Lead You Into The Night (House/Cuddy, House/Wilson friendship; PG-13)

[ticcyyy]

Title: Lead You Into The Night
Pairing: House/Cuddy, House/Wilson friendship
Rating: PG-13
Words: 35,000
Author's Notes & Credits: A big, HUGE thank you to my wonderful betas, ducks_in_a_row and topaz_eyes! Without the both of you, this story would not have come together anywhere near as smoothly as it has. The title of the fic is derived from the song Lead Me Into The Night by The Cardigans. It was a song I listened to a lot while hammering this story out; it, in some ways, set the tone of the story. The chapter titles are also derived from the song's lyrics. The banner was made by me.

Summary: What's the differential for a woman who says she hates her baby?

Excerpt:

Cuddy shrugged. "I'm doing okay."

"Just 'okay'?"

She faced the crib, where the baby was wrapped up tight in a blanket and fast asleep. Maybe she was just fatigued, but she didn't seem herself. He frowned.

"Can't believe I'm heading home tomorrow," she finally said. "It's going to be weird having a baby in the house."

"You've had plenty of time to get used to the idea."

"Preparing for a baby, House, and having one..."

"Thought you'd be jumping for joy."

"I thought so, too."

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Comments

[ticcyyy.livejournal.com]

I understand the repetitiveness. I wondered if that would come across to others in that way. The repetitiveness was deliberate, actually. I was trying to convey the cyclical aspect of depression, the constant struggle that comes with it and how hard it is to climb out of that continuing pattern of bleak thoughts and despair. And also, how frustrating it is for those witnessing it. Depression in all its forms takes on a very repetitive thought and behavioural pattern that's extremely difficult to break free of - and in Cuddy's case, she would be the sort of woman who would refuse to admit she was "weak" until she had nowhere else to turn except to confront it.

it's House who brings hope in Cuddy's life. He pulls himself together so Cuddy can pull herself together

One of the things I've noticed about House in canon is that he is remarkably understanding towards patients who have depression. Sure, he's got a very unorthodox way of showing it, but he's actually very compassionate in his own way. He struggled a great deal in the story with his own emotions and his own issues with the situation but he ended up prioritising without really realising it. Because, despite how much of an asshole he is and how cruel, thoughtless and destructive he is, he's also a good person underneath it all.

Thanks so much for reading! I'm very glad you enjoyed it! :-)

[stresseater.livejournal.com]

And I understand the repetitiveness. Like I said, the payoff/resolution for the constant struggling (for both House and Cuddy) was incredibly satisfying. And, yeah, I think I learned a lot about PPD from your fic (because I trust that you cannot write anything a fic that solid and deep if the very thing it was based on, that is, the PPD, was portrayed as anything but truthful).

As TPTB would say his compassion for other is very Housian. *rolls eyes and smiles in exasperation* Again, beautiful job, the way you brought out House's good side so organically. :)

[stresseater.livejournal.com]

Ugh, me and typos today.

*As TPTP would say, his compassion for others is very Housian

[ticcyyy.livejournal.com]

I think I learned a lot about PPD from your fic

That, right there, is the best kind of feedback I could ever hope to get.