A/N: Hey everyone. Sorry it has taken so long to post; life has been getting in the way. So, as you can tell from the last chapter, I am not that great at writing fight scenes, so for the most part there won't be much action in my story. There are some ideas that are playing in my head that will include fighting, but the missions will be glossed over for the most part. I would like to thank nevr for correcting all my mistakes in this story.
Now for the disclaimer: I don't own Chuck. Now on to the story.
Chapter: 7
Sarah was deep in thought as she made her way to Chuck's apartment. The last few days had knocked her on her ass, to put it bluntly. She couldn't believe all that had changed in just a few days. Her boss and mentor had been arrested, not that she cared. He helped her become what she was today by coercion. After leaving Chuck's after the bombshell, she reflected over her past. She came to a realization that when she first joined the CIA, she did it to protect her father and to atone for some her past sins as his accomplice but, after a while it became apparent that the company just trained her to be a government sanctioned grifter with a body count. She was tired of her job and, after Budapest, she was done.
She was going to leave the company for good, whether it be on the run or retirement, but that was put on hold when Graham had informed her about Bryce's betrayal. So, she had one last mission then she would be done. That was her thoughts on that, but then she met Chuck. He was so unlike anyone she had ever met before; he wore his heart on his sleeve and he was good man. He somehow changed her life in such a short time. He was like a beacon of light in a world of darkness to her. This man was going to be her last mission; she thought it would be a quick in and out, but that changed when she found out about the intersect. This man was going to become property of the government and his life ruined like hers was. She could have let it happen; she could have gone along and had him bunkered, but in just a short amount of time he became important to her. She could not and would not let the government ruin this man's life, so she fought and kept him out of the bunker.
Chuck proved to her that there are good people in the world. After reading his file, she knew he had a hard life and that it was just him and his sister making the most of their lot in life. His sister, one of the top neurologists in the state, worked hard to raise her brother. Chuck was a hard worker to get a scholarship to Stanford and to have it all ripped away from him by an asshole that she dated, was a shock to her.
Bryce was a sore spot for her now that she knew the truth about the kind of person he was. She was raised by a liar; she should have seen him coming a mile away. She was naive when it came to dating, she thought there was more to their relationship then there was. She thought she could trust him at least as a partner, but now she knew he was just using her to further his career and as a bed warmer. She should have realized the kind of person that he was the first time he slept with a mark when they were together. Thank God he was dead so she wouldn't have to see him again. Granted, if he was still alive, she would probably use him for target practice with her knifes and cut off that little thing between his legs.
Her mind came back to Chuck. In so little time he had showed her she was still human under all that red in her ledger. Here she was on the way to meet his family and friends. She was worried about meeting them and having to lie to them, but just maybe this would be different. Everything had changed for her; she no longer had to worry about Graham or the fact that Chuck would be an asset. He asked her out on a real date. She wanted to just say yes, but her mind had so much to process with all that had been dropped on her plate. On their first date, after the first thirty minutes she knew he wasn't a threat to national security she just let herself enjoy his company. She didn't lie when she said she liked him; truthfully, she liked him after their first meeting at the Buy More. After everything that has happened in her life, she deserved a little happiness and maybe, just maybe, Chuck was that happiness. She was brought out of her inner monologue as she had arrived at Echo Park. She got out of her car and carried the soufflé that she cooked herself knowing she was trying to impress Chuck and his family. She made her way to the door. Pulling herself together, she reached up and knocked on the door. A few moments later the door opened and she saw a beautiful brunette woman.
Ellie was in her element; she enjoyed cooking and having the family together, even Morgan not that she would admit it to the little bearded troll. As much as she disliked the fact that he still had a crush on her, the man was loyal to her brother and had been since they were kids. The fact that he was there for Chuck and her when their parents left was a big point in his favor and one of the reasons for her putting up with him. Morgan's mother Bolonia was one of the other reasons; her sending over food some times when Morgan came over, or on holidays, helped Ellie and Chuck get by when they were struggling to make ends meet. She just wished her whole family could be there to meet their future family member, but that would have to wait until they could get the Volkoff program out of Hartley's head.
