After Hours

by Magdalen-Rose

for bironic


Rating: PG

Pairing: JW/GH

Spoilers: Halfway through Season 2.

Disclaimer: Not my characters, no profit being made, nothing but respect intended.


It wasn't fair, James thought, absentmindedly rubbing the back of his hand across his mouth. His eyebrows were pinched together and his eyes felt grainy against the night.

"Try Cameron," House had said, shrugging one shoulder, leaning in over where James was sprawled across his desk, remembering only the remains of Julie – a note, a shoe under the sofa, a half-eaten chocolate bar in the fridge. "She'd love to comfort you. And you work with so many dying people." He'd furrowed his forehead and narrowed his mouth, leaning slightly forward. "She'll dig that."

James had kissed him then – fierce, sudden, eyes closed and hands clenched around House's face. His mouth had tasted dry and smooth - surprisingly - and his stubble had brushed over James' cheek. Hit me, James had pleaded, or kiss me back. Or walk away forever. Just don't keep doing fucking nothing.

James was the one who pulled away. He did it suddenly and without speaking, before pushing over an empty china coffee cup and grappling for the red tennis ball next to it, flinging the ball across the room.

"In that case," Greg had said, swivelling around and standing awkwardly, bracing one arm against the desk until he could get his cane under him, "try Chase."

The apartment was strangely light with the curtains gone, and the note still fluttered on the dining room table, unable to argue.