A/N: This is it, folks. The final chapter. I'm sad to see it end, but I need to work on other things. Camp NaNoWriMo begins in a couple weeks and I'm going to write an original fic for that so my stories will be few and far between for awhile. But keep an eye out for the odd one-shot here and there in the meantime. I'm also going to be taking an online writing course at the end of August which will probably be quite time consuming. I wanna start publishing stories.
Thank you all for reading this, for your amazing comments and to my new readers. It's been a blast!
I also want to thank Iyimgrace for helping me with the ending for this chapter. I hope I've given you all the happy ending I promised since the beginning of this journey.
Chapter 35
Las Vegas, NV
"I don't know about you but I'm hungry," Greg groaned as he rolled over onto his back and stared at the mirrored ceiling above the bed. He smiled when he saw Cory shift and curl up to him, running her fingers through the greying hair on his chest.
"I am, too. Are you gonna treat me to the buffet, Dr. House?"
He grinned and wrapped his arm around her. "Nothin's too good for my future wife."
"Big spender," she giggled and then began to climb out of bed.
"Where ya going?"
"If it's all the same to you, I gotta pee. Why don't you get dressed so we can eat and see if Wilson wants to join us."
Greg nodded, called Wilson and then texted Star, who had just arrived a couple of hours earlier. She answered her text, saying she'd meet them at the buffet in five minutes.
When they went downstairs, Cory suddenly ran over and hugged her best friend, both of them squealing. When Cory showed her the ring, Star's eyes widened. "Holy crap! Is that for real?"
"I wondered that myself at first, since Greg pulled it out of a batch of toys with a metal claw."
Star laughed. "Seriously? Very imaginative, Greg. I'm impressed."
Greg shrugged, and nervously scratched his eyebrow. "Expect the unexpected. Now can we eat?"
They waited in a long line and once they were seated, breakfasts in front of them, Greg began speaking. "We have some things to discuss."
Wilson, Cory and Star all looked at him, and asked in unison, "what things?"
"Well, we're in Vegas, I thought we should just seal the deal right here and get married the old fashioned way."
Cory arched an eyebrow at him. "I'm not having a drive-thru wedding with Elvis, Greg."
"God no. I'm not that tacky. Nor do I take my vows that lightly." He reached into the inside pocket of his jacket and handed her a brochure. "I thought you might like this, instead."
Cory skimmed the pages and squealed again. "Oh my God! This is the coolest thing ever!"
"What is?" Star and Wilson inquired.
"A medieval wedding! We'd get dressed up and everything." She looked over at Greg, her eyes filling with tears again. "You'd do that for me? I know you must totally hate the idea of dressing up in some ridiculous getup."
Greg shrugged. "I'll admit it's not one of my favourite things but I'm only doing this once, and I knew it would make you insanely happy so..."
Wilson merely blinked at his friend. Who was this man, and what had he done with Greg House?
Cory threw her arms around his neck and kissed his face. "You are the most amazing man...and I love you..."
Greg kissed her back, looking a little embarrassed by the show of affection in public. "Your eggs will get cold," he said in a low voice, to which she let go and merely smiled in return before digging in to her breakfast.
Once they were done, they went to the desk to inquire about getting things set in motion. Apparently Greg had already put down a deposit, and he'd got the marriage license the day before so all they had to do was show up at 3pm to change into their costumes for the ceremony.
"Now, we have an appointment at the Luxor spa in twenty minutes," Greg told them, which led to more giggles and squeals.
"You hate the spa, House."
"You don't want a massage, Wilson?" Greg asked his friend. "After yesterday's long flight I could certainly use one."
"Well, as long as you're offering..."
"Isn't that a common pre-wedding activity?" Greg said as they made their way to the pyramid next door.
"If Greg's in a generous mood, it's best not to question it. He certainly was last night," Cory grinned, giving his arm a squeeze.
Wilson winced. "TMI, Cory."
"I want details," Star whispered in her ear.
X X X
After a mani-pedi, hot stone massage and then hair and makeup, Cory was more than anxious to get back to the hotel and get married. She'd been sipping complimentary champagne since noon and was feeling a very mellow buzz. On the way back, Cory stopped at a store and bought Greg a wedding band. It was a simple Titanium band, knowing he wouldn't want anything too flashy. He certainly wouldn't be expecting one and she wanted to surprise him for a change.
