Part Two
The lyrics kept ringing in his ears, flowing through his thoughts, distracting him beyond measure. He wanted, no, needed to keep his distance to wrap his head around things. He managed to avoid Jo and Wilson and leave the apartment before they rose.
As the inky blue of night bled into the dawn, he hit the road on his motorcycle. The open face of his helmet allowed the bitter bite of the crisp morning air to sting his cheeks, keeping him alert and on edge. Taking advantage of the quietness, he scythed through the urban streets, out of Princeton to the more rural outskirts.
The miles and minutes passed by and the city once dormant around him began to awaken and come to life. At a stoplight House glances at his wristwatch, 8:34 am. Far too early to even think of going to the hospital, he didn't need the questioning.
The light turned green and he pulled away, indecisive of his next move. He spotted a gas station and a Starbucks and pulled in, refuelling both himself and the bike. The caffeine injection gave him a boost of clarity, he hit the road again with a destination in mind, Mayfield.
-x-x-x-
It felt weird to go back, catching the eyes of faces familiar and unknown. But in truth, he didn't know where else to turn. He couldn't exactly turn to Wilson given the nature of the topic.
"I need to see Nolan."
"I'm sorry, he's not available. We can schedule you an appointment, Mr?"
"House. Look, I've already got appointments booked with him, but this is urgent. I need to talk to him now."
He could feel himself getting riled up and frustrated. Deep down he knew to try and keep it contained, the last thing he needed was them to lock the doors on him for another spell inside.
"It's okay, I can see him." Came the voice of reason. House turned and Nolan held out his hand, "come this way, House."
Nolan led House through to his office, he wasted no time in making himself comfortable on the leather easy chair and stared off into the distance. Nolan picked up his leather-backed notebook and pen and took the seat opposite and patiently waited.
And waited.
And waited.
25 minutes went by with House still staring out of the window in stoic silence, jaw tense and ticking much like the clock. Nolan didn't want to press him, knowing the kind of guy House was, it was always best to let him open up of his own accord but he was very aware of the time and lack thereof.
House sensed Nolan tensing up and let the words tumble out.
"Wilson has got a new girlfriend. Guess he started seeing her shortly after I came here…"
Nolan gently nodded, subtly prompting for House to continue and began taking notes, observing House's facial expressions and body language as he did.
"I met her two days ago. There was a fire in my apartment block, some moron was playing with matches so I went over to Wilson's and she answered the door. She's beautiful…" House closed his eyes, "really beautiful. It was weird, I don't connect with people, least of all those I've just met. But something clicked. She's easy to talk to, didn't shrink back at my sarcasm, it was like she got me."
"Sounds like you've made a friend House, that's great. The more support you have-"
"I don't want her to be my friend! I want her! I hate the fact that Wilson found her first! She's got these beautiful hazel eyes but in certain light, they're green, especially when she smiles. It should be me she's smiling at, not him! Me!"
House stood up quickly, his chest heaving with deep, shaky breaths from his rant. He moved over to the window and rested his furrowed forehead against the cold glass pane.
"I hate that she's with him and not me. That first night, I could hear them talking, laughing… being a couple… and it killed me."
Nolan nodded and carefully closed his notebook. "You need a focus House, a hobby of some kind before this turns into an unhealthy fixation."
But House knew it was too late, he was addicted to her. She was his new vice, his wholesome goodly Vicodin and it was only a matter of time before he would give into temptation seeking his fix.
-x-x-x-
The ride back from Mayfield was one of elation, House felt cleansed, the cumbersome weight upon his shoulders lessened from unburdening his soul to a pair of receptive ears. But as the miles ticked by the lyrics of Jesse's Girl began filtering through his head, over the roar of the engine and buffeting wind.
As if to add insult to injury, as he pulled up to a stoplight, the car beside him had the window slightly ajar playing the very song that had been haunting him.
I'll play along with this charade
Yeah, he could do that, couldn't he?
That doesn't seem to be a reason to change
You know I feel so dirty when they start talking cute
He didn't feel dirty, he felt gut-wrenching jealousy that consumed his whole being.
