A/N: Hello again, Cardinal fans and welcome back! We've got a new installment of College Baseball TMI for you today, thanks to the nice folks over at Stanford TMI. There are all sorts of TMI out there and we appreciate your continued support for Stanford TMI. We're your hosts, Biff Roberts and Rob Bifford. Have we got something special in store for you today! It's TMI that even a lot of otherwise knowledgeable baseball fans aren't aware of. What could that be, you ask? Well, we'll tell you. It's baseball stitching. Baseball stitching, you say? Yes, baseball stitching. What are we talking about? Here's the scoop. While it's true that high school, college, and professional baseball all use the same size baseball, they don't all have the same stitching. The seams on professional baseballs are wrapped very tightly, college baseballs a slightly less so, and high school baseballs even less so. Not a lot less, but enough. That translates into different seam heights between the three levels of the game. High school has the highest seam heights, college a bit lower, and professional the lowest of all. That means that the pitchers at the different levels have an easier or harder time gripping the baseball and throwing their pitches. Part of the learning process pitchers go through as they move up through the three levels is how to make their pitches with the baseballs used at a given level. Don't get us started on how the size of the thread used in the stitching affects things. Maybe we'll talk about that in a future installment of College Baseball TMI. In the meantime, let's get on with the show. Sounds like a plan to me, Bob. I thought it might, Biff. Until next time, remember there's no such thing as too much TMI.

Disclaimer: They wanted me to sing to secure my Chuck ownership, so I sang like a canary. A canary with a head cold and a sore throat. Needless to say, I don't own Chuck. Since there is no ownership, there is no income, so I make no money from Chuck.

Chapter 27 – Dancing with Myself

February 23

"Hot damn! Hot damn!" Chuck was hopping around with his fists over his head. He and Morgan had met the Songbird's bus when it arrived back in front of Meier Hall. Sarah had texted him the happy news while still on the short ride back to campus from Redwood City. He'd texted cheers, 'I told you so's', and a legion of emojis back to her, promising to meet them when they got home. And he had done so. As soon as Sarah got off of the bus, holding the trophy, Chuck had begun his own celebration. Morgan had busied himself beginning to celebrate with Alex.

It was late, getting close to midnight. The singers had gone back to their dressing room after their victory to change back into their street clothes and wash off their performance makeup before making the return trip to Stanford. While they were delighted by his initial reaction to the outcome of the competition, Sarah knew that they needed to get Chuck to quiet down a little. They were on a college campus on a Saturday night, but still, it didn't pay to attract the attention of the campus authorities.

"Chuck, don't you want to see the video of our performance before you start your celebration?" Sarah asked with a bemused grin on her face. The assembled group looked on in anticipation.

"You've got it already?" Chuck asked. "That's cool. Yeah, I'd love to see it," he looked around for an indication of who had the video to show him. "Where is it?"

"I've got it right here, Chuck," Dr. Beckman answered. "The video crew sent me the file as soon as they finished their recording. They'll put the finished version up on the Stanford activities webpage either tomorrow or Monday, but I can show you the raw footage of the performance." She held up her tablet with one hand. "Just give me a second to locate our part. Luckily, the Songbirds went last, so it won't be that hard to find." The advisor bent her head to work with the video file.

"Y'all went last?" He asked and Sarah nodded. "So, you knew what everyone else did?" She nodded again. "That's great! I bet it didn't hurt for that to happen, did it?"

"No, not at all, Curls," Zondra replied. "Actually helped, since our performance was the last and the one freshest in the minds of the judges."

"Yeah," Amy agreed. "We were probably the recipients of some score creep, too."

"Score creep? Ya think so?" Chuck scratched his head behind his ear.

"Yup, Chuck, score creep is a thing, even in acapella contests," Sarah nodded. "When judges slowly inflate scores in competitions as the competition goes on. They talk about it during the Olympics all of the time when it's going on. At least, that's what my mom says," she shrugged.

"I know what score creep is and I can see that happening," he nodded his understanding. "So what? If that happens all of the time, then it happened for other groups in the past. If it occurred tonight then it was just y'all's turn." He nodded once, again, emphatically. The singers smiled at his logic and none of them cared to dispute it.

"OK, here it is, Chuck," Dr. Beckman interrupted. She handed him her tablet. "Just press play to watch the show. If you keep watching, after our song is over, you'll see the judges announce the winners, too."

"Thanks, Dr. Beckman," Chuck smiled in appreciation, before turning his attention to the tablet and pressing 'Play'. Morgan stood next to him, holding Alex's hand, and watched as the video began.

In the video, the Songbirds appeared on stage in their stylish 60's outfits. Chuck gasped and looked up at Sarah then back at the video. She could tell that he wanted to say something, but was holding back, for now, to watch the performance. The song began and Chuck was spellbound. He began to smile. As the video progressed the smile grew until it threatened to split his face in half. When the song ended, he laughed at the reaction from the audience, but, then, he stopped smiling, sucking his lips in and biting them and squinting while he waited for the judges to announce the scores and the winners. As the scores for each group were announced, he tensed, as if he didn't already know the outcome. When the Songbirds were announced as the winners, Chuck's eyes flew open on a face suffused with joy.

"Oh my God, y'all! Oh my God!" he whispered, at first, but got rapidly louder with each word. "Y'all were amazing! Sarah!" He grinned as she smiled back. He quickly shoved the tablet back at Dr. Beckman, before turning back and grabbing his girlfriend and twirling them both around, as she giggled at his reaction. "That was fantastic!" He was about to start another twirl when she patted his arm and he sheepishly, but carefully, set her back down on the ground. He ran both his hands through his hair while panning his wide-open eyes over the watching singers. "Y'all were outstanding last Wednesday, but this … This was an order of magnitude better." He grinned. "Those outfits and your hair! It's like you stepped out of a 1960's movie."

"If he says anything about Doris Day, I'm going to kill him," Carina whispered to Zondra out of the side of her mouth. The brunette snorted a laugh and shook her head.

He reached in and gathered Sarah into a hug and followed it up with hugs for each of the astonished CATS. Then Chuck ran to the other singers and offered his palm in a high-five. Laughing at his antics, all of the girls indulged him and slapped his hand. He considered attempting the same with the diminutive advisor, but thought better of it and settled for a grin and a nod of acknowledgement. When he came to a stop back in front of the CATS, he laughed.

"Not one damn chance," he crowed. "I was right!" Then he started to dance. Or something. Sarah's eyes grew big and she covered her mouth with her hand to hide the smile that was beginning to form.

"Is he supposed to be dancing?" Alex whispered to Morgan. He grinned at her.

