A\N; Hey, thanks for taking your time to read my story. I would like to thank Nevr for being my beta for this story and for working hard to fix my mistakes. The last chapter we finally had Sarah enter the story and we had Chuck on the phone with POTUS. Truthfully, I don't see the president playing that big of a role in this story. but I don't know. We will see how the story flows. Sorry it has taken a while to get another chapter out but work has been a pain and I have not had much time to work on this. Sorry had to take the post down I uploaded the unedited chapter.
Now the disclaimer: I don't own Chuck. I still wish I did.
Chapter 6
Chuck awoke bright and early for his daily run. Today was a little different, he was alone. Devon was at the hospital. This was fine by Chuck; he spent the run going over everything that has happened. Now Sarah and Casey were back in his life, two of the best friends and partners he ever had.
Casey was still the hard shell, "don't show your lady feelings" guy he always was and he may always have that angry center, but Chuck knew that you could never find a more loyal friend. Chuck was contemplating with himself of when to spring the news about Casey's daughter, Alex. After finding Alex, Casey was a different man. With this thought, Chuck decided not to hold out on the Major. Chuck grew up without a father for most of his life, so he knew how Alex felt and knew she needed her father in her life.
His thought switched over to the woman who haunted his dreams, the one the only Sarah Walker. He was still blown away by her beauty when they went on their date. He was thankful that she was back in his life and that all the planning was worth it now that she was here. He knew Sarah was a private person so he was worried about her reaction to him knowing about her past. She would probably think that he flashed on her file, thanks to the Intersect. That would be a good way to cover the truth for the time being. He hated lying to her, but he needed to gain more of her trust before she would believe his story. He knew he couldn't keep it from her for long because he knew Sarah would like to have her mother back in her life, especially now that Ryker was no longer a problem. He smiled remembering the day he got the news. It was the day he got the governor and the intersect from his father.
(Flashback)
Chuck finally received the call from his father that his Intersect was ready. He was making his way to his father's cabin. He was excited to get the Intersect back. Yeah, it caused him a lot of grief and his wife, but he knew that with it he could help a lot of people.
Chuck finally made it to his father's cabin. He was excited to get the Intersect again. He knew with his new training, he was ok without it, but with it, he would be better. He knows that he doesn't need it to win Sarah over again, but the Intersect was what brought her into his life and the fact that it was his father's creation was also important. He knocks on the door with a smile on his face. The door opened and he was greeted by his father. "Hey dad, so you were finally able to finish it," said Chuck
"Hello Charles. Yes, I finished it last night," Stephen spoke, smiling back at his son. He invited him in hoping Chuck liked the other surprise he had for his son.
As Chuck entered the cabin, he finally noticed someone else was there and he gave the new person a big smile and rushed to greet them. "Mom, it's great to see you again. I have missed you," said Chuck as he engulfed his mother into a big hug. His eyes were a little blurry with unshed tears in them, glad to once again be reunited with his mother, only this time, he knew his mother was on his side from the very beginning.
"oh, Chuck. It's great to see you again. I'm sorry for leaving you and your sister. I never meant to be gone for so long," Mary said, still hugging her son.
"Mom, did dad tell you everything that's going on?" Chuck asked and Mary nodded her head against his chest. "Then you should know I don't blame you for anything and neither will Ellie. I know you were put in a bad situation, but that's all going to change soon. With dad and Ellie working together, they should be able to get Hartley back to the way he was before," Chuck said as he pushed his mother back to look her in the eyes, to let her see he meant every word he said.
Mary looked at the truth in her son's eyes and smiled at him once more. "Thank you, Chuck, I can't wait for all this to be over so we can all be a family again," Mary said
" Ellie and I can't wait either. That's why I'm here, to download the Intersect again, to get everything started. With the government about a month away from being back in my life, that also means Sarah will be back and this time it won't be like the last time." Chuck smiled to his mother. Like always, he gets a faraway look in his eyes when he thinks of his wife. His mother noticed this and smiled at Chuck.
She spoke again, hoping to get his attention back, "Chuck I can't wait to meet this Sarah of yours. Your father told me your story and with how you two met it, reminds me so much of your father and I." Mary spoke softly.
"What can I say, mom, it must be the Bartowski charm that effects those hardened female CIA spies," Chuck said as he smiled and looked at his mother and father, and everyone broke out in laughter
"Ok Charles, sit here in front or the computer and we will begin" said Stephen.
Chuck sat down and then waited for his parents to move away out of sight of the computer, then he pressed enter on the keyboard and, just as he expected, the pictures flashed on the screen. His parents looked on as Chuck uploaded the abilities and languages he asked for. He was glad to be sitting down, he would never get used to the upload. Finally, the computer screen went dark. Chuck was out like a light, sitting up in the chair.
Chuck's parents rolled Chuck over to the bed in the cabin. They waited for Chuck to wake up. They looked at each other and smiled, watching Chuck sleep reminded them of when he was a child. They realized they missed so much of their children's life and were now glad that, thanks to Chuck, they were starting to bring their family back together, but it would take some more time to get everything ready for Hartley and dealing with the government. They waited for half an hour for Chuck to wake up.
