A/N: They started the New Year together…I wonder what might be in store for them this year…
Disclaimer: I don't own Chuck
I've made a decision, I'm going to close my store.
Sarah stared at the message. He had sent at six in the evening, so she assumed he was over at his store, although he could have done it from home. She replied.
How do you feel? Sad, a burden being lifted, hurt?
She hit send, and waited. There was nothing for a few minutes, and she wondered if she shouldn't have said anything. She leaned back in her chair, and wondered what she should do. It had been two weeks since they had talked and danced on New Year's Eve, and Sarah hadn't seen Chuck since. She had talked to him as Ma23, but not as Sarah Walker. And that's what she needed to do: Talk to him as Sarah Walker.
The reply came, making her sit up in her chair.
I'm not sure. I'll talk later, I have to head to my other gig.
Other gig? She shook her head, got up and headed to the sales floor to stretch her legs. What other gig? Did he have a new job already? She had so many questions, and no idea how to get the answers to them. Then she saw Morgan, and headed over to him.
"Morgan," she began, and he straightened, looking like he had been caught doing something. "Okay, with that reaction, I have to know: what were you doing?"
"I was changing the channel of the radio," Morgan replied. "I'm sorry, but my buddy is about to go on air, and he's been through a lot. I have to support him."
"Excuse me?" Sarah asked, shaking her head. "I'm not following."
"Chuck," Morgan told her. "His side gig, the one he took up to help out one of his family friends when his radio station was struggling."
"Chuck Bartowski is a DJ?" Sarah asked.
"Yeah, he has this little show called, What's Up Chuck," Morgan told her, pride evident on his face. "He kept it going while his dad was fighting cancer, used it as a type of therapy, of sorts."
"I see," Sarah said, and it suddenly all made sense. She had felt a connection to what she thought were three different men, and it turned out, they were all the same guy. "He's really a good guy, isn't he?"
"The best," Morgan told her. "And, he's not mad at you; he's just hurt, and he's not sure what to do with his feelings."
"Well, I'm betting he'll figure them out one of these days," Sarah told Morgan. "I'll leave you to it, just try not to ignore the customers."
"I won't," Morgan promised. "Oh, I almost forgot! He told me to give you his phone number. He's decided to sell the store, and said you had mentioned making an offer." Sarah nodded. "If you'll give me your phone, I'll put it in. I promise, no shenanigans."
"Morgan," Sarah began, handing him her phone. "It's you. There's always some shenanigans."
Morgan grinned, and shrugged. "It's who I am." He finished, handed her back the phone, and stood there, in thought. "He could use a friend, you know."
"He has you," Sarah countered.
"Don't let the heterosexual-life-partner thing fool you. He needs…" Morgan trailed off. "Come on, he's great."
"He is, he just can't forgive me," Sarah reminded him.
"Maybe he's gotta forgive himself first," Morgan said softly. "Maybe he thinks he really let his dad down."
"And I'm the reason he let his dad down," Sarah pointed out.
"No… customer choices, the economy, changing consumer habits, those are why the store is closing," Morgan argued. Sarah stared at him. "What? Just because I have this beard doesn't mean I don't pay attention."
"Morgan Grimes, never let it be said that you aren't the best," Sarah said with a smile. "I think I'll call Chuck later… let's not tell him I know about the radio show."
"Fine with me," Morgan replied, smiling. "Have a good night, Sarah."
Sarah went back to her office, and turned on the app on her computer that was tuned to the station that carried What's Up Chuck.
Good evening everyone. I come to you tonight with a bit of a heavy heart. I am making some changes in my life, and as a dear friend, and owner of this station, reminded me, I need to let go. Now, he wanted me to let go in a few weeks, but I protested, fiercely. See, I love Christmas. I need to do it right, and we agreed… well, I may have worn him down. Sarah chuckled at that. My last broadcast will be Christmas Eve.
She sat there quietly, thinking. He was going to make changes, ending his program on Christmas Eve. In one way, she wondered if that was long enough; in another, she wondered if it was too long. She decided she wouldn't put a date on anything. She'd just listen to him, her heart, and when it was time, she'd tell him. For some reason, she found herself doodling December 24th on a piece of paper and circling it.
}o{
He was sitting at Lou's having a cup of hot chocolate. He had been the only employee all day, had to close the shop up quick, do his radio show, and drive back to finish closing. Now he was sitting there, realizing tomorrow he would begin to end his father's business. He sighed. The door opened and he looked up, finding someone he hadn't seen in a few weeks, but often found himself thinking about.
"This seat taken?" she asked softly. Chuck shook his head, and she sat down. "Thanks… I won't bug you, but I just don't feel like being alone tonight."
"Me either," Chuck admitted. They sat there quietly, drinking their drinks. "Rough day?"
"Jeff put canned cheese in a toaster oven," Sarah told him. "I should fire him, but he wouldn't be able to find a job anywhere else."
"No, he wouldn't," Chuck admitted. "So that's why you keep him." Sarah nodded. "That's not the best business practice." Sarah shrugged. "I'm going to figure you out, Sarah Walker."
She grinned at him. "Well, let me know if you like what you figure out."
"I will," he told her, as they resumed drinking their hot chocolate in silence.
A/N: Huh….it's like…it's like these two are slowly going to be drawn to each other. I mean it's not a date...*sips tea* Next time: Orion asks Ma23 if she wants to facetime. Ruh Ro.