"Yeah, I think so," he whispered back.

"You're not going to join him?" she teased.

"No," Morgan shook his head and smiled. "Unlike Chuck I know my limitations. He's right, you guys were amazing, but I'll pass on the dancing." He gave Alex a peck on the lips.

"Don't worry, sweetie," Alex leered at him. "We can dance privately a little later." The part of Morgan's face not covered in his beard got red and he grinned.

"Chuckles, what are you doing?" Carina asked, looking bewildered.

"I'm dancing, of course," Chuck replied, not stopping his gyrations. "Haven't you ever seen Snoopy dancing? His happy feet?" he looked at the redhead. "Well, this is my happy feet."

"Well, now that you mention it, you do sort of look like a dog dancing," Carina snarked. Sarah didn't appreciate her roommate trying to dig at her boyfriend, but she had to admit that Chuck's dance moves were … interesting. To say the least.

Chuck just scoffed. "Pfft. Tease me all you like, Carina. I'm happy for all of you. So proud. You can have your way with me. I don't care," he shrugged. He didn't notice how more than one pair of eyes locked on to his cavorting form when he made his pronouncement. One of them was Sarah as she felt the, now familiar, fire ignite behind her navel. Alex just giggled, but Morgan stepped in to try and save his friend from being mauled.

"Uh … Chuck, I don't think you meant to say what you said, buddy." Morgan said as he grabbed hold of Chuck's arm causing him to stop his floor show. His friend's words and attempt at physical restraint brought him back to himself.

"Hmmm? What?" Chuck blinked, looking around. He saw Sarah grinning at him, but she had a strange look in her eye. "Sarah?" His question gave Sarah a chance to regain control of herself. She took a breath.

"You're being a goof, sweetie," Sarah giggled.

"I guess maybe I am," he nodded and shrugged, "but I couldn't help it. I'm happy for y'all. You worked so hard and you deserved to win. That video was amazing."

"We're all glad you liked it, Chuck. And we appreciate your support. Now, we have to get ready for the semis in Oregon next month," Sarah announced to some quiet groans from the surrounding girls.

"Where did you learn your dance moves, Chuckles?" Carina wanted to know.

"Here and there, I guess. Nowhere formal, if that's what you're asking," Chuck admitted. He was going to continue, but yawned instead. "Wow. I'm more tired than I thought. Sorry about that everyone," he apologized. "But, remember Carina, I've not had any experience going dancing with anyone. I guess you could say that I only ever danced with myself." He held his hands out, palms up, and shrugged again.

"That's OK, Chuck," Sarah hugged him and reached down to hold his hand. "You were dancing for joy for us and our win. And that's all that matters." She stood on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek.

"You need to get your sleep, Chuck. You've got Cal State Fullerton coming up next week," Dr. Beckman smiled and waved a scolding finger. "If you'll excuse us, I need a minute with the girls. If that's alright with you? And you're due some congratulations on your game this evening, too."

"Yes, Ma'am. Thank you, but it was a team effort. The win is what matters," Chuck nodded seriously. "Morgs and I will just wait over here." The two men walked back toward Roble Hall, giving the singers some privacy before stopping and waiting. When the men were far enough away, Beckman spoke.

"Well, Chuck didn't disappoint," she grinned to the affectionate giggles of the assembled women. And a blush from Sarah. "Next time, we'll come prepared with a medical team," Beckman teased. "If this was his reaction to the quarters, his reaction to the semis is going to be a thing to see. His head might actually explode," the professor smiled to more giggles. She looked at Sarah. "No offense meant, Sarah. I'm just teasing. His enthusiasm is entirely justified. And he's right. You all were amazing." The advisor looked around the group. "So, take tomorrow off. Bask in your victory. Rest up. Then get back to it on Monday." Nods from the girls. "Right. It's late, so I'm off to home and you ladies are free until Monday. Congratulations once again." Sarah handed Dr. Beckman the trophy. As the professor walked over to where her car was parked, the singers began to disperse. The CATS and Alex shouldered their bags and kits before walking over to Chuck and Morgan.

"Walk me back to my room, sweetie?" Alex asked, taking Morgan's hand and pulling him after her. She gave him her garment bag to tote as they walked off.

"Sure thing, honey," the others heard Morgan say as the pair walked off in a different direction from them.

"I'll be happy to lend a hand, Sarah. If you want me to, that is," Chuck smiled crookedly. She gave him her garment bag, but held on to her makeup kit. Lacing their fingers together, Sarah shyly smiled up at Chuck and inclined her head in the general direction of Roble Hall and set off. The rest of the CATS fell into step around the happy couple. The group chatted back and forth about Chuck's game and the Songbirds' experiences at the competition. Before any of them knew it, they were back inside their dorm and mounting the steps up to the CATS' floor. When they reached the door to their suite, the older women unlocked it and pulled it open.

"Thanks for the escort back, Snoopy," Carina teased as she headed into the room. Chuck stuck his tongue out at her and grinned. She grinned back and laughed. He was into the spirit of it now.

"You're welcome, Carina. Congrats, y'all, on your victory," Chuck said, honestly. "Hope to see everyone tomorrow." Sarah ducked into the suite to drop off her bags and came back out into the hall. The three roommates gave their good-nights and waved as they closed the door to give Sarah a bit of privacy.

"Hi, you," Sarah smiled. She put her arms around Chuck's neck and pulled him down into a warm kiss.

"Hi, yourself," he replied when their lips parted, then he dove in for a second and longer kiss. That kiss ended when he had to stifle another yawn.

"Wow," Sarah chuckled. "Way to make a girl feel important there, Chuck." She grinned and hugged him to make sure he knew she was only teasing. He giggled.

"Yeah, sorry about that. Pitching can take it out of me sometimes. It's not you, I promise," he apologized and smiled. "If I had my way, I'd prefer more alone time with you right now, but I don't think I'd be the best company." He gave her a playful peck on the lips.

"Me either, babe," Sarah admitted. "After all of that adrenaline rush from the build up to the performance, the performance itself, and then our winning and the celebration, I'm exhausted, too." She gave him her own peck on the lips and added in a little nip on his chin. His eyes widened in surprise, but the smile on his face and in his eyes told Sarah all she needed to know.

"I can understand you there, Sarah," Chuck agreed. "I'm going to head off to bed and sleep the sleep of the dead." He chuckled. "We've got another game tomorrow at 1:00pm, but after that we're off the training table. Do you want to try and grab some dinner somewhere?" he asked, hopefully.

"Oh, Chuck, I'd love to," Sarah smiled. "I'll come to the game and we'll go somewhere fun to eat after that."

