Post by Katheyrn Mae Wilson MD♥ on Dec 8, 2009 18:55:05 GMT -5
Complete Summary: One year after House returns from Mayfield, he attends a wedding that he never wanted. The wedding of Lisa Cuddy and Lucas Douglas. But eight years later, he wants to prove that everything that glitters is not gold, and that the marriage that Cuddy committed herself to eight years ago has faded to pieces. And right now, House decided that she needs to do something about it. rated for language, house being House, abuse, violence and possible smut. Huddy/Luddy with additional side pairings.
Later October – 2010
House's POV[/i]
The leaves were crisp, the sun peeked into the hall from behind the blinds and the occasional howling of the wind against the church would cause everyone to pause. I remember the day like it was my last day on Earth; hell, it felt like it was my last day on Earth. Besides me was Wilson, as usual, getting all emotional over the vows. Also, as usual, I remember elbowing him to suck it up and stop being a baby. I didn't want to be here, I didn't want to be anywhere except my apartment, in front of my piano, a bottle of scotch handy, playing your song.
You looked beautiful, as I have always said; though in my crazy ways; I thought you always looked beautiful. The dress you wore was a light blue one, which showed off your figure just as well as your daily outfits did at work. It was a wonderful choice, you being the bright, summer-like figure in the horrible weather that raged outside. No one, not even I, could find any question to ask after the wedding ended, at least one they dared to. But one question ran through my mind from the day I received the invitation that summer, why Lisa? Why did you ever choose Lucas over me?
Actually, no, I knew why. He was what you wanted. He bought you nice things, made you smile and laugh. And he surely didn't yell from the hospital balcony that he slept with you. That's what you liked about him. Lucas wasn't insane; he never went to a mental hospital for drug problems. He was your idea of perfection. And somehow, nothing before that could matter to you anymore.
But it matters to me, it always has. I've loved you for as long as I can remember, even before I was conscious of it myself. Ever since we met in Michigan all those years ago, I never let go of you; you were the first woman I ever loved. No matter who I met after that, no matter who I dated after that; they were nothing compared to you. Yes, there were times I had thought I could move on, forget what I felt we had, and begin anew. But in the end, you were my true love, the one I would give my life for.
Fate is cruel for tearing you from me so violently, never in my life had I imagined you'd fall into his trap. If you were to ask me, I wouldn't tell you that Lucas is a bad man for you, but he's not “the one” for you. You've been driving yourself crazy these years, certain that you hadn't met him yet. But, maybe, just maybe, if we did this over again; you wouldn't be so blind to see everything I feel for you. It's too late now though, we can't go back and erase the past year like it's never happened. If I told you, that night two year ago, when we kissed, that I loved you, would you be marrying me now?
Yes, Lisa, it was two years ago tonight, where I came to your house, said you'd be a great mother, and kissed you. I don't regret anything that has happened between and honestly, I don't think you do either. Anything we've had has been a mix of flirtatious banter, suggestive comments, or merely us trying to torment the other. Even, now that it comes to mind, the very rare but occasional bit of help when the other is too stupid to realize that they're making a mistake.
And no matter what Lisa, I'll always –
“Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Douglas.”
The room rose as one, well almost one, leaving the quiet, thoughtful House to struggle to his feet and fake a smile as the rest of the room rejoiced in Cuddy and Lucas' marriage.
Chapter One
Eight years later...
It was peaceful, surprisingly, for a Sunday morning in the Douglas household. John Douglas, the only son of Lucas and Lisa Douglas, was asleep in his bedroom upstairs, and Renee was asleep in the bedroom besides her sister's. The oldest child, Lisa's adopted daughter, Rachel Douglas, who was nearly ten, was asleep in the medium sized bedroom on the second floor, a book laying on the floor besides her bed. In the small office space next to it, Lisa Douglas was curled into a ball on the pullout sofa, her laptop besides her. And in the master bedroom, Lucas Douglas was just waking up, not surprised in the least to find that his wife hadn't joined him in bed.
"Hey, Lisa," he had entered the study a few minutes later and shook his wife's shoulder, sitting on the couch besides her.
"Oh," Lisa yawned, a warm smile on her lips, "What time is it?"
"Nearly ten," Lucas replied, "We all slept in." He kissed her lips chastely, "What's for breakfast?"
"I thought you were making it!" Cuddy cried, half teasingly, "You didn't stay up until three in the morning working." Lucas furrowed his eyebrows at her, clearly not impressed at her late working hours, but he didn't say anything, already knowing it was a pointless argument.
