Yes...took longer than planned. I have been a little busier than usual lately. I hope you all enjoy it all the same. ; )
Out in the parking lot, House and Cuddy were greeted by a fair amount of the staff. The eyes and smiles of all present caused Cuddy to suddenly become a little self conscious. All the rumors and raised eyebrows and innuendos she received on various levels from the staff were old hat to her and she could ignore them with ease most days. Right now they all seemed to rise up and fly around her head like buzzing bees. “She gives him whatever HE wants.”…”I heard that House and Cuddy had a fling years ago.” …”Did you SEE the way he was looking at her?” She felt slightly vulnerable and awkward suddenly. She took a deep breath and told herself she could handle this, after all, it wasn’t a big deal.
Wilson, feeling ever so slightly guilty for his very small part in this, stepped towards Cuddy. Watching her stand by herself in the midst of the crowd while House got on the bike he felt a little protective. House started his motorcycle and the crowd cheered. He smiled and bowed his head just a little. Then he turned and looked at Cuddy. He felt a mix of pride in her and in himself. He knew this couldn’t be easy for her, but here she was. She was smiling too, but stood with her feet firmly planted like she was waiting for a sign. He waved her over to him and Wilson put his hand on her back to walk her the few steps over. House handed Cuddy a helmet and then he put his finger up and motioned her even closer. She leaned in, keeping her body as far back as possible while her ear was as close as she could get to House without moving. His mouth brushed against her hair.
“Just hang on to me, ok?”
Cuddy backed up slightly and caught his eyes and nodded “yes”. She thought that what she was feeling was nerves, but it wasn’t as scary to her as she expected. Then she pulled the helmet he had handed to her on. He put his on and then he reached up to check her chin strap.
“Good to go” he yelled. She could barely hear him over the noise.
Wilson stood close by as she put her leg over the back of the seat and situated herself.
Everyone clapped, whistled and cheered. She could barely hear it but she saw their actions and smiles.
Cuddy put her arms around House cautiously. She was trying to figure out how hold on correctly without appearing to be too close and yet, close enough to hold on. Darn it! How does she get her arms around him without leaning too close? The last thing she saw as they pulled away was Wilson’s face, looking satisfied, like a cat that had just eaten a large bird. House barely crept along past the other cars until he was safely past them then he accelerated quickly as they pulled away. The feeling sent a thrill through Cuddy. Damn the way it looked to anyone else, they couldn’t see them now. She grabbed tighter to House squeezed the seat together between her thighs and felt the wind rushing by her. When she felt her balance again, she peeked around House to see him flying past cars. She tucked her head in to his back again and took in a deep breath. At first it was because she was catching her breath then she noticed the scent that filled her nose. He smelled like all things she thought of when she thought of him, leather and a faintness of aftershave being the most prominent. She breathed in again and smelled books, and irish spring and sweat and maybe even a little cigar smoke. What she knew for sure was that he smelled nothing like a clean, sanitized hospital.
Usually when she was around House, she was trying to believe she was in control. Occasionally she was but most often not. It didn’t hurt to fool herself because a part of her knew that she could easily be very out of control with him. Maybe it was because she didn’t know if that was something she dreaded or desired that made her keep her grip. Right now, in this place and time she felt good being the one not making the decisions. It was a little luxury for someone else to be at the wheel, so to say. She wasn’t nervous in a bad way, she actually felt a form of high from enjoying something a little dangerous.
House weaved in and out of the afternoon commute traffic. He didn’t like to admit it, but he was being a little more cautious than usual. The last thing he wanted was for Cuddy to be hurt because he was going too fast or taking a risk he shouldn’t. This wasn’t his style, but he didn’t mind. He glanced down at her hands encircling his waist. He felt her warmth against his back and he thought he could almost feel her heart beating. This feeling was something different and he wasn’t sure exactly what to call it but he felt a sense of comfort and …maybe responsibility. It was like he had something so precious and fragile in his hand that if he sneezed, it would break into a dozen fine pieces. Some days he would have sneezed on purpose, without a second thought and walked away from the pieces as they scattered. Something in him wanted to encase this moment in bubble wrap.
Cuddy was enjoying herself so much she didn’t realize that she had completely lost track of time. She really wasn’t even sure of where they were. This bet or deal had allowed her to be closer to him than she normally would have been. It was everything but unpleasant and the thought that it might end seemed foreign. Wasn’t this just supposed to be around the block? She should be getting home to Rachel soon. She wanted to look at her watch but she didn’t dare move her hands to look. Her outer body was cool in the breeze, but her core was warm from being close to House.
