Dark Redux, Part 1.8 -- Poison

[darkdreamer]

And my second update of the day.... hope you guys are liking this story, it's quickly become my favorite to write... This particular chapter was a bit difficult, though, considering that the episode I was rewriting actually had very little relevant House/Wilson interaction :P Please let me know what you guys think of it :)

*hugs*
DoS


Title: Dark Redux
Episode: 1.8 -- Poison
Beta: misanthropicobs
Disclaimer: House, Wilson, and all other characters/ideas taken from the show are not my own, and I'm making no profit from the writing of this fiction -- just for fun, I promise. :P (Some dialogue this chapter taken directly from the episode.)
Pairing: House/Wilson
Rating: PG-13
Author's Note: In this particular 'verse, I've changed one thing about the canon timeline. At the beginning of the story, when House and Wilson first get together, Wilson is already recently divorced from Julie.
Story Warnings: slash, dark Wilson eventually -- specific warnings for each chapter as necessary
Chapter Warnings: mild violence and coercion
Story Summary: A darker version of how canon might have gone, if House and Wilson had entered into a relationship from the start -- and if that relationship took a gradually dark, disturbing turn.
Chapter Summary: House is feeling quite insecure, and Wilson tries to help... but his methods may do more damage than good...

 

 

“The healer with his magic powers… I could rub his gentle brow for hours…”

House glanced behind him in surprised confusion before returning his narrowed gaze to Wilson.

It looked as if Wilson was talking to him, but the words coming out of his mouth were… alarming, to say the least.

“His manly chest, his stubbled jaw… everything about him leaves me raw…”

“Psych ward’s upstairs,” House informed Wilson, starting to walk past him.

“With joy, oh House, your very name… will never leave this girl the same.”

Wilson smirked as he placed the sheet of paper from which he had been reading into House’s hand. “Not bad for an eighty-two year old. She asked me to give that to her true love.”

All became clear, as House realized who had written the poem, and Wilson’s cryptic reading suddenly made sense. He glanced around, a trace of a smile barely concealing his embarrassment as the lobby full of staff and patients suppressed giggles and expressions of amusement at the impromptu performance.

House felt a hot flush fill his face at the knowledge of just why so many of them found it so funny. It was impossible for them to imagine anyone finding him so attractive as to compose a love poem for him – or thinking that he might appreciate it if they dared to do such a thing.

Who’d want to be with me? House’s heart sank as his thoughts mirrored those he imagined in the people around him, and he felt sick. Who in their right mind?

House studied Wilson’s expression for a long moment, taking in the dark eyes sparkling with mirth, mingled with affection. Wilson was trying not to laugh, clearly as amused as everyone else by the old woman’s crush, as well as by the fact that he had just gotten away with reading House love poetry in front of the entire lobby, without anyone catching on to the secret joke between the two of them.

Or, Wilson meant it to be between the two of them, anyway.

Despite his forced half-smile, House was not amused.

He’s so glad no one’s catching on, too… because if they did, he might actually have to be faithful…

“What can I say? Chicks with no teeth turn me on,” he replied in a flat tone as he abruptly turned and headed away from the lobby.

“That’s… fairly disgusting.” Wilson looked up, his voice trailing off when he realized that House was walking away from him. “House?”

Wilson knew that House was not so far down the hallway that he couldn’t hear him, but he did not respond, merely hastened his pace as he moved away from the clinic as quickly as possible. Wilson’s jaw set with determination, and he hurried after House, easily catching up with him just around the corner and out of sight of the clinic filled with waiting patients and staff.

Without a word, Wilson caught House’s arm and pushed him ahead of him into an empty patient room beside them, closing the door behind them and locking it without looking as he did so. House spun on his heel to face Wilson, instantly furious.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” he demanded, advancing on Wilson in barely bridled fury, brandishing his cane in a gesture of frustration. “When I’m walking away from you, that should be a pretty good indicator that I don’t want you around!”

“I don’t care,” Wilson retorted, taking a step toward House to match the older man’s advance, defiance flashing in his eyes. “You’re not walking away from me, House – not until you tell me what is going on here. What’s wrong? Why are you so angry with me all of a sudden?”

“If I wanted to talk about it,” House snapped, “I’d be talking about it, instead of trying to avoid you.” He moved to push past Wilson to the door. “And speaking of avoiding you…”

“No,” Wilson cut him off abruptly in a sharp, authoritative tone, grabbing House by the arms and shoving him against the wall behind the door, so hard that House winced in pain at the impact. “No, you are not leaving this room until you talk to me.”

House struggled to free himself from Wilson’s restraint, but couldn’t gain the balance and leverage necessary to do so, as the younger man easily held him pinned against the wall. With a frustrated growl of helpless fury, House let his head fall back against the wall behind him, closing his eyes for a moment before looking up again to glare at Wilson.

