A/N: So this was wrote in a rush, because my laptop died and I have to use the College computers… What's the problem with that? Well, it's because the computer lab is reserved, so I'm stealing some time… Anyway, I promise next chapter will be better.

Beta's Note: All I just wanted to squeeze this one in here. The delay on this chapter is ALL me. It took me almost a week to help out. Sorry.

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Chapter 8. Something you had to do.

"You wanted to spend time without your team, now you'll have it"

"But General, we both know the Intersect works better when…"

"No buts, Agent. You will face this mission alone, and that's my final word. Maybe now you will think twice before abandoning your team when you feel that it suits you."

And as normal, Beckman ended the connection without saying anything more. Chuck massaged his forehead with both hands, frustrated. He was now alone in his living room, while Cole was taking a shower. He had taken advantage of that and called Beckman to find out Sarah and Casey's arrival time, but apparently, she had taken Cole's requisition verbatim: MI6 wanted Charles Carmichael, so she was going to gave them Charles Carmichael… and nothing more.

Well, at least Ellie is safe at home, sighed Chuck. As soon as the Mercedes parked, Ellie had jumped from her seat and had practically run to see Devon and Clara. Chuck knows he will have to talk with her again, but right now he needed to focus. Just as Cole had said, without Ellie's information breaking into the Mill will be more difficult, but Chuck had never expected it would be so hard. Cole and he had spent the remainder of the morning analyzing the almost inexistent layouts that CIA had on the hospitals secret basement. They discovered that the first floor was nothing more than a labyrinth. Apparently, to access the real labs on second sub-floor, you had to cross it. Apparently, each room had three doors, but two of them leaded into a trap or into an exit of the building. It's just like Ocarina of Time, he thought, remembering the hours he and Morgan spend on find the correct sequence to cross the Kokiri Forest. The problem here was that Cole and Chuck didn't have hours to figure out the answer before a little army of guards find them. It was after they had unsuccessfully tried to hack into the system with one of the Orion's programs, that they reached to a level of frustration that ended with Cole asking for a shower and Chuck calling Beckman. He was hoping that his former handlers would know what to do…

But not this time.

Sure, he had talked with Sarah a short while ago, but she was stuck in Sonora. The only thing she was able to do was reassure him, although he could tell by her voice and tone that she was both worried and pissed at him.

"Hey Charles, do you have some clothes I can use?" yelled Cole, from the other room.

"Look in the first drawer on your right"

To make matters worse, he had checked the code MI6 had attributed to the fake Orion and, although the work was a little coarser than his father's, Chuck had to admit that the guy was good. The impostor was obviously a pro on the matter and if he or she somehow where allied with Volkoff's new director, the intelligence agencies are in for a very big problem. The fact that the hospital had a very well programmed firewall against foreign intruders confirmed the suspicion of something big cooking there.

"Charles, I think I have a problem"

Chuck, who was analyzing the program one more time, turned his head only to find Cole in a set of his clothes. Although the MI6 agent was tall, he wasn't the same height as Chuck. The jeans where just too long for him, and beside Chuck's newly acquired muscles, they weren't as wide as Cole's. This conspired to make the T-shirt he was wearing look like it was about to explode. To Chuck's dismay: it was one of his favorites, the one from the premiere of The Lord of The Rings, the Two Towers. Chuck didn't wanted to be rude to him, so he just gulped slowly and mockingly smiled at him. "I can see that… You know what? I think you're the same size as Awesome. I think I will call him and see if we can raid his closet…" said Chuck, searching for Devon's number on his iPhone.

"I thought Eleanor's apartment where upstairs…"

"Yes, it is"

"So why don't we just knock on the door and ask him in person?"

Chuck didn't say anything.

"It's because of Eleanor, isn't it? Do you think she's mad at you?"

"Frankly… I don't know, Cole", Chuck sighed. "I honestly don't have any idea what her reaction is going to be… I mean, she has a lot to digest right now and I don't know if she will be glad to see me so soon…"

"Well with everything I heard at Gala, and you do need to teach her how to keep a secret by the way, I can tell she really loves you."

