House held it in for almost an entire day. To the outside world, nothing showed through, he just had to smile joke and act like everything was okay. Something he had become adept at.
He sighed with relief as he approached the flat, turning the corner tightly; arms tired barely supporting him on the handlebars. Pulling up outside he let his head fall to his chest and slipped sideways off the bike, helmet removed and held loosely in the crook of his arm.
Silently letting himself into the flat he let out a low groan, finally at peace, finally.
Letting his heavy limbs drop the helmet and keys on the inside table, jacket slumped off shoulders, shoes removed haphazardly as he crawled towards the sofa collapsing with the weight of everything. The sunlight was warm and glowing through the bottom of his heavy blinds. House groaned again and let his heavy eyes close.
He sat unaware of time, until he was barely aware if he were awake or not. Nothing bothered him here, no whiney patients, no obligations, and no pressure. Here he could be alone, be content.
House opened his eyes at the sound of a key at the door; Wilson's jolly humming like traffic noise on a hot sunny day. He sighed and let his head fall back, Wilson bustling around in the kitchen, the smell of home cooking wafting through the thick dense air.
He kept his eyes closed until a hot plate was gently pressed into his ribs, Wilson's caring smile silent and comforting. House shifted a little eating slowly, concentrating fully on his meal.
When he was finished, Wilson took his plate away, again in silence quiet humming following him from the kitchen.
The younger man walk back and House turned his head, sombre expression revealing just how tired, how worn down he felt. Wilson's pleasant smile dimmed and he sat down next to his friend, tugging his arm a little letting the diagnosticians head slip sideways and fall onto his shoulder.
Comfort surrounded them like a thick fog neither wanted to break, the orange glow of the setting sun lighting patches on Wilsons face, making his chocolate eyes glow. House let his hand reach out and cling to Wilsons arm , the younger man shifting to allow him to lean up against him, warmth radiating between them as House finally let his eyes drop, his muscles relax and his mind fall into slumber.
Here he was content.