Thanks for all of you that stopped to read. Thankyou for the nice reviews and to those who choose to nit pick rather than enjoying the read. No one's or no one is perfect. Let me know what you think, now onto Ch 2

Chapter 2

Six weeks after Paris

Chuck smile as he took the keys from his decorator. She had been busy for the last few months trying to get his business up and running. He still had a month to go till his grand opening. He had boxes to unpack that were in storage but when he unlocked the door and entered, the space, it was exactly as he had pictured it since he was at Stanford. His dreams to own his own business was finally going to happen. He also travelled Europe. He smiled as this was the first time he had thought of her today. It was getting less and less but she would always have a special place in his heart.

He walked the space looking at his sales section where he would sell computer accessories, games and other important gaming items. Then he walked over to his gaming section where he had bought two gaming chairs for customers to enjoy and a full online catalogue to browse everything else he sold. He walked over to the main desk that house a coffee/juice bar. The other side had four bistro tables that his employees could assist customers with all their computers and cell phone issues. He walked to the counter where his computers were set up and he could take all money transactions or fix computers. He walked to the back and saw the staffroom/chill out room to his left and next to it was the bathroom. At the end of the hall was storage and delivery and across the staff room/chill out room was his office. He had a window installed that would allow him to watch what was going on out there but with a click of a remote he'd be able to have the window frost up. It was a bit expensive but he figured that he was worth it. His walls were painted a steel blue grey and he settled for bamboo flooring all through the store. He looked at the small stuff like pens and merchandise with his logo on it. He always like the name of the character from The Never Ending Story Atreyu so after looking into acquiring the name he was able to use it. So he ran his finger over the name Atreyu Computers Enterprise or A.C.E for short. Chuck like seeing the letters in Dynamoe Font A.C.E.

He turned on his coffee/espresso machine and waited for the water to heat up. He picked up a bag of coffee grounds from the café in Paris. He had bought five bags and found a way to get more if he needed. He grabbed his computer and turned on all of the others to make sure that they were all working and set up on the network. He also wanted to make sure that he wasn't hanging on the tail of Buy More. He made it clear to Big Mike that he'd wouldn't take his customers away but like in the Miracle on 34 th Street, Kris Kringle sent customers to other stores if they didn't have the item in stock or they had a better price. Chuck felt that what the Nerd Herd couldn't offer he could and vice versa.

Chuck made himself a cup of the Paris coffee and sat down and started calibrating his system walking around to all his laptops and stationary computers clicking and typing then returning to his laptop to instal software and firewalls. He looked up when he saw outside three black suburban's drive up and men in dark suits get out and stand in front of his door. Chuck stands up to see a tall man wearing sunglasses and a dark suit walk in. "Afternoon."

"Afternoon, can I help you?"

"My name is Colonel John Casey and I work for the NSA." As he shows Chuck his badge.

"Okay Colonel John Casey NSA, what can I do for you. I don't open till the end of the month so if your looking for any computer help I suggest you check out the Buy More across the parking lot."

John Casey looked at Chuck. "Are you Charles Irving Bartowski who lives at 1838 Franklin Street Echo Park. A graduate from Stanford. Majoring in Computer Engineering."

"Yeah I know who I am. Why do you know so much about me?"

John Casey walks his store. "We got your name from a Professor Fleming."

"Yeah, he was my Psychology Professor at Stanford. Do you know a Bryce Larkin?"

John Casey watching Chucks mannerisms.

"Yeah he was my roommate. Why?"

"Have you seen him as of late? Has he sent you anything?

"No, I haven't talked to him in years. We had a following out, he quit or transferred, in our second year."

John Casey still drilled him with questions and when he knew that Chuck had not seen or heard from Larkin he had one more question to ask. "We need your help?"

"Why would I help you, you haven't told me anything."

"We need your computer skills to locate some files that have disappeared."

"Files? (Chuck shook his head) You must have a handful of squints that can do that for you."

"Yes we do but we want the best."

Chuck coughed slightly. "Well I am flattered but I don't think I can help you."

John Casey turned around. "Well Professor Fleming says other wise. And he told us that you and Bryce were close at one time and that you two created a lot of programs, recreated a game call Zork?"

Chuck laughed yeah. "That was awesome."

Casey not so amused. Chuck sat down. "Okay so if I did agree, what would I be looking for."

"Unless you agree to help us we can't disclose."

"Of course. National security."

"Right. You will need to hold on with your opening Mr. Bartowski for the time being."

"And how long will I be gone?"

"You can stay here. We have a facility near by."

"How long do I have to think about it."

"Not long, time sensitive."

Chuck knew that he wasn't going to leave any time. It sounded interesting. Chuck stood up. "Okay lead the way."

DC Beckman's office hours earlier

Sarah walked into Beckman's office wanting to go home and sleep for the next month. Paris was horrible, except meeting a guy name Chuck. Brazil was successful but didn't have the charm or the romance that Paris had. Nothing as of late would ever be like it was at the end of that horrible day. She knocked and walked in and saw Langston Graham and General Diane Beckman sitting by her desk. Graham gets up and points to the extra chair. Sarah sits down. She smiles casually not wanting them to know how tired she was. Beckman looks at Sarah. "Agent Walker, congrats on Paris and Brazil." Sarah nods.

"Sorry that I didn't get to debrief with you after Paris but Mr. Graham told me that it went well." Sarah noticed them sharing glances with each other.

Langston turned to face her. "We have a new placement for you."

"Okay?" (Like she needed another mission)

"We need help to locate a file?"

