A/N: Sorry again for the slow down in updates. Work is still hitting me hard. I am trying to do the best I can and hopefully everyone can be patient.
Thanks as always for the reviews and the pm's.
A big thank you to my beta, Gladius who is a tremendous help as I struggle through.
I don't own Chuck.
Chapter 14 – Greatest Love of All
Chuck had sat in stark silence next to Sarah, on a well-worn couch. He could not believe that he was in a trailer with his mom and dad. The feeling was so surreal. Twenty four hours ago he would have never thought to ever see his dad again. He had long ago bitterly given up on ever seeing his mom. Now they both stood before him and he could not figure out what to do or say.
His natural instincts kicked in as he studied his parents and his surroundings. It definitely looked a little too primitive for them, not a lot of everyday necessities were visible. One thing he always associated with his dad was his love for computers. They always had numerous computers all over the place in their former family house. Here, not a one. Chuck mused that it probably meant this was just a temporary living place. He then looked at his mom who he noticed was dressed in what looked like one of Sarah's mission outfits while his dad was dressed… well like his dad had always had years ago.
The silence was unbearable as Chuck knew he needed to get some answers, something to control the thoughts running through his head right now.
"How? Why?" Chuck just shook his head, not exactly the detailed questions he wanted but those are what came out.
"Charles first of all, can we trust your friend here?" Stephen was motioning towards Sarah.
"What? Yes, yes of course Dad. This is Sarah, she is much more than my friend." Chuck answered defensively, his eyes flashing a warning. "She is the one." Not elaborating further Chuck felt Sarah gently squeeze his hand as she started rubbing the top of it. He looked to her and swore he saw glistening form at the corner of her eyes.
Stephen and Mary both knowingly glanced at one another. They could tell just by observing Chuck and Sarah the depth of love and admiration the two had for each other. They knew Sarah was an agent and Chuck's handler, but they also wanted to make sure the surveillance they had been keeping on the two hadn't been deceiving in any way. It wasn't, as it had become obvious to them that Chuck and Sarah were madly in love and that made them both very happy.
"First of all Chuck, you have to know you can never reveal that you saw me or know where I am." Mary turned to Sarah as if to gain some support and understanding. "I'm a CIA spy deep undercover in a major Russian arms conglomerate and they must never know that I've seen you and they definitely must never know about me seeing your father on a regular basis."
This was so much for Chuck to handle that he wasn't sure he could process everything; well of course mentally he could process the information, but emotionally was a different story. If it wasn't for Sarah being right next to him, he may have just run away as far away as he could. This just couldn't be happening. His mother a spy? Really?
Sarah could sense that Chuck was starting to freak out and needed to calm him down. This definitely explained why it was so hard to find Chuck's dad. It also explained why the information General Beckman had was so vital. "Chuck, you have to know that the reason your parents haven't had contact with you is because they're trying to keep you safe. Especially if your mom's deep undercover. You know how all this works, just think of Ellie." Sarah gave Mary a serious look as she thought of the risk this woman was taking. She could be killed. "You're actually very fortunate to see your mom now."
"Charles, Sarah's right. I really shouldn't even be seeing your dad. And I most definitely shouldn't have even been present for so many of you and Ellie's events throughout your life. Every time I did it put all our lives in danger." Mary hugged Stephen close. "It's been so hard for me too Charles, and I'm sorry."
Chuck still did not know what to say. He had so much planned to tell his dad but this just blew him away. The one thing he did want to make sure of though was that no more time was wasted. "I'm not sure I understand completely, and it's not like I was expecting the spy gene to run rampart in our family. But I am grateful to that at least I get to see you both. But I… Wait a minute. You said you have been to the events in my and Ellie's lives? What are you talking about mom?"
Mary knew she probably shouldn't have said anything. But these past years had been so hard on her. Seeing the struggles of her kids and not being able to hold them, comfort them, it was to be too much. She wanted Chuck to at least know she had been there. "Chuck, even though I left when you were nine. I have always been there throughout your life. I have had to disguise my appearance but I have been there as much as I could."
