Authors Notes: Ok, so this is my first story. So I would appreciate it if you would tell me whether you think it's good or not. The story revolves on House and Cuddy's relationship with a little Luddy conflict thrown in there. This fanfic follows on after the episode 'Wilson'. Cuddy has found out about the loft and neither Wilson or House have spoken to her. House and Wilson then invite her to his birthday party (which is slightly overlooked in this chapter but I'll refer to it more later) but Lucas is having none of that :D House is OOC as I am neither as clever nor funny to write House's amazing comedy moments but I try. So If you would read, think about it and either message me or review with some constructive criticisms. I would really appreciate it. Also, if I do carry on I was wondering if anyone had any ideas for House's new friends (he is going to have a little group of new friends possibly from the cooking class but not sure yet) Thanks. Gabriel.

Chapter one: Rebuilding broken bridges

Since he'd found out she was dating he stayed away. He never looked at her like he used to and that wasn't what she had planned. She wanted him to want her more not do what he should, House never did what he should. Cuddy blamed Mayfield for that. It had changed him but into the man she'd wanted for such a long time. There was and never would be anyone else. Lisa Cuddy was too stubborn to let go of him. Lucas was never meant to last this long, he was good but not House. Despite all of House's downfalls, he had some great benefits and no one would ever be him.

"Cuddy?"

She was brought out of her daydream by Wilson. It was unusual for him to be talking to her. After the loft incident it was as if a silent agreement had been passed between them. Cuddy had chosen Lucas and Wilson had chosen House. It was simple.

"Dr. Wilson, what can I do for you?"

Wilson's head poked round the door of her office and once she had acknowledged him he walked up to Cuddy's desk. She avoided his eyes but something about him seemed different. Four months of avoidance showed that they weren't friends anymore.

"Dr. Wilson? Is this what we are now?"

Cuddy's head shot up and her professional face was donned, "You made this person, Wilson. You pretended to be my friend and then you went behind my back. That hurt me."

Wilson looked her straight in the eyes, "You know that wasn't about me or you. It was about House. It's always about House."

He sat down and relaxed a little and Cuddy placed her papers down so Wilson continued, "I was worried about him. You were threatening his…newfound mental stability. I needed to show him that this time I was here for him."

Cuddy sighed. Wilson was right, he was protecting his friend and she had, purposely, sought to drive him insane but for her.

"I understand, Wilson but why are you here?"

Wilson smiled, "House, told me the other day that its time to…let go and he was right. I came to apologize."

She stared at him for a second in disbelief that House would say something like that but then Cuddy smiled, "I should be the one apologizing, James. I locked you out and made you my enemy. I was afraid of House."

Cuddy stood up and turned to gaze out of the window, "Before he went to Mayfield I knew him." Her voice wavered, "He couldn't hurt me much before because nothing surprised me. We'd been through everything…together. The good and the bad but…" She turned to face him, "He's not the same. House is…different. I don't really know him anymore."

Wilson smirked, "Well, get to know him then."

She rolled her eyes and sat down but he continued speaking, "It's House's birthday today. We're having a party and we'd like you to come."

Cuddy was in shock, "A party? House hates parties and birthdays!"

Wilson laughed but his face returned to a serious nature, "House has had to grow up a lot. He's met new people; he's starting to realize that people aren't all bad. He asked me to invite you."

Cuddy turned away from Wilson's gaze, "He wants me there?"

There was a silence before a familiar voice rang out in the room but it wasn't Wilson's, "Of course I want you there."

She couldn't turn round. She hadn't seen him in four months, not even a glimpse and there he was. House's voice was like a melody which had her hypnotized. Gossip had rocketed around the hospital that he was different. He looked better, dressed better and he…well was in most of the female fantasies that inhabited the hospital.

"Cuddy, you there?"

Take a deep breath, she told herself, its only House. So Cuddy turned round and her breath caught at the sight of him. His hair had grown but he tamed his salt and pepper hair into a kempt style. House's attire had entirely changed, he was wearing a tailored black suit with a buttoned down crisp white shirt, topped off with a pair of Italian leather shoes. Cuddy noticed his stubble was managed but still there to complete his devilishly handsome look.

"Cuddy?"

She snapped out of it, "Sorry. What did you ask?"

Wilson smirked but House shot him a look before answering Cuddy, "Party tonight? Booze, free food and good company. What more could you want?"

House moved over to sit in the other chair next to Wilson. He had a little smirk on his face before turning to Cuddy, "So, what's the verdict?"

Cuddy couldn't resist him, he was charming and a glimpse of the old Gregory House from Michigan. The only problem was if she went Lucas would probably be coming to and she didn't want him to.

"I don't know…There's Rachel and…"

He stopped her from continuing, "Some of my friends are bringing their kids ok? If you can't get a sitter bring her, at least Wilson will have someone to talk to on his wavelength."

House smirked, Wilson and Cuddy laughed, "Ok, well I'll have to run it by Lucas but…" She waited for House to grimace but nothing. He didn't even blink. It seemed that he was there but somewhere else.

"Well, we hope to see you there."

