A/N: Welcome to Chapter 8. Hope you enjoy.

Disclaimer: I don't own Chuck.

Chapter 8

Thursday morning and Chuck walked the halls at school as he had done hundreds of times before. In recent weeks, however, people had noticed a gradual change in the enigma that was Chuck Bartowski. Small things really, but enough out of character that they were easily noticed by anyone paying attention.

It used to be that Chuck always kept his eyes to the floor. In portions of the animal kingdom, making eye contact was a sign of aggression or challenging dominance. The hallways at school were no different in Chuck's experiences. If you made eye contact with the wrong person, they felt their dominance threatened. He had, quite literally, had it beaten into him to avoid eye contact with people in the hallways, especially the alpha males of the species. Now, Chuck found himself 'sightseeing' as he wandered the halls. Noticing posters on walls and flyers on bulletin boards he had never really noticed before. Making casual eye contact with people in the halls and offering a friendly smile, a downward head nod as a 'How's it going?' or an upward nod of respect as a 'Sup?'. The first few lucky recipients of a smile or nod were certainly taken aback, as if Bigfoot were casually walking down the hallway. As the days pasted, people began to return the smiles and nods. He had even received a few "Hi, Chuck"s, one even accompanied by a giggle amongst some sophomore girls. Oblivious, he read nothing into it and was just happy to return smiles and waves, it was all so new and exhilarating.

Chuck had not completely shed his self preservation instincts. He could still smell when sharks were in the water. He had developed a very keen sense of awareness over the years. He knew when the 'Bobby Thompsons' of the school were near. When you spend enough days picking your books and papers off the floor, or getting shoved or tripped, you learn to watch and listen for the signs. This morning, the signs were clear. As with small fish on the reef, Chuck could tell by the looks on the faces walking toward him that something was afoot. From the corner of his eye he could see the approach. Brad Wilson, one of Bobby's band of not-so-merry miscreants. Normally, Chuck would have just braced for impact and taken what was coming. Today however, he was feeling a little … rebellious. Just as the perpetrator, neared his right arm to liberate Chuck of his books, he spun to his left, avoiding the attempt and ending up behind Brad as he stumbled into a trash can and several other people. "Ooo. Almost. Good try though Brad. Better luck tomorrow," Chuck laid on as much sarcasm as he could, figuring that would goad him more that insults. He then turned into his destination classroom and found his seat. He could not get the smirk off his face. That had felt great even though he was sure there would be repercussions.

Lunch time rolled around and for once, Chuck decided to buy his lunch in the cafeteria. He typically packed his lunch to save money, but the truth of the matter was that he did not want to be trapped in that lunch line. He knew he was a sitting duck and would just asoon avoid that if at all possible. Today though, today he had a plan and a brown bag lunch would likely not be received well. His comfort zone left far behind, he made his way through the lunch line. When he collected his food, smiling, he thanked the stoic women in hair nets eliciting a look of confusion among them. He made his way to the Elysian Fields where the "beautiful people" congregated. Most notably, where Sarah Walker and the other cheerleaders sat. His hands sweating and butterflies dancing, he approached an empty seat across the long table from Sarah and Carina. With all the confidence he could muster he addressed them, "Afternoon ladies," Chuck uttered with as much charisma as he could summon, he sat in the empty seat. Sarah and Carina looked to each other in surprise as a smirk crossed their faces.

"Hey, Chuck," Sarah and Carina replied. "Nice of you to join us," Sarah continued. The other girls at the table, especially the one beside Chuck were speechless at first. They all looked to Sarah and Carina perplexed. Eventually, a number of the girls murmured an acknowledgement. To say it was awkward was a bit of an understatement. Chuck had anticipated this response so he had done some research ahead of time. He finally broke the silence that had enveloped the table.

"So, can I just say, when you ladies executed that pyramid during the Burroughs game last week, I was in awe. The skill and hard work you all must have put in to be able to accomplish that...I just can't imagine. And Jennifer, that double back tuck off the top? Remarkable. Truly. I swear I saw the Burroughs cheerleaders starting to pack to go home. You all are really remarkable," Chuck shook his head if in disbelief. "People don't give you enough credit for all the work you put in. I mean the guys on the court just run back and forth and get all the glory. Well, I for one appreciate the work you do. So, Thank you." He raised his can of soda to the table and pulled it back down for a drink. The table erupted in a flurry of "Awww"s, "Thank you"s and "How sweet?"s. Sarah just beamed a knowing smile at Chuck who caught a glimpse and returned a sheepish smile of his own. The conversation around the table started back up so Chuck didn't feel quite so awkward any more. However, just when he thought it might be safe to go back in the water, sharks were circling.