It was still strange to her to have her parents back in the picture. It would be nice to have them here in person, but she knew it was too dangerous for that right now. Everything had changed; she had her parents back in her life, even if she had to keep that fact a secret, and it was thanks to Chuck that it happened. Last year, before Christmas, Chuck had changed his whole personality, he was so much more sure of himself. She was shocked when he asked Devon for help getting into shape. Her whole life, her brother was a nerd and he would admit it to anyone who asked. The only physical activity he would do would be walking and swimming at the beach. Her brother changed so much; she was worried. She raised him and knew him better than anyone, she wanted to question him, but she believed if she did confront him, he would revert back to his self-deprecating self. For the most part, she was happy her brother was gaining more of his real self the person that he was before Stanford. Yeah, he was always shy and nerdy, but he didn't have much self-loathing until after being expelled. She knew her brother was capable of so much more then working at the Buy More and he was finally realizing that, so she didn't question him. She knew she would get her questions answered eventually and boy did she ever.
She remembered going on that drive, the quietness of the trip; she had so many questions but held her tongue. To her shock they pulled up to a trailer in Barstow and there she found her father waiting for them. To say she was shocked was an understatement, but that wasn't the only shock she got that day. Come to find out her family was full of spies. The fact her father helped create one of the most wanted men in the world or that her mother was with said man trying to curb his ruthlessness. The most shocking news was that her brother, the loveable nerd, somehow woke up in the past and had five years of knowledge no one else had. She was about to rant that he was crazy and that she would take him to have some test done, but that line of thought changed when he told her his story. She heard the fear and sorrow in his voice a he recalled everything she knew he left everything that had to do with her and everyone else. He just told his story about him and Sarah. After hearing his tale, she knew he was not lying; the sadness and loss shown in his eyes could not be faked, at least not by her brother. After that she was on board to help her brother and family. She hated lying to Devon but everyone explained it would be better he not know for now.
Her mind traveled to Sarah Walker. She never met the women and still didn't know what she looked like; all she had was her brother's description of her. Truthfully none of that mattered to her, she was just ready to meet the women who changed her brother for the better. She had never seen him smile the way he did when he spoke about her, like she was all that mattered to him, which she knew was true. It must have been killing him waiting for her for a year. She was brought out of her thoughts by a knock on the door. She knew it was Sarah so she rushed to the door to beat her brother to it and smiled at him as she did so.
Ellie was stunned as she opened the door She came face to face with the beautiful Sarah. She realized Chuck wasn't exaggerating, this woman was stunning; she thought truthfully that her brother undersold her beauty. "Oh my god you must be Sarah?" she said as she went and hugged the poor girl, trying to crush her ribs.
"Come on Ellie, let her go she is turning blue," spoke Chuck from behind his sister, giving Sarah an apologetic smile. He grabbed the soufflé from her hand. Ellie let her go with a blush tinting her cheeks.
"Sorry about that Sarah, it's just Chuck has told me about you and I was just relived that you were real and not make believe to get me off his back about dating," Ellie said winking at Sarah while linking their arms and pulling her into the apartment. Sarah just smiled back at her while hearing Chuck sputter his comeback.
"Come on Ellie you know I would never do that."
"Hush Chuck, the adults are talking," she smiled at Sarah again.
"It's great to meet you too, Ellie. Chuck has actually told me a lot about you and I've come to find out everything he said was true." Sarah looked over at Chuck as she spoke, contemplating how to go about this meeting of his family and she decided to let a little of the woman that she kept hidden peek through.
"I hope it was all good things you heard?" Ellie gave Chuck a questioning look Sarah came to his aid seeing the look on Ellie's face.
