DISCLAIMER: SAME VERSE, SAME AS THE FIRST. ONLY THE OC'S ARE MINE. CHUCK OR CHUCK CHARACTERS NOT MINE YADA YADA YADA. I HAVE INVOKE SOME "AUTHOR'S PRIVILEGE" IN THIS ONE, HONESTLY HOW CAN YOU REALLY WRITE ELLIE AT HOME WITHOUT DEVON? HE'S JUST "AWESOME" LIKE THAT, SO I MOVED UP THEM DATING TO NOW BECAUSE WE DON'T KNOW WHEN "IN" 2000 THEY MET.
CHUCK VS A NEW BEGINNING
EPISODE 3: SURPRISE VISIT
BURBANK BUY MORE / BURBANK, CA
A.J. Casino walked into the Burbank Buy More and surveyed the scene. He wanted to get some insight on Chuck, so he thought it would be helpful to scout out where his niece's new "boyfriend" had been working the last couple of summers.
He took a walk around the store, knowing the layout of Buy More stores are the same no matter their location. He was dismayed at what he saw. Most of the store was empty as employees out-numbered customers. What little customers there were, employees were standing around in groups chatting without keeping an eye out for more customers much less providing any assistance. His analysis quite simply told him the store was a disaster from top to bottom, wondering how the store could possibly stay in business. That itself was indeed a mystery for another day, maybe he could have one of his people look into it at some point.
He continued his walk around the store when someone suddenly ran into him. Looking down, Casino noticed the smaller guy in a green shirt laying on the floor in surprise. Judging from his position, Casino observed knowingly the smaller person came around the corner from the next aisle in a bit of a hurry. To show there was no harm done or any hard feelings, Casino extended his hand giving the younger guy to his feet. Upon closer inspection, Casino noticed the other male was small for his age and appears to be growing a beard. Casino inwardly chuckles that the kid deserved props for having been somewhat successful with the little facial hair.
After realizing what happened, the young man rushed into his apology, "Oh my God! I'm extremely sorry for running into you sir, I didn't see you there."
Casino grinned and waived him off showing there was no need before speaking back. He had spied the name tag, and made sure to use his name.
"No harm done, Morgan. Collisions can happen when coming out of aisles, mostly because there's a bit of a blind spot. Happens in grocery stores all the time too, except it's shopping carts playing bumper cars. Judging by your age and being an employee here, do you happen to know a Chuck Bartowski?"
Morgan quickly answered, "We've known each other since we were six, he's my best friend in the whole wide world! Very smart and knows his electronics. In fact, he works as one of the Nerd Herders here every summer. He's about to leave and start college at Stanford."
Casino nods, "I know about him leaving for Stanford. Just left him about an hour ago in Santa Monica. He didn't know I was coming here."
Morgan was shocked, "Chuck's in Santa Monica? I hope he left Ellie a note saying where he's going to be, or at least left her a voicemail. She's really over-protective, like a Mama Bear with a baby cub."
Casino turned serious, "Actually Morgan, Chuck's been in Santa Monica since yesterday."
Morgan paled, "He's been there since yesterday? Ellie's gonna be worried he didn't come home. She knows he doesn't have the money for a place to stay."
Casino put his hand on Morgan's shoulder as he assured him, "By the time he finished, it was late into the evening. He would've been sitting on a bus in all that traffic, and would've gotten home very late. He knew Ellie's schedule enough to know she had a late class last night and an early class today. He didn't want to interrupt her sleep coming in so late. That's why he stayed in Santa Monica.
Morgan asked, "So how did he find a place to stay?"
Casino bluntly explained, "He had a run-in with a few friends and family of mine. My niece accidently ran him over at the beach yesterday while they were playing football. She then decided to use him for a pillow after he broke her fall. One thing led to another. They talked for a while. They were so wrapped up talking and getting to know one another, the time got to be too late to risk getting back home given the heavy traffic. As you know that happens between Santa Monica and Echo Park, much less any suburbs of Los Angeles. So he stayed the night because of the bind he was in, even if my niece had called me directly for help. Despite the fact one of her other uncles thought it would be funny to say she had met a guy on the beach and he was staying the night with her."