I wanna tell her that I love her but the point is probably moot
Love? Was he at love yet? He wasn't sure if he really knew what love was, or what it felt to be in love. Lust, yes. Teenage-esque crush and adoration, most definitely. But love? He didn't know, how was he supposed to know?
The sound of horns blaring jolted him from his revelry, the light had been green for a while. He flicked the bike into gear and tore away, trying and failing to outrun his thoughts with raw speed.
-x-x-x-
He couldn't bring himself around to the idea of socialising, he felt mentally and emotionally drained after his talk with Nolan. Once he got back to Wilson's apartment, he made himself a quick peanut butter sandwich wolfing it down in four bites before retreating to the guest room.
Stripping down to his boxers leaving his clothes in a messy heap, he pulled back the covers and nestled down. Within minutes sleep claimed him.
Sleep was sheer bliss, floating amongst nothingness, free from troubles and torments, House could lose himself. But a sharp searing pain went lancing through his thigh, waking him in an instant sending him clutching at the bed covers with a burbling growl.
He had no idea of the time, late or early he didn't know, only that it was dark outside. Unaided without his cane and in dire need of pain relief, House hobbled ungainly out of his room towards the kitchen.
He wrenched open the fridge door using the light to help find the little pot of ibuprofen he knew lived in one of the drawers. Two pills tumbled into his palm, followed by a third. Two for the pain, one more to make sure. He washed them down with three heady gulps of tangy orange juice.
"James?" A weak voice broke through the darkness, startling House a little.
He moved out towards the living room squinting to be accustomed to the darkness, just able to make out the small form of Jo curled up on the couch from the light of the streetlamp seeping in through the window.
"Sorry, just me. Shouldn't you be getting your beauty sleep?"
"I could ask the same for you."
"My leg hurts, I need some pain relief." Jo flicked on the tableside lamp, somewhat taken aback by the sight of House in just his boxers. He felt a little uncomfortable, thinking she was looking at the mangled remnant of his thigh so he held up the bottle of pills rattling it slightly, "what about you?"
"I had a nightmare that really freaked me out, can't get back to sleep."
"That sucks, wanna talk about it?"
Jo shook her head and House nodded, "Want me to leave you alone?"
"No, no please, sit down, it's nice to have someone to talk to."
House sat across from her on the couch, propping his leg up on the coffee table trying to alleviate the pain. His hand instinctively went to his thigh trying to massage the knots and soothe the pain while the pills took their sweet-ass time kicking in.
Even though he was clearly in discomfort, Jo was having a hard time keeping her eyes averted from the display of male form in front of her. Every few seconds she would catch herself just as her eyes started wandering, trying not to dwell on the strong musculature of his shoulders down to the broad plains of his chest and torso. But of their own accord her eyes would deviate somewhat southward trying not to notice how form-fitting his boxers were and the form that lay within them.
She had to remind herself this was her boyfriend's best friend, but there was no harm in looking… right?
"Sorry, I'm not much company. Fucking leg, my therapist suggested that I need a distraction for the pain, but its hard to think of one when all you can think about is the mind-numbing pain, y'know?"
Jo winced in sympathy, "I can see how that would be an issue. I know I'm biased being a music teacher but have you thought of learning a new instrument? I know James told me you already play piano and guitar. Maybe something new would be a good distraction, I'm sure."
"Hm it would be, but I already play all the instruments I want or need to. Keep thinking."
"Ooh, well that's quite a statement to throw out. What's in your repertoire good sir?"
"Piano, guitar, harmonica, saxophone and I can out drum Phil Collins, satisfied?"
"Somewhat, but I thought you might have had bass or violin in that list. Oh well, what else could be a good distraction…?"
House held up his hand, "Hey, woah! No, no moving on Miss Music Teacher until you tell me your list."
"Wilson really wasn't lying when he said you could act like a kid. Okay fine. I started with guitar because I had the biggest crush on Joe Perry from Aerosmith. Once that fizzled out I then moved onto violin, cello and then bass and double bass. Oh and I could out drum you, Phil Collins and Keith Moon before you knew what had hit you. Fact."
