Title: A Necessary Burden
Chapter 9 – A Feeling of Security?
Chase finally awakens a few hours later, his eyes slowly opening to see House a few feet away, in another chair silently reading.
"What time…is it?" He softly inquires with a small yawn, his arms stretching up and then coming to rest at his sides; his body too content in its warm nest of covers to think about moving.
"Time for you to make us dinner," House retorts with a small smirk to which Chase's face returns the smile. "It's five. You slept the whole day away," he gently scolds to which Chase purses his flushed lips and rolls onto his back, rubbing his face before his hand pulls back and he looks at his bandaged palm before glancing over to meet House's gaze.
"Do you think I'll hear from him again?" Chase dares to wonder as he looks away.
"If he knows what's good for him you won't," House replies matter-of-factly. "How'd he get you to go with him in the first place?"
"He showed up at the door…we talked…he gave me my meds with water and then…I woke up there," Chase relays as he twists his head to the right and looks at House. "I think he drugged me."
"I was right."
"You knew?" Chase's eyes widen in wonder.
"Well I told Wilson he drugged you. See if he takes you again then I can charge him with kidnapping."
"He better not take me again," Chase argues back; House's face breaking into a small smile.
"I won't let him," House states firmly to which Chase feels some inner comfort in House's protective words.
House studies Chase for a few silent seconds before Chase starts to feel like he's being inspected and arches his brows at House in wonder. "You look weak."
"I feel it. Damn morphine didn't help either," Chase sighs as he looks at the clock. "Do you think Bruno would be able to come back tonight?"
"Feeling icky?"
"Actually yes," Chase nods as he looks back at House. "I know my father took my things but…"
"They're all back," House tells him in truth as he hands him the roving phone. "Bruno's welcome here anytime."
Chase mutters a small 'thank you' as he watches House near him, gently helping him get to a seated position. Chase looks over at the wheelchair and then down at the phone in his hand but feels remorse starting to settle upon him. My father only wanted the control…it was never about me, his mind laments in silent sorrow. But why did House really bring me back here? Does he really care or was it just about proving to my father he could? He said earlier he gave a damn but…but it's not the same. Should I ask? But his mind quickly recalls the words his father had spewed forth about him just wanting attention so he decides not to push the issue at this time.
"Damn…" Chase lightly curses after the call as he tries to reach for the wheelchair and then stops as he looks at his hand; not wanting to damage the fresh stitching that House had tended to. He looks down at his legs and then tosses back the blanket, arranging them so that he might stand up and try to see if he could put some pressure on them. You can't do this just yet…you need physio and crutches!
"I need a bell," Chase smirks as he tries to pull the wheelchair closer; frowning when he can't reach the brakes to get them to unlock and the chair to move forward.
"I can't be at your beck and call all the time," House lightly retorts as he comes back in the room and gazes upon Chase's frustrated expression. "Your hand will heal soon."
"I feel dependant again," Chase groans as House helps him into the wheelchair and he sits for a few agitated seconds before looking up with a lost expression. "When can I start physio?"
"A few more days grasshopper," House chirps in response. "You were stabbed in the heart remember? Plus you look like hell…in a few days your hand will heal…you'll have rested up and I'll have fattened up…"
"Fattened up?" Chase snorts as House grins. "I sound like dinner."
"Oh don't worry the wicked witch of the west had both Hansel and Gretel to eat…you're alone…no main course after the appetizer," House tosses back as he unlocks the brakes.
"Am I the appetizer?"
"You could be…or dessert. Bruno would make a very nice main course."
"Yes there's a lot to him," Chase lightly grins. "Although…I did miss him."
"More than me?" House rebuts.
"Oh never more than you," Chase retorts with a serious expression as he slowly follows after House into the hallway; his agitation starting to subside as they pause outside the door to Chase's bedroom. "I just didn't expect him to go that far," Chase states in a glum tone as House turns and looks down at him with a frown.
"Pardon?"
"My father."
'You have to tell Robert you care…' Wilson's voice of reasoning rebounds inside House's mind as he fixes his worried gaze downward at the younger man before him. As he looks at the rather defeated expression on Chase's face, his mind shows a picture of him offering Chase a comforting hug, holding him close and telling him that he needn't worry about his loser father anymore as he would now look after him and offer him all the fatherly attention and comfort he'd ever want. That moment doesn't come – yet.
