Disclaimer: Neither the show nor the characters belong to me. Oh, yeah, and I also borrowed the title (what can I say, it just fit so perfectly).

A/N: This is my first fanfic, but no worries, I know what I'm doing.

Need to Know

Chapter 1

Chase was walking towards his destination with determination. He barely registered the few scattered people passing him by in the corridors. He was a man on a mission. After thinking long and hard about the issue he finally decided that he needed to know no matter what. However, as he reached his goal, he stopped and looked through the glass doors into the office, hesitating for a moment.

The man was sitting behind his desk, working on the computer. Chase took a deep breath, once again re-evaluation his decision. He had to do this and he had to do it now. The matter was keeping him awake at night and entering his consciousness at the most inconvenient of times. He knew this was his only option; he'll deal with the consequences once they present themselves. With that thought in mind he pushed open the door and strode purposefully into the office.

House lifted his head to look at the visitor, showing no surprise as his identity was revealed. His face was blank as always, showing no emotions and never revealing what the man was thinking. He hadn't spoken, apparently waiting for him to reveal the reasons for this late night visit.

Here goes nothing, thought Chase to himself before opening his mouth to speak, "I want you to kiss Allison."

The older man raised his eyebrows in surprise. If nothing else, at least he managed to shock the otherwise stoic man, a small victory, but a victory nonetheless.

"Allison, as in Allison Cameron, your better half, well, more like quarter?"

Chase quickly masked the fleeting look of annoyance on his face before answering, "Yes."

House leisurely leaned back in his seat, "I was wondering when those wallaby genes of yours will resurface again, I must say this exceeded all my expectations."

"I'm serious. You want money? Just say a number." He drawled in his Australian accent.

The frown on House's face indicated that he was deep in thought. Finally, he relented, "I can't for the life of me figure out what you'll get out of this. Care to enlighten me?"

Chase sighed and looked down before admitting in a quiet voice," I just want to see what she'll do."

House smirked at the admission, crossing his arms over his chest, which caused a surge of wild anger to course through Chase's veins. He clenched his fists, digging his nails into the flesh and took a few deep breaths to try to calm down.

"Well, will you do it?" he said in a tense voice.

House used his best contemplative tone, "I must say that your offer is quite appealing, but I'd like to consult with my conscience before I make my decision. I'm sure you're aware of the delicacy of the matter, I'd just like to cover all the aspects of the issue…"

Chase interrupted him then, not wanting to have to listen to his babbling for another second, "Fine, take your time. Talk to Wilson, whatever you need to do. You know where to find me when you make a decision."

And with that he walked out of the door, not casting a single glance back.

A/N: Now about the reviews: I don't need them and my updating speed will in no way depend on their number. I especially don't need the high praise, because I'm not doing this to feel all warm and fuzzy inside. However, if you do decide to review, be critical, even flames are fine. And all you grammar Nazis out there, this is your opportunity, I give you free reign!