The next few days passed uneventfully. Chase told House that he made dinner reservations in
city, at one of their favorite restaurants. For Chase, the days passed torturously slow. He hated keeping secrets from House, even if he knew that it would be for the best. It wasn't like it was a bad secret, just a surprise secret. He still hated it. Finally, Wednesday afternoon, they left.
Chase drove and they talked some and listened to the radio. Chase parked in the parking garage that House remembered well and they walked the few blocks to the restaurant. Dinner was fantastic and they both had a great time. House even paid.
Their lives had settled into a routine, which was nice, but the change was doing them both some good. They talked, really talked, about how House was liking his new team, how Chase liked the ICU, about Rosie and the progress she was making.
Even after a year, Chase marveled at the difference between the House he had met and the man he was in love with. They were two different people. Under the table, House rested his hand on Chase's knee.
When Chase laughed at a corny joke, House smiled a smile reserved only for him. It filled Chase with pride that this wonderful, amazing man was his. They accepted each other through all of their faults.
They finished dinner and Chase asked if House minded a little walking. House knew how much Chase loved the city, so he agreed. Hand in hand, they walked slowly down the bustling streets of New York City. No one spared them a second glance. Sometimes, it was just nice to get away from everyone who knew them. It seemed as if they couldn't go anywhere in Princeton without someone knowing one or both of them.
Chase kept his eyes on the streets, knowing that he knew New York better than House. House wouldn't really have any idea where they were going, even if he was paying attention to something other than Chase's eyes and his ass. As they approached the theater, Chase stopped and turned to face House. "Okay, I have a confession." he admitted.
"Uh oh." House said in a joking manner. He knew that Chase wouldn't reveal something disastrous in the middle of a crowded sidewalk. He was far too private for that. He knew it must be something to do with their anniversary.
"I called in another favor from Charles. Do you want to go see 'Jersey Boys'?" he asked. He managed to keep his face neutral, even when House lit up and he leaned in and kissed him deeply, though nothing made him happier than his boyfriend's happiness. "Cause if you don't want to, we can always just go home." he said, yelping when House smacked his behind.
"You sneak! I'm so proud." He said, wiping away a fake tear. Chase smiled brightly.
"C'mon." Chase said, heading towards the box office. He stepped up to the window and smiled at the bored looking attendant. "Hello. My name is Robert Chase, I was told to ask for Dave." he said. The attendant nodded and picked up his phone.
"You know the manager of this theater, too?" asked House. They stepped to the side to let the next person in line have their turn.
"Of course not. I called Charles and asked for another favor." Chase smiled smugly.
Just then, a tall, balding man in a nice suit came to the door, unlocked it, and motioned them in. "Hi! I'm Dave Eblin. Welcome to the August Wilson Theater. Any friend of Charles is a friend of mine." He looked at Chase. "You must be Robert Chase." They shook hands and then he looked at House. "And you must be Gregory House."
"I must be." House agreed. Dave chuckled.
"I've heard a lot about you. I had a friend get real sick and they sent her to you." he said. House gave him a half smile.
"Well, whatever you've heard, it's probably all true." Dave laughed out loud this time and he led them to an elevator. He personally escorted them to the manager's box. Both House and Chase were shocked to find a bottle of champagne chilling, two glasses and a box of chocolates. "Charles told me it was your anniversary and so we thought we'd surprise you. The chocolates are from him, I believe that there is a note on them.
Dave told them to please enjoy themselves and if they needed anything, there would be an usher waiting outside their door to help them. Chase picked up the note from the chocolate box and read it quickly. Thought you guys might like some chocolate. Happy anniversary and enjoy the show! Charles. Chase laughed and showed House the note.
The show was fantastic and the seats were amazing. Chase thanked Dave and made a mental note to call Charles tomorrow. He figured he'd probably be...a little busy tonight. Chase had rented a hotel room, so they wouldn't have to make a long drive back at night. Besides that, Chase knew that a day of driving, sitting at a restaurant, and sitting for a show would have House antsy and an antsy House was not a fun House to drive with.
They headed out of the theater and back to the lot their car was in. Chase drove them to the hotel and parked, grabbing the bag he had stashed in the trunk. He grinned at House, who was surprised to say the least. House sat in a chair while Chase checked them in and then came and got him, heading towards the elevator.
Chase had to keep swatting House's hands off his butt as they rode the elevator up to the fifteenth floor. "Stop." he muttered, unforcefully. They were not the only patrons in the elevator and they were getting dirty looks from the older couple that was in there with them. House leaned in and nibbled on his ear.
"Is that what you really want?" House's voice was barely above a whisper and Chase's breath caught in his throat.
"Um..." he wasn't able to speak, all the blood had rushed from his head to another part of his body. The man in the elevator cleared his throat and soon the doors opened and they stepped off.
"That's what I thought." House smirked and backed away as they continued to their floor. When they got off on their floor, all Chase could think about was House. He could barely get the door open before their mouths were locked and clothes were being shed.
* * *
Chase was pleasantly tired and sore as he woke the next morning. His head was on House's chest and House's fingers were running idly through his hair. Chase smiled to himself. "Ugh, I don't want to go back." he complained.
"Let's stay here." House suggested. Chase laughed lightly.
"I wish. We have to be back by tomorrow." Chase turned his head up and kissed House lightly. They laid there for a few more minutes, enjoying the sunlight streaming in and just being with each other. Finally, they got up, got dressed and headed out. Chase checked them out as House carried the lone bag out to the car.
Chase drove and they headed out of the city and back to New Jersey. House unwrapped the soundtrack that he had bought the night before at the show. House knew every word to every song and sang along. Chase loved listening to him sing, he had a great voice, though he rarely sang. Chase knew a couple of the songs but mostly listened.
Chase turned to look at House, to talk to him. He had just barely opened his mouth when horns blared, House yelled, and Chase turned to see a semi truck, spinning out of control and launching right at him. He slammed on the brakes, knowing it was useless and finally, just throwing up his hands as the two cars collided. And then his whole world went black.
AN: *ducks* Please don't kill me!!