075. Shade
Restive
House sat in the shade of the massive elm tree and leaned back against the trunk, his eyes closed and a small smile playing around his lips. Lying beside him with his head resting on his good leg was Wilson and House was gently carding the fingers of one hand through his soft hair. Wilson also had his eyes closed and House wasn't entirely sure if the younger man was awake or not. He opened his eyes and stared out over the view of fields and trees and smiled lazily.
"This was a good idea," he murmured almost to himself.
"I occasionally have them," came the contented reply.
"Thought you might be asleep."
Wilson smiled, his eyes still closed. "No, just very, very comfortable."
"Yeah," House said in heartfelt agreement. "So how much of your soul did you have to sell to Cuddy to swing this?"
Wilson chuckled. "None of it. I just pointed out that the last time you took any time off was when you had the infarction and that was not what anyone in their right mind would call a holiday. I then pointed out that it was actually against hospital policy for Department Heads to go so long without taking a holiday and that since I was the only one likely to get you to willingly take a break and you would most likely insist that I come with you, I needed to take some time as well."
House considered that for a moment then he snickered. "You conned her."
"I merely pointed out that what was good for you was undoubtedly good for her and the hospital," Wilson protested lightly, opening his eyes to reveal the merriment dancing in them.
"And the fact that it allowed us to sneak away for some well-deserved nookie had nothing to do with it," House said with amusement.
"We don't have to sneak away for that," Wilson replied. "Not we snuck away in the first place. Everybody knew we were going." He paused and said teasingly, "I think there was a big party in Diagnostics the day after we left, celebrating two weeks without you around."
"I'm hurt," House said with a mock-pout. "And so misunderstood."
Wilson laughed. "I think you're very well understood. Although Chase and Cameron might be in two minds about the whole thing. They didn't look too pleased to hear that Foreman had been placed in charge temporarily."
House snorted. "Good. Let's see how well he does when I'm not there to save his bacon."
Wilson debated answering that but decided to let it go and change the subject. "So when am I going to get that well-deserved nookie you were talking about just before?"
House smiled as he continued to stroke Wilson's hair. "Hey, I was all for it when we got here. You were the one who wanted to go for a walk which is really not my thing."
"You agreed," Wilson protested lazily.
"I'm an irresponsible drug addict according to you," House replied with amusement. "Anything I agree to should be greeted with suspicion."
"Oh, so it's my fault," Wilson said dryly.
"Yep," House replied, not meaning it in the slightest.
"So if I were to suggest going to back to the hotel and indulging in some of that aforementioned nookie, what would you do?" Wilson asked, smothering a laugh.
"I'd agree," House replied with a grin.
Wilson did laugh at that but he also sat up, House's hand falling away and landing on his thigh. Wilson smiled at his lover as he got to his feet.
"Well, despite the fact that you're an irresponsible drug addict whose word is suspect, I'm still going to hold you to that," he said, holding out a hand.
House considered that hand for a moment then took it, allowing Wilson to help him to his feet. Wilson then picked up his cane and handed it to him.
"Good," House said as they started walking back towards the large building that had been behind them when they were sitting. "Then again, you usually do know when I mean something."
"Experience is a wonderful teacher," Wilson said in a voice as dry as the desert.