Title: Family Ties
Chapter 21 – Altering the Future

Chase remembers House's words about wanting to take out Wayne but didn't but now wonders if maybe that was something he just told him to calm his nerves. Is House going to go to jail? That thought makes his heart monitor slightly jump and House's eyebrows rise in concern.

"Robert," House gently warns as Detective Carlyle looks at Chase in haste. "He needs to avoid excitement. What happened?"

"He hung himself."

"What?" Both Chase and House ask at once.

"Overcome with remorse I guess," Carlyle shrugs. "He was in his holding cell, it wasn't heavily guarded as we only considered him a flight risk and not a suicide risk and so there was one guard for the area. Guard was at one end of the hall and Gardner at the end cell. He used his shirt and just quietly worked away and when the small stool kicked out the guard heard, but got there too late and he was dead a few seconds later."

"Can't say I'm sorry," House states matter-of-factly as Carlyle arches his brows. "At least he won't be pissing away the tax payer's dollars."

"I am told that you paid him a visit Dr. House?" Carlyle asks directly.

"I did. I went there to tell him he lost and…to see if he could tell me what was in the drugs he forced into my boy."

"And?"

"And he told me to go to hell. I told him the same thing and left. Guess he took my advice," House concludes with a small snip of his lips as Carlyle shakes his head. "He told me he couldn't silence the screams in his head."

"Who's screams?"

"His own," House looks at Chase in remorse. "And yours," House pauses as he looks at Chase. "So now what?" House asks as he looks back up at Carlyle.

"I just need to get Dr. Chase's statement and I'll be on my way. Dr. Chase?"

"Okay," Chase takes a somewhat labored deep breath and looks up at House for some visual support. House nods and Chase looks up at Carlyle with a determined expression. "I was in the staff lounge when he came in. He slipped a needle into my neck and I woke up long enough to know it was him and then um…then I woke up strapped down to…" Chase lightly stammers as his monitors start to jump. "I couldn't move and wasn't dressed much. It was cold and I was um…scared. I couldn't move or call out or…move. I saw the drugs and he told me…he told me I was going to die and…" his eyes water and breath catches as his monitors further agitate and call for their medically appointed guardian.

"What's going on in here?" Dr. Chan asks gruffly as he looks at Carlyle in anger. "Who are you? And why are you making my patient agitated?"

"Detective Carlyle, NJPD," he pulls his badge. "I just need his statement."

"He was kidnapped, drugged and tortured and now is fighting a fever and internal infection. End of story. Now if this man goes into cardiac arrest, I'll be putting you as the cause in my file."

"Do all the doctor's in this place have the same bedside manner?"

"Yes!" House, Chase and Dr. Chan all state in unison as Carlyle sighs and shakes his head.

"I'll only be five more minutes."

"Make it three."

Carlyle watches Dr. Chan leave and turns back to Chase with a small look of sympathy.

"I like him," House states audibly as Carlyle shakes his head in resignation.

"He tortured me."

"Okay. I think I got what I need for now. And Dr. House, how did you find him?"

"I'm brilliant," House retorts firmly as Carlyle rolls his eyes. "Well it's the same answer I gave Wayne Gardner when he asked. I put all the medical clues together and then followed the trail of desperate breadcrumbs. We got there just in time."

"Okay. I don't want not put any more added pressure on the young man. If I need anything more I'll be in touch. Rest up."

Chase watches Carlyle leave and then turns to House in wonder. "House…"

"I had nothing to do with that," House tells him in truth. "He was tormented and maybe…maybe he just realized he was a failure and that was it. I'm glad he's at peace but not sorry he's dead."

"I'm glad you're not going to jail."

"Then he would have won and although I was tempted, it would have killed me to leave you here like this."

"Sad and pathetic?"

"Definitely that," House grins as Chase offers a small pout. "See…I've missed that. Robert…what's going on?" House asks in haste; his smile gone and his panic rising.