"His methods were a tad extreme," House adds in a quiet tone as he leans against the wall. "I'm sorry he used you as a pawn," House offers in a tender tone as Chase looks up and nods but says nothing further; a few seconds later gesturing with his head that he'd like to enter his room. House steps aside and lets him pass, his mind racing with something comforting to offer but his lips not offering anything in the moment.
Chase nears the bed he had been longing for for the past few days and then looks around; his eyes resting on the familiar things that House had brought from his apartment and once again arranged to make him feel at home. He feels his eyes water as he recalls his father's strained words about him milking attention and now wonders if that's why House won't engage him in further discussions about his father.
'He's an ingrate…milking his injuries and you've fallen for it. He's a lying manipulator and has been all his life…'
Chase shakes his head as he looks up and sees House watching with a heavy frown and then quickly pastes on a tight lipped smile. "It's um…a bit dusty in here."
"I'll remember to tell the maid that tomorrow," House offers in a kind tone as he slowly enters the room and then eases himself down onto the edge of the bed and rests his chin on his arm which is resting atop his cane; Chase looking at him before looking away, his eyes resting on the dresser where a picture of him and House resides, along with his laptop, phone and other personal effects.
"Missed my laptop," Chase states with a semi-nervous tone as he looks over at House.
"It missed you too," House answers as Chase looks away with a somewhat glum expression; his eyes fixed on the wall ahead and House looking at him in wonder. "If you don't like the décor w…"
"What my father said…" Chase quickly interjects with a small intake of air as House looks at him in surprise, "I just want you to know…he's lying. I only ever wanted to secure my freedom. As much as I wanted to get out, earning a trip to the hospital under the guise of suicide watch wasn't it. I wasn't trying to cut myself on purpose…to get attention. I know he said those things to…" Chase pauses as he nervously bites his bottom lip and then looks up at House with a crushed expression. "I wasn't lying."
"You actually thought I'd believe a word he'd say?" House counters; his lips pursing as Chase offers a small nod. "You obviously don't know me very well," House offers lightly.
"He made it seem…I asked them every day to just open the door and look away…just to open the door…I wanted to get out…I didn't want attention…I wanted freedom, nothing more."
For a split second, House sees a little boy before him, looking up at him with large blue eyes, a pleading, uncertain gaze, asking his father in a small tone if he was in trouble and what the punishment might be or if he might be shown some tender loving concern. Help me…the small boy pleads in sorrow and House has to give his head a firm, invisible shake to force the image of a helpless little boy before him to fade.
"Are you worried I'll bring home a case of morphine and keep you shackled to your bed?" House inquires in a low, dry tone.
"No I just…"
"There's a reason I hit him. He's a brute and I'll never let him near you again," House promises as he holds Chase's watery blue gaze a few seconds longer. "He'll never hurt you again."
"Okay," Chase nods as his lips twitch upward into a small smile. This time it's his mind showing him as the small boy, his arms reaching out to his father for a hug…just to hold him and offer some comfort after the fright of his life. But the image fades as House echoes 'okay' and then pushes himself up off the bed to go and make dinner; leaving Chase alone in the room. He does care right?...but the his mind argues back about the pact that he had made with himself about not having to rely on anyone like he did before. You are feeling especially vulnerable right now after the showdown and your father's hurtful words and the hit and because of your legs and now your hand…that will pass and you'll get your life back – you don't need anyone.
"That's right…I don't need…anyone," Chase whispers to himself as his mind quickly recalls his father's scolding words. 'Robert's nothing more than a manipulative ingrate. I haven't fallen for it…you have. He'd do anything for your attention Dr. House…he's a clever little lying manipulator…he always has been. Why do you think he's never been with just one woman…he craves the attention…he'll do anything for it…'
"Like father…like son…" his lips slightly tremble as he utters the words and then feels an inner shudder down to his numb feet. "Never…I'll never be like him," Chase vows as he wheels over to the dresser and pulls it open, smiling at his personal items and trying to block out the rather impersonal prison he had just been extricated from. He quickly swallows back a small slump of emotion and then closes the drawer; his mind urging him to focus on anything other than his own emotional misery. You are feeling pathetic and emotionally needy after the showdown with your cruel father…suck it up and get over it.
