Adding Fuel to the Fire

“Alright Mr. Wilson, your lease has been approved. You can move in anytime.” a woman in a red blazer stated.

Once the key was accepted, he shook the real estate woman’s hand. Finally, there would be no more slumping from work to a hotel room. Sure, keeping appearances would take getting use to again, but it was no different than if he had moved in with House. Now that he finally possessed the key; he had to get to work. There was no longer the feeling of worthlessness from living inside a hotel with his salary; instead he would be living in a house that fit the profession. This would be a fresh start, making up for all the rotten luck. All that was left to do was check out of the hotel and pick up his belongings after work.

The walk back to the car had been a blur. Before he snapped out of his blissful thoughts he was already sitting in the driver’s seat. Letting himself take a few moments to let the fact sink in, he inhaled deeply; it was difficult recalling being happier in this past year. Before he could lose himself in the moment, he placed the key inside the ignition and drove toward the road that led to the hospital.

A few miles away sat another man letting the facts sink in. Greg House sat behind his desk alone, rubbing his temples. Earlier that morning, before the sun even had time to rise, his apartment was set ablaze. The clothes on his back still had the faint scent of smoke lingering in the fibers. True, House never held material items dear; still, all his shoes except the ones on his feet were now ash. Not to mention the minute collection of photographs he kept locked away in a box melted. Everything he ever had was lost, minus one cane and the clothes on his back. Blue eyes staring aimlessly in the distance, he couldn't even think of what to do next.

Wilson strode into the hospital and signed himself in, two cups of coffee in hand. During this high all he wanted to do was share the joy with his best friend, assuming House even bothered to come to work on time. He rushed toward the elevator as fast as possible with two smoldering drinks in each hand. Inside, Wilson leaned back and forth on the heels of his shoes. Hopefully House wasn’t busy, more likely the team was off fulfilling his orders. As the elevator flew open, Wilson hastily walked over to Houses office. Once he reached the glass door, his smile faded. Something on House’s face seemed troubled; his friend looked as if he was looking right through him. Calming the ecstatic grin on his face, he turned his body to hoist the door open with his backside.

House stared up, noticing his boyish buddy pushing his door open with his butt; too bad Cuddy hadn't been there to use her boobs; that would have brightened his day. Quickly, a smirked covered the look of concern that previously showed on Houses face. A free cup of coffee would suffice for now.

“Good, you’re here, now the coffee won’t get cold.” Wilson stated, setting the coffee on Houses desk before sitting in the chair on the opposite side and sipping his own drink.

House emitted a mumble which Wilson took as a thank you as he lowered the cup to rest on his lap. The thought of his thanks made Wilson smile, but it went unmentioned. The disgruntled gimp raised his own cup, sucking some of the heated liquid to slightly numb his lips. The more the fire lingered in his thoughts, the more House wished there had been a shot of bourbon in the cup. Pulling the cup an inch away from him, he stared at the man in front of him, eyes piercing with worry but a smirk concealing what his eyes gave away.

“So, what’s with the spring in your step? Did little Jimmy actually score? Someone from intensive care this time?” he asked taking a second sip.

Wilson almost choked to the comment, but he covered it by clearing his throat. Still the smile remained on his face;nothing could bring him down. Right now he was basking in the glory of his pride. For the first time in years he no longer had the burdening thought of losing his house. The home was his, not a wife’s or a girlfriend’s or even House’s; just his. Instead, he gave a small chuckle to the comment, pulling Houses chain to the possibility of being correct. After he got a sudden surprised glance from House, he decided to end the joke and answer.

“Not exactly, but getting there shouldn’t be too challenging. I just bought a house, I’m moving in once I get all my things and check out.” Wilson replied, sipping through his grin.

“How much did you pay for that room anyway?” he asked, passing the chance to congratulate Wilson.

Bringing up that old place gave House an idea, do as Wilson did. Wilson gave a curious look to the question, but House just sipped his drink innocently, acting as if it was a casual question. It seemed to be the best solution to his problem, someone else cleaning up after him; reminding him of Wilson. Not to mention any annoying raps on the door from suits trying to sell him something. Of course he would have to hide his vicodin; surely the cleaning lady could find interest in them if he wasn’t careful. Watching Wilson intently for an answer, he watched his friend stop mid consumption before setting the cup down.