Wilson smiled and left the office leaving the two of them alone but the silence, well to House, wasn't uncomfortable until Cuddy spoke.

"I'm sorry for the way I acted for the last few months."

He shook his head, "We both did things we regret." House sighed, "How long have we been friends?"

Cuddy smiled, "About 23 years, why?"

He stood up and walked around to where she sat. House kneeled down and looked her straight in the eyes, "How many things have we been through? This thing with Mayfield and Lucas was nothing compared to things we've been through. Why did this tear up our friendship?"

Cuddy laughed a little, his closeness after so much time apart was intoxicating, she could see his lips and his blazing eyes. So Cuddy decided to answer honestly, "We were never honest with each other from the start."

House stepped back a little so she stood up to meet him, "What weren't we honest about?"

She raised her eyebrow, "When I said there will never be an us…"

"Dr. Cuddy?"

Their heads turned to the offending noise. It was her assistant and he looked like he was about to explode due to stress, "There's been an emergency, seventeen car pile-up and we are the closest hospital. We need extra doctors in A&E."

Then he ran out. Cuddy began picking up things to rush off but House caught her arm, "I'll help, you sort important things out. I'll get my team to come as well. Ok?"

Cuddy smiled wide, "Thank you House."

He walked towards the door, with less of a limp, and stopped just before he walked out the door, "Come to the loft, six thirty and if your not there I'll come and get you. Understood?"

She smirked; both of them had missed this even if it was a little more relaxed than ever before, they were back in the right places again, "Understood. House?"

His head popped round the door, "Yes mistress?"

Cuddy laughed, "Thank you for doing this. I'm glad we are good again."

House smiled. Cuddy couldn't believe it but he did and her heart beat doubled in pace before he answered, "So am I."

"So, are you going out tonight?"

Cuddy was getting ready. She'd tried not to tell Lucas what happened but she had to. Finally, Cuddy came to the conclusion she would tell him that she wanted to go on her own that it would be better that way.

"Yeah. Err…it's House's birthday. He's having a party Wilson and him invited me."

The fear and disappointment was evident on Lucas's face. He wanted her to say it out loud. Lucas knew she didn't want him to go by the way she'd explained it.

"So you guys are talking again?"

She nodded looking through her wardrobe for an appropriate outfit; "Yeah, Wilson and him came into my office today. We all said sorry to each other and agreed that we were stupid to stop talking to each other. Then they invited me to their party."

Lucas sat on their bed and began to feel a little insecure which came out as anger, "I can't believe your going."

Cuddy span round and looked at him in disbelief, "What?"

He stood up and walked over to her, "After everything he's done to you and you just forgave him in a second! You are better off without him in your life…our life."

Cuddy just walked away from him and shouted back, "I've known House for 23 years it's not as easy as that. He's a big part of my life, so is Wilson and I like it that way."

Lucas grabbed her arm tightly, "You're not going."

She looked back at him in shock but took his hold off her arm and powerfully stated back, "You can't tell me what I can and can't do. I am going tonight."

"Then I'm coming with you."

Cuddy shook her head, "No, not when you are acting like this. House actually invited you but I don't want you there. I don't want you jeopardizing the friendship that we have."

Lucas laughed harshly, "Friendship? Is that what you're calling it now? You don't speak to him for four months then you get invited to his party and buy him a $300 bottle of whiskey!"

Cuddy was angry now, "You went through my bag!" She laughed in complete outrage, "So, you're investigating me then PI Douglas? Well, I've got news for you. If I see you anywhere near that party tonight we're over do you hear me?"

They stared daringly into each other's eyes. Neither wanting to give in but eventually Lucas walked away to Rachel and Cuddy let out the breath she was holding in. She had no idea he would react like that. Once she'd settled on the perfect outfit and her hair was elegantly done she headed to find her daughter. Cuddy found her with Lucas in the front room. He gazed her up and down then turned his head away before speaking, "You told me that dress was for a special occasions. It cost like $1000, why are you wearing it tonight?"

Cuddy took her daughter, "Because I phoned Wilson earlier and it's a formal occasion. Everyone's dressing up, perfect time to wear my favourite dress."

She kissed her daughter on the forehead, "Be good tonight sweat pea. Mommy will be home soon."

Lucas muttered something so she turned to him, "Yes?"

"Nothing."

"Oh, what has gotten in to you? I'm going to a party without you get over it. I'll be back in like two hours."

Lucas raised his voice like she'd never heard before but was careful not to startle Rachel, "Because it's him! It's House that you're dressing up for and buying $300 bottles of bourbon! Tonight your glowing and it's not me you're glowing for!"

Cuddy stood there for a minute before walking to the door. She glanced back at him and said, "When was the last time you took me out? Or we dressed up? I know your work is important to you so I don't say anything. House is important to me. Don't make me choose between you."

With that Cuddy walked out the door. She paused to regain her strength and walked to her car. Cuddy was going to go, she would forget about her obligations and have fun for the first time in months. Her only problem would be keeping her feelings in check. After thinking that Cuddy mentally slapped herself, I am a strong, independent and intelligent woman. I have a boyfriend and a daughter. I want House only as my friend...don't I.

End notes: So any good? Review Please :)