When they finally got to the hotel chapel, a lady named Carol was there to greet them and help them choose their outfits for the wedding.
"If Nicholas was a king, you should wear something fit for a queen," Star insisted, and picked out a white brocade robe with a white fur trim that would go over the white gown underneath. "Look, they have a matching robe for Greg."
"What if he wants something else?"
Carol shook her head. "We'll gently insist he pick this one."
"I can totally see him choosing this," Star nodded.
Carol then brought out a selection of crowns and tiaras for Cory to choose from, along with a massive amount of costume jewlery.
"This is like a fairy tale," Cory giggled as she shook her head in wonder.
"The man is crazy about you," Star sighed in envy. "Now if I could just find a man to love me like that."
"You will."
"Please! I'm already into my mid-forties. I think I'm gonna die an old maid."
"I highly doubt that. Besides, I think Wilson likes you."
Star started laughing. "Now that's an even crazier idea."
"We'll see. Stranger things have happened."
XXX
Properly massaged and relaxed, Greg and Wilson arrived back to the hotel chapel and Carol helped them choose their costumes. As Star predicted, Greg chose the matching outfit to Cory's and then insisted Wilson wear the outfit with balloon pants and black tights with ankle boots.
"I look ridiculous," Wilson muttered as he looked at himself in the full length mirror.
"You're my man at arms, you're supposed to. Nobody outshines the king," Greg said with a regal air of disdain, which Wilson could only laugh at.
"I think that tin crown has gone to your head."
"It's all part of the experience, Sir Wilson," Greg laughed. "Now go check on the women and make sure Cory isn't hyperventilating into a paper bag. And give her this," he said as he handed Wilson a note.
"Yes, your Majesty," Wilson bowed repeatedly as he left the room.
Cory was standing in front of the 3-way mirror, admiring her gown and robe when Wilson knocked. "Cory? It's Wilson. Can I come in?"
"Sure. Star, let him in."
Wilson took one look at Star in her red and gold gown and almost salivated on sight. She was simply breathtaking. But when he saw Cory, he was even more flabbergasted.
"You lucky old son of a bitch," he thought to himself about Greg. "Everything okay in here?"
"Yep. How's Greg?"
"The King's crown has gone to his head, but otherwise, he's...Greg."
Cory giggled and then handed Wilson the wedding ring she bought. "Hang onto this."
"You bought Greg a ring?"
"It was a spur of the moment. Do you think he'll like it?"
Wilson thought about it. "Yeah, actually, I think he will. It's simple, yet masculine. I think he'll be surprised."
"That's what I want," she smiled.
"Nervous?"
"Not really. Excited? Hell yeah. I've wanted to marry Greg for...God...more than twenty years. I'm more than ready to do this. I'm just shocked that it's actually happening. Because of our history I just never thought..." Then she found herself becoming a little emotional about the whole thing and she blinked the tears away.
Carol stepped into the room with three more flutes of champagne. "We'll be getting things underway in just a few minutes. I thought you might like some bubbly."
The three of them each took one, clinked their glasses together and drank quickly.
"I should get back to House and I quote, 'make sure he's not hyperventilating into a paper bag.'"
Cory laughed. "He did not say that!"
"He did," Wilson grinned as he opened the door to leave. "Oh, I almost forgot. He gave me this note to give you. I'll see you ladies shortly."
"Thanks, Wilson."
Cory unfolded the note and read it. It was in Greg's handwriting and the smiled.
"What does it say?"
She blushed and folded it back up before tucking it into her gown between her breasts. "It's private. Are we ready to go?"
"Ready when you are."
Wilson returned to the room where Greg waited, staring out the window in a daze. "Anything else you need? Food? More champagne? A getaway car?"
Greg snorted at the last thing and shook his head. "Just Cory."
"Then let's do this."
X X X
"I can't believe it," Cory sighed as she leaned against Greg's shoulder in the back of the limo. They were on their way to the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay for dinner and then they'd be heading back to their Honeymoon suite.
"What's that?"
"We're finally, actually married."
Greg fidgeted with his new wedding ring. It felt foreign to him, never having worn any rings before, and he couldn't stop staring at it.
"I always knew we would be. I just didn't think it would take this long. But as they say, shit happens."