"Right…" Chase tells himself firmly as he heads back into the hallway and pausing for a second. He quickly turns and looks at the door, for a split second being flashed back to his prison and glaring at the door with on handle; his father's evil taunting laugh in the distance. But as he hears House muttering to himself in the kitchen, his eyes watch the prison door leave and the regular door appear, handle and all.
"Smells good," Chase comments as he enters the kitchen and then tries to reach for something House had arranged on the plate.
"Ah ah…you'll spoil your supper," House lightly taps Chase's hand as Chase looks up with a mock pout. "Well I can't spank you right now so a tap will have to suffice. You pout really well by the way, but I'm still not falling for it."
"I know I'm hungry but…three plates?"
"We're having company."
"Wilson?"
"No Wilson is busy sucking up to Foreman after he led the charge in today's duckling raid."
"Wilson did?"
"Left a patient in his office to follow Kari. Made me proud," House utters in pride.
"I'll have to thank him for that. And Foreman was okay with that?" Chase asks in shock.
"Actually no…so that's why Wilson is needlessly sucking up," House nods as he holds the plate for Chase to take one of the small appetizer morsels. "It's still not the pout," House teases as Chase takes one of the crackers with the fancy cheese spread on it and tastes it.
"Very good."
"You sound surprised," House retorts as a knock is heard at the door.
Not waiting to be told to get it, Chase heads for the front door to open it. For a few brief seconds, his mind once again zooms back to a few days ago, opening the door to his father standing before him with a cross expression…this time, however, he's forced to watch as his father enters and he loses a battle in which he's forcibly subdued, his tied wrists pulling in vain to get free as he's taken from House's apartment, never to be seen again.
"Hey Dr. Chase," Bruno's warm voice pulls him back to reality, chasing away the morbid image and being replaced with a kind smile and friendly greeting.
"Welcome," Chase replies with a smile as he pulls back and allows Bruno to enter. House invited Bruno for dinner? That's more than welcome.
"Ah the third musketeer has arrived. Now we can eat," House announces as the three of them gather around the table, Chase's anxiety continues to dissolve as the three of them engage in friendly banter over a delicious meal. Chase looks at the mismatched plates and glasses and smiles – perfection wasn't needed – only caring friends and good company; such a vast difference from the dismal dinner situation he had been subjected to two nights earlier.
"Who's Carl?"
"Oh Bruno, tell our dear Dr. Chase here who Carl is."
"Well Carl is Noel and Dr. House called…" Bruno's voice trails off into the story as Chase listens with amusement, casting a glance at House who visually denies him calling the surprised physiotherapist by the wrong name. The meal, while maybe not five star by all standards, was enjoyable and more than satisfying; allowing Chase to finish his plate and lean back in his chair feeling genuinely content for the first time in days.
"Well I am full…" Chase utters, relieved he doesn't have to spend his time wondering about his next escape move and just relish in the friendly company around him; knowing that if he so wanted he could leave at any moment.
"You should eat more so I can fatten you up a bit," House teases as Bruno looks over at Chase and wonder.
"After that he'll eat me," Chase deadpans as Bruno chuckles and looks over at House who offers a serious nod. The three of them talk a bit longer before Bruno suggests giving Chase his shower and then calling it a night; saying he had to get home to help his mother who was still awaiting surgery and needed his help to get around.
Chase takes off his t-shirt, grabs some new clothes to sleep in and then wheels himself down to the now warm bathroom; entering the doorway and looking in surprise at Bruno in his swim trunks.
"You okay with this?" Bruno asks as he closes the door for added privacy.
"Sure," Chase nods as Bruno heads back to him and gently removes his sweat pants and black underwear and then transfers him to the plastic bathing chair. And unlike before with Carl who was so clumsy and nervous just getting him into the regular wheelchair, Bruno's fluid movements kept his fear of being mishandled at bay and he's able to relax despite being fully naked before another man.
Chase watches Bruno turn on the water and then wait for the perfect temperature before turning around to him. While he waits, he casts a glance to the right and looks over at a small little yellow rubber ducky looking back at him; his eyes casting upward to Bruno in question.
"That was here when I entered. You think Dr. House showers with a rubber ducky?"
"I think this was for me," Chase smirks as he plucks the little plastic toy into his grasp and smiles at it.
"He called you duckling earlier…what is that?"
"A nickname," Chase shrugs.
"Kinda cool. You know like the older duck looking out for his younger duckling," Bruno smiles as Chase places the small duck back onto its perch.
"Bruno you can call me Robert."
