Title: Rewriting Destiny
Chapter 11 – Trust is a Precious thing to Waste

Wanting to surprise House with something for dinner, Chase hurries out of the elevator toward the apartment door and then stops when he tries the locked door handle. He can only curse the fact that of course he doesn't have a key. Why would I? And then he looks down at the large paper bag in his grasp and feels his heart starting to sink. It'll be cold by the time he gets here.

But there's nothing more he can do except slide down onto the floor – to wait.

House, however, pulls into the underground parking lot about fifteen minutes later so their dinner wouldn't be that cold. He exits the elevator and rounds the corner to see Chase sitting on the floor looking up with a soft frown; the large paper bag nestled on his lap. Why does he have to offer me the lost little boy face…his mind inwardly groans as he approaches. "Waiting long?"

"Not really," Chase answers in truth as he slowly stands up; House taking the paper bag so that Chase could use his left arm to help himself stand upright.

"How's the shoulder?"

"It's okay…had a few taps on it at work but…"

"What?" House interjects sharply and then pulls back with a frown as he opens the apartment door and Chase is the first to enter. He notices the younger man's shoulders tense and instantly he reminds himself not to do too much scolding.

"Just a few congratulatory pats on the back. No irate customers today."

"Anything exciting?"

"Had a guy come in with a knife stuck in his arm. A kitchen knife. It was a steak knife and a bit pointy but…still…sharp," Chase's voice dies out as he looks at House with a small frown. Was I rambling too fast?

"Interesting," House quickly qualifies his reason for staring. It was so oddly comforting asking him about his day that he didn't know he was pay such rapt attention that he was in fact staring and had to back down. "So what's in the bag?"

"Well…I wanted it to be warm but…" Chase sighs as he pulls out the little still somewhat warmish container. It's not much but I hope he likes it…"It's not much but it's…well a small thank you," Chase offers somewhat sheepishly as House pulls out the bag of home cut pita chips.

"Did you get this at Bart's Deli next door?"

"I did," Chase answers; hoping it's the right thing to say. "Is that…okay?" He dares to inquire.

"They have the best hot spinach dip. It's all the garlic. One of my favorites," House praises as Chase looks up in surprise and then offers a big smile. "Actually I think it's even better rewarmed in a home oven." Once again House notices the look of surprise and then genuine delight on the younger man's face and inwardly starts to ponder. Did he never hear praise from his family? What kind of home life did he have growing up? Was it cold and distant like mine? Distant? More like nonexistent!

He likes it! *phew* his brain offers in silent relief. House seems genuinely pleased and for that Chase can only tell himself it was his last thirty bucks well spent. The mood could only go higher…or so he thinks. But then it suddenly changes with one seemingly innocent question.

"So what was your favorite thing to eat growing up in Melbourne?"

"Not Kangaroo if that's what you're wondering," Chase retorts with an uneasy smirk.

"You've eaten Kangaroo?"

"Tastes like…"

"Chicken?" House interjects with a smirk as Chase shrugs. "Did your mom ever cook it?"

"Once…but um…well we liked the usual. So do I reheat the pita chips?"

Very guarded about family and growing up. He doesn't have to be that ashamed. I won't make fun of the fact he was poor, House's mind reasons as he watches Chase arrange the fresh pita chips on a pan to rewarm them slightly.

"Just a few minutes. Maybe two. They'll go good with the stuffed chicken breasts and rice pilaf."

"What are you stuffing them with?"

The two of them engage in a bit more light banter as they work side by side to make dinner and then sit down at the table to enjoy their meal. House looks at Chase and tonight it's the younger man wondering how his edible offering would be received by his so gracious host. He sees Chase's face instantly soften into a look of relief when he tastes the items and then quickly goes back for seconds.

House tells Chase a bit about his day and the new medical mystery his team was now working on; the fact that Walters was well on his way to recovery and Wilson's lunch offering. But then he shifts the focus to Chase, wanting to know all about his day and what other things he had to face.

After supper Chase heads into his bedroom and opens his little suitcase. For a few split seconds, panic fills him as he lifts the lid and finds it empty.

