THE STORY IS MINE BUT THE PEOPLE AREN'T. PLEASE DON'T SUE ME. I'M SAVING FOR A PUPPY.
Second Opinions
Chapter 14: Hate to Love, Need to Leave
House turned to the roomful of people. "Graves Disease." He announced blandly.
A moment of silence, followed by a collective sigh of relief echoed through the room.
"Foreman, start him on treatment, you and Shepherd can stay and observe for the 36 hours. Then, provided there are no complications, we head home." House instructed.
At the announcement of the impending exit of the diagnostic team, several minds went into overdrive.
Izzie, who'd been conversing with Cristina about the possible transfer, froze at the realization that she had less than 2 days to make up her mind. She glanced to her right and her brown eyes met another pair of equally dark brown eyes.
Wilson said nothing, just held her gaze. He'd given her the opportunity of a lifetime, and the ball was in her court. All he could do was hope that she'd decide to make the trek east.
Meredith hadn't seen Chase re-enter the room and her eyes searched for him. He was leaning against the wall in the back, his eyes closed, head resting on the wall behind him. She liked him. She liked that conversation was simple with him. He understood her, understood her place, her situation. And if things weren't so screwed up, maybe it would have worked out differently…
She got up, wiping her palms on her thighs, knowing she had to explain herself to him. Explain that, if things were different, if he didn't live so far away… She banished the thoughts from her head. None of that mattered because none of it could be helped.
She came to a stop beside him. "Hey." She whispered.
Chase's eyes popped open at the soft greeting. Meredith was standing next to him.
"Hey." He returned, changing his stance, his arms folded in front of himself.
"Um… Do you have a minute? I really think we need to talk." She told him softly, hoping he wouldn't make this any harder than it already was for her.
He nodded and escorted her outside.
Before she even opened her mouth, he laid a hand on her arm. "I know, you love him, that's OK. I understand." He said, his voice soft.
She couldn't meet his eyes. "I hate it, you know. I hate that I love him. It would be so much simpler to just find someone else and move on. Someone like you." She admitted.
"Someone like me… Or someone like the vet?" He asked. She said nothing.
"Meredith… That's the point. It doesn't matter. No one else matters… Not as long as that other person exists. Even though you hate that you love him, you still love him. He loves you too. It's OK. I'm happy for you. I hope you find happiness in all of this." He told her, his voice quiet and his words genuine.
She smiled. "Thank you. I hope so too. And the same goes for you too. Happiness for people like
"Here's hoping." He responded dryly, earning a giggle from her. He stepped forward and pulled her into a hug.
"I really enjoyed working with you, even if it infuriated your boss." She said into his hair.
It was his turn to chuckle. "Please, that's half the fun." He muttered.
She laughed as well and they broke apart. "Take care of yourself." He whispered, squeezing her hand.
She smiled, squeezed his hand in return, and made her exit, heading off to her rounds, a slightly happier woman thanks to a certain Australian.
He watched her leave, and was surprised to find not a feeling of emptiness, but one of endearment. She'd be just fine.
He turned to find Cameron behind him, laden with their various computer bags and reference books, smiling softly.
"What?" He asked.
"House says we're heading back to the hotel to pack, then I think a few of us are going out for drinks. Are you in?" She asked.
"Sure.Why not?" He replied, grabbing a couple of books and one of the computer bags she'd been carrying and hoisting it onto his shoulder.
"Don't you want to invite Meredith?" She questioned.
Before he even answered, another person exited the conference room behind them. He turned slightly to see Derek exit, looking for someone… Meredith.
"Mate, she went that way." Chase said, gesturing down the hall that Meredith had just gone down.
Derek stopped for a moment, seemingly surprised at the bearer of the information. He nodded his thanks and took off.
"That was nice." Cameron told him quietly after they'd gotten off the elevator on the ground level, heading to the car.
Chase shrugged. "Right thing to do. Believe it or not, I do have the ability to distinguish between right and wrong." He said teasingly, nudging her in the ribs.
She laughed at his declaration, punching him in the shoulder. "Sure you do." She teased back.
"Whenever you guys are done flirting, I need a ride, clothes to pack, toiletries to steal." House snarked from his place by the car, leaning against it, twirling his cane.
Cameron rolled her eyes at him as she yanked the keys out of her pocket and clicked open the doors. Chase climbed in back and House took the passenger seat.
"Nice work." House said after several minutes of silence and double checking Chase, to be sure the man was actually sleeping.
"Thank you." She replied dutifully, not really reading too much into his words.
He was quiet again for several moments. "When we get back to Jersey… Maybe you could come over, cook me dinner." He suggested.
She laughed because she knew that would be the case. He couldn't cook to save his life. And after the fiasco that was their last dinner date, eating in was the best option.
She nodded her head. "I can handle that." She responded, bracing herself for some sort of sarcastic remark, but none came.
"Good." Was all he said.
We're getting to the good stuff…. Next chapter we find out what happens with Izzie and Wilson… Coming to an end guys…
Thoughts?