A/N: So, here we have the first installment of my one-shot series. This will be a set of one shots chronicling the married life of Chuck and Sarah from my Story Night AU. Hitting the usual high points, and maybe an odd one thrown in as it strikes me. Am open to suggestions if there is something you'd like to see. Going to start if off with Sarah's first Mother's Day following the birth of the twins. Hope you enjoy. As always, I don't own Chuck and the related characters. I did, however, come up with the twins all on my own.
Sarah vs. Mother's Day, 2014
"Sarah, it's time to go." Chuck pops through the door into the nursery, hands fumbling at his tie. "We've only got an hour till our reservations, and you can be sure they won't let that table sit empty for long tonight." Sighing with frustration as his tie flops crookedly, he strips it off to start again.
Spinning around, Sarah pulls him close. Pushing his hands away, she deftly knots and arranges his tie in record time. Finished, she gives him a quick kiss before returning to the diaper bag. She's trying to jam in just one more item, but the overflowing bag is not cooperating. "I'm almost ready. As soon as I can find a place to hide the XF-35 we can leave."
"Umm...honey, why are you putting a bug in the diaper bag? And, not that I'm questioning you, but, the girls are only staying one night, not going on a world cruise." Peering over her shoulder at the stuffed to the gills container.
As she digs around for the right spot, Sarah replies. "Just making sure Ellie will have everything she needs. Hunter isn't in diapers anymore, so she isn't as well supplied as she used to be. Plus, this way, I can check on them, make sure there aren't any problems. The girls can be quite a handful when they both get going. I blame it on being too much like their father. Chuck, be a dear and put the girls in their pink sleepers."
Chuck walks over to the cribs and looks down on two fully clothed infants. "But Sarah, they're already dressed and ready to go." He reaches down and tickles Lauren's belly. She giggles, her little hands and feet flailing in glee. Before Linda can start to cry at the lack of attention, Chuck tickles her as well. "Are my girls ready to go?...", in a high pitched voice, "You bet we are, daddy...just waiting for mommy to finish installing surveillance equipment."
Looking over her shoulder, expression not very amused, she says, "The pink sleepers have GPS trackers sown in. I suppose you would send our children out there without any way to find them?" Her tone a tad frosty.
Chuck's eyes go wide at that revelation, but keeps his mouth shut for the sake of peace. Dressing the two girls, he can't help searching to see where she hid the bugs. In short order, Linda and Lauren are dressed again and settled into their car seats. Chuck walks them out and gets them strapped into the back seat. Sarah is right on his heels with the zipper-bursting diaper bag. He starts the car, looks over, notes her expression, decides to not say anything, looks in the mirror, and backs out of the garage.
On the way to Ellie and Awesome's house, Sarah pulls out her phone and initializes the tracker program. She nods in satisfaction as the two dots appear and register a proper location. Chuck glances over every few seconds. She can feel his gaze, shifting uncomfortably under his scrutiny. Putting away her phone, she waits for him to speak.
"It's the first time." He says softly.
"What?", turning to face him, confused.
"It's the first time we're going to not have the girls with us since they were born." Chuck reaches over and clasps her hand. "I promise you they'll be fine. Who better to have for babysitters than two awesome doctors."
Sarah wraps his hand in both of hers and holds tightly. "I'm being silly, aren't I?"
Chuck smiles. "No Sarah, you're not being silly. Overprotective to a fault, but I wouldn't expect any less from you. Actually, I'm surprised you didn't try and get video surveillance set up."
She chuckles, embarrassed. "Casey wouldn't help me with that. He said I was being paranoid." Her laughter grows as she really listens to her own words. "Okay, okay. Mommy instincts are on overdrive."
"It's fine honey. Really. I know better than anyone how you question everything you do in this new life we've made. You think your childhood and time with the CIA hasn't prepared you to be a wife or mother. Every step of the way has been so tough on you, always doubting yourself. Well, I know you can do it, have always believed in you and in us. Sarah Bartowski, you are an amazing wife and will be no less incredible a mother. Whenever you don't believe that, just remind yourself how lucky you are to have me. After all, Chuck Bartowski only goes for the best." He grins widely, eyebrows bouncing.
