A/N: Chuck and Sarah, separated due to their work obligations, have been forced to live apart for over a week now. As work keeps getting in the way, how will they cope? Will something have to give?

Disclaimer: Don't Own Chuck

Chapter 35

Sarah shifted in her seat, sighing as she stared listlessly out the small window of the seaplane and the endless blue beneath. Rather than being able to go back to LA, to be with her Chuck, she found herself on yet another plane, going in the wrong direction. Once her photo shoot in Jamaica had concluded, Diane already had another meeting lined up. Despite Sarah's objections, and child-like whining, Diane had insisted. An indie film producer, with wealthy investors, was currently in the Bahamas on the set of another film but wanted to meet with her to discuss an upcoming project he hoped she would be interested in. Diane swore it would only be a day or two at most and that she would fly down and join her the next day for the meeting. She'd also warned that the guy could be a little "handsy" at times, so to keep on her guard.

Chuck had been his usual supportive and understanding self when Sarah had called and broken the bad news. Although he didn't sound as disappointed as she felt, he assured her that he would be there, waiting, when she got home. Home. That was a new concept for her. She'd had apartments, condos, along with her current house, but none of them were ever a "home". They were simply a place for her things, or where she could rest between jobs. Not since she was a child had she felt like she was at home; that was until she met Chuck. The mountain cabin, the guest house at the show's estate, neither of those places were her home, but she'd never felt more at home in her life. Over the past ten days of being on the road, she realized that it wasn't the "place" that made it a home, but the people and the love that was in it. Chuck was her home now. Wherever he was, that's where home would be, and she so desperately wanted to go home.

The plane splashed down near a small, remote, private island, dense with lush vegetation and rimmed with white sand beaches. As they approached, she could see that it had its own natural cove, created by arm-like outcroppings, as if they were beaconing you into the interior of the island. She could just make out the tops of thatched roofs peeking through the dark green canopy. Aside from that, and the dock they were being tied off to, the island looked relatively untouched by man. Looking through the window on the opposite side of the small plane, she watched as a thin, dark-skinned man tied the plane down and opened the cargo hold to remove her bags. Before she could get unbuckled and out of the plane, the man was gone up the trail with her things.

The man who had been riding next to the pilot stepped out and approached Sarah, looking over his phone in his hand. "Ms. Walker, the owner sends his apologies. He's been detained, but if you'll follow the footpath, it will lead you to the house. One of the staff will be there to greet you," he stated, pointing to the boardwalk pathway that led from the dock and into the jungle. Sarah looked at him skeptically, but the older, graying man just shrugged, giving her a sympathetic smile.

Sighing, Sarah gave the man her thanks, waving her thanks to the pilot as well before putting her small carry-on bag on her shoulder and starting her walk. When she reached the end of the dock, the plane's engines roared to life and as she glanced over her shoulder, she saw it making its way back out to sea. As the distance between them grew, she began to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the island. When she reached the jungle entrance, the temperature dropped considerably once she stepped in the shade. The boardwalk path was well maintained, and the foliage trimmed back so as not to encroach onto the path. She couldn't help but recall her walk through the estate's gardens with Chuck, when they had their first real conversation. It seemed like a lifetime ago, yet it was only a matter of weeks. Grinning, she took in the sights as she took a leisurely stroll up the path. She'd just left Jamaica, where she'd done photo shoots at some of the country's breathtaking waterfalls, surrounded by landscape much like this. However, here, she felt much more at peace with no camera crews and tourists around.

She was a bit leery of this meeting that was supposed to take place, especially given the remote nature of the island and Diane's warning. Sarah knew that the entertainment world was dominated by men who were used to getting what they wanted. She was more than capable of taking care of herself, but it still left her with an uneasy feeling. At least Diane was going to be there, and she had assured Sarah that this would be a relatively brief stay. As she could see the pathway opening up, Sarah took a steadying breath and walked into the clearing.

A large house, and several smaller buildings, were nestled into the clearing, rays of sunlight peeking through the canopy. The buildings were relatively new, although they used materials and styles that gave it a somewhat primitive charm. The palm thatched roofs and open, airy concept of the house, including the natural wood railings and balconies, caused the house to take on a casual, lighthearted feeling. She stopped for a long moment to take it all in, appreciating the small details. After a couple of minutes, the same man that had greeted them at the dock, and absconded with her luggage, stepped out of the house and approached her with a warm smile.