Chuck started freaking out. What was she talking…? Suddenly Chuck started having flashes of his childhood. Not like a flash from the Intersect, but this was something Chuck had always been able to do. He was analyzing particular events from his life and putting them in an order to resolve the equation he was currently trying to decipher. Ten years old, the play at school where he played one of Santa's elves in his elementary school Christmas presentation. An older woman, make and build very similar to his mom, sitting in the back row. Her eyes are what he focused on. Flash forward to first day of middle school. He was scared to death and completely out of place in his school. The blonde woman that helped him that day, claiming to be his counselor, those eyes. Flash forward to his graduation, the foreign teacher he did not recognize, but those eyes. Ellie's graduation, his first day at Stanford, Ellie's acceptance to her internship, it was all the same. The woman with those eyes.
Chuck couldn't hold back his emotions. "It was you? All those times, graduation, my first day of middle school, Stanford, Ellie's internship. That was you?"
Mary just smiled at her son as she knew he figured out. "Yes Charles, I was always there. I am so sorry I couldn't say anything to you but I had to keep you both safe."
Sarah could see the emotion building in Chuck and she couldn't help the tears either. She if anyone knew the sacrifice Mary was making and it was just a wonderful feeling to be here with Chuck's family. She hugged Chuck close as he leaned his head against hers.
"Chuck unfortunately I have to head back now. I've already been here too long. I just want you to know that I'm always looking over you and Eleanor. I'm sorry for what I have done. If I knew then, what I know now, I wouldn't have taken the mission."
That's when it hit Chuck. "But Mom, why have you been undercover for so long? Can't you just come home now?" Chuck couldn't grasp that part, twenty years was a long time. Was she really that bad of a spy?
"Chuck there are some things that I really can't tell you right now but let's just say I have been providing valuable intel to a certain faction of the United States Government that has in turn allowed the capture of many terrorist organizations. I hope to eventually tell you everything but right now, it is just too dangerous."
Before she could leave, Chuck had to tell her about Ellie's wedding. "Mom, I wanted you to know that Ellie is getting married in a few weeks."
Mary paused as she was preparing to leave, she already knew about the wedding. She had made the plans necessary to attend. "I know Chuck. And you never know, but if you look hard enough, I am sure you will find me." Mary winked at her son.
Before he knew it, his mom was gone. Not an 'I love you', a hug, a kiss, nothing. She was just gone.
Chuck's dad already had a bag next to him, packed as if he was expecting them. "Well Charles, I guess we have a wedding to prepare for."
Chuck still had so many questions. He could spend the rest of his life asking his dad questions about… well on just about everything. But at least for now, he realized his mom hadn't left them because she had hated them…hated him. Still he had questions about why his dad hadn't made more of an effort, but at least this visit answered some major questions. If anything, knowing the situation with his mom made him respect his dad even more. If anyone could relate to being in love with a spy, well it was Chuck. He was so grateful that he had this opportunity to see his parents together again. Chuck turned to Sarah. "Thank you for doing this for me. Thank you for being here."
She didn't say a word as she just reached up and kissed him. There was no place she'd rather be than with him. She had some concerns about Chuck's mom, but that could wait. Right now she just wanted to make sure that Ellie and Chuck had a nice reunion with their father. She smiled thinking of how happy Ellie would be. This was going to be a good day.
{* * *}
{Couple Days Later}
To Chuck it almost felt like déjà vu. He was in his room, getting ready for a 'Make Up' date with Sarah. It had been a few days since their first try but of course things had definitely changed since that particular night. Chuck smiled thinking of how wonderful his life was right now. He finally saw his mom and although he still had questions, he at least had a better understanding of why she left. Then when he brought his father back to see Ellie, just the joy in her eyes after the initial shock, just made it all worth it.
