Title: Family Ties
Chapter 25 – Fathers & Sons

"So I was partly to blame?"

"No you weren't. Maybe this is guilt…maybe this is pity…maybe it's to get back at your father…or maybe it's because I actually do give a damn."

"Really?"

"Really. I didn't want you facing this alone. I've been here…there…you…facing this alone and it sucks," he states point blank. "I didn't want that for you."

"Thank you," Chase counters with a surprised but relieved tone.

"And for the record you are a burden…" House pauses in the doorway as he offers the younger man a rather cryptic smile, "a necessary burden," he concludes softly as Chase's lips curl into the first small but genuine smile of the day.

As House watches Chase sleep on the bed a few feet from him, his mind recalls that first night Chase was in his apartment. Those words, while maybe spoken at the time in sarcasm to mask deep inner concern, now seem so foretelling. He was necessary…to me…I needed him here…he saved me in ways I can't even verbalize, House's mind ponders as he notices Chase's face gently screw and then relax. He had worried for a few days that Chase would opt for surgery, perhaps trying to convince himself that his hobbies were the main focus of his life instead of something that just added some enjoyment or a brief diversion.

But they weren't his life…they weren't worth the risk – they were hobbies and if he had to he would make it his mission to make surfboarding outlawed so that his beloved boy wouldn't feel like he was missing out. Of course he'd still worry as the summer months draw closer that Chase would get on that board and have a larger adrenaline rush and do his tender heart some damage. But he wasn't about to hold him back from trying either; he cared about far too much and now came the stressful game of trying to find a balance between worry and just letting it ride.

Chase's lips mutter in his sleep, pulling House's gaze back down to the sleeping man a few feet away. His brow gently furrows as he pulls a warmer blanket over Chase's frame and the muttering subsides. "My precious boy," House whispers as he watches Chase intently.

His mind drifts back to that first night…Chase in the spare bedroom, unable to walk and looking so helpless and vulnerable; almost fully dependent on him for physical support. But it was the emotional co-dependency that each came to rely upon and almost crave from the other that started the bond and kept it growing stronger and stronger until now it actually ached inside his heart to think there could ever come a time he might lose the young man he dares to call son.

House knows that as smart as he fancies himself, he knows that it would take time for Chase's mind to completely rid itself of the horrible memories that even in death Rowan forced his son to relive. But when they were together, he'd come accustomed to reading Chase's expressions and when it would cloud over the memory was there and he'd be quick to try to counter it with a happier memory.

But as he hears Chase once again mutter in his sleep he wonders if he'll now be the one to take his duckling's life miserable by saying he'd have to limit his surfing. Get some sleep…he needs you at your best.

Not having the heart to tell Chase to get up and move to his own bed, he gently rearranges the pillow, offering a small smile when Chase's body curls around the new object in his grasp.

"Goodnight my boy," House whispers as he turns off the light and closes his eyes.

XXXXXXXX

Chase's eyes open the following the following morning, blinking a few times and then looking up at House with a small frown.

"Do you ever sleep?"

"You slept enough for both of us," House retorts as Chase's face gently crunches and he rubs his face and then slumps back down before he looks up to see House watching him intently. "How are you feeling?"

"Oddly content," Chase confesses as he slowly rolls onto his back and looks up with a small frown. "I just want to get back to my life. I want to get up…go to work…come home and continue on and just forget all this."

"It's getting there, but you know some things can't be easily forgotten."

"I'm trying to forget him," Chase slightly moans as he looks away.

"And you know that even when you have a moment of misery, no one that cares about you will ever make you feel bad for not having erased those memories yet. But there are also those that care that will do their best to help you replace them with happy memories."

"Part of me wishes he was here just so I could show him that he failed."

"He knew he failed," House replies as Chase's gaze wanders back and locks with House's for a few moments before his expression softens. "As soon as you came home with me, he knew he had failed."

"I know," Chase whispers as he rolls back onto his side and stares absently at the wall, House looking down in concern.

"You made the right decision," House tells Chase as his soft gaze shifts upward. "Don't second guess yourself. It's time to get back to your life."