"Okay, do you trust me?" Bruno inquires as Chase looks back at him.
"I…do," Chase replies with a bit of hesitation. And before he can react Bruno's large hands lift him under the armpits and help him get upright; Chase feeling a bit lightheaded as he's brought to a self-assisted standing position for the first time in days. He feels himself starting to slip a bit and quickly grabs the handicapped railing, earning a small smile from Bruno.
"I got you Robert…I've held bigger guys than you; trust me you won't fall. Dr. House was telling me it's good to put some pressure on the legs before you start physio and I wasn't sure if your father offered any kind of assistance in that regard. The other fella I saw looked kinda…skinny," Bruno chuckles. "You can hold on if want, but I won't let you fall."
Chase's hands grip the rails as he looks down to see his feet firmly planted on the ground. But as soon as he feels some tingling in his soles he looks up at Bruno with a somewhat watery gaze.
"Does it hurt?"
"No…" Chase insists in haste. "It feels…like…hope," he whispers as Bruno smiles as he hands Chase the soap. "Either one of us…no matter to me." Chase starts to wash himself a bit, his mind racing as he feels Bruno's hands on his sides holding him firmly in an upright position. He hands Bruno the soap and then holds onto the bars for a few minutes as Bruno starts to wash the areas he can't get. There was nothing sinister or perverse about Bruno's touching him and he didn't feel violated in any way…he was just relishing in the feeling of being able to stand on his own, with help of course, for he first time in a week.
"Thank you," Chase whispers as he's finally lowered back into the bathing chair, his arms too tired to help keep him upright for the rest of the wash.
"You're welcome, but thank Dr. House, he said this would help you and he knows best right?" Bruno replies with a kind smile as he finishes washing his feet and then hands him the soap so he could finish the rest if he so wanted.
"He does."
"Just don't try it without me. You could fall and hurt yourself."
"I won't," Chase promises as he watches Bruno step out of the steamy shower cabin and reach for a towel to dry off and disappear. Chase leans back in the plastic bathing chair and then looks up at the rails; his mind feeling elation for the first time in days. His father's ultimatum was to force him to dwell on misery, but House had arranged for Bruno to help him see that harsh measures weren't warranted and that a kind hand fostered healing faster than a stern one. Did House really arrange this? Or is Bruno just being modest?
"I needed that…" he tells himself as he finishes his wash and then turns off the water, wheeling himself outside the steamy cabin and reaching for a towel to dry off with. After he had dried all that he could, Bruno would reemerge to finish drying him properly and then help him dress in something clean and comfortable for the night.
"Now you don't smell icky," House teases as he joins them in the hallway as Chase slowly walks Bruno to the door.
"Good enough to eat?" Chase snickers as House nods and licks his lips, earning a small eye roll from Chase and an amused smile from Bruno.
"Duck liver is very tasty," House states with enthusiasm.
"Now he's getting carried away," Chase lightly scolds as House grins and shakes his head in disagreement. Bruno takes his leave, saying goodnight and that he was ready to be at Chase's beck and call if so needed. House turns and looks at Chase in concern, Chase looking up in wonder. "What?"
"The shower…Bruno helping me stand…you did that?"
"Figured you were tired of sitting," House replies in a warm tone. "Was I right? Course I was. That was rheotrical," he smirks as Chase nods and smiles.
"Yes but thank you. It felt…well scary at first but I needed it."
"Bruno's a good man," House states in truth as he looks down at his watch. "Past your bed time young man."
"I had a nap earlier remember?" Chase counters to which House's face cocks to one side and Chase grins.
"Porno it is," House snickers as he heads into the living room and grabs the remote. "Actually I think a hockey game is on. Ohh how about Anaconda? You know J-Lo was still hot in that even though she wasn't…well J-Lo."
"She still was," Chase argues back. "She just wasn't as…"
"J-Lo as she is now," House retorts in triumph as Chase smiles but shakes his head. And despite the fact that he knows he's tired and his body screaming at him to just close his eyes and get some added rest, the fact that he's with someone who treats him as a person not a prisoner or medical experiment; forces him to push himself past his limits. But it's not too long before his eyes finally close and his head lolls to one side, House turning down the volume and looking at Chase with a small frown.
