Chapter 3 – Grounded
A/N: Thank you once again for the kind words and reviews. It continues to humble me that you guys want to read this story.
I also want to thank nevr again for being my beta. I didn't mention him last chapter because I mentioned him in chapter 1. He has helped in many ways especially by asking questions and challenging me on parts of the future story.
There is also a back and forth in time this chapter. The sections in italics are from the previous night.
As for any flying, you will have to wait until chapter 5.
Disclaimer: I don't own Chuck, but if I did, I wouldn't have to worry about typing this disclaimer.
Chuck sensed it before he could feel it. A presence next to him, in his bed. A shift of weight confirmed his suspicions.
Chuck groaned as the light of the morning sun slipped through the cracks in his blinds, hitting him in the face.
"Chuck." Pause. "Chuck." The voice was familiar, but not who he was expecting. But then again, who was he expecting?
Chuck lifted his hand to block the light that was trying to pierce his eyelids. Turning his head, he squinted to find his sister who sitting on the edge of his bed.
"El, what are you doing in here?" Chuck asked trying to keep the frustration he was feeling from coming out in his groggy voice.
"Do you realize what time it is, sleepyhead?" A bright smile spanned Ellie's face. "I had to make sure you weren't dead or something else since it IS 12:30."
"WHAT!? Are you serious?" Chuck sat up on both his elbows, examining at his blinds. He realized why the sun was hitting his face now, it was farther far up the blinds than normal.
Chuck groaned again, fell back, and rubbed his eyes with the heels of his hands.
Chuck didn't know if he wanted to face this day or not. Last night had gotten way more interesting after the arrival of the unexpected blonde visitor and Morgan's alcohol-loosened lips. Not that it would have mattered.
"What happened last night between you and Vivian after Morgan's announcement?"
"It didn't start out well, sis. Vivian was pretty upset at first. It turned out to be a misunderstanding, but everything between her and me are good now."
Chuck glared at Morgan who looked like he had seen a ghost. "Why, Morgan?" Chuck whispered defeatedly as all eyes were on him.
"Sorry, Chuck," Morgan squeaked as he turned and headed for their apartment door. "I'll check to make sure there's enough pretzels out."
'Wait. What? There's no pretzels. I'm going to kill him later.' Chuck was pulled out of his thoughts when he heard, "Chuck, a word." Looking up he saw Vivian, who clearly was not in the most pleasant of moods.
The crowd opened up to make room for the departure of Chuck, like a lamb being sent to the slaughter. As he passed by Sarah, he noticed her eyes flick up at him and then back down. Chuck wasn't sure what that was about, but for some reason it emboldened him to face Vivian.
As Chuck and Vivian made their way out of the courtyard he could hear the murmuring of those he passed: 'Glad I'm not Chuck.' 'Wow, he's dead.' 'Did you see the death stare Vivian gave him?' Chuck tuned out the rest of it.
Once they got to the parking lot and out of ear shot of everyone, Vivian spun around in front of Chuck and shoved him hard. Chuck backed away and studied Vivian wide-eyed, surprised by her emotion. He could see the hurt in her eyes.
"How could you not tell me that your timeline had changed for when you were leaving? Or my dad?" The hurt in her eyes also came out in her voice.
Chuck finally caught up to everything that had happened. How could he have told her? He had just found out himself from Ellie, but Morgan and his big mouth had never given him the chance to say anything. Once again, Chuck thought about killing Morgan.
"Well, Chuck?!" Vivian's raised voice had more anger in it this time.
"Wait. Hold on, Vivian. I just found out tonight from Ellie." Chuck raised his hands in surrender.
Coiled, and ready to strike, Vivian's body seemed to relax a little. "What?"
"My sister told me and I didn't expect it to come up again tonight–especially the way it did." Chuck took a step towards Vivian and continued. "I was going to tell your dad tomorrow or the next day. There is a lot of stuff I just need to process."
Chuck paused to make his next point. "Vivian, do you honestly think I could have withheld that from you without acting strange in some way?" Chuck looked at her to make sure she could see the truth in his eyes.
Relaxing more, Vivian stood in silence for a moment before answering. "No. Chuck. You wouldn't. I guess I was so taken off guard by the news that I reacted without thinking." Chuck noticed Vivian staring at her hands, fidgeting with them.
"I'm sorry, Chuck. I'm really embarrassed right now for how I acted back there." Vivian glanced up and he could see the remorse in her eyes. "I'm not sure I want to go back in there after the scene I just made."
