A/N: So far I'm living up to my commitment of one chapter per week. I've already got ideas for other stories. Big kudos to Cherokee Jedi for being my whiteboard. Hey, if you get a chance, go read her fic "Safety" which is a fine Huddy/Hachel story about love, loss and pain. She really delves into House's emotional pain in that story.

Also, big thanks to GratefulInsomniac who was the first person I talked about this story with when we talked about each writing a multi-chapter fic. I bounced a lot of ideas off her and she was great.

It's been one week since Thanksgiving.

It was Wednesday night and House woke from a short nap. He'd apparently fallen asleep in his Eames chair reading a case file in preparation for his lecture. His team had long since gone home having spent most of the day conducting research for his lecture and engaged in paperwork to help close out a number of old cases.

He rubbed his eyes and looked around the darkened office and thought about another time he'd fallen asleep in that chair late at night. It was a Friday night and he'd been working diligently for days on a case he could not solve. He hadn't been home the entire time, opting to shower in the locker room and eat his meals in the cafeteria.

House looked at his watch, it was nearly one o'clock in the morning. His office was dark save for the glow of security lights on the grounds outside. The hospital was eerily quiet and even then he never heard her approach until his office door opened.

"House?"

He looked up. "Hey," he answered groggy.

She nudged his feet gently so she could sit on the ottoman in front of him. "Why are you still here?"

"Waiting." He looked over at her, more awake now. She looked good in jeans, espadrilles and a light sweater with a tank top underneath. Her face was freshly scrubbed and devoid of makeup and her hair fell in loose curls. She was a sight to behold.

"How's she doing?" Cuddy asked, gently rubbing his ankle.

"We got her just in time." He said, somewhat relieved.

"That's great news."

"I guess. She won't have any more kids but she'll live," he said sadly. His eyes opened completely now. "Why are you here?" He asked.

"You haven't been home in days, haven't eaten a decent meal and I'm worried about you." He could feel her hand rubbing higher on his leg now, caressing it. It felt good.

"Where's Rachel?"

"I called Wilson. He was worried about you too. He was happy to take her for me."

"You didn't have to do that." He grimaced and rubbed his leg.

"I did." She rested her hand over his as he rubbed his aching thigh. "How bad is the pain?"

"Not bad."

"Don't lie to me."

"It's fine."

"House, please." She urged.

House hated discussing his pain with her but he knew she wouldn't let it go. "It's about a seven."

She bit her lip and frowned. "Let me massage it for you."

"Cuddy, go home and get some rest. I'll be there later," he insisted. He watched as she shook her head in frustration and stood up and walked towards the door. Suddenly, she turned and looked right at him, tight-lipped and serious. She walked back over and kneeled on the floor next to him.

"No. I am not going anywhere. You've been on this case almost a week. I know you are sleeping in this chair almost every night or on the couch in the lounge. I know it hurts. Let me help you."

House watched her as she pleaded with him. He could see in her eyes that she didn't pity him, she loved him and she was begging him to share his pain with her. It was so difficult. There were times he felt less of a man because of his pain and he felt like a burden to her when she had to stop what she was doing to take care of him.

As if she could read his mind, took his hand and gently brought it to her cheek. "You are not a burden to me. Let me be there for you." She placed her hand gently on his thigh. He nodded without saying a word. Cuddy looked out into the darkened hallway and realizing no one would see them, she tapped his hip and said, "Drop your pants."

Without a word, he did as she requested and unbuckled his pants, then raised himself while she pulled them down his legs. When they were down to his ankles, she began massaging his leg. He groaned and grimaced and at times nearly screamed it hurt so much. But Cuddy persisted and kneaded in all the right places. She'd been slowly working him into allowing her to do this for him and learned the techniques so that she could.

He lay there in the chair, the pain subsiding and feeling more relaxed than he had in days. He knew the pain he felt from her fingers was worth the relief he would feel later. He glanced up at her and watched how she concentrated on her task. She paid such attention to detail with everything and this was no different. She hit all the right spots, all the while, talking to him softly telling him that the pain would subside soon. As he watched her, he wondered if she still felt guilty about his leg. He'd long since forgiven her but he didn't know if she had ever forgiven herself. When he was with her, he was as close to happy as he'd ever been and it was during those moments when he thanked a God he didn't believe in that she had saved his life that day, even though he was doomed to live it in pain.

His thoughts were interrupted when she looked up at him and smiled.

"You okay?" She asked. "You seemed out of it for a moment."