"The other part of me is glad he's not here for that very reason," Chase admits with a heavy exhale. "I know he'd just brow beat me until I seconded guessed my decision and then probably gave in and ruined my life or a good part of it."

"Or worse and if you had died leaving him here to gloat then I would have followed you into the afterlife and killed you myself," House quips as Chase offers him a small smirk. "You made the right decision. Now…you have another important decision to make."

"I do?" Chase looks up in wonder.

"Plain yogurt or low fat for breakfast?"

"Oh gee…what a choice," he snickers as House's firm resolve remains.

"Come on…let's try out that new homemade granola," House tells Chase as he slowly gets out of his bed and heads into the hallway. Chase rolls onto his back and looks up at the ceiling with a contemplative stare. His mind also drifts back to that very first night that he was brought into House's home, settled in spare bedroom at the time and wondering how on earth he had even come onto the emotionally closed off doctor's emotional radar. He remembers lying in that bed that night…happy to be away from the hospital but scared to be alone in the home of a man who was capable of firing people just because he didn't like the look of their shirt that day.

"Coming sleepy head?" House's voice breaks into Chase's thoughts as Chase looks up with a small nod.

"Was thinking back to that first night I was here," Chase starts as he finally gets out of the warm nest of covers and follows House into the hallway.

"I was too," House adds.

"Really?"

"Really. Was thinking I was finally going to be able to boil you in my huge caldron and then hire that cute intern named…what was…" House pauses as Chase offers him a horrified glance. "I had bad eating habits back then."

"Comforting," Chase deadpans as House hands him a small bowl for the granola.

"Happy memories?"

"Actually I was scared that night. Not just scared that I wouldn't walk but scared of…you," Chase admits with a somewhat sheepish glance.

"And now? Do I still scare you?" House retorts as he picks up a big cleaver to cut a small kiwi in half.

"More than ever," Chase gently gasps as House's hand brings the cleaver down hard on the kiwi, easily slicing it in half before he hands the half on the blade toward Chase's open palm. "But at least I'm not afraid to fall asleep here," he concludes with a small whisper as he takes the plump piece of fruit and pops it into his mouth.

"And you'll never have to fear anything in here," House reminds him seriously as Chase nods and fills his bowl with the homemade granola and then reaches for some of the greek yogurt.

"Only that cleaver," Chase retorts. "Keep it away from ducky."

House smiles at the mock horror as he cuts up a few more pieces of fruit and dumps them into Chase's breakfast bowl. The two of them settle into breakfast, House telling Chase he has to take one more day to rest or he would hunt ducky with the cleaver and cut off his little rubber tail. After breakfast, House goes to get ready, leaving Chase in the kitchen to clean up at his leisure.

"Any more adventurous outings I need to be warned about if I leave you home alone one more day?" House wonders as he heads for the front door to leave.

"Nothing planned," Chase answers in truth. "I thought I'd take a walk and then come back and get a few things ready for the real painting party. Next weekend right?"

"Not this weekend?"

"No this weekend is the basketball game and car shopping. Remember?" Chase replies in haste as House nods in remembrance.

"Oh right I remember. You have your eye on a used Fiat," House teases as Chase's eyes gently roll. "Hummer?"

"From the sublime to the ridiculous."

"Say ridiculous again."

"See you after work," Chase ushers House out the door with a small snicker as House takes his leave. Chase heads back into the kitchen to put away the last few dishes and then heads into his bedroom. He looks at the bottle of pills on his dresser and reaches for it.

"One a day…" Chase's lips whisper as he opens the lid and takes a pill, quickly swallowing it before he looks at his and then frowns. "Lot's to do."

He starts to move a few things and then stops, realizing his heart was starting to race a bit faster than normal and pauses, sitting down on the edge of the bed and then turning to look at the head of it. His mind sees himself that first night…lying in bed…afraid to move and wondering what Gregory House was really like in a personal setting. I had pegged him all wrong, Chase's mind states as his lips form a small smile. But it was the rescue, led by House at the high priced prison his father had arranged that cemented in his mind and heart that House would be his guardian for the rest of his natural life.

