A/N: This is the last chapter of this story. Thanks for the reviews and favoriting of this story. Thanks to yeahokaycool for her outstanding beta work and not yelling at me for the post beta tweaks.

Disclaimer: No ownership, implied or claimed, is made to the television show Chuck or characters from DC Comics and the Arrow television show. No profit is being made.

3. You're Never Gonna Keep Me down

Later that night after the Casino Night Ball in Sarah's room.

"So, Olivia, did you ever wonder why I live with Laurel instead of my parents?"

"Yeah but I figured that was your story to tell, you know. None of my business. You never asked me about my family you just accepted me for who I am."

"Well the reason I stay with Laurel is that my dad got into some big trouble and I don't know where my mom is. She left a long time ago…"

"Same with my dad. Apparently he knocked my mom up with me and disappeared. It sucks." Olivia says with a frown.

"Laurel's trying to help my dad and she's protecting me from that mess." Sarah continues. Close enough to the truth.

"Okaay...so what's that got to do with Damian Wayne? And let me just add, hot,rich Damian Wayne who just gave you his number. You acted kinda spooked before."

"No one is supposed to know who I am, Olivia, but Damian knew things about me he shouldn't. It scared me. I was starting to freak out and then Chuck showed up."

"Yeah what was up with that?"

"He crashed the party. He even recognized me. Me after the makeover and wanted to dance with me. I know it's crazy but it felt so good dancing with him, I forgot I was freaking out."

"Uh oh…You do not want to go there Sarah."

"I know...I know and I told him too. But he thought I was interested in Damian because he's rich and not him because he's from the Glades. I was really just trying to keep him out of trouble…"

"And tell him you're not interested in him because he's from the Glades…"

"But that's not true! I think I like him. It's just so messed up. Plus this thing with Damian is really bothering me."

"Don't worry Sarah, we'll figure it out."

"Well if we don't I'm going to have to tell Laurel but I'm not sure she would believe me. I almost don't. The son of Bruce Wayne, millionaire, somehow knows me, a nobody, and my past without ever having met me before?"

"You did say it was big trouble."

"Not that big. And why would a rich teenager from another city know anyway."

Olivia's forehead wrinkles before her eyes open with excitement. "Hey! I know someone who could find out. By all accounts he is awesome at getting information, some say unstoppable but you're not going to like it."

"What?"

"There's this guy Morgan knows. Some hacker that goes by the name of the Piranha…"

"You've got to be kidding me…"

"Nope...nope, but heres the hard part. Whatever Morgan knows Chuck knows. It's a thing with those two. Are you okay with that?"

"I guess. I don't think Chuck likes me anymore and anyhow I shouldn't be worried what a boy from the Glades thinks anyhow, right?" So why do I?

Olivia snaps her fingers. "Got it. I'll ask Morgan to do it for me. That way Chuck will think it's just your overprotective nosey friend asking."

"Thanks Ollie. You're the best."

Monday, after school at The Blackthorne School,

"Eww you smell!" Olivia pushes Sarah as they exit the school.

Sarah laughs. "See you Ollie".

Olivia heads to her bus stop and Sarah to a waiting car provided by Palmer technologies. Sarah is sweaty and dirty and she is pretty sure she reeks if Olivia is to be believed. Her shins hurt, even though she was wearing guards, from the kicks she received in practice. She's not altogether sure some of them weren't on purpose. But hey she's starting forward, so she'll deal with it.

"Hey Sarah." A tentative voice to her right catches her and she looks down. He's sitting on the steps with his back to her but he stands as she gets down to the sidewalk.

"Hey Chuck. What...what are you doing here?"

Chuck shoves his hands in his pockets and slouches a little, looking shorter than usual. His eyes focused on her feet for some reason.

"Listen...Sarah…" His eyes look up and pin her. They are dark and green with the gold flecks reflecting in the setting sun.

"I came to apologize for my behavior on Saturday. I treated you crappy and I'm sorry. I realize you were trying to look out for me. And...and it's none of my business who your interested in. I'm really sorry...again. I hope we can still be friends but I understand if you feel differently."

As usual in the presence of Chuck Bartowski, Sarah's tongue seems tied. "Friends?"

"Friends...if you want to be."

Yes, absolutely. I wish it could be different but it can't. Can it? Whatever, I really like you Chuck.

"Okay."

