Games People Play 5 Powers of Observation
Chapter 1
"Okay … I think we're ready to close this patient's file …" House said, reviewing the DDX on the whiteboard one last time, "Now, I have some good news and some bad news …"
"Apparently, I owe Dr. Cuddy 25 clinic hours this month and she's ordered me to complete them in the next two weeks, or else …" House faced Cameron, Chase and Foreman, who were sitting side by side at the conference table.
"Or else what?" asked Chase.
"Oh, something involving an ugly threat to remove a pair of my body parts that I'm rather attached to …"
Cameron snickered.
"So the extra clinic hours … that's the bad news …" continued Chase.
"No, not really … at least not for me … because you … or I should say two of you, will be taking on this task for me …" The ducklings groaned and rolled their eyes.
"Why only two of us?" asked Foreman.
"I'm so glad you asked, Foreman. That's the good news." House said brightly.
"One of you lucky ducklings will escape extra clinic duty … and win an exciting prize chosen especially for you!" House grinned, doing his best imitation of a game show host.
"What's the prize?" asked Chase.
"I was just getting to that, my dear little Wombat. I'd have to say that it's more of a concession, than a prize, on my part.
Within reason, I will personally grant the winner one request … and by the way, just in case you're wondering, the only say you have in this is your prize … after all, my department is a dictatorship, not a democracy.
All right …" House clapped his hands and rubbed his palms together, "it's time to submit your request to the Greg House Make-A-Wish Foundation … Foreman?"
"I'd like you to do your own clinic hours for my prize ..." Foreman smirked.
"Boy, you really don't like me, do you? House asked. Foreman shook his head.
"Sorry, no can do … the whole reason behind this game is to get me out of clinic duty. Pick something else …"
"A transfer to another department would be great." Foreman said, baiting House.
House didn't bite.
"Okay, Foreman, you're on …" House wrote Forman's request on the whiteboard.
"Chase?"
"I'd like you to cover for me for the next four weekends I'm on call …"
"Good one … okay" House continued writing.
"And Cameron … what can I do for you?"
Cameron looked at Chase and Foreman and then House.
"I'd like to go on another date with you … but this time, I get to decide where we go and what we do …"
"Ah, you want another shot at some steamy sex with your incredibly hot boss …" House said, spinning around from the whiteboard to leer at Cameron.
"I didn't say anything about sex House …" Cameron said meeting House's gaze, while Chase glared at the two of them.
"No sex, yea right Cameron … your panties are probably soaked just thinking about going out with House …" House raised an eyebrow as he looked from Chase to Cameron.
"Shut up Chase …" Cameron shouted, slapping him hard on the arm, "and if they are, it's none of your business … it's over between us …"
"Owww … You're pathetic … do you know how desperate you sound, asking House for a date … don't you remember what happened the last time the two of you went out?" Chase countered, rubbing his arm.
"Desperate … who are you calling desperate … you're the one that's still begging me to go out with you every week and it's been a month since I dumped you … you're pathetic!"
"Whoa …whoa … kiddies, settle down. Don't fight over me … Chase you can ask for a date too if it will make you feel better … hell, so can you Foreman, for that matter …"
House glared at Cameron and Chase, "CUT OUT THE BICKERING! NOW!"
Cameron and Chase settled glumly back into their chairs.
"That's better … okay, Cameron …I'll be at your boy-toy tonight, assuming you win …"
"Fine."
"So … everyone understands the rules?'' They all nodded.
"Good, let's begin. May the best man …" began House.
"Or woman …" interrupted Cameron.
"Or woman …" House added, " win."