"Miss. Your things are in your room. Enjoy your stay," he said in clear, but accented, English. With a wave he kept walking, disappearing down the path toward the dock. Perplexed, she turned back to the house and approached slowly. Stepping onto the front porch and through the open double doors, she entered the home and surveyed the space. She was faced with a set of open stairs that led upward to a second floor that had a room to either side. To the right looked to be a sitting room with overstuffed furniture and accents befitting the region. It looked comfortable, perfect for lounging.

To the left was a dining space, an exotic wood table and chairs occupied the room with a lovely tropical floral centerpiece. Past the dining area, she could make out a kitchen, complete with all the modern amenities one could ask for, the stainless-steel appliances and stone countertops gleaming. The outside walls of the dining area consisted of louvered doors, all currently open to allow the breeze to pass through. Flowing sheer white curtains hung in the doorways, fluttering slightly in the breeze. She could make out the faint sound of music coming from outside, so she decided to follow it, her curiosity piqued.

Pushing through the curtains, she walked onto a wooden deck that appeared to span the entire back of the house. The deck surrounded a small pool, and a connected hot tub that was bubbling and foaming. As she scanned the area, she saw an outdoor bar with a thatched roof, matching the rest of the house. Outdoor speakers were skillfully mounted around the patio area, offering music without detracting from the aesthetic of the place. What caught her eye most was a man standing with his back to her at the bar, apparently making drinks. He wore a Panama Jack hat, a short sleeved white, linen button-down shirt, which appeared to be open given the way it flowed with the breeze. Khaki cargo shorts and a pair of sandals showed off his long athletic legs. He looked more casual than Sarah would have expected, although it was an island retreat. Sarah began to mentally prepare herself, expecting the worst from who she imagined was a smarmy chauvinist, hoping to charm his way into her shorts.

"Hello?" she called, walking toward the man apprehensively. "I'm sorry to just walk in, but there was nobody around. I'm Sarah. Sarah Walker. I think you're expecting me."

Without turning around, the man nodded, hefting two large glasses from the bar, adorned with sliced fruit and long straws. Still closing the distance, Sarah was mere feet away when the man turned to face her, a smirk spread across his face.

"Indeed, I have Ms. Walker. Welcome… to Fantasy Island," he quipped with a passable Latin American accent, bouncing his eyebrows as he held his arms out.

"Ch…. Chuck?!" she gasped, covering her mouth with both hands as her eyes grew as wide as saucers. While she gathered her senses, Chuck placed the glasses on the nearby table before stepping up to close the remaining distance. Sarah quickly snapped out of her shock and launched herself at him, wrapping her arms and legs around him like a crazed koala.

She buried her face in his neck, half laughing and half crying, as she clung to him for all she was worth. When she pulled away, it was only to crash her lips into his while he held her, cradled in his arms as tight as he dared squeeze without hurting her. They both moaned and whimpered into the kiss, becoming more passionate and frantic as it continued. Finally, they were forced to break for air, the two lovers panting as they pressed their foreheads together. Letting out a small sniffle, Sarah pulled her head back to look into his eyes, marveling at the warm smile she got in return.

"What...what are you doing here?" she asked breathlessly, blinking away the confusion. "I thought you were supposed to be heading back to LA. How… how did you find this place?" Chuck had the good sense to look contrite, lowering his head a little to look back at her through his lashes.

"Well… you see. The thing is," he began gently, setting her down on her feet. Taking hold of her hands he continued. "The other night - when I was at that business dinner- I got to thinking. I thought about meeting up with you on the road, spending some time with you between shoots or meetings, but that wouldn't go so well if people saw us. Plus, your schedule was so hectic, it just didn't seem feasible."

"I know. I'm sorry things have been so crazy-"

"No. No, it's OK. I get it. Your career, especially now, is surging and you need to ride that wave while it lasts. I understand. I really do. I may not love the consequences, but I understand." Sarah gave him a tight smile, tears forming in the corners of her eyes. Chuck squeezed her hands reassuringly before he let go and started to pace the deck.

