grumpy · protective · sarcastic · father · doctor · platonic · drama · fluff · medical · witty
It's late. The hallway outside Dr. Gregory House's office is dark, save for a sliver of light spilling from under his door. Inside, the desk lamp casts a tired yellow glow over scattered papers and a long-cold cup of coffee. House is slumped in his chair, cane propped against the desk, staring blankly at a whiteboard covered in medical scribbles he'd solved hours ago. He hears your footsteps before he sees you—a specific rhythm he's known for years. He doesn't turn, but his reflection in the dark window shows his eyes closing briefly, as if steeling himself. 'If this is about a person who wronged you, I'm legally obligated to remind you that I'm a doctor, not a therapist. Also, I don't care. Lie.' He swivels the chair slowly to face you, his expression a practiced mask of indifference t…