House's lips formed into a wry smile, "we'll have to have a jam session," his eyes homed in on hers and she felt herself pinned to the spot, "see what you're made of..."
"I'd like that." She managed to reply thickly, letting her eyes drop to the bow of his beard framed lips for a second. "So, uh… ooh! What about cooking? Cooking could be good for you."
"Cooking, I hadn't thought of that… What sort of cooking?"
"I don't know, anything you fancy. What about baking?"
House pulled a face. "Ehh, I don't think I'd be any good at baking, I'm good at eating baked goods though."
"Hmm, same here. I can eat a dozen cookies in one sitting, and that's on a good day. Don't get me started on fat days or low days."
"Oh please, don't tell me you get hung up on 'fat days' with a figure like yours. Cooking though, cooking could be good for me."
Jo smiled, pleased she's been able to help even just a little. "Yeah and hey, I'm more than willing to be your taster."
"Brave."
"Confident. Confident in your ability."
She tried unsuccessfully to stifle a yawn which House spotted immediately. "Get yourself off to bed." Just as she stood up, House caught her hand. "And thanks, y'know for talking to me and giving me advice. I appreciate it."
"You're very welcome." She leaned down and brushed her lips across his stubbled cheek. "G'night Greg."
"Yeah. Night Jo."
He watched her slowly walk away down the darkened corridor towards Wilson's bedroom. Just as her hand reached for the handle he called out to her. "Jo, anything you don't like?"
"Pickles."
That made him grin, god she was perfect.
-x-x-x-
House didn't get back to sleep that night, instead choosing to paw over his laptop researching recipes online. He made note of a few that seemed like good, wholesome recipes ideal for someone who was expanding on their knowledge before his research had him branching out and seeking culinary inspiration from all corners of the world.
He soon had pages upon pages of recipes he was keen to try as well as a shopping list as long as his arm. As soon as the clock hit 5 am, House was dressed, armed with his shopping list hitting the shops, eager to make a start. By 6 am he was back at Wilson's elbow-deep in food prep and very much on his way to turning the kitchen into some semblance of organised chaos.
Armed with a wooden spoon, House was manning the stove with utmost precision hovering over the numerous pots and pans bubbling and cooking away under his watchful eye. Amongst the familiar noises of the culinary concoctions came the shuffling sleep-laden steps of a barely awake Wilson.
"Great, you're up. Where's Jo? I need a taster."
"She's just jumped in the shower. House, what is all this?" Asked Wilson with a heavy yawn.
"Pottery, what does it look like?" House snarked in response, earning an eye roll from Wilson. "Someone obviously left his brain cell in his other pants."
"It's early! And for some reason you've woken up thinking you're Bobby Flay!"
"Bobby Flay doesn't have a beard, or a bitchin' cane like I do but I appreciate the comparison."
"Don't be a jerk. Come on, what's all this in aid of?"
"Nolan suggested distraction techniques so it takes my mind off the leg pain. It was Jo that suggested I try cooking, so…" He turned to Wilson with a steaming spoonful of ragu, "taste this…"
"House, it's a little early."
"Do I have to put you in a high chair and strap you down?"
"Fine." Wilson huffed, taking the spoon from House and gingerly trying the concoction. "Hmm, not bad. More of a dinner than a breakfast, but not bad."
Before House had time to critique Wilson's less than useful critique, Jo emerged wearing skin/tight leggings and one of Wilson's oversized t-shirts that hung like a dress on her. She looked stunning, all fresh-faced from her shower wearing an angelic grin.
"Good morning Greg, wow, you've been busy!"
"Thanks and thanks for the suggestion, I appreciate it."
"You're very welcome. Now when do we get to taste?" Jo asked while making herself comfortable at the breakfast bar eagerly watching House manning the stove.
"Right now," he turned to her with a spoonful in hand holding it up to her lips trying not to stare as she licked them in anticipation. "Here, ragu with pork sausage, beef thigh, no cream."
Jo cupped House's hand to hold it steady and lightly blew on the steaming food before taking the spoon between her lips. As soon as it touched her tongue, her taste buds came alive and her eyes closed in contentment.
