A/N: One word…Castle! I seriously love that show, and like Chuck…which is still my all time favorite show btw…it took me an inexplicably long time to discover it. In my opinion, Castle dealt with the whole 'will they won't they thing' a whole helluva lot better than Chuck did…What was my point again? Oh yes, I blame that show for my long ass update. I just went on a huge Castle binge marathon and oddly enough, lost huge chunks of time. My apologies.

Additional thanks to my beta uplink2.

I don't own Chuck or anything for that matter. No money being made here.

Words in italics are characters thoughts. Watch the dates and locations cause I tend to jump around a lot. Oh yeah, if some of the references don't coincide with the year, i.e. I refer to something that hasn't even been created yet, I do apologize.

Chapter 7

November 1998

Los Angeles, Echo Park

Walker Residence

As Chuck stood outside the door, he wiped his palms on his khakis. Why in the hell were they so moist? They only got like that when he was freaking out…and he definitely was not freaking out. There simply was no reason to. He brought his hand up, curled it into a fist, and gave three resounding knocks. You can tell a lot about a person from the way they knock you know.

The door opened revealing Mrs. Walker with a warm smile. He returned her smile and held out the bouquet of flowers for Sarah's mom.

"These are for you Mrs. Walker."

Emma took the flowers and inhaled deeply…My favorite!

"How'd you know Chuck?"

"Errr…uh…well…" He sighed. He wanted to come off as intuitive, but that wasn't the case. "…Sarah. You see I found out her favorite flowers were Gardenias, and so I figured maybe she got that from you."

Emma looked at the poor boy and wondered why he seemed so wound up all the time. She quickly ushered him in.

"Well you were right Chuck, my daughter and I love these flowers, so thank you…So, what's the occasion? You look awfully nice today."

He instinctively looked down at his clothes; khakis, dress shoes…which were pretty much just a clean set of converse sneakers…and a crisp polo top. Chuck didn't want t be dressed so nice, he would much rather be wearing some jeans and one of his Marvel shirts…Thor perhaps. Still, Ellie had insisted, and there was no arguing with her during this time of year. Or any time really, come to think of it.

"Thanks. There's not really an occasion, I just wanted to ask you…"

A squeal let loose, interrupting Chuck before he got the chance to ask…

"Chuckkkiiieeeeeeee!"

He lifted the blonde haired girl as she ran into his arms. Before Chuck could get a word in edge wise, Molly was off to the races.

"Let's play, let's play, let's play! I didn't know you were coming, but then you came, so let's go!"

Emma looked on with fondness but needed to do a little parenting at the moment. "Molly, Chuck and I were speaking before you rudely interrupted. What did I say about manners sweetheart?"

The little girl buried into Chuck's chest in hopes of hiding from her mother's disappointment. "I'm sorry Momma" she mumbled.

Emma nodded and smiled at her little girl. Just too adorable! "So Chuck, you were about to ask me something?"

Molly figured she was forgiven but she didn't want to move. She was just too warm and comfy snuggled up to Chuck. It was like having her blankie and pillow rolled up into one!

Chuck chuckled at Molly's actions. "Is Mr. Walker and Sarah home?"

"No I'm afraid not. I sent those two off to the store to pick me up a few things for supper tonight. Oh, you're more than welcome to stay for dinner."

"Thanks for the offer Mrs. Walker, but maybe another time…So uh, I came here cause I wanted to ask if you and your family had any plans for Thanksgiving?"

She pondered that question for a bit. "Nothing major, I'll probably end up cooking a simple meal at home. Why do you ask?"

"You know Carina Miller right?" Emma nodded. "Well last year, my sister Ellie and I went over to the Millers for Thanksgiving. Since they hosted it last year, Thanksgiving dinner will be at our place this year. My sister and I would love it if you guys would celebrate with us. We love having a lot of people around for the holidays. The Millers will be there of course, and even our neighbor John Casey is coming."

Emma thought the idea was fabulous. The Walkers didn't really have much family on either side. Whether it was because their relatives had passed, or they lost touch due to all the moving, the Walkers were essentially on their own. Although the idea of a nice small family dinner would be pleasant, combining the families of the Bartowskis, the Millers, and the Walkers, was so much better.