"Great!" Chuck smiles the brightest most attractive smile Sarah has ever seen, grabs her hand and shakes it and holds it for second longer then he should to be friendly but Sarah doesn't even notice. Chuck suddenly breaks off the handshake. "Crap I'm late for work."

"I can give you a ride if you need one. You'll never make it back to Glades on time taking the bus."

"It's okay I've got Morgan's bike." Without thinking he gives her a hug but all she can think about is how gross she is. He sprints off to the fast looking red motorcycle parked on the street. Sarah is so lost in thought, as Chuck whizzes by and Sarah gets in the car, that she totally misses the disparity of a boy from the Glades riding a 2014 Ducati Diavel.

Text message to Sarah's phone, Tuesday morning before breakfast,

Copier, guidance office.

type in 24825 on the

keypad and press enter

- P

What the hell?

"Olivia, I'm telling you this is it. I got this cryptic text that seems to be from Damian Wayne. But why sign it "P"? Look for yourself. Is it possible this is from the Piranha?"

"This is too crazy! Sarah I think you're going to get some answers. Come on let's go find that copier." and they rush to the guidance office. As they arrive, Ms Stein, the economics teacher, leaves the office.

"Hold up Ollie." Sarah grabs Olivia's arm. We're going to need an excuse just in case."

"No problem Sarah I got it covered. Get in there."

Sarah practically attacks the machine. "May I help you Ms. Walker?" Olivia steps up "No, Ms Jones, we're just picking up the original Ms. Stein left behind."

"I don't remember seeing Ms. Stein at the copi…"

"Got it. Lets go Ollie."

"Thanks Ms. Jones!"

Olivia can hardly contain herself as they leave the office. "Okay, spill Sarah what does it say?"

"Take a look at it yourself but it says he's more messed up than either of us. I will admit to feeling sorry for myself but not anymore. You know Ollie we worry about getting out of here and doing better than our backgrounds but this guy is the heir to millions and it doesn't help a bit."

Olivia scans the documents "You said it Sarah." Suddenly Olivia is at a loss for words.

"One more thing Ollie." Sarah grabs the papers and runs back to the office, returning a few minutes later. "Paper shredder" is all she says.

Later that night,

Bzzz Bzzz…

More info. Need to talk.

meet at Blackthorne parking lot

in 20 min.

- P

Okay. That's odd. I don't need to know any more.

Not knowing how to reply to the text , Sarah thinks "I'll just slip down there and let him know to stop any more investigation."

As Sarah gets to the school, she heads to the parking lot as instructed. It took her longer than the 20 minutes but she still had a few tricks up her sleeve and Laurel was out. She noticed some movement in the dark corner of the lot and headed in that direction.

A bit cloak and dagger…or slasher movie!. Suddenly she wished she had Ollie with her or at least told someone where she was going. But she wanted to put this to rest without involving anymore people. She didn't owe him anything but she felt bad about the prying and wanted to protect Damian's reputation.

" Artemis…" A figure with a black hood and a mask materialized from the shadows.

"Ahh!" Shit, shit, shit!

"I see you have engaged the Piranha's services. What, you didn't feel you could trust me?"

"What?! Who are you? What are you talking about? Who is Artemis?"

"Must we play games Artemis? I know your lineage. I know you are training with the Arrow. I saw you the other night. My only question is are we to be in an alliance or adversaries."

As the hooded figure was blathering on, Sarah was looking for an escape. She assessed her surroundings and willed her training back into her memory. The figure did not seem to have any weapons and if he did (it was definitely a masculine voice under that hood), he didn't seem too pressed to use them. She was about 15 feet from him with her back to the street but the street was relatively empty. Damn nice school in a damn quiet neighborhood!

With a bolt Sarah started for the street believing it to be her best option, but the hood cut her off.

"Adversaries it is then." There was almost a glee in the voice. It sent a chill down her spine. Fist, fist, kick. Sarah blocked the punches but took a glancing blow with the kick. Unexpected to the Hood she moved in and struck with a punch she had been working on in her study of Jeet Kune Do. The Hood staggered but was able to sweep her legs and cause her to fall to the ground.

Sarah rolled away as a small staff appeared in her adversary's hands. She waited for the swing and impact. Instead she heard another voice slightly deeper say with an icy tone "No!"

Suddenly her attacker was tackled and two bodies rolled on the ground. The Hood broke free and stood ready to strike his attacker.

Clarity returned to Sarah as she recognized her ally. "Chuck!"

