That Chuck

Disclaimer: Chuck's a rather likable guy and with a job like his, in addition to what he's done since the Intersect ended up in his head, I can see a large number of people actually liking him for one reason or another. And this idea plays with that notion. Takes place after the first part of the 'Beefcake' story arc.

Summary: After Chuck is shot during a gang war shoot out while responding to a service call for the Buy More, the concern shown in the aftermath is rather surprising for the hardened man known as John Casey.

"You're not gonna believe this, but Colt practically lost his s**t after I told him what happened to Bartowski." Declared Major John Casey as he approached Agent Sarah Walker in the Westside Medical Hospital.

Or more specifically, the room one Charles Irving 'Chuck' Bartowski was in at the hospital where his sister and soon to be brother in law both worked. Sarah nodded in silence. "Not surprising… He was pretty impressed with Chuck and he does visit him when he gets a chance. Guess it was only natural those two became friends."

Casey grunted, a bit surprised at the whole thing himself. "You know Barker's wanting to see him?"

"More like try and get into my pants again." Scoffed Sarah.

And that was something she was clearly NOT in the mood for after he managed to escape from his Fulcrum kidnappers. "Nah, he's actually bein' pretty genuine where the Kid's concerned. I guess he somehow managed to get to him too." Grunted the man.

Not wanting to even admit to himself that Bartowski had gotten to him as well. And judging by the look Walker was giving him, she knew damn well the guy had gotten to him. "Ellie's said he's always had a certain way with people." Mused Sarah as she shot a saddened look towards the comatose man in the bed in front of her.

The very same man who had captured her heart for that matter. "The Buy Morons are practically out of their minds with worry right now where Bartowski's concerned and are actually doing their jobs. Its kinda creepy. Not only that, but Beckman tells me that Roberts is continually requesting a visit to see the Kid."

Sarah had an ugly look on her face at the mention of Jill Roberts. "No way in Hell is that happening. She'd probably try and use what's going on with Chuck to her advantage somehow."

And no way was she going to let that happen! Casey wisely kept his mouth shut while wondering yet again if he should broach the subject of getting a team together to go after the two gangs that had been fighting the day Bartowski got shot to Beckman. He knew if Walker got wind of it she'd no doubt be completely on board with the whole thing. I'm honestly surprised she hasn't gone after them as it is given how she feels towards Bartowski.

Casey was a smart man and he could see the obvious even if Walker lied to him about it. And in the past few days since Bartowski had been shot, Casey had found himself more and more surprised by the fact so many were so concerned and worried about the guy he thought was a moron. It was also starting to make him re-think his views of the man who was stuck with the damned Intersect in his head. His sister was in this room almost as much as Walker was and probably would be even more so if it wasn't for Woodcomb convincing her to go home for some proper rest. A lot of stories were even being shared (and it was something of a security concern but so far nothing had happened yet to be worried about) about Chuck Bartowski on the news and it was evident to Casey that Law Enforcement clearly respected the man he once thought of as a moron. Even Ilsa, Montgomery, Miller, and Larkin had contacted him to see how the Kid was doing.

And while Ilsa he could understand and happily approve of having his number, he was still unsure how the last three even had his!

Miller had also decided she needed to swing by to check up on Walker and last Casey knew, she was still on her way there from wherever it was she had been at previously. Larkin he had no clue of and honestly could care less unless it meant he was going to get the chance to shoot the man again. Montgomery was also on his way from wherever he was to personally see how things were as well. Kid, you've gotta pull through. I… I owe you an apology for how I've treated you. And if you don't pull through… Nothing's gonna be the same again.

Walker would for sure retreat into her persona as Agent Walker and nothing would ever be able to change that if Chuck died. "Oh Charlie…" Murmured a male voice that instantly had the two Agents on their feet and looking towards the source of it.

Said source being a rather older man who was looking quite saddened. "Who are you?" Demanded to know Sarah.

"I'm, I'm Stephen Bartowski, Chuck's father." Replied the man emotionally.

This caused the two Agents to look at one another in shock as neither had expected this at all!

Author's Notes: When I originally thought up the idea, I hadn't meant for it to be primarily from Casey's perspective but as I got to writing this, it just happened that way.