"Just some…tension in my…chest…ahhh," Chase huffs as his face screws and he tries to breathe and speak at the same time. "I n-need…I can….can't…"

"Breathe first…speak later."

Chase takes a few deep breaths, the monitors coming back down to their regular settings and making both Chase and House breathe an extra sigh of relief.

"No more excitement," House states as his hand gently rests atop Chase's forehead. "Still very warm. How do you feel?"

"A bit dizzy and nauseated."

"Too much excitement," House looks up at the heart monitor and then back down. "The old ducky ticker isn't happy right now."

"Technically…that's an oxymoron."

"You heard that word from Wilson," House grumbles as Chase grins and nods.

"A ducky can't be old."

"So it would seem. You need to just rest all day and if you're feeling better tomorrow, we'll bring back that bathing chair I know you missed so much."

"Please father, bring home the bathing chair," Chase retorts cheekily before his lungs start to heave and he starts to cough.

"Okay," House tells him seriously as Chase tries to settle back down. "Now you really need to rest and I mean close your eyes and rest," House whispers tenderly as he dabs a few watery droplets running down Chase's face. "Doctor's orders."

Feeling the burning in his chest and the throbbing in his head, it doesn't really take much convincing for Chase to offer House a soft smile and nod and close his eyes; House turning off the overhead light and pulling the blanket up to his shoulders.

About fifteen minutes later, House feels a hand on his shoulder, gently jolting him from his light slumber. He looks up to see Wilson looking down and quietly extricates himself from the sleeping chair and follows Wilson outside the curtain.

"How is he?"

"He's still not out of the woods completely," House replies seriously. "He has a high fever and his chest hurts and I'm…sitting there trying to help but I can't do much."

"He just needs you there. Dr. Chan is more than capable of treating the medical stuff. Trust me if he's still attending to Chase then I know you approve."

"He's actually helped more than even he might know," House huffs as he rubs the bridge of his nose.

"You look like hell."

"Feel it. But I can't leave his side, you know that."

"I think you know that's why I'm here. To make you. To tell you to go to the staff lounge, shower and get a few hours rest and I'll tend to my nephew," Wilson ends with a small smile. "You need to be at your best to give him your best. Now go. I have a few hours to spare and will just sit here dulling my senses with a new journal."

"You know if you wanted a place to read you could have just said so," House retorts. But he knows Wilson is telling the truth so he pokes his head into the curtain to make sure Chase is still asleep and then pushes past Wilson, leaving him with a small shoulder squeeze of thanks and disappears around the corner.

XXXXXXXX

'You'll never escape…arrogant like your father…you did this…now you DIE!'

Chase's lips start to gently gasp as his heart burns and mind races from the nightmare. His stomach constricts as strong but steady hands help him sit forward and expel a bit more blackish liquid.

"It's okay, I got you."

"Wilson…" Chase wheezes as Wilson helps him lie back down and then puts aside the container with the stomach liquid in it.

"House is sleeping," Wilson replies in truth as he feels Chase's forehead.

"Do I still…have a fever?"

"You do," Wilson answers frankly. "But your body is fighting whatever's still inside and seems to be winning."

"I knew…it wouldn't be an…overnight thing," Chase tries to explain between a few painful gasps. "I can't even have…a Gravol."

"I know but in this case throwing up is actually best. Any lingering poisons need to come out."

"Squid ink."

"I know," Wilson nods as Chase looks up in remorse. "At least it wasn't toxic. I think he just wanted you to think it was deadly but still. Your body is fighting the rest of the stuff in that black bag."

"Wayne is dead."

"How do you know?" Wilson asks in shock.

"Detective Carlyle was here…he told us. Hung himself."

"Hung himself," Wilson states more than claims. "Can't say I'm sorry."

"I was worried…House went to see him to kill him."

