New story – takes place roughly between episodes 1, 6, 10 – no specific order. Just felt that certain scenes needed attention and why not put them into one story. I own nothing. Enjoy and please let me know what you think.
CHAPTER one
Sarah turned to Chuck after he again stepped in to protect her. His good intensions though loyal and brave and totally Chuck, backfired. Sarah again failed to see the good in how he could risk his life for hers. Staring him down. "It's not your job to protect me! You don't protect me! It's my job to protect you!"
Chuck looks at her and in return he gets another lecture. Sarah figured that she had won that conversation and things would go back to the way they were. Chuck looked at her with the most disgusted look he had ever given her. "Then do your job!"
Chuck spits out the excess blood in his mouth and walks off leaving Casey to pick up the pieces. Casey attempts to say something, but Sarah painfully tells him. "Don't."
Back in Castle the team was able to put the last few weeks behind them. It had only been a short time since they had officially got back together after Prague. Chuck walked in first into Castle barely walking a straight line. Casey tossed his bags into the armory not caring if he picked up another gun or not. Sarah found the nearest chair and sat down. She still tried to figure out what had happened. The mission, Chuck speaking to her like he did wasn't normal. But the team would have agreed that earlier and what happened, happened way too fast and out of the blue. And it was definitely the first time in a long time that the team was off. Their newest threat something called the Ring had taken most of their time from their day jobs and tensions were running thin.
Sarah looked up as Casey brought three glasses and a bottle of Jack. Pouring they each downed their first glass then try to enjoy their second, when Beckman came on the screen. Looking around, she instantly saw that something wasn't right. After inquiring she still wasn't pleased. Responding the team took notice. "On no account should the asset look like he was someone's punching bag. Whether he flashed or not. It's your job Agent Walker and Major Casey to do protect him."
Chuck stands up and leans on the table. "General if I could say something. Your right, it is their job to protect me but this." Pointing to his face. "This….was…me."
"I'm not a spy and we tried that once, but I do want to be apart of this team and what happened to me tonight wasn't one person's fault or who was to suppose to watch me etc…. I think that we are all tired of that, so if your going to lay blame on this one, then blame me and not Sarah or Casey. I didn't have to flash but I did and as a result we know where the intel is, we can send in another team in to get it but the intel has also opened up something bigger."
Beckman looked up. "I hear you Chuck and its admirable to stand up and speak for your team, but its not whether you flashed or not."
"General, what good would I be if didn't use this thing, we'd all be out of a job."
"Well maybe you all need some time to think about what is important. Until further notice the team is suspended."
Beckman disconnected. Chuck looked up. "Sorry guys."
Casey looked at Chuck. "Thanks for trying, but we know once Beckman makes a decision it sticks."
Sarah looked at Chuck, she wanted to say something. Walking past her towards the stairs. Chuck turned. "I didn't do for you. If that's what your thinking."
Then headed up the stairs.
Sarah knew the look she had on her face, it was the same look she had after viewing the USB that Carina had given her. Watching Chuck walk up the stairs, that moment she wished that she could run after him and tell him how she felt and what she had heard him say. Getting over Prague still stung, well who was she kidding, she wasn't over Prague and what she had envisioned it to be. They had their chance but maybe as she saw the door close second chances could happen.
Getting bench didn't sit well for Casey. But for Sarah she kept busy working double shifts to pass the time. So that left Chuck twiddling his thumbs as he phoned into work for the third day. Morgan knew that whatever was preventing him from coming to work must be very important. For Chuck, it was simply avoiding bumping into Sarah. Chuck headed to the kitchen for the second time, and another snack. Hearing a faint knock at the patio door, Chuck walked towards them seeing Casey. Opening them. "We do have a front door you know?"
"Yeah, I know but that old lady that moved in next to me gives me the creeps. And I have been on some interesting missions and met some horrible people, but she creeps me out."
"Well then the side door it is. What can I do for you?"
Chuck went to the fridge and grabbed two bottles of beer and passed one to Casey. "Thanks."
Chuck took a swig and sat at the table. Casey joining him.
"I'm heading out for a few days and wanted to know if you wanted to come along?"
Chuck looked at him. He was either as bored as he was, catching a cold or senile he wondered why the invitation.
"Where?"
"Not far, maybe we can go fishing…."
"Camping?"
Casey stuttering. "Yeah, you can say that?"
Chuck took another sip. "Why not. Beats sitting here."
"Great. I'll take care of everything."
"What do we tell Big Mike?"
"Just tell Morgan the usual."
"Off site install."
"Right."
Casey finished his beer and stood up. "So, Casey, do I bring a light jacket?"
"Just comfortable clothing and shoes, not those ones you always wear. Bring those hikers that Sarah got you and I."
Just hearing her name pained him. Even when it was associated with only boots. Casey snuck out the patio door only to hear. "Hi Johnny, can you come and help me find my cat?" Said the old lady.
