Got a PM from a fan, thanks Ayleaa. Wanting to know what is happening with this story. Real life has taken prevalence so sorry for the delay. So I have decided to split the chapter up and give you something to read for the time being. Now that the weather is getting colder, more opportunity to write, can't do much outside when it's cold. So enjoy this short chapter. Please review even if it is to say hi….TTYL

I don't own Chuck!

Chapter 8

(Auld lang Syne melodically plays in the background as voices take the song to the next level)

Sarah didn't want to open her eyes as she feared that if she did the moment would be gone. Chuck's words rang through her mind when he said that this would be the best Christmas ever, but her efforts to focus on them were becoming difficult to comprehend. In all honesty the first day she met him was the day she told herself not to let go of the little things. Though she hadn't told Chuck she sensed he already knew, and this evening had been pretty special so far.

Chuck held her close as his warm breath cascaded down her bare arm. His fingers played her spine like keys on a piano. Chuck pulled his lips away from her neck grazing her lips just enough to make sure she knew that this was their moment their time, their new beginning.

As the crowd started to dissipate Sarah held on a little tighter if only for a few minutes. Not knowing if this would be their end or their beginning. Pulling away just enough, Chuck looked around to see if anyone in particular was watching them. Placing a kiss behind her left ear just where her ear lobe met her neck, the sudden intrusion sent sparks down Sarah's neck, this was to become his favourite spot and hers. As the band carried on Chuck knew that once he left the confines of the inner circle, he would have to be Valie and not Chuck.

Twiddle dee and Twiddle dum made their way towards as Chuck and Sarah walked towards Casey and Carina. Casey instantly reached for his gun just to be ready. As he looked at Chuck, Genrika slipped in between the two.

"I look forward to seeing you tomorrow my son. Where are you and your friends staying?"

Chuck looked at Sarah then at Carina and Casey who didn't think they would have to explain where they were staying. Sarah leaned in and casually placed her hand on Chuck's shoulder. Looking up at Genrika. "We are staying at the Old Vienna. It's not every day you get to revisit historical St. Petersburg. Valie has not stopped talking about the places he went to as a child."

"Oh yes." Genrika replied smiling.

Chuck looked at Sarah as he was caught off guard when Genrika asked about the place they went to when he turned 10. Chuck tried to recall the file he read and for the life of him could not find anything that told him about the real Valie's 10th birthday. Seeing that Genrika was waiting for an answer Chuck. Chuck opened his eyes even more and looked at Genrika. "I remember it wasn't all happy times. I broke my arm."

Genrika lowered his guard and chuckled. "Yes you did but don't you remember the trip to Planet Neptune?"

"I loved that place. I remembered that I wanted to be an oceanographer."

"Yes you did, but the fun was at Claustrophobia."

"Where I broke my arm."

Genrika's smile turned downwards. There was something more to that day besides the real Valie breaking his arm. Chuck didn't inquire any further and Genrika didn't push the conversation either. They said their goodbyes and headed out. Casey took Sarah aside and agreed to get a room at the hotel, at least it would deter them from finding the warehouse and finding out who they all were. Chuck and Sarah headed to the hotel hoping for some alone time but when the back door of the limo opened up again and there stood Carina, they lamented the intrusion.

The next morning

Chuck looked around the heavy armed compound's gated fence. Looking down the street he got a visual of Sarah sitting idle in a small van. Carina busily casing the compound on the other side of the street looking at his direction. Casey donned his sunglasses and gave one last look at Chuck. Facing the gate and reaching for the call button Casey looked at Chuck. "Just say the word and we are done."

"Casey's right Chuck you don't have to do this."

Sarah hopefully wanting Chuck to say that he was done. She had this fear in the pit of her stomach and each moment, each second he got closer to becoming this guy and entering this world made her sick. Carina overhearing their over protective speech spoke up.

"Chuckles we're so close in nailing these guys. The sooner we get in the sooner you can go home."

Chuck was hoping that they were done and he didn't have to do anything. Deep down he wanted to say no and head back home to LA and see where this relationship with Sarah could go. But he knew that 'they' needed him.

