Wilson had refused all visitors since he had woken up. He had even sent Cuddy away empty-handed. The therapist he was required to see had talked to him for a while, but he had stayed silent. He had thought at first that he was glad he hadn't died, because he could remember the panic he had felt as his body reacted to the drugs he had taken. But now, he didn't feel anything. It had happened without his knowledge; and now their was nothingness all around him. A knock at the door brought Wilson out of his thoughts. He was not surprised to see House standing in the doorway. "What do you want, House?" When House stepped further into the room, Wilson's eyes spotted the all too familiar box in his hands. House probably still hadn't opened it.

"I just wanted to bring you something." He set the box on the table next to Wilson. He hoped Wilson would want him to stay, but he knew that if their positions were reversed, he'd want Wilson to leave. Would probably send him packing with a swift kick in his ass.

"I want you to leave, House." Wilson couldn't bring himself to look at House any more. House was afraid he'd start to cry. Wilson's reactions were breaking his heart. Wilson watched House turn and leave before turning his attention to the box on the table. He didn't feel anything when he looked at the all too familiar box. He knew what was inside, and a part of him wondered if he would feel all those old feelings again or if the nothingness inside his head would withstand it. Everything seemed to be through a haze of fog that he couldn't get past; almost like he was looking at someone else's life and not his own. He flipped the lid off of the box and pulled the box onto his lap; it was heavier than he remembered. Inside it was a smaller box. He pulled the smaller box out and opened it. Inside was a shard of mirrored glass and a envelope simply labeled, "please read me." Wilson opened the envelope and read the letter inside.

James,

You tried to ask for help and I didn't listen. I lied to you, get over it.

I do need you, James. I always will. Neither of us needs to say it to make it true.

-Greg

Wilson looked at his reflection in the shard of mirror. He remembered that night at the bar. He could see his eyes beginning to water but he wasn't sure why. Wilson sat back and stared at the ceiling.

House had been watching Wilson from the doorway. Now he approached the bed and sat down next to Wilson. "I'm self-centered and that I wasn't there when you needed me. I'm sorry I lied to you." He could feel his heart pounding in his chest as he waited for Wilson's response.

"I was so angry, House." His voice sounded hollow, like it wasn't really him talking, but rather someone pretending to be him. He buried his face in his hands. His breath was tight in his chest. The world felt numb to him, almost like he could disappear at this very moment and everything would still remain the same. Wilson felt House wrap his arms around him and his world steadied. He felt the pain in his heart come back and the tears flowed down his cheeks.

"I'll be there this time. I promise." Wilson didn't acknowledge House's words as he continued to sob. House wasn't even sure Wilson had heard him so he continued. "I need you, Wilson." House kissed Wilson's forehead and wondered if things would ever be the same again.

FIN