Don't own Chuck

It didn't take long for jetlag and travel fatigue to set in. Both Emma and Molly began dragging with faces that said they needed a bed. Molly started nodding off on the sofa while she was playing with Sam. Yawning she stretched out on the sofa. Sam curled up next to her with Mr. Rabbit in the middle and down laid too. Molly looked at Sam with her sleepy eyes and smiled then she started humming and Sam joined her both half asleep now.

"You know the song Sarah," said Emma. "Why don't you join in? Go ahead I used to sing it to you, don't you remember?"

"Yes I do but I'm not sure if I remember all the words and besides no one wants to hear me sing. You can take my word on that, why don't you sing instead."

"I do. I mean I want to hear you sing. Come on babe you've got a great voice," said Chuck as he brought her a glass of wine. "Think of this as encouragement."

"I'll need something a little stronger and with a lot more kick thank you," said Sarah but Molly raised her head and begged.

"Please, I like that song it makes me feel… I don't know good." Sarah looked at Emma wondering how she could remember but Emma just shrugged her shoulders.

"Slumber my darling / Thy mother is near / Guarding thy dreams / From all terror and fear

Sunlight has past / And the twilight has gone / Slumber my darling / The night's coming on…"

"Momma good," said Sam as Sarah sang. Sam reached out and caressed Sarah's face. Chuck came over and put his arm around her. Soon they were both sound asleep looking like sleeping angels.

"Well Jack I think it's time we called it a night between the jetlag and the trip I'm ready to call it a night," said Emma as she motioned they should go.

"Mom, why don't you leave Molly here with us at least for tonight? She's sound asleep and there's an extra bed in Sam's room. It would keep from having to drag her all the way over to your place even if it's just across the courtyard."

"I've got an idea. I've got another day of forced rest why don't I cook pancakes for everyone tomorrow morning? You don't have to commit just know I'll be making them for whoever shows up. I know Morgan will be there."

"I'd hate for any to go to waste," said Morgan as he grabbed a couple slices of pizza to go along with a grape soda.

"Morgan, you do know we have food in the refrigerator at home," said Alex as she gave him a stare. "There's no need in taking food home or are you telling me I don't know how to cook? Because if you are…."

"No, no it's not that. You're a great cook. Much better than Sarah tell her Chuck," said Morgan looking for an assist.

"Better than who?" said Sarah. "Don't drag me in the middle although I do admit I have my limits and cooking is one of them."

"Well Alex, although Morgan stuck his foot in his mouth, making a doggy bag is kind of a force of habit with him. Ever since I've known Morgan, he's been mooching off leftovers. It's just something that's beyond his control."

"You mean Pavlov had his dog so we have Morgan," said Casey adding fuel to the fire. Kat gave him a look.

"Well we'll start tonight doing something about it. Morgan you've got a choice I can go home with you or you can take pizza home with you which do you choose?" said Alex but Morgan took a few minutes to ponder. "Morgan, this isn't a hard decision?"

"I know of course I choose you. Come on I need to go home, tomorrow will be here before you know it," said Morgan then he turned and handed the plate to Chuck looking him in the eye.

"I understand I'll put it in the refrigerator and make sure it's labeled for 'Morgan's mouth only'."

"And may the Force be with you young Luke."

"Hey Morgan come over early, there are some things I want to talk to you about. It's important and we'll be alone so we can talk."

"Alone as in top secret," said Morgan. "We've got a mission the two of us like old times. So does Sarah know about our little rogue spy team? Of course not, we're going start here outside of the government, secret to the spy world, team of two, army of one, highway to the danger zone, live free or die hard Buddy…."

"No Morgan we're not… I mean it's not that. Listen we just need to talk that's all you need to know. I'll explain the rest tomorrow."

"Morgan, come on," said Alex. She had been waiting outside with Casey and Kathleen chatting next to the fountain but it was getting late. Morgan wasn't the only one who had to get up early the next day.

"Kat, why don't you walk Alex to my car I'll give you guys a ride home," said Casey. "Morgan, can I see you for a moment."

"Sure John, Love we'll be right there," said Morgan. Alex looked back at both of them with a what gives face but walked ahead with Kat. John waited until they were out of sight then he grabbed Morgan by the collar.

