A/N: Hey guys. Shorter filler chapter today. I've had a busy weekend, and I apologize. I hope you guys enjoy some good old fashioned Charah fluff.

Thanks as always for the reviews and PMs. You guys rock.

Disclaimer: I don't own Chuck.

Chuck woke to an empty bed for the first time in a long time. Ever since they had been on the run, they very rarely woke without one another. He momentarily freaked out, as was normal, but soon realized they were at home. Safe. He glanced over at the window and read the flow of information.

Bartowski Residence, Ojos Azules

January 13th, 2013

Local TIme: 8:01.43 am.

Current Outdoor Temperature: 73 Degrees Fahrenheit

Current Windspeed: 6 mph easterly

Tides: 6:34 am / 6:56 pm

Wave height: 1-2 ft

Today's forecast: Mostly sunny, warm

Current Security Threat Level: Low

He sighed contently while assessing the readout, glad it was going to be a nice day. He wanted to maybe get out on the water in either the kayaks or the boat. In order to do that, he had to find his wife. So he tumbled out of bed, wearing only his boxers, and stumbled into his closet in search of a t shirt and some lounge pants.

Chuck was happy they sent Ellie the message the night before. Even if they couldn't see her, she knew they were safe and happy. Sarah was right, it had been hard on him, but he knew it was the only way for now. He had no illusions about the possible consequences of subjecting his family to further risk. Any guilty thoughts he had about Sarah being with him he forced himself to shove down, replaying her previous words about it to him. She had finally almost completely convinced him of her side of things. Neither of them knew if that last shred of doubt would ever go away - that was just part of who Chuck is.

He found Sarah in the gym on the third floor. He heard the pounding of the heavy bag as soon as he stepped out of the master suite. He quietly made his way upstairs, not wanting to disturb her during her workout. He was well aware of how she would react.

Chuck inched his way towards the open door, careful of his footsteps. When he made it to the doorway, Sarah was focused on circling the bag, throwing long kicks and punches into it. Chuck was instantly transported back to almost four years prior, when he was forced to tell her they had to go to her high school reunion for a mission. She had on almost the same pair of workout clothes, the same sheen of sweat, the same determined look on her face. The difference that Chuck could easily see, however, was that underneath that mask of determination the sadness and fear from four years ago was gone, replaced with happiness and hope. He was the only person who could ever see right through her and determine her true emotions, the ones she tried to hide from the world but could never hide from her husband.

He leaned against the doorframe, soaking in the sights and sounds and smells of his angelic wife. It may not have been the most romantic of situations, but Chuck had yet to find a time when Sarah failed to be attractive to him. This was certainly no exception.

Her workout seemed to be slowing down, so Chuck decided to announce his presence.

He was about to speak when she beat him to the punch.

"Ogling me again, Chuck?" She spoke cheerily, innocently, as she kept landing vicious kicks.

"Um…no….I just woke up and you weren't there and….I'm sorry to disturb your workout," he rambled, flustered.

She stopped hitting the bag and turned to face him, giggling at the look on his face.

"It's okay, I'm pretty much finished anyways. You wore me out sufficiently last night," she spoke softly as she slowly approached Chuck, taking off her gloves.

He swallowed hard, a blush rising up his neck as he remembered the previous night's exploits.

Sarah reached Chuck and he instinctually opened his arms for her in an invitation, which she quickly accepted.

"Oh, Chuck, baby I'm sorry. I'm all sweaty," she said in his embrace, weakly attempting to wriggle out.

"It's fine, Sarah," he reassured, tightening his grip and kissing the top of her head. "Besides, like you said, I'm pretty used to sweaty Sarah all over me…," he joked.

She laughed into his chest heartily, and he couldn't help but smile. Her laugh always did that to him, no matter the context.

She looked up at him, a little wonderment in her eyes.

"Where's my good morning kiss, Mr. Bartowski?" She asked, dead serious.

"Apologies, Mrs. Bartowski," he said with a grin.

Chuck leaned down and she met his lips, both of them pouring emotion into the kiss. When it broke, Sarah kept her eyes closed for a few seconds in delight, with a silly grin plastered on her face.

"How about I whip up some breakfast while you shower?" Chuck suggested.

"No," Sarah immediately replied. When she saw the questioning look on Chuck's face, she explained further. "Our shower is big enough for the both of us." And with that, she sauntered past him, holding onto his hand as she led them back downstairs to their bedroom.