"What the…" Chase starts as he turns and quickly pulls open the closet door. He can only stare in disbelief at his few clothing items hung up in the closet. He pulls open the top drawer in the dresser to see the rest of his meager belongings neatly folded and placed in the drawer as if they always belonged there. He…House unpacked my things? I can stay another night?

Just at that moment he hears some shuffling and looks up to see House watching him with quiet fascination.

"Figured it'd be a good hint about where you'd be staying tonight…and maybe tomorrow night too."

He didn't ask if it was okay…he just assumed I'd be okay with it…I am! "I don't have much," Chase offers meekly as House's lips purse. "But thank you. I was going to ask. But you knew that," Chase stammers and concludes with a small smirk.

"You don't look mad," House states the obvious.

"I'm not. I'm surprised and a bit um…well embarrassed at how little I have."

Damn that lost little boy face…why do I have a sudden urge to hug him and say it'll be okay, House's mind inwardly groans. "Don't be," House replies with a small frown. But before he can drown in emotional melancholy, his brain urges action and he takes it. "Okay let's see what you did to yourself today," he quickly adds as he gestures for him to follow him into the bathroom. House helps him remove his dress shirt and then carefully lifts the large protective bandage that he had helped him apply earlier that same day. The wound was still slightly swollen and warmish to the touch but when he gently presses down, no pus comes out and the stitches look to be healing nicely. "A bit red but it's going down. If you want to sleep in the living room again you can."

'But father my arm hurts.'

'Whose fault is it that you sleep on your right side?'

'Mine, Sir.'

'Exactly. Discipline yourself to not turn over in the middle of the night and there will be no need to sleep in the massage chair. The answer is no and don't ask again.'

"I'd like that," Chase mentions simply as House tosses away the large bandage, wanting the wound to get some fresh air.

"Come. Let's watch some TV."

Once again, House finds his request more like an awkward command but inside isn't sure how to let himself feel completely at ease around the younger man and just hopes his tone doesn't sound – stern. Chase, however happily complies and eases himself down into the chair that he'd later be sleeping in.

"Let's see…how about…double divas?"

"What's that?"

"Reality show about two very well endowed women making custom bras for other…well-endowed women."

"There's no show…like that," Chase snickers as he tries to grab the remote. The comfortable gesture surprises both and for a few silent seconds neither one moves; both of them trading shocked glances and then quickly looking away. This isn't your home so don't get too used to being here. House isn't your father!

"That show will be fine," Chase mutters simply, sinking back down into his chair and staring absently at the screen.

"How'd they take the news today? You told me all about the patients, but how about your actual co-workers?"

Chase tells House a bit more about how Tom and Sarah reacted to his news and then both just settle in to watch something rather mindless on TV. About half hour later, House glances over and notices that Chase's eyes have closed and he's fallen into a light slumber. Once again House's eyes study the younger man's rather peaceful expression and he's oddly comforted by the fact that this person, who in effect, is still very much a stranger, feels comfortable enough to fall asleep a few feet away – under his watchful care.

House turns the volume down and then reaches for his book and reading glasses; wanting to get caught up on a report that he failed to get done during the day because according to Wilson he was moping! I don't mope…he tries to argue back as he glances over at Chase still asleep. He reads a few words in an undertone and then stops when he senses some movement and looks down to see Chase watching him in wonder.

"Sorry."

"No…" Chase mutters sleepily. "It's…oddly comforting," he adds as his eyes close once more.

Comforting? Did I hear that right? My reading…is comforting? Just another strange piece to the elusive puzzle that is Robert Chase but again one he finds fascinating. But instead of being taken aback by the statement, House continues to read in an undertone for about ten minutes more until a few light snores start to emanate from the younger man beside him and he knows it's time to call it a night.

"Silly boy," House huffs as he slowly gets up off his favorite chair and then heads into the hallway to get the blankets.

"Thanks," Chase mumbles as he looks up once more; offering the older man an endearing expression of gratitude.

"Sleep well," House tells Chase as he lets him arrange the second blanket over his sleeping frame and then turns off the light. This time his bedroom door remains half way open; wanting to hear any sounds of distress that might be offered in the middle of the night.

No sounds of distress but about halfway through the night, House does hear a few angry mutters and his eyes quickly snap open.

"I said…no…father…no…" Chase's voice offers with a few huffs as he talks in his sleep.