Chuck chuckled a little, causing Vivian to raise her eyebrows. "Don't worry, most of the people back there expect that I'm at fault and I deserve whatever is coming. Why do you think they were murmuring the way they were? It's assumed that I am guilty." Chuck was trying to make Vivian feel less embarrassed and hoped she wouldn't leave.
"I really didn't hear anything. I was angry and wanted to kill you right there." Chuck realized that she was looking at him sheepishly, cheeks red with embarrassment.
"Come here." Chuck stepped toward an unsuspecting Vivian and wrapped his arms around her. Chuck wasn't sure where this was coming from, but he needed to reassure Vivian that everything was okay and there were no hard feelings.
Chuck could feel Vivian melt into his embrace. "I'm sorry, Chuck," came her muffled voice, buried in his shoulder.
When she pulled away, Vivian quickly wiped away tears that had formed.
"What's wrong…?" Was all Chuck could get out before Vivian stood on her tiptoes, put her hands on his chest, and kissed him gently on the lips.
Vivian started to walk past him on her way back to the courtyard, when he grabbed her arm to stop her. She turned around, and her face flashed a look of hurt as she stared into Chuck's eyes. "Whoa! What was that all about? You can't just kiss me and then walk away with no explanation."
Chuck could see that Vivian was struggling. "Come on, Chuck, we have a party to get back to."
Frustrated, Chuck made it clear that he wasn't going anywhere without an explanation. "No, Vivian. We need to talk about this."
Chuck waited while Vivian stood there, seemingly on an emotional precipice. She trembled slightly before she took a deep breath and started. "My reaction to what Morgan said surprised even me. I realized that the time I had with you around was going to be much shorter than I wanted." She paused. Chuck braced himself for something more in line with what he believed was closer to the truth. "My feelings for you are more." She shook her head. "Were more. When I saw the way you gaped at Sarah when we showed up tonight, something inside me broke. It rattled me because I didn't expect to…feel jealous." Vivian was unable to meet Chuck's gaze.
Chuck became suddenly aware that he had dug both his hands so deep in his jean pockets that his fingertips were getting sore from pushing against the edge of his pockets. He knew Vivian had deeper feelings for him, he had sensed it at the fountain. But this? Jealousy? He knew it was a bad idea if he touched her in any way. He wanted to comfort her. He hated seeing people hurt, especially friends. A close friend.
"Sarah is lucky to have caught your attention," Vivian suddenly said. She paused to get his attention before she continued, "I hope you don't screw it up with her, Mr. Bartowski."
Chuck was shifting his weight when he felt Vivian's hand on his forearm. Chuck peeked up and saw her looking through her lashes at him in a friendly way.
"It kinda just hit me..." Chuck was intentional in his pause. "…and you may not like what I have to say, but I need to say it." Chuck saw her stiffen a little. "I realize now, as we stand here, that I look at you as more of a sister. A sister I never had. Of course, I have Ellie, but because Ellie took over the parental role after our parents died, I lost a part of the sibling aspect with her because of it." Chuck could see Vivian slouch a little after what he had just said. "I'm sorry, Vivian. I really am."
"I know you are, Chuck." Vivian wiped the corner of her eyes before any more tears could fall. "I should be the one apologizing for everything I just dumped on you."
"No need to beat yourself up." Chuck moved his head to catch Vivian's eye. "I'm just glad this got out in the open and we are addressing this now." Vivian's laugh was filled with emotion.
Chuck paused a moment. He felt he needed to tread lightly. "Do you mind if we talk about Sarah for a sec?"
"Of course," Vivian said as Chuck noted her spirits lifted after the change of subject.
Chuck didn't know where or how to start. "Uh, you said that you hoped that I don't screw it up with Sarah. And you said that whatever look I had for Sarah was impossible for me to hide. What about Sarah?"
Vivian shook her head and chuckled softly, still recovering from her earlier emotions. "Sometimes you really are clueless with the effect you have on women." She took a deep breath. "Yes, Chuck. You were smitten the instant you saw her. And yes, there was some mutual attraction on her part as well. I haven't talked to her specifically about it, but it's safe to say that something happened between you two. And she needs a good guy like you in her life."
"What do you mean?" Chuck questioned.
Vivian raised an eyebrow at him. "A little protective already, Chuck?" She paused as Chuck stammered, but saved him as she continued. "I'm not going to stop embarrassing you or get you all red-faced. Isn't that what siblings are for?" Chuck rubbed the back of his neck as he grinned at her. "But in all seriousness, that's her story to tell, not mine."
A comfortable silence fell over them before Vivian broke the silence. "Can I have a hug? Promise I won't kiss you again," she said with a teasing expression on her face.
Chuck choked out a laugh. "You better not kiss me!"
