A/N: Hey everyone. I hope you're all doing okay, or as well as can be, all things considered.

I decided to make this a collection of one-shots of Chuck and Sarah meeting in different settings. I don't have a posting schedule in mind, as I'll really be writing when I get inspiration and when time permits.

Feel free to give suggestions on different places.

Rated T for some swearing/cursing.

A Girl, a Boy, and a...Club

Chuck grumbled when he heard someone knocking on the front door. He didn't want company and hoped the person would go away.

Chuck peered at the door as he heard the keys being turned in the lock. He didn't need X-ray vision to know that it was his sister on the other side. As expected, Ellie stepped into his apartment, her eyes scanning the area for him. When she saw him in his state- sitting on the floor in his boxers, a half-eaten pint of ice-cream and his guitar cast to the side, she sighed. So, tonight was one of those nights.

"Chuck," Ellie began, "you've got to get out of this apartment."

Chuck shrugged. "Actually El, I think I'm pretty good here. I've got my ice-cream, my guitar and my cheese puffs. That's all I need."

Ellie sat down beside him, curling her legs under her. "Chuck, I'm serious. You sitting here and wallowing is no good."

Chuck snorted. "My girlfriend broke up with me Ellie. I think I'm allowed to wallow a little."

"Oh come on Chuck!" Ellie exasperated. "She didn't deserve you!"

"Or maybe I'm the one who didn't deserve her," Chuck retorted.

"Bullshit!" Ellie seethed. "You were way too good for her, and I'm not saying that just cause I'm your sister."

Chuck shrugged. "She had some good qualities."

"Yeah?" Ellie snorted. "Like what?" She narrowed her eyes. "Actually, whatever. Don't answer that. From the moment I met her, our spirits just didn't meet. I see there was a reason for that."

"Ellie, please don't."

"No, seriously, who breaks up with someone over text? That trallop wouldn't know common decency if it hit her with a wrecking ball," Ellie fumed. "And let's not forget, the next day, she was in a club living it up and with her tongue down Bryce fucking Larkin's throat and groping him in ways that bordered on public indecency."

"Bryce said he was drunk," Chuck tried to defend his one-time friend, referencing the half-assed apology Bryce had given him when he'd confronted him.

"Oh no, no you don't Charles! You're not gonna sit here and defend that tramp and your backstabbing so called friend." Chuck sighed. They'd been through this already. But he knew that when Ellie was on a roll, it was better to let her vent. "I don't give a flying fuck how drunk he was! You don't jump into bed with your so called friend's ex-girlfriend, especially not the day after they broke up."

"Ellie, I get it. It was a shitty situation. But we don't need to rehash it so often."

"I'm sorry, Chuck," Ellie said, squeezing his hand. "It's just that when I see you like this- so down in the dumps about the situation and belittling yourself, it makes my blood boil."

Chuck sighed. "Ellie, I just want to be left alone." He had better plans for this evening. Sure it was Friday night and he could have been out and about like most people his age. But no, sitting at home playing Guitar Hero and eating a tub of mint chocolate chip ice cream sounded ideal.

"Chuck," Ellie began, her voice soft, "it's been nine months."

"I know that, Ellie! Believe me, I am well aware of how much time has passed."

Ellie frowned at her brother's mood. "What happened today?" Ellie asked, knowing that Chuck had previously been on his way to coming to grips with the breakup- or at least he appeared to have been. Maybe he had hidden his true feelings from her and Morgan too well?

"One of her posts popped up in my "recommended" feed today."

"Oh Chuck, you didn't," Ellie winced.

He nodded regretfully. "I did. It was stupid of me and even when I saw the post I knew I should just keep scrolling. But I didn't. I was..curious, I guess," Chuck shrugged and smiled sadly at his sister. "She has a new boyfriend. He kinda looks like Superman. They took a Caribbean cruise last month."

"Chuck," Ellie began.

"And she's in Europe at the moment. One of her posts was her and her boyfriend kissing in front of the Eiffel Tower." He laughed bitterly. "I guess she's finally getting all the travel and life of luxury she wanted...what I couldn't give her."

"Chuck, at the risk of sounding like Mom, there's more to life than material things. And if Jill is too shallow to realise that, then that's her loss. I know you, I know the kind of person you are and what you have to offer- your love, your companionship, your kindness, they're incomparable. You are a gift, and someday, an amazing woman is gonna recognise that and everyday she's going to show you that you're a gift she deserves."

Chuck blinked back a few tears and squeezed his sister's hand. "Thanks sis, you always know how to cheer me up."

"I'll always be here for you Chuck, reminding you of how good of a person you are, even when you don't believe it yourself."

They were quiet for a while, each sibling lost in their own thoughts.

Chuck ran his hand through his hair. "I can't believe I let myself get into a funk over it though," Chuck said, looking around the apartment. "I thought I was over her, or ya know, getting over her and then one Instagram post sends me down a rabbit hole and bam! I feel like the breakup is all so fresh again."

Ellie nodded in understanding. "Well, first of all, I think you should avoid her stuff on social media. No point on seeing it when it will make you all pissy and make you feel bad about yourself."