Thirty minutes, many gallons of water, two separate lathering sessions, and two very satisfied Bartowskis later, they finally sat down for breakfast. Sarah had actually volunteered to cook, trying and actually succeeding at making delicious omelets.

Chuck was, of course, very praising of his wife's efforts. She smiled and blushed, happy that she could please Chuck in such a small but meaningful way. It was one of those little normal wife things that Sarah always craved to give Chuck.

After their meal, they had a cup of coffee out on the balcony. It was already quite warm out, and there was a light breeze coming off the water. It was a gorgeous day.

"Do you want to go out on the water today?" Chuck asked.

"Sure, sweetie," Sarah answered. "What do you want to take out?"

"I don't know. I was going to ask you. We could take the kayaks, or the boat. If you want to throw back to our spy days I guess we could take the zodiac out." They both laughed. "And then, of course, there's the plane."

Sarah perked up at the mention of the plane. She hadn't forgot, but had been so overwhelmed with all the amenities that she hadn't thought much about it.

"Let's go kayaking," she said. "We can save the flying lessons for another day. The water looks so pristine."

"Okay. Good."

After they finished their coffee, they went back upstairs to dress for the day. In both their closets were everything they'd need to stay dry out on the water. Rubber overalls, made by Helly Hansen. Rubber Wellington boots. Polypropylene underwear and shirts. Wool socks. Sunglasses and wide hats, and sunblock. They filled up a couple CamelBacks and a few Nalgene water bottles. Of course Chuck packed the iPod and earbuds. They went back down to the pantry and packed some food into a backpack that they'd keep in the cockpit.

They left the house, Chuck making sure he had the iPhone and that he armed the security system. At the boathouse, they put the two seater kayak into the water. They put their life vests on, followed by their skirts which spread out over the opening of the cockpit to prevent water from getting inside. Chuck grabbed a weather radio, and a long range VHF. They were only going out for the day, but they'd rather be safe than sorry. Finally, they grabbed their paddles.

"Chuck, don't we have a GPS?" Sarah asked, reviewing their gear.

He just held up his iPhone and waved it in the air.

"C'mon, honey, it's me."

"Apologies, Mr. Bartowski," she cooed, remembering his words from after he workout. She walked up to him and went up on her toes, planting a quick kiss on his lips. "Let's go, sweetie," she encouraged.

Both of them had been kayaking before, and knew the proper way to paddle. If you don't know the proper way, it is easy to tire quickly, strain your muscles, and grow to dislike the entire endeavor. One you master the correct form, however, kayaking is one of the most fulfilling activities on earth. It is one of the most amazing ways to see scenery up close and personal.

Sarah got in the back spot, which controlled the steering. Chuck got in the front, Sarah telling him he was the motor and she was expecting him to provide most of the power.

"Why me, Sarah?" He complained. "You're probably stronger than me."

Her reply was simple, quick, and left no room for argument.

"Do you think the possible mother of your children should be straining herself that much?" She said in her sweetest saccharine voice.

"Didn't hear that excuse last night," Chuck muttered to himself.

"I'll pretend I didn't hear that," Sarah said, equally as sweet.

"Thanks," he grumbled.

The first thing Sarah noticed was how she and Chuck automatically paddled in perfect unison. Their strides fell into synch, and they glided through the water quickly and with ease. She used her feet to press pedals to steer, navigating them west to check out the islands. She was quickly falling in love with the near silence of kayaking, the only sounds those of the paddles hitting the water, the kayak cutting through the waves, her breathing, and Chuck's humming. She could get used to this, she thought.

It was a different feeling for both of them. Sure, they'd had a honeymoon. But, when it was done, it was right back to the spy world. They had never had time like this, where they could truly enjoy the moment. This was why Chuck had spared no expense on their home, he knew they needed this. They wouldn't be able to live happy constantly on the run. They both needed a home, so he gave them the best he could with their limitations. It was isolated, but it had to be. She was thankful for his knowing what they both yearned for, what they both lived for.

They stopped on a random island for lunch. They were still within their property, kayaking around and checking out all the different islands they owned. Sarah actually, after careful review, pointed out a couple of the missile batteries to Chuck. They found a small patch of grass, and set up to relax and eat. The blanket was still in the backpack from the previous day's ATV trip, so Chuck spread that out for them to lounge on. They munched on sandwiches, drank water, and chatted.