"A file. I'm not sure why I would be needed."

"We want your expertise. We feel that it may warrant the way you deal with things. We have joined forces with the NSA and we have a Colonel John Casey already in LA."

"LA?"

"Yes. That is where we are starting at."

"Well I guess that I haven't had enough sun. When do I leave?"

"This afternoon. We hope to be working with a civilian, that the Colonel is in talks with. Either way we need you there."

Sarah stood up.

"I guess I don't need to pack for LA."

"A car will take you to the airport Ms. Walker."

LA

Chuck grabbed his lap top and finished what he could on his computers, hoping to come back and locked up. He followed Casey into the back of the last suburban and looked out the window as it drove around the parking lot and came back and parked in the back of the Wienerlicious. The door opened and Chuck got out and stared down and across the parking lot at his store and the front doors of the Buy More. He followed John Casey as the other agents shielded him as he entered a side door. The door led to a narrow stairway under a Wienerlicious.

Chuck laughed. "Who knew that this was down here."

John turned around, and gave him a look. "Right no one knows that this is down here." They reached the bottom of the stairs as Chuck looked back up and he saw what it looked like. It reminded him of the inside of a ship. The walls were metal, almost bunker style. John raised his hand on the scanner and a door slid open.

Chuck looked at the door and almost got caught as it closed behind him very quickly. Chuck followed John to the inner sanctum as Chuck was awestruck.

"This is Castle." John firmly tell Chuck.

"Ok. Does it stand for something? Like CASTLE Capacitor Aided System For Teaching And Learning Electricity or Commitment Allegiance Support Teamwork Leadership and Enthusiasm—all or Computer Assisted System for Theater Level Engineering"

"No just Castle."

"And this is here why?"

John Casey turned to face him as Chuck saw other Agents he assumed, were busy walking around. "The CIA and NSA are joining forces on this so they needed a facility."

"So they assumed, that this would be a go."

"It was put together hoping that you'd be on board."

"We have an Agent from DC coming and should be arriving shortly to help with the search. We will watch over the process until the files are found."

"Then what? What are you going to do once the files are found? Am I sniffed out like the mafia?"

"No we don't snuff out anyone." Chuck laughed. "We just shoot them." Chuck swallowed hard. John Casey grunted. "We will see when that time comes."

John showed him where he was going to work. Chuck walked in and saw his work room. "Oh my, you guys have DU 97 Supercomputer, which apparently possess "30 teraflop architecture and modules for cryptoanalysis and video processing."

"You know your computers." Chuck ran his fingers over the systems.

John gave Chuck a file. Chuck pried his eyes away from the beautiful angel.

"This is all we have for you to start with for now."

"Okay." Chuck browsing the file. "It's not much."

"Bryce was obviously good at hiding the files."

"You think that Bryce hid the files?"

"We don't know. So if you could."

"Yeah okay I'll get started."

John Casey left Chuck alone in the room. Chuck took his bag off his shoulder and placed it on the table. He looked around and took a deep breath. "Where to start."

A few hours later Chuck looked up hearing John Casey's voice and another person. He waited till, he hoped that someone would come and check on him. Though he hadn't made any progress, he found that the file was missing papers, or information but at this point he was guessing.

John Casey walked in as Chuck looked up. "I want you to meet CIA Agent Sarah Walker."

Sarah came around John. "Nice to meeeet youuuu."

Chuck stood up. "Agent Walker, Chuck Bartowski."

"Bartowski, Agent Walker."

Sarah tried to play it cool but it took all of her strength not to attack him. "Nice to meet you."

"Sarah."

"Right, Sarah."

The way he said her name, it melted her heart and as he took her hand, all those memories of Paris came back.

"Chuck that will be all for today. I hope to have the rest of the files ready for you tomorrow."

"Okay."

Chuck and Sarah stared awkwardly at each other, but both thinking the same thing.

Casey hollered. "Let's go Bartowski, you don't have clearance yet to be down here by yourself."

Chuck looked back at Sarah as he headed up the stairs.

Sarah headed up and saw him head across the street. She tried to follow him then she saw him get into his car and drive off. She ran back and got into her rental and tried to catch up to him. She was glad that he had a red light. She kept her distance but when he got onto the expressway she had to put her high heel to the pedal.

She saw him merge into a residential area named Echo Park. He turned onto Franklin Street and parked in the back. She drove around the front and parked and hurried inside and saw a fountain right in the middle of the courtyard. The sun had set cascading a warm red glow into the courtyard. Chuck was coming around the corner.

"Chuck."

Chuck looked up.

"I've missed you." Chuck staring at her but wanting to be next to her.

"Me too." As she slowly walked towards him, in case it backfired.

"We shouldn't, Sarah."

But that didn't last long, their lips met and Chuck dropped his bag at her feet and wrapped both arms around her. He kept kissing her and she loved every minute. Sarah thought she had put to memory what Chuck looked like, felt like and smelled like, but it was nothing to what she felt wrapped up in his arms.

Chuck broke the kiss and unlocked his door.

Chuck let her go first. She kept staring. Their lips met again. "How can you be here. Your a spy?" Chuck still looking at her, not being his eyes.

"You work for the Government?" Sarah kissing him back.

"No, well yes." They kissed again.

"We can't do this." Chuck pulls away.

Sarah looks at him. "When did it stop being Sarah and Chuck? So things are complicated big deal. They don't matter. Hi, I'm Sarah Walker- I'm that girl you met in Paris." Sarah paused. "And your that boy that kissed me. We can figure this all out later."

