A/N Lot's of dialogue here, we are setting up for the major arc of the story. Thank you for those who have reviewed. I don't own Chuck.

Chapter Seven

Bilbo, Beckman, and Busgang

"Let's have no more argument. I have chosen Mr. Baggins and that ought to be enough for all of you. If I say he is a Burglar, a Burglar he is, or will be when the time comes. There is a lot more in him than you guess, and a deal more than he has any idea of himself. You may (possibly) all live to thank me yet." - Gandalf the Grey "The Hobbit"

OoOoOoO

"You'd have to ask Orion it was his design, he would know." Busgang's words rang in Chuck's ears as he rode with Sarah back to Castle for debrief. Chuck's mind was racing, he could not contain himself, his leg was incessantly moving, filled with nervous energy, with the possibility of release from servitude, for the possibility of freedom. To live the live that he had dreamed with the girl that he loves.

Loves, active tense. present active continuous tense, he loves Sarah walker and she loves him. She had told him. The very thought soothed his soul and stilled his leg. But what was his dream life? If he got his freedom, if he got the intersect out, surely he would not return to Buymore days and Call of Duty nights. The safety of quiet mediocrity. He could not go back to that world, he had changed. Gandalf had come in the form of an email. Like Bilbo, he had been pressed into service, into adventure and like Bilbo, he could not return home unchanged.

But what future did he want? He had never been good at future planning. Software mogul Charles Carmichael was a dream, but it was an adolescent one. An adoption of a future everybody was supposed to want. Wealthy, and retired. While nice, it seems so… meaningless. If there was one thing that Chuck enjoyed about his time with the government (besides Sarah), during His Tolkien "adventure" was the sense of purpose that the work had given. For the first time in his life Chuck was a part of something bigger than himself. Something that mattered. He had purpose, an adventure to go on, a dragon to slay.

He liked the adventure, but it was not essential to his "dream" The only essential he could think of was a who, was a she, was Sarah. No future could be his dream, save maybe a nightmare, unless Sarah Walker was by his side. Which led to the reason for the incessant tapping of his leg and racing of his mind. If they found Orion, and removed the Intersect from Chuck's head, what would become of him and Sarah?

She had told him she loved him, which breathed life into his soul. Sarah affirming the under the cover relationship, made the sadness and heartache of the past 20 months come untrue, and they had almost made love. But, she was a CIA agent. The best in the business. Chuck remembered the satisfaction of successfully hacking an "unbreakable firewall" the affirmation of knowing you have a recognizable talent. How could he claim to love her and ask her to leave that for him? For a "free man" with no idea of his future? At the same time how could they be together and not be together. Could he stand to live apart while Sarah went on missions? Would she grow tired of him?

But no action was barely preferable. Because they were under surveillance. If Beckman knew what Sarah had done, she would be gone. Whisked away, a sacrifice to the god of operational efficiency. He could not stand that. Not now, not after their confessions. They were finally together. The intersect had the potential to force them apart, but it had brought and kept them together. It had to go, they needed to find Orion. Right?

"Sarah, what do you make of this Orion?" Chuck asked, "do you really think he can remove the Intersect?"

"Busgang had no reason to lie." Sarah replied reasonably

"I wonder what Beckman will make of all of this?" Chuck said thoughtfully, "since Zarnow she hasn't attempted to get the thing out of my head, maybe she doesn't want it out ."

Sarah sat thoughtfully at this, thinking through her response. "Well, you stopped world war 3 a few months ago. Our missions have been, unorthodox but successful. Maybe she is less concerned about removing it now."

"Sarah, I've been working 80 hours a week and being paid for 40, at 11 bucks an hour. Every detail of my life is property of the US government, I've been tortured, shot at, thrown off of buildings. Holding onto hope that what waits for me at the end is the removal of the intersect rather than a bullet or a bunker." Chuck replied seriously, exasperation evident in his tone.

"That hope is secure." Sarah said seriously.

"Sarah, I love you, but…"

"Chuck, I will not let either of those last two happen." She paused debating whether or not to continue. "This ends one of two ways, Beckman let's you walk or we run."

Chuck was stunned, Sarah would run with him? Would leave her job for him? Would risk prison or death for him? "She told you she loved you you dope isn't that what that means?"

"Sarah, I.. you can't do that, you could lose everything." Chuck said sincerely

Sarah reached over and took his hand. Grasping it firmly.

"You're absolutely right, that's why I won't let them have you."

Chuck's heart soared, he wanted to bask in the glow of her love, in the strength of her conviction. But they needed to talk before the briefing. Without additional ears.

"Sarah, we really haven't really had the chance to talk about, well, a lot of things. 10 minutes from a briefing is probably not the ideal time to discuss everything we should probably discuss. But, I want to talk to you before we talk to them. Do you want me to get the intersect out of my head?"

