Title: Rewriting Destiny
Chapter 44 – Destiny Rewritten (Epilogue)

SPECIAL THANKS TO: Pallada, Akosiha, Zaffiro, HouseMDFan, iHeartlife, Callisto-HK, Angi, inissor, Rei, Shooting2stars, Justicerocks, Ghostwriter, Squee-bunny, Autumamberleaves, Milady and various guests for all their regular feedback for the duration of this story! It would not have gotten to this length without your regular reviews! *sigh* always bittersweet for me to reach the ending of a story but I hope you all enjoy this as much as the rest! THANK YOU!

Chase slowly walks up the steps, his heart beating faster and faster with each step he takes, the door to his new home looming closer. His fingers tighten around the key a bit tighter and he looks at the door with anticipation; his mind already mapping out where his new room will be, the distance to the large, modern kitchen and when he'll have his first BBQ party.

"Home," he whispers as he steps inside; House delighting in the obvious happiness and excitement the facial expressions of the younger man is displaying. "I loved this place the first day we came here."

"I know…I could tell," House comments in truth as he closes the front door; not admitting that he found the clipping of the same home that he had printed out. House notices Chase at first hesitating but when he tells the younger man this is now their home and he can explore wherever he wants, Chase finally moves. At first his stride is rushed, hurrying into every room to see what it has to offer, really seeing it for the first time and then coming back to House who patiently waits in the middle of the living room.

"This sitting area will be great for enjoying the sun and reading…or even in the darker months, enjoying the light," House comments as Chase agrees and then tells House where he thinks their furniture should be placed.

Next they head into the dining room that is just off the large, bright kitchen and both of them know this will be their favorite place in their new home; that and the fact that it opens up onto their new back deck/patio area. "Never had a patio of my own before," Chase comments as House comes up and stands beside him, the two of them looking out into the backyard. "We should get a badminton net or something."

"Hmm badminton, I think even I and Wilson could handle that," House admits with a warm smile as Chase steps out onto the back deck, walking around – inspecting every inch and telling House where the barbeque should go and their patio furniture set. After spending about twenty blissful minutes on the back deck, they head inside, looking around the kitchen a bit more before heading to inspect the other little rooms downstairs; a small office, a half bathroom and then of course the door leading into the garage that also houses a large storage area.

"Can't wait to see my room!" Chase exclaims as he literally bounds up the stairs, House offering the energetic younger man a chuckle as he continues up the stairs at his own pace. He reaches the top and watches Chase come out of a room with a large smile. "It's bigger."

"Always heard that size matters," House quips as Chase can only groan as he disappears into another.

"Yours is big too!" Chase calls out adding, "no size jokes about your…whatever."

House can only laugh as he enters the room that would soon be his. He too is happy for his larger bedroom, big bay window and full bathroom a few meters to the right of the window.

"Can we sleep here tonight? When can we move in? What about…" Chase rattles off a whole bunch of questions as he nears House with an excited bounce in his step.

"No. Soon and….yes," House replies simply as Chase's lips slightly purse. "You could sleep here but I'm afraid I'd need more than Jimmy's acupuncture to get me even upright tomorrow morning. Sleeping directly on hardwood flooring isn't exactly something I'd do purposely. We can move in as soon as this month is over."

"Really? That's…a few days from now."

"Exactly…so you won't have to wait too long. And I was thinking that maybe we can combine your Citizenship ceremony into a House-warming," House replies with a grin as Chase eagerly nods.

Chase starts to list off the people he'd like to have over, House just chuckling as he reminds Chase he won't remember unless it's written all down but their home might not be completely furnished by the time the ceremony comes – in a few weeks.

"Space is good," Chase retorts as they both head back down to the kitchen. "Can't wait to go to the Saturday market to get some fresh stuff for lunches and dinners…or just because," he exclaims happily as they once again head for the back deck. Both of them ease themselves down onto the treated steps that lead down to the grassy backyard, listening to the sounds of the city in the distance and enjoying the late afternoon sun. Chase's enthusiasm is infectious and House can only tell himself this was the right idea – mentally sticking his tongue out at Rowan Chase. 'I've given Robert the life he's always wanted…ME! I WIN!' He hears his inner voice in Wilson's tone utter a silent groan but he still revels in the fact that he would win the invisible award for father of the year.

They linger outside until hunger pangs start to gnaw at both of them and it's time to get moving from their spot in the stairs on the outside deck. Chase stands up, extending his hand for House to take and once upright offers the older man a warm hug; thanking him once more and telling House something that literally melts his heart with happiness, "I'm the luckiest son alive!"