Chuck looked at her and all the time apart, it was just that, time. Now he could make up for it. They could make up for lost time. Chuck took her hand and led her to his room. Chuck nervously took her suit jacket off and unbuttoned her white blouse and carefully laid it on his chair. She smiled. She undid his shirt and tossed it. He laughed. She kissed him softly. He sat on the bed and turned her around and slowly unzipped her skirt. He ran his hands up her spine and with one hand unclasped her bra. She slipped out of her skirt and as he turned her around she dropped her bra. He kissed her stomach then slowly moved up kissing her breasts.

She watched him as he looked up at her. How one man who came to her on her worst day ended up being the best part. She couldn't have gotten through Brazil without her memories of those brief hours. To her it was a lifetime. This was a gift, that she wanted to finish unwrapping. She moved closer to him as she kneeled and unzipped his jeans. Chuck slid back as she pulled them down from his ankles exposing his cute Mighty Mouse boxers. "Mighty Mouse?"

"Childhood favourite cartoon, I mean having a mouse that could fly like Superman."

Sarah climbed on top of him. Just the two of them in their underwear. Sarah knew he wanted answers but she didn't know what to say and she had questions as well.

Chuck caressed her face and kissed her as much as he could. He felt the electricity each time they kissed, that little spark that was now a full fledged raging fire. They rolled together touching and kissing and experimenting. Chuck looked at her as they became one. "Are you sure?"

"More than you know."

Chuck held her leg close to his hip as they resumed their dance from Paris. Sarah wrapped her other leg around his hip needing all of him. They rode their ride till the very end then collapsed in each other's arms.

Chuck awoke thinking it was all a dream, but there she was. This time she didn't go for coffee or leave his side. He laid his hand down over her naked thigh then slid it over her stomach. She slid her fingers into his. He looked at her and she was still sleeping. Maybe unaware of what she was doing. But he knew her and now what she was and it scared him. She turned to face him and raised her head kissing him. Whatever scared him was gone when she pulled him into her. They moved together picking up where they left off. The intense motions and feelings were beyond the other experiences. Maybe doing it in the morning had it's perks.

A satisfied Sarah got up but she didn't want to leave Chuck without talking to him. She jumped into the shower as Chuck headed to the kitchen. She came down a half hour later wearing her suit. Chuck looked at her and she kissed him. She sat down. "I guess we need to talk?"

"We do. I didn't know that you were a spy. I just made the reference in Paris as a fantasy of mine. Which by the way was totally fulfilled?"

Sarah smiled.

"I came home from Europe and moved in here, then I got my keys to my new store. That is why I was in Paris. It was a graduation present from my sister and her boyfriend. As it gave them time to renovate the store. I came back and yesterday morning, I was hooking up my computer systems and I looked up. To see two black suburban's drive up and strategically five or six men took their post around the store. Then this tall brawny man comes in wearing a dark suit and sunglasses and asked me a lot of questions. And when I answered them he told me that they got my name from one of my Professor's from Stanford. And because I was at the 99% of most of my classes I was put on a list. Don't know what list as of yet but it got the NSA and CIA interested."

"So what did they say you had to do."

"Look for a file?"

"A file?"

"Yeah an Agent named Bryce Larkin, who happened to be my roommate at Stanford for two years, disappeared, and now they think he had a file, that he hid and you guys want it back?"

Sarah didn't think that there had been others or a list as she just heard about it herself, yesterday.

"So I said yes and was told that we were going to a place called Castle and it happened to be under the mall."

"Have you started looking for the file?"

"No John, but I like Casey better gave me a file but there's not much there.

He said that they were waiting for someone from DC and surprise."

"It was me."

"It was you."

Chuck leaned in and gave her a kiss.

Sarah smiled. "So your not a spy?"

"No, just an average guy. No surprises."

"Except me."

"Which I am not supposed to know about."

"That's not it Chuck. As of 24 hours ago you were the guy I met in Paris. Who came into my life at the worst time and made it better?"

"I didn't think that getting your purse taken counts?"

"No Chuck it's worst than that."

Chuck looked up. "Spy stuff."

"Yeah spy stuff. (she lowered her eyes) Then when we hit it off and I didn't think it would have progressed like it did. I left Paris hours later and headed to Brazil. Like I said and started training with a fellow friend, and two others. We did some jobs in and near Brazil. Was gone longer than I thought. Came back to DC early yesterday morning and was told that I was going to LA to head up a joint CIA NSA project- and that they had found an analyst but gave no name, that's all." Chuck caressed her face.

"This is a surprise to me as it is to you. A wonderful surprise. But a complicated one, I can't see how this is going to work." Chuck turned his body away from hers. Sarah walked around to him and kissed him. "I got to go." "Right, the job."

"Don't make this about the job, please."

She tried to kiss him again but he pulled back. She walked to the door.

Castle

Chuck waited at the entrance for the door to open. John was there to give him his pass. He also gave him a pile of binders. They headed down the stairs. "You will look at these then start with the pile over here."

"Thanks and good morning."

"Yeah." With a slight grunt. "We will have you work in here from now on, where you can do your brain stuff. When you find something interesting or pertinent let me know. Agent Walker and I will look into your findings."

"Colonel?" John turned around.

"Mr. Casey. When did the file or files go missing?"

"Everything you need is in this pile." As John placed his hand on the pile. Chuck nodded. John left.