As they embraced Vivian questioned, "Why? Are you saying I'm not a good kisser?"
Chuck could feel himself heat up again. He stared up into the sky shaking his head. "I didn't say that either."
"So, I am a good kisser. I'm satisfied with that," she replied. Her face beamed as she turned and started to walk back to the party. "Let's go, we have a party to get back to."
"I'll be right there," Chuck said back to her as he processed what had just happened. Vivian did have feelings for him. All this time he had thought it was friendly banter, but when had it changed? He felt bad that it had apparently gone as far as had, but Chuck was clueless about it. Vivian didn't hold it against him and that he was grateful for.
Chuck now shifted his attention to the unexpected guest that arrived this evening. This blonde-haired visitor brought a warmth to him, but he didn't know how to deal with it yet. 'Go with the flow, Chuck', he encouraged himself. 'Make no assumptions.' He'd been hurt before by not following his own advice.
'Don't screw it up with her, Mr. Bartowski.' Vivian's advice bounced around in his head.
After gathering his thoughts, a couple minutes passed before Chuck made his way back into the courtyard. He looked around and noticed that both Vivian and Sarah were nowhere to be seen.
Ellie got Chuck's attention and nodded towards her apartment and mouthed 'Bathroom'.
Chuck nodded. He saw his friends were hovered near the fountain laughing. Morgan was sitting by himself at a table, tipping back a bottle of beer.
Chuck made his way to Morgan, less frustrated with him, but a little irritated nonetheless. He saw Morgan glance up at him and then stare at the ground again, obviously disappointed in himself.
Before Chuck could even sit down next to him, Morgan lamented in a defeated voice, "Dude, I'm so sorry. I screwed up really bad, worse than usual."
Chuck couldn't help but smile at the comment, as appropriate as it was. The irritation towards his bearded friend melted away. Giving Morgan any more grief wasn't necessary since he was already doing it to himself.
Chuck put an arm around his buddy as he sat next to him. "Morgan. I know." He grabbed Morgan's beer, took a swig, then handed it back to him. "It was going to come out at some point, I just didn't see it coming out quite like that." Chuck made sure to have Morgan's attention as he gave him a smile.
Morgan titled his head back. "Gah. I know better. Especially with Vivian AND Sarah right there."
"Yeah, things kinda went sideways there, didn't they?" Chuck ran his fingers through his hair. "Don't worry, it's all good now."
Morgan looked at Chuck suspiciously, not believing him. "Really? You're not just saying that?"
"Really, Morgan. Vivian and I had a talk that was long overdue. I think everything will sort itself out." Chuck hesitated before he added, "She really liked me and reacted the way she did because of it."
Morgan perked up. "I knew she did. I think Vivian – and quite a few others – saw what happened tonight between you and Sarah. Vivian never had your attention the way Sarah captured yours tonight."
"Was it that obvious?" Chuck felt a bit embarrassed again for the way he reacted, but he couldn't help it. Sarah was Chuck's kryptonite.
"Yeahhh, it was, Chuck. I'm not sure what Sarah was thinking, but she didn't shy away from anything. I just hope me blurting out what I did doesn't scare her off." Morgan started to take on a glum look again.
"Well, neither of us can control that, can we, Morgan?" Chuck didn't want his friend to beat himself up anymore. "I'm not sure what the future holds, but worrying about it isn't going to help anything."
"Thanks, Chuck. I know what you're doing, and honestly, it's helping." Morgan emptied his beer, peering inside to make sure no drop was left behind.
"You're welcome, Morgan." Chuck thought for second. "Morgan. When I say I'm not sure what the future will bring I mean that moving to be closer to Ellie and Devon really isn't a priority for me anymore."
This statement sobered up Morgan immediately. "Seriously, Chuck?!"
"Yeah, Morg, I'm serious. I need to at least pursue whatever this could be with Sarah. Sarah what? I don't even know her last name yet, Morgan."
Morgan looked puzzled again, the alcohol pulling him back to his self-induced haze. "Huh. Neither do I, Chuck. Neither do I."
Chuck stood up. "Well, let's grab another beer and join the others. Ok?"
"Good idea." Morgan stood up and would have fallen if Chuck hadn't stopped him. "Maybe water might be better for me." Morgan pointed out.
Laughing, Chuck agreed.
"So, she kissed you, huh?" Ellie asked.
"She did. Which then led to the long overdue conversation and way more came out than I was expecting. I'm glad we finally had that talk. Vivian had a lot of pent up emotion that needed to be released."
"That poor girl," Ellie said with a slightly somber tone. "But Sarah." Ellie's tone was a little more jubilant.