"Yeah, just thinking." He watched her open and close her palms and stretch her fingers. He knew massaging his leg was a lot of work and sometimes her fingers would get cramps from doing it too long. When she moved her hands back to his leg, he stopped her.

"Hey, it's better."

"Let me do it just a little more, I can feel it's less tight now."

"It's already much better," he said sincerely. He really did feel better. He pulled his pants up and raised himself up so he could get them over his hips. He left them unzipped and unbuckled and settled back in the chair. He then tugged at her wrist and gently pulled her onto his lap.

"Your leg," she protested.

"Shh, it'll be fine. He pulled his legs from the ottoman and scooted over in the chair, then brought her down to nestle next to him with her weight on his left side. He put his legs back up on the ottoman and draped her legs over his. He grabbed his jacket from the floor next to the chair and draped it over them.

"See now isn't this nice?" He asked.

Cuddy giggled. "You need a bigger chair."

"Or you need a smaller ass." He smirked when she gently smacked his shoulder.

"I've missed you," she said, placing a gentle kiss on his lips. "Rach misses you too."

"Yeah, me too." He kissed her back to show her how much he'd missed her. He did miss being at her house every night for the usual routine of dinner, television, reading to Rachel occasionally and then making love to Cuddy when they went to bed. He leaned his head back to relax against the headrest and brought hers toward his chest and urged her to relax against him.

"You sure you're okay?" She asked, hesitantly after they broke their kiss. She worried their position might cause him pain.

"Definitely." And he was. Having her there made him feel better immediately. They stayed like that for some time. Cuddy relaxed against him, running her left hand over the bare skin exposed by the open buttons on his shirt while House stroked her arm with one hand and her thigh with the other. He relished having the strong, powerful, respected and feared Dean of Medicine lying in his arms, content and purring like a kitten. For that moment, he felt completely at peace. It did not happen often but when it did, it was because of her.

He felt her shiver and wrapped his arms around her to keep her warm. She snuggled up against him and he kissed the top of her head.

"Definitely," he repeated.

He felt her smile against his chest.

House opened his eyes and looked around as he thought about that memory. He smiled to himself thinking of how it felt that night to sit in that chair with her in his arms. It'd been a long week and it had been so good to spend those few hours together alone, without being needed by anyone. He suddenly felt that pain in his chest that only came when he thought about how much he missed her. He got up out of his chair and groaned from the pain of having sat in the same position too long. He knew he should go home but he wasn't ready yet. In truth, he didn't want to be alone in that empty apartment. He grabbed his gear and headed out but was met by Chase on the way in.

"Hey, I thought you left," he said to Chase.

"I thought you were gone too."

"Fell asleep in the chair."

"Oh."

"What are you doing here so late?"

"I was working on a few things you'd asked me to do earlier. Didn't feel like going home just yet."

"Just yet?" House looked at his watch. "It's nearly nine-thirty."

"Yeah, I'm a night owl these days."

House gathered Chase didn't like going home to an empty apartment for the same reason as he didn't.

"How about some dinner?" He asked.

Chase looked at him."With me?"

"Uh, yeah."

"You buying?"

"Do you know me at all?"

Chase smirked. "Okay, I am kinda hungry."

"Meet me at the diner down on the corner in ten."

Chase watched his boss walk away and noticed his limp more pronounced.

"House!" He shouted. When House turned around, he walked over to him. "Why don't you ride with me?"

House tilted his head. "Why?"

"Why not?" He hoped House wouldn't think he was making the offer out of pity.

House noted Chase's sincerity. It wasn't out of pity, he was just trying to be nice. Truth be told, his leg did hurt and he really didn't want to jump on his bike just yet.

"Okay," he said.

Ten minutes later, the two men sat at a booth in the all-night diner down the street from the hospital.

"Okay what's up?" Chase asked. "I know you and there's something on your mind."

House nodded. "Very perceptive," he said. "In my new job as department head I can pretty much do whatever I want."

"Yeah. I'm sure," Chase laughed. "Did you forget Cuddy isn't your boss anymore?" He smirked and added, "At least not at work."

"Ha ha," House said. "It's true. I've got complete hiring authority."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah and I need a team."

Chase took a bite of his burger and looked up at House, who was smirking at him.

"What?" He asked, his mouth full.

"I want you to come work for me."

Chase nearly choked on his sandwich. "What?"

"You heard me."

"Why me?"

"Why not?" He asked, throwing Chase's earlier words back at him.

