Chapter 21
Sarah shifted slightly from her spot on the floor trying not to disturb the heavy body that used her chest as a pillow. The sound of birds had woken her from her light sleep indicating it was morning but she was not ready quite yet to open her eyes. Her hand absently ran through the tresses of the head that lay on her, being contented with the light breathing and gentle snores that came with that person.
It had been a hard night coming home late from the city and then Chuck breaking down. It was hard seeing him how he was, so distraught and full of self-hatred, thrown into the delusions of the horror that was forced upon him and he acted on. But it ended well.
Sarah let a smile settle upon her face remembering the end. She had proclaimed her intentions to stay with him and to prove it by being there every day. He then kissed her. Well, she kissed him first but then he took control. The kiss was full of passion and longing. It was sad and happy, apprehensive and sure all at once. She wasn't quite sure how long they had sat on the floor in front of each other reacquainting themselves to the other, but eventually it ended.
She wanted to go further, but put into consideration Chuck's weakened state. But she was here, and she was staying. They had all the time in the world. They had the rest of their lives. Instead she wrapped her arms around him holding him tight, and sometime, somehow they had ended up lying down on the floor where they were and fell asleep. And that is where they were now.
A slight sound to her right caused her ears to perk up and her spy senses to kick in. She figured it was probably Ellie just checking on them, so she turned her head slightly to look at the door and slowly opened her eyes. She gasped and pulled back though at having a tiny face with blue eyes, a tiny nose, and blonde hair staring right into her face inches away.
Her sudden movement startled Chuck who sat up quickly and pressed himself stiffly into the wall behind him looking around in terror. The little girl sat on her knees and clapped at that, thinking he was playing.
"It's ok Chuck. It's just Clara telling us it's time to wake up." She said soothingly sitting up herself, slightly putting herself in position to protect Clara if Chuck loses his senses. After a few moments though he calmed down and his breathing returned to normal, he slackened and curled himself back to the floor closing his eyes.
Clara crawled over to him and leaned on his side, patting his head soothingly. Sarah's smile widened at hearing the calming hush noises coming from her lips that Ellie made to her when she was upset. Soon though Chuck took a deep breath and then reached for Clara and pulled her to him, holding her tightly. He placed a kiss on her cheek which made her giggle.
"Good morning my little angel." He said softly.
"There you are! I've been looking everywhere for you." Ellies voice said from the door. They all looked up at her from the floor. She stood there fully dressed for the day arms crossed over her chest. "Sorry guys, I cracked the door to hear you in case you needed me. She escaped and found her way up here."
"It's ok Ellie. It was time to wake up." Sarah brushed off her apology, still smiling at Chuck and Clara. Chuck had sat up and was hold Clara as he tickled her. Her shrieks of laughter filling the room up and brightening it.
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The cemetery was full with people dressed in various shades of black, grey, and other darkened colors customary to a funeral. People of all sides of the world attended and mourned the loss of the two being buried today, though there were no bodies in the coffins.
Casey looked around at the turn outs, noting people of considerable background that either Chuck or Sarah or both had touched or helped over the course of their lives. Criminals, the wealthy, dignitaries, common folk, military, other agents. The list could go on and on.
Also in attendance were the pinions from the Buy More. There was a portion off the side that stated with no question that they were no part of Chucks spy life. A large group of people stood there in white nerd herd uniforms or green shirts, each standing surprisingly silent and still. Casey was almost impressed. He noted that he didn't recognize a lot of the Buy More people there; meaning Chuck Bartowski's friendliness obviously seeped out to a larger portion of the store chain. They all looked confused at the other people in attendance, and the American flag draped over their coffins.
He felt a hand grasp his as he looked over to see Gertrude looking at him. She gave him a wan smile, playing the part of supportive friend to a man that lost two of his best friends, though she knew full well that Sarah and Chuck were alive. He smiled back at her, surprising himself at how easy it's become to do, especially in public. Another part of Chuck he suspected that had changed him.
He looked up and paid attention once more to the reverend that was proceeding over the burial. Neither Bartowski nor Walker was religious but Mary had insisted that they at least be given this, if anything then for traditions sake. He sat in the front row with Mary, Devon, Morgan, Alex and the General.
Soon the trumpets started and guns went off in honor of the two fallen Agents. The flags were removed from the coffins and presented to Devon. Casey thought it unusual believing they should go to Mary, but she disagreed. Ellie had been more of a mother then she had to Chuck. Had been there through everything with Sarah. She felt that they should go to Ellie, for she will mourn them the most.
