Fix the joint

Note from the author: This story has been inspired by a personal series of events in which Wilson will be playing my part. I just started writing this down, let me know how it works or doesn't work. If it's boring or out of character please let me know. I plan on continuing, this is only the first chapter.

Wilson is always one for keeping up his appearance. His daily look includes a dress shirt, tie, dress pants and shined dress shoes. The lab coat complete with name tag and pocket protector displays the stereotypical doctor image. He makes great contrast when standing next to House, with his sneakers, jeans and t-shirt under a sports coat.

Being the best friends that they are they share things that aren't public knowledge, but that doesn't mean that they don't have secrets. House is more introverted than Wilson, but Wilson has been keeping something from House, something that he's known about since childhood. House will find out when it's time for a change.

Anomalies bug House and Wilson wearing sneakers to work definitely qualifies as such. Considering that Wilson blow dries his hair and admitted that he cares about how he looks, he rarely wears sneakers let alone wears then to work. He just doesn't think that they're professional enough for the workplace. He understands why House wears them. Besides not caring about his appearance, he needs a stable shoe due to his walking restriction.

So when House saw Wilson that morning in unfamiliar footwear he began the inquisition. He met him in the hall and they walked together to the elevator.

"Nice kicks. What's the occasion?"

"No occasion."

The door opened and they entered.

"There's always a reason."

Wilson gave him a look. "That's what you think."

"So you're not denying that there isn't a reason."

The doors open again and Wilson exits first.

"Saved by the elevator."

House exited after him. They were headed in opposite directions so House called to Wilson's back, "This isn't over."

"I know." Wilson planned on filling House in once he had decided on a plan of action. When that plan would form he wasn't quite sure.

He knew he had to do something about his situation when he arrived home and his feet hurt despite wearing sneakers all day. There were many things to still plan before he scheduled the surgery. For one he lived by himself. So he would have to either have someone stop by every so often or stay with someone because being on crutches makes it hard to be self sufficient. Thinking further he came to the conclusion that he would need someone to stay with him. Between pain and pain management he would need another set of hands.

It was pretty late when House stopped by. Wilson was in the middle of searching the internet and the hospital links to find some short term in home care when he heard that knock. Checking his watch and discovering that it was later than he wanted it to be he answered the door.

"What was the delay? Watching porn are we?"

"No." He said with a yawn. "Researching on the internet."

"Oh, then its internet porn. Yea that keeps me up late too."

He let House into the apartment and Wilson followed him in.

"You know, you're disgusting sometimes."

"Old news." Wilson sat down next to House and put his bare feet up on the coffee table. He was wearing pajama pants and a t-shirt. House picked up immediately on another anomaly.

"You aren't wearing socks."

"You're right I'm not." He yawned again. "Big deal?"

"You always wear socks."

"My house, my rules."

Wilson rested his head on the back of the couch but House continued to stare at Wilson's feet. Finally he got it and put it all together. The sneakers, the research.

"You have bunions." Wilson's head snapped up and looked at House.

"Yes I do and please don't say that word."

"What? Bunion?"

"Yes." He made a face. "I hate that word. Makes me think of old people."

"So that's why you wore sneakers today. Your feet hurt."

"You got it."

"And the research?"

"Short term in home care for after surgery."

It was House's turn to make a face. "What?!"

Wilson returned the look with one of his own. "I can't do it all by myself. I'll need an extra set of hands for at least a little while."

"Do my hands look broken to you?" House was a little defensive.

"No…I just didn't think…"

"You didn't think I could or would do it for you. I may be an ass but this ass is also your friend." House got quiet. "Stay with me if you want." He said in a small voice. There was a stillness between them, Wilson was thinking.

Wilson responded, "Alright. We haven't had some quality time in a while."

"Yea we can be Vicodin pals. Both of us hopped up on drugs watching Sponge bob."

"Sounds great." Wilson paused. "Why did you come over here anyways?"