Chuck stood tall and reached for the button. Sarah sat back more worried than ever. The only consolation she had was that Casey was with him. Carina gleaming looked up as the gates opened up. Chuck and Casey walked up the short driveway. Sarah watching, with binoculars watched as guard dogs sniffed around.

Chuck and Casey followed the maid as she led them to a vast room. Another servant came around with mimosas. Chuck down the first one. I guess for a bit of liquid courage. Casey scanned the area with his sunglasses before taking them off. Sarah downloaded the data she received. There were no surprises as Casey's scan but indicated a high tech security system. Informing the boys to wait till Genrika joined them.

Brunch went off without a hitch and the staff seemed to literally accept Chuck as their prodigal son Valie. Chuck and Casey walked around the compound. Chuck felt a little better knowing that Casey was by his side. But when Genrika wanted to talk to Chuck without Casey he feared that his cover would be blown. Casey tried to follow Chuck in but was blocked by the hand of twiddle dum preventing him from entering. Chuck walked in and verbally gave a synopsis of the scene in which he was now in. Sarah smiled knowing that he was spiralling. Carina shook her head and thought to herself 'was this a good idea'. Casey remained just outside of the doors unable to do anything to calm the rookie analysis. Genrika signalled for Chuck to sit down. Wiping his hands on his pants he waited. An older woman came holding a tray with a stainless steel tea set. Leaning in she whispered welcome home.
Genrika went straight to the heart of the meeting. Chuck paid close attention to what was happening.

"Valie I know that you needed sometime away from the family business but things are moving quite quickly and I would like to retire and leave this all to you. When your father died my brother (as he crossed himself), I promised him that I would watch out for you. When we never heard from you I thought the worse, but decisions had to be made. You understand?"

"Totally." Knowing that his accent needed work.

Chuck just let the older man talk and by the end of the meeting Chuck knew that whatever they were in had just reached its mother load. Genrika gave Chuck an address and asked him to meet him there with in the hour. Chuck looked at the address, speaking close to his mic he made sure that Sarah got the address. As Chuck repeated the address Sarah quickly typed the address and informed Chuck. Replying back Sarah told Chuck that it was a sister company that dealt in transporting goods and services to local restaurants. Chuck remembered that their last mission had the same cover. Maybe there was a connection. Chuck stood up looking at Genrika. "Maybe I'll head over there now."

Carina took that as a sign and ran over to the van where Sarah had just jumped into the driver's seat heading down the street. Pulling up around the corner Sarah and Carina took turns eyeing the area through binoculars. Sarah returned to the back of the van transferring the photos into their data base, then uploading them to Chuck's burner phone. Chuck headed out the door of the compound as Casey desperately wanting to know what went on in the room. Chuck gave Casey a look like let's get out of here. They waved back as Genrika stood out on the front step. Casey opened the door and told Chuck to get into the back. Making it look like Casey was the hired help. Chuck smiled as he sat down. "Thankyou John." Casey shut the door without a response. Casey put his sunglasses on and started the car. As Casey sped off Chuck reached for his phone. Casey looked through the rear view mirror. As the photos came through Chuck flashed on a few of the faces but though they had no connection to the last place they were in the Intersect.

"Well?"

"Nothing to connect them to anything but they must mean something if they are in the Intersect.

Casey drove past the van and pulled into the nearest spot.

"What you're not opening the door for me?"

Casey grunted and walked out.

Carina and Sarah jumped out of the van and ran across the parking lot sneaking up beside them. Chuck looked at Sarah trying not to give himself up. Focussing he moved in beside Carina. Sarah and Carina leaned against the wall as surveillance was near Chucks right.

"From what we can see from out here. Is it's an export business but more surveillance is needed."

"Sarah's right. Chernekoff won't give us a team if there is not enough Intel. We need to make these charges stick. Chuck we needed you to get us an idea of what the place looks like inside."

