Danny

[drfeelbad]

This was exceptionally stupid, but when Danny left again House kind of missed him.

No, he told himself, he missed having someone cook eggs and tidy up. Insisted to himself, really. Because obviously House was not lonely.

He did, however, actually smile when there was a knock at the door and Danny was on the other side.

"Well," he said. "That took you long enough."

Comments

[london_spy]

"You seem like someone who needs people to be impressed with you," Danny replied. "For ego, for companionship, for whatever."

[drfeelbad]

House scowled. "Or maybe, just maybe, I like you. Jesus."

[london_spy]

"Because I'm so likable," Danny replied. "I'm not even a good time anymore."

[drfeelbad]

House sighed. Then brought the wine goblet to his lips and drained the rest of it. Then set it down again.

"Look, I don't know what you want from me. Maybe we're just both equally unappealing and that's why it works. And if you don't like me back... it's fine. You can still stay here. Though I'd rather you go back to your own bed to spare my remaining dignity."

[london_spy]

"I never said I didn't like you," Danny muttered.

[drfeelbad]

"I know," said House quietly. "Look, I just... I really do, okay? Like you. You're sharp and you're hot and you... care about things. Even if you don't care about yourself. And sometimes you can't exactly explain it, I just - like you."

[london_spy]

Danny was quiet for a long moment, then wet his lips.

"I like you too," he said softly.

[drfeelbad]

House looked down at his plate. "And that includes.... you're attracted to me?" He felt a bit pathetic as he said it, but it seemed best to not live with that ambiguity at this point.

[london_spy]

Danny nearly made a comment about how he'd been more attractive before asking if he was attractive, but even Danny had a limit to how sharp he let his tongue get.

"Yes," he said simply.

[drfeelbad]

House simply took that at face value. He wasn't going to argue.

So he just nodded and then said, "I know you're worried that if we get more involved it might fuck everything up. But I think... Fuck. I might literally go mad if I have to pretend I don't want you."

[london_spy]

"It's just- It's nice having a friend," Danny admitted. "I want you, I do, but- This? This is more precious than getting off. I can get off with anyone. I can talk to you. That's rare. That's... It's important, you know?"

[drfeelbad]

House wasn't sure how to respond to that. He certainly didn't want Danny to think that he just wanted him for sex. Or that he mostly wanted him for sex. And he was thinking... isn't that what you're supposed to want? To fuck someone you actually care about? But well, look how that had gone for House last time. It wasn't as if he talked to Stacy anymore.

He hesitated visibly. "I... sure. Yes. It is."

[london_spy]

"I'm not saying I don't think we should, just... There's a lot at risk," Danny explained.

[drfeelbad]

"I see your point," House said. "I mean. I respect it. I just also uh, feel weird trying to convince you. But you're right. I could get off when I like, too. If I just wanted to get off I'd go back to Hannibal's."

[london_spy]

"I think we just need to go slow," Danny said.

[drfeelbad]

House wasn't actually sure what that meant, but he just nodded. "Sure."

He certainly wasn't going to move any faster than Danny wanted to anyway.

[london_spy]

Danny was touched that Greg wasn't pushing or offended, and he offered a small smile.

"Thank you."

[drfeelbad]

House wasn't quite sure how to feel about this. A good word might be... unsteady. He just didn't quite know how to navigate this. Going slow could mean a lot of things... What if Danny wanted to be, like... wooed?

"Of course," he said. "Danny, I only... I've no interest in anything you don't want to give."

[london_spy]

"I believe you," Danny assured him. "I do."

[drfeelbad]

House nodded, and rubbed the back of his neck. He just hoped that Danny was prepared to set the pace, because he was a little worried now about doing something too... fast.

"You're welcome to keep sleeping in the bed," he said. "I mean... just like last night. Not any uh, nothing else expected."

[london_spy]

"That means a lot to me, truly," Danny assured him. "People so often only want one thing from me."

[drfeelbad]

"Can't say I know the feeling," said House awkwardly. Though god, he really hoped Danny hadn't been thinking that this whole time.

[london_spy]

Danny offered a soft laugh, then returned to his meal.

"Chicken alright?" he asked.

[drfeelbad]

"Yeah it's great," House said earnestly. "Though I hope you have room for cake."

[london_spy]

"Always," Danny smiled. "It's been a long time since I had something sweet."