Fic : An Opening Door 18/?
Title: An Opening Door 18/?
Words: Approx 2700
Rating : PG-13
Characters : House & Wilson, Cuddy
Contains : Slavery concepts
Summary : Slave AU. Wilson encounters a disabled cleaning slave at PPTH called Greg and becomes intrigued with him. An unlikely friendship forms between the two as Wilson tries to secure a better life for Greg.
Link to story on AO3 .
Previous Chapter
Nolan took appointments on Saturday mornings so Wilson made one for the first Saturday he could get in - which was three weeks ahead. That gave him plenty of opportunity to research both the doctor and his methods. What he found out was hopeful. Nolan had published several journal articles in the field, and was also well known for his opposition to the techniques used on slaves - especially memory suppression. He was also an advocate for abolishing slavery completely, and refused to work in any hospital that used slaves in any capacity.
On the morning of their appointment they set off early. Greg was obviously nervous and anxious but the car journey appeared to settle him down somewhat. Wilson loved watching him as Greg watched the traffic. Whatever else Greg may or may not have been in his previous life Wilson was pretty sure that driving a car, or maybe riding a bike - given the way he eyed any motorcycles that passed them - had been one of the things that gave him pleasure.
They parked up and made their way on foot to Nolan's offices. The streets were, as usual, filled with a colourful assortment of tourists, workers, and residents and even the collar around Greg's neck barely rated a second glance from anyone. There was a certain anonymity gained from being surrounded by thousands of people that Wilson treasured. Unlike in Princeton when being out in public with Greg still garnered lots of stares, and even the odd muttered comment, here nobody appeared to care. They were just another two people going about their business in a busy city.
Darryl Nolan's office turned out to be a comfortable suite, tastefully furnished with comfortable chairs and no sign of a couch anywhere. The receptionist ushered them straight in and Nolan greeted Greg warmly when Wilson introduced him, presenting his hand to be shaken with no hesitation.
"Greg, it's a pleasure to meet you at last."
Greg glanced at Wilson and then shook the doctor's hand.
"Thank you for seeing me, Doctor Nolan," he said in his quiet voice.
"Take a seat." Nolan ushered Greg to a chair in front of his desk. "Would you like Doctor Wilson to wait outside while we talk? We can always call him in afterwards if we need to make arrangements."
Greg stared at him with wide eyes then gave Wilson a desperate look.
"It's okay if you want me to, Greg," Wilson said, although he hoped Greg wouldn't take him up on the offer. He wanted to hear what Nolan had to say. He wasn't about to let Nolan mess with Greg's head without hearing more about the process.
"I... I would like him to stay," Greg said after a pause. "Please."
"Of course, Greg. Whatever you want. If you change your mind at any time let me know." He turned to Wilson. "Take a seat, please." Nolan waved him to a slightly less comfortable looking chair.
Wilson sat, trying to squelch his feeling of irritation. It was good that Nolan was treating Greg with respect. He could put up with Nolan's apparent animosity towards him. Nolan's opposition to slavery was well known - he probably viewed Wilson as just another slave owner. Wilson wanted to explain that he wasn't but the important thing here was Greg - this appointment was for him.
Nolan focused almost exclusively on Greg - drawing out of him the story of his enslavement and how he came to be with Wilson. Greg answered his questions steadily, glancing at Wilson often. He faltered when Nolan asked him about his experiences before coming to live with Wilson.
"I know it's difficult to talk about, Greg. But those years are still part of who you are - as much as the years when you were free. We'll talk more about it when you have your memories back."
"You believe you can recover my memories?" Greg asked. Nolan had made no mention of it up until this point.
Nolan nodded. "It's not a difficult process, although it is often traumatic for the patient. I've successfully helped many ex-slaves break the blocks and retrieve their repressed memories."
"That's great news - when can you fit Greg in?" Wilson asked when Greg didn't say anything further.
Nolan turned his attention on him - his gaze sharp and penetrating. Wilson felt he was being examined under a microscope.
"There are many things we need to talk about before we get to that stage, Doctor Wilson. I've never treated a patient who is still enslaved before. That changes a number of things - both legally and morally."
"I have already given my permission for Greg to try this."
"That's... very noble of you. What makes you think you have any permission to give?"