"You're in my seat, nerd!" a male voice proclaimed with no small amount of venom. Bobby Thompson, the Great White of their little reef. He loomed over Chuck with a look of utter contempt on his face.

Chuck was going for broke today. If he was going to go out, it would no longer be as a cowering wreck; he'd go out in style. "Well, Thank you Bobby. That is very kind of you. I'll be sure to take good care of it," he said matter-of-factly with a genuine smile. He turned back to his food, ignoring the fire that he just lit in Bobby. Chuck could see the look on Sarah and Carina's faces. Sarah was wide-eyed with her lips pursed as if attempting to whistle. Carina's eyes were just as wide but she looked much more nervous, perhaps remembering the events a few weeks ago.

Red-faced and full of bile, Bobby leaned down closer to Chuck as he spat out, "Get...the fuck...outta my...chair!" Before Chuck could respond, a voice from down the table called out. It was Jennifer, the back flipping cheerleader. Chuck also recognized her as one of the girls present the night of the "incident".

"Clearly you can see Chuck is sitting there now. Your presence here is neither desired nor required. Shoo!" the girl waved her hand toward him as if dismissing him. The other girls from the table chimed in as well. This only further ensensed Bobby. He took a couple of charging steps toward the girl, his right hand pulled up across his body as if preparing to back hand her.

"You shut the fuck up. If I wanted hear anything out of you, I'd throw money at you like everyone else," his vile contempt seemed to reach its pinnacle as he cocked his arm back further. Jennifer raised her arms as if to fend off the impending attack. At the same moment, a dark voice could be heard behind them.

"Here's you fucking chair!" A loud tinny thud echoed through the immediate area as a folding chair slammed into the back of Bobby Thompson, sending him to the ground in a heap. Chuck Bartowski stood over the downed man holding the folded-up chair in both hands, a scowl on his face, blind rage in his eyes. A unified gasp was heard from the surrounding crowd followed by dead silence. There was a dark running joke of when Chuck Bartowski would finally have enough and snap. Whoever had today in that pool would appear to be a winner. As Bobby rolled on the ground and made his way to his back, Chuck unfolded the chair and placed it over top of Bobby and sat down in the chair. The chair's cross brace pressing tightly enough against his neck that Bobby could not move. Resting his elbows on his knees and bending down to get closer to Bobby's face, Chuck spoke.

"You can torment and abuse me all you want. If you ... EVER ...so much as TOUCH … one of them or speak to them like that again, …. So HELP me! The least of your worries will be this goddamn chair. Do... I … make... myself...perfectly….clear?" The unadulterated rage that poured from Chuck was frankly unsettling. No longer struggling against the chair, Bobby could not help but look Chuck in the face, practically paralyzed with fear. The quiet, shy, reserved Chuck with the goofy smile was now a seething fountain of anger. Yet as quickly as that fountain sprung up, it receded. Chuck visibly calmed himself and with much more control spoke again. "I am going to remove this chair, but before I do, you owe this young lady an apology. Don't you think?" Chuck inquired as he continued to stare into the face of the prone Bobby. The desired response not coming soon enough, Chuck's tone took a dark shift as he asked again, "Don't. You. think?" At that, Bobby quickly shook his head vigorously as best he could given his predicament.

"I'm…I'm s-sorry… for what I..said," Bobby choked out looking to Jennifer who stood looking on in complete shock. That look was mirrored in the faces of the dozens of people surrounding them. Chuck turned his head to look up to Jennifer and she met his gaze.

"Jennifer? You good?" Chuck asked in a kind, soft tone. The girl paused a moment and then nodded her acceptance. "Good," Chuck replied. He calmly lifted himself from the chair and replaced it to its original home at the table. Then, with everyone still looking on in shock, he extended his hand to Bobby in a gesture of offering aid. Bobby, still reeling from the ordeal, was confused and still a little frightened. He looked around at the onlookers and finally relented and took the offered hand as Chuck helped him to standing. As the two young men stood,a stoic look on Chuck's face, there was a long silence. Over Chuck's left shoulder he heard the sound of a clap break the silence. It quickly spread and then died as some teachers moved into the area.

"OK. Let's break this up. What's going on?" It was Mr. Burns, Chuck and Sarah's Pre-Calc teacher. He looked between Chuck and Bobby and was rather taken aback. Looking at the two it seemed that if anyone seemed out of sorts it was Bobby Thompson. Confused he asked again. "Chuck? Bobby? Care to explain?"

