Recap: Chuck and Hailey get set for their trip to Stanford, Spyder informs David of Jackson's incoming arrival with something lurking on the horizon. What's gonna happen next?
A/N: After doing a little more research, I made a mistake with Hailey's career path. While attending the academy, she needs to major in something before beginning any pilot training. That will be corrected when she talks to Ellie & Devon again.
CHUCK VS AN EXTREMELY NEW BEGINNING
EPISODE 7: UNEXPECTED SURPRISES
LOEWS SANTA MONICA BEACH HOTEL / SANTA MONICA, CA
A.J. Casino was relaxing in his office, looking over the latest numbers of his various properties. He always enjoyed days like this, plenty of down time at the beautiful coastal locations were just an added bonus. In his mind, making extra money in your business ventures becomes so much easier when you're not out helping to save the world from the latest wannabe terrorist scumbag wanting to be famous. He chuckles at that thought when he just set up the reservation for Chuck and Hailey at the Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley in East Palo Alto in the Executive Suite, it would give them a chance to a couple of days there to explore while taking a tour of Stanford for Chuck before she would have to fly back east to begin her Plebe Year at the Naval Academy.
Suddenly, he received an alert in his email. After reading it, his blood boiled seeing what was happening with a potential situation thwarting any upcoming plans he was starting to make. His good mood just went to Hell in a hand basket as he immediately picks up the phone, he dialed the front desk. Casino was short and to the point after Victor answered.
"Gunny, call the guys. We possibly have a Code Black situation apparently, Eagle incoming to Home Base and there's a priority meeting with all units. Chuck and Hailey were just set up for their two days at Stanford, I'm about to get her transportation covered for the duration. Get on the horn to our Hollywood location since Hailey and Chuck will need a room. Once you have that covered, contact our crew at LA AFB to have the jet ready for flight to Palo Alto Airport. Once we have the kids taken care of, we're going straight to our destination. Have transport ready in five minutes, the clock's already ticking."
Hanging up the phone, he hurried out of his office, to the surprise of the staff. They knew something was wrong when Casino was running around like a headless chicken along with Victor making a lot of phone calls on his mobile and barking orders. Hailey and Chuck just stepped off from the elevator, and they immediately noticed the situation.
Casino spotted them, "Hailey! You and Chuck get over here on the double!"
Hailey heard the tone. It was much like the way her Dad barks orders when something's going on. Grabbing Chuck's hand, she pulls them over where Casino is standing.
"Uncle A.J., what's wrong? You're not acting like yourself."
Casino pointed out, "Hailey, I will explain more on the way. Right now I need you and Chuck to pack your bags, Victor and me will have transportation ready when you finish up. We have a couple stops to make once we depart. Get going you two."
Hailey nodded as she grabs Chuck's hand on their way back to the elevator. Once the doors close, Casino pulls out his cell phone sending a group text out.
"Vacation's over jabronis! Situation at Home Base, Eagle incoming. Take transport from LA AFB to Nellis, rendevous with Hawk-1 flight to HQ."
Once Casino was satisfied with the text, he sent it to the group. Hearing the elevator chime, he looks up with a smile as both Hailey and Chuck return with her belongings and a small bag for him. Victor pulls up to the entrance with a shuttle then opens the doors while another staff member remains in the driver seat.
Everyone climbs inside before heading out on their journey. Once the group has left the hotel property, Casino turns in his seat to address Hailey and Chuck.
"We're on the way to Los Angeles Air Force Base, from there we'll be flying up to Palo Alto Airport to drop you and Chuck off. It will give you both a couple days to enjoy your time there along with getting a feel for the campus, especially you Chuck before you start attending classes. I already setup your room in Palo Alto, along with car transportation for the duration. Once your time there is up, Victor has contacted our Hollywood location for you until you return east. Don't forget to see Aunt Luba and the kids before you leave."
With that, Casino turned back around as they approach the security gate before him and Victor flash their identification to the guard. After passing through the checkpoint, the shuttle drove over towards the airfield where a Gulfstream V was already waiting.
Fifteen minutes later, everyone was situated on the jet after taking off when Casino went over final plans with Victor before turning his attention to Chuck and Hailey. He took a seat in front of them with a smile before speaking.