"House went to see him?" Wilson retorts as Chase nods. "Figures. House knows how much is at stake and yes although he does hate to lose in this case he would have really lost if he went to jail. He could have made a good case, but Wayne was already behind bars, it would have hurt you more than him…hurt us all."

"I know," Chase admits weakly. "I'm glad he didn't do anything rash."

"Me too. Okay, you can hardly keep your eyes open and House will scold me if I keep you awake."

Once again Chase doesn't argue; his body begging him for some solid rest and his mind and heart willingly giving in as he knows the faster he heals the sooner he'll be able to go home. in the meantime, House is also able to rest so that when he comes back to relieve Wilson a few hours later, he's refreshed and ready to take over bedside duties once more.

Chase opens his weary eyes a few hours later to see House come into clear focus and his lips automatically smile. Gone are the frightening thoughts from before when he was stuck in a hospital bed, without the use of his legs, fearing he'd have to fend for himself or worse, rely on his uncaring biological father for some kind of emotional or physical support – neither of which would have been very helpful.

But now to be attended to by those he cared about most was comforting in ways he couldn't almost express. House senses Chase's movement and looks over, slowly removing his reading glasses and giving him a small smile.

"I threw up earlier."

"I know. Wilson told me. Dr. Chan has to wait for the blood analysis to come back before he knows whether to administer an anti-nausea drug or not. How are you feeling?"

"Restless…tired…agitated…relieved," Chase rattles off as he looks away. "I am lying here trying not to think about the things Wayne said about my father but because I'm lying here I can't help but think about that."

"Give yourself a bit of a break, you were just rescued less than a day ago. And I'm sure being here brings back other memories that sadly include….oh what's his name," House retorts in sarcasm. "It'll pass. It passed at home and in a few days it will pass also."

"Days?"

"Too optimistic?" House counters as Chase nods. "Dr. Chan should have the results of the blood test soon and then at least we'll know what I can start to pump your little ducky insides with," House ends with a mock evil laugh as Chase raises his brows in mock horror. "You're not the only one having nightmares about all this," House suddenly confesses in a softer tone.

"What he was put through. I almost felt sorry for him," Chase whispers with a small frown. "He simply wanted a painkiller for arthritis."

"You have to feel sorry for what he endured. He called the wrong man," House states flatly as Chase looks over with a small frown. "We both know I'm right. His condition in the hands of someone who actually gave a damn would have given Wayne Gardner a whole other future…well for starters he still might have one."

House pauses and then looks over at Chase, noticing his jaw gently twitch. "Robert?" He entreats as Chase looks over in haste.

"He's at peace now. Wayne. But I'm not sorry he's dead and I feel bad thinking about that," Chase confesses in a rather glum tone.

"Okay that's it…where's my Debbie does Jersey tape?"

"Nooooooo," Chase playfully moans as House arches his brows and Chase offers a sheepish grin.

"So it's Debbie that makes my duckling smile."

"That isn't funny. I was smiling at your absurd suggestion," Chase tries to verbally rebut.

"Just smiling is better than the alternative," House reminds him as he stands up; noticing that Chase was wanting to sit up and gently supports him as Chase rearranges his tired legs and then looks up at House in sad remorse. House feels Chase's fingers tightly grip his arms and squeeze, not a squeeze of fear but that of a trusting thank you, a small squeeze of affection. "Here you go," House whispers as he smiles; holding Chase suspended for a few moments and then let's go as Chase settles into his new position. The arm squeeze from Chase wasn't a huge gesture but it was enough to make House feel the connection between him and the younger doctor and warm his heart in ways he hadn't felt in the past. It was new…a small display of genuine affection, a physical follow-up to the confession Chase had offered earlier about appreciating all the love and affection offered him but he having a hard time showing it in return. This was a promising start. Baby steps. It was there with the potential to grow and to House that was beyond comforting.

"Better?"

"Yes," Chase nods as he gently winces. "My back was starting to throb. Been um…forced to lie down for too long," Chase admits with a small sniffle as House's lips purse.