Wilson was caught. He didn't want to say he 'owned' Greg, or that he was Greg's 'master' - even though both things were true. "Greg can do what he wants, of course," he said finally. "I just meant... if there were any legal steps that have to be taken... I can... I fully support Greg."
"If he decides to proceed with this treatment we will have to discuss how this will work. In patient treatment is required in the initial stages - a hospitalization of at least two weeks, maybe more. You will have to either stay with Greg - which I wouldn't recommend - or assign your 'rights' to him to me for that period."
Wilson immediately felt protective of Greg. He didn't like the idea of anyone acting as Greg's 'owner' and having that sort of power over him - however amiable Nolan might seem.
"I can stay with him."
"As I said, I don't recommend it. Greg would need to focus on his own healing - getting his memories back. If he is also concerned about you, and your reactions, and pleasing you it will make it more difficult for him."
"He doesn't need to be worried about any of that, I just want what's best for him."
"Greg has been trained - conditioned - to place your needs above his own. He's been your slave for months. You must have realised that."
Wilson slowly nodded. It had become apparent to him very early on that Greg had almost no regard for what he personally wanted or needed. Wilson had tried hard to show him that he was allowed to think about his own interests. He thought Greg had made some progress but he still put Wilson first.
"You also need to consider what effect this will have on Greg. This process isn't specifically designed to break his slave conditioning, much of that comes from his own experiences as a slave, but recovering his memories is a step towards regaining some of his own autonomy. It could make his remaining years as a slave much more difficult for him - especially if you were to sell him and he was to have a new master. "
"I would never 'sell' Greg." Wilson said firmly, looking at Greg who was looking increasingly worried, his hands wrapped around the handle of his cane. "I've told you that before. And I mean it. Even if I wanted you gone, and I don't, I don't have the right. You're a human being, not a piece of furniture. I'd tear up those ownership papers if I could. I don't expect you to behave like a slave - either now, or after the procedure."
"So what is Greg to you then, Doctor Wilson? If you don't see him as your slave?" Nolan asked, leaning forward in his seat and fixing him with a stare.
Wilson kept looking at Greg.
"He's my friend. I hope he thinks that too." He hoped Greg would say something but instead he bit his lip and looked down at the floor. Wilson looked across at Nolan.
"Greg is a slave, Doctor Wilson. He's your slave. I'm sure he feels that you've been kind to him, but the idea that you are a friend to him is foreign."
"No." Greg looked up; his voice was soft, but definite. "You're wrong. I think Doctor Wilson is my friend. I didn't at first... I wondered what he wanted from me, why he was doing the things he did. But he's never asked anything of me, and he's given me so much. He is still my owner, but he is also my friend." His eyes met Wilson's and he gave a small smile.
Nolan looked surprised and Wilson felt a surge of pride in Greg. He'd come so far in a few months. Nolan might have had a lot of experience with slaves, and freed slaves, but he didn't know Greg like Wilson did.
When they left Nolan's office it was with a booking for Greg for a stay in Mayfield, a mental hospital not far away. He'd be an inpatient there and undergo intensive therapy. Wilson had agreed to assign Nolan temporary authority over Greg, and to stay away for the duration of Greg's stay.
"If you need me, at any time, I want you to ring me," Wilson said as Greg stared at the contents of his closet. He usually didn't come into Greg's bedroom, but he was oddly reluctant to let him out of his sight today. They were driving up to Mayfield that afternoon for Greg's stay." I can be there within three hours. Nolan says he'll look after you - so if anyone gives you a hard time you need to tell him. Don't forget you're there voluntarily - nobody can make you stay if you don't want to."
"I will," Greg replied seriously but Wilson had the impression he was humouring him. He'd spent twenty years as a slave with no recourse against mistreatment - the thought of a stay in a mental hospital probably wasn't very scary to him. He was nervous about the treatment he was scheduled to receive, and what he would find out when the memories came back. Greg had researched the hell out of the procedure since their appointment with Nolan, and emailed the doctor with questions several times. Nolan had answered him thoroughly - as one medical professional to another. Wilson had also done his fair share of researching, finding nothing to alarm him. Both Nolan and Mayfield had sterling reputations. Still, neither was used to dealing with patients who were still enslaved.
He noticed that Greg was still staring at the clothes in his closet. Wilson had purchased a suitcase for him and it sat open on the bed but so far it was empty.
