Work Text:
"Dear Wilson." Nah, that’s way too formal.
"James." Who am I, his dad? Oh my god.
House signed, why was this so difficult? It was just a letter! Except it wasn’t, it was for his best friend, the person he cared about the most. He wanted to confess that he had been feeling like he wanted to be more than just friends, but how could that work? He was living in Japan, and Wilson was in NJ. A long-distance relationship would never work.
I mean, maybe he could try to ask him to move in with him? I don’t think so, he wasn’t like that.
And also, Wilson didn't know the language, it would be very hard for him to adapt to a new country, especially one that didn't speak his language.
So he decided to let that behind and focus on writing.
“Wilson,
I know that this letter would be a complete fiasco, but here I am, trying to come up with something clever to tell you. Well, here goes nothing:
Let’s start with, how are you? I hope you are well, you told me you had a long shift and you were short staffed, sucks to be you I guess. On the other hand, I went for a walk, I don’t normally like to since people annoy me too much but I was feeling like having one, I saw some ducks and fed them some peas, yes peas. Did you know that you are not supposed to feed them bread? It's because of some nutrition thing and it's actually bad for them, look it up. Anyway, I wanted to tell you that I miss you. “Nah, that’s too corny…” He murmured to himself as he threw the paper sheet away. So he started over and wrote: Anyway, I hope I can meet you one day, you know, without a screen. I guess that would be pretty cool” He continued telling him about his team, how dumb they were and how closed minded Japanese people can be. He also told him that the hospital director was planning on sending him to the US again, it was for some sort of conference. “I actually don’t remember for what reason he wanted me to be there, I was actually way to bored to pay any attention to whatever he was saying” A part of him wanted to go, but the other one was not so happy about it, the thing is that he had a very complicated relationship with his family and he didn’t want to talk to them (or be with them) so therefore he was just wanting to go without anyone knowing.”I think that could work, you know? My parents are the least tech savvy people I know so it’s not like they have a way of tracking my every move. I would like to spend time with you and only you. I mean, if that’s okay with you”
“Yeah, this sucks” He said while passing his hand through his hair and sighing, he really wanted this letter to be good. I mean Wilson wrote to him as well, and his letter was way better than his, he had a really good way with words, I mean how could he not he was an oncologist for Crist sake! He had to be.
House was trying, he really was. It had to be perfect or at least it had to mean something… So he just said “You know what? Fuck it, I’m just going to be strayforward, no backing down”
He started:
“Hello James,
I know this might be the worst letter you ever receive, but I wanted to write something back to you—perhaps so as not to deny you the pleasure of receiving a letter from the one and only Dr. House. But anyway, enough with the senseless jokes.
You told me you’ve been very busy, that you haven't been able to sleep well lately, and that you're getting more and more stressed. I hate to break it to you, but that’s just the beginning. I remember when I got out of med school; it was a total nightmare realizing people were even more idiotic than my classmates. I hope you can manage to endure it. Just remember, you are way better than anyone else working at that hospital. At least that's what I tell myself (Hope this helps)
Anyway, I wanted to say that I’ve missed you and I’ve been thinking about you… in a good way, of course. Don’t misinterpreting things. After all, you’re the only person I can actually stand. I hope I can see you soon, not through a screen obviously, but I don’t know when will that be, my boss told me that I will be going back to the US soon, I think he wants me to go to some sort of conference or something, I’m not sure, the meeting was extremely boring for me to care. But I guess this means that I can finally get to meet you, unless you want to come see me, which I wouldn't mind if you do.
You asked me if I had anything new to share, and all that I can say is, I sort of do.
Life's pretty boring here, I would say that the most socializing I've done is going out to drink or feed the ducks at one of the local parks.
I think that I would have more fun if you were here.
On the other hand, I tried going out on a date a couple of weeks ago and I don't think it worked… Because I
House stopped typing, he looked at the paper sheet, he sighed, he really didn't want to start all over again…
So he had two choices:
Because I ruined it.
Because I couldn't stop thinking about you the whole time.
He really didn't think about it and typed
“Because I couldn't stop thinking about you the whole time”
Call it a moment of weakness on his end but this was the first time he was being vulnerable. There was really no turning back at this point, so he made another choice.
If he was to risk it all, might as well do it correctly, he continued typing:
So yeah, you guessed it, there wasn't a second date…
I feel like a school girl writing to her crush that's in another classroom, one of those “Do you like me? Yes or no” notes.
I guess that's self explanatory but I think you are a bit slow Wilson.
So…
I like you, like a lot.
I'm sorry.
Until next time (if there's one)
Sincerely, Greg.
So he decided to put it on an envelope, walk to the post office and send it. It would take a while for the card to get to him but he could wait.
…
Ten days went by and James finally received the letter, he went to check his mail right before bed.
He read the whole thing.
Needless to say, he was shocked, he never expected for House to be so open? So naturally he wrote back.
…
Weeks went by and House got his response.
“Hello Greg,
Since you are using our first names, I thought it would be fitting to do the same.
Thank you for the advice, I can't say I'm surprised that you say that about yourself.
But I do believe that you are right, so I'm to say thank you for the compliment. I knew that sending your favorite candy would have its benefits.
I also imagined that hospital life wouldn't be easy, that and the headaches (and yes I do keep myself hydrated, unlike someone… Not saying who) But for real, drink more water House, I beg you.
I wanted to say that I enjoyed your letter very much, despite the tragedy of your date (I'm sorry that I'm very irresistible) that was a joke (I tried).
Anyway, please don't apologize… In fact I think that we have something in common.
I like you too, a lot.
We are now allowed to hold hands on the school hallway and make out behind a tree at recess.
Question:
Wanna have a marathon of monster trucks tonight?
Sincerely yours,
James”