A/N: Arrow is slowly taking hold over me. I find myself being pulled between the Arrow fandom and the Chuck one. Chuck will always be my all-time-favorite show…even though there are things that bother me about the show…but Arrow is not too far behind. You guys should give the show a try. Although it is slowing my writing down a bit…ah who am I kidding, I'm just being lazy!
Additional thanks to my beta uplink2.
I don't own Chuck or anything mentioned in this story…or anything at all 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 10
December 23, 1998
Los Angeles, Echo Park
Casa Bartowski
Previously on Chuck vs. School…
"Game over man, game over."
There was a loud pounding on the door that made the occupant of the room a little grouchy.
Chuck's 'Go away!' was slightly muffled since he was lying face down on the bed.
With no plans in following that little command, Lou entered the room, closing the door behind her. "Yeah, that's not gonna happen, but do you know what is? You're going to get your ass up off that bed and help me and Ellie clean up!"
He groaned and lifted his head off his pillow. "How's Carina?"
Lou felt bad for the redhead, she really did, and it showed. "Well she and her parents left, but…not so good."
Chuck dropped his face hard on the bed…which wasn't all that hard since he had his pillow cushioning the fall. "I am such an ass."
The tiny brunette sat on the bed and mussed up his curls "Yeah, kind of."
He chuckled and lifted his head again. "I don't think I'm mad at anybody in particular more than I am at myself."
She adopted a contemplative expression. "And why are you mad at yourself?"
He sighed. "I mean sure I was upset that Carina had actually hit Sarah, but a part of me felt…happy…and that just makes me a vindictive douche."
Lou made an 'hmmm' sound. "I have no clue what happened between you and Walker to cause Carina to lash out, so I'm going to assume that it must have been bad." Seeing Chuck make no attempt at refuting the claim, she continued. "If that's the case, then your feelings are normal Chuck. I mean who wouldn't want to see someone who hurt them to be hit in the face with the karma stick?"
Chuck had an incredulous look on his face causing Lou to smile. Just too damn adorable!
"Or maybe you're more upset than normal because it was Sarah who was the one who got hurt. I mean let's switch around all the pieces for a second. Would you be as upset and be beating yourself up as much if Sarah had punched Carina, or me even?"
Chuck shook his head vehemently. "Sarah would never do that."
Lou rolled her eyes and punched him on the shoulder. "That's not the point…you like her, don't you?"
Chuck flipped himself over so that he was now staring at the ceiling. "Of course I like her, she's my friend."
Lou plopped herself down so that she was lying next to him. "Don't act stupid, you can't pull it off. You know what I mean."
"I don't like her like that…I don't…I don't…" He turned his head so that he was now staring at her. "…I don't…think it matters how I feel."
She looked puzzled. "How can it not? Anyone with eyes can clearly see that Walker likes you more than friends."
Chuck shook his head and took a deep breath to calm his frustrations. "You know you, Carina, my sister, Morgan, and even Casey have all said the same thing. And I believed you all, so I told Sarah how I felt. Let's just say she definitely didn't return the feelings."
"You know there is a possibility that she could have lied to you."
"And why would she do that?"
Lou shrugged. "Who knows, I don't know what goes on in that head of hers."
Chuck turned to look at her. "Let's not focus on things we won't be able to figure out and focus on things we can. How do I make it up to Carina?"
"Shouldn't you know? I know I'm a girl and all, but you are her best friend after all."
He focused back on the ceiling. "I know her, and she'll say she forgives me even though in reality it'll take her a bit longer to get over it, but that's not the point. It's not just about her forgiving me it's about me making it up to her."
Lou gave it some serious thought and shrugged. "My guess, you should give her something personal. If it's something that means a lot to you, then it'll mean a whole hell of a lot to her…And on that note, come on, let's help your sister clean up." She slapped him on the stomach, which caused Chuck to flail his limbs, and left.
Chuck slowly sat up, and when he got to the peak of his movement, he had his moment of inspiration. Got it!
December 24, 1998
Los Angeles, Echo Park
Casa Bartowski
Chuck was definitely nervous. For one thing it was Lou's, Sarah's, and his first Christmas Eve together; but more importantly and the thing that was at the very most forefront of his mind, he was hoping that Carina really liked what he had in store for her. Some may look at his present as trivial, but taking Lou's advice, it was something that was important to him. He was currently in his room fiddling with his tie when he heard Lou's voice even through his closed door.
"Chuck, stop messing with your tie and get your ass out here. People are gonna start arriving soon!"
He smiled to himself and yelled back his response. "You sound just like my sister! You're a mini Ellie slash Carina…the stuff of nightmares!"
Ellie's voice was the one to respond next. "Isn't it great!? We should have this girl around more often!"
Chuck shook his head, finally left his tie alone, and exited his room. He found the two ladies in the kitchen finishing up some last minute food dishes. "I guess I wouldn't mind that…" He lent against the counter. "…Did I mention how beautiful you two look this evening?"
Both women were dressed in airy yet elegant dresses. Eleanor, who was currently putting the finishing touches on her roast in the oven, wore a dark chocolate colored dress that stopped ¾ of the way down her legs. Lou, who was stirring a bowl of what Chuck could only guess as fruit salad, wore a violet dress that ended an inch below her knees.
Lou dropped her wooden spoon and sauntered up to Chuck. She lightly patted him on the cheek. "Well aren't you the charmer."
Ellie sighed like she'd heard it a million times before. "That's my little brother, but sometimes he's too dumb to figure out the effect he has on people."
Chuck rolled his eyes which made Lou snicker, which in turn made him smile that smile of his. Lou suppressed a sigh of frustration because she just wanted to smack him upside the head and scream at him, 'Don't you know what that smile does to people!?' And throw in a 'Jerk' for good measure. When the tiny brunette opened her mouth to speak, there was a knocking at the front door.
"You can go and answer the door."
