Disclaimer: The usual I do not own House m. d. its characters or anything having to do with this wonderful and addicting show. Good day to you all who don't own either.

Summary: A simple run by the water, turns into a chaotic frenzy as the team races around to save a totally different case. Every second counts and slowly time is ticking by mate.

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I
An Early Run
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Dr. Robert Chase woke up to his alarm clock. He moaned as he saw the flashing red numbers and heard the loud beeping echoing through his messy apartment. 6:05. Chase had decided to go for a run in the mornings. Ever since he'd migrated to America, he'd stopped working out and didn't feel as good as he used to. This may have been partially due to House but more so to his pitiful nutrition and lack of exercise.

"Alright Robert, get out of bed. Get out of bed." He said to himself, swinging his legs off the side of the bed. Chase dressed himself up in his camo track pants and a grey tank top slipping his I-pod in his pocket, he pulled on a light black jacket. After a few stretches, Chase went down the stairs and once outside flipped on some music and took off in a fast jog.

The air was brisk but welcoming. He liked it best running in the cold. He loved the feeling of the cold wind brushing his cheeks and twirling his hair. The only thing better was running or playing football in the rain. There was nothing more satisfying than running around and sliding in the muddy football field. The thoughts of soccer made him think of his childhood. He loved football as a kid; everybody did. Chase sighed as he remembered those days, running carelessly across the field. How he missed those carefree days, when all that mattered was the fact that the teams were tied and the ball was coming your way. The pressure was on and it was the greatest feeling when you scored that goal and won the game.

As he passed by houses, Chase's mind wandered to a different world. He wondered what was going on in the houses. If there were children waking up to watch early morning toons or young couples sleeping together or if there were old men and women who'd been together for years upon years still happy with each other's company.

Still observing he wondered if there was loving relationships, screwed up ones or simply none at all; just lonely people, living lonely lives. Just like him.

When he reached a calm crossroad by the water, he stopped to catch his breath. He could feel his face hot and moist with sweat. Bending over he felt tightness in his back and chest and decided to stretch a bit.

"Ah." He cried instinctively as he felt a strong strain in his right knee. "Must be a pulled muscle." He said feeling and rubbing his thigh muscle above it. He applied pressure to it by leaning forward on it and cringed a bit. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a wrap. He tended to do that a lot to himself; pull muscles and such. In university, he had played on the rugby team and had busted up his right knee and ankle. When he ran or biked they often began to act up, so he always kept his knee wrap in a pocket.

After having slipped it on, he began trotting down the street again even though his body asked him to stop. The water to his right was calm at that time as the sun crept over it. Chase listened to the music and just let his feet guide him. As he bobbed his head along to the tune, he ran right into a couple of guys.

"Oh I'm sorry," Chase said. "I didn't see you there." He added and went off to continue running.

"Hold up Robbie." Chase stopped wondering how he knew his name. "Yeah I know a lot more than just your name. I know what you did to that girl." The guy said shrewdly with the same accent as Chase had only softer.

"What are you talking about? I haven't done anything to a girl." He said with confusion. "I have to go though. I'll be late for work."

"You're right you'll be late." The guy said as his friend spoke on his mobile.

Suddenly, a big white van pulled up beside them. Chase bolted into a run bit was stopped by a strong arm catching his wrist and yanking him back. "You're comin with us Blondie." The second guy spoke with a deep toned voice and threw Chase into the van and hopped in.

"I don't understand what I did to you."

"It's not what you did," the guy said and pulled Chase's arms behind his back as he held him with his face flat on the van's floor. "It's what someone who cares about you did. Why aren't you squirming?" He asked, pulling him up and stomping him on the floor. Guys usually squirmed when they were being held down. They were usually pretty psychotic in that type of situation.

"I don't feel like being beaten just yet. Who is it that cares about me?"

The guy took Chase's wrists and tied them tightly together with a scratchy rope. Chase yelped at the intense tightness and the guy laughed. "It's the people you work with."

"What business do you have with them?"

"Top secret, Rob."

"Where are you taking me?"

"A place where nobody will find you. Now do something interesting Robbie." He said, holding Chase's face in his hand, squishing his cheeks and shaking his head.

Chase pulled away. "Stop." He said, trying to wriggle his hands free but only causing pain to himself. In anger, Chase brought up his legs and kicked his abductor in the face. The driver made a sharp turn and Chase and the guy flew into the wall.

"Think you're tough, English boy?"

"I'm Australian."

"Sure y'are mate." He said and punched him unconscious across the head.

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Meanwhile at the hospital, Cameron and Foreman were questioning where House and Chase were. They were more interested in Chase's location though. House was always late. Chase never was. They sat in silence every so often sighing and hmm-ing.

"I don't know where he could be."

"Maybe he's sick." Foreman suggested.

Cameron shook her head. "No, he comes in even if he's sick."

"Maybe he and House had a late night out." He said with a laugh. Cameron just stared at him. "Oh come on, lighten up. He's probably so sick he can't get out of bed. A bug has been going around here. You never know."

Cameron sighed in acceptance. "I guess so."

"Good morning lads and lassies." House said entering the office with a big smile. "Where's that other doctor?"

"You mean Chase?"

"Oh right, that's his name. What did you guys do with him? You know it's mean to pick on the weird kids."

Foreman rolled his eyes. "We have no idea where he is. You got anything?"

"Maybe he's sick, there has been a little bug going around."

"See? I told you." Foreman said to Cameron. "So do we—" Foreman's question was cut off by an unexpected phone ringing. "Well pick it up." Foreman said after listening to the ring for a bit.

"But it's such a pretty sound." House said before picking up the receiver. "Bonjourno, Enzo's pizza place."

"I have something you want doctor."

"What?" House asked interestedly as the caller hung up.

"Who was that?" Cameron asked inquisitively.

House glanced around the room before locking eyes with her. "I don't know."

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Thoughts and/or comments?

Please review.

May continue if there's interest if not then…

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Death does not win. It is not the end, it is just the beginning.

- Unknown