This is my, what, fourth House story? Well, I think it is! ER is the only other show I've written a lot of stories for( and I haven't even posted any of them!) House is the only one where I've finished them all! -

Wow, I'm kinda pathetic huh? Well, here comes my fourth one that for once doesn't revolve around Wilson. It's Chase's turn because he kind of grew on me. . .

Summary: He promised he wouldn't do it anymore. But he did it that night. To impress her. And he almost died.

Disclaimer: Do not own the show or the quote used in the beginning! Don't sue!

PaRt i

"Sir, I have no objection to a man's drinking wine, if he can do it in moderation. I found myself apt to go to excess in it, and therefore, after having been for some time without it, on account of illness, I thought it better not to return to it. Every man is to judge for himself, according to the effects which he experiences."

-Samuel Johnson, J. Boswell "The Life of Samuel

Johnson", 1784

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House stumbled into the hospital and immediately wanted to turn around and go home. Well, he wanted to do that everyday, but today was worse. Up by the doorway was a flier that read:

"All doctors and nurses are invited to the hospital's 10th

Anniversary Party in Magdalene Hall!

Starts at 7:30 pm and ends when you want it to!"

"What if I never want it to begin in the first place?" House mumbled to himself as he limped down the hallway to the pharmacy counter to get a refill of Vicodin. He tossed his bag in his office and walked out again, paying no attention to anyone around him.

"DR. HOUSE!" Cameron yelled as she walked behind House, yelling so loud that she turned a few heads.

"Oh, Dr. Cameron! What a pleasant surprise!" Cameron glared but held out the chart she clutched in her hand.

"This patient needs a consult."

"And. . .?" House smirked. He loved making them frustrated, especially her.

"Forget it. I'll get someone else to do it." Cameron took back the chart and began to walk away, but paused and came back. "You going to the party?"

"No. I don't 'do' parties." House joked.

"Why not?"

"I'm not really the social type if you hadn't noticed already." They were both silent until Cameron spoke up again.

"I'll pay you 50 if you come."

"Make it 100 and you have a deal." House shot back. Cameron put her hands on her hips and smiled, shaking her head in amusement.

"Al right then. I'll see you at the party." Cameron walked into the 'lounge', or 'meeting room', depending on what was going on.

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Cameron silently opened the door and at first thought no one was in the room. Then she spotted Chase curled up the best he could in a chair, staring out the window. He looked sad and distant as Cameron watched him.

"Hey Chase." She said silently.

"Oh, hi!" he turned his head, not getting out of his position, and answered with obvious fake cheeriness.

"You. . . okay?" Cameron finally got the words out. Chase looked back out the window and sighed before getting up.

"Yeah, sure. Well, actually. . ." Chase began, looking right in her eyes. But he was interrupted by Foreman who stuck his head in.

"We've got an emergency! The kid who we thought had the flu. . . well lets just say that I think it isn't the flu anymore!" Foreman left, Chase and Cameron close behind.

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Cameron didn't have much time the rest of the day to talk to Chase. They were both loaded with patients and chart work and right after work, Cameron was going out to buy a dress for the party that night. She couldn't stop thinking about what Chase was going to do. He was about to tell her something important.

She had trouble deciding on a dress. She wanted something nice, but that would make her look a little different. She ended up choosing a sparkly black dress with thick straps. it began out as tight and billowed a little out on the bottom. She purchased a pair of matching earrings. She already had the shoes.

Across the street, a couple of stores down, Chase was trying to find a jacket that would look nice for the party, but wasn't to fancy. And not too expensive. That part was important. He had difficulty focusing on what he was supposed to be doing though, because he couldn't stop thinking that he almost revealed to Cameron his deepest secret. The reason he didn't drink anymore.

Today was the anniversary of the day where, two years ago, he almost died.

He had to much to drink that night. It was an accident; he didn't mean to drink that much. He was trying to impress someone. That's what always got him into trouble. He always did the stupid things to try to impress someone. He had a bet going on with one of his friends about who could get drunk first.

After a while, his friend had given up, afraid something bad might happen if he continued. Chase's friends had tried to tell Chase to stop as well, but he wouldn't listen. He was trying to impress a girl. The next thing he knew, was that he was throwing up and was having trouble breathing and keeping his balance. He remembered sounds of sirens and being lifted onto something and then he had passed out.

He had awoken in a hospital room. His friends were there by his side and the doctor said that Chase was lucky one of his friends called when he did. If he had waited, Chase would have died. The doctor said that Chase almost died anyway. Chase was put in a program to help him. Cuddy was the only one who knew about what happened. And he wanted to keep it that way.

Chase bought a jacket and bit his lip all the way home. He entered his apartment and went straight to his room. Tossing the bag on the floor near his closet, he collapsed on his bed, buried his face in his pillow and sobbed.

Today was the anniversary of the day where, two years ago, he almost died.

And he was all alone.

That might be it. That might not. We'll see. No feedback equals no more story. Lots of feedback equals more story! It's simple math folks, simple math!