The Downward Spiral

Chapter 1

House sat on the edge of his hospital bed, shrugging on his sport coat. He took a quick look around, wanting to make sure he wasn't forgetting anything. He grabbed his Ipod off the bedside table, stuffed it in his bag and zipped it up.

"You ready?" Wilson asked, poking his head in the door.

House stood up and grabbed his cane. He tossed it at Wilson, and made his way to the door, his limp barely noticeable. They walked down the hall to the elevators.

"How did you get Cuddy to discharge you so soon?" Wilson asked. " It's barely been two weeks."

"What's wrong Mom, afraid I won't be able to take care of myself at home? I AM a doctor, you know," House snarked as they stepped into the elevator.

"I know that. I just want to make sure you don't push yourself. At least here you could torture the nurses, what are you going to do at home alone for the next few weeks until you can come back work?" Wilson was really afraid House would be calling him at all hours of the day and night, bored out of his mind.

"What makes you think I'll be home alone?" House wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

"Because you don't have any other friends to come visit you, and I have a life and a job." Wilson replied.

"I'll call the twins, don't you worry about me." House grinned devilishly as they stepped out of the elevator into the lobby.

Cuddy was standing waiting for them. She hadn't really wanted to discharge House this early, but the entire 3rd floor nursing staff had threatened to strike if she didn't send him home.

"I see you're walking without your cane, your leg must be feeling well." Cuddy remarked.

"Figured that out all by yourself, did you? No wonder you got to be a doctor." House shot back at her.

"Too bad the ketamine didn't fix your mouth!" she retorted.

"You're just jealous because I had a brilliant idea and you didn't." House said, in a self-congratulatory tone.

"Your ego will be worse than ever now, won't it?" Cuddy sighed.

"I don't think that's possible," Wilson quipped.

"Children please," House smirked, "you're giving Daddy a headache." He reached in his coat pocket and took out his Vicodin. Cuddy and Wilson both stared, but Wilson gave Cuddy the slightest shake of his head, indicating not to bring it up right now.

"Home, James." House commanded, and walked through the doors. Wilson rolled his eyes and followed.