"Oh my god… hmm! That is amazing, I could eat a whole pot of this and still come back for seconds. Please tell me there's more."
House merely grinned, turning back to one of the other pans bubbling away on the stove to retrieve another spoonful of hopefully another delicious concoction.
"Star anise with the caramelized onions, sulphur compounds bring out the meat flavour. Wrap your lips around that."
Jo raised her eyebrows but dutifully tasted, rolling the ragu around her tongue to truly appreciate the subtle adjustment to the recipe."
"Hmm, I can taste the slight aniseed from the star anise, it's really good, I actually think I prefer it to the first one."
"Onwards and upwards from here." House replied with a wink, going back to the stove and the myriad of pots still bubbling away.
Wilson looked from Jo to the almost delirious House and while he knew he needed the distractions, he couldn't help but worry for his friend. "House, doesn't this seem a little obsessive?"
"What do you expect? I'm an addict. I turn everything up to 11." House sighed and dropped his head a little, feeling very ashamed all of a sudden, especially in front of Jo. "I couldn't sleep because of my leg. Nolan said I needed new distractions and Jo suggested cooking. So it was either make ragu or go out on the streets looking to score."
Wilson had the good grace to look equally sheepish and ashamed for putting House on the spot like that. Instead of drawing more attention to it he merely took the vacant seat at the breakfast bar next to Jo, both eagerly anticipating what House would serve up next.
That was how the rest of the morning went, some dishes House served up were neither here nor there, others were very hit and miss, as they journeyed on a tour of his newly-found culinary brain.
"This is a little different. Mushroom duxelles ravioli in a white wine cream sauce finished with a couple of drops of truffle oil."
House placed a small bowl between the couple and dished up a generous serving, he drizzled over the truffle oil and sat back to watch them taste it. His attention was all on Jo, having spent the morning watching and learning her facial expressions and how expressive she was, he knew she was enjoying it.
"Eh, it's not bad House. Not really my kind of thing but still pretty good." Remarked Wilson, stopping at just the one pasta parcel.
House nodded his thanks but didn't tear his eyes away from Jo, who finally opened hers and met his hungry gaze. "Any good?"
"I think that is the tastiest thing I've ever wrapped my tongue around…" both Wilson and House raised their eyebrows at that comment, "...and yes, that does include what you boys are thinking about. It's truly delicious House, the best thing you've cooked. Better than sex, amazing."
Wilson gawped at her, "is that really appropriate?"
"Appropriate or not, it's praise indeed. Or is it a low level compliment? For all I know Wilson could be a terrible lay."
"Not funny House. Jo, why did you have to bring that up?"
Wilson was seriously pissed, and whether it was through a lack of sleep or having to be up early to be a taster for House, either way it killed the jovial mood and the smile upon Jo's face.
"What? It's a compliment, people say it all the time. You've said it! Why are you being such a prude all of a sudden?"
"I'm not a prude, I just don't think it's appropriate to compare food to sex."
House leaned back and watched the exchange secretly thrilled at how easy it was to rile up Wilson. But the smile soon began to fade when Jo stood up from the breakfast bar.
"I don't want to be around you when you're being a jerk." Jo's eyes met House's, "sorry Greg."
Wilson kept his eyes down, toying with the food with the food in his bowl while House watched Jo collect up her bag and head towards the door.
"Jo, you don't have to leave."
"It's best if I do, Greg. Thanks for the food, you're seriously good."
As soon as the door closed House felt his mood darken, like the sun had gone down and he was left out in the cold.
Wilson sighed deeply, "well, I guess that's that. Food's good House, great to see you've got a new hobby."
House merely nodded in acknowledgement and turned his attention back to the stove, stirring the pot as though it would boil away his issues.
-x-x-x-
The next day House decided to venture back to work, thankful that it was quiet in Diagnostics meaning that his team were busy finding work in other Departments. Not wanting to be spotted by Cuddy and lumbered into doing Clinic hours, House wandered the halls until he found himself in a coma patient's private suite.