"Yeah, I know… I know she loves her brother, but I don't know if she likes the spy… I mean, every time she has gotten involved with the spy world, something bad happens to her: the way our parents left us, her brother keeping secrets from her, her fathers murder… ", Cole gave him a look at the last sentence. "What, I didn't tell you? My father was shot in front of me, just to make me vulnerable. Ellie saw it all. "

"I'm sorry…"

"Yeah, me too. But that was exactly my point. The spy world has shown her nothing but disgrace, and it has always been just as an observer. Last night, however, was the first time she took any part in the action and I think it could have been a little intense for her. She has never been in a life or death situation, the kind where you have to run away for your life. Its always been in the O.R., where your life isn't in constant danger. And the way she looked at me, it was as if I were a… a…"

"A freak?".

"Exactly." He was about to start talking again, but he looked at Cole and sighed. "Do you know what? I'm probably boring you with something you don't really care about, so maybe I should take a shower and then we can go upstairs…"

"It's OK, Charles. You can talk to me."

Chuck bowed his head.

"Why are you so interested in my family story? I mean, I don't want to be rude, but this has nothing to do with the mission…"

"Because I know how difficult is to have something you love not be near you." Chuck looked at him with curiosity. "I have a sister too."

"Let me guess: she doesn't know about your real job"

"No… not precisely. She thinks I work for the government, but she doesn't know how dangerous it is. She's the only family I have left after my mother's death, so I feel like an ass every time I lie to her, and it is separating us. I've been thinking about telling her the truth, but I don't know how she will react…"

"So you're using Ellie and I as Guinea pigs, uh?"

"You got it. But please, continue. What is so disturbing about being seen by Ellie as a freak? I mean, I always had the impression you were proud of being a geek."

"Nerd", corrected Chuck immediately. "And I am, but with Ellie it is different. As you said, I've always been a nerd, the kind of guy that can tell you all the elements of the periodical table, while not being good with human interactions. Add to the mix that I was known as the poor orphan and you will have a picture of my school life before college. Besides Morgan, the only person who helped me to feel good being in my own skin was Ellie. She always looked at me with understanding, always looking so secure of herself… and last night all I could see was fear in her eyes, and even if she never said it, I know I was the cause"

"Of course she was worried, but not of you. For you. There's a difference, you know?"

Chuck looked at him.

"You know Cole? You should think about giving a seminar about confidence. You're really are good at this"

"I will keep that in my mind for when I retire"

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Sarah was in a rage. After she hung up with Chuck, she called Beckman, thinking that she would provide Casey and her with a plane to get back to LA ASAP. Instead, she had ordered them to stay and wait for the flight that already had been arranged, departing that night. Apparently, she had left Chuck on his own and Sarah couldn't support the idea of not being with him, protecting him from danger. She was leaving her hotel room when she found the Colonel's big body obstructing her way.

"What are you doing, Walker?"

"What do you think, Casey? I'm going to find a plane and fly to LA. Are you coming?"

"No, and neither will you", said Casey firmly.

"Are you kidding me? Come on, you know I can defeat you whenever I want"

"Maybe, but I hope you also know I can do the same to you. So I will ask you one more time, Walker: stand down or you will have a beautiful purple eye on your wedding day"

"I don't get it, John. I thought you would understand. You know that without us, he had no chance to be safe from Volkoff".

"No, you're wrong", grunted Casey, taking a step forward.

"I beg your pardon?" exclaimed Sarah, involuntarily taking a step back. She fell onto the bed. Casey took it as a surrender sign, so he relaxed himself and sighed deeply at Sarah's incredulous glare.

"Ok Walker, I'm going to say this to you only one time and it this conversation never leaves the room. If I hear that you said something to the moron or the gnome, I swear you will wish you were digging in that damned dessert for the rest of your life, understand?" Sarah nodded, a little perplexed at Casey's brutal statement. The big guy took another deep breath before he started.