Bobby looked around and back at Chuck, who was unmoving. After thinking for a moment, Bobby cleared his throat, "I uh...I fell. Chuck here….he was just helping me up," he managed to get out as he swallowed a lump in his throat, a flat look on his face. Mr. Burns looked between the two still confused.

"Is that what happened, Chuck?" he looked on quizzically at Chuck. Before Chuck could respond, several people from Chuck's table and the surrounding tables spoke up, confirming that is exactly what happened. Chuck looked in disbelief at all the people who were speaking up. He then looked back at Bobby who could not keep his gaze. Chuck turned to Mr. Burns and gave him a small smile and just nodded. The teachers appeased and the commotion dying down, Chuck returned to his seat and Bobby made a hasty retreat in an effort to save face. Chuck sat quietly for a moment, looking at his tray. He finally raised his head and addressed the table.

"I'm...I'm really sorry. I...I didn't mean to cause you all so much trouble. I should….I should probably just..." he looked back down at his tray, shaking his head and pick it up and began to stand to leave. Just them a hand on his right shoulder pulled him back down. It was Kaitlyn, the girl who had been sitting to his right. She just smiled at him.

"Bullshit. This is your lunch table. You have nothing to be sorry for," the voice of another girl down the table rang out. "Damn straight!" came an exclamation of yet another. Chuck looked across the table at Sarah who had a tight smile and glassy eyes as she gazed back at him. Fighting the burning sensation in his eyes, he couldn't keep the smile from his face or the red from his ears. Soon lunch was over and people began to filter out and head to their classes. Sarah approached Chuck and shoulder bumped him.

"Hey, you gonna have a few minutes we can talk after choir?" she inquired looking over to him as they walked.

"Um...sure. I can make some time. Everything alright?" he asked with some concern.

"Oh, No. Nothing's wrong. I just wanted to talk about something. Not a big deal, it just may take longer than we have between classes. I'll see you in Pre-Calc later," she waved and wandered off in the opposite direction. Chuck watched her for a moment and then turned and headed to his class. On the way he began to notice strange looks from people and whispers. He was kind of used to the whispers and perhaps people have always looked at him like that, he just always had his head down and never noticed. These whispers and looks, even some smiles and nods seemed to follow him the rest of the day. He tried to play it off as his imagination but it was starting to make him a slight bit paranoid. After Pre-Calc he walked with Sarah to the choir room, making small talk. As they approached the door to the choir room, they could hear the low roar of people talking and laughing. When Chuck and Sarah entered the room, every conversation ground to a halt. Chuck stopped, raised an eyebrow and looked around the room to see everyone staring in his direction. Instinctively, he looked around behind him and then to Sarah and then looked himself up and down. He looked back to the people in the room and saw a number of smiles and nods of approval, but for what he was not certain. He made his way to his seat and got out his sheet music. A few of the members from the men's sections whispered to Chuck things like "Badass, dude" or "That's so awesome man". He had assumed that people may have heard about the duet, that must be it.

Choir practice went well and at the end, Mrs. Davis called them aside to talk about their song choices for the duet. Mrs. Davis had sheet music for some of the songs she suggested. There were a mix of songs from musicals and some from movies, granted they were mostly Disney movies. Chuck and Sarah shared their list and there was some overlap with Mrs. Davis' selections. As they talked and Chuck was flipping through a songbook, he stopped and exclaimed, "I got it! I think this one would be perfect. I really like this musical too. Don't know why I didn't think of it before." He turned the book around and handed it to Sarah. She was not familiar with the song but knew of the musical. She handed the book to Mrs. Davis who looked it over and immediately a smile came to her face and she nodded.

"I think you're right. I think this is a good fit for your voices and well...just a good fit," her smile turning into a smirk. "How about we sight read through it together? Then you can take the book with you and make a copy for yourselves, for "personal use" of course," she said with a wink. She played through the music slowly with them as they sang. Once Sarah heard the song and read the lyrics she came to like it and was almost as excited as Chuck. After class and practicing a bit with Mrs. Davis, the two walked out together.

"Chuck. Out of curiosity, were you planning on going to prom this year?" Sarah inquired, sounding a little hesitant.

"Uh..No. No, dances and I have never really gotten along, so I've usually avoided them like the plague. Set aside the large gathering of people who typically have no interest in my presence and add the fact that I cannot dance, like, at all. That just makes for a disaster waiting to happen. So, yeah. No." Chuck was clearly uncomfortable about the topic and was rambling.