"Yep, all good things. Truthfully, after hearing about you, I wish I had grown up with a sister like you." To say Chuck was surprised was an understatement, the fact that she was sharing about her past. He hid his surprise. Ellie was now realizing her brother met the perfect girl for him and she could already tell Sarah cared for her brother.
"Thanks Sarah, that's nice of you to say and thank you for bring the soufflé, you didn't have to do that. Would you like some wine?" Ellie smiled at her. Sarah was blown away by Ellie; she, just like Chuck was a great person; she welcomed her into their home with open arms. Sarah was not used to this at all, it was a lot to take in. She saw Chuck just smile at her like he knew this would be his sister's reaction to her.
"Sure, I would love some wine, I'll take some red if you have it." Sarah hears a snort come from Chuck and sees a glare pointed his way by his sister.
"Just for that Chuck, you can go grab us all our drinks and tell Devon and Morgan that dinner is about ready."
Sarah laughs at the pout on Chuck's face knowing he probably wanted to spend his time with her. He smiles at her and gets up off the couch to get them some drinks. "Thanks," was all she said and he gave her the full Chuck Bartowski smile, the one that always seemed to take her breath away. Ellie just watched this little moment and knew they were both crazy about each other.
"So, Sarah, tell me how you met Chuck?" Ellie had a sly smile on her face that, much to her surprise, Sarah didn't catch. She could see Sarah's face light up. Ellie knew the story Chuck already told her but she wanted to hear Sarah's side of the story and she knew Chuck would leave out important facts.
"Well, I came into the Buy More with a broken phone." Ellie saw Sarah's smile grow. " As I was walking up, I could see Chuck on the phone and Morgan standing by and I hear Morgan say Vicky Vale and then Chuck starts a cute beatbox. When he notices me, he looks up, then back down, then back up and drops the phone and starts helping me." Ellie was laughing as Sarah continued her story.
"That sounds like something Chuck would do," Ellie said as she looked into Sarah's glowing face, they both hear Chuck return with their drinks. They thank him as he sits down with them.
" So, what are you ladies talking about?"
"We are talking about how you both met," Ellie replied. Chuck just blushed knowing it wasn't his best moment. Both ladies smiled at him, then Sarah continued her story. They all laughed at Chuck's expense at not noticing the obvious flirting. Ellie was right, Chuck left out some important info in his version of the story. Sarah was explaining the distraught father and Chuck making the choice to help the father and daughter duo instead of talking to her and how he set up an impromptu recital right then in the store. Sarah went on to Chuck boosting the little girl's confidence. Ellie's and Sarah's eyes teared up when Sarah relayed what Chuck said to the little girl, "Real ballerinas are tall."
They both looked at Chuck with watery eyes who just shrugged as if it was no big deal and to him it wasn't, he just always enjoyed helping people. They were saved from the water works by Devon and Morgan walking into the living room. Devon coming into the room freshly showered and they assumed Morgan came through the Morgan door. Chuck and the ladies both get up to introduce Sarah to Devon, seeing as Morgan has already met her.
"Sarah this is my boyfriend Devon." Ellie smiled at the two as they shook hands.
"It's great to meet Devon."
"It's awesome to meet you as well Sarah; it's good to see the woman that always makes my bro Chuck smile." Chuck blushed a bit seeing Sarah look his way she just gave him a small smile.
"It's nice to see you again Morgan."
"You too, Sarah," Morgan replied then he looked towards Ellie and let his stomach do the talking. "So, Ellie when is dinner going to be ready I'm starving, Sarah, you're in for a treat; Ellie serves some of the best grub ever." Sarah just smiled at him
"It's ready, we are just waiting for John to show up." As she finished answering him, there was a knock at the door. "Chuck can you get the door while Devon and I finish setting up the table and food."
Chuck nodded to his sister and went to let Casey in. He opened the door and saw Casey with a plate of quiches. "Hey, Casey, glad you could make it." Chuck smiled at Casey who just grunted at him as he walked into the apartment. Chuck closed the door behind him. They all sat down for dinner and everyone was enjoying themselves, even Casey although he hid it well.