* "No one strikes the grandson of the demon. So, you have involved a commoner Artemis. It is a grave mistake . You should know there are no courtesies to anyone outside the League."

Sarah doesn't hesitate as she rushes and attacks the Hood with a flurry of punches and kicks. Chuck rouses himself and enters the fray. Together they fall into a pattern of defense and attack and seem to be wearing the Hood down. His words seem to indicate otherwise.

*" You dishonor the code Artemis, working with this commoner. I will punish you with his death."

*"Shut the hell up weirdo. My boyfriend and I are going to kick your ass!"

(* Dari/Persian)

Chuck, surprised by Sarah answering in the same language as their attacker, is taken off balance. It is all the opening the Hood needs as he viciously strikes Chuck in the ribs as a sickening crack is sounded and scream, followed by a moan leaving his lips. The Hood abandons his staff to hit Chuck in the face but Chuck partially blocks the attack. As he slips into unconsciousness Chuck is grabbed by the Hood, who raises him to strike a killing blow.

*" Dog, prepare to die"

Out of nowhere the Hood is struck with an arrow that seems to act like a taser.

"Stand down, grandson of Ra's al Ghul!" The Arrow approaches the stricken Hood and starts to whisper something terse in his ear. A blond figure Sarah recognizes as the Black Canary approaches her.

"Are you hurt? How is your friend?'

"I'm fine. Just shook up, but Chuck looks pretty bad."

The Black Canary stoops and examines him. Speaking to no one she says "Yep, looks like a few broken ribs and a concussion...Roger that." She then turns her attention to Sarah. To Sarah's surprise she addresses her by name.

"Sarah an ambulance is on the way. Go with your friend Chuck, make sure to call his parents…"

"I don't know his parents. I think they live in the Glades somewhere…"

"Really? You don't know…. No problem, I've got this . Looks like you and your friend will have a lot to talk about when he wakes up. The Arrow and I will take care of this mess."

Sarah looks around at a sight best suited for graphic novels and asks "What exactly is "this mess"?"

"Apparently it's a case of mistaken identity but…" The Black Canary looks to where the Arrow and their attacker have gone "...it looks like it's been taken care of."

"Well I'd hate to be that girl."

The sounds of sirens shriek and grow louder.

"From what I saw you and Chuck, did pretty good. There's the ambulance. Get your boy taken care of."

Sarah blushes. My boy, I like the sound of that.

"I got here as fast as I could Sarah! What in the world is going on?"

Sarah had just finished giving her statement to the Starling City police officer as Laurel entered her exam room in the Emergency Department at Westside Medical.

"Laurel I'm so glad to see you!" She rushes and gives Laurel a real hug. Her eyes start to moisten. With Laurel here the adrenaline crash she had been holding off hits her hard.

"I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry Laurel. I didn't tell you where I was going and Chuck...my friend Chuck got hurt all because of me."

"It all right Sarah. Just start at the beginning...slowly.."

Sarah recounts, through less and less sniffles, her meeting with Damian Wayne, working with a hacker called the Piranha, and finally being attacked by some masked villain and there being saved by the Arrow and the Black Canary.

"She was really nice Laurel. She was tough but you could just tell she was a real person underneath the mask. I liked her. She remin…"

Bzz. Bzz.

"It's Olivia. Can I text her back? She's been worried about me."

"No problem Sarah I want to talk to the police anyway. Chuck's in room 832. You should go up and see him when they release you."

As Sarah opens the door to room 832, she hears voices.

"...Ellie should be here in the morning so be prepared. I'm not sure she will even stop by the house first…"

"Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt."

"Sarah!"

"So you are infamous Ms. Walker." says an older man with a kind face.

"Dad!"

Sarah jerks in recognition. "Mr. Carmichael?" She looks at the older woman with him. "Mrs. Carmichael?"

"Hello Sarah." The woman holds out her hand. She's blond and shorter than her husband and even Sarah, but she definitely has a presence. "We've heard so much about you."

"Mom!"

"Calm down Chuck." Mrs. Carmichael winks at Sarah. "Men can be so emotional." turning her attention to Chuck she says "Your dad's right. Be prepared for Hurricane Ellie in the morning. You're hurt and she's pre-med. In the mean time your dad and I are going to get something to eat. Why don't you and Sarah catch up."

"See you later Sarah." says Chuck's dad and the couple vacate the room.