“Why would you need a hotel?” he asked with a puzzled look.

“The building’s being fumigated, some tenants complaining about roaches and leaving me deprived of porn for a few days.” House explained, leaning back in his chair.

It seemed to make sense, so Wilson didn’t think twice about it; instead he thought about the old place. Aside from the shame, it was a pleasant room. House would probably not mind living there as much as he did though.

“Well…it was one hundred and nineteen at Hampton Inn Princeton, you got a king bed, a computer with internet, a kitchen and a shower.” Wilson replied, eyes shifting from the ceiling to House.

With the smile falling from Houses face, he pushed his chair upright to grab the coffee. Wilson must have been an idiot to pay that much for a room, but then again he had been treating it like a house in itself.

“I’d be better off in some cheap motel…” he replied, sipping his coffee more awkwardly. “Don’t worry about it.” he mumbled.

Even if his friend did owe him, after letting Wilson crash at his place after being thrown in the doghouse, he deserved a few nights in a house. Mostly, he worried about Wilson finding out about the fire; the last thing he needed at the moment was pity. Plus, it was best if one of them stayed enthused, as he was use to being the one moping.

Wilson's look was anything but satisfied. Motel rooms were dingy and usually were located in dangerous areas of town. He would never say it aloud, but he felt unsettled at the idea of his best friend who could barely walk living in that type of neighborhood. A slight shiver ran through his spine before he shook off the image. Shaking his head, he declined Houses suggestion and smiled lightly. A smile was hidden behind Houses coffee cup; getting his way always made him smile.

“Just stay with me for awhile. You helping me unpack will help make the place feel less empty.” Wilson replied, leaning forward slightly.

“Yes, have the poor cripple unpack your heavy boxes.” House replied, raising his cane slightly.

Once the offer was given, House wanted to get Wilson to beg him to stay over. He knew Wilson cared about him; a perfect thing to use to his advantage. Even so he was still weary of accepting the jester; still wanting to keep his misfortune under wraps. The look on Wilson’s face seemed to catch his interest; he had that serious look as he tried to get House to stop joking around. It rarely affected him, but it did show him Wilson was being serious. Wilson wanted to make up for all the times that House took him in when he was down, not to mention it would provide him with some company for a few days. It wasn't like he had a family to share the place with. If he was going to clean, it might as well be because of his friend.

“Come on House, my place is better than some motel. Not to mention it’s free, the kind of deal you just don’t turn down.” he replied.

For the moment, he wasn't in the mood to beg. He really wanted House to stay with him, but begging would bring him down from his high. Besides, House seemed to respond better to reasonable logic rather than force or pleas. Raising one of his brows, Wilson leaned back waiting for Houses response. There was a look of triumph in House’s eyes, the deed was finished. He still worried over Wilson finding out the truth, not only did he not take to lying well (especially in times like this) but there was also the fact that he didn't want Wilson’s pity. This way, House knew whether Wilson really wanted to be with him or if he was doing it out of obligation. Sure, it seemed to be an unhealthy way to find out if someone cared about you, but there were plenty of things about him one could consider unhealthy. Closing his eyes to take another sip of coffee, he finally set it away from him, growing tired of the constant sipping of the small hole.

“Fine. After all, why pay for it, when I could get food, a TV and other sources of entertainment…” House responded, there was a small pause while a suggestive grin made its way across House’s face, “for free.” he added meeting eyes with Wilson.

Of course his little comment was merely for amusement, still something in Wilson’s eyes made him question if he actually struck a nerve. Wilson’s heart skipped momentarily, he could hear the pounding in his ears, but he wasn’t sure why. Maybe it was his gut picking up the subtle hint of Houses joke, but that was impossible. House wasn’t gay, hell he wasn’t gay! It was probably one of Houses numerous sources of torment, similar to the time when House placed his fingers in a glass full of warm water as he slept. “Well…you would get two out of three free, or else you will be paying for that hotel room.” Wilson stated with a smirk, not letting the awkward feelings rise to his face. House, on the other hand, still had a questioning look in his eyes, trying to read what was really going on in that head of Wilson's, but instead just settled for a light smirk in response.