As they lock up their new home, they talk about a plan of action for packing and moving…Chase anxious to go and see Jimmy the next day – Saturday, and tell his friend the good news. All the way back to their apartment, Chase talks about their new home, what new furniture pieces he wants to buy and what their first night will be like.

Dinner that night is relaxed and once again the bulk of the conversation is spent talking about their upcoming adventure – the big move to their new home. It was something he hadn't expected, House to surprise him with an actual home of his own, but it was more than loved and going forward would be more than cherished.

Just before he turns in, House hears Chase talking in an undertone and can't help but near his room and stop to listen. His brow furrows as he tries to figure out who he's talking to…Jimmy? Is his first thought but then hears…."goodnight ducky. We finally have a real home and a family who loves us."

House's heart warms and sinks at the same time. From the moment he met the younger man and brought him into his home, Chase had cherished House's love and attention the most – always pushing back when it was even hinted that he was there for the money, running away the first time and almost getting himself killed. House carefully tiptoes back to his bedroom, his mind and heart delighting in all the family 'feels' and knowing that their family unit can only grow stronger – something he wants just as much as Chase.

Chase looks at the printout of their home in one hand and their home on his phone in the other; a wide grin adorning his sun kissed face. Can't believe…this is our new home…my new home…my home…wow…Chase's mind inwardly smiles as he slowly flips through the pictures he had taken on his phone – pictures of the front, every room, the deck and the backyard.

'Busy tomorrow?' Chase texts Jimmy.

'What'd you have in mind?' Jimmy texts back.

'A drive in the burbs.'

'Sure.'

Chase can only laugh when Jimmy's reply comes back a few minutes later; his friend probably wondering what on earth his motivation was.

'For golfing?' Jimmy texts next; Chase's laugh garnering a response from House down the hall.

"Is my boy and his ducky having fun?"

"Jimmy is wondering what the drive into the burbs is for tomorrow."

"Poor Jimmy."

'For a Saturday market,' Chase replies, audibly laughing as he tries to picture his friend's confused expression.

'Ok-ay. The burbs it is.'

Chase texts back his goodnight and then reaches for his ducky, smiling at the silly little toy and turning off the light thinking about what it will be like to spend the first night in his new home. At first his mind is too active to actually fall into the dark realm of sleep, opting to stay awake and think about the day's events and the first visit to their new home. His body finally yells at his mind to switch off – which it does and he finally falls asleep with a contented smile on his face.

XXXXXXXX

The next day, House awakens to the smell of freshly brewing coffee and the sound of familiar chatter in the kitchen.

"My boy," House greets with a small yawn as he pats Chase on the back; Chase hanging up the call and then hurrying to pour House a mug of coffee. "What's going on?"

"When I worked at the clinic we always had supply boxes just lying around so I called Tom and asked if he had any I could have…for the move. He does so I'll pick them up on the way home after supper tonight. And yes…I will avoid another kiss of death."

"Not funny," House deadpans as Chase offers him a sheepish smile. "Hated to see you lying in that hospital bed."

"Since I know Wilson knows about the new home…he does right?"

"It's because of him we met that and his urging me to go to an empty House showing."

"What?" Chase looks at House in surprise as House nods. "You…never told me that."

"About half a year ago I bluffed with my best friend about getting a whole home for myself and he called my bluff and booked an appointment with a realtor. When I showed up…it wasn't the emptiness of the home that intrigued me it was…" House pauses as he pulls his phone and shows Chase a picture.

"The lamp."

"The…lamp," House echoes. "It was there and then it was gone and…and I had to know why. The next night I came back I found this young man, alone in the cold, dark home, sick, shivering and…and he silently begged me for help. I tried to leave…I wanted to just leave him there to fix whatever mess he had gotten himself into. But I couldn't. He was so alone and vulnerable and…and I couldn't. So I looked after him and then I left. But…destiny put him back in my path again for the next time I saw him was sitting in the dark, in the rain, wet, shivering and looking like a lost little boy. I had to take him home."

"I was in the House the day you came for the showing," Chase admits softly.

"You were?"

"I was in the basement but didn't have time to grab the lamp. I'm glad you came back."

"Me too," House tells Chase warmly. "Which is why…I kept that lamp."

"You did?" Chase asks in shock.

"Top shelf of the closet. Kept it…as a reminder of what really matters. Family. And now…now we both have that home and family we've always wanted."

