REWIND...part 2

House was watching Chase, he was just being careful not to be caught doing so. Which was turning out to be an easy thing to do since his Aussie duckling was distracted. Not while doing his job though, just the moments in between. The moments when he would have been wise to pay the most attention.

It was a week since the girlfriend had gone off on her business trip. Since then Chase had taken to working extra shifts, as if he were avoiding going home. He was very focused while conferencing, offering up creative and effective suggestions for their newest case, but when he wasn't focused he looked detached and tired. He wasn't even any fun harassing at the moment, which was bumming House out even as it intrigued him.

Being that it was Friday night and their patient was doing well on treatment, House excused everyone for once. He watched as Cameron and Foreman invited Chase out to drinks and, not so surprisingly, Chase excused himself saying he had other plans. House would have happily bet money on there being no plans.

Another interesting thing was the fact that Chase was on the phone a lot. Always private conversations that were brief and terse, but numbering at least half a dozen a day. No doubt the girlfriend was keeping track of her little blond boy toy. Chase always looked unhappy when he hung up, at least until he realized House was watching him, then he schooled his features into a neutral expression.

House waited for the others to leave, then he surged forward, catching Chase before he could walk out the door. "So why aren't you going out to have fun with your playmates?" he asked.

"I've other things to do," Chase countered, gathering his things and not looking in House's direction.

"Like what?" House prompted, following Chase around the room. He made sure he crowded him a bit, just to irritate him.

Given the expression on Chase's face as he turned to glare at House, it was working. "My personal life is none of your business!" Chase snapped. "I'm pretty sure I did send you the memo on that!"

House grinned and shrugged. "You know I don't read those things. So, seriously, what are you doing tonight? Girlfriend back?"

"Unless you need me to do some work for you, I'm out of here," Chase replied, his voice carefully devoid of any emotion.

"Can't think of anything," House allowed, still following his duckling to the door. "But you'll be the first to know." He stopped as Chase pushed through and walked away, then he headed for the phone to call the front desk. He had a feeling Chase wasn't really going home. He left instructions, hung up, then waited. Five minutes later he got confirmation. Chase didn't sign out. House grinned as he made another call. Yep. Chase was in NICU doing a rotation. Sneaky little duckling. They would talk about that tomorrow. Because he knew Chase would be in bright and early.

Deciding to give Chase a break for the time being, House headed to Wilson's office. He let himself in without knocking and dropped down into the nearest chair.

Wilson didn't look up from the book he was glancing through as he drawled, "Can I help you?"

"Chase won't go out and play nice with the others," House said, because he knew it would pique Wilson's curiosity and irritate him at the same time. He had to get his fun somehow.

"Translation," Wilson requested, still not looking up.

House sighed, he would have to change strategies with Wilson. He was catching on to him now. "I let my minions leave early and Cameron and Foreman invited Chase to go out for drinks with them. Chase refused."

Wilson did glance up now, looking exasperated. "Perhaps he had other plans?"

"So he said," House allowed. "Only I spied on him and he signed out of diagnostics and in to NICU for a third shift rotation."

"Why would he do that?" Wilson gave up all pretense of trying to ignore House and shoved his book aside.

House arched an eyebrow. He had Wilson now. Shrugging, he replied, "That would appear to be the 64 thousand dollar question."

Wilson sighed, leaning back in his chair and eyeing House. "Why don't you do all of us a big favor and butt out of Chase's life?"

"You're funny," House shot back. They both knew he liked knowing everything about everything and everyone. Well, in so much as it pertained to his own life. And Chase being messed up because of a girlfriend pertained to House's life as he saw it. And Chase was messed up enough to begin with. He was the puzzle House was finding the most difficult to solve.

"Is Chase doing his job?" Wilson prompted.

A snort erupted from House at that. "That's always been debatable."

Wilson rolled his eyes. "We both know that if Chase wasn't a good doctor, you'd have fired him long ago. So what's the real reason why you won't let this drop? If his private life isn't affecting his work, you should leave him alone."

"But he's so much fun to taunt and tease," House protested.

"You just hate the fact that he won't fight back," Wilson stated, a small smile curving his lips. "And you really hate the fact that you know exactly how to push Foreman and Cameron's buttons to get them to respond the way you want, but Chase just won't play your game."