“Well… I better get to work.” Wilson replied, standing from his chair. Now a smile covered his face, he was just glad to have convinced House to stay with him. Maybe now neither of them would be as lonely, and not having to admit being lonesome made it all the better. “After work, just follow me on your bike, but not too close.” he stated with a grin, trying to brush the tension off his shoulder.

House just smirked, not really saying anything. Instead, he tried to focus on the image of Wilsons face after the statement. Once James pushed the awkward moment aside, it was easy to find the hilarity of his friends’ reaction. He watched as Wilson made his way out his office and over to his own next door. Spinning in his chair, he contemplated a way to preoccupy Wilson. If he even got near a television he might run across the coverage of the fire the night before. This was a problem. Wilson’s routine could blow his whole cover! He had to do anything possible to prevent Wilson from taking interest in daily events. Then something from the corner of his eye caused a spark to erupt in his thoughts.

Outside his office passed a nervous intern he recognized him from one of the classes Cuddy dragged him into teaching. He was a nerdy sort: a kiss ass and willing to do anything to avoid confrontation; it was like Chase when he was in high school getting beat up by fat kids. With a cheshire grin reaching ear to ear, House scooped up his cane and limped hurriedly toward his door. The man was already halfway down the hall before he heard a shout. After nearly jumping out of his scrubs, he turned to look at one of the most intimidating doctors in Princeton Plainsboro.

House simply raised a brow before smirking, with a jerk of his head he retreated back to his room. Hopefully all those years of medical school taught him to recognize a hint. Before he could even turn around, the younger male had scurried into his office and stood there silently before speaking up.

“Y-You wanted to see me Gre- I mean, Dr. House?” The nameless shrew asked.

“Nice catch, that will get you far; but be sure to call Lisa Cuddy ‘Jugs’, she loves to hear that at lunch.” House stated, but decided to skip the jokes after receiving a blank stare from the intern. “Nevermind. I need you to follow Dr. Wilson for the rest of the day. Whenever you see him about to turn on a television, I want you to interrupt him. I don’t care what reasons you come up with, just stall him and if he so happens to even get the cooking channel, you will be answering every single question I ask next class.” he threatened.

“But D-Dr. House..I have rounds and if Dr. Cuddy catches me-me off the job I could get into real trouble.” he replied in a stammering tone.

“Well then I suggest you don’t get caught. Trust me, Cuddy’s all bark, but I am all bite.” he sneered before snapping his jaw slightly; the clicking of his teeth seemed to get the message across. Without another argument, the intern rushed out the door at the word go. House was alone again, smiling to himself as he walked back to his desk. Nothing to do now but lean back and let the day begin.

Going over his files, Wilson prepared for his day consumed with numerous checkups and a surgery at two. For the time, he was consulting a patient about an increased dosage of her usual medication; normally this wasn’t considered positive news. As of now, she was stable and not showing any signs of a dangerous progression, but a new dosage would be best. Scribbling his name across a script, he handed it to her to take down to the pharmacy down the hall. Sighing to himself, he placed the file on the table and reached for the remote. After pointing it subconsciously toward the television, he continued to view a separate file in front of him. He didn’t even need to glimpse up to see it was on the correct news channel.

The startled intern finally located House’s point of interest, seeing he was too late. Quickly, he dashed into the room and scooped up the remote, cutting off the reporter as the screen shot to black. Even though James had only been selectively listening to the man on the news, he did pick up the sound of silence falling over the exam room. Looking up, he saw a squeamish boy standing in front of him, awkwardly gripping his arm. He glanced back and forth between the boy and the television. No matter how rude it seemed, Wilson pasted a smile on his face and turned to the boy, even though the aggravation showed in his brow.

“May I help you with something?” he asked, figuring it had to be important.

“Yes um…I was wondering if you could teach me about bedside manner. I mean..I have mostly been working under House since I got here and well..I just..admire the way you deal with patients. Sorry about the TV.” he replied, rubbing the back of his head with an apologetic look on his face.

Taking a deep breath, Wilson closed the file in front of him. Unfortunately, he did have a leeway waiting for his next check up. It was impossible to turn away a future doctor to return to be educated about something as baffling to House as compassion. For the good of his oath, he had to donate his time. Still, he was curious about what the news had to say for the day, but there was no time for television. This was going to be a long day for sure.