Morgan immediately defended Chuck, "Sir, my best friend Chuck would never do anything inappropriate with your niece. He's one of the nicest guys you will ever meet, always going out of his way to help someone because that's just his nature. He has what you would call a very high moral compass."
Casino nodded and explained, "That's the feeling I got when I met with them this morning, he broke down the entire story from his point of view. How they met, what they talked about, his plans for attending Stanford. He even knew about the story with her ex-boyfriend, that told me on the spot how deep the connection between those two already exists. What also impressed me was how he handled a little test one of them pulled, my guess was inside he probably was wetting himself.
Morgan raised his eyebrows and asked, "Um, sir, what do you mean?"
Casino explained, "Imagine you're in the same situation as Chuck and was offered the chance to stay the night with a girl you literally met earlier that day. Only instead of me standing in front of you, it's someone a couple inches taller with an extra 35 pounds of muscle looking like one of those bodybuilders at Muscle Beach. Would you stand up for what you believe is the right thing to do, risking a potential beat down? Or would you just agree with them out of fear?"
Morgan thought for a second then replied, "I would have been to scared to do anything but agree. Chuck, on the other hand, he would have risked the beatdown for his beliefs."
Casino smiled, "That's exactly what Chuck did. Standing up for yourself and what you believe in no matter the odds, shows strong character and backbone. One day you will get there Morgan, that doesn't just come overnight but I know deep inside you that person is waiting to come out. Some people take longer than others in that regard."
Suddenly, the thunderous voice of Big Mike Tucker bellowed, "Grimes! What are you doing standing around chit-chatting, go help some customers and look busy!"
Casino raised an eyebrow, "Excuse me sir, are you the Manager?"
Big Mike turned his head and eyes grew wide seeing this man in his store. How could he be so stupid! A multi-billionaire's standing there, not once did anybody pay him any attention. This wasn't good at all.
Casino could tell by the recognition in Big Mike's eyes that he knew exactly who he was. This could work to his advantage. He can give this store a much-needed sales boost while getting some insight into this Chuck Bartowski fellow that seems to have Hailey's attention.
Big Mike immediately began apologizing for his lack of professionalism, "Mr. Casino, I'm very sorry for ignoring you like that sir. Please, let me personally help you any way I can with any purchases here at the Buy More."
Casino was amused by the sucking up tactic from Big Mike. However, seeing the big man squirm like a fish wasn't really his style. He figured he could let him off the hook, and find out all he needs to know about Chuck without many questions. He calmly put his hand on Big Mike's shoulder to steady the big guy.
"Mr. Tucker, please don't give yourself a stroke on my account. We need to have a chat in your office about a special young man that my niece seems to like. The other reason I came here is because I need to make an extremely large amount of purchases. Think of this as a nice business arrangement. You tell me everything about Chuck Bartowski and I will show my gratitude by making today the highest sales and money day this store has ever seen."
Big Mike's eyes were wide as saucers; he immediately showed Casino the way to his office. Casino stopped for a second turned his head and spoke in a low deep voice, "Morgan, when I finish talking to your boss. I'd be honored if you join me….for lunch that is. And yes, that was a reference to the Cloud City scene in Empire Strikes Back."
Morgan's eyes went wide after hearing this multi-billionaire knew about Star Wars enough to quote particular scenes. Casino just shakes his head. Sometimes it's just too damn easy to have this much fun. Knowing that Hailey and Chuck are still own their own and have no idea he is here, he can really work his magic.
CASA BARTOWSKI / ECHO PARK, CA
Chuck and Hailey had just arrived at the apartment complex. They figured that since he hasn't been home since yesterday he needed to check in. At the least, he can get a change of clothes and see what Ellie's schedule looks like for the week. He opened the door, and being the gentleman that he is allowed Hailey to walk in before him. Once inside, he was surprised to see Ellie and some guy cuddling up on the sofa watching television.
