A fic update, and a title change :)

[darkdreamer]

Hey, guys :)

Here's the next chapter of the Dark Redux series, only I've just changed it's name. It was pointed out to me by a reader (and I'd already thought myself) that the title was... er.. lacking :P heheh.... I just hadn't been able to think of a good name for it. Now, however, I think I've come up with a fitting title. From here on out the story formerly known as Dark Redux will instead be "Shadows of Doubt: A Dark!Wilson House Redux" :P

Hope you enjoy this update :)

*hugs*
DoS

Title: Shadows of Doubt: A Dark!Wilson House Redux
Episode: 2.3 -- Humpty Dumpty
Beta: andi88
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 -- specific warnings for each chapter as necessary
Chapter Warnings: none
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: Wilson wants House to hide the darker side of their relationship... but Stacy is determined to bring it to light.

 

House awakened the following morning to the pleasant sensation of soft, warm lips working their way slowly from his shoulder to his collarbone, then up again toward his throat. He smiled a little in his half-waking state, not yet opening his eyes, but allowing his head to fall back to grant his lover greater access. A soft little hum of enjoyment and approval sounded in his throat, encouraging Wilson’s gentle advances.

Wilson let out a smug chuckle at House’s obvious pleasure, kissing the side of House’s neck slowly before murmuring against his skin.

“Wake up, sleepyhead. Time to get up.”

House pretended not to hear him – not because he was still tired, but because he wanted to give Wilson no reason to stop his enticing attentions. His smile widened slightly, but he kept his eyes closed, feigning sleep, although he knew he was not convincing Wilson for a moment.

When Wilson’s searching mouth ventured a little higher, however, pleasure was immediately replaced with pain.

House winced at the dull, throbbing ache he felt as Wilson’s lips closed over his throat, instinctively pulling away and opening his eyes. Wilson drew back as well, frowning as he looked down at the place that had obviously caused House such discomfort. When House saw the darkening of Wilson’s expression, the regretful recognition in his eyes, he knew without the benefit of a mirror what Wilson had seen.

Suddenly, House’s arousal was replaced with a self-conscious unease, and he instinctively raised a hand to cover the hand-shaped bruise he knew Wilson had found – the bruise Wilson had given him – on his throat.

“It looks worse…”

Wilson observed with quiet concern before lowering his lips to House’s shoulder again in a softer, more cautious kiss. House swallowed hard, tensing slightly, but lowering his hand and remaining still as Wilson’s mouth worked its way around the injury while carefully avoiding it, unwilling to cause him any more pain.

Gently, Wilson pushed House over onto his back, his hands running slow, affectionately possessive hands up House’s arms to his shoulders, then down again, while his mouth continued its soft exploration. Reading the wordless apology in Wilson’s actions and wanting to reassure him that all was forgiven, House tentatively raised his arms to wrap around Wilson and return his embrace.

Wilson drew back at last, meeting House’s faintly troubled gaze before leaning in to claim his mouth in a slow, leisurely kiss. He pulled away at last, smiling as he unabashedly studied House’s face, then spoke in a soft, casually thoughtful voice.

“You’re so gorgeous.”

Self-conscious, House rolled his eyes, looking away. “Shut up.”

“No, you are,” Wilson insisted. “Your eyes… look amazing today. I mean… they do every day, but… today…” He shook his head slightly, appearing at a loss for a moment before suggesting, as if the idea had just occurred to him, “You should wear that blue turtleneck of yours today. It accents your eyes so well. Could you?”

House felt a cold knot settle in the pit of his stomach at Wilson’s casual request. His voice was quiet and even when he spoke, his piercing gaze locked onto Wilson’s all-too-innocent eyes.

“Do you think I’m stupid?”

Wilson’s smile faded, his expression growing solemn, even as he tried to defend his words. “It does bring out your eyes, makes them look amazing…”

“Yeah. Maybe,” House acknowledged with a slight, dismissive shrug, before pointing out, “That has nothing to do with why you want me to wear it.”

There was a flash of annoyance in Wilson’s eyes that set an uncomfortable quiver in House’s stomach, but Wilson seemed more weary and defeated than angry when he sighed and looked away, shaking his head.

“You’re right,” he admitted. “It doesn’t. So what?”

House blinked, startled by his careless words, and remained silent, waiting for his explanation.

“So I don’t want everyone and their mom to know what happened between us yesterday. Is that so wrong? I don’t want to answer all kinds of questions from all kinds of people who have no right to know our personal business.” Wilson paused, a pensive frown creasing his brow as he studied House’s expression. “Do you want that? Do you really want to tell everybody exactly what happened?” He paused, adding softly, “Why it happened?”

