A/N: Thank you to everyone reading this story. I honestly never thought it would be this long. I just went with my muse. I'd like to thank allthingsdecent, writrsblk, gratefulinsomniac, iane casey, hillyhuddy, w8ing4huddy, mystryGAB, drdiagnostic, Ms Orton, Harper Penn, EllieShelly, maya295, Cherokee Jedi, Sinister Scribe, TDCSI, enlee,housemd83, InTheHouse and so many other writers here for inspiring me with your awesome stories. You guys know how I feel because I leave comments every chance I get!

There are so many writers here that are so much better than me and they have turned writing Huddy fanfic into an ART form! I could only hope to be half as good as those guys! Like them, I'm just doing this for fun.

Anyway here we go...

"Hon, there's someone here to see you," she said to the man who sat in a chair with his back to the door. The man waved his hand to let her know he was on the phone.

"Go on in, Greg," she said. "I'm sure he'll be off in a sec."

"Thank you."

The man finished his phone conversation and turned in his chair. The smile dropped from his face when he saw House.

"What the hell are you doing here?"

"So...you're Jerry."

"And you're the infamous Gregory House." Jerry stood up at his desk. The two men sized each other up.

"Talk fast or I'm calling the cops," Jerry said as he pulled out his cell phone.

House lifted a hand and motioned in a way to reassure Jerry. "There's no need to get upset, it's not what you think."

"How would you know what I'm thinking?" He asked angrily.

He tapped his cane on the floor, clearly nervous. "Look, I'm sure I'm the last person you expected to be here."

"You're damn right. "How did you even know where I live?"

"I looked up the police report and the article about the...incident and then I just searched the internet. It's not hard to find the address for the President of the largest bank in New Jersey."

"Incident?" He snorted. "That's putting it mildly. You tried to kill us."

"That's not what I was trying to do," House insisted.

"Really? Because it sure as hell looked like that from my vantage point!" Jerry took a deep breath and said, "Why are you here?"

"I'm sorry," House said in a low voice.

"What?"

"I'm sorry," he said more loudly. "I know it probably too late for that but for what it's worth, I really am sorry for what I did."

"From what I understand, you're not exactly the apologetic type," Jerry said as he eyed House suspiciously.

"Things change. People change."

"What in hell were you thinking that day?"

"That's the thing...I...I wasn't thinking. I was addicted to Vicodin...because of my leg. I've never been a happy person but I was less miserable before the infarction. Afterwards, I was worse and for years I took it out on everyone. I hated life...I hated everyone...or almost everyone. I finally got clean, got my shit together and when Cud...Lisa and I finally gave it a go after all those years-"

"You can spare me the details," Jerry said, interrupting him. "Julia told me the whole sordid story about you and Lisa. I've heard a lot about you. They say you're brilliant but a real son of a bitch."

"That's true but...it doesn't mean I don't have regrets. I regret what I did to you, to everyone that day."

"Why? Because you went to jail for it?" Jerry snarled.

"No!" House's denial came out a lot more forceful than was his intent. He spoke more softly this time. "I regret it because...I could've seriously hurt someone or worse...killed them. It was wrong...I was wrong."

"Why did you do it?"

House looked down at his feet. "I don't know."

"That's not enough, surely you-"

House interrupted him before he had a chance to finish. "I was angry and upset and...hurt!" He stammered. "She told me she loved me, that she accepted me for who I was. She told me she wasn't seeing anyone else and I went to her house that day to return her favorite hairbrush, I'd hoped we could talk and...I don't know...try to go back to the way things were before. I'd done some pretty hurtful things and I just didn't want to do that to her anymore. Then I saw her smiling at you. She seemed...I don't know...she seemed fucking happy. I couldn't move on but it looked like she had. She was holding together great...like it wasn't even bothering her. I couldn't eat, I couldn't sleep, I was reckless and stupid and out of control. I was just...going to drive away," he said with a sad sigh. "Then it all just hit me at once."

"One minute, I'm hanging out with friends having a nice lunch then we move into the living room for coffee and all of a sudden a car comes crashing into the room where we were sitting moments earlier."

House looked down.

Jerry regarded House solemnly, tucked his cell phone in his trousers pocket then walked around to the front of his desk and leaned back against it, his arms crossed. "I don't know why I am about to tell you this," Jerry said, shaking his head.

House eyed him curiously.

"Lisa's sister was a customer at my bank and we'd become friendly over time. She'd been trying to get Lisa and I to meet but I really wasn't interested." House gave Jerry an odd look, confused over why any single guy would not jump at the chance to meet Cuddy.

