A/N: This is one of those chapters where I really tried to get the emotion of the characters to show. Believe it or not, this chapter is based off factual content that I researched. Hopefully everyone will enjoy this chapter.

Also, wanted to answer the question, How did Chuck flash on Sarah's personal file because of the necklace? I based this off of his flash on the ring she wore in the second episode. All the details of her mission was based on the flash from the sapphire ring so I thought, why not have all her personal information tied to a personal object she had when she joined the CIA.

Thanks again to Gladius who continues to pump out these chapters for me.

I don't own Chuck.

Chapter 13 - The True Hero

{January 24th 2007 09:25 - 255 lbs.}
{Chuck's Room}

Chuck couldn't believe he made it through Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's and he still lost 60 pounds in that two month stretch. He was down to 255 and he was feeling better than he had ever felt, even better than when he was in College. He had increased his exercise routines to more than two hours each day. Of course a lot of that had to do with the fact he loved working out with Casey and Sarah. The extra physical activity also allowed him to go to a more traditional diet where he just had to watch his calories. Of course he had converted to a more Vegetarian based diet due to Sarah already being a vegetarian, so that helped quite a bit. Add to that the missions they were going on were allowing him even more exercise.

He loved the fact that Casey and Sarah were having him get more involved with being in the field during a mission. They allowed this because of the synergy they all had together. Each was like an extension of the other, moving in tandem, understanding each other without words being spoken; they were flawless as a team and things were going so great right now. They were saving lives, and even though Chuck always seemed to be nervous or even scared sometimes, the fact that they were saving lives gave him a reserve of courage that he didn't know he had.

The team was gelling at such a high level that the rush to build the new Intersect was actually put on hold. A lot had to do with the continuous failures of Intersect hosts during testing, but the majority of the reason was the fact there was no need. Chuck was the best host for the Intersect and it was something the Government, all the way up to the President, thanks to General Stanfield, knew of how well the team was doing.

On a personal level, Sarah and he were closer than ever. He clutched the necklace he was wearing, holding it close to his heart. She had given such a huge part of herself to him. He still had to pinch himself thinking of what she actually did.

While he did like the name Sam, and he loved her middle name Lisa, he preferred to call her Sarah. She was more than happy to let him because even though her birth name was Sam, she didn't come alive until she met him as Sarah. He was still having slight issues with the fact he couldn't grasp the depth of love Sarah had for him. It was an oddity that he might never be able to explain but he was accepting it more and more every day. It was almost to the point where he had very little if any doubt left of the love she had for him.

He was looking forward to today's last chance workout. Tomorrow was weigh in and he wanted so badly to finally get under 250lbs. While he was gaining more confidence in his physical appearance every day, it just seemed like this was huge goal to hit. He already lost over 100 pounds which was a huge accomplishment all on its own. He laughed thinking about when he told Sarah, 'See, I've lost a whole Lou'. She of course didn't think that was funny.

He looked down at his watch, realizing he only had a couple more minutes till Sarah put him through hell. The good outweighed the bad in this case and once he was under 250 it was time to go shopping once again for new clothes and for the first time in the past few years, he didn't have to shop at the 'Big' section.

He quickly grabbed a power bar as he headed out the door.

{* * *}

{January 24th 2007 11:50 - 255 lbs.}
{Training Facility}

"Oh my God that was amazing." Chuck was trying to catch his breath. What he and Sarah had just done was nothing short of amazing. He never thought he could feel so fulfilled, so great.

Sarah was trying to gain a semblance of control. Chuck was unbelievable, listening to her every word, following her instructions as if it was his first time. The way he paid such close attention to her every command just made him even more sexy to her.

Chuck looked over at Sarah, a big ole goofy grin on his face, his body still trying to regain its strength from all the fluids it lost. "What did you think? Was it as good for you as it was for me?"

As if he had to ask. Sarah's entire body was on edge as she was still trying to come down from the high of what her and Chuck just did together. "It was everything I'd hope for Chuck for our first time. You were just amazing."

"I can't believe how great it felt. That last cardio burst on the elliptical you had me do was crazy. I never thought I could push my body to that limit." He reached out his hand for Sarah to grab hold.

She didn't want his hand as she went to hug him. She was a little shocked when he held her back.

"Come on Sarah, I'm gross." Chuck was sweating buckets.

"I don't care, give me my hug." Sarah once again tried to hug him and once again she was held back.

"Quick kiss then let me take a shower and then you can get your hug." Chuck reached in to give her a kiss making sure to keep her at arm's length. He quickly left not giving her a chance to object.

Sarah just stood there, mouth open as her boyfriend walked away. She was not satisfied with that at all.

. . .

