So I had this idea a little earlier and I kind of couldn't resist writing it all the way. I hope you like it. Thank you for all the nice comments!

Candy Cane

''Howse?''

''I told you to keep your mouth shut.''

''But...''

He looked at her through the rear view mirror and sighed when he met her trembling hazelnut eyes and the slight frown of her eyebrows. Her lips were pressed together as to control herself and prevent the tears from falling down her cheeks.

''What is it?'' he succumbed, turning the vehicle to the left.

''Charlie told me something,'' the little girl started.

He did not know who Charlie was supposed to be but he assumed he was one of Rachel's friends at school.

''What did he say?'' he pressed her in a distracted tone as she said nothing for several seconds. She never did that; she'd tell her story in one breath and wouldn't let him say a word until she's finished. But this time she was hesitant, it was something important, House mused. At least, for her.

''He asked me if...''

Another look in the rear view mirror told him she was struggling to find the right words, so he let her some time.

''He asked if you beat me with your cane,'' she said in a rush.

He brutally stopped the car, his fingers - his whole body trembling. He didn't expect that, and he had no idea as to how to react. He decided that he wasn't in a state to drive and parked the car at the side of the road. He turned to face the little girl.

''Why would I?'' House asked, pulling the emerging memories to the back of his head.
''Because his father does,'' Rachel answered, tightening her grip on said cane - House let her hold it when driving home.

He swallowed hard, his brain rushing to figure out the right reaction a father - father? - should have. But deep down, he knew exactly what to do. First, reassure the girl. Second, try to help the little boy. Like he'd wished someone would have helped him. Desperately had wished.

''You know I would never do that, Rachel, don't you?''

''Yeah... But sometimes you get mad. Charlie told me his father beat him when he was mad at him,'' she retorted, biting her lower lip.

''No Brownbeard is the worst you're getting from me.''

But fear didn't quit her eyes.

''Okay. Maybe no dessert too. But that's only if you are a really really bad girl,'' he added, making her smile a bit this time. ''No one has the right to beat you, no matter what. Understood?''

Rachel quietly nodded, silently approving. ''But then... Why Charlie's daddy beat him?'' she asked after a short reflexion.

''Because he is a bad dad and he has to be punished. Did you tell your supervisor?"

''No! Charlie told me to tell no one!'' she quickly exclaimed, alerted.

''Do you want Charlie not to be beaten again without telling anyone?"

''Yeah! He said it hurt so so much! And Howse? He showed me his back, it's all blue and purple!'' she exclaimed, excited.

''Fine. Then I'll talk to a very nice fairy who will help him out and he will never know you told me, okay?" he whispered, as if it was a secret.

She seemed to consider his offer but quickly approved with a big smile and an energetic nod.

''But you, you should definitely tell me if anyone hurts you, right?" he said, turning the engine on.

''Yep!''

''Fine,'' he said quietly, resuming driving. He thought that telling Cuddy and letting her handle it was the best solution, knowing himself and his very unusual ways to get things sorted out.

''Howse?'' she called him again.

''Yeah?"

He parked the car in the alley.

''Can we watch Brownbeard before mum comes home?'' she asked as if nothing had happened. Her innocence made him slightly smile and he decided that she wasn't supposed to be a part of this. No child was supposed to.

The End.