuge in the quiet atrium which adjoined the main dining hall.

"I wish we'd had more time to talk last night Lisa, but we were running out the door when you called," she said apologetically.

"It's okay, I had to unpack, get Rachel situated and get some things done around the house."

"So...from the little you did tell me, it sounds like things are going well with House."

"Yeah," Cuddy replied slightly dreamy-eyed. "I never thought I would see him reach out to me like this. Between going to PT with him and therapy with Dr. Nolan, it was pretty overwhelming. We got a lot of things out in the open."

"That's good."

Cuddy took a sip of her iced tea. "It is. We're talking more about things we didn't talk about before. It gets easier the more we do it. We're trying to deal with the baggage. I think I've told you this but his dad is a big part of why he feels he doesn't deserve to be happy. He was taught that wants are irrelevant and he got so used to losing anything he ever wanted that he figured it was because he didn't deserve it. I'm just glad we're talking about it."

"The relationship we have with our parents when we're kids has a real impact on us as adults."

"Tell me about it," Cuddy replied knowingly. "On the drive home I was thinking about our session and our parents. I know House's dad treated him pretty badly. My mom wasn't that bad but I think she would've eaten him alive."

Sharon burst out laughing. "Hell, she scares me sometimes and I'm used to crazy people." She waved her fork at Cuddy. "Listen, you've both got a lot of issues to work through with your respective parents that are interfering with your ability to communicate with one another. Change is hard but you'll be fine," she said through a mouthful of salad.

"Funny you should mention change. We talked about that. Nolan said gaining insight about our true nature doesn't change us, rather it gives us a better understanding of who we are and why we do what we do. He said that change begins by recognizing the ways we've remained the same, making the wrong choices and following the same destructive patterns over and over. In the end, if we really want change, we have to recognize the same old shit we've been doing needs to stop. It's all about actually getting of our ass and doing something about it."

She nodded in agreement. "That's pretty much it. You can talk forever about how you want to change but unless you actually take steps that make it happen, it means nothing."

"Well, House doesn't put much stock into words, he prefers action. I remember when we first got together and we played Boggle and..." she shook her head and smirked at the memory. "I asked him how come he hadn't told me he loved me, especially after I'd said it to him. He said words didn't matter. Then he spelled out the words 'I Lobe You' on the board."

"Lobe?" Sharon asked with a puzzled expression.

She nodded yes. "The thing is, later, after we'd had a long talk which consisted of him telling me he wasn't the sane choice for me and then me telling him that I really did love him and didn't want him to change, that's when he told me he loved me. But for someone who doesn't put much faith in words, it seemed odd. I mean I was happy to hear it but...it was so unlike him. If you would've seen his face...I could see that he was scared."

"Why?"

"Because the last woman he loved, broke his heart."

"The ex-girlfriend."

"Yes. Don't get me wrong, I know he meant it when he said it to me but I don't think he was ready to tell me yet. He only said it because he knew I wanted to hear it."

"Did he say again after that?"

"Yes. It was rare and at moments when I least expected it but that's what made it so wonderful. House is so careful with his feelings and when he takes that chance and opens himself up completely, he's unguarded and vulnerable. When he was like that, it made me love him more than I ever thought possible."

"You two are really something," Sharon said as she leaned back in the booth crossing her arms authoritatively.

"What do you mean?"

"Seriously, Lisa do you even have to ask that?"

"Good point."

"So...how's his leg after that incident in the clinic?"

"Much better, still healing. It'd be a lot worse if he wasn't taking care of himself. It was good to see what he does during his PT. I like that he shared it with me. He never wanted me to see his pain but I want to see it, I need to so I can better understand it and him. I just wish we'd done this years ago."

"I've said this before but it bears repeating. Maybe everything had to happen the way it did to get you both to this point."

Cuddy scoffed. "That's a hell of a way to learn a lesson."

"I'll say. Now let me ask you, are you sharing your pain with him?"

"What pain?"

"Come on Lisa, everyone has pain."

"Yes, mom," she replied rolling her eyes. "Trust me, I'm trying not to hold back. I know I have baggage too but I'm trying.."

Sharon winked at her. "Good girl. Now, what's next for you two?"

Cuddy stabbed at her salad, thinking about how to break the news.

"What don't you want to tell me?" She asked.

"Well, it isn't that I don't want to tell you. It's just big news. I uh...I invited House to move here and live with Rachel and me."

Sharon nearly choked on the food she was chewing. "Oh my God! Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"I was waiting for the right moment. It's pretty big."

"Uh yeah, I'd say so. So what'd he say?"

"He was definitely surprised. Look, we could wait and just take things slowly but really I don't want to go that slow anymore. What's the point when you've known someone so long and you've been to hell and back with them? We don't need to do things like everyone else."

"You're absolutely right Lisa. You guys should go at your pace. Do what feels right and don't overanalyze it. And whatever happens, don't let anyone dictate to you when you should do anything. And I mean anyone."

"I can think of only one person who would do that," Cuddy mused.

"Starts with A and ends with E?" Sharon asked with one eyebrow raised inquisitively.

"I wonder what she's going to say."