"Someone say breakfast?" Rachel popped her head into the room, spotting her parents on the couch. She was still dressed in her clothes from the day before, which obviously meant that she had been up late. "I'm starving dad!" She cried, earning a laugh from Cuddy in response.
"Fine, fine," Lucas stood, feigning annoyance, "I'll make breakfast, again." Just as he was about to walk out the office door, a familiar beeping was heard and Cuddy grabbed her pager, glancing at it.
"Shoot, not now," she moaned, but at the same time, she was glad for the distraction, "I've got to go in to the hospital," she grabbed a jacket and her briefcase, "Love you both." Lisa kissed Lucas's cheek and Rachel's forehead, hurrying down the stairs and driving towards Princeton-Plainsboro.
"Hey, Cuddy," a voice called across the lobby and she turned, knowing the one person who still refused to call her by her married name.
"Yes, House?" she turned on him, "If you were the one to page me on a Sunday morning then you are going to pay."
"I did," one of the nurses from the ER interrupted them, "We had a twelve car pileup about two miles down the interstate from here. I thought you should know," she stopped as Cuddy rounded on her.
"And you needed me to come into the hospital too?" Cuddy was beginning to get annoyed, and the nurse shrank back visibly. Everyone at Princeton-Plainsboro knew that angering Lisa Douglas meant bed news and they avoided it like the plague.
"No, Dr. Douglas," the nurse tried to cover for her mistake, "I didn't mean for you to come in-"
"It doesn't matter, I'm here now. I'll be in my office if you need to speak with me." Lisa turned on her heel, marching briskly towards her office, House's three-legged step following her.
"Upset that your snuggle time with Mr. Right was cut short?" House spoke once they reached her office.
"No," She snapped, "Lucas," she stressed his name, "was already awake when I was paged."
"Poo," House sounded like a child, "I was hoping he was waiting for you."
"Oh yes," Lisa enjoyed taunting him about her marriage with Lucas, "He's planning a romantic week for the two of us, it involves him, me and a week alone."
"You don't know how much that idea is turning me on Cuddles." House leaned against her desk, eyeing her closely.
"Sorry, Lucas and I don't do threesomes," Cuddy smirked at his downcast expression, "Feel free to chat with him about it though," she turned on her computer, sitting down and allowing House a quick glance down her shirt in the process, "Don't think he's going to be too keen on the idea though."
"Whatever." House made his way out of the office and he stopped at the door, "And by the way, Cuddy - I did page you here this morning." He slammed the door after he left, unaware of the pair of suspicious brown eyes that watched him from the hospital entrance.
"Hey Lisa," Lucas stepped into the office, their three children following him. "I brought you some pancakes," he set the plate on the coffee table. Rachel was listening to her iPod nano, Renee held her sister's hand and John played a game on his Nintendo DSi. The three of them sat on the sofa and looked at their parents.
"What did House want?" Lucas asked quietly, making sure the kids couldn't hear him.
"To annoy the hell out of me, what else?" She stopped, "Actually, he didn't page me, twelve car pile up on the interstate, new laws mandate that the dean is at the hospital in the case of an accident like that.”
“Oh,” Lucas had hoped to corner House about letting Lisa spend some time at home, but apparently he couldn't call him out on this. “You going to be home later?” He asked, not noticing the fact that she was avoiding his gaze and focused on her work.
“Sure,” Cuddy responded distractedly, “Oh look, Rachel, your dance teacher emailed me and said you've been asked to come for an audition today at four for a solo dance number.” Rachel hopped off the couch and hurried over to her mother, excited about the email.
“Can I do it mom, dad; please?” She looked between them.
“Well, Rachel, dance does take up a lot of time, maybe...” Lucas began.
“Lucas, don't ruin it for her,” Cuddy cut him off, “It's her first chance, let her try out.” She turned her attention so it was directed on both her husband and oldest daughter, “If you don't make it then sometime this summer, you can try out if Zoe needs anyone. Are you comfortable with that?” Rachel nodded excitedly and she looked at Lucas, waiting for his response.
“Of course Rachel, who would I be to stop you from achieving your dream?”
"Sure," Lucas shrugged, though the tone of his voice clearly said that he didn't approve of Rachel making another dance commitment.
"Thank you, thank you!" Rachel threw herself into her father's arms, "I love you daddy!" She hugged him tightly, missing the look he was giving her mother.
"I'm sorry," Cuddy mouthed back, now worried about how Lucas would have reacted if they were at home, "I had to let her."
