Occam's Razor - House M.D.

Part 23- Paper Cuts

The next day at the hospital, Cuddy visited House and his team to share some more news about the upcoming conference. All her meetings from the last couple weeks had come to a halt, so she made sure to consult with everyone while she had the chance. 

Cuddy wiped down the white board, so she had a clean base to work with while explaining all the new details to the team. She was dressed fancier than usual, as if she were practicing presenting at the conference. 

"How's the prep going?" Cuddy asked the group, anticipating their answers. Everyone looked around at each other, confused. 

"House?" Cuddy asked. House was on the couch chomping on a bag of chips, and his feet kicked up. He finished swallowing, 

"Prep forrrr?" House asked sounding dense. 

"Are you being intentionally dense?!" Cuddy asked neurotically. House dropped his jaw exaggeratedly, 

"Rutrow!"

Cuddy gestured to him to stay quiet, so she could inform the team. They were more likely to not only pay attention, but to take something away from the discussion. 

"Anyways, I've been informed that the research submission deadline has passed, so I trust those of you who were interested, have done your part." Cuddy announced, "Dr. Foreman, Dr. Hadley, I know you were both interested, and of course, I know you were as well, Dr. Gilmore." 

The three doctors looked over to one another with smiles, communicating their support of each other. 

"I should be receiving the name of the venue soon, and in the meantime, you all should be working on the presentations and posters. Additionally, I've gotten word that they want House and the five of you to serve on the panel." 

Cuddy wrote "Diagnostics team = Panel" on the white board. 

"Like a Q and A?" Chase asked. 

"More or less." Cuddy answered. 

"Isn't that a little bit-" Taub began, interrupted by House who added, 

"Cringe." House stated, smacking the chips. Cuddy payed him no attention. 

"A little, yeah." Taub finished his thought. Cuddy put her hands on her hips in dismay. 

The NMA conference was undoubtedly a big deal for her as the dean of medicine, but not all of its components would be equally exciting for the team. 

"It's not cringe," Cuddy mimicked House's tone, "It's actually a great networking opportunity for you guys to self-promote." 

"We already have jobs, though?" Chase questioned out loud. Cuddy let out a sharp exhale and turned to Thirteen and Madelyn, 

"Ladies, a little help?" She pleaded, her lips doing that thing where she's trying to not to freak out. 

"Cuddy's right," Thirteen interjected, "a panel isn't that bad, and it's not like we have to come up with the questions." 

"Yeah, we have the easier part in some sense." Madelyn added. House's ears perked up at the sound of Madelyn's soft, angelic voice. 

"Oh yeah, why's it easier?" House questioned her. Madelyn happily returned his stare; she knew he was trying to mess with her. 

"Well, it's easier for those of us who actually have the bandwidth to connect with others, and the interest to do so." Madelyn sassed. House smiled, and audibly laughed. 

"I like you all worked up, Dr. Gilmore! Really brings out your eyes." House played, causing weird looks on the others' faces and some embarrassment on Madelyn's.