Chuck opened his eyes. His head hurt less then it usually did when he got uploads. He looked around and found a glass of water and aspirin on the bedside table. After taking the pills, he gets up to look for his parents and found them outside on the porch. Both of his parents were smiling at him as he walked out.
"So, Charles how are you feeling?" Stephen asked.
"I am feeling ok. A slight headache, but nothing like it used to be after I uploaded the Intersect last time. Thanks for the aspirin," Chuck replied.
"That's good to hear. Now, how about we do a couple tests to see how the upload went?" Mary asked Chuck. He smiled at his mother. Mary starts her test with the languages he now knows. She starts out with Russian, French, Spanish, Chinese and a few others. "Ok Chuck, it seems that the language pack is working fine. Now, let's try the self defense. Then Chuck concentrated and flashed as Mary started her attack. She was unable to get through Chuck's defense. That's when he went on the offensive and within a few minutes was able to take down his mother.
Stephen watched on and smiled at them and when it was over finally spoke up," Well done Charles. Everything seems to be working right. Now I have the governor waiting for you inside and that's all I have for you. I think your mother has a surprise for you as well, but I will let her tell you that."
They all head back inside to retrieve the governor and, once Chuck put it on, it helped relive some of the stress on his brain he was happy everything was working out so far.
"Well Chuck, like your father said, I have a surprise for you," Mary said as she hands Chuck a folder. When he opens it, he is surprised to see pictures of Ryker and his team dead. He wasn't expecting to be rid of Ryker so soon. He thought it would take more time, but then he should have realized his mother was Frost.
"Mom, this is great. It's one less thing we have to worry about and it's something, once Sarah is back, that she can get off her shoulders." He gives his mother a big smile and hugs her.
"Chuck, this Sarah of yours must be special. When your father told me that you planned to get rid of Quinn and Ryker, I was shocked that you would be ok with their death, but just like your father and I, you would do anything to protect your family and the fact that these two would cause a lot of pain to our family, I can see why you want them taken out," Mary spoke to her son.
"Mom, all I want is to have our whole family back together and with those two gone, we are well on our way. I hate killing, but to protect our family I will do anything for them, even if they don't know we are family yet," Chuck told his mother.
"Well, Quinn is giving us a little trouble, but we should be rid of him soon," she told Chuck and he just nodded his head in understanding.
(flashback end)
Chuck was brought out of his reminiscing after his three-mile run ended when he reached the court yard. As he walked toward the fountain, to his shock there sat Sarah Walker. She looked right at him once he walked into the courtyard, he could see the surprise in her eyes when she looked over him in his sweat covered shirt clinging tightly to him, showing his well-defined chest and abs. He thought he heard her gulp, but thought it was his mind playing tricks on him. He smiled at her knowing what his smile does to her. "Hello Sarah, how are you doing today? What's going on? I am a little surprised to see you here, not that you being here is a bad thing," Chuck finished. He was able to stop himself from rambling some more.
"Hey Chuck. I'm doing ok. I didn't know you ran," she commented.
"Yeah, I have been working out and running with Devon for almost a year now, so I try to keep up with the schedule we set up together. We usually run together, but he at the hospital at the moment."
"Ok Chuck, don't freak out, but we have a meeting with our bosses and you will have to be there. It's in about thirty minutes over at Casey's, right across the courtyard. So why don't you go take a shower and meet us over there." Sarah smiles at him trying to reassure him, but he wasn't worried. This actually worked well for him.
"Ok Sarah, I'll be right over," Chuck said and Sarah just nodded. He heads inside to take a shower. Sarah watches him go into his apartment. She couldn't get a read on Chuck like she is used to. Granted this was a different kind of mission than she is used to. She has experience in protection, coming from working for the Secret Service for a year, but Graham used her talents a different way. Chuck was different from any other asset she has been around. While most assets are criminals or are getting paid for their aid, Chuck willingly helped them without even being asked. He put his life on the line to disarm a bomb and all he gets is not thrown into a bunker.
Sarah makes her way over to Casey's apartment and just walks right in. She is brought out of her thoughts of Chuck by Casey grunt, "So, where's the moron?"
"He just got back from his run and will be over after he takes his shower," was her curt reply.
"Let's just hope the meeting with the bosses goes without a hitch and maybe we will be out of Burbank soon," Casey spoke. Sarah didn't reply because her mind was elsewhere. She didn't know how she felt about leaving so soon. This was a bizarre mission, one that delved into science fiction. She also didn't want to leave yet, until she could figure out just who Chuck Bartowski is. She meant what she said about liking Chuck. He was different than any man she met before. Granted all the men she met are either criminals, scum of the earth, or arrogant self-absorbed agents who just tried to get in her pants. She thought Bryce was different, but she never really opened herself up; he was just a convenience and she had been right not to trust him fully with him going rouge. Now here she was because of him sending highly classified information to a civilian and screwing up his life again. She read in Chuck's file that he and Bryce were roommates, so she wouldn't put it past him to framing Chuck and getting him kicked out of college. She didn't realize how much time had gone by until she heard a knock on the door and she was brought out of her thoughts, with the sound of Casey letting Chuck into the apartment.
"Ok, so do you guys know what this meeting is about?" Chuck asked both of them. Neither were able to answer when Casey's tv showed two people. The first was a small red headed woman with a stern expression on her face, the second a dark-skinned man with no emotions leaving his face. Chuck knew them both, but hid behind a clueless expression.