"He's not an asset anymore, Walker. He's our partner and he's damn good at his job. If MI6 wanted him it's because of just that. He has demonstrated that he can handle himself pretty well, so stop worrying and have a little faith in him. After all, you'll be his wife soon, and I think it is time for you to take your own advice to Ellie and show him a little respect.

Sarah had no words. She just looked at him, blinking repeatedly with her mouth open.

"Stop looking at me like that, Walker. You look stupid"

She closed her mouth instantly.

"I'm sorry, but it's just that… I mean, you always call him a moron, a girl… you are always humiliating him, saying he's the worst spy you have ever worked with and now you're asking me to respect him? I'm sorry, but it's just weird"

"First of all, I never said he's the worst spy ever. A stupid, annoying one yes, but not the worst one. Second, I think you're forgetting that the moron is not only a CIA agent, he's also an NSA soldier, even if he forgets that too. I'm his superior, so I have the privilege, even the duty, to insult him as much as I want. It's a tradition that I don't expect you to understand. At least, I'm not the one who will marry him"

"Let me this straight: you only insult him as a way to be? You really respect him?"

"I won't deny it, it took a lot of time, but after all these years Bartowski has earned it. Look at what he has accomplished. All those rumors MI6 heard weren't completely a lie. He might have had our help, but we both know he was the one who planned it and the one who deserves the honor. And if you want any proof of it, you just have to remember where we were when Bartowski and Grimes apprehended Alexei Volkoff."

"Wow Casey! I never thought I would hear something like this from you..."

"Yeah, well… Alex says I have to start being more open about my feelings…"

Sarah gave him a smile.

"Can I ask you a question? Why are you so sure Chuck will be fine?"

"Because we taught him well", stated Casey. Sarah could swear she heard a hint of pride in his voice. "He's the best damn recruit I ever had, given his condition, of course. Even Grimes, with all his cojones, doesn't have the instinct Bartowski has, so I'm proud to call him my partner"

"You really care for him, uh?"

"I care for my partners", corrected Casey. "And my family. Semper fidelis, Walker. "

They spent a couple of minutes in silence. For both of them, experienced agents, these moments of open sincerity where not too frequent, even less so for Casey. And hearing him talking about his trust in Chuck made Sarah realize how important they were to him: it seems that not only Sarah had found a family in Burbank.

"John?"

"What?"

"You know I don't have what you can call a model father, so I was wondering… would you walk me down the aisle?"

A couple of minutes past before Casey answered.

"It will be an honor… Sarah"

"And in that room, Director Graham's wild card enforcer and a cold school NSA assassin embraced each other with a hug full of emotion.

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After getting home, Ellie had Baby Clara in her arms and cuddling with a worried Devon. He had tried to reassure her and get her talking about what was wrong, but all he could understand was that at the end of the gala, Ellie and Chuck had somehow helped a friendly agent. At first, he was furious at Chuck for letting Ellie fall into this mess, but then he remembered Chuck's negativity until Sarah had asked Ellie. He also remembered his own advice to her about the dangers of the spy world. So, although he didn't like to admit it, Ellie had made her own choice.

"It's OK, babe, everything is fine now. You're at home, you're safe here"

"It's… It's not that" cried Ellie, quietly. "You don't understand. I don't feel awful because I was in danger, I feel awful because I ran away when they need me". More tears appeared in her eyes. "Oh, Devon! I'm such a coward!"

Devon blinked a couple of times, having no idea what she was saying.

"What are you talking about? Come on, sweetie. If I'm sure about anything it is that Eleanor Bartowski Woodcomb is anything but a coward. I mean, look at the way you fought your entire life for your brother and you! And look at what you two are now: a recognized researcher in Neurology, mother of the most beautiful baby girl ever and a soon to be married super secret agent! And everything you are now is because of your bravery against adversity…"

"That was so sweet for you to say, Devon, but a brave person wouldn't have abandoned her little brother and a good man to go against bad people…"

"Honey, I know this must be new for you, but he's trained to do that and you aren't. You wouldn't be of any help to him. "

"You're wrong; they don't need me for a fight, they need my knowledge, babe, my information!"

