Title: Rewriting Destiny
Chapter 38 – Passing another Milestone

"Okay now…up the ramp and stick to the right," House instructs as Chase's anxiety starts to settle a bit more. Determination coupled with House's strict but fair driving instructions, Chase's confidence behind the wheel continues to grow more and more, his mind already set to register for his first American driving test and get his learners permit. He knows there will be some driving restrictions at first but with Jimmy's comforting reassurance, knows it won't be a big deal if he says he has a driving curfew and his friend not wanting to help him honor it.

They reach the top of the parking lot and Chase's mind reminds his fingers to slowly unwind from around the steering wheel and relax; his breath exhaling and House offering him an amused smile.

"Want to try to go around the block?"

Chase looks over with an eager smile and House can only grin at the boyish enthusiasm that is displayed. Chase puts the car back into gear and slowly heads toward the parking lot exit; turning onto the street and carefully making his way into traffic.

"Okay at the light turn right and then another right down the Lane."

Chase is more than relieved that House is giving him advance notice and despite getting a few rushed honks, is able to successfully navigate them back to where they started.

"And…how was that?"

"Kinda…exciting," Chase replies in truth as he turns the engine off.

"We'll cover off a few more of the basics before the big test and after dinner tonight we'll go through the book again and I'll ask you the exam questions."

With that plan firmly in mind, the two of them get out and slowly head for the elevators to go up; Chase telling House that he did contact Jimmy but felt bad for his friend as his father was more concerned with any insurance hikes than his son's actual welfare.

"He's not mean to him…just indifferent," Chase states glumly as they near the Park. With his foot mostly healed, putting his normal weight back onto it, doesn't hurt in any way and the first order of the day is arranging to get down to the beach and getting onto his surfboard; something House wants just as badly for him.

House watches Chase head for the small group of ducks, squatting down with some food in his hand and then offering an almost glee-like gasp when a few waddle over and start to cautiously pluck it from his grasp. He pulls his phone and takes a picture; his mind always marveling at how this medical professional is so content with such simple delights in life. Chase looks up with a boyish smile, House taking a picture of him feeding a few ducklings and can't help but proudly post it to his social media account with the caption:

'my duckling feeding the ducklings'

His expression turns to that of amusement when one of the male ducks watches one of the more curious ducklings start to wander a bit too far and squacks at him to get back to the fold, hurrying after the little fuzzy bird and corralling him back to his family.

"That's that House duck," Chase comments; House offering him a small snicker as a few onlookers stare in curiosity.

"He's scolding the Robert duckling."

"Ah those little troublesome Robert duckling's," Chase teases as he tosses away the last few bits of food pellets and slowly stands up and heads for the bench, sitting down by House and both watching the little ducky family, now satisfied with food, heading back into the water and over to the other side of the pond.

They hear some noisy squacking and Chase can't help but comment that it's "the Taub duck wanting attention."

"Pesky Taub ducks," House retorts as they head away from the Park and make their way toward a small open air market; the weather warm and inviting and neither in a hurry to stick to any set agenda; not on a lazy Sunday.

"Ohhh what's that?"

"It's smoky, maple bacon candy."

House can only chuckle as Chase looks up at him with an eager smile and then nods to the vendor that he'll take two snack packs and then one full size for later.

"Mmm so go…od," Chase manages as he tries to smile and chew at the same time. "How much did you buy?"

"Apparently not enough. But you only get the snack size until you get some real food and no the pout won't work on me."

Chase tries to offer the pout but realizes it won't work and so has to resign himself to eating his snack size and then moving on to the next vendor. The night before had been somewhat restless for him as his mind was still somewhat agitated and trying to process all that he had experienced – emotion wise. House was mad…but mad because he was worried. It's still something new to him; something he'd marvel at. All his life he was taught to be self-sufficient and to trouble others only when you're in real trouble; like facing a life or death situation. But this…was new and it not only endears House to him more and more but fosters mutual care and respect.

They stop at a booth selling jams that have a fusion of sweet and savory; right beside one selling a variety of plain and flavored soft goat cheese – a perfect pairing atop some freshly sliced baguette.

"And we need some fresh basil for it."

"Baaa-sil," House mimics as Chase shooting him a warning glare and it's his turn to chuckle.

"Hey Jack," Chase greets the next vendor with a wide grin, telling House that this was one of his favorite vendors from the food festival the day before. "You have to try this…" Chase rattles off as he pays for two of the savory tacos. "Sweet and spicy."

"Perfect combo," House replies as he gratefully accepts the edible offering. He tries it and then has to agree it's extremely tasty and orders another; telling Chase they'd have lunch at the little market instead of at their regular burger joint. "And this is…."

