Disclaimer: I do not own Chuck or any of its characters.
Note: After season three, ignoring season 4. Devon might appear at some point, but he was never with Ellie. Just a friend. Casey/Ellie and Charah.
Chapter 1
''So, what's the mission, guys?''
Chuck bounced through the doors of Castle with a grin on his face. Sarah loved his grin, for one it was a genuinely happy smile that lit up his chocolate brown eyes, and secondly, it always made her smile.
''Beckman's about to brief us, your just in time'' she said.
Chuck leaned over to kiss Sarah on the cheek – which made her grin even more – and sat down on the seat behind her. As usual, they sat on the left hand side with Casey on the right. Sarah's smile began to dim as she looked at Casey. He was staring at the table, a blank look on his face. He hadn't even moved an inch when Chuck had greeted them. She watched as Chuck turned his head too, a concerned look highlighting on his face.
''You okay big guy?'' Sarah heard chuck ask.
Casey didn't reply, but kept staring at the table, a slight touch of a frown beginning to appear on his forehead. Chuck turned to look at her, concern emanating from his eyes. She looked back, puzzled. Casey hadn't always been one for words, and perhaps she would never have even noticed if he was acting strangely if it was 4 years ago, but Sarah knew that he had changed. Significantly. He talked more, felt more… John Casey was more.
So right now, as he sat there looking lost, she knew something was wrong.
''Casey?'' she said even louder.
He started and looked up, the frown that had begun to show fully appeared and the normal Casey was back.
''Huh?'' he grunted.
She was about to ask what was bothering him when a small beep alerted them to Beckman's call.
She talked about a Titan agent that was currently in L.A. Titan was worse than Fulcrum, and perhaps the ring. No matter what they did, more agents seemed to appear, shooting, killing, bombing, and committing treason…
''All three of you will track down his location and attempt to bring him in. He may have valuable information we can get out of him, and if not, then there is still one less Titan agent endangering the Intersect''
She nodded. She hadn't been happy to find out that Titan was interested in the Intersect. That they wanted to know everything about it, what it was, what it did, and worst of all whom at this very moment held it safe inside his head. She grimaced. Why did every evil organisation want the Intersect? Didn't they have good, structured training facilities for their agents?
She nodded and the three of them set to work, they hatched a plan and worked out the kinks. They tracked their man to staying at the Grande Epiphany, and checked out the blueprints of the entire hotel. They were fully engrossed in the task, but Sarah still couldn't get Casey's strange behaviour out of her head. She pushed it to the back of her mind. For now…
The mission was fairly simple, ensuring nothing went wrong. She, Chuck and Casey would go in, pretending not to know each other. Chuck and Sarah would converse with an interesting subject after introducing themselves, effectively keeping them active whilst out of the marks way, leaving Casey to disguise himself as a rogue CIA agent, giving up information on the intersect in return for 'Revenge on this country'. Casey hadn't liked the implication of pretending to be someone who didn't support America and its citizens, even though he admitted a fair few of them he could do without. (Jeff and Lester's names were mumbled at some point) He would lead the Titan agent, Barker, to the roof where Chuck and Sarah would follow and pull their guns out on him, successfully taking him in. Of course, Chuck's gun would be a tranquillizer. He might be a spy, but he still wasn't fond of guns.
Chuck paused from his conversation with Sarah and watched Casey at the bar. He hadn't forgotten about his strange behaviour earlier and wondered if it had something to do with Alex, but tried to push it to the back of his mind. He was on a mission. Still, he thought Casey's shoulders slumped slightly.
He glanced around the room looking for their mark, just as he walked through the door, and Chuck flashed. Pictures flashed before his eyes, filled with incriminating information that could put this guy away in an underground bunker with no light for the rest of his life. Sarah noticed and took his hand leading towards the bar, ordering two martinis. Barker sat down beside Casey and they engaged in conversation. After two minutes, Barker got up, Casey following him. They were heading towards the stairs as planned.
Chuck followed; taking one quick sip of his martini, closely behind Sarah as she expertly trailed them, not making a sound. The door was slightly ajar at the top of the roof stairs. Chuck watched as Sarah nudged it open with her gun. The scene awaiting his eyes behind the door knocked the breath out of him. Barker had Casey, barely conscious, held in a head lock, a gun pointed at his head. Sarah froze.
''Put that gun down, or your friend here takes a bullet''
Sarah hesitated, probably looking for a solution. Chuck looked at her desperately but she looked like she came up with nothing as she slowly knelt down and put her silver gun on the concrete. She looked at Chuck who was still standing in the doorway, his Tranq gun slack in his hand. He saw something in her light blue eyes, and he slowly put his gun down and stood back up.
She was still on the ground. Please work she begged, please. She grasped her hand into her ankle holster and grabbed her knife. With a flick of her wrist it hit him in the shoulder, carefully avoiding Casey's head. He buckled, pulling Casey with him, whose eyes were half open. A shot rang out. She turned to look at Chuck who was staring with wide eyes at the escapade in front of him. She glanced back to Barker who was now keeling with rage and had a conscious Casey on his knees in front of him, the gun aiming at his head. This didn't make sense. She'd heard a shot! Then she saw it, the blood dripping down his arm. NO! A helicopter sounded in the distance. It wasn't going to be theirs.
