Fic : Hope

[menolly_au]

Title: Hope
Characters: House/Wilson
Rating: PG
Spoilers: For 8.20 - Post Mortem
Words: Approx. 600
Summary: He's not going to die today.




Wilson thought it was ironic that a doctor with terminal cancer was working in a hospice, helping to ease other people's suffering. House thought it was moronic, an opinion he expressed loudly and often. Wilson would just smile and tell House, again, that he'd finally decided that there was nothing wrong with looking after other people, and that helping them helped him. House would grumble and sulk, and then a little later would chuck a medical journal at him with an article about the latest advancements in the care of people with late stage cancer.

When he couldn't work, on the bad days, Wilson would sit outside, and stare at the ocean. The weather here was a lot warmer, and the sun had healing properties, for body and soul, and watching the waves calmed his mind. Sometimes House would join him, bringing his laptop and his phone because his active mind could never be still. Sometimes, on the really bad days he'd bring out his guitar and play softly. He'd scoff about the birds singing, and the waves crashing on the store, but the lines of pain on his own face would relax slightly and he'd let Wilson lean up against him, on the bench seat, while he played. Wilson would fall asleep to the sounds of gentle chords and a soft voice singing a soulful melody.

There were other people in their lives now, Wilson had made sure of that. They came for dinner, or poker, or just a cup of coffee and a chat. Sometimes House would join them, sometimes he'd stay away, in no mood for human company. House's own students came over regularly, because he couldn't always go to the hospital, sometimes Wilson needed him here. They were young, and bright, full of life, and Wilson knew that they would be there, when they were needed. House wouldn't have to stand alone. There'd be people there, with food, and comfort, and shared memories.

He hadn't made House promise to stay, although he wanted to. He couldn't ask him to make a promise that could destroy him. House would find life, or death, on his own. Wilson could only offer a path, it would be there if House could bring himself to take it. If not, well he wouldn't condemn him for that. They didn't talk about it, House ducked and weaved around the subject, never wanting to face the truth and Wilson let him evade. They both lived in the moment now, the past a painful road behind them, the future a heavy fog. Wilson had decided to fight, until he couldn't, and to live, until that was taken.

At night they would lie together, House's arms wrapped around him, holding him so he didn't slip away during the night. Wilson would whisper his fears, and his hopes. House would listen when it was important, and mock when it wasn't. Sometimes they wouldn't talk, and afterwards they would lie in each other's embrace, feel the other's heartbeat and know that they were both still here, together, and it was enough.

Each morning Wilson would wake and see the sun's rays creeping around the bedroom, bringing a new day, and fresh hope. He would smile, and say to himself, 'not yet'.

One day it would be over, but not today.

Comments

[knitty-woman.livejournal.com]

I must stop reading these stories, however beautiful, and spoilers, and comments, and wallowing in the angst that is the end of House. But not today.

Thank you for your poignant images.

[menolly-au.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I've managed to tear myself away for most of the day but I keep coming back...

Thank you for reading :)

[3rdgal12.livejournal.com]

I'd quote my favorite parts but that would be the entire story.

You have no idea how much I want this to take place. Resignation without giving up, and Wilson making sure there will people there but understanding if House chooses to follow him, House knowing when to mock and when not to...

You made me cry tears of hope which is a nice change from current events. Thank you so much.

[menolly-au.livejournal.com]

Oh, thanks :) I would hope that they could find some happiness before the end, and that the end would be in many years... Thanks for reading :)

[lordhellebore]

If Wilson dies, that's how I'd hope it would be. IC enough so it's them, but still emotionally satisfying. You made me cry with this, but in a good way.

[menolly-au.livejournal.com]

I hope if it happens, it's a long time in the future and we don't have to see it... Thank you, sorry to make you cry but at least it was in a good way :)

[justjuly4.livejournal.com]

Beautifully written, sad but not heart-breaking. I loved your story very much, hope the things will turn out close to your scenario for both of them.

[menolly-au.livejournal.com]

Thank you :) I hope that there is some peace in life for both of them. Thanks for reading :)

[yarroway.livejournal.com]

The main feeling I get here, from the setting to the voice of the narrator, to the way Wilson talks about House making his own choices and himself living until that's taken from him, is of peace. He's clearly found acceptance and serenity. I hope he has both for many more years.

