(Untitled)

[ineedavicodin]

He'd been blissfully ignoring the date, refusing to acknowledge it at all. As far as he was concerned, it was just another day.

He went to the bar to get a sandwich, nothing special. Except along side the dinner platter, a cake appeared, with numeral candles displaying 48, and the words Happy Birthday Greg written out in blue icing. He growled at

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[not_british]

There is a voice from somewhere behind House. There is a distinctive Australian accent.

"I didn't know it was your birthday."

Chase approaches his boss, trying not to be too surprised. After all, what does he really know about House's life outside of the hospital?

[ineedavicodin]

"It's not." Yeah right. Kind of hard to deny with the cake sitting ominously beside him.

[not_british]

Chase gives him a doubtful look.

"Right," he says, looking from cake to House. "It's not like there's anything to be ashamed of."

[ineedavicodin]

House gives him a condescending look. "Not ashamed. Also not interested in celebrating."

[not_british]

He's...used to that look, so it doesn't really faze him.

"Well, all right," he concedes with a slight shrug. "At least you got free cake."

[ineedavicodin]

"Have a piece." House pushed the cake plate toward Chase.

[not_british]

"Really?" Both eyebrows raise slightly, but he takes the opportunity to settle into the seat across from the other man.

"Uh -- thanks."

[ineedavicodin]

He's not going to say 'welcome'. Just not. But he does nod. "Take it all, if you want." He doesn't care for the cake any more than he cares for the birthday thing.

[not_british]

He would but ... well, that would be rude. And he isn't sure that House really is that against his birthday as he thinks.

...Or maybe he just hopes.

He helps himself to a piece and takes a bite. "Happy Birthday, anyway," he says.

[ineedavicodin]

Triumph lists her head and growls. House puts a foot on her back.

"You really don't need to say that."

[not_british]

"Maybe not," Chase agrees, swallowing, "but I thought I should say it anyway. It's what people say on birthdays, whether or not you feel like celebrating."

He shrugs.

[ineedavicodin]

"Is it out of your system now?" Greg sneered at the cake. "Cause I'd really appreciate it if you didn't bring it up again."

[not_british]

"Just be thankful I'm not giving you another hug," Chase jokes.

[ineedavicodin]

"Try it. I might have to kill you."

[not_british]

Chase laughs.

"I won't," he says. "Don't worry."

[ineedavicodin]

"Good." House still eyes him somewhat warily.