Title: Family Ties
Chapter 1 – Old Habits & New Threats

Summary: AU SQL to NB – House and Chase continue to work on building their new living arrangement while dealing with Chase's secret medical issue, a dangerous stalker and some family troubles from a close friend. Will they be able to stick together and survive? Or will House lose his beloved duckling? What danger awaits? And yes Wilson and Bruno are in this also!

Disclaimer: House MD and its characters are not mine any of the OC's are mine (names taken from a random name generator) any resemblance to any of my readers is by pure coincidence.

A/N: Okay so welcome to the sequel to NB! This story is going to have a stalker (b/c you know I have to have some danger for Chase and we all love protective House :) and focus on our 4 musketeers, Chase's recovery-b/c we all need some recovery time right? (and the lingering pill issue) and toss in some Bruno family angst for Chase to help with and of course as always lots of Chase/House moments (b/c that's the main focus). Please enjoy and thanks.

"Why not…I can do this by now," Chase tells himself as he stands in his room on a Saturday afternoon and looks at the surfboard with a small frown. "The sooner I do this…the faster I can get onto that."

It had only been two weeks since Chase had tossed away the crutches and was trying to get back into his old routine at work and his new living arrangement with House. He thinks back to the first full day of work and how tired he had been at the end of the day; House walking back into his office to find Chase at the team desk but not wanting to leave.

'Well you can't stay here all night,' House huffed as he took the chair opposite Chase and looked at him in concern. 'What happened?'

'First full day back and I'm…I'm tired. That's all. I just want to finish off this…'

'Someone stole your lunch money?'

'No…well actually yes but that's not the point.'

'Someone did steal your lunch money?' House asked in shock. 'Who?'

'I'll be along shortly.'

'Robert…what's wrong?'

Chase remembers swiveling in his chair and looking down at his legs before looking up at House in defeat. 'Had a few chest pains today. I just overdid it. I'm fine. I just need a few more minutes.'

'Leg's okay?'

'Tired but fine. I can walk out of here if that's what you're asking.'

'Yeah too bad I was looking forward to carrying you across the threshold when we got home,' House deadpanned, drawing a small smirk from Chase's lips.

Chase remembers House sitting with him until he had completed his paperwork and then both slowly heading for the doors to go home, no longer taking the bus; House more than content to drive them. That night Chase had only eaten a light meal and then went to sleep as soon as he excused himself from the table; his body begging for some extra rest. The morning after House scolded him for pushing himself too hard, even playfully threatening to take him over his knee with a wooden spoon now he could no longer use his legs as an excuse for no punishment. Chase promised to pace himself, something he tried for half the day but then a few frantic calls came into the ER and it was all hands on deck. Despite being excused by both House and Foreman he rushed into help and ended up nearly being a patient himself.

After that he made a pact with his body to be fair to it and for the rest of that week and the following week, had really worked hard to keep the plan in place, even turning down House in favor of resting up a bit to give his heart some extra downtime. Or so he told House.

But today, Saturday, he had told himself that he wanted to attempt a small jog in the park; House being called in for a special discussion for department heads. He leaves a note for House that he was going to the park for a few minutes, grabs his phone and watch and heads for the door. To contemplate running for the first time in months, even for ten to fifteen minutes as he had allotted himself was starting to make his agitation grow so that by the time he reaches the park he's wondering if it's a wise decision.

'Bruno, do you think I can chance jogging anytime soon?'

'Ah anxious to get on that board Dr. House bought you right?'

'Very. I know that won't happen until it's really warm but in the meantime I can try to build my stamina right?'

'Just don't try the first time unsupervised. I know it might sound kinda restrictive but if you're alone and go into an arrest or something it could do serious damage and set you back.'

'I give you my word I'll be careful.'

"I'll be careful. Only ten minutes," Chase tells himself as he starts into some light stretching. But he tells himself that after two weeks of his work routine, a ten to fifteen minute jog in the park wouldn't put any further strain on his system then he already had and he'd be fine.

He starts into his light jog, keeping a close eye on the time. But as soon as his mind starts to wander back to the few vacation days after the funeral he and House had shared in Melbourne, he gets lost in pondering the good and tense times. About ten minutes later, however, he starts to feel a crisp pain in his chest and a few dark circles start to form before his eyes.

