A day flew by in a flash.
Before you knew it, it was party night.
New Jersey.
Outside Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital.
"A courtesy car? Seriously?"
Dr. House, leaning on his cane, eyed the sleek, stretched Lincoln waiting at the curb and threw a sarcastic jab at his best buddy, Wilson. "Talk about over-the-top rich guy vibes. 🙄"
"It's called respect," Wilson shot back, smiling at the driver who stepped out to open the doors for them. "Honestly, House, Dr. Duncan's a good guy. Don't stir up trouble, okay?"
"All it took was a fancy car to win you over, huh?" House smirked, dodging the driver's attempt to help him and limping his way into the car on his own.
"Cameron, you first," Wilson said politely, nodding at the quiet, gorgeous Dr. Cameron standing off to the side.
"Thanks," Cameron replied with a small smile, ducking into the car.
Wilson thanked the driver too, then climbed in after her.
The driver returned to the front, checked in with them, and smoothly pulled away from the hospital.
"House, I'm serious—don't mess this up," Wilson said, taking in the car's spacious interior and throwing another warning at his friend. "Look at this—Dr. Duncan sent a courtesy car, picked a hotel that's central for all the doctors, and thought of every little detail. He's got this covered."
"So?" House popped open the car's mini bar, rifled through it, and shrugged like it was no big deal.
"It shows he respects us and that he's got his act together," Wilson said, eyeing House with concern.
"I know what you're getting at," House said, rolling his eyes. "It's the classic 'good wine for friends, a shotgun for enemies,' right?"
"Exactly," Wilson nodded. "But not just a shotgun—a freaking Gatling gun! Yesterday, on your first call, he genuinely invited you to this thing, and you hit him with snark and told him to wear a dress. His comeback? Totally your fault for poking the bear first.
I don't know what dirt you dug up on him today to fire back with, but I'm begging you—keep it chill. Not everyone's gonna let your antics slide."
"You mean not everyone puts up with a cripple like me, huh?" House shot Wilson a knowing look, finishing the sentence Wilson didn't dare say out loud.
"That's not what I meant…" Wilson winced, giving House an apologetic glance. "But since we're here—if you go too far tonight, not everyone's gonna indulge your stubbornness and weird sense of humor.
Especially not someone like Adam Duncan, who's just as brilliant as you and racked up insane achievements while he's still young. Trust me, he's not gonna coddle you."
"That's what makes it fun," House said with a grin. Seeing Wilson's worried face, he teased, "Relax, I'm here to make friends with him. Unless you've got a problem with that?"
"Of course I'm fine with it!" Wilson laughed, exasperated. "I'd love for you to have more friends—then maybe you'd stop dragging me out every night."
"Don't pin your lousy marriage on me," House quipped.
"…" Wilson had no comeback for that.
Being the one guy who could handle House's messed-up personality meant he had his own issues too.
Dr. Cameron stayed silent the whole time. Ever since House called out her taste in men, she'd been too spooked to jump into the conversation.
Westin Grand Hotel.
When the courtesy car rolled up, Adam was already waiting outside.
"Dr. Wilson! Dr. Cameron! Welcome!" Adam stepped forward with a warm smile, opening the car doors for them.
Tonight's little get-together was packed with experts from all fields, and they'd only shown up because of Adam's clout.
That was a big favor.
So, Adam didn't just send cars for every expert—he was personally greeting them at the door too.
Sure, there were young stars like Dr. Cameron, but most of the guests were middle-aged or senior pros who deserved every ounce of respect he could give.
"Dr. House, you made it! What a pleasant surprise," Adam said, smiling at House as he climbed out last.
"No choice," House replied, glancing at Wilson before sizing Adam up with a smirk. "You're so enthusiastic, Dr. Duncan—how could I say no? Oh, and I'm here to make friends."
"Awesome," Adam grinned. "Everyone here tonight's a top expert in their field. If you're up for it, Dr. House, you'll definitely find some friends you'll like."
"Them? Nah, they're all boring," House scoffed. "You're the interesting one. I'm here to be your friend."
"My honor," Adam said, raising an eyebrow.
"Here!" House fished a card out of his pocket and handed it over. "My mom's contact info. I know you've been dying to get it~"
Wilson: "…"
Cameron: "…"
Adam squinted, but took it with a calm nod and a smile. "If I need to, I'll give Mrs. House a call."
Everyone: "…" 😳
"Grey!" Adam pocketed the card and waved at Lexie behind him. "Take Dr. Wilson and Dr. Cameron inside."
"Sure thing. This way, please," Lexie said, stepping up with a polite gesture.
"Dr. Wilson, Dr. Cameron, go ahead with Dr. Grey. I've got some medical questions for Dr. House—I'll catch up soon," Adam said with a smile.
"Go on," House said to Wilson, grinning. "We're buddies now, me and Adam. Don't give me that look—people might think we've got something more than friendship going on. Wouldn't want that with all the hot ladies here tonight, right?"
Wilson sighed, helpless, but didn't argue. He followed Lexie into the hotel, glancing back every few steps.
"Dr. House, are we cool, or is there some misunderstanding here?" Adam asked with a sigh once the others were gone.
"No misunderstanding," House said, studying Adam with a spark of interest. "I'm starting to think we'd make the perfect team."
"Forced friendships don't work out," Adam said, shaking his head. "We've got different vibes. That's why I've never applied to work with you."
"I get it," House nodded. "You wanna save the 99% who can be saved. Me? I'm all about that 1%."
"Isn't the 99% worth saving more?" Adam countered, locking eyes with House. "If you wanted to, you could help so many more people."
"So what?" House shrugged. "The ones who're screwed are still screwed. Guys like us should focus on that cutting-edge, impossible 1%.
That's how we push medicine forward—then the average docs can use our breakthroughs to treat your precious 99% without breaking a sweat."
(Chapter End)