Recs by Title (E-M)
The House "What-If" Rec List
This is Part 2 of our rec list. View Part 1 (Titles A-D) or Part 3 (Titles N-Z). Part 2: Titles E-M
Hi! We're lit_luminary and resourceress7. We'd like to share with you some of our favorite House, M.D. fics, 'verses, and authors that form a genre we call "What-If." Many stories were already among our personal favorites, and we discovered many more gems while collecting hundreds of potential recs. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do!
This is the main rec list, organized by title. This is a good starting place as you explore this site, as it has the most detailed information per fic.
Notes:
Enchanted Design [SQ] by jaryn_ (12,100 words. June 2009. Not Rated) Someone puts a spell on House and Wilson. • Category: Magical Realism, Transmogrification • Rec Reasons: Characterization Enchantment's Perils [ LJ] [DW] by pwcorgigirl (7,900 words. Feb 2007. Rated PG-13) Wilson meets the girl of his dreams, but he's having unusual side effects from the relationship, so House calls in two other experts on a consult. • Category: Crossover Elements (Supernatural - little to no familiarity required); Magical Realism • Rec Reasons: Dialogue • Note: Refers to events in Darkness, Darkness [ LJ] [DW], but each story can be read as a standalone. Eucatastrophe [AO3] by euclase (50,400 words. March 2009. Rated PG-13) Dr. House believes there is something unusual living in Lake Carnegie. Strange events unfold as he attempts to prove his theory. • Category: Magical Realism • Rec Reasons: Emotion, Language, Premise Everyday Superheroes/Power Generation 'verse [ masterpost] by hannahrorlove & yunafire & akire_yta, with fan art by admyrrek (Oct 2005. Rated PG to NC-17) Power Generation is a fan-constructed universe that began life in the Everyday Superheroes challenge, which asked writers to give characters in other fandoms superpowers. Not in the Superman, save-the-world kind of way, but as an exploration of what it means to be different from other people.
In the nine House-fandom fics, Wilson was born with a tail, and Chase develops a power while working at PPTH. You don't need to read the larger Power Generation 'verse to enjoy the House stories, but there's a link to much more info at the masterpost. • Category: Human Variation, Powers • Rec Reasons (for this series): Characterization, Premise, Worldbuilding The Fate Machine [ LJ: 1 2] [FF] [DW: 1 2] [mp3: 1 2] [mp3: 1] by triedunture (900 words. Aug 2007. Not Rated.) Part one: This is the future. This is the problem.
Part two: This is the future. This is what happens to Wilson and House inside the Machine. • Category: Science Fiction • Rec Reasons (for this series): Brainglue, Emotion Companion Piece: La Máquina del Destino [ LJ] [DW] [mp3] Spanish translation by theviciouslily & youretheartist (900 words. May 2012. Not Rated) 1. Esto es el futuro. Este es el problema.
2. Esto es el futuro. Esto es lo que les pasa a House y Wilson dentro de la máquina. Prequel: Random Selection [ LJ] by hobbit_feets (1,100 words. Aug 2007. Rated PG) Cuddy receives a letter - her number has been drawn and it is her turn to enter the Fate Machine. Fighter [ LJ] by tasha_elizabeth (2,600 words. July 2007. Not Rated) "He’s outside. He’s walking through the parking lot on a beautiful fall morning when, suddenly, the world falls away." • Category: Apocalypse • Rec Reasons: Structure A First Class House [ LJ] [ LJ] [ LJ] [AO3] [DW] [DW] by nightdog_barks (1,800 words. Jan 2011. Rated PG-13) If there's a roadmap to perdition, you can bet House is the tour guide. • Category: Alternate Time Period • Rec Reasons: Characterization, Premise, Research For Every Closed Door 'verse by starlingthefool • Category: After Death/Afterlife, Crossover Elements (Dead Like Me - no prior knowledge needed) • Rec Reasons (for this series): Characterization, Dialogue, Emotion • See also: Discussion about including For Every Closed Door in the Housefic Meta Library. For Every Closed Door [ LJ: 1 2 3 First Interlude 4 Second Interlude 5 6 7 Third Interlude 8 9 10 11 12 Fourth Interlude 13 14 Epilogue] (48,100 words. May 2007. Rated R) As if dying at the hands of a James Taylor CD wasn't bad enough, House gets conscripted into being a Reaper for the greater Princeton-Plainsboro area. Hilarity ensues. Commentary: For Every Closed Door, ch. 11 [annotated] [ LJ] (7,200 words. March 2008. Not Rated) An annotated version of the chapter, with running commentary by the author. Commentary: The Massive Post-Mortem [ LJ] (4,700 words. Aug 2007. Not Rated) Author's commentary on For Every Closed Door as a whole - the writing process, characters, themes, deleted and abandoned scenes, favorite and least favorite bits, and so on. Sequel: Welcome to the first day of the rest of your (after)life. [ LJ] (3,200 words. Feb 2010. Not Rated) Nothing is ever simple. (Takes place after ch. 14 of For Every