"Mexi-fry poutine."

"Ok-ay," House replies slowly as Chase nods eagerly. "My boy takes good care of me. If he says its good then it has to be good," House winks to the old man behind the counter.

Chase looks at House with a beaming smile; this time his mind delighting in the affectionate confession to a total stranger and happy to hear that his small contributions are so lovingly cherished. Once they are both satisfied with that offering, they slowly wander over to the next booth where something very sweet awaits them.

"Fried dough…and I can have…any topping?" Chase asks as his eyes dart around to all the delicious offerings and then up at House; his boyish grin still very much intact.

"Any…or all but if you get sick…how about we limit it to 5," House states as Chase looks at the vendor who shrugs.

"Okay…five," Chase chants with a grin as he looks at the edible offerings. He carefully picks out his toppings; House once again watching with renewed fascination as Chase morphs into cherished child. "And…"

"He'll take both the almonds and the cherries but that's six and that's enough."

"Chocolate, caramel bits, mini marshmallows, dried strawberries, almonds and…cherries. My boy…"

"I know…I'll eat slow," Chase tries to promise; a few seconds later shoving a large mouthful of warm, fried and heavily covered dough.

"Well?"

"Best dessert ever!" He exclaims with glee as they head for a nearby bench; House only having three toppings, nuts, banana pieces and chocolate drizzle. "Do you like yours?"

"Best dessert ever," House retorts as Chase smiles; a dusting of powdered sugar on his nose. "Pace yourself or you will get sick and you might have to refund all that sugary goodness."

Chase instantly pauses and is able to enjoy the rest of his dessert without feeling sick or having his stomach angry with him. After they're dessert, they sit and talk for a while before they get up and then slowly head back to the market, picking up a few fresh things, House telling Chase they'll do dinner another night as he wants to cook something special for them.

"Is that…the Taub duck?" Chase asks weakly as House tells the deli butcher to wrap up the fresh duck parts.

"If it's tough you'll know it is," House retorts as Chase offers him a chuckle. They reach home and Chase helps House put the fresh groceries away and then disappears from view. House starts to marinate the duck, putting it into the fridge for a few hours and then carefully making his way down the hallway and peering into Chase's bedroom to see what was up.

He can only offer the younger man a tender smile as he quietly enters the room and pulls the top blanket over Chase's sleeping frame, not wanting to wake him as he knows his boy had a late night the night before. But you were up just as late…his mind reminds him. I'll sleep tomorrow.

House heads back into the living room, slumping down into his chair and reaching for his phone.

'Had to discipline my boy last night. He…took it in stride, much to my surprise and was actually 'happy' today. I don't get kids-House.'

Wilson, on the other end offers a small smirk as he replies, 'do I dare ask what happened?-Wilson.'

'Was out late with Jimmy…flat tire and he didn't text. Didn't think I'd be worried about him. Can thank his rat-bastard father for that…the other one I mean. I was upset and agitated and said a few things but he surprisingly rebounded today. We bonded. More so I think today than we have so far.-House'

'Still waiting for me to say I told you so? I won't b/c you want that. But I think it's great and it might take time but Robert's starting to see that he's wanted and loved and worth worrying about. I'm glad you had a great day today. One of many more to come.-Wilson.'

'I want to take him surfing. Wish me luck.-House.'

'I'll only wish it if you actually get on the board.-Wilson.'

House smirks at Wilson's retort before he puts his phone down, leans his head back on the chair and closes his eyes.

XXXXXXXX

Chase awakens a few hours later and looks at the clock with a small frown. Oh bugger…overslept! He had only intended on a twenty minute cat-nap but instead awakens two hours later feeling more refreshed; his body actually grateful for the sleep that he didn't get too much of the night before.

His nose picks up the aroma of something very tasty and slowly wanders into the kitchen, looking at House, now awake and sitting at the table reading a medical journal.

"I didn't mean to oversleep," he states with a small frown as House looks up and gestures for him to join him at the table.

"You obviously needed it, no need to apologize. You've had a busy day. Maybe you're going through a growth spurt?" House teases as Chase slides into a nearby chair.

"What are…oh…"

"Raynoud's Disease," House finishes the sentence for the younger man. "Those two words have always left a lasting impression on me as did the young man who so bravely and correctly I might add blurted them out despite knowing all the circumstances."

"It was professional arrogance."

"Yes…doctors are far from arrogant," House retorts with a small snicker. "But it earned you a job and I have been impressed ever since," House states in truth as Chase looks up with a wide grin. "Don't let it get to your head."

