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Acceptance
by Ariel
TITLE: ACCEPTANCE
AUTHOR: Ariel, storm_trigger@libero.it
FANDOM: House, M.D.
PAIRING: House/Chase
GENRE: slash
RATING: Adults/NC17/FRAO, some bad words.
DISCLAIMER: I don't own any of these characters and I don't make any money from this, whatever this is.
SPOILERS: none
SUMMARY: The circle is complete. It's Cameron's turn.
NOTES: I usually speak Italian around here, so any mistakes you find you can point them to me and I'll fix them. Thanks.
NOTES 2: IF THIS IS IT is performed by Huey Lewis and the News; it's written by Colla/Lewis and published by Chrysalis Music Ltd. Available on `Sports', by Huey Lewis and the News, 1984.
This fic follows `Like we never loved at all'
***
It was one of those weeks, the kind he thought would never happen again.
You're definitely nuts, you know it, right?
- Yea, and talking to myself is a clear sign! -
Chase walked briskly down the corridor, on his way back from the lab, again.
House was in a foul mood. Wilson had given him a reproachful look that morning, as if it were all his fault. He'd had the night shift, for God's sake! And he wasn't a babysitter!
He was nearing a storage closet when he heard a hiss.
- Psss... - Chase looked around bewildered.
- Psss... - And there he was. House's nose poked out from the closet and his hand beckoned to him. Chase prayed to be forgiven for his sins, especially now that he was going to cause permanent damage to his lover and boss. But he surrendered to House.
As the door clicked shut, Robert was gently pushed against it as House leaned against him, whispering: - Sorry, you were right. I've seen the lab results and your diagnosis was correct. My fault. - and he kissed Chase.
- Damn, my leg is killing me today... - he said in a pained voice.
Robert looked into Greg's eyes and knew he was sincere and sighed. He cradled his head in both hands, stood on tiptoes and brushed his lips against House's. A hand slipped through his hair, its grip firm on the nape of his neck, as the kiss intensified becoming a hungry battle of tongues.
- Missed you last night. - Greg panted. Robert smiled sweetly. - Do you need... a hand -, the leer was clear in his duckling's voice - ... for your leg? - Humorous, really.
- Not now, thanks. - Greg smirked. - By the way, are you hungry? - And Chase remained shocked at the display of goodies on boxes of powdered latex gloves and syringes, as his stomach growled.
Lunch was good and had the desired effect to put him back into Chase's good graces. They talked about their patient, laughed about Cuddy's newest attire, but even good things had to come to an end.
- Do you need help with all this? - Chase's arms moved to encompass all House's hard work, but he refused.
- Don't worry, I'll call Wilson, - Greg smirked. - and besides, you have clinic duty. -
Chase stared, eyebrows knitted together. - You mean, YOUR clinic duty, right? - House smiled angelically.
- Oh, why bother... - Robert sighed, resigned.
- You didn't think our relationship would spare you from slave work, right? - He forced his duckling to draw back until he bumped on the wall. - But it does have its advantages... - and kissed him wildly. Chase moaned and gripped Greg's hips.
They never noticed that the doorknob was a bit loose. The door opened a little, enough for anyone to peep through, following some strange sounds.
***
Chase made his way back to the lab on shaking legs. Fortunately he had to finish up some tests before clinic duty because he desperately needed a moment of peace and quiet. Greg sure knew how to apologize.
He sat on the stool, arranging vials, tubes and syringes when Cameron entered. She stood in front of him, hands fisted and face flushed. Chase blinked at her.
- Everything's ok? - he asked concerned. Then without notice she slapped him hard.
He stood abruptly. The stool wheeled away ending with a thump against the counter, while he clutched his abused cheek shocked.
- What the hell got into you? - Chase asked angry.
- You disgust me. You're only using him, I know. You think that a couple of... of... those things you do will make you keep your job, right? I don't care about you, but you don't have the right to exploit and make him suffer. Stay away from him! - she shouted.