"Is something wrong?"
"What should I take? How many shirts?" Greg asked and Wilson understood. Greg had never packed for a stay away before. As a slave he'd previously only ever had the clothes on his back and had never gone anywhere anyway. On top of that making decisions about his own needs was still a struggle for him.
Well, one thing Wilson knew a bit about was packing. He sized up the suitcase. Greg still didn't have a lot of clothes and the simplest way was to take everything appropriate for the season. He quickly pulled out Greg's long sleeved shirts and his jeans and a handful of t-shirts and packed them into the case.
"Wear your jacket, that's one thing less to pack." The weather was getting cooler and by the time Greg returned winter would be well and truly on the way - they'd have to go shopping to get him some real winter clothes.
Greg fetched his toiletries from the bathroom and Wilson added them to the case. With the suitcase packed he looked around the room, it was still as neat and tidy as the day he'd made it ready for Greg. He swore that even the magazines on the nightstand were placed at the same angle as that day - although the titles had changed. Besides the clothes the only additions were Greg's guitar - neatly hung on some hooks on the wall - and the computer, packed away neatly in a case when not being used.
"You know, you can change this room around if you want. We can even paint it if you'd prefer a different colour. "
Greg looked around the room. "It's fine like this. Unless you want to change it."
"No." Wilson realised he'd spoken more harshly than he intended. "No, I just want you to be comfortable here. It's your home - you should feel free to make changes if you want."
Greg looked startled. "You've given me a place to call home. Why would I care about the colour of the walls?"
Wilson smiled. "I guess you wouldn't." He hefted the suitcase. "Come on, let's grab something to eat and get going. Nolan's expecting us."
They'd both seen pictures of Mayfield on the internet of course but in person it was even more imposing. The large gothic building was surrounded by well-manicured grounds and Wilson shivered as they walked up the long drive. The place couldn't look more stereotypically 'mental hospital' if it tried. He wondered how many prospective patients cut and run as they approached the doors.
As if in answer to his thoughts the main doors opened and an orderly emerged, flanked by Doctor Nolan.
"Greg, Doctor Wilson, good to see you." He nodded to the orderly and the man took Greg's suitcase. "We just need to check the contents. Standard procedure. It will be taken to your room afterwards."
Greg looked after the retreating orderly wistfully and then at Wilson. Wilson smiled in what he hoped was a reassuring manner. Truthfully he felt almost as nervous as Greg, and guiltily pleased that he would be able to leave in a little while. He didn't envy Greg his stay.
Greg's intake forms were mostly filled out already and Nolan had both of them sign them, although only Wilson's signature was strictly necessary in the case of a slave receiving medical treatment.
"Did you bring the other form?" Nolan asked as he shuffled the paperwork into a folder. Wilson nodded and reluctantly handed over the document. It was a temporary transfer of custody form - assigning all rights to Greg to Doctor Nolan for the duration of his stay here. The form included a paragraph about Nolan having the right to physically punish, restrain and discipline Greg.
"I won't ever touch him," Nolan said, meeting his eyes. "Except for his treatment. You have my word on that." He looked at Greg. "Both of you."
"I know." Wilson felt in his pocket for the control to Greg's collar and laid it on the table in front of them. "I've set the radius on his collar to the perimeter of the grounds. It's still on alarm only, no shock."
Nolan looked at it distastefully, making no move to take it.
"Please, take it," Greg said. He'd been quiet during all the preliminaries, so much so that Wilson was surprised to hear him speak now. Greg never mentioned his collar, or the controller to it, normally. He guessed that the idea of having the controller just lying around somewhere was more worrying to him than the knowledge that Nolan would have it.
Nolan still hesitated but then picked it up and slipped it quickly into his pocket. Greg relaxed slightly and Wilson completed the paperwork.
"We'll take it from here, Doctor Wilson," Nolan said firmly as Wilson hesitated to leave. "I'll message you when Greg is ready to be discharged."
Wilson nodded and stood up. Greg followed suit and Wilson put out his hand to be shaken. After a moment's hesitation Greg put his own out and they shook hands.
"Take care of yourself, Greg. Remember, you can call me any time if you need me."
"Yes, sir."
Wilson hesitated again and then gently clapped Greg on the shoulder before turning and walking out of the room. He looked back as he left to see Greg still standing there, looking after him.