"Oh trust me, I'm sure you'd find some slippery thing for me to eat," Chase tosses back with a mock pout.

"Or force you to get a haircut…damn kid…heard that knowledge and then saw the source and thought…is he old enough to even know that?" House muses as Chase's face softens into a small grin. "Go…and baste our little duckling will you."

Chase does as told and when his back is to House, the older man quickly shoves the application documents into a file and away from any inadvertent prying eyes; not wanting to tell Chase that he had been so impressed with his case study that he had it submitted to the medical journal for publication – wanting to surprise him instead.

"How's it coming?" House asks after everything is safely secured.

"It's…done," Chase replies as he holds up the meat thermometer for House to see.

"Alright…time to eat."

Chase helps House with a few other items and then both sit down at the table to enjoy their meal and talk about their eventful weekend; Chase delighting to tease House about the book reading but then backing off when House playfully threatens to ground him for making him worry.

That night they retire in the living room to watch whatever drivel they can find, taking turns in finding something and then mocking whatever happens across their visual path. That night neither of them has any trouble falling asleep and getting a solid rest until the next morning.

XXXXXXXX

But what had been a peaceful day the day before wasn't to be the same for Monday; as House was ambushed by Foreman about some overdue budget talk that instantly put him in a bad mood and that in turn trickled down to his team.

"It's not right! Now do it again and don't come back until I have exactly what I want – the right answer!"

In the past when House would have spoken to him like that or even Park in his presence, he would have internalized it as something he must have done wrong; telling himself that he'd have to work even harder to be perfect or come up with the perfect solution and then sulk.

But now he knows that isn't the case and his mind is a lot freer to go back to the medical drawing board as it was and push himself harder for the right answer but not feeling like a failure when House would tell them, "close…but do better next time."

By the end of the day, Chase is mentally drained and somewhat dismayed when House offers a huffed "I'll see you at home when I get there," but once again knows not to take it personally. Instead he catches up on some reading while taking the bus home and then when he arrives, makes a light meal that he can easily rewarm for House whenever House would show up.

Tonight it wouldn't be too late and Chase is happy for that. But while he waits for House, he starts to feel inner agitation and starts to realize the feelings House would have had to contend with when he was late but didn't tell him what was going on. And its only 7pm!

House enters their apartment about half hour later with a head full of agitated steam. He smells something that resembles dinner coming from the kitchen and just wants to tell Chase to eat on his own as he's not hungry – at all. But as soon as he reaches the end of the hallway and nears the entrance to the kitchen he looks into the quiet space to see that Chase has set a plate for him and is waiting at the table with an eager expression.

"My boy…" he starts with a heavy sigh; his mind almost daring him to come at him with some kind of verbal plea that he is preparing to effectively shoot down.

And Chase does.

And…he loses.

"Dad…you need to eat."

And in that moment, Gregory House's heart fully embraces his destiny, unable to muster any kind of verbal ammunition to fire back that wouldn't damage the younger man's loving concern and still keep peace between them. He was done. Defeated…but in the best possible way. Family's take care of each other. That was destiny.

So, he puts his coat down on the closest chair and heads for the kitchen table, easing himself down as Chase pours them each a glass of wine; his eager expression to help out, endearing the younger man to House more and more as each second passes.

House eats in silence for a few seconds, glancing up to see Chase looking down at his food and then up with a somewhat strained smile and his heart slightly sinks. "Foreman," he mutters as Chase's tension seems to ease.

"Budget stuff?"

"Budget…stuff," House repeats slowly as he leans back in his chair and reaches for his glass of wine. "We bought…" he starts into a brief synopsis of his final talk with Foreman; Chase's once tense posture instantly relaxing and both of them ending the evening on a more positive note than what had been forecasted.

XXXXXXXX

"Okay and…turn left. Left signal on and…shoulder check and…"

Chase's mind mentally goes through all the steps even without House's gentle prodding, telling himself that House won't be there on the driving test and he'd have to calm his nerves and drive according to the rules and make sure he gets his learners permit.

"And…stop here," House directs as they stop outside the front of their building. "Very good." Without Chase having a proper learner's license, he wasn't able to drive too far into traffic, or it'd screw House's car insurance. But House would then drive to an empty school parking lot and Chase would practice his turns, backing up and then parallel parking.

About an hour later they return home and Chase heads for his book, House happily grilling him on the questions; and this is their routine for the rest of the week, Chase wanting to practice as much as possible for the big test Saturday morning.

"I don't think I'll sleep tonight," Chase tells House with a somewhat strained smile as they sit in the living room, Friday night, the night before his driving test. Over the past month, he had practiced nearly every day for at least an hour or two, doing it a bit longer on the weekends when he wasn't busy with Jimmy to make up for when he was sidelined by his foot injury.

