Chuck vs. The Cerebral Assassin
Well, judging from the from the responses none of you like Dr. Burke and how she took credit for sending Chuck the 2 orders of sizzling shrimp. You voiced your displeasure to the point where one person actually wanted her to die in a fiery crash. Unfortunately, she won't die but she will recieve what's coming her but for right now you just have to endure her. In any case, the last thing that took place in the previous chapter was Dr. Burke showing up with the Chinese and now you'll find out what happens next.
Again, if you enjoyed reading my stories and left a comment please leave a comment for this this one as well. Tell me what you think and I hope you enjoy the read.
I don't own Chuck but I do own the characters that I've made up.
Fortune Cookies and Nacho Samplers
XXX
Chuck and Dr. Burke sit across from each other at the table in front of the window. Before partaking in some sizzling shrimp Chuck went downstairs to the vending machine in order to get two bottles of water in order to wash it down with. For Chuck, the meal is a departure from the food he has been eating at the cafeteria and he had to thank Dr. Burke for bringing him his favorite food not knowing it was Sarah who had it delivered to him.
During the meal between doctor and patient, Chuck takes a swig from his water bottle and initiates the conversation. "So, since you've gotten to know me its only fair that I get to know you." he said with a wry smile. "What's your story Leslie?"
Dr. Burke takes a moment to finish chewing her food and then takes a sip of water to wash it down with before answering him. After wiping her mouth with a napkin, she responds to Chuck's question. "What do you want to know?" she coyly asked with a smile.
"Where do I start off." he retorted thinking about what to say. "Where are you from originally or is that highly classified information?" humorously inquired the amnesiac.
"Not at all." she responded shaking her head as she lets out a giggle from being asked that particular question. "I'm originally from Nevada, Carson City to be exact." she added.
"So you grew up there?" he asked with curiosity.
Chuck watches as his doctor takes a quick breath and begins telling her story. For the past 3 days and up until this morning he's been accustomed to the seemingly stern professionalism of one Dr. Leslie Burke who specializes in memory loss. As he sits there listening to her, he's getting a glimpse of the woman behind the white coat and to him this a totally different side of her that's he's being introduced to.
To him, it's a side that not too many people get to see as she is in a more relaxed state and basically letting her hair down, so to speak. The stress he tends to see on her face in the past few days dealing with other patients along with other work obligations have momentarily gone away as she is enjoying the moment even if it just eating sizzling shrimp in his room, which he isn't complaining at all about.
He rather enjoys the company and being that it's the second female he's had in his room in the past 4 days says something. What that something is he doesn't actually know but it feels nice and hopefully there are more visits from not only Sarah but from Leslie as well. However, he knows that its probably just a one time thing and for her to bring Chinese food to his from let alone his favorite meal shows she cares.
"And at the age of 22, I got into the academy where I eventually met and teamed up with my former partner John Casey." she said.
"Wow." replied an amazed Chuck. "So they recruited you during your junior year of college."
"Yeah." she responded. "I did my time as an agent and then decided for a career change that didn't involve lying or killing. A career where I would make a difference in helping agents who became injured when it concerns trauma to their mental state."
"You're doing an excellent job." Chuck stated. "I should know." he added pointing to himself with a hint of laughter.
A noticeable smile appears in the right corner of Dr. Burke's mouth. "Why thank you."
After taking another bite of sizzling shrimp and washes it down with water he poses another question to her. "So do you have anyone special in your life?"
"Along time ago." she replied shaking her head. "We got divorced 4 years ago."
"I'm sorry." he said.
"Don't be." said Dr. Burke shaking her head. "He wasn't the right guy and since then I'm primarily been married to my work. If I did meet the right guy he has to know I come with some baggage." she added looking directly at Chuck.
"Well I can be your baggage handler." Chuck blurted out. Chuck immediately has a look of regret on his face but for Dr. Burke she blushes at the response. "I'm sorry. I don't know why I said that. It just slipped out.
"You don't have to apologize Chuck. I thought it was cute."
"You don't understand. What you said sounded very familiar to me as if it involved a conversation with someone." he said shaking his head trying to figure it out. "I think I may have said it to Sarah but I'm not really sure."
"It could have just been on one of your cover dates for one of your missions." she quickly assessed. "That might have been what you're remembering which is a good thing don't you think?"
There is a brief moment of silence as he mulls over what she said. He glances out the window and then returns his attention back to Dr. Burke with a wry smile. "Maybe your right." he answered. Chuck notices the two fortune cookies sitting in the middle of the table. He reaches over grabbing them both and hands one to Dr. Burke who takes it. Once open, Chuck reads his fortune.
