Thank you charahkids for betaing.
Title: The Comic Book Store.
Summary: Sarah feels Chuck needs to get out for a little bit, so she takes him to where he knows he'll feel comfortable.
The sound of the tires on the street and the hum from the engines were the only sounds inside the car as Sarah drove. They had been in Philadelphia for over a month cooped up in a nice little rented house as they waited out the remainder of winter. She had woken up in their bed, wrapped securely and warmly against Chuck as sun peaked in through their curtains for the first time since they got here, causing a smile to cross her face.
Winter was finally ending.
Or at least it was a nicer day than it's been since they got there. Chuck hadn't left the house since she pulled up with him and she decided as she took her shower that morning that it was time to get him out of the house and some fresh air. Maybe see what changes the world has gone through in the past few weeks.
He was reluctant. Ok that was a nice way of putting it. He wasn't going to do it. He flat out said no without any consideration of the idea. She had expected it of course but it didn't make her any less determined. She was becoming more concerned over Chuck, which in itself is a miracle that was possible considering all they've been through. She understood his need that borderline on desperation to stay away from people. But she didn't want him to lose out on what life they are able to live.
"I don't need a life, I just need you." He had argued that morning. The words melted her heart and she almost gave in to his plea to stay at home but she shook her head adamant and told him to grab his coat.
And here they were now, twenty minutes later driving down snow plowed roads into the nearby city.
She had thought long and hard on what they could do. She wanted to take him to the park, let him walk amongst the snow covered trees, see the open wide paths. Sit on a bench near a play structure and watch the people interact and play, enjoy the first nice day in weeks. But she didn't think that Chuck would take well to that idea. Having people nearby usually causes Chuck a great deal of distress and she wanted the outing to be nice for him.
Finally hitting the city, Sarah turned on a couple of streets before pulling into the parking lot of a Starbucks, and parking the car, stopping it. They sat in the silence, each staring at the building, watching as the people came and went with their hot beverages.
"Come on Chuck." Sarah finally said, unbuckling her seat belt and waiting for him expectantly. Chuck shook his head and if it was possible somehow sank further into the seat behind him. Sarah reached between them, pressing the button releasing his seat belt as he held on tight to it, not letting it go. She had to resist rolling her eyes. "Come on. We're getting coffee and something to eat."
With that she got out of the car and walked to the front of it, standing taller as she stepped up on the side walk. Crossing her arms over her chest she waited and stared at him through the windshield of the car waiting for him to finally come out. It took several minutes, Chuck obviously trying to see how far he could push her, but she wouldn't relent, and she knew that he was aware of it. So with a pained expression Chuck finally opened the door and she waited for him to step up beside her, changing her stern expression to a smile.
"See, that wasn't so hard." She said stepping on her toes to place a kiss on his chin before taking his hand.
They walked into the coffee shop, Sarah's nerves fluttering and coursing through her at the smell of the caffeine that surrounded them the second they stepped in. Coffee was a godsend and she lived off the stuff. Beside her she felt Chuck stiffen and step closer to her, silently invading her space like a child hanging onto their mother. Only he was much taller than she. Still skinnier though.
"Hi! Welcome to Starbucks! What can I make you today?" A barista called from the counter. Sarah returned her smile and took a step towards her, stopping abruptly as Chuck didn't move, but still had her hand.
She gave it a squeeze and he met her eyes. "I'm here Chuck." She said softly. A moment later he nodded his ascent and took a step toward her, following her as they made it up to the counter. "What would you like to drink?" She asked him.
Chuck stared up at the menu and she waited patiently for him to decide. She had chosen this time to come knowing that there would be less people around so they didn't have to rush and there were less people milling around, enjoying their coffee. Finally he pointed at something and she followed his finger until she could guess what he was looking at.
"Can we get a Grande caramel macchiato with extra caramel?" She asked looking at Chuck for confirmation. He nodded his head. "Make that decaf please." Chuck deflated sulkily beside her slightly and she gave him a smile as he glared. "What do you want to eat?"
Sarah found them a nice quiet cozy table in a back corner, far away from others but by the window so they could still see outside. Chuck sat with his back to the window facing the inside of the coffee shop. Sarah expected that and so sat on the opposite side of the table. She attempted to make a conversation with him while they waited for her name to be called with their drinks and food but Chuck's eyes just kept watching everyone around them, and the people who came and went, not really paying attention.
