A/N – I hope you are all well, it's been an interesting couple of weeks with many wonderful fics to read, thanks for choosing to spend some of your day reading mine.

If you haven't done so yet, please join us at the Chuck Fanfiction Facebook page, (we've currently had a change of leadership, congrats DC.) the group is as wonderful and welcoming as always, come on over.

The usual disclaimers apply, I don't own Chuck, yadda, yadda and I have no beta.

I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Chapter 8

The bearded man chuckled to himself, recognising the scene before him. His distracted friend, tapping furiously away at the keyboard, barely blinking as he concentrated on his task. By his dishevelled, slightly unkempt, appearance he'd obviously been immersed as the hacker for a number of hours. As Morgan looked at his friend, he realised that for the first time the Piranha hadn't swam in Chardonnay all day, no empty bottles littered the room and the nerd had yet to laugh impishly at his imagined foe. It made the bearded man smile in relief, knowing that he didn't want to deal with really drunk Chuck right now, as funny as that usually was.

Pulling off Chuck's headphones, the bearded man laughed at his friend's shocked expression, as he quickly locked eyes with his friend, the nerd laid a hand on his mouse and reached for his chest dramatically. "Hey there..." the nerd eventually replied, his breath still ragged.

"Hey buddy, I see you've been helping Miss Walker…" Morgan tapped the edge of Chuck's monitor.

"I don't know what you mean. I was just playing Call of Duty… Sarah…" he gave a furtive look back at the screen and turned it off quickly.

"Oh yeah? So how's the 'N3rdH3rder' doing today? Move over, I'll join you…" he interrupted smirking as Chuck winced.

"Fine actually…" The nerd sighed in defeat "Ok you got me… She needed my help, I had to do it." Chuck smiled apologetically as the smaller man laughed.

"I knew on my way over here I'd see the Piranha, it wouldn't be you if you'd let some wannabe hacker…" Morgan offered with a childish smile.

"Neo…" the nerd interrupted, causing the smaller man to snicker.

"Seriously? Neo?" he chirped.

"Yeah, I guess someone thinks they've escaped the Matrix and from what I've seen today he's got just as many agents after him" Chuck gave his friend a thin lipped smile.

"That's kinda funny. So?" The smaller man chuckled again and tapped the screen.

"Oh… the Kingdom's safe again. That part wasn't really that tough." The nerd subtly puffed in pride "I've just been searching for Neo's real name… I'm not sure anyone else needs to know how... including you, so don't ask, but between you and me buddy, the feds haven't got a clue" the tall friend admitted as his brow lifted and he shrugged. "I'll just shut this off..." he nodded towards the screen "…you order some pizza and we can really play Call of Duty this time." He smiled at Morgan, before typing briefly again. "See you later for the sequel…" he muttered under his breath, laughing to himself.

The smaller man grinned widely "Ok buddy…" he chirped as he dropped himself onto the couch and pulled out his phone. " You know, when Casey told me what was happening to Sarah, I wasn't sure how far you'd go…" He eyed the nerd happily, Ellie's lifelong mantra jumping into the smaller man's head "you can never go too far for those you love." and even though it was extremely fast for the usually guarded and nervous nerd, he knew that his friend already cared for the beautiful blonde deeply. "…I totally knew you'd be trying to fix things for her, I always worry about the Piranha getting caught. Please be careful" he swallowed tightly "You know… Chewie still needs Han around." He'd always tried to take comfort in the fact that Chuck was extremely careful when the Piranha came out to play, but every once in a while the bearded man feared for his friend. Knowing the nerd proudly accepted the risks in his need to help others. If he were honest with himself, he'd rather Chuck would just eat pizza or play games with him, it was a little selfish, but worrying about how many laws his friend had broken today made the bearded friend cringe, "…FYI Casey's gonna kill you tomorrow" he chirped solemnly, changing the subject.

Chuck winced as he stepped away from his computer and sat beside his friend "…how bad was it? Was he mad?"

"Well let's just say, he ended up throwing more than a few curse words around, I'm sure I heard him say sorry after he sent Reagan's picture flying, but I don't think that was aimed at you. Sorry buddy..." the smaller man cringed a little and placed his hand on Chuck's shoulder.

"I'm sorry Morgs, you shouldn't have to sit through that. I'll be in tomorrow, sit down with him, see what he says…" he cringed at the thought of having to stand up to his boss and wondered if he'd be able to actually do it.

