6 weeks later

Chase got out of the bed, struggling a fair bit. The last few weeks he and Michael had worked hard on the strength in his arms and even though his left arm was still lagging behind, he managed to move around in his chair now. On the back of the chair was another small wheel that gave some power assist with a battery, as he was still struggling getting over small ridges and with long stretches.

He pulled himself up by the rod above the bed and pulled the chair closer. Holding the armrests, he pulled himself into the chair and moved his legs from the bed onto the leg rest.

After getting in the chair, a nurse came walking in that helped him get showered and dressed. He knew that even when he went home, he was going to need a nurse for his morning and evening routine. He hoped that that he could do it himself again one day.

He felt great that at least he had some movement in his arms and hands again and he could move himself around now. Even though he was worried that he would never be fully independent again, he was glad he could do a lot more than when his recovery had started.

It took nearly an hour before he was ready and he got the battery for the power assist from the table and the nurse connected it for him. At least he was good to go now and he felt already pretty tired when he made his way out of his room.

Every time he moved the wheels, there was some extra power and he started making his way to Cuddy's office.

There, he knocked on the door and she opened it for him.

''Thanks for seeing me.''

''You are welcome any day.'' Cuddy said as they shook hands.

''I will just get to it – I am worried about my green card. I don't have much in Australia and honestly I would rather stay here.'' Chase said as he made his way to the desk.

''Why are you worried about that?'' Cuddy asked as she sat down as well.

''I can't run any tests with the patients, I can't do most of the procedures.''

''But you are still a helpful asset to the team. You are one of the best when it comes to diagnosing and getting patients history.'' Cuddy assured him. ''If you want to leave the team, I can see if there is another position in the hospital that suits you better, but I still think you fit great in the team.''

''No – I don't want to leave the team. I was just worried since I can't do the procedures.''

''That is fine for us, we would love to keep you on the team.''

''Then I guess that is sorted.'' Chase said relieved. He was getting ready to leave when Cuddy called him back.

''Chase?''

''Yeah?'' Chase stopped and turned his chair around.

''I signed off on your healthcare plan for when you go home. If you want we can look for a caregiver for you but we figured you might want to pick one yourself.''

''I will, thanks.'' Chase said, his face a bit red. He had not expected he would ever have to look for a nurse to take care of him twice a day.

Not wanting to think about it now, he just made his way to the diagnostics office.

Struggling to open the door, Thirteen came to his aide.

''Thanks'' he said, making his way inside. Even Foreman and Taub seemed glad to see him. He knew he didn't look his best, but it was nice to be back here.

''How are you feeling?'' Taub asked as he joined the table.

''Hanging on, bit better every day.'' Chase said as he nodded. ''Getting ready to go home.''

''When are you going home?''

''In two weeks, also mean I will be annoying you bunch again for some shifts a week.'' Chase smiled. Even though he was sad about what happened, he was excited to go back to work and have some normalcy again. The road was still long, but it was nice to go back to work.

''I am so glad you are coming back'' Thirteen smiled and Foreman and Taub nodded as well. Even though they had never been super close with Chase, they were glad they were not losing a valuable part of their team.

''Well stop slacking then and come read the case.'' House told him as she handed him the case. Opening the file, he couldn't help but smile. Things finally felt like old times again, just slightly.

''Could be a cloth?'' Chase said as he looked through the file.

''Should be able to see that on an ultrasound?'' Thirteen nodded.

''Go do the test.'' House said.

Chase looked a bit sad as the team walked out to run the tests. Even when he was fully back in the department, he couldn't do these things anymore. House saw his disappointed look and knocked on the table, Chase looking up.

''Want to grab some lunch together?'' House offered.

''Yeah, but you are buying this time.'' Chase told him as House opened the door for him.

''Means Wilson is buying.'' House joked as they made their way to the cafeteria.

''Oh did you steal his wallet now?'' Chase rolled his eyes.

''He left it in my office.''

As Chase did not have enough power in his arms yet to go fast and House didn't walk too fast, it was easy for them to keep up with each other.

In the canteen they both grabbed sandwiches and a fresh smoothie and picked a table by the window.

They got settled by the table.

''Heard you are finally seeing your therapist.'' House brought up as they dug into their food.

''Yeah.'' Chase nodded.

''Hope it helps – you really don't need to tell me about it, but I just wanted to know you are going. I think it will be good.'' House said. Even though Chase had improved a lot the last weeks and was able to do more himself now he had had both surgeries on his arms, he still seemed lost and sad.

The last few weeks he had finally seem a little bit better. It was still odd to see Chase around without the colored shirts and ties. Even though he was working hard on his recovery, he still seemed pretty miserable.

''You said you never did therapy after your leg-''

''Yeah, but I got sick and you got shot up by some drug seeking madman.''

''True.''

''Your house all ready for when you go home?''

''I had a company do some remodeling. Just didn't want to deal with it and paid it from the compensation.''

''I am sure PPTH would have pa-''

''I really don't care about the money.'' Chase admitted. ''It is not fixing my body or the pain.''

''Doctor Chase, it is great to see you around again.''

Doctor Jameson from surgery was standing behind him.

''I haven't really left this place the last 6 months.'' Chase said dryly as he got annoyed how people constantly bothered him to ask how he was doing, while he was pretty sure people could see he wasn't doing great.

''I was wondering if I could use your expert opinion for my new paper.'' Doctor Jameson asked as he sat down at the table without asking.

''On what?''

''About the effects of a spinal cord injury on one's social life.''

''Just because I have a spinal cord injury does not mean I am an expert.'' Chase said a bit angry. ''You could ask me something about diagnosing or being an intensivist.''

''I just figured-''

''I don't want to hear it. Just leave.'' Chase said angry. House sat in silence, not sure how to react to this. He had never seen Chase this angry.

Doctor Jameson finally got up now and walked to another doctor, walking away whispering to each other while still glancing over at Chase.

''I shouldn't be the damn hospital freak show!'' Chase yelled after them.

''Calm down!'' House told him. Everybody was looking their way now.

Pissed off, Chase backed up his chair and made his way out of the cafeteria.

Thank you so much reading. I hope you don't think the time jumps are too big now! Please let me know what you think by leaving a review and hopefully till next chapter