"Ellie, not to be rude but what are you doing home? Thought you had class this morning? Who's your friend?"
Ellie didn't even look up, "In short order to your questions. Just got in about ten minutes ago, it was our short day, and this sweet awesome guy is my new boyfriend. Devon Woodcombe, meet my little brother Chuck."
Devon stood up smiling and extended his hand in greeting, "Awesome to meet you Chuckster, if I can call you that. Who's your friend?"
Chuck accepted Devon's handshake with a smile, "Nice to meet you Devon."
Upon hearing Devon's question, Ellie got to her feet turning her attention to Chuck and the mystery girl holding his hand, "Speaking of days, where were you last night? I came home and you weren't here, when I checked again this morning you're bed wasn't even slept in. Like Devon just asked, who's your friend?"
Chuck felt Hailey squeeze his hand in a show of support, looking at her with an amused grin on his face. He thought it was nice to explain their story, "I was at the beach yesterday just enjoying the day, that is until someone ran me over."
Hailey added on with the answer, figuring she could explain the situation better.
"Hailey Smith. Chuck and I met yesterday after a little incident at the beach. I was playing beach football with a few of my friends. The ball was over-thrown and Chuck was the unintended target."
Ellie began showing "Mama-Bear" mode, "What do you mean he was the target?"
Chuck explains, "The football was meant for Hailey, instead it was over her head and headed right at me. Thankfully, one of her friends gave me a warning and I didn't end up like Marcia Brady."
Hailey joked, "That look wouldn't have been a good one on you."
Ellie didn't understand the reference, "What are you talking about?"
Hailey explained, "That one scene in Brady Bunch when the boys were playing football. One of the boys threw a pass just as Marcia opened the door. She got hit in the face and received a broken nose."
Devon smirked, "Well at least that didn't happen to you bro."
Chuck immediately knew he liked Devon. With the laid back tone and personality along with the looks, giving him the classic California surfer vibe. He agreed with Devon's response with a matching grin as he laughed, "Thankfully it didn't, I received something much different than that."
Devon's curiosity was piqued, "Which was?"
Chuck shrugged, "Getting ran over like roadkill by someone."
Hailey caught Ellie's eyes widen at that, she quickly explains what happened before the tirade starts.
"After Chuck caught the ball, I ran him over. I couldn't stop myself in time; we collided and landed on the sand."
Chuck points out, "More like I landed on the sand. You on the other hand, had an instant pillow to land on."
Hailey laughs, "Yes I did, and he was very comfortable too."
Ellie interrupts them with worry, "Did you get injured or hurt? At least let us check you over."
Chuck waives her off, "I'm fine El. In fact, I never really felt the impact off hitting the sand because my mind was elsewhere."
Hailey jokes, "That seems to happen quite a bit. Do you leave a trail of bread crumbs for your mind to find it's way back?"
Chuck fires back, "Very funny. I recall you're mind was in the same place mine was."
Hailey counters, "Which was a good thing. Otherwise, it would've been lost permanently."
Devon couldn't help but chuckle at the exchange, whispering "Awesome" in Ellie's ear. She rolled her eyes, any worries about the fall her brother had were forgotten after seeing the by-play between the two. The chemistry between her little brother and this mystery girl was unmistakable, there was no denying what was happening in front of her.
Chuck tries switching tactics, "Well someone obviously seemed to think I was a bed. She definitely wasn't in a hurry to leave anytime soon."
Hailey saw the mischief in his eyes, two could play that game.
"Unlike Goldilocks, it didn't take me three tries to find the bed that was just right. You're right, I wasn't in any hurry to leave. Speaking of which, I wasn't hearing any complaints from you either."
Chuck blushed on the spot, Devon laughed out loud, and Ellie was in shock, her mouth agape and her eyes wide. Hailey looks at everyone in the apartment and with mischief still shining in her eyes, she turns it up another notch. She grabs Chuck by the back of his head and plants a deep passionate kiss on his lips for a few seconds before releasing him.