Once the funeral was over everyone around didn't stay long. There was a wake being held at the Buy More, the food and drinks donated and being catered by all the local establishments in the plaza to which Chuck had been friends with many from, donating time to fix whatever is needed for no charge.
A wave of sadness ran over him, thinking of how much Chuck Bartowski had touched people's lives, whether they were ordinary people or major members of society, or even criminals and spies. He touched them and changed their lives and views in positive ways. The biggest attestant to this was Sarah Walker, and Casey himself. Even though he knew they were alive and would be well, he suddenly mourned for his loss.
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Sarah stood at the window in the kitchen looking out in the yard. Ellie decided that Chuck needed some fresh air and should go out for a bit so she took a blanket; some bottled water and some animal crackers and set him outside on the grass with Clara.
Sarah watched as he laid there held up by some pillows soaking in the sun into his pale skin, as Clara crawled around him picking flowers and such and bringing it to him. He smiled and gave her praise and she could see how happy it made her that she made him smile. It made her yearn and wonder if she and Chuck themselves could still have a family someday.
"Look how happy he is with her." Ellie said from behind her. Sarah startled and silent berated herself that she's been startled so often recently. Her spy senses going lax. Thought she could see it as a good thing since she had given it up. She can now start being more alive and normal.
"I haven't seen him so alive in a long time. The fresh air is doing him wonder." She replied back. They were silent as they watched the two play and interact. She could see the sluggish movements of Chuck, noticing he must be getting tired and needing a rest.
"Maybe it's time for them to come in." She suggested to Ellie, not taking her eyes off the scene.
"Let them play. Let them sleep outside. It will do them good. The shade from that tree over there will hit them in about twenty minutes so they'll be protected." Ellie decided for them. Sarah let her.
They had seemed to be in some kind of power struggle over Chuck ever since she first arrived at the facility of project Omaha. Part of her wanted to fight more fiercely for him, but she refrained from it, knowing that Ellie was currently what he needed more.
"Thank you for last night." Sarah said finally turning to face her. He leaned against the sink and crossed her arms over her chest. "For taking a chance on me to help him."
"Yeah I didn't have much of a choice. He will have to rely on you in the future. I wanted to see and make sure you could handle it." Ellie said.
"And how did I do?" Sarah asked honestly. She wasn't really sure if she had done the right things despite how it had ended calmly. Ellie thought for a moment before answering.
"You did a good job Sarah." She paused. "But that's just a taste of what you are getting yourself into. I hope you realize that." Ellie warned. Sarah looked her right in the eye, relenting.
"I know. And I'll admit I'm not entirely prepared. But I'll learn. And I'll do what I can." She said earnestly. They stared at each other for a few more silent moments before Ellie finally relented and reached out with a bright smile and wrapped her arms around Sarah, hugging her tightly. It lasted a few moments before she finally pulled back and brushed some hair from Sarah's face behind her ear.
"I know. And I'm glad you recognize it. Acknowledging that you don't entirely know if you can handle is really the biggest part of being able to cope. If you're too confident, you'll fail when it goes to hell. I know you'll do what you can, and it won't be easy but just don't give up on him ok?"
Sarah just nodded numbly, wiping a stray tear away. She turned around again to stare out the window. She felt her heart swell at seeing Clara curled up on Chuck, both of them sleeping in the sun, the shade of the tree slowly reaching out to protect them from the rays.
"Yeah. We'll figure something out." She whispered to herself.
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They all sat around a large conference table in a big intimidating official looking building. The assistant from the front office that had escorted them into the room was currently going around placing fresh bottled water on coasters for them along with little snacks for them. Morgan immediately jumped on the finger sandwiches that were placed near him as Alex looked on with amusement.
It was just Morgan, Alex, Mary, him and Devon there. They were summoned by some official looking peon that Casey was sure wet themselves when he glared at him to come to the meeting today regarding the estate of one Charles Irving Bartowski and Sarah Bartowski.
Finally a short greying man with large glasses and an expensive looking suit walked through the door. He didn't even look up as he walked to the head of the table and plopped a large pile of folders and paper on the table in front of him. He took his seat and opened the first one before looking up at the group assembled and cleared his throat.
"I'm sure we all know why we are here. It's my duty to read the last will and testament of Mr. And Mrs. Charles Irving Bartowski. I am Andrew Morrison and I have been placed as executor of the estate." He started. Casey snorted wondering what Sarah would think of being considered as Mrs. Charles Irving Bartowski instead of her own self.
"Shouldn't we wait for my wife to be here for this? He was her brother." Devon interrupted the small man. Mr. Morrison nodded his head in understand.