“Why should I want to talk to you?” he demanded. “And for that matter, why are you so all about the openness all of a sudden? Mr. Secretive – can’t let anyone know we’re actually together, because that might cramp your style.” House fairly spat the words at Wilson in bitter resentment. “You were just loving it back there – you were really getting off on the fact that no one in that room had a clue that you were reading that stupid love poem to your actual boyfriend!”

“No,” Wilson insisted, his eyes and voice both softening as he began to realize what it was that was bothering House. “No, it wasn’t like that, not at all. I wasn’t getting off on the secret, House. I just… thought the poem was funny, that’s all. It was just a joke…”

“You mean I’m just a joke,” House countered, holding Wilson’s gaze, his blue eyes blazing with challenge. “Yeah, that’s so funny, Wilson. So freakin’ hilarious to think that someone might actually find me attractive. Yeah, how could I have missed it? It’s so obvious why you and the whole clinic got a good laugh out of that one!”

Further incensed by his own words, House tried again to pull free of Wilson’s grip, only to be pushed against the wall again, Wilson’s hands locking around his wrists and pinning them near his head, his legs shifting nearer to hold House’s back and keep him from fighting. Wilson held his gaze, his eyes warm and sympathetic and serious, as he answered in a low, soft voice of understanding.

“No, we didn’t, House. Of course you’re attractive. Incredibly attractive.” Wilson’s mouth twitched in a suppressed grin, his dancing eyes unable to contain their mirth as he added, just as seriously, “To… elderly women suffering from disease-induced dementia…”

“Bastard,” House muttered in fury, struggling again, uselessly. “Take your hands off…”

“And me,” Wilson continued, all humor faded from his eyes as he edged even nearer to House, until there was virtually no space between them. House went still, halted by the solemn earnestness in Wilson’s expression. “Don’t forget me.”

Wilson leaned in to kiss House then, holding his gaze until he couldn’t any longer, but House stubbornly turned his face away, his jaw set in determination not to bend – not yet.

“Come on,” Wilson murmured. “Don’t do that. House, you know I didn’t mean it like that. If I didn’t think you were attractive, do you think I’d be here right now? Do you think I’d even be wasting my time? Come on… I love you…”

As he spoke, Wilson’s hands shifted from House’s arms to run up and down his sides, slipping under the hem of his untucked shirt and sliding slowly up, leaving trails of soft heat along House’s skin. House couldn’t suppress the shiver of desire that passed through him, even as he turned his head away again, refusing Wilson’s kiss.

“You don’t…” he whispered, the words barely audible, the thought only finished in his mind.

You don’t love me… you hide me… humiliate me… cheat on me… you might want me, but love me… no, no you don’t…

Frustrated by the protest that House had only begun to voice, aware at least in part of what he had intended to say, Wilson abruptly shoved him against the wall again, holding him there with one hand against House’s chest. His free hand rose to fist in House’s hair, tugging his head backward slightly, jerking just hard enough to make House draw in a sharp breath of alarm at the pain it promised – but just barely failed to deliver.

Wilson leaned in very close, and House closed his eyes, unable to bear the intimacy of his expression, his very nearness. Wilson’s breath was warm against his throat as he opened his mouth to speak, breathing hard as no words seemed to come to him. Abruptly, Wilson captured House’s mouth in a hard, forceful kiss, almost bruising in its intensity.

House fought at first, but Wilson persisted, and eventually, against his will, House found himself yielding to the kiss. Encouraged by House’s submission, Wilson deepened the kiss, his hand at the back of House’s head refusing to let him pull away until they were both desperate for air, gasping in deep draughts of oxygen as they both leaned against the wall for support, barely able to stand.

When at last they had caught their breath, Wilson drew back slightly, waiting until House met his eyes to speak in a halting, shallow whisper, between harsh little gasps for air.

“I fired… that oncology nurse.”

House blinked, surprised by the unexpected shift in the conversation, as much as by the information, but did not speak.

“The one I had lunch with,” Wilson clarified, though it was unnecessary. “I fired her.”

House studied his face for a long moment, looking away as he carefully weighed his response to Wilson’s words.

Is this a confession? Is he admitting to me that he actually…?

“Why?” House asked softly at last, not quite meeting Wilson’s eyes.

Wilson shrugged, looking away for a moment before looking back up at House with a faint, ironic smile. “She just wasn’t cutting it,” he replied. “I don’t think she was cut out for such… emotionally difficult work. I let her go, with a recommendation to work somewhere else – and advised her to try a different department at her next hospital. Something like, I don’t know – terminal pediatrics.”