House looked away, suddenly embarrassed and guilty as he was reminded of his cruel words that had provoked Wilson’s brief physical attack. He swallowed hard, shaking his head slowly in silent admission of Wilson’s point.

“You already answered a ton of inappropriate questions about this…” Wilson’s hand ran gently along House’s cheek, just under the purple bloom left by Wilson’s fist the day before. “But these other bruises weren’t so obvious then. If people see those, that’s just going to create more questions – and I’m not sure you really want to answer them – do you?”

Wilson’s voice was quietly intimate, understanding, as he continued, “I understand why you said it,” Wilson went on softly. “It doesn’t make it right – but I get it.” He paused for effect before adding, “They might not, and… and I don’t feel like they should have the right or the opportunity to judge either of us for our mistakes. Do you?”

A few minutes later, they rose from the bed and started getting ready for work.

House wore the blue turtleneck.

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

Stacy was on her way to Cuddy’s office with some paperwork she needed filled out when she noticed House making his way through the clinic. She did a slight double take when she saw the familiar blue sweater he was wearing, the one that accented his already striking eyes so beautifully.

It had always been her favorite.

She stood there for a moment, watching him from across the room, her thoughts drawn helplessly back in time to a different place, when things were less complicated between them, and the two of them had been content with nothing more than each other’s company. She was still watching when House turned and made his way back toward the elevators.

Immediately her sweet reminiscences were shattered when she saw the dark purple bruise on his cheek.

It didn’t matter how long they had been apart; Stacy instantly felt a troubled concern rising up within her, and without hesitation made her way across the room, heading House off before he could push the button for the elevator.

“Hey,” she greeted him with unusual gentleness in her voice, gesturing with one hand toward his battered face. “What happened?”

House waved a dismissive hand, rolling his eyes. “Same thing that happens every couple of months around here. I told some idiot that he was an idiot, and he proceeded to prove it with his fist.” He shrugged slightly, giving her a wry grin as he clarified, “Most of them prove it anyway; but most of them just use their words. Some people, though – they’ve just got to go that extra mile.”

“Who was the patient?” Stacy persisted, an indignant frown on her face. “What did you say?” She shook her head, holding up a halting hand as she amended, “No, it doesn’t matter what you said. No patient has the right to hit you just because you say something he doesn’t like…”

“Stacy…” House’s voice was uncharacteristically patient, touched with a note of nostalgic affection, as he held up a hand for silence. “… just let it go.” He gave her a weary, ironic smile as he added, “You’ll get used to it. Happens all the time around here.”

Stacy’s frown deepened. There was something inherently troubling about House’s ready acceptance of such physical assault at the hands of some random clinic patient – and there was something else, some underlying hint of something in his voice that she couldn’t quite put her finger on.

All she knew was that she really didn’t like it.

“It shouldn’t,” she softly reminded him, reaching out a gentle hand to touch his arm in an impulsive display of concern and affection.

Stacy’s concerns were only amplified when House abruptly pulled away from her casual touch, casting a nervous glance around them as if worried that someone might see her display of innocent affection. He took a hasty step backward away from her, clearing his throat uncomfortably as he shrugged and muttered uneasily.

“Doesn’t matter. And anyway… it’s none of your business…”

He side-stepped her and extended his cane to press the up arrow button for the elevator.

Stacy gave him an intently scrutinizing look, deeply troubled by the way he was suddenly avoiding her gaze, avoiding any form of contact with her, and seemed so utterly unwilling to discuss something that, according to him, was rather routine around this hospital.

And it shouldn’t be… No matter what he thinks, no one has the right to hit him because of something he says… He should let me file charges against the guy, let me try to do something about this…

As the elevator doors opened, Stacy took a step into House’s path, reaching out a hand to grasp his arm again in an urgent attempt to halt his retreat.

“House… wait,” she pleaded. “Just stay and talk to me about this. We should do something. You don’t have to let someone get away with treating you like that, even if it is a patient…”

“Who said anything about ‘have to’?” House retorted, slipping past her into the elevator and hurriedly pressing the ‘door close’ button before she had time to react.

Stacy stood there for a long moment, staring at the place where she had last seen House with a troubled frown on her lips. There was no question in her mind: he was acting very strangely.

Something’s off… something’s going on that he’s not telling me about… and whatever it is, it can’t be good…

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

If there was one person who would know what House was hiding, Stacy was certain that that person would be Wilson.