"Typically we would but with her still missing for an indeterminate amount of time we are required to execute the will as soon as possible. For the foreseeable future you, Dr. Devon Woodcomb, husband of Dr. Ellie Bartowski Woodcomb will be presented as legal owner under the supervision of this office of any and all properties and monies awarded to you and your wife. In the event that Mrs. Woodcomb is still missing within the time frame of one year from this reading, you will be given full ownership of everything without our interference." He stated simply.
Devon looked uneasy. He didn't want to be in charge or have anything of Chuck's without Ellie. He was tempted to tell the lawyer that there was nothing to worry about, that she would be home soon but a glance and Casey and a squeeze of his mother in laws hand stopped him from saying anything. He simply nodded his understanding and kept quiet.
"Then let us begin." He stated firmly, lifting up a stack of papers. Under the pile of papers was a flat metal container in which he opened it and pulled out a disc. He walked over to the big screen behind him and pressed some buttons, turning it on and inserting the disc into the DVD player.
"Mr. and Mrs. Bartowski made a video of their last wishes just over a year ago and wished it to be played here now." With that he pushed the play button and turned the lights off.
The screen remained black for a minute before it lit up brightly showing Chuck and Sarah sitting in Castle. They both smiled at the camera looking well and healthy and in love. They held hands as Chuck adjusted something on the camera and Sarah laughed calling him a nerd.
"Ok, we ready? Ready. "Chuck said sitting back next to Sarah smiling at the camera. Sarah covered her mouth to hide her smile. He elbowed her lightly laughing himself. Everyone in the room had their attention fully on the screen, seeing the joy and eases their friends used to have.
"Ok ok, I'm ready. Go." She said to him.
"Ok. Hey everybody. I'm Chuck, obviously. And this lovely beautiful woman is my wife Sarah. "
"I'm sure they know who we are Chuck." She chided next to him.
"Yes I'm just being-look let's just do this."
"Ok ok." She gave in.
"So anyways if you guys are seeing this then it means that something unfortunate has happened to us and we are no longer with you. I'm truly sorry for whatever pain we've caused and we hope you all can move on and enjoy your life because nothing means more to us then your happiness."
"That means you Casey; we expect wedding bells someday in your life." Sarah cut in.
"Oh, you're lucky you're dead he will so kill you for that."
"Seemed like a good time to say it then huh?" The two laughed a little before getting back to business.
"First things first, Mom, Casey. We need you to take care of a few things for us." They lifted a box up to show them and Mr. Morrison picked up the box on the shelf by the TV and presented it to Casey.
"It's keyed to your DNA, retina and thumb print. Contained in it is well, you know." Chuck said on screen. Sarah rolled her eyes.
"It's our spy wills." Sarah said simply. Chucks eyes widened.
"Sarah! You don't know who's…"
"Chuck, Morrison is a highly respected lawyer for spies and everyone who is in the room should know by now what we do. There's no point in beating around the bush. We're dead."
"Fine, fine. Alright. It's our spy wills. There's some stuff we need you to handle if you could. All the information you'll need is in there. We're sorry to have to ask you to do this but you two are the people in the spy world we trust the most. "
"Thank you Casey. You're the best partner an agent could ever have." Sarah added solemnly.
"On to brighter things! Anyways…"
"Brighter things? We're dead Chuck." Sarah said.
"Sweetie you're getting them down." He stage whispered to her.
"Ok, continue." She said giving a knowing look to the camera, bringing a smile to everyone's face.
"Ok, first and foremost, I want to say, except for a few specific things which we will get to, everything else not listed here goes to Ellie." He held tightly onto Sarah's hand. "We've discussed it, and with the large amount of assets we have the only person we truly trust to do the best with it is my sister.
Ellie, I love you so much. You've taken care of me my whole life. You've been there through ups, and downs. You've believed in me and believed I could do anything even when others didn't including me. You never gave up on me. You never left me. And most importantly you never stopped loving me no matter what." Chuck stopped for a moment taking a deep breath and Sarah squeezed his hand while wiping away the moisture from her eyes with her other hand.
"You are the most deserving person in my life Ellie. So I want you to take everything I have, everything I own and do with it as you will. I trust you judgment and your heart. I hope you take it all and do well in the world. You have so much potential and my most desperate wish is for you to fulfill your dreams. I don't want you to have to worry about money ever again. You can quit working in hospitals and open your own clinic, or you can start your own research and become the best neurologist in history.
So I know your big heart and while I know you'll do what's best, please, keep some for yourself. Fulfill your potential and enjoy life. And share it with Devon, and Clara, and anymore nieces and nephews you have. "
Chuck had to stop after that and he stood up. Turning the camera off. A few seconds later it came back on with the two of them sitting here more solemnly.