Chase finished chewing his sandwich and gulped it down with his drink. "I don't know what to say."

"Yes or no. It's totally up to you but yes would be the correct answer."

"So what would I be doing there?"

"You'd be my trusty sidekick."

"Like a Wilson?"

"No. I have a Wilson and one of those is enough, thank you. You'd be my team, at least starting off, until we get more people. I need someone to knows how I work, who isn't afraid to challenge me when he thinks I'm wrong and isn't afraid to take a chance when he thinks I'm right or when he thinks he's right."

"Wow." Chase shook his head laughing.

"What?"

"Just trying to wrap my head around the fact that the great Gregory House needs me."

House sighed. "Big deal. So I need you. You're damn good at what you do."

"Oh this is good." He took out his cell phone. "Can you repeat that? I need a witness."

He rolled his eyes at Chase. "When I promised your dad I'd hire you, you were just a kid, wet behind the ears. Now you're responsible, mature and a damn good doctor. You can stay here and waste your life or come with me and conquer the world."

"Wait...I could stay here and be a department head or go with you and be your lackey." Chase mused, eating a fry.

"Lackey's a bit harsh, don't you think?" Seeing Chase's stare, he relented. "Okay you're not going to be my lackey. I can hire someone for that. I trust you. I'm about to start a completely new department at one of the most prestigious teaching hospitals in the country and I need you to help me do that."

"Don't you have to interview people? Get this approved?"

"Unless you've done something really bad...like killing a world leader," he said in a hushed tone, looking around. "I wouldn't worry about it. I'll take care of it."

Chase scoffed. "I'll have to think about it."

House smacked the table, annoyed. "What's to think about? You either want it or you don't."

Chase put down his burger and leaned back in his seat. He didn't have to think about the offer. He wanted it. Oh hell yeah he wanted it. And he knew House knew it too.

"Okay. I'll take it."

House smiled knowingly as he leaned back and crossed his arms. "I knew you'd see it my way."

Chase took another bite of his burger. "Now,"he said, chewing his burger. "Tell me more about it and don't leave anything out."

So that's it?" Adams asked. "You're closing the department for good?"

House had spent the better part of Thursday morning in the diagnostics conference room meeting with his fellows discussing their recent cases, his plans to leave Princeton and their future reassignments. As he spoke with the team, he looked around the table and thought about how many sessions had taken place in that room over the years. In the past the puzzles had been what energized him and kept him going. When everything else in his life crumbled around him, he always had his cases to fall back on and he was thankful for the times Cuddy had intentionally sought out cases to help him keep his mind occupied on things other than his own pain. Now he realized just how much things had changed and oddly enough he had no regrets about leaving. For the first time in years he felt the need to run to something instead of from it.

"House?"

"Yeah," he said. Realizing he had zoned out, he remembered Adams' question. "Yep, that's it," he replied. "Now I'm flying out to Boston today and Chase will be in charge. Clear everything through him. He's going to need your help closing out case files and wrapping things up."

"But you're coming back right?"

House got up to refill his coffee. "Yeah but not for long. You need to work with Stevens to find your new assignments because as I said earlier, we're not taking any new cases."

"But what about the people out there who need you now?" Park asked.

"There will always be a new case and when we solve it there will always be another one and another one. At that rate I'd never get out of here."

"You know we came to work here because of you," Adams said.

He leaned against the counter behind him and looked at Adams and Park. Both of them wore looks of disappointment. "I know you did. Look, you're young and you'll work with other doctors and if they do their jobs and you pay attention, you'll go on to be great doctors. You don't need me for that." He knew of course they would learn far more with him than anyone else, but he didn't want to make the situation any worse.

"You kids are going to have to find another teacher."

The room was quiet as the two younger doctors contemplated his words. Taub and Chase sat tight-lipped. Having worked for him so long, their feelings about him leaving were different. They understood him far better than the girls did and they knew why he had to go.

"Okay," Adams conceded said as she rose from her chair. "I know we haven't worked together that long but it really has been a privilege. Thank you for hiring me here after you got me fired." She offered her hand to House then changed her mind. In an unexpected move, she took him by surprise and hugged him instead. He watched as Taub and Chase snickered at him.

As she pulled back, Adams whispered, "Dr. Cuddy is apparently everything I've ever heard and more. I'm glad you got another chance with her House. You're not as bad as you think you are." Then she let go and stepped back.

House glanced over at Park who stared at him with puppy-dog eyes. "Oh what?" He whined.