He wandered over to the easy chair next to the bed and slumped down with a deep groan as the memory foam contorted around his aching body.
"So… Coma Guy, what are you in here for?" House reached over for the patient file and began perusing the notes. "Car crash, TBI, that sucks." He closed the file and rested it on his now stretched out legs, "so since I've got you here, I kinda wanna get some things off my chest. There's a girl, her name's Jo and she's got me hooked…"
He poured his heart out, spilled the beans about his true feelings for Jo. It felt like detoxing, cleansing his soul of the troubled thoughts that had plagued him. Granted, it was like talking into the void, Coma Guy wasn't exactly responsive but that didn't matter, House just needed to get it out.
"...I've never felt this way about anyone or anything, well except maybe vicodin. I just-" He cut himself off as the door opened and Wilson poked his head in.
"Found you, what are you doing here?"
"Hiding from Cuddy."
"Good spot. Look, I need to talk to you about how I can make things right with Jo."
House felt his blood run cold, that wasn't how it was supposed to go. He knew they hadn't spoken since their fight the day before, he selfishly thought that their relationship was dead in the water. Wishful thinking.
Out of instinct, House reverted to type. "Think it's worth saving?"
Wilson was taken aback a little and stared at House waiting to see if he was kidding. He perched himself on the edge of Coma Guy's bed facing House so he could read his face and gauge his reaction.
"House, I really like her. Of course I want to save it. You've talked with her, how can I fix this?"
House felt like his body and soul was being torn in two from the inner conflict, he hated it. But Wilson was his friend, his best friend at that. So swallowing his pride and the unaccustomed feeling of guilt, House did the right thing.
"Apologise for a start, you overreacted and there was no need." He paused for a moment, recalling something Jo had told him. "There's a music in film event happening tonight that she really wanted to go to, maybe take her there as an apology gift?"
"Yeah, that's perfect. She'll love that. Thanks House."
Wilson clapped House on the shoulder and left with a smile on his face and a spring in his step.
House sighed deeply, rubbing his hands over his face, "fuck, I can't keep doing this."
-x-x-x-
For the rest of the day, House lolloped around the hospital in a sort of trance, it garnered looks of concern but no one dared approach him, even Cuddy kept her distance. His mood was so dark and tense, it had him feeling like he was drowning in a vat of treacle.
He ended up back at Wilson's apartment physically drained and emotionally exhausted, neglecting to take off his jacket or trainers House collapsed in an ungainly heap on the couch, falling asleep as soon as his head hit the cushions.
The apartment was in total darkness, it was slightly disorientating but House became aware of footsteps emanating from the kitchen. The fridge door opened and the svelte silhouette of Jo appeared in the light.
"Hey."
His voice was no more than a whisper but in the quiet dark it still made her jump a little.
"Oh gosh, I'm sorry Greg. Did I wake you?"
"No, don't worry." He held his hands up as a means of pacifying as he turned on the table side lamp. "So I see you two have made up."
Jo looked down at her attire as she made her way over to him, dressed in the shirt Wilson had worn to work the day prior. House tried his hardest not to trace the outline of her calves and thighs with his eyes but every so often his gaze would wander at the expanse of golden skin so readily on show.
"Yeah we did. Thank you, by the way."
"For…?"
"The music in film event? As soon as James suggested it, I knew it was because of you."
"How? I didn't…"
"You're the only person I told about it, that's how I know. Don't worry I'm not mad, it was an amazing gesture. Although I think you would've appreciated it more than James."
House quirked his eyebrows, his heart skipped a beat at her statement.
"Well maybe next time?"
"I'd really like that." She offered him a soft smile and held his gaze for a long while. "Right, well I'm going back to bed. Thank you again Greg," she leaned in and brushed her lips over his cheek, "goodnight."
His skin was alive to her touch, tingling in the bow shape of her soft lips. His fingertips lightly brushed over the spot as it dawned on him, he was in love with Jo.
-x-x-x-
"I'm in love with her. I thought it might just be lust or a crush but it's not. She gets me, there's this connection between us and I know you're gonna get all judgemental and think I'm crazy, but I think she feels the same way."