Chuck was trying to hurry up and shower as quickly as possible. He really did want to give Sarah a hug but he just felt gross. He was washing his hair remembering how great the workout… His mind stopped.

"Don't freak out Chuck." Sarah had stepped into the shower and was pressing her very heated and very naked body against Chuck's back.

"Sarah what are you doing?" Chuck still couldn't see, the shampoo seeping into his eyes. But he could definitely feel Sarah pressed up against his back. Damn it felt so good.

"Just let me have this, please." Sarah was laying her head at the base of his neck, wrapping her arms under his. "I just needed my hug."

"Sarah?"

"Shhhh. Just don't think right now. Just close your eyes and don't say a word." God this felt so good Sarah practically screamed out loud. Her senses were going berserk right now and the sensitivity of her nipples rubbing up against Chuck were driving her to a level of passion that she was soon going to lose the ability to think.

Chuck didn't want to move, this felt amazing and even though he still had reserves about being naked in front of Sarah, this just made sense, this felt right.

"Hey kid, hurry up with the shower, we got a mission. Where's Sarah anyway?" Casey didn't see her in the gym; he assumed she was probably changing.

Chuck let out a sigh as fate had such a wicked sense of humor. "Be right out Casey."

"I'll be waiting in the car, we got to hurry."

"No problem, be out in a jiff." Chuck didn't turn around as he felt Sarah hold him tight.

"Just one more minute Chuck, I need this. I'm so proud of you."

"I'm sorry Sarah." He wasn't sure what caused him to apologize, but Sarah was acting as if she was expecting Casey or maybe she was just that good at her job. But there was definitely something solemn in the way she was acting. This was a different side of Sarah, but he loved it.

. . .

Casey gave Sarah and Chuck a questionable look as both got in his car. He could tell something was up, he'd never seen Sarah that relaxed.

"So what's going on Casey?" Chuck asked as Sarah laid her head on his lap. Chuck instinctively ran his fingers through her hair, doing his best to be as gentle as he could. He jumped a bit as it sounded like Sarah was purring.

"We got a mission in D.C. There's a possible Fulcrum cell preparing an attack on the Nation's Capital."

Chuck squinted his eyes as he tried to look at Casey. Something was off with him too. Both Casey and Sarah were acting… different. "Sure thing Casey. I'll do whatever is needed."

Casey stared in the mirror, he was never more proud of the kid. "You're alright Bartowski."

What is going on Chuck just couldn't figure it out. One thing though, it would be nice to see D.C. "Hey Sarah, I've never been to D.C. Would you mind showing me around once we neutralize the threat?"

"I would love to Chuck." Sarah cuddled even closer to Chuck, lifting her hand back to bring Chuck in for a kiss. "I love you Chuck."

{* * *}

{January 24th 2007 13:15 - 255 lbs.}
{Government Transportation}

Chuck was briefed on the plane as they made the trip to D.C. The Government was providing accommodations and any necessary personal supplies. Due to the perceived threat, they didn't have time to pack and had to leave a.s.a.p.

Chuck made a quick call to Ellie letting her know he would be gone for a couple days. She seemed happy for him and that in turn made him a little more at ease even though he still couldn't figure out the strange way his team was acting. Especially Sarah; she wasn't nearly as clingy as she usually was although she hadn't let go of his hand since they arrived at the airfield.

Chuck was admiring the plane as he looked to his side, seeing Sarah staring up at him, a look of pure admiration in her eyes. "You care to fill me in with what's going on?"

"I just love you, that's all."

"Well I know that, but why are you and Casey so… so subdued?"

Of course Chuck would pick up on that. "Just going back to D.C., lot of old memories there."

Chuck suddenly got that gut feeling again as he turned to look out the window. "You mean you and Bryce right?"

"Chuck." Sarah turned his head to look at her. She just shook her head, she didn't have the strength to speak, but she had to let him know this had nothing to do with Bryce.

"It's okay Sarah. I realize you and Bryce had a past. I mean you're an amazing woman. I know there were other's before me."

Sarah wished he would just understand there was no one before him. There was no one even remotely close to him. But this trip wasn't about that and she really didn't want to fight right now.

Sarah looked down at his leg as she drew with her finger, 'I heart U'.

Chucked looked down at her hand drawing the letters on his leg. It was amazing how the littlest of things can mean the world. "I'm there for you Sarah, whatever you need."

Sarah didn't look up as she buried her head into Chuck's shoulder. Maybe after this trip, he would finally get it.

{* * *}

{January 25th 2007 08:10 - 255 lbs.}
{Washington D.C. Hotel Lobby}

It was the next morning and the team was heading to the hotel lobby where they would await their transportation. "The hotel room was nice, don't you agree?" Chuck was walking hand in hand with Sarah as Casey led them through the hotel lobby and into a car waiting to drive them to the briefing center.