As they discussed their next plan of action Sarah and Carina slid down between the car and the wall of the warehouse as Genrika's car drove up honking for the warehouse doors to open. Casey headed towards the door as Carina and Sarah stayed low. As Chuck looked out towards the door Sarah grabbed his fingers and quickly held them in hers. A touch so subtle meant so much. Sarah let go and followed Carina dashing back to the van.

Sarah waited but to no avail. "Still not getting any feed from Chuck's mic."

"Me either, everything is on but still nothing. They must have some type of metal that is interfering with the feed. I just hope that it's still recording so we have something."

A couple of hours later Sarah leaned against the driver's door with her feet on the console. She looked at her watched for what seemed like a zillionth time sat up when she got a glimpse of Chuck and Casey walking out. As their car drove by Chuck had Casey turn the car around so that Chuck could signal to Sarah to follow them. Casey drove through the streets dodging any possible tails. When he only saw Sarah and Carina he pulled into a vacant gas station just on the out skirts of town.

Sarah jumped out zipping up her jacket. Carina followed bundling up as well. As the air in St. Petersburg was drastically getting colder. Casey waited till the girls reached the car when he pulled out what looked like a log book. Passing it to Carina, Carina thumbed through the pages. Smiling Casey knew they had a lead.

"Why are we meeting here?" Carina curious.

"I don't trust Genrika. He watched Chuck and me in what seemed like fear that Chuck or rather Valie was going to leave him again. Whatever is going down he needs Valie, or what the real Valie knows. I think that we need to do some more research on Valie. Something tells me that when we do, this will all come together. And it won't end well for anyone."

Chuck went quiet. Sarah noticing she convinced Casey and Carina to go back to her Russian contacts and get the Intel they needed. Plus they didn't need all four of them looking for the same thing. Casey agreed and jumped into the van with Carina as Sarah took the keys to the car. Sarah slid into the driver's side as Chuck sat next to her. The drive back was a quiet one. Sarah was adding this to her 'get to know Chuck file'. She knew that when he was quiet like this it meant two things. One he was processing info and she had nothing to worry about and or two he was worried. When she noticed his hand slide down his upper legs to his knees she knew that it was the latter. Pulling into the Hotel's lobby she got out and waited for Chuck to follow. Sliding her arm under his they walked past the bell hops. She also noticed once they entered the elevator two men exiting the main lobby, this time she was glad that they were on their side and that Beckman's spirit was felt when the doors of the elevator closed.

Grabbing her key card out from her back pocket Sarah opened the door. Chuck walked in and landed hard on the couch. Sarah turned on some of the lights and took her coat off as Chuck struggled with his. Sarah sat down and helped Chuck's long arm vacate his jacket. Leaning back he rested his head back closing his eyes. Sarah sat with her left knee tucked in under her as she sat leaning on her left arm watching Chuck. She felt sorry for him that he had to be thrown into this. He didn't ask for it. Unlike the three of them spying and lying was in their blood.

Wanting to do this all day in she leaned in and kissed Chuck's cheek. It was slightly cold from being outside but her warm lips warmed his heart as his eyes opened forcing his hands to grasp her face. Sarah leaned upwards to meet Chuck's tall frame. Running her hand over his forehead and brushing his hair back then tucking his hair behind his ear, their lips met. They had not had a real kiss since last night so it was long overdue. Sarah forced herself not to climb onto top of Chuck's lap. Though she was more than willing to give herself to Chuck, she knew that this was not the right time nor the place. She was already playing with fire as it was just by being with him now. But the more their lips danced and their touches became close to being R rated they backed off. Non verbally agreeing they sat back as Chuck leaned back and Sarah placed her head on his chest.

Chuck awoke and loosened his hold and walked towards the bathroom. When he came back he hoped to finish where they left off but Sarah was standing up listening to Carina and Casey. Chuck sat down as Casey filled them in.