House hovers at the entranceway to his bedroom to make sure it was just sleep talk and Chase wasn't on the phone. Sounds like him and his father didn't part ways on happy or friendly terms.

"NO!"

House steps back as Chase's frame jerks awake and the younger man looks around in the darkness with slight agitation.

Chase's eyes quickly look back to make sure that he didn't wake House – again as he'd feel bad for waking his generous host because of a stupid nightmare. He feels his forehead and upon feeling it a bit warm, he decides to chance another run to the kitchen for some hot water.

He flips on the light over the stove but then pauses as he hears House ask him if he's okay. "I uh…bad dream," he stammers as he pops his head into the hallway to see House's larger frame silhouetted in the bedroom doorframe. "The guy with the um…scissors."

"Understandable. There's some Tylenol in the upper cupboard on the right of the sink."

"Thank you," Chase replies as he pulls the door open. This time he doesn't break anything and is able to head back to bed, once again apologizing to House for waking him up for something that's trivial.

House, though, recalls Chase's words about his father and knows that he's covering something up; using his ordeal on the job as an excuse. He's lying! That nightmare would have been pondered last night…right after it happened. This…this is something else. But what? He mentioned his father. What happened before he left home? What happened between him and his father?

XXXXXXXX

The next morning, Chase covers the wound to keep the stitches dry by applying the large waterproof bandage and turns on the shower. He'd be helping at the clinic but much like the day before he knows his mind will be elsewhere – at PPTH wondering what his new team will be like and how well he'll fit in. He hopes there's someone on the team that will be around his age and that he can make friends with. Tom was a great guy but because he's married it wasn't always easy to just hang or be included; not that he'd want to with couple stuff.

House pauses just before he leaves his bedroom, looking at the little yellow ducky beside his bed and wondering if he should broach the subject of the little object with the same initials that happen to match the young man a few doors down in his apartment. Why would a grown man have this toy? Seems a bit too far-fetched! So he leaves it – for now.

"Good morning," Chase mentions to House as House enters the kitchen. House stops once again and just stares – looking at Chase as he goes about starting to make breakfast for them. He's making breakfast…hmmm his mind ponders as he once again contemplates offering Chase use of the spare bedroom for yet another night.

"It is so far," House replies as he takes a mug of the hot coffee being offered and heads for the fridge. "Mmm this tastes…"

"Do you like it?" Chase asks somewhat eagerly.

"What is it?"

"Salted caramel," Chase answers as House's brows arch. "Do you like it?"

"Actually…I do," House admits; surprising even himself. "Barts?"

"His deli has a lot of really interesting things. I only bought a sampling in case you didn't like it."

"Very wise," House lightly praises as they go about setting the table for breakfast. "So what do you know about the two candidates interviewing for your position?"

Chase looks at House once again in wonder. He wasn't about to tell the older man he didn't have to make conversation for the sake of filling up the quiet space, but for some reason Chase also finds it reassuring that he's taking at least what sounds like a personal interest.

"The first resume…" he starts. At first House had inwardly chastised himself for, as Chase had suspected, making conversation to fill the empty void. But as he listens to Chase's explanations and the details he's including, he finds himself actually fascinated by hearing the young man's opinion and viewpoint on the prospective candidates.

As they near the front door, Chase's mind settles as he remembers House putting his few personal items into the closet and telling him he wouldn't have to worry about tonight. Maybe because I'll be starting tomorrow he'll expect me to pack up and leave…that's what I'll do so he won't feel obligated. I'll just say I found a place and that'll be that.

This time House presses the basement button, prompting Chase to look up in wonder. "I don't mind dropping you off. It's on my way."

"Thank you. Although the bus does make for some very interesting people watching," Chase answers with a small chuckle.

Carl, however, had been camped out in front of the building didn't see Chase and House leave via the underground parking lot. So he'd wait. He was used to that and if Robert Chase had suddenly come into some money he wanted to be a part of that action – one way or another.

"See you tonight."

"Okay," House gives him a curt wave and watches him head for the front of the clinic and then turn and give him a way before he ducks inside. Why am I suddenly worried about him working in this kind of place? Just one more day… oh he's a grown man! House's mind ponders as he pulls away and head for PPTH.