"I just wanted to say thank you for giving me the opportunity to work with you."

"You're not going to hug me?" He asked suspiciously.

She cringed. "Nooo. I don't do hugs."

"Good, neither do I," he said, sending a scowl over to Adams. "And you're welcome. Now go do something constructive before you two make me get all sentimental here and change my mind." Both girls rolled their eyes and laughed as they turned and walked out.

Just as House turned to Chase and Taub, Chase's cell phone went off. He looked down at the number and said, "I gotta take this." Then he left the two alone.

"Come with me," House said. Taub followed him to his office. House sat down behind his desk and motioned for Taub to have a seat across from him. House opened his drawer and took out an envelope and slid it over to him.

"What's this?"

"Your recommendation."

Taub looked at him, shocked.

"What? You don't think I can do something nice?"

"No...it's just so...unlike you."

"Gee, thanks."

"Sorry, House. Thanks for the rec."

"That's better," he snarked. "So...any plans?"

"Not yet."

"Going back to where the money is?"

"Nope."

His response surprised House. "Why not?" He scoffed. "You were good at that...and now if you can't keep it in your pants at least you don't have to worry about your boss ratting you out."

"Things change," Taub said drolly.

"Oh, do tell," House replied with mock anticipation.

"Remember when I told you a long time ago that I liked this job because I thought what we do matters? It does. I've gotten more crap from you in the last few years than from anyone else in my entire life and yet I've learned more than I ever thought I could, not just about the job but about myself. I want to do something more with my life. You'll no doubt mock me incessantly for saying this but having kids has given me a new perspective. I didn't want kids but now that I have them, I want to be a good role model for them, I want to do something good."

"And plastic surgery isn't something good?"

"Doing facelifts and boob jobs and tummy tucks for rich, white, bored housewives doesn't do it for me anymore."

"That's not the only kind of plastic surgery. There are people out there really need it. What about accident and burn victims? Remember that kid with the disfigured face a few years ago? There are all kinds of people who aren't rich, white and bored who need your services," House countered.

"I know that and I'll have to look around and see what's out there."

"You don't have much time. Can't be out of work long with two kids to support."

Taub sighed. "Yeah, I'm sure I'll figure something out," he said. "House, look, I never thought I'd say this but working with you changed my life, not always for the better but in the end, I'm a better person because of it."

"Most people would think you're crazy for saying that."

"I guess maybe I am, but aren't we all?"

House nodded. "I suppose so."

Taub stood up and ran his fingers over the envelope. "I appreciate you doing this for me. I'm not sure what I'll do next, I just know I definitely want to do something meaningful. I want to feel the same high I felt solving cases."

House shook his head. "You know that's not likely in most jobs."

"No, but I can try."

House leaned forward. "Let me ask you something. All the shit you've been through...these last few years. Would you do it all again? Knowing the outcome?"

Taub stood there, surprised by the question. He pondered it a moment before he shook his head. "Yeah."

House chuckled. "You really are crazy."

"Touche," he replied. "I know this isn't the end...yet. But thanks...for this," he said pointing at the envelope. "And for giving me a shot."

"You're welcome." He watched Tab exit his office and thought about how much he'd changed over the years. Gone was the self-centered, cheating, materialistic son of a bitch he'd once hired. He'd been replaced by a man who seemed more confident and wanted to spend his life doing something meaningful, something that had nothing to do with money. He had not liked Taub early on but he hired him because he was willing to stand up for what he believed in even if it meant he might lose his job. On occasion Taub had shown he had the balls but often his fear held him back. It seemed now that he had children, things had changed and Taub seemed empowered and determined to make the right choices.

He looked down at his watch. It was eleven-thirty. He had a few more hours before he and Wilson had to leave for Newark so he had time to wrap a few things up. In fact, he had one very important thing to do before he left.

Around five o'clock, Wilson and House arrived at the Newark airport. They were at least an hour early so they sat in the airport lounge having a round of beer chatting, mostly about work.

"I asked Chase to join my team," House said.

"Whoa." Wilson put his hands up. "Stevens isn't going to like this. Not only are you leaving but you're taking him too. He's tapped to head ICU."

"I don't think his leaving will surprise Stevens. He knows Chase would rather do diagnostics."

"So Chase is your new trusty sidekick?" He mused.

"No, I've got one of those." He winked at Wilson. "I need him on the team. He knows how I think. He's learned to challenge me when he thinks I'm wrong and to do the right thing when he thinks it's right. He knows I won't fire him. He respects me but he's not afraid of me."

