I'm late. I'm still behind. I know. I'm sorry. My brain sucks.

Crystal Versus the Chuck Me Mondays Challenge

Episode drabbles by crystalelements

Chuck Versus the Tango

"He just left, he said he'd be there as soon as possible."

Devon glanced over his shoulder as his girlfriend heaved a sigh, phone tucked between her ear and shoulder. "I don't know, he'll probably pick up something for you…" A pause, followed by an irritated groan. "Morgan, just call him, I'm sure he'll answer his phone this time!"

The little dude must have said something not so awesome, because a moment later Ellie's face scrunched up in typical Morgan-like disgust. She closed her eyes, fingers pinching the bridge of her nose.

"Just…just hang up, Morgan. Please."

Devon chuckled as Ellie hastily clicked the phone off and made her way into the kitchen. "Maybe we should just unplug the phone wire, babe. He's already called…what, 75 times? Wouldn't be surprised if he put in another ten."

Ellie grabbed a glass from the cabinet and yanked open the refrigerator. "Well, at least I can expect that kind of thing from him." She rummaged through the shelves for a few more seconds before letting out a frustrated cry. "Where is the freakin' orange juice?!"

"Second shelf on the right, way back." With a grunt, Devon stood up from the couch and walked to the counter. "El, I know you're upset. Chuck's finally found himself an awesome girl. He's growing up! Maybe he isn't comfortable sharing the intimate details with his older sis, but that doesn't mean he doesn't love you." He gently pried the glass and juice carton out of her grip. "Cut him some slack – this is the Chuckster we're talking about here, remember?"

Ellie spun around to face him. "No, Devon, I don't remember. I know my little brother, and that wasn't him. The Chuck I know doesn't keep secrets." Her frown deepened, and she absently took the glass of orange juice from him, hazel eyes clouding over. "Maybe it's just me, but ever since he started going out with Sarah…"

Deciding not to finish the thought, she instead brought the glass to her lips and downed the orange juice in three large gulps.

Uh oh. Not awesome.

"Babe, listen to me," Devon said slowly, wrapping a comforting arm around the brunette. "Chuck has a good thing going for him right now. He hasn't had a girlfriend in five years, and he probably doesn't know how to handle it right now. He'll come around, I promise."

Ellie slid the glass away and deflated against his chest. "I really hope so, Devon. I'm don't know why, but I'm so worried about him." He pulled her into the living room as she continued. "Sarah's an amazing girl, and I know she likes him. I want the both of them to be happy. I just wish he would give me something, anything, instead of avoiding it like the plague!" She unceremoniously plopped down on the couch, head in her hands. "Really, is it too much to ask for something other than 'it's complicated'? Or am I just being too overbearing?"

Sensing the impending trap, Devon took Ellie's hands in his and steered her into calmer waters. "Babe, don't worry about it. You know you're the most important person in Chuck's life, and he knows it, too. Just give him some time." He smiled, coaxing the brunette to her feet. Ellie complied, albeit reluctantly, the doubt still written all over her face.

Still holding her hand, Devon leaned over to press the play button on his iPod. The smooth sounds of the orquesta típica filled the room, and Devon's smile widened as he pulled his girlfriend close.

"But for now, mi amor…may I have this dance?"

A hesitant smile tugged at Ellie's lips, and her hand slipped gracefully into his –

Until the shrill ring of the phone ripped through the house, effectively shattering the moment.

Ellie visibly stiffened, death glare settling on the accursed object, and Devon let out a silent moan as she stomped over to the couch.

Damn you, Morgan!

The elder Bartowski didn't even bother to conceal her irritation as she answered the phone. "What, Morgan?"

"Hey, Ellie," the voice said, sounding uneasy, "Sorry to bother you again, but Chuck's stuck in traffic, and I'm just…I'm just so bored out of my mind! I was thinking, maybe you could help me out by playing some music through the phone, or – oh, wait, you already have something on. Great! Uh...is that tango?"

Ellie shoved the phone into Devon's hands. "I'm going to bed." She strode into the hallway and disappeared into the bedroom, leaving Devon to stare helplessly after her. Morgan chattered on obliviously, voice crackling through the phone.

"I mean, I'm not saying that tango isn't great or anything, 'cause of course it is, but it's just not my style…but hey, I'm not complaining. But if you've got anything else on the ol' Bartowski playlist, y'know, one of Chuck's mixes, maybe –"

Devon hung up without another word and promptly disconnected the telephone wire.

Leave it to Morgan to ruin Devon's perfectly crafted moment. Ah, poor little dude.

Oh, right. For those of you who don't know (because I sure didn't before writing this), "orquesta típica" is the Spanish name for a sextet that plays tango music, usually composed of two violins, a piano, a doublebass, and two bandoneons. (Wikipedia, baby. Gotta love it.) And of course, "mi amor" is Spanish for "my love". :)