Sarah slides closer and leans on his shoulder. "I am so very lucky. But don't let that go to your head, mister."
They share another laugh. Chuck kisses the top of her head. "Just promise me one thing. No sending them off to college with GPS devices sown into their underwear."
"We'll talk about it." Sarah looks up with a devilish grin.
XXXXXXXXXX
Chuck had to plan months in advance to get this reservation. But for his Sarah, it was all worth it. The appetizers had been delicious, and the wine, spectacular. Reaching across the table, he rested his hand on hers. "Did I mention how truly lovely you look tonight?"
Blushing at the heartfelt words, Sarah looks deeply into her favorite pair of eyes. "You may have said something like that when I was putting on the dress, applying my makeup, having a drink of water, walking from the bedroom to the living room, watching you put on your suit, and about every 5 minutes on the drive to the restaurant. Is nice to hear it again, though. You, my dear, are looking very handsome." Leaning over the table. "I still can't believe we're here." She whispers.
"I know, the hardest reservations to get in Beverly Hills. I'll tell you a secret. Casey said it was a long shot, but I wasn't going to back down. So, five years ago, I got my name on the list and just prayed that I could get us married and knocked up in time for tonight." Chuck's cheeks are twitching with barely contained laughter.
Sarah can't stop the burst of giggles. "Knocked up? Oh Chuck, I think it's your way with words that I love the most, always the romantic. Is that from Shakespeare?"
"Yes and no. Bill didn't write it. But his lesser known half brother Teddy Shakespeare is credited with placing that quote on a napkin after a long night of drinking. Ahh, dinner is served."
They release hands and make room for the waiter to place their meals on the table. He asks if they require anything else, then leaves when they both indicate no. For the next few minutes, the only sounds are muffled moans of pleasure. Chuck cuts off a small piece of his chicken. "Oh my God, you have to try this." Holding it out on the end of his fork, she gingerly wraps her lips around it and chews, purring at the flavors.
Sarah spears a portion of her fish and offers it to Chuck. "You will think you're in heaven, honey." He takes the morsel, leaning back in his chair and closing his eyes to experience it.
Dinner is a long and slow love affair. They both find it difficult to talk at times, wanting to take another bite of the glorious food in front of them instead. Sarah uses the provided distraction to slip her phone out. Resting it in her lap, she runs the tracker program. Sparing a look, she is reassured to note the dots are where they are supposed to be. Idly chewing her steamed vegetables, Sarah imagines what the girls are doing right now. Most likely sleeping. They are so cute. She could watch them for hours.
"And then, Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock beamed into my office. They said we could borrow the Enterprise for the weekend. We would just have to return it with a full tank of anti-matter." Chuck says casually.
"That's nice baby, where did you want to go?" Sarah smiles and takes a drink of her wine. They should have had their last bottle for the night about a half hour ago. It's one of Sarah's favorite times. The quiet of the nursery as she feeds her girls, lights low for a soothing atmosphere. For Ellie's sake, she hopes they aren't too fussy.
"I was thinking Delta Gamma Four, but Morgan reminded me of the awful radiation storms this time of year. Hazards of an unstable red giant.", smirking as he watches his wife.
"Morgan's always looking out for us. I'm sure you will come up with a good idea." Linda is the tricky one, she really doesn't like to be bottle fed. Luckily it has seldom been necessary. Her eyes drift down, the little dots glowing right where they belong.
"Sarah, there is one thing I've always wanted to do. That darn, stuck-up Han Solo keeps bragging on how fast his ship is. You have to let me drag race him at least once." Chuck shifts his hand and sends a fork clattering to the floor. "Oh my, I should pick that up."