His drive home was long and quiet.
Words: Approx 2700
Rating : PG-13
Characters : House & Wilson, Cuddy
Contains : Slavery concepts
Summary : Slave AU. Wilson encounters a disabled cleaning slave at PPTH called Greg and becomes intrigued with him. An unlikely friendship forms between the two as Wilson tries to secure a better life for Greg.
Link to story on AO3 .
Previous Chapter
Nolan took appointments on Saturday mornings so Wilson made one for the first Saturday he could get in - which was three weeks ahead. That gave him plenty of opportunity to research both the doctor and his methods. What he found out was hopeful. Nolan had published several journal articles in the field, and was also well known for his opposition to the techniques used on slaves - especially memory suppression. He was also an advocate for abolishing slavery completely, and refused to work in any hospital that used slaves in any capacity.
On the morning of their appointment they set off early. Greg was obviously nervous and anxious but the car journey appeared to settle him down somewhat. Wilson loved watching him as Greg watched the traffic. Whatever else Greg may or may not have been in his previous life Wilson was pretty sure that driving a car, or maybe riding a bike - given the way he eyed any motorcycles that passed them - had been one of the things that gave him pleasure.
They parked up and made their way on foot to Nolan's offices. The streets were, as usual, filled with a colourful assortment of tourists, workers, and residents and even the collar around Greg's neck barely rated a second glance from anyone. There was a certain anonymity gained from being surrounded by thousands of people that Wilson treasured. Unlike in Princeton when being out in public with Greg still garnered lots of stares, and even the odd muttered comment, here nobody appeared to care. They were just another two people going about their business in a busy city.
Darryl Nolan's office turned out to be a comfortable suite, tastefully furnished with comfortable chairs and no sign of a couch anywhere. The receptionist ushered them straight in and Nolan greeted Greg warmly when Wilson introduced him, presenting his hand to be shaken with no hesitation.
"Greg, it's a pleasure to meet you at last."
Greg glanced at Wilson and then shook the doctor's hand.
"Thank you for seeing me, Doctor Nolan," he said in his quiet voice.
"Take a seat." Nolan ushered Greg to a chair in front of his desk. "Would you like Doctor Wilson to wait outside while we talk? We can always call him in afterwards if we need to make arrangements."
Greg stared at him with wide eyes then gave Wilson a desperate look.
"It's okay if you want me to, Greg," Wilson said, although he hoped Greg wouldn't take him up on the offer. He wanted to hear what Nolan had to say. He wasn't about to let Nolan mess with Greg's head without hearing more about the process.
"I... I would like him to stay," Greg said after a pause. "Please."
"Of course, Greg. Whatever you want. If you change your mind at any time let me know." He turned to Wilson. "Take a seat, please." Nolan waved him to a slightly less comfortable looking chair.
Wilson sat, trying to squelch his feeling of irritation. It was good that Nolan was treating Greg with respect. He could put up with Nolan's apparent animosity towards him. Nolan's opposition to slavery was well known - he probably viewed Wilson as just another slave owner. Wilson wanted to explain that he wasn't but the important thing here was Greg - this appointment was for him.
Nolan focused almost exclusively on Greg - drawing out of him the story of his enslavement and how he came to be with Wilson. Greg answered his questions steadily, glancing at Wilson often. He faltered when Nolan asked him about his experiences before coming to live with Wilson.
"I know it's difficult to talk about, Greg. But those years are still part of who you are - as much as the years when you were free. We'll talk more about it when you have your memories back."
"You believe you can recover my memories?" Greg asked. Nolan had made no mention of it up until this point.
Nolan nodded. "It's not a difficult process, although it is often traumatic for the patient. I've successfully helped many ex-slaves break the blocks and retrieve their repressed memories."
"That's great news - when can you fit Greg in?" Wilson asked when Greg didn't say anything further.
Nolan turned his attention on him - his gaze sharp and penetrating. Wilson felt he was being examined under a microscope.
"There are many things we need to talk about before we get to that stage, Doctor Wilson. I've never treated a patient who is still enslaved before. That changes a number of things - both legally and morally."
"I have already given my permission for Greg to try this."
"That's... very noble of you. What makes you think you have any permission to give?"
