[Set in S03E07 "Finding Judas"]
There was something in it Wilson couldn’t figure out. Seeing the bruise on Chase’s face was shocking - even knowing House as he did, he wasn’t expecting things to go like that. And who wouldn’t be shocked? But he felt more than that, a growing burn in his chest that surpassed any pity or just plain indignation. He just didn’t know why.
Christmas. After almost the entire day, there were no advances in the dwarf’s case. Wilson was aware that it’d be easier with House, but with all that was happening, it was best for him to be away - Wilson didn’t really want to see him either.
It was already night when he went to the common room and met Chase yet again. Alone. Only this time none of them was energetically preparing a sandwich.
“Hey,” He said. The younger man simply nodded his head in acknowledgment.
No hesitation, no coldness, nothing that told he wasn’t pleased with the deal Wilson made, or that he even cared at all. Cameron’s bratty attitude had been pretty unnerving, and hearing Foreman praising him for his choice made him feel even worse than he already was, so this lack of interest was a relief.
Wilson went to pick up the stuff he left there so he could go home, but that heating feeling wouldn’t go away. Suddenly, he asked:
Chase turned to look a him, a confused expression on his face.
“Your bruise. Is it healing well?” He tried to sound casual, without letting out much interest.
“Oh,” Chase raised his eyebrows. “Yeah, I think. It’ll go away soon”
“I’m sorry this happened”
Chase frozed for a second, then shrugged, looking away, but he wasn’t able to hide the faint of hurt in his eyes.
“You didn’t punch me” He answered vaguely.
The burn only grew more, and Wilson could only feel angry. At Tritter, at House, at himself. He wished he had punched Chase, because at least then he’d be able to actually give him an apology, to take responsibility. Wilson continued to stare at him, feeling the not on his throat tightened. A doctor shouldn’t feel guilty for not being able to do something out of their league.
Yet, sometimes, it can’t be helped.
He slowly walked toward Chase until they were closer than it would be reasonable, and reached his hand towards his face. Chase flinched and took a step back, mostly out of surprise rather than apprehension.
“Just want to take a look” Wilson explained. Chase hesitated, but then moved near him again, leaning his head to the side so that the bruise was easily captured. It was already dark, with a few reddish spots slowly transforming into purple.
Wilson touched him and gently moved Chase’s face at different angles, passing his fingers on the wound, feeling its texture. As he did it, he glanced at the younger man a few times. There was something so feminine in his beauty, yet also masculine in the firmness of his chin, and the veins of his neck. He felt a sudden urge to move his fingers and touch his hair, his cheek, his lips…
All of that was processed in less than a second before Chase glanced at him and Wilson quickly went his attention back to the bruise. He pressed it lightly, making the younger man grimace.
“Did you put ice on it already?” Wilson said softly, even though his mouth was as dry as the air outside.
“Not yet…” Chase said. Reluctantly, Wilson moved his hand away.
“You should. It’ll hurt less”
Chase hummed in agreement, as he put his coat on and got ready to leave, completely unaware of anything Wilson had wanted or tried to do with him. He walked towards the door, and as he opened it, he stopped and looked back.
“See you, Dr.Wilson. And…” He opened his mouth to say something else, but gave up in the end. He simply smiled and went out, leaving the other one alone.
Wilson stayed still, staring at the spot Chase was moments before. His heart was beating painfully against his chest, and he finally realized why he had been feeling like that, what all of that was actually about. Why he was so shaken by House having hurt someone.
Wilson went out of the common room and walked quickly through the hospital, looking for him. He got to the main entrance in time to see Chase crossing the parking lot.
He could’ve easily reached him or just called him back. Just to say goodbye, maybe a Merry Christmas. Just to have enough time to contemplate him a little more. But he knew there were too many things to worry about at that moment, things he had to resolve before even thinking about this properly.
He’d had to wait, for now.
Wilson simply watched him go, then went home himself, the memory of Chase’s smile in his mind as he drove through the night.