"Oh damn…" he curses as he heads toward a bench in a rather secluded area of the park, hoping he can get to it in time to just collapse and relax before he thinks about trying to get back and without the help from strangers. How far did I run? Is there a bus stop nearby? Or maybe I should just call for a cab? Is there a cab nearby?

"Ahhh…" Chase lightly gasps as he stumbles just before he reaches the bench. But he manages to quickly regain his footing and grab onto the back board before twisting himself around and plunking down onto the bench with a flushed face and racing heart. However, as his body starts to rapidly shut down, he fails to see an intent set of eyes watching him...watching and waiting and then making their move.

"Not…good…" Chase pants as he tries to take a deep breath and get the ache in chest to subside. "I need…oh damn…" his voice dies out into another gasp as his eyes tightly close; another painful burst reverberating throughout his frame.

"Hey…you okay?" A male voice asks as Chase thinks he feels a strange hand on his shoulder. But his watery eyes refuse to focus on the stranger who he thinks is trying to offer some assistance and he continues his rapid physical decline. However, someone else's eyes were watching and narrowing in concern; someone who actually was rushing toward him to help.

"Robert!" House calls out as he tries to get to the bench where he sees his beloved Robert collapsed. The sight of Robert in an obvious state of distress was alarming but adding to that was the strange male hovering over him for a few seconds and then taking off as soon as Chase's frame seemed to react to the mention of his name; the man rushing away without turning and looking at House.

"Hey!"

He had always felt a protective instinct toward his favorite duckling, something he didn't really want to show too much in public or around the team; except Wilson, but having the younger man living with him on a daily basis was only forcing those feelings to grow and now seeing the strange man hovering over his falling duckling forces his protective jealousy to flare. Who the heck was that? And why didn't he stay? Was he really trying to offer help?

"Robert?" House asks in concern once more as he nears.

'Father I can't…catch my….breath…'

'What did you do Robert?'

'I…'

'Every reaction is the cause of an action. Now tell me how you did this to yourself!'

"No!" Chase gasps as he hears his name but this time it's not his real father's scolding tone.

"Robert? It's me," House tries to make his voice register in Chase's frantically racing brain.

Chase's somewhat watery eyes finally open as his brain tries to push aside the tormented memory of his real father in favor of the kind voice now trying to help him. A voice he knows very well. "House…" he wheezes as he tries to sit up. "I'm…sorry I…can't…seem to catch…my breath…help…"

"Lay back down," House replies with a small chip to his tone as Chase closes his eyes but complies.

"Ran…to far…"

"I can see that," House answers as he reaches for Chase's wrist to get try to get a feel for his pulse. "I said stay," he lightly scolds when Chase tries to sit back up. "Chasing a purse snatcher?" He lightly jokes as Chase takes another deep breath.

"Lost track…of time," Chase answers in truth as his wheezing starts to subside and he's able to open his eyes fully once more and focus on House's face. "I only wanted…to do a short run," Chase confesses as he offers a hand to House who refuses.

"Rest up a bit more, no one's waiting in line for this bench," House assures him as he touches his forehead and frowns. "Got your note and was going to join you to feed the ducks but now…"

"We can sti…"

"Stay!" House warns for a final time, earning a purse lipped grumble from Chase. "It's only been two weeks, what are you thinking?"

"Wanted to build…my stamina," Chase answers with only two light gasps, his lungs finally starting to regulate again and his heart and pulse rates slow.

"For what? Marathon sex?" House retorts as Chase rolls his eyes and then gestures that he finally wants to sit up. House helps him very slowly rise to a sitting position, reminding him that he'd at least have to walk back to the car so they'd wait until the dizziness passed completely.

"To get back into my routine," Chase finally manages with a single breath.

"You'll get there," House reminds him kindly as he looks at Chase's flushed face in concern before he finally offers some water. "Sip it slowly," House adds as Chase takes a small sip and carefully swallows, feeling a small burn in his chest when he does and leaning forward in case he wants to throw up. He doesn't.

"I'm…fine."

"Aussie's and their hard heads," House muses as he gives Chase's back a few tender strokes.

"You're not Aussie," Chase pointedly reminds him. "You're American."

"I defected," House quips as this time it's Chase's turn to offer a small snicker as he finally sits up and then leans back on the bench, both of them looking at the small duck pond in the distance. "Was worried when I looked at the time on your note and saw you had been gone too long."