Robert was rooted on the spot. A thousand thoughts were whirling through his brain, but soon one won over all the others: Cameron knew about them.
They were so screwed.
He was so out of it, he never saw the next slap. Someone else did it for him.
House closed his hand tightly and painfully around Cameron's wrist and she gasped, turning her head swiftly to stare into his eyes. They were absolutely cold. He pushed her away from Chase and didn't care if she stayed on her feet or not.
- You ok? - Probably the most stupid thing to say, but sometimes words failed even Gregory House. His left hand pulled away Chase's and caressed his reddening cheek. He shook his head and let his hand fall away.
- Go. I'll finish here. -
Still perturbed, Chase left the lab without a backward glance, hoping to rein in his tears.
House turned and looked at Cameron as if she was the most worthless of beings ever seen. She shivered.
- If you touch him again, I'll kill you. Do you hear me? - His voice was eerily calm, almost soft, but absolutely devoid of any emotion. Cameron tried to speak.
- I don't give a damn about what you have to say. I asked if you heard me... -
She nodded. He left. She curled up in a corner and started crying.
***
Wilson was a man who cared to be always proper and good-looking. A mild-mannered doctor is what is needed with so many terminal patients. Everyone knew it. So when he passed through the corridors of PPTH nearly running, there were only two possibilities in everybody's mind: a patient conditions worsening without warning, or House.
As he reached the Diagnostic Medicine lounge, Wilson stopped to catch his breath. He just happened to pass by the clinic, to see how House was doing after his "special" apology, but found Chase instead. With a handprint on his left cheek. He had dragged him into ER two and prodded until Robert spilled the truth. He hoped he was still in time to stop Greg from Killing Cameron, or to help him get rid of the body.
Huey Lewis' voice filled the office, while House sat sprawled on his chair, eyes closed, twirling his cane in time with his thoughts.
^ IF THIS IS IT
PLEASE, LET ME KNOW
IF THIS AIN'T LOVE YOU'D BETTER LET ME KNOW
IF THIS IS IT
I WANT TO KNOW
IF THIS AIN'T LOVE BABY, JUST SAY SO ^
Wilson sat opposite him and waited.
Slowly, as the song ended, House came back to the present and Wilson winced.
- Bad day, mmmh? -
Greg glared, but nodded. Then stood abruptly and headed for the door. James followed him preoccupied.
- Wait, I can understand your need to protect him, but committing a murder won't solve anything. - Wilson stopped just in time to avoid colliding with his friend.
- I'm not going to kill her, if she stays the hell away from him. - he hissed. - I'm going to see Cuddy. - Greg started walking again.
Wilson's eyes grew very large. - What? - he screeched. - You think Cameron would tell everything to Cuddy? -
James lowered his voice as he blocked House's way. Greg sighed and explained: - No, but I need a backup plan if anyone else should find out. - and he went on his way, leaving Wilson behind.
- Damn. -
***
Lisa Cuddy knew from experience the sounds House made approaching her office and from them in what kind of mood he would be. And THIS didn't bode well.
He threw open the door and let it swing shut.
Cuddy lifted her eyes from the stack of documents she was studying with Stacy to glare at the intrusion, but stopped, frowning. This certainly was not good, no, it was damn bad. She made an elegant gesture to order Stacy to keep quiet.
- We need to talk. You go away. - He pointed to the door with his head without taking his eyes away from Lisa.
- Can you leave us, Stacy, please? -
The lawyer stubbornly remained where she was.
- If he screwed up again, and I know that's why he is here, you'll need my help. Believe me. - She stated angry, hands on her hips.
Cuddy's voice sounded calm and reasonable: - Out. Now. -
Stacy went without grace.
Lisa turned back to House and motioned for her couch. - Tell me. - And he did.
***
After taking care of House's clinic duty, Chase got back to the Diagnostic Medicine lounge to make himself a cup of tea.
