Many, many thanks to StormyMonday and UchidaKarasu for editing this story in English! And a lot of thanks to Karolina for helping me out and making this story so much better!

Chase's arrival brought along a lot of changes - there was a clear rhythm of patient care, and life in general, with mandatory breakfast, lunch and dinner. And then one day, when Chase returned from grocery shopping, he announced that he had a surprise for them, and wheeled a wheelchair into the living room. The two friends gave him a puzzled look.

"Which one of us is it for?" House asked.

"Not for you, for sure."

At first Wilson protested. He didn't want to show his weakness by sitting in the chair while his friends would be walking, but later he was the one eagerly waiting for their walks in the park or shopping mall. So with fresh air, home-made three course meals provided every day by House, who finally had time to cook, Wilson began to feel much better, at least as well as he could in his current condition.

However, Chase's activities were not limited to taking care of Wilson. House couldn't help but notice how often Chase became lost in reading and replying to e-mails and texts on his mobile device.

"Some new, interactive porno?" House asked with a frown.

Chase just chuckled and silently went into the kitchen to the great displeasure of House. The latter had forgotten how hard it was to elicit a reaction from the Australian.

"Leave him alone," Wilson said, standing up for the younger doctor. "He's doing more than enough for us."

"I didn't ask him."

"But it doesn't mean that we don't need it. Besides, Chase knows that you're grateful for what he's doing."

"You're grateful, not me," House said with a hint of annoyance, but Wilson just shrugged.

"Unlike you, I have no problem with expressing my feelings."

"Interesting...what is he doing out there?" House just couldn't let it go.

"Did you even try to ask?"

"That wouldn't be interesting."

cCc

The next day, Chase was still concerned about something and didn't let go of his phone, leaving House with no chance to get it, but eventually he had to leave it behind to take Wilson to the bathroom. House took advantage of the opportunity immediately.

He eagerly grabbed the smartphone and removed the lock. Results of the patient's analysis flashed on the screen.

"Gotcha!" House smirked to himself, and began to read.

It turned out that all the information was sent by e-mail from Park and Adams, but as it became clear from the correspondence, neither of the girls had any idea that her workmate was also consulting with their boss.

'You smart ass bastard!' House thought to himself proudly. He would have done the same in the similar circumstances. He continued reading, intrigued by the medical side of the case. He liked the approach Chase was taking, liked the way he directed his employees. House had nothing to add – he was proud of his ex-employee, and of himself for making such a great doctor. He turned off the phone, and put it back as soon as he heard Chase and Wilson returning.

By lunchtime, Chase had finally lost interest in whatever he was doing, as if he had solved the case. He relaxed, making small talk with Wilson.

And that was the best time for House to strike.

"So, was it an infection?" House asked innocently, watching for a reaction.

At first Chase didn't understand what he was talking about, but when he did, his eyes widened. "Oh, you bastard! You looked through my phone!"

"Then you shouldn't have left it behind, I suppose. Maybe you wanted me to find out." House couldn't hide his satisfied grin, but when Chase raised an eyebrow, House knew he'd been duped.

"If I was doing something wrong, you would have already rubbed my nose in it."

"That just means you still need your daddy," House replied smugly.

Chase said nothing. They both knew that this little game was more for the sake of House than for Chase's sake, but the Australian didn't want to make his former boss admit it.

"How're the girls?" House asked, changing the subject. "You're giving them a hard time, I see."

"They still have a lot to learn, especially Adams."

"So, you and her...? Still nothing?" House smirked.

Chase rolled his eyes.

"What? She's a hot girl, why not?"

"Cameron was a hot girl too and didn't mind having sex with you, but you didn't, right? I have plenty hot girls elsewhere."

There was no emotion when Chase mentioned Cameron. House was glad that Chase had put the past behind him, once and for all.

"Is there ever going to be another Mrs Chase in the future?" Wilson broke into the conversation, not sure where a discussion about Chase's ex-wife's might go.

Chase shook his head. There was nothing to say. He wasn't planning anything any time soon. He was too preoccupied with medicine. He did want to have a family and children someday, but that meant he would have to devote less time to his work, and he wasn't ready for it. The memories of a workaholic father were too fresh in his mind.

cCc

Two months went by and Wilson wasn't getting better, but most importantly, he wasn't getting worse. House, freed from his obligations to medically tend to his friend, was feeling much better as well, spending most of his time cooking for his own pleasure, or watching TV with his best friend. As for Chase, he was getting tired; the routine was killing him. He began remembering himself as a teenager taking care of his mother. He had to remind himself that Wilson hadn't made himself sick, that it wasn't his fault. But still, it didn't make Chase feel any better. More and more often, Chase had been finding himself wishing he could leave that musty, dark apartment, and not have to go for groceries or meds, but instead be able to take a walk without anything to do or care about.

He wanted to take a ride on his bike, feel the wind on his face and forget about slow walks with Wilson in the wheelchair, being on alert every minute to tend to him if anything went wrong. He wanted to just relax and forget about everything, at least for a while. But instead, he was going to the kitchen to make himself another cup of coffee and get back to his duties, the ones he willingly took upon himself. Chase was afraid to analyse the situation, and why he found himself in it, knowing that he would not like the answer.

Thank you very much everyone who reviewed, it means a lot and helps me to translate this story further :)

Cookie, I'm sorry but Chase can't change anything :(, but Wilson will stay with House for a little while, next couple of chapters for sure.