"I'll have to ask my husband and Sarah, but I don't see any complications. You can count on us being there…" She heard the door that connected the garage to the kitchen open and knew her husband and daughter were home from grocery shopping. "…Is there anything you or Ellie would like us to bring?"

Jack walked into the living room after putting down the groceries on the kitchen counter, with Sarah in tow. "Two questions; why are we bringing something and where are we bringing it to…Charlie I didn't know you were coming over."

Emma turned to her husband. "Chuck invited us over to his place for Thanksgiving, isn't that sweet of him."

Before Sarah knew it, the word slipped out of her mouth. "No…"

The confused looks Sarah was getting wasn't the thing that made her wince, it was the hurt expression on sweet ole Chuck's face. Ever since that stupid nightmare she had a few nights ago, she had felt herself drifting from Chuck a little, subconsciously or otherwise. Sarah needed to distance herself a little to save them both pain. Sure they still talked, that couldn't be avoided since they had two classes together, and this was Chuck we're talking about here, but their whole dynamic just felt off. Her parents still hadn't told her when they were moving, but she figured it was only a matter of time until they dropped the bomb and they left…Only a matter of time until she left him.

"…I mean it is nice of him, but I thought we were just going to have dinner here…We shouldn't impose like that."

Jack turned to his eldest. "You know, you have a point darlin. Good of you to ask though Charlie."

Chuck blew out a puff of air and plastered on a fake smile. "It really is no trouble at all, we would love to have you guys there, but if you don't want to come, I understand."

Emma glared at her family…Well not Molly since she was practically comatose in Chuck's arms. I hope Chuck's not upset with all that drool all over his fancy shirt.

"Chuck, we'll think about it, and I'll call you tonight with our decision."

Charles nodded. "Well, I should get going."

"Are you sure you won't stay for dinner?"

He looked over at Sarah who was currently avoiding his eyes. Chuck honestly didn't know why Sarah acted so strangely over the past couple of days. They had become so close it seemed like they could share anything with one another, but now it seemed like there was a wall between them. He had tried to get her to tell him what was wrong, but to no avail, and he really didn't want to push too far.

"I'm sorry Mrs. Walker but I should really get going…" Chuck headed for the door, but stopped, realizing he was about to commit a crime. "…I think this belongs to you." He nodded indicating the youngest Walker in his arms.

Jack tried to take his little girl, but the harder he pulled, the more Molly clung to Charlie. She wasn't even awake, so how in the world was this happening?

"'Humph', it seems you've been able to win over all the women of the Walker family."

Chuck laughed nervously as he tired jostling his favorite mini person awake. He loved Molly as if she was his own sister, but right this moment, he was getting a vibe from Sarah that he wasn't really welcome, so he needed to get the heck out of there.

"Mol, you got to wake up now, I gotta go."

Molly groaned in annoyance for being awoken from her nap. She groggily pulled her head away from her comfy pillow and realized she had a big glob of drool hanging from her mouth, so she promptly rubbed her face on her pillow in order to get it off.

Chuck winced and gave a shaky smile to Emma. Mrs. Walker came to the rescue by grabbing Molly into her own arms.

"Come on baby, Chuck has to go home now."

That seemed to wake the little girl up a little. Sleepily she protested, "But we were gonna go play."

Chuck whispered, "I promise we'll play another time, go back to sleep, Ok Mol?"

Molly nodded and curled up to her mom. Chuck said his goodbyes, and when the door closed after his departure, Emma turned to her husband and eldest daughter, and glared at the two.

"I'm going to put Molly down for a nap, but when I get back, we're going to have a long talk about how rude you two just were."

"But Mom…"

Mrs. Walker turned and walked away without another word.

Jack turned to Sarah. "I don't know what you did darlin, but you're in for it now."

Sarah rolled her eyes and went to put away the groceries in the kitchen. Hopefully this act would make her mom go easy on her. When she heard her mom coming towards the kitchen, she hurriedly set everything in place and stood there with a big smile on her face.

