A/N: Okay...ummm. Hi. Yeah...it's been a while...too long in fact...since I've updated. I haven't abandoned the story, but "real life" took a "real busy" turn with work and other happenings (some good, some just annoying) and I unfortunately haven't had time to work on Shoe Box as much as I wanted to. However, that is all at an end, and I'm going to be focusing on finishing this story. I am hoping to get at least two updates out a week...and this is number one for this week!

Chapter 7

"Sarah?" Ellie prompted. "Does this mean you aren't dating my brother? Was it all an act?"

Sarah closed her eyes and turned Ellie's question over in her head. Was it all an act? Yes and no...as Chuck had said more than once there was obviously something under the cover. Something she fought against with every weapon in her arsenal, but somehow he kept coming back, and every time he pushed he pushed a little bit harder, a little bit further.

"Sarah?" Ellie was starting to sound concerned instead of angry.

"Was it all an act?" Sarah repeated Ellie's question as she opened her eyes and focused on the brunette again. "I don't know what to tell you Ellie, it's..."

"Sarah, so help me god, love you like a sister or not, I will hurt you if the next word out of your mouth is complicated. I was starting to hate that word even before today's fun filled revelations."

"But it is complicated Ellie," Sarah shrugged and held up a hand to forestall Ellie's pending protest. "But to answer your question, yes and no."

"Yes and no?" Ellie echoed.

"Yes, it is an act, and no it's not an act. I can't really explain it Ellie, but I do care for your brother. More than I probably should," Sarah sighed. "More than I definitely should."

"What do you mean 'more than you should'? What's wrong with my brother," Ellie voice had taken on the brittle edge it always did when she was defending Chuck.

"Nothing...nothing is wrong with him," Sarah said softly. "That's the problem Ellie. He's perfect...well maybe not perfect, but he's sweet, he's caring, he's smart, he's funny, he's brave...he's everything I never knew I wanted. And that's the problem. My job isn't to love him, it's to protect him. And I can't do that if I'm always..."

"Always what?" Devon asked after Sarah didn't continue for a few moments, startling both women who had obviously forgotten he was there.

Before Sarah could continue the sound of sneakers slapping against the floor tiles announced Chuck's arrival before he came swinging around the corner.

"Sarah! We've got a mission...and the general has sent the paperwork for Ellie and Devon's offer," Chuck gasped with a huge grin. Sarah couldn't tell if he was more excited about the mission or the paperwork.

Pushing off of the wall, Sarah brushed off her hands and gave the two doctors a small smile. "So, have you two ever thought about working for the government?"

"What are you talking about, Sarah," Devon asked.

"It's great Devon...in fact it's awesome," Chuck couldn't help smiling. "It's way better than I thought it would be. You're going to love it. I don't want to spoil the surprise...come on guys."

"Sometimes he's just like a little kid again," Ellie muttered as Chuck turned and ran back towards the operations center. "Don't think we're done Sarah. You and I need to have a real talk about this."

Sarah only nodded as she ushered the two doctors out of the holding cell and after Chuck.

***

"General, I know you're busy," Chuck was saying to a monitor showing General Beckman as the other three joined Chuck and Casey in the operations center. "I just wanted to thank you for the offer you put together for Ellie and Awesome. It is very generous, and to be honest more than I was hoping for."

"It is the standard offer for medical professionals Mr. Bartowski, with a few minor adjustments due to your team's unique circumstances," General Beckman said dismissively. "Ah, Doctors Woodcomb and Barktowski. Thank you for joining us."

"Ummm, you're welcome," Ellie said hesitantly.

"Before you on the table you will find two standard non-disclosure agreements used for government employees. You will both fill those out and sign them," General Beckman said as if this was the only course of action. "With the NDAs you will find contracts for an employment offer. It is time for you to follow in your brother's footsteps and serve your country."

"What kind of employment offer?" Devon asked as he stepped over and started flipping through one of the packages.

"You will be brought on as classified medical professionals. You will maintain your current positions at your hospital, however you are to be available to treat our personnel that require immediate medical aid. I have already taken the liberty of granting you a level 3 security clearance based on your most recent background checks..."

"Background checks? What background checks?" Chuck asked curiously.

"Everyone you talk to gets a background check Bartowski, you know that," Casey grunted. "Don't interrupt the General."

"As I was saying," General Beckman continued with a cool glance in Chuck's direction. "You will be granted level 3 clearance in case you are required to pass on information in the event an agent expires before a secondary agent can arrive on scene. We will also be expanding the Castle to include a fully functional medical bay. You will be granted access to Castle, and may be called upon to deal with any medical emergencies that Team Bartowski may have."

"Team Bartowski," Ellie mouthed at Sarah with a quirked eyebrow.

With a smile at the brunette doctor, Sarah focused her attention on the general. "When will the work crews begin, General?"

"You will be contacted tomorrow morning Agent Walker. Please ensure that after Doctors Woodcomb and Bartowski have signed their contracts they are input into the security system. Major Casey, Agent Walker, Mr. Bartowski, I believe you have a mission to prep for. That will be all."

"Thank you ma'am," Casey said crisply as the video feed closed. Looking over at where Ellie and Devon were filling out their paperwork, Casey snorted. "Great, two more monkeys in the zoo. I'll be in the armory."

Ignoring Casey, Chuck pulled out a chair and sat down next to Ellie. "So, you probably have a question or two?"

Signing her name on the last form with a flourish, Ellie turned a serious gaze on her little brother. "That doesn't even begin to cover it Chuck. You and I are going to have a serious talk in the very near future. But it sounds like you're going to be busy tonight, so that will have to wait."

Nodding Chuck looked over to where Devon was finishing up his paperwork. Devon looked up at Chuck and cocked his head to the side. "So you're a spy Chuck? That is so far beyond awesome!"

Chuck was about to answer when Sarah said "Chuck, I've got them both entered into the system. Can you take them upstairs to do the initial retinal scan?"

"Sure," Chuck smiled at Sarah and beckoned Devon and Ellie towards the stairs. "You guys are going to love this."

Chuck couldn't contain his excitement as he led Ellie and Devon up the stairs and stopped at the stainless steel door. Grabbing the handle he turned and looked at his sister and her fiancé. "Are you guys ready to have your world turned upside down?"

"What are you talking about Chuck?" Ellie asked.

"Bartowski's Rules of Spying Number Six...things are not always what they seem. Just remember that."

"Okay," Ellie said drawing out the word, obviously humouring Chuck's sense of the dramatic.

With a push, Chuck opened the door and led Ellie and Devon out into the freezer of the Orange Orange. For a moment they both looked around in confusion until Chuck led them out to the store proper.

"We were beneath the Orange Orange?" Devon couldn't keep the wonder out of his voice. "That is so awesome!"