''That sounds like my ride, they'll be here any minute. Oh, and if you try anything like that again, Ill put a bullet in his head, not just his shoulder.''
Tears welled up in Sarah's face as she saw Casey's face turn from bewildered, to confused, to inhumane pain as he finally felt the burning excruciating pain she knew he would feel. He went to grasp his shoulder but Barker grabbed it himself, his nails digging in. Casey's face contorted with pain and Sarah grimaced.
''Don't even move, agent''
Even now, while his blood was flowing freely from his shoulder, Casey cracked the scene with sarcasm.
''Yeah because we didn't know our cover was blown...''
Barker growled, a low threatening growl, much like Casey did sometimes. She watched as Barker's grip on Casey's injured shoulder tightened and Casey's face contorted in pain again. Wind blew at her hair and she ducked as the helicopter flew over the building and came level with the roof. Barker began pulling Casey none too gently backwards towards the helicopter. She saw her gun lying on the floor, and knew she had to risk it, or Casey would be taken. She aimed straight at Barker's head and shot, but one of his bodyguards from the copter launched themselves in front of him, collapsing to the floor. He was now safely in the helicopter with Casey. She shot at the glass, but it was bulletproof. Watching as Casey was shoved into the seat opposite, with at least 4 guns trained on him, she realized there was nothing she could do, Casey was being taken. She looked around. Chuck had realized that too.
The first thing he felt was pain. In his shoulder…his head and his wrists. The second thing was he realized he could open his eyes. Everything was blurry at first but things soon came into focus. There was a single light on the ceiling of the dark room. Metal bookshelves were standing all around the room, except they were devoid of books. He caught sight of weapons, needles… everything needed in an interrogation was lying on the shelves. He looked down. Each of his wrists was bound tightly by rope to each sharp metal arm rest. He realized that the edge of the armrests was digging into his wrists, drawing blood and causing the pain. He had his plain white T-shirt on (Red blood seeping through the entire left side) and his casual black trousers he'd worn on the mission. A pain at the back of his head throbbed where he had been knocked unconscious, but the most brutal pain was emanating from his shoulder. The bullet had obviously sunk deep into his muscle, lodging itself there. It burned; it singed, throbbed and stung… Casey wondered if there was any type of pain that he wasn't feeling.
A door opened to his right, revealing Barker and 3 other men. They'd obviously been watching him through a video feed. They walked in, closing the door behind them.
''Alright there big guy, Not in pain are we? Not the big NSA agent…'' Barker taunted with a smirk on his face.
When Casey talked his voice was slightly rough, his throat, dry.
''It's hard not to find you a pain in the ass.''
Barker walked up to him slowly, the smirk still set in place, but Casey knew he was hiding his rage behind it. He still wasn't ready for it though. Barker hit his cheekbone with a dull thud. Casey's head shot to the side and hit against the metal frame, increasing his headache, not to mention the now throbbing jaw of his. Barker grinned. A real grin. A grin that went straight through Casey's centre, into his very foundations. There was no way in hell he was going to get himself out of this one.
Sarah and Chuck stood in front of the screen at Castle. Sarah could see the worry in the General's face as she looked at Sarah and Chuck's blank, angry and agitated faces. Sure she was a superior ranking General, but this was her team and she was their general.
''The Colonel?'' she asked.
Sarah swallowed.
''General, the plan didn't go as expected. Barker knew. Casey's cover was blown before we had arrived; nothing Casey had said or done would have shown him he was lying. It was going flawlessly until we reached the roof. Barker had Colonel Casey in a head lock, a gun pointed at his head. Chuck and I were forced to drop our weapons. Whilst I was putting my gun down, I grabbed a knife and flung it at Barker. It hit him in the shoulder but he only staggered. Casey paid the price.''
The General frowned. ''Walker…?''
Sarah swallowed again, trying to compose herself.
''General, Barker… Barker… he shot him. He shot Casey in the shoulder. He was bleeding profusely.''
The General seemed to slump for a second before righting herself.
''You have no indication of his whereabouts?''
''General, if I may, we are currently tracking the helicopter that Barker was picked up on and we should have the location within the next 24 hours. He may or may not still be close to its current location. I would like to ask if Sarah and I could go with the team intending to rescue him. Please.''
Sarah looked at Chuck. It was the longest sentence he had said since the incident. After they had moved the body of the dead Agent and left after calling the clean – up team, they had immediately returned to Castle to inform the General of the circumstances.
''I shouldn't think it will be a problem Agent Bartowski, but I ask that you both be careful, I will be in and out of meetings for the next 8 hours, so I will not be able to brief either of you, but if you rescue the Colonel do not hesitate in informing me. My team is more important than the government.''