"I know this has been hard. Hell, it's been torture for me. I was so excited to come home and then Diane…" Sarah paused, realization spreading across her face. "You! You're the 'producer' that I'm supposed to meet? You set this all up?"

"Sort of," he admitted sheepishly. "Actually, when I called Diane and explained our predicament, she was the one that came up with the idea. See, Roan Montgomery, the show's director, he owns this place," Chuck stated, gesturing around them. "She seems to have quite the sway with him, so she convinced… no, I think she said she 'told him' that he was going to let us use the island for a few days. Diane said she'd keep Roan 'occupied'. I don't think I want to know what that entails," he said with a small shudder. "Anyway, we both agreed to make it a surprise. Surprise!" he exclaimed hesitantly, raising his arms in celebration, although he looked as though he was bracing for impact.

"You and my manager orchestrated all of this, let me believe that I was going to have to be stuck on some island with a groping, lecherous playboy producer and all the while-"

"In fairness, the groping part was in reference to me," Chuck interjected. "At least… I was hoping there might be some groping involved…" he trailed off, uncertain what to make of her expression. Sarah closed the distance between them, stopping when she was mere inches away.

"I could strangle you both," she began, looking up at him with a fire in her eyes. "Especially you, but … I think I have other plans for you, Mister," she growled. Grabbing his shirt with both fists, she pulled him down into a searing kiss, one that nearly set Chuck's hat on fire. Chuck whimpered into the kiss as he was led by his shirt, and her lips, across the deck and into the house.

Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

"Thank God this is a private island. I think I can see the birds blushing," Chuck joked as he laid sprawled across the bed, looking out through the open doors of the balcony at the lush vegetation outside. Sarah snorted, lightly smacking his stomach from her spot nestled into his side with her head on his chest.

"Well, if you weren't so loud," she teased, smirking so hard he could actually feel it against his chest.

"Me?! I'm too loud?" he challenged, lifting his head to look down at her in faux indignation. Chuck could feel Sarah shaking against him as her giggles began bubbling out of her. Chuck dropped his head to the pillow, chuckling along with her, just basking in the feeling of completeness that he felt now that they were together again.

"I missed this. You. Us. All of it," Chuck confessed, staring at the ceiling fan, slowly rotating. Sarah hummed against his chest, snuggling in even closer, if such a thing was possible.

"You have no idea," Sarah sighed. As if she could feel his eyes shift to look at her, she corrected,. "OK, maybe you have an idea," she chuckled, returning to tracing lazy patterns on his chest. "I love what I do. I truly do, but this past week and a half has been the worst. It's not that the interviews, meetings or photo shoots were bad. They were fine, good even. It's just that my heart was always somewhere else. I don't know if I can do this long term."

Sarah could feel Chuck's breath hitch and she immediately lifted her head to look up at him. "No! Not… not us. That's not what I…" she trailed off, laying her head back down in a huff. "Just being away from you for so long sucks so bad. I know I'm acting like a lovesick teenager. I know how ridiculous I sound, but I can't help it." Chuck caressed Sarah's back, gliding his fingers from her hip all the way up to her neck, eliciting a shiver throughout her body. "And that's not helping," she joked, giggling as another shiver overtook her.

He chuckled at her reaction but sobered slightly as his thoughts returned to her words. "I understand. I feel the same way. If I look at it objectively, I know we're in that phase when we can't get enough of each other. We want to spend every moment possible together, waking or otherwise."

"Case in point," Sarah added, gesturing to their current situation.

"I regret nothing," he chuckled, kissing her on top of her head. "My brain understands what's happening and logically I know that we'll eventually get over this. Not...not that our feelings will change so much, just that this sense of… urgency, this desperation that we have, will lessen. At least, I hope. We'll get to a point where our brains and our hearts know that this isn't a sprint, but a marathon. Part of me feels that the longer we're apart, the greater that chance that you'll … forget or that you'll learn to live without me."

"That will never-" Sarah began to protest, trying to sit up. Chuck quickly held her down, pressing her head back into his chest.

"Shhh. I know. I know," he reassured her, pressing another kiss to the top of her head. "I'm just saying that those irrational fears will take some time to get over. While I don't think - at least I hope- we'll never get over the sense of loss when the other isn't around, over time we'll be able to cope with it better."

