Title: Strike A Match
Chapter: 1 – The Spark
Rating: T – Contains content not suitable for children. Strong language. Slash.
Pairings: Wilson/Foreman
Disclaimer: I don't own 'House'. Probably never will.
A/n: 'The nurses go on strike and the doctors are forced to take over their shifts. Wilson and Foreman constantly find themselves working together, and, perhaps inevitably, work leads into something a little more special.'
I know I've got another fic going at the moment, but I have way more ideas for this one. Enjoy! Please read and review and give my poor little ship a chance!

1. The Spark

"They're taking strike action?" Chase repeated Cuddy's words.

The dean nodded, "They're not happy with the way they're treated. Oddly enough, most of them have worked under House at some point. And the rest are sympathizers."

House smirked. Cuddy noticed.

"It's not funny, House! They've demanded more pay, which we just can't give them!"

"So what're you gonna do?"

"Me? I'm going to watch you apologise to the crowd of nurses waiting in the lobby. I'm going to hear you say the words 'I'm sorry'. I'm going to make you swear you'll behave more like a human being in the future."

Cameron, Chase and Foreman looked at their boss, not at all curious as to what his answer would be, as it was obvious he would refuse.

"I refuse."

Cuddy had clearly been expecting this, too, "Fine."

House blinked, genuinely caught off-guard by this acceptance, "Really?"

"Yeah. We don't need the nurses, really."

"Exactly."

"We won't lose a thing if we lose them!"

"Well, Wilson's dating pool might diminish slightly, but…"

"OK, so no big loss. As long as you doctors can handle the nurses' work, on top of your own, I'm sure it'll all be fine."

As much as she wanted to see the murderous gleams in the eyes of House's subordinates, Cuddy knew it was time for her to leave and tell the rest of the hospital what House had done for them.

.x.X.x.

Wilson sighed and leaned his elbows on his desk, "I'm guessing House is behind it all."

"How did you know?"

"Cameron's moralizing can get pretty loud, and these walls aren't all that thick."

Cuddy smiled and started to walk out of the office, "I'll have the schedule sorted by tonight. Tell your buddy that if he doesn't show up to his own shifts, he can cover yours, too."

Wilson picked up the pen that was lying in the glow of his desklamp. He would usually have used this time to go have a late lunch, but, thanks to House, it looked liked his paperwork would have to take precedent over his need for proteins, vitamins and minerals.

"Not taking lunch at the cafeteria?" a gruff voice came from the doorway.

Wilson didn't look up, "Not taking lunch at all."

"Me neither." House replied, waiting just the right amount of time before adding, "Not now you won't be there to pay for it."

"Speaking of paying for it," Wilson said, looking at his friend for the first time, "Do you realize how mad Chase, Foreman and Cameron will be after a week of nurse duty?"

House's head tilted slightly to one side, "You left yourself out of the picture, there, Jimmy."

"Oh, you don't want to know what I'll do to you if I suffer because of this," Wilson replied, returning to his work.

"Don't threaten unless you mean it."

"How do you know I don't mean it?"

"You? Jimmy Wilson? Threatening?"

Wilson rolled his eyes, knowing full well House had made a valid point. He wasn't going to deny himself credit – he could be aggressive when he wanted to be. But it was usually only for something he needed, or for something someone else wanted; it could never be for something he wanted, it would just be too selfish for his nature.

"Can you cover for me on my shifts this week?"

"Absolutely not."

Of course, he could also be aggressive when it came to shooting House down off his high horse.