Sarah frowns, "Don't you think you're a little old to be driving fast like that, you have children and a wife to come home to." She wonders how early they can go pick them up in the morning. It would be really good to have them back before their usual morning feeding time. Another look to her lap, but, her phone is missing.
"Well, look at that. The girls are right where we left them." Chuck sets the phone on the table and turns off the tracker. "Honey, really, they are going to be fine. Ellie was probably going super-mom on them as soon as we walked out the door. Devon has been getting the impression she wants to have another child. He's hoping the twins will take some fuel from that fire. I didn't have the heart to tell him he was toast." Chuck brushes his fingers over the back of her hand. "Are you here in the restaurant again?"
Coming fully to herself, Sarah is apologetic. "I'm so sorry. You went to all this trouble to give me a wonderful night out. I'm just an awful person." Starting to tear up as she can't meet his eyes. "We've been going non-stop since the girls were born, we deserve this right? What's one night for us? I should be able to give you that. You've done so much for me, been so patient for so long." Chuck has come around the table and wrapped her up in his arms. Sarah buries her face in his shoulder.
"Shh, shh...honey. You've done nothing wrong. Everything you do is at 110%, loving me, loving our girls, your work, all of it. I knew that when I married you. I'm happy to share, because when I get my turn, it's all worth it. Besides, give it a couple of years and you'll be begging Ellie to take them off your hands for a day or three." Brushing the tears from her cheeks when Sarah looks up.
"Don't bet on it." She captures him, fingers twined in his curls, and pulls him down into a fierce kiss. "I love you so much."
"Love you too, Sarah." Chuck murmurs on her lips.
Taking a moment to recover, Sarah rubs the moisture from her eyes. "I must look a mess. Honey, let's skip dessert. I'm going to the ladies room, can you take care of the check? I need to get my husband home as soon as possible." Sarah gathers up her purse, sliding her phone in. "Be right back, sweetie."
"I'll be waiting." Chuck is already signaling for the waiter.
Once in the ladies room, Sarah leans on the counter. She stares at her reflection, taking deep and calming breaths. Opening her purse, she pulls out her phone while digging for makeup. As she touches up, the phone calls to her. She knows she shouldn't, this is supposed to be her night with Chuck. Ellie and Devon are wonderful parents, the girls are in good hands. But, what if I'm not doing it to check up on them? Maybe a quick listen, hear their sleeping noises for a few seconds. There's no harm in that.
Picking up the phone, she plugs in an ear bud before keying in the activation code for the bug. Instead of nice and relaxing breathing noises, her ear is assaulted by a high pitched wailing. Immediately she stiffens. One of her girls is in trouble. She knew it, there was no reason to be going out so soon. Mother's Day comes every year after all. Her finger hovered over Ellie's number on speed dial while a voice in the back of her head told her she might be overreacting just a little.
It was at that same moment, she heard Ellie's voice over the bug. "Hey, hey, little one. What's all the fuss about. You want to come up? Here, lets go for a little walk and let your sister sleep." Ellie started singing a little nonsense song and must have been walking away, her voice getting softer. Sarah unclenched her shoulders and arms upon hearing her daughter's cries fade away under the attention. The last thing she heard was Ellie telling Devon to answer the phone. Chiding herself over wanting to declare a national emergency, Sarah turned off the phone, returning it and the makeup to her purse.
Chuck stands as soon as she returns. He offers his arm. "Are you ready to go milady?"
Slipping her arm through his, Sarah allows him to lead. "Milady huh? This isn't all part of getting me knocked up again is it?" Grinning at Chuck's deep blush and the gasp of shock from a nearby table.
Taking a detour on the way home, Chuck drives them slowly along the ocean front. Sarah snuggles next to him as they look out over the moonlit water. He decides to park the car in an out of the way spot. Arm in arm, they listen to the surf roll in. Content with a comfortable silence, Sarah and Chuck rediscover each other in a sense. The peace that they find in the presence of each other is a welcome companion. Starting up the car, they resume their journey home.
"Honey, if you really want to, check on the girls now. Once we get home, I don't think you'll get the opportunity." Chuck let's his voice lilt suggestively.