"Yes. But Sarah. She affected me last night in a way I have never felt before. It's like any potential feelings I may have had for Vivian just disappeared when I first looked into Sarah's eyes."
A huge grin came over Ellie's face at what Chuck had just admitted. "Love at first sight," she sighed. Chuck froze after he heard his sister say love. He saw his sister's focus become distant for a second, then quickly center back on him.
She placed her hand on his arm. "Chuck, it's okay, there was something I noticed in her as well. I saw it before you even turned around to look at her while you were doing your Vick Vale thing." Ellie shook her head as she mimicked Chuck's Vicki Vale impression.
"Stop….Get out of here," joked Chuck shaking his sister's hand off his arm.
"Oh, sorry," Ellie quickly said. "I do have one other thing I want to talk to you about. This being a little more serious."
Chuck was surprised by the quick change in Ellie's demeanor. "Okayyy, what is it?"
Ellie hesitated and then asked, "Why do you feel the need to have follow Devon and I to Chicago right away, if at all?" Chuck realized how foreign that question suddenly felt. Before he could stop his sister, she continued. "It's not that we wouldn't love to have you closer to us, just don't feel like you have to. We're adults now, and you are more than capable without having me around. Sometimes I feel I'm too protective, maybe holding you back at times. Ever since Mom and Dad died, I just assumed their roles. Being mom was easier than being dad of course." Ellie had a small smile on her face as she continued to touch Chuck's arm in her motherly-sister way.
"Sis. First off, I've been capable for a long time now." It was Chuck's turn to put his hand on his sister's arm. "There are few people that could have done what you did in raising me. You are intense…"
"Well duh, Chuck..." Ellie interrupted him, about to say more, but Chuck squeezed her arm, stopping her.
"…no. Listen." Chuck's voice became a little firmer than he had intended, which caused Ellie to raise her eyebrows. "Sorry. I just need to get this out." He continued, "You are intense, and it took that intensity to keep me focused on the good things in life. I could have easily spiraled after Mom and Dad died, but you wouldn't let me. You helped drive me, help to conquer my fears about myself. You never let up or gave up on me, El. It's the very fiber of who you are. People are drawn to you because of your intensity."
Chuck watched as his sister's eyes moistened. Up to this point, Chuck had been resting his head on his hand. Seeing his sister begin to get emotional, he sat up and pulled her into a big, Bartowski, brother-sister hug. When they pulled away, he continued. "I'm not saying I'm indebted to you, well, maybe a little," he added, causing his sister to chuckle through tears.
Chuck handed Ellie a couple tissues.
"So typical of you, Chuck. Saying the right things that go straight to the heart." Ellie dabbed her eyes before she continued, "That's who you are. You always had a way of putting the other person before yourself, no matter the inconvenience to you."
Chuck thought for a moment, then spoke up. "I always thought that I would be close to you guys all the time. I don't know why, maybe because we always have been close to each other our whole life."
Chuck saw Ellie let out a healthy sigh, knowing that she was regaining more control of herself. "I love you so much, Chuck."
"I love you too, Sis," Chuck warmly replied. He paused. "El. There is something else I need to tell you."
"Ok. Should I be concerned?" A look of trepidation mixed with excitement came over her face.
"I'm not sure I'll be looking for a job right away near you guys…"
"YES!" shrieked Ellie, as she threw both arms up in the air. "It's because of Sarah, isn't it?" A huge smile spanned her face.
Chuck reddened, unable to hide the excitement and embarrassment. He smiled and said, "That is a very good guess and maybe even the answer." Chuck tried to move out of the way as his sister playfully swung at him. "OW! Stop it!" He rubbed his arm as though it hurt.
"You deserved that." Ellie tried to disguise her frown, but the sparkle in her eyes proved otherwise. "She really did affect you that much? I can't believe it. Well, actually I can, but the fact that you can see it yourself. I am really excited for you, Chuck. I mean, maybe someday you can move closer to us. But this. THIS! – is a big deal!" Chuck could see his sister almost vibrated with emotion while she talked.
Chuck had to get a hold of his sister as she was spiraling. "Ok, ok. Quiet down. Don't need to let everyone know."
"Ok. Calming." Ellie brought both her hands in front of her and did some yoga relaxation move that Chuck knew would do nothing for her.
Finally, Ellie asked tentatively, "What are you going to do about Sarah?"
Chuck fell back on his bed. As he lay there, staring at the ceiling, a dreamy smile appeared on his face. "Sarah." Just saying her name caused things to stir inside of him. "I don't know what to think. It's hard to, honestly."