"There's not much to go on. The real Valie left St. Petersburg 10 years ago and headed to Moscow. He was 18 at the time and was found to be a savvy business man. His first few businesses he picked up where his dad left off. Up to that time Genrika and other senior members ran the family business. We don't know what happened between the time his dad died and his reasons for leaving when he did. I am guessing he knew the truth and rather than confronting his uncle he left or Genrika had a hand in him leaving. But from earlier I don't think he wanted him to leave in the first place so someone else had to help move things along. We have more coming but that won't be available till morning."

"Carina and I will head back in the morning. Until then we get some rest. Who knows when we will have the chance to do so?"

Casey grabbed his bag and headed to his room. They were lucky to find a suite that had four rooms. Carina walked over to the bar and poured herself a drink. "Chuck, Sarah want one?"

Chuck walked over. "Sure why not it might help me sleep. Not use to the time change yet I guess."

"Sarah?"

Sarah walked over and sat across Chuck. She slid her knee in between Chuck's leg so he was forced to place his hand either on her leg or have it dangle beside him.

Carina poured two more and toasted the mission. Carina poured another as Chuck and Sarah nursed theirs. Chuck watched Carina and when her eyes drifted elsewhere Chuck squeezed Sarah's leg. Carina didn't noticed till Chuck slid his hand just under her knee and slid down towards her ankle. Chuck's long arms were deadly when not controlled. Sarah jumped back as his touch was a little too reactive. Sarah leaned onto her arm as she gave Chuck a smirky look. Carina took her glass and the bottle and wished Chuck and Sarah adieu and headed to her room. Chuck got up and started shutting off the lights in the room. When he came to the last one just before Sarah's room. He paused and waited for Sarah to join him. Moving out of sight of the other two rooms he brought Sarah into an embrace. Kneading his face into her neck which she loved he kissed her good night. Not satisfied she kissed him again.

Chuck stood up and kissed her forehead but lingered a little while longer. Heading back to his room Sarah whispered. "You're not going to tuck me in?"

Chuck smiled and whispered back. "Only if it leads to breakfast."

Sarah giggling to herself as her nerd might be on the same page as her. Chuck was glad that it was dark that Sarah couldn't see his face but not when he bumped into the table near his door.

A week later outside hotel

The air was crisp and the skies were dark, with a slight drizzle as the team made plans to head to Moscow. For some reason Chuck felt that he had to make Genrika trust him sooner than later. So convincing Genrika to let Chuck well Valie take a lead on the next shipment made him happy but also made Carina and Chernekoff move quicker than they were ready for. Carina hung up the phone and grabbed her phone as Sarah took one last look at the room. She didn't want to leave as this was the first time in awhile she felt grounded. She had to thank Chuck for that. Even though it was a mission the rare chance that they had any down time Chuck was keeping her busy. Hoping to go further she knew that every little bit of time with Chuck was more than she would have gotten without him. Sighing one more time she closed the door and headed to the elevator. Putting on her spy face she closed that part of her as the doors opened and closed in front of her.

Walking through the lobby Beckman's team had gone ahead. Beckman promised to stay close as her suspicions of this mission were like Sarah's, unclear. It was not a normal mission with veteran spies it was Chuck whose life was on the line. Beckman only wished that she could be there but gave her team permission to do 'whatever' they needed to get it done and keep Chuck safe.

Sarah slipped out of the doors into the cold looking around for Chuck. She saw Casey and was starting to get worried that Chuck was not around. Sarah lowered her bags to the sidewalk and tried to get Casey's attention. As Casey turned around Sarah's ears were drawn to a thunderous sound of a motorbike, her eyes were widen by the mysterious man riding towards her. When the owner of the rider was identified she smiled. Chuck drove up to the hotel with a custom made Harley Davison that Genrika gave him. Chuck secretly loved the fact that he had a bike. The Nerd versus Steve McQueen with a side of Easy Rider to boot. Casey had just loaded Sarah's bags into the van and wasn't too pleased to now load a bike. But as Chuck pulled up and taming the girl he informed Casey that he would like to ride the bike up to Moscow and meet them there. Sarah looked at Chuck then at Casey. She knew Casey wouldn't like the idea especially when Chuck's life was at stake. But she couldn't blame him for living a little outside the lines of the Intersect.