Healing takes courage, and we all have courage, even if we have to dig a little to find it. he said. "Interesting and very relatable to my current situation."
"Indeed." responded Dr. Burke who silently reads her fortune.
"So what does yours say Leslie?" inquired Chuck.
"It's silly." she said holding it in her hand.
Chuck leans over and encourages her to read it. "Come on. I read mine and its only fair that you read yours." he requested in a persuasive manner.
Dr. Burke takes a brief moment as she stares at the fortune she's holding between her two fingers and then glances up at Chuck who is waiting to hear her fortune. After clearing her throat she reads it. A secret admirer will soon send you a sign of affection. There is an awkward silence in the room once the fortune is read leaving Chuck and Dr. Burke to noticeably squirm in their seats. It's at this point, she shakes her head and laughs as she holds up the fortune in her hand. "Stupid. I never really believe these things."
"Sometimes they are but you never know." replied Chuck.
"Yeah…" Dr. Burke glances down at the fortune and then at Chuck. "…you never know." she softly said. Once again there is a momentary silence between the two of them but its broken when she glances down at her watch. "Wow, look at the time. It's late and I have an early flight to catch for a weekend conference." he added getting up and grabbing her belongings.
"Thanks for the company." he retorted getting up from his chair. "I appreciate what you did bringing me food."
"Any time and enjoy your weekend." responded Dr. Burke with a soft smile. "I'll see you Monday and if you need to reach me for something important or just want to talk…" she says rifling through her purse and inevitably taking out her business card. "…call me."
"I will." he responded taking the card. Chuck opens the door in order to let Dr. Burke out and before she heads out of his room he gets her attention. "Listen…" he said causing his doctor to turn around in his doorway. "…thanks and I just don't mean for the dinner." added Chuck leaning in for a hug to which Dr. Burke reciprocates.
The two briefly embrace but when they separate they immediately lock eyes with each other. In that moment, there is no doctor and patient but rather two people standing in front of each other. Its Chuck, who suddenly snaps out of it stepping back in order to give a bit of distance between the two of them. "Good night Leslie." he said rubbing the back of his neck while the holding the door with his other hand.
"Good night Chuck." replied Dr. Burke turning around with a smile on her face as she leaves as the door closes.
XXX
The following Saturday Sarah walks into Orange Orange with her father and sister Cassidy in tow feeling a lot better after her conversation with Chuck last night. After he had told her that he was craving Chinese food, she immediately knew what she was going to do and it would be a complete surprise to him. When she stepped through the metal doors she expected to see Casey and Bryce down in Castle, which they were.
What she did not expect to see is a familiar face sitting at the conference table. "Travis?" said Sarah with great surprise.
"Hey Sarah!" he responded waving up at her."
Sarah quickly heads down the stairs and then over to her teammate hugging him. "How are you feeling and what are you doing here?"
"Ribs." he quickly hissed wincing in pain. "Little tender."
"Sorry." she remorsefully and regrettably responded.
"Not your fault." he replied. "How am I feeling? Well…" he said looking at Wexler and Cassidy walking down the stairs. "…to answer the first part of your question I'm doing good but still healing up. The doc says I will be out of action for at least a month and half or so." he added. "To answer the second part of your question I wanted to thank your dad for putting us up in a swanky condo while our house is being rebuilt." Travis stated looking straight at Wexler. "My wife and kids love the pool by the way."
"Dad?" responded Sarah turning to look behind her.
"We take care of our own sweetheart and all expenses are paid." he said walking past Sarah. He stands in front of Travis putting his right hand on his left shoulder.
"Glad to see you're doing okay Trav." said Cassidy.
"Thanks Cass." he replied. His attention turns from Cassidy to Sarah with a look of concern on his face. "I heard about Chuck. How is he doing?" he asked.
"Better and I'm hopeful he'll be back to his old self soon." she stated with confidence.
"No doubt. I'm sure he will be with the help of his doctor." As soon as he says that, Travis clearly hears a groan as he sees her rolls eyes her and demeanor completely change. "What…" he said looking around the room. "…what did I say?" questioned Travis.
"Sarah hates Dr. Burke." chimed in Bryce who walks into the conversation holding several files and sits at the computer.
Travis glances over at Bryce and then at Sarah. "Why is he still here?"
"I ask myself that same question." grunted Casey approaching the group.
The 4th member of Team Chuck nods at his burly teammate and then turns his attention back at the Wexler clan in front of him. "So why does she hate him?"
"It's a her and I'll tell you the whole story on the way." Wexler said.
Travis somewhat understands the situation chalking it up to the proverbial catfight between women. His attention then turns to Sarah's father and where he's possibly being taken to. "On the way to where?" he wondered.