House widened his eyes, pretending to be awed. "Wow, you're psychobabble is impressive. You should consider giving up Oncology and putting up a shrink sign."

Wilson took on a pained expression. "Silly me, I forgot that you didn't actually come in here to ask for my thoughts or advice. You're just bored and you ran out of people to bother."

"Well yeah, what with Chase hiding out in NICU and all," House drawled, then he pushed out of the chair and limped to the door. "Goodnight," he said, rather cheerily, knowing that it would leave Wilson wondering what he was going to do next. Always keep them guessing.

OoO

Chase was tired. He had intended to work a half shift in NICU to cover for another doctor, but there had been a couple of codes and one doctor called in so he had stayed. Which meant dozing a bit without meaning too in the lounge, then taking a shower and changing into a fresh set of clothes before reporting to the conference room. Not surprisingly, he was the first one in. So he tried to focus on his crossword puzzle, but the words were becoming blurred at the edges. He was rescued from it by Cameron and Foreman's arrival. He could feel their eyes on him as they strolled past him.

Foreman spoke first. "You all right, man? You look like crap."

"I'm fine," Chase replied, trying to keep the irritation he felt out of his voice.

"All nighter?" Cameron guessed, sympathy shining from her eyes.

Chase decided it would be in his best interest to be honest. "Yeah, they needed help in NICU."

She patted his shoulder. "Maybe House will let you go early. It's not like we have a case at the moment."

"Nah, I'm good," Chase replied, then he blinked in surprise when she set a bagel down in front of him.

"I got them on the way here," Cameron explained. Then she set a huge Styrofoam cup of coffee down in front of him. "It's mine so it has sugar, but you look like you can use it," she stated.

Chase was surprised by the gesture, even though he rather appreciated it, but he still shook his head and pushed it back in her direction. "S'kay," he said. "Thanks, but I'll just make a pot." Everyone knew enough not to let Cameron make the coffee.

But Cameron pressed a hand to his shoulder, keeping Chase sitting. "Just drink it," she ordered. "It won't kill you."

"It might!" Chase shot back, grinning at her to show he was only teasing. But she just mock glared at him, pushing the coffee into his hand. Chase took a tiny sip, fighting the urge to grimace. He had a throbbing headache that made his stomach feel twisted into knots and he wasn't too sure how it would react to the coffee. Especially given how liberally sugared it was. Sugar with lots and lots of cream. His stomach protested. Besides which, he really had enough caffeine jolting through his system. After his shower Chase had downed two cans of espresso shots. Triple espresso strong packed into a small can. It was how he had been getting through this week. Only it didn't mix well with the sugar and cream.

Just then House limped into the room.

Foreman didn't seem to notice as he sat down and advised Chase, "And eat your bagel. Get some meat on that skinny white ass of yours."

"Are you staring at Chase's ass again, Foreman?" House taunted, a huge grin on his face as he moved to the other end of the table and reached out to claim a bagel for himself. He watched Foreman roll his eyes then House waved his own bagel at Chase. "You should do as he says though and eat. You are looking a bit peaked. Long night of rough sex?"

"Yeah," Chase drawled, not missing a beat. He had long ago learned how not to react to House's ribbing.

House shrugged, took a bite of his bagel, then tossed it on a napkin as he headed to the white board. He started to explain about an old case he wanted them to practice with and jotted down the symptoms.

Chase tried to pay attention, even as he tried to ignore Cameron who kept poking him in the side and gesturing him to eat. He choked down a bit of bagel only to have his stomach scream in protest. Clapping a hand over his mouth, Chase bolted out of his chair and out of the room. He raced down the corridor to the nearest bathroom and barely made it into the stall in time to empty his stomach with convulsive retching.

He didn't hear the door open and someone enter. He didn't know they were there until Foreman spoke.

"You okay?"

"Peachy," Chase managed to choke out, before another round of retching. He wasn't bringing up anything but a bit of bile. His throat burned, his head ached and he felt twitchy. More than anything he really wanted to be alone right now. "Haven't you ever seen anyone throw up before?" he groused at Foreman.