Chuck smiled and waved then closed the door. Now he had to find those boots. Rummaging through his mission tote he finally found them. Bring them out, he tossed them on the bed. Hearing a thud, Chuck looked up to see his sister standing in the doorway. "Going somewhere?"
Chuck looked up. "Yeah, Casey wants to get out of the city and wanted to know if I would go with him. "
Ellie, smiled. "Good for you."
Chuck looked up shocked.
"Really?"
"Yeah, you have spent so much with Morgan and its good to branch out. Is Sarah going with you?"
"Why would you say that?"
"No reason, its just that you three do lot of things together."
"Yeah, but Sarah and I aren't a couple, remember?"
"And."
"And, couples that aren't together, usually don't hang out."
"Whose fault is that?" Ellie saw the look her brother had on his face.
"Sorry Chuck, I shouldn't blame you or her but someone or something is to blame. You're not seeing Hannah because you realized that she would never take Sarah's place and she's not seeing what's his face?"
"Daniel."
Just his name made his skin crawl. Just thinking that she had been with him. That maybe he was the reason that she turned to him and he turned to Hannah. Either way he was glad that Sarah saw the light and that Daniel knew that he couldn't break up the team, break up Sarah and him.
"Yeah Daniel? What happened to him?"
"Went back to DC I think." Chuck didn't know why he went back to DC but he still had a feeling that things with Daniel or someone like him was still coming around the corner.
NEXT DAY
Chuck stared at his phone. Wondering whether to let Sarah know or not, but he hadn't talked to her in over a week and Casey would be with him. Putting the phone down, he grabbed his bag and met Casey in the back. Walking to the trunk, Chuck tossed his bag in and saw that the trunk was full of camping and assorted military weapons and equipment. Closing the trunk, Casey got in and Chuck followed. Backing out they hit the interstate. Heading South on #5 Chuck finally started to relax. His body didn't ache, and he figured that it was the fresh sea air that was hitting his face as he rolled down the window. Seeing several signs for camping, Chuck was beginning to feel hopeful that the next few days would be exactly what he needed. Passing several signs, Casey kept going. Reaching Del Mar Beach and Marina Chuck sat up. As Casey kept going till the crowded highways began to look sparse and very military. Casey turned east of the highway coming up to a bend. Slowing down Chuck looked at the sign then at Casey. As Casey had the biggest smile on his face, like a child at Christmas. Coming up to the gate a Marine stepped out of the small guard's gate. "Welcome to Camp Pendleton, your identification sir."
Casey passed the young soldier his id. "Thank you, Major Casey."
The Marine looked at the id. "I will need a pass for Agent Carmichael."
"Yes Major, one moment. Do you have id?"
Chuck looked in his wallet but it he never thought that he needed his spy id. Then Casey reached down into the glove box and pulled out for the Marine, Chuck's aka Charles Carmichael's id. "Here you go."
The Marine nodded then returned to the guard house. Moments later, the Marine returned with Casey's id and pass as well as one for Chuck. Chuck looked at the id hanging from a Camp Pendleton lanyard.
Chuck quickly pulled it over his head and looked at it as it dangled. Chuck had a faint smile on his face as he looked at the lanyard and what it stood for. He had a simple life, then went from a zero to sixty and beyond that with a click of an email. This id was more than a camp pass it had finally verified that Casey saw him as an equal. Even though Casey was still hired to protect Chuck, his small gestures such as this had erased that line. Casey returned the salute as the Marine stood stoic as Casey put the car into drive and headed up the road.
Driving the main road to the dormitories. Chuck watched as men and women where either running or were involved in some sort of training drills. Pulling up to what Chuck thought were offices were actually dorms. Casey got out as two Marines walked up, saluted then introduced themselves. Casey returned the greeting. The two Marines took their bags. Casey grabbed his guns and followed with Chuck in tow.
Chuck watched Casey as he seemed to be in his element in the grounds. The respect and admiration he received from the soldiers and trainees. Even Chuck again had to appreciate how far they had come in their relationship. Climbing a set of stairs Chuck followed and was led to a hallway and two dorms side by side. The one on the right, the Marine opened first door. "Your room as requested Major Casey."
"Thank you, Private Thompson." The Marine then walked to the next room, opening the door. "Your room, Mr. Carmichael." Chuck walked closer to the door and walked in turning towards the Marine. Nodding a thankyou. "Supper is at 17:00 hours Major."
Casey nodded, and the two Marines left. Casey walked next door. "Sorry for the bit of deception on my part, but I didn't know if you would have come otherwise. It's not an official trip but its something I like to do once in awhile, you know keep up the marksmanship." "You mean your trigger finger."
"Yeah." Casey laughed then walked to his room, returning with his bag of guns.
"I'm going to check in my guns and say hi to a few people before supper. "Feel free to do whatever you want, but make sure you have your id on at all times. I might now vouch for you if you get into trouble." Chuck looked up and with a bit a worriedness in his voice. "Oh, thanks."
