Chase doesn't back down, doesn't move away, take a step backwards at all. He stays right there, tense and uncertain but still there even when House is so close that the towel touches him. So close that he could reach out and push him away or pull him closer, upsetting the balance either way. But he doesn't. It's just proximity and the brush of the towel and the crackle of intensity of the moment.

And then it's the most blinkingly innocent confusion he thinks he's ever seen in his life. He'd thought Chase might be offended, but confused? Actually confused... that's hilarious and just a little bit adorable.

The hand with the towel falls away and his other hand moves to quickly lift the hem of his shirt up to get a peek at his chest. Not that he needs to, it's a part of the joke that Chase isn't in on, part of the ongoing insult. Since he's there, he takes his time, enjoys the moment and the view he's afforded himself. Then he drops the shirt and holds his hand up as if declaring his innocence.

"My bad, coulda fooled me."