"We're going to have a happy ending, Greg. It's kinda cool."
He merely smiled as he kissed his new bride, letting his lips linger against hers, tasting the champagne on her tongue. "Cuddy's gonna freak when I get back."
"You didn't tell her?"
"Nope. Only because I thought there was a slight chance you'd say no to getting married here. I didn't want to say anything until it was done."
"So optimistic," she giggled as she rolled her eyes.
"That's me."
XXX
Greg and Cory, both quite intoxicated, took the limo back to the Excalibur and as soon as they were outside the hotel room door, he unlocked it, and in one swift move, picked her up in his arms and carried her inside. "Greg, that can't be good for your leg," she protested.
"It's okay. I just wanted to carry you across the threshold," he said as he set her back down and closed the door. "It's tradition, after all."
"And now that you have..." she said as she took his hand and led him through the suite into the small bedroom area, "you can make love to your new bride."
"Mmm..." he said as he tore off his jacket and loosened his tie, tossing it across the room. "I think I'll save the making love until after I've fucked you good and proper."
Cory laughed as he advanced towards her, a vicious gleam in his eye that she rarely saw only when he was exceptionally horny or drunk. "Proper, huh? That I'd like to see."
"You will," he said as he pushed her backwards on the bed and pounced on her with a playful growl. "How do you want it, Mrs. House? Hard and fast or...hard and fast?"
"Both," she giggled as he tugged at the laces on the back of her dress, undoing them quickly and loosening them enough so the top slipped down to expose a white lace bra.
He groaned as he took one of her breasts in his hand and teased her nipple through the fabric. "My sexy, beautiful, amazing wife..."
"I love the way that sounds," she squealed as he unhooked her bra and tossed it aside. His mouth and hands were busy playing with her breasts as he pushed her back to lay against the pillows and then he began peeling the rest of the gown off her body until it landed in a heap on the floor. All that remained were her matching white lace panties and a white garter belt with silk stockings.
"Oh good God," he moaned as he looked her over. For someone in her mid-forties she was in excellent shape. Her skin was tanned and showed off her lean muscles beneath the surface.
"See anything you like, Dr. House?" she grinned.
"Mmm, good enough to eat."
"Don't tease."
"Who's teasing?" he said, his voice deep and husky as he lay on his stomach and spread her legs. Her intoxicating scent made his cock twitch and he quickly got rid of the garter belt and the stockings, leaving only her panties, which were quickly becoming quite damp. "I seem to remember...many years ago...this was one of the first things I ever did to you."
"Mmm...and you were just as good at it then as you are now. If not better...Oh God!" she screamed as his tongue flicked her very swollen nub through the fabric. "Oh God yes!" she hissed as he grinned wickedly up at her. He pulled her panties down with his teeth and tossed them to the side before grabbing her thighs and pulling her closer to his face.
"Good to know I can still make you scream," he whispered, his voice thick with lust.
"Only you," she gasped when his fingers teased her entrance as his tongue worked its magic. He brought her close to the edge twice, enjoying as she growled in frustration each time. "Greg I swear to God, if you do that one more time..."
He had somehow gotten out of his pants and boxers and he slipped effortlessly into her wet heat. "You'll what?" he chuckled, and then gave an additional thrust for good measure.
Cory yelped in surprise but then quickly rolled them over so she was straddling him and in complete control. "Wanna find out?"
"Yes please," he nodded, his hands rubbing her back.
She began to move with him and she set her own slow pace for awhile. But when Greg reached up again to take one of her breasts in his mouth, it was her undoing. "Oh God that feels so good..."
He bucked his hips against her, knowing that he was so close he was ready to burst. "Oh yessss..." he hissed as he exploded within her, holding her close to him.
X X X
Cory stirred a little when she felt Greg roll over in bed to face her. "We're legally married now," she sighed.
"Until the end of time," he murmured, his eyes still closed.
"It was hilarious the way you said that at the end of our vows, instead of what you were supposed to say," she giggled.
"I didn't hear you complaining, Miss Copy Cat," he smirked. "Besides, I don't think the Justice gave a crap one way or another."
"Probably not. He's probably seen stranger things."
"So...will you be calling yourself Special Agent House now?"
"Hmm, I haven't thought about it, but maybe. I've kinda made a name for myself now but I'll think about it," she smiled as he slid a hand over her hip and underneath the covers. "One thing I have thought of is us getting an actual house."
