Disclaimer: As always, I do not own House MD, any of the characters or any of the other things in here whose ownership you might question. Though, I really would like to own Hugh Laurie …

A/N: Hello, all! So, here's my new fic (as I told those of you reading 'foetus' it would be). So, this story is frankly more 'heavy' than any I've ever written, but it just sort of popped into my head and, in two days I wrote 10 000 words for it … so I figured I might as well start posting it.

I hope you like it! Reviews, as always, are very welcome, but if you're just reviewing to flame, don't bother.

Also, the title comes from the Rascal Flats song 'Stand', just because the lyrics make sense with the story so, if you want to know what the story will be about, go ahead and listen to it. But, don't worry, this will not be a 'song fic', as far as I have planned, the title is as much a reference to the song as I'm going to make although, that might change at some point.

Oh, and the rating on this, as with all my fics, is going to be a 'T' because, really, if we consider the kind of stories some of the 13/14/15 year olds on here are reading (and writing, for that matter), I don't think this deserves and 'M'. Anyway, I'm putting the warning on here that this has 'serious' and 'violent' parts in it and may not be suitable for those who don't like that sort of thing. I warn you, this will not be a fluff-fest, but it will have some happy parts and will be Huddy in the end (as always :D). If you really think this should be moved up to an 'M', feel free to PM me at any point and I'll change it.

Anyways, Enjoy!

STAND

prologue

At her wedding, on that damned day, he had arrived late. Some would say on purpose, some would blame it on the aura of chaos and disorganisation that surrounded him, but either way, whatever the reason, he had. And if you asked him, he'd gladly tell you that it had been on purpose.

Because, that way he ensured that she'd have to meet his eye at least one more time before saying those two words. She'd have to look into his eyes again and think about it all again. What had happened between them, two nights after she'd accepted her soon-to-be-husband's proposal, what had been said while all inhibitions were down and alcohol was fuelling their actions.

And she had met his eye, she had, as all heads turned towards the scruffy, dishevelled doctor with the three-day beard and bags under his eyes, turned to him, her hand clasped firmly by her fiancé. And the look in her eyes had been sadness. At least, he knew it was.

After that, he went pretty much unnoticed, except by Wilson, the best man. The oncologist had been the one to introduce the couple, his old high-school friend and his boss. That apparently was enough to earn him a place next to the 'happy' couple at the altar. And there he stood, in his place, dutifully smiling, yet, House knew, his best friend was keeping an eye on him.

She knew how he felt, he'd told her that night, and she'd told him. But in the morning, she'd just up and left. Like nothing had happened. After that, for the three months preceding this day, she had known, but she'd ignored it. It was typical of her, actually, safety over adventure, security over danger, want over desire, like over love.

And so the 'I do's' were said and they walked down the isle, congratulations flying at them from all sides, except from that last seat by the door. From there, they only got a look, a look that warned them that they were making the biggest mistake of their lives. Rather, that she was making the biggest mistake of her life.

But still, from that day on, his college love and future boss, Lisa Cuddy, became Lisa Chambers, the wife of a millionaire businessman who kept money coming to the hospital and provided her with all the safety and security she'd ever dreamed of.

TBC

Yes, it's short, but I already have chapters 1, 2, 3 and possibly even 4 lined up for you guys, so tell me if you want it and you may get a new one as soon as this afternoon :D

Thank you for reading!

Please leave a review!

CJS-DEPPendent