Chuck was lost in thought. This dinner was way better than the first time around. Casey and Sarah were not at each other throats, he wasn't freaking out that Sarah would poison his family. He wouldn't ruin the dinner this time. This time they all could enjoy everyone's cooking. He was looking forward to trying Sarah's souffle this time.
He was brought out of his thoughts when Devon asked Sarah to tell something about herself.
"Well, I'm originally from D.C. I just moved here."
"Oh, Chuck had a friend from D.C." Ellie replied.
Of course, Morgan had to put his two cents in and, as much as he wanted to stop him and Ellie from bring Bryce up, he knew Sarah and Casey didn't like Bryce already, so it wouldn't matter. "A former friend. You know, former because a: He was a jerk, and b: He's... well, he's dead. The girl Chuck was dating before you- he stole her."
"Ugh, I just don't know how anyone could choose Bryce over Chuck." Sarah looked at Chuck trying to avoid Ellies eyes when she said that. Sarah already knew how much of an ass Bryce was and Casey just gave a small grunt agreeing with Ellie.
Chuck changed the subject not wanting to talk about Bryce anymore. He was enjoying himself this time, no paranoia, no making a fool of himself. He was glad Sarah and Casey could enjoy what had to be their first home cooked meal in a while or in Sarah's case probably since her childhood. As dinner flew by everyone enjoyed themselves. Casey's quiches were great and Sarah's soufflé was delicious. The night was winding down; everyone was saying their goodbyes. Chuck walked Sarah to her car. They both could feel eyes on them. Chuck knew Ellie was watching. Luckily Ellie can't see to the road where Sarah parked. Sarah turns to Chuck thanking him for a fun night.
"Chuck, just a heads up we have a meeting with Beckman in a few days to go over our covers and how everything is going to work."
"Ok, I hope everything goes ok. I actually have an idea for a cover for all of us. Let's pray Beckman will hear me out before she dismisses my idea."
"Don't worry, Chuck, I think she will listen to you after everything with Graham; she would be a fool not to," she said as she got into her car. They said their goodbyes. Chuck just stared down the road after her, until he no longer saw the rear lights of her Porsche.
Sarah sat in her empty green hotel room. She was lost in thought. This mission was not at all what she expected. She never stayed in one place for longer than needed, which at most was a week or two. She thought this mission would be a simple quick in and out, but Chuck Bartowski had blown that. Walking into the Buy More, she was expecting a lanky geek that she could wrap around her finger, but right from the get go, the man had set her back on her heels with his genuine smile his kindness to a complete stranger when, not to toot her own horn, an attractive woman was flirting with him. Then the date they went on, she once again found herself on her back foot; she had a great time and she would admit it she liked him. His sincerity when he offered to be her baggage handler surprised her, there was no hesitation when he said it. She was used to arrogant self-absorbed male agents who thought they god's gift to women, but Chuck he was kind, self-deprecating, but she could see in his eyes that it was not an act, he was kind to everyone around him. To her, there is something special about Chuck and she was drawn to him, not because of his looks, although he was attractive, she saw it when they first met, but that's not it. She didn't know what she was feeling it, but had unsettled her. Her first instinct was to run and get away from this mission, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. This man had captivated her; he was a mystery she wanted to solve. Meeting his family was great; they were inviting she was welcomed into their family with open arms with no reservations and she enjoyed herself more than she believed she would. For the first time she felt as a part of a family. Her last thoughts before sleep took her was that she couldn't wait to see Chuck again. She fell asleep with a smile on her face and slept soundly through the night, not one nightmare crept into her sleep.
A/N: Since it took a while to get this chapter out, I wanted to write another covering the meeting with Beckman and post them together to make up for my long absence, so that follows. I can't guarantee timely updates; I will try, but I can't make any promises that work or life won't get in my way of updating in a timely fashion. I want to thank everyone for being patient with me and thank you all for reading my story.