"To help you pick out furniture once your house is rebuilt." he responded as they both head up the stairs. "Don't worry about how much it costs, its on my tab."
"Sweet!" replied Travis. "Thanks Mr. W. You do know my wife is the one who can make the proper decision in all this. I'm just the guy who moves stuff around when she asks me to."
"We'll pick her up on the way."
"I'll call my wife and we'll make a day of it." he said.
"And the kids?"
"Don't worry Travis. I got this." he retorted patting him on the left shoulder. Before they disappear out of sight Wexler looks down at Cassidy standing next to her sister. "You okay Cassidy?"
"Yeah dad." she responded smiling as she watches her father disappear out of sight with Travis. "So, it looks like you guys are on a mission."
"You're right." Sarah replies. "We're looking for someone by the name of Manoosh Depak who has an infinity for nacho samplers." she added. "He's up to no good building a device for an unknown organization."
"And we're not getting anywhere at the moment." replied a frustrated Casey. "We may have to do this old school. Troll the restaurants and bars that serve nacho samplers with a picture of the perp to see if management or any of the staff for that matter recognize him."
"I want to help."
"Are you sure?" questioned Sarah. "It possibly means you teaming up with Bryce." she said as all three look at Bryce sitting with his back to them.
A look of disdain appears on her face as she leans over to see the sight of the back of his head. She leans back looking at her younger sister. "Do I get a gun?" inquired Cassidy whispering to her sister.
"No." A look of disappointment appears on her face upon hearing that. "You do get a stun gun though." she whispered back.
"Deal."
"No tazing Bryce though no matter how bad you want to." she firmly stated towards her old sister.
"Where's the fun in that." responded Casey with a smirk on his face.
XXX
"Why did I have to be stuck with you?" Bryce asked out loud as he and Cassidy step out of local restaurant.
"You are. So just deal with it okay." she quickly responded back. "I don't like it any more than you do." added Cassidy as the two of them head down the sidewalk towards the next location.
To say Bryce was disappointed in being partnered up with Cassidy was an understatement. When Sarah informed him that she would be helping him canvassing the local restaurants and bars on one side of town while Casey and Sarah canvassed the other he thought he was being punished for something. Since his arrival, he's not exactly been welcomed with open arms.
He's already been grabbed by the throat and slammed against the wall. Not to mention the fact on three separate occasions his manhood has been threatened to be blown away by Casey, Sarah, and Cassidy. To top it all off, he was choked out by Sarah during their sparring match yesterday and then looked liked an idiot in front of General Beckman. Now, he has to deal with the older Wexler sister.
Speaking of Cassidy, it amused her to see the reaction on Bryce's face when Sarah told him the news. The way he reacted, would be the similar to that of a 5 year old boy would react if told he was going to the dentist. The refusal as he animatedly shakes his head no with his arms crossed and stomping his feet to get his point across to show that he doesn't want to do it.
What would have made it equally as funny for her was if he threw a temper tantrum and then fell to the ground crying his lungs out. She inevitably comes over to give him his blanky or quite possibly a cookie to make him feel better. Unfortunately, she did not have to do that as she heard him giving an emphatic "fine" to Sarah as a glaring look was directed towards her way.
"Look, just stay out of my way and let me handle this okay." he firmly states. "You're just here because you wanted to be part of the action." added Bryce.
"What is up with you?" she responded. "Are you still upset that my little sister kicked your ass yesterday and left you unconscious in the middle of the dojo floor?" she smugly said with a smirk.
Upon saying that, Bryce immediately stops as Cassidy continues to move forward only to find herself stopping. She then looks back once she realizes he's not walking beside her. It takes a moment for him to regain his composure and then responds to the older Wexler sister. "You know what. I get it." he angrily stated. "You don't like me and I don't like you. Hell, practically everybody doesn't like me." he quickly spitted out. "You see me as a threat to Chuck and Sarah's relationship but here's a newsflash for you Cass. I'm not anymore." added Bryce. "You're probably thinking I'm lying but who gives a damn. I know I'm considered the bad guy here and Chuck is the only friend I've ever had and I truly regret what I did to him in college but I had to for his own good. Am I jealous that he's got it all including Sarah? Yeah." Bryce pauses for a moment and then shakes his head. "You know what, once I'm done with this mission I'm outta here back to tracking Fulcrum alone and off the radar."
Cassidy is completely surprised by Bryce's reaction and can see he's there's genuine emotion emanating from his eyes. "Sorry." she said.
"Forget it, let's just get going." he stated shaking his head walking past her.
It takes a moment to register what just happened and then turns to catch up with Bryce. "How long have you been alone and off the radar tracking Fulcrum?"
