Hey, boy do I love you guys, eh? I've decided to upload this faster then I had predicted… Thanks to everyone who reviewed, it really means a lot to me! That's all I have to say I guess… here you go!

Chapter Four

It's All Been Done

You go your way, I go mine
But I'll see you next time
It's all been done
It's all been done
It's all been done before

----

"Where were you two?!" Cameron screeched as House came into the conference room, alone today. He stopped to glance at her strangely and went to the whiteboard. "Why am I suddenly two people?" He asked, smirking at her as he twiddled the whiteboard pen between his fingers. Cameron sighed, dropping her arms to her sides heavily.

"You know what I mean! Now, while you and Chase were out doing God-knows-what, our patient had respiratory arrest. Foreman drained the fluid from her lungs. She's stable… We sent the fluid to the lab, they told us it should be back this morning. You'll be happy to know Chase's mistake didn't cost us; she really doesn't have a clot. However, Cuddy's not happy you left yesterday. At all."

House stared at her, then he frowned. Turning to the board, where the new symptom was written in Cameron's handwriting, and started to twirl his cane. He went to sit at the table, closed his eyes for several minutes, snatched Foreman's coffee out of his hands and drank it down, ignoring the "Hey!" of complaint he received, and went back to the board.

Wiping it clean with the eraser, he wrote: psych symptoms, withholds pain, control, and after a short pause, shama. Then, he turned to his two ducklings; Chase had yet to arrive. "Ok, scram," he snapped, "Cameron: take half my remaining clinic hours, and Foreman'll take the other half. Chase did four yesterday, but since Cuddy has so generously bestowed me with an extra set of hours to do, there are eight left. Perfect, no one gets to do more than anyone else: everybody's happy!"

"What about you?" Cameron asked as she and Foreman got up.

"I'll go pay a visit to our little Miss CEO…" He answered as he strolled away.

----

Tap tap, went the cane on the table, making Wilson jump. He looked up at House, who was looking somewhat disturbed. He wondered how he had known that he was outside trying to relax, but shook it off as he started; "What's going on? Where were you –"

"Carly needs a heart transplant." He stated, interrupting his friend in the middle of his rambling.

"Never mind that now! You –"

"My patient needs a heart, or she will die, Wilson! Chase, on the other hand, will still be breathing later on." House said, rather harshly.

"How do you know? I looked over the test results with Cameron and Foreman yesterday because you weren't there, but nothing indicates a heart problem… Did her lung fluid tests return?" House started to pace back and forth behind Wilson. "I… can't tell you. Professional responsibility."

"Yeah, like that matters to you." Wilson alleged.

"Not mine: yours."

"Oh, nice going House," he said sarcastically, "you know I'm going to go and rat you out to Cuddy the second you're done talking –"

"That's the problem. I'm not saying it'd please you to do it, I'm saying you'd be obligated to do so." House smirked at his own words, as though they aggrieved him and Wilson frowned, watching the cripple pace around. "Because of my position on the board?" When the only reaction House had was a 'go on' face, he went on, "My position on the Transplant Committee?" Still no response, but a 'maybe' look was shot at him. "C'mon House, you're telling me for a reason!"

"I can't tell you!" House virtually shouted at him, just as Cameron and Foreman came running over to them, looking disgruntled and out of breath. "Carly needs a new heart House…" Cameron said, causing Wilson to stare at his friend who had a pained expression again. "If you come with us, we can get her on the list by –"

"She's already on the list." House stated calmly, looking at the hospital behind Cameron, who made a made a face; "What? How?"

"Come on." House told them, walking back up to the hospital. Cameron and Foreman exchanged looks but followed House nonetheless.

----

Chase rolled out of bed, panicked, when he heard his pager beep. Damn. He had left it open on the nightstand, too tired to remember to turn it off. He'd stumbled into his apartment last night with a slight headache, so he hadn't been feeling up to going to work this morning. After shutting his alarm-clock off, brushing his teeth and undressing, he'd gone strait to bed. He sighed as he read his pager message: WHERE ARE YOU? -CAMERON, and groaned when another one came in: HOUSE IS PISSED. –CAMERON. A third one appeared, the beeping sound really grating his nerves now: YOU'D BETTER GET YOUR ASS OVER HERE. OUR PATIENT IS DYING, NO VACATIONS. –HOUSE.

Guessing he really had no other choice, Chase went to take a quick shower, got dressed and took an apple to eat on his way out, a feeble excuse for breakfast, but better than nothing.

House cornered him as soon as he signed in at PPTH. It seemed he'd been awaiting him nearby as he grabbed him by the arm and lead him into exam room four – the very same room in which they had kissed that first time – and locked the door after them.