XXXXXXXX

"So…how's the roomie?" Wilson asks as he approaches.

"He's…at work. Don't you have something to do?"

"I can't say good morning to my best friend?" Wilson counters.

"And yet you didn't. I'm fine thanks for asking."

"You look tired…long night?"

"Robert had…he had a nightmare and it woke me up and then I went back to sleep and I look tired. End of story. Now where's…" House's voice trails off as he enters his office; Wilson in tow. "I offered him one more night. That was last night. Tomorrow he starts here and he can't live with his boss."

"He can't sleep with his boss…there's nothing in the contract about having him as a tenant."

"Thank you HR," House retorts sharply as Wilson's lips purse. "He's not a paying tenant. Besides…he has no money. Damn kid spent his last few bucks on something for dinner."

"Really?"

"Bart's garlicky spinach-dip. Was really good too," House sighs as Wilson looks at him with a kind smile. "His shoulder is fine so he'll be okay on his own."

"I don't see the harm in letting him stay," Wilson shrugs. "So are you coming to the open House? Still sounds odd to use your name in a sentence that refers to…"

"What open House?" House retorts with a snap.

"Horace. Dr. Miles. He's just renovated his clinic and has hired two new staff."

"I don't need acupuncture."

"He's a friend," Wilson counters.

"He's your friend," House tosses back. "When is it? I'll send Robert instead," House blurts out without thinking. "Never mind."

"Bring him. What? I'm sure he won't mind."

"Oh right because I'm sure he'll want to come and hang out at…I'll ask him," House resigns as Wilson grins. "Fine I won't."

"I didn't say anything," Wilson chuckles as his phone buzzes. "The invitation is on your desk. I'll see you at lunch."

House watches Wilson leave and then slowly makes his way over to his desk. He picks up the silver embossed piece of cardboard and stares at the words and then shakes his head. As if he'll want to spend a night at an acupuncture clinic with me and Wilson. Maybe we can all go for dinner first? Wait…what? House's mind races in a few different directions at once.

"Oh forget it!" House huffs as he tosses aside the invitation and then prepares to take Chase's signed offer letter to Foreman and then come back and tell his current team about their new team member starting tomorrow. But that was easier said than done as it's Taub who calls him on his distraction; something to which he merely snaps at and blames Taub's sordid love life and presses on. I am not distracted! House tries to convince himself. But he knows that's not true as his mind is distracted and Robert Chase is the one to blame. I'll just ask him tonight…he'll probably say no.

XXXXXXXX

"Thanks buddy…how was this morning?" Tom asks Chase as he returns to the front of the clinic that afternoon.

"Uninteresting," Chase replies as Tom smiles and pats him on the back. "I'm…semi-distracted."

"You're movin' on up. Of course you're distracted!" Tom acknowledges as Sarah calls the next person to the front desk. "Celebratory drinks on Friday night?"

"Sounds good," Chase answers as he looks up just as he watches a man pass by the window. Carl? Damn! His mind curses as he had hoped that his troublesome friend had gone for good. What's he doing back? I am not going to give him anything!

"Are you nervous about tomorrow?"

"Scared stiff," Chase replies with a small chuckle. "But at the same time I'm really excited. I know I said I'd try to stay here a year but…but this opportunity might not come along again."

"Don't apologize. You know any of us would be the same if it was something we wanted," Tom assures him in truth. "And I can tell by your face for the bulk of the day, you're excited and that's great. You should be. Have you been there…wait…do you really work there casual?"

"I do. Porter in the Pediatric department. I needed the extra money."

"Well I guess with this new job you can give that all up now right?"

"Right," Chase looks at Tom and gives him a tight lipped smile.

"Besides I don't think Dr. House would let you work both."

"No. Why would he?" He mutters rhetorically. But inside Chase knows he has no intention of stopping picking up casual shifts and tells himself that House probably wouldn't like that…his attention not focused due to lack of sleep and so there would be even more incentive for him to find his own place.

The rest of their shift is rather uneventful and this time it's Tom's turn to lock up. "I'll see you Friday night," Chase tells Tom after he had gathered up his vintage messenger bag and heads for the front door. He gives Tom a friendly wave and then heads out onto the street.