"Wonderful," he grinned and kissed her lightly. "I'm too tired to think about where to go, but maybe tomorrow we can think about it and come up with someplace we'd both like. Sound good to you?"

"Sounds like a plan, sweetie," she said.

Chuck leaned in and kissed her, it quickly deepened. Chuck opened his mouth and gently caressed her lip with his tongue. Sarah sighed and opened her mouth to meet his tongue with her own while she ran her fingers through his hair. He hummed his approval. The heat was building in her when Chuck hugged her tightly and finally came up for air some time later. Her eyes were shining when she looked up at him through her lashes.

"What was that, Chuck?" Sarah asked breathlessly, her heart fluttering and the heat warming her skin.

"That was a combined congratulations kiss and a good night kiss, Sarah," Chuck replied, his own eyes shining.

"Well, on that note, you best be off then. Otherwise, I might just make a spectacle of myself right here in the hall." She looked at him frankly.

"Yes, I should," he nodded, trying not to blush. They shared one more soft, loving kiss before parting. Smiling the special smile he reserved for her, he whispered, "Bye", and waved, walking off toward his room and some much-needed rest.

I need to get to sleep myself, Sarah thought. But first I need a cold shower or that'll never happen. Whew!

February 24

The early morning found Chuck swimming laps in the Arrillaga Outdoor Education and Recreation Center (AOERC) pool. It was outdoors in February and cool, even in central California, so he had chosen to wear his full body hooded swimsuit to combat the cold. They may have been banned by FINA (Fédération Internationale De Natation) for international competitions since 2009, but Chuck wasn't competing. He was exercising and didn't care to freeze his ass off. Luckily the pool was heated just enough, since the suit really didn't provide much insulation, just a barrier from the outside air.

He was taking it fairly easy. Not trying to work out so much as stretch his muscles and use them in a different way than he did when he was pitching. This was his first off day, so he still had his normal light baseball workout to do once he arrived at the field later. As was usually the case, when Chuck was swimming laps, he got into the zone and his mind drifted on to other matters while a small portion of his mental capacity monitored the progress of his regimen.

Chuck allowed his mind to wander from topic to topic until, eventually, thoughts of Sarah pushed their way to the fore. His mind drifted back to the previous evening and a smile grew in his mind. That video of their performance was so amazing. They were wonderful singers and performers. And his Sarah was front and center. He wanted a copy of that video and knew that he'd be tracking down copies of all of their performances for the entire time his girlfriend had been a member of the group. Chuck could listen to her sing all day. Even while she was singing with righteous indignation, she sounded like an angel to him. His memory of their performance and the thought of her singing for him sent a thrill through his body, energizing every cell. When his thoughts played over their kissing, he had to exert iron control to keep himself from gasping and choking on the water. Just daydreaming about kissing Sarah made him shiver and threatened to leave him breathless.

It was wonderful. She was wonderful. Simply being around her. Sitting next to her. Walking by her side. Holding her hand. Hugging her. Kissing. Oh, God. Kissing her. Chuck actually did lose his concentration for a fraction of a second, but that was all it took. He had to stop swimming to cough out the water he'd inhaled and he had to laugh at himself, even while he was still attempting to clear his lungs. After a few minutes, his breathing returned to normal and he resumed swimming. Sarah Walker, what are you doing to me?

He hadn't been kidding the other night. It took an act of will for him to concentrate on his work and not moon over Sarah all day. When she was close-by, it was nearly impossible for him to do anything else but look at her and drink her in. For once, his hyperthymesia wasn't a burden. It allowed him to pull up any memory of his beautiful girlfriend and replay it in his mind. It was a wonderful way to keep her close to him, even when they were apart. He guessed that she revisited memories of him, too. At least, he thought she would. Ellie had told him a while ago that she thought about her boyfriends over the years a lot when they weren't together. Chuck did feel a little guilty that his mental condition made it easier for him to indulge in that pastime than Sarah could, but there really wasn't anything he could do about it. Except not to think about her when they were apart. And he wasn't willing to do that. Besides, if flat out wasn't possible for him not to think about Sarah. I mean, come on, he thought to himself, with another mental smile and shrug.

Out of nowhere, one of his projects popped into his mind. Why had that happened? Hmmm? With a voiceless sigh, he put his thoughts about Sarah to the side and focused on the project. His brain directed him through each of his projects for the remainder of his swim. By the time Chuck climbed out of the pool, he had a list of things he needed to check on when he went to his lab that afternoon, after the game was over.

On a happier note, a suggestion for a restaurant he and Sarah could go to that evening had also come to him while he was swimming. Once he'd hand washed his suit to remove the pool chemicals and gotten dressed in his street clothes, he texted his suggestion to Sarah. After a short wait, she texted back her agreement with his choice and included smiley faces and hearts for extra emphasis. Chuck smiled, chuckling at her response. He was already looking forward to his evening with Sarah and he hadn't even had his breakfast yet. Shaking his head at himself, he picked up his gym bag, grabbed the hanger holding his suit, and walked back to Roble Hall to drop it all off before heading over to Branner Dining Hall and the start of his baseball-filled day.

Sarah and Alex walked into the baseball complex together. The elder CATS had begged off attending the afternoon game, citing school work, but Sarah suspected they were going boy hunting. She'd told them that it was their loss when she'd left their suite.

After entering the complex, the two young women walked toward the third base side of the stands. When they got there, they turned back toward the first base side of the field, trying to catch a glimpse of their respective boyfriends in the home team dugout along the first base line. At first, they couldn't see them, but, as they drew closer to the stands behind the dugout, they spotted them. Well, Alex spotted them and pointed them out to Sarah. From what Sarah could see, they were standing on the edge of the dugout talking with some of the other players. Morgan was laughing and waving his arms in the air about something. Chuck was waving his arms, too, but it looked different.

"What is he doing?" Sarah asked as they walked along the concourse, drinking in the excited atmosphere. "Can you tell?

"No," Alex replied, shaking her head. "We're still too far away." As they closed the distance, Sarah thought she recognized why Chuck was moving his arms around.

"He looks like he's juggling," she announced. "Does it look like he's juggling to you, Alex?" The brunette fiddled with her Stanford cap for a minute, pulling it off and threading her ponytail back through the opening in the rear of the cap, before pulling it low over her eyes to shade them from the sun. Alex looked hard at the tall pitcher for a couple of beats.

"Yeah, it looks like it to me. I can see baseballs in the air," Alex smiled. "With that brain of his, I'm not surprised."

"What an idiot," Sarah grumped. "He's such a dork." She shook her head and pouted.