"And Wilson can't bluff you anymore," Chase adds with a wide grin as House nods and fills up his coffee mug.

"To our new home," House holds up his mug, Chase giving it a small tap for a friendly toast.

"To our new home."

The two of them talk a bit longer before it's time to part ways, House telling Chase that Wilson was picking him up and they were going to do a few things before they'd meet Chase and Jimmy at their new home were they'd pick up a few things from the market and have an impromptu lunch on the on the back deck; Chase of course readily agreeing.

Just before he leaves, Chase goes into his bedroom and sure enough, tucked away on the top shelf was the little lamp that had found at a garage sale and used for his only light source when he was squatting in the abandoned homes. He looks at the sweater vest that House had given him; not wanting to throw it away as it was a reminder of House's loving kindness to a stranger he hardly knew.

Chase packs up the little lamp and then tells House he's going to pick up Jimmy and he'd see him later.

"So…a ride in the suburbs," Jimmy comments as Chase heads toward a now very familiar destination.

"Don't forget the market," Chase retorts with a wide grin. They reach the area and then Chase starts to slow the car; Jimmy looking over in wonder. Since the 'sold' sign was taken down by them the day before, there wasn't any real indication that the House was anything different from those around it. "Okay…here we are."

"So…is this a friend's home? A girl…friend's home?" Jimmy looks at Chase with an eager grin.

"Just come with me," Chase invites his friend as he gets out of the car and slowly heads up the walk toward the front door. But instead of knocking when they reach the front door, Chase pulls a key and holds it up for his friend to see.

"Really?"

"My new home!" Chase exclaims happily as Jimmy looks at him in surprise and then gives him a friendly hug; the two of them heading inside and Chase more than delighted to be giving his friend a tour. After the inside they head outside where Chase boasts about all the great barbeques they'll be able to take turns having. Chase then suggests they walk to the market to get a few things for lunch; the two friends enjoying a leisurely stroll through the neighborhood and coming to the open air market.

"I like this area," Jimmy comments as they head back to the home; House and Wilson pulling up at the same time the two younger men arrive back at the new home; all four of them heading inside and then onto the back deck to have their casual lunch and enjoy each other's company.

The four of them talk about the move-in date, the house-warming and of course the after-party for after Chase's citizenship ceremony. Afterward, House and Wilson sit on the two chairs they had brought, watching the two younger men casually toss a football around in the warm afternoon sun.

"Still remember finding Robert in that cold, dark basement. Alone…sick…and yet not asking for money or anything. But when I offered help…he didn't refuse. I just…couldn't leave him," House pauses as he looks at Chase with an affectionate gaze. "Now…now I can't imagine my life without him. This place…this home…it's ours now…my last gift to make his life complete…to make us a family."

"He looks…content. I've seen him happy before…but now…now he looks content," Wilson notes as they look at Chase and Jimmy now seated on the grass and just talking.

The two younger men come back and join the two older ones; the four of them talking about the moving plans, when it would happen and who would all be on deck to help out. After that the four of them head back outside and take advantage of the warm early evening air, walking to a nearby restaurant with a nice patio and ending their evening with a casual dinner.

XXXXXXXX

"Okay so…where do we start," Chase mentions Sunday morning as he stands in the living room amidst the empty boxes.

"We start….you know we're not actually moving tonight right?" House replies with a warm smile as he enters the living room and walks up to the younger man with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice.

"But we can get a head start right?" Chase looks up with an enthusiastic grin.

House can only give into Chase's enthusiasm reminding them that he also has a lonely surfboard that is needing some action. So they make a plan on where to start and how much to pack up each day that would take them to their move-in date of two weeks; one week before Chase's citizenship ceremony.

Chase and House spend the day packing and talking about the move and Chase's surfing outing the following weekend; the first time he'd be taking Jimmy. Just before bed, Chase heads into House's bedroom and shows him a picture of his new bedroom – empty except for the little lamp that House had saved from when he first met Chase.

"It's waiting for me."

"It won't have to wait too long," House tells Chase in a warm tone. "Remember we do have to work tomorrow."

"Oh right…work," Chase retorts with a smile as he offers his 'dad' a goodnight and then heads for bed. Much like the last two nights, his mind is actively thinking about the move; his body winning the sleep battle about twenty minutes later.

XXXXXXXX

The week that follows is busy for both House and Chase as they deal with new medical mysteries at work and then come home to slowly pack up their current apartment and prepare to move into their waiting home.

But the week wasn't going to end without a surprise for Chase – an unexpected visit.

