(Thank you all for the kind reviews. I'm so glad you liked the last chapter and now, without further a due here's the next one. Thanks again, Wicket forever)
Several hours later after things had calmed down a bit, the three remained in the living room but were now joined by Cuddy and Blythe who remained silent while taking in the scene before them.
"You know, it suddenly occurs to me that we've been talking for awhile and I still have so many questions I want to ask you."
"Careful, Jimmy."
Choosing to ignore the harmless joking from his friend, Wilson met Henry's gaze and the older man did his best stifle a laugh himself.
"What would you like to know?"
"Well, for starters where did you grow up?"
"I was born in Europe but we moved to the United States when I was five years old, specifically Cambridge, Massachusetts."
"Have any siblings?"
"Unfortunately, no."
"Where did you meet Blythe?"
At this question, both House's parents couldn't help but smile at one another as the memories came rushing back to them in waves.
"She was the first person I met when I started school. Through the years we grew to be close friends and even went to the Spring Formal or prom as you folks call it today, together."
After this was said the warm expression that had been covering Henry's face was replaced by one that was completely unreadable.
"After graduation, we didn't see a lot of each other but kept in touch through letters and phone calls. I was living on a naval base in Lexington New Jersey and she was still living in Mass but we didn't let that stop us."
"When did you know she was the love of your life?"
This question was difficult, considering the amount of time they had spent apart but still, despite this, Henry knew the answer.
"I think I always knew, there are some things in life that are always there no matter what and time can never change that."
Now, it was House's turn to ask a few questions. They had already discussed them in some depth privately but he wanted to talk.
"Where in Europe were you born?"
"You already know the answer to that question Greg but, since your friends do not I'll humor you. I was born in London, England."
"Odd, you don't have an accent."
"This is true, but I suppose its because I came to this country when I was very young and after awhile the accent sort of melted away. However, I suppose if I ever were to go back there, it would be as though I never lost it and I'd be using terms like yanks, chuffed to bits and of course, ballucks."
As this question and answer period continued there were certain taboo subjects that were obviously not be mentioned such as the war and Henry's disappearance during that time.
Until Henry broke the code of silence and furrowed his brow.
"I know what you really want to know so go ahead, I am not afraid."
Wilson knew this was venturing into dangerous terrain but he had been offered a free pass. What could be done.
"I'll start with the easiest one first. (sigh) Why did you join the war effort?"
"The marines offered me money and a free education in exchange for my services as a pilot."
So far so good.
"What was your rank?"
"Throughout my career I had been through all denominations but the last one I had achieved and keep to this day is Lieutenant Colonel."
The final question Wilson was about to ask stemmed from his own curiosity which meant that it could either go very good or very bad depending on whether or not he had the guts to ask it allowed. The oncologist first looked to his left at House then to his right at Cuddy then finally back at Henry who sat nonchalantly nursing a drink while crossing his arms in anticipation. The older man held himself with so much grace and dignity that Wilson found himself cowering in his presence.
"Wilson, is there anything else you'd like to know?"
The room seemed to hold its breath at that moment as the air was silent while everyone waited for Wilson's response. It was obvious what he was thinking but no one had the heart to chide him about it, not even House who usually would have been the first one to break the silence with a sarcastic remark of some kind to break the tension. This time the diagnostician merely remained silent while waiting with the rest of his friends and family.
"No, that's everything. Thank you."
"Not at all. Any friend of Greg's is a friend of mine."
That's when House finally spoke with his voice rich in humor and irony.
"Which is interesting seeing as I only have two."
*************************************************************
The next day, Cuddy and Wilson did their best to avoid House all day. They could tell by how the evening had ended with the game of twenty questions which James had so delicately orchestrated that there would be hell to pay if any of them crossed the diagnostician's path. Unfortunately, Lisa lost that battle at around lunch time when House barged into her office looking for Wilson who had mysteriously disappeared from the hospital grounds.
"I appear to have misplaced my best friend. Have you seen him?"
Doing her best to fain confusion at this comment, the dean of medicine shook her head while attempting to continue to do paper work without interruption. House had noted this right away and made it clear as he limped over to the desk.
"By the way your so brilliantly trying not to look me in the eye I'd say your lying."
"I didn't say anything."
"Exactly my point. If you really hadn't seen Wilson you would have kicked me out the minute I walked through the door but since I'm still here…"
That's when Cuddy folded while putting her work to the side and meeting her employee's gaze with a sigh. She had hoped this conversation could have waited but now, there was no other choice.
"He felt bad about last night."
"Why because he made you drive home?"
"No…about how he acted in front of your father."
Hearing this caused a small smile to spread out across House's face as he now understand perfectly and spoke in a slow, calm tone.
"I don't blame him for that. Actually, it was to be expected."
"What do you mean?"
"This is one part of my life, my past that Wilson didn't know about and now he thinks he has to control it, understand it in a way he never could."
"He's your friend."
"So are you, and yet you've been distant throughout this entire process which is good. Its normal for you to keep your distance behind your title as Dean of Medicine which means you can't get involved in the personal lives of your employees."
Which is not from lack of trying
Cuddy smiled to herself as this thought ran through her head. If only House had known…
"Have you tried the cafeteria?"
"Yes, and it was empty except for some idiot patient who was trying to score a date with one of the nurses by showing off his scars. (Pause) If I thought that worked I would have tried it years ago and then sued him for the rights."
"Well, besides his office which I assume you've already checked, the last place Wilson would go to be alone is…"
"The roof."
*************************************************************
Meanwhile, Wilson paced back and forth across the cement covering the hospital's roof and reveled in the silence. If he had known what this place had to offer he would have come up here a long time ago. House had always used the roof to think and now it appeared he had passed the same routine down to his friend without even realizing it.
Unfortunately, just as the oncologist was about to make himself comfortable seated upon the ledge looking out among the bright lights of Princeton, the door opened to reveal an all too familiar man with a limp making his way outside.
"I thought I'd find you here."
"I came here to be alone."
"Yeah, well I guess that plan back fired didn't it?….We need to talk."
