Title: Fight for the Future
Chapter 10 – A Game of Cat and House?

About fifteen minutes later, the person behind the wheel of House's car starts to pump down on the breaks as they approach a very busy intersection.

"Uh…why the…oh my god….stop! NO STOP!"

*CRASH*

"Someone call 9-11!"

XXXXXXXX

House's lips can only utter a grumble as he looks at the numbered list that was faxed over by Mr. Takaya's assistant and then back down at Foreman's. "What a waste of time."

He leans back in his chair and reaches for his phone, looking at the last text message and frowning when he looks over at the clock. Should have been back by now.

"Penny for your thoughts?"

House looks up, his frown instantly disappearing and being replaced by a tender smile as Chase approaches. "I think they are worth at least a dime. Maybe a Canadian one. Now…what's on the menu?"

"Frogs legs," Chase grins as he places the large bag down on the top of House's desk. "You sure you're allowed a break during all this…what is all this stuff?" Chase asks as he moves a few files to the right to clear the way for the plates.

"Death by paper, courtesy of our friend Foreman," House states with some annoyance as he looks at the first box of food that Chase brought him. "What is this?"

"Sea Urchin."

"Tastes like a rubber band," House gently grimaces as Chase looks at him with a small frown. "Foreman is bad for my health."

"I thought you said Uncle Wilson was joining us?" Chase inquires as he looks at the empty seat beside him on the opposite side of the desk from House.

"I think he stopped for drive thru."

"Drive thru?"

"I loaned him the car. Okay what is this? I like it."

"The car wasn't working properly last night."

"Felt fine this morning," House replies as he takes a bite of an egg roll and then looks up to see Chase watching him in wonder. "What? It's fine. I told him the clutch sticks a bit but otherwise he'll be okay. Eat up."

"Thought it was the brakes?"

"He'll be fine," House insists."

"Bruno's worried about his father's hearing," Chase mentions as he leans back in his chair with a plate full of food. "I want to be there for him."

"When is it?"

Chase gives House a few more details as they continue to eat their food. House's eyes glance down at the top file just as his phone rings.

"Dr. House?"

"That's who you called right?" House replies somewhat cheekily; Chase just rolling his eyes in response.

"Are you still the medical contact for a Doctor James Wilson?"

As soon as Wilson's name is mentioned, both House and Chase stop eating and look at each other in wonder in horror; House slowly putting down his plate of food.

"What's happened?"

"There's been an accident."

"An…accident?" House asks slowly.

"The car," Chase whispers in dread as House pulls his phone. "House…"

"Is he downstairs?"

"He's in the ER and being tended to by Doctor Chan right now. He…" is all the clerk manages before House hangs up the phone and he and Chase bolt from the room, heading for the elevator to go downstairs to see how their close friend and colleague are doing.

"I can't believe this," House states in an angry undertone as they both step into the elevator. "Damn, shouldn't have…"

"It might not be that bad," Chase tries to add in a hopeful tone as House's heavy frown glances sideways and Chase's lips purse. "Wait and see."

"Always hated that expression," House mutters in sarcasm as they get off the elevator and hurry toward the main nursing unit clerk station. "Where is James Wilson?" House demands firmly as Chase steps back. Angry House wasn't a force you wanted to contend with.

"Bed 3B but…Dr. Chan is with…" is all the nursing clerk get outs as House pulls away and charges toward the closed curtain a few meters away in the main ER treatment area. House pulls back the curtain and lets out a small gasp as he looks down at his long time best friend lying on the small recovery bed, blood on his face, neck and dress shirt, his frame unmoving and Dr. Chan looking up in concern at House's horrified expression.

"Do you need an extra set of hands?" House asks in haste.

"We're okay. We shouldn't be too long."

"Is he…okay?"

"I think he will be. He's got a nasty cut on his forehead and I'm going to send him for some x-rays to see what kind of internal damage we might be dealing with. I'd tell you to wait in the waiting area but I doubt you'd listen," Dr. Chan correctly tells House as House nods in acknowledgement and steps back to just watch in morbid silence.

While keeping his eyes fixed on the team working around Wilson's still unmoving frame, Chase's hand slowly reaches up and gives House's arm a comforting squeeze. House looks at Chase with a less cross expression than he offered the night clerk moments earlier.

