A/N: A big thank you to the fans who have subscribed to the story so far, which has helped me to be confident enough to write this next instalment so soon. Thanks for reading- hope you enjoy it. I also don't own Chuck or any of the characters. Thanks =D
Castle.
Chuck Bartowski sat on his chair within Castle, one arm around Sarah's neck. Everything in his life seemed to be going his way, ever since he had gone to find his father. For once in his life, he had it all; the Intersect; a happier sister (and brother in law); friends and more importantly Sarah.
Once they had kissed, there was not much turning back. True, they were just starting to date, but things were fine as they were. His mood had greatly improved, and he relished the abilities of the new Intersect.
Which brought him to think about Bryce.
There was a touch of poignancy within Chuck: a feeling to which even Casey had shown a sign of sympathy towards. Bryce had died for their cause, but they vowed to fight on.
Casey growled as Chuck stared emptily into space, bringing him crashing back down to Earth.
"Wise up Bartowski. Beckman's on Line One,"
General Beckman flickered onto the screen, her hair in the same old bun as always. But for once there was the hint of a smile twinkling in her eyes.
"Agent Walker, Major Casey and Mr. Bartowski. I want to congratulate you for your efforts last night,"
Sarah squeezed Chuck's hand with delight. "Really General, it was more Chuck than us,"
Casey shot her a piercing look, but Chuck stuck his tongue out at him.
"Now now you two," the General smiled briefly. "I just wanted to remind you all with a small token of my appreciation. Agent Walker, please will you check under the till?"
Sarah walked across the room, and Chuck couldn't help but admire the way she walked confidently. If only he could…
"Tickets to Dubai?" Sarah asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Exactly. The three of you are free to holiday there, as it were. You will stay in the Burj Al Arab for a fortnight, all expenses paid by the CIA,"
Chuck squeezed Sarah's hand, and a look of realisation dawned on her face. Two weeks away from spy work. The perfect chance to start again.
*
Buy More
Fifteen minutes later, Chuck entered the Buy More casually. As usual, the place was a literal mess. Even under Emmett, the Buy More's tendencies to be manic had remained through. The Manager had instead decided to hide inside his office, leaving his employees to run amok.
And then suddenly there was a loud squealing sound from behind him as Morgan Grimes ran from the staff room and jumped onto his back.
"Chuck I got some great news!"
"Not now buddy. I'm off on my vacation to Dubai," Chuck grinned, already daydreaming about a fortnight with Sarah Walker in the most romantic city in the world. Chuck had often dreamed about Sarah and him, and now he had the chance. The sun. The sand. The sea. The girl…
"Don't you wanna hear my good news?" Morgan pouted.
"Go on then,"
"I entered a competition and I could win a vacation too!"
"Morgan, you do realise that those things are probably just fakes. Just ask Jeff,"
As if on cue, Jeff poked out from behind the Nerd Herd desk. His ginger hair was wafted over his red face.
"I'm saying nothing about nothing or nothing," he added helpfully, before collapsing forwards and hitting his head on the bell as he fell.
"So you're leaving me then buddy?"
"Yeah. It's just for two weeks," Chuck replied, clearly eager to get home and pack.
"I can't believe it. No Chuck. No Ellie. I'll have to… hang out with… Jeff…" Morgan choked, wiping a mock tear from his small face.
"You'll be fine buddy. See you later," Chuck replied, hugging his best friend briefly. He skipped out of the Buy More and saw Sarah parked in an Audi R8.
"Honey, where did you get this car?" he asked, a hint of surprise in his voice.
"Actually, I rented it so you could drive us to the airport," Sarah replied warmly, kissing him on the cheek as he climbed into the driver's seat. Then he noticed her words.
"Us?" Chuck inquired, eyebrows raised. He adjusted the mirror to reveal John Casey lounging in the back with a glass of champagne.
"What? Beckman said us,"
*