Weren’t they out a little far? She wasn’t really sure she even knew this part of town. Suddenly she saw House signal and pull in just in front of what appeared to be a bar. He stopped the bike and held it still while she climbed off. She looked up at the sign and back to House who was still on the bike and had just pulled his helmet off.
What came out of her sounded like a form of ranting but it was hard to hear over the nearby traffic and thru her helmet.
“Wham u su goosn otjsk fisnoie? “
“What? Did you just say you love Wilson’s feet? Take off your helmet. I can’t understand you.” House was clearly amused by Cuddy’s little attempt at an angry moment. Fortunately the minute it took her to get her helmet off also tempered her mood just slightly.
“Why are we here at a bar House? I have to get home to Rachel. I’m sure Marina is worried.”
“Rachel is fine. I called Marina and I hired her to watch her for a little while extra tonight. This is a pub by the way, not a bar. There is a difference you know.” He grabbed her helmet from her as he talked and hung them both on the bike then he held out his arm. She realized that without out his cane, he wasn’t just being polite but he actually needed her help too.
“Now, I am going in and having a beer and a burger, wanna come with? …or do you not eat?” He looked at her with a look that was more than just asking, it was requesting. She was struck by the fact that he had taken the time to even make sure Rachel was taken care of. She was disarmed and there was nothing more to say on it, her objections were mute. House gave her a slight grin and she opened her mouth to speak again, but with really nothing to say, she closed it as quickly, grabbed his arm, and they walked towards the door.
House held the door open and let her walk in ahead of him. A few people glanced over as they walked in, but the place was busy and people were having little conversations and celebrations all over. Cuddy glanced over her shoulder, unsure where to sit. House motioned towards a small table in the corner. Cuddy moved in that direction and looked around at the décor of the place. It was basically an older place trying to look like a newer place but with a touch of nostalgia to it. She had driven by it before, but never paid any notice to it. She sat down in the corner and House sat across from her. She looked around again before finally meeting his eyes. Suddenly she reached up and smoothed her hair. She figured she must look a wreck with the wind and the helmet. When she looked back at House, all she saw was him looking back, amused at her sudden self conscious turn.
“You look good Cuddy, messy becomes you.” He smirked.
Her mouth fell open a little and she was deciding whether to speak or not when the waitress approached their table.
“Menus?” The waitress looked like she had already put in a good 12 hours.
“Yes, please.” Said Cuddy with a smile. The haggard waitress left and returned with menus within seconds.
“Can I get you anything to drink to start?”
House looked over at Cuddy.
“I’ll have a diet coke with a lime please?” She looked up at House but he just shook his head.
“Scratch that, we’ll take two Sam Adams summer ale tap, please.” He spoke with enough authority that the waitress didn’t question him and just turned to go get his order.
Cuddy let the waitress leave first and then gave him a disapproving look.
“Do you think it is a good idea to drink and drive?” she looked over her menu at him.
“Geez, I didn’t realize I was taking my Mom out…” House said it in a teasing way.
There was a minute of silence while they both perused the menus. House already knew what he wanted so he glanced over the top of the menu at Cuddy. She seemed to be concentrating on her menu very hard. She looked up suddenly, caught him and blushed slightly.
“What are you going to eat?” He asked her quickly to cover for his gazing but, he also enjoyed having her at a disadvantage so he made sure it was as appropriately lascivious in tone.
“I don’t know. I’m actually really hungry. Maybe… a burger and fries?” She was unsure and although she picked up on his meaning and it made her squirm ever so slightly, she wasn’t sure she wanted him to know that….yet.
The waitress was back. “What can I get yas?” She looked at Cuddy first.
“I’ll have the black and blue burger with lettuce and tomato, light on the mayo. Cuddy looked over to House as she handed the menu to the waitress.
“A bacon cheeseburger with fries, ranch on the side.”
House handed the waitress his menu and raised an eyebrow to Cuddy.
He reached for his beer and raised it up to Cuddy who mirrored him hesitantly.
“To Cuddy, for taking a bet she was sure to lose.” And they clinked glasses. Cuddy reflected slightly on his words, was she really an easy mark?
