A/N – Thanks to DLK for the beta and for those still reading, thank you for sticking with this story. I am still having a great time writing it and hope you enjoy reading. This is the last chapter with Flashbacks and Ch12 is the last chapter for this story.

The End in Itself

Chuck vs. The End pt 2

Castle, Burbank, 7.32 am, 1stDecember 2010

"Lefevre and Agent Walker will be arriving on his private jet in a few hours." Casey glances sideways at Chuck as he reports out to Beckman. He knows that Bartowski had actually argued with Lefevre when he suggested that Sarah fly out with him, even going so far as to refuse to leave New York.

"And have you narrowed down the target?" She's given them a lot of leeway and right now, it worries her that Lefevre has all the components to build one heck of a powerful explosive device.

"No, ma'am. He's still holding that particular detail from us but we know it's in California and I still have the triggering device." Chuck had nearly come to blows with Lefevre when he refused to hand over the device and because of it, Lefevre had insisted that Sarah stay behind. Chuck nearly capitulated then but understood that this was what they had to do and he had enough trust in her skills to know that she could take care of herself.

He sees Beckman nod at his words and knows that he needs to address his future now. The assignment is almost over and he needs to ensure that all their hard work and sacrifices have paid off. "General Beckman, once this assignment is over, Sarah and I are requesting transfers. The paperwork has already been sent to you." Sarah had told him that she was still trying to get in touch with his father and that they'll get another Intersect to replace him. But with Lisa depending on them, it was best to take a step back from active duty.

Chuck had already proven his worth by using Casey's Flash Active Recall Management process and would continue to do so but only as a supervisory Agent, just providing information for missions. Sarah had also asked to retire and assume a training role, passing on her knowledge and skills to other agents without the need to go out into the field.

He knows that it's not the ideal solution for Beckman but he cannot see how she can refuse considering that he'll still be working for her. Overall, he knows that Sarah had already put in place Plan B and although he does not want to live his life on the run, he's cognizant enough to understand that his family needs to come first and Sarah would have already ensured that they get a chance to be a family.

"I don't think now is the time to discuss this, Agent Bartowski." She sees the determination on his face and realizes that he's not going to let it go. "I will take it under consideration and I understand your motivations here." She's perfected the art of plausible deniability and knows she's not promising him anything.

"Sarah said you'd say that." He smiles although it does not reach his eyes. "So, I guess, I have to be clear here. We've done everything you've asked of us and will continue to serve our country. I don't want an answer right now but what I do want is an understanding that you will give our request the due consideration it requires and your word that you will try your best." Chuck knows he's pushing his luck as he sees her eyes narrow but he needs to do this because he knows Sarah needs to get Lisa back.

"Very well, Agent Bartowski, I give you my word that I will review your request with the due consideration it deserves." She cannot deny their sacrifices and she is not lying as she tells Chuck this. What she does not elaborate on is the fact that it's not up to her anymore and although she has already agreed to Sarah's transfer, she has no say over Chuck. She realizes that when they find out, she'll have to deal with Agent Walker and wonders if it will end well.

"Beckman agreed?" He can hear the skepticism in Sarah's voice as he recounts his conversation, noting the fact that she looks slightly happier than he's ever seen her in recent times. She hasn't mentioned Lisa once but he can tell that Sarah's thinking about her. Every now and then, she gets this look in her eye and Chuck knows that she's thinking of their daughter. He has to stop himself from touching her or saying anything because he knows she cannot deal with his empathy. So he looks away when he recognizes her look and only replies when she asks him the question.

"Not in the sense of saying yes." He sees her roll her eyes, "But she gave me her word." He still believes that it'll all work out in the end and all their hard work and sacrifices will mean something. "It's almost over and in a few days…" He sees her hold her breath and he wants so much to tell her she does not need to remain stoic for him but he knows that it's a coping mechanism for her and he's already asked so much of her that it's only fair for him to accept that. "We're so close." He smiles at her and can see her relief at his words.

Sarah feels the love she has for Chuck flow through her but she also feels the acute sense of loss which she knows will not go away until they finish this assignment. "Okay, so all we need to do is to get through tomorrow and we'll be free." She does not believe in Beckman but she believes in Chuck and she has to trust that it will work out. "He'll already have the bomb assembled once you hand over the trigger so you'll have less than fifteen minutes to flash on how to detonate the bomb."

She sees Chuck nod at her words and it scares her how their entire plan rests on his shoulders. "Piece of cake." He takes her hand and kisses her palm. "You're the one who has to come in all guns ablazin'. All I have to do is flash and give you the signal." He pulls her close, hoping to assuage her fears. "The minute Lefevre sees you with a gun, he'll shoot."