"Once you're rested and out of here we'll be able to have a proper outing without having to worry about anyone snatching you away."

"That…will be a relief," Chase states in truth. "I would like to walk around though."

"I know. But you have to wait. Maybe tomorrow. Let's wait and see what Dr. Chan tells us about the blood test results and if you keep everything down today and the fever is gone and you have no more dizzy bouts, then walking might be in order tomorrow."

"And then I want to go home," Chase tells House with an adoring glance. "I miss it."

"Home misses you," House's hand rests on his forearm and gives it a squeeze. "You finally have some color and don't feel as warm but your body is still fighting whatever's inside so you have to help it."

"I know. I just…I know," Chase resigns as he looks at the time. "I just hate waiting. I get that from you," Chase tosses out cheekily as House smiles.

"Okay so let's see what I can read to my boy to help him pass the time while he rests," House declares as Chase looks at him in resignation but nods and then settles back into a rest; House hoping that will lead to some more sleep.

"Please not another medical book."

"I left my comics at home," House deadpans as Chase smiles. "How about…"

"Nothing more on breastfeeding."

"How about just breasts?" House grins as Chase rolls his eyes. A few seconds later, his face winces and House quickly leans forward. "Robert?"

"Just…a small…pain…ahhhh," Chase gently hisses as he clutches his chest and takes in a deep breath.

"Where?"

"He…art…it just…"

"Breathe. That's it…just breath," House tenderly strokes Chase's back as he tries to relax in House's grasp but when he feels another twinge of pain his body instantly tenses. "Relax into my grasp."

"Trying…" Chase huffs as his eyes gently water and his face flushes. But he takes in a few deep breaths, slowly exhales and allows himself to collapse into House's waiting grasp until he lowers himself down a few seconds later. "It's…passed. House…that…worries me."

"Me too, but your body has been through a lot and your heart stopped twice for me."

"Almost once for him too," Chase confesses as he looks up in remorse. "I thought I had flat lined…nearly did…but it was the machine but…it was close."

"So that coupled with the fever you have right now is bound to put some strain on the old ducky ticker. Just close your eyes and concentrate on breathing slowly. I'll read…" House reaches for a nearby magazine. "Cosmo."

"That's yours."

"Nuh uh…I left mine at home. It's the night nurse," House tosses back with a wide grin. "Relax now."

House picks up the book that Wilson had brought from their apartment and starts to read it to him. As House had wanted, Chase's eyes finally close and he drifts into a firm slumber about ten minutes later. House slightly lowers his glasses and stares in concern at Chase's boyish expression. Once again he seems so vulnerable and innocent and it tugs at House's heart that Wayne had hurt him so bad for no reason and that it might have done some permanent damage.

'Hung himself'….in all honesty he wasn't sorry. But maybe Wayne Gardner really did just want peace. He failed to take it out on the father…he failed with the son and he knew he'd be spending the rest of his life in some kind of institution. At one time Wayne Gardner was a normal man…Rowan Chase destroyed that and with it all semblance of Wayne's normalcy. Maybe death was the only way out…the only permanent way to silence the screams – his own tormented screams of frustration, that nothing else could. I pity him but…House's mind trails off as he looks back at Chase…he hurt my boy. I could never forgive him for that. Never. I'm glad he's dead.

House pushes his glasses up a bit further on the bridge of his nose and opens the book; about to start reading when he hears a shuffling and looks up to see Dr. Chan gesture for him to come out.

"Since I know you don't deal in pleasantries just tell me straight. How is he?" House asks in haste as Dr. Chan offers him a rather strained smile.

"He hasn't escaped all this unscathed. I'm sorry."

"The damage?"

"Mostly to his heart as I'm sure you would have suspected. The blood test shows that the toxin count has drastically subsided and that is promising. His kidneys are working overtime to filter everything out and the saline flush is helping and that will keep them properly hydrated and working correctly. Everything else…as you know toxins affect us all in different ways so his body is fighting it best he can. But you won't lose him and you have my word on that. How is he?"

