Chapter 6

Disclaimer: I don't own House or any of the brilliant songs listed. Wish I did though.

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"Unc!"

Danny ran towards Wilson and grabbed onto his leg.

"Hey buddy, looking forward to the zoo today?" Wilson embraced Danny in a hug.

"Penguins! Daddy said you would buy me one if I made a sad face." Danny said as he grinned at Wilson

Wilson looked at House, disapprovingly.

"It's not my fault that you're such a sap Wilson" House walked into Wilson's Condo carrying Danny's rucksack.

"Medication, he's taken his tablet this morning but needs one at lunch. His waterproof coat is also in there with a scarf and gloves just in case and a change of clothes. Don't lose Teddy! I will personally hang, draw and quarter you if you do"

Wilson took the bag from House and handed Danny the teddy that he had bought for him when he was born. He ran off towards the sofa, excited about going to the zoo.

"Danny, come here." House called out. Danny ran towards his Dad with teddy in arms and hugged him tight. After ruffling his hair, House released him and headed for the door.

"House." Wilson grabbed his arm and stopped him in his tracks.

"Send my love to Jen" Wilson added softly. House nodded with a soft smile and closed the door. He walked to the car and set off on his hour long drive.

As he drove, he couldn't stop thinking about the night before and Danny's request. Did he do the right thing? He was a clever boy but was still only six years old. Danny asked about his mum occasionally and House would tell him stories of when he and Jen first met or when Dan was a toddler and used to run circles around Jen as she tried to get him to eat his food. But he never asked to go and see his mum. He knew that when he started school that he would get more curious about his mum. Seeing all the mums at the playground coming to pick up their children. Or when they talked about their families. But Danny always seemed content with House. He drew pictures of his family. It sometimes included him and Wilson and sometimes it would be him and his mum in her wheelchair with Danny by her side. He always took those to Jen and hung them on the walls. His mind drifted off to when he had to pick Danny up from school one day. The usually quiet and timid boy had managed to get into an argument with a redneck boy after drawing House and Wilson.

6 Months earlier.

"Mr House, Mr and Mrs Williams, your sons seemed to get into some sort of disagreement during art and Danny pushed Johnny off of his seat." The principal of the local Elementary school sat across from both the parents and the boys.

"First of all, it's DOCTOR House and secondly I want to know exactly what happened." House said sternly, twiddling his cane.

"I do apologise DOCTOR House." The principal said, emphasising the Doctor. "But your son's actions broke Johnnys thumb. That type of behaviour is unacceptable. You must understand that we have to take this very seriously."

House completely ignored the principal and turned to a shy looking Dan.

"What happened Dan?" House asked sternly. But secretly he trying to suppress a smirk.

"I'm s-sorry dad, I didn't mean to. Johnny called you and Wilson f-faggots. I asked wh-what that meant and he said you deserved to die in hell because you were gay" Danny seemed on the verge of tears but he remained strong. He had learned to be strong from being young. House was slightly proud of his son.

He turned towards the parents of this 'Johnny' kid. "Is this true?" The father, who was overweight and wore a baseball cap turned towards House.

"We always taught our son that children should be brought up in a family with both a mother and a father. We don't believe that Homosexuals should be allowed to raise children. It goes against God's will." The father said, trying to show who the alpha male in the room was.

'So they're that type then' he thought.

"Mr Williams, this school does not accept prejudice of any kind and Johnny will be punished for his words"

The father was fuming, obviously unaware of the fact that his sons words were inappropriate. The mother, however, seemed embarrassed by the whole situation and leaned over to her son.

"Johnny, what have I told you about keeping what we say at home between ourselves"

"It's not Johnny's fault that the mother was obviously a tart and abandoned her child to faggots, Janet!" The man, who House had labelled as 'the neo-nazi' was outraged that a child belonging to two men was even allowed into this school.

House grabbed his cane, knuckles turning white in defence. "Daniels mother and my wife is not a TART. What happened to Daniel's mother is none of you arrogant arseholes business but she is seriously ill." House turned furiously to face Johnny. He couldn't remember even standing up. "The person in the picture, little Johnny, is Daniel's Uncle. However, even if we were gay, it wouldn't make a difference. I think you two need to both teach your son and yourselves some manners and join the 21st century like the rest of us. "

The principle sat in absolute shock, left paralysed by the whole incident. She had never had to deal with parents so arrogant in her whole teaching career. She did partly agree that children should be raised by a man and a woman but had nothing against homosexuals and had to remain impartial in her views. After regaining her voice back, she tried to take control of the situation.