How could he treat his own son like that? House's mind inwardly growls as he gently pushes the chair into Chase's bedroom, the younger man offering a soft 'thank you' through slightly parted lips, but his eyes never opening. He helps get Chase onto the bed and then slowly pulls the covers over, hovering over him a few seconds and smiling as he silently muses over the fact that Chase does smell good – freshly cleaned. "Goodnight…Robert," House whispers as he turns off the small bedside light and exits the room, his heart begging him to tell Robert how much he really does care.
XXXXXXXX
Despite the fact that his mind had wanted to offer a few tormented nightmares about him being mistreated by his father or being taken away by him while he was helpless to fight back, House would always show up as his protector and save the day; something he had taken comfort in and allowing him some real rest and awaking feeling rested – not agitated. He rolls onto his right side and flips on the light, instantly offering a small chuckle as he gazes upon the little yellow rubber duckie with an affectionate smirk.
"Good morning," he offers the plastic smiling face.
'That's kinda cool that Dr. House calls you his duckling. Kinda like the older duck caring for the younger duckling.'
Bruno's words settle upon his mind but his heart actually longs to hear House tell him he really does care. Saying you give a damn isn't the same as actually saying you care about someone. You're feeling emotionally vulnerable after yesterday, his mind reminds him, it'll pass; you don't need to hear it. Chase looks at his wheelchair and then down at his hand and frowns; his mind wanting more than anything to get into the chair on his own but at the same time not wanting to damage the stitching that House had fixed for him the day before. But as he recalls himself pushing down on his hand in the shower, he tells himself that if he's careful he can do it. And that's what he does; the stinging quickly subsides and he's more than thankful he didn't have to wait for anyone else's time frame to get mobile.
Chase wheels into the kitchen and stares at the coffee supplies and offers a small chuckle as he starts to get busy making the coffee; House in the background singing off-key in the shower.
"So remember no girls while I'm not home. You can't have all the fun while I'm not around. You know two cripples for the price of one might actually work," House reminds Chase as he takes his mug filled with coffee.
"Yes d…" Chase starts and then stops…offering a small mortified expression and instantly chastising himself for implying that he'd put his father and House in the same sentence. "I didn't mean…it kinda slipped out…House I'm sorry. I would never want to imply that…" Chase rambles nervously.
"Dad?" House arches his brows and Chase huffs. "Daddy-eo," House smiles. "Behave while I'm away."
Chase nods but then feels his teeth grit as he hears House leave and the door close a bit firmer than he might have wanted. I didn't mean that…it just came out…can I blame Bruno for putting that fatherly protective talk in my head? House isn't my protector…or my father…he's my boss and friend…that's all…that is all right? He said he'd protect me but if he cared more he'd tell me wouldn't he?
Chase looks at the spare key on the table beside his phone and wallet and smiles; his mind actually wondering if he shouldn't just take a small jaunt into the building just to prove to himself he could. He gathers his things and heads for the door, his mind actually wishing he could start his physio this week. It's only been a week and you'll get your prognosis in two days. He did admit he felt tired at his first stand yesterday but he hadn't stood upright in a week…of course he'd feel tired. But it was a start and there was light promised at the end of the tunnel.
"I wonder if I can get Bruno to come and…" his thoughts die out as he heads into the hallway, not wanting to feel selfish in expecting Bruno to drop everything just to help him. He has a life outside work and helping me…it's not fair to him. Chase reaches the ground floor again and looks around for any unsightly characters before proceeding into the main common area, smiling as a small child nears him, curious about his mode of transport.
"Why are you in that?" The young child asks, as his mother hurries up and offer an apologetic look.
"I'm so sorry if he's embarrassed you."
"Don't be…and I'm not," Chase replies in haste as he looks down at the boy. "What's your name?"
"Billy."
"Hello Billy I'm Robert."
"Why are you in that?" He wonders innocently as his little hands feel the spokes.
"I was involved in an accident at work and am hoping to start some physio very soon to help me walk again."
"What's izzio?" Billy asks, forcing Chase's smile to widen.
"A group of very nice people who are going to help me walk again."
"Okay," the child shrugs before a lady enters with a small dog and instantly the child's attention is diverted, Chase offering a small wave as he watches with delight as the child starts to play with the puppy. The rest of the day passes by with surprising speed and its not long before Chase hears House entering the apartment; just in time for dinner.
"Really now? Is that duck I smell?" House enters the kitchen and looks at Chase in surprise.
"It…was…" Chase offers with a look of dejection as he nods toward the charred remains of what would have been dinner.
