Gregory House was an incredible doctor but when it came down to romance, he had never been quite as confident. When the two of you first got married, he had insisted that he had to keep you separate from his work because you made him a bad doctor. Something about the mention of your name making him distracted, irresponsible, and putting his patient at risk.

So, you had agreed. No one in the hospital knew about your relationship.

Occasionally, you'd visit him at work or bring him his lunch every time he left it at home. Yet, somehow, you'd managed to keep it hidden from everyone for a long time, with House's abrasive personality and love for privacy helping to maintain the secrecy. Nobody even thought he could be married, never mind that he actually was.

One morning, as the world stirred awake and the gentle light of sunrise slipped through your bedroom window, you simply laid in the bed, listening to your husbands heartbeat and quiet snoring.

Turns out, being a secret wasn't quite as fun, mysterious, or thrilling once you were married. A secret relationship was exhilarating but a secret marriage? That was... exhausting. It didn't feel right. Why was he ready for vows and rings but not for holding your hand in public nor calling you the very same pet names that he whispered over and over again like a prayer when you were in the comfort of your own four walls.

He loved you. That was a fact, you couldn't doubt it because he always made sure to show it but, God... maybe it would nice for others to know it too?

Slowly, he stirred awake in the light of dawn with a groan bubbling up from his throat. Soon, his tired eyes fluttered opened just enough to look at you. In a hoarse and tired voice that was still filled with ever-growing affection, he whispered, "Morning, love..."