(I wrote the next two chapters while lacking sleep and craving caffeine at work. Hence all the coffee references)

Chase never thought that he would ever miss New Jersey. But the state had grown on him, like a fungus. Even though he had spent the last two months in Nevada, New Jersey felt more like home than Australia did.

It was still early in the morning, and Chase knew that there weren't too many people in the hospital at this point. Heading to Cuddy's office, he figured she was either already here, or she'd been in soon.

He ignored the looks that he received from people as he walked the halls of PPTH. He didn't know if the stares and whispers were postive or negative. He also found that he didn't care at the moment. He was here for his job, if it still existed and to offer apologies.

Chase lucked out, and saw Cuddy in her office arranging papers on her desk. With a knock on the door he let himself into her office. The look of shock followed by a smile, gave Chase the courage he needed to continue into the room.

"Dr. Chase, Robert. You look much better since the last time I saw you. How are you? Where were you?" She asked as she approached and gave him a hug.

He hugged her back. "I'm good. Getting better. I was at a place in Nevada, to help deal with all this." He motioned to his body and ended pointing to his leg.

"A prosthetic?" She asked next looking down at Chase's left leg and noticing a full pant leg and shoe.

"Just a temp for the moment. I'm being fitted in a few months for a permanent." It didn't bother him to talk about the injury and aftermath. He had come to terms with it. "I'm actually curious if there is a position for me? I know I upped and disappeared without notice."

Cuddy interrupted him. "I put you on disability leave after you got pneumonia. I figured you were going to need some time to get yourself together."

"I'm mobile for the most part. I'm still not up to running as fast as I used too, but I can jog for a bit."

"House hasn't replaced you, if that's what you are curious about. Unfortunately the position as head of ICU has been filled, I couldn't leave it empty, not knowing when you were going to be returning." Cuddy apologized.

"That's okay. I'm willing to work for House if he'll take me back."

"If he doesn't then let me know. I think there is a teaching position available still, if you are interested in that."

"Thanks. I might take you up on that. I think I might like to try teaching for a semester, just to get back into the swing of things." Chase said standing.

"I'll get you more info on the teaching position. And you know that House isn't in yet. You don't have to rush off."

"Oh I know. But Foreman and Cameron are going to be in soon, and I have a feeling that Cameron isn't going to be too happy with me at the moment."

Cuddy smirked. "From what I heard, I think you are correct. Good luck, and stop back off here before you leave. Its good to see you again Dr. Chase." Cuddy stood too and shook his hand.

She watched as he walked out of her office. She was sure there were going to be shouting matches in the diagnostic office soon. Heading back to her desk, she picked up the phone. She owed Wilson a heads up on what might be happening. After all, he's the one who warns her that House is after her.

Chase knew that he would be in before the rest of the other doctors. He wanted it this way. Making his way to the coffee maker he was once again reminded that this was home. Starting the pot, he wondered who made the coffee when he was gone. Foreman's was too weak, and Cameron's too strong. Maybe they'd been purchasing a lot of Starbucks lately.

Once the coffee was started Chase made his way to the white board. It looked like there was still a case going on. Heading into House's office, he found the medical file. Picking it up and going back into the conference room, he tried to see if there was anything he could contribute once everyone came in.

Foreman was surprised to see the figure in the diagnostic lounge when he rounded the corner. "Chase?" He questioned, almost unsure if the man was really there.

Leveling himself out of the chair with his cane, Chase made his way to great Foreman. "How's it been?" Chase asked, extending his hand to the man.

"Where have you been?" Foreman questioned taking Chase's hand and shaking it.

"Getting better."

"Well you sure look it. I'm glad your back, don't know how the others are going to take it." Foreman walked over to get a cup of coffee.

"We'll just have to see how it goes." Chase went back to his chair.

Taking a sip of the coffee Foreman sighed. Thank god Chase was back, at least to make the coffee. "What do you think?" He asked noticing Chase looking at the file.

The two male doctors started to discuss the case while waiting for the rest of the team to show up.

I hope to post the next chapter over the weekend! Thanks for reading.