6

Wilson sat down in the passenger seat and was still shivering. House reached down to the dash controls and turned on the passenger seat heater.

"That should help. Just hang in there."

The dinnertime traffic didn't make getting to the hospital any easier but House did manage to get there without causing any traffic accidents. This is saying something considering he was looking over at Wilson every other moment.

Cuddy hung up the phone and knew two things. One, that House was actually worried about Wilson and two that they weren't meeting in the clinic. If Wilson's state was bad enough for House to rush him out of the comforts of home then it wasn't going to be fixed easily in the clinic. She got a small team together and reserved a back room in the emergency department. It wouldn't be a big scene, which was definitely what House was avoiding, and it would also get Wilson the treatment he needed.

Once they pulled up things happened really fast. House got out of the car and helped Wilson out. Cuddy met them with a wheelchair and then whisked Wilson away while House parked the car. By the time House re-entered the building he had no clue where Wilson was and couldn't find anyone he really cared about talking to about the whereabouts of his friends.

He wandered around the clinic and the emergency room waiting until his leg protested much too frequently for his comfort. He found Cuddy's office still unlocked but covered in darkness and took refuge there. Maybe he would stay undiscovered but that's how he wanted it. He cared for Wilson, the not knowing about his condition was killing him but he felt guilty about it.

I was busy when he got hit by that damn car. With a case, he would have called me if I wasn't too damn busy. But he knew. He knows too much about me. I never looked at his case, nothing, so this infection is a huge surprise and I should have seen it before he was burning on my couch. And then I let Cuddy take him away without her asking what the hell was going on. I don't even know if he is awake or in pain or….damn.

House laid on the floor. He was overwhelmed. He knew he should go see Wilson, update Cuddy and fix things, but his leg hurt and he was tired. He couldn't sleep but he needed to do something, anything or else he would self destruct. He had just closed his eyes when the lights turned on. He opened them and found Cuddy's heels next to his head, Cuddy still in them.

"I've been looking all over for you! Where the hell have you been?"

"In here."

"Why are you hiding?"

House's tone became stronger and he sat up. "Because you didn't tell me where you were taking him! You never asked me about his condition, just went with what I told you. So when I couldn't find either of you I came in here." By the time House was done he was standing and yelling. Cuddy was standing a distance away but when she opened her mouth she didn't yell back.

"I realize that I messed up, but you were right. It was an infection. We cut the cast off, re x-rayed and he is now on IV antibiotics. We splinted his leg for now, once the infection is clear we will re-cast and he can go home with you." They sat on the couch. House directed his gaze towards the floor. Cuddy could see the worry, the fear in his eyes and he never showed anyone that. She didn't have to ask how he felt because for once she could see it. She placed a hand on his knee and he didn't look up but he put his hand on her hand.

"I know House. For once I can see how you feel. I know you hate that inside but it's ok. It's ok to show that stuff every once and a while."

"Take me to Wilson." He raised his head and stood.

She led him out of the room, her hand still held his. She held his hand the entire walk, she led him to the last room in the emergency department. The lights were off and Wilson was asleep. They stood outside and spoke before House went in.

"He was a little coherent earlier but mostly out of it. Probably the fever." She looked into House's eyes, "He will be fine. It is no one's fault." House just turned back to the door and said, "I'm going in now."

Wilson looked like Wilson again. No longer covered in sweat and less pale, House felt better after just seeing him. He reached the end of the bed and tired to see his broken leg in the darkness. Guess I'll have to wait for the morning to play doctor. House sat down in the neighboring chair and after propping his feet on Wilson's bed, put his head back and dozed off.