"Well, moron, these are CIA Director Graham and General Beckman of the NSA, our superiors," said Casey.
"Good morning Major Casey and Agent Walker," spoke the general.
"Today we will be having the asset meet with one of our doctors to see if we can remove the Intersect from him. The doctor is Jonas Zarnow," spoke Graham, then he showed them a picture of the man in question. Everyone in the room noticed the flutter in Chucks eyes.
It was Sarah's voice that broke the silence of the room, "Chuck, did you just flash?" He nodded to her then he spoke directly to the tv screen looking at both leaders in the eye.
"General, doctor Zarnow has been selling our secrets to North Korea. He is a traitor and has been doing this for years." As Chuck spoke, he could hear a grunt from Casey. He knows about Casey's dislike of traitors. Boy was he going to be in for a surprise today, was Chuck's thought.
"Good work. It seems that we have a leak to plug. So then, with that being the case, we have no way of removing the Intersect from the asset and the Intersect computer will take time to rebuild. For now, both Agent Walker and Major Casey will stay put and watch over the asset," spoke the general, then Graham spoke up.
"Agent Walker will pose as the asset's girlfriend, so he will be protected." Sarah just gave a slight nod not trying to cause waves. She worked hard to keep Chuck out of a bunker, so she wouldn't protest much.
"Major Casey will be working with the asset at the Buy More, where we can keep an eye on him," Graham continued
Chuck tried to speak up "Excuse me, shouldn't I have a say in my life?" only Sarah paid him any mind, everyone else ignored him as if he never spoke at all
"Major Casey will monitor the apartment and Courtyard for threats"
Chuck tried again still playing the clueless act "how will he do that?" Still everyone save for two was not listening. First being Sarah and the other being Casey who was looking to rub a little salt in the wound
"By the end of the day today, I will have your place and courtyard covered with surveillance." As Casey spoke, he noticed a look flash upon Chuck's face that quickly vanished, so he just brushed it off. Sarah also noticed, but she didn't brush it off, just pushed it to the back of her mind right now as they listened to the bosses continue talking. She notices he is messing with something grey under his long sleeve shirt on his wrist, but she seems the only one to pick up on that fact. The General spoke next.
"Until we can figure out how the asset can get the Intersect to work for him or we can remove it, you both will be there for his protection. That will be all. We will contact you soon with some intel to have the asset flash on. That will be all." She then reached for her keyboard to disconnect the video call, but once she pressed the button nothing happened. Everyone was confused, but Sarah saw the small smirk on Chuck's face and knew he was somehow responsible. Chuck noticed her looking at him and gave her a wink.
"Actually, General and Director, that's not all. I'm not going to allow you to take over my life. I have no problem with Casey setting up surveillance outside my apartment and the courtyard, but I will not have any bugs in my apartment."
"What is the meaning of this? You are an asset and have no choice. Major Casey and Agent Walker, you may as well just bring the asset in so he can be taken to a bunker," spoke Graham. Both Casey and Sarah were surprised by Chuck's nerve to speak to their superiors like that, which made them hesitate following Graham's order. Chuck could see the concern in Sarah's eyes and the glimmer of respect in Casey's.
"No Graham, my name is Chuck, not asset. An asset is usually a criminal or someone being paid to help and seeing that I am not a criminal nor am I receiving a pay check, then I am not an asset. I volunteered to help you. Hell, I helped defuse a bomb. Agent Walker and Major Casey won't be following your orders. You want to know why?" Chuck spoke, his face showed no fear, much to the shock of both Casey and Sarah. General Beckman was another story she looked ready to explode, but even she could tell he was up to something, so she held back.
Sarah was a taken aback by Chuck's resolute attitude. She knew just how dangerous Graham could be and she didn't want anything to happen to Chuck. She may have only known him a few days, but there was just something about him that intrigued her. She hoped he really had something up his sleeve.
Casey was confused. He never expected Bartowski to have a backbone after reading his file. He expected he would just go along with whatever was decided for him and just be grateful to be breathing fresh air, or any air at all.
Graham's voice cut the silence in the room, "And prey tell why won't they follow my orders? I'm the Director of the CIA ." Graham was glaring at Chuck and Chuck had the nerve to just smile at him.
"Why would they take orders from someone with no power over them?" Chuck spoke confusing everyone, but before anyone else asked anything, he continued to speak.
"I mean, you are no longer the Director of the CIA. As of about forty-five minutes ago, you no longer hold that position, thanks to The President." Chuck smirks at him. Everyone goes wide eyed in shock, not expecting those words to come out of his mouth.
"The President was made aware of all your ill-gotten gains and your off-the-books slush fund to fund your little private child recruitment. Oh yes, the Commander and Chief was not happy to find out about you recruiting and coercing under age kids to become your own little private solders that only answer to you and how you used those same kids that you trained to get rid of your competition for the position you no longer have. He knows everything about what you have done. You have no secrets or money left to try to get yourself out of finally answering for your crimes. It just goes to show you who the real criminal is here and it sure isn't me." Chuck's voice was full of venom as he spoke to Graham.