"Dr. Chase?"

He turns and looks at the stranger walking up to him with a somewhat sheepish expression.

House looks at Chase and then at the person approaching and furrows his brow. But instead of just charging into the middle of the scene as he would have in the past; he holds back, knowing that he'll get all the details from his boy. But in true House fashion he lingers nearby. Watching.

"Is Jimmy all set for tomorrow?" House asks Chase as the two of them sit side by side on the couch later that Friday night, surrounded by a few towers of boxes on either side; both of them looking at the laptop on Chase's lap as he casually scrolls through their digital family album. They had paused a bit longer on the pictures of Chase's first surfing outing – both of them talking about the wonderful day and making plans for their next outing after they move into their new home.

"Ah look at this one," House states as he points to the silly selfie that was taken outside the concert hall a few weeks ago on the night of Chase's big thank you dinner and show. The next one that same night is Chase holding up his framed article with a wide grin and then another selfie of the two of them with the framed accolade between them.

The next picture is even earlier and it's one of Chase at work…a shot taken that he wasn't aware of; wearing the sweater vest and blue dress shirt that House had given him – the first day he had given it to him. "When was…I didn't know you took these."

"That's why they're call candid's," House retorts with a grin as Chase stares at the picture of the sweater vest. He remembers coming into House's apartment for the first time and feeling so embarrassed about having so little – especially in the way of clothing. He remembers Taub making some teasing comments about his clothing looking the same after one week and then how House took him shopping; his mind fondly recalling their trip to the mall when House bought him a few new complete outfits and how he felt like the most loved person on the planet.

"Ah…my duckling's first…duckling."

"And it tasted sooooo good," Chase chuckles at his own expression on the photograph of himself playfully gnawing on the duck leg. "Can we make duck for the after party?" Chase asks, referring to the little event they'd be having in their new home after his citizenship ceremony.

"Don't see why not, I think he's plumped up a bit," House shrugs as Chase looks at him with arched brows. "Well we hafta eat something," House retorts and then laughs as Chase flips to the next picture which is a selfie of him in the bathtub, mid-chest hair soapy and standing almost straight up with ducky sitting on his shoulder – both of them with wide happy grins. But House's lips slightly purse when he looks at the next one and then at Chase with arched brows.

It's a picture of House sitting in his chair, reading glasses perched on his nose and a book in his grasp. "When did you take this one?"

"It's a candid," Chase tosses back as he flips to the next one. Chase looks at the picture and then feels a small lump starting to form in his throat. "This…"

"Your first night here," House replies as Chase looks at the picture of himself sitting at the table looking down at the meal before him, sitting alone at the table and unaware of House taking a picture of him. "I took a few without telling you."

"Why?"

"Wasn't sure after that night if you'd be leaving the next morning and I'd never see you again. Damn…you look like a kid here…still do," House quips as Chase grins.

They look through a bit more before its time to call it a night; House telling Chase that he and Wilson would be taking care of some moving details and then then two younger men would join him and Wilson for dinner on Sunday night in their new home.

"Nothing fancy…just a casual dinner in our new home."

"It's gonna be great," Chase agrees warmly. They talk a bit longer before it's time to call it a night; the laptop being powered down and the lights in the living room going off. "Night dad."

"Goodnight my boy."

XXXXXXXX

"And I promise we'll finish dinner tonight without the trip to the ER," Chase chuckles as they near the entrance to the parking lot at the beach. "Oh speaking of her…she showed up at the hospital yesterday."

"Really?" Jimmy asks in shock. "What did she say? What's her name…what…" his voice rattles off a whole bunch of questions. Chase can only laugh as when he finished talking to the apologetic woman he turned to see House looking at him in wonder.

'So…what was that all about?'

'That was her…the woman with the kiss of death. She came to apologize.'

'That was all?'

'Her name is Alice and she works in marketing and yeah…just came to apologize.'

'Uh huh…' House stated as he turned and headed back into his office.

'What? No…that was all. House…really that was all.'

"Sounds creative…and I like a chef," Jimmy says as they get out of the car and then look at the crashing surf in the near distance. "Tell her to come without lipstick."

"Ha…ha," Chase deadpans as he carefully removes his board from off the top of the car and then both walk toward the rental cabin. Once there, Jimmy defers to Chase's surfing knowledge and about twenty minutes later turn and head back toward the ocean – both of them with boards in hand.

They settle their stuff on a small picnic table by the shore and then head toward the water. "Okay so before we go in…here are a few pointers."