Foreman chuckled, but there was no amusement to it. "Not quite this spectacularly," he replied.

Chase ripped off some toilet paper and used it to wipe his mouth. He grabbed more and wiped his face. He could feel the sweat that sheened his skin. It left him feeling cold. Carefully he turned his head, the movement causing pain to spike in his temples. He was surprised to see that Foreman was right in the doorway of the stall, crouched down and watching him intently. "I'm fine," Chase stated firmly, closing his eyes and willing the roiling in his stomach to ease. "Blame the coffee. Cameron probably made it."

Before Foreman could respond, Cameron entered the room.

It took Chase a moment to realize who it was that pressed a hand to his forehead. Cameron looked a bit fuzzy when he opened his eyes. "You do know this is the men's room," he informed her. At least he thought it was. Truthfully he had bolted into the first place that held a toilet. Chase looked at the stall carefully and was relieved when he recognized the blue tile. He knew the ladies room was pink.

"Nothing I haven't seen before," Cameron shot back. Her fingers smoothed his bangs off his forehead. "Can I get you anything?"

"Privacy!" Chase snapped.

Foreman had other ideas. "Cameron, why don't you see if you can find some Gatorade. All that puking is going to leave him dehydrated."

Chase was getting irritated with them both now. "HE is still here!" he snarled. "And I'd really like the both of you to leave me to hurl in peace!" As he spoke he rose, shakily, to his feet. Everything suddenly titled and Chase felt himself falling. Vaguely he was aware of Cameron calling his name and arms catching him. Then everything faded to black.

House was pacing outside the conference room when Cameron came running by. He stopped her with his cane. "Chase?" he prompted.

Cameron was almost dancing with agitation. "He just collapsed. I'm going to get a gurney. Foreman is still with him!"

"Go!' House ordered, even as he headed for the bathroom. He stood in the doorway, watching Foreman working over Chase, using wet paper towels on his face and neck. Checking his pulse then calling his name. He knew Chase was in good hands so he limped off to the nearest elevator. House knew his duckling well. Chase wasn't going to tell them what he needed to know, so House was going to find it on his own. First place to look, Chase's locker.

It was two hours later when Chase woke up.

House was in the clinic when he got the page. He excused himself and told the head nurse to send for another doctor. He then made his way to Chase's room. It was a little corner room on the same floor as House's office. A room seldom used but House had informed Cuddy he needed it for a while. When she realized it was for Chase she had agreed, which had actually surprised House a bit. He filed away that bit of curious information. Perhaps Cuddy knew something about Chase that House didn't, and no way in hell was he going to let that slide by.

As he neared the room he could hear voices. Chase was almost yelling, which was something he didn't hear often. Speeding up a bit, House reached the doorway and he saw that Chase was yelling at Cameron.

"I'm not staying here!" he snarled at her.

"Yes, you are!" she shot back, adding, "Leave that alone!"

House stepped in the room and saw that she was talking about the IV needle taped to the back of Chase's left hand. He was trying to peel it off. "Everyone out!" House announced, making his presence known. He watched Foreman nod and leave without question.

Cameron hesitated and House knew she was wondering if she should leave Chase alone with him. But her devotion to House won out over her concern for Chase. Although she shot Chase a look of apology before slipping out the door. House then closed it before moving to the bed.

"You look less green," he drawled.

"Why am I here?" Chase demanded, but he didn't give House a chance to reply before he pointed to the IV line. "And what the hell is this for?"

House grabbed a chair from the corner of the room and pulled it over to the bed. He sat down heavily, his cane between his legs, hands folded over the top. "That's to keep you hydrated and I'm pumping you full of vitamins too. Is it yummy?"

Chase scowled and started picking at the tape again until House rapped him on his forearm with his cane. Chase yelped then glared at him.

"Leave it alone," House ordered, and his tone left no room for argument. He watched Chase's right hand drift away, settling on the blanket where his fingers picked at the edges. "Question time," he said, cheerily, seeing Chase stiffen. "When was the last time you ate?"

"You were there," Chase shot back.

House was confused by that one. He frowned, trying to puzzle out what Chase meant.