Closed Door.) Found [ LJ] [DW] by jezziejay (3,600 words. April 2010. Rated PG-13) Wilson goes walking on a rocky, deserted beach, in October, in French shoes. Ghost story written for the 2010 sick_wilson Halloween Fest. • Category: After Death/Afterlife • Rec Reasons: Emotion, Premise The Furies Breathing [ LJ f-locked] by hannahrorlove (1,800 words. May 2007. Rated PG) "The golems had arrived from the Rubenstein Brothers' company the day before, and the ceremony itself took place in the first-floor lobby. Cuddy had ordered sixteen and distributed them to the departments that needed the extra hands and working power." • Category: Creatures/Mythical Beings, Magical Realism • Rec Reasons: Brainglue, Premise, Worldbuilding Gardening at Night [ LJ] [DW] by pwcorgigirl (4,300 words. March 2010. Rated T) While working late in the clinic one evening, House meets a patient with a most unusual problem. • Category: Creatures/Mythical Beings • Rec Reasons: Characterization A Gentle Knock at the Door [LJ: 1-17 18-43 44-61 62-67 68-79 80-85] [FF] by zeppomarx (184,100 words. March 2008. Rated M) After being tortured and falsely imprisoned for Cameron's murder, House attempts to reclaim his life and career. Just as his life is getting back on track, he receives disturbing news that threatens to disrupt his recovery. Sequel to DIY Sheep's Contract. • Category: Life-Altering Events, Recovery Fic • Rec Reasons (for this series): Brainglue, Portrayal of Disability, Research Gentle Knock DVD Extras [ LJ: 1 2 3] by zeppomarx & TrooperCam & Priority (1,700 words. Oct 2008. Not Rated) Lots of background info on characters and the writing process, plus floorplans of the main settings in the story. Sequel: Patient [ LJ: 1-4 5-7 8-10 11-20 21-23] [FF] by zeppomarx (82,300 words. Sept 2009. Rated T) House's minions find a new patient, one who is reluctant to allow House to treat him. Begins three months after the opening scene of "A Gentle Knock at the Door." Goodnight, My Love [no longer posted online] by euclase (5,500 words. July 2007. Rated R) Wilson is a medic, and House is an injured Captain without a company. • Category: Alternate Time Period • Rec Reasons: Characterization, Premise Half Life [FF] [AO3] by oldblue (29,100 words. March 2008. Rated R) When the world changes forever, House and Wilson must cope. • Category: Creatures/Mythical Beings, Transmogrification • Rec Reasons: Brainglue, Emotion, Premise Fan art: Untitled Cover Art (Metamorphosis) [DW] by thedeadparrot (April 2008. Rated G) Fan art: Untitled (Farewell) [DW] by brynnamorgan (April 2008. Rated G) Have a Heart [ LJ] [FF] [AO3] [DW] by menolly_au (1,900 words. Oct 2012. Rated PG) "You were in an accident; you've been unconscious for a couple of days. You're badly hurt but you're going to be okay." A Halloween fic written for sick wilson on LJ. • Category: Life-Altering Events • Rec Reasons: Brainglue Here's A Little Agit For The Never-Believer [ LJ f-locked] by hannahrorlove (800 words. April 2007. Rated PG) [No description provided.] • Category: After Death/Afterlife, Deity Chat • Rec Reasons: Humor His Body, His Choice [ LJ] by damigella_314 (21,900 words. Feb 2012. Rated NC-17) Mysterious aliens have eliminated the pain in House's thigh, in exchange for his promise to gestate their offspring. He and Wilson end up being stuck alone together for the pregnancy months, with unexpected consequences, good and bad. • Category: Science Fiction • Rec Reasons: Premise Fan art: Cover Art [ LJ] by deelaundry (Feb 2012. Rated G) I Guess It Would Be Nice [ LJ] by nakannalee (800 words. Dec 2009. Rated PG) Missing scene from 6x10 ["Wilson"] of Wilson at the bar. • Category: After Death/Afterlife • Rec Reasons: Premise, Structure Ides of March [ LJ] [FF] by finding_jay (12,800 words. March 2006. Rated R) (So… reality was wrong. Reality is almost always wrong.) It makes sense because it had to. • Category: After Death/Afterlife • Rec Reasons: Characterization, Emotion, Premise, Structure • See also: Discussion about including Ides of March in the Housefic Meta Library. (if chase dreamed of fairytales) [no longer posted online] by ayalesca (100 words. April 2012. Rated T) Chase dreams of folk tales about harpers and skeletons. • Category: Allegory • Rec Reasons: Imagery, Language Images (WIP) [ LJ] by alternatealto (5,500 words. April 2012. Rated G) A re-visioning of how Wilson and House might have met and become friends in an alternate universe where House has chosen to follow a different profession than medicine. • Category: Alternate Personal History • Rec Reasons: Imagery, Premise • Note: Although marked WIP, this chapter can be read as a stand-alone piece. Imbued Superpowers 'verse [masterpost] by hannahrorlove & deelaundry & phinnia (200 to 4,400 words. June 2007. Rated PG to NC-17) A toxin causes everyone at PPTH to develop a superpower. • Category: Powers • Rec Reasons (for this