"I'm sorry. I really want to try out that surf board in a few months."

"I'm gonna turn that thing into a book of matches if I find you like this again," House warns as Chase looks at him with a small frown. "Going into cardiac arrest isn't part of the plan is it? Or are you just missing your sponge bath and catheter. I can arrange for home use you know."

"Oh yes please bring home a catheter father, I've been a very good boy," Chase banters back in sarcasm as he takes another sip of the cold water, this time delighted when he doesn't feel any chest pains.

"Careful what you wish for," House counters as he takes the bottle away. "Just let your body rest," House instructs as they sit in silence for a few minutes longer. "I noticed you put in for a few extra shifts down in Pediatrics. You want to tempt fate again?"

"I can explain."

"Please do as I'm almost upset when I come into my office at the end of a 12 hour shift and not finding you sitting at my desk in pain."

"They were short staffed and I need the money for a new car," Chase lightly shrugs as House looks at him in concern. "It'll be fine. The lifting there is a lot easier than the ER."

"If you want extra m…"

"No," Chase quickly interjects as House tilts his head in wonder. "You've already given me a lot. I don't want to seem like a freeloader."

"I charge you half the rent, at your request I might add," House notes sourly.

"Only fair right?" Chase answers back.

"I don't mind lending you the money for a new car, if you'd rather. Interest would only be 50% compounded," House concludes with a grin as Chase utters a mock gasp followed by a chuckle.

"Might as well offer you my soul."

"Oh I already own that," House quips as he pats Chase on the leg. "Who was the stranger who offered to help?"

"I heard…a male voice but I thought…you mean it wasn't you?" Chase asks in wonder.

"You didn't see another man hovering over you?"

"No. He didn't stay to help?"

"I don't think he wanted to help," House offers in dismay.

"Do you think he was trying to take my wallet?"

"Could be, he looked kinda scruffy," House remarks offering in his mind only that his wallet is all he had better have wanted!

"Kick a man when he's down. Great," Chase groans as he rubs his face. "Glad you came along when you did."

"Me too. Ready to get back?"

"Ready," Chase replies as he slowly stands up, House offering a hand to his elbow to steady him as he remains in place for a few seconds and then decides to take a chance in heading back to House's waiting car.

"I really should ground you," House grumbles as he playfully gives Chase's hair a brief ruffle, earning a small smile and nod from the younger man beside him. The chuckles fade in favor of light banter as the two of them slowly head back to the car; Chase mentally scolding himself for pushing too hard like that and worrying not only himself but his faithful guardian as well.

But unbeknownst the stranger hadn't gone too far. He could only curse the other man's bad timing. Happening upon the younger man in distress was almost a miracle and had he been able to get even a small glimpse at his wallet would have been able to confirm that he was the young man he had travelled half way around the world to find. Find and settle the score with. He pulls out a small photograph and narrows his eyes at the two faces before looking up as House and Chase finally take their leave. "Damn the older man. Have to find out who he is. I was told Robert Chase lived alone. I've come too far to stop now!" With those haunting words left hanging in the air, the stranger pulls out from behind the tree and decides to follow at discreet pace.

As they enter their apartment, House watches Chase pull away and wander into his bedroom. He slowly follows and then pokes his head around the corner to see Chase flopped down on his bed with his eyes closed.

"Chest still hurt?" House asks in growing concern.

"I just need a few minutes and then I'll join you in the kitchen."

"Take as long as you need."

Chase watches House leave and then slowly rolls onto his back, a few dark circles dancing before his face and making his lips utter an angry curse at his own stupid actions. As much as he appreciates the caring attention that House provides, he tells himself that he doesn't want to take that protection for granted and to be mindful of his actions. Over the past few weeks it has been more than enjoyable coming home to someone waiting for him; or even if House was late or busy with other things, just to know that the space around him wouldn't go unoccupied for very long.

'Do you want mindless affection or do you want success? You can't have both. Choose success that way you'll always have something to be proud of. People will always let you down, success never will.'

He had thought his father's words strange at the time; told to him by an uncaring father when he was but a young boy. As he lays in silence and ponders his father's life course, he now understands – his father was only ever proud of his professional achievements and family to him was mindless affection; something you did if you had a spare moment. For a few seconds that thought makes him sad. But he had made a pact with himself the day he came back from the funeral, that he wouldn't, if at all possible, allow his father's loveless legacy to bog him down in emotional mire. House deserved better after all he had done and would yet still do.

