Hey everyone!

First of all, thank you so much for taking the time to read this new story. I'm already deep into the story, and there's still so much more to come! House's journey through detox and his decision to undergo Dr. Nifo's experimental treatment is only the beginning of this exciting adventure.

I hope you'll enjoying all the twists and turns as much as I love writing them. Your support means the world to me, and I'd be so thrilled to hear your thoughts. If you're following along and want to see where House's story goes next, please leave a review. Your feedback and encouragement are incredibly motivating and help me know that you're out there, sharing this journey with me.

As a little teaser, expect to see more Huddy moments as their relationship develops amidst these challenges. And of course, Wilson will be there too, because how can the manage anything without Wilson!

Thank you for being the amazing readers you are! 💖

Much love,

Sofia

Chapter 2 – House's secret

Lisa Cuddy's office at Princeton-Plainsboro was bathed in the bright light of midday. The door was firmly closed, and the blinds covering the entrance were drawn shut, ensuring privacy for the sensitive meeting about to take place. House sat on the couch, his leg stretched out in front of him, while Cuddy perched on the edge of her desk, flipping through a set of papers. They both turned their attention to the door as it opened.

A knock at the door broke the silence. Cuddy's assistant peeked in, looking slightly anxious. "Dr. Cuddy, Dr. Xavier Nifo is here for the meeting."

Cuddy nodded. "Send him in, please."

The assistant stepped aside, allowing Dr. Xavier Nifo to enter. Cuddy observed him keenly as he walked in—around 45 years old, tall, with blonde hair and striking green eyes. He had an undeniable presence, a mix of confidence and determination. She had researched his work the previous night, finding his reputation in neurology both promising and impressive.

"Good morning, Dr. House." Nifo extended a hand, which House shook firmly. Then he turned to Cuddy, extending his hand with a warm smile. "Dr. Cuddy, I presume? It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Dr. Xavier Nifo."

Cuddy shook his hand, her eyes assessing. "Dr. Nifo, thank you for coming. Please, take a seat."

Dr. Xavier Nifo took a seat at the table in Cuddy's office as she suggested, with House seated beside him and Cuddy directly across. Settling in, Nifo glanced between them and began, "I believe that, as we're all here, you have accepted the terms I proposed?"

House leaned back in his chair, a smirk playing on his lips. "Oh, absolutely. The moment we saw 'confidentiality' in bold letters, we couldn't wait to sign. Nothing screams 'trust' like keeping everything a big, mysterious secret."

Cuddy interjected immediately. "Despite everything still feeling rather secretive, we both agree to the terms," she said firmly. " I am Dr. House's primary physician, having been responsible for overseeing his medical care throughout, I was the attending during the infraction"

"I'll do what I've always done," she said seriously. "His safety comes first."

"Then we're in agreement," Nifo replied. "Dr. Cuddy, my treatment is safe and effective."

"Then I don't understand?" she said seriously. "Why all the secrecy for a treatment that could revolutionize modern medicine?"

"Dr. Cuddy..." Nifo told her but was immediately cut by House already seated, glanced at Nifo with a mixture of curiosity and skepticism. "Let's get this over with. What exactly are you proposing?"

"The treatment involves a series of localized injections with a compound that only targets the damaged nerves. These injections will need to be administered weekly until de 8 weeks, and the last four, will be given one per month and it's crucial that we monitor Dr. House's response closely." Nifo told them "I'll need a few more tests: X-rays, comprehensive blood work, echocardiogram, and soft tissue ultrasound," Cuddy stated.

"That not a problem" Cuddy told him but Nifo cut her "I would like you to do all of this, from the blood work to the x-rays. Everything."

Cuddy nodded in agreement but her skepticism evident. "Will be done today... And where exactly will these injections be administered?"

Nifo pointed to specific areas on a diagram of a leg. "Here, here, and here. These are the primary sites where the nerve damage is most significant. I will handle the administration of the injections personally, but monitoring House's condition overnight will be your responsibility as his attending physician."

House interjected, "What exactly does this monitoring entail?"

Nifo handed a detailed schedule to Cuddy. "You'll need to monitor his vital signs, pain levels, and any signs of adverse reactions at specific intervals throughout the night. It's critical that we gather accurate data to adjust the treatment as needed."

