Title: Bowling Night

Author: MitchPell

Disclaimer: I don't own anything; however, David Shore and Fox do. I'm just using their stuff for a little bit of non-profitable fun.

Authors Notes: Spoiler warnings for all seasons and episodes, but seasons 4 and 5 will be covered in more detail than the others. I appreciate any and all feedback. Tell me whatever you think: the good, the bad, the ok, the grammar errors, etc… Constructive criticism is always welcome.

Summary: Bowling night wasn't part of the custody agreement.

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Prologue

Chase mentally braced himself as he picked up the distinct step-thump-step of House's uneven gait. Terrific, he thought as he pulled the scrub top over his head and tossed it towards the biohazard bag in the corner. Last thing he needed, or rather wanted, at seven o'clock on a Friday night was to be harassed by his previous boss; not when all he really wanted to do was go home, get something to eat, and crawl into bed next to Cameron. But with all things House related it was best to get it over and done with, beside there was no way for him to get out of locker room without getting caught. He was effectively cornered.

Resigning himself to the upcoming encounter, Chase continued to change back into his street clothes as he waited for House to enter the room. "I heard Kutner cured you of your syphilis," he deadpanned as a greeting, deciding to be preemptive. "Congratulations on getting rid of your STD." His tone was laced with sarcasm, more than enough to convey his annoyance with the other man.

He barely heard House's soft, short, laugh, didn't look up to catch his brief half-smile, but he knew both were there.

"Needed to teach the newbies to stay out of my medical files; something I thought you and Cameron and Forman would have known by now. Still so gullible," House lightly mocked.

"Or just out of practice with dealing with jerks," Chase replied as he pulled his jacket out of his locker and shut the door, snapping the lock into place. "Doesn't explain why you're down here though," he said, pulling on his coat as he finally turned to look at the other man. "What do you want, House?"

The older doctor looked away briefly and tapped his cane lightly on the floor, a sure sign that whatever he was about to ask made him uncomfortable; a little fact that peeked Chase's curiosity as he waited for a response.

"Monday wasn't part of the custody agreement," House answered after a moment, "with Amber." He added for what Chase guessed was supposed to be clarification.

He waited for more, but House seemed disinclined to say anything else. "Am I supposed to know what that means?"

"I made deal with Amber. I get Wilson on Wednesdays and every other weekend…"

"Wait a minute," Chase interrupted, unable to keep the smile from creeping onto his face. "Are you saying you actually to my advice? Wow…I'm…shocked. Honored even," he said, unable to keep the teasing out of his tone.

"Yeah, well, I wouldn't pat yourself too hard on the back. Because of your so called advice I'm out a bowling partner."

Chase smirked. "That's what you're here for? You want me to take Wilson's place?"

"Do you have a problem with that?" House asked with a hopeful look on his face.

"Depends."

"On what?"

"Why me?" He asked. "I figure one time's a fluke, but now you're asking for a weekly commitment. So I'm curious. Why me?"

House shrugged. "I'm not your boss and you're not mine; lowers the chances of ulterior motives."

It also meant that any decision he made to spend time with House would be of his own free will, Chase thought as considered House's response. "Alright," he said after a beat. "Sounds like a plan."

"Good," House agreed with a curt nod. "See you, Monday." He added before turning and walking out without another word.