series): Characterization, Worldbuilding Improbable Truth [ LJ] [FF] [AO3] [DW] by srsly_yes (11,500 words. Oct 2010. Rated PG-13) Fast forward fifteen years. House and Wilson are in a committed relationship, but something is about to break them apart. • Category: Magical Realism • Rec Reasons: Premise In a Heartbeat [ LJ] [FF] [AO3] [DW] by blackmare, with contributions from nightdog_barks (2,100 words. Jan 2013. Rated T) None of this is real, but if it were, House would still do it. • Category: After Death/Afterlife, Deity Chat, Wishful Thinking • Rec Reasons: Characterization, Emotion, Premise Inanimation [ LJ] [AO3] by daasgrrl (800 words. March 2007. Rated G) "Chaos broke out again as the Red Coffee Cup and the BOUO continued to hurl insults at each other while the other objects took sides." • Category: Magical Realism • Rec Reasons: Dialogue, Premise Intersections [ LJ] [AO3] by daasgrrl (10,200 words. Feb 2007. Rated R) As elynittria so amusingly put it - kind of a variation on the Schrodinger's Cat experiment, but with Wilson. • Category: Parallel Universe • Rec Reasons: Structure • See also: Discussion about including Intersections in the Housefic Meta Library. It Don't Mean a Thing [ LJ] [DW] by karaokegal (4,400 words. Dec 2006. Rated PG-13) Prompt: House has dreams about Peter Müller (from Swing Kids) in the work camps. Why is he having these dreams and how does Wilson react when House tells him? What happens? • Category: After Death/Afterlife, Crossover Elements (Swing Kids - no prior knowledge needed) • Rec Reasons: Characterization, Dialogue, Premise It's a Dangerous Game [FF] by pokeitlikejello (14,700 words. Oct 2007. Rated T) House and Cuddy are involved in a fateful event that causes them to swap bodies, leading them to have to deal with the hospital staff as the other person. Lots of humor and fun! You can't pass this up and you know it. • Category: Transmogrification • Rec Reasons: Characterization A Joy Forever [FF] [AO3] [mp3, m4b] by usomitai (21,900 words. March 2008. Rated M) Wilson is dead, but that doesn't mean he's gone. • Category: After Death/Afterlife • Rec Reasons (for this series): Characterization, Premise Commentary: The Process: Writing A Joy Forever [ LJ] by usomitai (1,600 words. March 2008. Not Rated) Because I can, I will now wax at great length about how A Joy Forever came to be. Fan art: A Better Idea [DW] by brynnamorgan (April 2008. Rated NC-17) House and Wilson during one of House's dream sequences, when Wilson decides he has a "better idea" as to what they could be doing and acts on it. Fan art: Dream Meeting [AO3] by shutterbug_12 (April 2008. Rated G) House and Wilson meet on a porch in House's dream. Karma on the Mississippi [ LJ] [FF] [AO3] [DW] by srsly_yes (49,000 words. March 2010. Rated T) House and Wilson always meet for the first time in New Orleans, even in the 1880s. • Category: Alternate Time Period • Rec Reasons: Brainglue, Research, Worldbuilding • Note: In the LJ, AO3, and DW versions, each chapter has illustrations from the 'verse time period. Companion Pieces: Steamboat and Ephemera Museum [ LJ] [DW], Squick Gallery [ LJ] [DW], Time Tunnel Theater [ LJ] [DW], You Are Here Gallery [ LJ], Character Index [ LJ] [DW] A collection of period images and videos, recent photos of fic locations, and an index of canon characters. Kraken [ LJ] [AO3] [DW] by nightdog_barks (2,400 words. March 2010. Rated R) What's really wrong with Wilson's brother? • Category: Human Variation • Rec Reasons: Premise Kryptonite [ LJ] [DW] by yarroway (7,900 words. March 2013. Rated PG-13) A House and Wilson friendship story set after 8x15 "Blowing the Whistle" (the episode in which House seems to be sick but then he isn't), with a heavy dose of science fiction. Very AU. • Category: Crossover Elements (Superman - thematic elements only; no prior knowledge needed), Science Fiction • Rec Reasons: Characterization, Premise Left of West 'verse [masterpost] by hannahrorlove (Sept 2008. Rated G to R) In this AU, being born with wings is relatively rare, but highly valued in Orthodox Jewish culture, where it is genetically more prevalent. House is House, and Wilson has wings and quite a different life than in canon. Their friendship unfolds a bit differently, but is, at the same time, very familiar. • Category: Alternate Personal History, Alternate World History, Human Variation • Rec Reasons (for this series): Imagery, Worldbuilding • See also: Discussion about including Left of West in the Housefic Meta Library. Companion piece: West of the Fields [ LJ f-locked] [DW] by hannahrorlove (1,000 words. July 2014. Rated PG) This is a sidestory to the Looking Glass 'verse and follows Left of West. • Additional Category: Crossover Elements (Left of West 'verse & Looking Glass 'verse - familiarity with both 'verses required). Scroll down for more information about the Looking Glass 'verse. Letters of Transit [ LJ] [FF] by