And now…living with him seems…normal.

"I think I'll go with the olive green," Chase muses as he reaches for another box. But in doing so, he feels a sharp pain in his chest and gently gasps. His arm retreats back to his side and he closes his eyes for a few minutes, his chest heaving but his brain racing to get his heart rhythm under control.

But the next time he opens his eyes he realizes he's laying down, quickly gets up, looks at the time and frowns. "What?" Chase asks in concern as he notices twenty minutes had passed and he had passed out. You overdid it….you just came out of the hospital and you have a weak heart…you need to be careful or else you really will end up having to have surgery as a last resort and then it could really be game over.

"Pace yourself," Chase mutters as he slowly gets up and then heads for his closet, wanting to get dressed and head outside for a brief walk and some fresh air. It was his last day of rest before the weekend and then back to work the next week. As much as he was enjoying having a quieter pace, he was actually looking forward to getting back to work and getting involved in medical puzzles; working with his team and more importantly under the guidance of someone he knows would be watching with a concerned eye. At first the thought of House watching him too closely was disconcerting and he tried with all his emotional might to push that thought away, wanting to be his own boss and not have anyone worry about him. But that's only because his father had taught him that to care for someone was an emotional burden; one best reserved for the lower class. That always angered him but sadly instead of trying to embrace emotional concern he pushed it away – far away. That is until someone more stubborn and stronger than him emotionally came along and pushed back. Pushed back so far that he was now craving that watchful attention and giving it back himself.

Chase pulls on his coat and heads outside into the brisk spring air, smiling as the sun warms his face and feeling – happy. I do feel happy, his mind acknowledges in truth. He reaches halfway down the block when his phone rings and he's quick to answer it.

"Bruno? Is work that boring?" Chase greets with a small chuckle.

"Actually…I took today off."

"Everything okay?"

"Yeah it's okay but um…I need your help for a bit…just to sit with my mama here, she um…she fell and I can't leave her alone. But I gotta go get her meds. I just don't trust her to stay still. You busy?"

"I'll be right over," Chase replies as he raises his hand and signals the nearest taxi cab and gets in. He gives the driver Bruno's address and settles back into the seat; unable to shake the feeling that Bruno wasn't telling him everything. I hope everything's okay.

XXXXXXXX

"Well?"

"Well what?" House looks at Wilson in wonder as Wilson shakes his head and pulls down the giant magnifying glass in House's grasp that he was holding up to his face.

"Why do you have that or should I even ask?"

"It's for Park. I swear she needs stronger glasses at times."

"That's a magnifying glass."

"Your point?"

"I have no point," Wilson grumbles as they near the elevator doors. "What did Robert decide about the surgery?"

"Do you know when the first magnifying glass was made?"

"I really don't care," Wilson retorts firmly. "What?"

"No surgery."

"Can I say I told you so?"

"Only if you promise to use this for the rest of the day," House offers the hand sized glass disc to his best friend who looks at him as if he were insane. "Will make it easier to read those little instructions on the pill bottles."

"You actually read those?"

"No," House retorts. "He said no and we both had a better sleep last night."

"Well I'm glad to hear it. He just needs to get back to his regular routine and start to forget all this."

"Sometimes I think he's afraid to let go of all the hurt. As if the bad memories keep him safe from the outside world."

"You said he was getting better with those."

"No I said I was getting better and helping him work through them."

"They will pass."

"He needs something…something to make him realize he needs to let go…just let go," House replies with a heavy sigh.

"Anyone say anything about you throwing a small party for Chase when you don't for any of them?"

"Is that rhetorical?" House counters.

"They're too afraid to ask?" Wilson snickers as House grins. "Yup rhetorical. What's Robert doing today?"

"Last day of relaxation. Probably watching my Debbie tapes."

"Yeah…" Wilson chuckles as he goes to get off the elevator. "Right."

"He could be!" House calls out as the doors close Wilson from view and he continues on his way to the basement; wanting to stop in to see Bruno and just ask a few questions about the big game on the weekend. He heads toward the entrance of the physiotherapy room and stops.