His dad was an interesting subject. There was something strange about him that Chuck just could not place. If not for the wonderful changes in his life between he and Sarah, Chuck would have given it more thought. Even so, there was something that just did not fit. He really wanted to have a sit down with his Dad to discuss everything, but he just did not know how to go about it. He had so many questions that he was afraid his father would bug out and before you know, Stephen Bartowski would be gone once again. No, he had to be smart about this. He would just try to reconnect with his father first as a son. All the other questions in his head could be answered later.
He reached for and lifted some folders on his desk when a manila envelope fell out of the stack. Chuck instantly went still as he realized what it was. This was the envelope Orion had given to him before he had died. In all the events since, he had barely had a chance to look over the contents, however he did so now.
Chuck read the note from Orion that told him to study the plans. He quickly scanned the different cards containing the blue prints to something at Roark Industries. Chuck knew he would not have time right now to study the plans in detail but he definitely would take a look at them later. For now he put them back in the envelope and placed it on his desk. He would take them over to Casey's later and they could look at it together. But first things first. He and Sarah's 'Make Up' date which would be happening in a couple of hours.
He had a special surprise planned for Sarah tonight and he really hoped she loved it. He had already made sure Devon and Morgan had the dinner arrangements set up and the topper, he just got confirmation from Casey that his mission was a go. It sure helped to have the top agent in the NSA on your side when trying to pull off an awesome date with your girlfriend. Chuck paused as he thought of his 'girlfriend.' Sarah was that and a whole lot more. He still was having a hard time believing that their relationship was real, but Sarah sure was doing all she could to convince.
Chuck smiled, yeah life was good.
. . .
Chuck pulled up to Sarah's hotel. Even though everything was great, he still had that feeling in the pit of his stomach. The feeling like everything could be pulled out from under him at any moment. Even so, he gathered the courage as he got out of his car and headed upstairs.
. . .
Once again Chuck paused at the front door to Sarah's hotel. So many times before it had gone wrong. He lifted his hand but stopped. He couldn't bring himself to knock, almost like it would wake him from some wonderful dream. He didn't wait long as the door swung open.
Sarah gave him the look. "Chuck don't you dare think those things." She would not allow doubt to creep back into Chuck ever again.
How in the world did she know? Chuck wondered. "I'm sorry Sarah. Just you know, trying to get used to the whole thing."
"You mean the whole; better give your girlfriend a kiss instead of just waiting outside her door thing?" Sarah had her hands on her hips with her head tilted slightly.
Damn she is the most beautiful creature on this earth, Chuck thought as he pulled Sarah to him, kissing her deeply.
Sarah quickly placed her hands behind his head as she made sure he understood how badly she wanted his touch, his kiss, and his presence.
After the two lovers separated, Sarah had a big smile on her face. "Chuck, there is something I want to give you. Come in here." She was already pulling him inside.
Chuck was about to make a wise crack but then as she shut the door, he saw the serious look come over her face. Uh oh, what ever this was, it was a big deal for her.
"Chuck, I don't have a lot of personal items in my life that I can give you. Being a spy for so long, pretty much what you see is what I have. I have never been good with words and have never in my life had to show someone just how much I love them."
"Sarah are you kidding me? You've already given me more than I could ever dream of." Chuck held her hands in his. Wanting her to feel the truth in his words.
"Just let me finish Chuck. I know you say that but it will never be enough, at least for me. I owe you too much. But what I want you to know is anything I have, is yours. Anything you want to know about my life I'll tell you. And most of all, I don't ever want to think that you aren't a part of me. I don't want you to ever think that we shouldn't be together." Sarah then pulled out what looked to be a key card. "So I want to give you this." Sarah handed the key card to Chuck.
Chuck was a little confused. "Sarah? What is this?"
"It is the key to my room."
Chuck shook his head back and forth. "Sarah, I can't accept this. This is your personal space. I would never want to intrude…" Sarah silenced him with a kiss.