Morgan turned on the Xbox and grabbed a controller "Ok buddy, let's do this…"

"Alright" he inhaled sharply, catching a whiff of cooled sweat "…but after the pizza I need a shower." Chuck eyed his friend cheerily.

"Yeah you do kinda stink, and I don't mean at the game… this time" he chirped cheekily.

"Oh that's how it is?" the nerd retaliated, grabbing his own controller.

The bearded nerd heard a knock on Chuck's door, "Hey big guy…" he called out from the sofa, distractedly looking away from the screen. Hearing the running water and getting no response from the nerd, he dropped the controller and frowned as his character died. Still looking over his shoulder, Morgan took the few steps to the door, opening it and smirking at the surprised blonde in front of him.

"Miss Walker… good to see you again" he grinned, gesturing for her to enter.

"Hi Morgan, please call me Sarah, Ok?. Is Chuck here?" she looked over the small nerd's shoulder and glanced around the room eagerly.

"Ok… Sarah." He apologised, "He's in the shower, I'm sure he'll be out in a minute." He eyed the table for a moment and gestured at the food "Pizza?"

"No thanks" Sarah sat down as he followed her to the sofa and crossed her arms, her heart racing at the thought of her currently naked boyfriend. She ached to thank the nerd, but as Morgan settled himself back on the sofa she grew frustrated that her moment would have to wait.

"So… big day today. I hear you got your Kingdom back" He offered cheerily.

Sarah gave the bearded man a puzzled look, that part had only been released in the last fifteen minutes or so, and it looked like the bearded man had been sat on that sofa for hours before realising Chuck must've told him. "Yeah, it's been nuts. I wanted to come earlier and thank Chuck, but I had to deal with... well you can guess. I couldn't let Zondra deal with everything."

"Zondra? Ah yeah, the brunette. …about your height, doesn't smile. I don't think she liked me much."

Sarah chuckled at the description, but nodded anyway "…that's her. I wouldn't take it personally. She doesn't like anybody. She's a teddy bear really, just don't tell her I told you…" Sarah chuckled to herself at his sudden smile.

"Well, that may be, but the way she looked at me when you and Chuck were having your iced cream break" the bearded man's eyes widened in fear "that woman scared the bejeezus out of me."

Sarah winced for a moment, knowing how her friend's constantly sarcastic bravado could easily offend, before smiling at the memory of the wonderful interlude in her freezers. Nodding at the screen "…you were playing?"

"Call of Duty." He explained, as she looked at him strangely. "…you're supposed to work as a team and kill as many other players as you can, but to be honest I just enjoy running around with my boy in there, shooting everyone else."

"That sounds cute, but a little disturbing." She offered with a furrowed brow.

"It's not like that. Chuck and I have played this game for ages, and it's a good way to blow off steam. When I got here a couple hours ago he was still full Piranha."

"Piranha?" she eyed him curiously, wondering if it was some gamer thing.

"Yeah, that's who saved your Kingdom. He's the best hacker in the world." His chest puffed up in pride for his friend.

"So he really is a hacker? My Chuck? He said he knew some guy… I thought it might be you." Sarah shook her head with a subtle smile, hiding a spike of fear that she'd misjudged the kind hearted nerd.

His eyes widened at her assertion, shaking his head vigorously, before looking away nervously, realising that he'd just told her his friend's greatest secret. Oh crap.

"I'm sorry Chuck…" he called across the room sheepishly, wincing a little as he heard a door open across the apartment.

"Sorry for what buddy?" Chuck announced as he entered the room, his torso still glistening with moisture as he rubbed at his towel covered head, oblivious to Sarah's presence.

"Nothing buddy, you know what? I just gonna head home…" Morgan missed Sarah's thankful expression as he stood abruptly and began to head for the door.

"Why?" the nerd asked as he lifted the towel, quickly noticing Sarah smiling back at him from the sofa, freezing him in place. He locked eyes briefly with the beautiful blonde, a broad smile beaming across his face. "Hey…" he breathed out, smiling dreamily again, completely missing Sarah's heated gaze as she drew it across his naked chest.

"Hi…" her smile beamed back at him as she stood.