"Afternoon Carl," House greets Noel who merely nods in return and also offers House a less than enthused glance. "Where's Bruno?"

"He swapped his shift out today. Said he had some family stuff to take care of."

"Thanks," House replies as he turns and leaves the office. Guess we'll see him tomorrow at the park. I hope Robert is just resting today.

XXXXXXXX

Chase enters Bruno's apartment with a small feeling of anxiety but reminds himself that he's already met Nora, Bruno's mother and spent some time with her and although she was quiet, she seemed to like him and very much approved of his friendship so if anything, he'd probably just watch her reality shows and wait for Bruno to return. He knows that he helped House many times and it was only fair. But it's not out of obligation…I want to help him…he's my friend.

"Bruno?" Chase knocks at the door and waits as he hears his friend calling to him on the other side.

"Hey man…thanks I really owe you one. She fell last night and is out of her pain meds and the doctor can't see her until Monday."

"Will she be okay until then? We can take her to the ER."

"Yeah she'll be fine. I just gotta get the small refill and make sure she doesn't move too much," Bruno explains as he leads Chase into the living room where Bruno's mother was resting on the couch. "Ma you remember Robert Chase right? He works at the hospital with me."

"Hi Nora," Chase greets her with a look of concern. "How are you feeling?"

"I fell and my hip hurts so much. But my boy's going to get me my medication. Are you two going to a movie?"

"Uh…maybe, he's just going to wai…"

"He don't have to wait here!" Nora's voice huffs as Bruno looks at Chase in sympathy.

"She doesn't want to feel like a burden."

"I don't mind. You go. We'll be okay," Chase assures Bruno.

"Just use your charm," Bruno grins as he slaps Chase on the back and then heads for the door; leaving Chase alone in the living room with his mother.

"So…anything good on TV?" Chase asks with a small smile as he slowly removes his jacket.

"He done left you here didn't he?"

"I don't mind," Chase replies in truth. "He's done so much to help me in the past few weeks that it seems the least I could do. Besides, I know you like me," Chase gently teases as the older woman's face smiles. "He's a good friend."

"Talks about you. I'm glad he's got you. Since his father up and left it's been tough, but he helps best he can."

"Has um…his father...been around?"

"Came the other day lookin' for money. Ain't got any extra to spare and Bruno told him so and sent him on his way."

"Was Bruno okay?" Chase asks in concern.

"You mean did he get into it with his daddy? Yeah, mostly words though. A bit of shoving but he left as soon as I reminded him about the restraining order and threatened to call the police."

"He never said anything about this time," Chase mentions quietly as his frown deepens.

"He hates to bring his problems out to anyone. I told him his friends won't mind if he talks about stuff but he's stubborn that way. I'm glad he has you," she concludes as Chase's hand rests on hers and gives it a tender squeeze.

"What's on TV?"

"Right now it's Swamp People. You know they have…" her voice trails off as Chase settles into his chair and thinks about what Bruno's mother just told him. I've been so wrapped up in my stuff that maybe Bruno didn't want to burden me with more? I've let him down…

Just before they can get too more involved in the show Chase hears the door handle jiggle and wonders if perhaps Bruno was home early. "I'll get it," Chase pulls away from Nora and heads for the apartment door with a small smile.

"Bruno, how could you forget…" is all Chase manages before the door flings open, nearly toppling him backwards. He quickly regains his footing and comes face to face with a snarling face. "Uh who are…"

"Who the hell are you?" The angry male voice demands. "Nora you in there? Who's this white boy?"

"Call the police!" Nora calls out from the living room.

"Now dear I just came…" Bruno's father, whose name is Daniel looks at Chase with a scowl as he quickly steps in front of him with the phone in his hand. "Who the hell are you?"

"A friend of Bruno's but if you don't leave now I'm calling the police!" Chase states firmly; his brain yelling at his heart rate to lower.

"This is between me and my family. Now…get out of my way."