"She was civil to House when he was here helping you after the accident so it isn't all bad."

"I know but I'd been recovering and Rachel was there so I don't really know what she would've done otherwise. She can forgive but she doesn't forget." Suddenly Cuddy's phone rang and she reached for it. "Oh God, speak of the devil," she said with a hint of dread in her voice as she looked at the caller ID.

"No way. You're kidding, right?"

"Nope. Do you have any change?"

Sharon gave her a puzzled look. "I think so. Why?"

"Heads I take it, tails I ignore."

Sharon grabbed her tray and got up from the table suddenly, shaking her head. "Nope, don't think so," she said, laughing. "You have to talk to her sometime."

Cuddy groaned. "I thought you were my friend."

"Oh but I am." Sharon walked away, laughing. Sighing heavily, Cuddy answered her phone.

"Hi mom."

"Gee, don't sound so happy to hear from me."

"Sorry. Is everything okay?"

"You think I'd only call you if something were wrong?" Arlene asked, slightly dismayed.

"No mom, I just meant..."

"I know what you meant dear," she interrupted. "So how are you? We haven't talked much."

"Good. I've been really busy lately."

"I'm sure you have. And did you have a nice visit to Princeton?"

"Yes...wait...what?" That caught her completely off-guard. "How do you even know about that?"

"Oh, I have my sources."

Goddamnit Wilson, she thought to herself. How else would she know?

"Yes mom, it was a good visit."

"Is he behaving himself?"

"Who?"

"Who do you think Lisa? The schmuck."

"Yes mom, House behaved himself."

"It's about time. Now listen...I'd like to talk more but I've got a dental appointment in a few minutes. I'm calling about your Thanksgiving plans."

"Uh well I hadn't thought about it." It was true. She'd been far to busy to think about what to do for the four-day holiday.

"Surely you and Rachel are coming to see your family. You know I'm not getting any younger dear."

"Yes mom I know." How many times is she going to use that line? Cuddy wondered.

"Julia's having dinner at her house. It's only been a couple of months since Michael died and it's the first holiday without him. It'd be nice if we could all get together."

"I know," she said. It was true that she missed her family, the talks she and Julia had, and catching up with the kids, who were growing so fast. Rachel also enjoyed being with her older cousins.

"So you'll come?"

"Yes, I'll be there."

"Is he coming with you?"

"Now how would I know that? You just asked me to come," Cuddy snapped. She did not mean for it to come out that way, but her mother was getting on her nerves.

"Lisa, no need to get upset. Just...bring him."

"Why?" She asked suspiciously.

"Don't you want to?"

"I don't know. I suspect you have an ulterior motive here."

"I was nice to him last time wasn't I?"

"Well...yeah. But considering the situation at that time, maybe you didn't want to upset me."

"Lisa dear, what are you afraid of?"

"God mom, it will be you and Julia and House in the same room together."

"I'm not going to kill him. I can't speak for your sister, however."

Cuddy ran hand through her hair, frustrated. "Mom, please, not now."

"Lisa dear, I was kidding. Listen, bring House with you. Your sister and I will not kill him but...we have discussed this and we want to talk to him. I think he owes us that, don't you?"

Holding the phone to her ear with one hand, she leaned her forehead against her other hand. She didn't know what would happen with the three of them in the same room but at this point, she didn't care. It was bound to happen eventually.

"Okay, mom."

"Thank you dear. Now you get back to work and we'll talk soon, okay?"

"Sure, mom. Bye." Cuddy hung up the phone wondering how she was going to break the news to House.

It was around nine-thirty in the evening and House sat behind his desk. The only light in his office was the lamp on his desk. He took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes and yawned, obviously tired from working many hours on the latest case. He'd sent the team home and was going over the file trying to find something they might haev missed when his phone rang.

"Hey," he said, knowing who it was without looking at the caller ID.

"Hi," she said. "I've missed you."

"It's only been a day."

"I know. Do you miss me?"

"No."

"House," she whined.

"What kind of dumbass question is that? Of course I miss you. How was your first day back?"

"Overwhelming. I'm seeing patients for one of my colleagues who's at a conference for a few days and then I took some time to prepare for my lecture."

"Speaking of lecture, I'll be up next Thursday," he announced unexpectedly.

"Really?" Cuddy's tired spirit perked up at the news.

"Got an email from Baker this morning. They're ready for my awesomeness."

"Full of yourself aren't you?"

"Wouldn't you like to be?"

"Are you offering?"

"No."

"Ass."

"And yet you love my ass."

"Oddly enough, I do and the rest of you as well." Changing the subject, she asked, "So how is everything there?"

"Got a case. The kids have had it a few days but nobody thought to tell me."

"Maybe they didn't want to bother you."

"Could be. I think Chase is trying to be more independent."

"Does that bother you?"

"Maybe."

"You know it doesn't matter how good he gets, you're still the best."

"Why Doctor Cuddy, are trying to get in my pants? Because you know it takes a lot less than that."

She laughed. "So how did Chase handle things while you were out?"

"He did okay."

"Just okay? That doesn't sound like Chase."

"Fine, he did alright," he said sarcastically.