He paused and stared at Nolan waiting for a judgemental snippet but when none came he continued. "She got into this argument with Wilson, some silly petty shit and he asked me how to fix things. I told him about a music in film event Jo was really excited about seeing and well, it must have worked cos she was at the apartment when I woke up at stupid o'clock. She thanked me but then told me she thought I would've enjoyed it more than Wilson. Now what does that tell you?"
Nolan looked up from his notes and carefully thought about his words. "It tells me that she knows you love music and that you share a common interest. But House, I'm concerned that you're reading too much into this. You're becoming obsessed, misreading Jo's signs and signals as more than what they actually are which is that of friendship and support."
House shook his head indignantly, "no, I know she likes me. You don't see the way she looks at me."
"That maybe so but our perceptions can be misleading and subtle looks and signs can be misinterpreted. I want to up your dosage of antidepressants."
"Fine. Drug me up, but it won't change how I think or feel about her."
The session had left House angry, emotionally drained but most of all hurt. Hurt that he wasn't being believed about Jo. He wanted to scream, to tear Nolan's office apart and go on a violent rampage.
He knew what he felt for Jo was real, it was terrifying, something he had never felt to such a degree, not even with Stacey. But he didn't want to fight it, he didn't want to repress them, especially as he knew in his heart that Jo felt the same way. Call it a sixth sense, call intuition, he just knew it.
-x-x-x-
Back at the hospital House found himself wandering aimlessly down the hallways, half tempted to hide out in Coma Guy's room but quickly stamped out the idea after his disastrous session with Nolan, he was done talking about his issues.
His wandering around had him inadvertently crossing paths with an empathetic Cuddy who gently nudged him in the direction of the woefully understaffed Clinic and much to her surprise as much his own, House didn't object.
"It's in my head Doc, right here." The patient whined, pointing to their forehead, "it's a tumour Doc, I know I'm dying."
"You have a cold."
The patient glared at House indignantly, "no. It's a tumour. I'm dying."
"Fine. It's a URI."
The patient's face lit up as though they had finally gotten the right diagnosis, but just as quickly as their smile emerged it began to fade, "oh my god, I'm dying! Wait, what's a URI?"
"An upper respiratory infection. A cold." House explained whilst scribbling out a prescription, "take this decongestant and stop wishing you were dying, it's an annoying waste of my time."
"Oh… so I'm really not dying?"
"No, you're not dying. But if you keep asking, I'll make it happen. Go away."
Once the patient left, House let out a deep decompressing sigh letting his head fall back against the chair, savouring the peace and quiet before the next patient came in.
Hearing the door creak open, House merely tilted his head to the side and barely opened his eyes expecting to see a nurse but instead Wilson poked his head in.
"Got a minute?"
"As long as it's not for a consult."
"Uhh no? Look I hate asking and making it seem like I'm pushing you out but is there any chance you can stay out of the apartment as late as possible tonight? I've got a romantic evening planned for Jo and y'know…"
"Me being there would ruin the romantic ambience, I get it." House cut in before standing up sharply, "I need some lunch, it's gonna be a long night after all."
He pushed past Wilson who caught hold of his arm before he could escape, "House, are you okay?"
"I'm fine," he nodded, "I'm hungry."
Wilson frowned but chose not to say anything, instead nodded and watched House limp out of the Clinic towards the canteen. He hoped House was fine, he couldn't help but feel concerned for his friend.
-x-x-x-
Armed with a reuben minus the godawful pickles and a coffee strong enough to kickstart a dying planet, House retreated to his office with his tasty haul locking the door behind him and drawing the blinds for good measure.
The hours ticked by slowly, each one feeling like a day to pass. House tried not staring at the clock and counting the minutes but once he had listened to his ipod for a while and searched on the internet and failed to find something to occupy his overactive mind.
When all else failed, House eventually resorted to angrily throwing his red and grey ball at the wall. It was cathartic, therapeutic, venting the searing hot jealousy he was feeling towards Wilson being with Jo. Just the idea of him looking at her, touching her, kissing her… it was overwhelming, like having a nasty hangover or being on a vicious comedown from a drugs high it made him feel nauseous and left a bad taste in his mouth.