"Bruno's my friend and when he's not here, I'm looking afte…" is all Chase can get out before a fist sails through the air and punches him right in the nose. Chase's eyes widen in haste as he stumbles backward and slams into the wall. Then without thinking, he lets out an angry cry and charges; dropping his shoulder and pushing Daniel's large frame backward into the fridge.

Chase's free hand tries to punch as Daniel as the large man easily counters and punches him once more, this time clipping him below the left eye and forcing his head to snap back once more. Chase's hand with the phone sails through the air and catches Daniel in the mouth, his right foot stomping on Daniel's at the same time and making the larger man curse angrily.

Chase manages to pull free and press 9-11, placing the phone down on the counter and then grabbing Daniel's jacket with both hands and pulling him backward. Daniel tosses a fist through the air that this time Chase thankfully ducks.

"Get out!" Chase calls out angrily as Nora watches helplessly from her place on the couch in the living room; the 9-11 operator on the other end trying to frantically call out that help was on its way and for him to get out of harms way if possible.

"Daniel you better leave now!"

"I want my money!"

"It's not…your money!" Chase yells back as he tries to block the entranceway to the living room. Daniel's lips offer a small snarl as he prepares to rush Chase; a fight that Chase this time wouldn't win so easily. But just before he could offer the recovering doctor anymore pain, another voice is heard – this time coming from the means of Chase's salvation.

"Hey Robert I fo…what the?... dad!" Bruno yells as he looks at Chase's roughed up condition and then at his father's snarling face.

"The police are on their way."

"You hit him?" Bruno asks weakly as he looks at his father in anger.

"This is between us. He's an outsider!"

"He's more family that you'll ever be! You comin' in here and dealing with us is one thing but you hitting my friends is the last straw. I'm pressing charges."

"What? Bruno, now you look son…"

"No!" Bruno snaps as Chase hears the sirens approaching and then stop just outside the building. "You not only broke the rules of your restraining order you hit my friend…a man that was just here to watch over mama, something you ain't done in years! Your sorry ass is going to jail this time," Bruno tells his father firmly.

"What if your friend doesn't want to press charges?" Daniel holds his sons angry gaze.

"I'm pressing charges," Chase mentions in a soft tone as Bruno looks at him in surprise and then relief. "You won't hurt them again."

"Son you know I have an addiction!"

"Then maybe you'll get help in jail," Bruno states firmly.

"What's going on here?" One of the officers asks gruffly as he looks at the two angry black men and then at Chase in his roughed up condition as he wipes his nose. "You okay?"

"Yeah," Chase nods toward Bruno's father. "They have a restraining order against him and he assaulted me."

"He's here to steal money from my incapacitated mother."

"It's my money!"

"Come with us sir."

"Get help," Bruno tells his father as another officer steps up to read him his rights and cuff him and then take him away.

"You two okay?" The officer asks Bruno as he nods and offers a small sigh.

"Yeah thanks. You two were quicker than the last two."

"Well if he did indeed break restraining order violations he'll be going away for a good while."

"Thanks."

Chase and Bruno watch the officers leave and then Bruno closes the door and looks at Chase in remorse. "Man…I'm so sorry," he whispers as he gives Chase a warm hug.

"It's okay," Chase replies as he takes a soft cloth from Bruno's grasp and gently dabs his nose and eye. "Did you get her meds?"

"No they were out. I could get two for tonight but they won't be able to fill her prescription until tomorrow. I'm going to take her to my aunt's tonight. And then tomorrow after the game I'll pick up her meds and her on the way home."

"We can always cancel tomorrow if you need to," Chase tells Bruno in a rather apologetic tone.

"No man it's okay," Bruno assures him. "My dad…he just needs to get a handle on that gambling stuff you know? And my mom…she'll be okay with my aunt. I have the wheelchair and she's okay. She'll rest more there than here. I need tomorrow."

"Your mom told me that he came by yesterday. I know I have been…well kinda out of it but um…you know if you ever want to talk I'm here."

"I know."

"I feel like I've let you down in that regard."

"No," Bruno shakes his head in haste. "Not really proud of my father you know?"