"Chuck, my personal space is you. I have had enough personal space to last a lifetime. I want you to have this so you know that you are always welcome. I have never been this open with anyone so I need you to understand what I am giving you." Sarah looked down as Chuck held her close in his arms.
Chuck knew what this meant. He knew for a spy, their home, their personal life, it was everything to them. Sarah had just broken down any wall that may have been an obstacle for Chuck in her life. "Sarah are you sure? I really would understand one way or the other. I mean this is huge. Are you really, really sure?"
He just never gets it, Sarah thought. "Chuck, I have never been more sure about anything in my whole life. I told you before, my home is with you anyway so this room, it means nothing to me unless you're with me. No secrets, no lies, no walls. How does that sound?"
If Sarah had sprouted wings and flew, Chuck would not think he would be more surprised. "Well thank you Sarah. You don't know how much this means to me." The lovers kissed again and this time it became much more passionate. Chuck's phone interrupted them.
Chuck somehow summoned the will to break the embrace as he fumbled for his phone to get the text message from Morgan. Everything was a go stated Morgan so he knew they had to get going. "Sarah, while I would love nothing more than to continue this. I do still owe you a real date."
Sarah smiled as she looked up into his eyes, "Well if you insist."
Chuck held out his arm for Sarah as she wrapped her arm in his. They were both wearing casual attire. Sarah looked ravishing in a pink button down blouse with a white flowing skirt while Chuck sported a relaxed look in blue jeans and a light brown T-shirt. Chuck had hoped Sarah would enjoy tonight. It wouldn't be like their original planned night, but hopefully it would come close.
Sarah looked over to the Tron game as they exited her room. "So Chuck, do you wanna try to beat your high score on Tron when we get back?" Sarah gave him her seductive look.
Chuck was confused at first, and then he got it. "Oh you are an evil woman Sarah Walker. So evil."
{* * *}
Chuck was actually not even nervous as he approached what he considered their beach. He had planned this night after Sarah went with him to see his parents. He knew how much she missed going on the date he originally planned so he had to come up with something just as special. He was actually pretty confident that Sarah would approve as they pulled up to their beach.
Sarah had her arm wrapped around his and her head on Chuck's shoulder almost the entire ride. He thought how uncomfortable that must have been for her considering the middle console and the gear shift, but none of that seemed to matter to Sarah.
Upon seeing where they were, Sarah just melted into Chuck even more. Chuck would never know how important this spot was to her and she was so grateful that they were here. The circle was now complete she smiled to herself.
After giving Sarah a kiss, he quickly walked around the car and opened up her door. "My lady. Your presence is required for tonight's presentation of… dinner" Chuck tried his best French accent but he was afraid he had failed deeply.
Sarah just gave him a nod and extended her hand as her charming boyfriend kissed the top. "Why masseur. Thank you." She had to do everything to contain her excitement.
The two lovers walked arm and arm to their spot as Sarah suddenly stopped, seeing the layout before her.
Chuck could not help but be amazed at what an awesome job Devon, Morgan, and Casey, had done setting up the beach. The layout was just incredible with a large blanket spread out over the sand and a multitude of pillows thrown about the blankets. On first look it gave the impression of the inside of one of those Bedouin tents from the movie, Lawrence of Arabia. The pillows were definitely of Moroccan design and the blanket looked the same.
Even amongst all this beautiful setup, the thing that touched Sarah the most were the gardenia pedals strewn all over the place. Sarah actually started getting emotional as she laid her head onto Chuck's shoulder. Sarah had seen many wonders of the world. She had been to the ends of the earth, been to both Arabian Peninsula and Morocco itself, but never in her entire life had she seen something so special as this setup. She was in a different world right now and it felt amazing.
There was plenty of time till sunset so Chuck led Sarah to the middle of the pillows where a small table was set with covered plates on its surface. He could feel her shaking a bit and so he turned to her. "Sarah, here take this blanket."