"Please Dr House, Mr Williams, calm down." She turked to face Johnny. "Johnny, did you say that to Daniel?" Johnny nodded his head. " Thank you Johnny for admitting this, but you will have to be punished. Daniel, for acting out, you will have a one day suspension for breaking Johnny's thumb and then break time detention for the rest of the week. Johnny, I will be suspending you for a day as well but I will follow this up by in school compulsory counselling for an indefinite time period where you will be doing work involving equal rights. Mr and Mrs Williams you are both dismissed and please take Johnny home."

Johnny and the neo-nazis left the office. The principle turned her head towards House and Daniel. Daniel looked distraught by Johnny's and his fathers words.

"Dr House, I wasn't aware of the situation with Daniel's mother. If there's anything I can do to support Daniel or yourself, please let me know."

House rose from his seat and went to take Danny's hand, which Dan fully obliged. "We don't need your pity thank you very much. I think you and your school has done enough." With that, House and Daniel left the office.

"Are you mad at me dad?" Danny sniffed. House stopped and bent down as much as his leg would let him. He took Daniels hands in his.

"No Danny I'm not, I'm proud of you for standing up for your mum and me. But next time don't use violence. You have my brains kid. Just use your words to diffuse the situation." They got in the car and played hooky for the next two days following Dan's suspension.

House was glad that he had gotten his son out of that school. Johnny's punishment didn't work and he continued to bully Daniel. Daniel had been left in tears, confused and upset by the boys words. It was his mum after all.

—

Wilson made Daniel a snack and then they set off to the zoo. He got Daniel buckled up in the car.

"So Dan, I guess you're in charge of the radio again."

"Yep! Under pressure!" Danny squealed. Wilson was glad that he wasn't like his niece who insisted on listening to wheels on the bus on repeat for 2 hours straight.

"Good choice Danny! Bit of Freddy and Bowie!"

"Yay!" Danny exclaimed.

They arrived at the zoo and soon Wilson was blackmailed into buying ice cream. It wasn't particularly warm but for some reason, that kid had a craving for vanilla ice cream. Even if it was December, Danny would always choose ice cream.

"Look Unc! Peng'wins!" Danny screamed and dragged Wilson to the penguin enclosure. Penguins were Danny's favourite animal.

"Do you think that Happy Feet is in there?" Daniel asked with child innocence.

"Maybe Danny, But he has to keep a low profile. Being famous and all" Wilson replied.

"Mmmm, can I have a Peng'win? We could surprise Daddy!?" Wilson chuckled. 'House would love that' he thought sarcastically.

"Maybe a toy penguin Danny. These Penguins are all friends you see. You can't break them up, that would be mean"

"We could take them all then!" Dan was jumping up and down, with a big blob of Ice cream on his nose. 'Damn his logic' Wilson thought.

"What about if we buy two toy penguins and they can be friends" Wilson tried to bargain. He definitely wasn't going to invade House's place with a pack of Penguins.

"Okayyyyy" Danny sulked, admitting defeat. He loved Penguins, they were awesome! They reminded him of his dad. Always hobbling around and indifferent to the world at large. But at the same time looked out for their own.

—

"Hello Doctor House, she's waiting for you. Been excited to see you all week." Billy got on with Greg. They both shared a mutual respect for each other.

"Hey Billy, how she been doing?" House asked as he signed in.

"She had the sniffles a few days ago but the Doctor said it was nothing to worry about as it seems to have passed. She's missed you though. Feel free to head up." Billy thoughtfully said whilst gesturing to the hallway.

"Thanks Billy; also just call me House. You've known me long enough" House left Billy to it and headed up to Room 15 with the portable keyboard and the picture of Daniel. He slowly opened the door and snuck in. Jen was in a white blouse and a long black skirt, which House had bought her for her birthday last year. She couldn't wear jeans anymore due to the arthritis. She used to always wear jeans and a t-shirt. She was that type of girl.

He made his way slowly towards the table, putting down the heavy keyboard and joined Jen at the window.

"Hey Jenny, it's Greg." He said softly. He put his hand slowly out and touched her arm, trying not to panic her.

"Eggggg" she looked so happy to see him. It gave him butterflies to see her smile. She curled up her hand and House obliged, slipping his hand into hers and giving it a soft squeeze. House went to pull up the blanket up that seemed to have slightly fallen down and wheeled her wheelchair to the table. He set the keyboard on the floor and brought the chair to sit next to her. He slipped his hand back into Jen's and smiled. He looked into her chocolate brown eyes and saw the same unconditional love and trust he had seen years ago.