"Seriously, Chuck. You are making this way more difficult than it has to be. That woman is special and you have to at least see if something is there."
Chuck continued to stare at the ceiling. "I know I do, but what does that look like?" After a moment of silence he asked, "Did the girls leave yet?"
"Chuck, that's the reason I came in here in the first place."
Ever since the girls had disappeared to "go to the bathroom", Chuck had felt like a chameleon, one eye on the door and another on his friends. It had felt like an hour since he had come back from the parking lot, but when he checked his watch, it had only been twenty minutes. 'Seriously, how long does it take?' Chuck knew it wasn't just a bathroom break for the ladies, it was always something more.
What was Vivian telling Sarah? How to tease him? How to make him turn different shades of red? How to make him spiral?
All these thoughts were running through his head when he saw them both walk out of Devon and Ellie's apartment, laughing. Ellie stood with Devon at the table, refilling anyone who had an empty cup. Chuck watched as both Sarah and Vivian walked up to Ellie and started chatting with her.
Devon looked over, raised one eyebrow at Chuck, and winked at him. Chuck got nervous. Devon knew, well, at least insinuated that he knew, that something was afoot. Before Chuck knew what was going on, he had walked over to where the four were by the table and caught Sarah looking at him with a side glance.
"Chuckster!" Devon announced as Chuck walked up to the table. "Need anything?"
It was clear to Chuck that Devon had had quite a bit to drink. "Nah, I'm good, Awesome, but thanks for asking."
An eyebrow raised, and both fingers pointing at Chuck as if they were guns, Devon responded, "No problem, Chuck. But if you need anything, you know where to find me."
Chuck suddenly noticed that the three girls had stopped talking and were looking at him. "I was just making sure you two were okay. You were gone for awhile to go 'to the bathroom'." Chuck made air quotes for to the bathroom.
Both girls feigned offense. "Why, Chuck, were you keeping tabs on us?" Vivian suddenly shot back with a hint of playfulness in her voice.
'Uh oh, foot in mouth', Chuck thought as he began to feel the warmth climb up his neck. "No, uh, I hadn't seen you two in awhile and I was just making sure you were okay." Chuck stopped, but it was too late and he knew it.
"So, you were keeping track of us? Is that what you're saying, Chuck?" Sarah asked in a teasing way.
Chuck wasn't sure if it was his proximity to Sarah, or the way she had asked in her teasing way. All Chuck knew is that he suddenly felt like his heart was pumping in his ears. How did she do that? And so easily.
Ellie jumped in, saving Chuck from further embarrassment. "Actually, Chuck, the girls were just asking if they could crash at our place tonight because they drove here. They have been drinking and don't want to take any risks."
Chuck made a mental note to thank his sister later. "I think that's a really good idea, Sis. I'd offer my place, but…" All three women looked at Chuck with the same surprised look on their faces. Chuck, seeing the error in his ways, deliberately closed his mouth, paused, and ended with, "…never mind."
Without missing a beat Sarah shot back, "Why, Chuck, aren't we good enough?"
Pausing a moment to make sure he had everyone's attention, Chuck said, with as straight of a face that he could deliver, "No, Sarah. It's just too soon."
His comment drew a gasp from all three women. Devon started to laugh, "Wow! My man, Chuck. Show her who's boss!" Devon, who was about to give Chuck a high-five, but instead received a hard backhand slap to his abs and whispered, not so quietly, "Ow, Honey. What was that for?"
Chuck could feel that he was blushing and could see that Sarah was too. For the first time, Chuck basked in the heat of his blush.
Chuck heard footsteps behind him, probably Morgan and the rest of the gang coming to see what all the laughter was about. But before he turned to look to see who it was, Chuck saw Sarah still looking at him. As she looked away, she smiled. A smile meant only for him.
"When the girls got up this morning, I asked them if they had any plans today. They didn't, so I invited them to stay for lunch. They ran home earlier to shower and freshen up. I'm going to text them and say that'll it be an afternoon grill out now, since you're just getting up." Ellie rolled her eyes and began typing a quick text to both girls.
Chuck shot up to a sitting position. "Ok. Who's all coming and what are we having?"
"Before you get yourself all spun up, Devon is already at the grocery store getting everything. You'll be making your burgers, if you're alright with that? Devon will also make vegetable shish kabobs that we'll stick on the grill as well. Morgan," his sister paused for a second shaking her head, "Morgan said he'll bring sweet potatoes with marshmallows."
Chuck snorted, which earned him a light slap on the head from his sister. "Ever since you gave him your sweet potato recipe last Thanksgiving, I swear the stores have had a shortage of sweet potatoes."