She raised an eyebrow at that
''If you find the Colonel's location before then call the team in immediately. Oh, Walker, Bartowski, bring him back, we can't let the Colonel Slip up and talk about the Intersect.''
Sarah saw the look of concern and worry again before the General terminated the conference and knew she was more worried about Casey's welfare than the impossible event of him talking. He would be tortured in any way possible and he wouldn't give in. She looked at Chuck who was moving back towards the computer tracking the copter.
''Are we any closer to finding where it is?''
Chuck looked at her, a gleam of hope in his eyes.
''We should know within 12 hours, the maps become more condensed, half of L.A is gone. He's in the north. Well, at least the helicopter is…''
The gleam of hope in his eyes faltered slightly. She took his hand and stroked it.
''We'll find him; we'll bring him back.''
She went to prep for the mission, but stopped and looked back.
''Oh and Chuck; It wasn't your fault.''
Chuck looked at her and smiled, comforted. Slightly.
'So Mr. National Security… how's your shoulder. Bullet still lodged deep inside there?'' Barker grinned again.
Casey rolled his eyes. ''No, of course it isn't, stupid'
Barker looked stunned for a second.
''You can't take a bullet out… how the…? '' Casey grinned.
''I used this really great new invention. It's called sarcasm.
That earned him a smack in the face. ''Tell me your –real- name, now''
Casey looked at him.
''Don't you think you should torture me first? I mean I know you're an ass but really?
Another smack in the face.''Give me your name… now.''
Casey shook his head, taking away the blurriness enveloping his mind.
''Alright! Alright...It's Bond, James Bond''
Casey grinned again. The bulky guy standing beside him looked at Barker, who nodded. He strode across to a bookshelf and picked up a metal pole. He crossed the room with a sick grin on his face, swung back the metal bar and hit Casey's shoulder as hard as he could. All Casey could do was close his eyes and hold back the yell of pain that was threatening to burst from his mouth.
''Okay, are you sure you don't want to tell me your real name? Because you know, this isn't even the big question. Meaning this isn't even the big torture.'' He paused. Den, get him standing.''
Casey was untied at the wrists and had his arms chained above his head. This was the worst part. He knew it.
Barker walked silently over to the bulky man, identified as Den and took the metal poll from him. He walked over to Casey, the same sick smirk he'd seen on Den growing as he swung forwards.
Sarah watched as the map slowly got smaller. They were in Casey's apartment; he had the best surveillance and technology. They had the NSA rescue team on stand-by to await further instruction. 6 hours had gone by, and they were 88% on the search. Chuck had said around one more hour and they would have the location. She had to keep the tears that were in her eyes back, 6 hours of waiting for them will have been 6 hours of torture for Casey.
A video feed appeared on the screen, as a message from Beckman came though.
'Just sent. May be useful.'
It opened on screen and she watched as Casey was hit over and over inside what looked like some kind of warehouse. Her breath caught and she looked at Chuck as Casey remained silent.
''Who is the Intersect?''
He asked it over and over again as Casey was hit again and again. Chuck looked liked he was crumbling before her eyes. She realized what he would be thinking. That it was his fault, that Casey was enduring this for him. She flicked it off and Chuck looked down.
''It wasn't helping. Chuck, we're going to find him. I promise.''
He looked at her, looking remotely consoled.
There was a knock on the door and she reached for her gun automatically and started to walk towards it when it was opened and Alex rushed in with tears in her eyes.
''Dad, I'm really sorry I didn't mean it… I was jus-…wait…Sarah…?''
She had her gun aiming directly at her head. She quickly righted herself and holstered her gun.
''Sorry, I thought you could have been someone else. What were you saying sorry for?''
The tears that were swimming within Alex's eyes spilled out as she explained through sobs what had happened. Chuck walked over and put a hand on her shoulder, steadying her.
''I didn't mean to say it, I just happened. We were having this stupid argument about Morgan and I don't even think he was being entirely serious! And then I said it, Sarah I said it!''
Chuck looked back at Sarah, who glanced at him briefly and turned back to Alex, moving closer.
''What did you say Alex?''
Alex looked at her, she had tear streaks on her cheeks and her eyes were still brimming with tears. One slowly trickled out and fell down her cheek as she told Chuck and Sarah.
''I told him that he hadn't been there for 20 years of my life. That I didn't care he hadn't. I told him that he was a useless father…that I didn't love him.'' She sobbed even louder, burying her head in Chuck's shoulder.
''Alex shh, Alex listen.'' Chuck was trying to calm her down, but then she seemed to realize for the first time that Sarah had pulled a gun on her, were in her father's apartment, and Casey was no where in sight.
''Sarah… Chuck? What's going on, where's my dad?''
Chuck glanced back at her, a look in his eye, questioning whether to tell her or not. She nodded.
''Okay Alex listen…''
He yelled out in pain again. Everything, everything hurt. Everything was blurry. He yelped again as the knife cut deep into his back again.
''TELL ME YOUR GODDAMN NAME!'' Barker screamed at him, desperate.
He couldn't even get the marine to tell him his name…let alone anything about the Intersect.