"You know…if you wanted the fire department to come you could have just pulled the alarm. Less mess on your part," House mumbles as he picks up a fork and knife and starts to cut beneath the charred out layers. "Well it'll be slim pickins' but it's eatable."
"It is?"
"We'll fatten you up tomorrow," House teases as he hands Chase a piece of the well cooked duck. "Where did you get duck anyways?"
"I found a local food service that delivers," Chase replies as he carefully chews. "Not…bad."
"Needs gravy. Everything tastes better with gravy. So what trouble did you get into today?" House inquires as he goes about making the rest of the dinner, Chase relegated to making the salad and setting the table; a task he took too gratefully. It wouldn't matter if he had to fold napkins, he was just happy to be around someone who actually wanted to know how he was and how his day went. The past few days horror had nearly melted away for good as the busy day draws to a close, the two of them once again watching some mindless show on TV and mocking the actors for even choosing such a role. This time Chase is awake to say goodnight to House as they both part ways and the apartment is darkened for the second night in a row; Chase falling asleep with less agitated nightmares.
XXXXXXXX
"You still haven't told him?" Wilson inquires very early the next morning as he looks at House seated behind his desk chair; the rest of House's team still not arrived to get the busy day started. "Why not?"
"Things are good right now…why rock the boat?" House returns. "'sides I think he's forgotten."
"Trust me he hasn't forgotten. He was drugged and taken forcibly by his father to a high priced hell and then hit by him before you entered to save the day. He needs to know this wasn't just done to get back at Rowan and show you ended the game with the upper hand."
"Chase is a fine prize," House muses to which Wilson just rolls his eyes. "He knows."
"He knows he likes it better away from a prison with no door handle and a staff that is paid to be captors. He doesn't know you actually rescued him because you care."
"He's okay."
"Not long after he was born, Robert knew he was unwanted and unloved. He's learned from a small boy to put on a brave face and mask his emotions…anything to survive and not appear weak. Now he faces death and once again is reminded by his own father I might add that he's unwanted and unloved. Course he appears okay," Wilson tries to explain. "That's all he knows how to do. Suck it up and show the world you're unbreakable on the outside. You need to show him he can actually be vulnerable to someone who cares for him and that he can still respect himself for it."
"He doesn't need to be bogged down in sentimentality," House pushes back.
"You told me his father went off on a verbal tirade about his lies and how he manipulated everyone into giving him attention and that he cut himself to get your attention. He needs to know you stormed the castle because you also care for him and it wasn't just to give him what his father said."
"I really wanted to hit his father," House interjects to which Wilson pulls back. "I will tell him…I just need the right moment."
"And when will that be? When it's too late?" Wilson counters.
"You know you're like the grim reaper."
"More like the voice of reason," Wilson insists. "Tell him."
"Yes mom," House retorts as Wilson turns to leave; pausing in the doorway and looking back at House in wonder. "Where is Rowan now?"
"Probably back in London."
"Melbourne," Wilson groans.
"Well if you knew…why'd you ask?"
"Right…I should have known better," Wilson purses his lips as he turns to leave, House watching and then looking back at his phone with a narrowed gaze before he reaches for it; his curiosity getting the best of him.
"Yes I'm just wondering if Rowan Chase has checked out yet? He has…no that's all I needed. And thank you," House replies as he hangs up and then looks at the phone with a satisfied smile. "Ran back to the underworld with his pointed tail tucked between his legs. Good riddance."
XXXXXXXX
"There…got it. Had it broke I might have actually got that spank," Chase chuckles himself in glee as he pushes back from the bookshelf, looking up at the glass vase that he had managed to catch when he bumped the edge with his wheelchair; placing the unbroken object back in its original place. He hears the phone ringing and hurries to get it, telling himself it was Bruno returning his call about what time he'd be back tonight.
"Hello?" Chase answers with a smile, seeing the local number on the display but not giving it much thought. But that smile quickly fades as the voice on the other end of line finally speaks.
"Hello…Robert."
"Father."
A/N: ah you knew the nice happy Chase bubble had to burst at least once more right? Don't worry its all part of my big master plan *Eeks* and hope that's okay with you all. So why did Rowan call? What effect will his words have on his son and how will this affect things with House? What will finally prompt House to confess he cares? Hope you all liked this and would love your thoughts on the update and your guesses as to what's a head and thanks so much!
