The Gentleman Caller, Pt 2

[allthingsdecent]

I do so regret not calling this story Regret. . . - atd

Clifford West sat in at a corner table at the Patterson Coffee Shop, looking slightly out of time and place in his tweed jacket, with his wool fedora hanging from a nearby coat rack, reading the New York Times business section, and sipping on a mug of coffee. He shifted in his seat nervously

Comments

[suzmum]

I read this, very quickly, in between two meetings yesterday, and so it's an incredible treat to come back to the second installment this morning. Each of the little tableaux is so delicately drawn: the interaction between West and Cuddy; the scene on the balcony; the totally incredible scene between House and West; and then the final DDX. Each of these scenes provides us with more insight into the characters, and are so much fun to read

[oc7ober]

Is butterfly farting the new rainbow puking?

[gnortn]

Regret would have been an apt title for this part. Clifford's regret at missing out on his son's life, House's regret at leaving it to the last day to meet his father (and of failing Cuddy), and Cuddy's regret at breaking up with House.

However, since the common thread throughout this fic and the instrument of House and Cuddy's reconciliation is Clifford West, the 'Gentleman Caller' also works.

Also, one doesn't want House to be left with the feeling of 'regret' even after the death of his father, which leads nicely to the finale.

Loved Cuddy's explanation of what drew her to House. It also explains why she is the love of House's life: because she loves him warts and all.

And that DDx, where was that when Cuddy got sick? Thanks for that scene too.

[surviva_chick]

You've got such a talent for dialogue, mate. I enjoyed reading Cuddy chatting with Clifford SO much and he is an OC! It's very in character to let Cuddy agree to meddle in this, after all House always was and always will be the most interesting guy to her (or anyone for that matter, ha!). I loved the description of House's personality that you let Cuddy elaborate, it's so spot on, such a nice choice of words too.

“And maybe you can go fuck yourself.” Then he added sweetly: “For me.” - This wasn't supposed to turn anybody on, right? Right....

I like how House is investigating Cliff in their conversation, and vice versa most likely. This is as nice as it is heartbreaking to read and yet it perfectly meets House's story of his life. He always makes the wrong decisions first to waste an awful lot of time but in that case time is the enemy that can't be defeated.

“I have my period,” Thirteen said. - This is a riot xD