Ellie snickered at Chuck's comment. "I know, right? Well, I'm just glad I don't have to make it anymore. Actually, I think he does a better job because he's trying to impress me with his cooking. I'll never admit it to him, and I'll kill you if you tell him, but I do like his version better than mine."
Chuck was about to say something snarky when Ellie's phone vibrated. Chuck watched Ellie scan the text and replied back. After she put her phone away Ellie told Chuck that Vivian was bringing some homemade potato chips that Alexei had made this morning and Sarah was bringing a chocolate souffle.
Chuck shook his head and smiled. He looked at his sister and announced, "This is going to be a fun day."
Ellie patted Chuck's head as she got up to leave. She stopped in the doorway and looked back at him. "It should be, I just hope you can handle her, little brother." As she walked out, her smile told him what who she meant.
Sarah.
Chuck was just about to put the burgers on the grill when a tap on his shoulder startled him. Devon had appeared next to him, two open bottles of 3 Sheeps Cashmere Hammer in one hand and a tray of vegetable kabobs in the other.
"You ready for these?" Devon smiled as Chuck realized that he wasn't sure what Devon was referring to. He grabbed a bottle.
Chuck inspected the bottle of Cashmere Hammer. Satisfied it wasn't some Jeff prank, Chuck asked, "Did Jeffster bring these back from Wisconsin? Those guys continue to resolve their past sins by pulling off surprises like this."
Chuck looked at Devon and at the same time they both said, "Prost." They tapped the bottom of their bottles together. Chuck could now officially start grilling now that their 'before grill ritual' was complete.
Chuck took a couple of swallows. "Wow! That's really good!"
"It is!" Devon remarked, examining the bottle.
"So, Chuck. Sarah." Devon suddenly said. "El said that your plans to move closer to us are on a temporary hold."
Before he answered Devon, Chuck put a finger up and placed the burgers and kabobs on the grill. After he closed the lid of the grill he looked up at Devon, who had a Cheshire grin on his face. "I can't get her out of my mind, Devon. I've never been so thrown off like this before."
Devon looked around. "Dude, I think it's awesome! You need to do what's right for you. El was a little sad this morning, but she is super excited for you. She really likes Sarah after talking this morning at breakfast."
Chuck almost spit out his beer. "What?! They had breakfast this morning?" Chuck felt a pit form in his stomach.
Chuck felt Devon's reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Bro, don't worry about it. Sarah was asking about all the people at the party last night who came from Green Bay. She wanted to know how you knew them so Ellie told Sarah about how you knew them from your days at the Buy More."
"Why was she asking about them?" Chuck wondered out loud. Chuck made a mental note to talk to his sister later about it.
"Chuck." Devon jolted Chuck out of his thoughts.
"I know. I need to stop getting so wound up. I just don't want to screw this up, that's all," Chuck said aloud, needing some reassurance.
"Chuck, she's going to see everything everyone around you sees – a great guy with a lot to give. You would think after what Vivian said to you last night that you would have more confidence in yourself when it comes to women. You're a great pilot and are respected amongst your peers, it doesn't seem to carry over to your personal life." Devon paused to take a swig of beer. "Chuck…not awesome."
Chuck considered what Devon had said. "I'll do better. I promise, Devon."
"I know you will." Devon nodded at the smoke coming from the grill. "Might want to check that."
Chuck quickly turned and opened the grill to flip the burgers and rotate the kabobs when he heard Devon. "Oh! Hey there, Sarah. Here to see Chuck?"
Chuck saw Devon cast a side-glance at him. He caught a twinkle in his eye. If Chuck hadn't been focused on what he was doing in the grill, he would have dropped his beer. Fortunately, the distraction of the grill allowed Chuck to gather himself before he closed the lid.
As Chuck turned to face Sarah, he felt Devon's hand hold him around the base of the neck to steady him. "I'm going to check on Ellie to see if she needs any help. You got the grill covered?"
He turned and saw Devon give him a smirk, clank Chuck's bottle and headed off towards the apartment in search of Ellie.
"Hi, Chuck." Sarah's voice hypnotized him, not allowing him to speak. Her smile, which he knew was for him, softly stretched across her face.
Chuck shook his head slightly and blinked to break the spell. "Hi, Sarah. I'm really glad you could make it today."
Sarah tilted her head up to Chuck. "I'm glad I'm here too." She nodded at Chuck's hand. "What beer is that? I'm not familiar with the label."
"It's a beer that Jeff and Lester brought back from Wisconsin. It's really good!" Chuck said, sounding pretty excited.
Sarah asked shyly, "Can I try it?"