Beckman was in shock. She didn't think anything like this would happen. She was silent, not daring to speak, hoping not to draw Bartowski's wrath on her. Granted she was also enjoying having Graham knocked down. She never trusted or liked the man. Sure, she heard stories and rumors about Graham, but no one ever had proof.
Casey was just as quiet as the general. He was a patriot. He joined the marines by choice, he wasn't forced. He left his fiancé to join the NSA. He sacrificed everything for this nation and yet men like Graham were walking free. He was happy that won't be the case any longer.
Sarah was taken aback, wondering how Chuck was able to get hold of that information. She knew Graham had coerced her choice to join the agency after having her father arrested. Then she had a new thought, if Chuck knew all that about Graham, what did he know about her past and all the horrible things she had done. She looked down avoiding Chuck's gaze, she could feel him looking at her, not wanting to see the revulsion towards her.
Chuck knew exactly what was going through Sarah's mind and was hoping to catch her eye, but she kept looking down. Seeing that she would not look at him. He looked back at the furious face of Graham and continued to speak.
"You're probably wondering how I came into that information. Well, like I said before, I'm not a criminal, well at least not anymore, thanks to The President giving me a pardon. You may be wondering why I would need that," Chuck asked no one particularly, but he saw Sarah's head snap up to look at him and give him a brief nod.
"Well, when I was younger I was a well-known hacker. I was up there with Orion," Chuck dropped that little hint and wasn't surprise that two pairs of eyes widen at the mention of that name. " I was a white hat hacker. I never stole anything, but I was always up to the challenge of breaking into hard to get into systems and I always left notes on how to sure up security after I left. In case you're wondering I was known as Piranha." Everyone's eyes went wide at that. the whole alphabet soup was looking for him, either to catch him or to hire him.
"So, with my talents, Graham, it was no trouble getting into any of your systems, such as your computer or phone. That's how I found all your dirty little secrets. Just so you know, General, don't make any sudden moves. In a minute you will understand why." As he said those words, he pressed enter on his wrist computer and the doors of the general's office busted open and a handful of men came in carrying weapons pointed directly at Graham. Beckman did not move a single muscle as she watched Graham being hand cuffed and forced out of her office. Chuck spoke again gaining everyone's attention.
"General, now with that asshole out of the way you will be receiving a call soon. I hope we can work well together. After getting the Intersect, I did some digging on who would be in charge of the Intersect. I wanted to know the kind of people I would be dealing with. As you can see, Graham didn't pass, but you, General, have my respect." That was not what everyone was expecting.
"Ma'am, you work in a male dominated field and you have flourished. From what I have found on you, you maybe strict, but you would need to be being surrounded by males with giant egos. I know we can work well together. After your call, you might want to let Major Casey know when you would like another meeting, but hopefully not today, because I would like to talk with both the Major and Agent Walker." Chuck asked. He received a nod back.
"Ok, Mr. Bartowski, I will let the major know. Am I correct to assume that The President will be calling me soon?" Chuck just nodded "Very well, that will be all." She pushed the button and the screen went black.
Chuck was greeted with silence and questioning looks. He just smiles at them. Casey was the first to find his voice. "Ok moron, what the hell was that?"
"That, Casey, was me standing up for myself. As a citizen of this great nation, I have rights, something both Graham and the general were overlooking. I never asked that douche Bryce to send me the Intersect, so I was looking out for myself and making sure I would be treated with some respect."
Casey just grunted, no other acknowledgement.
"Well, like I told the General, I looked for information on everyone so I would like to speak to both of you separately. I hope you could understand why I did what I did. I was hoping to talk to Casey first, if that's ok with you Sarah. If you'd like you can head over to my apartment. The door is unlocked, so you won't have to break in again, Ms. Ninja." Chuck smiles at her, noting the astonished look in her eye.
Sarah was in a daze and had been the whole time. She had so many thoughts running through her head that she couldn't find her voice, so she agreed to go to Chuck's, mainly to get her mind back on track and to work out what questions to ask Chuck about what he knew about her. That's why she got up and left out the door.
Chuck looked at Casey, knowing this was going to be a hard pill to swallow for the big guy. "Casey, like I said before, I know a lot about you, even some things you don't know yourself."
"Come on moron, I am not big on lady feelings, so just cut to the chase."
"Fine. I know you started out as a marine, and just let me tell you, I appreciate all the sacrifices you have made for your country, and you have made a lot of them, Alexander Coburn."
Casey's blood ran cold hearing that name. Casey growled. Chuck knew what that meant, so he quickly spoke up once again.
"Casey, I know you chose your duty over your fiancé, but there is something you should know. Kathleen was about to tell you something when your call was disconnected" Casey was unsettled that Chuck knew that much about him. "She was going to tell you that she was pregnant. That's right Casey, you have a daughter, her name is Alex McHugh."
Casey was bewildered, he was not expecting that kind of bombshell. He was expecting the moron to talk about his classified missions and to ask about his kill count. Finding out that Kathleen was pregnant and that he had a daughter was the last thing he expected.
"Well, Casey, that's all I wanted to talk about. You most likely were wondering why I didn't ask or talk about your missions or anything like that. Well, you are a soldier. You follow orders. That's what you were trained to do. One last thing before I go. I think you should go meet your daughter. Take it from a guy whose parents left him and his sister. Having a father in her life is a big deal, even if you didn't know about her. She will always wonder about you, so I encourage you to go see her." With those words spoken, he gets up and heads out the door towards his own apartment leaving Casey to his thoughts.