Sarah holds him tight as she closes her eyes and breathes him in. "He'll miss." She's wanted to shoot Lefevre for so long that it almost seems like a dream to have the day finally arrive. "Just remember what you need to do and Casey and I will take care of the rest." She finally extricates herself from his embrace, already missing the warmth but knowing she needs to ensure that she's thought of every contingency to ensure that he comes out of this unhurt.

"You need to wear this." She takes the vest out of her bag and hands it to him. "It's our newest bullet proof vest prototype. I promised that I would test it in the field and since Lefevre will scan you for weapons and to see if you're wearing a wire or a vest, this is the only thing that you can bring in without setting off any of his alarms." It's his turn to look skeptical. "I need to know that you'll be safe."

He takes the vest, "How about you, where's yours?" He's never underestimated her skills and he knows that she trusts him with her life. It does not preclude the fact that he cannot imagine her hurt and would do anything in his power to prevent that.

"I'll get one from Casey later." She does not want to leave him, definitely not tonight. She's given up so much to get to this point that she feels she needs to just stay in his arms and at last think of their future. "If all goes well…when all goes well tomorrow," she pulls him in for a kiss, "We'll have so much to talk about and do, as a family."

Casey hears the call try and connect as it's bounced off various satellites and wonders where she's stationed currently. He hopes that she's near the end of her assignment because he knows that in two days or so, he's going to hop a plane and meet her regardless of where she's at.

When she finally answers, he realizes how much he's missed her and how much he wants them to move forward together. Casey knows he's actually expecting a commitment from her and wants to give one himself. "I missed you." His voice is still gruff but he's never said the words before and he knows she's picked up on that when he hears her intake of breath.

"I've missed you too." Ilsa's voice is so clear that if he closes his eyes, he can picture her standing next to him. "So what are you doing next week?" It's a games they've been playing, the answer already known before the question is asked. The fact that they're married to their jobs and duty does not stop her from voicing her want. Except this time, he surprises her yet again, when he clears his throat before responding.

"I was thinking of diving off Cozumel. Care to join me?" He's never made the first move, always wary that he's already committed to his job and his choice had been made a long time ago. However, he sees the way Sarah and Chuck have made it work and he's finally ready to try for himself.

Ilsa looks out her window at the cold, grey morning, his words echoing in her mind but more importantly, she's aware of what's he's asking and it throws her. "John, what…I mean...are you sure?" She's never sounded so unsure in all her life but and she needs more from him than just the question.

"Yes, Can you meet me there?" Hope seeps into his voice and although it sounds unfamiliar, he's comfortable with how he feels. Casey's never been a stranger to sacrifice but he's also learnt about hope from Chuck and in this instance, he thinks that both he and Ilsa deserve this. All the choices he has made until now have taken into consideration his duty and he knows that he will not turn his back on that. However, he's beginning to believe that his choice should not diminish his love for Ilsa and together, they could make it work.

"Yes." She feels lighter, freer and it's such a new feeling that she laughs, her joy transmitting so clearly over the phone.

"Okay, I'll make the arrangements and send you the co-ordinates." He smiles as he hears her laughter and can't help his last words, "Ilsa, I'll see you soon."

Bryce pulls his jacket more tightly around himself as he gazes out the taxi window. He hates the cold but he hates D.C. even more and wonders how long he'll have to stay here. He takes out his phone and contemplates if he should call Stephen and update him on Chuck's status. His current mission is almost over and when it ends, there was a good possibility that Chuck will stay away from field work because of Lisa. He knows that Beckman had already approved Sarah's transfer but that Chuck's was not in her control.

However, Bryce has one last offer to make and he hopes Beckman accepts his terms. He's not the man he was but he can still work on the Intersect project and eventually download it into himself. His field work would be limited but he would still be able to hold his own and, more importantly, it would mean that Chuck would not be the only Intersect. He knows it's only a matter of time before they create another version and until then, they'll all have to work together to ensure that Chuck and Sarah are able to spend as much time with Lisa as they possibly can.

It's a workable plan and he hopes that it'll all work out and he'll finally be able to make it up to Chuck. He stares at his phone and knows that he should call Stephen but in the end, he realizes that he does want to speak to someone but it's not Stephen. He punches in the number and waits for it to connect.

"Hey." He's suddenly tongue tied and actually nervous such that he has to think of what exactly he wants to say here.

"Bryce?" Alex recognizes his voice immediately although she had known it was him even before he spoke as she had programmed a different ring tone for him. It had started out as a joke and to ensure he understood how she viewed him. The familiar tune of 'You're so Vain' playing each time he called allowed her a small measure of time to compose herself before answering him.

