I finally 're-found' this story...thankfully.

What a great piece of work...

BSB

Stunning. No word was wasted, each contributing to make a true piece of art.

This piece is so beautiful, with a sort of subtle poignancy that gives it character. The dialogue flows easily between the descriptions, none of which are in excess.

This story was economical and had a soft voice. Great job in doing what most writers have trouble doing.

I really almost wish that you'd write a sequel in which Wilson's all "did you really mean that wife thing, cause I'd rather be the man of your house" and House is all "worst pun ever, Boy Wonder Oncologist" and then makeouts! But with your way with words, because honestly my summary there was fraggin' terrible.

Great story. I really liked your attention to detail and I thought the characters were beautifully written and very much in character. Good job!

I don't reread this fic as often as "Counterpoint," but I should: every time, I'm reminded why I love it so.

Your House/Wilson dynamic is perfect. I can hear the squabble over the couch and their conversation after Chase's interaction with House playing out in my head. (I think in words, not pictures, but the pictures would fit right into an episode.) Brava: many people write H/W banter; not enough do it this well. (I loved the detail of House's making up perverse things just to see the 'ew' dance. And throwing in the Borgias as an example of dysfunctional families-witty, smart, sharp, Housian.)

Now: House and Chase.

The first time I read that scene, it was with a lump in my throat and teary eyes: Chase's pain is so vivid, so real, and so completely undeserved that it's heartbreaking. Comparing him to Kay of "The Snow Queen" was brilliant-of course it would be his instinct to protect himself by becoming jaded and throwing up emotional walls, and of course House, who has, would want to spare him doing so. Of course House would be the only one who could say "It's them" and have a chance at being believed.

House deflects, he tries not to have the discussion, but finally he agrees to support. He _cares_, however hard he tries to hide it.

Having him not-quite-hold Chase was particularly moving, and made it clear how deeply House had been affected-House, who is at best uncomfortable with touch, putting that aside to give Chase meaningful contact.

(It struck me in "Half-wit" that touch was very important to Chase: he didn't waste his breath on an "I'll miss you" speech; he wanted the hug to remember. And I couldn't help thinking that he can't have had much affectionate contact as a child, and would be emotionally starved for it as an adult.)

Oh, and "Unheard children cry silently"-that hurt to read, but it was the most poignant kind of pain. Particularly when followed by House's thought that perhaps he'd written it.

I loved the flashback to Japan, too: it was so evocative and captured the spirit of the city and the time-and House, defiant and already a little broken, but standing up again regardless.

Really a study in how alike House and Chase are (the parallel House drew between Chase's reaction to Cameron's leaving and his own to Stacy's was so telling), and written to maximum effect. I also enjoyed the reconciliation of the House/Wilson and House/Chase relationships, with House assuring Wilson they each have their place with him, because it made sense for Wilson to feel just a bit threatened.

Brilliant work. If you write House fic again, especially with these characters, I'll be reading it.

This was really wonderful. I love the relationship you set up between Chase and House in this, and I think you nailed both of their characters in a one-shot that could have been terribly out of character in lesser-skilled hands. Loved another glimps into House's past as well, and the ending... ha! Love it!

~Scarlett

Thank you for writing a beautiful story! I have read and re-read it; it is one of my absolute favorite House fanfics. The dialogue, the humor, the angst, House's wit and Chase's desperation and cunning, all of it fits neatly together into a jagged marvelous House-shaped puzzle. Reading this fic never fails to make me smile. Thank you for writing and posting!

This is just fantastic! I especially love the dialogue - it's witty, it flows well, and it's so... well, House! :D

I'm glad that it's not slashy or out of character, either. Major kudos for that.

-Lys

I really enjoyed this story. The beginning was- well, I was grinning. People pull that trick a lot, but it's always fun to read. (Unless you didn't mean to, and then... you have a true talent there, my friend.)

I can truly imagine House in Japan the way you depicted him.

Good fic.

Delighting in taste and other-wordly in experience. Thank you!

LOL. Go Chase. Hahaha

lovely lovely lovely

i could definitely see this happening-if chase wanted advice-ever-he'd get it from House. its just so spot on the way you have these characters (i really wish they'd done this in the show-that'd mean chase would find somebody better-maybe me?-and cam would pine away over house some more and badly pretend that she doesn't want him like she always has.)

i love chase-house moments, they're cool characters, and of course wilson and house working together-ish like that was just fun to read. they're all the three coolest characters on the show, and i could read them anyday.

thanks for repeatedly feeding my chase-house withdrawal and agony-can't believe i didn't review months ago, because i've read this about 20 times! anyhoo, have fun and keep up with house-chase stuff-you've got them down! (wilson, too, of course).

Love, love love it! Poor broken Chase! Aww! I like the way you also used Wilson and House interactions, and you had a strong beginning with the couch moving and a strong ending with the blackmail photo. Clearly developed sequence of events. Nice work!

I enjoyed this very much. I love the emotional stuff, but mostly when it doesn't go too far. You played it perfectly. They were perfectly in character and yet you gave us more emotion than the show ever will or can. thanks

I found it interesting that you wrote this in second person. I liked it, it seemed believable.