Chuck made his way to his apartment. He knew Casey wasn't a talker, that's why he left the man to think over everything he said. As he walked between the apartments, he got his thoughts of what to tell Sarah. He knew she would be scared of what he knew about her past. She would have some questions for him and he would do his best to answer them without giving everything away, no matter how much he wanted to tell her. He wanted to get back to where they were before Quinn, but he would have to gain her trust back first. He knows she already feels something for him. He finally opens the door to his apartment and he notices Sarah sitting on the couch. By the look on her face, she is in deep thought, but was brought out by his presence. Their eyes meet and he smiles at her, but sees doesn't smile back. He could tell her spy mask has been put up.
"Hey Sarah, can I get you something to drink? I can only guess this will be a long conversation we are about to have," he asks. She nods.
He heads to the kitchen and then looks back over at her. "Would you like some water or something stronger?"
"Something stronger, thank you." he turns back around and grabs two glasses and pulls out a bottle of Johnny Walker Black. He knew with Casey coming back into his life as well, he would need some Johnny Walker, so he had every color, thanks to some funds from Graham's slush fund. He made his way back to the couch and sat down, poured them both a drink. Sarah was a little surprised by his choice of drink.
"So, Sarah, what would you like to talk about?" Chuck asked her, knowing what a loaded question that was. Sarah took a sip of her drink trying to think of what questions to ask first. She decided to start small.
"How did you figure out I was the ninja that broke in?"
He remembered when she told him about her being the ninja after they started dating. They shared a laugh about it. " It wasn't that hard to figure out after everything that happened after our date, the pieces just fell in place." He winced at the thought of the pain he suffered. She told him once that she wasn't trying to hurt him, but he caught her by surprise with the type of person he was, that it was a defensive reaction. "You didn't have to hit me with so many things. Granted it was also Morgan's fault for giving you so much ammunition." They both laughed.
The laughing stopped and Sarah got a serious look on her face. "So, Chuck, what did you speak to the president about?"
"Truthfully, many things. First I told him about the Intersect and how I came into possession of it. We talked about my history with Bryce and why he would send it to me. Like I said before, I am good with computers. It didn't take me long after finding out Bryce was a spy that I found the real reason he got me kicked out of Stanford." His thoughts went back to when he hacked into professor Fleming's computer and finding the video of Bryce plan to get him expelled for cheating. He also found the test scores for the subliminal recall test. He shakes his head to rid himself to of the thought of loss.
Sarah was confused. What reason could Bryce have that would justify having a nice guy like Chuck kicked out of school. "What do you mean the real reason?"
"Well, you see Bryce was recruited in our sophomore year, so he already had some training. In case you're wondering, yes I looked at his file and his missions and yes before you ask I only read a few mission files when you worked together." He saw the fearful look in her eyes, but he pushed on.
"I didn't go snooping into your file, so I don't know all your secrets, if that's what your worried about." That was true. Everything he knew about her he learned from her. Never did he ever look through her file, so he wasn't lying to her
"That's good to know Chuck, but why look at the missions Bryce and I worked together?" she gave out a nervous breath waiting to hear his reply.
"Because once I read his file, and the first few missions you both worked together, showed me that Bryce wasn't the agent or the person I should be envious of." He saw the confusion on her face grow, so he continued. "Sarah, Before Bryce teamed up with you, his performance as a spy was ridiculous. He completed every mission by the skin of his teeth and there was always collateral damage. It wasn't until he became your partner that his success rate sky rocketed. That's when I realized he road your coattails to a more successful career. I can see you don't want to believe it, so do me a favor and think back on some of your missions. Did you have to do all the work and then just at the last minute Bryce shows up to help you out of a jam that could have been avoided and he would take the credit for finishing the mission."
Sarah was now lost in thought going over her partnership with Bryce. She thought of the mission in Spain. Bryce disappeared and she was fighting five men and when she was finally down to the last two Bryce just happened to show up with the intel and he killed the last two men claiming that he saved her life and finished the mission. She never gave it much thought until now, she was always just thankful that she surviving another mission. Now that Chuck pointed that out, her mind flashed at all the times that had happened. Too many to count. There was also the fact that the only time Bryce was ready for a mission was the ones that involved him seducing someone. Granted their relationship was mainly for convenience, but they were still together. Her only thought right know was if Bryce wasn't already dead she would kill him herself, or most likely maim him, death would be too kind. "Holy shit! You're right. How could I never see that?"
"Sarah, you were too close to it to connect the dots. Hell, Graham probably saw it, but he didn't care about agents, he just wanted a successful mission."
"You're right about Graham." She didn't want to think about Graham right now, she had more important things to worry about. "To get back on topic, what was the reason Bryce got you expelled?"
Chuck looked her strait in the eyes when he spoke next. " Well, I found a video of Bryce trying to convince our professor that was going to recruit me to the CIA that I would never make it as a spy." He could see the wheels in her mind spinning. "While I may not have been spy material, he took away my choice and yet still sent me the Intersect and the spy world into my life after saying I couldn't cut it." He saw her nod her head, understanding his point of view.
