With that most of the team headed toward Wilson's room. House turned to leave and faltered. Chase put his hand out to steady him. He was ready to have his hand slapped away or to have House berate him. He was surprised though when he felt the older doctor lean into him to gain his balance before heading toward the elevator where his team was waiting for him.

On the way, House had to stop several times to rest his leg. He of course made up crazy reasons for stopping, so most of the team just thought that he was being his normal obnoxious self. Except for Chase. He had been with House the longest and knew more of his little quirks than anyone. He also knew that House's pain was sometimes tied to his emotions. He knew that House would be worried about Wilson so he had anticipated more pain. He looked over at House and noticed a bead of sweat glistening on his forehead. He saw the white knuckles on his right hand where he was pressing the can so hard just to keep himself upright. He also noticed the pained expression in his eyes. He didn't know if he should, but decided to take the risk. If House didn't want his help, Chase thought that at least if he yelled at him that it would take House's attention off of Wilson and his pain and focus it on ridiculing him even if it were just for a few minutes. His mind was made up when house's leg buckled. Luckily for House he was close to the wall and the railing and was able to catch himself without anyone noticing. No one but Chase. Chase had always liked Wilson and thought that in his absence he would help look after House.

Chase dropped back with House and asked quietly "Did you hurt your leg last night when Wilson was hurt? I know you don't like to talk about our pain, but I've known you long enough to know when you are having more of it. Do you want me to go ahead with the rest of the team so that you can stop for a few minutes and rest? Do you want me to grab you a chair? What can I do?" Chase asked quickly trying to anticipate retaliation from House.

"Are you seriously talking to me about this? I am still capable of walking down the hall all by myself. When I need your help I will let you know?" House said through clenched teeth.

Chase didn't back off. He wasn't buying it.

House took a deep breath. "I'm fine. I just need a minute. Go ahead with the rest. I'll be there in a few minutes. If I'm not, come back for me." He didn't make eye contact, but he knew he wasn't going to make it and wanted to get the rest of them away.

Chase did as he was told and went with the others to see Wilson. He kept checking his watch. He didn't know where House was. He excused himself and told the team he was going to check on a test. No one bothered to question him even though they didn't have anything pending.

He walked down the hall and found House right where he had left him, but now he was clutching at the railing and holding on for all he was worth. Chase grabbed a chair and pushed it over to House. House collapsed into it and started rubbing his thigh. Sweat dripped off his forehead and he was panting and struggling to catch to his breath.

"What the hell took you so long? I thought you were going to have to scrape me off the floor soon." House yelled at him.

"I was giving you some time. Do you want some ibuprofen? I have some in my pocket. I grabbed it before we left the office when I noticed you were rubbing at your leg more than normal." he said quietly

"Stop watching me. It gives me the creeps like you are some sort of stalker or something. And yes, I'll take some pills." House said with his voice quieting toward the end.

House dry swallowed the mediation, took a deep breath and tried to get up. He was unsuccessful. Chase was on his feet and next to him.

"Don't touch me" House snapped. He pushed up again and this time got to his feet.

"I won't touch you unless you ask, but I WILL stay close to you in case your leg buckles again." Chase said.

They walked the rest of the way to Wilson's room very slowly and with Chase much closer than House would have allowed at any other time.

Chase and House walked into the room.

"So does boy wonder concur?" he asked as Wilson was looking at the scans.

"Hey House. Yes, I agree. Rachel probably could have caught this stage 4 pancreatic cancer. You didn't need a consult. You just wanted a reason to come gawk at me. He looked at the team. "You guys are welcome to visit whenever you want. You don't need to make up consults to do so, but hopefully I won't be on display for too long." Wilson said trying to remain optimistic.

They stayed for a while and chatted with Wilson until Foreman got a page saying that their patient was taking a turn for the worse. They all said their goodbyes with promises to come again and left House and Wilson alone. Chase asked if there was anything that they needed.

Wilson answered "No, I'm OK. I'll see you later. House may need lunch though. If you are going to the cafe could you bring him back a Ruben?"

"He is right here and he is not hungry." House snapped.

"Well then bring me one. It seems that whenever House says he is not hungry and I have food, my food seems to disappear." Wilson said good-naturedly and Chase left the two doctors alone.

"OK, what is going on? I saw you come in. I saw how you were leaning on your cane and I saw how close Chase was to you. What's wrong with your leg?" Wilson asked point blank once Chase and the others had left.

"Nothing is the matter. It hurts. It always hurts. It's been hurting more since last night. It buckled in the hall. I didn't fall or anything, but Chase got nervous. You know how mothering he can be. He's like a mini-you sometimes."

"Oh because that is so bad." Wilson said trying to cover the hurt in his voice.

"You don't look as much like crap as you did when I left" House said. Did they give you something better for pain after they cleaned you up?" House asked.

"Yeah, they gave me some good stuff. It's a lot, but seems to be doing a pretty good job. I'm hoping to get out of bed later for dinner. I don't want to get pneumonia or anything from laying in this bed. Other than the pain there's no reason i shouldn't get up." Wilson said nonchalantly.

"Your pain party, not mine. You have been lounging around all morning though." House smirked.

House I have multiple broken bones, too many bruises to count and more and apparatus than I want to think about, don't you think I was entitled to stay in bed today?" Wilson asked annoyed.

"You idiot. That was my point. You aren't going to get pneumonia after less than 1 day in bed. You may have a coronary from the pain though." House said trying to hide the concern in his voice.

"I want to get up. The quicker I start moving the quicker I can get home." Wilson said.

"Whatever. they must have you on the good stuff for you to not really understand what you are saying. How exactly do you think that you are going to get out of bed anyway?" House asked.

Wilson thought for a while and wasn't really sure. "I will leave that to the physical therapists to figure out." he explained.

Wilson rang his bell and told the nurse over the intercom that he would like to get out of bed so that he could eat sitting in a chair.

Please let me know what you think...I still have a few chapters written. Want to make sure I'm on the right track.