Wilson was caught. He didn't want to say he 'owned' Greg, or that he was Greg's 'master' - even though both things were true. "Greg can do what he wants, of course," he said finally. "I just meant... if there were any legal steps that have to be taken... I can... I fully support Greg."
"If he decides to proceed with this treatment we will have to discuss how this will work. In patient treatment is required in the initial stages - a hospitalization of at least two weeks, maybe more. You will have to either stay with Greg - which I wouldn't recommend - or assign your 'rights' to him to me for that period."
Wilson immediately felt protective of Greg. He didn't like the idea of anyone acting as Greg's 'owner' and having that sort of power over him - however amiable Nolan might seem.
"I can stay with him."
"As I said, I don't recommend it. Greg would need to focus on his own healing - getting his memories back. If he is also concerned about you, and your reactions, and pleasing you it will make it more difficult for him."
"He doesn't need to be worried about any of that, I just want what's best for him."
"Greg has been trained - conditioned - to place your needs above his own. He's been your slave for months. You must have realised that."
Wilson slowly nodded. It had become apparent to him very early on that Greg had almost no regard for what he personally wanted or needed. Wilson had tried hard to show him that he was allowed to think about his own interests. He thought Greg had made some progress but he still put Wilson first.
"You also need to consider what effect this will have on Greg. This process isn't specifically designed to break his slave conditioning, much of that comes from his own experiences as a slave, but recovering his memories is a step towards regaining some of his own autonomy. It could make his remaining years as a slave much more difficult for him - especially if you were to sell him and he was to have a new master. "
"I would never 'sell' Greg." Wilson said firmly, looking at Greg who was looking increasingly worried, his hands wrapped around the handle of his cane. "I've told you that before. And I mean it. Even if I wanted you gone, and I don't, I don't have the right. You're a human being, not a piece of furniture. I'd tear up those ownership papers if I could. I don't expect you to behave like a slave - either now, or after the procedure."
"So what is Greg to you then, Doctor Wilson? If you don't see him as your slave?" Nolan asked, leaning forward in his seat and fixing him with a stare.
Wilson kept looking at Greg.
"He's my friend. I hope he thinks that too." He hoped Greg would say something but instead he bit his lip and looked down at the floor. Wilson looked across at Nolan.
"Greg is a slave, Doctor Wilson. He's your slave. I'm sure he feels that you've been kind to him, but the idea that you are a friend to him is foreign."
"No." Greg looked up; his voice was soft, but definite. "You're wrong. I think Doctor Wilson is my friend. I didn't at first... I wondered what he wanted from me, why he was doing the things he did. But he's never asked anything of me, and he's given me so much. He is still my owner, but he is also my friend." His eyes met Wilson's and he gave a small smile.
Nolan looked surprised and Wilson felt a surge of pride in Greg. He'd come so far in a few months. Nolan might have had a lot of experience with slaves, and freed slaves, but he didn't know Greg like Wilson did.
When they left Nolan's office it was with a booking for Greg for a stay in Mayfield, a mental hospital not far away. He'd be an inpatient there and undergo intensive therapy. Wilson had agreed to assign Nolan temporary authority over Greg, and to stay away for the duration of Greg's stay.
"If you need me, at any time, I want you to ring me," Wilson said as Greg stared at the contents of his closet. He usually didn't come into Greg's bedroom, but he was oddly reluctant to let him out of his sight today. They were driving up to Mayfield that afternoon for Greg's stay." I can be there within three hours. Nolan says he'll look after you - so if anyone gives you a hard time you need to tell him. Don't forget you're there voluntarily - nobody can make you stay if you don't want to."
"I will," Greg replied seriously but Wilson had the impression he was humouring him. He'd spent twenty years as a slave with no recourse against mistreatment - the thought of a stay in a mental hospital probably wasn't very scary to him. He was nervous about the treatment he was scheduled to receive, and what he would find out when the memories came back. Greg had researched the hell out of the procedure since their appointment with Nolan, and emailed the doctor with questions several times. Nolan had answered him thoroughly - as one medical professional to another. Wilson had also done his fair share of researching, finding nothing to alarm him. Both Nolan and Mayfield had sterling reputations. Still, neither was used to dealing with patients who were still enslaved.
He noticed that Greg was still staring at the clothes in his closet. Wilson had purchased a suitcase for him and it sat open on the bed but so far it was empty.
"Is something wrong?"