"Tell me what you've got going on with Bartowski," said Casey as Morgan began to turn blue. Slapping John's hands he tried to tell him he couldn't speak with his hands around his throat until John finally let go.

"Jesus, John how many people have you accidently killed? No, don't answer that I don't want to know. Chuck and I have something going on? Where did you get that idea?"

"Don't deny it, I saw you two talking. You know I'm a spy so out with it what's going on and why am I the only one left out? Or…," said John as he cracked his knuckles.

"First of all you're not the only one left out. He wants to talk to me alone tomorrow morning which means Sarah's in the dark too. I'm supposed to get here early then he's going to debrief me on the Mish."

"The what? Mish? What kind of word is that? If you're going to be a spy say 'mission' if you say 'mish' people are going to think you're imbecile. Well I guess then they'd know who they're dealing with."

"Ha, ha Mister Itchy Trigger finger. I guess someone else is anxious to get back in the saddle, huh? Or you wouldn't be trying tried to weasel your way in."

"If I want to weasel my way in I'd simply wring your neck then Chuck would have to give me the nod. You know I'm getting tired of being the little fat kid," said Casey as slapped Morgan in the back of the head.

"Ouch! What was that for? I told you I don't know anything."

"That was to get your attention. Listen up Troll I want a full report after you have your talk with Chuck. Come knock on my door I'll be there, it's not like I'm going anywhere and don't keep me waiting. That list of people I've accidently killed could get longer by another name if you know what I mean. Now come along Alex and Kat are waiting."

Back in the apartment Chuck and Sarah got the girls situated in Sam's room. It just made sense for Molly to sleep there and Sam loved the company; however, getting them changed and ready for bed when they were already half asleep turned out to be a chore. One Jack elected to forego and went on over to the Ellie and Devon's old place. But finally the mission was accomplished and it was time to say goodnight.

"Emma, let me walk you home while Sarah gets ready for bed," said Chuck as he offer Emma his arm.

"Chuck it's just across the courtyard. I don't think I'll get lost," said Emma. She really didn't want to be a bother.

"Come on it's what a good son in law should do and besides I insist. So you either let me walk you home or you go home and I go out for some fresh air so no matter what I'm walking you to your front door."

"Is he always like this?" asked Emma smiling. Sarah smiled back and kissed Chuck.

"Sometimes he's even worse and I love him for it," she said as she kissed him again. "Hurry back home," she whispered in his ear.

"Hold that thought I'll be right back," said Chuck as he walked with Emma back down the hall then past the kitchen and out through the living room.

"Chuck, it means a lot to me to know you. Sarah was always a tough little thing, you know, but I worried about her. Growing up mostly with Jack, she always kept to herself; she wouldn't let people get close. But thank you for giving her this."

"You and Jack gave me the most wonderful gift I could ever receive and I will never be able to thank you enough. My life was empty and without meaning she gave me that along with her love. Goodnight Emma and don't forget pancakes tomorrow morning."

"I won't but if you don't see me tomorrow I'll be trying to get over my jetlag. Thank you again," said Emma as she kissed him on the cheek.

"No, thank you," said Chuck as he kissed her on the cheek then he went back home.

When he went inside he tried to be a quiet as possible. Walking past Sam's room he checked on the girls. They were still sound asleep and nothing short of a two ton blast was going to wake them. He went on to the bedroom and there he found Sarah changed and in bed with her tablet. She looked up at him over the top of it following him around the room watching him change his clothes for bed. Finishing getting ready he lifted the covers and climbed in bed then rolled over to kiss her.

"Chuck I need to ask you something do you know who this is," said Sarah as she turned the tablet to him. He flashed then coughed. Sarah handed him a glass of water she had by her side of the bed. "Are you okay?"

"Yes, yes, just a tickle in the throat. That's Arman Mokri suspected agent for the Ministry of Intelligence of the Islamic Republic of Iran or MOIS. Why are you asking me about an Iranian agent? I'm not going to like this am I?"

"Probably not because it could mean you've already lost your bet with Casey. I saw my father talking with this man in the airport."

