"You seem cheery today. Either you've solved your patient's case, or—dare I say it—you've gotten over yourself and confessed your feelings to Kutner. So, which is it?"
"Both and neither. The old chick is old; that's what's wrong with her... What a slow week."
"We both know that that's not the answer I'm interested in-"
"What, Dr. James Wilson, bleeding heart extraordinaire, doesn't care about the health of a patient? I, personally, am shocked and appalled. My image of you is forever tarnished."
"I apologize for my humanity. Now, did you talk to Kutner?"
"Talk is.. such a strong word. And anyway, actions speak louder."
"House, you didn't." Brief, frenetic gestures. "Did you?" Wilson stares at House with doe's eyes wide, less in shock than in a sort of 'oh-god-what-have-I-done' horror.
"I'm not sure. I'll have to find an Outrage-to-English dictionary before I can be sure what I'm admitting to." House knows what Wilson means, of course; it's so obvious. But two can play 'beat around the bush,' and House is better at it.
"House!" Wilson slams his palms on House's desk, "Did. You. Sleep. With. Lawrence Kutner!?" A rare show of frustration? Anger? Could Wilson care so much about the possibility of House having sex with one of his fellows? After he specifically said that House should?
"Why are you so upset, Wilson? Afraid that you'll be replaced? Don't worry, there'll always be room on my right shoulder reserved just for you."
"You and I both know that you get rid of anyone who will have sex with you that early in a relationship. Look at what happened with Cameron!"
"Although Chase seemed to find that part of her personality sexy."
"The point is, anyone who'll give in that easily is too… well… easy. You like things difficult, God knows why."
"Thrill of the chase, conquering the unconquerable, who knows?"
"Yes, well… That's not the point! Answer the damn question!"
"You're no fun. Fine, I, Gregory House, did not have sex with Lawrence Kutner last night or any other night."
"Oh, thank God." Wilson sighs, hand over his eyes, and the tension seeps out of him. He collapses with boneless relief onto House's couch.
"But we did some pretty heavy making-out right about where you're sitting. Did we clean it all up, do you notice any sticky places?"
Wilson rockets up from the couch like it's on fire, and fixes House with his "I-don't-want-to-believe-you-but-I've-known-you-too-long-to-hope" look. His mouth flaps open and shut, but no sound does he make.
"I told him how I felt. I kissed him. He gave me a look very similar to the one you're making—which is hilarious, by the way—and I left."
Wilson pulls himself together, feeling significantly calmer about the whole situation. "That's it?"
"That's it. Cross my heart."
"And how did he react?"
"I just told you. Shock, awe, ambivalence, confusion, unbridled joy. You know, all but the "unbridled joy" part."
"But did he give any indication of how he felt about it, positive or negative?"
"He didn't pull away, but he didn't kiss back. That is the definition of ambivalence."
Wilson nods. Finally, a plausible, not wholly deplorable explanation.
"Well… That's good, then. Isn't it?"
"I guess it's not bad, per se. Come on, my Cuddy-sense is tingling, and I haven't logged any clinic hours this week." House stands and limps toward the door.
"House, it's Sunday. This week is over."
Wilson follows House out of his office.
"That's how I know she'll be looking for me."
The two head companionably down the hallway, presumably away from Cuddy.
"You're a real jerk, do you know that?"
"A few people may have mentioned the fact once or twice before. Although, usually it's "bastard" or "asshole," but I suppose "jerk" is about as good as anything."
They both know that House wants to know Wilson's opinion of what to do next. They also know that House is too stubborn to ask. The two continue down the hall in a somewhat easy sort of silence.
--
Author's notes, again, but this time they're somewhat pertinent to the story.
So, then, a good turn-around. Especially compared to the length of time between my last two chapters. To the point, my grasp of Kutner is not great, mostly because he's such a new character. I hope to get a
copy of season four next weekend, and I probably won't go through with posting anything I might write from now to then until I can watch a few episodes of season four to refresh my impressions of him. Or, I could watch White Castle and Epic Movie. He's nearly the same person in all three roles, so it should be fine. Before I forget;
Thanks to the following for their kind reviews:
Nikki: Thanks for being my first review for this story. It made me pretty happy, in a smug sort of way (see, I knew I could write). I love the show, in part, because I enjoy the easy back-and-forth so much. This chapter is, in part dedicated to you. It's for all of the people who read and enjoyed it, but the biggest piece is for you.
M: I'm glad that you like my characterizations of the characters. I hate when characters are unintentionally OOC, you know? If I screw up, feel free to let me know.
DejiDenja: Thanks for your vote of confidence. I'm glad that you like it, and I'm especially glad that you liked it enough to tell me so.
Additionally, thanks to everyone who strolled through this story yesterday. I had over 180 hits from 109 separate people (the most ever for me), and I'm very grateful to every one of those 109 readers.
I hope to be back next weekend, see you then