"Yeah, right," the freshman snorted. "He's a dork. You think he's an idiot. Uh huh," she nodded. "I think you said that wrong. You meant to say 'He's the love of my life. I think he's wonderful.'" Alex laughed as the blonde frantically tried to shush her.

"Not so loud!" Sarah begged. "I don't want him to hear that from you, me, or anyone else, yet."

"Why not?" Alex asked, perplexed.

Sarah shrugged. "It's just that he's trying to process a lot of stuff all at once and for the first time in his life. Figure a lot of things out." She looked her friend in the eye. "And he has a real fear … He's told me as much and we've talked about it, but he has a real fear of taking that next step and everything that eventually comes with it. Afraid of what happens if he loses control." She pursed her lips and shrugged one shoulder.

"What are you going to do, Sarah?" Alex asked, her concern evident on her face. "You must be going crazy."

Sarah shrugged again. "Yeah, I am. A little. I take a lot of cold showers," she admitted, chuckling ruefully. "Our time together is wonderful, so it's worth it. But I am working on him. Slowly but surely. He's just so damn busy. Hell, I'm just so damn busy, that it's taking more time than I thought it would."

"You're not going to give up on him, are you?" Alex asked sincerely.

"Not a chance," Sarah shook her head emphatically, then paused. "Although, if he has a ventriloquist dummy hiding somewhere, that could be a dealbreaker," she groused.

"You're just worried that he might bring it to bed with him the first time you two have sex," Alex snarked.

"Why you little perv!" Sarah said in mock affront, but she couldn't help giggling naughtily. Trying to get one back, she went on. "It could be kind of kinky, though." Alex's eyes widened in shock and she barked out a laugh.

"Who's the perv now?" She chided. Both women laughed, knowing neither one of them would ever consider doing such a thing, and they were still laughing when they found their seats and made themselves comfortable.

Stanford had won the day on the diamond. Hector Batista went six solid innings, giving up only two runs, before turning it over to the relief corps for the final three frames. The home team came out on top, 6-5, when a ninth inning rally by the Las Vegas Rebels fell just short when Jack Little got the final batter to strike out swinging and leaving two runners stranded on first and third.

The game was over by 3:40 and by 4:30 Chuck was in his lab working on his projects and going through the list he'd compiled while he'd been swimming earlier that morning. Sarah, Alex, and Morgan had accompanied Chuck on his walk over to the lab. Sarah shared a warm embrace and an even warmer kiss when the trio left him to his work as they continued on their journey back to the dorm complex.

"See you soon, Sarah," Chuck smiled crookedly at her. "I won't be long, I promise."

"I'll hold you to that, Bartowski," she said, running her finger along his jawline and enjoying how even that slight touch caused him to shiver. "You promised me dinner and I expect dinner," she grinned.

"Wow. OK. I see it now," Chuck pouted. "I guess I'd come in second to the food delivery guy." He scratched behind his ear.

"Not in your life, mister," Sarah scolded. "I'd never do this with the delivery guy," she declared as she pulled his face down to another tender kiss. When their lips parted, Chuck's face wore her special smile.

"Are you going to make us stand here and watch you two cavort?" Alex snarked. Chuck's face instantly reddened in embarrassment. Sarah's eyes flashed in anger, but it was quickly gone. She knew her friend was only teasing.

"Not at all," Sarah announced. "I was just making sure that Chuck remembers what he has waiting for him once he gets done in this lab and takes me out to eat!" Morgan rolled his eyes good-naturedly.

"He literally can't forget, Sarah, come on," he pretended to whine.

"I'm standing right here," Chuck admonished them all.

"Yes, you are," Sarah purred. Alex guffawed and Morgan snorted. Chuck blushed. "And we need to get out of here so you can get on with your work. The sooner you're done in here the sooner you feed me," she grinned with her tongue between her teeth.

"OK. OK. Now, shoo," Chuck said, making a shooing gesture. "All of you. Git!" As the three of them exited his lab, Sarah scampered back to give him a quick peck on the lips. She giggled when she danced away from the swat he was trying to place on her backside. In a blink of an eye, Chuck was alone. Sighing in mixture of happiness about his girlfriend and a little frustration at her departure, he got to work.

Chuck worked through his mental list of tasks and finished up by sending off a number of requests for access to books and documents for his history project before he shut his computers down. After a slow walk around the room and double check at each of his tables, he left his lab, locking the door behind him. It was just a little past 6:00pm when he checked his phone while he hurried back to the dorm. He wanted to shower and put on clean clothes for his date with Sarah. Eau de Research Lab wasn't a scent he wanted Sarah to have to suffer with during their dinner date.

Chuck had texted Sarah a little before 7:00pm that he was ready to go. He met her at her suite and they'd walked hand-in-hand to his car and he'd driven the two of them to downtown Palo Alto. All of the parking places on Bryant Street, in front of the restaurant were occupied, but he was lucky enough to secure a spot in front of the Chase Bank just down the block. Ramen Nagi was a popular place and there was the usual line outside, but it was a little shorter than it would be during a weeknight and much shorter than it was on Friday and Saturday nights. The wait wasn't terribly long and they had fun talking to each other, including Chuck telling Sarah how he and Morgan had found the place back in the fall during a foray downtown to check out what was available, and chatting with people who recognized Chuck from his jaunts across campus and his time on the baseball field. Being six foot four inches and sporting curly brown hair made him hard to miss, at least as far as Sarah was concerned, but then, she was kind of biased.

When they were finally seated, they shared a small two-person table very close to the tables on either side of them. Chuck had apologized profusely when they sat down for what he perceived as his disturbing the other two couples. Both tables had waved off his apologies citing his larger than average frame, not blaming him in the least. Reassured, Chuck turned his focus on the menu, sparing more than a few glances at his enticing companion. The menu doubled as an ordering sheet. They offered five types of ramen, which they referred to as king, with a sixth special ramen that was on a rotating schedule and could be ordered separately. Customers would pick the type of ramen they wanted and what changes, if any, they wanted to make or if they wanted to go with the chef's recommendation for the dish.

After looking over the menu for a minute or two, Chuck chose the red king (spicy with red miso and red chili paste) ramen with spice level 2 and added soft-boiled egg and seaweed. Sarah chose the original king (tonkotsu) ramen with the same two extras as her boyfriend. They agreed to split an order of gyoza since the order came with ample dumplings and was perfect for sharing. Both chose water to drink. Once they'd marked their order sheets, they handed them over to the wait staff and settled in to relax and enjoy spending time together until their food arrived and they could assuage their hunger. For food. Their server was quickly back with their waters and a pitcher for them to use for their own refills and was gone again just as quickly.