"What do you mean?"

"They discovered that Dr. Moore has this dirty business with someone who has stolen my dad's identity, and that they will met at the Mill tonight. I told them what the Mill was and how difficult is to pass the security measures, but they need my help to get them through the labyrinth. When Chuck started to tell me about the dangers, I felt so scared…" A new wave of tears had appeared on Ellie's cheeks. "He said I have to think about you two, about our future. He said it was too dangerous, that they will chase us… And I know he's right, but I cannot help but feel as if I am abandoning him".

Devon hugged Ellie strongly, silently thanking his brother-on-law: he knew he had scared Ellie for her own good, to make her come home to her husband and daughter. Devon, felt Ellie's body relaxing on his arms, and he kissed her on her forehead.

"I love you. And I'm glad you're here"

Ellie smiled weakly and wiped her tears when she felt Clara glaring at them, taking her finger into her little hand.

"Me too"

They were in the middle of a more passionate kiss when the doorbell rang.

"It's OK, honey. I will answer it", said Devon, looking for the cane Morgan had found for him. He flinched a little when the plaster cast touched the floor, but he didn't want to disturb Ellie now that she was finally calm. He was surprised to find Chuck and who he deduced to be the other agent at his door.

"Hi Awesome" said Chuck, weakly. He looked as if he had just gotten out of the shower, but still Devon had the impression that Ellie wasn't the only Bartowski who felt like crap.

"This… umm… listen, we have a fashion emergency, as you can see" Chuck pointed out Cole's ridiculous outfit with his head, "so I was wondering if maybe you had something in your closet that he could use…"

"Umm… yes, I think I have something… but why don't you ask Casey?"

"Casey and Sarah are still in Sonora"

"Wait! So you two are on your own?"

"You could say that… but don't worry, Devon. We'll be fine"

"Ummm…" said Devon, doubtfully. He knew few details about Chuck's spy life, but one thing was always clear: he always had his team with him.

"Devon, who is it?" asked Ellie, coming from their bedroom, with Clara in her arms.

"It's just Chuck, honey. And…"

"Cole Barker. I have heard a lot of you", said the British, shaking hands with Devon.

"Really?" gulped Devon. He wasn't so sure that was a good thing, but if Chuck trusted him, he will try to also. "Come on; let's see if I have something for you". Cole followed Devon, leaving Chuck, Ellie and Little Clara alone. Chuck saw the trace of tears in Ellie's eyes. Ellie could see how worried her brother was.

"So, did you already eat something?"

"Yes, of course" lied Chuck. The truth was that he had been so absorbed in finding a way to break into the Mill that he had forgotten to eat. Unfortunately for him, his stomach growled at that instant.

"I see… come here." Ellie said, with a disproving look.

"Really, sis, you don't have to…"

"But I want to." Ellie gave Clara to Chuck and went to the fridge. "If I won't follow you, I can at least feed you".

Chuck said nothing. Years of experience had taught him to not argue with Ellie when she had made her mind up. Instead, he started to play with Clara, and soon she was laughing at him, happy and loudly. Ellie watched the scene, heart warmed.

"You know what? I'm a little jealous. No matter what Devon and I try, she never laughs as hard as when she is with you."

"It's because I'm the cool uncle" said Chuck, giving her a smile as wide as Clara's.

"You bet. I think she will be the only girl in school with a CIA agent as an uncle… I don't think she will have to worry about bullies…"

"Yeah, but that will be because her aunt will teach her how to be an ass kicking ninja girl. Instead, I will teach her the good stuff: music, movies, videogames…"

"Great! You will turn my daughter into a nerd"

"Hey! Being a nerd is fashionable now! Since the Internet Revolution, everybody wants to know something more… besides, with Capitan Awesome as a father I think she will be the most toned nerd ever".