"Yeah, um, I just wanted to tell you, well, thanks." He knows he sounds like a schoolboy and it's a feeling he hasn't experienced in a long while. He can picture her look of surprise on her face and he smiles. "I just landed in DC and well…" he trails off, hoping she'll say something.

"It was truly an experience working for you Agent Larkin." There are no malice in her words and her voice is tempered with a smile. She's surprised at his call and even more so at the tone of his voice. If she didn't know any better, it actually sounded as if he was asking her out. It's not that she never thought of him that way but more because she could see that he still kind of held a torch for Sarah. Maybe he was moving on but she didn't want to be a substitute either."Is there anything else?" She wants him to say it and to be honest, she doesn't mind if he does.

"Yeah, yeah there is." He pauses, taking a deep breath before continuing, "I was wondering if you would like to go out for dinner this weekend? I know of a nice French restaurant. " He hates DC but it doesn't mean he does not know his way around. He'd almost died twice and by that measure alone, he knows he's used up a lot of his luck. It didn't make sense to not start living his life and doing other things He knows he'll always love Sarah for many reasons but he's finally realized that he's not in love with her anymore.

She's surprised at his offer but nevertheless knows she wants to accept. "Okay, that sounds good. Where do we m..." Bryce quickly cuts in, "Let me be a bit traditional here and pick you up at seven on Saturday." He hears her laugh but she doesn't say no.

"Actually, why don't I pick you up?" Alex offers, wanting to establish the fact that they are equals in this. This time it's his turn to laugh, "Okay, I'm at.." This time Alex cuts in, "It's okay, Bryce, I am a spy and I'll see you at seven."

Devon hears the phone ring and quickly jumps to pick it up. Knowing Ellie had just put Lisa down. "Hello." Before he found out about Chuck and Sarah, late night calls never got his heart racing. He was used to being on call from his pager but he knows he'll never get used to that sinking feeling each time the phone rang at odd hours. He knows how dangerous their jobs are and the sacrifices that had to make and he prays each day that they are okay and will be able to be a family with Lisa.

"Hi Devon." He hears Sarah's clear voice and sighs with relief. He hasn't heard from her in more than a week and he was beginning to get worried.

"Hey Sarah, Ellie just put Lisa down for the night." He gestures to Ellie as she walks into the room. "Ellie's here as well so I'll put you on speaker phone."

"Hey guys, Sarah and I were thinking of coming down this weekend." Chuck's voice coming through and sounding happier that he has in months.

"Really? That would be great." Ellie grabs hold of Devon's hand. It's been the best and worst months of her life and she hopes that the worst part is about to end. She loves Lisa like her own daughter but she knows that both Sarah and Chuck have had to face their own nightmare by giving her up albeit for the short time. Her father's ominous messages of bad things that could still occur are still fresh in her mind but hearing her brother voice and knowing that somehow, they were coming back this weekend, drives all her fears away.

"We've missed you guys and …" Sarah pauses, surprised that there are tears in her eyes. She feels Chuck's strong arms encircle her and it gives her strength to continue. "We miss Lisa so much and it's time to come home." It's the first time she's said it out loud, not wanting to jinx anything but they've come so far that she just needs to finally think of their future.

"We love you guys, and thanks." Chuck holds onto Sarah, giving her the support he knows she will not ask for but at the same time drawing strength from their connection.

Point Dume, Los Angeles, 6.05pm, 10thDecember 2010

He scans the area like Casey had taught him, counting the number of people about and taking note of any repetitive behavior. What he really wants to do is to rush down and shout out Sarah's name but he understands that nothing is set in stone. Ten days ago, he was looking forward to seeing his daughter with his wife by his side and right now, he's so afraid that he'll never see Sarah or Lisa again.

He's had to place his trust in people who had let him down before and it scares him that both his father and Bryce are not here. He does not want to think that they've not done what they promised to do but in the end, he knows he needs to find Sarah. Deep down, he still feels her with him, with every breath he takes and every step he makes. He knows that she's always been the strong one and she would never give up and that gives him impetus to hope for the best.

He slowly makes his way down, still taking note of his surroundings and only then, does he spot them. The relief he feels is palpable such that he has to take a moment but in the end, he cannot stop himself from breaking into a run.

Being here brings back such memories that she's actually glad that she's in the wheelchair. The smell of the ocean and the view triggers such a visceral reaction from her that she's almost sure that she would not be able to walk even if she could. She holds on to Lisa tightly, her eyes roaming across the vista, taking note of the people milling about but more importantly looking for the one person she needs to find.