[menolly-au.livejournal.com]

Yes, I think Wilson has made his peace with things here. Hopefully this would be *many* years in the future.. Thanks for reading :)

[idonmatrix.livejournal.com]

This was so heartbreakingly beautiful and just what my heart needed. Thank you :)

[menolly-au.livejournal.com]

Thank you :) Glad you liked it, thanks for reading :)

[zebra363.livejournal.com]

Very very nice!

[menolly-au.livejournal.com]

Thank you, and thanks for reading :)

[sassyjumper.livejournal.com]

This is absolutely beautiful :) When I read the title, I thought this might be about House getting Wilson to try a new chemo regimen, or something like that. But there are all kinds of hope, and the images of House wrapping his arms around Wilson at night, and Wilson waking up, grateful to see another morning ... I have tears in my eyes.

[menolly-au.livejournal.com]

My personal background to this is that they have, over the years, tried lots of different things, with some success but ultimately they know it's going to get Wilson in the end. Thanks for reading, glad you liked it :)

[readingrat.livejournal.com]

One hopes that Wilson will find some sort of peace. In Post-Mortem he seemed to be fighting acceptance tooth and nail, doing things he didn't enjoy doing just for the sake of flipping cancer the bird. Doing what he's good at and enjoys during the last days, weeks and months that are left makes more sense.

[menolly-au.livejournal.com]

I must admit that this is more wish fulfilment than anything :) (if wilson is to die at all, my real wish is for a Housian miracle cure in the next episode :) Yeah, Post-Mortem... - you have that right, he didn't seem to enjoy doing any of that, which I guess was the point. Thanks for reading :)

[nyteflyer.livejournal.com]

Beautiful piece!

[menolly-au.livejournal.com]

Thank you, and thanks for reading :)

[tomodachikiss.livejournal.com]

Beautiful!

[menolly-au.livejournal.com]

Thank you, and thanks for reading :)

[pgrabia.livejournal.com]

Oh my, now you've done it! I'm tearing up again. If Wilson has to die, I want it to be in House's arms. It was beautiful and cathartic--thank you.

[menolly-au.livejournal.com]

Thank you, I hope he doesn't have to die at all, but I'm sure he'll be with House if he does, House isn't going anywhere.

Thanks for reading :)

[chocolate-frapp.livejournal.com]

I hope they don't kill Wilson off in canon but if they do I hope it's like this.

[menolly-au.livejournal.com]

Oh, I really really hope they don't :( Thanks for reading :)

[jahmat.livejournal.com]

Oh, the image of Wilson leaning against him as House quietly plays the guitar...*so right* I have to stop reading these. But I can't.

Thank you for this.

[menolly-au.livejournal.com]

Thanks :) Yeah, I keep telling myself I need to get away from all this for a bit, but I can't :) Thanks for reading :)

[tourmaline1973.livejournal.com]

This is so lovely, sad and beautiful <3

[menolly-au.livejournal.com]

Thank you, glad you liked it, thanks for reading :)

[rslhilson.livejournal.com]

Oh, wow. Beautifully heartbreaking. There's so much emotion, but there's also a sense of calm and comfort running through it. A very lovely piece. <3

[menolly-au.livejournal.com]

Thank you, glad you liked it :) Thanks for reading :)

[brindlewolf.livejournal.com]

Very beautiful and very moving. ♥ Isn't it strange that we the fans care so much more about these characters than their creators ever seemed to?

[menolly-au.livejournal.com]

Thank you, glad you liked it :) Yes, I think we're far more invested in these characters than the creators would ever believe...

[jezziejay.livejournal.com]

At night they would lie together, House's arms wrapped around him, holding him so he didn't slip away during the night. Killed me with this line. Dead.

This whole story was just beautiful - I love how Wilson is preparing House for a life without him, while still making the most of their time together. If it must happen, then this is the way I want it to go.

[menolly-au.livejournal.com]

Thnaks :) Glad you liked it, I think Wilson would keep trying to take care of House to the grave and beyond. Thanks for reading!

[aylaliadjo.livejournal.com]

Just awesome. I love it. I was thinking about quoting my favourites lines, but then the comment would be as long as the fic itself.

[menolly-au.livejournal.com]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for reading :)

[damigella-314.livejournal.com]

House may still kill himself, or maybe just encourage death by drinking and recklessly driving, once Wilson is gone. But while he's alive, he fully lives, they both fully live. Perfect, and mem.
(I may be overmemming now, but I'm sure I'll need lots of comfort after the finale).

[menolly-au.livejournal.com]

Thanks, glad you liked it :) I'm hoping the finale will indeed be somewhat 'uplifting' and not too sad but I'm not holding my breath...