Soon her name was called and she got up to go collect their things, Chuck getting up as well following close behind. Again, expected. Since they left the cabin a year or so ago the only time they were separated, aside from the rooms in the houses they stayed in was when she went out to go to the store. Chuck drew the line at following her there, and while she wished he would sometimes come with her and see the outside world, she took her time and enjoyed the freedom of it just being her.
They sat and ate in silence, well she ate, Chuck watched. The wrinkles on his forehead showed that he was in distress and she was having second thoughts about whether or not this was a great idea.
"I'm sorry Chuck." She said, placing her coffee cup on the table and sitting back. "I thought this would be a good idea. Perhaps the coffee stop was a bit too much." She conceded. Chuck reached across the table and placed his hand on top of hers, his thumb running a few circles along her skin. She looked up and saw a small smile on his lips and she couldn't help but return it.
"You care about me Sarah. You never have to be sorry for that." He said softly.
"OH! You can talk!" a voice startled the both of them, causing Sarah to jump slightly and reach for the knife considered at her waist only realizing it was the barista that had served them drinks.
Chuck quickly released her hand and sat back against the chair he was in as far as it would go, eyes wild as he looked about the shop. Sarah's heart begun slowing down and she turned towards the woman with a glare, to which the lady ignored stepping closer to Chuck who scooted back away from her.
"Please, don't." Sarah stated firmly, being ignored. The woman leaned against the table next to them, crossing her arms and a huge grin as she stared at Chuck.
"Are you just shy? I don't see how you could be." She stated. "Being so tall and adorable. You could probably bumble your way out of any situation." Sarah only rolled her eyes, knowing just how true that could be.
"Please, I'm sorry, but, we'd like to be alone." She said politely.
"Where are you from anyway? I haven't seen you two around here."
"Miss, please!." Sarah said louder, drawing the attention of those around her. She felt her face flush slightly at the attention but Chuck looked like he was about to have a panic attack and she had to stop it. "Thank you for your kindness but we need to go."
Without any preamble Sarah stood up from her chair and reached over grabbing Chuck's hand and dragged him with her out of Starbucks, leaving behind their coffee and snacks. She was furious as she got into the car, not only at the barista who she realized was just trying to be nice and social with her customers, but at herself for the idea. It was too soon. She should have thought of something a little more low-key.
"Sarah." Chuck's quiet voice broke through her self-berating and she turned her head to look at him. He had a soft smile on his lips as he leaned over and placed them on her, kissing them softly. She fought the urge to moan happily, his mouth tasting like caramel and coffee. "Thank you for trying." He said when he pulled back.
Sarah's mind was in a daze for a few seconds after, face plastered in a stupid grin before she came back to herself. Putting the key in the ignition she looked in the review mirror before starting to back up. "It's not over yet. One more surprise. And I hope you like it more." She said.
They drove for a few minutes, Sarah trying to hold her glee at the prospect of their location. Chuck sat quietly, watching the world go by. Finally after a few minutes Sarah pulled into another parking lot and stopped the car, sitting happily as Chuck looked up at the building curiously.
"Is this-"
"A comic book store? YES!" Sarah said excitedly, laughing at herself that she would be excited at such a thing. But she would do anything for Chuck, including going to the Nerd den. "Come on!" She said getting out of the car quickly.
Chuck followed at a more sedate pace, obviously still wary of the outside world, but when Sarah reached her hand out for his he closed the distance between them and grabbed hold of it as if her fingers were a life line.
They walked to the front of the large store, Sarah looked in the windows seeing all the signs and posters, and displays that she was able to see. She didn't understand any of them and shook her head but Chuck seemed excited so she didn't say anything.
Entering the store, was like stepping inside a whole new world. Shelves were filled with displays of comics and graphic novels. Books on favorite TV shows, lined a center shelf along with games and models to go along with it. T-shirts and other wearable items were in a back corner with a table that held buttons and other items.
It was very unnerving.
Shaking her head Sarah finally looked at the others in the shop who had stopped what they were doing to look at the two new comers. Sarah didn't like it. She never liked being the center of attention and it grew over the years especially now that they were technically on the run.
"What's happening?" Sarah whispered to Chuck who obviously hadn't noticed as he had immediately noticed the rack of comics on top of the display case by the door.
"Hmm?" He said distracted, still browsing. Sarah didn't want to bother him but she was beginning to become very unnerved by the attention the others were giving her. She was immediately regretting coming here.
"We are being watched." She said softly again.