"I put everything away Mom!"

Emma shook her head. "How nice of you, but you two are still in trouble."

Jack look shocked. "What did I do?"

"Chuck was sweet enough to invite us over to have Thanksgiving dinner with his family, and you two acted like you couldn't be bothered by such things."

Jack tried to placate his wife. "Honey, we were just trying to be polite. I mean he couldn't really want us horning in on his family time…I bet he just invited us to get on my good side."

Emma was about to blow her top, but tempered it down. She would deal with her not so slick husband later. She turned to the second offender.

"Sarah, I thought out of everybody, you would be the happiest about his invitation. Did something happen between you two? Did you guys have a fight?"

Sarah's jaw clenched as she tried desperately not to yell out in frustration. She was acting so strangely towards Chuck because the thought of leaving him was weighing heavily on her mind. The fact that they haven't even told her when they planned on moving was just icing on the friggin cake!

"We definitely didn't have a fight, Mom…we're just going through some things. Look if you really want to go, then we can, that's fine by me."

Emma eyed her daughter critically. She had a feeling something was going on with her. She would just need to make sure she kept an extra close eye on her daughter.

"I'm glad to hear that sweetie, because we're going. I think it's a wonderful idea to spend Thanksgiving with Chuck and Eleanor…for both families. I'll just call Chuck later tonight and let him know that the Walkers are coming to dinner."

Sarah nodded and silently slunk away to her room. Dread was only one of the emotions she was feeling when thinking about spending Turkey Day with Charles Irving Bartowski…That wonderful bastard!

Once Sarah was in her room, Mrs. Walker turned to Jack. "So, what's your excuse?"

"I was only kidding?"


Los Angeles, Echo Park

Casa Bartowski

Chuck hung up the receiver with an unsettled expression on his face. Ellie who was in the kitchen, caught the look, even as busy as she was preparing for Thanksgiving, which was only days away. I mean, she only threw away 1 turkey, there was clearly so much still to do!

"Who was on the phone little brother?"

"That was Mrs. Walker, looks like they'll be able to make it after all."

"That's great isn't it? Why the long face?"

He sighed, if anyone would be able to help him, it would be his sister. "Sarah's been a little distant as of late. And today when I was over at her house to invite them over, I felt like she wanted to be anywhere but where I was at the moment."

Eleanor put the turkey baster down and took the few steps to the living room. "Did something happen between you two? I've actually realized that she hasn't been over for a bit. You guys get into a fight?"

Chuck shook his head vehemently. "No nothing like that..." She gave him a penetrating look. "…I swear El, not that I know of anyway."

"Hmm this is a mystery then. I guess the only thing you can do is talk to Sarah and tell her how you feel."

Chuck took on an incredulous look. "How does telling Sarah that I like her solve anything?"

Ellie's face broke out into a humungous grin. Normally she would have squealed, but it just wasn't the right time. She heard Chuck groan and saw him run a hand across his face, and she chuckled.

"Don't worry about it Chuck, it wasn't like it was completely obvious. And no, I didn't mean reveal your feelings for her. All I'm saying is that you should talk to her about what's bothering her...you for that matter"

"I tried that already El, but she still won't tell me what's wrong."

"Hmm, I guess you're just going to have to try harder. Trust me little brother, I know what women are like…And you know, now that I think about it, telling her you like her wouldn't be the worst idea in the world."

"Ellie…"

"No need to say anything. Now shoo, I have a million things to do before Thanksgiving!"

He shook his head and headed for his room. Chuck would have gladly helped prepare for the big night, but for some reason, Ellie gets all crazy when Thanksgiving rolls around, and she usually just likes to do everything herself.

When he entered his space, he plopped down on his bed. Chuck appreciated his sister's advice, he really did, but he didn't know if it was the right advice. Carina had said to give Sarah some space, but that wasn't working out too well for him right now, and he didn't like it either. Who was he kidding; he was going to listen to Ellie, because 9 times out of 10, she was right. And that last 1 was when she was absolutely right. Now he just needed to figure out how.