"You didn't have to," Lucas mouthed back, but he ruffled Rachel's hair, hugging her back.
"Anyone gonna bring me my breakfast?" Cuddy asked aloud, changing the subject. Renee and John both jumped up, reaching for the plate of pancakes and the travel mug filled with coffee.
"Thanks you two." Cuddy hugged both of them as they set the food in front of her. "I love you all," she looked at Rachel too, before letting her gaze rest on Lucas, who had caught House's attention.
"Well of it isn't the Scooby gang," House called, opening the door, "I need to do a biopsy, now. I need to pull two nurses from the ER."
"No," Cuddy turned her attention away from her family, aware of Lucas' hand which had a painful grip on her shoulder. "They're busy."
"Look, this guy has no family, no friends here, my team isn't here and if we don't get that biopsy in fifteen minutes, he's going to only get worse!"
"As all patients do when you treat them House, are you positive you need to do this biopsy?" Cuddy asked, enjoying the dagger-like glares he and Lucas were exchanging the longer they remained in the room together.
"Fine, I'll just march down there and grab the first two I see." House snapped, "There's twelve people in the ER and fifteen nurses, I'm sure I can get one of them, at least, to help."
"If you go down to the ER, I swear House, you will be looking at an extra weeks worth of clinic duty."
"Fine, I'll go grab a nurse and not do the clinic duty, got it?"
"Whatever, it's your loss anyways." Cuddy called after him, knowing the majority of his anger was directed at Lucas and the vice-like grip he had on her shoulder. House shot the five of them one last look before leaving.
"Is he a doctor here?" John asked, intrigued by House's demeanor.
"Yes," Cuddy leaned back on her chair, fingers on her temples, "That's doctor House, he's the one who saved Rachel when she was just a baby."
"Really?" Both Renee and John were interested now, "What happened?"
"It's a long story," Cuddy replied, "Maybe you can get doctor House to tell you."
"No, Lisa," Lucas said, "You should tell it, Rachel's our daughter, not House's."
“But...” Lisa began to protest but Rachel shook her head, “No, it's fine mom, I'll go ask Uncle Wilson.” She nearly ran from the room, her younger siblings following her, as they took the stairs two at a time, to James Wilson's office. Lisa watched them as they went, but she could already feel Lucas' gaze burning into the side of her face. As the clinic calmed, Lucas brushed his lips against her cheek.
“I love you Lisa, I'll see you at home around seven.”
Let me know what you all think! I'll be posting chapter two (and maybe three) later this week.
Later October – 2010
House's POV[/i]
The leaves were crisp, the sun peeked into the hall from behind the blinds and the occasional howling of the wind against the church would cause everyone to pause. I remember the day like it was my last day on Earth; hell, it felt like it was my last day on Earth. Besides me was Wilson, as usual, getting all emotional over the vows. Also, as usual, I remember elbowing him to suck it up and stop being a baby. I didn't want to be here, I didn't want to be anywhere except my apartment, in front of my piano, a bottle of scotch handy, playing your song.
You looked beautiful, as I have always said; though in my crazy ways; I thought you always looked beautiful. The dress you wore was a light blue one, which showed off your figure just as well as your daily outfits did at work. It was a wonderful choice, you being the bright, summer-like figure in the horrible weather that raged outside. No one, not even I, could find any question to ask after the wedding ended, at least one they dared to. But one question ran through my mind from the day I received the invitation that summer, why Lisa? Why did you ever choose Lucas over me?
Actually, no, I knew why. He was what you wanted. He bought you nice things, made you smile and laugh. And he surely didn't yell from the hospital balcony that he slept with you. That's what you liked about him. Lucas wasn't insane; he never went to a mental hospital for drug problems. He was your idea of perfection. And somehow, nothing before that could matter to you anymore.
But it matters to me, it always has. I've loved you for as long as I can remember, even before I was conscious of it myself. Ever since we met in Michigan all those years ago, I never let go of you; you were the first woman I ever loved. No matter who I met after that, no matter who I dated after that; they were nothing compared to you. Yes, there were times I had thought I could move on, forget what I felt we had, and begin anew. But in the end, you were my true love, the one I would give my life for.
Fate is cruel for tearing you from me so violently, never in my life had I imagined you'd fall into his trap. If you were to ask me, I wouldn't tell you that Lucas is a bad man for you, but he's not “the one” for you. You've been driving yourself crazy these years, certain that you hadn't met him yet. But, maybe, just maybe, if we did this over again; you wouldn't be so blind to see everything I feel for you. It's too late now though, we can't go back and erase the past year like it's never happened. If I told you, that night two year ago, when we kissed, that I loved you, would you be marrying me now?