They both shared a laugh and then Ellie put a sausage dish in front of him. He gave Clara to her mother, and as soon as the little one was on her arms, she stopped laughing.

"You see? I told you, you have a gift"

Chuck smiled, with a mouth full of food.

"Brother, are you sure you will be fine?" said Ellie, seriously.

He gulped painfully. He hated to lie to her, but that was the only way to keep Ellie from worrying.

"It's as Cole has said: it will be difficult, but we can handle it…" reputed Chuck. He had lost the count of how many times he had said that… especially to himself. He felt someone watching him, so he turned to see Cole and Devon. It seems that Chuck had been right, Cole and Devon were the same size.

"Are you ready?" asked Cole.

"Yes. Yes, I am". He turned to Ellie. "Well sis, Duty calls. We have to go." He gave her a kiss and started to walk to the door with Cole.

"Wait! Do you already have a plan?" asked Ellie. She couldn't stop herself from feeling the danger.

"Well… You know, I think we will improvise as we go along… and, of course, we always have Cole's method"

"And what is it?"

"Punch first, ask later" said Cole, before both agents disappeared through the door.

Ellie followed them with the gaze, feeling impotent. She felt the warmth of Devon's body near to her.

"There they go", sighed Ellie. She was trying to keep the tears at bay. Devon rubbed her back, and after a moment of watching his wife, he took Clara from Ellie.

"Honey, what are you…?"

"Go with them"

"What?"

"I said go with them", repeated Devon, firmly. "We both know you have to do this"

"But what about the danger? What about us being chased by bad people?"

"Then we will face it as a family. We must have not been trained to be spies, but I'm sure as hell we now about family and Chuck become my brother since the first time he arrived to our appartment. We cannot let him to be alone out there"

Ellie looked at him, with the eyes full of tears, but now the tears were just a signal of the big love she felt for her husband. She gave him the must meanfull, full hearthed kiss they ever shared since Clara's birth.

"Thank you", whispered Ellie in Devon's ear.

"Come safe", said Devon.

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"Charles, do you think we can stop for food before we reach Castle? I'm starving"

"Sure, what do you want?"

"Anything but hamburgers"

"Fish and chips, then?"

"Really? Do you want to start again with the clichés? I thought you…" Cole stopped himself when he saw Ellie approaching, dressed in jeans and grabbing a pair of white robes.

"Ellie, what are you doing?" asked Chuck.

"I'm going with you guys"

Chuck was perplexed.

"Have you lost your mind? I thought we talked about…"

"Yes, we did. But guess what? It's my decision, not yours…"

"You don't understand…"

"What? That there will be tremendous danger? I understand, but I know what I'm doing, OK?" said Ellie, approaching to the car. "Besides, I think you have your orders, Agent, so follow them"

"Yes, but I'm a bizarre one, remember? Really, Ellie, what the hell are you thinking?"

"I'm thinking that I am going to help my brother to clear my dad's name and capture a bad guy". Chuck rolled his eyes with exasperation: when Ellie had an idea, there's no power in the entire universe that could stop her. "Besides, you guys" Ellie pointed at both spies with her finger. "You guys need me".

"I think she's right, Charles. We have a better chance with her."

Of course, Chuck knew that, and although he was a little angry with his sister because of her stubbornness, deep inside he felt how the knot in his stomach, the one that had been forming since Beckman's last call, relaxed a lot.

"Fine", said Chuck finally. "But you will do exactly what we tell you, OK?"

Ellie nodded.

"And if we found trouble, you will run away, no matter what"

Ellie hesitated, but nodded again.

"And above all, and I can't believe I'm going to say this.." started Chuck, thinking of the irony in the situation.

"What is it?" asked Ellie, looking at Chuck's –Charles'- half smile.

"Ellie, stay in the car".

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A/N. You know? Since I started this fic, I was dying to put that phrase in the story!