As if he could read his mind, Jerry chuckled for a moment. "I'd just gotten out of a bad relationship and I just wasn't ready." He saw House nod in understanding and then he continued. "Anyway, when I finally met Lisa, it was purely by accident. I introduced myself and told her that I recognized her from the pictures her sister showed me. That creeped her out a bit and I can't say I blame her. She told me I had her confused with someone else." Jerry shook his head and continued. "But I knew it was her. You don't forget a woman like her...but I guess you already know that."

House nodded and Jerry continued his story.

"When I ran into her again, she apologized and accepted my offer for a cup of coffee. So we talked and had a few laughs, but her heart wasn't really into it. She just looked so sad. I asked her what was wrong. You know what she told me? She said she'd just broken up with the love of her life and that she wasn't interested in a relationship with anyone else. She said she wasn't sure she ever would be. She said she knew she had to move on with her life and that maybe getting out and meeting new people was a good idea. Then she asked me if I minded if we could just be friends."

House swallowed hard, not sure how to react.

"I was okay with that. I'm not the kind of guy to try and push a woman into a relationship with me when she clearly doesn't want it. I guess I look at it this way now...if Lisa had gone out with me, maybe I never would've met Cheryl. I love her and we're starting a family. My life is good now so I guess it was part of God's plan."

Changing the subject, Jerry continued. "It must have taken a lot for you to come here."

"Just trying to do the right thing. My shrink says making amends and seeking forgiveness is part of the process."

"Not always easy is it? Doing the right thing," Jerry said.

House grunted his response and the two men stood uncomfortably for a moment until House spoke up. "Well, I should go now."

"Yeah," Jerry replied as he walked past House and led him through the office and the living room through the front door. He opened it and House limped out the door and gave Jerry a half-nod as he stepped out.

"Dr. House," Jerry called, causing House to turn around and face him.

"In Judaism, we speak about remorse and the need to make amends to those we harm. It's a major teaching of my faith. We are encouraged to forgive others who may have sinned against us and we must seek forgiveness from those against whom we have sinned."

House was taken by surprise when Jerry extended his hand. At first he didn't comprehend but then he realized the significance of the gesture and then he reciprocated.

"Goodbye, Dr. House. I appreciate the courage it took for you to do this. I hope that someday you will eventually find some peace," Jerry said, before stepping back inside and closing the door.

House stood on the front steps for a moment, still absorbing what had just taken place. Then he looked up and noticed that for the first time in hours, the rain had stopped and a hint of blue sky had returned.

Late Monday afternoon House found himself back at the hospital. His day had gone so well he thought he'd return and see if he and the team could find a new case. He was in a better mood than he'd been in since before Cuddy left. This was a relief to his team who met him in the emergency room as he instructed them on what he wanted them to do. While his team was busy scouring the ER and clinic for cases, House decided to pay Wilson a visit. Unfortunately before he could step into the elevator on the ground floor, he heard someone call his name from behind.

"Dr. House!"

He turned and saw Dr. Tom Stevens motioning him over to his office. House had successfully avoided his office since Stevens was named Dean.

"A moment with you please?"

House groaned. "I really need to get off my feet, my leg's starting to hurt."

"You can sit in my office."

House raised an eyebrow. His office? It didn't take him long to assert his authority in his new position. House grumbled and limped into the new Dean's office, stopping at the reception desk first to grab a red lollipop. He entered the Dean's office and looked around noticing boxes along the side wall and pictures leaning neatly against them.

"Body's not even cold yet," he said sarcastically.

"I find it's best to jump in immediately and take charge of things." He motioned to the chair across from the desk. "Please, have a seat."

"Thanks, I'll stand."

"That wasn't a request."

House took a seat.

"That was good work on the Grantham case."

"Who?"

"Leigh Anne Grantham. Fourteen-year old girl. Gaucher's."

"Oh yeah, her. Once you've been here awhile you'll catch on that names are not important to me."

"Of course not," Stevens said, leaning back in his chair. "You know her father is in the media business and a very big contributor to the Governor's campaign. Since you cured his daughter, he's decided to make a rather substantial donation to the hospital."

"That's nice. Can I go now?" House tried to spend the least amount of time possible in the Dean's office. It made him uncomfortable to be there with his favorite former occupant no longer there.

Stevens ignored him. "I've been busy reviewing the files of all the employees here. Your file," he held up a thick folder, "is rather interesting. It seems you have a problem with authority.