"You'll do fine. We did everything in the book…by the book and that's what they want to see. Remember your speed and the hours for school zones and Park zones; they'll make sure to enforce them even on the weekends."

House gives Chase a few more reminders but it's up to Chase to calm his nerves and ensure that he's able to concentrate on his test and getting his interim permit. After that, he knows there will be no trouble for Chase to accumulate the required amount of hours as he'd just make him drive to and from work every day and then whenever and wherever he wanted on the weekends.

He knows Chase's first order of business will be – to get to the beach and go surfing!

That night Chase tries to get his mind to calm from its inner agitation, but is unable and so spends most of it tossing and turning. He contemplates putting on the relaxation CD but then tells himself he might concentrate more on surfing than driving and if it was a surfing test he'd pass at the top of his class.

Instead he awakens early the next morning with a slight headache and a tight stomach, his hands instantly reaching for his driving manual and starting to flip through it.

"Is it safe to offer coffee?" House's words make Chase pause and look up.

House looks at the weary expression on the younger man's face and feels his heart droop; but he holds back from scolding him as he knows how important to day is for him. It's another step in his personal freedom so of course he's agitated…be supportive…not scolding.

"I just want to pass."

"I know you do and I get it. Okay so…come have something light for breakfast." He holds of stating that they'll have a big lunch to celebrate, maybe even down by the beach as he doesn't want Chase to focus on that – but to focus on getting to that point by doing his best and passing.

XXXXXXXX

"I'm glad we came early," Chase whispers as they enter the somewhat quiet motor vehicle branch. The appearance is somewhat deceiving as the instructor had applauded their booking the first appointment, telling them the day was completely booked.

"Just remember to breathe," House reminds Chase as he looks at his rigid posture.

"Right…breathe. And shoulder check, and hand placement and seatbelt and what a yield sign means and…" his voice rattles off nervously as the instructor approaches.

"It's Wilson…" House comments as Chase looks at the man who could resemble their absent friend. "That should put your mind at ease…all Wilson's or Wilson-wannabe's are duckling softies."

Chase slightly smirks as he extends his hand to the instructor and gives it a somewhat nervous pump.

"I'll…wait over here…with the rest of the anxious fathers," House states as he turns to leave.

For a few seconds Chase's agitation rises as he wants to call out to House to join them to keep the instructor in line. You're a grown man…you can do this, he somewhat teasingly reminds himself; once again marveling at how much he longs for House's fatherly protection, something he never had been assured of by his birth father.

"Okay so….just take a deep breath and we'll begin when you're ready."

"I used to drive in Melbourne," Chase mentions suddenly and then frowns. He remains seated for a few seconds before he starts to mentally go through all the things he had practiced with House.

House, too is feeling just as nervous…but in a different way, wanting Chase to succeed so badly and fearing that if he doesn't he'll want to take on the motor vehicle company to keep his precious boy from being crushed like that. Oh get a grip! He's a grown man and will do just fine! he hears his inner voice scolding him in Wilson's tone.

It seems to take an eternity before he watches the car pull up and Chase get out with a somber expression. Oh damn…he failed…my boy failed and now…oh no! He watches them enter, the instructor giving him a firm nod and then pulling away and heading for the administrative area as Chase nears him with a glum face. Just be supportive…he can take a retest in a week. House puts on a brave face but feels his heart wanting to crumble.

"So I uh…" he looks down and then up with a wide grin. "I passed!"

"Damn boy! Should ground you for that! " House playfully retorts as a few eyebrows arch in their direction. But he can't help but offer Chase a warm, father hug; pulling back a few moments later and letting Chase tell him all about it. After that there's paperwork to fill out, rules to be set, instructions to be given and…some official vehicular documentation to accept.

"I think I'm on cloud nine!"

"Well…" House states as they near the car and he dangles the keys before Chase. "This calls for a celebration. Want to drive to the beach? I feel like some fish tacos and hot chocolate. And then…we'll go see Jimmy, if you want."

Chase offers an excited nod as he takes the keys and slides into front seat; his heart racing a mile a minute. He looks at House with appreciation, unable to say thank you enough and just hoping that his nearing surprise would help show the older man just much he's appreciated.

"Okay…here we go."

A/N: okay so our duckling survived his emotional ordeal and both he and House continue to be stronger for it. and yes another milestone! Chase has his license! One more hurdle passed a few more to come! And what kind of surprise does Chase have planned but does House have one of his own? Please do review before you go and thanks so much!