Chase huffed a sigh and said, "The conference room. Cameron brought bagels."

"Riiight," House drawled. "Okay, let me define what I meant by eating. You had an actual meal, not a tiny bite of bagel."

"Supper," Chase replied, without hesitation.

House watched his free hand move to his temple and rub it hard. Pushing to his feet he pulled a penlight out of his pocket. He leaned against the side railing of the bed, gripped Chase's chin in one hand and shone the light in his right eye. His grip tightened as Chase resisted. House pulled back and sat down again. "How long have you had that headache?"

Eyes closed, head pressed back into the pillow, Chase didn't reply.

"You're dehydrated, malnourished, exhausted and anemic," House listed. "I'm going to assume your headache is symptomatic of all the above and treat it accordingly."

"Great," Chase replied, his eyes still closed. "Can I go now?"

House snorted. "Sorry. You'll be our guest for a few days. Friendly warning, the food sucks. But you're going to eat it anyway."

Chase's eyes flew open. "I'm not staying here!"

"Since I'm not releasing you, yes, you are." House pushed to his feet again, moving to the corner of the room and pulling a tray over to the bedside. A tray with something lumpy on it covered by a cloth.

"You're not my doctor!" Chase snapped, then he winced and pressed his fingertips to his temples.

House felt a bit of sympathy, but didn't let it show. "Actually, I'm your boss and your doctor. You do know you have me listed on your forms, right? The ones you filled out when you first came here."

Chase looked stricken, but he quickly schooled his expression into a neutral mask and said, "Whatever. But we both know I don't need to stay here. I'll go home, drink and sleep and eat and come back tomorrow."

"You're staying," House repeated, and he let Chase know by his tone that it was final. He then pulled the cloth off the tray to reveal two cans. He watched Chase's eyes go wide as he stared at them in recognition. House nodded. "Got them from your locker. I realize you're not a nutritionist and all, but let me inform you that you can't actually survive on Jolt and Espresso shots. I countered thirty seven empty cans. Who's your supplier?"

"If I do what you want how soon can I leave?" Chase countered.

House shrugged. "I'll get back to you on that one." He locked eyes with Chase, or attempted too. The Aussie wouldn't look directly at him. "You have an addictive personality, which is a bad thing. You know that, right?"

Chase's response was to turn on his side, his back to House. "I'm tired," whispered.

"We'll talk later." House let it be known he wasn't going to drop this. But for now he would retreat. He closed the door behind him as he left the room and found Cameron hovering. He told her to give Chase something for pain and to help him sleep, leaving it to her discretion to pick what would be best. He then told her to wait until Chase was asleep before heading back to the conference room. House headed there himself, getting waylaid by Cuddy who gave him an actual case to work on.

"How's Chase doing?" she queried.

House shrugged. "He's doing."

Cuddy looked irritated, but she smoothed it away and said, "Take good care of him."

"I take good care of all my patients," House shot back.

"You could lose him," Cuddy warned.

House blinked at that. He really would have to find out what the deal was. What it was Cuddy was hiding from him about Chase. But all he said was, "You know I hate interviews." Then he headed off, file clutched in his hand. It was time to get back to work.

OoO

Chase convinced Cameron not to give him anything. Convinced her the pain was better and he was tired enough to sleep on his own. He then quieted his breathing and managed to fake being asleep. He waited a few minutes after Cameron was gone then paged the nurse. He charmed her into getting his clothes for him. He removed his IV, got dressed then signed himself out.

When he got home he was surprised to find Vanessa there. She was lounging on the bed, a glass of what had to be vodka in one hand. She looked just as surprised to see him.

"What are you doing back already?" Chase asked, then he winced at how cold that sounded.

"I got back early to surprise you," Vanessa replied. She drank down what was left in the glass then crawled off the bed and moved to him. She tangled her fingers in his hair and pulled him into a kiss.

Chase almost gagged from the bite of vodka, but then it numbed his tongue and he kissed her back willingly. Wanting the contact. Wanting the heat of her body against his. He let her pull him onto the bed. Let her undress him. Let her do anything she wanted. And when she held the bottle of Vodka to his lips. Chase drank.

He was tired of feeling the pain.

THE END...of part 2