This time, it was Sarah who rooted around in the bag for the iPod.

"This is a perfect moment, Chuck," she explained as she got it out. "I have a perfect song I want to play."

Chuck was smiling from ear to ear. One of his very favorite things about his wife was how she never ceased to amaze him.

Sarah clutched onto Chuck's hand and laid her head on his shoulder as the song played.

I don't have to leave anymore

What I have is right here

Spend my nights and days before

Searching the world for what's right here

…

Underneath and unexplored

Islands and cities I have looked

Here I saw

Something I couldn't over look

…

I am yours now

So now I don't ever have to leave

I've been found out

So now I'll never explore

…

See what I've done

That bridge is on fire

Back to where I've been

I'm froze by desire

No need to leave

…

Where would I be

If this were to go under?

That's a risk I'd take

I'm froze by desire

As if a choice I'd make

…

And I am yours now

So now I don't ever have to leave

I've been found out

So now I'll never explore

…

I am yours now

So now I don't ever have to leave

I've been found out

So now I'll never explore

...

So now I'll never explore

…

They got back to the Ojos Azules just when the sun was starting to set. As they paddled into the cove, Sarah almost thought she was dreaming. It was like a movie, finding a home amongst the beauty and splendor of Patagonia. She had a silly grin on her face most of the day, but now it was an ear to ear smile. Chuck didn't notice, he was still sitting in the front of the kayak, with his back to her.

They landed the kayak on the beach, pulling right up onto the sand next to the boathouse. Chuck quickly hopped out and grabbed the front of the kayak, pulling it up far onto the sand. Sarah just sat in the back, smiling at him, and jumped out. She grabbed the back, and they hauled it into the boathouse. They unloaded it, then turned it over to dispel any water or sand. They put the paddles away and headed back to the house, arms around each other's waists.

Sarah went upstairs to take a shower while Chuck started dinner. She was downstairs fifteen minutes later, and they switched. Chuck had just started boiling water and threw some pasta into it. She made some sauce, sliced up some bread, and poured two glasses of water. Chuck came down in time to set the table, and they sat down to eat.

"Do you think she read it?" Chuck asked while they ate.

"I don't know, sweetie," Sarah answered honestly. "Ellie wouldn't forget something like that. I'd bet she read it."

Chuck nodded and looked back down at his plate, continuing to eat.

"Chuck, it's okay," Sarah said soothingly.

"What? I'm fine," he lied.

"Baby, it's okay to miss Ellie. I miss Ellie, just like I miss everyone else. It's normal to miss your family, Chuck."

"I know," he admitted. "It's just….," he froze.

"You feel guilty being happy here, when we left everyone we love behind?"

"Yeah," he breathed sadly.

"Sweetheart, it's okay. Look at me," she pleaded. He rose his eyes to meet hers.

Her heart broke at the look in his eyes, and all she wanted to do was to make it go away.

"Chuck, it's okay for us to be happy. Do you think Ellie, or Awesome, or Morgan, or Alex, or even Casey, would want us to be anything but happy?"

"I guess," he said, still not convinced.

"Honey, they know why we left. You don't have to feel guilty. That's the last thing Ellie would want you to be. All Ellie ever wanted was for you to be happy."

"I know," he relented. "Sarah, I'm sorry for ruining the mood," he said sadly.

"What are you talking about? Stop with that nonsense."

Her smile eventually coaxed a similar one out of Chuck, and he wondered how he could ever not be happy spending his life with her.

"Movie tonight?" Chuck suggested.

"Sure. First, though, you have to have dessert. You can have pie down here, or Sarah in our bedroom," she deadpanned.

"Can I have both?" He asked hopefully.

"Of course sweetheart," she said, standing up. "Me first."

Sarah grabbed him by the shirt, pulling him out of his seat. She took him by the hand, and he followed her in a daze upstairs to their room. She turned and started undressing him, while he did he the same to her. They were both grinning in between kisses, desire and love in their eyes.

Chuck didn't get his pie until much later, and he even got Sarah to feed it to him somehow.

They were laying in bed, after watching Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Sarah loved it, laughing throughout.

Chuck was half asleep, and Sarah was lying with her head on his chest, rubbing circles on his bare skin.

"I love you, Chuck," she mumbled as her eyes drifted closed.

He somehow heard her and tightened his grip around her, pulling her closer into his warmth. She sighed, finding herself home again.

A/N: The song featured in this chapter is "Island" by The xx.