Carina had already left only worried about herself and this mission as it was going better than she thought that it would, so that left Casey who had better things to do than share a ride with Chuck. That left Sarah who if they could read her mind could hear screams of happiness and excitement building up inside the veteran spy. But her decision was verified when Chuck stood up in his leather jacket and the motion of him taking off his helmet and brushing his hair back made her heart flutter. Leaving his bike he walked toward the van with his helmet stuck under his right arm. Casey admired the bike and the fact that Chuck is still standing. Giving him credit he grunted then jumped into the van. He took one last look at Sarah then back at Chuck. "You're on your own."

Closing the door he rolled the window down and turned back. "I'll see you up there."

Sarah tried to hold her expression but Chuck made up for it. Speeding off, Chuck stared at Sarah. Walking backwards towards the bike he kept his eye on Sarah. Leaning on the bike Chuck extended his hand, Sarah drew out the moment but grabbed is hand and settled very close to Chuck. Licking her lips she anticipated his touching hers very soon but as the moment built Chuck leaned behind him and grabbed the spare helmet and drove it between the two of them. Slightly disappointed Sarah took her gift and placed the helmet on. Chuck grabbed another jacket and helped Sarah slip it on. As Chuck zipped up the zipper he stopped and lightly grabbed her chin forcing her to stare directly at him. Chuck leaned in and with a subtle touch he kissed her. His warm breath caught hers as her lips covered his. Oh how she wanted to take it further but how sexy he was looking now it wouldn't happen. Chuck kissed her one more time as he smiled and zipped up his own jacket and sat down on his bike. Watching her in her leather attire he tried not to stare too long but he couldn't help it. Chuck's attempts to avoid looking at Sarah were interrupted when she made him drag his hands up and over her cladded leather attire. Her boots came to just above her knees and her black leather patched leggings snugged her legs making it look like another set of skin. Slowly sliding his hand to rest on her lower back he pulled her closer. Sarah kept her hands on his face as they duelled for top kisser.

Sarah never liked giving in but this time she didn't like losing either. Resting her head on his she gracefully took second. But the consolation prize was Chuck deepening the kiss for a brief moment when Sarah pulled her head back watching Chuck continuing trying to make the motions of kissing, he opened his eyes.

"Oh sorry."

"Don't be."

"That was like wow!"

Sarah bit her lip. "Been wanting to do that for awhile."

"Have you?" Chuck answering her but was not surprised at all.

"What else have you been wanting to do?"

"Well let me get on the bike and I'll show you."

Chuck swallowed hard as he stood up to balance the bike. Kissing her one more time as she straddled the bike. Chuck pressed the start button and the motor roared. Balancing the bike he turned to watch Sarah's long legs encased his outer thighs. Chuck shifted slightly and smiled. As the bike started to pick up speed Sarah moved closer hugging Chuck's waist. Coasting down the road, Chuck let go of the handle bar and placed his hand on Sarah's. The next thing Chuck knew was Sarah had lowered her guard down and was now resting her head on his back. Driving into rain and sleet Chuck hoped to make it there by morning. The conditions made it harder to control the bike.

Looking at his gas gauge he needed gas fairly soon and looking at how dark the sky was he knew it was very late. Not knowing a lot of Russian he noticed a sign that meant gas. So he pulled into a small but quaint gas station Sarah woke up.

Kicking out the kick stand Chuck waited till Sarah released her hold and stepped off the bike. Following her, he stood up stretching and taking in a few cold breaths as his legs were sore and stiff. Sarah took her helmet off and quickly put her hair into a pony tail – brushing her back away from her face. Chuck followed suit resting his helmet on the seat. Walking up to the pump Chuck laughed at the old school pump. He had not seen a pump like that since he was a kid and even then they never really looked like the ones back home. Chuck watched as the tank filled and the dial flipped. Capping the tank he turned to Sarah. "I guess we could stay here till the rain stops."

"I guess we could."