nightdog_barks (5,700 words. Sept 2006. Rated PG-13) When House starts receiving mysterious postcards, he realizes something about Wilson… and himself. • Category: Alternate World History, Parallel Universe • Rec Reasons: Brainglue, Characterization, Worldbuilding • See also: Discussion about including Letters of Transit in the Housefic Meta Library. Levayah [ LJ] [DW] by jezziejay (1,800 words. April 2011. Rated PG) There's a ceremony. Warning for major character death. • Category: After Death/Afterlife • Rec Reasons: Emotion, Structure A Long Slow Fade [FF] by Tidwell (139,100 words. March 2008. Rated T) The power of suggestion has enabled House to cut back on his Vicodin use. But as his therapy sessions progress, why is his need for them stronger than it ever was for his pills? • Category: Crossover Elements (Medium - no prior knowledge needed), Life-Altering Events • Rec Reasons: Brainglue, Emotion, Structure Looking Glass 'verse [ masterpost] [masterpost] by nightdog_barks & blackmare & menolly_au & hannahrorlove • Category: Alternate Personal History, Alternate World History, Parallel Universe • Rec Reasons (for this series): Brainglue, Premise, Worldbuilding Looking Glass [ LJ: 1 2 3] [AO3] [DW: 1 2 3] by nightdog_barks & blackmare (10,300 words. March 2014. Rated PG-13) House knew they shouldn't have taken that exit. Reflection [ LJ] [AO3] [DW] by menolly_au (600 words. July 2014. Rated PG) While our Wilson was sharing some of the memories of his counterpart, his counterpart was sharing memories of a friend he never had. [A continuation of Looking Glass.] Prism [ LJ: 1 2] [DW: 1 2] by nightdog_barks & blackmare (4,100 words. July 2014. Rated PG-13) It's time for a break. The question is, where to do? [A continuation of Reflection, by menolly_au.] Companion piece: West of the Fields [ LJ f-locked] [DW] by hannahrorlove (1,000 words. July 2014. Rated PG) This is a sidestory to the Looking Glass 'verse, and follows Left of West, in the Left of West 'verse. • Additional Category: Crossover Elements (Left of West 'verse & Looking Glass 'verse - familiarity with both 'verses required). Scroll up for more information about the Left of West 'verse. The Loss Adjuster [ LJ] [FF] by moose_mcmoose (1,200 words. Oct 2012. Rated T) Does dying really change anything? Written for Halloween challenge, more specifically for the suggestion of a 'Ghost!Wilson fic that wasn't terribly sad.' • Category: After Death/Afterlife • Rec Reasons: Characterization Man in the Mirror [ LJ] by yarroway (8,000 words. March 2010. Rated R) House. Wilson. Secrets. Trust. Slightly AU. H/W friendship with a side of mystery. • Category: Alternate Personal History • Rec Reasons: Characterization, Premise, Structure The Man Who Wasn't There [ LJ] [FF] [DW] by srsly_yes (1,600 words. April 2008. Rated PG-13) When bad things happen to House, Wilson never seems to be around. • Category: Alternate Personal History • Rec Reasons: Premise Mind Over Matter [ LJ: 1-11, epilogue] [FF] by npkedit (18,300 words. Oct 2006. Rated K+) The mutant telepathic attack on the world's population in X-Men: United has some unusual repercussions at Princeton-Plainsboro… • Category: Crossover Elements (X-Men - little to no familiarity needed), Powers • Rec Reasons: Characterization, Dialogue, Worldbuilding • Note: On LJ, the links for chapters 1-11 are all included at the bottom of chapter 1. Subsequent chapters have a link at the top that will return you to chapter 1 for those links. Minotaur [ LJ] [ LJ] [AO3] [DW] by nightdog_barks (4,000 words. Sept 2007. Rated R) Of all the visitors to House's office, this was one of the strangest… • Category: Creatures/Mythical Beings • Rec Reasons: Imagery, Premise Missing Pieces [ LJ] [DW] by pwcorgigirl (3,600 words. July 2008. Rated PG-13) It had to be a dream, he thinks, something brought on by too many nachos and beer and the resentment of being trounced at poker by Cuddy. • Category: After Death/Afterlife • Rec Reasons: Brainglue, Imagery Moving Forward [ LJ] [FF] [DW] [AO3] by menolly_au (3,600 words. Aug 2012. Rated PG-13) With Wilson's time running out he and House catch a lift to the future in search of a cure for Wilson. • Category: Alternate Time Period, Crossover Elements (Back to the Future - thematic elements only; no prior knowledge needed), Science Fiction • Rec Reasons: Premise
Return to Part 1 (Titles A-D) or continue to Part 3 (Titles N-Z) of the House "What-If" Rec List by title.
This is Part 2 of our rec list. View Part 1 (Titles A-D) or Part 3 (Titles N-Z). Part 2: Titles E-M
Hi! We're lit_luminary and resourceress7. We'd like to share with you some of our favorite House, M.D. fics, 'verses, and authors that form a genre we call "What-If." Many stories were already among our personal favorites, and we discovered many more gems while collecting hundreds of potential recs. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do!