Chuck walked around his small but quaint room at least it had a window.
Chuck closed his door and headed down the hall and down the stairs. Heading outside he walked the camp, talked to a few people in passing and of course asked for directions. Finally finding the mess hall, he joined Casey who had changed into his army gear making it a little harder to find him at first. Casey introduced Chuck to his colleagues and others sitting at the table. He was addressed as a CIA analyst.
Chuck sat down and looked at what he was wearing. Casey turned to face him. "We will get you some different clothes in the morning. Chuck smiled.
The next morning, Chuck got up and saw that there was a new uniform and his hiking boots beside. Chuck picked up the note, have breakfast then meet me at the the gunnery.
Chuck got dressed and took a look in the mirror then grabbed his phone taking a picture, this was one thing he didn't want to forget.
Catching the end of breakfast, he enjoyed the assortment and what was left. Enjoying a peaceful breakfast, he grabbed another coffee then headed out the door. He remembered where he gunnery was and saw Casey wiping down his weapons. "Morning."
"Morning sleep well?"
"Not bad, a lot busier than back home."
"Yeah but you get use to it."
Chuck walked up to Casey and looked out towards the targets. "You up for some shooting practice."
Casey knew that this was a big step for him but after working with Cole, Chuck had slowly chiselled away at his fear of guns, but only Casey knew. Sarah didn't know and wouldn't understand. Chuck recalled the last conversation they had. She appreciated the fact that Chuck hadn't changed and that guns weren't apart of his character. Taking a moment Chuck reached for the gun and stood adjacent to Casey. "Now remember to adjust for wind and remember that the pull back might not be what your use to."
Chuck put on his yellow lensed glasses and his ear piece and took his stance. Aiming he took a breath and fired. Casey came behind him and lowered his shoulder a bit. Chuck closed one eye and emptied the magazine. Putting his gun down the two walked towards the target as Casey inspected the shots. "Not bad Bartowski." Pointing at the two that landed on the targets bottom right. "See these."
Chuck looked at the shots. "Yeah."
"The wind caught these bullets pulling them down towards the right. Wait if you can then allow the wind to carry the bullets rather than redirecting them." Chuck nodded then walked back. Chuck tried again and this time he was able to keep all the shots on the target. Packing up his equipment Casey faced him.
"Chuck you want to check out a few of the training courses?"
"Sure."
Chuck followed Casey and was equipped with a tactical uniform and padding and a paint ball rifle. Suiting up Casey and Chuck quickly joined the training in progress. The young Marines were excited to battle the two and Chuck was finally able to put all his years of playing video games into practice. Casey looked at Chuck as they waited for the bell to sound to start the training. "Hey, Chuck no cheating."
"What, me. Don't need to. This will be all me."
Casey grunted. The bell sounded, and the training began. Casey and Chuck ran through the obstacle course dodging paint ball pellets. Chuck ran and slid over cars and barricades and fired when he could. Chuck could hear the Marines trying to find them as he hid. When the close was clear Chuck stood up and fired a round of shots hitting the Marines. The bell sounded, and Casey walked up to Chuck to see if he had any paint spots on him. Impressed he smiled and said. "All you?"
Chuck laughed. "All me like I said."
The Marines high fived each other and headed into the lockers to changed. Chuck and Casey sat down on the bench outside their dorms. "So, you did this?"
"Yeah, years ago, then I was transferred to DC then did some stints over seas then ended up with you."
"Not bad career move right?"
"Yeah you can say that."
Chuck loved showing Casey how much they had grown in their relationship, and even sharing a few laughs here and there.
Casey got up. "Have to go and do my upgrades now, meet you at mess hall at 17:00 hours." Chuck got up and headed back to his room. A much-needed nap was in store.
After supper Chuck headed back to his dorm. Leaving the mess hall, he got turned around. He was sure that he had come in the far south doors. Turning himself around he headed back towards the mess hall. The parking lot near the main gate was almost vacant as civilians who worked there had left for the day and those Marines who lived on the base were leaving by foot. Chuck turned to head to his building hopefully in the right direction. Noticed an entourage of Naval jeeps. They had come in fast and headed towards what looked like a vacant building. Not thinking too much of how a Naval base worked he shrugged it off. Reaching his room, he turned off his light and said good night to a very productive day.
Turning over Chuck was awakened by voices that he thought at first were in his head. He had learned shortly after downloading the Intersect that his head never really quietened down and that he had described his head as idling when he slept. But this time the voices were not in his head but outside. Slipping out of his covers he reached the window and saw four or five men outside near the jeeps that he had seen earlier in the evening. Looking at the clock it read 4:00 o'clock. Looking back out, the voices were muffled so it was hit or miss on what he was hearing. But then one voice caught his attention. What looked like an older man medium height compared to him and Casey called out. Chuck instantly flashed. The name Alex Coburn popped up. Chuck turned inwardly. "Who is Alex Coburn? And why did Casey acknowledge."