Chuck nodded and did as he was told. The family at the door dimmed his smile, but only microscopically. They thankfully didn't notice; well one of them did. Don't get it wrong, he was very happy to see Sarah and her family, but the Millers were usually at the apartment by now. Carina must be really mad.
"El, the Walkers are here!" He stepped to the side and waved them in. After Molly almost squeezed Chuck's leg in half, she ran to the kitchen since she was 'dying of hunger!'
Sarah was the last to enter and the pair embraced, and to the surprise of both of them, she had kissed Chuck on the cheek like it was second nature. She froze in horrific fear, but not after her whole body felt the current of electricity course through her veins. Why the hell am I feeling like this, I'm the one who kissed him? I didn't even get to feel his soft delicious lips…Stop!
Not even before their friendship went pear-shaped did she ever show this type of affection. The faux 'brunette' sure wanted to, but it was mostly teasing and cuddling, which she was totally fine with. Their friendship was close to getting back to normal however, and maybe…
Chuck reddened and chuckled nervously as he shut the door behind her. He had no idea what had come over Sarah, but judging by the expression on her face, he figured it must have been a mistake. He needed to move the conversation along before he set himself up for more heartache.
"If you're hungry, Ellie and Lou made enough food to last us days."
Sarah smiled sweetly which she hoped didn't look too forced. She did that for two reasons: Sarah was still embarrassed about kissing Chuck, no matter how amazing it felt; and she wanted to hide her real reaction at hearing the new girl's name. Oh sure, she liked Lou as a person…just not when she was around Chuck. It wasn't because Lou acted a certain way when she was around the nerd, no, the small brunette was still her adorable feisty self. It was because Lou was around Chuck…I mean did Sarah really need any more of a reason?
Sarah changed the subject just like Chuck did moments ago. "So did Carina arrive yet?"
His head slumped a bit and he shook it. "I really screwed up."
She ran her hand through his locks like it was something she always did, which if she was honest with herself, made her weak in the knees. "Don't worry about it. She'll show up before you know it, and you both will have a good laugh about it. Carina's just hurting right now."
Chuck looked up at her and smiled a crooked smile. "How are you Ok with all of this?"
Sarah shrugged as if to show she was nonplussed about the whole thing, but her face was slightly solemn as she looked towards the ground. "I deserved it."
Chuck nodded. "Yeah, you kind of did."
Sarah's head snapped up. She really did believe she deserved to be smacked for hurting poor-innocent-sweet ole Chuck, but she honestly never thought he would agree. Staring at his face however told a different story.
The pair burst into a fit of laughter. The joke might have been in poor taste, but it broke the awkwardness they were feeling.
Chuck was downright fed up with the whole situation. He was tired of the continuous apologizing, he was tired of the little pot shots his friends and family occasionally took at Sarah, but the one thing that he was tired of the most was the guilt and heartache he felt every time he was reminded of the event; and how could he not be reminded? Seeing Sarah, hell any of the Walkers, brought up flashes. Even turkey was ruined for him, but only for a little while since his sister's cooking was so damn delicious it should be illegal. And what about his home, which was practically ground zero. Now this thing with Carina…Chuck just wanted to be done with the whole thing, and he was getting there.
Chuck and Sarah made their way to the rest of the party guests and mingled. All he could really do now was wait.
It was an hour later when the last of the expected guests arrived. There was a knock at the front door and Chuck yelled out 'I got it!' since he wanted to be the first one to welcome his best friend. It was a bit of a scramble to get to the door since Molly was seated in his lap, so he hefted the little girl over his shoulder and scurried to let the visitors in: causing Molly to burst into a fit of giggles as her golden locks and her chubby limbs bounced every which way.
Chuck wretched the door open with a Bartowski smile on his face…and a little girl over his shoulder. "Merry Christmas Carina, Mr. and Mrs. Miller, glad you guys could make it." He placed Molly down, who instantaneously ran to the kitchen for more food once her feet hit the ground.
Mr. Miller let his wife and daughter in first before stepping in and taking his family's coats. "Merry Christmas Charles, sorry we're late…" He nodded his head towards his family. "…my ladies took their sweet time getting ready."
Mrs. Miller smacked her husband on the arm. "Don't listen to him Chuck, and Merry Christmas." She could tell that her daughter and Chuck needed to work things out; so before they left their house, she and her husband…after some coercing…vowed to help things along in any way they could.
Mrs. Miller grabbed her husband's forearm and started dragging him away. "We're just going to go put these coats away, you two talk."
Carina smiled, but it was noticeably dimmer than usual. "Merry Christmas Chuck."
Chuck smiled brightly in an effort to increase the redhead's own. It wasn't working like he hoped. "Carina, I wanted to apologize for what happened and what I said to you."
"No need Chuck, I went too far, it was my fault. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me and we can just move on."
He shook his head. "Of course, but it's me who…"
She held up a hand to cut him off and she smiled; a smile that still didn't quite reach her eyes. "Alright then, you forgive me and I forgive you so we both should just forget about it." And with that, she walked away.
Chuck sighed as he watched her depart towards the other party-goers. Whether Carina had truly forgiven him or not, she was obviously still upset. He could scrap tonight's plan and give her the time she needed to come around, but waiting was never his strong suit when it came to his loved ones. Plus, he wasn't going to take the chance of them growing apart while he waited. Chuck was set on his plan tonight to try and fix things, or go down swinging.
Rejoining the rest of the party, he hoped it was going to be a very Merry Christmas indeed.
The night went inexplicably quick when Chuck figured it would crawl. He was having a lot of fun even if Carina was a tad distant. Time was sliced through with games, laughter, teasing, and lots and lots of food…it was a surprise no one went into a food coma.