This is the main rec list, organized by title. This is a good starting place as you explore this site, as it has the most detailed information per fic.
Notes:
- What-If: This rec list is focused on a genre we call "What-If." In our review of the literature, several categories presented themselves. Stories range from wildly fantastical to essentially realistic, but all depart significantly from canon reality.
- Recs: We've chosen our top few rec reasons for each work, and listed them alphabetically. Of course, these stories have additional facets that led us to share them with you.
- Data: Use the sidebar at right to view our recs by by title, by category, by rec reason, by word count, by date, or in the author directory. The main rec list (by title) has the most detailed information per entry, but we deliberately left out pairings. Don't judge a fic by its pairing; jump in and savor the storytelling.
- Links: Why so many links per fic? Stuff disappears, and we like to be prepared. Plus, it gives you the opportunity to read and leave feedback where you feel most comfortable, no matter how long ago fics were written. We also encourage you to contact authors directly via their journals to let them know you read their work.
- Lost and Found: If you encounter any broken links or have trouble locating fics, please contact us by PM. Thanks.
Enchanted Design [SQ] by jaryn_ (12,100 words. June 2009. Not Rated) Someone puts a spell on House and Wilson. • Category: Magical Realism, Transmogrification • Rec Reasons: Characterization Enchantment's Perils [ LJ] [DW] by pwcorgigirl (7,900 words. Feb 2007. Rated PG-13) Wilson meets the girl of his dreams, but he's having unusual side effects from the relationship, so House calls in two other experts on a consult. • Category: Crossover Elements (Supernatural - little to no familiarity required); Magical Realism • Rec Reasons: Dialogue • Note: Refers to events in Darkness, Darkness [ LJ] [DW], but each story can be read as a standalone. Eucatastrophe [AO3] by euclase (50,400 words. March 2009. Rated PG-13) Dr. House believes there is something unusual living in Lake Carnegie. Strange events unfold as he attempts to prove his theory. • Category: Magical Realism • Rec Reasons: Emotion, Language, Premise Everyday Superheroes/Power Generation 'verse [ masterpost] by hannahrorlove & yunafire & akire_yta, with fan art by admyrrek (Oct 2005. Rated PG to NC-17) Power Generation is a fan-constructed universe that began life in the Everyday Superheroes challenge, which asked writers to give characters in other fandoms superpowers. Not in the Superman, save-the-world kind of way, but as an exploration of what it means to be different from other people.
In the nine House-fandom fics, Wilson was born with a tail, and Chase develops a power while working at PPTH. You don't need to read the larger Power Generation 'verse to enjoy the House stories, but there's a link to much more info at the masterpost. • Category: Human Variation, Powers • Rec Reasons (for this series): Characterization, Premise, Worldbuilding The Fate Machine [ LJ: 1 2] [FF] [DW: 1 2] [mp3: 1 2] [mp3: 1] by triedunture (900 words. Aug 2007. Not Rated.) Part one: This is the future. This is the problem.
Part two: This is the future. This is what happens to Wilson and House inside the Machine. • Category: Science Fiction • Rec Reasons (for this series): Brainglue, Emotion Companion Piece: La Máquina del Destino [ LJ] [DW] [mp3] Spanish translation by theviciouslily & youretheartist (900 words. May 2012. Not Rated) 1. Esto es el futuro. Este es el problema.
2. Esto es el futuro. Esto es lo que les pasa a House y Wilson dentro de la máquina. Prequel: Random Selection [ LJ] by hobbit_feets (1,100 words. Aug 2007. Rated PG) Cuddy receives a letter - her number has been drawn and it is her turn to enter the Fate Machine. Fighter [ LJ] by tasha_elizabeth (2,600 words. July 2007. Not Rated) "He’s outside. He’s walking through the parking lot on a beautiful fall morning when, suddenly, the world falls away." • Category: Apocalypse • Rec Reasons: Structure A First Class House [ LJ] [ LJ] [ LJ] [AO3] [DW] [DW] by nightdog_barks (1,800 words. Jan 2011. Rated PG-13) If there's a roadmap to perdition, you can bet House is the tour guide. • Category: Alternate Time Period • Rec Reasons: Characterization, Premise, Research For Every Closed Door 'verse by starlingthefool • Category: After Death/Afterlife, Crossover Elements (Dead Like Me - no prior knowledge needed) • Rec Reasons (for this series): Characterization, Dialogue, Emotion • See also: Discussion about including For Every Closed Door in the Housefic Meta Library. For Every Closed Door [ LJ: 1 2 3 First Interlude 4 Second Interlude 5 6 7 Third Interlude 8 9 10 11 12 Fourth Interlude 13 14 Epilogue] (48,100 words. May 2007. Rated R) As if dying at the hands of a James Taylor CD wasn't bad enough, House gets conscripted into being a Reaper for the greater