Cuddy reviewed the schedule, her concern growing. "And if something goes wrong?"

Nifo maintained his composure. "We'll address it immediately. But I need to emphasize that confidentiality is paramount. This treatment is still in its experimental phase, and any breach could jeopardize its future."

Cuddy's skepticism flared. "You're asking us to sign a confidentiality agreement without giving us full transparency. Why so much secrecy?"

Nifo met her gaze steadily. "Because this treatment could revolutionize pain management. If the details were to leak prematurely, it could lead to misunderstandings and misuse. The contract is to protect all parties involved."

House, leaning back with a thoughtful expression, broke the tension. "What's the worst that could happen if we breach the contract?"

Nifo replied calmly, "You could both lose your medical licenses. This is to ensure that the treatment remains controlled and safe."

House glanced at Cuddy, then signed the contract without hesitation. "I'm in."

Cuddy, still wary but determined to support House, signed as well. "Alright. But I want the first treatment scheduled for a week from now. House needs time to detox from the Vicodin. And I will be monitoring not just the detox but also the administration of the injections. It needs to happen in my hospital where I can keep an eye on everything."

Nifo reluctantly agreed. "Fine, but my team and I will handle the injections and the necessary physiotherapy. Precision is crucial."

As they wrapped up the meeting, Nifo leaned forward, his expression serious. "There's one crucial detail I must disclose. After the first injection, House will experience a significant increase in pain for the next 24 hours due to his long-term Vicodin abuse. This pain will be intense, and he cannot be sedated because we need to monitor his response."

Cuddy's eyes widened in shock, and she turned to House. "House, are you sure you can handle this?"

House, though visibly apprehensive, nodded. "I can take it."

Nifo continued, "Dr. Cuddy, you should stay with him during this period to provide support. Monitoring can be done at home. After 24 hours, the pain should decrease significantly, potentially to levels similar to the initial ketamine treatment."

Nifo also explained the necessity of mandatory, daily physiotherapy starting from the first injection. "This is crucial to ensure that the desensitization remains localized and does not affect essential nerves. My team will handle the physiotherapy."

With everything agreed upon, Nifo left the office, leaving House and Cuddy alone.

Cuddy looked at House, worry etched on her face. "This is a big risk, House. Are you sure about this?"

House, his resolve unwavering, replied, "I need this, Cuddy. We start in a week."

Cuddy nodded, determined to support him through the challenging times ahead. "Alright. We'll get through this together."

The next chapter awaited, filled with uncertainty and hope, as House prepared to embark on a treatment that could either change his life or test his limits like never before.

-/-

The detoxification process began in the privacy of House's apartment, with Cuddy overseeing every step. As a doctor, House was painfully aware of what lay ahead, but knowing didn't make it any easier. Within the first few hours, the withdrawal symptoms hit hard. House found himself doubled over, vomiting into a basin while Cuddy stood by, a steady presence, ready to assist. The agonizing pain in his leg flared with a vengeance, accompanied by cold sweats that drenched his shirt. House groaned through clenched teeth, his body shaking as he endured wave after wave of torment.

Cuddy, also a physician, managed the situation with clinical precision but couldn't mask her concern. She administered anti-nausea medication and provided fluids to keep House hydrated. The detox process was relentless, with House experiencing severe cramps and chills, his body rebelling against the absence of Vicodin. His face contorted in pain, and he struggled to find any comfort. Cuddy's presence, however, offered a semblance of reassurance. She monitored his vitals closely, ensuring his heart rate and blood pressure remained stable, though his suffering was palpable.

By Sunday, House's condition had improved slightly. The violent vomiting had ceased, and though the pain was still significant, it was no longer the overwhelming agony of the initial hours. His body had begun to adjust to the absence of the drug, and he could keep down small amounts of food and water. Cuddy noted the change with cautious optimism. On Monday morning, with House's symptoms under control, they prepared for the next phase of treatment. As agreed, Dr. Nifo would administer the first dose of the experimental injections. House, though visibly exhausted, showed a flicker of his characteristic resolve, ready to face whatever came next.