"So Billy told me you've not been feeling too well?" House said softly. Jen startled at loud noises so he always kept his deep voice low and calming.

"Mmm icky" Jen tried to nod ever so slightly. House knew it was probably just hay fever from the flowers in the garden, but he always worried it might be something more. He will check Jen over later for himself. He needed reassurance.

"Well maybe these pictures will cheer you up." He reaches into his backpack and pulled out some recent photos of Daniel. He showed her the one in his school uniform.

"This was when Dan started his new school on Monday. I told you that he's been moved up two grades haven't I?"

Jen slowly lifted her arm up as much as possible so her finger tips touched Danny's face, stroking it.

"Dannnn?" She said with hope and a sparkle in her eyes.

"Yes it's Danny. He looks smart in his uniform doesn't he? He's getting older everyday Jen. It's getting harder everyday. We both miss you. We both wish you were home with us." He looked down at the floor, trying not to cry. What Daniel had said really hit home. He couldn't stop thinking about it.

"Egggggggg" Jen held her arms out to reach Greg. Greg gathered her up in a hug, supporting her head. He loved it when Jen could read him. Jen had lost the ability to do this for everyone else apart from Greg. They both seemed to have a sixth sense when one of them was upset. Even before the accident, Jen always knew when Greg's emotions were near breaking point. Even if they weren't with each other at the time.

He stroked her long, brown silky hair and held her tight. After a few minutes, he whispered "I'm okay Jen. I'm okay. Are you okay?"

"Mmmm Jen 'kay." He held her for a little longer. Just enjoying her scent and warmth in her embrace. He slowly placed Jen back into the wheelchair.

"I've started teaching Dan the piano. Next time he comes to see you, he could play you some."

" 'iano"

"Yeah the piano. Do you remember when you used to play and Dan came and sat next to you on the bench? It was the only way to get him to sleep sometimes." House nostalgically smiled. But Jen didn't seem to understand him. That was the way most of the time but he still talked to her about the old days. Maybe something would resonate and trigger something. He knew it was unlikely but he still held hope.

"Hey, why don't we play some songs on the piano hey?" He stroked her hair and then picked up the keyboard.

" 'Iano, Egggg". The sparkle returned again to Jens eyes.

He placed the keyboard on the table and placed Jens fingers under his. He slowly pressed on top of them, playing a soft, unrecognisable tune. She loved it when he did that. He assumed that it was the feeling of the keys underneath her fingers. Maybe it triggered something in her. She was always so happy when she had played the piano.

He released Jens fingers and went into playing various pieces. From Beethoven to Bach. And then The Clash to The Jam. They were both in their own little world, united by the sound of music greeting their ears. He ended with the Rolling Stones. He sang the words to 'You Can't Always Get What You Want'.

"But if you try sometimes, you get what you need"

Greg glanced over to see that Jen had fallen asleep against the head rest, her hand lazily slopped in his lap. He stood up and paced a bit to get rid of the cramping in his thigh. He took two Ibroprofen and then hobbled back to Jen's wheelchair. He placed his cane against the table and wheeled Jen over to the bed. As much as he would love to be able to lift Jen into the bed, his leg would give out on him. He pressed the call button and Billy arrived two minutes later.

"Can you lift Jen into bed? She's fallen asleep." Greg whispered to Billy.

"Course Doc" He came over and lifted Jen gently into the bed. He started to adjust the leads but house stopped him.

"Don't worry Billy, I can do the rest."

"No worries" and Billy left the room. Greg went over to Jen and reconnected her central line. He pulled out his stethoscope and thermometer out of his rusack. He always brought a basic medical kit to check on Jen. He warmed the stethoscope and placed it against her chest. There was no sign of crackling in the chest. Her temp came back normal as well. He set his stuff down and carefully positioned himself on the bed next to Jen. He held her tight while she peacefully slept in her custom made bed. To House, if he closed his eyes, it felt almost like they were at home and everything was like before. Jen was just sleeping. That's all. She would wake up and they would take Danny to the park and then watch a movie together when Dan was asleep. Everything felt normal.

An hour later, he gathered up his stuff and leaned over and kissed Jen on the head.

"Sleep well sleeping beauty, I'll see you soon. Love you Jenny"

With one last glance towards his wife, he closed the door to room 15 and hobbled away. He wondered how much Danny had managed to drive Wilson up the wall.