Princeton-Plainsboro area. Hilarity ensues. Commentary: For Every Closed Door, ch. 11 [annotated] [ LJ] (7,200 words. March 2008. Not Rated) An annotated version of the chapter, with running commentary by the author. Commentary: The Massive Post-Mortem [ LJ] (4,700 words. Aug 2007. Not Rated) Author's commentary on For Every Closed Door as a whole - the writing process, characters, themes, deleted and abandoned scenes, favorite and least favorite bits, and so on. Sequel: Welcome to the first day of the rest of your (after)life. [ LJ] (3,200 words. Feb 2010. Not Rated) Nothing is ever simple. (Takes place after ch. 14 of For Every Closed Door.) Found [ LJ] [DW] by jezziejay (3,600 words. April 2010. Rated PG-13) Wilson goes walking on a rocky, deserted beach, in October, in French shoes. Ghost story written for the 2010 sick_wilson Halloween Fest. • Category: After Death/Afterlife • Rec Reasons: Emotion, Premise The Furies Breathing [ LJ f-locked] by hannahrorlove (1,800 words. May 2007. Rated PG) "The golems had arrived from the Rubenstein Brothers' company the day before, and the ceremony itself took place in the first-floor lobby. Cuddy had ordered sixteen and distributed them to the departments that needed the extra hands and working power." • Category: Creatures/Mythical Beings, Magical Realism • Rec Reasons: Brainglue, Premise, Worldbuilding Gardening at Night [ LJ] [DW] by pwcorgigirl (4,300 words. March 2010. Rated T) While working late in the clinic one evening, House meets a patient with a most unusual problem. • Category: Creatures/Mythical Beings • Rec Reasons: Characterization A Gentle Knock at the Door [LJ: 1-17 18-43 44-61 62-67 68-79 80-85] [FF] by zeppomarx (184,100 words. March 2008. Rated M) After being tortured and falsely imprisoned for Cameron's murder, House attempts to reclaim his life and career. Just as his life is getting back on track, he receives disturbing news that threatens to disrupt his recovery. Sequel to DIY Sheep's Contract. • Category: Life-Altering Events, Recovery Fic • Rec Reasons (for this series): Brainglue, Portrayal of Disability, Research Gentle Knock DVD Extras [ LJ: 1 2 3] by zeppomarx & TrooperCam & Priority (1,700 words. Oct 2008. Not Rated) Lots of background info on characters and the writing process, plus floorplans of the main settings in the story. Sequel: Patient [ LJ: 1-4 5-7 8-10 11-20 21-23] [FF] by zeppomarx (82,300 words. Sept 2009. Rated T) House's minions find a new patient, one who is reluctant to allow House to treat him. Begins three months after the opening scene of "A Gentle Knock at the Door." Goodnight, My Love [no longer posted online] by euclase (5,500 words. July 2007. Rated R) Wilson is a medic, and House is an injured Captain without a company. • Category: Alternate Time Period • Rec Reasons: Characterization, Premise Half Life [FF] [AO3] by oldblue (29,100 words. March 2008. Rated R) When the world changes forever, House and Wilson must cope. • Category: Creatures/Mythical Beings, Transmogrification • Rec Reasons: Brainglue, Emotion, Premise Fan art: Untitled Cover Art (Metamorphosis) [DW] by thedeadparrot (April 2008. Rated G) Fan art: Untitled (Farewell) [DW] by brynnamorgan (April 2008. Rated G) Have a Heart [ LJ] [FF] [AO3] [DW] by menolly_au (1,900 words. Oct 2012. Rated PG) "You were in an accident; you've been unconscious for a couple of days. You're badly hurt but you're going to be okay." A Halloween fic written for sick wilson on LJ. • Category: Life-Altering Events • Rec Reasons: Brainglue Here's A Little Agit For The Never-Believer [ LJ f-locked] by hannahrorlove (800 words. April 2007. Rated PG) [No description provided.] • Category: After Death/Afterlife, Deity Chat • Rec Reasons: Humor His Body, His Choice [ LJ] by damigella_314 (21,900 words. Feb 2012. Rated NC-17) Mysterious aliens have eliminated the pain in House's thigh, in exchange for his promise to gestate their offspring. He and Wilson end up being stuck alone together for the pregnancy months, with unexpected consequences, good and bad. • Category: Science Fiction • Rec Reasons: Premise Fan art: Cover Art [ LJ] by deelaundry (Feb 2012. Rated G) I Guess It Would Be Nice [ LJ] by nakannalee (800 words. Dec 2009. Rated PG) Missing scene from 6x10 ["Wilson"] of Wilson at the bar. • Category: After Death/Afterlife • Rec Reasons: Premise, Structure Ides of March [ LJ] [FF] by finding_jay (12,800 words. March 2006. Rated R) (So… reality was wrong. Reality is almost always wrong.) It makes sense because it had to. • Category: After Death/Afterlife • Rec Reasons: Characterization, Emotion, Premise, Structure • See also: Discussion about including Ides of March in the Housefic Meta Library. (if chase dreamed of fairytales) [no longer posted online] by ayalesca (100 words. April 2012. Rated T) Chase dreams of folk tales about harpers and skeletons. • Category: Allegory • Rec Reasons: Imagery, Language Images (WIP) [ LJ] by alternatealto (5,500 words. April 