"No kidding?"

"You break the rules everyone else has to follow, you have more lawsuits than anyone else in this hospital."

"I save lives. To do that, sometimes I have to take risks."

"Dr. House, you're well-known for your genius and your tendency to disrespect authority. Rules are there to be followed. It's apparent your previous supervisor had a hard time keeping you in line."

"Foreman?"

"Actually him and Dr. Cuddy. It is my understanding that Dr. Cuddy covered for you quite often."

House just watched him, wondering what he was up to.

"She should have fired you a long time ago."

"Maybe she realized I made this hospital look good."

"You are a liability."

"Cuddy didn't see it that way."

"Then maybe Dr. Cuddy should have been fired too," Stevens mused.

House's eyebrows furrowed and he stopped tapping his cane on the floor. He didn't like where this was headed. "And the Board?" He asked.

"They obviously trusted Dr. Cuddy's judgment. There's no question she ran this hospital well, actually no...that isn't the right word. She was an amazing administrator. But I sense her loyalties were shall we say...stretched...when it came to you."

"Don't you dare," he said. "She always did what she thought was in the patient's best interests."

"I'm not saying she didn't have their best interests at heart and I'm not saying she didn't run this place well. I met her on several occasions, she played ball in a male-dominated world and frankly...I think she kicked ass."

"But?" House knew there was more.

"I'm saying she couldn't control you and it cost this hospital. And I would say from the things I read...it cost you both far more than that," he said, looking up at House to gauge his reaction.

"What's your point?"

"There are going to be some changes around here. I think for the time being you and I will discuss requests for your services together we will decide what cases you take."

"As Dean don't you think you have other more important things to do?"

"The Diagnostics department in this hospital is the best in the country. It brings a lot of prestige and donations to this hospital. I want it to shine."

"It already does."

"It can be better."

"So this is all about money isn't it?"

"No hospital can survive without it."

House shook his head. "You're a politician, not a Dean."

"In this position I've go to be a bit of both. Look, I know you're the best at what you do but I can't have you running all over this hospital raising hell and doing your own thing. You and I are going to have an understanding House. You will be at work every day unless you've got approved leave. You will do your clinic duty, treat patients respectfully, follow the rules, and you will do your job to the best of your ability. You will approve all unusual and risky procedures through me or the Associate Dean and you will not break machines, allow your fellows to break into patients homes, or commit any other criminal activity."

"Or?"

"You'll be fired."

"You won't fire me. You can't. The Board won't let you."

"I've got friends in high places. You'd be surprised what the Board will do for me."

"So that's a threat?"

"Take it however you want."

"I don't believe this. You just want a yes man. That's not me."

"I don't think I'm being unreasonable. Every other doctor in this hospital has to follow the exact same rules, why is it so hard for you?"

"If you knew me you wouldn't have to ask."

"I don't want to fire you House. I just don't. You're an amazing doctor, frankly...I would hate to lose you when I have so many great plans for your department."

"I'll quit first."

He laughed. "You won't quit."

"You don't think?"

He held up House's thick personnel file again, then dropped it on his desk. "I know. Do you think anyone else will hire you? If you think it was bad before, just add to it that you're a convicted felon. Do you think any hospital would take a chance on you now?"

"I served my time."

"Maybe. But the simple truth of the matter is that you need me more than I need you."

"Are we done here?" House leaned forward and grabbed his cane ready to get up and leave.

"Not quite."

House sat back down.

"About your team..."

"What about them?" House looked at him scornfully.

"Robert Chase has been with you how long?"

"About eight years."

"And Taub?"

"Five years."

"Park and Adams?"

"About a year, I guess. Why?"

"The Fellows program is supposed to rotate the best doctors wanting diagnostic training into your area for no more than four years. I'd like to transfer Chase to the ICU. He's an intensivist, we can use him there. I'd like him to head up that department since right now we're running it with an interim."

"You can't do that! Chase is my employee."

"Actually, Dr. Chase is an employee of this hospital. Department heads certainly have a very strong say in what happens to their staff but ultimately reassignments are my authority."

"He practically runs my team when I'm not here. Who is going to run things when I'm not here?"

"I'm still working on that. I think it's time that Drs. Chase and Taub move on and you bring in two fellows to replace them. I'm sure we can find excellent replacements."

"Speaking of me not being here. What's going to happen to my lectures at Mass General in Boston?" House grew concerned. It was his opportunity to get away and see Cuddy and he had been looking forward to doing something new and different.