"Thank you Chuck, for being my handsome hero."
Chuck was blushing heavily, his face was beet red. Ellie let out a squeal of "Ellie Joy", while Devon just chuckled "Awesome!"
Hailey turned back to Ellie, "I also wanted to apologize to you Ellie."
Ellie didn't understand, "Apologize? What for?"
Hailey explains, "For last night. By the time we finished talking, it was late. Chuck was kind of caught in a bind. He knew you had class last night, plus an early one this morning. With sitting on the bus in traffic, he would've been quite late getting back. He didn't want to wake you when he came in. That's also why he didn't call, he was being considerate. One of my uncles owns numerous resorts and properties around the world. He has two of them in Santa Monica, we had arranged for Chuck stay the night."
Devon interjected, "It makes sense why Chuck didn't call you El, he didn't want to distract you from driving back home either."
Ellie wanted to point out that Chuck's her little brother and needed to contact her so she wouldn't worry, but thought better of it. This Hailey girl obviously seems to like her brother, enough to make sure he was taken care of when she wasn't there. Given the circumstances that it was their first day of meeting each other, the fact she went way above and beyond to make sure Chuck was looked after, albeit surprising her That act itself earned her some points in Ellie's book.
"Thank you for watching out for my little brother. He tends to be forgetful about things."
Chuck heard Ellie's tone, making him feel like he was six years old again. He was wishing that time could speed up so he could leave for Stanford, just so he could get away from her over-protectiveness and being treated like a child. Hailey also picked up on it and changed the subject.
"Chuck, why don't you go freshen up and get some clothes for today? Don't forget to pack something for tonight, remember we still have a date later."
Chuck wasn't sure if he heard her right, until he caught the look in Hailey's eyes. She just provided him with an escape from Ellie's focus, and an excuse for being gone. He definitely needs to thank her later. He gave her a quick kiss that did not go unnoticed by Ellie, before heading for his room.
"Excuse me for my lack of manners, why don't you come sit and join us Hailey. Could I offer you something to drink?"
Hailey gratefully smiles, "Bottle of water will be fine, thank you Ellie. We can also discuss how you and Devon met, since you learned about me and your brother meeting. Fair is fair after all."
Devon chuckled, "She got a point El, I guess you found your match on that aspect."
Ellie nodded in agreement, "So it appears. Maybe we can discuss more trade secrets and give her more insider information on my little brother."
Hailey smiles at that, "Well Ellie you know what they say, knowledge is power. When it comes to your brother, I would love to hear everything you want to tell me."
Ellie smiled at that, "Oh don't worry, I have lots of embarrassing stories and photos to share with you when it comes to my baby brother."
Hailey's eyes lit up with mischief, "Oh yes, please do that! Those are the best kind, despite what objections he would say."
Ellie patted Hailey's hand then went into the kitchen to retrieve the bottle. About that time Chuck emerged from his room in a clean change of clothes, carrying a backpack with extra clothes for the night. Before another word could be spoken, there was a knock at the door. Since Chuck was already up, he answered the door.
A.J. Casino looked imposing standing in the doorway, yet he addressed Chuck kindly.
"Good afternoon Chuck. I know you and Hailey have plans for your day, would you mind if I talk to you? I know earlier was unexpected for you both."
Chuck stepped to the side allowing the man into the apartment, "Please come in Casino. Hailey is here and we kind of surprised my sister and her new boyfriend. Anything I can offer you to drink, bottled water or tea?"
Casino smiled gratefully, "Bottle of water's fine. Thank you, Chuck. You said Hailey's here along with your sister and her new boyfriend?"
Chuck nodded, "Yes sir. They're in the living room. Why don't you join us while I get your drink."
Casino whispers, "Is your sister the type to embarrass you with the little kid brother stories, or make you feel like six years old?"
Chuck looks around before whispering, "Every chance she gets when a girl is around."
Casino nods and whispers with a smirk, "Would you like me to get back at her for you, perhaps give her a little taste of her own medicine?"
Chuck raised an eyebrow and asks, "What do you have in mind?"