2012. Rated G) A re-visioning of how Wilson and House might have met and become friends in an alternate universe where House has chosen to follow a different profession than medicine. • Category: Alternate Personal History • Rec Reasons: Imagery, Premise • Note: Although marked WIP, this chapter can be read as a stand-alone piece. Imbued Superpowers 'verse [masterpost] by hannahrorlove & deelaundry & phinnia (200 to 4,400 words. June 2007. Rated PG to NC-17) A toxin causes everyone at PPTH to develop a superpower. • Category: Powers • Rec Reasons (for this series): Characterization, Worldbuilding Improbable Truth [ LJ] [FF] [AO3] [DW] by srsly_yes (11,500 words. Oct 2010. Rated PG-13) Fast forward fifteen years. House and Wilson are in a committed relationship, but something is about to break them apart. • Category: Magical Realism • Rec Reasons: Premise In a Heartbeat [ LJ] [FF] [AO3] [DW] by blackmare, with contributions from nightdog_barks (2,100 words. Jan 2013. Rated T) None of this is real, but if it were, House would still do it. • Category: After Death/Afterlife, Deity Chat, Wishful Thinking • Rec Reasons: Characterization, Emotion, Premise Inanimation [ LJ] [AO3] by daasgrrl (800 words. March 2007. Rated G) "Chaos broke out again as the Red Coffee Cup and the BOUO continued to hurl insults at each other while the other objects took sides." • Category: Magical Realism • Rec Reasons: Dialogue, Premise Intersections [ LJ] [AO3] by daasgrrl (10,200 words. Feb 2007. Rated R) As elynittria so amusingly put it - kind of a variation on the Schrodinger's Cat experiment, but with Wilson. • Category: Parallel Universe • Rec Reasons: Structure • See also: Discussion about including Intersections in the Housefic Meta Library. It Don't Mean a Thing [ LJ] [DW] by karaokegal (4,400 words. Dec 2006. Rated PG-13) Prompt: House has dreams about Peter Müller (from Swing Kids) in the work camps. Why is he having these dreams and how does Wilson react when House tells him? What happens? • Category: After Death/Afterlife, Crossover Elements (Swing Kids - no prior knowledge needed) • Rec Reasons: Characterization, Dialogue, Premise It's a Dangerous Game [FF] by pokeitlikejello (14,700 words. Oct 2007. Rated T) House and Cuddy are involved in a fateful event that causes them to swap bodies, leading them to have to deal with the hospital staff as the other person. Lots of humor and fun! You can't pass this up and you know it. • Category: Transmogrification • Rec Reasons: Characterization A Joy Forever [FF] [AO3] [mp3, m4b] by usomitai (21,900 words. March 2008. Rated M) Wilson is dead, but that doesn't mean he's gone. • Category: After Death/Afterlife • Rec Reasons (for this series): Characterization, Premise Commentary: The Process: Writing A Joy Forever [ LJ] by usomitai (1,600 words. March 2008. Not Rated) Because I can, I will now wax at great length about how A Joy Forever came to be. Fan art: A Better Idea [DW] by brynnamorgan (April 2008. Rated NC-17) House and Wilson during one of House's dream sequences, when Wilson decides he has a "better idea" as to what they could be doing and acts on it. Fan art: Dream Meeting [AO3] by shutterbug_12 (April 2008. Rated G) House and Wilson meet on a porch in House's dream. Karma on the Mississippi [ LJ] [FF] [AO3] [DW] by srsly_yes (49,000 words. March 2010. Rated T) House and Wilson always meet for the first time in New Orleans, even in the 1880s. • Category: Alternate Time Period • Rec Reasons: Brainglue, Research, Worldbuilding • Note: In the LJ, AO3, and DW versions, each chapter has illustrations from the 'verse time period. Companion Pieces: Steamboat and Ephemera Museum [ LJ] [DW], Squick Gallery [ LJ] [DW], Time Tunnel Theater [ LJ] [DW], You Are Here Gallery [ LJ], Character Index [ LJ] [DW] A collection of period images and videos, recent photos of fic locations, and an index of canon characters. Kraken [ LJ] [AO3] [DW] by nightdog_barks (2,400 words. March 2010. Rated R) What's really wrong with Wilson's brother? • Category: Human Variation • Rec Reasons: Premise Kryptonite [ LJ] [DW] by yarroway (7,900 words. March 2013. Rated PG-13) A House and Wilson friendship story set after 8x15 "Blowing the Whistle" (the episode in which House seems to be sick but then he isn't), with a heavy dose of science fiction. Very AU. • Category: Crossover Elements (Superman - thematic elements only; no prior knowledge needed), Science Fiction • Rec Reasons: Characterization, Premise Left of West 'verse [masterpost] by hannahrorlove (Sept 2008. Rated G to R) In this AU, being born with wings is relatively rare, but highly valued in Orthodox Jewish culture, where it is genetically more prevalent. House is House, and Wilson has wings and quite a different life than in canon. Their friendship unfolds a bit differently, but is, at the same time, very familiar. • Category: Alternate Personal History, Alternate World History, Human Variation • Rec Reasons (for this