"Chuck, I am not saying you couldn't have been a spy, and you're right it should have been your choice, but the spy world can change you as a person. It can take a part of your soul."
"I can understand that it might have changed me, but deep down I know I would still be me. But as much as it sounds that Bryce was looking out for me, he wasn't. As always he was looking after number one. I had the highest test score. Do you want to know who had the second highest?"
Sarah didn't have to think about it, she just whispered "Bryce".
"Yes, Bryce, so with me out of the way and him already being a junior agent, his career just got a massive boost by being the lead candidate with the Intersect project. Then you know what the bastard went and did? He slept with my girlfriend of three years just to rub some more salt in the wound. Granted I don't mind that so much now, and yes this will sound corny, but I wouldn't have met you."
Sarah was speechless. She now knew what kind of asshole Bryce was but the way he treated Chuck. She couldn't fathom anyone treating such a great guy like that. She has only known him less than a week and he already left a mark on her life.
"Well, thanks to the president and me showing him the video, I should be hearing from Stanford soon about my diploma and a settlement, so I don't sue them. I don't really care about the money, it's the diploma that's important to me."
He could see the question in her eyes and he just nodded to her and she asked, "Why is the diploma more important then the money?"
He laughs at her question, but she could see his eyes starting to fill with unshed tears. "Don't get me wrong, the money would be nice. I could finally get my own car and my own place, but the diploma is more important to me because it would show that all the sacrifices Ellie and I had to make, were worth it."
She could see the emotions play across his face. There were too many to place.
"As I'm sure the file you received on me told you about our parents leaving us, but I bet it doesn't tell you about how Ellie had managed to keep us out of the system until she was eighteen and how once she was old enough, we sold our family home and moved here." They both had tears running down their faces, Chuck's voice full of love and care he had for his sister. Sarah wished she had someone like that in her life.
"The file doesn't show you how she worked two jobs while going to school and taking care of her brat of a brother or the fact that she never got to have a childhood, having to have to raise me, making sure I had something she didn't. I was young, but I was far from stupid. I could tell she was having a hard time keeping up with her schedule. I mean I wasn't old enough to get a job yet, so I went around the apartment complex doing any small jobs I could find to pull my weight." She could tell Chuck had been holding this in for a long time and finally the dam had burst.
"My sister sacrificed so much for me and that little piece of paper just shows that it was not all in vain, that she didn't waste her life raising her loser of a brother who, thanks to an asshole of a friend, wasted five years in a Buy More." She didn't know what to say to that, his voice raw filled with so much self hate and ending with relief.
She still had so many questions, but for just this moment she slid closer to him and enveloped him in a hug. She may not know the words to say, but she knew he would need some time to collect himself, and so did she. She couldn't believe she cried in front of him. She never showed weakness in front of anyone. She had done it twice already. She knew this was going to be the most challenging mission yet.
Chuck finally composed himself. He pulled back from the hug, but held onto her hand and gave her a heart stopping smile. Sarah couldn't help herself and smiled back at him. "Thanks for letting me get that out. I guess I have been holding that in for a long time."
"It's ok, Chuck. I understand."
"So, back to the point. I know you have some more questions for me, so fire away." He could see the wheels turning in her head so he gave her a reassuring smile.
"So, Chuck what do you think Beckman and the president are talking about?" she questioned, hoping to see how this man's mind worked. He gave her a sly smile.
"Well, seeing how when I hacked into CIA systems I found out a few things about the spy game." She gave him a look to hurry and continue. He just smiled back at her. He knew she disliked not knowing things. "I don't want to be an asset. Being an asset just means I would be treated as government property and expendable. I want to be treated as person, part of a team."
Sarah could understand his desire to be treated like a person. For the longest time she felt like she was just a tool for the government to point at their enemies.
"So, with that being said, when I talked to the president and him helping fix the whole Stanford situation and telling him about being Piranha, I talked him into making me an analyst or a field analyst, seeing how the Intersect could be useful in the field."
Sarah was stunned. She didn't think he would already have a plan in place so he wouldn't get stuck as an asset. He just kept surprising her with the way his mind worked. Then she recalled what he said about going into the field. "Chuck, you need to realize going into the field will be dangerous. You're an untrained civilian." He could hear the worry in her voice. He remembered last time she was also protective back then.
"Don't worry Sarah. I do know how to defend myself."
"Chuck, this isn't a game you could get hurt." Her tone hard as steel.
"Trust me I know this isn't a game. In fact, how about a little test right now to show you I can defend myself."
Sarah wasn't sure if he was serious or not, but she could see the resolve in his face. Truthfully, she wouldn't mind knocking some sense into him. Maybe knocking him on his ass would show him just how dangerous the spy world could be. So, she nods to him. They get up off the couch. She watches as Chuck moves the coffee table to make room for the two of them.
As Chuck got up and moved the table, his mind raced over the reasons he challenged her to the spar. First was the reason he stated, to show her he could defend himself. The second, he thought, maybe he could impress her. He knew he didn't need to do anything, but be himself to impress her. She told him before she wasn't with him because of the Intersect. He just wanted to be treated as a partner from the beginning.
