Well, that's good. I'm starting to get the sense that the more friends and support you have around here, the better.

[ That gets him to laugh. ]

Sometimes I think that's the only way to do things when it comes to him: against his will.

Of course, because if you don't, he plants his feet in and refuses to move. He's very good at doing that.

Exactly. Oh, he can admit that. I've seen it, but it's about as rare as a solar eclipse.

[ Bad example, maybe, or at least an inaccurate one, but it's the best he can come up with on the fly. ]

One thing about knowing House is that you have to be good at deciphering subtext.

[ Among other things. ]

I'm sure House would love that. Actually, he'd hate it with a passion.