"Oh, well that's better. When you say he's doing alright, then I know it means he's doing a great job. I know how much you respect him."

House wanted to change the subject. "Fine, I'm guilty of respecting him, can we move on now? Besides I've got something more interesting to discuss. You'll never guess what happened today."

"You were sued?"

"No."

"You bought Wilson's lunch?"

"No," he said impatiently.

"Hmm," she thought. She was just teasing him now. "You and Nurse Jeffrey finally called a truce?"

"Oh hell no."

"Well, what?" She asked.

"Foreman told me he's got an interview at the Mayo Clinic."

"No kidding. Why?"

"All those tight skirts and low-cut blouses are too much for him and people were starting to talk," he mused.

"I would've told you that. Now, really what's going on with him?"

"He figured out he's not the right guy for the job."

"I've never thought of him as the administrator type."

"Neither have I."

"If you knew, why didn't you say something to him?"

"I wanted him to figure it out on his own."

"Why Mayo?"

"They need someone to run the Alzheimer's and dementia research program there. Given how his mom died, this is his way of doing something that makes him feel like he can make things right, by helping others like her."

"Good for him and please tell me you didn't mock him for that."

"Me? Mock someone for doing the right thing?"

"House, you-" she started.

"Cuddy," he interrupted, knowing where it was going. "I didn't mock him."

"Good. I've always thought of him as a terrific doctor. Do you think he'll get the job?"

"Foreman's a smart guy, they'd be crazy not to hire him. Besides, I'm going to make a call."

"House, do you even know anyone at the Mayo Clinic who likes you?"

"You act like I'm not a likeable guy. Oh wait..." He jested.

She rolled her eyes as she leaned back on the couch getting comfortable. "You okay with him leaving?"

"What I think doesn't matter."

"It does...at least to him."

"He's not my employee anymore."

"He learned from the master, he owes you a lot."

"More than he cares to admit."

"You taught them more than they ever dreamed they would learn. As unorthodox as you are...you are an amazing teacher."

"He actually told me working with me made him a better person."

"That was nice of him."

"Yeah it was lovely." Ready to change the subject, he asked, "So what else is up?"

"I talked to mom today."

"So how is the old broad?"

"House, she's not an old broad."

"You call her one."

"She's my mother and not to her face, I don't."

"You're never gonna let that go are you?"

"You called my mother and I quote 'that old Jew broad' to her face."

"Point taken. Anyway what did dear sweet mother want?" He retorted.

She hesitated, then took a deep breath. "She invited me and Rachel for Thanksgiving."

"Okay so what's so bad about that?"

"She wants you to come along."

"Seriously?"

"Yes."

He thought about it. He remained torn regarding his feelings about Arlene. On one hand, he didn't like how she picked on her eldest daughter, causing her to question her choices and make her feel inferior. On the other hand, he liked her because she was straightforward and didn't hide her innermost thoughts and feelings. In some ways they were alike. He always knew where he stood with her. It had shocked him that she'd been civil to him at Cuddy's house but she had and he appreciated it. He was willing to give her the benefit of the doubt again.

"Okay."

"What?" Cuddy asked, clearly surprised by his response.

"I'll go."

"You're serious."

"Uh...what part of I'll go do you not get?" He grumbled.

"I...I was thought you'd argue a hundred reasons why you shouldn't go."

"Well actually there's probably way more than just a hundred, but I figure I might as well just do this. You only live once."

"There's one more thing."

"What?" He couldn't imagine what else she was going to tell him but by the tone of her voice, she sounded worried.

"Dinner is at my sister's house."

"Oh."

"Mom says she and Julia want to talk to you."

"This is bad."

"She did promise not to kill you."

"Well that makes me feel better."

"You had to know this would happen eventually."

"I just didn't think about it."

"I didn't either. I'm sorry."

"Don't be. I did this, not you. I gotta own this Cuddy, all the way. I guess Thanksgiving is as good a time as any," he said. House knew the time would come eventually when he had to make things right with Julia. There were four people he could've killed that day. Cuddy had forgiven him, Michael was dead, that left Julia and that guy whose name he couldn't seem to remember at the moment.

Cuddy let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you." She knew it was hard for him to face her mother but her mother hadn't been in the room that day. She knew that facing Julia would be particularly hard for him.

"You're welcome," he replied, softly. Silence took over for a few moments until he spoke up again.

"So...Rachel's in bed?" He asked.

"Yep."

"Does that mean you can come out and play now?" He growled in a low, seductive voice.

"Hmm...how should we start this game?" She asked, coyly. The tone of his voice had sent shivers up and down her spine and made the butterflies in her stomach flutter. She lay back on the couch, her head rested on the middle cushion and her legs dangled over one side. A flirtatious smile graced her flushed face and she felt like a giddy schoolgirl.

Meanwhile, House relocated to his Eames chair and eased his feet onto the ottoman. Now completely relaxed, he leaned back, sighed and closed his eyes.

"First, tell me what you're wearing."

Sorry it took me so long to get this chapter out. I've been so busy. I've got drafts of the next two chapters already started and hopefully I can work on them this week.