#thirteenhousemd

[res-judicata]

House MD FanFic

This was her biggest fear. That time in between her body and her brain giving out. She lost full control of her body long ago - limbs flailing in whatever direction. She couldn't even drink a glass of water anymore - it has be fed to her one frustrating sip at a time.

But she had her mind. At least until it gives way too. Her mental function deteriorating to the point where she has no recollection of anything and anyone around her. This was Huntington's and as a Doctor, she always knew it would be the natural progression of the disease.

Somehow, she wanted things to move faster. She wanted to lose her consciousness, lose the ability to recognize the fact that she has absolutely no control of her own body.

She wanted to die.

"It's time." she uttered to no one in particular. The room was empty. Her caretaker would be back soon. It was 2:15 - still a few hours away from sunrise.

"It's time" she repeated, her breath labouring as her arms flailed in all directions. She could feel it coming - her mind slipping into oblivion. She wanted to go before it happens.

But no one was there to help her. Her father died a few years ago and her only sibling even earlier than that, wrecked by the same genetic disease that was killing her now. His mind was lapsing too - back and forth into sanity. In the middle of each attack, her brother told her "It's time". It was the last words he said before she plunged the syringe, adminstering to him a high dose of chemicals that eventually killed him.

It was her time now. But no one was there. House has been dead for years. Wilson dying just seven months after he did. Any of those two would have agreed to take the role that she played for her brother. House even promised to do it when it was time - but he was gone now. No one was willing to kill her.

"It's time" she uttered again, as if willing some deity to get it over with. She was a Doctor. She saved lives. Surely she was allowed a quick death?

"Yes. It's time"

From a corner of the room, a shadow moved.

"House"

But it couldn't be. He was dead. Killed in a fire. Maybe it was poetic justice? The man who promised to kill her when it was time is the same man she hallucinates when she's ready to die.

"I told you I would be there. When it's time"

The man walked forward, his cane leading the way as he steps into the dull light of the room. He was older now, his beard a white stubble rather than the deep dark it was before. His blue eyes were still piercing, still intelligent.

"You're dead"

His jaw tightened in that classic way of his, hands gripping the head of his cane tightly. He sat on the edge of the bed, the mattress dipping under the weight of a solidly alive man.

"Are...are you real?"

"Does it matter?" in one hand he holds a syringe. She knew exactly what was inside it. Did her best to keep her body steady in preparation for the drug that would render her gone from this world.

It was quick and efficient. House was a doctor after all.

She closes her eyes. "Thank you"

"Yeah." And then he was gone.

***I've been re-watching the House MD Series and started mulling over House's promise to 13 about killing her when it's time. I decided to write a short about it. It's been years since I wrote fiction but I did it anyway so the voices in my head would shut up.