"I suppose you're right. I mean, plenty of other couples do it. There's lots of jobs that keep couples apart for long periods of time and they manage to make it work. We can do it too, right?"

"Absolutely! Just maybe…. Let's not start today, huh?" he asked, chuckling.

"Most definitely not today. I'm not through with you yet, Mr. Bartowski," she purred, rolling fully on top of him, kissing her way up his chest.

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A couple of hours later, after a long, thorough, tandem shower, Chuck and Sarah got dressed in their swimsuits and made their way to the deck to relax around the pool. Chuck made them new drinks; the ones left behind earlier in the day had served as the final resting place for far too many bugs. Reclining in the deck chairs surrounding the pool, they sipped their fruity drinks in comfortable silence.

Rolling her head to face Chuck, Sarah peered over the top of her sunglasses before she began. "So, those meetings you wouldn't tell me about before, what's the deal? Are you finished with them?"

"Oh. Right. Those meetings. Well…" he paused, repositioning himself in his chair to see her better. "You know how I talked about wanting to make educational software? To branch out in other directions besides just entertainment or software with some sort of utility, like anti-virus and the like?" Sarah hummed, nodding her understanding.

"OK. Well, as it stands now, most educational software is fairly low budget. They have to be because there isn't nearly the market for educational games as those that are purely for entertainment. Since there is no real money in it, they don't have advanced graphics or an immersive experience. It's a vicious cycle. If the game is plain and boring, people won't want to buy it, therefore there's no money to sink into it to make it better, etc."

"I get it. Kind of like direct to video movies. They don't have near the budget, so they have lesser-known actors, less promotion and oftentimes don't break even."

"Yeah! You get it. A lot like that. Well, since Orion already produces games with amazing graphics -if I do say so myself- and have invested in that technology, we can take that and apply it to educational games as well. We can take the beautiful graphics and powerful gaming engine we use for entertaining and put it to use in education as well.

"Now, that means it would require an entirely separate team with expertise in creating the educational content, making it not just entertaining, but informative. We want kids to forget they're learning. What better way to do that than to make the educational games available on the gaming platforms they're already using? To that end, it would require lots of partners to make that happen."

"Hence the meetings?" Sarah asked, taking a sip of her drink as she kept her attention on Chuck.

"Hence the meetings. We met with Nintendo of North America, Sony North America and Microsoft. I played them a demo of our prototype game and presented them with our business plan." Sarah let out a low whistle, understanding how impressive that list of companies was. "Yeah, well. The hardest part was selling them on the price." Chuck paused for a moment for effect. "Free."

"Free?!" Sarah retorted, practically choking on her drink.

"Funny. That's exactly how they reacted," Chuck confessed, chuckling at her response. "What we want is to eliminate the barriers for learning. We don't want kids to miss out on these opportunities simply because they couldn't afford them. So, we could offer the games at a reduced cost to educational institutions and provide the students a free copy to use at home while they attend school."

"That sounds amazing, but how did those companies respond?"

"Let's just say that initially there was a lot of laughter. Once I explained how it would help to strengthen their brand loyalty and open up the educational market as a secondary revenue stream for their platforms, they stopped laughing. They all agreed to at least participate in a pilot program that we plan to roll out next year in select markets. The trick will be finding school systems that'll be willing to participate. That, and producing the content. I've got Morgan and Alex tasked with building out a team and beginning the hiring process while I luxuriate on a private island with my blonde goddess."

"Tsk. You software moguls are all alike," Sarah teased, winking at him over her sunglasses before leaning back in her chair. "So, it sounds like you're going to be quite busy when you get back. When is that by the way? Diane said I'd only be here for a day or so."

"I've got myself penciled into your calendar for the next three days, Ms. Walker. After that, you hop on a plane to New York to make some morning show appearance, I think, and I hitch a ride back to LA. I have some meetings with a few educational software companies to see if we can partner on this project, drawing on their expertise. They were a little reluctant when I last talked to them, but now that we have some commitment from the big names in gaming, they're willing to listen."

"That's great. I'm so excited for you, Chuck. You're making your dreams come true," Sarah stated as she turned her head to look at him again.