Chuck's got a petulant look on his face until he looks at her then the smile overpowers the room. His face is bruised and his torso is wrapped with bandaging but to Sarah he looks magnificent.

"Sarah, I'm so glad you came by. Are you okay? No one told me how you were. I'm sorry about my Mom and Dad."

Sarah just returns his smile and drinks in the babbling. She is so glad he is awake and talking and seemingly doing well, she can hardly stand it. She remembers the Black Canary's words "Looks like you and your friend will have a lot to talk about".

"Sooo...I take it you don't live in the Glades…"

As much as Sarah liked Chuck, she apparently didn't know too much about him. Carmichael was a professional alias for his family. Since they did a lot of top secret security work and R&D (Olivia had missed that) in addition to the software side of the business, it had been decided long before they had kids that they would protect their privacy. The alias was just one of the ways. Another was that Chuck' sister (he had a sister!) and he were home schooled by the best tutors. Chuck used the family name "Bartowski" because he had been taught to be proud of who you are.

Even though they were well off, his parents wanted him to know what it was like to work and know the value of a dollar. Chuck had known Morgan literally since the day they were born. Morgan's mom and his had shared a hospital room and their friendship had transferred to their boys as well.

"Morgan got me the job at Buy More."

"So he keeps your motorcycle for you too?"

"Oh no. That's his. In his name and everything. We just agreed to share it, that way my parents don't know about it. You see my mom worries...I know...she looks and acts very cool but when it comes to her kids...well she can freak out a little. I think it's where Ellie gets it from. I hope you get to meet her. Ellie that is...I know you met my mom. Annd I usually don't run on out the mouth but you make me nervous."

"I make you nervous?"

"Yeah well I knew you were cool and talented from what Olivia had said when we would play online and I really liked talking to you when we met at the Buy More."

"Even with the frizzy hair and the braces?"

"Oh that didn't bother me. Besides have you seen me?"

Oh yeah!

"I had hoped we could talk some more maybe meet up somewhere but Olivia said you weren't interested so I didn't try."

That girl deserves a punch so much.

But then I saw you at Casino Night dancing with Damian Wayne. Truthfully, I noticed Damian Wayne dancing with a beautiful girl. No big deal for that guy. Same thing different day but when I realized it was you I was just so excited. I had to talk to you so I cut in, but you were so disappointed in me. I just assumed you were embarrassed to be seen with me and mad that I cut in."

"For the record I was worried about you, not disappointed or embarrassed. Damian had just told me something that threw me. The rest of that conversation was me listening to and acting on bad advice when I should have known better. We never did finish our dance by the way."

"Yeah…maybe we can do something about that someday."

"Maybe…" Sarah, slightly embarrassed at the implication, changes the subject.

"So what about tonight? How did you know where I was? I doubt you go by Blackthorne late at night very often if ever."

"Can...can I just say how impressive you were taking on that bad guy like that! You wiped up the floor with that guy!"

"Uh..nice try but I was in a bad way until a certain someone showed up."

"Not gonna let that go huh?"

"Nope." she replies with an exaggerated 'puh' on the end.

"Well remember that hacker Olivia contacted? He contacted me and said that maybe he was being a showboat with that information you two wanted, and maybe it had put you at risk."

" 'He' said that huh?"

"Yeah and he told me that he had put a trace on your cell and had noticed you were in an odd spot and asked if I could check on you."

"Did 'he' now. Well I'm not sure whether to be mad at the stalking or glad that he sent you."

"I think I can speak for him in saying he holds you and your privacy in the utmost regard."

"I see." I'll let you have this for now Chuck. "And you were pretty good with that hood guy too. Thank you."

"Well you know, overprotective mom in the security business. I might have picked up a thing or two. But that didn't work out too well, two broken ribs and a concussion",

He really had made a difference in fighting off the Hood but Sarah could tell he really didn't think he had helped that much at all.

Chuck, apparently not to be deterred, returned to the question of the dance. "So Olivia says that Blackthorne has a big holiday formal?"

"They do but I'm not sure if I'm going. No one has asked me." Sarah mocked sighed. She was quite pleased with her teasing until Chuck replied.

*"Sarah Walker may your boyfriend have the privilege of escorting you to the holiday formal?"

A/N: Yeah..I suck at the fight scenes but I'm working on it. Thanks for reading the story. It's doubtful I will return to this universe but it was fun. Thanks for the reviews. Chow!