"Well I have some news for you two. Victor just got confirmation that everything has been setup in Hollywood and your car will be waiting for you upon arrival at Palo Alto. Hailey, I just had a small chat with your Dad and he will be contacting you soon when more information becomes available. Chuck, I apologize in advance that we haven't been able to discuss things more given the circumstances. However, due to unforseen issues this will be brief. I already know how you feel about my niece and have her best interests at heart, I'm entrusting you to look after her until it's time for your separation. With that said, I know finances are always a burden when starting out. You will eventually need your own transportation when school starts so upon arriving in Palo Alto this trip, I want you and Hailey to do a little shopping."
Casino reaches into his inside coat pocket and extracts a black card before handing it over to Chuck, he looks down at it and his eyes widen noticing it's an American Express Centurion Card. Stunned expression on his face, his mouth open and closing like a fish as he tries to say something as Casino just laughs before explaining.
"College isn't cheap Chuck, tuition and everything else is expensive. I had this taken care of after speaking with my connections when we had that chat, think of it as freeing you and Ellie of any burdens you will face during your schooling. You will not receive any bill statements, because I had used my account to set it all up. Consider this an investment into your future, a very bright future indeed my boy. Now once we land and you two depart, Hailey will be all yours like I mentioned so enjoy it while you can."
With that said, Casino went to stand up and winked at Hailey before giving her a parting shot.
"Take care of each other Squirt, try not to cause too much trouble while you're in Burbank together. Don't want to see anything come across the news with headlines reading 'Two teens burn down Burbank' if you get my drift."
Casino heads to the back of the jet with a laugh leaving Hailey and Chuck a little confused. Turning to look at each other, Chuck curiously asks, "What did he mean by that?"
Hailey shrugged, "I guess he means that we're going to be staying closer to your place while he's away. Guess you're gonna have to show me around more. You up for it?"
Chuck could see the playful mischief sparkling in her eyes, he knew that look extremely well by now. With that in mind, he gave her his brightest smile yet and even gave her his famous "Bartowski Eye Dance" for good measure.
OPERATIONS CENTER / CODENAME: NEW MILLENNIUM BEACH
David Smith was keeping himself busy with preparations for the upcoming conference, he just received a text from Casino that Hailey was gonna be looked after by her new boyfriend Chuck Bartowski. His mind immediately went into "over-protective mode" at this apparently new information.
"What the hell is he thinking! Hailey will be alone with her new boyfriend? This Chuck Bartowski maybe a decent kid on paper, but that's just surface knowledge!"
He grabs the phone and dials the number again waiting for his target to answer the phone.
On the other side of the country aboard the Gulfstream V, Casino looks down seeing the number calling him. He chuckles to himself, knowing his friend very well as he answers.
"Greetings King, was actually expecting you to call me once you got my text. Do we need to have a medic on standby before you work yourself into a stroke or possible heart attack?"
David wasn't in a playful mood as he spat, "Have you lost your ever fucking mind! You left my little girl alone with some teenage kid, with nobody around in case this turns into another Brian fiasco! This Chuck Bartowski better not try anything, or he's gonna wish he was buried in the deepest underground bunker imaginable."
Casino just laughed at him, "Geez Smith, paranoid much? You really think that I would have left them alone by themselves if I didn't have any questions about Chuck? He's just like his Dad for crying out loud, without the paranoia aspect. Why else you think I had a background check ran on him a couple weeks ago when I was first alerted about them? Maverick already scared the bejesus out of him with a little test on their first day together, and I already had a couple of sit down talks with him by myself. So he's already been through that aspect of it and gets the approval. To quote Dr. Freeze, chill out."
David squeezed his eyes shut as he white knuckled the phone receiver in his hand while taking a couple deep breaths before speaking again, "So what's the status then?"
Casino explains, "They're spending a couple days in Palo Alto. First scope out the area and do a thorough recon of Stanford, this way Chuck will know the lay out when he begins attending in September. I already have Hailey set up at my property in Hollywood, this way she can spend time with Chuck's family and get to know more about them. You already know that she starts Plebe Summer next week, so let them enjoy what little time they have left."
David runs a hand through his hair and sighs, "Seems like you got it under control there. Now the question is, will you be here in the morning? We're gonna have a packed house here with Eagle visiting wanting a complete meeting with all departments."