Sarah's brow furrowed in confusion as she said "Of course Chuck, the intersect puts you and your family in danger. It forces you into this world that you are far too good for, it takes so much away from you. Of course I want you to be free from it."

"But, it brought me you" Chuck replied "If it weren't for the intersect the us, the other night; none of it would have happened."

Sarah was silent, pondering his statement. She was weighing, analyzing what he said.

"You're afraid it is the only thing keeping me here," Sarah replied astutely.

There it was, she had said it. She loved him, that much he knew. She would not let them take or kill him. But, he wanted to build a life with her, a life that they could share. The intersect, terrible as it was, gave them that life. Not an ideal one, but a life together. Was it normal? No, but she was in it, and that was better than the contrary.

"Sarah, I want you. I want to do life with you. As hectic and stressful as that life is right now, we are together which means everything to me." Chuck stated plainly.

"Chuck, if Beckman finds out about this, about us, I would almost certainly be reassigned. She would probably do everything in her power to keep me as far away from you as possible," Sarah said seriously.

"But if I get the intersect out, then what? Gah! I'm sorry I'm asking, this is so new and I don't want you to feel like I am pressuring you or anything, I just… I'm terrified of losing you." Chuck said looking away trying to hide the emotion in his eyes.

Sarah's hand had not let go of Chuck's she squeezed it reassuringly.

"Chuck", Sarah said, "I love you, I told you that and I meant it. You're right, we have stuff to figure out. But, we've got a hell of a lot better chance of figuring it out if it is us: you and me, figuring out what we want, and not you, me, and the national security interests of the United States."

"So we try to find Orion and get the intersect out of my head?" Chuck replied

"Yes" Sarah said happily

"What if Beckman doesn't want us to find him?" Chuck asked

"We don't know for sure what she wants, but we will figure it out" Sarah replied

"I like this" Chuck said smiling

"Like what?" Sarah replied

"Us, talking about this stuff. Like we did in the Double O before the whole Cole mission. I like having you to process all of this stuff with."

"I like it too," Sarah said with a smile. "That conversation feels so long ago"

"Tell me about it!" Chuck replied. "So much has happened since then."

"And hasn't happened," Sarah pouted

Chuck's reddened at her comment. "Do you think… we err… we could, you know, be able to pick up where we left off if we go through with what we talked about then, if we moved in together?" Chuck said face completely red as they pulled in to the parking lot.

Sarah's eyes flashed dangerously causing Chuck to recoil. "You started something Mr. Bartowski and you damn well be willing to finish it regardless of our living situation."

Chuck breathed a sigh of relief and leaned over to kiss her. Sarah pulled back alarmed but apologetic.

"Not here… Cameras," Sarah said urgently.

"Crap… Sorry," Chuck said, dejected.

Sarah pulled into a parking spot and turned the car off.

"Chuck, if you still want to move in together, I think I can convince Beckman. But, there's a risk. If she thinks I'm compromised she may institute what is called a 49-b which is an evaluation of my "objectivity"." It is… doubtful that I would pass such an examination."

"Sarah, I want to spend every second with you, of course I want to move in with you. But, I trust your judgment, whatever you decide I am with you. I love you," Chuck said confidently

"I love you too Chuck," Sarah said beaming at him.

OoOoOoO

"Mr. Bartowski," Beckman said seriously, "You are certain that Busgang had no idea the whereabouts of Orion? He had not contacted him?"

Sarah was put off by the tone of Beckman's voice, she was… off, news of Orion startled her, she knew more than she was letting on.

"No General, all he said was that Orion would know how to get the intersect out of my head," Chuck said sincerely.

Beckman's nostrils flared. "You told him that you were the intersect? Do you realize what that does to national security, to your security!"

Sarah slipped her foot under the table indicating to stop Chuck from clapping back. The hypocrisy was maddening, especially after Beckman had screwed up 72 hours ago. But pointing that out would not help Chuck. Nor would it be beneficial to what Sarah had planned.

Casey however spoke on his behalf. "General, Bartowski did not reveal his identity, He flashed on the name Orion and Busgang recognized the flash, it could not be helped."

Sarah had never felt more affection than she had for Casey at that moment. He was an incredible partner and he clearly had grown to respect Chuck.

"Be that as it may major, Orion is in the wind, and his allegiance is unknown. We will evaluate this revelation, question Busgang further here in Washington. You all are dismissed."

Now or never Walker…

"General, can I have a word with you in private?" Sarah asked donning her Agent Walker mask.

Beckman's eyebrow raised, her interest peaked. Chuck was taken aback, but quickly schooled his features. Casey was… Casey he was halfway to the weapons room.

"Granted, Mr. Bartowski dismissed."

Chuck made no protest, he exited castle, presumably to wait in the Orange Orange. Sarah was his ride home.

"What is this concerning Agent Walker?" Beckman asked.

"Hopefully Two things General, however one will require permission for me to speak freely which I understand that you may deny." Sarah said in measures tone, doing her best to emulate a soldier.