"He's grown up."

"That he has. In the beginning I couldn't stand him and didn't trust him."

"So is he doing your grunt work too?"

"Nope and as a matter of fact...neither am I. That's the beauty of this, I can hire someone to do all that for me."

"Like an assistant."

"Assistant, lackey, grunt, whatever, all I know is it'll be their job to take care of all the crap like budgets, paperwork, etc."

Wilson shook his head. "Good to know some things never change. What about a team?"

"I am the team...and of course Chase until we get rolling. They're considering a student rotation but it's up for discussion."

"Well, that's just great, House," Wilson replied in what seemed to House a completely unenthusiastic tone.

"What's going on with you?"

"Me? Nothing, why?"

"You've been acting funny lately." He eyed Wilson suspiciously. "Wait a minute." He pointed his finger. "You're pissed at me for leaving, aren't you?"

"What? No," Wilson said, defensively.

"You are. I know you. You're losing your faithful sidekick and it upsets you."

"House, we're not conjoined twins, I think we can survive living apart."

"I'm not so sure about that. You've been moody ever since I told you I was leaving."

Wilson sighed. "It's nothing, I'll be fine."

"You know you can come visit."

"Yeah, I know," Wilson admitted resignedly. That was when House knew he was right. Wilson was upset that he was leaving. House knew the forlorn look and the dejected tone.

"Shit," House blurted out.

"What?"

"I'm sorry," he said sincerely.

Wilson blinked. "For what?" House's apology took him completely by surprise.

"Deserting you." House normally would have mocked Wilson for being so sensitive but facing the real prospect of losing his friend to the distance was on his mind too. The fact is the two needed one another, they depended on each other and while it was an unusual friendship they'd always had, it worked for them and House wasn't ready to give it up.

"There's no need to apologize House." Wilson assured him. "I'm really happy for you. You deserve this."

House heard him and he knew Wilson was sincere, but he sensed a sadness in Wilson's voice that could not be masked. As Wilson changed the subject and started to talk about something else, House's mind churned, thinking of a way to make things right.

It was seven o'clock when Cuddy received a phone call from House telling her there had been a weather delay and he'd be at her house in about an hour. It gave her time to shower and bathe Rachel as well as make a pot of soup and a couple of sandwiches for him. An hour later, true to his word, she heard the banging of his cane on her front door. When she opened it, Rachel practically flew past her.

"Howse! Howse! You're here!" Rachel greeted him and latched onto his good leg.

"Hey kiddo," he said, moved by her reaction to him. It had touched him that not only did she get excited every time she saw him but she always took great care not to do anything that would hurt his leg.

Cuddy kissed him as he entered. "Hi," she said. "She's been dying to see you all day."

"I can tell. But first I have something I've been dying to do all day." House dropped his bags where he stood and grabbed Cuddy and wrapped his arms around her. Her pulled her close and kissed her. It was long and deep and passionate and full of tongues and lips and panting. When they pulled apart, they just gazed at each other, trying to catch their breath when they heard Rachel giggle and looked down at her. She had her hands over her eyes and was jumping up and down. Cuddy, flushed from the kiss, couldn't help but laugh out loud. To House, the scene before him was utterly adorable.

Rachel peeked through her fingers and saw the adults were done kissing. She reached for his hand and tugged him. "Come on Howse!" She led him into the living room with Cuddy following, a huge smile on her face. Rachel and House sat on the couch with Cuddy on the arm next to Rachel.

"I have something for you," House said. He watched her eyes light up.

"You do?"

"Yep. I had a little stop to make before I got here. That's the real reason I'm late." He looked up at Cuddy and waggled his eyebrows.

Rachel clapped her hands together. "What is it? What is it?"

"Well," he said as he pulled an envelope out of the inside pocket of his coat. "How about one-year passes for you, your mom and me to the Discovery Museums?" House knew that it was Rachel's favorite place. The two museums were hands-on and perfect for kids like Rachel who were curious and inquisitive.

Her eyes got wide. "We can do spearmints and stuff!"

"Yep." He laughed at her mispronunciation of the word experiment. "We can build volcanos and rockets and look through microscopes and pretty much anything you want."

Rachel was so happy that she crawled into House's lap and threw her arms around his neck. "Thank you Howse!" She said as she hugged him.

Moved once again by her reaction, he put an arm around her and held her as he rubbed her pajama-clad back. He looked over at Cuddy who was positively beaming as he said,

"Happy birthday, kid."