Where is he? Where's Carl?

If it was Carl whom he had seen earlier then he would be very careful to make sure Carl doesn't know where he's staying. Little does he know of course, Carl already knows where Chase is currently staying and a nefarious plan is already in order.

Chase looks at his watch and frowns. I'm early…he sighs as he recalls House saying he'd be working late on something for his boss. When he's sure that Carl isn't watching, he hops the bus and heads for the apartment he's staying at currently. On the ride there, Chase's mind tries to ponder where he'll actually end up living after he leave's House's warm abode. I'll miss that…you're only a temporary guest! His mind tries to remind him. But as he ponders House's actions with him populating the closet and drawer with his items, he tells himself that maybe he can stay a bit longer.

House will never let you work for him and another department…you're leaving. He's now your boss! Not your landlord, he's going to kick you out! Get with it already! Why not just do both of you a favor and leave tonight! House is going to kick you out tomorrow anyways.

Chase's mind and heart both sink as he gets off the bus and slowly heads toward the front door of House's apartment. "What's going on?" Chase inquires as he looks at all the commotion.

"Gas leak on floors 6 through 10. We're checking all the apartments right now."

"Which floor are you on right now?"

"Nine. Don't worry we'll be done soon."

House lives on 9! If House's apartment is open, I can get in and get my stuff and get out.

With that determined thought, Chase hurries toward the elevator and up to the 9th floor. Once there he notices the door to the apartment open and stops in the entranceway and looks at the gas company employee as he heads toward him.

"Is this your apartment?"

"I live here. Is everything okay?"

"Yes. Landlord let us in and the leak isn't coming from your apartment. We have a few more suites and the 10th floor to check and then we'll let you all know when the gas will be back on. Sorry for the inconvenience."

"Okay thanks for the update," Chase replies as he watches the gas company employee take his leave. Telling himself that House has probably already gotten the call from the gas company, Chase hurries toward his bedroom and pulls his suitcase. He pulls the few items from his closet and then opens the top drawer and shoves the last few things into the suitcase. After he's done, he hurries toward the bathroom but pauses as his eyes happen to glance into the front of House's bedroom.

Don't…his mind warns as he pauses to take a closer look. Don't do it! His mind warns again as he dares to take another step inside. But just as he enters, House's car pulls into the underground parking lot. It was true that he had been in a meeting with Foreman when he got the call from the Gas Company and was on his way.

Once again, two destines were about to collide.

Chase's eyes nervously dart around House's bedroom as he looks at all the items neatly in place and everything…very House. He looks at the medical books and the various pairs of reading glasses; a few canes and…what on earth?

His eyes spy something on the dresser as he dares to take another step closer.

House enters the elevator and pushes the number 9; his mind wondering what time Chase would get home so he could give him the rundown on what he could expect on his first day at PPTH. But as he nears his apartment, he sees the door open and then stops to listen. He hears some shuffling coming from within and wonders if Chase is already home. But as he looks at the shadow coming from his bedroom and remembers the Gas company employee saying they'd only be in the kitchen, his hand reaches for his phone.

But when he hears a soft Australian curse he puts his phone away and heads toward his bedroom. Just as he nears the door, his cane strikes the wall and he can only curse as his presence is made known unwittingly.

Chase hears House and with the item still in his grasp, he quickly turns to look at House with wide-eyed shock.

"What do you have in your hand?" House asks as he nods to Chase's hand behind his back. "I thought I could trust you but I come home to find your bag packed and you…" House pauses as Chase's heart races to critical condition. "Taking something to pawn for money right? Right!" House demands as Chase shakes his head no.

"What do you have!"

Without saying a word, Chase's right hand slowly comes out from behind his back and he reveals what he's hiding.

"But…" House starts in utter shock as his gaze lifts; Chase's eyes threaten to water. "Why?"

A/N: eeks! Okay so before we get to this ending…so some more father/son bonding moments for our fledging family. And as always gotta love some Wilson/ House. I mentioned Horace and his Acupuncture clinic in chapter 4 so you'll see how this little subplot plays into this fandom. And of course Carl is still there – lurking. But how will House react to what Chase has in his grasp (any guesses?) and how will Chase react? Would love your thoughts so please do review before you go and thanks so much!