Sarah wanted to take the sudden delay as one more moment with Chuck. As Chuck paid for the gas Sarah found a corner table overlooking the highway. The rain continued to fall and in areas turn to snow. Ordering some coffee and something to eat Sarah waited for Chuck. When she saw him slip out of the bathroom and walk towards her, everything about him made her heart flutter. Sitting down Chuck reached for her hand, there was something about being alone without Casey, and Beckman the eyes of the CIA that Chuck whether he knew it or not he took advantage of every moment that they could possibly be a normal couple doing normal things. Caressing her hand with his thumb he just stared at her hand then up at her. Sarah looked up – as a spy she was use to staring and glances which never ruffled her spine. But Chuck's stares reached her inner soul, warmed her heart and he loved her for her.

Chuck noticed the rain on the window drying up which indicated that the rain had stopped. Chuck wiped his lips with his napkin and took one last sip of his coffee. Sarah reached for the bill and wiggled herself out of the chair and sauntered over to the counter. Chuck leaned onto the counter and watched her somehow extract money from those tight pants that fit her so well. Admiring the look, the waitress an older woman with light gray hair looked at Sarah then at Chuck. Smiling as she gave Sarah her change. Having no place to put it Sarah tossed into a jar that read tips. The older lady smiled again and nodded.

"Вы два вернуться, когда погода лучше."

Chuck not sure what she said, he smiled just to be polite but looked at Sarah for translation.

"You two come back when the weather improves."

Chuck looked up. "We will."

Sarah translated. "мы будем ."

Chuck walked to the door and held it open for Sarah.

Chuck was making good time when the sun was peaking its way up through the Russian landscape. For a country that portrayed such devastation, war, famine and hard ship the view was breath taking and too rich for words. Which Chuck could see why people would turn to crime? An easy way to lessen the burdens of society. But why would Valie choose this life when he had everything he wanted and more and what happened when he was ten?

MOSCOW

The streets were covered with a fresh layer of snow as bike's wheels made tracks to their destination. Sarah tapped Chuck on the shoulder to make a right hand turn. Chuck drove through the south end of Moscow heading to the CIA safe house. Chuck doubled back making sure that he wasn't followed. Those little things gave Sarah some consolation that he was starting to act like a spy and that he could take care of himself. Pulling up to the house Chuck's tracks were covered by a small gust of wind making no indication that anyone had been on the road. Waiting for Sarah to jump off Chuck followed rolling the bike up to the side wall and covering it with a tarp that he assumed Casey had left for him. Grabbing the helmets they headed up the side stairs. Sarah dragged her hand across the top of the door's moulding to find a loose board. Sliding it out she turned to show Chuck the key.

"Hurry my buns are frozen."

"Well actually they're quite hot."

Chuck did an eyebrow dance as Sarah smiled and unlocked the door. Chuck went first as Sarah returned the key. Chuck had to duck in places at the roof's line was much too short for his tall stature. Sarah took her jacket off and hung it behind the closet chair. Walking more into small room which consisted of a small but functional kitchen, bathroom to its left and one room on the main floor. A spiral stair case stood in the middle leading to another room which from the sounds they knew that Casey had taken that room for himself. Which led Chuck and Sarah to fight over the empty room.

When Chuck saw that Casey had put Sarah's bag in the room he bowed out gracefully and went to the couch.

"You don't have to sleep on the couch."

"Well the floor isn't what we say appetizing and welcoming to sleep on. Besides I am so tired I don't care where I sleep as long as I do."

Sarah looked a little disappointed and Chuck saw and walked towards her. Making sure that Mr Snorer was still sawing logs. Swooping her up in his arms he kissed her softly.

Breaking the kiss he placed his cheek on hers. "Sarah you need to know that I would love to one day head in that direction. Sleeping with with you. Honestly if we weren't."

Sarah pulled back. "I know, me too and your right, but like you said one day and I am going to hold you to it."

"Please do."