Bryce is briefly silent as they continue walking but then responds to Cassidy. "Nearly 4 years." he replied.
"It must be tough doing what you do without any friends or family to contact." she said.
"In my line of business you don't have friends. As for family…" Bryce pauses for just a brief second. "…well I'm an only child and I haven't spoken to or seen my parents in God knows how long." he said. "But hey, that's what I signed up for in order to protect the greater good and all. "You need thick skin in this line of business and mine is thick as they come."
"I understand what you're going through." says Cassidy.
The C.I.A. Agent responds with a bit of laughter at what Cassidy says. "Do you now?"
"Yeah. It used to be DeAnna's life but it changed when she met Chuck and now she has her family and friends who are considered her extended family as well." she said glancing over at Bryce.
"I'm happy for her and Chuck." he stated. "Really I am but this is the life that I chose and even though I find myself alone in the trenches its all I know…its all I've been accustomed to." he firmly stated.
As Bryce and Cassidy walk towards the next local, one thought crosses her mind. Maybe I pegged Bryce wrong?
XXX
Chuck is in the cafeteria walking out holding a trey with his lunch and drink on it. As he scans the room for a possible place to sit amongst a see of other patients like him he suddenly spots his new friend Karl who apparently spotted him as well. He immediately waves him over to his table and after maneuvering himself through the sea of seated people he finally reaches him.
"Nice to see you man." said Karl. "Take a seat."
"You don't have to tell me twice." Chuck replied taking his sit at the circular table with one additional seat not taken.
As Chuck take a bite out of his sub sandwich Karl catches up with his new gamer buddy. "So how have you been?" he asked. "Any closer to getting your memory back?" inquired Karl.
"I feel I'm getting there dude." retorted Chuck. "Its just a matter of time before I regain my full memory." he said twisting open his bottled water and taking a swig.
"That's good to hear." he responded taking a bite out of his pepperoni pizza. After washing it down with a swig of orange juice he brings up a question to Chuck. "Did you ever get a chance to talk to your lady teammate who you've been in a cover relationship with?" asked Karl.
"I sure did." he said taking another bite out of his sandwich.
Karl sits there expecting an immediate answer but doesn't get one right away as Chuck sits there chewing his sandwich and then takes another swig of water to wash it down with. "You're killing me here. What did she say?"
"Okay." he said with a bit of laughter as he opens his bags of chips. "She basically told me if she wasn't engaged that I would have a shot with her."
"What did she say exactly?" wondered Karl. "I want to know word for word and don't leave anything out."
"Why so interested man?" asked Chuck. "Are you that bored you want to know about my possible relationship status with a happily engaged teammate?"
"Hey, you owe me so spill."
Chuck nods his head to acknowledge that he does indeed owe him for pushing him to do it. Other than Dr. Burke, he's been the one other person he's been able to form a friendship with during his stay in the facility. He wouldn't know how long he would last if didn't have friends to hang with let alone talk video games or women for that matter. "She said I'm handsome, sweet, kind, and not to mention funny."
"That's what I'm talking about!" he responded reaching out for a fist tap to which Chuck reciprocates. "See. What did I say. You didn't have anything to lose by asking her." he said with a smile.
"When you're right you're right." replied Chuck. There is a momentary pause in the conversation as the two men continue to take a bite of their food. After a while, Chuck poses a question to his new friend. "Hey what do you think of Dr. Burke?"
"She's a great doctor. I know she has helped me immensely since I arrived." replied Karl. He expresses a look of curiosity as he glances at Chuck. "Why?"
"Nothing. Just asking." he answered shrugging his shoulder and shoving a couple chips in his mouth.
Chuck's answer peeks Karl's curiosity telling him there's more to it than that. "What aren't you telling me."
"What?" he said shaking his head.
"We're boys aren't we…" asked Karl. "…and the bro code does state you got to tell your friend. Is it about Dr. Burke?"
There is a brief pause on Chuck's part as he's hesitant on whether or not to share what happened last night with her. He is about to say something when someone walks up to the table. "Excuse me guys, is this seat taken?"
"Nope." Karl said shaking his head. "Have a seat."
"Thanks." he replied sitting down in the vacant seat across from Chuck.
"How long you been a patient here?" asked Chuck with curiosity.
"I'm not a patient. I'm Dr. Vale's assistant." the man said. "I'm just taking a break to have some lunch if that's cool with you guys?" he stated.
"That's cool with us." responded Karl. "My name is Karl Stone and this man sitting to my left is Chuck Bartowski."
"Nice to meet you." he said extending his hand to shake their hands. "My name is Manoosh Depak." he replied opening his cooler and taking out a nacho sampler meal from inside.
XXX