Casino assures him, "Gunny and me will be there in a few hours. We just dropped the kids off not that long ago, the knuckleheads that were out here with Hailey and me are en-route to Nellis to rendezvous with Hawk-1 to be attached with Hunter's unit."
David nods in acceptance, "Sounds like everything's in place. We got last minute details to work out here, see you at 0900 in Ops."
Hanging up the phone and grabs a bottle and tumbler from the drawer, unscrewing the top before taking a long swig from it letting the burning liquid sooth his throat after releasing the breath he'd been holding. With his mind and blood pressure back to normal levels, he notices Spyder at the door with a raised eyebrow and a smirk.
"Is it that bad already? We haven't even had lunch yet and you're already hitting the bottle."
David glared, "You would be too if you were in my shoes reading the same thing I did."
Sliding the phone over as Spyder picks up seeing the text then laughs, "Now I see why."
David smirks, "At least that's straightened out. So why brings you out from your Webb?"
Spyder shakes his head at the pun, "Always a comedian. Well I just found out that Carina will be part of a new CIA special team called the CAT Squad. The other members are Zondra Rizzo, Amy Monroe, and Sarah Walker."
David laughed as he asked, "CAT Squad? Is this supposed to be the CIA's version of Charlie's Angels? Who's wild hair brained idea was that, or was it one of Graham's?"
Spyder bit back, "Well it sure in hell wasn't mine. I do know that Carina's involved because of the DEA and the targets will include lots of drug cartels and runners plus black market targets that could be supplying the small terror networks."
David sighs, "If it's not one thing, it's another. Let's get out of here, I am starving after the morning I have had."
The two leave the office and head out making small talk before the big day tomorrow.
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL SILICON VALLEY AT EAST PALO ALTO / PALO ALTO, CA
Chuck and Hailey enter their Executive Suite room that was reserved for them courtesy of A.J. Casino, taking a look around their room for the next two days. She knew that her uncle was a softie inside when it came to his nieces, he made sure whenever they were travelling it would always include first class accommodations. She would have been fine with just a regular standard room, especially knowing Chuck isn't used to this kind of lifestyle. After leaving the airport with her rental, they enjoyed a quiet meal while exploring the area near Stanford. In the morning, they were gonna explore the campus and get a head start on buying materials and supplies he will require for the school year. He was sitting on the bed in deep thought before she came over sitting behind him and began to massage his shoulders, immediately he let out a soft moan as she could feel the tension in them begin to loosen up. She leans over kissing his cheek and whispers in his ear, "Baby, what's got you all stressed? You're very tense, is it because we're near Stanford?"
Chuck releases a deep sigh as he honestly answers, "That's part of it, I still can't believe that I'm about to begin the next phase of my life. It just seems surreal. What else I just can't wrap my head around is the fact your uncle gave me this card, from my understanding is that it doesn't have any set limits and it's very exclusive. Was I hearing things when he said to buy a car and put it on the card? That's just insane, I could never afford to pay anything on it!"
Hailey comforts her boyfriend with soft caresses while massaging his back and shoulders as she encourages him, "You're worrying and over-analyzing everything as usual sweetheart. My uncle would not have gone to lengths he has for us if he didn't see not just the potential in you, but the kind of person you are. Your character core moral values, that's what he sees. Most people would jump at the chance that he gave you, but your moral compass allows you to stay humble and that my love is why he's given you that card. That's his way of saying he trusts you whole-heartedly and you have his approval, he knows the hardship you and Ellie endured without your parents. If this helps with dealing with any financial burden, it's a gold star in his book. So no more questions my love, just let yourself feel free and enjoy. Another thought I had was perhaps it's his way of helping you prepare for the future, you know after you graduate with your degree and ready to start building your dream as a software company owner. He has connections and I am sure he would help with investments to get you going."
Chuck turns his head to look at her with a smile as he whispers, "You always know what to say to make me feel better babe. Seems like you know me better than I know myself sometimes, what did I do to deserve you?"
Hailey reaches her arms over Chuck's chest drawing him back as her hands cover his heart when she whispers, "Sweetheart, it's because you're a great guy who loves unconditionally with this."
She emphasizes patting where she felt his heart beating before continuing.
