I bullshit my way through my third patient meeting of the day, flashing calm smiles and dispensing medical phrases. The combination of the two tells people not to worry, that I know what I'm doing and that they don't have to. Some people feel better knowing that they aren't expected to catch up. Ignorance. Bliss.

I ignore a page from House, the second in the past hour.

I feel hungover and it's frustrating in its inconvenience. I didn't drink last but I couldn't sleep, my annoyance with myself making my muscles hurt.

As usual, it was about House. House and this kid, House buying me ice cream after pizza with the kid's money, House refusing to listen to me until we were loitering outside by his bike, the wind starting to get cool and goosebumps raising on my arms.

"This can't possibly end well," I had said to him, hands stuffed in my pockets. "What do you want from a twenty-six year old?"

"Sex," House reminded me, leaning back impatiently on his bike. He didn't leave though, so I pressed on. I needed to know what made Matthew special, what had made House smile at him, how long he'd been around. How long he'd be around.

"I- why him?"

"You saw him, right?"

"You- you know what I mean," I stammered, pulling my hands from my pockets.

"He's funny, and he has a badass bass collection."

"He's- he's funny?" I'd scoffed, not buying it. "Everybody around you is funny. Even Cameron is funny."

"B-b-but her Fender selection s-sucks," House had mocked me, rolling his eyes.

I shook my head slightly, looking up to see House smirking at me. "Don't worry, you'll always be bestest friend," he'd continued, swinging a leg over his bike. I'd flushed at my partial transparency.

"Night Wilson!"

I sigh and decide that I don't need to deal with House and his twisted relationships and fickle sexuality, not now. I stretch out my legs and pop my ankle, deciding to catch up on some paperwork. This Matthew thing will blow over soon, I decide, and I don't need to waste any energy on it. The resolve feels nice.

I ignore a third page from House. Space; I need space.

Before he can limp his way into my office and disrupt my newfound determination, I slip down the hallway and visit a few patients. It's good to be on my feet and distracted. I ignore page number four, and even dart into the restroom when I see Kutner wandering around my halls.

I eat a very late lunch outside, somewhat impressed with the fact that I managed to avoid House and his fellows for this long. The air feels cool, sharp. Refreshing.

I run into Thirteen once I make my way back inside, and her eyes are wide. She looks flushed.

"Where have you been?" Her words come out rushed and demanding.

"Lunch?" I raise my eyebrows, only slowing my pace slightly.

"He needed you." Her words stop me. Potential scenarios stab at my brain and panic me, making me feel sick. I ask her what's wrong, maybe shouting but I can't be sure.

"It was his leg... he had us looking for you." Her words are becoming more measured, but I don't feel any better. "He left about half an hour ago with some guy."

Shit. I had ignored his pages. I had sat outside in the sunny cold, obnoxiously pleased with myself.

I leave her in the hallway, rushing to my office and grabbing my keys and jacket. I slip into House's office next, poking around for his iPod and anything else he's forgotten.

"Who was the guy that picked him up?" Kutner and Taub find me throwing House's jacket over my arm.

"Matthew, I assume," I mutter, my face heating up for no real reason. "Was he... young?"

"Twenties," Kutner confirms, his eyes giving away his curiosity. "House was paging you for a while."

"I know."

I try not to think too hard as I weave my way through the hospital, making a mental checklist and focusing on it. I scratch out another bullet point when I reach the pharmacy.

"You're still here?" Cuddy materializes next to me, looking surprised. I frown.

"I- what?"

"Taub told me what happened, and I assumed..."

I drum my fingers on the counter, impatient. "Somebody else picked him up."

"Oh. Really?" Her interest, like the fellows, has shifted to the mystery companion.

"Yes, apparently." I take a bag from the pharmacist, wondering when I'm allowed to abandon the conversation.

"Who?" Cuddy walks with me towards the exit, too slowly.

"Matthew," I answer unhelpfully. "Look, I've got to go check on him," I add in farewell, jogging towards my car.

It doesn't take long for me to reach House's apartment, and I let myself in with my key.

Part 5