Chapter 10

Thirteen's stomach dropped when she saw Chase approaching her in the elevator the next morning. She didn't know if House had asked him to be her faux boyfriend yet and she didn't particularly want to be a part of that conversation…she didn't want to be part of any conversation in regard to faking a relationship, but she knew House was right. Things would be much less stressful if Cuddy wasn't following her around and watching House's every move. Thirteen desperately needed a break from drama after the last year or so.

"Hello," he greeted her cheerily as he entered the lift. She forced a smile, assuming the worst was still to come.

"Hi."

"So, you'll never guess who called me last night for no reason?"

"Cameron decided she wants you back?" Thirteen asked, knowing he was about to spring the House situation on her and demand answers.

"No. Nothing that dramatic," he replied with a grin. "House called and asked if I would pretend to be your boyfriend so Cuddy would lay off."

"Oh."

"I'm assuming he asked you to find a fake date to flaunt in front of her. I just didn't think he had the balls to ask me. He always called me the kiss up when I worked for him before. I would have expected him to con Wilson into asking you out."

"Cuddy would talk to Wilson," Thirteen rationalized. "She can probably tell when he's lying. Especially since he's been lying for House for so many years. She would definitely expect it."

"I suppose you're right."

"Sorry about that. I told him I didn't want to ask you to do this. It's stupid really."

"Don't worry about it. I know it'll be better for everyone if Cuddy knows for sure that you aren't going to try stealing her man."

Thirteen felt as though a huge weight had been lifted off of her chest. "Thanks. I really appreciate it."

"No problem. House did mention that you were free for sex on Fridays, though…"

"He what?" she practically yelled as they were stepping out of the elevator.

Chase snorted. "I was kidding. He actually said no sex, but that I should tell you it was required. I didn't expect you to react so well."

"Sorry. It's not every day you hear that your boss has offered you up for sex once a week to the first coworker who will agree to pretend to date you."

Don't worry about it. I'm not going to force you to do anything. You don't owe me anything." Chase grinned. "Although I suppose I am a bit hurt that you wouldn't sacrifice yourself to me for sex."

Thirteen rolled her eyes. "Please don't make me kill you. If this "relationship" fails House will probably try to make me date Foreman and that is not happening."

As Thirteen and Chase strolled into the differential room, Foreman and Taub looked at House with suspicion. "What?" the new arrivals asked in unison.

"House informed us that you and Chase are the new hot couple," Taub said with a smirk. "I was just wondering if he had planned something with the two of you."

"Chase and I are dating; it's not a big deal. We're not trying to make anyone mad or cut any deals. It's just casual."

"This isn't going to interfere with work, is it?" House asked patronizingly.

"Did Foreman and I dating interfere with work?" Thirteen asked.

"Or me and Cameron?" Chase added.

"Yes on both counts."

"Don't mess with them. If they want to date, let them do it. It's good for people to have relationships outside of work," Foreman said, surprising everyone there.

"Why are you playing the role of Doctor Love?" House asked.

"I just don't think you should harass them."

"Right. That's my style; listen to relationship advice from the help…" He turned toward his office. "I expect a pile of potential cases before lunch," he called out over his shoulder as he headed for his computer and what was sure to be a morning filled with porn.

"Are you really okay with this?" Taub asked Foreman as Chase and Thirteen settled down at the table.

"Yeah. We're all adults. I've moved on from Thirteen."

Though she was relived, Thirteen didn't know whether or not to be a bit upset. She certainly didn't want Foreman to be mad at her, but there was no way she could give up the façade. The repercussions from Cuddy would overwhelm the entire team. With a sigh, Thirteen finished her coffee and turned to Chase. "Let's go check the E.R. Maybe something interesting will have come in and we can appease House."

As they waded through the stacks of files in the clinic after the E.R. had failed to produce any House-worthy results, Thirteen wondered exactly how and when House planned on making her "relationship" with Chase known to the hospital administrator. Cuddy would obviously suspicious of House flopping down in front of her and saying "Thirteen and Chase are dating," but she was going to have to be informed in order for the plan to work. When Cuddy popped out of the patient room next to hers, however, Thirteen remembered that she was being watched. Of course House would send her off to be with Chase as often as possible so Cuddy could see the budding romance. She sighed. At least she and Chase would be able to take more breaks from House's craziness.

Three hours and 15 patients later, Thirteen thought that perhaps House was actually trying to punish her for having a baby by making her swab crotches. That was certainly the only thing she had been doing in the clinic in any case. She took a lunch break and found Chase sitting in the cafeteria with a salad and coffee. "Figured you would be out soon. I don't know why grown people can't read some literature on condoms. One would think that with half of Jersey getting STDs someone would notice and read up."

"Morning full of crotch rot for you too?" she asked, feeling more relaxed than she had since Cuddy had found out about her love child with House.

"Somehow I don't think House really wanted us to find a case."

"It's doubtful. Maybe he was hoping Cuddy would notice us. She's been following me," Thirteen informed him.

"Speaking of which, she's coming our way."

Thirteen looked toward the door and sure enough, the Dean of Medicine was zeroing in on their table. "Sorry to interrupt, but I need to speak with Dr. Hadley. Do you have a minute?" Cuddy asked.

"Sure." Thirteen followed her out into the hall and wondered what was going to happen.

"Are you interested in House?" Cuddy asked blatantly. Thirteen was a little shocked that the older woman was so blunt in asking.

"No. Actually Chase and I just started dating."

"Oh. Really? How is Foreman taking it?" Cuddy inquired.

"I'd really rather not talk about Foreman."

"I understand," Cuddy replied with a small smile. "You're sure that you don't want anything from him? House I mean. I just want to need to know that his relationship with you is strictly platonic."

"I promise that there is nothing between us. I would appreciate it if he had a little interest in Chloe, but that's it." Thirteen wondered if Cuddy was going to catch on to the fact that her "relationship" was conveniently timed to suit House.

"I'm sure he'll spend time with his daughter. But we're trying really hard to start a family of our own. I want a baby and I need to know that he's going to be in my life. I love House…it's stupid, but true."

Thirteen paused as two nurses passed by. "There's nothing I want more than to be in a good relationship. And I hope you get the same."

"Great. Thanks." Cuddy cleared her throat. "I'll let you get back to your lunch."

"Sure." Thirteen returned to her table and let out a huge sigh.

"What was that all about?" Chase asked.

"Basically she was warning me away from House. She asked a bunch of questions about what I wanted from him and told me she really wanted a family from him."

"Wow."

"Yeah. But I did manage to slip in a message about us dating. That should help to clear things a bit," she reasoned.

"Hopefully."

"You don't think she'll have me followed outside of work, do you?"

"What do you mean?" Chase asked aloud.

"Well she was dating Lucas."

"I don't know if they're on such good terms since she broke off their engagement to be with House," Chase pointed out.

"I wouldn't put it past her, though."

"True. Do you want me to bring dinner over tonight? Just in case she's having you watched."

"You don't have to do that."

"It's not a big deal. We've had dinner together before."

"Okay," Thirteen agreed. "But I don't want you to feel obligated."

"Not at all."

"See you at six then?"

"Sounds good." The rest of the lunch hour was much more relaxed.