"Trust me when it comes to lame fathers, I know," Chase replies as Bruno shakes his head.

"Yeah man I guess you do," Bruno agrees. "How about one of these days we go for lunch or…"

"Sushi?" Chase interjects as Bruno smiles.

"Sushi," he resigns. "House got you on that stuff right?"

"And other things."

"Okay sushi…and just talk."

"I'd like that."

"Alright. You wanna help me get mama ready to go?"

"Sure."

Chase helps Bruno with his mother as he packs her a small overnight bag and then both of them help her down into Bruno's car; making a small detour to drop Chase off as his apartment before he would carry on his way.

"See you tomorrow at the court," Chase tells Bruno before he gives him a friendly wave and then heads inside. He looks at his watch and gently curses as he realizes how much time has passed. He enters the apartment and offers a small growl as he realizes he had wanted to make supper.

"Robert?" House calls out as he pokes his head into the hallway and looks at Chase at the end. "Playing hide and seek?"

"Sorry I'm late. I was helping Bruno with his mother," Chase tells him in truth as he hangs up his coat and sighs.

"Are they okay?"

"Yeah just a problem with her meds but it took longer than expected. I had wanted to surprise you with dinner."

"I'm the better cook," House replies with a small smile before he disappears into the kitchen; Chase slowly heading that way. He checks his reflection in the mirror and frowns at the black eye; the dried blood around his nose all but gone. "So how is…" is all House gets out as Chase enters the kitchen with a somewhat sheepish expression and stops as House's face offers a horrified expression.

"What the hell? He hit you?" House growls as he hurries to Chase's side; gently taking Chase's chin in his hand to look at his nose and eye, Chase's eyes offering a look of soft remorse. "Bruno hit you?"

"No. He'd never hurt me. It was Bruno's father and it wasn't…I'm okay," Chase replies as House's hand lingers on his chin before pulling back; the look of intense concern firmly fixed to his features.

"What happened?"

"Bruno had to go out and get his mother's meds and I was going to stay with her when his father showed up asking for money. She was unable to defend herself and so I…I tried to stop him but then I called the police and Bruno came and he was arrested," Chase finishes in haste as House's gaze lingers on the black mark below his eye. "I'm okay."

"I hope they throw the book at him! I should go hit him with my cane!" House hisses as Chase offers him a look of sympathy. "So much for a quiet day."

"Two adrenaline rushes in two days," Chase sighs as House pulls back finally allowing Chase to head for a kitchen chair and ease himself down into it. "Want to wrap me in a bubble?" He asks with a nervous laugh.

"Yes," House replies firmly as Chase looks up and purses his lips. "I'm glad you helped your friend. But...I hate to see you looking like this. How's the old ducky ticker?"

"It's okay. The hit…it surprised me more than anything. Bruno's told me about his father's gambling addiction in the past and I feel sorry for him."

"What?"

"Bruno…not his father," Chase clarifies in haste. "I know what it's like to have a selfish father that only cares about satisfying his own selfish needs," he ends in a soft whisper as House's expression droops. "But after that we took his mother to his aunts and it was okay. We're still on for tomorrow."

"Maybe we'll save car shopping for…that pout isn't fair…with the black eye you look even more pathetic," House huffs as Chase offers him a small smile. "Not fair you know my weakness. Just relax now and I'll make…"

"I can…"

"Ah…relax now," House instructs as Chase sinks back into his chair. House disappears into the hallway and then back again with a small tube of cream, gently applying it on the darkened tender skin. "I'll always want to keep the bubble close by in my mind. But I'll never be him," House concludes as he finishes tending to Chase's tender skin and then handing Chase the tube to put away as he goes about dinner. House tells him about his day with Wilson and his meeting with Foreman but knows Chase's altercation with Bruno's father did more than leave a visual reminder…it forced his mind to think back on sad memories of his own emotionally challenged father.

"Want to watch a movie?" House asks as Chase looks up from putting his dishes in the dishwasher after supper.