She found herself hanging around the clinic during his shift that afternoon, waiting for the right opportunity to voice her concerns. It was a bit awkward, and would require just the right timing and phrasing. After all, she was a married woman, and Wilson was in a relationship with House. It wouldn’t do to appear concerned to a level inappropriate to hers and House’s current lack of a relationship.

When she noticed House coming out of the elevators in the company of his team, nodding toward Wilson as he did, Stacy decided to take the slim opportunity afforded her and talk to Wilson.

“House is having lunch with his juniors now?” she asked with casual curiosity as she approached Wilson at the counter.

Wilson let out a soft huff of amusement at the suggestion. “No. Not a chance.”

“Then where do you think they’re going?”

“I have no idea.”

Wilson was already giving her a curious look, and Stacy knew he was wondering about her sudden interest, but it was too late to back out now. If she had already given away the fact that said interest went beyond a normal professional concern, then she might as well get something out of it before giving up.

“Well if anyone would know, it’d be you,” Stacy observed in a light, conversational tone. She shook her head slightly in bemusement. “Who’d have ever thought – you and House!”

“I’d have thought it.” Wilson’s voice was quiet and intense, and there was a grim smile of satisfaction on his lips. “Did think it. For years. And then I made it happen.”

There was something vaguely unsettling in Wilson’s tone, though his manner still seemed pleasant enough, but Stacy ignored it for the moment, allowing a concerned frown to crease her brow as she turned to face Wilson with a hushed, conspiratorial tone.

“Can I… ask you something?”

Wilson’s smile softened as he gave her an attentive, curious look. “Of course. What’s on your mind?”

“Does he seem… strange, to you? Lately? Like… maybe something’s wrong?”

Wilson let out a soft, rueful laugh, shaking his head. “A better question might be, does he ever not seem strange. House and his many moods are the very definition of strange.”

“True,” Stacy acknowledged with a vaguely impatient smile, “but… he’s never been one to just sit down and take people’s crap without taking up for himself. He said a patient hit him, in the clinic – and yet, he’s not willing to take any action… to do anything about it. He says that kind of thing happens to him all the time – and yet he doesn’t want to so much as mention it…”

“It does happen all the time,” Wilson confirmed, and Stacy thought she detected a cooler note to his voice as he added, “It’s a hazard of being House.” He paused, letting out a weary sigh. “House is always pissing people off. It stands to reason that every now and then one of them is going to lash out.”

As Wilson shrugged and headed off toward his next patient, waiting in an exam room, Stacy watched him go with a cold sensation in her stomach, deeply troubled by his careless comment.

And that… doesn’t bother you, Wilson? He’s your boyfriend… and it doesn’t upset you that he’s getting physically assaulted by his patients on a regular basis?

Stacy sighed as she turned and made her way back toward her own office, resigning herself to the fact that she would get nothing more out of either House or Wilson for the moment. Although she cared far more deeply for House than she wanted to admit, given their troubled, painful history, Stacy knew that it was really none of her business, if House did not want to tell her about it.

Still, she was more certain than ever that something was definitely not right.

And for House’s sake… I’d better find out what it is…

TBC...

Comments

[menolly-au.livejournal.com]

Good for Stacey, nice to see an outsiders view of the happenings at PPTH. (you sometimes wonder what the other doctors/nurses etc who work there think about all the various happenings that go on there). I get the impression that Wilson thinks his own actions are perfectly justified..like its House, whatever happens to him he has it coming.

[dreamsofspike.livejournal.com]

yeah, so far wilson has been totally justifying his own actions, to himself and to house, making it look like house deserves it :( stacy is starting to suspect, though... thanx, love, glad you liked this chapter... the next one is up now, hope you enjoy :)

[chaoskir.livejournal.com]

I like your Stacy in here and I do hope someone will rescue House. Maybe it will be Stacy?
Thanks for sharing this great new update. I liked and enjoyed it very much.

[dreamsofspike.livejournal.com]

well the story would end rather quickly if that happened... but wilson can't hide the abuse forever... thanx, love, glad you liked this chapter... the next one is up now, hope you enjoy :) *Hugs*

[jackssilverwolf.livejournal.com]

Oh boy, this does not bode well. Wilson will not like Stacy sticking her nose in. I have a bad bad feeling about this. Which means, of course, I totally love it and can not wait for the next part. :oD

BTW, I love the title. Very fitting.