"Ah. Gotcha." There was a pause and Chuck could tell there was more so he waited for her to start up again. "Well, Mark Burgess asked me to go with him. Just as friends, nothing serious. I told him I'd think about it. I guess I'm just not sure what I should do. What do you think?" she asked sheepishly.

Chuck suddenly had a huge knot in his stomach. She needs you to be her friend, idiot. Pull yourself together. "Uh...well. I mean... Mark seems like an OK guy, I guess. I'll admit I don't know him very well. He's certainly not a bad looking guy, pretty popular. I suppose as long as he is… kind to you and treats you well...you know...is respectful…" he trailed off shrugging, finding it hard to come up with words.

"Yeah, I suppose. It's not like it's a 'date' date or anything. It's more or less a means to an end. I'd like to experience prom and all the fanfair around it. I'd really not like to go by myself either, so I guess I'll accept then." she shrugged with an almost reluctant smile. "Thanks for the talk. Oh and by the way. What you did today… at lunch, that was …", Chuck interrupted before she could continue.

"I know. I know. I'm sorry. It was so stupid of me. I lost my -" Chuck was now interrupted by Sarah's whole hand pressed against his face and mouth, her brow furrowed.

"I was going to say, before I was so rudely interrupted...first, the way you just came over and sat down at our table. I know it was hard for you to get up the courage to do that. But then, the way you started talking to them, and complimenting them and being the genuinely nice and honest person you are, you won every last one of them over. It was pretty clear when Bobby came over and Jennifer stood up for you. I think that is a testament to the power you have over people. I think people really want to like you. You make it kinda hard not to," Sarah's smile turned a little sheepish as she continued. "But when Bobby turned on her and...well...that was... that was... amazing. You were amazing. Standing up to him like that. Holy shit! I mean, WOW. The way you lit into him...that was….kind of scary. Angry Chuck is one bad mutha." Sarah chuckled.

"Well...I ...I sorta lost it, I guess. See, I remember Jennifer from that...that night. She was there with Carina. She was one of the ones yelling at Bobby to leave me alone. She was trying to stand up for me. I know there wasn't anything that either of them could do that night, but the simple act of caring like that, even if just a little, meant a lot to me. So when she did it again at the lunch today, a lot of that night came rushing back. Finally when he started to raise his hand to her, there was no way I was gonna let that happen. So...yeah…not one of my proudest moments I guess. If I had to do it over, I'm sure I'd do the same thing though," Chuck shrugged and tried to raise the corner of his mouth in a half smile.

"Well, you were pretty scary. I think you scared everyone standing there, probably because it was so out of character for you. But then…then you did the most...Chuck-like thing I've ever seen. After all of that, and knowing what else he has done, you offered your hand to him. That...that right there is the Chuck Bartowski I know and … and I'm proud to call him my friend," that pride evident on her face, Sarah pulled him into a tight hug. After a few seconds she released him and beamed a smile at him. "I gotta run. Thanks again Chuck. Text me later if you get bored." she waved her goodbye and was off. Chuck made his way to the bus stop and headed to work.

Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Chuck arrived at work and put his backpack in the back room as usual. He found Mr. and Mrs. Sato on the sales floor talking to Beverly. She and Chuck were the Sato's only employees. Beverly was a sweet, old retiree that only worked there to stave off boredom. The Satos were explaining that they were leaving on an outing and taking Chuck with them, so she would man the store for a little while. Chuck approached Mr. Sato.

"Um, sir? Will I need, like, workout clothes? I didn't really pack anything," he gave a questioning look with a hint of embarrassment.

Mr. Sato reflected on that, "Hmm, I don't believe that will be necessary. However if you excel and get into more advanced training, it may be necessary then." Chuck just nodded and they made their way to Mr. Sato's car. They drove to a small business district where there were lots of small, interconnected brick buildings. There were a myriad of different businesses from light industrial, to wholesalers, or designers. They came to a stop in front of a building with a few businesses. Chuck could see the sign in the door of the business to the left; " Kobayashi Aikido Academy". Chuck was a little nervous so he took a deep breath and and headed for the door. Just as he was reaching for the handle, Mr. Sato called out, "Chuck? Where are you going?" Chuck looked at the door and then over to the Satos who were standing in the next door down to his right. Then he looked back at the door and back to the Satos in confusion. "Come on, or you will be late," the older man chided. Chuck walked to them uncertain what was going on. When he arrived at the business they were entering, he read the name on the door: "Montgomery Dance Studio".

