Just a lil drabble-thing. I had "Chase always laughs at his jokes." stuck in my head for an age and just had to babble. I don't think I've quite figured out House in my head and this is a musing on the way to comprehension...Like there are ten stops on the way to getting House in my head and I'm only on #4...blah. I want to make "Chase always laughs at his jokes." a challenge to see what other people get from it. Let me know if it tortures anyone else.
Chase always laughs at his jokes. Not an outright laugh, but a grin and silent chuckle. House never knows whether this is good or bad. He enjoys the little boost of ego he gets, but then he's forced to consider that Chase is a masochistic idiot and the boost is gone. Not to mention that he really doesn't want to care what anyone thinks of him, but some instincts are hard to kick sometimes.
Cameron usually gives him a look of disgust and disbelief, like she's shocked that he could say something so terrible. Rare are the times that he catches her off-guard and he sees a horrified smile. Those times are even worse than when Chase laughs.
Foreman doesn't laugh, or smile. Foreman is the worst. House sees in Foreman something even more disheartening. He sees himself. This is difficult most days as Foreman is a moron, but every so often he sees Foreman slipping toward the dark side where House lives and they say that mimicry is the greatest compliment. Of course, the man acts all wholesome and decent, but House has seen the cut of ruthlessness beneath the skin and he loathes it.
Much better to think of Chase's little laugh and Cameron's horror. At least they recognize the game. Chase delights in it, like an old man delights in his son's football prowess. He'll never be able to play the game but damned if he doesn't love to watch.
Cameron knows about the game. She's the supportive mother who understands what the quarterback is, and sits in the stands and winces every time her son tackles another poor boy. House often considers sharing that thought with her. Cameron just loves sports metaphors. He's saving that one for a rainy day….
Foreman plays the game without knowing it's a game. He thinks that the losers get executed like in ancient South American sports. House worries that one day Foreman will go too far and break the Rules.
Until then, though. He'll make Chase laugh.