After the thrill of her first week at Princeton-Plainsboro, Madelyn spent her weekend working on her research proposal for the NMA conference. She began her research with clinical diagnostics, then emergency medicine, and finally landed on medical toxicology and addiction medicine. She had to consider reasons from her past that have influenced her decision to pursue a career in medicine, which further lead her to addiction and toxicology topics. Her reflections showed her addiction-ruined mother. 

Her mother wanted great things for her daughter, but failed to be Madelyn's role model in how to achieve them. Madelyn's relationship with her mother could be explained and examined by her experiences growing up, but also by biology, diseases and everything else she's learned in becoming a doctor. The best research, Madelyn thought, is a blend of knowledge, passion, and experience, therefore, it seemed this was the perfect route to take. 

Early in her second week of work, Madelyn had pieced together the beginnings of her research proposal: an outlined process, some resources, and her personal statement. She held it in the small grasp of her hand, and entered House's office. 

Immediately, the light beaming through the windows warmed her face as she walked towards House's desk, her eyes aglow with sunlight and adrenaline. As she turned the corner, she was met with the woody and fresh musk of his cologne, and she saw House sitting at his desk reading. 

She felt her heart beat harder, but proceeded towards his desk where she found herself standing before him. Whatever he was reading, he was engrossed in it, so Madelyn stood patiently until he was ready for her. After about two minutes, she cleared her throat to which House's icy-blue eyes raised to her. He set down a magazine that Madelyn came to realize was a porn issue, which she couldn't resist grimacing at. Her heart felt to frozen, and sat in her chest like a boulder; House's eyes glazed over. 

"Dr. House, is now a good time?" 

"I don't know, is it?" He replied with his usual tone. 

"I have my research proposal, and I was hoping you might have time to look over it quickly?" 

"You want me to look over it quickly? That doesn't sound productive, but you could definitely just ask Chase to do that." 

Madelyn exhaled, "No, I meant if you're busy, you could just take a glance." 

"Busy? Never." House answered, adjusting his reading glasses before reaching for the blue folder in Madelyn's hand. 

Madelyn watched as her boss scanned the text, hoping it was good enough for his approval. Even though she was still getting to know House, she had already developed respect for him as both her boss and as a doctor. Therefore, she trusted his opinion. So, whether or not House liked her proposal, Madelyn wanted his feedback. 

She stood before him fidgeting with her jewelry a little, and looked at all the little things that lined on his desk. He liked these figurines that looked somewhat ambiguous, he liked music for there was both a small stereo on his desk and a larger record player in the corner of his office. She wondered what kinds of music he liked, and if they were similar to the music she liked. Just then, House tossed the folder back to her without a word. She looked blankly at him, waiting for any sort of comment. 

"So?" Madelyn said apprehensively, confused. House's eyes looked contemplative. 

"It's just an outline, right?" House replied. 

"Well, yeah, but I thought you were willing to give me some feedback?" 

"Sure am: start over." House stated, monotonically, sounding almost annoyed. 

"Why?" Madelyn asked, desperately seeking thorough advice. 

"You need to dig deeper." He admitted nonchalantly.

Madelyn handed him the folder back, and he opened it and pointed to a certain paragraph. He began reading her section that asked her the reasoning behind her chosen topic. Madelyn walked behind his desk, and stood beside House, leaning over him a little. 

House read aloud: "It is with passion, courage of conviction, and strong sense of self, that I believe I am fit to research the role of toxicology and addiction in medicine. As the product of a child that lived in a home with an addict, I know firsthand that addiction is both a cause and effect of that which only medicine can explain." 

"What?" Madelyn asked, "is it too personal?". House scratched at his beard, 

"It's not what you wrote, but what you want to write about." House told her. "I know making the research somewhat personal is considered a plus, however, you've clearly gone the easy route." 

"What do you mean?" Madelyn questioned, her voice taking a higher pitch.

"You're claiming to know this topic inside and out. Pick something else... something that is going to prove more challenging." House instructed. 

"Dr. House, with all do respect," Madelyn said trying to stay calm, "but in no way is this topic the easy way out, where my drug-addicted mother is concerned." 

"Please, drug-addiction is about as common as the flu nowadays." House retorted, turning his chair to face Madelyn. 

"Oh, so that must include you right?" Madelyn responded, crossing her arms. 

House stared at her, looking her up and down. He reached for his cane that leaned against the side of his desk. He then he stood up, standing before his new employee. House was significantly taller than Madelyn, and she couldn't help but feel a little bit intimidated when she had to lift her head high up to look at him face to face. His gaze, on the other hand, didn't break. 

"What are you implying, Gilmore... or should I say Madelyn?" House asked curiously, and almost smiling. Madelyn rolled her eyes, and said

"I'm not blind, Dr. House. I'm not obtuse either; I see you popping pills down your throat all throughout the day. I know you're taking Vicodin, I know you're taking way too high of a dose, and I know that you're addicted." 

"You're so polite, please, not around me," House said, acting coy, "Really, just be yourself."

"If you insist," Madelyn said taking a deep breath in, "You should get help before it's too late. My mother waited too long, and now she basically has no chance at recovering, let alone resuming a normal, independent life."

"You have no idea what it's like, until it's you." House responded, his voice husky and somber. His eyes sunken with a broken gaze. Madelyn watched as he began walking past his desk and towards the door. She stopped him in his tracks, and said

"And you know nothing about me, House. Don't pretend that you do." 

House watched Madelyn stand up for herself, and he was undeniably impressed. He liked that she was feisty, and confident. He liked that she was genuine, or at least putting up a convincing facade that she was. He knew everybody lies. 

"You're right about that. But that's what team building day's for." 

"Team building day? Doesn't seem like your style." Madelyn chuckled. Opening the door to exit, House winked at Madelyn saying

"Well, I guess you don't know all that much about me either, Gilmore."