Casey groaned. Nothing was making much sense anymore, the pain was unbearable, and as the knife came down on him again and again and the man, Den, beat him with his fists until his ribs were cracked and bruised, he thought back to Alex. If he died…well she wouldn't care. She'd made that perfectly clear the other night. She was right. He might love her but she didn't love him. He'd missed out on possibly the most important 20 years of his daughters life, and there was nothing he could do to change that.
He yelped in pain as Barker grabbed his ribs, that evil smirk appearing again.
''Sarah we've got it!''
Chuck picked up the radio on the table and practically shouted down the line. ''Location confirmed, sending the details now! Move out! We'll be just ahead of you!''
He ran over to Alex who was pacing around the room and was ready to come with them.
''Alex you need to st-'' He wasn't allowed to finish as Alex interrupted him.
''No Chuck! You need to listen to me, my dad could be dead for all I know and I'm not just going to sit here and wait for you to come home with the verdict.''
Sarah looked at Chuck and nodded. Alex seemed to become slightly less tense as they agreed. They set out the door, armed to the teeth.
Barker looked at the man slumped in front of him. He had to give the marine some credit…he hadn't talked. Not once. Well apart from the sarcastic comments that ground under his skin. He nodded again and there was another crunch as Den brought his fist down onto his ribs. He smirked at the sight of his pain, reeling in the glory of it all. His eyes met the marines, and he could tell he wasn't going to talk, but that wouldn't stop him torturing him until he was dead.
He could hear gunshots. What the hell was going on? Shouts, back fire, screaming. He was shoved onto the floor. Nothing was coherent. There was so much pain. His name, he could hear his name being called…two different voices. They sounded concerned…worried. Someone gently took his hand, and someone else carefully rolled him over onto his back. That hurt like hell and he jerked trying to move. Firm hands held him down. He couldn't see who it was, it was all so blurry. He heard voices but couldn't figure out what they were saying. He looked for a face and he saw the outline of people in black all around him, but right there, holding him, were two people, one with blonde hair the other with dark brown. He sighed and fell out of consciousness…it was Chuck and Sarah.
Alex sat in the van crying and crying as she watched Chuck and Sarah lead an NSA team into the dark building to save her father. She couldn't believe what she'd said to him. If he was dead, she would never forgive herself. She shook that thought from her head. She'd already lost him before and she wasn't about to do it again. She jumped as she heard gunshots and the tears spilled faster down her cheeks. She clutched at the bracelet her father had bought her for her birthday. It was perfect; it was simple, but intricate. He knew her so well. It was her favourite birthday present. That and his acceptance of Morgan and her dating. She looked out the window again and it dawned on her. She didn't care if he had missed 20 years of her life. She had cared, she'd been furious at it, but now she just accepted it. She loved him so much. He was a perfect father. He looked out for her, he was protective over her, he spoiled her, he joked with her, he was there for her…and the most important of all, he loved her. She wondered why it had taken her so long to realize that.
''CASEY!'' he screamed. He heard Sarah shouting his name as well. He was there, covered in blood, practically dripping off him. He saw Barker shove him to the ground and try to take a gun out. Sarah took aim and shot him in the head, and he fell to the ground, dead. He ran over to Casey, Sarah right behind. She took his hand and held it as Chuck turned him over. He jerked and tried to sit up, or get up, Chuck didn't know. He was as strong as hell and he couldn't keep him from moving unless he did it. He flashed, immediately taking his arms and holding him down. Sarah still held his hand. He looked at him, he had been right, blood was dripping from him. The white shirt he had worn was now stained red with two different shades. It was Dark and light; Dried and fresh.
''C'mon Casey, c'mon'' she repeated over and over, stroking his hand. He looked like he was going to loose consciousness and she didn't want him too. This was new to her, comforting, crying. But she couldn't help it. Casey was her partner, her friend, someone she loved and cared about. And she didn't want to loose him. His eyes strained to stay open and then closed as he became limp beneath Chuck and Sarah.
Alex shot out of the car as she saw Chuck and other soldiers carrying her father out of the building. All she could see was the red. Sarah was crying, her eyes puffy. No, no…he couldn't be dead. No he couldn't, they were hurrying, towards the helicopter. No damn way was she staying behind. She ran towards them. Sarah nodded at the question in her eyes. He was still alive…barely.
''Dad! Dad c'mon…'' she said as he remained lifeless and bleeding. They strapped him in and they were off. Chuck, Sarah, Casey, one of the soldiers and herself. Chuck and Sarah looked pale, worried and their hands were covered in blood. The soldier that had come with them was trying to patch up his wounds, but there so many of them. She let more tears stream down her cheeks.
Ellie had been run off her feet all day. The hospital had been busy all afternoon through her shift but that didn't bother her, she'd had 2 long weeks off and it sort of helped her get back into the way of things. She wasn't tired at any rate…yet.