"But won't I look...pathetic?"

"It's all about protecting your peace and your energy."

"You sound like some IG sensei," Chuck laughed.

"I'm serious. Unfollow her. Block that bitch. Do whatever is best for you."

"I will," Chuck agreed.

"Good," Ellie smiled. "Mom and Dad asked for you tonight." Ellie said, hoping to make the conversation a bit lighter.

"I sent them a text saying I couldn't make dinner tonight."

"Yeah, I know. But you know how Mom gets about family dinners and us missing them," Ellie huffed.

Chuck nodded. Mary Bartowski insisted on family dinners at least once a month with her children, especially since she felt like she hardly saw them given their busy schedules. "I'll call her and smooth things over."

"Yeah, I think she'd like to hear your voice. So would Dad- he said he was meaning to talk to you about some code. I think they're a bit worried about you."

"Oh?" Chuck winced. "What did they say?"

"Mom's worried that you've been pushing yourself too much at work. Dad understands more than anyone how demanding your job can be, but I think he is worried that you're close to burning out"

"I'm fine, really. I have things under control."

"That may be. but I am under strict orders from Mom to get you out of the apartment tonight."

"Is that so?" Chuck raised his eyebrows.

"Yup," Ellie said, getting off the floor and then leaning down to offer her brother a hand which he accepted.

Dusting off his clothes, Chuck looked at his sister expectantly. "So where are we going?"

"Well first things first, you are gonna grab a shower," Ellie said, gently shoving him down the hallway. "And we aren't going anywhere. I have an early shift tomorrow so you'll have to settle for an Evening of Morgan."

"Great, I can't wait to stuff my belly with sizzling shrimp!"

Ellie smiled, happy that her brother appeared to be cheering up. "Well hurry up then!"

While Chuck was in the shower, Ellie went through his closet, hoping to find a suitable outfit. Eventually, she settled on a maroon button down shirt and a black skinny jeans which she thought fit her brother's lanky frame well. The outfit would easily compliment his black Converse. Satisfied, Ellie placed the clothes on the bed and then headed towards the bathroom.

"Chuckkkkk," She knocked on the door and then popped her head in. "Even Devon doesn't need to shower this long after his marathons. And trust me, he stinks after those!"

"I'll be out in a sec, sis," Chuck yelled over the stream of water.

"Yeah, yeah. Just remember we don't have all day!" Ellie closed the door behind her and went to the kitchen to pour herself a glass of wine. She was heading to the couch when someone knocked on the door. As expected, it was Morgan. "Hey, Morgan," Ellie greeted her brother's best friend as he entered the apartment.

"Hi Ellie. Is Chuck ready?"

Ellie snorted. "Chuck! Morgan's here. Stop wasting the water and get your ass out of the shower!" she yelled. "Don't make me come in there!"

"I'm out, I'm out!" Chuck came bustling out of the bathroom and into the hallway. "Hey Morg. good to see you. I'll be dressed in a jiffy."

"Take your time, dude," Morgan waved him off. "I'll just drink a grape soda and hang out with Ellie for a bit while you're getting ready."

/\

"Yo Chuck, when I told you take your time, I didn't think you'd take this long!" Morgan yelled ten minutes later.

"Gah, you guys are so impatient," Chuck glared at his sister and best friend as he entered the living room. "Thanks for picking the outfit, El."

"You're welcome. You look good."

Chuck blushed. "Ah, you flatter me." He ran his hands through his still damp hair. "Is my hair okay? I know it's looking a little wild. I've been meaning to go to the barber but I haven't found the time."

"Bro, those curls are luscious. You have nothing to worry about," Morgan commented. "Man, if I had hair like yours, gee, the ladies would be all over me. Just think about it. Your hair, my beard, aw man, it's too glorious to think about."

Ellie rolled her eyes. "Thank you for that, Morgan," she said dryly.

"Anyway, what do you have in store for me buddy?" Chuck asked excitedly. "Act 1 is sizzling shrimp right? Followed by Enter the Dragon?"

"Prepare to die my nerdy friend!" Morgan said in a robotic voice. He and Chuck then playfully attacked each other.

Ellie chuckled in amusement at the pair. "Alright, you better get going."

~/0\~

"Absolutely not, I am not going," Chuck shook his head at his friend.

"But Chuckkkkkkk," Morgan whined. "An Evening of Morgan can't end so soon."

"Morgan," Chuck sighed, "we went to the restaurant and we ate. I enjoyed the sizzling shrimp. I am stuffedddddd. I don't mind that we didn't get to watch a movie."

"Morgan Grimes never fails his mission," Morgan said seriously.

Chuck placed his hand on his friend's shoulder. "You haven't failed anything. The mission was to get me out of the apartment and you did. I had fun hanging out with you tonight."

"But think of how much more fun you can have if we go in there," Morgan countered, pointing in the direction of the club.

Chuck looked at the club, with the word 'Intersect' flashing in bright neon green colours. "I haven't been to a club in like...forever."

"You'll be fine. You have me. I hear they have some really great drinks at good prices. And there's a live DJ!"