Chuck covered the distance between them quickly, dropping the towel and pulling her into his arms, leaning down and kissing her tenderly. Sarah's breath caught as his arms wrapped around her body, his soft lips tracing across her own. Her thoughts returned to the way they'd woken up this morning, wanting Morgan to vanish as her pulse began to race in anticipation.

A few moments later, Morgan unsubtly cleared his throat, "…I'm gonna go." He said uncomfortably, causing them to pull apart and watch as he finally let the door close behind him.

The blonde pulled Chuck back into a tight embrace, leaning her cheek against his chest and let out a thankful sigh. After a few delightful moments she pulled away and looked deeply into his eyes "Thank you for today fish-boy" she said cheekily.

"Fish boy?" the nerd looked into her azure eyes, puzzled.

"Yeah, Morgan said something about you being 'the Piranha' so… Fish boy." She tapped him on the nose with her finger playfully as Chuck glanced at the door. Frowning at his friend's mistake, he smiled tightly and moved them to the sofa. "Can we keep that between us? If anyone asks about today, let's just say that you paid Neo… Believe me, we don't want the police, or anyone else to know about anything I did today… the Piranha doesn't exist... Ok?" Chuck locked eyes with her, silently pleading for her acceptance.

At the mention of the police, Sarah winced, realising he must be in real danger if his secret got out. She gasped slightly, a minute spike of panic as she feared losing the wonderful, most kind hearted man she'd ever met. She'd never allowed herself to be this open, emotionally free, with anyone, and the idea of returning to her what she now understood as lonely life, scared the blonde. Giving Chuck a small nod and a broad smile, seeing him return her relieved gaze, seemingly melting before her, relaxing finally and holding her tight. Sarah's eyes fluttered shut as she buried her head against his bare chest comfortingly. She listened to his heartbeat for a few seconds, its steady beat quickening as he kissed the top of her head. Sarah understood the reaction as she felt it control her too. Revelling in the intimacy of the moment, she eventually kissed his chest again "…you saved my company, you're a hero, MY hero…'' she breathed against his neck, causing Chuck to shiver and pull her closer. "Thank you"

"It's what I do…" he chuckled to himself, causing Sarah's lips to trace against his collar bone again as she shook her head.

"I understand why… I do, but what's the point of being a hero if nobody knows?" Sarah pouted childishly. "Seriously Chuck, I'd love to shout it from the rooftops, but like you said it could get you into trouble." Chuck nodded slowly.

"You know… and that's what matters." He said, simply. At that, Sarah leaned in and began to kiss him tenderly, growing eager for his touch as their hands and lips began to wander. As his lips began to explore her neck, she was suddenly overtaken by an inferno of passion, the blonde's body reacting on autopilot as she pushed both hands into his short curly hair and devoured his lips. She shivered in anticipation as he leaned back and began to remove her blouse, his eyes burning with the same passion she felt.

There was an almost silent jingle of keys as the door opened and the back of a tall brunette, dressed in hospital scrubs backing in through the doorway, holding two large bags. Turning around, the beautiful woman gasped loudly, shocked at the scene in front of her, dropping the bags loudly.

"Oh my God… Chuck, I'm so sorry." The brunette declared, turning her back again to the couple.

"Ellie?" What are you doing here?" Chuck jumped up from his position on the sofa, putting himself in front of Sarah, quickly blocking the blonde's barely clad chest from his sister as the blonde reached for her top.

The brunette called over her shoulder "I tried texting earlier and got no answer, so I called the station…" Ellie turned back briefly and held her hand in front of her eyes as she regretfully caught sight of Chuck's unfastened jeans, turning away again and shivering in disgust.

"Yeah, so why are you here, like right now?" his face flushed furiously as he saw Ellie's lowered gaze and nervously looked down, quickly pulling up the zip and fastening his belt again. Thoroughly embarrassed, he just choked out "Sorry".

"They said you were off sick, I thought I'd come check on you." She said apologetically, reaching down and starting to pick up the fallen groceries.

"I'm fine… believe me" Chuck looked exasperatedly at his sister, and felt Sarah lean into his back, breathing warmly into his still sensitive neck. The tingling sensation blocked out his embarrassment briefly, almost missing Sarah whispering "Yes you are" into his back, he turned quickly into the blonde's arms and beamed at her, ignoring his sister for the time being.