November 26, 1998

Los Angeles, Echo Park

Casa Bartowski

The nights leading up to Thanksgiving dinner practically crawled by for Chuck. For Sarah on the other hand, she felt it had practically crept up on her. Being around him at school was one thing, but spending the night with him, in a matter of speaking, was going to be emotionally draining.

The Walker clan had arrived early because Mrs. Walker wanted to help Ellie prepare dinner. So on the couch Sarah sat, desperately trying to calm her beating heart. Thankfully Chuck was in his room still getting ready. She patted down her red blouse and black skirt to get some of the wrinkles out. She had bought the outfit while on a shopping outing with Carina since the red head had said it made her look, 'absolutely stunning'. Why she wanted to wear this particular outfit now she had no clue…well she did, but that thought just made things more complicated.

She heard his door open and she quickly stood and spun around, causing her blouse to twirl at the bottom, her thin black belt around her midsection aiding to that fact. She smiled unconsciously. He looked so handsome in his olive green sweater, and the expression of awe he wore was simply adorable.

Sarah couldn't take it anymore. After the crappy way she'd treated him these past few days, the fact that he was still able to look at her in ways that made her insides melt…Screw distance, she needed her best friend. I mean it isn't like we're going to start dating.

Sarah quickly strode over to Chuck and wrapped him up tightly in her arms. She had missed the closeness, she had missed his scent, she had missed being in contact, she had missed him.

"I'm so sorry for acting like a jerk Chuck."

Chuck smiled against her hair, which haphazardly got into his mouth, and relaxed in her embrace. "It's alright. I understand you're going through some stuff. If you really don't want to tell me about it…I'll be honest, I won't like it, but I'll respect your decision."

That response made Sarah tighten her hold. Should she tell him? How would he react? What's the point in causing them pain for something that couldn't be stopped? Why in the hell hadn't her parents told her yet? All these questions, and more, were bouncing between her ears until a light wedging force suddenly distracted her.

Chuck and Sarah separated and looked down to see Molly looking up at the two. "Daddy said to stop hugging now."

Chuck blushed as Sarah spun in the direction of her father and glared, "Dad!"

"I know it's the holidays Chippy, but tone down on the touching of my daughter." He had a smug look which quickly went away with what happened next.

Ellie came out of the kitchen with a stern expression on her face. "What was that Mr. Walker?"

Sarah, Chuck, and Emma all chuckled. It was quite amusing how Eleanor could intimidate the normally quick-witted and confident Jack Walker.

Jack coughed. "Um, nothing Eleanor, I was just asking Charles how his day was going." He plastered on a nervous smile. It didn't matter that she was almost half his age; there was something about the elder Bartowski that scared the crap out of him. He had no doubt in his mind that if he ever hurt dear old Charlie, Eleanor would stab him with one of her doctor tools.

Ellie smiled sweetly. "That's what I thought." She went back to her cooking, but not before winking at her little brother and Sarah.

Molly shrugged at the goings-on and started pulling Chuck towards the couch. The Thanksgiving Day parade, which was taped earlier, was playing on the TV, and Molly wanted to do nothing but curl up in Chuck's lap and watch all the big balloons float down the street. She was definitely looking forward to seeing Clifford and Snoopy.

Sarah rolled her eyes at her baby sister, but followed the pair anyways and sat next to the two to watch the parade. I'm not jealous of Molly, not even a little bit.


Time passed as more guests arrived. First it was the Millers then followed lastly by John Casey. Morgan wanted to come but he was 'stuck' with his relatives. Chuck would never voice these feelings, but it annoyed him a little bit when Morgan complained about his big family.

At the moment, since all that was left was to wait for the turkey to finish up in the oven, everyone looked on at the scene of Carina and Molly arguing about who was Chuck's favorite. To be fair, it wasn't so much of an argument since both parties' defenses consisted of, 'Nu-uh, I'm his favorite', and, 'Chuckie likes me more!' Oddly enough, there was even an 'I know you are but what am I', thrown out there. Now you might think that that certain phrase isn't surprising at all. It is when Carina was the one to say it.