"What should I take? How many shirts?" Greg asked and Wilson understood. Greg had never packed for a stay away before. As a slave he'd previously only ever had the clothes on his back and had never gone anywhere anyway. On top of that making decisions about his own needs was still a struggle for him.
Well, one thing Wilson knew a bit about was packing. He sized up the suitcase. Greg still didn't have a lot of clothes and the simplest way was to take everything appropriate for the season. He quickly pulled out Greg's long sleeved shirts and his jeans and a handful of t-shirts and packed them into the case.
"Wear your jacket, that's one thing less to pack." The weather was getting cooler and by the time Greg returned winter would be well and truly on the way - they'd have to go shopping to get him some real winter clothes.
Greg fetched his toiletries from the bathroom and Wilson added them to the case. With the suitcase packed he looked around the room, it was still as neat and tidy as the day he'd made it ready for Greg. He swore that even the magazines on the nightstand were placed at the same angle as that day - although the titles had changed. Besides the clothes the only additions were Greg's guitar - neatly hung on some hooks on the wall - and the computer, packed away neatly in a case when not being used.
"You know, you can change this room around if you want. We can even paint it if you'd prefer a different colour. "
Greg looked around the room. "It's fine like this. Unless you want to change it."
"No." Wilson realised he'd spoken more harshly than he intended. "No, I just want you to be comfortable here. It's your home - you should feel free to make changes if you want."
Greg looked startled. "You've given me a place to call home. Why would I care about the colour of the walls?"
Wilson smiled. "I guess you wouldn't." He hefted the suitcase. "Come on, let's grab something to eat and get going. Nolan's expecting us."
They'd both seen pictures of Mayfield on the internet of course but in person it was even more imposing. The large gothic building was surrounded by well-manicured grounds and Wilson shivered as they walked up the long drive. The place couldn't look more stereotypically 'mental hospital' if it tried. He wondered how many prospective patients cut and run as they approached the doors.
As if in answer to his thoughts the main doors opened and an orderly emerged, flanked by Doctor Nolan.
"Greg, Doctor Wilson, good to see you." He nodded to the orderly and the man took Greg's suitcase. "We just need to check the contents. Standard procedure. It will be taken to your room afterwards."
Greg looked after the retreating orderly wistfully and then at Wilson. Wilson smiled in what he hoped was a reassuring manner. Truthfully he felt almost as nervous as Greg, and guiltily pleased that he would be able to leave in a little while. He didn't envy Greg his stay.
Greg's intake forms were mostly filled out already and Nolan had both of them sign them, although only Wilson's signature was strictly necessary in the case of a slave receiving medical treatment.
"Did you bring the other form?" Nolan asked as he shuffled the paperwork into a folder. Wilson nodded and reluctantly handed over the document. It was a temporary transfer of custody form - assigning all rights to Greg to Doctor Nolan for the duration of his stay here. The form included a paragraph about Nolan having the right to physically punish, restrain and discipline Greg.
"I won't ever touch him," Nolan said, meeting his eyes. "Except for his treatment. You have my word on that." He looked at Greg. "Both of you."
"I know." Wilson felt in his pocket for the control to Greg's collar and laid it on the table in front of them. "I've set the radius on his collar to the perimeter of the grounds. It's still on alarm only, no shock."
Nolan looked at it distastefully, making no move to take it.
"Please, take it," Greg said. He'd been quiet during all the preliminaries, so much so that Wilson was surprised to hear him speak now. Greg never mentioned his collar, or the controller to it, normally. He guessed that the idea of having the controller just lying around somewhere was more worrying to him than the knowledge that Nolan would have it.
Nolan still hesitated but then picked it up and slipped it quickly into his pocket. Greg relaxed slightly and Wilson completed the paperwork.
"We'll take it from here, Doctor Wilson," Nolan said firmly as Wilson hesitated to leave. "I'll message you when Greg is ready to be discharged."
Wilson nodded and stood up. Greg followed suit and Wilson put out his hand to be shaken. After a moment's hesitation Greg put his own out and they shook hands.
"Take care of yourself, Greg. Remember, you can call me any time if you need me."
"Yes, sir."
Wilson hesitated again and then gently clapped Greg on the shoulder before turning and walking out of the room. He looked back as he left to see Greg still standing there, looking after him.
His drive home was long and quiet.