Ellie called over her shoulder again "I can see that, but who's this?" she interrupted, causing Chuck to turn back to face her.

"This is Sarah, my girlfriend. Sarah, this my sister… Ellie." he saw the blonde step alongside him. He automatically placed his arm across Sarah's shoulders, waiting for Ellie's reaction to his "girlfriend" declaration as he sarcastically put his other hand over his ear noticing the brunette's excited gasp.

"Hi… I'm Sarah, Sarah Walker." She said as she reached past the tall nerd and held out her hand, shaking the brunette's eagerly.

"Ellie Bartowski… I guess I don't need to ask what you do for a living. I mean, you're Chuck's Iced Cream Queen. I'm sorry about the nickname, funny guy over there told me it the other day and it just slipped out.

Sarah smiled sweetly at the woman, watching the brunette almost vibrate with excitement. Sarah hoped it was for meeting her, and not the 'celebrity' image, or her money, but instantly dismissed those thoughts when Ellie pulled her into a bone crushing hug, squealing loudly before whispering "thank you" into Sarah's hair.

"For what?" Sarah muttered as she pulled away.

"That" the beautiful brunette gestured with her head towards her goofily grinning brother "It's been a while since I've seen him this happy, I could do without seeing you two doing all that stuff before… but I'm glad to see him smile again." The brunette offered warmly.

"I don't know if you heard, but I had a real emergency at work, and Chuck really came through for me. That's why he called in sick. He'll probably never admit it, but you're brother's kind of a hero." The blonde locked eyes proudly with the nerd, and nodded.

Sarah stepped away, looking adoringly at Chuck and wondering what in his past had caused his unhappiness, seeing him cringe in embarrassment and fear as he silently urged her to avoid describing his earlier activity, "You know what? I have a friend coming into town tomorrow and we're going for drinks. I'd love it if you'd come." She turned to face her boyfriend, feeling him move to her side again, she added "…you too, obviously" making him grin broadly as his arm settled on her lower back. Sarah hugged against Chuck's side tightly and smiled, her frustration at being interrupted yet again, forgotten in the warmth of the Bartowski' siblings obvious bond.

"Really? I mean, if you two want to enjoy a few drinks. I can just... " Chuck trailed off, feeling his girlfriend's hair tickle his chest as she shook her head in faux frustration.

"Don't be silly, I'd love you both to meet Carina." Sarah interrupted, looking up at Chuck through her lashes, eagerly hoping he'd accept. Seeing his golden caramel eyes from so close, made her instantly melt inside and saw that he seemed equally entranced. Her oldest friend had all but demanded to meet the nerd and Ellie would obviously create a buffer, saving him from the redhead's usual antics.

Ellie nodded quickly and went to open her purse, pulling out a phone "I can come for a while, Devon's at work until ten and we can go on to grab some food…" The brunette read her latest message with a warm smile. "I'd better go, it looks like Devon's on his way home and I'd really like to spend some time with him. Chuck, text me the time and place for tomorrow. It was nice to meet you Sarah" she stepped over to the blonde and wrapped her in a much gentler hug this time.

"You too." The blonde replied, a toothy smile on her face.

"Chuck, don't forget to put those away…" Ellie pointed at the forgotten grocery bags and opened the door, calling "Bye" as the door closed behind her retreating form.

Stepping over and grabbing the bags from the floor, the nerd smiled at Sarah "So… that was Ellie" he smiled at her and chuckled at the blonde's warm smile as he reached the kitchen counter.

"She's nice." The blonde offered, following him across the room.

"Yeah, she's amazing. I know that I don't really tell her that, but I wouldn't even be here without her…" he quickly put away the groceries and offered her a drink.

Accepting the chilled beer, they linked hands and she went with him back to the sofa, automatically leaning into his open embrace, her body now as connected to the nerd as her heart seemed to be. She had no clue why this man had such power over her, but found herself readily accepting it. If she could feel such happiness after what had been only a few days around the nerd, then she enthusiastically looked forward to many more days with hope.

Grabbing the remote and turning on the stereo, he picked a track and hit play. The smooth sounds fading into the background as the couple talked and kissed long into the night.

A/N2 – I know this is a little shorter than usual but the next one's going to be a bit of a monster for me to write. All of those strong characters in one nightclub, and Carina in the mix too. Please R&R if you can, it's much appreciated. Take care and stay safe, D.