Everyone was amused at the sight, even Sarah. She knew Carina and her little sister loved teasing each other, it was just their thing. But honestly, Sarah wasn't 100% sure that Carina was just teasing at the moment.

In the middle of the much heated debate, the young blonde got up off the floor and ran over to Chuck. She jumped onto his lap, making him wince a little.

"You like me more than her…" Molly spun her head and glared at Carina, before turning her attention back to the object of her affection. "…right?" Molly combined an adorable pout with big doe eyes for a double whammy.

Carina stood up off the floor and placed her hands on her hip. "Mol, get off. It's my turn to sit on Chuckles lap to state my case." A mischievous smirk made its way onto the red head's face.

Casey grunted in amusement. He wouldn't admit it out loud, but he enjoyed the times he spent over at the Bartowskis.

Chuck choked on air when he saw the look on Carina's face, causing the whole house to erupt in laughter. Thankfully, the buzzer to the oven sounded before he was expected to respond.

"Thank God, let's eat everybody!"


The table looked like it needed to be reinforced with all the food that was on it. There was no way the Bartowski's usual dining room table could have worked, especially with the extra guests. Thankfully, Mrs. Miller lent them an elongated table she usually used for such occasions. But even so, the food was plentiful enough to make the new table look like it was bowing. Turkey, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, sweet rolls, green bean casseroles, honey baked ham, golden sweet potatoes cover in marsh-mellows…you get the picture.

Still, no one was eating at the moment because everyone was going around the table, saying what they were thankful for. It had started with Ellie, followed by Carina, then the Millers. When Mr. Miller finished saying his thanks, he turned left towards Casey, who was seated at the end of the table next to him, signaling that it was his turn to give thanks.

Casey grunted. "Uuhhhhhh-pass."

Jack Walker who was next in line snorted. "Not a man of words are ya Johnny? You know, with your background, and overall appearance, you should become a man of the law or something or other."

Casey grunted in assent.

Emma nudged her husband, causing him to get back on track. "Anyways, like I was saying…I'm thankful for our family being invited to such a wonderful meal, and that this is the place where my family will actually be able to take up roots."

Sarah clenched her fists and her jaw tightened slightly. She couldn't believe what her dad was saying right now. She needed to relax; it wasn't like it was going to get any worse.

Mrs. Walker cleared her throat. "I guess it's my turn. I'm thankful for my daughters of course, and I'm also very thankful for meeting all of you. We don't have much in the way of family, so meeting all of you, and the fact that you've invited us into your home and treated us like one of your own…" Mrs. Walker was tearing up, which was affecting a few of the women, and most of the men. "…Well I just feel like we're all just one big happy family, and I'm thankful for that."

Sarah was blinking rapidly in hopes of keeping the tears at bay, but it was a fruitless endeavor. Part of the tears was caused by what her mother had said, but then there was that other part. She was on the verge of screaming out in frustration, pain, pure unadulterated anger. How she was still keeping it at bay surprised even her. Well that is until Molly said enough to tip the scales and brake open the floodgates.

"I'm thankful for Mommy and Daddy and Sarah and umm…Auntie Ellie, hmmm…" Molly stuck her tongue out of the corner of her mouth as she thought real hard. "…Oh, and that Chuck likes me more than Carina." That brought on a few chuckles, especially from the red head. "And I'm thankful that we're not gonna move anymore so I can see Chuck, and we can play whenever we want!"

Sarah let out a sob as she threw her napkin down and ran into Chuck's room; slamming the door behind her. Everyone froze for a few minutes, no one really knowing what to do. When Jack and Emma started getting out of their chairs to go tend to their daughter, Chuck beat them to it.

He stood up from his chair, seated at the end of the table across from Casey. "Uh Mr. and Mrs. Walker, I was wondering if I could go speak with Sarah."

Jack looked at his wife with an expression that screamed, 'is this kid serious?!' before looking at Charlie once more. "I don't think…"

Whatever Jack Walker was planning on saying, was cut off by a well placed elbow from his Emma. "Go right ahead sweetie. You'll probably have a better chance than us at getting her to tell you what's wrong."