Chuck dropped the pile of binders and slipped his bag off and placed it on the desk. He slid out his laptop and turned on all the other computers. He spent the first hour setting up his station, to have it work for him and started looking at the pile staring at him. He opened the file and started making notes. Hours later he stopped reading as he got a whiff of something like lavender and vanilla. He looked up and saw Sarah standing in the doorway. He took his glasses off. She was holding two cups of coffee. She smiled. "I didn't know what kind of coffee you drank here and the coffee we had in Paris was a special blend so I got us two Americanos at the Starbucks." She put the coffee down on the desk. "May I?" Chuck nodded. Sarah sat down. "How's it going?"

Chuck took a sip. "Lots of data to read."

"You wear glasses?"

"When I read I do."

"You look very handsome in them." Chuck took another sip. "Thanks for the coffee." Chuck reached for her hand. She was happy to take it.

Chuck saw John coming so he let go of her hand and Sarah rolled her seat back. "Anything to report."

"Not yet." John came up to Chuck and saw his notes. Chuck looked at him. "Just me thinking out loud." Chuck waited nervously. "Impressive. (as he put the pad of paper down) Walker can I talk to you." Sarah winked at Chuck and left.

Chuck read for a few more hours and headed to the stairs, and saw Sarah. "Going for lunch want to come?"

"No hot dogs, please."

"Yeah once and while the smell kinda gets to you. How's a sub or tacos."

"Surprise me." Chuck settled on tacos. Sarah followed Chuck. "Chuck there's plenty of seats here."

"I know but I want to show you something." Chuck walked past a few businesses coming up to a corner. He grabbed his keys and unlocked the door. He held the door open for Sarah. Sarah walked in as Chuck closed the door locked it and disarmed his system. Chuck turned on the lights but Sarah shook her head. So Chuck turned the lights off. Sarah headed to the counter where Chuck had bar stools lining the counter. She looked around as Chuck unpacked their food. "What is this place?"

"This is A.C.E."

"Ace?"

"Atreyu Computer Enterprises. ACE for short."

"Atreyu?"

Chuck smiled. "Right your not into movies and such. Atreyu was a character in the classic movie The Never Ending Story. He played a warrior. I grew up watching it and I always told myself that if I got a cool idea I would name it after the character. So this is my cool idea of opening a store."

Sarah kissed him. "Wow this place is something."

"Dreams do come true."

"But doesn't the Buy More do computers."

"Yeah, they do I just do the stuff that they don't do."

"And how do you know that?" Sarah looking at Chuck.

"I used to work there when I was in high school and picked up a few shifts during my first years of college. Then I was on scholarship after that so I didn't need to work nor did I have time. I picked up on what was missing with what they offered and what was needed so I found a few grants and got a loan and the rest is history."

"So when do you open?"

"I was planning this week but that has changed. So it's the end of the month." Sarah looked at him. "Can't wait."

They finished eating. "So will you have some staff?"

"Still looking, but I have a buddy that might work for me. He works the floor at the Buy More and is always looking for extra shifts." Chuck laughed.

"What's so funny?"

"If you knew Morgan, he does the least for the most amount of money he can get."

"I see."

"But he's my best friend, he's like my brother. And we would do anything for each other. And even though his work ethic is less than productive at times. He knows his stuff."

Chuck grabbed their garbage and took it to the back. Sarah followed him as he headed into his office. She saw little tokens on his desk and she saw a napkin from the cafe and their stir sticks. "Paris?"

"Yeah I like to collect and keep stuff." Chuck looked at her. He pulled her into a hug. Sarah sighed. He showed her around. "How is this going to work, Chuck?"

Sarah looked at him and as they kissed she got her answer. They walked back into his chill out room and Chuck lifted her onto the counter. "We can't, here." Chuck slid his hand up her skirt. Sarah moaned. Sarah unbuttoned his shirt and went for his pants. Chuck pushed her skirt up as he kissed her. He moved closer to her. Chuck kissed her and they became one. It was quick but it was what they needed. Chuck continued to kiss her and nibble her neck. "You better not be leaving your mark." Sarah heard him smack his lips. "I'll try not to."

Sarah pushed him back and kissed him. She heard her cell. "Saved by the bell." Chuck stepped back and started to get dressed. Sarah grabbed her underwear and pulled down her skirt. "Walker here. Yes thank you."

Chuck walked back into his office as Sarah fixed her blouse. She saw a picture on his desk. "Who's this?" Chuck came up to her as he was finishing buttoning his shirt. "That's my sister."

"Very pretty."

"She's my everything, she was my mom, my sister, my best friend." Sarah looked at him. His face got quiet. "The call?"

"Yeah we need to head back to Castle." She grabbed her suit jacket on the way out. They walked to the door sharing a few more kisses. Chuck armed the security system and headed out.

"General their here." Sarah walked in to see the General and greeted her as Chuck looked at the fiery red head. "Chuck I want you to meet General Diane Beckman." "General, Chuck Bartowski."

The General looked at the tall dark and handsome stranger. "Nice to me you."

"Like wise."

"Colonel Casey has told me that you have started looking into the files. Have you found anything?"

"Not much but what I am seeing is whoever filed those files did a terrible job. I need to find some connection with them."

"Which means?"

"There not organized. I'm also checking for spyware."

"You think that someone is spying on the CIA?"

"It may not be someone else but someone inside the CIA. But whether these files were purposely misplaced or disappeared. Whatever the reason is I think that it was to throw off whoever decided to look into them. So until I can cross reference these files and make some sense of them, we don't have much to go on. It may take awhile."