"This is my fault," House whispers as he looks at Dr. Chan and then down at Chase. "Damn car, shoulda had that thing hauled away long ago."

"Technically it's my fault," Chase whispers in reply as House looks at him in surprise. "I should have just taken out a loan and bought a new car. I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault," House tells Chase in haste as the nurses start to clean up Wilson for transport to get his x-rays; Dr. Chan walking up to House and Chase. "What happened?"

"From what the police told the first responders, the car he was in was involved in a crash. Apparently it could have been worse and the officer said it looked like Dr. Wilson swerved to miss a family but ended up slamming into a bulkhead. Fortunately for him, he slammed the car into the passenger side where no one was seated. As you know head wounds can be superficial but can still bleed profusely. Barring internal injuries, he'll spend the night and then go home tomorrow with a minor head injury."

"What um…was the name of the officer?"

"Ask the clerk about File W65 and tell her I told you to ask and she'll give you a copy of my medical report. I put in a few notes from the medics who tended to him; mostly what others told them but if you want a solid recap you'll have to wait until he comes out or call the attending officer. Okay, we're going for x-rays now. We won't be long."

"Okay."

As House slowly approaches the stretcher carrying his unconscious best friend, Chase heads back to the nursing station to ask for the file that Dr. Chan just mentioned; his heart aching at seeing House so sad and upset at the same time. House being mad at someone else was indeed scary, at himself could be downright destructive.

"Got it," Chase walks back, waving the file in his grasp. House instantly plucks the file from Chase's grasp; the younger man's lips slightly pursing. But House makes no attempt at an apology, instead flips open the file and starts to scan.

"Damn brakes!" House mutters as Chase looks at him in in wonder. "They suspect the damn brakes!"

"They don't know for sure. It could have…"

"The damn brakes!" House snaps at Chase before he looks at Chase's remorseful expression and feels some of his anger slowly subside. But it doesn't completely dissipate and as he goes back to reading, his agitation begins to climb once more. "Typical Wilson. They think he swerved to miss a mother and her children. Should have just hit the damn brats!"

Chase looks up at an older couple who gasps upon hearing House's contrite words and knows that right now House is upset and doesn't really mean them. "Maybe I should finish reading the rest," Chase suggests in a low tone. But House's vise-like grip latches onto his forearm and starts to squeeze until a few pangs start to be felt and Chase looks up in remorse.

"I did this! Got it!"

"Okay," Chase backs down, House's lips pursing as he looks at Chase and shakes his head. In that moment he had underestimated his strength so it would have to be later that remorse would be expressed. House's lips slightly purse but no words come out as he pulls away and starts to pace by the elevator doors, Chase watching in helpless wonder.

It seems like an eternity before Wilson's finally wheeled back up; House watching as Dr. Chan gives some instructions to his head nurse and the bed is wheeled from view.

"Well?" House asks somewhat sharply.

Already knowing what House is like in tense but personal medical situations, Dr. Chan isn't ruffled by House's angry demeanor and simply nods and opens his file to reveal the x-ray results.

"Dr. Wilson got off rather lucky," Dr. Chan relates. "The swelling right here on the left lobe is the reason we're keeping him overnight. A few cracked ribs, some bruising, a bit of minor bleeding but nothing to really warrant further examination. He'll be sore and off work for a few days. He got off rather lucky considering. I'd say some back in the morning but I know who I'm dealing with," Dr. Chan lightly smiles. "Goodnight Dr. House. Dr. Chase."

"Thank you," House tells Dr. Chan in a concerned tone as Dr. Chan pulls away and heads to Wilson's bedside before turning and giving House a nod and then disappearing from view. House heads for Wilson's bedside just as Wilson's lips offer a small groan and the monitors gently jump.

"You're too stubborn to die," House mutters as Wilson's eyes flutter and then look up; blinking a few times before finally focusing.

"Learned…from you," Wilson's lips sputter as Chase nears the other side of the bed.

"What happened?" House gently presses, his eyes looking at the dried blood on Wilson's face and the on his forehead.

"Brakes…failed. Thanks…a lot."

