Chapter 7 – A Beer with Chase

True to form as House walked into the bar Chase was sitting on a barstool with a leggy redhead practically drooling over him.

House walked up behind Chase and placed his hands on his shoulders while leaning down and kissing his cheek, "Sorry I'm late Darling, I got held up at the hospital." He looked up at the redhead, and grimaced. "He's taken... See?" House held up Chase's left hand revealing his wedding ring. "Better luck next time."

As the redhead walked away House took a seat at the bar. Chase hung his head, shook it then looked back up, "House what the hell are you doing? I could have totally taken that home tonight."

"Oh don't get your panties in a bunch, twenty bucks says you'll be hit on at least two more times tonight."

"Right. Ok so now tell, where the hell were you all weekend?"

"Come on, let's shoot some pool and I'll tell you."

"Alright." Chase swung around on the bar stool grabbed his beer and followed House who limped toward the pool table sloshing beer from his mug as he went.

"You know you might try bottled beer instead of tap."

"Oh what do you care? you don't mop here."

House began to wrack the balls while Chase grabbed a cue stick and began to chalk the tip. "Alright now tell me where you were this weekend."

House leaned back and dug his phone from his pocket. He flipped it open and hit a few buttons handing it to Chase. "I … was … with that."

"Jesus Christ! Is she legal?"

"Not only is she legal, she'll be a fully fledged biochemist in a few weeks. And I… set her up with an interview at BM Squibb."

"Wow House, I'm impressed."

"So am I, she's the first woman in a long time that I've been able to stand the company of for more than a few hours at a time."

"Judging from the photo, I can see how she'd keep you entertained."

"Oh don't go all hormonal. Although she is great at that… but she's also smart, she cooks, plays the piano, has a decent IQ and owns that Harley in the picture."

"Oh my God, House are you falling in love?"

"I'm not sure I know what that is, but I think I want to find out. So what about you?" House said, getting ready to take the next shot. "Planning to screw your way to happiness after Cameron? Cuz the blonde in the corner over there is staring so hard she hasn't blinked in over 2 minutes."

Chase was definitely better at bowling than playing pool. He'd missed every shot save one and House only had one more shot to make before pursuing the eight ball.

House had avoided talking about Maya with Wilson so far. Wilson wasn't happy with House avoiding his questions. It wasn't that House didn't want to talk about her at all, just that he didn't want to analyze it Wilson fashion. He, truth be told, was trying not to scare himself off. He had really enjoyed his time with her, but he didn't want to get all into the 'feelings' discussion with Wilson because then he would start rethinking everything and then he'd inevitably screw it all up, and it was good right now. Talking with Chase was easier, he wasn't as close a friend as Wilson, he wouldn't try to drag his feelings out of him or make him see things objectively. This was better for now.

Chase missed his shot again and House cleared the table. "You know you really suck at this."

"Yeah, I'm better at bowling, or X-Box."

"Next beers are at your place with the X-Box. But for now go buy the blonde a drink, I'll see you tomorrow." House grabbed his cane and began to hobble toward the door.

"House," House stopped and turned around. "Thanks," House have him a small nod. "Yeah and … sorry again about the nose."

"Forget it." And with that House turned and walked out.

House walked in the door and headed to the bathroom to wash his swollen eyebrow. Wilson of course was ready and waiting and wanting to talk. Even Stacy hadn't held a candle to Wilson in the "discussion" department. He came to stand at the door of the bathroom while House looked in the mirror and dabbed at his cut with a damp cloth.

"How's the nose?"

"Fine."

"Cuddy called, she said you went out with Chase."

"Nice to see I'm the center of conversation."

"We've been worried about you House."

"Look, do you want to check in with my Dr.? Do I need a note that says I'm not suicidal? Stop acting like I'm fragile and on edge. It's insulting."

"OK, ok, I'm sorry for being worried about you."

"No you're not, God you need a girlfriend. Someone else to focus on besides yours truly. I'm here so you'd be close by in case I needed you, not so that you can need to know all about me 24/7."

Wilson knit his brows together in thought. "You're right, I have been a bit condescending. I'm sorry."

"Thank you."

Wilson turned to walk away. House turned and leaned against the sink. "Wilson."

Wilson stopped and turned around, "Yes?"

"What are you doing for Christmas?"

Wilson's head jerked slightly, like he wasn't sure if he'd heard right. "I don't know yet, why?" Wilson looked at House almost fearfully.

"I want to spend Christmas with someone."

"Okaaaaay… Here you mean? This is my apartment, why don't you use your own place?"

"No not here you idiot. I want to take her somewhere for Christmas."

"You mean like a getaway?"

"Yeah."

"So you're trying to make sure I have someone to be with?"

"Nope, I want you to come along."

"Why?" Wilson shook his head a bit, not sure if he was dreaming or not.

"Well let's see, I can't ski or ice skate, what if she wants to do those things."

"So you're actually concerned about her having things to do and having a good time."

"Yeah."

"Well that hasn't come up before."

"It would be nice if you brought someone, but if not, well… I'd like you to be there."

Wilson nodded. "Ok, I'll go. Did you have somewhere in mind?"

"Yeah, I'll make some reservations. You talk to Cuddy, tell her I'm depressed if you have to, just make sure we get Christmas week off."

"OK."


Ok I did forget to post this when I meant to so now you'll have 2 chapters at once. Thank you so much for the reviews, it helps keep me motivated to write. I love getting reviews and knowing how you feel about the characters. I'm trying very hard to keep everyone in character even though I'm changing things up a bit so remember to be constructive when you review, I can take a modicum of criticism. Thanks again to everyone who reads my au.