When House didn’t so much as smile in response to Wilson’s little joke, Wilson reached out a hand to touch his face, gently pushing his head up and silently encouraging House to meet his eyes. When that wordless hint proved ineffective, Wilson spoke in a tender voice of quiet urgency.

“Look at me.”

House reluctantly raised solemn blue eyes to meet Wilson’s, searching for some kind of answer on his face, without voicing the questions they both knew already lay between them.

“I did it for you,” Wilson admitted at last, his expression solemn and sincere. “Because… I knew you had a problem with her… were jealous of her… so, I… didn’t need her around. It’s that simple.” Wilson’s voice was low and intent as he added softly, “You mean more to me than anyone else, House. I need you to know that.”

So… not a confession, then… but… maybe something…

House was still certain that Wilson had been with the nurse he had fired – had been unfaithful to him – but despite his suspicions, he couldn’t help but feel that it meant something that Wilson would fire her, for him. Perhaps Wilson was unwilling to admit to his past indiscretions – but was this a silent promise to abandon them altogether? Was this Wilson’s way of telling House that, although he was not going to admit his wrongdoing, he was also not going to do it again?

“I love you,” Wilson whispered, his hand at House’s cheek caressing back until his fingers played through House’s hair again, drawing him in gently but insistently for another kiss. “I love you…”

House could not quite bring himself to return the words – though both men knew how intensely he felt them. He had not yet allowed himself that much vulnerability with Wilson, despite the fact that Wilson seemed to utter the words dozens of times in a single day.

However, House’s kiss said more than words could have expressed, as he finally yielded fully to Wilson’s affections, and returned them, as he allowed his heart to hope again that maybe, maybe, they would be okay from here on out.

**************************

When Georgia’s test results came back later that afternoon, House surveyed them with sudden clarity as to her behavior – and a sinking sensation of disappointment.

Syphilis. Figures. Of course, her attraction was the result of ‘disease-induced dementia’, like Wilson said. Or brain damage. Same thing. Either way, the only reason she found me attractive at all was because of her STD.

House’s mind echoed again with the snickering laughter of the people in the clinic as Wilson had read Georgia’s poem, and his face flushed with fresh shame at the memory. Wilson’s soothing words, however gentle and well-intentioned, now seemed to carry a patronizing note in House’s memories – as if Wilson hadn’t wanted to hurt him by pointing out how unlikely and amusing the prospect of someone else being attracted to him really was.

He’s right, House concluded as he headed back toward his office. What are the chances of anyone else ever wanting me? I’m lucky that he hasn’t gotten bored already and moved on to someone else entirely.

And with that thought, a cold, tight sensation of fear took residence in House’s heart.

It was only a matter of time before Wilson did just that – lost interest in the novelty of his aging, crippled boyfriend and decided to move on to someone younger, less needy, more attractive. House tried to fight off the sense of impending doom, tried to tell himself that it didn’t matter – if Wilson didn’t need him, then he didn’t need Wilson. If Wilson decided to leave, well – House would be just fine.

But even House knew that it was nothing but a lie.

Sooner or later, Wilson would surely get tired of him – but until that day came, House would do what he could to hold onto him, for as long as possible.

TBC...

/>
Accident Attorneys

Comments

[djfavorite.livejournal.com]

I know why it's becoming your favorite. It gives you an excuse to watch the episodes again.

(I have to run off, so I'll be reading this later.)

[dreamsofspike.livejournal.com]

hehehe... very true :) i'm enjoying goin back through the show, picking out anything that can be construed as House/Wilson, or dark!wilson.... it's quite fun...

glad you're liking the story as well, hon.. the next chapter is up now, hope you like it, as well as this one, when you get the chance to read it :)

*hugs*
DoS

[bonomania.livejournal.com]

Wilson is really beginning to scare me now 0_o

Love this chapter, I like what you're doing with the episodes. It makes me want to go and watch them again. XD

(For some reason - I have no idea why - when I got to the end of this chapter I got a sudden urge to re-read 'Losing It'...So, I'm off to spend my night doing that).

[dreamsofspike.livejournal.com]

hehehe... dark!wilson-addiction can be a dangerous thing ;) lol

glad you're enjoying this fic, hon, i'm loving writing it... and yeah, wilson's gradually getting scarier and scarier :-S

thanx so much for your kind words, hon, the next entry is up now, hope you enjoy :)

*Hugs*
DoS

[chaoskir.livejournal.com]

The view-changing in the several chapters are very interesting. Thanks for those long and enlighting update.