[dreamsofspike.livejournal.com]

no, wilson won't like it at all... but stacy does care about house and she won't just let her suspicions drop... glad you liked the chapter, and the new title, love :) *hugs* the next chapter is up now, hope you enjoy :)

[lorib12.livejournal.com]

Wow, Wilson is really a manipulative bastard isn't he...twisting the facts around so House feels its in his best interest to wear the turtleneck instead of hiding what Wilson did for Wilson's benefit. I think you should update this story everyday(lol!)as I really want to see where all this his heading like right now!! Great update. Thanks

[dreamsofspike.livejournal.com]

yeah, wilson is very good at manipulating house and making it feel like it's his fault instead of wilson's... thanx, love, glad you liked this chapter :) *Hugs* the next chapter is up now, hope you enjoy :)

[arhh.livejournal.com]

Stacy had better mind her own business or I think Wilson might just get rid of her... Great update, thanks for sharing :)

[dreamsofspike.livejournal.com]

yeah, stacy might be in more danger than she realizes... or might be creating more danger for house :-S

thanx, love, glad you liked this chapter... the next one is up now, hope you like :)

[carlyjacks.livejournal.com]

Arrg. Wilson your manipulative bastard. Typical abuser, making what he did House's fault. Run house run away as fast as your cane take you.

P.S. Is house still going to get his motorcycle like in did in the series? That would interesting to see how that would play out since in the show since he borrowed the money from Wilson and Wilson didn't to like him having and wanted him to take it back?

Great update. Love the new title.

*Goes back to lurking*

[dreamsofspike.livejournal.com]

yes, more on house's new motorcycle in the chapter i just posted, if you're watching for it ;) hehe

thanx so much, love, glad you like the new title and the update... the next chapter's up now, hope you like it :)

[bertie-tiger.livejournal.com]

Ohh god this was good. I'm glad that Stacy wants to help, House needs his butt rescuing...

[caged-obsession.livejournal.com]

I insanely adore your icon. =)

[dreamsofspike.livejournal.com]

i do too, i think it's awesome :)

[dreamsofspike.livejournal.com]

yeah, and she definitely wants to help... but will wilson let her succeed? thanx, love, glad you liked this chapter :) *Hugs* the next one is up now, hope you enjoy :)

[caged-obsession.livejournal.com]

Wonderful new chapter. I like that Stacey's first thought was to file charges against whomever hit House. Yes, let's file them against Wilson! I'm sure that would go over great.

Wilson's sly plot to hide the bruises he caused by making House feel embarrassed about having them, was truly masterful. I can see this going down an ugly road in the future. It probably won't be too long before House has more than one badge of abuse.

Thanks for the update!

[dreamsofspike.livejournal.com]

yeah, stacy's still thinking like a rational person, and thinking that no one has the right to leave those kind of injuries on house, no matter *what* he said... house, on the other hand, has been brainwashed into believing it's no big deal...

and you're right, it won't be long before wilson hurts him again :(

glad you liked this chapter, thanx so much... the next one's up now, hope you enjoy :)

[madwriter223.livejournal.com]

Well crap. Stacy did not pick up on Wilson's wordless warning, now did she? ^__^ Can't wait to see her stick her nose a little too far and Wilson ripping it off. I'm not so sure he'll do that metaphorically either. ^_^'
Well, this chapter rocks! No physical violence detected, brainwashing going full throttle now (yeah, Wilson, you don't want that bruise to be seen cause your worried people will turn back on House... no~t!)and of course House slowly forgetting about his own rights so that Wilson won't leave him. Sucks to be him, doesn't it?
A job well done. Though I got the feeling that this little pause in disturbing HouseHitting indicates bigger abuse in the future. Am I right?
P.S. Like the button? Made it from your banner, hope that's okay. And yey, House's eyes are SO blue. XD

[dreamsofspike.livejournal.com]

yeah, she does actually care about house, and she's not going to give up that easily :( and yeah, wilson's got house convinced that it's in his own best interests to keep it quiet, as well as wilson's... there will definitely be more and worse abuse in the future, unfortunately :(

thanx, love, glad you liked this chapter... the next one is up now, hope you enjoy :)

oh, and honey, check with the person who made the banner, kay? her lj name is tamakin :)

thanx :)

[moz17.livejournal.com]

If only house could see that other people do care about him!!
Wilson is just...cold. argh.

[dreamsofspike.livejournal.com]

yeah, wilson is most interested in protecting himself, but stacy is starting to be really concerned... which could be a good or a bad thing, depending on how things go :P

thanx, love, glad you liked it :)