“I have to drive home too you know.” Cuddy said to House.
“Actually, no you don’t. I do because by now Wilson and Thirteen just brought your car home. Don’t worry, I’ll go slow.” He winked at Cuddy.
“You had them take my car home?” It seemed there was a surprise around every turn of this otherwise normal day. Cuddy got a little wrapped up in the novelty. “So you apparently got into my purse and found my keys to give Wilson.” Just then the fact that he had just said “I’ll go slow” in a rather appealing manner caught up with her and she reached up to play with her hair in response.
“Not quite, you have a spare set in your desk.” House took a swig of his beer while waiting for Cuddy’s reaction.
Cuddy picked up her beer too and took a drink. She seemed to savor it like she hadn’t had one in years. Somehow the cold saltiness mixed with a kick matched the atmosphere.
“So basically what it seems happened here is that you managed to trick me into a date.” She took another drink feeling just a little bold.
“Well, I guess if you want to call it that.” House smirked at her. He was amused she had caught him at his game but there was no way the words “Date” were coming out of his mouth. He decided to go for a different angle where he could discuss it without actually talking about it.
“How long has it been since you were actually out of the house at night without Rachel?” House wasn’t sure if she would take this as a conversation starter or think of it as an offense to her motherhood.
Cuddy seemed to be thinking hard about the answer as she looked up to the ceiling.
“Maybe…four months ago. I guess I don’t really remember. Lucas and I didn’t really go out a whole lot. We stayed in mostly.” She sighed a little at the thought and a slight look of pain passed over her. She had always liked Lucas, she also mourned the fact that she couldn’t love him like she had hoped. Thinking of him brought a bittersweet feeling to mind. She didn’t want to feel that way right now.
“So what did you think of the ride?” He raised his beer again for a drink with his eyes staying focused on Cuddy. He didn’t think she would ever really understand the joy he got from studying her every little flinch and flutter.
Out in the parking lot, House and Cuddy were greeted by a fair amount of the staff. The eyes and smiles of all present caused Cuddy to suddenly become a little self conscious. All the rumors and raised eyebrows and innuendos she received on various levels from the staff were old hat to her and she could ignore them with ease most days. Right now they all seemed to rise up and fly around her head like buzzing bees. “She gives him whatever HE wants.”…”I heard that House and Cuddy had a fling years ago.” …”Did you SEE the way he was looking at her?” She felt slightly vulnerable and awkward suddenly. She took a deep breath and told herself she could handle this, after all, it wasn’t a big deal.
Wilson, feeling ever so slightly guilty for his very small part in this, stepped towards Cuddy. Watching her stand by herself in the midst of the crowd while House got on the bike he felt a little protective. House started his motorcycle and the crowd cheered. He smiled and bowed his head just a little. Then he turned and looked at Cuddy. He felt a mix of pride in her and in himself. He knew this couldn’t be easy for her, but here she was. She was smiling too, but stood with her feet firmly planted like she was waiting for a sign. He waved her over to him and Wilson put his hand on her back to walk her the few steps over. House handed Cuddy a helmet and then he put his finger up and motioned her even closer. She leaned in, keeping her body as far back as possible while her ear was as close as she could get to House without moving. His mouth brushed against her hair.
“Just hang on to me, ok?”
Cuddy backed up slightly and caught his eyes and nodded “yes”. She thought that what she was feeling was nerves, but it wasn’t as scary to her as she expected. Then she pulled the helmet he had handed to her on. He put his on and then he reached up to check her chin strap.
“Good to go” he yelled. She could barely hear him over the noise.
Wilson stood close by as she put her leg over the back of the seat and situated herself.
Everyone clapped, whistled and cheered. She could barely hear it but she saw their actions and smiles.
Cuddy put her arms around House cautiously. She was trying to figure out how hold on correctly without appearing to be too close and yet, close enough to hold on. Darn it! How does she get her arms around him without leaning too close? The last thing she saw as they pulled away was Wilson’s face, looking satisfied, like a cat that had just eaten a large bird. House barely crept along past the other cars until he was safely past them then he accelerated quickly as they pulled away. The feeling sent a thrill through Cuddy. Damn the way it looked to anyone else, they couldn’t see them now. She grabbed tighter to House squeezed the seat together between her thighs and felt the wind rushing by her. When she felt her balance again, she peeked around House to see him flying past cars. She tucked her head in to his back again and took in a deep breath. At first it was because she was catching her breath then she noticed the scent that filled her nose. He smelled like all things she thought of when she thought of him, leather and a faintness of aftershave being the most prominent. She breathed in again and smelled books, and irish spring and sweat and maybe even a little cigar smoke. What she knew for sure was that he smelled nothing like a clean, sanitized hospital.
