Home for the Holidays - by Keikimo

December 2007

Disclaimer: If only I were creative enough to come up with the characters of Team Chuck. But unfortunately, I can only borrow them temporarily - they still belong to the guys in suits.

I write purely for the enjoyment, I post purely in the hopes there are people out there who would enjoy reading my works. But I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to hear from you. If you have anything to say, feel free to hit that review button and let me know.

-----

A/N:

Apparently all my nice section dividers disappeared...sorry! I guess I should check one last time when I post things at 3 in the morning. Fixed for readability.

I am a sporadic writer at best...but there is something about this show that brings out the plot bunnies in me. I make no promises that there will be more - I'm just happy I managed to get this done in time for Christmas!

I hope you enjoy...

-----

Part I - Chuck versus the Teddy Bear

"Hey!"

Chuck whipped around in surprise, smiling when he saw Sarah leaning against his bedroom doorframe. "Hey, hi! I didn't hear you come in."

"Ellie let me in." Sarah smiled, glancing around the disaster area that was normally Chuck's room. It looked almost as if a fully-decorated Christmas tree had exploded in the tiny area, scattering bits of ribbon, wrap, tinsel, and bows all over. "What are you up to?"

"Me? Uh...nothing..." Chuck unsuccessfully tried to hide everything behind his back, the rapid movement accidentally sending another batch of ribbons and paper to the floor.

"Chuck..." Sarah walked further into the room, laughing as Chuck carefully shifted around the bed, trying to keep himself in front of whatever was behind his back. "Chuck, I can see the gold ribbons behind you."

"Yeah I know. I just wanted it to be a surprise." Chuck nearly pouted as he pulled the lopsided package out from behind his back and handed it to her. "I wasn't quite finished."

"It's...beautiful..."

"You know, for a spy, there are times you really don't lie well." Chuck snorted. Even he had to admit that it looked sort of sad. He was fine wrapping things when they were packed in nice, square boxes. But this present ended up looking all lumpy and misshapen, something even cascading ribbon curls couldn't quite hide. "I should have let my sister help me."

"No, really. It's perfect the way it is." Sarah said honestly, fingering the long ribbon curls. She really did appreciate its homemade charm. "Thank you..."

"You're welcome."

"But I thought you already got me my Christmas present." Sarah smiled patiently, finishing off the rest of her thought. "You know, the alarm clock...?"

"Oh that! That was kind of a silly, spur of the moment thing." Chuck shrugged, sheepishly staring down at the carpet. "Now that we're...friends again, I thought I should get you a real present."

"Chuck..." Sarah sighed, holding the present back towards him. "I really can't accept it. I don't have anything for you. And it would be...inappropriate..."

"You don't even know what it is yet...how can it be inappropriate?" Chuck pointed out with a nervous smile. "Plus Ellie and Awesome helped me pick it out, so you have to accept it. Otherwise they'll wonder what's wrong."

"Awesome helped you pick out my Christmas present? Oh God." Sarah looked at the present suspiciously. It was small and squishy and... "It's not lingerie, is it?"

"No...that would be an inappropriate gift." Chuck laughed. "Open it and see..."

She glanced at the package nervously one more time, then back to Chuck's encouraging face. Shrugging, she finally pulled the paper and ribbons off the package, unearthing a small, stuffed bear. "Aww...It's cute!"

"Yeah. I know it's hard, not having anyone to talk to about your real life...so I wanted to get you something you could tell your secrets to." Chuck smiled, pointing to the bear. He had spent a long, long time in the toy store, sorting through all the stuffed animals, trying to find the right one for Sarah. It had taken nearly forever, but even Ellie and Awesome agreed that it was perfect when he showed them his final selection.

"Chuck..." Sarah paused, giving the bear an experimental squeeze. It was soft and cuddly...reassuring almost. "That's so thoughtful of you."

"Please just do me a favour and don't name him Bryce."

Studying the bear carefully, Sarah already knew what she would name it. It was wonderfully warm and cute, so friendly it almost invited you to hug him. And it had the biggest brown eyes, oozing honesty and innocence. It was basically Chuck...transformed into a teddy bear.

She knew that she couldn't say that out loud though. Accepting his gift was already dangerous enough...she really didn't need to make things even more complicated. So she decided to keep the conversation light-hearted. "So, can I name it Casey then?"

She was relieved when her tactic worked, Chuck practically falling off the bed laughing. He grabbed for the bear, holding it in front of him like a puppet. Purposely using a squeaky, cartoon-like voice, he bobbed its head in time as he talked. "Hello, my name is Casey. And I believe in the right to arm bears..." He broke off in a fit of hysterical laughter again, unable to continue.

Sarah started laughing as well, grabbing for the bear and smacking it over Chuck's head. "That's horrible."

"What's horrible...the pun, or naming a teddy bear after Casey?" Chuck asked, still hiccupping with laughter.

Sarah was about to answer when they were interrupted by a knock on Chuck's door. They both turned to see Ellie standing there, an amused smile on her face. "I thought I'd check and see what was going on...you guys sound like a couple of five year olds!"

"She started it..." Chuck pointed towards Sarah, earning himself another smack over the head with the bear. "Ow."

"We were just...admiring my Christmas present." Sarah smiled, holding out her teddy bear for Ellie to see. Even after all the abuse, it still looked brand new...only requiring a bit of gentle tugging to return it to its formerly plump shape.

"Well if you're finished beating each other up, I just baked a batch of cookies."

"Cookies? Did you make gingerbread?" The bear suddenly forgotten, Chuck instantly jumped to his feet at the word cookies. He briefly turned towards Sarah, a wide smile on his face. "Can I interest you in a plate of cookies and a glass of milk?"

Sarah hesitated only a second, telling herself that she could deal with all the complicated things in her life later. Right now, she could share a plate of cookies with a friend and his family. She carefully set her new bear down on the bed, leaving it propped up against the pillows as she followed Chuck and Ellie out the door.

In the darkness, it patiently sat and waited for her. Friendly and comforting, honest and open.

Just like its namesake...