"When you say talking what do you mean? Were they talking about the Laker's line up or how to build a nuclear reactor? There's a big difference although I don't think Jack has mastered nuclear physics. Well at least not yet."

"Please Chuck, I'm being serious. My father found Arman's wallet or he says he found it then he gave it back. Remember this is Jack we're talking about."

"Well if nothing was missing then I think we can safely assume Jack found it or if he did take it he changed his mind and handed it back."

"With Jack the latter is more likely the case but he could just as easily be working an angle and…" Chuck cut her off.

"But you really don't know for sure and everyone is quick to point out Jack's past. How can he move forward if everyone keeps dragging him backwards."

"Chuck, you're attributing good intentions to him because you're a good person. I make no excuses for my father I know who he is."

"I do to and well, he must have done something right. You turned out pretty good," said Chuck as he kissed her.

"Pretty good?" said Sarah as she kissed him back. "I guess you're trying to say I've got room for improvement?" Chuck smiled back at her and kissed her again.

"I think there's another question that begs to be asked," said Chuck as he took Sarah's tablet and powered it down. "Did you report the sighting to the agency?"

"Well I haven't had the time with picking everyone up bringing them here and getting everyone settled in. Then I had to net search to confirm my flash."

"Sarah, you don't have to justify anything to me. I understand you not wanting to report your father. Believe me I do."

"It's not that," said Sarah as Chuck gave her a look. "Okay in part maybe it is. The last time I reported one of my father's donators Beckman had us involve him in a sting operation with Sheik Rajiv Amad."

"To be honest, we didn't involve him. He was already involved and the Sheik was looking for his money back and if we weren't there your father might not have gotten out of that with everything intact."

"A thief has to run out of town as fast as he can, but a good con man… Well a good con man can leave whenever he wants."

"Yeah I've heard him say that and how often has that really ever worked out for him. Listen if anyone says anything you didn't have to see Arman in the airport and if you want I can delete Jack talking to him from CCTV. Love, I guess the game is rained out tonight."

"What game are you talking about? Rained out? I'm sorry I don't get it," said Sarah as she looked back at him.

"There'll be no home runs tonight or rounding bases," said Chuck as she continued to look at him puzzled. "I'm not even going to get to first base."

"Do you feel okay? I could move your appointment up?" said Sarah as she felt him for a fever. "You're not making any sense."

"Never mind," said Chuck as he rolled over and turned off the light then he felt Sarah's hands under the covers.

"I guess this means you don't want to have sex," she whispered in his ear in the dark. He was suddenly wide awake.

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In was early morning hours just before sun up a black SUV pulled in the stable area of the Santa Anita Racetrack. This was the temporary housing given Raging Fury. Dr. Schultz came out to see the horse and his Jockey, Shorty Martin take a lap around the track getting ready for the race the following day. After they made their lap the Doctor waved for Shorty to ride over to the paddock.

"Martin, I wanted to introduce you to the horse's new owners. This is Kasper and Arman Mokri they recently purchased Raging Fury."

"Nice to meet you gentlemen," said Shorty as he climbed down off the horse and shook their hands. "You made a good purchase buying this horse. I don't see why we can't go all the way. If they'd let me bet I'd lay a wager on him tomorrow."

"This wager how would you make it," ask Kasper. "My brother and I would like to hear more about life as a jockey if you don't mind." The brothers led Shorty off so the Doctor could have time to implant the chip.

"Go ahead with them," said Dr. Schultz a he began to look over the horse. Starting his work on the hoof he created a cavity for the chip. Horse's hooves are like our fingernails made of the same material so he got out a hobby craft drill and created a space to hide the chip. But as he was working he didn't understand the hurry so he filled the hole with epoxy.

"Don't worry boy," said the Doctor as he patted the horse. "This can wait until after the race," said the Doctor as he closed up his bag then walked out with the chip still inside.

"Is everything okay? You were inside for a long time," asked Shorty as the Doctor led the horse back out into the paddock.

"Everything is fine. He checks out nothing to worry about. I gave him a little melatonin for jetlag. Why don't you take him out and ride him around the track a bit so we can watch?"

"Gentlemen, I wouldn't be pushing him too hard today but you'll see what your money bought and come tomorrow I think you'll be raking in the purse money," said Shorty as he climbed back up then rode him out to the field then took off.