Almost without thinking, Chuck handed the bottle to Sarah and watched her close her eyes and take a healthy swallow.
"Mmmm, that is good! I like the hint of chocolate." Sarah's voice sounded warm and inviting. She handed the bottle back to him.
Chuck was unsure of where to start the conversation, so he blurted out the first thing that popped in his head. "So, how do you know Vivian? She's never mentioned you before."
"Well, Chuck, she never mentioned you either." Sarah paused and Chuck wondered what that meant and at the same time felt himself growing warmer and warmer each second. She finally continued, "Viv and I have been friends since high school. We were in volleyball together and we surf together as well."
"You surf?" Chuck grimaced a little at the way that sounded. He quickly took a drink of beer to cover up his embarrassment.
"Why does that surprise you?" Chuck noticed that Sarah had raised an eyebrow and then grabbed the bottle again. Holding the bottle at the neck with two fingers and her thumb, she started to make a swirling motion. "Huh?" She tilted her head and gave him a sideways glance.
Chuck sensed he was being teased again like last night. "I, uh…I didn't mean anything bad when I said that. Just surprised. In a good way."
Sarah continued to eye Chuck, which made him begin to feel uncomfortably warm. She giggled a little and took another drink before handing the bottle back to him. "I like you, Chuck. You have a disarming personality that draws people to you."
"How do you know that? You've been around me for less than a half day," Chuck blurted out.
Chuck sensed that Sarah wasn't fazed by his bluntness. He thought he noticed a flash of admiration cross over her face while she stared at him.
In a low, almost playful tone Sarah whispered, "Chuck?"
Dropping his head down to get closer to her and speak just as quietly, he whispered back, "Yeah?"
A small smile started to appear as she pointed at the grill. "You might want to check that," she replied, a gleam in her eye as she started to cover her mouth and laugh.
Chuck slowly blinked as he was mesmerized by her and what she had done to him. He blinked again and realized what she had actually said. "Oh crap!" As Chuck spun around, he handed Sarah his beer and quickly opened the grill. A healthy plume of smoke poured from the grill.
To Chuck's relief, nothing was burnt. "Perfect!" He announced as he grinned over his shoulder. Sarah had tipped the bottle up for another sip as she smirked at him. Her lips formed a smile around the bottle as they stared at each other.
Chuck admitted to himself that Devon, Ellie, and he really knew how to throw parties. He laughed at himself as well, when he realized that he had left out Morgan. Morgan always seemed to be absent when the planning and setup were taking place, but he did bring food when asked.
He looked around at all who were in attendance today: The regular four of Devon, Ellie, Morgan, and himself. The rest included Jeff, Lester, Alex, Vivian, and Sarah. Everyone seemed relaxed and to be having a good time.
The food had been delicious, and the newcomers had been trying to figure out what secret ingredient was in Chuck's burgers. Eventually, Sarah figured out it was cinnamon, which surprised everyone. Chuck beamed inside when she told everyone that she loved a good burger and Chuck's passed the test.
Everyone thanked Vivian as well because the chips that Alexei had made excellently complemented all the other sides that had been brought.
When it was time for dessert, everyone was silent as they savored the rich dark chocolate of the soufflé. Chuck caught Sarah's eye and gave her a chef's kiss to let her know how amazing the soufflé was. This earned him a shy smile before she turned away to continue eating her dessert.
While the food settled, the storytelling started up. Jeff, Lester, and Morgan yakked about their crazy days at the Buy More. When any stories about Chuck came up, he noticed how Sarah perked up.
One story in particular concerned the sandwich shop that was located in the mall next to the Buy More. Lou was the owner. Morgan explained how Chuck had rescued the 'damsel in distress' by fixing her Blackberry phone. Lou had been so relieved that Chuck "saved her life" that she had named a sandwich after him.
Sarah turned to Chuck and asked, "What if I have a broken phone, Chuck? Will you fix it?" Sarah's face displayed no emotion, but her eyes told him something else.
Chuck became very self-conscious since everyone was looking at him, grins on their faces. Before he could answer, Morgan piped up. "Chuck can fix anything, Sarah, of course he'd fix it."
"Is that true, Chuck? Even if I can't name a sandwich after you?" Sarah waited a moment longer before she burst into such a lovely laugh that Chuck forgot about how embarrassed he was.
Chuck tipped his beer bottle at Vivian and then Sarah. "You know, if I was a betting man, I'd say you've been talking to Vivian too much about how to get me all befuddled."
"Moi?" Vivian put on a mock hurt face as she turned to Chuck. He noticed Sarah had leaned forward with her arms supporting her as they rested on her knees. She had a calculating look that Chuck wasn't sure he wanted to push.