Jimmy readily listens, tries what Chase suggests and then picks up his board and follows Chase into the water. The first time he wipes out a few seconds after standing up; splashing into the water while Chase rides the waves all the way to the shore.

But he doesn't give up; Jimmy gets back onto his board, rides the short wave into shore in a sitting position and then wades back out with Chase and tries again. Another wipeout; Chase feeling free and happy as he rides another successful wave into shore. However, a few tries later, Jimmy is able to ride his wave all the way to shore.

Chase shouts to his friend a happy call as he and Jimmy give each high fives. "That was great!"

"I think I'll need Horace's services come Monday," Jimmy confesses about an hour later as the two of them flop down onto the hot sand; Jimmy referring to his boss and the same man that made it possible for him and Chase to meet – House arranging it and the two of them becoming fast friends.

They get some fish and chips and homemade ice cream for lunch, sitting down by the water and talking about the day, the beach, beach experiences, surfing and just bonding like two close buddies. During the day Chase had taken some pictures for his own personal album but also sending a few to House and delighting when House sends one back of him and Wilson amidst a few boxes with amused expressions.

After they are too tired to continue surfing, the hour nearing dinner, they finally dry off, change in the change rooms, secure Chase's board and then head up the boardwalk for dinner; selecting a patio spot where they can see the car. And sure enough the happy day comes to a close with both friends saying goodnight without any medical incident; promising to meet up for dinner in Chase's new home the following day.

XXXXXXXX

Sunday morning Chase tells House all about his Saturday outing with Jimmy; their surfing experiences and of course their incident free dinner. With the apartment already boxed up, House and Chase only have to direct the movers when they arrive; putting a few boxes into their car and Wilson's with their most personal items and those they'd need for work Monday morning.

After that they leave the apartment and head for their new home; Chase literally jumping out of the car and racing up the sidewalk to the front door and entering his new home.

"I'm home," Chase whispers as he turns to face House with a wide grin. "We're home."

House gives Chase a warm hug and then nods in agreement. "We are….we're home."

The two of them step back and let the movers start to move the heavier stuff in; the four of them ferrying back and forth from the two cars the personal items that go straight to House and Chase's bedroom.

Lunch is casual with pizza and pop for them and the movers, and the four of them enjoying some take out Chinese in their new dining room area at the end of the day. After dinner Wilson drives Jimmy home; Chase sending his friend away with a thank you hug and the promise to have lunch with him mid-week after acupuncture session.

There were still a few things left in the apartment that they'd have to take care of, including cleaning but that would be all completed by Tuesday after work and then their new home would be made party ready by the weekend.

"I don't think I'll sleep much tonight…too excited," Chase admits as he stands in his new bedroom looking at the new, larger layout with a wide grin; House watching him in fascination.

"At least I'll know what to blame tomorrow if you kill a patient."

Chase turns and looks at House in mock horror before his expression turns back to his wide grin and he nods. "I don't know how to thank you enough for all this…for this home…my first real home…this is almost a dream."

"It's real my boy and it was all earned…your happiness is all the thanks I need."

"I love you father," Chase admits warmly as he gives the older man a hug.

"I love you too…my son," House replies in a loving tone as he holds his boy close and then pats him on the back. The two of them finally part and then each get ready for bed; Chase climbing under the covers and then looking over at his little ducky as it is sits on the shelf, looking down with a happy face.

"I'm home."

The lights go off. The home goes dark and two minds drift into the darkness with happy thoughts.

XXXXXXXX

"Stop fidgeting," House tells Chase as pushes his hand away and proceeds to fix his tie. "You've already passed the hard stuff. Now you just have to recite some words and we'll go home and….drink. After all this stress, I need a drink."

Chase can only chuckle as he looks at House with an adoring glance. "Six months ago…I didn't think I'd be here today. And I know it's thanks to you. So…" Chase takes a deep breath and then pulls out a small box. "Thank you father."

House's throat always develops a small lump when he hears that affectionate term and then looks down at the small box in his grasp, slowing opening the lid and then staring at the item as a fine mist develops over his eyes. It was a pocket watch. The watch itself, however, isn't what makes it special. It's the inscription on the inside plate.

'To House, the best father in the world. Love Robert.'

"My boy," House whispers as he pulls the younger man closer, kissing him on the cheek and hugging him close. "Love you so much."

"Love you too," Chase replies as he pulls back with an endearing smile. He watches House tuck the present into his pocket, leaving the chain hanging out as was the way to wear it; House anxious to show it t off anyone who dare glace in the chain's direction.