"You're smart, caring, generous, thoughtful, and many more things that I could go on about. The more I got to know you Charles Irving Bartowski, the deeper I fell in love with you. Some people will probably tell you what's going on between us will just be a summer fling, but I don't see it as that. What I see is us building a solid foundation towards the future into making something even more special. The next few years will be a huge obstacle for us as you know with me attending the Naval Academy and you being here at Stanford, just know that I'm not planning on going anywhere as far as my heart is concerned."
Hailey looks deeply into Chuck's eyes before leaning down capturing his lips in a very long tender kiss, he responds in kind as the passion starts heating up. Moving around to straddle his lap while not breaking contact as their lips continue to attack one another, his hands on instinct reach down to cup her firm butt cheeks and softly squeezes them eliciting a small moan from her before she breaks the kiss to lean her forehead against his, both of them feel their hearts racing. She gently caresses his cheeks to look into his eyes watching him as his own stare back into hers, seeing the same thing that she's feeling. Unconditional love and burning passion that's about to over take them. The silent communication between just their eyes telling them they want the same thing, the tears begin to build up from the love and happiness she sees in his as she whispers, "I love you Charles Irving Bartowski, you're the only man I want for the future and rest of my life. I knew from the moment we met on the beach that you would be the one for me."
With tears in his eyes from her confession, realizing she feels the exact same way that he does. Chuck whispers his own words to her, "I love you Hailey Grace Smith, since you literally crashed into my life. The more I got to know you, the more I too have fallen deeper for you. Destiny seems to have brought us together, even if it's for a short time. I firmly believe that the distance that will separate us will make the love we feel for one another that much stronger, I feel complete now because of you. I want to have a future with you just as much, I foresee it as well just like you do. This bond we have built together, with openness and love has made us closer and much stronger. You are the one I want to share my life with Hailey, that will never change no matter how much time goes by."
Hailey smiles as the tears finally fall down her cheeks hearing the emotional and passionate speech from him, she captures his lips with hers in a long tender kiss before pouring more passion into it as her arms tighten around the back of his neck pulling him closer to her. Chuck responds in kind, his arms wrap around her slender body and holding her against him as passion begins increasing before the lack of air forces them to break the kiss as they look into the eyes of each other. She knows what she's about to tell him will change their relationship forever, but it feels right to her and knowing that gives her the courage to proceed. She looks deep into his eyes while running her hand through the curls of his hair, knowing exactly what it does to him.
Softly she whispers, "I want to give myself to you Chuck, all of myself. You have my heart and soul, now I want to give you my body too to make us truly complete."
Chuck was speechless at that request, he knows how much she means to him and would do nothing to lose or violate that trust. Knowing how much faith her family, especially Casino has put in him and he never wants to break any of that hard earned trust. With soft words, he looks up into her pleading eyes and asks.
"Are you completely 100% sure you want to do this Hailey? You know there's no going back from this point, I don't want you to feel pressured into making such a huge decision in our relationship that can cause any complications."
Hailey smiles down at him, this was the response she knew he was going to ask. Her beloved Chuck always thinking of others, their well being above his own. This is the man she loves, her soulmate that she can't believe she found so early in her life. She whispers back with a voice full of confidence, "I want you my beloved Chuck, this is what I want. You and me, together and all ways. I had always heard stories from Mom and Dad about the love they had from the beginning, the bond they share is what I see in us. They always had a question for each other when they went flying, it speaks of the love and trust in each other. Dad would ask Mom if she was with him, and she would tell him without hesitation 'to Hell and back'. That is how I want this to go with us baby. I would follow you anywhere no matter the journey and I will always stay by your side and watch your back with my full support. So my answer to you my dear Chuck is yes, I want this and even more I want it with you. To Hell and back with you, and only you. Are you with me Chuck?"
Chuck smiles back after hearing her passionate speech had only one thing to say to her, "To Hell and back Hailey Grace Smith. Forever and ever."
With that said, they close the gap between them as their lips meet together slowly. Hailey leans back on the bed pulling Chuck down with her as she looks into his eyes and whispers, "Show me everything that is Charles Irving Bartowski, make love to me the way you know how my beloved."
Chuck smiles down at her and whispers, "As you wish my love, it shall be done. I love you Hailey Grace Smith, now and forever."
Chuck leans down kissing her lips, taking the next step forward together in their relationship.