Sarah smiled when Chuck moved the tissue dispenser, chopstick container, and condiment tray to the side, so he could reach across the table and hold her hand. When he took her hand and rubbed gentle circles on the back with the pad of his thumb, Sarah felt her heart clench and the comforting heat spread outward. Their normal spark morphed into a tingling trail across her skin wherever his thumb touched her. She sighed and looked into his eyes, pleased to see her special smile on his lips.

"Only spice level 2, Chuck?" Sarah teased. "Not going to kick it up to 10 or something?" Chuck twisted his lips to the side and snorted in amusement.

"Nope. Not tonight," he winked, leaning in so he didn't have to talk so loudly and their conversation could be, at least, a little private. "I'm taking it low key. I'll save the hot stuff for another day."

"You're slumming it with us lesser beings, huh?" Sarah grinned at him, catching her tongue in her teeth when she added a sweet little giggle.

"Not at all -," Chuck began, but he lost his train of thought because Sarah had taken her free hand and ran her fingers lightly up his forearm and back down again, leaving a trail of goosebumps in their wake, patting their clasped hands to complete the gesture. She was pleased to see his cheeks reddening and the distracted look in his eyes.

Wow! No question that I have an effect on him, Sarah thought. I'm not even trying much of anything. Maybe just a little teasing is in order.

"Something wrong, Chuck?" Sarah grinned as she asked, popping the 'k'. She put her hand over the top of his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. His blush deepened a little, his dark brown eyes making it clear he was lost in her cornflower blue ones. After a long pause, he answered.

"I … um … well," Chuck stammered. Sarah was delighted. He squirmed a bit in his chair, so she tapped her fingers on his wrist. His eyes widened and he looked down to see what she was doing. When he looked back up, he was biting his lower lip. It was her turn to blush. That was just so sexy and he wasn't even trying. Chuck shook his head slightly and took a deep breath in through his nose. Sarah couldn't stop another giggle from slipping out.

"You were saying, sweetie?" She bounced her eyebrows at him. That broke the spell and he chuckled.

"Seems a CAT's got my tongue," Chuck grinned crookedly and his nose wrinkled in the cutest way. Sarah snorted a laugh.

"Oh, well played, Bartowski. Well played," she smiled broadly. Her Chuck was so much fun to be around and she was having a blast just bantering back and forth with him. Each caught the look in the other's eyes as they leaned toward one another. At that moment, their server returned with their gyoza and dipping sauce. The plate held 14 bite-sized dumplings and they looked and smelled delicious. The couple had to separate and stop holding hands so the server could set the plate down.

"Thank God, you came when you did," the man from table to Chuck's right said humorously. "We were getting ready to toss some water on them to cool them off." Chuck's cheeks reddened again. Sarah thought the man was being intrusive and rude, but they were sitting close together near the other table, so she kind of understood. Her light chuckle covered her displeasure at the man's behavior. It was a good thing the other CATS weren't with them, otherwise the guy would have gotten an earful from her trio of friends.

With a sheepish grin, Chuck took a set of chopsticks and offered the container to Sarah. She smiled her thanks and took a set, beginning to experimentally open and close them as soon as she had them arranged in her hand. When she looked over at her boyfriend, he was grinning.

"Ready?" he teased. She opened her mouth slightly and ran her tongue over her lower lip, hungrily. When Chuck froze again, she took the opportunity to reach in and snag the first dumpling, giggling at the adorable pout on his face. "Hey!" he complained.

"I'm hungry, Chuck," she said by way of apology, before dipping the small morsel in the sauce and popping it into her mouth. As she chewed, she couldn't help voicing her reaction to what she was eating. "Oh, sweetie! These are wonderful. You better start eating your half or they won't be there." Sarah pretended to reach over the plate to grab a dumpling from his side.

"Hold on there, missy," Chuck blocked her chopsticks with his own pair. "Nobody's eating anyone else's gyoza tonight." He picked up his own dumpling, dunked it in the sauce, put it in his mouth and chewed. His hum of approval was all Sarah needed to hear. Smiling, she took another from her side of the plate and, before they knew it, they'd devoured all 14 tasty treats.

"They were wonderful, Chuck, but all they did was whet my appetite. I'm ready for some ramen," Sarah sighed happily.

"It's a good thing, because it's here," Chuck nodded over Sarah's shoulder. Before she could turn to look, their server had placed her steaming bowl in front of her and then Chuck's own bowl. She whisked away the empty gyoza plate and, after checking that the couple didn't need anything else, departed once more.

Chuck went through the ritual of the three steps for eating ramen. He tasted the broth, then he spread a big dollop of their signature 'Nagi fire sauce' over the contents of the bowl, and, finally, he secured some of the noodles with his chopsticks and loudly slurped them into his mouth in one continuous slurp. Sarah stared at him with her mouth open for a few seconds and then snorted and shook her head in amusement.

"That was quite a display there, babe," said, raising her eyebrows and giving him a closed mouth grin.

"All proper ramen etiquette," Chuck explained. "Honest." He gave her a lopsided grin.

"Uh huh," she said, dubiously. "Whatever you say, Chuck." Her grin belied what her words were implying.

"Hmmpf," Chuck replied and took another slurp of noodles, followed by a spoonful of the spicy broth. Sarah affectionately shook her head at his antics and began to eat her own meal. Chuck offered Sarah some sips of his broth. It was definitely spicy, but not more than she could handle.

"I might have to give that one a whirl the next time we come here," she bounced her head from side-to-side thinking.

Chuck looked up at her from where he was hunched over his bowl and grinned. When the noodle he'd been slurping disappeared into his mouth, he nodded his agreement. They would definitely be coming back together.

Sarah returned the favor and offered Chuck tastes of her bowl. He thought it was a good choice, but he just liked the spicier one better. They talked and slurped and laughed and had just a wonderful time.

The drive back to campus was too short, as was the walk up to Sarah's suite. When they reached the door, the couple fell into each other's arms without needing to say anything.

"I had a wonderful time tonight, Chuck," Sarah smiled up at him. Surreptitiously, she glanced up and down the hall. Too many people walking around. Darn it. No chance for anything more than wonderful kisses tonight. She knew he was going back to his lab for a while, but she had a paper coming due in a few days that she needed to put some work in on. Like it or not, going with him to his lab would not be conducive to either one of them getting their needed work done. She held in the sigh she was feeling. Damn real life for intruding all of the time, she silently grumped. Chuck was saying something to her, so she mentally shook off her musing.