They got in their stances. Sarah started off by throwing a few quick punches. Chuck learned enough self-defense before he reuploaded with the skill pack, so he was easily able to swat away her attempts to hit him. Sarah saw her first attacks being foiled, so she decided to get serious. Her assault became more aggressive. She was shocked that Chuck was able to fend off her latest attack, so she decided to throw some kicks. She went for a spinning heel kick which missed Chuck.
Chuck saw Sarah getting a little frustrated that her attacks weren't connecting. Having the Intersect for so long, he was able to work on the tell of having his eyes flutter. He got down to where it was barely noticeable to the trained eye, unless they knew what to look for. He used his time when Sarah got her baring's back after her kick to flash. It was now his turn to go on the offensive his attack was controlled and deliberate. It didn't leave any holes for Sarah to exploit. He always had trouble fighting women, but he knew he needed to show Sarah he wouldn't be a liability in the field. He wanted to restrain her not hurt her, so he ended it quick.
Sarah was hard pressed to withstand Chuck's assault. She was so caught off-guard at his skill that the next thing she knew, she was on the ground and was shocked when she felt cold metal at her throat. Her eyes grew even wider when she looked down and saw it was one of her own knifes at her throat. She couldn't get her mind around how that happened. She was pulled out of her shock when the cold steel was gone and she saw a hand in her face. She took the offered hand and got up off the floor and the first thing she looked at was his face. She was expecting to see an arrogant look. She thought that was what she would find, because a civilian had just taken down a deadly trained agent, but what she saw was a sheepish look and one of worry. She was brought out of her musings when she heard his voice.
"Are you ok?" That was not what she was expecting at all. She was lost in her thoughts once more, contemplating just what had happened. She was going over his file once again in her head. Nowhere in it did it state that he knew any martial arts. Granted it wasn't a big file. Maybe everything wasn't in there. She shook her head to rid her of her thought and saw the worry in his face when she didn't immediately answer.
"I'm fine. Just a little shocked is all. I didn't know you knew martial arts."
Chuck could tell it wasn't a strait question, but it was her more fishing for information. He smiled at her, knowing what she was doing, but answered any way, while handing her back her knife.
"Well, when I decided to start working out with Devon, I thought learning martial arts would help me stay in shape and once I started, I found I liked it, so I kept going back."
"Well, you're pretty good seeing as you were able to take me down."
"Yes, well now you know I can look out for myself. What other questions do you have for me?"
" So, have you read my whole file? Do you know all my secrets?" He could hear fear in her voice. He hated that she feared his reaction to her past. The last time around he didn't know any better and tried to pull the answers from her. This time he would be better.
"No Sarah, I didn't read your file at all." Her face showed shock and disbelief. What kind of person who had access to all that information, would not take advantage of it? He could see she didn't believe him, so he went on.
"Sarah, I didn't read your file. I read Graham's file and his notes on his prize agents. I read Beckman's and Casey's files because I wasn't sure if I could trust them after finding out about Graham." She looked at him with skepticism "The night on the beach you told me to trust you, and I do. I know you're probably one of the reasons I'm not already going nuts in some bunker. I also asked you to trust me, so please trust me when I say I have not looked at your file. I have only caught glimpses of your career by reading Graham's notes and Bryce's file and I stopped looking at his file when I made the connection that he was using you to further his own career." Sarah could hear it in his voice, the conviction that he was telling the truth.
Chuck was telling the truth he never once looked at Sarah's file. Everything he knows about her, he found out during his last go around, directly from Sarah herself.
"That's great Chuck. It's not that I don't want you to know..." He could tell she was struggling with her words and how open she could be. He knew she wasn't a big talker, but he wanted her to feel comfortable around him, so he squeezed her hand and gave her another reassuring smile.
Sarah didn't know what to say to him. She was never much of a talker, but there was something about him that drew the girl she used to be, before she had to lock her away to prevent the CIA from tarnishing her more than her father did. She never met a man like Chuck before. He already wormed his way into her heart, even if she tried denying it in her own mind, but it was the truth. Sure, she had been around the suave James Bond wannabe agents, but she could tell it was all an act to try to impress her. She had never really dated anyone. The closest she came to having a boyfriend was Bryce and look how that turned out. She knew she had real genuine feelings for Chuck. He was so unlike anyone she has ever met and just by the smile on his face and the look in his eyes she couldn't decipher, she let down some of her walls.
"It's not that I don't want you to know about my past, but, truthfully, I am scared that you won't look at me the same after you find out. I meant what I said at the restaurant that I like you." Chuck was a little taken aback. He wasn't expecting her to open up so soon. He knew this was a big step for her and he would not try to push too much.
"Sarah, nothing you have done in the past will make me think of you differently and you can tell me whenever you feel like sharing."
She let out a breath she didn't realized she had been holding. She still couldn't believe this man was real. Here she was letting down her walls and giving him a chance to ask about her past and he didn't take it. "Thank you!" She didn't need to say anything else.
"Do you have any more questions? If not, there a few things I would like to say."
"Chuck I have a lot of questions, but you have already given me a lot to process and think about."
