Just Another Sunday in May

Part One

House was heading home to the loft riding the Repsol after a long day at PPTH. He had decided to take the bike, since it had turned out to be such a nice day. Wilson had a short caseload and had left early, he'd told House he had some things to take care of. House took the long way home, enjoying the ride and the warm breeze as he sped down assorted side streets until he reached his destination. Unlocking the door to the loft he noticed it as soon as he entered. The clean, pine smell overtook him right away. House also noticed how neat everything looked. Yes, Wilson did like to keep the place in order, but this was much more so than was usual for him. The carpet was spotless. There were flowers on the table near the plasma screen. And there was a table with matching chairs in the kitchen. Where did that come from? Was Wilson planning a hot date tonight? Was his best buddy holding out on him? House pondered the thought as he headed for his bedroom. As he entered the door way he found Wilson, changing the sheets on his bed.

" Damn, I was hoping for the SpongeBob sheets instead."

"They are on back-order, will these do?"

"Wilson, what the hell are you doing? What about that new cleaning lady you hired?" House watched him finish making the bed, putting everything just right.

"She starts next week. Wanted to get a jump on things. It is May, just doing some 'spring cleaning'."

"And where did that table and chairs in the kitchen come from? Expecting company?" House winked and nudged Wilson with his elbow.

'It's called a dinette. Nora is thinking of selling it. Told her we'd try it out for a few days and let her know if we were interested in it. "

"You sure you don't have a 'hot date' with that new nurse in Ped's? I saw you looking over her 'assets' in the hallway the other day."

"As I remember it, YOU were also 'looking her over'." Wilson couldn't help smiling , she was attractive. "And no, we do not have a date, hot or otherwise. Just wanted to clean this place up a bit."

"Looks fine to me. Now why don't you put down your pretty pink feather duster and join me for a beer? New Yankee Workshop on the Tivo. Talk about first class entertainment."

"Beer sounds good." Wilson glanced at his watch and looked a bit panicked. "Damn. It's later than I thought. I need to run…an errand. I'll be back in an hour or so."

"What's your hurry? Is there a sale at Bed, Bath and Beyond? Don't want to miss that!"

"Very funny House. " Wilson paused before he continued. "If you must know, I promised the Patterson's I'd come back to the hospital to help celebrate Kyle's ninth birthday. You remember him, my latest lymphocytic leukemia patient?"

"The kid who beat me on Guitar Hero in the cancer ward? I was robbed!"

"I will let him know you want a rematch as he opens his gifts. I better get moving. Oh…" Wilson stopped for a moment, then headed for the kitchen and opened the oven door. "There are stuffed peppers warming in the oven. Please House, leave them there til I get back. Then we can have those beers with dinner. And try to keep the place clean. I will see you later. Gotta go.."

"Be careful driving Jimmy. And be home before midnight." House laughed to himself as Wilson left the loft.

Keep the place clean. Maybe short sheet Wilson's bed? Too much effort after a long day at the hospital. He decided to get a head start on the beers and limped into the kitchen. As he opened the fridge he noticed a card and envelope on the counter. He picked it up and smiled to himself. Leave it to Wilson, he never forgets these things. It was a Mother's Day card with an appropriately sentimental verse only Wilson could find. At dinner tonight he would get House to sign and address it and then Wilson would mail it so House's mother would not be forgotten on her special day. Not that House would forget, he always called her. But cards were not his thing. If it wasn't for Wilson he'd never remember to send one. He couldn't believe it was May already. Wasn't Mother's Day on a Sunday? Just two days away. 'It must be next week' , House thought to himself. Wilson was the human date book, he never forgot important days during the year. House put the card back on the counter so Wilson could present it to him when he got back. He took his beer, planted himself in a burnt orange recliner and decided to watch Blackadder on the Tivo, he needed a good laugh.

After the second episode of Blackadder, House went for another beer. Wilson was late. And he was getting hungry. He opened the oven and took in the aroma of Wilson's stuffed peppers. Damn they smelled wonderful. Just as House was about to totally ignore Wilson's request and raid the dinner, he heard the front door open. He shut the oven door and limped toward the loft entrance. Wilson better have a good excuse for taking this long. Did he hear two voices entering the apartment? House knew he did because one of them was definitely female. And that female voice certainly sounded familiar. House stopped in his tracks when he saw Wilson and his guest. It explained his best friend's strange cleaning frenzy earlier. And the stuffed peppers already prepared for dinner. The woman with Wilson smiled softly and gave House a hug. House smiled back and looked at her kind face. He took her things, and gave Wilson a questioning look before he spoke.

"Hi Mom…."