A/N: It's not a date, it couldn't be a date, because Chuck told Ma23 he would wait for her…so what would our hero do…this. (Also, timeline wise, we are APPROACHING a year Ma23 and Orion have known each other. Chuck and Sarah, a few months, and Sarah has been listening to What's Up Chuck since it's inception close to a year ago.)

Disclaimer: I don't own Chuck

Sarah came back from her morning run with Peaches, showered, and was getting ready for work, when she heard the ping. She had kind of been expecting it. Last night, the two had sat, chatted a little, but just enjoyed each other's company.

I feel guilty.

Sarah tried not to laugh. Oh, Chuck. He was still upset, mad, whatever it was, at her. She didn't know if he felt guilty because of what she had done, and he was realizing it wasn't fair, or because he thought he and Ma23 were promised to each other, or some ancient tradition like that. Knowing Chuck, it was probably a little bit of both.

Did you rob a bank? Cause if so, I expect you to share.

No

He'd typed back quickly. Oh, it was going to be one of those replies. He usually went silent as he tried to think of the right words, so as not to put his leg down his throat.

What are we?

We're friends, at least I thought we were.

Sarah smiled. She was feeling a little evil over this, but at the same time, she found herself enjoying teasing Chuck. She knew she couldn't be mean, but she enjoyed teasing him, and she was going to.

Romantically

Wow, he just gave up and went there. She grinned at the screen, and then saw there was more.

I mean I know we haven't met but… I feel like we have something, and I'm good waiting for you, provided you promise you will be here.

She took a deep breath and began to type.

I can't ask you to do that. If there is someone, be honest, tell me what's going on, and if you are interested in dating them, then you should. Just be honest with me, Orion.

I'm not dating anyone, it's just… someone I thought I was mad at, maybe even really disliked –Sarah snorted over his refusal to use the word hate – I've seen her in a new light, and I'm not talking dating, but, I feel like maybe she could be a friend. I don't know. A family friend told me something the other day that I still can't quite process.

Sarah waited, but there was nothing else. She took a deep breath and began to type.

Thank you for sharing that, and if you want to tell me what your friend told you, I'd love to hear it. I'm here for you, I just can't be there. I would like to think I'll always be a friend. Even if you date someone, I do want to meet you.

She was surprised at how quickly he responded.

I want to meet too, and I'm waiting on you. I am, unless you've moved on. As for my friend, he said I have resentment in me. He's right. I resent so much, and it's being aimed at the wrong people, but I don't know how to forgive her. You know, the one that owns the big box store. But the thing is, she did nothing wrong. I'm just so… hurt.

Sarah frowned, searched on-line for the gif of Tigger hugging Pooh.

Hey, again, I'm here, for whatever you need.

Can we facetime?

Sarah froze. Oh. Shit. Was it over before it even started? And then, Chuck Bartowski bailed her out.

You know what, no, we can't, because I want our first meeting to be face-to-face.

I do too. I've got to get to work, chat with you later?

Have a good day, Ma23

You too Orion

}o{

"Hey," Sarah said as she entered his store. Chuck turned from the sign he was hanging on the endcap.

"Hey, yourself," Chuck replied. "You mind if I work and talk?" Sarah held out her hand for some of the placards, and Chuck gave her a look. "Aren't you working somewhere else right now?"

"I own the damn store, Chuck," Sarah said with a grin. "I can do what I want."

"Well, guess you told me," he said, returning the grin, and handing her a few placards. "What's up."

"Just wanted to say thanks, I know it was hard last night," Sarah told him. "That was kind of you."

"Sarah, stop," Chuck said, making her blink and turn to look at him. "The attitude I've been giving you… it is not fair. I am dealing with a lot of things, none of which are your fault, and yet I'm laying the blame at your feet."

"Chuck, you know that old saying, you love who you love?" Chuck nodded. "I think the same is true with other feelings… it's how you react to them. And you have been nothing but kind. So please, don't beat yourself up."

"Thank you," Chuck replied. He looked tired. "This is hard."

"Yeah, I bet it is," Sarah replied. "I never had the connection to my store that you do yours. With me and Dad, it's just been about doing a job. Nothing sentimental. I sort of envy you in that way. Your job means more."

"I feel like I'm letting him down, which I know is stupid, but it's how I feel," Chuck admitted. "I gotta stop." He turned to her. "I assume you're here for something other than my pity party?"

"I'm here to check on you, and see if you want me to make you an offer," Sarah said. "More the former, than the latter."

"Why do you care?" Chuck asked. "And-and, I don't mean that to be rude, it's just… I'm genuinely curious."

She shrugged. "I like you, Chuck. You're a good guy who cares about others."

He blushed a little. "Thanks," he said. "God, this is gonna be rough, closing this store, and I'm the only employee."

"I know someone that can help on weekends," Sarah said with a grin. Chuck gave her a look. "What? Molly loves it here."

"Aren't there child labor laws?" Chuck asked. Sarah shrugged and grinned. "Fine, you're both welcome. Now, how about an offer, and don't low-ball me."

Sarah stuck her tongue out at him, pulled up her phone and sent a text. Chuck pulled his out, looked at what she'd sent, and looked up at her, shock on his face.

A/N: For those of you who's mind jump to the worst possible scenario, she offered him one and a half times what everything is worth. Next time….Valentine's Day, and dare I say it…BANTER! What? Don't believe me?

"Whoa, there, ma'am," Chuck said, holding up his hands. "You and I cannot have sizzling shrimp together, because that would be too much."

"Naeiou," Sarah replied. "I have it on the bearded one's authority that friends can have sizzling shrimp together, and per the bearded one, if one doesn't believe that, then one does not believe men and women can just be friends."

"Lots of beards in that sentence," Chuck pointed out.

We're getting closer and closer.