"Proceed with the first," Beckman replied

"General, the asset and I's cover is in jeopardy with his sister. In her eyes, we have been dating for almost two years, yet we have not made any significant relationship steps. She is becoming suspicious of the nature of our relationship. If you review the surveillance feed from the the morning Before the Barker mission you will see the evidence."

"What are you suggesting?" Beckman asked

"General, I leave command decisions to yourself, I am happy to provide my opinion, but I do not want to presume upon your authority."

Sarah smiled inwardly, realizing she was essentially re-framing their conversation. Chuck had no idea how devastatingly persuasive he could be. His guilelessness prevented him from seeing it, which made it all the more effective. Her stomach turned slightly at her own manipulation of his sincere argument, but her cause was just so she continued.

"Proceed," Beckman said

"I see one of two options. The first the asset and I terminate our cover relationship ending his sisters suspicion, the second, the asset and I find a suitably secure apartment and move in together, demonstrating to his sister and co-workers that our "relationship" is taking the natural progression. Operationally I see the first problematic, it will be difficult to explain my continued presence in his life. The second option would also have the added benefit of 24 hour protective detail. Which, in light of fulcrum's interest in the asset's identity, would be beneficial."

"Agent Walker, this seems well conceived. Do you think the asset would accept the arrangement?"

"I believe he would be convinced, especially if we offered him an incentive."

"What would that be?" Beckman said concerned

"We could offer him an end of the video surveillance within his private room and living space. Of course, external surveillance would remain, but my direct presence would render the need for internal surveillance redundant."

Beckman paused gathering her thoughts. Mentally trying to poke holes in Sarah's reasoning.

"This seems well thought through, so long as you are amenable to the arrangement I believe it is a good plan." Beckman paused, then continued reluctantly. "Bartowski has accounted well for himself in the past few days, both yours and Major Casey's report reveal that he withstood interrogation remarkably well. Perhaps he has earned some trust."

There was her opening.. Sarah has to take it.

"General that is the topic of my second concern, which would require you to grant me permission to speak freely."

"Proceed," Beckman allowed apprehensively.

"General, Chuck is no ordinary asset. He has performed incredibly well, and has done nothing to put himself in his situation. He also has shown aptitude to intelligence work. But he is getting worn thin. The intel in his head is critical, so I understand the need for his involvement, but if there was a way to lighten his load, I believe that would be best."

"Understandable, while he is recuperating from his injuries he will be on leave from government work. Unless the event of an emergency. That will give you time to arrange your new living situation as well," Beckman responded.

"Agent Walker, one more thing. Proximity can be difficult when handling assets as you know. You have performed incredibly well over these past months, but, I recommend caution to try and refrain from becoming overly entangled in the assets life."

"Yes General."

"Is there anything else Agent Walker?"

"No General," Sarah replied

"Then you are dismissed. Good work," Beckman said while terminating the call.

Sarah exhaled. Then inhaled. Then smiled. It had worked, she was going to move in with Chuck. They were going to be free of surveillance. She was ecstatic, and terrified. There must be a German word for this… but it eluded her.

Sarah headed for the door, then paused thinking of Casey. Keeping him in the loop operationally would be wise. Better hear it from her than Beckman. Casey had not inquired about what he could have guessed from her hotel room. What's more, he backed Chuck in front of Beckman. Perhaps he would be on their side. She could not risk a full revelation, but she needed to talk to him.

She found him midway through cleaning his pistol. Requisite parts carefully arranged waiting to be oiled and reassembled.

"Casey," Sarah called out walking to the weapons room. "I'm sorry for not talking to you before requesting an audience with Beckman. Chuck's sister is getting ancy about our cover relationship and so we are going to have to move in together in order to keep her at bay."

Casey's face was impassive, then he smirked, "Have to?"

Sarah's heart raced, "Of course, why else would we, I thought you may be pleased, it gets you off of surveillance duty and protection detail."

"Can't say I won't mind that. So long as you don't mind 24/7 coverage of Bartowski lady feelings."

"Charming, Casey," Sarah said flatly.

"Who knows, maybe you'll even take him for a ride from time to time. Give him as taste for Reeses, teach him how to use a 'Walker'," Casey said comedy evident in his voice.

Sarah shot him a look of disgust. Mildly offended, but glad he was not questioning her placement on the team. "Cute, Casey," was all she could muster as she turned to leave.

"Walker," Casey called out voice turning serious. "Take care of him, he did good this week." With that Casey returned to cleaning his gun, as if they had never spoken.

A/N2 Will Chuck create an algorithm to hunt for Orion without his team's knowledge? Will Sarah be able to handle the intimacy and honesty that comes with cohabitation? Will Chuck begin the process of healthy familial separation with Ellie? Will Morgan be featured in this story? Tune in next time to find out, in the meantime: drop me a review or PM.