"I brought my ass," Chase told him, mocking House's pager message and earning him a slight smile, "What's wrong with Carly?" House cocked his head and raised an eyebrow; "Carly? Ah, yes! The woman with two left feet!" House exclaimed rather spectacularly. Chase rolled his eyes; "I thought we'd made up?"

"Correction: I made up with you for yelling. You're not forgiven for your mistake, so, unfortunately, I'm still eligible to mock and taunt you about it." House informed him, grinning. "I wasn't aware we had rules now." Chase said, and House flicked his hand at him.

"Well anyway, we found that Carly needs a heart transplant. I lost no time in putting her on the list. Unluckily, thanks to you, we lost time in finding what exactly she has. If we had been quicker, she would have been assured a heart. But, by the time I submitted her, there was only one available. So now I have to attend a meeting to explain why she should be the one to get it." House explained looking somber; Chase rolled his eyes again.

"Isn't this over reacting? I know you don't like meetings but if you can get our patient a heart…" Chase reflected out load, not eager on having a 'House ranting about work' session. Said cripple mumbled unintelligibly, before staring strait at Chase, looking ashamed somewhat.

"I did something really bad Chase… I told the patient I would get her a heart, but I'm going to have to lie to the Committee. She's not qualified to receive a heart because she's a bulimic: she takes Ipecac to induce vomiting. And she cuts herself."

Chase stared. "Then… don't lie. If they find out, you'll lose your medical license!"

"I know, but… she really needs that heart." Chase had never seen his boss like this because of a patient. This was impossible… House always had the answer! He didn't know what to tell him but luckily, House still had something to say; "The only way I can safely lie to the Committee is if… you help me." Chase didn't talk, awaiting his boss's proposition. "Find the Ipecac bottle, and eliminate any other clues that could lead to someone finding out."

"No way…" Chase shook his head, "do you want to get us both fired?!" He asked incredulously.

"No, I want to save myself from getting fired, hence you too, because if I get the sack, so do you three: the whole department goes." House explained calmly. Chase continued to look unbelieving; "What if I get found out?"

"I'll forgive you." House said, an emotion Chase had never seen in him before illuminating his facial features, "If you do it, I'll forgive your mistake."

Chase felt his pulse accelerate; "I must be crazy to say this but, okay, I'll do my best…" He said slowly, hardly even believing himself. "In the meantime," House continued, "We'll have to act like I'm pissed off at you, and that you're scared I'm going to fire you. Otherwise, Cameron will definitely know something's up, and next this you know we'll have both Wilson and Cuddy breathing down our necks."

The Australian nodded but didn't speak or leave. Neither did House. That's when Chase walked up to his boss, placed an open palm over his heart and gave him a slow, meaningful kiss. House didn't really respond to it, merely deepening it a little before Chase stepped back. They looked into each other's eyes for a long moment and Chase turned and left House alone to contemplate what had happened.

----

Carly was asleep. Probably under heavy dosage of sedatives; her condition was starting to deteriorate. It was perfect for Chase: this way, he could pretend to be checking her condition while rummaging through her purse unnoticed. He found the little bottle easily enough and pocketed it just as he heard the door open swiftly behind him. He jumped much more then he would have wanted to and turned so fast he felt his neck and lower back crick.

It was Wilson.

"Do you know where House is?" The oncologist asked, looking at him suspiciously. Chase forced himself to keep a composed face but tried to sound bitter as he answered, remembering he wasn't supposed to like House. But the taste of House lingered on his lips as he licked them nervously. "Nope. Did you try the conference room?"

"Of course I did, it's attached to his office." Wilson said pleasantly enough, though he still looked suspicious. "Maybe he's in the clinic?" Chase tried, but Wilson had yet another answer; "No, he's making Cameron and Foreman do his hours. Why aren't you doing them too?"

"I did my share yesterday." Chase told him, before realizing he'd just said exactly what Wilson wanted him to say. Crap.

"Right before you left with him?" Wilson was sounding a little less pleasant now, "Where were you?" Chase didn't answer, not wanting to say anything that could sound fishy. "Alright then… What are you doing now? We both know there's no point in examining Carly right now." With still no answer form Chase, Wilson started to get annoyed: "Listen, whatever it is House is making you do in here; it's bad. I don't know what's going on, but trust me, I know House."

Chase finally spoke. "Why are you telling me this if you don't know what you're talking about?" Wilson sighed and walked up to Chase, who tightened his grip on the bottle in his pocket by reflex. "I saw the way you got all tense and nervous when I came in, Chase. And I also know something's going on between you and House because when he doesn't tell me something, it's always because it's something he really, really shouldn't be doing. I just want to help you."