Chuck wasn't sure about the look she was giving him. "Very good, then. At least we are getting somewhere. Continue with what your doing and keep us posted."

"Will do General. Is there anything else?" The General looked at him. "No thank you Mr. Bartowski, you are free to go." Chuck backed up and walked out. Sarah faced the screen.

"Do you think that he can do this, Agent Walker?"

"It's only been one day and the amount of stuff that he has already found is impressive. He's precise, his detail to work is unique. It's like he thinks outside the box and sees everything but yet is narrowly focused on everything."

"General, Professor Fleming did say that he was above average in most of his classes." John Casey adding.

"His classes?"

"Yeah everything except Phys Ed." Sarah looked at the screen she was surprised by that comment and what she knew he looked like under his clothes. There was no way that he wasn't physically active.

She continued to listen. "He got an 80." Sarah laughed inside.

"So Casey what does Fleming do besides teach? What does he do for the CIA?"

"He keeps an eye out for students that excel in certain classes. He gave them exams that he has developed that allows him to see which students are able to problem solve. He said that in some cases he wasn't interested in whether they got the answer right it was how they worked to solved it. Then he also gave them several exams, which he made them watch a slide show. He embedded images within the images and only a few could pick them out. There were rumours going around that there was a program created that would allow an individuals to subconsciously see images that weren't visually there and process those images faster than the average person. Also these few could also hold a large amount of data. He wanted to see if anyone could come close. So for the last few years he has been sending us possible candidates and Chuck was next on the list."

"And if he is the one?"

"Right now, Agent Walker we just need to find those files before they get into someone else's hands. And if he can find then so be it." Beckman replied.

Sarah had heard a lot, and it didn't sound like there would be a winner in this.

"If there is nothing more, Colonel, Agent Walker."

"No General."

"Good bye then." Beckman disconnected the call.

Sarah turned to face John Casey. "So why are we here?"

"National Security Walker."

"But he hasn't found anything yet?"

"But when he does we will be ready."

"And so what do I do until then?"

"Babysit him."

"He doesn't need a babysitter."

"Maybe not but I'm not getting paid enough to do it myself."

"Got to run." John left leaving Sarah not liking the title but didn't mind watching him.

Sarah sat at her computer looking at places to stay. She hadn't had time to find a place as she came directly from the airport. She figured that if this went south she needed to have a place near Castle and a place near Chuck's. She typed in his address and where Castle was and typed in hotels. She scrolled down the list and found a place call Maison23. She looked at the photos in between looking at Chuck. "I can see you." Chuck yelled from his side of the glass. Sarah smiled. She went back looking then grabbed the phone. "Yes queen size bed, small kitchen if possible. Indefinitely. Credit card. Sarah Walker."

Sarah gave her card over the phone. "Late arrival. Thank you."

An hour later Sarah got up and walked over to Chuck. "Time to quit Chuck."

Chuck took his glasses off. Sarah saw that he had started a second pad of paper. "Wow you got a lot done." Sarah also saw that he started a few new piles.

She walked in "And those piles?"

"I want to have those scanned into the system so I can move them around. It would be nice to have a system that I can you know move the files by hand on the screen."

"Is there a system like that?"

"Yeah. But I also am making my notes cause whoever else might be looking into this may not be on the outside."

"You think that there are others?"

"That is why I want to see the files. The paper copies are one thing they leave a paper trail but computer files, leave an imprint. They allow me to see how many times they were looked at, uploaded copied, scanned etc. What IP addresses were used which department had access etc. If I can see a pattern then we might know more."

Sarah was amazed by his thinking. He was the whole package. This can wait till morning. They walked to the stairs. "Supper?"

"Sure. I found a place to stay."

"Did you, good."

"I am staying at the Maison23."

"Nice place."

"I'm going to head over there now with my stuff meet you there later."

"Sure, I want to head to my office first." They wanted to kiss but held back. Chuck helped her with her suit cases that she pulled out from one of the rooms. And carried it up the stairs. They reached the top. Sarah looked at him. "Give me your phone."

Chuck gave her his phone and she put her number in it. "Text me when you are there."

"I will." Chuck put her things into her car then walked across the street. He picked up another lap top and slipped it into his bag and locked his office and slipped out the back. Unbeknownst to him that John was watching him. John waited till Chuck got into his car and left. John got out and grabbed a bag from his car and ran across to the back reaching his door. He disarmed the camera and slipped inside.

Chuck drove over to Maison23 and went to the desk then headed upstairs. He checked his phone for her room and came around the corner. He knocked and she opened the door. He looked at her. She was wearing sweats and a baggy sweat shirt. He kissed her then walked in. "You look comfortable."

"If I didn't have to wear the suit I would be happier."

"Then don't."

Sarah smiled.

"I ordered pizza, I don't have groceries or anything."

Chuck walked to the window. "Nice view."

"So far I'm not complaining, it's going to be my residence for the time." Sarah heard a knock at the door. She opened it. "Here's your pizza and beer."

"Thank you." Sarah gave the pizza guy cash. "Keep the change."

"Thanks." Sarah set the pizza down on the table. Chuck turned around. "Spyro? Never heard of it."

Sarah opened the box and grabbed a slice. Chuck watched her as she took a huge bite and was overwhelmed. "Wow this is good pizza."

"Your just saying that."

"No." She lifted a piece and gave it to him. Chuck took a bite. "You weren't kidding." Chuck sat down and took another bite.

Chuck laid on her bed. "You need a couch and a TV."

"I'll keep that in mind." Sarah laid beside Chuck. Chuck wrapped his arm around her. "This is nice."