While pouring the boiling water he saw his hands were still trembling, slightly. He put back the kettle and took his mug to the table with his crossword. He sat down and tried to relax.
Cameron entered some time later looking for a cup of coffee. She hesitated for a moment, then went to the coffeemaker.
They did their things in complete silence, trying to ignore the other. Until Chase had enough. He stood, covering the distance between them to stand directly in front of her. She turned her head slightly, but didn't dare make eye contact.
- You don't have any right to talk about him. You gave up on him, you should remember that. You expected he would reciprocate your feelings after one fucking date, extorted to be precise. What did you think? That he would transform into Prince Charming? Sprout poetry, give out red roses and stuffed animals? And when it didn't happen? You found an excuse that wouldn't give you any sense of guilt and went on your way. Going back to your obsession, your blushing and stuttering, that really are the only things you do well.
YOU disgust ME. And don't you ever even try to imagine what is there between us, because you know nothing. Do you hear me? -
Chase didn't remember ever taking anything so seriously in all his life, and it scared him and excited him at the same time.
Cameron blinked a couple of times and then started trembling.
Despite all she said to him, Chase felt bad for Allison, and all his anger, frustration and worry dissolved as she started crying. He shook his head and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
- It's alright. It'll get better, you'll see... - he whispered.
He would never give up House, but he hoped they would be able to still work together.
She leaned into his embrace and whispered: - I'm sorry... - over and over and finally Chase smiled.
- I'll take care of him. Don't worry! - And she lifted her head from his shoulder and gave him a watery smile.
***
House came back from his meeting with Cuddy very tired. Discussions about feelings weren't his cup of tea.
He peeped into the lounge and saw Chase alone with his crossword and a slight smile on his lips, and found himself staring. Had he always been that... beautiful? But before he could find an answer, Robert saw him, stood and joined him in his office.
- I was waiting for you... - Chase smiled. Greg was still caught into his earlier musings and it took him a bit to find his voice.
- Ready to go home? Because we need to talk. - He said seriously.
Chase expression closed a bit and he frowned.
- Sure, let's go. - But before he could take a step toward the door, Greg's hand on his arm stopped him.
- It's not what you think it is. - He said sternly.
Chase smiled and relaxed, - Ok. - and left. Less than a minute later he poked his head inside again and sighing said: - I talked with Cameron. I think it's going to be ok. - And left again. House kept staring at the place just vacated by Chase lost in thought until he came back.
***
The drive home was spent in silence. Chase risked a couple of glances and noted how tense Greg was. He shifted and rested his left hand on House's right thigh.
He felt immediately the muscles loosen as his boss exhaled explosively. He kept silent even during the ride in the lift, as they covered the distance to the apartment. Once inside, Greg still didn't talk. He went to the bedroom to change and in the kitchen to grab a beer.
Chase had a muscle over his right eye that kept twitching and felt an overwhelming need to strangle his lover. He joined him I the kitchen and crossed his arms over his chest, impatiently waiting.
House rolled his eyes. - I talked with Cuddy. - And looked expectantly at Chase.
Robert blinked. - Don't the two of you do it at least once a day? - House's eyes told him he was being very dense.
Chase stiffened, then paled. - You what? - And he screeched even more than Wilson.
- I thought it would've been better , before we really needed it. - Greg went on the defensive.
- And it never crossed your brain to talk to me beforehand? - Robert asked in disbelief.
Greg nodded and fixed his eyes on the floor. He had made a mistake. Again.
- Oh, stop right now, you idiot. - House's head snapped back up and his eyes met with a pair of very determined, very pissed ones.
- I know what you're thinking, mister. So. Stop. Right. Now. - and he punctuated every word with a kiss.
- Now, would you please tell me about your conversation with Dr. Cuddy? - His duckling asked in a sweet voice. With that voice House couldn't deny him anything.