Usually when she was around House, she was trying to believe she was in control. Occasionally she was but most often not. It didn’t hurt to fool herself because a part of her knew that she could easily be very out of control with him. Maybe it was because she didn’t know if that was something she dreaded or desired that made her keep her grip. Right now, in this place and time she felt good being the one not making the decisions. It was a little luxury for someone else to be at the wheel, so to say. She wasn’t nervous in a bad way, she actually felt a form of high from enjoying something a little dangerous.
House weaved in and out of the afternoon commute traffic. He didn’t like to admit it, but he was being a little more cautious than usual. The last thing he wanted was for Cuddy to be hurt because he was going too fast or taking a risk he shouldn’t. This wasn’t his style, but he didn’t mind. He glanced down at her hands encircling his waist. He felt her warmth against his back and he thought he could almost feel her heart beating. This feeling was something different and he wasn’t sure exactly what to call it but he felt a sense of comfort and …maybe responsibility. It was like he had something so precious and fragile in his hand that if he sneezed, it would break into a dozen fine pieces. Some days he would have sneezed on purpose, without a second thought and walked away from the pieces as they scattered. Something in him wanted to encase this moment in bubble wrap.
Cuddy was enjoying herself so much she didn’t realize that she had completely lost track of time. She really wasn’t even sure of where they were. This bet or deal had allowed her to be closer to him than she normally would have been. It was everything but unpleasant and the thought that it might end seemed foreign. Wasn’t this just supposed to be around the block? She should be getting home to Rachel soon. She wanted to look at her watch but she didn’t dare move her hands to look. Her outer body was cool in the breeze, but her core was warm from being close to House.
Weren’t they out a little far? She wasn’t really sure she even knew this part of town. Suddenly she saw House signal and pull in just in front of what appeared to be a bar. He stopped the bike and held it still while she climbed off. She looked up at the sign and back to House who was still on the bike and had just pulled his helmet off.
What came out of her sounded like a form of ranting but it was hard to hear over the nearby traffic and thru her helmet.
“Wham u su goosn otjsk fisnoie? “
“What? Did you just say you love Wilson’s feet? Take off your helmet. I can’t understand you.” House was clearly amused by Cuddy’s little attempt at an angry moment. Fortunately the minute it took her to get her helmet off also tempered her mood just slightly.
“Why are we here at a bar House? I have to get home to Rachel. I’m sure Marina is worried.”
“Rachel is fine. I called Marina and I hired her to watch her for a little while extra tonight. This is a pub by the way, not a bar. There is a difference you know.” He grabbed her helmet from her as he talked and hung them both on the bike then he held out his arm. She realized that without out his cane, he wasn’t just being polite but he actually needed her help too.
“Now, I am going in and having a beer and a burger, wanna come with? …or do you not eat?” He looked at her with a look that was more than just asking, it was requesting. She was struck by the fact that he had taken the time to even make sure Rachel was taken care of. She was disarmed and there was nothing more to say on it, her objections were mute. House gave her a slight grin and she opened her mouth to speak again, but with really nothing to say, she closed it as quickly, grabbed his arm, and they walked towards the door.
House held the door open and let her walk in ahead of him. A few people glanced over as they walked in, but the place was busy and people were having little conversations and celebrations all over. Cuddy glanced over her shoulder, unsure where to sit. House motioned towards a small table in the corner. Cuddy moved in that direction and looked around at the décor of the place. It was basically an older place trying to look like a newer place but with a touch of nostalgia to it. She had driven by it before, but never paid any notice to it. She sat down in the corner and House sat across from her. She looked around again before finally meeting his eyes. Suddenly she reached up and smoothed her hair. She figured she must look a wreck with the wind and the helmet. When she looked back at House, all she saw was him looking back, amused at her sudden self conscious turn.
“You look good Cuddy, messy becomes you.” He smirked.
Her mouth fell open a little and she was deciding whether to speak or not when the waitress approached their table.
“Menus?” The waitress looked like she had already put in a good 12 hours.