"He had a few chest pains earlier…breathing and um…it was painful for him but he managed to work through it."

"Those pains will probably continue until the blood test comes back clean. You know I can't prescribe anything that will add to that."

"I know and he understands. He's working through it."

"Does he still have a fever?"

"A small one but yes it's there. He uh…wasn't found in the best of conditions."

"And his body is paying the price. But with plenty of rest and fluids he should be okay."

"What's the bad news? I know it'll hurt but don't hold back. Doubt it's in your nature."

"Normally my hard assed approached I'd take as a compliment. But knowing how much he's been through and seeing your pain…okay, here it is…"

Chase's eyes flutter open about an hour later to see House sitting in his chair reading something…a file? Is that my…latest diagnosis?

"House?" Chase asks softly as House's warm but concerned gaze glances over. "What's um…going on?"

"Nothing."

"I know you remember? And…" Chase huffs as he tries to sit up. "I know that look," he slumps back down as House closes the file.

"Just some light reading."

"Has Dr. Chan been by?" Chase asks in haste.

House notices the monitors slightly jump and leans in closer, his hand resting on Chase's forehead before it gently caresses his cheek and then rests on his shoulder. "You need to just remain calm. You know you have been through a lot and your body won't recover in just a few hours."

"The blood test has come back right?"

"The toxin level is dropping but your system isn't completely free yet so you need to just rest and let the saline flush do its thing."

"Do its thing?"

"Bruno," House gently smirks. "Your kidney's are working overtime but they'll be okay."

"But I'm going to be okay right? Once my system is flushed?" Chase asks hopefully as House's smile tightens. "House?" He asks weakly.

"When we first met…lying to you was fun and almost a game to me, but now…now it seems wrong. However, in this case I actually considered it."

"Am I…dying?" Chase asks; his voice breaking as Dr. Chan silently lingers on the other side of the curtain.

"No. And that is something, as much as it would hurt, I'd never keep from you. Wayne's toxic mix won't kill you, I give you my word."

"But…House tell me. What is it?"

"Your heart has been through a lot in the past few months. With the stabbing and the attacks, the um…the pills and now this…it's trying to recover. But it's not going to happen overnight. Those pains you've been having…"

"They're nothing…House they're nothing," Chase stammers in a small panic.

"They're not…nothing," House states seriously as his hand slips from Chase's shoulder to rest on his forearm. "They uh…they're warning signs that you need to be careful."

"So I'll be careful. Is that all?"

"Dr. Chan is going to wait until your blood is clean of the toxins, take a CAT scan and then prescribe some stuff you are familiar with: Antiplatelets, Beta Blockers, Vasodiators and Lanoxin."

"Okay that's common to help heart attack and heart surgery patients to help them recover and then prevent some future attacks, which, I'm assuming will be for a few days while I'm in here."

"Part of that is right. But the duration of the medication might take longer than a few days to help your heart deal with the um…the tissue damage that was permanent in a few areas."

"Permanent? How bad?"

"With careful care and attention and the medication Dr. Chan is going to prescribe, should ensure that your little ducky ticker ticks away until you are an old man."

"Wait…the medication Dr. Chan prescribes? How um…how long do I have to be on it?" Chase asks in mild confusion as House's hand drops to Chase's hand and gives it a comforting squeeze. "House?"

"The rest of your life."

A/N: uh oh…how do you think Chase will react? Didn't think it would be realistic for him to go through all that and come out miraculously unscathed. I'm not really a sadist lol so don't hate me! If you do then I humbly apologize! I wanted to have the bulk of House/Chase in this chapter with some Wilson and Dr. Chan and hope that's okay. You'll see Bruno up next and of course some more Uncle Wilson and maybe Chase will finally be going home and adjusting to a new routine. And as always lots of House/Chase! Would love your thoughts so please do review before you go and thanks!