The new home was already set up, at least downstairs and ready to receive guests from after Chase's Citizenship Ceremony. The two of them slowly head downstairs, talking about what to expect at the ceremony and then into the car and on the road toward the civic building.

Once they get there, the small group of their closest friends are waiting; Chase giving Wilson a hug first and then Jimmy. They talk quietly before it's time to begin, Chase pulling away to join the rest of the Citizenship successful applicants. Chase stands with the other applicants and feels his agitation starting to grow. But as his gaze locks with House he feels a comforting calm starting to settle upon him.

House looks at Chase and offers him a proud smile. But as much as he knows he's proud of the younger man for fulling one more hurdle on his life to do list – he's proudest of the fact that he can stick one more thing to Rowan Chase. With Chase now becoming an American citizen he can proudly declare 'now he's really mine.' And that he'd take much pleasure in – that and the fact that he of course helped him achieve it. And Rowan Chase wouldn't come into his son's life again.

The ceremony of course is a success and after it's over Chase heads toward House and offers him a large hug.

"Come on my boy…let's go home."

Home…Chase's heart swells and he can only grin widely and nod. "Home…yes let's go home."

The two of them, flanked on either side by their friends head for the parking lot, talking about the ceremony that just finished and the small celebratory dinner that would follow. Once they arrive home, there is a flurry of activity to get their jackets hung up, ties taken off, drinks in the cooler and the food on the table. House had set up a small table for those that wanted to give his boy some gifts, House having placed a few boxes on his boys bed, including a new leather jacket for the younger man to open later and enjoy, some new clothes and some new surf gear.

House looks at Chase and Jimmy talking and laughing and feels happy for his boy that he's found a friend that he knows will be at his side…faithfully and loyally like Wilson has been for him for many, many years to come. He thinks to the first day Chase met Jimmy and how nervous he was but now…now they almost seem like brothers and for that he couldn't be happier. Their bond would only continue to grow.

"Jimmy likes the punch."

"Wilson made it," House retorts with a smile. "So…who's Alice?" House asks in a soft whisper as Chase nears.

"There," he nods toward Jimmy and his date; the woman on the right talking to Jimmy's date, the chef – the woman that Chase had met in a most unusual way. "Just friends."

House offers him a smile and then gently tinks his glass, Chase looking up at him with a kind smile. "Very proud of you today."

Chase gives him a loving smile and tinks his glass back. His mind thinks back to the moment when he first heard of Dr. Gregory House and then met him in a few ways that were a bit unexpected but nonetheless – lasting. For both of them. House wasn't able to get the younger man out of his mind and Chase was eager for some loving parental affection. The road at first was rocky but once they had decided to walk the same familial path. After that, them drawing together as father and son was carefully crafted day by day by destiny itself; their loving, long lasting bond – inevitable. Destiny had taken the lives and futures of two, once feared to die alone and rewritten a close, loving family unit. A unit that would withstand any test put upon it and emerge even stronger than the moment before.

The two of them exchange loving glances, knowing the milestone they had both overcome today was made possible because of their persistent hard work and despite a few untimely blips – in the name of Rowan Chase, a strawberry allergy and a few medical situations. But they wanted their family arrangement and both had done everything to prove that. And that bond would only continue to grow and strengthen over time; both of them wanting that more than anything.

They were father and son…blood proving to not be as strong as loyalty and love itself – two traits both of them worked hard to exude. And if anyone dare argue they weren't bonded by blood, they'd just argue back that family wasn't necessarily born or bonded by blood. It was bonded…by destiny.

And…destiny had been determined to bring together two very lonely people and while it had succeeded it wasn't finished with them yet.

They have a long happy road ahead of them…and…they'd face it together.

THE END!

A/N: *sniff sniff* Alas I did waffle on this chapter being the ending (should I end it here or not?) b/c I loved writing this journey for you all – my longest House story to date (and all within the span of the same year!) but I think it was the right time/place to end it. And its always such a bittersweet moment for me when I reach an ending to any of my stories but we have covered all the important milestones and I don't like unending stories so didn't want it to become redundant for you all eeks! Goodness I have LOVED all the amazing support and reviews and they are what made this story double the originally planned size! SO THANK YOU ALL! I hope you all liked this happy ending for our new little family and I hope you review one last time before you go! Also if you'd want to read/review another House/Chase adventure please let me know in your review b/c that'll help direct the muse (to know if we should stay longer in this fandom)! So thanks so much as always!