Work Text:
He stands watching two grown men bicker like children over a toy that neither truly wants, except that the other has it. It bothers him that, even now, they can't seem to get along. If either is concerned about the way it makes them look to the rest of the crowd at the picnic, they aren't showing it.
He's had enough. This petty bickering needs to stop – now. His long legs carry him swiftly across the open area of grass. With no fear, he places himself between the two men. He glares first at one, then the other.
"Stop this. Now," he says firmly, without yelling.
Both men step back and scowl at him for interrupting.
He stands firm. "You are not children. You should stop acting like children." During his pause for breath, House begins to speak but he holds up a hand to stall him. "Don't. I want to be able to visit both of you and I can't do that if you make me uncomfortable."
Both men, House and Mark, seem to back down, though he can tell House wants to argue.
Mark speaks first. "You're right Gregory. I'm sorry. We should be civil, at least in public."
"Yeah right. We'll never get along. Even at a distance," House grumbles.
Gregory tries to control his temper. "You don't have to get along. Just make peace so I don't feel awkward around either of you. Because I will not choose. I will see, visit and talk to all of my friends. And nothing the two of you do will prevent that."
"Articulate for a twelve-year old, you think?" Mark asks House.
"More than you know," House agrees.
"You think we can do this? Be civil to one another? At least when others are around?" Mark asks, almost hopeful.
House shrugs. "Doesn't look like we have much choice."
Mark extends his hand to shake. House motions like he's going to spit in his hand until he catches the glares from Stacy, Cameron and Gregory, then relents to a decent handshake instead.
"I still don't like you," House snarls.
"I know. I don't like you either," Mark replies.
Gregory shakes his head. It's the tiniest of steps, but it's something. He smiles and accepts the hugs from both Stacy and his mother. Both are obviously impressed with his talent for taming the beasts.