You can live with dignity, but you can't die with it. [Semi-closed; complete]

[causticguy]

Who: House and Allen Walker (and Simca if she wants to join them).
What: The aftermath of Cross's death.
Where: Cross's house.
When: Following this log.

Comments

[antiakuma]

The explanation made enough sense as far as answering Allen's question went. However, what was troubling him was the fact House seemed to have already decided on this course of action. Had it been discussed before during the rush and panic? Allen really couldn't remember. That meant one of two things; he was too swept up in everything to recall it or the conversation hadn't happened.

A small frown touched his lips as he glanced to the side slightly, his right arm crossing over his stomach to lightly grasp the sleeve of his left arm, gripping the material tightly before shaking his head.

"We're members of the Black Order back in our world, Dr. House," he began carefully, having a bad feeling about this particular subject of discussion already "The dead are--"

There was a pause, the briefest hint of the tip of his tongue peeking out to lick his lips. Denial and avoidance only worked as long as you didn't have to admit something out loud or face it head on. Taking a deep breath through his nose, he firmed his expression and looked back at House directly, his tone altering slightly to something less wavering when he next spoke.

"The dead of the Order are cremated, Dr. House. I really can't deny Master that, for many reasons. I understand your concern and the request as a physician, I honestly do, however I can not consent to it."

While House was being gentle for House, Allen was by no means delicate or spineless, age and appearance were a completely separate area to his determination. The General deserved better than to be sliced open and damaged further. There were other reasons, of course, but they weren't as prominent in his mind as that one was.