"Yeah I feel great about this," House groans in sarcasm as Wilson's face offers a brief grimace. "Was told it could be worse."

"Glad that…barrier was there. Sorry…about the car."

"Needed a new one anyways."

"Great," Wilson gently coughs as his monitors jump excitedly. "Don't…make me…laugh."

"Didn't think it was funny. Sorry," House huffs as his hand gently touches the area around Wilson's head. "James I'm sorry."

Chase looks up at House in surprise; the tone was so sincere and remorse-filled that no one could say no to it; added to the fact that House used his first name and he only did that on very personal occasions. Wilson nods before his eyes close once more, flutter and then try to open.

"You need…to go home."

"No. I'll stay here tonight with you."

"House…" Wilson tries to protest in a soft tone.

"Yes I feel guilty so don't even think about asking about my motives. Friendship comes second," House gently quips as Wilson's face tries to smirk but ends up looking like a grimace.

"Please…"

"Dr. House?" The nurse finally pipes up.

"I'll be okay," Wilson assures House with a nod.

"He needs rest," Chase whispers as House looks up at him and finally nods.

"House…please," Wilson half begs. "For me."

"Damn you," House curses as Wilson grins and nods. "Sleep well my friend," House whispers as his hand gives Wilson's forearm a tender squeeze and then he looks up at Chase with a heavy frown. "Let's go home."

Chase nods and then turns and heads for the exit doors first, deciding to call them a cab instead of taking the bus. "I got this," Chase tells House as he gestures for him to get in. The ride back to their apartment is spent in silence; Chase wondering how House would fare the rest of the night. Miserable and in silence he assumes. As soon as they enter, Chase heads to his bedroom in contemplative silence, his arm still slightly throbbing but his mind pondering the outcome of the evening. Wilson had borrowed their car, the brakes failed and he ended up in a terrible accident.

"Robert did you see my s…" House starts as he enters Chase's bedroom and then suddenly stops and stares at the rather noticeable bruise on Chase's arm – the bruise that he created. His mind instantly whisks him back in time to when he was holding Chase in his grasp; his mind worried about Wilson and not thinking about his own adrenaline filled strength. "Please tell me I didn't…did I do that?"

"I forgave you the moment it happened," Chase states in a low tone as House slowly nears with a defeated expression.

"My boy…" House whispers as he gently takes Chase's arm in his grasp and looks at the bruise that he created. "I'd never want to do anything to hurt you."

"You were in pain."

"There's no excuse for that. I was distracted. I'm sorry."

"I know."

"Come with me."

"House," Chase tries to protest mildly. But in the end he allows himself to be led into the bathroom where House can put some cream on his arm before letting him return to his room to pull on a pair of sweat pants and a tee and returns to the living room where he and House relax on the couch trying to watch some TV. But instead of watching something…even something interesting, the two of them spend the rest of the night talking about Wilson, the faulty car and the fact that they'd now have to replace the totaled car. Sleep for both is restless; for House it's nonexistent as he tries to get Wilson's verbal condemnation out of his mind. He can't.

XXXXXXXX

Early the next morning Chase overhears House talking a firm but hushed tone as he nears the kitchen. But House quickly ends the call as soon as he enters forcing his suspicions to rise.

"What's going on?"

"Wilson will go home tonight," House states, making up a quick excuse as he turns back to the coffee maker to get it ready.

"House…" Chase sighs as he looks at House with a look that says I don't believe you.

"Ready for breakfast?"

"Thought we had no secrets."

"I'm waiting to hear back about the crash."

"It's not your fault," Chase tries to convince House early the next morning as he gently pushes House out of the way and carries on. But House's silent reply, tells Chase all he needs to know – House would blame himself until the truth comes out.

"Yes it is."

"No. House it's n…" Chase starts only to have House interject.

"Last night when I was trying to feel sorry for my best friend lying in that damn hospital bed but all I also kept telling myself thank God it's not Robert. It is my fault. For Wilson being in that bed and for putting you in potential harms way all because I am too damn stubborn. And don't try to argue because you know you have no leverage in this."

"I hate to see you like this," Chase states with a small huff as House's hand rests on his shoulder and gives is a squeeze before he pushes past and heads into the hallway. The ride to PPTH in the cab is spent much as it was the night before when they were coming home – in silence.