By 11:30, House had had enough, he couldn't stand stewing in his anger and searing jealousy any longer. He threw his jacket over his tense shoulders followed by his rucksack and emerged from his office to a darkened corridor and lonely walk to the parking lot and his lone motorcycle.
On his way back to Wilson's, he made a detour to his cordoned off apartment to sneak in and collect a couple of items, most importantly, his favoured acoustic guitar.
House surveyed the scene as he found it, the apartment is in total darkness save for the warm glow of candlelight flickering off the walls and reflecting off surfaces and the sound of not too distant giggles and the slight squeak of worn bedsprings.
His jealousy reared its ugly head with a vengeance and before he could think rationally his hand gripped the door, slamming it with almost unknown brutality that reverberated throughout the apartment, rattling the fixtures and fittings, following it up with the heavy whump of his rucksack and motorcycle helmet hitting the floor.
Seconds later a dishevelled and naked Wilson appeared from his room with messy bed hair and only a pillow covering his modesty.
"House, what are you doing? I know we're not sleeping but please can you keep it down."
House said nothing, he just hobbled his way to the guest room. He haphazardly undressed down to his boxers and slumped onto the creased sheets. As he settled down and got comfortable, through the walls he could hear Jo as clear as a bell asking about him.
"Is Greg okay?"
"Jo, can you stop talking about House while I'm trying to make love to you?"
"I'm sorry, I just wanted to make sure he's okay."
"Ugh, do you know what? The moment's gone." That made House smirk, he could practically hear the frown on Wilson's face. "I'm going to sleep."
House went to sleep with the smirk still on his face, he was under Jo's skin as much as she was under his.
-x-x-x-
The dawn chorus the next morning for Wilson was the sound of vivacious acoustic guitar strumming. Laying on his front with his face burrowed into the pillows, the music woke him with the same effect and intensity of a glass of ice cold water being poured down his spine. He growled and grumbled, rolling over to find Jo slowly stirring with a small smile of recognition.
"Oh I love this song, George Michael, Faith."
As if on cue, House began singing heartily.
Well I guess it would be nice
If I could touch your body
I know not everybody has got a body like you…
Both Wilson and Jo emerged from the bedroom looking like polar opposites and as soon as House laid eyes on her it was as though the sun had come out and then she started singing.
But I gotta think twice
Before I give my heart away
And I know all the games you play because I play them too.
Wilson glared at the two of them like a pissed off parent catching their child in the throws of mischief.
"House, do you have any idea how early it is?"
House tilted his wrist to consult his watch, "It's 6:33, you're usually flossing by now. Is someone a little cranky because he didn't get laid last night."
"I'm not going into work today, I finally have a weekend off and I was hoping to sleep in a little. Why the hell would you start with the music so early?"
"I got the urge to play last night so I picked up my guitar on my way over."
"Good for you. Now if you'll excuse me, I-" Wilson was cut off by the sound of his mobile ringing out. "Shit… Hello? Yeah, yeah okay. I'll be there within the hour." He glared at House who merely shrugged his shoulders, "my patient has taken a turn for the worst, they need me in. Some much for a weekend off."
Wilson was dressed and out of the door within ten minutes, leaving a pleased House alone with Jo.
"So, guess it's just us."
"So it would seem. Hey, I think I've got my guitar and cello in the car, fancy a jam?"
Jo returned with both in tow, sitting opposite House on the couch, he watched with unguarded fascination as she began playing warm up scales on the cello checking the instrument was in tune before falling into playing a soulful tune that had him so entranced, so lost in the music and watching her play, it brought tears to his eyes.
She brought the piece to its natural end, holding the final note until it faded into the air and opened her eyes.
"Greg?"
"I'm not uhh, I'm not an emotional man, blame it on the antidepressants. But that was beautiful."
"Thank you. It's a piece by Einaudi, I love his work. I have to admit it sounds better when there's a piano accompanying."
"If I could've carried mine over on the bike, I would have."
