Chapter 4

Wilson walked into House's office "Hey, you want to get some lunch?" He enquired.

House looked at his watch then back to Wilson.

"You have an appointment?" Questioned Wilson

"Nope, just didn't realise it was lunch time" He said getting up from his chair, scooping his jacket and cane and walking to meet Wilson. They were soon walking side by side to the elevator bank. As Wilson had no coat or keys House assumed they were going to the cafeteria. Well at least he could get a Rueben.

They took their food that Wilson had paid for and found a table. Wilson began to eat his straight away but noticed that House wasn't. He was sipping his drink while rhythmically massaging his now straightened leg. Saying nothing Wilson continued to eat his food although a little more slowly and kept one eye on House.

"You ok?" Wilson gestured, already knowing the answer he would get, having seen House take 2 Vicodin not 2 minutes ago.

"Yep. Raining makes it worse" He said finally stopping and eating his Rueben which was now cold, just the way he liked it.

"So, how's everything going, haven't seen you for properly for a few weeks" Asked Wilson

"Fine" Deadpanned House.

"Seen anything of Cuddy lately" Enquired Wilson

"Yes Wilson, I see her every day. She happens to be my boss" He countered.

"You know what I mean" Said Wilson quietly looking around.

"No! And like I said, that should never have happened. It was a onetime event. Never to happen again" He said readying to leave.

"Hey, look, sorry, don't go. Sit back down you haven't finished" Said Wilson apologising "So how's your patient?" He said quickly, hoping to engage House again.

"Living" Said House, sitting back down to finish his sandwich.

"That's always a good sign" retorted Wilson

"Yep. Which means, I can actually go home and sleep in my own bed tonight"

"When was the last time you did that" Wilson said genuinely concerned.

"I don't know, if you count the one night stands and the hookers, about a month" He said sarcastically

Wilson almost choked on his fries and started laughing. He had definitely missed this. House also had a grin on his face. "Seriously! I can't remember the last time I slept at home" Wilson raised his eyebrows, he knew House gave a lot to his patients but he didn't always realise it was like that.

House continued as Wilson looked on curiously. "Well I've had 2 patients in 3 weeks, so I must have gone home in between" He said laughing. "Need to put in for some overtime"

"No, you know, you should get Cuddy to deduct if from your clinic hours" Suggested Wilson

"Now that" Said House pointing at Wilson "Is actually a good idea" They both laughed and finished their food.

They parted company at Wilsons' office. House limped passed the diagnostic office and into his own. Just as he did his office phone began to ring, which was odd, because no-one ever called that phone. By the time he sat down the phone was still ringing so he picked up the

Receiver "What?" was his greeting.

"Is that Dr House" Enquired a male voice

"Well that's whose number you called" He said sarcastically

There was a slight hmph on the end of the phone "Dr House, you referred a patient to me by the name of Jonah Schwartz" Getting no response he continued "My name is Dr Scott, I'm a Rheumatologist in Philadelphia"

"Right" Said House still not quite understanding. "So, what do you want?" He asked impatiently.

"We have done multiple tests on Jonah and he doesn't have a Rheumatoid condition. But he is still in pain and unwell. But I don't know what's wrong. I was hoping to refer him back to you"

House realised who he was talking about. That was very strange, he was sure that's what he had. "What tests have you run?" He said with mild interest

"Everything. None of his results are conclusive with a Rheumatoid condition, he has mild elevations but that's about all. I can't treat him for anything. So I thought that as you were the referring Doc you could have him back"

House rubbed the back of his hand over his forehead. He really didn't want another patient right now. "How bad is he?"

"He's stable. Some of the meds we prescribed are working for him. It's not life threatening at the moment. So he could wait a little while"

House was silent for a moment, slightly relieved that he didn't have to jump straight in. "Fine, I'll have one of my lackeys call you and set it up for next week sometime."

"That'll be great, thank you Dr House…."

House ended the call before he could say anything else. He leant back against his chair, washed his hands over his face, he really need to go home and get some sleep.

He looked around his desk, gathered his belongings, chucked his backpack over his shoulder and limped heavily to the interlocking door. "One of you contact Dr Scott he's a Rheumatologist in Philadelphia. That kid Jonah is coming back"

13 looked up from her paperwork. "What hospital" She enquired.

"No idea. I'm sure you can figure it out! I'm going home!" He said closing the door and striding down the hallway.

It was 3pm Thursday afternoon, he made his way slowly through the hospital lobby, ignoring the receptionist who tried to hand him some messages. Cuddy was just coming out of the clinic and saw him leaving "House?" She called in her Dean of Medicine authoritative voice. He stopped, hung his head for a millisecond and turned around. She watched carefully and could tell instantly that he was exhausted "Take tomorrow morning off" She ordered. He frowned slightly gave her a slight nod and ambled to his car.

As he came out of the parking garage he noticed her waiting for the bus again. A little confused as the boy wasn't here yet, he pulled over, wound down his window and went to call her but she was already looking at him. "What's up Doc?" She said smiling.

"Going home. Want a ride?" He questioned

"Sure" She said having no second thoughts this time.

He pulled away and joined the afternoon traffic. "What are you doing here?" He asked.

"Physical Therapy" She stated, calmly looking out of the window.

He was looking at her sideways "So, what is it? A stroke?"

She turned her head to him and frowned "Nope".

"MS?" He countered

"Nope" She deadpanned. She thought it was quite amusing that he wanted to know. She could just tell him but that was too easy. After a few minutes of silence she turned to him "Take me for a ride on your bike and I'll tell you" She bargained.

"Not gonna happen" He replied.

"OK then" She said staring out of the window trying not to laugh. She was not giving in. She really wanted to have a ride on his bike.

Silence remained until they reached their destination. "Thanks for the ride" She said as they entered their building and she took off to her door.

He said nothing more and went inside, he would find out one day what was wrong with her, but for now all he wanted was some peace, quiet and bed.