"It is."

"Chuck, promise me that when we're here it's just you and me no work not a thing. It's just us."

Chuck looked at her as she met his eye. "I don't want to ruin this. Whatever this is."

"Me either, Sarah."

"Can we just lay here." Chuck smiled. "Whatever you wish." Sarah rolled over and shut the light off.

A week later

Chuck drove to his spot and looked at his name on the door and smiled. He unlocked his door and unarmed his system. He went to his computer and did a diagnostic test that he installed to keep an eye on his place. It was a prototype and he hoped that it would work enough to eventually sell. He wanted to have it available for his customers but he had to prove that it worked. He started to rewatch from a week ago and saw someone breaking in. They were very good. They used a decoder to unarm the system. He watched them placed bugs in random spots then he got a glimpse of who it was, placing the bugs around the store. Chuck looked around the store and walked over and grabbed every single one and slammed them on the counter. He grabbed them all and headed over to Castle.

He wanted to talk to John, but went to talk to Sarah first. Sarah sees him and smiles as she always does. "Hey."

Chuck didn't answer her. "What's wrong?"

"John knows about us." Sarah wasn't sure she was hearing him right. Chuck placed the bugs on the table. She looks up at him. "Seriously."

"Yeah for some time now."

They both knew what they did in his office and the chill room. Sarah was furious.

Chuck left and needed to figure out what to do next.

John came walking in looking at Chuck. "We need to talk."

"Maybe we do." In a harsh tone.

"You and Walker need to stop before its too late." Chuck looked at him. "Think hard Bartowski."

John left and headed to Sarah to do the same.

"Walker we need to talk."

Sarah was already furious with him. But she wasn't prepared to hear what he had to say. "You need to break it off with the nerd."

"It's none of your concern. And for your information we met long before I came to LA." Thinking that she just played a decent hand.

"I know."

Sarah who was already furious was now blown away.

"We have been watching Chuck for some time."

"Why? Because he has a unique brain."

"It's more than that, so you and him, need to stop whatever it is between you two before it gets too difficult to."

"No I am not! He will be done and then he and I won't be an issue."

"It's more than that."

John looked around his shoulder.

"I'm just the messenger."

"Okay."

"Remember that you were told that Chuck was picked from a list."

"Yes Professor Fleming's list."

"Anyways the CIA has been looking into him for long time."

"How long?"

"Maybe a year or so, at least since he graduated. And those missing files are just the tip of the iceberg. We fear that there are others looking into this list as well."

"There are others?"

"Yes and because they know that there are people like Chuck out there, they won't stop."

"So his life is in danger."

"Either way he has us. But you and him won't work."

"I'm not breaking it off with him. I know what my job is and what Chuck and I have will not interfere."

They looked at each other in silence.

"I'm going to go talk to Chuck."

Sarah walked to the door.

"Walker."

Sarah turned around. "Call me Casey."

Sarah tried to smile but she was still furious.

Sarah knew that she and Casey had come to an understanding but she had to convince Chuck that they could make this work. Sarah walked to his spot in Castle and found it empty. She walked around Castle and still nothing. She headed to street level and walked over to Chuck's business. She peeked into the store and knocked. She saw Chuck look up. He hesitated but he eventually walked over and unlocked the door. He opened it and waited till Sarah walked in then locked it behind her. Chuck walked back to the counter and she saw all the bugs again.

"You weren't kidding."

"I don't kid when it comes to someone spying on me on us. Maybe your use to it but it's new to me and it freaks me out." Sarah grabbed his hand.

"I'm sorry I didn't know honestly. Casey just told me."

"Why? I passed all his tests. Got approval from the General. I have been doing my job. I think that I might have a lead for John and…"

Sarah could tell that he was spiralling. "Chuck come and sit down." Sarah walked with Chuck to his sitting area and sat down.

"I talked to Casey, he wanted me to break it off with you."

"I know he told me the same thing. I can't."

"I don't want to either, Chuck."

"Why would he care, I will be done shortly and everything will be normal again." Sarah looked at him. "I wish that it was that easy."

Chuck saw her concerned look. "You have that look."

"What look?"

"The look that says that there is more and that I won't like what I am going to hear."

Sarah slid to the edge of her chair. "Remember what Casey told you that you were picked from a list."

"Yeah Professor Fleming's list."

"Anyways the CIA has been looking into you for a long time."

"How long?"

"Maybe a year or so, or at least since you graduated."

"They've been watching me?"

Sarah nodded. "Following me?" Sarah never changed her facial expression.

"Paris?" Sarah wiped a tear from her face.

"I'm sorry. I didn't know, at least not about following you. I knew that they were there for me to make sure that I finished my test, but I didn't know about you. You were my light at a very dark time. Those watching me didn't know about you. It was Casey's team watching you, not me."

"A coincidence."

"A very big one."

"So that is why Casey knows about us?"

"I guess and the bugs, then he put two and two together."

"But that's not all."

"Didn't think so."

"Fleming works for the CIA as a recruiter." Chuck laughed.

"Yeah right." (shaking his head)

"No, he gave them a list of names and yours got the attention of DC. And when those files went missing they knew that the names on the list would be a priority. And because whatever your doing, your getting close."

"There are others?"

"We think so, and if they know that this list exists and that your looking into it, we believe that when it all comes out your life will be in danger."

"That is why your here. It's not the file it's me."

"And what you know."

"I don't know anything. I'm an average guy who went to Stanford and now I have the CIA and NSA watching me. And the girl I am interested in is a spy. It can't get any better."