- Well... -
***
House hesitated for a couple of minutes, then chose one of the leather chairs in front of Cuddy's desk. He turned the one nearer to the low table before the couch and sat down. He brought his cane between his knees and leaned his forehead on the handle to gather his thoughts. Not that he really needed that. There wouldn't be any place for lies in what he was going to say to Lisa, so he started telling simply the truth.
- I'm in a relationship with Chase. - And waited for her reaction.
Lisa stared, unsure if she had heard right. The term "relationship" could have meant anything if the person in front of her had been anyone but House. For him, that word meant only one thing: commitment.
She leaned against the backrest of her couch and observed one of her best doctors carefully. House despised talking about himself and hated that anyone could think him capable of caring. But for a moment it was all written in his eyes: the love, care and even worry he had for Robert Chase. The fact he was seated in front of her talking about it meant someone found out. And he came to bargain.
- What do you want? - she asked sincerely.
Contrary to everyone's belief, she wasn't in love with him or anything. If anyone even hinted that she could find him intriguing, she would probably skin them.
Reality was she found their quarrels refreshing. He was the only one that didn't cower when she spoke, that didn't try to stay on her good side, that didn't pretend. Sure, he got to her like no one ever could, but she admired his restless quest to find a cure, and envied it a little bit. So it wasn't pity, or guilt or even love that pushed her to protect him from himself, it was her selfishness.
She wanted him around. Period.
- If it ever comes out, I want him to be able to find a good job in another hospital. Staying here would probably be really impossible, so anywhere else... I don't care, provided that he will be able to do what he loves. - House closed his eyes, gritting his teeth. It was damn difficult, even with her.
She arched her eyebrows and asked: - And you? What about you? - She thought fleetingly she should have been surprised he mainly thought about Chase, but then she found it obvious.
- Me? - House asked surprised. -I only want him to be happy. Do we have a deal?-
Cuddy turned and watched the clouded sky outside her window. Her eyes hardened and she shook her head. - No, we don't. - she said firmly.
Any other time she would have rejoiced to have left House speechless.
- I don't intend to lose any of you. Have I made myself clear? I know he won't get any special treatment from you. Everyone knows that. - She rolled her eyes and prayed for Chase's sanity. Then turned her eyes back to House. Her voice softened and she smiled. - You've changed. It's not so evident, but I know you. And it's a good thing. You're more relaxed, less biting in your comments, your... ducklings are a lot more at ease around you. All of them. And you take less of your pills. - She waited for his reaction, but he remained neutral. So she went on.
- If it comes down to one of you losing his job, I'll find a new one for both of you, at any cost. And that's a promise. But I will fight. And I'm sure you will too. -
She knew he thought himself not worth of so much faith and loyalty not only from Chase or Wilson, but from her as well. She hoped one day he would understand. Chase had a lot of damage to repair.
House sighed and nodded. - Deal. - And smiled.
She smirked and decided to exploit his unexpected openness. - So tell me, is he a good kisser? -
She remained shocked to see him blush.
***
Robert slowly smiled. - You're not going to tell me your answer to that question, are you? -
House shook his head. - On my dead body. - He vowed.
His duckling caressed him with his body and he felt himself harden instantly.
- You sure? -
Chase slipped away and started unbuttoning his shirt, then headed for their bedroom.
House blinked, then followed him as fast as he could. He was already forgiven, he knew, and before the end of the evening he was going to spill even that bit of truth.
He smiled. Life was really good and he was starting to believe it.
23/10/2005
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Legal Disclaimer: The authors published here make no claims on the ownership of Dr. Gregory House and the other fictional residents of Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital. Like the television show House (and quite possibly Dr. Wilson's pocket protector), they are the property of NBC/Universal, David Shore and undoubtedly other individuals of whom I am only peripherally aware. The fan fiction authors published here receive no monetary benefit from their work and intend no copyright infringement nor slight to the actual owners. We love the characters and we love the show, otherwise we wouldn't be here.
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