As their lips met yawns also duelled for ownership. Chuck whispered good night and turned towards the couch. Sarah headed towards the empty room taking one last look towards the couch as Chuck was already a sleep. Spending longer that she expected she watched him sleep. Chuck rolled over and the blanket fell to the floor. Sarah tip toed over and grabbed the blanket and covered up Chuck up placing a kiss on his forehead she headed for some sleep of her own.

Noon

Chuck was awaken to what smelled liked heaven in liquid form. 'Coffee, perfect timing'

Chuck placed his feet on the floor and walked over to the table where Casey was reading the latest guns and ammo special edition. Sliding over a cup he filled it. Looking up he saw that Sarah had finally gotten out of the bathroom. Sitting in the chair across Chuck looked up and saw that she didn't look to well. Getting up he wanted to feel her forehead but Sarah stopped him.

Whispering softly. "I'm fine, too much fresh air I guess."

Chuck wasn't buying it. Sitting back in his chair he took another sip.

"So when did you two arrive?"

"Around 6."

"We stopped for gas and the rain for a bit."

"I see that you had no trouble in finding this place."

"No your instruction were perfect."

"Walker you awfully quiet?"

"Sorry. Not up to par."

"Well don't let Beckman see that you're not well."

"I think that Beckman would understand that one can be under the weather and not feeling well."

"It's okay Chuck. I'll be okay. I'm going to go back and lie down. Wake me up when Carina gets here. Unless we have stuff to talk about?"

Casey looked up as Sarah and Chuck waited for an answer.

"Nope we're good. Carina said she would be here around 5. So we have some down time. Speaking of down time your invading mine."

Sarah headed to her room as Chuck sat there holding his cup. When Casey moved upstairs and shut his door Chuck put his cup down, grabbed a bottle of water and some meds from the first aid kit knocking quietly on Sarah's door he entered seeing her laying on her side. Chuck slid in beside her and sat up against the headboard. Sarah rolled over and instinctively gravitated towards him. Chuck leaned over and grabbing the bottle and the meds. Finally convincing her Sarah rolled back onto her other side. Chuck snuggled in beside her. When she fell back to sleep he covered her up and exited the room.

Chuck leaned back and placed the 6th file down beside him. Rubbing his eyes he looked at his watch. Noticing the time he walked over to Sarah's room. Sarah had turned to her other side still in a very deep sleep. She had to be under the weather for her to be sleeping so hard. Chuck touched her forehead as he should have done hours before, warm to his touch he headed out and grabbed a cold cloth and ran it across her forehead as his mom and Ellie would have done when he was sick. Chuck checked her pulse as it was ragged but not overly weak. Worry peaked its evil head and Chuck got up and closed the door. There was only one person beside Sarah that would settle him down and that was his sister. It had been over two weeks since he had talked to her. Emails weren't enough but he remembered that phone service would be hit and miss for the next few weeks or so. Rummaging through the supplies Chuck found the SAT phone. Sitting down on the couch he dialed Burbank.

It was around 9:30 back home so she should be up or just getting home from an evening shift. The sat phone dial and rang like an old rotary phone. When that familiar voice said hello Chuck smiled.

"Hey sis, can you hear me?"

"Chuck is that you?"

"The one and only?"

"You finally got to a phone? How is your European adventure going?"

"Great but we are in Russian now. Casey wanted to see some war museums here. He has a fascination and likes to collect war memorabilia."

"Really? And Sarah?"

"Well that's why I'm calling as well as to hear your voice. She has come down with something and is very warm. I gave her some meds a couple of hours ago and put a cold cloth on her forehead. What else can I do?"

Ellie tried to calm her little brother down as it was evident that he was a little worried about Sarah. Being away from home and being under the weather was not fun. When Chuck nodded and agreed with what his older sister was telling him, he knew that she would be ok unless her temperature spiked. That would call for an immediate trip to the hospital. Ellie continued to get the low down of him and Sarah and Chuck heard how Burbank was without him. Even Morgan had been hanging around the apartment waiting for his return. When Chuck couldn't give his sister a time when he would be back, he heard the disappointment in her voice. Her only reassurance was the he wasn't out there alone.