"Nah. You did that," he argued, giving her a broad, dreamy smile. Sarah huffed, rolling her eyes as a blush crept across her cheeks. Setting her drink on the small table between them, she rolled out of her lounge chair and climbed onto his, straddling him.

"You're too much sometimes, you know that, right?" she asked, as she stared down at him, her hair cascading down around his face. She could see him swallow thickly and it made her lips curl into a smirk. "When you say things like that, and then look at me the way you do, what am I supposed to do with that?" Chuck's mouth opened and closed a few times, preparing to voice some sort of answer, though he wasn't sure if the question was rhetorical.

Sarah took the drink from Chuck's hand and placed it on the table beside hers, never moving her gaze from his. "I wish I could say the same thing," she continued, this time a little softer. "I wish I could say that you made all my dreams come true." Sarah could feel Chuck's body sag beneath her as his look of wonder turned to one of sorrow. She felt guilt grip her chest, but she pushed on. "I never imagined, in my wildest dreams, that I'd ever meet someone like you. That someone like you even existed or that I could deserve someone as pure and kind and … loving as you." Sarah was pleased to see the sorrow in his expression wash away as quickly as it appeared. Back again was that look of wonderment, that expression of awe and unfathomable love that he had for her. It nearly knocked the wind out of her every time she saw it. Sarah just hoped that with time, that look would never fade. That in twenty, thirty… fifty years, he would always look at her that same way.

"So, Chuck Bartowski, you didn't make my dreams come true, you've given me new dreams. You've allowed me to dream of a life that I never knew was possible; a life with you. A future with you." Sarah could see tears pooling in the corners of his eyes as his lips pulled into a tight line. She realized then that her vision was beginning to blur as well, a swirl of emotions was bubbling up inside her.

Chuck reached up with both hands, cupping the sides of her face as he shook his head. "God, I love you so much," he breathed out, his voice quivering with emotion. "I don't even have the words. There's this… this ache in me. I want so desperately to be able to tell you, to show you, just how much I love you, but I just… I can't. Nothing seems like it's enough." Caressing his thumbs across her cheeks, wiping away the few tears that escaped, his glassy-eyed gaze bore deep into her. "God… I just … I could just marry you so hard right now. I can't even..." he blurted out chuckling at himself.

Sarah let out a gasp, a chuckle and a sob, all at once, his words so thoroughly overwhelming her. "W-what?" she choked out, sniffling as she peered down at him, her tears dripping onto his shirt.

Chuck, closed his eyes tight, shaking his head in frustration. "I'm sorry… it's-it's crazy. I'm crazy. I'm-I'm … drunk on all these emotions. I don't know what else to say or do. How else can I convey to you just how much I love you? I just-"

"Ok," she whispered, hardly realizing she'd said it out loud.

"I … OK? OK, what?" Chuck asked, blinking away his own tears to try to make sense of what he was hearing.

"It is crazy. Maybe I'm crazy too, but… OK."

"O-OK?" he asked, his expression one of utter shock and disbelief.

"Yes," she replied, a smile overtaking her that reached from ear to ear. As tears began to flow freely, she giggled, nodding her head vehemently. "Yes!"

Chuck, for a moment, looked so stunned that Sarah feared he may have died of shock. That thought quickly evaporated when he tightened his hold on her face and pulled her to him, lifting his head to meet her halfway. Their lips crashed together, almost painfully so, but the passionate kiss that ensued left little thought for anything other than the love and desire they had for each other.

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Some hours later, they found themselves sitting on the beach, gazing at the last vestiges of the Sun as it sank below the horizon. Sarah was sitting between Chuck's legs, leaning back against him with his arms wrapped around her stomach in a comforting embrace. They'd sat in silence for longer than either realized, the rhythmic lapping of waves on the shore and the gentle ocean breeze the only sounds.

"I don't think we should do it," Sarah whispered, barely loud enough to be heard. Chuck furrowed his brow in confusion, though a wry smile spread across his face.

'Well, I hate to break it to you, but we've already done it. Several times today alone, I might add. I think that ship has sailed." Sarah let out a "tsk" in frustration as she smacked him on his shin.

