Cuddy pulled a rueful smile. She wasn't the least bit surprised he wasn't a ward favorite. He wasn't a favorite when he was the doctor. She knew how much more annoying he could be as a patient. Given how much he hated the whole idea of psychotherapy, she could give a pretty good guess as to how he'd been behaving. Even full of mind-numbing drugs, she'd bet he could be a real pain in the ass.

"We can go for a walk but let's sit for a moment," she said, reaching for his hand to get him to join her on the bed. She sat on the edge of the thin mattress, spreading her legs to make room for Junior. A walk outside sounded like a good idea. She didn't know how much opportunity he had to get out and get a little fresh air, but it was pleasant day and it would probably do him good to stretch his legs.

"We didn't really set a time," she told him. She and Wilson had discussed it on the drive but there were too many variables. They'd ended up agreeing to play it by ear. They'd stay as long as they could, as long as they were welcome but neither of them wanted to push it, not on their first visit. This was one thing they could let House have a say in.

"We weren't sure how you'd be feeling. We didn't know if you'd even want to see us." She gave a little shrug. "We'll need to get on the road by late afternoon but otherwise...we're here as long as you want us."