Dedications: OK. This story has a couple of dedications attached to it, mostly due to the wonders of msn. In chronological order, thanks to Darkangel38, who gave me the original idea, when we discussed the fact that House would be interesting on his own in a plain white room (which led to me thinking, 'why not make it a padded room?'). Thanks to The Mad Beta, because after an incredibly long stagnation, she said 'water balloons,' and that was the missing link between the WIP and the ending I had in mind. And finally… HI LIZ! Because I want to embarrass her. If anyone knows her in real life (she's studying at Nottingham Uni at the moment), please, just go up to her and say 'I know you read fan fiction.'
Story notes (because I can't go without them): This falls somewhere after Love Hurts and somewhere before Hunting, and actually explains Cameron's actions in both, although that was not the point or the aim of the story. In actual fact, this story has no point or aim, but if it did, that wouldn't be it. It would probably be something about underwear really…. Anyway- there are no spoilers, just the occasionally reference to certain episodes that you won't even notice if you haven't seen them (the eps, not the references). Lastly, this story thoroughly skirts the large majority of deep and meaningful issues- it's like bubblegum for the brain. Enjoy!
House shook his head in mock disappointment, fighting to hold back a smirk as he listened to the raucous laughter of his team on the other side of the thick, padded door. He was standing with his back to it so they couldn't see him through the small window embedded in the door, which they would construe as a petty attempt at retaliation- they had yet to learn the important lesson of looking for the second level of deception. But that would only work to his advantage for the moment, as, today, he would be teaching them to pay heed a different lesson. Unfortunately for them.
Oh yes, this would be sweet.
Allowing his evil grin to triumph, House began spinning his cane with one hand, surveying the small padded cell he had been locked into. It was beautifully ironic justice; he had to commend them on that. Too bad he'd seen it coming a mile off.
Cocking his head, he caught the murmurs of conversation through the door and stilled the cane so he could listen.
'…we have to bring him lunch though.' Ah, Cameron. Her attempt at sincere worry was marred slightly by the laughter still apparent in her voice.
'You're too compassionate. Take a leaf out of Chase's book…' That was all he caught from Foreman as the conversation faded. They were walking away. The grin took House's face again. It was time for step one of the Lesson.
Despite taking his iPod and yoyo that he'd had on him, Chase had unfortunately failed to notice that House had switched canes, although, to be fair, the two canes did look pretty similar. Except that this cane was hollow, and the head screwed off to give access to the secret compartment. House extracted the necessary equipment from the cane before reconstructing it, using it to get on his knees in front of the padded door. The cells were designed to be escape-proof and difficult to hurt yourself in, so there was no handle on this side, only a lock in case a member of staff got trapped in there unintentionally. As opposed to intentionally.
Working carefully and slowly, because he was balancing most of his weight on his left knee, and keeping his head below the level of the window, he proceeded to pick the lock, getting three of the pins on the first rake, and working the other two in shortly afterwards. Cautiously, he turned the barrel, and the door swung open a crack, away from him.
He left it there as he stumbled to his feet, pocketing the lock hook and rake. Glancing out the small window to check the coast was clear, he shouldered the door open, limping into the corridor. He noticed the sign on the door with a snort. It read 'Warning, do not open. Dangerous animal inside.' Thinking about it, House decided he was flattered. With a rising heart at the mere thought of all the fun he was going to have, he limped off down the corridor, swinging the door shut behind him.
End Prologue. TBC.