Chase texts Bruno to give him the heads up and Bruno meets them in the entranceway about half hour later; Chase heading toward his close friend while House hurries to Wilson's recovery room.

"Oh man is he okay?" Bruno asks in concern as Chase nods in confirmation.

"He got a nasty head cut and a few broken ribs but it could have been worse. House is of course blaming himself."

"Damn," Bruno shakes his head.

"We should have the final police report today," Chase tells Bruno in truth as they head for Wilson's recovery room to see how their friend was.

"I told you…this isn't your fault," Wilson also tries to convince House as House hovers over him checking his vitals. "And stop…House stop it!" Wilson's voice snaps as House's hand stops fiddling with the machines and then looks back down at his best friend. "All cars brakes…go sometimes."

"Not with my best friend or my boy in it," House replies with a heavy sigh. "Wilson…"

"House, the brakes failed…I'm okay and the…mother and her children…are fine. You need to stop…stressing. I'll be out of here in a few hours and then we'll laugh about this over coffee or something," Wilson tells House in a firm tone. "How do I look? Think the nurses will feel sorry for me?"

"I feel sorry for you," Chase pipes up.

"That's because you're a big softie," House tells Chase as he enters the room and he and Bruno walk up to the bedside.

"Hey Uncle Wilson you okay?" Bruno asks as he gives Wilson a brief hug after Chase does. The four of the talk a bit longer before Foreman comes down to visit them. He spends a few minutes with them before he insists that House comes with him to finish up the report; Bruno also having to get his shift started, but promising to come to House's after House had invited them to the apartment, insisting he make Wilson dinner.

"He's feeling guilty," Wilson tells Chase who lingers a bit longer.

"I know and when he's angry at himself, he's a force to be reckoned with. He won't let go of this one," Chase utters in remorse.

"He will after time. I heard the date went well."

"Yeah it…oh damn, hold on a sec," Chase states in surprise as he quickly pulls away and sends Marcy a text.

'Sorry to cancel the date tonight but a close friend was in a car accident and we're going to make them dinner tonight. How about tomorrow night?'

He waits a few seconds until Marcy sends her reply.

'Oh no I'm sorry. I hope everything's okay. Yeah sure, tomorrow's great. I'm just about there now. Where are you?'

'The ER. Come by room 3B if you want.'

"Marcy?" Wilson asks as Chase turns back with a smile. "Does House like her?"

"He hasn't actually met her yet. Only seen her from a distance and of course heard about her. But she's on her way here now so maybe you'll get to meet her before House does," Chase tells Wilson, not realizing that that was actually part of Marcy's master plan; her call to Foreman was deliberate to get House away from Wilson and Chase so she could start to get one more of their small group over onto her side. Would it work?

Chase lets Dr. Chan and his nurse attend to Wilson and heads toward the main exit to wait for Marcy. However, much to his surprise, she's already there. "Wow that was fast."

"Ah I was in the neighborhood," Marcy replies with a bright smile as she nears. "I am so sorry to hear about your friend," she tries to feign remorse and interest. "What happened?"

"Well they don't know for sure but it looks like the brakes might have failed. The car was old. It should have been taken off the road long ago."

"Whose car was it?"

"House's, but I kind of…"

"Wow he drives that old beater?" Marcy asks in somewhat genuine surprise.

"He has a motorcycle that…yeah well I guess we'll have to look at getting something new."

"Well whatever he gets next, I hope it's reliable. What do you drive? BMW?" She lightly teases, hoping he'll say yes or something higher in the automobile luxury category.

I can't say I don't have a car or take the bus…women aren't impressed by that, Chase's mind ponders as he offers her a tight lipped smile. "Yeah not really my style. Too…square," he replies with a small chuckle as they near the entrance to Wilson's room; Chase looking in and seeing Dr. Chan and his nurse gone.

"Wilson, you descent?"

"House has already s…" Wilson replies as Marcy's head pokes around the corner. "Hi…yeah I'm…hi," Wilson stammers as he pulls his blanket over his lower half and then raises his bed upright.