"He's a beauty, isn't he," said Dr. Schultz as he pulled up his binoculars and watched him make the first turn then passed the back stretch heading into the second turn. "Just look at him go and he's not trying."

"Dr. Schultz is everything done," said Kasper. "We need to report back to our people that they can pick up the chip on return."

"Yes, yes it's all done. Just like you wanted," said the Doctor as he watched the horse being taken through its paces and enjoying every moment.

"Very well would you like to come back with us or do you want to stay here," asked Arman. It was still morning and they hadn't eaten. He was hungry and they'd missed Fjir morning prayer.

"I'll stay here. There are a few people I need to talk to so go ahead," said the Doctor with his binoculars still up. He glanced back to make sure the brothers were gone then he ducked inside the track offices looking for his man.

"Hey Jordon," said the doctor as he put his medical bag on the guy's desk and opened it. Inside was a manila envelope with a large stake inside.

"What's that for," asked Jordon as he was busy doing his job. "You know I don't accept bribes, if that's what this is?"

"It's not a bribe. I'm not asking you to do anything illegal just when it comes time to handicap Raging Fury I'd like to see 16/1."

"Don't you think that's a little off from what it should be? I'm not sure I can hook you up," said Jordon. The Doctor started to close his bag. "But I do accept charitable donations. Raging Fury is a foreign horse and has never run in the US before. The tracks are different in Europe and shorter which would put the horse at a disadvantage here and he just flew in from a long flight yesterday."

"I couldn't have put it better myself," said the Doctor as he laid out the envelope on the desk and Jordon raked it into his desk draw.

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Chuck rolled over early the next morning smiling. Sarah was still sound asleep in his pyjama top next to him. He laid there watching her sleep she looked so much like Sam when she slept, an angel. Some days he eyes welled up when he thought about how lucky he was. Then reality struck home when he looked over at the alarm clock and it was time for him to get up. The pancake horde would soon be at the door and he had asked Morgan to get there early. Sitting up he put on his slippers and went into the kitchen where he made coffee then he started making the batter for pancakes. He had just finished the first batch when Morgan came in.

"Sorry I didn't knock but I didn't want to wake anyone. I thought about using the Morgan door but I thought Sarah would be still asleep," said Morgan but as he spoke she walked in wearing Chuck's Pyjama top.

"Hey Morgan," said Sarah. "Coffee I need coffee. Please tell me there's coffee."

"Yes, I just made a pot," said Chuck as he put plated the first pancake then poured Sarah a cup of coffee. She wrapped both hands around in and it looked like she was praying into the cup as she drank.

"Boy did I need that," said Sarah then she kissed Chuck.

"And did I need that. Who wants the first one? The next one will be up soon so you don't have to fight over it," said Chuck as he flipped the pancake in the skillet.

"Morgan, you can have it and it's a good thing you didn't use the Morgan door. I've been known to take out intruders," said Sarah as she took another sip of coffee.

"So we can talk later," said Morgan looking at Chuck with an apron on over his pyjama bottom. "I need a photo to put up on my Facebook page."

"Do and die," said Chuck trying to look scary with an egg turner.

"Morgan, Chuck and I wanted to talk to you. Sweetie, do you mind if I join in on the conversation," asked Sarah. Chuck shook his head no and motioned for her to go ahead as he continued cooking.

"So you know about the mish?" said Morgan. "Casey was right he is the only one to be left out. He really is the little fat boy."

"Morgan, what are you talking about? Mish?" said Chuck as he plated Sarah's pancake then slid it in front of her placing the syrup next to her. "There's no mission, well I guess there could be right Love but then….

"Sweetie, stop spiralling. You see Morgan, we want to pay for your wedding. We'll take care of everything. You remember what happened to us with our wedding planner, Daphne Peralta. If Jack hadn't come through for us we would've ended up having our wedding in the County Court Clerk's Office, because that would've been all we could've afforded."

"Yeah pretty cheap at ninety dollars and it only takes one hour."

"What we're saying Morgan is… Well you guys are like family and we want to help out. That is if you want us to. If this is embarrassing for you no one need ever know but you should talk it over with Alex."