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House so desperately wanted Lucas to shut up and stop talking. He wanted to walk away from this god-awful situation. And Cuddy was just sitting there, letting this guy run his mouth. It's a bit ironic since she always bites back at House for saying something stupid. She’s not even trying to stop Lucas. If she wanted, she would have told him to shut up and give that famous glare she always shot his way.
He knew how Lucas worked and how airing out his problems was a way to rile him up. It’s a low-ball move, really. House is just waiting for him to mention his leg if Cuddy decides to share that information. She clearly doesn’t have a problem talking about his issues; why stop at his addiction? A shame, really, they could have been good friends.
“I mean, I imagine having sex with women all the time. No big deal. Though I guess if they knew what I imagine, it could get awkward. And I guess it's different because in the fantasy, she was your savior. But I mean, that was months ago, right? All the work that you had to do to get straight- You've been institutionalized. You've had way bigger stuff to deal with.”
Does this guy know when to shut up? House has half a brain to take his cane and-
“Will you shut up? Didn’t your mother teach you that if you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all?” Willson dropped his hands to the table, startling everyone. “Seriously, you wouldn’t be able to take the hint if it hit you in the face.”
“Wilson.” Cuddy placed her tea down and gave him a look. House looked at Willson in surprise as well.
“First of all, why do you know all of this?” He’s sure the team doesn’t even know the extent of House’s hallucinations. Willson shot a glare at Cuddy, then towards Lucas, pointing a finger at the guy. “And second, how dare you!”
“Whoa, man, listen…” Lucas cowardly threw his hands up in surrender. Looking at Cuddy to see if she’d tell Willson to back off.
“Oh, don’t give me that innocent man's act, I see right through it. Heck, I’ve put up that act. Yeah, I see the problem… but this isn’t about ME. You may act like a clueless idiot, but behind that is all a calculated motive. You and I both know the end goal, so don’t even make me say it.” He took a deep breath, holding himself back from punching the guy. “Don’t you dare talk about something you weren’t even a part of. And don’t you dare rub my best friend’s issues in his face like that! You weren’t there, and you certainly weren’t involved, so keep your thoughts to yourself. I don’t care what you two are, and she had no right to tell you the extent. And you most of all certainly don’t have the right to voice it!”
“Hmmm,” House let out. Still surprised by Willson’s actions. Looks like he’s taking what he said to heart. House appreciated the gesture.
“And you,” he turned to Cuddy. “I expect better from you. When House runs his mouth, you are quick to fight back. And it’s always been within reason. I’ve also seen you defend him multiple times for good reason, too. So why choose today to let it slide? Out of everyone, you’re letting this…this outsider go on about something he has no right to talk about.” Just thinking about that time when House was hallucinating and driving up to Mayfield had surfaced some unwanted feelings. The fear, worry, and sadness he felt knowing that his friend’s addiction had become so severe. “At least House doesn’t play the white knight savior act. Sure, he’ll find your weaknesses and manipulate you into facing them. But he doesn’t let them weigh you down. He makes you overcome them, no matter how unorthodox the methods may be.” Willson stood slowly, “This whole trip, we’ve been debating House’s reliability. He sure doesn’t do it enough to any normal human capacity, but he does it when it matters the most. And we… I’ve been too blind to see that.” He thought of Amber and the whole situation, a wave of sadness washing over him. He walked away from the table, leaving everyone in silence.
“I should have brought a microphone for this encounter.” House stood up and turned towards Cuddy. “Congratulations, you made a great choice.” He quipped with obvious sarcasm. He tipped his imaginary hat and walked in the same direction as Willson.
~~~~
The two sat in silence on the car ride back home. House stared out the window while Willson drove. House left the conference feeling conflicted, part of him wishing he hadn’t come. But he’s glad he did; he stopped Willson from making a mistake that would have put his whole career in jeopardy.
House slowly turns his head to look at Willson.
“You didn’t have to do that.”
“Yes. I did. You’re my best friend, and he insulted you.”
“I almost threw my cane at him.”
“You would do the same anyway.”
“True.”
“I almost hopped over the table to punch him,” he chuckled. “Gosh, what does she even see in him? Of course, I’m biased but still.”
“He’s easy,” House admitted. “We may share similarities. But as you said, he plays the innocent white knight role. All push, no pull. He’ll take chances with no risk.” He sighs. “I should have called her back in college.”
“It’ll be okay.” He reassures. “And if he ever says something like that to your face, I will punch him. He seems like the type of guy who should have been punched in the face long ago.”
Bonus because how dare he mess with Chase:
Chase stormed into Cuddy’s office. His encounter with Lucas leaves a sour taste in his mouth. “I know Cameron, and I’s decision is out of the blue, but can you please leave others out of it?” Cuddy looked confused. Before she could speak, Chase started first, “Cuddy, I don’t know what you told your boy toy, but I don’t appreciate him trying to meddle in my life. I already get that enough with House.”
Cuddy lifts a brow, “Dr.Chase, I’m not sure what you’re…”
“You boy toy,” he said, putting an extra emphasis on the nickname, “is meddling in my affairs with the House. He’s snooped through my papers. Claiming the House’s team issues make you miserable, which makes him miserable. A little self-centered if you ask me...” Chase drew the last words under his breath, yet she heard every one of them.
She straightened, her voice turning firm.“I agree, Lucas shouldn’t be meddling in your decision.” She cleared her throat, letting her boss persona fade, “Listen, I know this is a difficult decision to make so quickly, but I think you should sleep on it.”
Her words only agitated Chase; he was simply tired. “This is mine and Cameron’s decision to make alone. No one else’s. And I won’t be swayed, especially from some outsider.” Chase fired back and walked out of the office.