Yes, Lisa, it was two years ago tonight, where I came to your house, said you'd be a great mother, and kissed you. I don't regret anything that has happened between and honestly, I don't think you do either. Anything we've had has been a mix of flirtatious banter, suggestive comments, or merely us trying to torment the other. Even, now that it comes to mind, the very rare but occasional bit of help when the other is too stupid to realize that they're making a mistake.
And no matter what Lisa, I'll always –
“Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Douglas.”
The room rose as one, well almost one, leaving the quiet, thoughtful House to struggle to his feet and fake a smile as the rest of the room rejoiced in Cuddy and Lucas' marriage.
Chapter One
Eight years later...
It was peaceful, surprisingly, for a Sunday morning in the Douglas household. John Douglas, the only son of Lucas and Lisa Douglas, was asleep in his bedroom upstairs, and Renee was asleep in the bedroom besides her sister's. The oldest child, Lisa's adopted daughter, Rachel Douglas, who was nearly ten, was asleep in the medium sized bedroom on the second floor, a book laying on the floor besides her bed. In the small office space next to it, Lisa Douglas was curled into a ball on the pullout sofa, her laptop besides her. And in the master bedroom, Lucas Douglas was just waking up, not surprised in the least to find that his wife hadn't joined him in bed.
"Hey, Lisa," he had entered the study a few minutes later and shook his wife's shoulder, sitting on the couch besides her.
"Oh," Lisa yawned, a warm smile on her lips, "What time is it?"
"Nearly ten," Lucas replied, "We all slept in." He kissed her lips chastely, "What's for breakfast?"
"I thought you were making it!" Cuddy cried, half teasingly, "You didn't stay up until three in the morning working." Lucas furrowed his eyebrows at her, clearly not impressed at her late working hours, but he didn't say anything, already knowing it was a pointless argument.
"Someone say breakfast?" Rachel popped her head into the room, spotting her parents on the couch. She was still dressed in her clothes from the day before, which obviously meant that she had been up late. "I'm starving dad!" She cried, earning a laugh from Cuddy in response.
"Fine, fine," Lucas stood, feigning annoyance, "I'll make breakfast, again." Just as he was about to walk out the office door, a familiar beeping was heard and Cuddy grabbed her pager, glancing at it.
"Shoot, not now," she moaned, but at the same time, she was glad for the distraction, "I've got to go in to the hospital," she grabbed a jacket and her briefcase, "Love you both." Lisa kissed Lucas's cheek and Rachel's forehead, hurrying down the stairs and driving towards Princeton-Plainsboro.
"Hey, Cuddy," a voice called across the lobby and she turned, knowing the one person who still refused to call her by her married name.
"Yes, House?" she turned on him, "If you were the one to page me on a Sunday morning then you are going to pay."
"I did," one of the nurses from the ER interrupted them, "We had a twelve car pileup about two miles down the interstate from here. I thought you should know," she stopped as Cuddy rounded on her.
"And you needed me to come into the hospital too?" Cuddy was beginning to get annoyed, and the nurse shrank back visibly. Everyone at Princeton-Plainsboro knew that angering Lisa Douglas meant bed news and they avoided it like the plague.
"No, Dr. Douglas," the nurse tried to cover for her mistake, "I didn't mean for you to come in-"
"It doesn't matter, I'm here now. I'll be in my office if you need to speak with me." Lisa turned on her heel, marching briskly towards her office, House's three-legged step following her.
"Upset that your snuggle time with Mr. Right was cut short?" House spoke once they reached her office.
"No," She snapped, "Lucas," she stressed his name, "was already awake when I was paged."
"Poo," House sounded like a child, "I was hoping he was waiting for you."
"Oh yes," Lisa enjoyed taunting him about her marriage with Lucas, "He's planning a romantic week for the two of us, it involves him, me and a week alone."
"You don't know how much that idea is turning me on Cuddles." House leaned against her desk, eyeing her closely.
"Sorry, Lucas and I don't do threesomes," Cuddy smirked at his downcast expression, "Feel free to chat with him about it though," she turned on her computer, sitting down and allowing House a quick glance down her shirt in the process, "Don't think he's going to be too keen on the idea though."
"Whatever." House made his way out of the office and he stopped at the door, "And by the way, Cuddy - I did page you here this morning." He slammed the door after he left, unaware of the pair of suspicious brown eyes that watched him from the hospital entrance.
