Reconciliation
As Wilson opened his eyes in the recovery room the first person he saw, perched on the edge of the empty bed beside him, was House - and he smiled weakly. It was something of a relief to Wilson that he should be the first person he should see, although he'd never been able to completely bring himself to believe that House would abandon him at a time when he needed a friend more than ever before.
"How are you feeling?" House asked.
"Sore…"
"Well if you will go cutting out chunks of your vital organs." House remarked, a failed attempt at sarcasm…
Wilson could tell that his friend's heart wasn't really in it, as he fidgeted around awkwardly on the bed, suggesting that either his leg had seized up or there was something more that he wanted to say, but couldn't think of how to say it - and as he was showing no sign of experiencing any more pain than usual Wilson thought it best to wait, and allow House to say what it was that was troubling him, when he was ready to do so, and how he chose to express what was on his mind. It didn't take long.
"I'm sorry." He finally sighed. "I didn't mean what I said."
Wilson frowned.
"I was scared of losing you…" House elaborated. "As if it wasn't obvious, I didn't want to end up alone… and then I got to thinking, would you do the same for me if I was dying?"
"Of course I would." Wilson exclaimed, rubbing his abdomen, and grimacing with this sudden gesture. "You're a self important, arrogant, stubborn, infuriating git at times House… but you're also my best friend, and I'd give a lobe of every organ I had if I thought it could save your life."
"And then I got to thinking… I'm a selfish ass Wilson, you've already sacrificed almost everything you have for me; your marriage, and risked so much more; your career, your reputation, your friends… I had no right to say what I said to you, what's more I had no reasonable basis for it… except fear… and fear is totally irrational, not a reasonable basis for anything."
Wilson sighed, rolling his eyes in a dramatic gesture, although it was all in good humour. He realised that House was doing his best. "I've never looked at it that way before, but now that you put it like that, you really know how to kick a man whilst he's down House."
"I'm not very good at this, I know… I'm sorry." House sighed apologetically, feeling somewhat frustrated by his inability to successfully communicate what he wanted to say. "But I figured I owe you one."
Wilson nodded, reaching out his hand to cautiously touch House's arm in a gesture of reassurance that he'd said the right thing, and was somewhat surprised when House reached over to squeeze Wilson's hand sympathetically – smiling.
"Thank you." Wilson smiled, before closing his eyes, and allowing the medication to carry him away gently into a peaceful slumber – content in the knowledge that finally House had done the right thing.