"Do you see him?" She can hear Ellie's question to Devon and wants to answer in the affirmative but she has yet to spot his familiar gait and curly brown hair. She knows that he could actually be in disguise or worse, not be there at all. However, she's always felt him despite their separation, an amorphous sense that he was somewhere out there only separated by distance. She closes her eyes for a minute, picturing him in her mind, whole and happy, his lopsided grin wide and showing his teeth.

She feels the weight of Lisa in her hands and bends down to whisper in her ear, "Daddy's coming." It's then that she opens her eyes and finally spots him, as he runs down the steps built into the cliff's edge. He takes the steps two or three at a time each second bringing him closer to her. Her eyes follows him and although he's still so far away, she knows that he's looking directly at her.

Chuck knows where to find the strength to sprint the last thirty yards as his eyes focus solely on Sarah and Lisa. He sees her in the chair and it finally hits him that she's alive and waiting for him. Despite being shot and god knows what else, she managed to get Lisa and meet him. He sees Ellie hugging Devon as tears stream down their faces and understands that they had help make this happen.

Sarah holds onto him as soon as he comes within reach, breathing him in as she pulls him tighter, finally allowing herself to accept that her family is whole again. "We need to run." She can see how exhausted he is and knows that she is running on empty herself.

"We'll help. Whatever you need, where ever you need to go, we'll help." Devon's always been a man of his word and he understands exactly what he's promising. He doesn't even have to look at Ellie to know that she feels the same way. He understands the gravity of the situation and knows that there is no turning back. "Guys, I think we need to get out of here." He's not really sure but he thinks he sees Casey walking towards them. However, it's the eight or nine other people that all seem to be drifting in their general direction that tips him off.

Chuck looks in the direction Devon had indicated and the flash comes so quickly that he has to grab onto Sarah. "Ellie, Devon, I need you to listen to me. You need to take Lisa and run back to the car; Chuck and I will hold them off. Call 813-5697 tomorrow morning and you'll get a message where to meet. Keep calling it every two hours and if you don't hear anything after twelve hours, just run." Sarah kisses her daughter as she again hands her over. She knows Chuck has flashed and hopes that the skill he's flashed on is enough to get them out of this alive. She takes the two guns out from her back holster as she sees Chuck finally come out of his flash.

Chuck looks at his sister holding onto Lisa and grabs them in a hug, "Go, we'll be fine." He stands next to Sarah's chair as he sees Devon usher Ellie away. He sees the agents run towards them faster than before prepares himself for their onslaught but luck is again not on their side as he turns to see three of them surround Ellie and Devon while the rest move towards him and Sarah.

His expression is stoic until he spots Casey and Beckman walking towards them, Alex in tow with Bryce being led in handcuffs.

"Chuck?" Sarah's voice is soft and even now, he knows she does not want to give up. He sees her hold up her guns, targeting Alex and Casey.

Sarah knows she can get at least four shots off and if Chuck had flashed, he could probably take three or four of the other agents but that still left Casey, Alex and Beckman. It's when she sees guns pointed at Ellie and Lisa and Devon standing in front of them, his hands out, that she feels her heart constrict and understands that her choices are limited at best.

"Agent Bartowski, Agent Walker. I would strongly advise you to stand down and come with us." Beckman glances at Casey and Alex and is unsurprised to see that their guns are not out. It didn't matter though because the eight other agents all had their guns out targeting Chuck and his family. She looks at Chuck and sees his resemblance to Stephen but it's not isolated to his facial features but also just the expression on his face; a look of disappointment and distrust and it actually gives her pause. She glances at Sarah and can see her fear as she looks at her daughter, her gun aimed at the agent nearest to Ellie.

Beckman knows she cannot ask her agents to lower their guns or to let Sarah or Chuck go, but she does remember her words to Stephen. All she needs now is a quick word with Chuck and she hopes he will acquiesce. "Agent Bartowski…Chuck, if I may have a word?" She sees Sarah's eyes flick towards Chuck and his small nod as he walks towards her, Sarah's other hand trailing him such that she knows Sarah's other gun is now aimed at her.

Sarah can feel the strain in her arms and can see Casey staring at her but she ignores everything except the man targeting Lisa and Beckman. She sees Chuck, his head bent as he listens intently to Beckman. She does not know what he has been through but she can see the imprint of his ordeal in the way he holds himself. She cannot imagine life without him and would do everything in her power to never let that occur. At last, she sees him nod, his face solemn and grave.

She shakes her head as he walks back towards her and she can see the tears sparking in his eyes.

The End

Thanks for reading! How are excited (or not) are you that this will all wrap up in the next chapter?