"What's wrong with the apartment?"
"Nothing, but I want us to start new. New life, new house, new everything."
"If you want a house, you can look for one. As long as it's close to the hospital and has a place for my piano, I'll like it."
"You're so easy," she cooed as she nuzzled his throat and nipped at his clavicle, a spot she knew he was a sucker for.
"Takes one to know one."
"I love you," she sighed when he moved closer and pinned her hands against the pillow.
"I love you too. Now shut up and surrender to your new husband, wench."
"Such a charmer too," she giggled as he let go of her hands and his arms slipped under her. He gripped her shoulders and placed hot kisses down her throat as he rubbed his erection against her.
"Mmm...someone's excited," he whispered between kisses.
"It's kind of hard not to be with you...doing what you're doing."
Greg grinned and very slowly slipped inside of her, all the way to the hilt and she moaned. "Oh...God!"
He pulled all the way out of her and when she opened her eyes again, he pushed back in. "You feel so amazing," he mumbled as he kissed her neck and her throat again, still moving slowly. "I love making love to you."
"I love it when you make love to me," she sighed as she arched her back and wrapped her legs around his waist to draw him in closer.
"So close already," he grunted as he began moving faster and thrusting deeper.
"Me too...harder..."
Greg grabbed one of the pillows and shoved it under her hips, raising them up just enough to hit her G-spot and send her screaming over the edge. He was soon to follow and once they came down from their post-orgasmic bliss, he gathered her up in his arms and they slept for the rest of the night.
XXX
Many years later - Normana Rest Home
"I'm tired," Cory sighed as she closed her eyes. The morphine was doing its job keeping her comfortable and Greg knew that once she fell asleep, she wouldn't be waking up. That's what she wanted, and he made good on his promise.
"Then go to sleep."
"If I do, I might not wake up," she warned.
"Welcome to my world," he smirked, which made her smile.
"I'm surprised you lasted this long, what with all the Vicodin you took over the years."
"I couldn't leave you a widow, now could I? Let some young buck snap you up? No way." He squeezed her hand. "All mine."
Her hand squeezed his back but the grip was weak and it made him a little sad. All their lives she'd been the strong one. But when she'd been diagnosed with Leukemia in her early seventies, Greg ended up taking care of her, not the other way around.
"I have no regrets," she assured him.
He nodded. "Me neither."
She sighed again and looked up. "I wonder what it's like there."
"Where?"
"On the other side."
"There is no other side. When you're dead, you're dead," he said simply as he continued to watch the stats on her screen.
"I like to believe our soul goes somewhere."
"Your brain will make you see some place you want to see. To ease the transition. It's all neurological and chemical. If you want to see angels and harps, that's what you're going to see after you take your last breath."
"What do you want to see?" she asked, turning her head to look at him.
Nobody had ever asked him that before, and frankly, he'd never thought about it. "Well, if there really is a place we go, wherever it is...I would hope to see you there, waiting for me."
Tears stung her eyes and she blinked them back. "I will be waiting for you, Greg. I promise."
"Then what?" he whispered as his thumb stroked the back of her hand.
"We could do it all again."
He nodded. "Remind me to choose someone else as my medical proxy next time."
Cory chuckled but it made her start coughing. A few minutes later she'd settled down and a nurse came in to check on her. When she left, Cory took a shallow, raspy breath in and let it out.
"Greg?" Her voice was no more than a whisper. "I'm going to sleep now."
"Okay."
"Don't leave."
He chuckled and gestured to his own bed, and the IV line he was hooked up to. "I'm not exactly going anywhere." He gave her a reassuring smile and watched her close her eyes for what would surely be the last time. Then all he could do was watch, and wait.
An hour later, Cory took her last breath and he sighed as an odd feeling of relief came over him. The fight was over.
The doctor came in to call the time of death. Then he turned to Greg with a questioning glance, who simply nodded and lay back against the pillow. He refused to let go of his wife's hand as he clicked the button on his IV. Then he glanced over at her. She looked so peaceful for the first time in years.
A slow smile crept over his face as he closed his eyes, knowing that he would be with her again. "See you soon."
The End
Songs that inspired this chapter:
The Gift of Mortality – James Horner (End scene)
Dedication –John Powell (End scene)