"I had a great time, too, Sarah," he smiled down at her, leaning in to give her a soft kiss. "I always have a great time with you. The best ever, in fact," he admitted honestly. Sarah smiled at the warmth in his voice.

"Better than hanging out with Morgan?" She couldn't resist gently teasing him.

"Oh, absolutely," he nodded. "You're way more fun than him," he looked at her and there was something mischievous in his eyes. "Besides, his beard scratches and he tries to use too much tongue during the French kissing." He pressed his lips together in a firm line and his eyes widened while his eyebrows slid up his forehead. His girlfriend's eyes widened in surprise, as well.

Sarah snorted and then she barked out a laugh. "Oh God, babe. That's a disgusting image," she wrinkled her nose like she smelled something bad. "Funny, but disgusting."

"Don't worry. I was only teasing. I promise," he held up three fingers. "Scout's honor."

"You're learning, Chuck. I'll give you that," Sarah patted his chest, enjoying the feel of his muscles moving under her fingers. "Word of advice, though. Don't go around saying things like that where Carina can hear them."

"Yikes! Point taken," Chuck nodded. "And I'll just say that if I'm getting better at the teasing stuff it's all thanks to you. And Carina, if I'm being totally honest. But mostly you," he scratched behind his ear and gave her a half smile.

"Good save, sweetie," Sarah giggled. "Now, give me a kiss, so I'm bolstered enough to get some work done on my paper. And you can get on with your lab work."

"Yes, ma'am," he said, his eyes sparkling. They met in a kiss that slowly progressed as the hall faded around them. Sarah was warming all over and the fire was igniting behind her navel. She could tell that Chuck was reacting, too. His hum and soft moan when her tongue caressed his told her that for certain. She was beginning to notice something else, when the need to breathe forced their lips apart.

"Wow! Sarah," Chuck whispered, looking flushed. "What was that?"

"Always leave them wanting more, Chuck," she grinned. "That way you're sure to come back." Chuck's heated gaze ensnared her eyes, but he was gently smiling her special smile.

"Oh, Sarah, you don't have to ever worry about that," he gave her a peck on the lips. "I'll always come back to you. Always. I promise."

He'd done it again. She was teasing and playing and he'd spoken from his heart.

"Oh, Chuck!" she exclaimed softly. Before she could stop herself, she crashed her lips into his again. This kiss escalated to her fingers in his hair and his in hers in no time flat. When Chuck added a soft groan to go along with a whimper, Sarah realized she needed to pull back. Ending the kiss, she leaned her forehead on his. "Hmm, Chuck," she hummed. "That was delicious. But I better go."

"Me, too," he sighed. Chuck stepped back, but couldn't resist leaning in for one more tender kiss. "Night, Sarah." He waved. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"You can count on it, mister," she grinned as she waved good-bye. As he walked down the hall toward his room, she opened the door to her suite and went in.

Her roommates were all busy at their desks; the boy hunting over for the day. They looked up in unison when she entered the room.

"How was the date?" Amy asked.

"My nerd is into me," Sarah said, a bit smug.

"What? Right now?" Carina looked incredulous as she gave Sarah the once over. "Where are you hiding him?"

"Gross, Red. As usual," the blonde frowned. Her idle thoughts about the future brought a smile back to her face, until she sat down and turned her attention to the paper she needed to work on.

March 8

The Stanford baseball team was having a successful couple of weeks. They'd gone down to Orange County the previous weekend for a three-game set against Cal State Fullerton, taking two out of the three games which gave them a 9-2 record so far in the young season. This weekend had them facing the Texas Longhorns. It was a rare four game series with the first game on Thursday instead of Friday. Mac Henderson had pitched eight solid innings the night before, getting 8 strikeouts and only giving up 2 runs, but the Longhorn pitchers had kept Stanford scoreless, giving the Texans the win 0-4, when the bullpen let two more runs score in the top of the ninth.

Now, it was Chuck's turn on the hill. He'd pitched six decent innings in the late game the previous Friday, giving up only one run with 6 strikeouts on 3 walks and 3 hits in a total of 97 pitches. Not stellar, he needed to control the walks better, but he was getting more and more comfortable throwing the college baseball. Stanford had won that game 8-1 on the strength of their hitting and the number of walks issued by the Fullerton pitchers.

Sarah was in the stands surrounded by her people. The CATS were sitting to her right. Alex, Beca, and Lilly were in front of her with the latter two joined by their boyfriends Jesse and Benji. Ellie and Devon were sitting to her left. Drs. Beckman and Montgomery, along with Alex's mom, Kathleen, were sitting behind her. She had taken Dr. Beckman's advice and was wearing her earphones so she could listen to Big Mike's play-by-play on her phone's radio stream while she watched it unfold in front of her. She had a good feeling about today and was listening to Big Mike's introductory comments when she felt Ellie lean toward her. Turning to look at her friend, Sarah realized the older woman had said something to her, so she pulled out her earpiece in order to hear more clearly.

"Did you say something, Ellie?" Sarah asked.

"Yeah, I did," Ellie grinned at her. "I said, you need to stop humming."

"What?" Sarah was confused.

"You're humming," Ellie said, her grin turning into a smirk. "Every time you see Chuck out there, you start humming. And you need to stop." The med student was delighted to see Sarah's cheeks turning red and couldn't resist teasing her friend a little more. "I really don't want to have to get Carina to use her spray bottle on you." Ellie's eyes danced with merriment.

"How do you know about that?" Sarah whispered.

"I told her, of course," Carina snarked from the other side of her. "You two are so disgusting that I needed to seek medical treatment." The redhead and the brunette high-fived each other over the blonde's head.

"So, this is what passes for friends these days, huh?" Sarah groused. "Some friends you all are. Who needs 'em?" She crossed her arms over her chest and pouted exaggeratedly causing everyone around her to laugh. Not sure if she had gone too far or not, Ellie leaned in, again, to soothe any ruffled feathers.

"You know I'm just teasing, right?" Ellie asked uncertainly. "You're the best thing that's ever happened to him. You must know that. Right?" Her green eyes pleaded with Sarah to understand.

"I know you're just teasing, Ellie. Really, I do," Sarah nodded, smiling. "But you have to realize that he is the best thing that ever happened to me, too. I'm really protective of what we have. A little sensitive, too, I guess. I don't want anything to derail this relationship," Sarah said quietly. Not so quietly that the people around her didn't hear. Beckman and Montgomery shared knowing smiles behind her. She was too wrapped up in her thoughts to notice the look that passed between her roommate and her boyfriend's sister. Ellie was looking back at Sarah when she caught her eye. The older woman gave her arm a squeeze and patted it gently.