"It's because you're hot." A girl nearby said. She was on her knees digging into a large box of what looked like really old comics, her finger placed where she left off as she looked up at Sarah. "While females are being more and more accepted as nerds and seen more in classical nerdy settings, you are hot even for that."
Sarah blushed slightly at being called hot outright and by another female at that. She was used to it from men, and women really. She knew she was good looking, learning from the CIA and taking great care to keep it up after a hard childhood. But still, it was uncomfortable in such an intimate setting.
"Oh, well, I-"
"Just stick by your boyfriend or you may end up drooled on." The girl said going back to the box.
"He's my husband." Sarah responded to turn to Chuck, only to find him not there. Her heart leapt in her throat as she looked around frantically until she saw him on the other side of the store chatting with one of the other patrons who was showing him another comic.
Giving one last glance at the girl who ignored her she walked briskly towards Chuck, pretending not to see the looks from the others in the store as she walked.
"It's not quite as good as the original but you have to give it credit just based off the graphics alo-" The person was saying, stopping mid-sentence as Sarah approached. Chuck looked at her for a second before turning back to the guy.
"You're right but I'm still not sold. I may wait for a few more issues to be released before I decide if I want to get involved in it." He said. When the guy didn't respond Chuck went back to browsing the wall of comics.
"I'm Nevin." The guy said, holding his hand out gingerly. Sarah looked at it for a moment contemplating the wisdom of it before reaching for it and shaking it.
"Sarah." She said with a smile. He held her hand a little longer than what was socially acceptable but she dismissed it. They stood in an awkward silence for a few moments, Sarah watching Chuck and Nevin watching Sarah, while trying to look like he wasn't by flipping the pages of the comic he was holding.
"It's really nice of you Sarah to bring your brother here. " Nevin commented. Sarah gave a small smirk.
"Chuck's not my brother. He's my husband." She said. Nevins's face fell a little but his eyes widened in shock.
"What? How…no offense but, how did he land someone like you?" He asked amazed. "Did you know he was, you know, before you married?" Sarah laughed.
"A nerd? Yes. And really it's not that big a deal. It's part of who he is, and I love him for it." She stated firmly, looking over to Chuck, who was no longer there. Giving a small frustrated groan Sarah looked around, finding him in a corner looking at a display of statues.
Giving a slight nod to Nevin, she turned from him and headed over to Chuck once more. They have barely been apart since they were pronounced dead by the government and suddenly she can't seem to keep track of him.
Stepping up behind him, admiring the view, she mused that she was glad she came here. Despite being uncomfortable Chuck, though he was ignoring her seemed to be in his element and she was glad to give this to him. She made a mental note to find the local comic and video game stores in each place they go and take Chuck out more often to them. Maybe they'd even get to go out for coffee again.
They spent over an hour there, Chuck browsing through everything, Sarah asking questions to keep herself awake. She attempted to listen in on the ramblings of the others to pick up on what was what but eventually gave up and sat on the couch by the door where she could watch her husband purse without her to distract him.
The girl, whose name turned out to be Karen sat with her for a little bit and was even able to explain a little bit how a nerd works. Sarah really loved her definition of it, that it's just something that you are passionate about. For some reason she felt a glowing pride in knowing that it makes her a nerd too and it was something she could share with Chuck. Or at least share in the discovery of finding out what she was passionate about.
"You're passionate about your husband. Anyone can see that." Karen had pointed out.
Sarah started laughing, and couldn't stop. Her belly ached from it but it felt so good to do it. Chuck came over then, his arms laden with comic books he apparently wanted to buy, concerned, watching the two girls on the couch go into hysterics.
"Are you ok?" He asked as they begun to calm down, Sarah's face bright red. She nodded her head looking up at her tall husband.
"I'm a Chuck nerd." She sputtered out before the two girls broken down again.
Finally they were ready to leave a short time later. Sarah had given the secure email address she had for her and Chuck to Karen, liking the girl and finding out that they actually have quite a bit in common. She allowed Chuck to purchase his comic books without argument and he happily got into the car with his heavy bag, encouraging her to drive faster so they could home, obviously wanting to read.
"This was fun." He said as he took her hand once they were at home. She smiled at him and giving him a kiss on his cheek before walking towards the house.
"I'm glad. We'll have to do this more often." She said. Ignoring when Chuck stopped.
The End.
A/N: There. a short story so I'm not forgotten. I have been working on something but I've no clue when it will be ready. Been thinking about going back through this story and doing some rewrites. Theres so much more I can add now. *shrugs*
Hope you all are well. Missy.
