Chapter 4: Perception
I was still in the process of tying my shoes when he entered my hospital room. "I was sorta surprised you called me."
"For lack of a better option…" I muttered irritably. I had no interest in talking, but I knew it was inevitable.
"You know I'm sure Cuddy would've signed you out." Chase remarked, eyeing me carefully.
"Doubt it, and I've already seen enough of her this week." I brushed off the comment without much thought. He accepted my answer and left the room to talk with one of the nurses. He returned a moment later, a wheelchair in front of him.
"Procedure." Chase offered, as if I didn't know. He prepared himself for protest.
"Fine." I stated calmly, limping over to the chair without a fight.
"Wait…" Chase paused, openly surprised, "so you're okay with being stuck in a wheelchair?"
"What? Do you want me to be a pain in the ass?" I countered pettishly.
"No." He answered quickly, not wanting a fight. "I'm just not used to it." I rested my chin on my hand, expressing boredom. Chase rolled me to the lobby where I grabbed my cane and easily lifted from the wheelchair. I'm pretty swift for a cripple. "So… why'd you call me?" Chase asked, trying to hide his interest in my answer.
"You have a car and I knew you wouldn't turn me down." I responded quickly, leading the way out the door, ignoring the curious nurses in the lobby. I had driven to the hospital on my motorcycle, but had no interest in driving it home in my state. Plus, if I really thought about it, I wanted the company.
"Right…" Chase reflected skeptically. We found his car and settled inside. Chase put the key in the ignition and I knew immediately that he wanted to say something.
"Look, just drive." I asserted, hoping he'd keep to himself. Chase shut his mouth and I stared out of the window, my head throbbing again.
Unfortunately, the silence was short-lived and Chase had the audacity to bring up the one subject I had no interest in discussing. "I'm sorry about Amber." I turned my head slowly to face him, a frown on my face, obviously wondering how much he knew about the incident. Chase read my body language easily and answered my unspoken question, "I was your surgeon… I was there when you remembered everything and…"
"Now would be a great time to shut up." I cut him off and turned back to the window.
"He just needs time." Chase continued timidly and I rolled my eyes, annoyed.
"That's exactly what Cuddy said." I scoffed.
"You and Wilson have always made it through tough times together and you'll get through this." Chase was only trying to help and I knew it, but I'd already heard enough from Cuddy. Chase had no idea the affect Amber's death had on Wilson… and on me. We weren't going to 'get through this.' Chase was only trying to build false hope and that's not what I needed.
"I don't recall asking for comfort, but I did ask for silence. Shut. Up." I emphasized the words, hoping he'd take the hint.
"You're not my boss." Chase countered.
"But I'm still able to make your life hell if I want to." I didn't have the energy to argue.
The silence was resumed only shortly before Chase's fingers started to tap nervously on the steering wheel. I turned and gave him a dirty look.
"What?" He asked innocently. I rolled my eyes again.
"You should take a break from Cameron. Her annoying compassion is rubbing off on you." I commented, sensing Chase's obligation to help. The Australian sighed.
"I am." He muttered. I hadn't expected that and quickly turned to him with renewed interest.
"Really? I thought you two were like Ricky and Lucy?" I pronounced, surprised that the two lovebirds would break it off.
"Ricky and Lucy divorced." Chase responded to the 'I Love Lucy' reference.
"Not on the show!" I exclaimed.
"She…" Chase was unsure whether to continue, "she wouldn't tell me whether you two slept together." I tried to hold back a laugh. I somehow ruined their relationship without saying a word. "What's so funny?" He asked angrily. I shook my head and responded swiftly.
"It's a honor that you think I could hit that." I started laughing again.
"You're evading the question too." Chase sighed, disappointment highlighting his features.
"God Chase, if you really must know…" I exaggerated, still seeing amusement in the situation. "I didn't sleep with her. We never even got close." I finished seriously. Despite my jokes and insults, I think the two are meant for each other and I don't want them to break it off on any account, especially over something so stupid.
"Well that makes me feel better…" Chase uttered sarcastically. I frowned.
"She really cares about you." My words were sincere, yet he still doubted my motives and I can't really blame him.
"How would you know?" He asked suspiciously.
"I'm House!" I exclaimed with mock hurt. "Have you forgotten my gift of reading people? It took her a while, but she fell madly in love with you… despite her better judgment." I added the last part just to see his reaction.
"Her better judgment meaning you right?" Chase offered, rolling his eyes. He was still not convinced.
"Nothing happened between us." I answered firmly.
"How do I know you're telling the truth?"
"I don't have a reason to lie." I replied truthfully. Chase nodded and finally accepted my answer. I saw him smile briefly out of the corner of my eye, which made me smile slightly. They're cute together.
"You sure you'll be okay?" Chase asked, looking around my apartment. I took my seat on the couch as Chase hesitated in the doorway.
"Well my apartment could catch fire at any moment, so no I'm not sure." I smirked and Chase, like clockwork, rolled his eyes.
"I mean are you going to be okay here by yourself?" He tried his question again. Now it was my turn to roll my eyes.
"I'm not that old. I don't need a babysitter." I glowered.
"But you are that stubborn." He admonished without hesitation. "Promise me you'll call if you need anything?" Chase asked hopefully.
"Don't worry about me; although, I might call you so I can interrupt your make-up sex with Cameron." I stated knowingly with a mischievous smile. Chase's cheeks turned a bright red and he gave a shy smile.
"Goodnight, House."
"Bye, Wombat."
Next Chapter: Illusion
Wilson will show up in the next couple chapters. :)