"I'm glad, Sarah," Ellie smiled gently. "For you. For him. For you both." Sarah smiled gratefully trying to resist tearing up. This wasn't the time or the place. In an effort to rein in her emotions, she scanned the field and the stands before her.

Above and to the left of where the CATS and company were seated, some of the Palo Alto Challengers, their families, and their playing buddies sat together in a block with the wheelchair-bound kids situated on the concourse behind the last row of seats where they could enjoy the game with their friends. Sarah recognized a number of the Challengers and their families, most notable, to her eye, were Reginald Torbert and his parents. It warmed her heart to see them again, knowing that part of the reason they were there that afternoon was to see her Chuck pitch. She smiled as memories of that afternoon the previous month flooded her mind and she had to fight the urge to run out on the field and kiss the man in question. Sarah snorted at her own foolishness. Kisses came later. It was time for baseball.

"… Thank you, Miss Maisie. Yes, Sir! When you want to spice up your tastebuds and sweeten your ears, Maisie's Jazzy Place is the place you want to be. MmHmm! Great food and great music. Tell them Big Mike sent ya. Now back to our broadcast."

"It looks like Bartowski is finished with his warmup tosses. Yup, he's signaled the home plate umpire. There's the last one. And Grimes throws down to second. Millard tosses it over to Larkin who tosses it back to Bartowski. We're ready to go."

"First up for the Longhorns is their starting centerfielder, Duke Ellis. He don't look like no John "Duke" Wayne to me, but let's see what he can do with Bartowski's bag of tricks. OK, the kid's set … Gets the sign … The windup … aaand the pitch. Strike! That was a fastball! Bartowski really laid one in there and blew it right by Ellis. He's ready again … aaand the pitch. Foul ball! Ellis just got a piece of that fastball and sent it up and over the backstop. That makes the count 0-2 (no balls and 2 strikes). Bartowski's working quickly here. Another pitch. And another foul ball. This time sliced over the first base dugout. The count is still 0-2. He's takes the sign … nods … sets … and the throw. Strike three! That curve ball caught him looking. Ellis goes down on three strikes. And that one down, just like that."

"Left fielder Eric Kennedy comes to the plate for Texas with one out. Bartowski gets the sign from Grimes aaand it's a swing and a miss. Kennedy was way out in front of that nasty change-up. No chance. No chance at all on that one. Our man looks real confident out there this afternoon. Let's hope it lasts. Here's the pitch aaaand … he popped it up. A weak pop-up that Larkin was able to haul in with no problem. Two down."

"Next up is Austin Todd, the Longhorns' right fielder. Two out and nobody on. Bartowski's looking in … Gets the sign, sets, and throws … A ball. A little low and outside. Todd steps out and adjusts his batting gloves. Now he's back in there. Digs in. Our lefty has the sign and lets it go. Contact! It's a fly ball out to right field, but playable. Ebersole has it for the final out of the frame. The Longhorns go in order."

Sarah heard quiet congratulations aimed her way. She was confused for a second since she wasn't doing anything except cheering. Within reason. It wouldn't do for her or any of the Songbirds to get overly excited and cheer too loudly to the point of damaging their voices. They had their own competitions to think about, after all. Dr. Beckman sitting behind her would make sure of that. After she thought about it for a moment, she realized that people were offering her congratulations because of her connection to Chuck. They could voice their approval to her since she was around whereas he was busy on the field. So, she looked around, grinning and nodding to acknowledge the support.

Morgan (!) was the lead-off batter in the bottom of the first. He took a 2-1 (2 ball and 1 strike) pitch to left field for a single. Chris Ebersole struck out swinging on a 1-2 count, but Stanford had a hit-and-run (runner starts to steal the base to pull the fielders out of position to increase the chance of the batter getting a hit) sign on, so Morgan was able to make it to second base ahead of the throw from the Longhorn catcher. Morgan got credit for stealing a base! The stands went wild and it was Alex's turn to receive the congratulations and good-natured teasing. Her smile said it all.

Bobby Malcolm struck out looking on a full count (3-2), but Dave Bice followed that with a double down the right field line on the first pitch he saw. Morgan scampered around the bases to score Stanford's first run. Shaw ended the inning with a ground-out to the shortstop.

Chuck needed just fourteen pitches to retire the Texas players in order at the top of the second inning earning two strikeouts, one swinging and one looking. The final out came when the Longhorns' own first baseman, Tate Shaw (no relation), smacked an 0-2 fastball right to Dave Bice. He hadn't even needed to take a step to catch the ball. Stanford collected two runs on three hits in the bottom of the second, including a leadoff home run from third baseman Rodger Mason. The score was now 3-0 in Stanford's favor.

Sarah was excited. She was still learning about baseball, but she liked what she saw. The game of cat and mouse between Chuck and the opposing batters. A game that Chuck won more often than not. She thought back to that first game she'd heard on the radio when Chuck was in Arizona and had struggled. He'd been getting better with each game. Chuck was good at this. Sarah had no trouble admitting to herself that she liked watching him. She liked it a lot. He was in his element and she was reacting to him in ways that had nothing to do with baseball. That realization only mildly surprised her. Another thought bubbled to the surface and she wondered if this is what he felt when he watched her performing with the Songbirds. Given what she knew of his outward reactions, she believed it was. What an interesting way to figure out that you turn your boyfriend on, she thought to herself. The end of the commercial on the radio brought Sarah back to the broadcast and the game.

"… It's the top of the third inning and Stanford has the lead, 3-0. Leading off the inning for Texas is catcher Mike McCann. He's in the box and Bartowski's got the sign. Here's the windup and the pitch … It's a ground ball left of third base in foul territory. That makes the count 0-1. McCann digs in and waits for the pitch. Bartowski delivers … a ball! It was at the belt, but too far inside to get the call from the man behind the plate. 1-1 now … McCann waits. Grimes gives the sign. Bartowski nods. Pitches … Strike! That slider just caught the outside corner. McCann watched it hit Grimes' glove. It's 1-2, Bartowski's ahead. He leans in … takes the sign … into his windup … there it goes … McCann got a piece of it, but not enough. Mason at third scooped it up and fired it to Shaw at first for the out. Ground out, third to first. Bartowski's cooking with gas now."

Sarah was literally bouncing in her seat drawing amused grins from her companions. Ellie leaned over again, so Sarah removed her earphones so she could hear the other woman.

"Humming, Sarah," she whispered loudly. Sarah turned to her and stuck her tongue out, blowing a raspberry.