Her pager bleeped. 'MALE, 6.4, MULTIPLE WOUNDS, EXTREME EMERGENCY'
She ran down to resuscitation and waited for the doors to spring open so she could help her patient. When they did, the sight that greeted her nearly knocked her off her feet. Chuck and Sarah were running along behind the bed, trying to hold back a frantic Alex. Military men were behind them all, with guns. Her breath caught as she realized who's live she was going to try and save. John Casey. The whole of resuscitation was emptied and more nurses and doctors piled in as they saw the extent of his wounds. There was blood everywhere, and his white shirt was redder that the original colour. She noticed he was conscious, and would have no painkillers in his system. He was in pain. This had happened on a mission. Damn his spy life! She ordered the pain killers and whipped into full doctor mode, pushing back her fear. Alex broke through and took her dads hand.
''Dad I love you okay? I love you, don't die please Dad I love you!...''
She said it to him quietly until she was getting dragged back and she started to shout it. Chuck looked like he was about to break down, just how Ellie felt, and Sarah was already crying. She caught their attention.
''Was he given anything? Was there anything that would counteract other drugs?'' She asked.
He wasn't answering, just staring blankly at Casey lying, dying on the bed. Sarah seemed to have more control as she looked at Ellie but shook her head.
''We don't know, we only picked him up''
She looked Casey up and down, searching for needle marks. They ripped his shirt off and she saw it. It nearly broke her. The needle mark was right where his heart was, slowly seeping blood. She didn't know much about torture, but John had told her that when they used needles, it was either to get the truth out of you, or for pain.
''I need Morphine, stat!''
He was flickering in and out of consciousness and she needed to save him. Not just because it was her job, but because she loved him.
Alex watched as Ellie worked on her father. Chuck and Sarah were standing beside her, Chuck holding her as she cried. She wasn't sure how many tears could fall before she ran out. If he hadn't heard her…he was unconscious now, and if he didn't wake up again, he'd die thinking she didn't love him. That couldn't happen. That could never happen.
''Chuck, I love him. I never meant what I said I promise'' she said between sobs.
Chuck looked down at her with a gentle, strained look on his face.
''I know Alex, we all love him''
Chuck smiled as he said it. Everyone did love him, and as much as he might deny it, Casey loved everybody else too. He clearly loved Ellie and Alex, and it always showed that he cared about him and Sarah, whether he liked it or not. The truth was, the big guy was part of their family. And if Chuck could swap places with him he would, knowing that Casey would think the exact same. As he watched his sister work frantically over one of the few people in his life that he trusted with everything, he couldn't help but think. He was a god damn hero.
She'd done everything she could. It was up to him now. She let the tears she had been holding back for hours slip down her face as she stood by his bed watching over him. John usually looked strong, and determined and just… Casey. But as she looked at him, she saw something completely different. He looked weak, and that was when she truly wondered if he was going to make it.
The first thing he was aware of was the sound of beeping in his ears. It was annoying. Beep. Beep. Beep. Oh for Gods sake shut the hell up! He wanted to get his gun and shoot the damn thing but he couldn't. He heard shuffling and the odd voice talking. He couldn't make out what they were saying. Then he realized how much pain he was in. His chest was emanating a throbbing pain that was joined by his head. Everything was stinging; including his back which felt like it was on fire. Then he remembered. He was being tortured. Wait…but then what was that beeping noise, and hadn't Chuck and Sarah come to find him? Realization hit him and was as painful as his wounds. He was in hospital. God damn it. Ellie would be here, well depending if they had had time to get to a military hospital or not. Judging by his injuries, and the way he felt, he knew he would be in Westside. Meaning again, Ellie would be here, worried into the next day. He felt a quick, sharp jab as something dug into his left arm. Oh great, more pain. There was only a certain amount a guy can take… He tried to think back to the last time he had been conscious… doors had opened… soldiers had been around him, someone had talked to him. A girl… Alex. And then he heard what she had said in his head.
''Dad I love you okay? I love you, don't die please Dad I love you!...''
He felt a wave of warmth flow through his body, almost soothing his wounds. She said she loved him, she was here.
A soft, warm hand connected with his own and he tried to open his eyes to see who it was. At first everything seemed blurry, the outlines of machines and a lot of white filling his vision. Then there was someone standing beside him. Things came more into focus and he saw Ellie holding his hand and talking to someone through her phone.
''I know, look… I know, but if she comes in now, she'll only get worked up…he isn't awake yet and even if he was, the way he looks might shock her. Yes I know she was there when he came in! Look, sir, I have to go, I can't use my phone here''
She pressed a button on her phone and wiped a hand over her face wearily, subconsciously stroking his hand. It felt nice, to know she was here, but she looked absolutely shattered. He blinked and slowly moved his hand to stroke hers back, causing her to look at his face.
''John! Oh my god, you're awake'' Her smile took away all the weariness that had been enveloping her a second ago.
She reached to his forehead and felt for a fever. Her hand was freezing. He must have one. He heard her call in a nurse, who gave him more medication and felt his chest. It hurt, and he grimaced as soon as she did it. Ellie looked like she wanted to do it herself and the nurse seemed to catch up on this as she nodded to her and left the room. Ellie took over and gently felt around where his heart would be, it still hurt, but it wasn't as bad, it was soothing at the same time, just because it was Ellie. She seemed a little concerned but content as she finished.