"That's not what I meant," she chided, though she couldn't help but grin a little at the recollection of the moments he referenced. Chuck let out a soft chuckle, kissing her on the top of her head. Resting his cheek on the side of her head, he allowed her to continue. "I was talking about us. About…" Sarah left the end of the sentence hanging.

"You mean about you and I getting…" Chuck trailed off as well, for some reason neither wanting to actually say the word. Sarah nodded, still looking out at the horizon, the stars beginning to become visible. "It was too much, wasn't it?" he asked, his voice breaking slightly. "I pushed you too much. I-"

"No!" she exclaimed, leaning to the side and turning her head to look into his eyes. "No. That's not what I'm saying. I do want us to be… to be married. Someday. I really do. Please don't question that," she pleaded, holding his gaze. Chuck looked from her lips back to her eyes, taking in what she was saying before nodding his head in acknowledgement, though his expression didn't seem convincing.

Sitting up and shifting her body, she faced him directly, taking one of his hands in hers. "When we do, I don't want it to be a secret from the world, having to sneak around and hide my feelings for you. I want a wedding with… with bridesmaids and groomsmen and a beautiful dress. I want to dance with you to our song, whatever that might be. And I want to be able to explain why I'm so ridiculously happy by showing off my wedding ring. I never thought I wanted those things, but I do. I want it all and I want it with you," she confessed, slumping slightly with an adoring smile. "And Ellie and Devon have to be there, and my mom and all our friends. I want to share that moment with all of them. Do you understand?" she asked, biting her bottom lip as she searched his eyes.

Chuck was contemplative, holding her gaze for a long moment. "It'll take some time," he stated, nodding his head slightly. Sarah knitted her brow in confusion, tilting her head slightly. "To come up with our song. There's so many to choose from." Sarah let out a one note chuckle, her eyes turning glassy. The corners of Chuck's mouth turned up, giving Sarah a warm smile.

"I want those things too, but most of all I just want you. If I have to wait a day, a month or a year-"

"Definitely not a year," she interjected, shaking her head emphatically.

"OK, not a year," he agreed with a chuckle. "However long it is, it'll be worth it, so long as you know that I want you to be Mrs. Charles Bartowski. Even if it's just in spirit," he added quickly. "I can't really expect you to change your name, after all. Maybe I'll become Chuck Walker instead."

Sarah barked out a laugh, falling into him, giving him a quick hug before pulling back to look up at him. "No. I like the sound of Sarah Bartowski. Professionally, I'll probably still keep with Walker, but legally, I want to be a Bartowski."

"I like the sound of that, but… I haven't really asked you properly or-or given you a ring or anything," he admitted softly. Sarah took his face in her hands and kissed him tenderly. When she pulled away just enough to look into his eyes, he could see the smile crinkling the corners of her eyes.

"Baby, you already know my answer. If it matters that much to you, ask me whenever you feel the time is right. I don't need a ring on my finger to know that you love me. That doesn't mean you get out of giving me a ring, mister!" she corrected, pointing at him sternly. "But I can wait. I'm not going anywhere."

"Neither am I. I just think you deserve to have a man kneel before you and ask for your hand. That man is me, by the way. Just in case that wasn't clear," Chuck added with a wry smile. Sarah pressed her lips to his, giggling into the kiss as she wrapped her arms around his neck. After a long moment, Sarah pulled away and rested her forehead against his.

"So how much time do we have left?" she asked, trying to catch her breath.

"Hmmm… let's see. Two days and…" he trailed off, lifting his arm up to check his watch, "twenty-one hours."

"Mmmm. Well, I guess we should stop wasting time," she purred, bouncing her eyebrows as she moved in to kiss him more passionately. She leaned her weight on him, causing him to fall backward onto the sand with a muffled yelp.

A/N2: A short interlude from their lives apart. Not much forward momentum in the timeline, but definitely some movement in their relationship.

Tune in next time when we learn if Stephanie recovers her memories from her freak cornhole accident. Will she remember that the father of her baby isn't Eduardo, but rather his long lost twin brother Miguel? Wait… OK! Who's messing with the teleprompter again?!

As always, I love hearing from you, so feel free to leave a review or PM and let me know what you think.

Until next time,

JW