The Knife and the Cane

Chapter 33- Holiday Shenanigans Pt. 2

When Thirteen found her, Nora was sitting on the stairs that led to the roof, a place no one went unless they had to at this time of year. She sighed before going and sitting next to her.

"Hey." Thirteen began.

"Hey." Nora mumbled, her face buried in her hands.

"I'm sorry about Foreman."

"It's not your fault. He's an ass."

"You put him in his place though, he was still silent when I left."

"That's a big confidence boost." Nora rolled her eyes.

"Listen, no one is happy with him right now, and no one is mad at you."

"I know."

"He should have been more sensitive because of what happened to you. I'm sorry."

"I'm not worried about that, Remy. If he's convinced that the only thing wrong with this man is that he's old, Foreman is going to be a worse doctor and we're screwed."

"He'll get his head out of his ass or Cuddy is going to know."

"Good. Where's House?"

"Looking for you."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make a scene." She ran a hand through her dark hair, sighing as she did.

"It's alright." Thirteen stood up and reached her hand down to Nora who took it. "Let's go find him."

The pair wandered the halls back towards the workroom, only pausing when they nearly collided with House as he continued his search.

"Oh, hey." Nora said, smiling.

"Don't 'hey' me." House replied, his tone serious. He turned his gaze on Thirteen. "You, go help the boys. You, meet me in my office."

Nora looked down and made her way to House's office, standing in front of his desk when she arrived. He hobbled in moments later and Nora heard his cane clatter to the floor behind her before his arms wrapped around her middle.

"I'm proud of you." He said quietly. His earlier anger had disappeared and he sounded more tired than anything else. "You did good, but I'm still going to go chew Foreman out later."

"Good. He's got it coming." She replied, holding her arms over his. "You're not mad at me right?"

"No, I'm not. I had to be serious to go get Thirteen to do what I asked and not stand there and coo over us for half an hour."

"That's fair."

"Are you doing okay? This case is a tough one for you."

"I will be once I go talk to the patient. Or punch Foreman, whichever opportunity presents itself first."

"Do you want to talk to him or do you want me to?" His voice was darker, more serious. House wasn't willing to let his behavior slide.

"I want you to. I can't do this right now, I'll lose it."

"Have you talked to Wilson lately?"

"No, why would I have?"

"He's been affected by this, too."

"I'll make sure to talk to him before too long."

"Good, you guys can talk out whatever you've got going on." House yawned.

"Tired?"

"A little. I've been sleeping pretty lightly in case you need me."

"Greg, I attempted a month ago. I'm getting better."

"Needing me doesn't have to be something about your accident. You might just need a hug or a kiss or something."

"Get off of her." Cuddy sighed from the door. Nora scrambled out of House's grasp, the older man leaning against his desk nonchalantly.

"There's this brand new invention. It's called 'knocking.'"

"I own this building, I don't have to knock."

"How can we help you, ma'am?" Nora asked, trying not to blush at the embarrassment.

"I need to speak to you."

"Me?"

"No, Casper. Yes, Dr. Graves."

"Anything you have to say to her, you can say in front of me." House chimed in.

"Calm down. I need to talk to her, not her boyfriend." Something about the way she said 'boyfriend' struck a chord in both their hearts. Nora's heart saddened and House's hardened.

"I may be her boyfriend, but I'm also her boss. If her work is slipping I need to be the first to know about it. If there is an issue, I need to know."

"This doesn't concern you, House. Stay out of it. Come here, Graves." Cuddy snapped.

"Stay put, Graves." House ordered, his serious eyes never leaving Cuddy's.

"Greg, please." Nora said softly. "I'll go. It's not a problem."

She followed Cuddy out the door and down the hallway a bit, his eyes following her.

"What's the problem, Dr. Cuddy?"

"You and Dr. House need to stop with the public displays of affection."

"That's it?"

"Foreman filed a report on you." Cuddy sighed.

"He did what?" Nora nearly screamed.

"He filed a report claiming verbal harassment."

"Why?"

"He claims you belittled him in front of the other doctors and that you are not fit to return to work after your...accident."

"How dare he? Does he have any idea what happened to me? I'm fine now, I'm seeing Thatcher, everything is fine, I-"

"I'm aware of that."

"And? He could ruin my career."

"I'm also aware of that. That's why I've declined his report." Nora exhaled a shaky breath, trying desperately to keep her tears at bay."Look, it's almost five, just go home for the day."

Nora nodded and returned to House's office. He could tell by the look on her face that there was something wrong.

"What's-" House began.

"Can we go home?" Nora said, cutting him off.

"Of course."

The pair packed up their things and checked out, retreating to House's bike and leaving the lot as soon as they could. She leaned on his shoulder as he unlocked the apartment, making House write a mental note to talk to her once she'd eaten something. The door opened and Nora stepped inside, dropping her bag next to the door. She gasped and House was immediately at her side ready for anything.

"Who are you?" Nora asked, looking at the older couple sitting on the couch. With an annoyed sigh, House answered for them.

"Nora, meet my parents."