''One of your soldiers called me from your apartment. Don't worry; Sarah was there too, with Alex. They're all fine, just worried.'' She smiled.
His arms felt too heavy to lift to take away the oxygen mask covering his mouth, so he just nodded slowly, wincing as it stretched his back slightly.
''No, don't move. Those guys-'' her face turned into a sculpture of anger as she said it ''did you in pretty badly.''
He watched as the anger dissipated and tears strolled down her cheeks. He felt pain, not from his injuries. She was crying because of him, and it wasn't like he could do anything to comfort her. He tensed and his chest flared with pain. He reached for his chest, stretching his back and arms and then everything hurt with blinding pain. The beeping noises quickened and he heard numerous voices around him and more pain as drugs were put into his system.
The last thing he felt was a touch of warmth as Ellie stroked his forehead. After that everything went black.
Alex looked through the window at her dad; he was hooked up to machines and had an oxygen mask on. The whole thing made him look so weak, and it scared her. Ellie had told her he'd woken up when she was at Echo Park, and then complications had ensued. She cursed for not being there. After all, she had been yelling at the damn military men to let her get to the hospital to see him, but they had been adamant. After a phone call to Ellie, she still wasn't allowed to go. So, she took it upon her own liberties to escape. Lucky most apartments in the complex had a Morgan door. She smiled slightly but she couldn't keep it up.
Ellie hadn't noticed her watching, being asleep holding his hand. She wanted so much to go in there and hug him, and make him wake up; make him become John Casey again. Another tear slipped down her cheek but she swiped it away.
''Please, please be okay'' she whispered.
She looked up as Sarah, Chuck and Morgan rounded the corner. Huh, no soldiers, they must have finally ditched them. She noted to herself that she should be thanking them. After all they had technically rescued her father.
''Alex…'' ''Alex'' ''Alex!'' all three of them said in unison. Morgan said it kindly, Sarah in acknowledgement but Chuck seemed almost angry.
She frowned. Sure she'd left them but why would he be angry? She'd only wanted to see her father. He would have done the same.
''Alex, you have no idea how worried I was, how we all were! Casey was tortured to death for information, and then suddenly you disappear! You could have been taken, used against him!'' Chuck seemed to falter near the end and he ended up looking weary.
''I'm sorry Alex, I just…I don't know what I would do if something… happened to you on my watch.''
She got it. He thought it was his fault. And that she was his responsibility now that Casey wasn't exactly able to be there for her right now. Whatever her father had been tortured for…he hadn't given anything up. She felt proud, and also like she wanted to kick the guy that had done its ass.
She just nodded and smiled weakly. They all walked over to the window and looked through. Morgan took her hand and stroked it comfortingly. This would have been when he growled, or gave him a threatening glare. But all she could hear was silence, and the faint beeping of his heart monitor.
Chuck was shaken up today. For one, the mission had gone wrong. Two, Casey had been captured, tortured and taken to hospital and three, Alex had gone missing and now he'd found her. So when General Beckman walked towards him right now in Westside Medical, LA, CA, he wondered if he was going insane.
''General?'' he heard Sarah ask.
''Agents Walker, Bartowski, Grimes'' she looked at Alex who had a confused but accepting look on her face. Ever like her father. ''And you must be Alex. I'm General Beckman, NSA.''
Alex just nodded and turned back towards the Colonel. The General didn't seem to mind though, considering the circumstances, and turned towards the Doctor that had come out his room.
''How is his condition?'' she asked, concern in her eyes.
The doctor looked her up and down, seeming to realize he was talking to Colonel's boss.
''Well, he's lucky to be alive. The drug that he was given was inserted directly into his heart, his chest will be in excruciating pain as well as critical until all the poison is out. He lost a lot of blood, but seeing as the list is far too long for a transfusion and the loss is just over the amount we would see fit to operate, its been decided to leave that for now. The cuts on his back and arms are deep and will take a while to heal. He's been through a lot of pain and I can't say whether he'll make It or not just yet. He's in critical condition. When he woke up before, we didn't know the extent of the poison or blood loss. Now that we do, we'll keep him closely monitored.''
Everyone's heart seemed to visibly sink at this. Alex looked like she was about to break. Chuck looked back at his sister, sleeping. He was glad he didn't have to feel her pain right now too.
The General nodded in thanks and the doctor left them. She turned to Alex.
''You father is the best NSA agent I've ever had the fortune of having on one of my teams. Its people like him that make the best parts of this country.'' She smiled; something that surprised Chuck a little. ''You remind me of him a lot. Determined, strong willed and willing to disobey orders if necessary.''
Alex smiled; a real smile. ''I know, and I'm proud of that.''
The General nodded and turned back to him and Sarah.
''Keep me posted on his condition, I'll only be at castle.'' She said and walked off, 4 guards following her.
They all turned back to the window and sighed as they looked at Casey.