The night was winding down, and per tradition, it was time for gifts to be handed out. With Chuck's very limited funds, he had just enough to squeak by this year…only just. Thank goodness for his sister, whom he split the costs with for two couple's messages for the Walkers and the Millers. The rest of the gifts he paid for himself, I mean it would have been weird for Ellie to help him pay a gift meant for herself, or even Morgan.
Speaking of which, Chuck got his fury hetero-life mate a video game he knew his friend desperately wanted, but since Morgan was spending time with his own family tonight, he would have to give him his game at the Miller's annual Christmas Party tomorrow night. For Molly, Chuck got a purple and pink bike horn. The little girl didn't even have a bike yet, but Chuck had some insider knowledge on what Molly would be receiving from her parents, and after asking permission, the Walkers okayed his gift. Nevertheless, Molly loved her gift as it was apparent from the little girl running around the apartment honking her horn and giggling uncontrollably.
Now Ellie, Carina, Sarah, and Lou were a tad more difficult to shop for.
Knowing his sister was on her way to becoming a doctor, a doctor that studies the brain to be more exact; Chuck figured his older sister would need a stethoscope nonetheless. That's exactly what he got her, a top of the line stethoscope. It took him a bit of his savings to afford it, but with the way Eleanor's eyes misted over, he knew he had hit a winner. The engravings he put on the present sure didn't help much in stopping the water works. On one ear tube Chuck had engraved, 'You don't stop, you don't quit, you never go too far…' and on the other ear tube, '…You are a Bartowski'. And he thought Ellie's hugs couldn't get any more powerful!
After giving Lou her present, Chuck figured he must have been on a roll since he was now a perfect 2/2 for making the recipient of his gift cry. He thought he might have crossed a line at first, but the hug…one that rivaled the famous Ellie hugs…he received soothed his doubts. Chuck recalled a particularly somber day when Lou had discussed her parents. Chuck remembered Lou saying that an easy bake oven was the last gift her parents had given her before they had died in a car crash, and how the movers had lost the tiny oven when she had to go live with her Nana. Her Nana tried buying her granddaughter a new one, but the tiny ovens were always cast aside citing 'it's just not the right time', and eventually Lou buried the pain, figuring it would never be the right time…That is until a certain Charles Irving Bartowski entered her life. Talking about the loss of both their parents bonded their relationship into something special. Lou's gift was definitely last minute, but thankfully a toy store back in the Bay Area had several easy bake ovens in stock.
Carina didn't cry when she received her gift, but Chuck had no realistic expectations of that happening anyways. Unlike Lou's gift, Carina's gift was bought months in advance. The redhead had hinted…very heavily in fact…about how she 'wasn't sure' about a pair of shadowy emerald colored rain boots that they came across at a thrift store this one time. To anybody else, they might have taken Carina's words at face value, but Chuck wasn't just anyone. Carina was Carina, and Chuck loved her for it. Her eyes lit up when she opened the box and she hugged and kissed Chuck, but he felt things were still strained between them. He really hoped what he had planned later would fix all that.
Sarah's gift might have been Chuck's favorite among all the other gifts. It was definitely the one that got his creative juices running the most. Some time ago Sarah finally opened up a bit about her past and mentioned how she had been moving around all her life. He'd be lying if he said that he wasn't worried that Sarah might move again, but it wasn't about how he felt, it was about her. Chuck wanted to give Sarah something that would represent the family she would always have back in Burbank, something that would remind Sarah that no matter where or how far she traveled, she would never be alone. Chuck didn't know if a photo album would mean all that to her, but he believed if the gift made Sarah feel even 1/1,000,000 of a bit better, then it was worth it.
Sarah kept repeating to herself that she wasn't going to cry, but it was a losing battle. When she first opened the present, she had thought Chuck had given her a book. It was a bit odd and she didn't really know the meaning behind the gift, but she loved it because it was from him, and guessed it was the thought that counted. Sarah opened the book and found out it wasn't a book at all…but in a way, the gift did contain stories. She looked over some of the pictures with her and Chuck; some with her and Carina; some with her, Ellie, Chuck, and Carina; and so much more people and combinations that she didn't remember posing for half of them. There weren't just pictures either; near every photo was a caption that described the time, place, event, etc. Sarah looked through the album until her eyes started to become blurry, than she wiped at the tears and closed it. She would look at the rest later. Sarah sighed dreamily as her fingers soaked in the lettering engraved in the cover that spelled out 'FAMILY'.
Jack Walker snorted. "It seems like every guy here should study under Charlie on the lessons of gift giving."
Everybody laughed as Chuck's face heated up. Sarah smacked her father on the arm and moved over to Chuck and gave him a hug and a kiss. She then muscled her way in between Lou and Chuck and sat down: drawing even more chuckles from everyone…Everyone except Jack Walker and Lou Palone. Lou was annoyed/amused more than anything while Jack was suspicious/annoyed.
The rest of the gifts were passed out and opened; and the party took off again with games and of course more food. Chuck saw Carina go into the kitchen to refill her drink and realized she was alone. He excused himself from the rest of the guests and followed the redhead. When Carina placed her glass down, Chuck saw his opportunity and struck. He pulled Carina into his room, locking the door being him, and standing in front of it for good measure.
The redhead whirled on him, "What the hell Chuck!?"
He sighed. "I just wanted to apologize."
Carina rolled her eyes and shook her head. "I told you that I'd forgiven you already, don't you remember?"
Chuck shook his head then realized what he was doing. "I mean yes I remember, but you haven't forgiven me…at least not completely. If you had, the Carina I know would have made some comment about me 'ravishing' you the moment I pulled you into my room."
Her lips started to tremble as she tried her best to hinder her smile. "You think you know me so well, huh?"
He smiled sadly. "I know you as well as you do me. Look…what happened yesterday, I lost my temper. I wasn't as mad at you as I was with myself. It's just that Sarah and I had just made up, and then I found out you hit Sarah…"
She cut him off before he could finish and it all came flooding out. "Chuck I'm so sorry! I know I crossed a line by hitting Sarah, but I couldn't help it. When she told me what she said to you, I completely lost it. I know…I know it's no excuse, but please don't give up on me. I can change!"