"You're wrong," Chase took a step back. "Chase… the last time House was with someone, he really screwed it up. I don't think he's ready to –"

"What are you talking about?! I'm not – House isn't my lover or something! We're friends, goddammit!" Chase shouted, but before he knew it, everything he'd been keeping bottled up inside him these past few days came bursting out for Wilson to hear: "House kissed me! And then, he was nice to me… I just, want a chance with him you know? But he doesn't seem to want me to come closer, and then you're telling me I shouldn't like him! But… but, I do. I really do."

Wilson looked at him with compassion, not really knowing what to say, having not expected Chase to come out like this. The Aussie looked embarrassed at himself for letting Wilson see such a secret part of himself. The oncologist put his hands on Chase's shoulders and smiled sympathetically; "House… can't love right now. I know it's probably hard for you to understand, but I know him better than anyone. He'll use people for his own benefit, then throw them away." Chase shook his head. "No… you don't know what you're saying. I'll know House likes me. Just… leave me alone."

Wilson made a faint smirk, but complied.

Chase wiped the tears that had formed at the corners of his eyes, his vision blurring, and decided to go to the conference room. If Cameron and Foreman were there too, he'd be safe from Wilson's inquiries. But first, he thought he'd better go to his locker and stow the Ipecac away safely.

Unfortunately, things were only getting worse: as he made his way to the locker room, he walked strait into Cuddy, who bounded back and frowned at him. "What are you doing? You're not leaving early are you?" She asked suspiciously – the only rooms that were around here were bathrooms and locker rooms.

"No, I forgot… my… pager." He said, struggling to find some excuse. Cuddy raised an eyebrow; "Right. Really, what are you doing? Does this have something to do with House?" Chase growled rather louder than he had wanted to, making Cuddy look alarmed.

"Why should it always have to do with House? First Wilson, now you. What is so wrong about this? Can't House and I just… be left alone?" Cuddy looked at him strangely. "House doesn't like people. That's why it's so hard to understand." She told him as-a-matter-of-factly, making Chase groan.

"He likes me." He affirmed before walking around Cuddy and towards the lockers. What if Cuddy and Wilson are right, he thought, maybe House really doesn't like me? Am I just a game to him?

Chase finally got to his locker, hurriedly opened it, and took out the bottle, fumbling with his bag. "What's that?" Came a voice behind him. The Australian turned, banging his back against the locker beneath his, hiding his hands behind himself. It was Cuddy. His heart beating unusually fast, he stammered; "What's what? And... this is a boy's locker room –"

"And I'm the Dean of Medicine. Now what are you hiding?" Cuddy snapped, losing her temper completely. "Nothing! You just surprised me." Chase told her, trying to put the bottle in his bag behind him without her noticing. Alas, Cuddy was pretty sharp and she saw his arms moving. "Show me your hands Chase." She ordered. The doctor placed the bottle in the locker and put up his hands, but it seemed the Ipecac had been to close to the edge seeing that as soon as his hands were up, it fell to the ground, bouncing and rolling towards Cuddy.

Chase winced as she bent to pick it up, staring at the label.

"This is… Chase, are you bulimic?" She asked sorrowfully, making Chase shake his head frantically; "No, it's not mine… damn!" He turned to face his locker and slammed his fists on the neighboring ones. He heard Cuddy gasp: "House's patient! He was going to lie to the Transplant Committee… And you're helping him? Chase, I thought better of you." Chase turned to face her with scared eyes; "What are you going to do?"

Cuddy's shoulders drooped. "I won't tell. Voglar wouldn't let it pass. However, if I ever find out you have compromised either of your positions again by doing something as stupid as this, I will fire you. And House. Do you understand me?" Chase nodded, ashamed. "So Carly won't get the heart will she?" He asked.

"Did I say that? This is a warning, but I won't punish anybody." Cuddy said importantly and left; "Now excuse me I have a meeting with the Transplant Committee in ten minutes." Chase returned her smile with a grin that plainly said thank you.

As soon as the door closed after her, Chase closed his locker, leant against it and let himself sink to the floor, resting his head upon his knees and released a heavy sigh. He wondered about House. What would he say if Chase told him he like him? Would he laugh? Chase could easily imagine him doing something of the sort. Then again, they had kissed three times now. Didn't that mean something? House said it didn't, however there was often a great difference between the things House says and what he really thinks. He guessed there was only one way to know for sure…

----

Foreman looked up lazily as Chase came in the room. Cameron was pacing, looking nervous. She stopped when she saw him; "House is in a meeting! He's trying to get the heart for Carly…" Chase nodded, "I know, he told me." Then he poured two cups of coffee and forced one on Cameron; "Relax. House knows what he's doing." He told her, going to sit down. She absent-mindedly took a sip before talking.