His eyes caught hers and for a long second, they shared a heated look. Jo could feel herself getting suckered into the intensity of House's blue eyes. It was like staring into the deepest, bluest depths of the ocean, so clear and enchanting, she had to close her eyes for fear of falling.
Not daring to open them again so soon, she used the power and sense of touch and began playing another piece. Out of instinct, letting the music flow through his body and soul, House fell into musical rhythm with her and began playing along.
Everything fell into place, every note, every chord complimented and harmonized into a beautiful symphony of two people connecting. The piece deepened, the intensity and pace increasing as did their heart rates and breathing, building up to a crescendo.
House dared to open his eyes and once again they met Jo's, only this time they were darkened, the usual hazel green now likened to a forest green, filled with a hunger that matched the burning feeling he'd been nursing for so long.
"Fuck this…"
House dropped his guitar carelessly to the floor and launched himself towards her just as Jo pushed her cello aside. His large hands cupped her cheeks and his lips descended, taking her lower lip between his in an earth shattering kiss.
The second they touched, all the pieces fell into place. She felt so right in his arms, he never wanted to let her go. This was where she belonged.
She tasted sweeter than sun-ripened fruits drizzled in honey, like nothing he had ever had, but all ready he was drunk and in need of more.
"I want you…"
Hearing him growl those words against her lips had Jo melting in his arms, grateful House had her in a strong hold. She knew it was wrong, he was her boyfriend's best friend, but now that she had tasted him, any and all rationality went sailing out of the window and there was no going back.
He tasted of sin, of raw masculinity and something so uniquely him that it had her addicted and craving more.
Her hands knotted around his neck, running her fingers through his short hair and thickened stubble, sighing as his lips moved expertly over hers.
Nipping and biting then soothing with his tongue, House had to rein himself in. Finally holding her, tasting her, it would've been so easy for him to lose control.
His hands moved over her body, pulling her in tight against his as he lifted her over to the couch and moved himself to lie on top of her.
Jo parted her thighs slightly, putting against his soft lips at the feel of all of him. Her hands moved under his t-shirt, caressing over the strong musculature of his back and shoulders, unable to resist taking her nails over them.
"Please Greg…"
He pulled away a little to look in her eyes, needing the clarity not daring to believe just his ears.
Seeing nothing but want and desire shining up at him, he leaned in, slowly nuzzling and kissing along her jaw before taking her lips again with a renewed intensity and hunger.
This was it, it was finally happening… and then her phone began to ring.
"Ignore it." He growled against her neck, moving his attention towards her chest.
Jo craned her head towards the coffee table where the offending phone lay. "It's James." She breathed.
"I said ignore it."
And just like that, the moment was shattered. Desire and want replaced with awkwardness and disgust.
Jo pushed at his chest needing so distance and rolled out from under him, horrified at herself for letting her guard down.
"Hey you, how's work?" She sounded breathless, House couldn't stop staring at her kiss-bruised lips.
"Oh no, don't worry. Honestly it's fine, James. I'll see you tomorrow. Okay, bye."
She hung up the phone and tried her best not to meet House's unwavering gaze.
"I need to go."
"Jo, wait…" For a man missing a chunk of thigh muscle, House could move quickly when he needed to. He stood in front of her in a heartbeat, gently taking hold of her hips keeping her in place. "We need to talk about what happened, what it means for us."
"No, this was a mistake. A moment of weakness…"
"You're a terrible liar."
"It should never have happened Greg! It can't and it won't happen again."
He wasn't going to give up.
"No, you don't mean that. You want this as much as I do, you can't deny it Jo."
"Okay fine! Yes I do like you! I'm attracted to you! But I'm with James, not you. I'm not throwing away what I have with him for a fling with you. I'm sorry."
In that moment his world collapsed, the fire in his heart doused in cold water and out of bitterness and pure anger, he reverted to type.
"Don't flatter yourself sweetheart. You know where the door is."
Minutes later she was gone and House was back at square one, heartbroken, alone and completely crushed. He'd tasted the forbidden fruit and was craving another fix.
