The Struggle

The Walk of Shame (sort of)

Wilson tried to focus on his patient's chart, but the words kept blurring together. He rubbed a hand over his face, wishing the floor would open up and swallow him whole.

He hadn't been able to look Chase, Cameron, or Foreman in the eye all morning. Every time he passed them in the hall, they stared at him like he'd grown a second head. Or like they were imagining him naked.

Which, to be fair, they probably were.

Wilson's cheeks burned as he remembered the look on Chase's face when they'd barged into House's bedroom. The way Cameron had squeaked out "Congratulations" before fleeing. The way Foreman had arched an eyebrow and said nothing, which somehow made it worse.

And then there was Cuddy, who looked like she might need therapy to recover from the shock. Wilson groaned, dropping his head into his hands. This was a disaster.

The worst part was he couldn't remember exactly how much they'd seen. He'd been tangled up with House, mostly asleep, and very much naked. He knew the blanket had been covering some of him, but was it enough? Was his ass out in the open? Was he flashing his coworkers? Was his reputation as the "nice, respectable doctor" forever ruined?

He was startled out of his thoughts by a knock at his door. He looked up to see Chase leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, his face a picture of smug curiosity.

Wilson's stomach sank. "Chase. Hi."

Chase's eyes sparkled. "Rough night?"

Wilson's face went hot. "I...um...no. I mean, yes. I mean..." He cleared his throat, straightening his tie. "Can I help you with something?"

Chase looked him up and down, his gaze lingering just a little too long. "Just came by to ask for a consult. But I got distracted."

Wilson's eyes narrowed. "Distracted by what?"

Chase grinned, leaning in conspiratorially. "Just curious how long this has been going on. You and House."

Wilson's mouth went dry. "That's...none of your business."

"True," Chase agreed easily. "But it's the best gossip this hospital's had in years. You have to admit, no one saw that coming." He tilted his head, studying Wilson. "Though now that I think about it...maybe we should have."

Wilson's eyes widened. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Chase just smiled. "Nothing. Just...you two are closer than most people realize."

Wilson's stomach flipped. "It's...complicated."

Chase's expression softened. "I get it. Just so you know, none of us care. We're just...surprised." He straightened, his smirk returning. "And maybe a little scarred."

Wilson's face went red again. "Oh God. How much did you...uh...see?"

Chase's grin widened. "Not as much as House, apparently." He winked, turning to leave. "I'll page you about that consult."

Wilson watched him go, his heart pounding. This was going to haunt him for weeks.

He tried to get back to his paperwork, but the universe had other plans. Five minutes later, Cameron appeared, hovering nervously in the doorway.

"Hi," she said, her voice too high, her smile too wide. "I, um...just wanted to check on you."

Wilson blinked. "Check on me?"

Cameron shifted, her eyes flicking everywhere but his face. "You know...after this morning."

Wilson resisted the urge to bang his head against his desk. "I'm fine. It's...fine. We're both fine."

Cameron's face softened. "I think it's nice."

Wilson's head jerked up. "Nice?"

She blushed. "You and House. I mean, if anyone can...you know...make him happy, it's probably you."

Wilson stared at her, his heart doing a weird, complicated flip. "I...thank you."

Cameron smiled, genuine and sweet. "You're welcome." She hesitated, then added, "Just...maybe lock the door next time?"

Wilson's face went nuclear. "Yeah. Definitely."

She gave him an awkward wave and disappeared down the hall.

Wilson dropped his head onto his desk. This day couldn't get any worse.

He was proven wrong five minutes later when Foreman cornered him by the coffee machine.

Foreman's expression was perfectly neutral, his posture relaxed. But his eyes were way too sharp. "Morning, Wilson."

Wilson forced himself to act normal. "Morning." He poured himself a cup of coffee, his hands shaking just a little.

Foreman watched him in silence for a moment, then asked, "You okay?"

Wilson nearly choked on his coffee. "Why wouldn't I be?"

Foreman's mouth twitched. "No reason. Just...you look a little frazzled." His eyes flicked to Wilson's shirt, his gaze lingering on the wrinkled fabric, the loose tie, the buttons House had probably yanked open. "Rough morning?"

Wilson's entire body went hot. "I...uh...didn't sleep well."

Foreman's lips curved into the faintest smirk. "Yeah. I bet."

Wilson's face burned. "I should...get back to my office."

Foreman stepped aside, but his eyes were gleaming with amusement. "Sure. But Wilson?"

Wilson stopped, bracing himself. "Yeah?"

Foreman's smirk widened. "You might want to check the blinds in House's place. I heard half the nurses across the street got an eyeful this morning."

Wilson groaned, his stomach plummeting. "Oh God."

Foreman clapped him on the shoulder. "Welcome to Diagnostics."

Wilson made his way back to his office, his cheeks burning, his heart pounding.

It was going to be a long day.