is it as obvious to you that your House likes you, too?
*can guess where you're headed with this line of questioning, but doesn't mind being so blunt about these things when it's just you in here (and that thought really brings it home to him again—that you are his friend, too)*
*readily enough* I do hope my staff like me. I think we can all agree that the boss will never be the first one invited to the party although they're not typically held behind my back, it's true and that's the way it really should be. *nods once, slowly* But I think I'm fair and I'm certainly interested in what's happening with all of you, and how you're getting on here. And I do my best to lead by example.