"D-Dance studio?! But….I thought….when you said...and then the exercises….but the…" pointing back to the dojo next door, words were failing him. Mr. Sato, realizing the misunderstanding burst into laughter and his wife chuckled along.

"Aikido? What are you going to do with Aikido? Go 'beat people up'?" giving air quotes and a chuckle. "What you need is something to give you more grace and confidence. Plus, everyone should learn to dance. School dances, weddings, parties… it is a very useful skill to have. Aiko and I have been coming here for over 15 years. Now, come on. Don't keep Mr. Montgomery waiting." He ushered a still stunned Chuck in the door.

"Ah! Hiroto. Aiko. How lovely to see you. Please. Please. Come in. Oh and who do we have here?" the older, white-haired man looked Chuck up and down.

"Roan, this is Chuck. Chuck this is Roan Montgomery. He owns this studio and has been teaching us dance for-"

"Far to long, friend. Far too long. Now, Charles. What brings you in today?" Roan inquired, looking between the three of them.

It was Mrs. Sato that spoke up, which was a little out of character for her. She usually only spoke when something needed to be said. Her words were usually concentrated, condensed. "Chuck, here, needs your help. We need to work on his confidence and his … style. Let's just say if he had two left feet, we'd have a better starting place." she said flatly.

"Ah. Yes. Well, let's see here." Roan walked around Chuck, examining him, holding his chin in his hand.

"Hiroto has been working with him for weeks. Exercises and stretching. This kid was a mess. He has made some good progress though. He is a good, smart boy and listens well. He will be a good student." Aiko continued.

"What sort of turn around time are we talking about here? How long do I have?" Roan inquired with concern in his voice.

The Satos looked to one and other and back to Roan with matching sheepish grins and shrugs. Roan just blew out a long sigh and shook his head. "This is gonna be a lot of work Charles. Training here everyday and then more at home."

"I'm sorry. I'm still kinda confused. What is it that I'm training for exactly? And by 'training' are you referring to … dancing?" a sense of panic evident across his face.

"Yes Charles. At least in part. You see, I prefer a more, holistic approach to my work. If you are to 'woo' the young ladies, it is not simply a matter of learning a few rehearsed dance maneuvers. You must BE a dancer. You must exude poise, confidence, style...you must be suave and debonair. These things I will teach you. Then….then the world will be your oyster my boy." with much bravado he concluded his soliloquy.

"Sir, I...I am no dancer and … and the words 'Chuck' and 'suave', have never been uttered in the same sentence before. I'm afraid this will be a huge waste of your time," Chuck confessed as she slumped his shoulders in dejection. There was a pause for a moment.

"What is her name Charles?" Roan inquired, breaking the silence.

"I'm sorry? Who….who's name?" Chuck replied in confusion.

"Oh, come now Charles. I think you know exactly 'who'. Now….what is her name?" he asked smoothly. There was a longer pause as Chuck rung his hands, staring at the floor.

"S-Sarah….Her...her name is Sarah," he finally spoke at just above a whisper.

"I see. So this 'Sarah', you like her, Yes?" Chuck nodded. "Does she know you exist?" Chuck nodded again. "Ok. There's a start. Does she like you?" Roan inquired, raising an eyebrow. Chuck blushed a bit more at that.

"I...I don't think she sees me … sees me like 'that'. We are just friends." Chuck stammered out.

"Hmmm and you wish to be more than just friends." After a moment Chuck slowly nodded again. "I don't know. It seems rather clear to me that you do not truly care for this girl. You have to 'real' feelings for her." the older man goaded.

"That...that's not true! I do … I do care for her." Chuck exclaimed.

"Really Charles? Do you really?" Roan's tone oozing sarcasm. "I mean, seriously. if she is so special, what are you going to do? What are you willing to do for her, huh? What would you possibly do for here?" Roan hounded the young man further.

"I would do ANYTHING for her," Chuck cried.

"Oh really. 'Anything'?" the older man prodded further.

"YES! Anything!" Chuck was incensed.

"Wonderful, Charles. Then get your ASS on that dance floor," Roan replied in a placid tone and pointed into the room. Chuck stood dumbfounded, trying to shake the confusion from his head as he attempted to comprehend what just happened. Then it hit Chuck and he understood what Roan was getting at. He closed his eyes to collect himself and then nodded. A small smile grew across his face as he began to walk to the dance floor.

"Thank you, Sir," Chuck addressed Roan as he passed by.

The older man looked to the ceiling and as if speaking to the heavens,"Don't thank me yet, Charles. Don't thank me yet."

A/N: Let the hate mail begin ) All reviews and comments are welcome. See you in Chapter 9.