Casino grins as he clasps Chuck by the shoulder, "Just watch and learn my boy, be sure to take notes for future reference."
Chuck nods then invites Casino inside, Ellie notices the new addition immediately.
"Chuck, why didn't you say we had another guest? Hello there, I'm Chuck's older sister Ellie."
Casino smiles and begins turning up the charm, "Nice to meet you Ellie. Chuck never mentioned his sister was a supermodel."
He gently takes her hand before kissing the back of it smoothly, Ellie was seriously blushing now. Chuck and Devon both were fighting back laughter. Seeing that Ellie was swooning from Casino's charm, Hailey decided to save Ellie from further exposure to her charming uncle.
"Uncle A.J.! Quit embarrassing poor Ellie. We don't need her turning into a puddle. Besides, Devon will think you're trying to take his girlfriend away."
Casino grinned with a chuckle, "Way to ruin my fun Squirt. I was in the area and thought I'd drop by to talk with them about Chuck."
Hailey was really interested, she raised an eyebrow at that and asked. "What do you have up your sleeve?"
Casino joked, "My arm obviously. What else could it possibly be?"
Hailey just gave him a serious glare and folded her arms across her chest, Casino seeing that look made him laugh.
"Now if you were another few inches taller and your hair was completely shaved, you'd be your Grandfather's Mini-Me in that pose."
Chuck could see that Hailey was starting to get a little agitated, her eyes had changed into a dark stormy color.
"Sweetheart, I think we need to get going and let these folks chat. We've got things to get done today, don't we?"
Hailey was grateful for Chuck's quick thinking, she was ready to fire back at Casino. This way they could get back to Santa Monica and enjoy more time together.
"We sure do sweetie, thanks for reminding me. Are you ready?"
Chuck could see the playful spark return to her eyes, "Yes, I most certainly am. After you milady."
Casino gave one last parting shot, "You two go have some fun, I don't need to have any chaperones for you now do I?"
Hailey laughed, "No we don't. You might need one though."
Casino smiled, "Very funny Squirt. Go on and git, will ya."
Hailey smiled and pulled Chuck out the door. Ellie was a witness to the playful banter and saw how much this girl was rubbing off on Chuck. She couldn't help but wonder if this was just a summer romance or the beginning of something much more, maybe like her and Devon have. Casino confided in Ellie, "Before coming here, I stopped by the Burbank Buy More and met Chuck's best friend Morgan Grimes."
Ellie immediately shuddered, "You already met Morgan?"
Casino nodded and added, "Indeed I did, had a pleasant lunch with him. I know from your tone that you don't approve of Morgan, at least he was one key attribute towards your brother that most others don't really have. Loyalty."
Ellie sighed, "You're right about Morgan. He and Chuck have been best friends for just over 10 years, my main concern is that both of them will never ever grow up and be content to work at Buy More for rest of their lives while playing video games."
Casino understood where she was coming from, "Well you do know that Chuck plans on getting his degree from Stanford. One thing he could always do with that degree is use it for not only design computers, he could make video games on the side and with his experience from being a gamer knows what his fellow gamers like. It may seem like a pointless hobby to you, but I know something about that industry that you probably don't."
Ellie looked up with questioning eyes, "What would that be?"
Casino grinned, "Gaming is currently a 7 billion dollar industry, the technology is always evolving and improving. Ten to fifteen years from now, it will probably be making at least 10 to 15 times that much. He could just make money off that alone, but my instincts tell me he has other goals in mind for his career and use creating games as a side project for profits and income."
Ellie nods in agreement after learning this information, she looks up at Casino and asks.
"So what would you like to know Mr. Casino?"
Casino smiles and offers, "I would like to know more about not just Chuck, but you and your boyfriend Devon. I can assure you that Hailey has the best intentions with Chuck, and same can be said from the little time I have gotten to know him. If you two wouldn't mind, I would be honored if you both join me for dinner."
Ellie and Devon look at one another and agree before turning back as she announces, "We accept Mr. Casino."