"Thought I'd make roast duckling for supper," House mentions as Chase enters the kitchen about twenty minutes later.

"That isn't duckling. What is it?"

"Rattlesnake," House answers in a serious tone as Chase looks at him, not certain if he's telling the truth of pulling off yet another masterful poker face.

"It's a good thing I stopped playing poker with you."

"Why is that by the way?"

"Is that really snake?"

"Tastes just like chicken," House assures him as he offers Chase a glass of wine. "After supper we'll work on that poker face of yours."

"What game?"

"Strip poker," House wags his brows, earning a head shake from Chase as he heads back to the stove in an effort to keep guessing what they were having for dinner.

"Well?" House asks as they finally start into their meal.

"It is chicken right?" Chase asks with a wondering expression.

"You make that face very well. Ever posed for the back of a milk carton?"

"That isn't funny. What is this really?"

"Rattlesnake. Tastes like chicken right?"

"Actually…yes," Chase huffs in resignation as House pats his hand. "But if I suddenly want to find a rock in the sun to curl up onto, I'm blaming you."

"I'll take credit if you start to grow fangs."

"I said snake not werewolf," Chase playfully groans.

"You're not that hairy."

Chase wisely ends the lame discussion as he knows House will just keep going until he has had the last word and he knows the conversation would digress further and further until it literally hit rock bottom and he'd end up offering to wear a snake costume just to call a verbal truce.

House finishes up in the kitchen after supper and then goes in search of his duckling. Upon finding his room empty, he heads for the bathroom. Noticing the door slightly ajar he peers through the crack to see Chase standing before the mirror reading the instructions on a small pill bottle.

"Want to share the fun?" House states suddenly as Chase's fingers fumble with the bottle; his quickly reflexes clutching the small tube but not before two little white pills slide down the sink and are swallowed by the drain.

"I thought I locked the door," Chase grumbles as he turns to House with a serious expression. "I am entitled to a little privacy right?"

"Not when that privacy might entail you taking drugs under my roof."

"I'm not taking…these are mine," Chase pulls his closed fist back as he looks up at House with a small frown. "I've had trouble sleeping and I needed…a little something. It's nothing."

"We're only allowed one addict in here," House reminds him firmly as his hand covers Chase's. "Why didn't you tell me?" He asks in a kinder tone, not revealing of course that he at one time gave Chase a sleeping pill without his knowledge. But as always he was able to push aside Wilson's voice of reason and convince himself it was because he knew best and it was for Chase's own good and he'd be damned if it came back to bite him in the ass - which it now was doing. But to see Chase taking the strong pills in private, worries him.

"I'm a big boy right?"

"Who admin…"

"I know what I'm doing and these won't hurt…well anything," Chase resigns as he opens his hand to reveal the small bottle. "I just…yesterday I had to monitor a patient in the same room I was in when my father first came and…and it brought back memories and I couldn't sleep."

"It was the one time?" House looks at him directly. Feeling the inquiring gaze starting to penetrate into his soul, Chase turns to leave. However, House's hand reaches out, clamps onto his forearm and turns him back. "How many?"

"A few since the funeral. I'm not addicted to them. Going back there brought back a lot of tough memories and they've been keeping me awake at night. Adding to that my boss is a bit of a slave driver."

"I'll have a word with him," House retorts gently as he manages to pry the small bottle away from Chase's grasp.

"I'm fine."

"I care," House replies warmly. "I really do care."

"You take pills so don't go all hypocritical on me," Chase reminds him with a sour note as he tries to get the bottle back. "Those are mine."

"I have a better idea to get you to sleep."

"I'm almost afraid to ask," Chase grumbles as he watches House push past and head out of the bathroom. Chase follows, watching House slowly make his way down the hall and then into his bedroom and wait for him. "I'm not playing strip poker," Chase lightly quips.

"Didn't know that was an option but we'll save for next time," House counters firmly as Chase offers a groan. "The reason you're not sleeping is you dwell upon your father's lame ass antics and it depresses you and then you turn off the light and expect to get a good night's sleep with him fresh in your mind."

"But…mmmph," Chase mumbles as House's hand lightly covers his mouth.

"Let the expert finish," House smirks as his hand drops back to his side. "What you need is something good to get your mind to dwell on before you go to sleep."