"Sorry for the break guys. I just, really love my sister." Chuck apologized, wiping his eye again.
"The next thing…" Sarah looked at the list. "We want to leave the Buy More to Morgan Grimes. No matter how much we want to, we can't, in Casey's words 'kick the ugly cousin out.' The Buy More has been important to us all; despite how much we hate it. So we want Morgan Grimes to have it."
"Hopefully with the help of one beautiful Alex McCue. Hint hint little buddy." Chuck cut in.
"Yes, and while we trust Alex, we know how Morgan is so we hope that the rest of the family, I.E. Ellie will stay as advisors to assist him to make sure it flourishes. And feel free to get rid of the creepy people known as Jeffster. "
"We trust you buddy. You've been my best friend forever. I can't even remember how long. Like Ellie you've been there for me through thick and thin. You've grown so much in the past few years, from lazy gaming employee to manager to the Buy More and super spy extraordinaire. I can't tell you how proud I am of you, and how honored you are, were, my best friend and life partner."
"Man I'm starting to feel bad I have nobody to do for." Sarah said teasingly to him.
"Hey if you want to profess your love and admiration to my BFF feel free to, I know you love the little bearded man." Sarah rolled her eyes at him.
"Yes, of course I do. Morgan you're a great friend. Thank you."
"Feel better?" Chuck asked her.
"Yes. I'm grateful I have you for all this touchy mushy stuff. "She admitted.
"You do a great job with me." With that he leaned over and placed a kiss on her lips but she stopped it a second later.
"Honey this isn't a sex tape so move along." Chuck scowled playfully at her.
"Ok, next, Mom, I don't even know what to give you truthfully. I thought about it. You have everything you want except your family back. And with me being gone...well. So I put this together for you." Chuck paused knowing that Morrison was getting a large book off the shelf and was handing it to her.
Mary looked at the book. On the cover was a picture of Chuck and Ellie, taken right before she left. The cover stated "The Life and Times of Ellie and Chuck Bartowski." She opened it up, and tears sprang from her eyes. It was professionally made, pictures covering the pages, with letters they've written each other, memories and notes, everything cataloging their lives together growing up without their mother, and soon after their father.
"I hope you like the book. I put it together so that you can share with us memories of growing up, of our accomplishments, and failures. It's of use so you can get to know us better, seeing us growing up. "
"Casey, we leave you Castle and everything in it." Sarah picked up. "Including that armory that you spent so much time putting together. You can use it for whatever you want, or need, you can sell it, hide dead bodies in there…"
"Or you can sit in there and secretly watch Downton Abbey. I know you watch it, deny it all you want but I know the truth." Chuck eyed the camera. The room erupted in laughter.
"Ok, and last but by no means least, Clara." Chuck sighed and closed his eyes for a second. "It breaks my heart even now though I'm still alive, to think that I might not get to know my beautiful niece and watch her grow up. I have no doubt that she will be every bit as authoritative and beautiful as her mother, and as sporty and intelligent as her father. But what I worry about is how nerdy she will be. It was plan, the whole time, ever since I found out Ellie was pregnant. I was going to nerd the crap out of that kid, and I won't be here to do it. Who will show her how to install a graphics card into her computer? Who will teach her the difference between Star Wars and Star Trek and the pros and cons of both? And most importantly, who will teach her the best comics to read and which are crap.
So with all that in mind, I leave this for my niece Clara, to which I hope she shares with any other sibling that comes along. I leave my entire collection. That means all my gaming systems, games, comic books, collectors' items, everything and anything. It's all for you Clara. And though you may not enjoy everything or anything that I've given you, but I hope it helps you along the way on finding your inner nerd."
"I just want to say, Clara, I'm not big on kids, but being with you, was magical, and made me rethink things. I hope this video never plays and instead your uncle and I have cousins for you to play with. But whatever happens just know you are special, and don't ever let people tell you otherwise. Don't let them bully you, be who you are and stand up for what you believe in." Sarah said. Chuck was stunned, but smiled.
"That is so sweet honey." He kissed her on the cheek before they both turned to the camera.
"Ok well that's it; everything else is up to Ellie so if you want something talk to her. We love you all and we'll miss you!
The screen went black and the entire room was silent. Mr. Morrison turned the lights back on and then sat at the table again waiting.
"I'd rather have Chuck and Sarah." Morgan said, breaking the silence. Nobody there could disagree.
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A/N: Another chapter. Next chapter probably wed/thurs. I'm taking a 3 day weekend so i'm not going to write anything. But never fear its almost over. I'm thinking 1 more chapter and then an epilogue.