Dreams and Nightmares

Disclaimer: I don't own Chuck, or Sarah, or Tom Petty, or the Heartbreakers. Or romance, or angst. Of which there will be both. But much more fluff than sadness. So prepare for cavities. There. You are disclaimed.

Summary: Three different ways Chuck shows Sarah how he sees her, and where she belongs. Sarah considers the offer. Unrelated one-shots inspired by Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers' "Wildflowers". Lyrics at the end of Chapter 3. :)

Startled, Chuck's eyes flew open. "Wha?" he managed in a hoarse whisper. (Room's still dark, alarm is off, why am I--)

"Unh," came out of the darkness beside him. "Unh, no, you can't...Chuck," Sarah moaned and twisted in her sleep.

(Nightmare?) Chuck turned on his side towards her. He could barely make out the shape of her body in the darkness, and slowly sidled closer, careful not to touch her. (I somehow don't think she would want me to know she has them. Plus, surprising a spy is hazardous to my health.) "Sarah," he whispered. "Sarah, you're having a nightmare."

She shook her head, twisting the sheets tighter in her hands. "I won't let them, I won't let them take you," she murmured, twisting them still tighter.

(Oh God. She's about to garrote someone in her sleep.) "Sarah, it's a dream, come on, it's okay," he tried again.

She twisted the sheets tighter, jerking lightly. "I won't let them hurt you," she muttered.

(Oh, Sarah...Screw this...) He moved closer to spoon behind her, gently wrapping an arm around her waist, hoping physical contact would help break her free of the nightmare. "No, no you won't, Sarah, you never have," he whispered, "I'm okay, come on, come with me..." He tried to pluck the sheets out of her death grip.

"Chuck?"

(Okay, we have contact. Huh. Guess that directed dream stuff Lester babbles about might work.) "Yeah, Sarah, it's me, I'm okay now, come on."

"Mmm, Chuck," she sighed, "you're all right." Her hands slowly released the sheet. "I told you I'd protect you," she whispered.

"You always do, Sarah," he sighed softly. Unable to restrain himself anymore, he gently grazed her cheek with the side of his hand. When she nuzzled into the touch, he smiled. (I have an idea...)

He leaned in close to her ear. "Look, Sarah, we're on a picnic, can you see it?" He closed his eyes and pictured it in his mind. "We're at the beach, up on the dunes, where the beach grass is just starting to lose hold in the sand. There are wildflowers still hanging on, purple and yellow, like a postcard. And it's just you and me on a blanket. The picnic basket has a chilled bottle of champagne, and we're watching the sun set."

He heard her sigh contentedly and snuggle into the bed and he smiled. (Thank goodness. I can't stand her having nightmares on my account. But while I have her unwitting attention...) "I love you, Sarah," he whispered.

"I love you too, Chuck," she murmured in reply, as she grabbed his arm and wrapped it more securely around her. She sighed and settled back to sleep, snoring softly.

Chuck gulped in the darkness, as he felt her body pressed against his and her words echoed in his head. (Don't freak out.)

A.N.: What do you think? Was listening to the boy's iPod in the car and this song came on. My mind immediately started racing with sweet fluffy Charah. :) So here we are.