[ Will remembered the conversation they'd had about music and the role it played in both House's life and his psyche. He wanted to think that his friend got something out of singing, at least as much as it had helped sooth and center the ex-profiler.

When the song wound down, and House mentioned finding more on his play list, Will slowly began to gather himself and work to accept that it was time to unwind from the brief cocoon they had woven around themselves. As the doctor began to disentangle himself, there was a brief clench of Will's hands into House's coat, before he released the older man and helped draw apart.

He laughed, softly, in response to the smirk and shook his head. ]

Tsk. [ He scolded, though it was obvious he was playing. ] Keep yourself open to the moment, dude.

[ The words left his mouth, that odd mimicry he sometimes did, but as the last word rolled off his tongue, Will looked a bit apologetic. ]

Right. For future reference I don't believe I should ever utter the word 'dude' again.