Author's note – Thanks again for the reviews & suggestions! Br1de-of-fr3ddy, evila-elf, White Pheonix, Bess, Wulfy, Rennie51, Tracy, Nikelodean, Godsbane, Moose, Forgottengargoyle, Ivory Novelist, bree1387, N. Beresford, Lauren, boredandhomealone.

Bess – Thank you for letting me know about the punctuation. I'm glad it was pointed out. I rarely punctuate my poetry (usually in italics), which I know it does make it difficult to follow since it's more my thoughts than conversation so I appreciate you reading! I hope you enjoy.

Wulfy – I hope you were able to access 6 & 12 since then.

Please read & review!

Chapter 15

House knelt next to Wilson, holding him with everything he had. Piercing pain still bellowing throughout his leg, he made no mind to it. All he knew right now is that he needed to help Wilson.

"Hang in there Wilson. We're going to take care of you," House told him. The paramedic was helping House get Dr. Wilson on the gurney. Not long ago, it being the other way around. House was filled with anguish as he saw his friend in so much pain.

Wilson once again tried talking. House put his hand up to him, shaking his head and said, "Wilson, don't." But again ignoring him he asked his friend not to leave.

The made it outside and hoisted Wilson up into the ambulance. House began to follow, trying with much effort to raise his leg up last. He swore lightly as he was agonizing. He had grabbed his medical bag as they left his apartment, which he reached into to get his stethoscope.

Gently unbuttoning his friend's shirt, he listened to Wilson's heart. Hearing his racing heartbeat made House flinch that his friend was not only in pain, but scared. House opened Wilson's eyes and shone a light into them in examination.

"I was supposed to be your escort tonight," Wilson whispered, barely audible.

"You're fired," House replied, grateful that his friend was still conscious. He opened up Wilson's shirt further as the ambulance shook.

"Sorry about that. You all okay back there?" The ambulance driver said as he ran over a bump.

"Thought that was…you driving," Wilson again whispered to House.

"Hey, I only hit bumps to jolt you when you talk too much," House said, again grateful hearing Wilson joke. "We need to figure out what's going on. How long have you been in pain like this?"

"Off and on," Wilson said.

"For how long?" House asked.

"A week…..just not this bad," Wilson said, closing his eyes.

As soon as he heard how long Wilson had been going through this pain, his heart fell. Not like he could talk, he wasn't being completely forward either. House proceeded with examining Wilson. He looked at the source of his friend's pain but found no outward signs of trauma. As House stood up to grab the thermometer, his leg buckled beneath him and he fell back down.

"Greg…your leg," Wilson said, coughing.

"What did I tell you about worrying more about you and less about me? I'm fine, Wilson," House told him.

My saving grace

Utterly unfounded

Leaving my presence to find your own

Until we meet again

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Cuddy was waiting outside with her arms wrapped around each other as the ambulance drove to the door. She ran over to them as they were opening the door. She put her hand on Wilson's arm, looking at Wilson, then House. "Greg! What in the world happened?"

"He collapsed. He's having severe stomach pain and vomiting blood. He had an anxiety attack just before it happened." Still wearing his sweatpants and T-shirt, House was explaining this to Cuddy as he got out of the ambulance and hurried off with them.

"Where's your cane?" Cuddy asked him.

"I sold it. Needed money for my meds," he retorted.

"Greg, you are allowed to take care of yourself you know," Cuddy said softly.

He looked back down at Wilson, only caring about him right now. When they got into the room, several nurses were waiting for them, setting things up. House began shouting orders for blood tests, x-rays and an ultrasound.

Quickly washing his hands, House grabbed the ultrasound wand and put on the gel. He gently lifted Wilson's hand off his stomach. "This is going to be cold," House began. "You know, like Julie." Still pissed off at her for what she did, he needed to bring some solace. House put the gel on the ultrasound wand and positioned it over Wilson's stomach. Looking at the monitor he examined all aspects of his stomach that could be causing the pain.

Wilson grabbed House's arm and closed his eyes. "Greg," Wilson whispered.

"Wilson, what is it?" House stopped his examination and bent over to hear him.

"Hurts," Wilson told him.

"I know James, we're going to help you." House told him.

"No. Hurts…to swallow," Wilson replied.

House felt his stomach hit the floor to see him in so much pain. And all he could think about now is how much he wanted to drink. Beleaguering himself for not focusing all his attention on Wilson, he forgot about his own issues and put the sides of the gurney up and began wheeling him out of the room for x-rays. "Hang in there, friend," he told him.

When he pressed the elevator button to get to radiology, Wilson whispered, 'thank you' to House.

"Tell me when I fix you. You can thank me with some extra meds," House replied.

Arriving at radiology, he pushed Wilson's gurney into the x-ray room when the technician took over. He turned around and limped over to the waiting area. Why him? He sat down and eased down onto a chair. Flipping through a magazine, he began sweating. Not now.

Let me be

Alive with sorrow

Don't take it away

Until we meet again

-----------------------

House held the gurney for balance as he quickly wheeled Wilson back into his room. He grabbed his chart and reviewed the contents. He looked down at Wilson, who had his eyes closed for the moment. Sacrificing his own discomfort for the sake of a friend. There was no way he was going to leave his side. The pounding force that was inside his body, wanting, needing a drink was going to have to subside.

As House stood next to his bed, Wilson slowly opened his eyes. The nurse was adjusting his IV which startled him.

"Hey," House told him, holding the side of his bed.

Wilson nodded his head. The look of comfort was on his face when he saw House, which pleased him.

"You know, if you wanted me to come back here you could have just said so," House said. Wilson smiled, which also pleased him. "Wilson, I need to do an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to find out what's causing the bleeding," House explained. "How long has it been hurting you to swallow?" House asked him.

"Awhile," Wilson replied.

House nodded as he looked back down at his chart. He was insistent on doing all the workup on Wilson. He wanted to be in charge to make sure everything was done exactly right. Wilson meant more to him than anyone else. As he was writing down more orders, Wilson touched Greg's hand.

"Your leg…you fell," Wilson said softly.

"If you ask me one more time about my damn leg I'll let the proctologist take over your case," House replied.

Wilson began coughing again, which concerned House. So many things were going through his head as to what could be wrong. He tried to think clearly so he could help him. "Wilson, I need you to sit up," House told him. He put his hand on Wilson's back and eased him up as he continued coughing. House took his stethoscope and listened to his lungs. "Breathe deep," he instructed. As Wilson breathed, his coughing briefly subsided. House slowly helped him lay back down.

As was instructing the nurse to bring the materials for the endoscopy, Wilson began coughing again. House limped back over to him and put a hand on his back. When he pulled back, there was blood on Wilson's hand.

"Dammit!" House exclaimed. "I need that kit, STAT!" As he lowered Wilson's bed and eased him back down, Cuddy walked back in.

"What happened?" she asked frantically.

"I need to get this endoscopy to find out what the hell is going on," House said, raising a hand to his head.

The nurse promptly brought back in the kit and House began his examination.