"Well, with what I have to say, you might have some more to think about." He saw the look of confusion in her eyes, so kept going, knowing he may be pushing his luck right now, but he was in high spirits and hoped his gamble would work out. "Seeing as I didn't know if you would be sticking around, and it looks like you are, my sister Ellie has spoken and would like you to come over for dinner tomorrow. I think she wants to meet the woman that got me out of my slump and get back to dating and also I think she doesn't like the fact that Morgan has already met you and she hasn't." He knew he was rambling, but couldn't help it. This was Sarah Walker for god's sake. She was and is his everything.
"Sure, I would like that," she said and genuinely meant it. This whole situation was strange, but something about this man made her think this would be the most interesting mission yet. She saw his face and she was overwhelmed by seeing his smile. She also saw a nervousness in his eyes.
"That's great. Um... I was also wondering if you would like to go on a date with me? A real one. No CIA or secrets, just you and me. I know there are rules and stuff with the agency, but I am not an asset. Granted we don't know if my role as an analyst is a sure thing yet." He could see the panic in her face and he knew he was pushing too much too fast.
"I don't know Chuck."
"That's fine Sarah. I am not going to rush you. Why don't you think about it? You can take all the time you need, there is no rush ." He saw relief cross her face, so he knew he made the right choice of backing off a little. She nodded in agreement.
"Do you have any more questions for me?"
"Yes I do, but, as I said, you have already giving me a lot to process and I would like some time to think about everything I have learned today, but hopefully when we some more time you wouldn't mind answering my other questions?"
"That's fine. Whenever you want. All you have to do is ask," he said with a small smirk
"Ok. Well, I am going to get going. I'll be seeing you, Chuck."
"Yeah, you will Sarah. Oh that reminds me, dinner with Ellie will be in a couple days, just to let you know."
She nodded her head as she walked out the door. He just watched her leave until she was out of sight then he closed the door. He breathed a sigh of relief. This day had gone better than he had hoped. He made his way back to his room and laid down. His mind was running a mile a minute. He went over everything that happened. This time around he would not be an asset. This time, maybe, he would start with having Cassey's respect. This time around, for some reason, Sarah seemed to be opening up faster than he expected. Maybe it was that he saw some of the missions she did with Bryce, but whatever the reason, he wouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth. Maybe they would get together sooner and maybe avoid a lot of the drama that plagued their relationship last time. It had been a long day. Lucky for him, he had the day off, so he decided to take a nap.
Across town, Sarah herself was also laying in bed going over everything she learned today. She never expected her day to turn out the way it did. Everything had changed in such a short period of time. She was overwhelmed by conflicting feelings. First she was shocked that Chuck was in such great shape. She recalled his shirt sticking to his well-developed body. She felt warmth spread through her body. She shook her head, getting herself back on track. Then she got the shock of him standing up for himself and getting her boss arrested. While at one point she felt she owed Graham for the life she had. She felt she had repaid that debt and then some. The fact that Chuck knew when and how she was recruited still worried her. What else did he really know about her was the biggest question in her mind. She still couldn't get over the fact that he was able to take her down and hold her own knife at her throat. She never expected him to be able to do that and do it so quick. Even she would have trouble doing that. The second biggest question on her mind was if she should agree to go out with him, yes she found him attractive and he intrigued her like no other man had. Soon she wouldn't have to worry about asset/handler relationship causing problems, but could she actually open herself up to another person like that. She already showed weakness in front of him twice. First by not meeting his eyes when he told everyone about Graham's recruitment habits. Then by allowing herself to cry in front of him. That had never happened to her before. She was known as being Graham's enforcer, the Ice Queen. She had always been able to hide her true feelings. Chuck changed everything. He made her feel and want things she never thought she would want or need. For the first time she thought about having a real relationship and sharing about her past, even though it scared her. She had never had someone she could really confide in. Maybe Chuck could be that person. Maybe she could let the wants and desires she buried inside herself finally show. Would that be so bad? That was the last thought she had as her mind finally let her rest and she closed her eyes.
A\N: So, what do y'all think. This is my longest chapter yet. I know I may be rushing Charah, but we all know from the show she started falling for Chuck after the first episode. I know a lot happened in this chapter. I never really liked Bryce. I know in the show, the whole love triangle was a big part of keeping the show going. The whole will they\wont they kept me hooked, but also pissed me off. Maybe it was the same with y'all or maybe it was just me. With Fleming gone and Stanford finally making things right with Chuck way sooner than in the show, Chuck vs the Alma Mater won't happen. I always felt that the reason Chuck was so down after being kicked out of school had to with more than just Bryce/Jill. I mean he and Ellie were all they had for so long and we all know Chuck hated disappointing his sister, no matter how small of a thing it was. The fact that the diploma would have meant that all the sacrifices and all the pain and loss they went through was worth it. The fact that Ellie did not give up her childhood so Chuck would be stuck working a dead-end job at the Buy More. Don't get me wrong, I find the Buy More gang to be hilarious and I know the Buy More played an important role in the show, but what was the point of Chuck getting his Diploma after Tom Sawyer if he wouldn't be able to use it until after season 3 and then there is the fact that Chuck just skips out on work all the time. I know the Buy More runs better with Chuck there, but most places would have fired him. I think in my story, he will stay at the Buy More for a little bit, until a new cover business is operational for the team. With a new job, it would be simpler to hide the fact that they have to go on missions. I mean those are just my thoughts. So, tell me what you all think.