''So who wants coffee?''
Ellie started as she woke up. She'd fallen asleep beside Casey. It was dark outside and no one else was around. She stroked his hand once and felt his forehead before moving to the door and peering out. As she had suspected, Chuck, Sarah, Morgan and Alex were sitting sleeping on the chairs. Two soldiers with guns patrolling the corridor. She smiled a little at the mini-family on the chairs and went back into the room, sitting back down beside Casey. She sighed and reached for his hand again. When he'd woken up, she thought everything was going to be fine, until they had learned the extent of the blood loss and poison. Everything was more complicated now. The doctors weren't going to give him a blood transfusion. She had to admit, they had a point, but it didn't make it any better. Without the transfusion, Casey's recovery would be slower and more painful. She grimaced, remembering him clutching his chest. She'd seen her father die in front of her eyes, one of the most important people to her. She wasn't going to watch John die. He was going to live, no matter what. She kissed his forehead. He had to.
3 DAYS LATER
''Alright sir, you need to let me get near…sir please!''
Casey clutched at his chest, everything searing in pain again. That damn man nurse had come in and set it off, again. It had happened four times in the past 3 days, not including the very first he had had when he had first woken up. It didn't matter, it hurt like hell.
There was no way he was getting near him, he held his arm out trying to push him away. God damn it, it was so painful. It was getting hard to breathe, his chest tightening.
''Casey, let him help you!'' he heard Chuck's girly voice say.
''Dad! Dad what happened?'' his daughters voice filled the room and he looked around, scanning for her.
She ran over and grabbed his hand grabbing onto his white t-shirt and called for Ellie.
''Shh, Dad, its okay, Ellie's coming.''
That was probably the only thing keeping him conscious. The pain wanted to make him pass out.
Ellie came in, looked at the situation and searched for a needle in the drawer, walking over to him after retrieving it.
She pushed him gently back down into a lying position and took his other hand as again, she plunged the needle into his chest. The relief came pretty soon after that. His chest became less tight and he found it easier to breathe. Even the pain subsided. He found it hard to keep his eyes open and he became unconscious again. All his energy left him, knowing that Ellie and Alex were there, right beside him.
She cringed inwardly as she watched Ellie plunge the needle into his chest. He looked like he was in so much pain. After a couple of seconds, his face became more peaceful and he succumbed to unconsciousness. The fifth time in all; every time, someone had to inject, whatever it was into his chest, counteracting whatever poison he had been given that sent his chest into spasm. She held onto his hand, rubbing the rough calluses. It happened every time he was awake. He hadn't been able to speak. Every time he woke up, a doctor or a nurse would provoke the attack whilst checking his vitals and no one would be able to talk to him, or comfort him. He probably had no idea what was wrong with him. She sighed and they all left the room as the doctors, including Ellie, set to work. Chuck looked distraught. She hugged him. They both needed it.
Ellie held back tears as she stroked his arm. 5 times he had woken up, 5 times he had had an attack and 5 times he had fallen unconscious after the injection. She knew that all he would be feeling was pain and she didn't know how to deal with it. It was dark again and the other four were outside the room sleeping.
Alex was probably close to crumbling, as was Ellie herself. Chuck looked like he was going to break down at any moment, but he had been looking close to that since Casey had been brought in. Sarah had kept silent, obviously just as torn as everyone else. She'd seen the General pop in occasionally, looking concerned as well. She would probably be angry at her if she had the energy. Plus, she was here, worried and concerned about Casey. She cared. That's all that Ellie wanted.
She felt something brush her hand and realized that Casey was looking at her, half awake.
''You know you always look cute when your thinking about something''
He mumbled it sleepily through an oxygen mask. Yet it was the best sound she'd heard in 4 days. She truly smiled at him and moved closer, the movement of his hand caressing hers comforting her.
''I thought I always looked cute''
He smiled sheepishly, and winced and clutched his chest.
No, no please no, not again. She put her hand onto his and held it there looking into his eyes. There was obvious pain there, but there didn't seem to be an attack. His heartbeat staying steady, if a little irregular, Ellie screamed her thanks inwardly. He wasn't having an attack.
He became less tense as she leaned forward, taking his oxygen mask off, and kissed him. He kissed her back, slowly, closing his eyes like she did. It was the best she had felt since he'd been brought in, and after the kiss ended she just laid her forehead against his, keeping her eyes closed.
He let her stay there. Lying on the bed beside him huddled close, her head on his good shoulder. For the first time in 5 days, he felt better. He hadn't had an attack.
He glanced out the window; the sun was just setting, before looking back down at Ellie and closing his eyes. He fell asleep, knowing she was there. Knowing he was holding her, safe.
Alex smiled as she walked in and saw Ellie lying beside her dad, sleeping peacefully. He was awake, stroking her hair. She paused at the end of the bed as he looked up. He looked better. This ignited a glow inside her and she smiled at him with all of her being. He smiled back, cautiously. Oh no, she faltered. He was remembering their argument. Before he could run away with the idea that she had even possibly been telling the truth, she blurted it out.