"What are you going to bet on there, Captain?" Sarah arched an eyebrow at him, almost begging him to test her.
Chuck focused on Sarah. He noticed a flicker of some emotion dance across her eyes. He also became acutely aware that everyone was watching what was going on between the two of them.
Devon was the first to speak up in a serious tone. "Bro, do you and Sarah need some time alone?"
Everyone roared with laughter as both Chuck's and Sarah's faces glowed bright red. He put his head in his hands and just shook his head, not knowing what else to do. Chuck turned his head slightly and saw Sarah doing the same thing, peeking at him. Chuck gave her his ear-to-ear grin. She, in turn, gave him a smile back.
When the laughter died, Jeff and Lester announced that they had to get going because they had family commitments in a couple of hours. Chuck observed Morgan glance over at Alex who was already looking at Morgan.
"Hey guys," Alex started up, "Morgan and I are going head to the Santa Monica pier for a little while. Jeff, is it okay if he drops me off later at your parents'?"
"Oh, hey, no problem. Dinner is at 5:30. Just show up sometime before that. Morgan, if you want to join us, you're more than welcome," Jeff said nonchalantly. Chuck found it strange that no one else questioned Alex and Morgan hanging out together.
"Chuck, you okay with that? We don't have anything planned, do we?" Chuck noticed Morgan give him signs that he needed to say no.
Chuck tried to sound indifferent. "No, Morgan, we have no plans. Have a good time."
"You can join us if you'd like," Lester added. "Jeff's parents enjoy entertaining guests."
Chuck paused for a moment. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Sarah waiting for him to answer. "You know what guys, not tonight. You're here a few more days, right?" He saw them nod. "Let's plan for tomorrow or the next day. Is that okay?"
Jeff and Lester both nodded in agreement and turned to Morgan and Alex to confirm about getting back together later. After a moment of discussion, the four of them said their goodbyes and headed out towards the parking lot.
Chuck sprang up and started to grab the empty bottles from the table. "Do you need help cleaning up, Chuck?" Sarah asked softly.
"You guys don't have to…" Chuck started to say, but Sarah interrupted.
"But we want to." Sarah insisted. He noticed Vivian nodded her head in agreement.
Chuck was surprised, but didn't show it. Not sure what was going on, he went along with it. He set the bottles back down on the table. "Uh, ok. Why don't you ladies pick up the bottles and see if El needs help with anything else. I'm going to clean up the grill and get it put away."
Chuck had just finished up with the grill when he turned to find Vivian and Sarah standing there, both with smirks on their faces. Vivian began. "We have to get going Chuck, but we're wondering," Vivian paused to glimpse over at Sarah, "We're wondering if you're interested in having dinner over at my parents' tonight? Sarah's parents are out of town and my dad offered to have her over for dinner as well."
Chuck stood there for a second, dumbstruck. In so many ways he wanted to run from this situation that looked like a train wreck waiting to happen. With everything that had happened tonight with Vivian, and his moving plans changing, he knew it was a bad idea. But Chuck caught sight of Sarah seemingly hold her breath, waiting for his answer. He nodded his head before he knew what he was doing. "Sure, I can make it. What time?"
Sarah's reaction made this seemingly bad idea, suddenly a good idea. A soft demeanor came over her and it warmed the inside of Chuck like it had done earlier. It still unsettled him. He realized he was willing to go to great lengths to make this woman smile like that at him again.
"6:00. And you don't have to bring anything. You did enough for us here today, Chuck," Vivian stressed. Turning to leave, Vivian waved. "See you later."
"See you later, Vivian." Chuck replied. He looked over at Sarah. "Bye, Sarah." A smile crept on his face.
Sarah turned and lifted a shoulder at him. "Bye, Chuck."
Before Sarah had completely had her back to him, Chuck quickly said her name. She paused and cocked her head so he could see the side of her face.
"Yeah, Chuck?" An eyebrow was raised and there was a flirty smile to go with it.
Chuck wasn't sure why he needed to know, but he had to. "What is your last name?"
Her face brightened and her blue eyes seemed to shred all his defenses. "Walker, Chuck. My last name is Walker." She held his gaze a moment longer before she hurried out of the courtyard.
Chuck's head was in the clouds. But this time his feet were still on the ground.
A/N 2: There you have it. Chuck isn't going to the Midwest right away. And sorry to those of you that wanted more between Chuck and Vivian. I never intended more than what happened up to this point in the story. In canon it felt like there could have been something more between Chuck and Vivian, so I felt like toying with that idea a little bit.