Sarah refused the blanket. "Chuck, I'm not shaking because I'm cold silly." She snuggled up close to him.
The plan was originally to sit across from each other but apparently Sarah was already in the position she wanted to be. Right up against Chuck. No problem Chuck thought with a smile, this is exactly how it should be.
The two ate a variety of Sarah's favorite dishes. There were samplings of sizzling shrimp, Thai noodles, veggie pizza, and even chocolate croissants for dessert. Sarah could not believe how wonderful everything tasted. Of course she probably could have been eating dirt and it wouldn't have mattered. Just being here, being in this moment was everything to her.
The sun was just starting to set as the bright orange rays reflected off the California coastline. There was a slight breeze and the waves were just running about two to three feet. It was perfect weather, for a perfect moment. Chuck knew it was almost time.
Chuck stood and positioned himself with his back to the ocean so Sarah would be looking at him and not what was approaching from the parking lot. He reached out a hand for her to join him in a tender embrace. He didn't plan for anything other than a very special night with a very special girl. But something was tugging at him deep down inside. It was in the pit of his stomach working its way up through his chest and throat. His heart was pounding through his ears as he saw who approached. "Sarah, could I have this dance?" Chuck barely had his voice as the feeling of the moment was overtaking him. He saw who was heading their way and all he could think was 'thank you Casey, you pulled through for me once again.'
Sarah could see the change in Chuck's eyes as she was feeling something too. "But Chuck, there is no music…" Sarah stopped suddenly as the sweet melody played from a violin started behind her. Her eyes went wide in shock as she turned to see the source of the music. "Oh my God, Chuck. I can't believe this."
Making his way near their blanket was none other than acclaimed violinist Niccolo Paganini III. The song playing from his violin was like the voice of angels as it enveloped Chuck and Sarah into its loving embrace.
Sarah turned to Chuck with tears in her eyes as the feeling in her heart overwhelmed her. She couldn't help herself. "Chuck, I love you so much."
Now Chuck understood what the feeling was as his heart and mouth were proclaiming what it needed before his brain was able to catch up. "Sarah I love you too. More than I have ever loved anything in my life." Chuck would have been completely stunned if not for the moment they were in. He actually thought he would have been even more surprised that Sarah had said the exact words first. Sure they had hinted at it before, or made passing comments about their feelings for each other, but to actually state the exact phrase, well that hadn't happened yet and here Sarah was once again laying her emotions out there for him. Even though he should have been more shocked, somehow, from the events of the past two months, it actually just seemed right. Everything seemed right.
Sarah hugged Chuck as tightly as she could, cherishing this beautiful moment as the sun was dipping below the ocean blue. The sound of the violin and the embrace of her lover was bringing her to a place she had never gone before. She knew that she had never loved someone like she loved Chuck. It wasn't even close what she was feeling now. "I love you Chuck. I love you, I love you, I love you." Although just words, saying them somehow increased the feeling of happiness inside her. She couldn't stand another moment without their lips together, so she kissed him.
The kiss was not overheated or uncontrolled. It was love's true kiss, full of life, full of promise, and full of caring. This was a moment they would both always remember as their journey had come full circle from that day on the beach almost two years ago. It was the tale as old as time and it was the greatest fairy tale of all. The most unlikely of couples had been brought together through the most unlikely of circumstances. They both had been through a lot in their lives. Their journey to find each other had been filled with heartache, pain, abandonment, hurt, and every other miserable thing. But that all ended now at this moment. Their love for each other had overcome everything else and it would be strength of this love that would carry them through the rest of their lives. It was the love between a nerd from the Buy More and the CIA's top spy. There was no denying from either of them, that it was the greatest love of all.
A/N: Anyone find the similarities to the date night with something else I wrote? Sorry, just have a thing for the beach. But at least they didn't eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches ;)