"I don't want a Debbie does Dallas relaxation tape," Chase groans as he slumps down on his bed.

"Again, wasn't aware that was an option," House shoos Chase over to the middle of the bed and eases himself down, offering Chase's familiar bedside fixture – his rubber ducky – a small pat on the head before he pulls out his reading glasses and then opens the small drawer at arm's reach. "The joys of breastfeeding."

"That's not…" Chase grumbles as House swats his hand away from the book. "What are you reading?"

"Whatever spy drivel you have here. Hush and relax. Doctor's orders."

Chase nods in resignation as he slumps back onto his bed and tries to relax. When House starts, Chase's mind is at first agitated that he wasn't able to take his sleeping pill as he wasn't sure how he'd get some solid rest without it. His mind next fixes on hearing his father's negative voice as he mocks and says I told you so from his pain from overexertion. But as he finally forces himself to listen to House's voice and House's voice alone, he's soon lulled into a light slumber that quickly morphs into a solid rest. House reads for another half hour in a low undertone until he's sure his duckling is asleep on his own and then very carefully covers him with the top blanket and removes himself from his bedroom.

House pauses in the hallway and looks down at the small bottle of pills now freshly grasped in his palm and frowns. Had he been so preoccupied with work the past few weeks that he had been neglectful of the one person he had sworn to himself to put as his top priority? Don't say it Wilson, House inwardly grumbles toward his inner conscience as he heads for his bedroom and turns off the light – bathing them all in darkness until the morning.

XXXXXXXX

"It worked…now he can say I told you so," Chase whispers to himself as he slowly opens his eyes the next morning, his brain taking careful note of the fact that he had slept drug free for almost eight solid hours. He rolls onto his other side and looks at his ducky and offers is a soft smirk before he rubs his face and slowly pushes himself up to a sitting position.

Sunday was their day to just relax after a tiring week or a busy Saturday and the pause before another busy and tiring week would start up again. Telling himself he wasn't going to strain himself two days in a row, Chase slowly gets out of bed, pulls on a pair of jeans and a hoodie and carefully escapes through the front door. His hands fondle his wallet as he stands in the elevator as it slowly descends to the main floor.

The day is somewhat overcast, threatening rain showers but he doesn't care. Today they'd spend making the final arrangements for their new painting project starting next weekend. House had told Chase that he wanted him to be part of everything that affected their apartment as he was just as regular a tenant as House; House sometimes arguing the most important part. He had invited Wilson and Bruno to join in the fun – promising them all a pizza party for their hard work.

"Morning Marty."

"Good morning Robert," the older man at the deli greets Chase with a warm smile. "Just you this morning?"

"House is sleeping in. I need some bacon please and is that…does actually say rattlesnake?"

"It actually does," Marty answers in truth. "In fact…Dr. House bought some…oh wait…"

"Yes he served it last night but I wasn't sure I believed him. Tastes like chicken."

"Did you like it?"

"Wasn't bad. A bit drier actually," Chase replies with a smile as he purchases a few more things and then takes his leave, picking up the morning paper on his slow walk back. But just before he enters their apartment building, he pauses and turns, glancing at a few passersby. For the past few days, an odd feeling of being watched had started to creep upon him. Different times of the day and different places; something he didn't and probably wouldn't worry House with.

It's nothing and you are being paranoid for no reason, his brain reminds him as he brushes away the feeling of inner anxiety that was lingering from yesterday's trying events and heads inside. Your father's dead remember? Even if he wasn't he knows that the last place Rowan Chase would want to be is around his son and the older man that had taken him into his home and his heart. I need more sleep, Chase resigns as the large glass door closes behind him.

But his inner feelings weren't completely without merit for as the door closes a watchful figure emerges. The dark eyes narrow as his mind tries to shut out a few agonizing screams – his own, brought on by a careless mistake of a supposedly skillful medical expert and then dismissed as nothing. I could have died…and he...

"I'll see you soon Robert…with a little warning message," the voice whispers before the face disappears into a sea of people, blending in expertly.

A/N: So how did you like starting to this repost? I added of course the stalker's first interaction with Chase and then added a few personal snippets into his mind so you'll see it's a bit more personal than just vague. Did you catch all the changes? I hope that's okay. Please do review before you go and thanks so much b/c much like the original the length of this one will depend on the reviews. thanks!