Chuck nodded his thanks and started slowly walking towards his room. With every step he took, he grew a little more nervous, and he knew he needed to get rid of those nerves before speaking to his best friend. He was just going to his room after all…Although Sarah, who everybody practically knew he had feelings for, was waiting for him, so…

He stepped in and softly shut the door behind him. Sarah was by the Morgan Door gazing out into the night, simply looking lost to the world. Chuck was hypnotized by Sarah standing there so much that she startled him when she spoke.

"Everyone must think I'm a basket case huh…I'm sorry for freaking out just now, it's just…"

Chuck stayed silent hoping Sarah would let him in, but after several minutes, it seemed like she wasn't going to. "What is it? You know you can tell me anything."

She did know that, she just didn't know if she should; about this anyway. What was up with all that crap her parents were slinging? Being one big happy family? Taking up roots? Could she actually be wrong, and they weren't moving after all? That can't be, I heard them in the kitchen. She really needed to get to the bottom of this.

Sarah plastered on a fake smile. "Don't worry about it it's just some small family stuff."

Chuck didn't look assuaged. "Sarah…"

She cut him off. Whether she was or wasn't moving, telling him would just make matters worse, or that's what she made herself believe.

"Chuck, please just drop it."

He saw the pleading look in her eyes and nodded in acceptance. He would respect her wishes, but there was no chance in hell he wasn't going to be there for her when she finally decided to tell him everything.

"So, now that we got that out of the way, did you want to get back out there?"

Sarah bobbed her head as she contemplated the question. "You think we can just hang out here for a couple more minutes?"

Chuck nodded again, and sat on his bed, waving her over. She molded herself to his side and rested her head on his left shoulder.

Sarah sighed in bliss. "I don't think you can even fathom how much I missed you Chuck."

He chuckled and kissed the crown of her head. The thoughts of the earlier conversation he had with Ellie running through his mind. Sure, it wasn't the best of times, but would there ever be?

Chuck cleared his throat. "Sarah I…I wanted to ask you something…Would you...would you like to…"

Sarah was too busy reveling in his warmth that she didn't notice what Chuck was so obviously wanting to ask her. "Hmm, what was that?"

He blew out one quick gust of air, and with confidence spewing from his pores, stated, "Go out with me Sarah."

Her eyes shot open as she recoiled from his shoulder. "Wh-what!?"

Seeing the horrified look pretty much burst that confident bubble. Chuck visibly swallowed and slapped on a sheepish smile. "I mean, would you go out with me…please?"

Sarah squeezed her eyes shut and sighed. Why did this have to happen now? With a heavy heart, she knew exactly what she needed to do.

"No Chuck, I'm sorry."

The question left his mouth before he could actually think about it, "Why not?" He winced at how needy he sounded, but to be honest, he did want to know why.

"Cause it wouldn't turn out well. You deserve better, and there would be no point."

"But I like you. And…And I know you like me too." Chuck fought the urge to wince a second time. He was really on a roll with this not thinking before you speak thing.

Sarah flared up in anger. She wasn't angry with anything Chuck said because frankly, he was right. No, she was mad at her parents for confusing her, she was mad at herself for having to hurt this sweet man, and she was mad at the world for life being so unfair. Unfortunately, Chuck was the closest scapegoat.

"I like you? I like you!? What makes you think that I have any romantic feelings for you at all?!"

"Ellie, Carina, Morgan…" He shrugged. "…well everyone thinks…"

"Well they're wrong Chuck. You guys all think you may know how I feel but you're all wrong. I'm looking for something more, something better, and that's just not you…We're friends and we should keep it that way."

Sarah got up and left. She was ashamed, and quite shocked, at what she had said to Chuck. Why did she have to get so angry, and so mean? Yes, he didn't seem to take no for an answer, but she went to the extreme while turning him down. She wouldn't be surprised at all if she just lost her best friend. Lord knew she deserved to be alone. Chuck was insecure as it were; it might have been the easiest way to dissuade Chuck, but what the hell?

When she sat down all the occupants at the table eyed her. Ellie was the first to speak.