series): Imagery, Worldbuilding • See also: Discussion about including Left of West in the Housefic Meta Library. Companion piece: West of the Fields [ LJ f-locked] [DW] by hannahrorlove (1,000 words. July 2014. Rated PG) This is a sidestory to the Looking Glass 'verse and follows Left of West. • Additional Category: Crossover Elements (Left of West 'verse & Looking Glass 'verse - familiarity with both 'verses required). Scroll down for more information about the Looking Glass 'verse. Letters of Transit [ LJ] [FF] by nightdog_barks (5,700 words. Sept 2006. Rated PG-13) When House starts receiving mysterious postcards, he realizes something about Wilson… and himself. • Category: Alternate World History, Parallel Universe • Rec Reasons: Brainglue, Characterization, Worldbuilding • See also: Discussion about including Letters of Transit in the Housefic Meta Library. Levayah [ LJ] [DW] by jezziejay (1,800 words. April 2011. Rated PG) There's a ceremony. Warning for major character death. • Category: After Death/Afterlife • Rec Reasons: Emotion, Structure A Long Slow Fade [FF] by Tidwell (139,100 words. March 2008. Rated T) The power of suggestion has enabled House to cut back on his Vicodin use. But as his therapy sessions progress, why is his need for them stronger than it ever was for his pills? • Category: Crossover Elements (Medium - no prior knowledge needed), Life-Altering Events • Rec Reasons: Brainglue, Emotion, Structure Looking Glass 'verse [ masterpost] [masterpost] by nightdog_barks & blackmare & menolly_au & hannahrorlove • Category: Alternate Personal History, Alternate World History, Parallel Universe • Rec Reasons (for this series): Brainglue, Premise, Worldbuilding Looking Glass [ LJ: 1 2 3] [AO3] [DW: 1 2 3] by nightdog_barks & blackmare (10,300 words. March 2014. Rated PG-13) House knew they shouldn't have taken that exit. Reflection [ LJ] [AO3] [DW] by menolly_au (600 words. July 2014. Rated PG) While our Wilson was sharing some of the memories of his counterpart, his counterpart was sharing memories of a friend he never had. [A continuation of Looking Glass.] Prism [ LJ: 1 2] [DW: 1 2] by nightdog_barks & blackmare (4,100 words. July 2014. Rated PG-13) It's time for a break. The question is, where to do? [A continuation of Reflection, by menolly_au.] Companion piece: West of the Fields [ LJ f-locked] [DW] by hannahrorlove (1,000 words. July 2014. Rated PG) This is a sidestory to the Looking Glass 'verse, and follows Left of West, in the Left of West 'verse. • Additional Category: Crossover Elements (Left of West 'verse & Looking Glass 'verse - familiarity with both 'verses required). Scroll up for more information about the Left of West 'verse. The Loss Adjuster [ LJ] [FF] by moose_mcmoose (1,200 words. Oct 2012. Rated T) Does dying really change anything? Written for Halloween challenge, more specifically for the suggestion of a 'Ghost!Wilson fic that wasn't terribly sad.' • Category: After Death/Afterlife • Rec Reasons: Characterization Man in the Mirror [ LJ] by yarroway (8,000 words. March 2010. Rated R) House. Wilson. Secrets. Trust. Slightly AU. H/W friendship with a side of mystery. • Category: Alternate Personal History • Rec Reasons: Characterization, Premise, Structure The Man Who Wasn't There [ LJ] [FF] [DW] by srsly_yes (1,600 words. April 2008. Rated PG-13) When bad things happen to House, Wilson never seems to be around. • Category: Alternate Personal History • Rec Reasons: Premise Mind Over Matter [ LJ: 1-11, epilogue] [FF] by npkedit (18,300 words. Oct 2006. Rated K+) The mutant telepathic attack on the world's population in X-Men: United has some unusual repercussions at Princeton-Plainsboro… • Category: Crossover Elements (X-Men - little to no familiarity needed), Powers • Rec Reasons: Characterization, Dialogue, Worldbuilding • Note: On LJ, the links for chapters 1-11 are all included at the bottom of chapter 1. Subsequent chapters have a link at the top that will return you to chapter 1 for those links. Minotaur [ LJ] [ LJ] [AO3] [DW] by nightdog_barks (4,000 words. Sept 2007. Rated R) Of all the visitors to House's office, this was one of the strangest… • Category: Creatures/Mythical Beings • Rec Reasons: Imagery, Premise Missing Pieces [ LJ] [DW] by pwcorgigirl (3,600 words. July 2008. Rated PG-13) It had to be a dream, he thinks, something brought on by too many nachos and beer and the resentment of being trounced at poker by Cuddy. • Category: After Death/Afterlife • Rec Reasons: Brainglue, Imagery Moving Forward [ LJ] [FF] [DW] [AO3] by menolly_au (3,600 words. Aug 2012. Rated PG-13) With Wilson's time running out he and House catch a lift to the future in search of a cure for Wilson. • Category: Alternate Time Period, Crossover Elements (Back to the Future - thematic elements only; no prior knowledge needed), Science Fiction • Rec Reasons: Premise
Return to Part 1 (Titles A-D) or continue to Part 3 (Titles N-Z) of the House "What-If" Rec List by title.