Carina was slowly becoming hysterical in front of him so he encased her in his arms. "Hey, I would never ever want you to change for anyone, especially me. I know the real Carina, and I love you just the way you are. You're family to me, and nothing you ever do will ever change that."
She buried his face into his chest. "So you're not disappointed in me?"
Chuck hadn't seen her this vulnerable since the first time she spoke to him about Bryce…Bryce! "You were just trying to protect me, and on a deeper level, I knew that. I was just so frustrated with things and I used you as an outlet…I'm sorry."
"God I'm so sick of you apologizing, it's ok Chuck, really. I get what you're saying and even though what you said hurt, I understand and I'll be fine eventually."
He detached from the hug and held her at arms' length. "I have something for you and…well here, turn around."
Chuck spun her around and Carina snickered. "Oh how kinky, I've always known you had a naughtier side."
Chuck chuckled. "Now that's my Carina…" He swept her hair over her shoulder to expose her neck and clasped a necklace around it. "…I hope you like it."
Carina gasped, she didn't really know what to expect, but she certainly didn't expect this. It was a simple silver chain with a four-leaf clover at the end of it, but it was beautiful in its simplicity. She fingered the clover as a sense of familiarity washed over her.
"Chuck where did you…" Carina let the question die in the air.
Chuck walked over to his bed and sat down. He signaled her to join him which she happily complied.
"You remember the bracelet I told you about?"
She nodded. "The one your mother left Ellie?"
"Yeah…Well Ellie gave it to me saying that I should give it to the person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. I wasn't going to do that because I hated the thing. For me the bracelet was just a constant reminder of my Mom leaving."
Carina grasped both of Chuck's hands and gave them a gentle squeeze. She knew how much his parents leaving affected him, and her heart broke every time she saw the cracks.
A small smile crept up his face. "It's weird…the bracelet reminded me of all the bad times, but the charms themselves, brings back all the good ones. Half of the charms represented memories I lived through, and the other half were stories that El had told me over the years. How can one object be filled with so much happiness and pain?"
"I don't know Chuck, I don't know."
He nodded, not really expecting an answer. "I really wanted to give you something that showed how important you are to me, so I…I took apart the bracelet, and that clover you're wearing around your neck is one of the charms."
Carina's hands instinctively went to her necklace. "You took apart the bracelet!? What will Ellie think? She'll kill you, and then me for wearing it! Plus what about all the bad memories associated with this?" With the chain still around her neck, she held it outstretched to him to make a point.
"Well if you don't want it…" Chuck made a grab for it, but predictably, the redhead moved out of reach. He chuckled. "Didn't you hear what I said? I can't explain it, but the bracelet as a whole was radioactive, but just the charms…"
Carina finished his thought. "Reminded you of a better time, a time where your family was whole."
"Exactly, all those charms, the one around your neck included, mean so much to me. Each one represents a happier part of my past. I cherish those charms as much as I cherish the memories. I'm giving you one to show you, and to remind you whenever you forget, how much you mean to me…Does that make any sense, cause I'm not particularly sure." Chuck chuckled in that self-deprecating way he usually does.
Carina's eyes were becoming the color of her hair as tears threatened to spill. She grasped the necklace with her right hand as she hugged Chuck with the other. She felt him rubbing soothing circles on her back as he kept repeating how things were going to be Ok and how important she was to him. After things had settled down, they pulled back and smiled at one another to show that things were fine. Seeing as both eyes sparkled with happiness, they exited the room to rejoin the party.
Ellie was the first to recognize the charm hanging from her little sister's neck. She was upset at first when Chuck mentioned taking apart the bracelet, but then she slowly realized what her little brother needed. Heck, when she got the bracelet from Mary and then her mom left, she wanted to destroy it too, but she could never bring herself to do it. Besides, it looked fantastic on Carina.
The elder Bartowski went over to Carina and started making a fuss over the necklace causing Chuck to leave the ladies to their conversation and head to the kitchen for sanctuary. He then heard the rest of the partygoers join in on the conversation and Chuck couldn't help but smile. He heard Carina explain how the necklace was important to him and how much it meant to her, and by the tone in her voice, there was absolutely no hint of deception in her words.
That's how Sarah found Chuck in the kitchen: smiling. She ambled over to him and nudged his side with her shoulder.
"A necklace huh?"
He blushed a little. "Well you know. Lou gave me the idea of giving Carina something personal, and the idea just hit me. It might not look it at times, but Carina's as insecure as the rest of us, she just hides it really really well. I'm hoping the necklace makes her feel how much she means to me."
Chuck was staring out the pass-through at the guests that surrounded the redhead so he didn't see the look of slight jealousy and disappointment that passed through Sarah's features…Thankfully. Sarah was jealous that she hadn't received an intimate necklace too, but that jealousy went away quickly and made room for the disgust she felt towards herself. She should've been happy that her two friends made-up.
Chuck nudged Sarah with his shoulder. "So, you like your gift? I wasn't really sure…I didn't know if…"
She placed her hand on top of his that was on the countertop. "I love it."
He smiled and nodded: His attention still out the pass-through instead of on her due to his sudden nerves. "I gave you that gift 'cause…I just need you to know that wherever you go, I'll always be there to help you…Someone you can call, whenever. Trust me Sarah; I'm here for you always."
Sarah turned to him and wrapped her arms tightly around him. There was never really a question about Chuck being there for her, it was always about where she would be.
