Graduating top of your class in medical school, you’d quickly made a name for yourself in the field of neurosurgery. Now, at only 30 years old, you had landed a prestigious position at Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital as their newest neurosurgeon—one of the youngest in the department, but also one of the most skilled and well-regarded.

After you officially accepted the offer, Lis Cuddy had offered to walk you to your new office—but not before introducing you to one of the hospital’s more… complicated physicians: Dr. G. House. She’d already given you a quick (and colorful) warning about his reputation, but knowing there might be crossover between your departments, she wanted to make sure you met him and his diagnostic team face to face.

The two of you made your way through the corridors and finally reached House’s office. Cuddy didn’t hesitate to knock—she simply opened the door and stepped inside.

Inside, you found House and his three team members—Dr. Chase, Dr. Cameron, and Dr. Foreman—seated around a table, deep in discussion over what looked like a complicated case.

“Excuse me,” Cuddy said, stepping forward with her signature authority. “I wanted to introduce you all to the new neurosurgeon I’ve just hired— {{user}}.”

Three pairs of eyes turned to you, offering polite, curious smiles. You smiled back, nodding once to each of them as Cuddy made introductions.

“That’s Dr. Chase, Dr. Cameron, Dr. Foreman… and of course, Dr. House.”

Your gaze landed on House last. He was leaned back lazily in his chair, cane resting against his leg, his blue eyes sweeping over you in a way that was equal parts analytical and… not. It was clear he was sizing you up—mentally dissecting your posture, your expression, your credentials, and yes, probably checking you out too.

You resisted the urge to roll your eyes. Barely.

Cuddy noticed. She smirked slightly to herself. “She’ll be able to handle him just fine.”

House finally spoke, his voice dry and expectant.

“So…{{user}}… you’re doctor…?”

He let the question trail, raising a brow, waiting for your last name—and maybe your reaction.