Chuck stood up. "Lock up for me. Here's the key, the code is the cafe we were at in Paris. I changed it when I got here so I wouldn't have an issue with my personal security." Chuck got up and went out the back. Sarah looked over at the pile of bugs.

She wiped her cheek and looked around the room. Then looked at the door. She ran to the back, shutting off the lights that were on and entered the name of the café and headed outside. She ran back to get her rental and tried to catch up to him. She saw him head west. He drove up Wiltshire and she was thinking he was going home. But he didn't. She followed him till he drove into a parking spot near the ocean, where he parked. She parked a few cars a ways and watched him. The sun started to set.

She must have dozed off and when she awoke the sun was rising. She got out of her car and saw that his car never moved and she feared that something was wrong. She approached his car and it was empty. She scanned the beach and saw a few people walking or riding bikes then she scanned back and saw him. She took her boots off and walked down to him.

Chuck sat with his knees up and his arms resting on them. "How long have you been here?"

"All night." Sarah sat down.

"There's no hiding is there?"

"No not from us."

"What can I do."

"Trust me Chuck, trust us. And you will work for us."

"What about you and me. I don't want it to be complicated or weird I don't like complicated. I'm not letting you go." Sarah leaned into him. They watched the sun rise.

"I feel like the golden child?"

"The golden child?"

Chuck chuckled. "It was a movie I saw when I was a kid. It was about a boy that needed to be protected by all means possible."

Sarah slid her arm in his.

Sarah followed Chuck back to his place. Sarah was worried that his place would be bugged too but Chuck looked at her. "They have some respect, I just found one. None anywhere else."

She saw the scanner that she was surprised Casey never saw, but she knew it still bothered him. They showered then made love and not because this might be their last time, but because they wanted to show each other how much they needed each other. To show that they were starting to have feelings for each other. Their closeness undefined. With each touch, motion and sound.

Later that day

Chuck headed back to Castle leaving Sarah at his place. He walked to where John was standing. He looked up as Chuck dumped the pile of bugs onto the table. John looked shocked but impressed. Chuck looked at him. "I don't have much of a say in this whole thing because I am new to this but I will not be used or watched like I am under a microscope. Protect me if you must but have the courtesy to say it to my face that I need surveillance. My work is one thing but my home is my home, and my work is as well. You can set up anywhere near my home but my home is off limits. So is Sarah's place, my office. Whatever this ends up to be I will deal with it. You will find another way to keep an eye on me. Or I'm gone."

John reached for him. Chuck looked at him. "You need me. You work for me."

John took a deep breath. Chuck walked to the door. "Chuck."

Chuck turned around. "Call me Casey."

Chuck nodded turn left and didn't see Sarah walked down the stairs. Sarah headed towards Casey. She saw the bugs. "He's smart."

"He is." Sarah smiled.

"Okay, I was wrong but I needed to make sure that he was one to be trusted."

"And?"

"He's alright."

"Did he find all of them?"

"Yeah all of them."

"He has a scanner at his place." Casey looked up.

"Didn't see one, should I go talk to him."

"No. Let him have this one, Casey."

Casey came back to see that Chuck had left him a note. 'I think that I might have a lead. Can you check out a business called McCutcheon Enterprises? When I did a search I couldn't find anything, maybe it's a shell company?"

Chuck.

The next day

The three seemed to be on the same page when Casey came into Castle. Chuck saw him walk in and followed him as Sarah came out from her corner.

"What did you find out, Casey?"

"It's a front all locked up. Building manager says that a company in Copenhagen paid in advance but when I checked them out I was given the name Scorpios."

Chuck looked at him. "You said Scorpios?"

"Yeah why?" Chuck grabbed his pile. Sarah could tell he wished he'd had the program that he had talked about earlier, so he could just bring up the files he wanted. "Scorpios was a file back in the early 80's, that laid the groundwork for a small group of Agents like the Navy has with seals. And this group would train for special projects. A good idea but the file stated that some of those people secretly branched off to form another group. But I haven't found anything on that group yet."

Sarah spoke. "Would that equipment help you, the one you were talking about."

"Yeah then I would be able to type in a word and get possible links, faster than looking at a pile of file folders." Chuck and Casey continued to talk about the recent findings as Sarah slipped out. She walked into a small room and clicked on the direct line to Beckman. "Agent Walker good morning, is there a problem?"

"No and good morning. I was wondering if there was a way to purchase some software and its equipment for Chuck, to manage the amount of files he has to work with."

"What equipment?"

" The equipment would allow him to scan the files and bring them up onto a larger screen where he could physically maneuver them. The Jefferson has one and I think that it would speed up the process. He seems to have all the information in his head but where everything is, it takes time to explain it and show us."

"Ok. Ms. Walker I will look into it."

"Thanks."

"Is it going well?"

"Yes, Casey just got back from his first lead based on information that Chuck gave him and there seems to be a connection from the early 80's to a small group of Agents that formed this group, or disbanded from this group. It's still early in our findings.

"Maybe someone decided to resurrect this group?"

"Maybe, General."

"Please tell Chuck he's doing a good job."

"I will."

Chuck got ready to head upstairs, he looked around Castle and didn't see Sarah. He headed over to ACE to do a few things before the grand opening in the morning. He unlocked the door, unarmed it and walked when he heard a faint but sweet hi Chuck. Chuck turned around and saw Sarah standing there with a bottle of champagne and Chinese.

"Hey? I wanted to catch you before you left Castle."