"I believe that your lectures there will build a strong bridge between the two hospitals and I have no problem with that arrangement."

House was listening but his mind was elsewhere churning. He had an idea.

As the sun went down, House was sitting on the wall of the balcony which separated his office from Wilson's. He'd lost interest in finding a new case and he told his team to take off if they wanted to. He didn't care, he just didn't want to sit in his office and sulk alone. He threw pebbles at the glass door until an annoyed Wilson opened it and shouted at him.

"What the hell, House?"

"Need to talk."

"I'm with a patient."

"Tell them they're dying and move on."

"She's not dying."

"Well then it shouldn't take you that long, right?"

Wilson sighed. "Give me five minutes okay?" He put his hand up and displayed five fingers. "Just five minutes."

House waited, continuing to throw pebbles, but this time over the balcony towards the ground. He didn't care where they landed. True to his word, about five minutes later, Wilson appeared.

"Okay so what's wrong?"

"We've got a problem."

"What?"

"Stevens."

"No, that's your problem."

"Have you met with him yet?"

"Actually, yeah. I met him during the interview and this morning I had a good chat with him. Seems like a pretty good guy. He's a stickler for the rules, though."

"You like him?"

"Yeah, why not? The guy's an expert in his field, he's a great doctor and he's got serious administration experience. He'll be good for this place. So tell me...what did he do to you to piss you off?"

"He made it pretty clear he wants to own my ass."

"Let me guess, he wants you to do your job?"

"I do my job."

"Okay let me rephrase. He wants you to do it without costing the hospital millions and breaking any laws."

House gave Wilson a scowl in return.

"What are you going to do?"

"I don't know. He's determined to do things his way."

"House, he can do whatever he wants. It's his hospital."

House looked up at Wilson as if he'd committed blasphemy.

"Nobody's ever going to run this place like Cuddy. Those days are over," Wilson said.

"Duh. Don't you think I know that?" House asked, loudly. "It sucks that I'm the reason she's gone."

"House, don't put yourself through that again."

"Can't help it. It's the truth."

"Look, if it makes you feel better, she's happier now than I think she's ever been. And you," he pointed at House, "are partly responsible for that."

"Oh geez, don't tell me that just like Jerry, you believe it was all part of God's plan," House said sarcastically as he rolled his eyes.

"Somehow I don't think driving your car into Cuddy's dining room was part of God's plan, House." Wilson tilted his head looking at House wondering who Jerry was.

House ignored Wilson's curious look. "Nope, it wasn't God, that was all me."

"Anyway, she's happy now. She spends more time with Rachel than she ever did and she really likes her job. She's not married to it and she has a life outside the hospital. It's good for her and so different than when she was here."

"I just don't like him."

"Who? Oh, Stevens? You just don't like him because he won't put up with your shit," Wilson mused.

"Because he's not her." House twirled his cane but didn't look up at Wilson.

"What are you going to do?"

"I could resign."

Wilson shook his head and laughed. "What? You can't do that."

"Why not?"

"Where will you work? Nobody's going to hire you."

"I'm not exactly in the poorhouse, I can afford not to work for awhile." He looked up at the ceiling thoughtfully. "Actually...a long while."

"How much is a long while?" Wilson asked.

"Let's just say six figures and then some."

"Seriously?" Wilson choked. He was surprised though he knew he shouldn't have been. House never bought his own lunches, had driven the same old car for years, lived in the same apartment, and never bought new clothes. The only thing he spent money on was sneakers, occasional take-out, guitars and vinyl albums. Of course there were the hookers but that had been a long time ago and Wilson knew that House had widely exaggerated his use of their services.

"Oh yeah. I'm not stupid," House replied. "I didn't blow all my money on hookers."

Wilson shook his head. "You can't just...quit!"

"This isn't Brokeback Mountain, Wilson. I can quit you if I want to."

"I mean diagnostics you ass...medicine."

"Who says I'm quitting medicine?"

"Nobody else will hire you."

"You said that already."

"Because it's worth repeating," Wilson stressed.

"There are other jobs out there in this profession. Besides, I know people," House replied with an air of confidence.

"Of course you do, but...do they like you?"

"Ouch!" House snapped."Words hurt, ya know." He watched Wilson roll his eyes and then he smirked at successfully managing to annoy his friend once again. He knew Wilson, the insufferable mother hen, would not let this go.

"So uh...House?" Wilson asked, interrupting House's train of thought.

"Yeah?"

"Who's Jerry?"

Hope you enjoyed that chapter. Reviews are love! Lots more to come here!