"I'm not going anywhere…Chuck, the reason I said those horrible things over Thanksgiving…" She blew out a breath but didn't lessen her grip. If anything, the embrace only tightened. "…I heard my parents talking about us moving again, but it turned out that I misunderstood the whole conversation. I didn't realize we weren't moving till after Thanksgiving, and we both know how that ended…I was an idiot and I completely freaked out. I didn't mean any of those things I said, I think I was just trying to push you away so it wouldn't have hurt as much when my family finally did move. But you have to know Chuck, you mean the world to me and there's no one better than you, and…"
She wanted to say more but thought better of it. Their friendship, although progressing at an exponential rate back to its norms, still wasn't there yet. She would have to wait to have 'the talk'. In all honesty the fear that he wouldn't give her a second chance after the horrible things she said was ruling her decision making for the time being. She rationalized that too much too soon wouldn't help anyone.
Chuck held her at arms' length. The hurt over that event had simmered down into a dull aching pain, but hopefully with Sarah's confession and apology, his wounds would heal completely. He was glad she explained herself, even though he never expected or thought she had to. Chuck could tell she was struggling to say more so he decided to give her an out. They had just gotten over a huge obstacle in their relationship, it was probably best not to push it.
"Come on, let's rejoin the festivities, it's almost time." At the look of confusion he chuckled. "Bartowski family tradition: bottomless eggnog, fake gas fireplace, Twilight Zone marathon. Be prepared to have your mind blown Walker."
At the sight of his patented smile, she melted. It was impossible not to fall in love…with that smile! 'Cause you know, she was in love with his smile, just his smile.
December 25, 1998
Los Angeles, Beverly Hills
Casa de Miller
It was the Miller's annual Christmas party at their quaint little…mansion...house, and all the guests were inside the hall, which was made for such functions, adjacent to the lovely home. It seemed like everybody from the greater Los Angeles area was in attendance; Ok, that was a huge over exaggeration, but the Millers were well known and liked. Chuck wasn't too sure what Carina's parents did for a profession…something involving politics or something of that nature…but most if not all of their coworkers, and by extension their families, were at attendance. That included the Tremblays, the Roberts, the Barkers, and unfortunately the Larkins. By no means did Chuck have a problem with the Larkins; it was just one Larkin in particular that really grinds his gears.
Speaking of which; Chuck was currently off to the side mingling with his sister, Morgan, Hannah, and Carina; when he looked over to the buffet spread to see Sarah, Molly, and…you guessed it…the gear grinder himself. Why is she talking to him? Chuck couldn't tell Sarah who she could and couldn't speak to, and he would never even try, but why Bryce?
Sarah was having similar thoughts at the moment from across the room. Bryce had been really nice to her as of late. Whenever she saw him around, whether it was at school or outside of it, Larkin seemed to go out of his way to compliment her and smile that charming smile of his. He'd been ramping it up lately by actually engaging in conversations with her, and to be perfectly honest, it was confusing the hell out of Sarah. Bryce was supposed to be one thing, but he acted like another. She knew from Chuck's feelings and what Carina has said about Bryce that she should avoid him, but all the attention she was receiving was really getting to her. It was like she was drinking up Bryce's words and her head was starting to swim. Oh, there was no chance that she would fall for him…especially since she was already in love, in like, I'm in like with Chuck DAMMIT! But maybe Bryce isn't so bad, or maybe he's changed. Maybe we could be friends?
Sarah shook her head back to attention and realized Bryce was still talking. About what, she had no clue.
Bryce took a breath. He was a little discouraged that Walker had nothing to say, especially since he was laying it on pretty thick there. No matter, he smirked.
"Like I was saying, the whole thing with Chuck and Carina was a huge misunderstanding and all I want to do is apologize, but they won't give me the time of day."
Sarah snorted but quickly covered her mouth with her hand in embarrassment. "Sorry, it's just…that does sound like them."
That wasn't true, well actually it was like Carina to be stubborn, and Chuck would have her back no matter what, but the reason for her snort was because of Bryce. She might have believed his words if he didn't look so damn cheesy. He thought that cocky smirk of his was so charming.
Bryce shrugged. "Maybe you could put in a good word for me?" In actuality, he didn't care one bit about the two people who gave him the most grief.
Sarah shrugged, "Maybe." Even if Bryce wasn't completely sincere about making the effort to bury the hatchet, maybe Chuck and Carina wanted to let bygones be bygones? She felt a tug at the bottom of her dress and saw Molly looking inpatient. Her little sister was like Chuck in so many ways, always hungry being one of them.
Larkin noticed where Walker's attention was and decided to play the adorable little girl card. He looked down at the blonde haired child. "And what can I get you princess?"
Molly tilted her head and quickly sized up this new person. She narrowed her eyes, not liking what she saw. Molly maneuvered around her big sister and stood toe to toe with Bryce. Without taking her eyes…which were still narrowed…off of the newcomer, her left hand shot out above and to the left of her, groping around for food on the table.
Sarah giggled at the sight. Her little sister was starring down Bryce while her tiny hand was searching for food. Sarah took a cookie off a plate and guided it to her little sister's roaming fingers.
Molly grasped what felt like a cookie…YES!...and brought it to her mouth where she snapped it off. She bit into that cookie with so much force it couldn't even be called a 'bite'. Molly chewed a bit and proceeded to swallow exaggeratedly. With her eyes still narrowed, the little girl stuck out her middle and index finger and pointed at her eyes, she then pointed those same two fingers at Bryce. Believing she got her point across, she harrumphed and walked away mumbling something about how 'her Chuck was so much better than this guy'.
Sarah couldn't help but laugh while Bryce just smiled painfully. Little kids annoyed him and the one walking away did him no favors.
Sarah composed herself enough to leave. She wanted to get back to her group. "I'll see what I can do Bryce, I probably should get back…"
He didn't let her finish. "Oh yeah, no problem. I know you don't owe me anything, so I appreciate your help…make sure you save me a dance." With that last sentiment hanging in the air, Bryce winked, smiled that smile of his, and walked away.
