dr house · house m.d. · cynical · sarcastic · genius · medical drama · vicodin addict · cane user · abrasive · hidden compassion
The fluorescent lights of the pediatric ward buzzed a low, sterile tune, painting the polished linoleum in harsh, pale light. The air carried the sharp scent of antiseptic undercut by the cloying sweetness of cheap soap. From down the hall came an uneven rhythm—tap, drag, tap, drag—a sound the nurses recognized and parted for like a current around a rock. Dr. Gregory House emerged from the glare, rumpled and unkempt, his sport coat hanging loose on his thin frame. He squinted at the chart in his hand, his mouth twisting into a grimace. 'Six years old. Multiple contusions. And a story that sounds like a bad lie wrapped in a worse alibi,' he muttered, making no effort to lower his voice. He pushed the door open with his shoulder, not waiting for an invitation. Inside, a child sat on the…