“Yes, please.” Said Cuddy with a smile. The haggard waitress left and returned with menus within seconds.
“Can I get you anything to drink to start?”
House looked over at Cuddy.
“I’ll have a diet coke with a lime please?” She looked up at House but he just shook his head.
“Scratch that, we’ll take two Sam Adams summer ale tap, please.” He spoke with enough authority that the waitress didn’t question him and just turned to go get his order.
Cuddy let the waitress leave first and then gave him a disapproving look.
“Do you think it is a good idea to drink and drive?” she looked over her menu at him.
“Geez, I didn’t realize I was taking my Mom out…” House said it in a teasing way.
There was a minute of silence while they both perused the menus. House already knew what he wanted so he glanced over the top of the menu at Cuddy. She seemed to be concentrating on her menu very hard. She looked up suddenly, caught him and blushed slightly.
“What are you going to eat?” He asked her quickly to cover for his gazing but, he also enjoyed having her at a disadvantage so he made sure it was as appropriately lascivious in tone.
“I don’t know. I’m actually really hungry. Maybe… a burger and fries?” She was unsure and although she picked up on his meaning and it made her squirm ever so slightly, she wasn’t sure she wanted him to know that….yet.
The waitress was back. “What can I get yas?” She looked at Cuddy first.
“I’ll have the black and blue burger with lettuce and tomato, light on the mayo. Cuddy looked over to House as she handed the menu to the waitress.
“A bacon cheeseburger with fries, ranch on the side.”
House handed the waitress his menu and raised an eyebrow to Cuddy.
He reached for his beer and raised it up to Cuddy who mirrored him hesitantly.
“To Cuddy, for taking a bet she was sure to lose.” And they clinked glasses. Cuddy reflected slightly on his words, was she really an easy mark?
“I have to drive home too you know.” Cuddy said to House.
“Actually, no you don’t. I do because by now Wilson and Thirteen just brought your car home. Don’t worry, I’ll go slow.” He winked at Cuddy.
“You had them take my car home?” It seemed there was a surprise around every turn of this otherwise normal day. Cuddy got a little wrapped up in the novelty. “So you apparently got into my purse and found my keys to give Wilson.” Just then the fact that he had just said “I’ll go slow” in a rather appealing manner caught up with her and she reached up to play with her hair in response.
“Not quite, you have a spare set in your desk.” House took a swig of his beer while waiting for Cuddy’s reaction.
Cuddy picked up her beer too and took a drink. She seemed to savor it like she hadn’t had one in years. Somehow the cold saltiness mixed with a kick matched the atmosphere.
“So basically what it seems happened here is that you managed to trick me into a date.” She took another drink feeling just a little bold.
“Well, I guess if you want to call it that.” House smirked at her. He was amused she had caught him at his game but there was no way the words “Date” were coming out of his mouth. He decided to go for a different angle where he could discuss it without actually talking about it.
“How long has it been since you were actually out of the house at night without Rachel?” House wasn’t sure if she would take this as a conversation starter or think of it as an offense to her motherhood.
Cuddy seemed to be thinking hard about the answer as she looked up to the ceiling.
“Maybe…four months ago. I guess I don’t really remember. Lucas and I didn’t really go out a whole lot. We stayed in mostly.” She sighed a little at the thought and a slight look of pain passed over her. She had always liked Lucas, she also mourned the fact that she couldn’t love him like she had hoped. Thinking of him brought a bittersweet feeling to mind. She didn’t want to feel that way right now.
“So what did you think of the ride?” He raised his beer again for a drink with his eyes staying focused on Cuddy. He didn’t think she would ever really understand the joy he got from studying her every little flinch and flutter.
This is part four
of my fav huddy moments
starting wid my least fav
and ending with my alltime fav
50.IM THINKING WE SHOULD MOVE IN TOGETHER
49.CUDDY MOVES IN TO HOUSE'S OFFICE
48.THIS IS YOUR WAY OF ACCEPTING MY APOLGIE
47.HAVE YOU SEEN MY BALLS???
46.YOU JUST WANT SOMEONE TO TAKE CARE OF HIM
45.HOUSE BUYS CUDDY A DESK
44.I SLEEPT WITH LISA CUDDY
43.SENT OF A MAN
42.MORNING AFTER THE FAKE NIGHT BEFORE
41.MERRY CHRISTMAS CUDDY