Chapter Text
Wilson pulled in to the loft quite late. It had been an exhausting day. The sky had turned to overcast sometime that afternoon and it was now dark. It was all lousy; after he took the quiz, he had to break unfortunate news to an older man who had a deadly cancer. Wilson’s job was always particularly tough, but he hadn’t been in a great headspace earlier, what with his breakup and his thought-provoking internet research, he had a lot on his mind.
Luckily, he had one man he could potentially discuss with. Who other than Gregory House?
House was sat on the couch watching TV, seemingly entranced by the plot. The cold glow of the screen contrasted the warm light from the lamps in the room.
“Hey, House?”
House broke his focus from the TV and laid his eyes on Wilson. His friend looked sharp, as usual, but with tired eyes and a full mind.
“Yes babe?” he responded jokingly and with that typical smart-ass smirk of his. Wilson didn’t laugh.
“I don’t feel like cooking tonight. I think we should order Chinese takeout,” said Wilson. The man figured that, if he could get House in a good and caring mood, maybe he could confide in him.
House got up from the couch and walked across the open-plan living room to the doorway where Wilson stood. He put his hands on Wilson’s shoulders. “I absolutely agree,” he said.
Wilson just looked at him, mouth agape. “Um okay, I’ll place an order by phone and have them deliver.” He slid his phone out of his jacket pocket and flicked it open. He released himself from House’s grasp and went around the kitchen island and into his bedroom to find some quiet.
House stood in thought. It definitely was him who took my quiz. He could see it in Wilson’s eyes when he said the words ‘absolutely’ and ‘agree’ in conjunction with each other. He walked back to the couch and sat, going back to his soap.
Stephanie, spoke the man on TV, don’t leave me. ~
Wilson came back into the main room and told House that the food would be there soon. House’s mind was too busy to care about the food. Wilson has too much pride to come out to me. Maybe I should just be honest with him instead. I owe it to him.
But James Wilson wasn’t prideful. He was ashamed of himself. Ashamed that he was a total fruit basket in a world that figured only straight people were normal. Ashamed that he didn’t see the signs sooner. Ashamed that he could’ve spent all this time being truly in love instead of hiding. If there was a time to break the cycle of self-loathing and confusion, it’d be now. He sat next to his friend.
But Jared! spoke a woman on-screen. I’m just not sure what to do about this. ~
“ I went to the store after work,” stated House. “I had to pick up some ingredients. Tomorrow I’m making filet mignon.” He looked at Wilson for approval.
“Yeah. That’s a good idea,” replied Wilson, point-blank.
“I was also craving something sweet, so I bought some fruit .”
Babe! I mean, Stephanie, please think about what you’re saying. ~
Wilson stared at House. He probably stole my credit card for all that.
“Man, just spit it out,” ordered House.
“Huh, what?” sputtered Wilson. “I didn’t do anything today and I have nothing on my mind what are you talking about?” Of course, he was lying.
But Jared, I’ve just been so lost recently! ~
“James Wilson, you are not subtle,” said House. “But I hope you know you can talk to me.”
Wilson believed that House was being strangely nice to him. He seemed to be speaking with love in his heart for once. If I’m going to tell him, it’s now or never.
“ House ,” he started, “I’ve been feeling out of it because, well, today I realized what I should’ve known for a long time.”
House raised his eyebrows and stared intently at his friend.
“I’m gay, House.”
House was anticipating that, but he remained surprised that Wilson had spoken those words.
Stephanie, it’s okay, I’ll always be there for you. ~
“I like men, House.” Wilson shifted on the couch, unsure of himself and afraid of what House might say. “I— I took a quiz online because after the breakup I was having doubts and felt so clueless and I didn’t know what else to do and who I could talk to and I just wanted to know for sure, it’s like I needed to hear someone tell me the truth to even start thinking and then to accept it and—“
“Woah, Wilson, I accept you okay? And I know all about your 92% homosexual result because I wrote the quiz—“
“WHAT?” Wilson’s eyes popped out of his skull. His jaw fell once again. “You… you manipulated me and invaded my privacy, big time! ” There was hurt in his voice. House felt awful.
Gosh, Jared! I don’t think I can forgive what you did though. ~
“Hey. Wilson. Maybe I’ll explain myself, since you’re that clueless .” Here I go.
“Yeah you better. This is a new low, even for you.”
“I made the quiz for you and only you. Not to invade your privacy, but because I was too afraid to ask what you thought about me,” explained the older man. “I’m sorry.”
“What do you mean by that exactly?”
“Oh my god. Wilson . I’m in love with you!”
Wilson was shaken. Wilson couldn’t breathe. Wilson was losing his mind. All at once, images passed through his mind of him and House at monster truck rallies and sneaking around to each other’s offices. Things they did before, but the invisible rope that tied them to one another could now be plated in gold around their fingers.
“Wilson?”
“Yeah?”
“Are you gonna say something?”
“Yeah.”
House waited for an answer, but not for long, as his greatest friend in the world, his guardian angel, his main confidant, his endgame uttered four simple words:
“I love you too.” James Wilson turned a shade of pink. A sparkle appeared in his eyes. “I think I always have. Thanks, by the way, for making that stupid quiz.”
I may do stupid things, but baby, I’ll always be yours. ~ The soap cut to commercial.
“No problem, babe, anytime.”
Wilson laughed and stretched his hand out for a handshake. House grabbed it and pulled his love into a hug. After ten seconds of bliss, House got up and left for the fridge. He pulled out a basket. A fruit basket for the two of them to share.
Ding! Dong!
“Oh! Our takeout’s here!” said Wilson. The men walked briskly to the door to get their food. It had been a long day, but at least they were together.