(This story features characters from the Eighth season of the television show House MD)
Dr. Remy Hadley entered Princeton Plainsboro teaching hospital brusquely, striding through the unusually quiet main entrance. Instead of the normal throng of Nurses and patients, only a single receptionist was on duty. Thirteen carried two coffees from the cafΓ© across the street. It was late in the day and she had been their last customer.
The young Doctor barely recognized the hospital these days. Foreman had made his mark and a lot of the old regime had changed, from the staff that worked there to the colors of the walls. Thirteen liked the changes. A lot had also happened in her life since leaving the place behind.
The young Doctor was a new woman, hell few people even referred to her by that nickname anymore. Physically Thirteen was still toned and lithe. No longer officially on staff her trademark lab coat was gone, replaced by a green leather jacket. Short, light and tight, it suited her well. Beneath this her standard tank top and tight charcoal jeans combo emphasized her lean physique, whilst thigh high leather boots complimented the ensemble. The young woman's hair was the most major change in her physical appearance; Thirteen now preferred Blonde highlights and a shorter, wavier style. The makeover had reinvigorated the young woman and this helped her to exude an air of careless confidence. No girl was off the menu.
The blonde was back in the hospital to consult on another of House's cases. She often did freelance work with him and his new team, giving the odd insight when she could. The work kept her busy now that life was effectively on her own terms, allowing Thirteen to fraternize freely with her colleagues. Tonight she had found a window to indulge a plan she'd been sitting on for some time, even voluntarily taking the night shift from Chase to get to her target.
As Thirteen arrived at House's office she spotted her prey. Dr. Jessica Adams sat at the glass table, hunched over the files of their most recent patient. Her colleague was tired and lost in thought, big brown eyes trawling through pages of medical notes attempting to spot something she'd missed. Thirteen smiled, recognizing the frustration the girl was experiencing just from her frowning face. Many times she'd spent hours searching for the answers to the impossible mysteries they attempted to solve. Now that Thirteen didn't officially work here she felt less inclined to put herself through the experience, instead being free to enjoy the other Doctor's misery.
Thirteen squeezed the shoulders beneath her as she leant over the brunette to place the coffee on top of her open file. Adams looked up surprised and then smiled, recognizing House's prodigal daughter.
"How goes it?" Thirteen asked, beginning to massage the girl's tense neck. The girl groaned contentedly, the blonde Doctor had talented hands. Being new Adams had no idea Thirteen was an infamous lesbian, enjoying the massage for what she believed it to be, just an innocent back rub.
"Not great" the girl replied forlornly, "I cant see through this mess anymore, I'm just going round in circles."
Thirteen moved from behind Adams, perching on the edge of the glass table so that she could stare down at the young girl.
The young brunette was hot and she knew it. Long wavy hair framed the pretty face and complimented her darker skin tone. Soft puckered pink lips formed a silent 'O' and oozed sexuality. A loose red scoop neck top did little to hide the waiflike body beneath, draping over her shoulder to reveal the blue strap of a bra underneath. A thick leather belt hemmed in the top, also dangling around her slim waist. Tight black leggings encased her long slender limbs whilst hugging and emphasizing pert round butt cheeks. Light brown pumps completed the look.
It was hard not to stare, never mind feign concern, but the prize was worth the effort in this case, so Thirteen replied kindly:
"I get that. These cases always suck but your reading too much into it. There is nothing to do now other than measure this guy's vitals hourly and keep an eye on him till morning. Lucky for you I'm here to keep you distracted."
"Why did you come in?" Adams asked, eyes quizzical, "House didn't ask for a consult and even if he had, he's not here to berate your ideas. And isn't it kind of late for a social visit?"
"Its kind of embarrassing" replied Thirteen, pretending to avoid the girl's eyes, "I'm doing medical tests for a pharmaceutical company within the hospital. Problem is the results are due in tomorrow and I don't have enough findings. It involves an experimental procedure still in development, a different technique to the standard tests and to be honest I was hoping to find a more experienced member of the team like Taub or Chase to help me out."
The Blonde waited for the girl to take the bait, which she did, almost instantly.
"You need help practicing something? The brunette was far more animated now, itching at a chance to prove herself: "I'm not busy at the moment, the patient is stable and he's had no reactions to the drugs. So I've got nothing to do anyway." Adams paused sitting up: "If you need a consult, I'm your woman!"
"Well, its an invasive procedure, I really need more of a practice patient who can tell me if I'm on the right path...I shouldn't really have said anything, its confidential after all and too much to ask. Not many Doctor's are comfortable enough to let others perform on them."
Although hesitant, it was clear the young brunette was thinking as she took a long sip from her coffee. Thirteen smiled, she had detected Dr. Adams weaknesses in the time she had worked with her. In fairness, most of her vulnerabilities could also be interpreted as strengths under other circumstances.
The Doctor loved overcoming a challenge, whether it was healing a patient or beating Dr. Park at another of House's games. The girl threw herself into work, spending most of her personal time and energy in the Free Clinic, gaining extra experience by tending to the helpless. And that fed another potential weakness, vanity. The brunette loved the idea of herself as a hero to the sick and needy. The volunteering and charity work was all proof of that. Together the factors suggested she was nothing more than a spoilt rich kid with a chip on her shoulder. Why else become a Doctor with all of her resources?
Together these weaknesses helped Thirteen to manipulate the girl before her. How could she say no to a friend in need? Especially if it fed her ego and perhaps even furthered her own career.
"But this procedure is harmless right? No chance of complications?"
Thirteen's smile widened: "None at all, I just need to ensure my technique is up to scratch, nothing dangerous."
"Well then what are we waiting for?" Adams exclaimed, grabbing her tweed jacket from the back of her chair as she stood to leave, closing the file on the table.
"Thanks Adams, I didn't think you would be up for this," Thirteen stated, feigning sincerity. In reality she had predicted the girl's reaction, staying two steps ahead. House's teachings were invaluable to her now.