Sarah's eye twitched. The first time Bryce winked and smiled at her, she would reluctantly admit that it flustered her. Now, after Larkin had done it for like the millionth time, it honestly kind of irked her. And with that thought, she went back to her group of friends.
Ellie, Sarah, Carina, Lou, and Molly were currently dancing with each other, so Chuck was off to the side with the furry one.
Morgan slapped himself theatrically. "Have you seen a more beautiful sight Chuck?"
"You aren't wrong there buddy, you sure aren't wrong."
Morgan patted his best friend on the back. "Buddy, you know how I'm going to marry Ellie right?"
Chuck chuckled, "Naturally."
"Yeah, I mean we're already brothers, but how awesome would it be when we become brother-in-laws!"
Chuck turned to his friend with a cocked eyebrow. "Right…where you going with this buddy?"
The bearded one sighed. "Hannah is dangerously close to breaking up our life-long plans dude."
"Our life-long plans? Buddy, hate to break it to you, but Ellie is never gonna marry you. Now, if Hannah is actually willing to date you, then you turn on that Morgan Grimes charm and never let her go."
Morgan mulled over his words. "Maybe you're right Chuck…not about the whole Ellie thing, 'cause I know she's secretly digging the beard, but about Hannah. Speaking of which, she's over by the drink station looking as beautiful as ever. I think I'll go over there and ask her for a dance right now." Grimes left without waiting for a response.
Being alone, you'd figure he would be slightly blue, but Chuck was anything but. Looking at all the people that mattered most in his life having such a good time together filled his heart with joy. Seeing his male best friend putting the moves on Hannah also made him happy, at the very least it made him chuckle. He could honestly say that at this point in time, he couldn't be happier. A tapping on his shoulder interrupted his happy thoughts and made way for curiosity. Does he actually look…nervous?
"Hey Cole"
"Hey Chuck, how ya doin'?"
"I'm fine, uh are you alright? You look a little…shaky."
"Oh yeah mate I'm all good…" Cole let out a large breath as his shaky smile faltered. "Uh I was wondering if you would do me a favor."
Chuck had no earthly idea what favor Cole Barker would need from him: Homework perhaps? That was even unlikely since Cole was pretty smart in his own right.
"Umm sure, what can I do for you?"
"Well I was wondering if you would put in a good word for me with Miller. I've asked her out a couple times before but she's always dismissed it as a joke or something…Or at least I hope that's the case since she always ended up laughing…Why is she always laughing?" Barker mumbled that last question to himself more than anyone.
Chuck was rather shocked at the revelation. Is Cole Barker, Burbank High's very own lady killer, actually coming to a nerd like me for help with the opposite sex? Granted its Carina, but still…
"I don't think that's a good idea Cole. I doubt Carina would listen to me, and besides…" He suddenly snapped his mouth shut. He really needed to get that whole problem of his fixed: Speaking without thinking clearly.
Cole looked at him critically, "Besides what, Chuck?"
Chuck at first wasn't too sure about letting Cole know what he was about to say, but after mulling it over, there was no way he was going to keep quiet.
"Look no offense, but I don't think it's such a great idea for you and Carina to…to be a thing."
Barker stepped up to Chuck as his face hardened. "And why the hell not Bartowski, you don't think I'm good enough or something?"
Chuck did something out of character at that moment. He stood up straighter and met Cole's steely gaze with one of his own.
"I'm sure you're a great guy Cole. You've always been nice to Morgan and I, and I appreciate that. Maybe someday we might even call each other friends. But I've seen you around school and I've heard about your reputation."
Barker showed no signs of backing down. "Well you shouldn't believe everything you hear Bartowski. And if I'm not mistaken, Miller had quite a reputation herself, but you never believed it or held it against her."
"Well you didn't have to look too deep to figure out all those rumors were completely idiotic. Like I said before, you're a nice guy and all, but basically every time I see you around school you're practically flirting with someone. Carina can make up her own mind on who to date, but you better believe that there's no way in hell I'm going to try and convince my best friend to go out with a playboy and possibly risk getting hurt."
Cole had to take a step back now. He was a little pissed that he was called out on his Casanova ways, but if he were honest with himself, he couldn't really blame Chuck, so that wasn't the issue. The thing that made Cole stand down was the intensity of the emotions radiating off of Bartowski. He could see that if you made a friend out of Chuck Bartowski, then you would have someone fiercely loyal in your life. The confidence and bravado oozing out of Chuck surprised him as he thought, If Chuck was more like this at school, then he could really challenge my title as most eligible bachelor of Burbank High.
Cole shook his head. He enjoyed having that 'title', a lot, but most of the time that label ended up leaving him feeling empty, except for when he was around Miller. Something about that fiery redhead who never took any of his bullshit made him feel…Cole's attention was focused back on Chuck and he laughed at the nerd's confused look.
"Sorry, just lost in my own head there for a moment." His happy emotion sobered up. "I understand that you're looking out for your friend, and believe it or not, I'm happy that's the case. But hear me on this Chuck…I would never dream of hurting Carina, I care about her too. If you don't want to, I'm not gonna force you into helping me, but all I'm asking is for you to help her have an open mind. I know how people talk about me, and I get how you want to protect her, and I even understand that if you did agree to help me it wouldn't do much good since Miller is so damn stubborn, but all I need is a chance…Just a chance."
Chuck could see as well as feel the sincerity, but he didn't have much time to dwell as he noticed a certain redhead making a beeline straight towards them. She must have noticed our confrontation moments ago.
In fact Miller did notice. While she performed, a particularly awesome, twirl on the dance floor, she caught sight of Chuckie and Barker staring each other down…Chuck's case in particular. She had confidence that Chuck could handle himself, but that didn't mean she wouldn't try to protect him, so she headed over there with that thought in mind. The redhead's sudden departure made the others follow in curiosity.
Carina stepped in between Chuck and Cole, but positioned her body more slightly in front of her best friend. "What's going on here?"