"Hey Lisa," Lucas stepped into the office, their three children following him. "I brought you some pancakes," he set the plate on the coffee table. Rachel was listening to her iPod nano, Renee held her sister's hand and John played a game on his Nintendo DSi. The three of them sat on the sofa and looked at their parents.
"What did House want?" Lucas asked quietly, making sure the kids couldn't hear him.
"To annoy the hell out of me, what else?" She stopped, "Actually, he didn't page me, twelve car pile up on the interstate, new laws mandate that the dean is at the hospital in the case of an accident like that.”
“Oh,” Lucas had hoped to corner House about letting Lisa spend some time at home, but apparently he couldn't call him out on this. “You going to be home later?” He asked, not noticing the fact that she was avoiding his gaze and focused on her work.
“Sure,” Cuddy responded distractedly, “Oh look, Rachel, your dance teacher emailed me and said you've been asked to come for an audition today at four for a solo dance number.” Rachel hopped off the couch and hurried over to her mother, excited about the email.
“Can I do it mom, dad; please?” She looked between them.
“Well, Rachel, dance does take up a lot of time, maybe...” Lucas began.
“Lucas, don't ruin it for her,” Cuddy cut him off, “It's her first chance, let her try out.” She turned her attention so it was directed on both her husband and oldest daughter, “If you don't make it then sometime this summer, you can try out if Zoe needs anyone. Are you comfortable with that?” Rachel nodded excitedly and she looked at Lucas, waiting for his response.
“Of course Rachel, who would I be to stop you from achieving your dream?”
"Sure," Lucas shrugged, though the tone of his voice clearly said that he didn't approve of Rachel making another dance commitment.
"Thank you, thank you!" Rachel threw herself into her father's arms, "I love you daddy!" She hugged him tightly, missing the look he was giving her mother.
"I'm sorry," Cuddy mouthed back, now worried about how Lucas would have reacted if they were at home, "I had to let her."
"You didn't have to," Lucas mouthed back, but he ruffled Rachel's hair, hugging her back.
"Anyone gonna bring me my breakfast?" Cuddy asked aloud, changing the subject. Renee and John both jumped up, reaching for the plate of pancakes and the travel mug filled with coffee.
"Thanks you two." Cuddy hugged both of them as they set the food in front of her. "I love you all," she looked at Rachel too, before letting her gaze rest on Lucas, who had caught House's attention.
"Well of it isn't the Scooby gang," House called, opening the door, "I need to do a biopsy, now. I need to pull two nurses from the ER."
"No," Cuddy turned her attention away from her family, aware of Lucas' hand which had a painful grip on her shoulder. "They're busy."
"Look, this guy has no family, no friends here, my team isn't here and if we don't get that biopsy in fifteen minutes, he's going to only get worse!"
"As all patients do when you treat them House, are you positive you need to do this biopsy?" Cuddy asked, enjoying the dagger-like glares he and Lucas were exchanging the longer they remained in the room together.
"Fine, I'll just march down there and grab the first two I see." House snapped, "There's twelve people in the ER and fifteen nurses, I'm sure I can get one of them, at least, to help."
"If you go down to the ER, I swear House, you will be looking at an extra weeks worth of clinic duty."
"Fine, I'll go grab a nurse and not do the clinic duty, got it?"
"Whatever, it's your loss anyways." Cuddy called after him, knowing the majority of his anger was directed at Lucas and the vice-like grip he had on her shoulder. House shot the five of them one last look before leaving.
"Is he a doctor here?" John asked, intrigued by House's demeanor.
"Yes," Cuddy leaned back on her chair, fingers on her temples, "That's doctor House, he's the one who saved Rachel when she was just a baby."
"Really?" Both Renee and John were interested now, "What happened?"
"It's a long story," Cuddy replied, "Maybe you can get doctor House to tell you."
"No, Lisa," Lucas said, "You should tell it, Rachel's our daughter, not House's."
“But...” Lisa began to protest but Rachel shook her head, “No, it's fine mom, I'll go ask Uncle Wilson.” She nearly ran from the room, her younger siblings following her, as they took the stairs two at a time, to James Wilson's office. Lisa watched them as they went, but she could already feel Lucas' gaze burning into the side of her face. As the clinic calmed, Lucas brushed his lips against her cheek.
“I love you Lisa, I'll see you at home around seven.”
Let me know what you all think! I'll be posting chapter two (and maybe three) later this week.