"I'm not…"

"I know today was tough because any run in with another loser father is going to make bad memories come up and the last thing I want is you to go to your room and sit and ponder him or bad memories in misery. A distraction is what you need. Want to watch a movie?" House asks again.

"Sure," Chase replies with a small smile. "Point break?"

"Sold! To the sad little duckling in the kitchen."

"With the black eye?" Chase interjects as House grins and heads into the hallway toward the bathroom. He leaves Chase to clean up a few things but then pauses in his bedroom when he hears only silence in the kitchen. With quiet footsteps he slowly heads back to the kitchen and then sticks his head around the corner; expecting to see Chase in the living room already relaxing for the movie. But instead what he sees makes his heart start to slow to a dull ache.

He sees Chase standing in place for a few seconds before he takes action; his hand slowly extending and opening the tall cupboard door and then staring at the solitary object carefully concealed inside with sad eyes.

'I drove by the beach again today Robert and saw you on that stupid surfboard! I thought I took yours away! Where did you get that one?'

'Down on the beach. What's wrong with surfing father? I did all my chores and all my homework. I wanted to feel a bit of freedom.'

'Freedom. Playing in the water when you could be better spending your time reading.'

'But I enjoy it father.'

'If I catch you out there again, I'll drag you out of the water myself.'

House watches Chase's jaw tighten and his fist curl as it hesitates in mid-air, not reaching out all the way and connecting with the lonesome piece of wood. Without saying a word, House slowly approaches, gently places his hand under Chase's wrist and guides his hand all the way toward the board until the ends of his fingers connect with the edge of the cool, decorated fiberglass; Chase's gaze kept fixed firmly ahead on the surfboard.

"It was august," Chase starts in a somewhat tormented tone. "My father had taken away my surfboard and basically outlawed every piece of floating wood in all of Melbourne," he continues as his hand remains fixed on the smooth side of the surfboard, as if he'd pull away the bond would be broken and the board confiscated – put some place he'd never see it again. Ever. "He had warned me not to get on a board again…saying if I did and he saw he'd literally um…drag me out of the water…he wouldn't care who was watching. I didn't care. It was the only place I felt free...happy. I figured I had timed it perfectly. He was supposed to work late…a meeting that ran until after dinner. I thought I had a few hours of freedom after my chores were done. I was wrong. He finished early."

"Robert…" House whispers as Chase's head slightly bows and his lips softly quiver; both sets of eyes slightly watering.

"I was in the water, mid-curl. I saw his car pull up and stop. I was scared. So scared. He waded into the waves in his expensive suit, more concerned with running my fun than having the salt water ruin his expensive suit, grabbed my hand and dragged me to the shore, leaving the board floating in the water. I never went back to that beach. I never surfed again that summer," Chase's voice dies to a sad whisper. "He made sure of that."

"You will get on that board…any beach of your choice and we'll stay there all damn day if you want until you're so tired I have to get Bruno to come and carry you to the car because you'll be water logged. No one will ever stop you again," House tells Chase warmly as Chase's somewhat watery gaze lifts and looks at House with a small stare. "Never again."

Then before House can react, Chase's arm pulls away from the board and wraps around his frame, holding on for a few seconds until House's arms wrap around Chase and return the emotional embrace with full heart, mind and soul; holding on...not wanting to let go.

A/N: wow okay first off I honestly didn't expect to get to 25 chapters. I had planned maybe 20 but it's b/c of all of your amazing reviews we are at 25 with some more to come! they have power so I hope they'll continue! :) Secondly not sure if you'll remember but the opening to this chapter was the closing to the first chapter of Necessary Burden the story that preceded this one and I just wanted House and Chase to reflect on that a bit and hope you all liked that also. A bit more Chase angst hehe you know I had to get a bit more whump in there but this was mild and the part with the lame father was there with a purpose – yup all leading up to the hug and I hope you all liked the moment! I pondered the perfect moment but wanted it to be spontaneous and heartfelt and something that would move Chase to want to express even a bit of heartfelt emotion. Did I do okay? or should it have been another moment? Would love your thoughts on this so please do review before you go and thanks so much!