Barker smiled. "Chuck and I were just chatting…Did I tell you how beautiful you look tonight love?"
Since Carina wasn't blocking him completely, Chuck saw the slight grin that was masked quickly by a glare. He made his decision to Cole's request right then and there. Chuck really hoped he was doing the right thing.
Chuck spoke up before Carina could get a word in. "Why don't you take Cole out on the dance floor?"
Miller did a double take as Cole mouthed a 'thank you'. Chuck nodded slightly then placed his attention back to the now slightly incredulous looking redhead.
Carina shook her head as if she were in some bad dream then grabbed Chuck's arm and dragged him to the side for some semblance of privacy.
"Chuck what the hell is the matter with you?"
He shrugged. "I know it sounds crazy, but…he likes you, and you could do a lot worse."
She smacked him on the shoulder…half playfully, half not so playfully. "Yeah, I'm sure he likes me just as much as he likes the rest of the world's female population. That's not the point, why are you trying to set me up with him?"
Carina was confused, curious, angry, and even hurt. As each day passed, she was slowly coming to the realization that she and her dumb nerd would never be…especially ever since Walker had come to Burbank. It sucked, but it was what it was. As long as she had the stupid nerd in her life, she knew she would ultimately be fine. I would be more finer with Chu-, don't go there!
Chuck sighed. "I know that he's…popular…with the opposite sex, but I think there's more to him than that. He seems like a really good guy at heart, and I think you two might be good for each other. I just want you to be happy."
Carina smiled warmly, she could never stay angry with him. "I don't need a man to be happy Chuck."
"I know that! You and Ellie are like the two strongest and most independent people I know, and I love you both for that so much. I just worry sometimes…Look, I'm not gonna force you into dating Cole. If you don't want to go out with him, that's fine because I'm never going to bring this up again. All I'm saying is that giving him a chance might not be the worst idea in the world."
Miller had to admit that the idea of going out with Cole Barker didn't make her vomit. He was always nice to her; then again he was nice to every girl. But with her it just seemed different, and she couldn't really explain why. She also had to admit that Cole was nice to look at, and was definitely a step up from Bryce in the whole, 'being a decent human being' department. The redhead did understand she needed to move on from her best friend, and if Chuck recommended Cole then maybe it wouldn't be so bad.
Carina tilted her head from side to side giving the appearance of coming to a decision. "Fine I'll give him a chance, but if this takes a turn for the worse, then it's on your cute little ass."
Chuck laughed. "Don't act like you hate the idea, I know you find Cole attractive."
"Sure he's ruggedly handsome, but he's no you." She said it with a teasing tone, but there was definitely some truth in her statement.
"Yeah I'm more good looking than Cole…and you know what, John Casey is a spy."
She looked at him and responded with a deadpanned expression. "You really should have picked a better choice of words because Casey working for the government is not too hard to believe."
Carina walked off back towards their group of friends leaving Chuck shaking his head in amusement before following hot on the redhead's heels. When the two got back to the group, Carina grabbed Cole's arm and started dragging him towards the dance floor.
"Let's go Barker before I change my mind."
Cole was dragged a couple of steps before he abruptly stopped, causing Carina to fall back against him. "Sorry, just need to talk to Bartowski for a sec."
He left a bewildered redhead in his wake, and when Barker took the number of steps back to Chuck and the rest of the group, he was met with a perplexed look. "I just wanted to say thanks again…And that you won't regret this." Not hearing a response, Cole cleared his throat in an attempt to dispel the awkwardness. Still not getting anything, he turned with the intention of reconvening with his future dance partner, only to be stopped in his tracks by a rather strong grip on his arm.
Chuck shook himself out of his reverie in time to grab Cole before he could leave. He stepped up close to the Brit as to not be overheard by the others. "People look at me and see some unassuming, weak, meek little nerd, and for the most part I would attest to that…the nerd part at least…but if you hurt her, there won't be anything that will stop me from kicking your ass."
Barker's uncomfortable laugh died as he noticed Chuck's expression and the slight increase in pressure around his arm. From the previous conversation, he knew Bartowski was protective of Carina, but he never imagined Chuck could actually act out physically. Cole always considered Chuck Bartowski a friend, or at the very least an acquaintance, but he was ashamed to realize that he thought of the self/not-so-much-self proclaimed nerd as everyone else did: unassuming, meek. At the moment however, Cole was feeling something he would never voice out loud…intimidated.
Barker smiled, trying to project an aura of arrogance, but it was clearly coming out as uneasy. "That won't ever happen, but if I ever do screw up, I won't stop you."
Chuck just nodded and let go as he watched Cole strut back to Carina. He didn't really feel like himself just now, but he would be lying if he said he didn't love the fact that he could make the-oh-so-self-assured Brit nervous, if Cole's face was any indication. Suddenly a voice that often haunted him passed through his ears.
"At it again, huh Cupid?"
Chuck smiled at the sight of Carina laughing as Cole twirled her around the dance floor, and at the thought that he might be responsible for that. A slight tugging of his pants broke him out of his introspection and he looked down to see Molly reaching up for him wanting to be picked up, which he readily obliged.
Lou positioned herself to the right of Chuck and Molly…who was now currently being held in his arms…while Sarah was flanked to his left. "Has Chuck played matchmaker before?"
His cheeks heated up a tad. "I wouldn't say that."
Sarah just shook her head and laughed. "You see those two Lou?" Walker jerked her head in the direction of a couple containing a short furry fellow and a slender elegant brunette on the dance floor.
Lou was impressed, and smirked knowingly. "I hope you guys don't take this the wrong way, but I knew there had to be a reason Morgan and Hannah were together."
Chuck laughed at the absurdity of that statement. "They're together because they like each other and they enjoy each other's company. Morgan and Hannah just…work. Nothing I did helped those two hit it off so well, it was all them."
