Author's Note: You like me! You actually like me! Anyway, thanks to those who subscribed, favorited, or reviewed the story. Especially those who did one or more. Also, I burnt my tongue by eating hot pizza. That stuff is dangerous.
Disclaimer: Again, don't own anything aside from the writing.
Summary: The story continues as the team solve their next case, while also trying to deal with the news they've just received.
Wilson had been standing in the cafeteria, waiting in line, when House had managed to pop up next to him. Yes, he already knew why House had left for lunch early. It was the same reason why he decided to take an early lunch himself. You see, Wilson had known what the team's reaction would be when House had told him. He tried to protest, but to no avail. House just wouldn't listen.
"Well?" The sudden question coming from House shocked Wilson into reality. He then looked up quizzically at House.
House rolled his eyes. "I asked, if you were thinking about what the new guy is like."
Wilson stared back blankly before turning to pay for the lunch. "Well, I guess. But you're probably just going to give me ridiculous answers instead of telling me anything, aren't you?"
A scoff erupted from the taller. They had gone over to their usual table and sat down. House began the ritual of eating his food and Wilson's simultaneously. Of course Wilson didn't mind. He wasn't hungry, there was just too much on his mind today.
House, of course, knew what he was thinking. He watched Wilson for a minute before deciding that some things are better left unsaid, and continued his meal.
A while later the team had finally managed to compose themselves. They were now just waiting for House to get back from his early lunch in utter silence.
When he did come in, everything was tense.
"Better? Well, let's get started on this case." He went over to the board where he had written the symptoms down.
"It's most likely to be a mitochondrial disease." Taub was the only one to speak this time.
"Run tests for the ones that fit the bill." House then moved over to sit at his desk. As the team began leaving the room Remy paused and glanced at him. House felt her glare and looked up, but as soon as he did, he found that her eyes had left him, and she had left the room. So he just sat there, staring at the door before slowly shaking his head.
It was only a week before the kid was released. The case was an easy one, and their first guess had been right. What wasn't easy was the fact that they now had a new employee to deal with.
House began by telling them that he would be here tomorrow morning. Then telling Taub to bring some of his favorite doughnuts. Of course House was the only one who seemed to be in the mood for partying. Everyone else was feeling more and more guilty.
Now they didn't know what to expect from the new guy. House hadn't told them what he was like, nor had they bothered to ask. Dealing with death was already enough trouble for them.
House had just concluded his little speech before getting ready to take his leave. Remy glanced at Eric, and Eric at Remy. And Taub, feeling left out, glanced from one to the other, and back again. After House stopped talking, they were all quiet, and just went home.