Sarah had to concentrate on where she was heading. Her heart was so full right now and the fact that Casey was acting stoic was a testament to how the Agent felt about Chuck. She looked over at her dashing boyfriend in his tux. He looked so good, he deserved this.

"I love your dress Sarah. Blue is definitely your color but of course any color would be good on you because you are just that awesome." Chuck gave her a reassuring smile as they all got into the transport. Chuck still wasn't quite sure why they needed to dress up for a briefing, but this was D.C. and he assumed this was just protocol.

. . .

They arrived shortly after at the Capital building. Chuck thought this was odd but once again everything had been odd from the moment Casey told them about the mission.

"Bartowski, we are going to a briefing room for a quick conference. There are going to be some of the top brass in there so be on your best behavior… and don't freak out." Casey made sure the kid was listening.

"He'll be fine Casey." Sarah held onto Chuck's arm as they entered the building.

"This okay?" Chuck asked as he motioned to her holding him.

"Yes Chuck, I need this." Sarah reached up and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

There it was again Chuck thought. Something is definitely going on. He forgot all that as he walked into the briefing room.

Chuck had never seen so many decorated people in his life. There were well over 50 people in the room, sitting at round tables set up throughout the room. He was in awe as he entered being amongst so many great people. People that had sacrificed so much for this country. Chuck looked to his partners and he could tell this was something special for them. He couldn't blame them; there was an air of greatness in the room as he saw some of the leaders of his Country.

"Hello Chuck." General Beckman came up to Chuck, reaching out her hand. "Glad you could make it."

Chuck couldn't believe he was face to face with General Beckman. "This is amazing General, I can't believe I'm here." And it was then Chuck noticed a change in his superior. "And if I haven't said it before, thank you so much for all you do. I know I can be a pain sometimes but we're very lucky to have you leading us."

Beckman was momentarily caught off guard by such sincere words, and she never was caught off guard. "Let's have a seat over there with Director Graham and General Stanfield." Beckman led them to a table in the middle of the room, surrounded on every side by some leaders of the Government.

"This is awesome Sarah. I can't believe how amazing this is." He reached down and gave her a kiss. "I'm so proud of you."

Sarah quickly looked up to him, still not letting go of his arm even in front of Beckman and Graham. "Proud of me, why?"

Chuck made a sweeping motion with his free hand. "I mean these are the people that you work for. These are the people that you've helped protect. I'm just blown away right now."

Now Sarah knew she had to keep it together, showing publicly their relationship was one thing, being an emotional wreck was a whole other situation that she didn't want her superiors to see. However, it was as hard as she was shaking a little, realizing what was about to happen.

. . .

After some quick introductions, and a very firm handshake from General Stanfield, thanking Chuck once again for what he did. Everyone sat down as the room was almost full. It was then that General Beckman stood up and walked to the podium.

Chuck looked to Sarah who was practically in his lap although she had her own chair. He could tell there was a lot of emotion hidden under those beautiful blue eyes.

"I love you Chuck." Sarah leaned toward him, not even caring about whispering.

General Beckman began her address to the Leaders of the Nation.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, some people are pushed into being heroes. Some people have to be asked to be heroes. And some people just are heroes. Men and woman who sacrifice so much for this great country that we live in." Beckman looked to Chuck.

Chuck suddenly felt very self-conscious as it felt like all eyes were on him. He looked to Casey who actually seemed to have his chest puffed out. That was a strange look for Casey Chuck realized. He then looked to Sarah who had that love and admiration in her eyes. She smiled at Chuck as she motioned with her head to the back of the room.

That was strange Chuck thought as he turned a little to see what Sarah was motioning at. 'Ellie?' Chuck quickly looked back to Sarah. He was now freaking out, Ellie was here. Ellie was here, why was Ellie here standing at the back wall, and why was she crying? "Sarah?" Chuck whispered to Sarah.

"It's okay Chuck just listen."

Beckman continued her speech. "Over the past six months, we've faced many threats both foreign and domestic. After 9/11, we were told to work together, as one, to never let something like that happen again. Well ladies and gentleman, there is a special team of operatives that have continued to sacrifice so much for this country making sure we can all sleep soundly at night. While most of us are assigned these duties, a civilian member of this team was not. He wasn't asked if he wanted to help, he wasn't asked to save lives, he just did. He has sacrificed so much over the past six months and we're all gathered here to pay tribute to this young man."

Beckman nodded to someone sitting behind her who stood up and handed her a plaque with a medal in it. "I've the pleasure of working with this young man and it is with great honor that we bestow upon him the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal. Charles Irving Bartowski, please come up to accept this award."