Lou tilted her head from side-to-side then shrugged her shoulders. "Well either way, they do make a rather cute, if not unorthodox, couple. So who's next Cupid? You gonna set up Ellie, or maybe you and Sarah perhaps." Lou knew exactly what she was saying, so she wasn't surprised by the choking sounds coming from both Walker and Chuck.
From the short amount of time since she'd known Chuck, the nerd had quickly planted himself inside her heart. The love Lou felt for the nerd wasn't that of the romantic variety, nonetheless it was the kind of love you felt for a dear friend, or a sibling. A sibling I sometimes flirt with…wait what? Ok so sibling wasn't the right comparison…Point was, she loved Chuck, but she wasn't in love with him. Lou knew however that there was definitely something going on between Walker and Chuck, even if it was doubtful the two idiots would get together with everything she'd heard about their story thus far. That didn't mean she couldn't play Cupid herself, but let's be honest, Ms. Palone just worshiped chaos.
Sarah and Chuck were quick to protest, but Chuck was the first to actually speak out since Molly helped by patting his back during his choking fit…Ok, so Molly's patting didn't really accomplish anything but being adorable, still.
"I don't think I could set my sister up with anyone, I'd be too biased. No one would ever be good enough for her. As for Sarah or myself, I've learnt the hard way to stay out of Sarah's love life." He chuckled in a self-deprecating manner. "And I don't think love is in the cards for me at the moment."
His words hurt Sarah more than she was willing to admit. I explained why I pushed him away, I explained everything! Ok so I told him less than 24 hours ago, but I still told him…what's taking him so long to get over it!? Sarah knew she was being irrational, but a part of her hoped that after explaining to Chuck why she went completely nuts on Thanksgiving that he would sweep her up in his strong gangly arms and plant a mind shattering, earth melting…wait…kiss on her. She couldn't bring herself up to putting herself out there completely in fear of the realization that she had completely missed her chance. But perhaps subtlety was the best way to approach the situation anyways. Sarah did agree after all that not rushing things would be the way to go, but if Chuck wanted to rush things…
Sarah took Molly from Chuck's arms and placed her younger sister on the ground. "Mol go with Lou, I think the Millers just put out a new batch of cookies."
The little blonde girl was off to the races pulling Lou's arm so hard the tiny brunette felt like her limb popped out of her socket.
Sarah looked at Chuck shyly. "Do you want to dance?"
"Sure…" He squeaked out before he cleared his throat to start over. Chuck figured it was safer to just nod his head in agreement.
The two slowly, and unsteadily, made their way to the dance floor. To both their great relief, by the time they found a nice spot, the music slowed down. Chuck and Sarah were both capable dancers, but predictably their insecurities got in their way. A slow jam was exactly what the doctor ordered. Predictably, the dance didn't start off as smoothly as they hoped.
Chuck went for the dance position with her hand in his left and his right hand on her hip while Sarah went for the position with both her arms around Chuck's neck. After shifting from position to position, neither getting on the same page, they settled for the position Sarah went for the first time. The moment his hands came into contact with Sarah's delicate waist, it sent chills through her body.
"Are you cold?"
Sarah blushed and shook her head 'No'. She decided it was best to change the subject. "So you're leaving tomorrow?"
Chuck nodded. "Got an early flight in the morning and hopefully I don't sleep through my alarm. The Millers are gonna complain but I'm going to stick around and help clean up."
"I'm pretty sure my parents, Molly and I can stick around to help too."
Chuck smiled at her thoughtfulness. "I'm sure Carina and her parents would appreciate all the help they can get."
As they swayed, a comfortable silence engulfed them…well as much of a silence as there could be with music and chatter in the background. Still, Sarah thought it was the perfect time.
"I was thinking that when you get back…maybe…maybe we could go out, or something." That's perfect, baby steps Walker, baby steps.
A look of puzzlement, sadness, curiosity, and finally clarity all washed over Chuck's face in a span of a second. "That sounds like a great idea. Not sure if El is planning another 'welcome home' party, but we could go to the beach or the pier. You know make a whole day of it."
Sarah was on cloud nine until those very same things that made her feel so elated (words), made her come crashing down.
"We have to pick a day where Ellie is free. Of course you've got to bring Molly along, and then there's Carina, Morgan, and Hannah. I think we should invite Cole too."
Chuck was confused by Sarah's request at first. It honestly kind of sounded like she was asking him out on a date…But that's not possible! Then it hit him, Sarah wasn't asking for a date, she just wanted to set up a casual 'welcome home' hang-out thingy.
Sarah sighed and she made absolutely no attempt at hiding it. She wanted to ask him out without it sounding like she was asking him out. Walker, what the hell are you talking about?…QUIET Mini! …Just ask the friggin nerd out already! Don't talk about my nerd like that! Sarah made a face and shook herto the amusement of Chuck.
She knew her conscious was right, she should just ask Chuck out already, but she had her reasons for her date/not-a-date proposal. After everything that had happened, Sarah wanted to ease into things, so her question to 'go out' was just exactly that. And of course there was that whole fear of missing her window of opportunity thing, so she was also trying to protect herself from that realization. Was it cowardly…Yes…Was it selfish…Yes, and a whole lot of other things like stupid, unnecessary…MINI! …Alright alright, no need to get your panties in a bunch Walker.
As the song winded to a close, Sarah felt so was her chance at being with Chuck in a more romantic setting. It didn't matter if that window was nailed shut though; she still was going to fight for them. She wouldn't come out swinging though, because that would just cause a whole new set of problems. No, Sarah knew that even though it might take longer, making sure things were right and showing Chuck that she was serious in wanting a future…showing Chuck that she could be trusted with his heart…was the way to go. One week, two weeks tops!
A/N (2): Pretty big chapter, and finally Sarah has gotten her head out of her ass and has decided on a direction for her relationship with Chuck: A very slow forward. It's still forward so…
Any and all reviews are much appreciated.