[dreamsofspike.livejournal.com]

hehe... thanx, love, glad you're enjoying the different perspective on the events of season one :) *Hugs* the next one is up now, hope you like :)

[arhh.livejournal.com]

Poor House :( I do love Wilson in this series though. Thanks for sharing :)

[dreamsofspike.livejournal.com]

thanx, love, glad you're enjoying dark!wilson... he's only going to get darker :P thanx so much for your kind words, hon... the next one is up now, hope you like it :) *Hugs*

[fourleggedfish.livejournal.com]

Wilson, Wilson, Wilson... Meanie! And manipulative. Poor House!

Love these - can't wait for more!

[dreamsofspike.livejournal.com]

yeah, wilson's gradually getting darker and more manipulative :( poor house... glad you're enjoying the update, though :) *hugs* the next one is up now, hope you like it :)

[dynamics-xx.livejournal.com]

If only House could meet his exponentially huge group of psycho fangirls! Then he would know that he is not old and crippling, but HOTHOTGORGEOUSSSS and anyone would looove to have him. <33 Haha.

Anyway..
their relationship is getting..strange. Although I can't help but find it slightly adorable. hehe

[dreamsofspike.livejournal.com]

hehe... yeah, they'd get his confidence back up in a hurry, huh, love? :) hehehe

and yeah, wilson's gradually gaining more of a control over house and his emotions... and not at all in a good way :(

glad you're enjoying the story, though, hon :) *Hugs* the next chapter is up now :)

[madwriter223.livejournal.com]

Yup. Brainwashing at its fullest. And the effects to one's self-confidence and his ability to function without the implantor of the conditioning is severely diminished. Which sucks big time, and gives way to lots of angst (which I enjoy reading ^__^ ).
I enjoyed how you portrayed House having a self-doubt attack at Georgia's poem(I love that woman)and at the end. He's moving on the fast-way to mental breakdown. Or even deeper depression. Sad how Wilson manipulated him, especially with the nurse. I have this strange feeling that he didn't fire her cause he was guilty but to avoid the possibility of her telling House what he did. And here is the part I cuss him out. ^__^

[dreamsofspike.livejournal.com]

love, you've noticed and pointed out every step in this chapter of wilson's brainwashing, and exactly the effects it's having on poor house :P... great perception... so glad you're picking up on these things, and glad you're enjoying the story...

the next one is up now, hope you like it as well :)

*hugs*
DoS

[jackssilverwolf.livejournal.com]

Aw, I laughed so hard at that scene. Nicely done, turning it into such a hurtful moment. Eagerly awaiting more, darkWilson makes me smile. Evilly. >:o)

[dreamsofspike.livejournal.com]

hehe... glad you liked the emotional switch, there, love :) *Hugs* thanx so much for your kind words... the next update of this story is up now, hope you enjoy it :)

[jadzia7667.livejournal.com]

Wilson is one creepy little cookie monster, isn't he? I think I like him this way. Well, not like him, but you know what I mean, yeah?

[dreamsofspike.livejournal.com]

hehehe... yeah, creepy dark wilson can be fun ;) hehehe... glad you're enjoying this story, hon, thanx so much for your kind words :) the next chapter is up now, hope you like it :) *Hugs*

[jennybliss.livejournal.com]

*hugs House* Wilson is such a master manipulator. He plays so well on House's emotions. Poor House doesn't really see how far he has gone. I loved the line "You don't love me... you hide me... humiliate me... cheat on me... you might want me, but love me... no, no you don't..." No one should ever feel that way. I just wish that someone would see what is going on and step up to help.

I love this!

[dreamsofspike.livejournal.com]

thanx so much, hon, glad you liked that one line in particular... :) i liked it myself :P hehe *hugs*

thanx so much for your kind words, hon, and they're right on the money, too... wilson is definitely playing house incredibly, dangerously well :-S....

the next chapter is up now, love, hope you like it :) *Hugs*

[caged-obsession.livejournal.com]

Hello! Ashaera, here. Love this new chapter. Hopefully Wilson will be able to control himself this time around... If I had House wrapped around my little finger, I'd never take him for granted. House's insecurity is heart-breaking and understandable, considering his disability.

You're doing a great job, especially with writing 3 or 4 stories at once! I'm off to read the other updates now!

Ja ne.

[dreamsofspike.livejournal.com]

yeah, and wilson is starting to take advantage of house's insecurities in the worst ways :( thanx so much, hon, i'm glad you're enjoying this story :) *Hugs* the next chapter is up now, hope you like it :)

[moz17.livejournal.com]

"If Wilson decided to leave, well – House would be just fine.


But even House knew that it was nothing but a lie."

You're really starting to break my heart here!!! Poor, poor House. He's so vulnerable and Wilson is so...twisted.

LOL,, brilliant as ever! x

[dreamsofspike.livejournal.com]

yeah, at this point house feels like wilson is all he has... and wilson is doing everything he can to reinforce that idea... :(

thanx, love, glad you liked this chapter :) *hugs*