Key

By Lomeinie

Rating: G
Spoilers: Up to Season 4 finale Wilson's Heart and AU after that
Summary: Cuddy is entrusted with something she didn't expect.

Disclaimers: I don't own House or anything associated with it. No money was made from this so I expect not to be sued!

A/N: This is unbetaed and is part of the Happines verse although it can stand alone.

0o0

"My flight leaves tonight but there were some things I need to take care of before I left." The words Because I won't be coming back went unsaid between them. Wilson nervously rubbed the back of his neck with one hand even as the second one produced a key from the depths of his pants pocket. "I'm not gonna need this any more."

Cuddy looked at the key but did not take it."Is that a key to. . ."

"House's apartment yeah."

"Are you sure you should be giving that to me?" Cuddy asked. "You never know how things could change in the future after you've had a chance to grieve and you've both had some time to come to terms with what happened."

Wilson sighed looking not angry but lost, "Even if I wanted to take another chance with him and set things back to normal as they ever get with House, I doubt he'll be willing to give me a second chance. Once you've crossed the point of no return with him that's it, there's no going back. Ever."

Cuddy wanted to press the issue further but then she looked into Wilson's eyes and saw the anguish in them. She sighed then held up her hand open to accept the key from him. "I'll keep this until if and when you're ready to take it back."

Wilson's eyes were bright with unshed tears, "As things stand right now and given how much it hurts to be anywhere near Princeton, I'm not sure that day will ever come."

Cuddy nodded, saying quietly "I understand." She was fighting tears too because he was a friend as much as House and she hated seeing them in so much pain.

Wilson cleared his throat, "Anyway I should go. I have a few things I still need to get done."

"All right," Cuddy said and pulled him into a hug, "Take care of yourself, James."

Wilson fought to keep his voice clear but it still cracked with the two words "You too." He pulled away from her, pausing long enough to kiss her forehead softly before quickly making his exit from her house, thinking one last thing he couldn't bring himself to voice loud.

And please take care of House too.

-- end