"Yeah I wanted to come over here and make sure everything was ready to go for tomorrow?"

Sarah walked in. She was amazed at the decorations. "Yeah Morgan was over earlier and we got a good start. "Is there anything I can do."

"Yeah." Chuck took the champagne and the Chinese out of Sarah's hands and put it down on the counter. Then he placed his hands on her face and kissed her. Her toes curled. He grabbed her and held her close as they continued to kiss. They came up for air. "Wow if that was all I needed to do."

"I am always up for more."

"Well Mr. Bartowski you might get what you wish for." They walked to the staff room and sat down not to mess up the main floor. Chuck set the mood by dimming the lights and putting on the screen a roaring fire and soft music. He found a Paris cafe mix and played it. He grabbed some water and two glasses as Sarah impressed him with opening the champagne bottle. Sarah poured them two glasses then raised her glass. Chuck put down his egg roll and raise his glass. "A toast for tomorrow. that it may be a wonderful day and that ACE has a successful future." They tapped their glasses. Chuck held his up again. "To you, Sarah. For coming into my life. And I will forever be grateful for a purse snatcher." Sarah took a sip and leaned in and kissed him. "Let's eat."

Sarah cleaned up this time. Chuck followed her. She turned around and fell into his arms. "I bet you want to call it a night."

Chuck looked at her. "Naw, I got a good buzz going and I don't want to waste it by going home alone."

Chuck moved closer to Sarah and kissed her then settled in her neck. "Your place or mine?" Chuck looked at her.

"Which place is closer?"

"It depends?" Chuck kissed her lips.

"Depends on what?" Sarah enjoying his nibbling.

"It depends on how fast we can get there, get naked and let me make love to you."

"You driving or am I?"

Chuck grabbed his bag, locked up and jumped into his car. They arrived at Echo Park and Sarah knew he had broken the speed limit. But she didn't care. Chuck unlocked his door closing it quickly as Sarah pushed him into the back of the door releasing him of his jacket and this time he wore a t shirt. No buttons tonight. He picked her up with one hand and led them to his room. He laid her down on his bed and savoured his task of taking her clothes off. He teased her which started to drive her nuts and his little striptease show forced her to grab him and bring him into a searing kiss. "Ok then!" Chuck quickly replied.

She had to thank him somehow for him being her first. If it was with anyone else it wouldn't feel right. They became one. Chuck loved her the way she deserved to be loved. He kept her safe. But it was her job to keep him safe. She ran her fingers down his back feeling his muscles move over her. His warm skin touching hers. His whispery breaths taunting her making her go over the edge. She kissed him to keep him focussed knowing it could end. But she trusted her man to make it last. Chuck rolled onto his back taking her with him as he got to stare at her. She was still new to this even though it had been a few times that they had been together since their reunion. He wanted her to do what made her feel special. Needed and cared for. He watched her in awe as he dragged his hands over her body gently pinching and nibbling where he pleased. He sat up holding her as she wrapped her legs around his back. He stared at her.

"I never thought that it could feel like this."

"It's suppose to feel right is when it's done with the right person and for the right reasons." Sarah grabbed his chin and kissed him and their moment became urgent. Chuck rested his arms around her lower back and rubbed circles on her lower back. Chuck learned a few things when he was with Jill, but he never got to use them cause with her it wasn't like this. She wasn't that kind of girl. It was fast and had no emotion. This was everything. He found the right spot and Sarah literally yelped into his shoulder. "What was that?" Chuck smiled and did it again. She rested her head on his shoulder. "I know that's not a."

"No, but I can do that for you as well." Sarah smiled. Chuck leaned her back and got up on his knees and continued pleasing her. She watched him as he made her body go from zero to sixty. She held him close as she waited for him. And that was an experience in itself. She rested her chin on his shoulder as he laid over her. She didn't want him to move. She didn't care how he felt on top of her. All she cared about was that he felt amazing. They curled up together laying on their side grabbing the sheet and the duvet and surrendering to sleep.

Chuck woke up early stretching, walking into the living room and saw that Sarah was not there. He went to the bathroom she wasn't there either. He came back to his room and saw a shirt hanging up on the door. 'Where this for your big day. See you later love S.'

Chuck saw the shirt, it was a baby blue cotton blend. He also saw a pair of dark blue dress jeans and brown dress shoes. "You bought me an outfit." Chuck showered and grabbed his bag and headed over to A.C.E.

He walked in and everything was perfect. Exactly what he had envisioned all those years before. He opened and his new employees were eager to get going. He thought about a big speech but told his small crew. "Have fun."

The small crew of 5 wearing t-shirts that had the letters A.C.E in a Dynamoe font. They disappeared to their stations. Chuck made sure the coffee was on and the drinks were cold. He had cake coming later.

Chuck turned around and in walked Ellie, Devon and Morgan and a few from the Buy More who were either on break or starting their shift. Chuck embraced his sister. "I thought you had to work?"

"I do but I told them that I would be late. I wouldn't miss this."

"Way to go bro!"

"Thanks Devon."

"Looks good buddy."

"Thanks Morgan."

They chatted for a bit when Morgan looked at the door. "Vickie Vale just walked in." Chuck looked up wondering who Morgan was looking at and when he did he smiled. She was wearing a black skirt and a purple blouse. She smiled at him. "Excuse me." The three wanted to know why but when he walked over to the blonde they wondered who she was. Chuck smiled. "You look amazing." Well you don't look bad either."

"Thanks for the clothes. How did you know my size?"

"A woman knows these things."