"Is everything Ok? Where's Chuck?"

Sarah nodded. "Yeah I'm fine, sorry I've had a lot on my mind lately, and what everyone said kind of got to me…Chuck, uh…he's in his room. He said he would be out in a minute."

Jack turned to his daughter. "So darlin, what are you thankful for?"

This is seriously happening? She might have just lost the only man she ever loved, besides her father, not only a handful of minutes prior, and now was expected to convey what she was thankful for. FAN-FUCKIN-TASTIC!


Back in his room, Chuck sat on his bed. Elbows rested on his knees, head buried in his hands.

He felt like such a loser. He had told everybody that Sarah was too good for him, but would they listen…Abso-freaking-lutely not. Chuck knew better, but all that: 'trust me little brother', 'just ask her out man', 'you're real dense Chuckles'; got to him. Maybe he wasn't 100% sure, but he believed his family, and look where it got him. Well, he was damn sure now.

Chuck Bartowski, you sir…are worthless.

He took a deep breath. Ellie was probably waiting on him to get Thanksgiving dinner started. He just needed to suck it up. Sarah didn't like him more than a friend, this isn't news. Chuck knew this already, he just foolishly thought that maybe…Whatever, they're just friends. Hopefully I didn't screw up so badly that she doesn't want to be friends anymore.

Chuck honestly wouldn't be surprised. I mean his parents left because he wasn't good enough, why wouldn't Sarah? He groaned. He couldn't believe he was stupid enough to ask her out. IDIOT!

He stood up and took a deep breath; time to face the music. Chuck walked out of his room and sat down in the chair he previously occupied at the dining room table. For the most part, he ignored the worried glances, and the fact that Sarah was avoiding looking at him.

Ellie placed her right hand on his left on top of the table. She could clearly see something was bothering him.

"You Ok sweetie?" Her little brother nodded, but she wasn't convinced. "You're the last person to give thanks."

Chuck glanced at Sarah who was still avoiding his eyes like the plague, and he couldn't help but replay the scene in his room. The horrified look, him making a fool of himself, Sarah saying he wasn't good enough. The words just left his mouth.

"I'm thankful Mom and Dad aren't here to see how much of a disappointment their son is."

There were gasps from several of the occupants, but before Ellie or Carina could jump on Chuck, Casey stood up and called him out.

"Bartowski! Outside, now!"

"Case…"

John growled and Chuck did as he was told. When they both stepped out into the courtyard, and Chuck closed the front door behind him, Casey quickly laid into him.

"What the hell is the matter with you!?"

"Nothing…look I'm sorry Ok."

"Spit it out kid, we don't got all night, and I'm starved. Is this because of Walker?"

Chuck's head dropped. "I asked her out and she said I wasn't good enough."

"And you believed her moron?"

"She's right Casey, I'm not. I mean my parents left because I wasn't."

John shook his head and his voice softened considerably. "You got a lot to learn kid. I've seen Walker around here enough times to know that her feelings go beyond friendship. What you plan on doing with this knowledge is up to you. And as for your parents, it's their loss. You may be annoying all the time, but…you're a good kid Bartowski."

Chuck smiled. This was probably the longest speech for Casey. "I would hug you right now, but I don't want my arms snapped off."

John grunted. "Good choice. Now, you ready to face the firing squad, cause Ellie and Carina are going to kill you for what you said."

Chuck's eyes widened in realization and fear. Carina and his sister were always yelling at him when he went overboard on the self deprecation. Apparently, only they were allowed to put him down.

"Umm, can I hide at your place?"

Casey's face took on a weird creepy smile. "No chance in hell I'm missing Ellie's turkey. Plus it looks like you being reamed out will be the entertainment for the night."

Chuck chuckled nervously. "Love ya too big guy."


A/N (2): I enjoyed this chapter a lot, even though the mood of it was trending downward. I've seem to be getting my writing juices back. Unfortunately, with school starting back up, most of those juices will be focused on schoolwork. I will not be abandoning this story however, it just might take some time.

Any and all reviews are much appreciated.