''Dad, I don't care that you weren't there for 20 years of my life. I did care…before. And I was furious at you because of it. I guess that's what made me snap, and I'm so sorry… I know you don't exactly like to display your emotions, and if I'm honest, I'm not big on it either but I didn't mean anything I said, any of it…and-
''Alex, I love you.''
He stated it to her as if he'd said it a million times, like he meant it. He did mean it.
She smiled. ''I love you too dad''
She could've sworn she saw Ellie smile slightly out the corner of her eye.
Chuck had called her earlier, telling her that Casey was awake, and hadn't had an attack. She sighed in relief. Five days, and finally his pain seemed to be coming to an end. She walked into the room and Ellie left to give them privacy. The Colonel looked solemn to let her go. She smiled inwardly.
''Colonel'' She softened her tone. ''Casey''
He nodded at her slightly. ''General''
''I understand, that whilst you were being tortured, you were asked a certain question about me. And you said nothing. I would like to thank you for that.'' She nodded to herself. ''And Casey, you're the best god damn agent I've got, you better be up on your feet soon.'' She smirked and in return he grinned.
''Duly noted General''
''Now I'm quite sure there's a cavalry outside that wants in to see you. I'll let them in.''
She could see him grimace, but ignored it and let the others inside to see him for properly for the first time.
Ellie and Alex came in first, moving to beside his bed. Ellie held his hand and grinned. Grimes came in and sat beside Alex, smiling at the Colonel, who gave them a disapproving look, making them both burst into laughter. Bartowski and Walker came in looking visibly better. They joined the rest of them and Casey grunted as Chuck tripped over his own feet and fell into Sarah, who caught him and his coffee, making everyone laugh, Casey included. She left, taking once last look at the small family. Blood related or not.
2 DAYS LATER
''The problem is, how did he find out that Casey wasn't rogue?''
Sarah frowned at the General's question.
''I have no idea General, but Chuck and I will find out.''
The General nodded. ''Dismissed. Oh and Walker, remember to keep me informed on the colonel. Still moping about being kept in hospital?''
She grinned. ''Of course, he wouldn't be Casey if he wasn't. Goodbye General''
Sarah nodded and left Castle. Orange Orange was freezing, so she slipped her coat on and headed for the car. She got in and sat there for a minute, for the first time this week, accepting the situation. She pulled out of her spot and headed for the hospital. Chuck would be there, along with everyone else. She smiled; Casey was so spoiled. The traffic wasn't that bad at this time of night so it didn't take her too long to be parked in the Westside lot. Again she just sat there for a minute, looking up at the hospital.
''Hello, Agent Walker''
She turned to find herself face to face with a gun barrel, pointing at her from the open car window. She gulped.
''I believe you killed my friend, Cole Barker.''
The last thing she saw was the swipe of his hand as he brought the gun down on her head.
''How many more hours?'' he asked, again.
''Casey, you've been tortured, a week in hospital is a little short.''
Alex smirked. ''Yeah dad I think 'How many more days?' would be a more suitable question.''
He huffed and Ellie patted his arm. ''Honey, I know you have a physique to keep up here, but don't worry, I'll still love you if you get fat.''
Alex burst out laughing and he couldn't help it. It was an absurd sentence.
''Thanks, but the hospital food isn't that good.''
Chuck came back from getting coffee and handed one to Ellie and Alex. Casey stared at them longingly.
''Hah no way big guy, no caffeine for you. Besides Ellie would kill me.''
He huffed again.
''Hey, any of you guys seen Sarah?'' Chuck asked.
Come to think of it, Casey hadn't. She said she'd be back by 9. He glanced at the clock sitting above the door. It was 10:30.
''Well, maybe she couldn't get past security, I mean I did have to pull some strings for us to be here after hours.''
''No, she would've just used her 'I'm a CIA agent, let me pass or I'll kill you' badge.''
''Well, she got a call from Beckman, went to talk about the mole. Said she'd be back by nine.'' He shrugged, causing him to wince and Ellie to fuss over him again.
''Ellie, I'm fine.'' He reassured her.
Chuck looked worried. Alright, well…I'll go check outside, just in case she forgot her badge or something. Be right back.''
Chuck called her on the way downstairs. No answer. God damn it Sarah, where are you? He exited through the main doors and scanned outside. There was no one there. He sighed and searched the parking lot. Was that Sarah's car? He jogged towards it and the colour drained from his face. The car was left running, the drivers car door open along with the window and her phone lying on the seat. No, no, no…this was not happening. He picked up her phone, looked around once more and ran back towards the hospital. He ran past the security, which recognized him anyway. He glanced between the elevator and the stairs. Stairs would be faster. He sprinted up them, taking 3 at a time. He shoved the doors open and ran down the corridor. Flinging himself into Casey's room, he blurted it out.
''Sarah's gone!''
He held up her phone, the picture of her knocked out, lying on the pavement saved on the front screen shocking every face in the room.
End of Chapter 1.
Reviews would be great, first chapter of my first story so any feedback would be cool.