"Are you sure?" Sarah asks.
Chuck simply nods. "Yes, baby. I'm sure. Go ahead."
Sarah draws out her phone and runs the tracker routine. As expected, the girls are still where they should be. She turns it so Chuck can see as well. Satisfied, the phone is turned off and tucked away. "Thank you Chuck. For the wonderful night, for everything."
Placing his hand on her knee, his fingers start walking up her thigh. "Don't be thanking me yet. The night is still young."
She captures his hand at the hem of her dress. "You will have to wait. No driving distracted."
"Awww." He turns puppy dog eyes on her. Warmth floods her belly as she stares at the man she loves.
Turning on to their street, Sarah drops his hand and goes on full alert. "Chuck, we didn't leave our lights on."
"No we didn't, Sarah. But I know why they are on now." Pointing. "Whose car is that?"
"Devon and Ellie? But, the girls are still at their house? Chuck, what's going on?" Turning a suspicious eye on her husband.
"Actually, their pajamas are still at the house. I couldn't stand seeing you so out of sorts and it is Mother's Day. So, while you were in the bathroom, I called and asked them to bring the girls home as a surprise for you. Surprise." He gives her a big smile.
"But what about our night, just the two of us? I know you were really wanting this."
"Sarah, we are going to be together for a very long time. There will be many more nights for you and I. One day in the future, we'll be wishing for an evening like this with our girls. These are the times we can't get back. So, let's make sure we don't miss a minute." After parking the car, Chuck leans over to kiss his wife. "Race ya!" He catches her totally off guard as he jumps from the car and dashes to the door. Recovering quickly, Sarah is in hot pursuit.
XXXXXXXXXX
Watching her two ladies sleep, Sarah stands in the doorway of the nursery. It's moments like these that make her want to pinch herself, make sure it isn't a dream. Honestly, even her dreams had never been this good. Closing the door quietly, Sarah padded down the hallway to the master bedroom and her husband. She intended to make sure he knew how special this day had been. Walking in to an empty room, she flicked her eyes around for any sign of Chuck. That's when she noticed the box on her pillow.
Sarah sat down on the bed. She pushed the bow aside and flipped open the lid.
"I found a guy in a little shop down by the ocean front in Santa Monica. He works with wires, does it all by hand. You can stand in the store and watch him work. Making one piece at a time, he bends and wraps and solders." Chuck told her from the doorway.
Sarah pulled out the chain and pendant, looking at it from every direction. A perfectly shaped heart done in white and yellow gold. The thin wires braided to form the shape. Upon closer inspection, the braiding had celtic knotwork flourishes woven in. Nestled inside the heart were two L's, one for each of her girls. One L was a weave of yellow gold, the other in white gold. Chuck lifted it from her grasp. Sarah held her hair to the side as he fastened it at her neck.
"I've never seen anything like this. It's gorgeous. Every time I think I've got you all figured out, you go and prove me wrong again and again. How did you grow up to be this incredible?"
"Clean living, eating all my vegetables and reading lots of comic books." Chuck sits down behind her on the bed, slipping his arms around as she leans back into him. "Or, I am constantly striving to find a match for the impossible. A gift that can fully express my feelings towards my wife."
Whirling around, Sarah pushes him down, raining kisses on his lips. Her fingers find the buttons on his shirt and make short work of them. Electric tingles inform her of each caress as Chuck's hands explore. His shirt open, Sarah trails kisses down his chest. It was time she expressed her feelings towards her husband.
She had found his belt and was unclasping it when the crying started. As one, they looked at the baby monitor on the nightstand. A second voice quickly joined in, both of them wanting attention now. Chuck and Sarah faced each other again. Sarah laughed as she untangled from her husband. "Just remember, it was your idea to have them brought back home."
Playfully swatting her bottom, "Hey, is all part of the Bartowski holiday plan. An interruption for every intimate moment. Happy Mother's Day Sarah."