Marcy looks at Wilson and for a second her mind goes blank. However, it quickly recovers a few seconds later, remembering that part of her plan was to get James Wilson on her side; for him to like her so that when House started to get suspicious they'd all be on her side. At least…that's the plan. Didn't expect him to live! Now I'll have to alter my plans. Okay Marcy…turn on the false charm. Damn I gotta up my game! Rick is so going to pay for not damaging the breaks better!

"Hello. I think I might have come to visit Robert at a bad tie. I…I should go," Marcy states with a slight stammer, trying to sound nervous.

"No no…it's okay. You must be Marcy," Wilson greets with a wide grin as the attractive blond approaches. "Heard a lot about you."

"All good I hope," she replies with a slight laugh as she gives Wilson's hand a shake.

"Only good."

"I'm sorry…well that you're here."

"Yeah me too."

"Hope they're treating you well. Otherwise I'll get Robert here to talk to the staff," she states with a mock dare as both men laugh.

"Yes I suppose he has more pull…but only with some of the nurses," Wilson jokes back.

"Wilson gets the other some."

"Oh I'll bet with all the nurses," Marcy lightly flirts in reply. "Can't blame them," she shyly laughs as she innocently twirls a blond strand around her hair while Wilson looks up with a bright smile; Chase slightly frowning. "But I should just let you rest. Now I don't blame Robert at all for cancelling our date."

"You cancelled tonight?" Wilson asks Chase in shock.

"It's okay. Family and friends come first. I get it. He's lucky to have such great friends like you all."

"She's a keeper," Wilson gently jokes as Dr. Chan's nurse returns and Chase's phone buzzes.

"House is finally done."

"We should let the nurse tend to him. I hope you get better soon. Dr. Wilson."

"Uh…James please."

"James," Marcy smiles as she leans down and squeezes his hand. "See you again."

"For sure."

Chase and Marcy take their leave; House just finishing up with Foreman and on his way down.

"Can you stick around and meet House? You know officially? I really want you to meet him," Chase asks hopefully as Marcy slowly directs them toward the waiting elevator.

"I will soon, I promise. I gotta get to work. I hope James is okay. Would be tough to be a patient in your own hospital," Marcy replies in haste, wanting to meet House as late in the game as possible. However, she did just let slip the fact she knows Wilson works at PPTH when Chase never mentioned it, merely saying that he was a doctor. But since he fails to call her on her verbal faux pas she moves on; back to thinking about House. From what Robert has told me, he sounds like he'll be harder to win over. If I have the other three in my corner before I swoop in the for kill the better. Otherwise…I'll just swoop in…and kill!

"Speaking of which we could have asked him about your friend."

"What do you mean?"

"Well he's the head of the oncology department here. I'm sure he'd know. He has probably personally treated your friend also."

Oh damn that's right! I remember looking, how the hell could I have forgotten that? Just play dumb and get going!

"Oh really? Maybe next time okay? I think right now he just needs to rest. I'll call you later okay? See how your day went."

"I'd like that," Chase tells her in truth as he watches her get into the elevator and finally disappears from view.

One flight up on the main level, House exits the elevator, heading toward the clinic to deliver some meds for Chase who was still with Wilson when he spies Marcy exiting and slightly narrows his gaze. I just don't trust her…don't know why but I just don't, his mind ponders just as his phone rings.

"What did you find?" House asks firmly; bypassing the formal greeting and getting straight down to business.

"The brake line was deliberately cut. It wasn't that noticeable and only a trained eye would have caught it upon careful inspection. It was a slow leak that would have taken a few days before the brakes were fully useless. The forensic part will take a bit longer but anyone who's touched the car, their prints will be there but I'll see what I can find out. Anyone else use the car on a regular basis?"

"Robert."

"I guess, now you need to work on finding out who might have motive to see either of you hurt…or worse…dead."

A/N: So Marcy's first target was Wilson. But of course it slightly backfired b/c I'd never kill Wilson. But now House is on the rampage of course, right now blaming himself but soon to have a phantom stalker to put his suspicions on. With Marcy slowly wining over the other three male members of their clan who will side with House when he starts to suspect her? Will it cause some tension? And who will be next on Marcy's hitlist? Please do read and review and thanks so much!