"Don't you think it's weird how House put Carly on the list before we actually got the test results?" She asked. Foreman looked suddenly interested, and closed his newspaper while Chase shrugged; "It's House. He… knows things." He told her, distinctly away of how lame it sounded.

"He does, but usually he always tells us exactly how he miraculously figured it out. Not this time, though." Foreman said, looking from Chase to Cameron. Chase shrugged, not knowing what he could say to defend House that wouldn't be too shifty. They all fell silent, Foreman returning to his paper, Chase and Cameron drinking their coffee, frequently exchanging looks.

House returned shortly. Cameron shot up as he limped in; "I did it." He told them simply. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief; Foreman said; "That's great" and Cameron ran her hand through her hair before opening her mouth to speak. Chase had to keep himself from panicking – he knew what she was going to say. She was going to ask House how he had know about the heart. In barely a fraction of a second his decision was made: he had to do something surprising enough to distract Cameron and make her forget.

So Chase did something on pure adrenaline because he'd never have had the guts on other circumstances: he got up quickly, walked up to House and hugged him. He felt the other man's body twitch, then relax into his embrace. House was smart: he'd probably guessed why Chase was doing this. As he felt his boss's hand stroked his hair, he stepped back, grasping House's forearms, and said happily; "I knew you could do it!" House smiled at him - it was small and disappeared rapidly, but it was there.

Trying not to smirk, he went back to his chair as if nothing unusual had happened and saw his colleagues' faces: Cameron had her mouth open, staring at him and Foreman was frowning slightly, his coffee mug halfway to his mouth. House walked to the whiteboard and erased its contents. Now everything is surely over, Chase thought, or rather hoped, as he watched his boss go into his office.

"What was that?" Cameron rounded on him disbelievingly. "What do you mean? I was happy for him." Chase told her calmly. She stared. "You hugged House! And he let you. He – you – are you two together?" She asked finally. Her question sounded like a relief to her, as if she'd been wanting to ask for a while but couldn't.

"No." Chase said and she shot him a 'Oh come one!' look. "Really! We're not." Cameron shook her head, clearly not believing him, but Chase didn't care: let her think whatever she wants. It didn't matter anymore.

----

It was time to leave. Cameron and Foreman were gone, only Chase and House remained. The Australian was watching his boss who, on the other side of the glass door, was miming piano again, this time to Baba O'Riley, by The Who. Chase wanted to talk to him but didn't feel like disturbing him: he looked so happy. Like always when he's doing something related to music.

But someone entered House's office and shut the music off. Chase recognized him as Edward Voglar, the new chairman. The two spoke for a minute or two before House turned his iPod back on, which played an overly joyful tune – ruining the dramatic ending to the conversation he had wanted to produce. The music stopped again and Voglar left, leaving House looking pretty disgruntled.

Chase decided to go in before something else happened. "What did Voglar want?" He asked House, picking up the tennis ball. The older man gave a non-committal shrug, silently warning Chase to drop the subject. Before he could decide on saying what he'd been waiting the whole day to say, House spoke; "What was that hug for? You know Cameron's never going to shut up about this…" Chase rubbed his forehead under his hair. "She was going to ask you about the heart thing – I had to distract her."

"Couldn't you have chosen something else? Like kissing Foreman or something… Something not involving me?" House asked snappily. Chase stared, and was about to walk away angrily when he collected himself and decided to drop it. It was now or never:

"So… no work tomorrow right?" The Aussie asked apprehensively. House smirked at him, "That's right, it's a day off." Chase scratched the back of his neck, sighing. House knew what he yearned for: he just wanted Chase to ask him. "You… want to hang out? Do something, I don't know, cinema, or whatever…?" House's smile faltered, causing Chase's heart to sink. He suddenly felt so stupid; of course House didn't want to! He had better things to do then to hang out with him…

"Sure, why not? I'll pick you up at ten." House said while he gathered up his things on his desk and put them in his bag. Chase stared, wondering if he'd daydreamed off for a moment, until House waved his hand in front of his face; "Chase? I'll be there at ten, AM okay?" Chase nodded frantically, feeling himself blush slightly. House smiled mockingly; "You're such a girl" he told his employee as he walked out of his office.

Chase followed without a word and watched him lock his door and walk off without them exchanging looks or speaking.

What was going to happen now…? House undeniably knew Chase liked him now; so did he agree just to humor him, or did he really want to spend the day with him?