"Fine, let's go!" Chuck relented.

/\

Chuck bopped his head along to the music. It wasn't anything he had heard before, and he wasn't surprised, given that the band was called "Jeffster" and apparently were signed to a German record label. Maybe he would check out some of their other music when he got home.

According to Morgan, Club Intersect was one of the newer clubs in LA and it was quickly gaining traction as one of the hottest spots to be. Chuck had to admit that the music was good, the atmosphere was nice and so were the drinks.

As he stood in a corner with his back against the wall, Chuck scanned the crowd. Morgan was on the dancefloor and appeared to be enjoying himself. A table to his left became vacant and Chuck went to it, content to just take the club and its occupants in.

"Chuck! Chuck, man, I just saw Vicki Vale!" Morgan came scurrying over to the table and plopped down in the seat opposite his best friend.

"Vicki Vale, Vi-vi- Vicki Vale," Chuck laughed. "And where friend of mine, did you see her?" Chuck asked, scanning the perimeter.

"She was on the dance floor with her sister. Did you see the red-head I was dancing with? Tall? Looks like a model?"

"Ah, no buddy. Sorry, must have missed her."

"That's okay. They said they were going to the bathroom."

"Oh, well I'll look out for them when they join the dance floor."

"I asked them to join us at our table."

Chuck's eyes widened. "Morgan! Why would you do that?" He wasn't sure he was up to carrying on conversation with strangers.

"They're wearing heels, Chuck! They'll just rest their feet before we head back to the dance floor."

"I don't know about Sar, but I could dance allllll night in these heels if need be," came a voice from behind them. "In fact Martin, you might be quite surprised by my...stamina."

Chuck's ears reddened as he turned in the direction of the voice. Meanwhile, Morgan was pulling at his collar.

"I'm Carina," Carina waved at Chuck. She then stepped slightly to the side to reveal someone behind her. "And this is my sister, Sarah."

"Gosh, you're beautiful!" Chuck breathed reverently.

Carina smirked. Sarah's cheeks turned pink. Morgan simply hummed in agreement.

"Oh gosh. I'm sorry. I didn't mean that!" He heard Morgan groan and saw Sarah's eyes widen. "No, no. I mean...I didn't mean to say that out loud."

Sarah smiled in an effort to put him at ease. "Gosh, this is embarrassing," Chuck muttered. He took a cleansing breath before speaking once more. "I'm Chuck. Chuck Bartowski," Chuck said, getting over his embarrassment. "It's nice to meet you."

"Likewise," Sarah smiled.

"Would you ladies like to sit with us?"

"Yes, please," Sarah said.

Carina sat next to Morgan and Sarah did the same with Chuck. Chuck ordered a round of drinks for everyone and they descend into amiable conversation. During the conversation, Chuck found himself being drawn to Sarah. They exchanged a couple of shy glances and Chuck was almost certain he saw Sarah smile into her glass when she caught him staring. Maybe that was a good sign?

Eventually, Carina dragged Morgan onto the dance floor and Chuck wondered whether it was a ploy to get him and Sarah to advance beyond the shy glances.

"So, you think I'm beautiful?" Sarah asked, smirking at Chuck.

He scratched the back of his neck, looking bashful. "You are without a doubt; the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. Your eyes are the prettiest shade of blue I have ever seen. And although I've only seen you smile a handful of times, I can confidently say that your smile is breathtaking."

Sarah chuckled. "Do you say that to all the women you meet in clubs, Chuck?"

He shook his head no.

"I believe you," Sarah smiled. His earnestness was endearing and she felt herself being drawn in. "Thank you for the compliment. You are quite handsome yourself."

He blushed. "Thank you."

"So, Chuck, tell me about yourself."

"I don't even know where to start," Chuck said.

"Well, how about we start with hobbies?"

And so they talked. Chuck told Sarah about his love of gaming and was pleasantly surprised when she encouraged him to tell her about his favourite games, rather than disregarding them as nerdy or childish. And she told him of her love for baking and the recipes her Polish grandmother passed down to her.

She told him she was fluent in seven languages and he promised to teach her Klingon if she would teach him French.

The conversation easily flowed and they talked about their jobs- Sarah shared her experiences in being a human rights lawyer and Chuck shared his plans for developing educational software for children. They watched the other person speaking, captivated by the passion and warmth in the other's voice as they spoke about their work.

They even briefly talked about their families, with Chuck regaling Sarah with stories of his parents, Ellie, Devon and Morgan. Sarah in turn told him that her maternal grandparents were Polish immigrants and shared the story of when she, Carina and their parents vacationed in Australia and she and Carina used baby oil instead of sunscreen.

The night wore on and Chuck was certain it was one of the best of his life.

"Sarah, I think there's one more thing I ought to tell you about myself," Chuck said nervously.

"And what would that be?"

Chuck leaned forward and quietly said, "I like you."

Sarah smiled brightly. "That's good, cause I really like you!"

A/N: Thanks for reading. Until next time, take care.

Barbadiangirl,

xoxoxo

October 1, 2021