Chuck was looking around the room, looking for the man who shared his name, what an odd coincidence he thought.

"Chuck, it's you. Go." Sarah couldn't help the tear in her eye. She loved this man fiercely and this just put credence to what she knew long before he was defusing bombs with a virus

"Chuck?" General Beckman nodded to Chuck.

Chuck wasn't quite sure what was happening as the room erupted in a steady roar of applause, one by one each standing to pay tribute to the hero in the room.

Chuck stood on very shaky legs, he wasn't sure he could make the walk. He turned to look at Ellie; he nearly broke down seeing the look in her eyes. She had sacrificed so much for him. He could see how proud she was as if all those long days and nights caring for him had finally paid off.

Chuck had to be strong but he couldn't understand how this was happening. He looked to a very proud Casey who had almost the same look Sarah had. Chuck finally was able to at least put one foot in front of the other. He didn't make the first step as he turned back to Sarah, reaching out his hand.

He mouthed, 'come with me'.

Sarah smiled as she stood and took his outreached hand. Chuck then motioned to Casey, letting him know he wasn't going anywhere without his partners.

Casey led the way, acting as if he was leading the President himself. Sarah was holding on to Chuck, each drawing on the other for the strength to get through this.

The team walked up on stage as Chuck accepted the award from General Beckman, still not quite understanding how this was happening.

Beckman stepped aside allowing Chuck to step to the podium.

Chuck had Sarah right next to him, there was no way he could do this without her strength, her touch. Casey was on the other side, acting as if he was assigned their protection detail.

Chuck looked over at Sarah, gaining strength from her. Then he looked at the back of the room where his sister stood. He could see her mouth 'I love you Chuck'.

I can do this. "Well, I'm not really sure what to say. I was definitely not expecting this." Chuck paused as another round of applause irrupted.

"I just want to thank all of you. I mean I'm just Chuck. These two." Chuck motioned towards Sarah and then Casey. "They're the heroes. You all, the men and woman who serve this country. You guys are the heroes. I'm just a guy who was blessed to have a sister who loved me unconditionally and…" Chuck had to gather himself. Sarah squeezed his hand letting him know he was doing fine.

"And I want to say to my two partners. I know I don't make it easy, but I wouldn't be here without you guys. You are the ones who deserve this. I'm just a guy who was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time. I respect you both so much. Thank you for this." Chuck was star struck as he looked down at the award. Of course he would flash right in front of everybody.

Sarah knew what was happening and feigned helping a nervous partner. She knew the security risk was low, but she didn't want to take the chance on exposing Chuck to unnecessary risk by revealing he was the Intersect even though most in the room knew of it. Plus it gave her a chance to wrap her arms around him.

Chuck came out of the flash.

National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal, a decoration awarded for service to the United States Intelligence Community. The decoration is awarded to any member or contributor to the National Intelligence Community, either civilian or military.

Whoa, Chuck thought realizing what an honor the medal truly was. As if he was having a hard time before, now it was even worse. Six months ago he was sitting on a couch, wondering when his life would end. But now, now his life was just beginning. He leaned down to kiss Sarah and thought he better not as he stood back up. It wasn't until Chuck felt the tug on his arm that he knew it was okay as Sarah reached up giving him a kiss. "Thanks again everyone." Another round of applause as Team Intersect made their way down the podium.

Sarah could see the emotion of Ellie and she knew brother and sister needed their moment. She stopped at their table motioning for Chuck to go on alone to meet his sister.

Chuck stopped and turned to Sarah, shaking his head no. "Your my family now." He didn't wait for a response as he grabbed Sarah's hand and led her to the back of the room.

"Hey Ellie." Chuck barely finished saying high when Ellie ran into his arms, desperately hugging her brother as close as she could.

"I'm so proud of you Chuck." There was time later to find out why he kept this from her. Now was the time to celebrate this amazing accomplishment of her brother. She had a lot of questions but right now she didn't care about any of it. She may have not understood Chuck and Sarah's relationship, or for that matter, how their next door neighbor was a decorated soldier working for the Government. All she knew is that the moment these two people came into her brother's life was the moment Chuck was saved. For that, the questions could wait, for now it was just her and her brother and the woman who saved him.

Ellie motioned for Sarah to come closer as she hugged them both. She had no doubt that the Bartowski's had just added two amazing people to their family. She had to smile a bit looking at Sarah. She knew without a doubt that soon, at least for one, it would be official.

A/N: Believe it or not, the medal is a real award. I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter as I wanted to try to do something special for this story kind of like I did for the memorial in True Friendship. Hopefully I came somewhat close.