"Pfft. I don't care one bit," Sarah retorted. Ellie snorted a laugh and exchanged a look with Devon. He was grinning and laughing as well. Carina leaned in from the other side.

"Tell us what you want," Carina said in a sing-song voice. "What you really, really want." Sarah turned to her right and gave her friend a level stare.

"If I did that, they'd probably throw me out of here," she said in a low voice. Carina's eyes popped open at the boldness of her statement and she just cackled.

"Small bites, Sarah. Small bites," the redhead said, grinning. "You need to make that treat last a long time." Then she chortled. The adults in the group understood the intensity of those kinds of feelings even if the words were a little too base for their tastes. Ellie just blushed. He was her little brother, after all. When Sarah turned back to the game, Ellie saw the blonde blush while she was putting her earphones back in. So, her boldness was more of a response to her roommate, then. That made the older woman feel better for some reason.

"Stepping to the plate, now, is Masen Hibbeler, who plays second base for Texas. Bartowski's got the sign … Here's the throw … It's a ball, low and outside. Grimes tosses it back to the mound. Bartowski goes to the rosin bag. Now he's back on the bump. Toes the rubber. The sign … aaand the pitch. Foul ball into the stands behind third base. Grimes gets a new ball from the umpire. Throws it back to Bartowski. He leans in and nods. Goes to the windup and lets it fly. A curveball! Hibbeler buckled his knees, but didn't swing. That makes the count 1-2 (1 ball and 2 strikes). Bartowski's ready again … The throw. It's another ball, this time high and inside. Hibbeler had to back away from that one. 2-2 now. A new sign. Nod. Windup aaand the pitch … Out! Sharply hit, but right at Larkin at short for the lineout and the second out."

Sarah couldn't keep the silly grin off of her face.

"Next up is Bryce Reagan, the Texas shortstop. Bartowski quickly gets the sign and goes to his motion. The pitch … aaand it's a weak pop-up to first that Shaw camps under for the final out. Bartowski got him to go after that wicked change-up of his. Three up, three down. This was Bartowski's best inning yet. It only took ten pitches to retire the side."

Sarah giggled with happiness. When she heard the amused snort next to her, she just shrugged at Carina before turning her attention back to the game.

Stanford broke the game open in the bottom half of the third inning, scoring four runs on only two hits. The Longhorns coming apart helped to boost that run total since all of the runs were unearned. Shaw had reached first base after striking out on a wild pitch that went to the backstop (it's legal to run to first on a dropped third strike, the catcher has to throw the runner out, if they can). He was able to advance to second on a throwing error from the shortstop and scored when John Sload doubled to left center. Sload then advanced to third on another error, this time by the Longhorns' center fielder. Trying to stop the bleeding, Texas changed pitchers. The new pitcher promptly hit Mike Millard and, then, walked Bryce on four straight pitches to load the bases. Then another wild pitch scored Sload and moved Millard and Larkin up a base. Morgan followed with a single up the middle on a 3-2 count, scoring both Millard and Larkin. Trying to recreate his heroics from the first inning, he was caught stealing to end the trauma for the Texans.

Chuck's only hiccup, if you could call it that, came in the top of the fourth inning. After getting the Longhorn's center fielder, Duke Ellis, to fly out, he gave up three straight singles that eventually brought Kennedy in for the score. He settled back down after that to retire the final two batters. He cruised for the remaining innings until he was pulled in favor of the bullpen at the top of the seventh inning.

"… Yup, they've taken Bartowski out and replaced him with Austin Weiermiller. It was a fine outing for the left-handed starter. The final line on Bartowski is six innings pitched, one earned run on four hits. Six strikeouts to only one walk on a total of 98 pitches. I'd say the lanky lefty is settling in just fine. What do you think, Cardinal fans? …"

The game ended up in a pitchers' duel. Stanford tacked on another run when Mike Millard scored another unearned run on a passed ball in the bottom of the eighth inning. The final tally was 8-1 for Stanford, bringing their record to 10-3.

Drs. Beckman and Montgomery offered Chuck their congratulations when they walked down to the front of the stands near the dugout after the two teams had completed the traditional post-game handshakes between the opposing teams. Then the professors took their leave. The CATS, along with Ellie and Devon, waited outside the clubhouse for their players to emerge. When they did, the duo were greeted by cheers from everyone and hugs and kisses from their girlfriends.

Chuck and Morgan both had goofy grins on their faces from the public and the personal receptions they received. That's when the Songbirds, in attendance, started to dance. Morgan began to laugh, remembering his friend's reaction the night of the quarter final acapella competition. Chuck's eyes widened as he watched the girls dancing. Watched Sarah dancing. He didn't notice Ellie watching him watch Sarah with an amused, but loving smile on her face. He was spellbound. Oh, little brother, you are so gone, so gone, she thought to herself. Hearing Devon softly chuckling next to her, confirmed that he saw what she saw.

When the girls were finished with their dance, they all jumped around cheering, again, with their arms in the air. They finished up laughing and hugging both of their special baseball players. Sarah and Alex were content to allow their fellow singers a few hugs. As long as they could monitor them and their hands. A girl couldn't be too careful.

Finally, Chuck and Sarah were in each other's arms and sharing a happy kiss.

"They fed us before the game. But I wouldn't mind a snack," Chuck said. "How about you?"

"Oh, I could definitely eat something right now," Sarah smirked, ignoring the amused snorts she heard around her.

"OK, let's head over to Late Night at Lakeside and see what we can rustle up," Chuck announced, obliviously.

A/N2: Chapter title comes from the song by Billy Idol. The title and the lyrics sort of sum up Chuck's past social life. And his … ahem … dancing skills.

A/N3: A mini-Stanford TMI tidbit. I've been calling the Stanford baseball field Klein Field and it is called that, but its actual full name is Klein Field at Sunken Diamond. If you happen to look at the game recaps on the Stanford athletic website, they use Sunken Diamond as the location of the games. Since I started the story with Klein Field, I'll continue to do that for the remainder of the story. Sorry for any confusion.

A/N4: WillieGarvin takes my words and shakes, rattles, and rolls them into something coherent and interesting. You're the king, my friend. Thank ya vurry much. Use your best Elvis voice on that last sentence for the full effect.

A/N5: Thank you for reading. Please drop me a PM or leave a review. Let me know what you think. For those of you who have left reviews or PMs previously, thank you. I appreciate each and every one of them.

A/N6: If you enjoy Chuck fan fiction here on the fanfic site, go over to Facebook and join the Chuck Fanfiction group that's there. You'll find nice folks who share your interest in our favorite spy couple. You are not alone.