Author's note: This isn't my fault. I wanted to push the plot along farther before I ended this chapter. But someone cough wanted an update from me so bad he pestered and pestered me! LOL! So I stopped working on my angst challenge and have posted what I have. I've dedicated this rather small chapter to him. Note: I told him that he was going to be sorry that he got me to post as is.

Sorry about the cliffhanger. LOL!

Disclaimer: I don't own anything.

Attention TWOP Chuck fan fiction forum readers...after TWOP kicked everyone off the Chuck fan fiction thread, the writers have moved to the forums at this site. It's very lively.

Chapter 8: Aboard Tshadow's Airflight

Bride's Dressing Room

Pasadena, California

Devon fell to his knees and embraced Ellie's waist with his arms. Holding his head tightly to her stomach, he cried, "Ellie, please don't…."

Ellie clutched Devon's head and sunk to her knees. She kept kissing his head and mumbling, "I'm so sorry," as she cried.

Casey watched the couple feeling like someone was using a vice to crush his chest. Breathing suddenly became difficult. He never thought her desperation could hurt so bad.

Casey turned away from the couple and looked at the small fireplace in the corner. The Bartowski siblings had given up so much to The Intersect. Even now…when it was finally over, it still kept taking pieces of their lives.

Casey thought back to that night on the helicopter…..

Somewhere Near Escondido, CA

"Sarah, Sarah…wake up," agonized Chuck as he vainly tried to get her to speak. He couldn't make out her features and he his heart started to pulse dangerously. He knew something bad was happening.

"Ellie…help her, please," cried Chuck, as he looked wildly around the helicopter unable to ascertain what was happening in his semi-blinded state.

"Chuck, start CPR like I taught you," ordered Ellie as she began beating upon Sarah's chest. Looking around frantically, she caught Casey's eyes as he took in the sight of Sarah's last moment.

"John, we need to get her to a hospital ASAP. She's coding."

Bride's Dressing Room

Casey just couldn't take seeing Ellie giving up what she wanted most in the world just to assuage her sense of guilt.

"Ellie, what's done is done. We were all forced to deal with it...even the government. It's over. You fought like hell to return to Devon. It's a damn waste to give up now," bit out Casey forcefully.

Ellie broke away from Devon's embrace and stepped towards Casey. In a dejected voice, she tried to convince Casey of the validity of her concerns.

"It's not over. I'll always be responsible. I shouldn't be allowed to forget."

Casey looked into Ellie's eyes with exasperation. "I'm not saying that you should ever forget. Hell, none of us could ever forget. But you should be able to forgive yourself."

Casey and Ellie stood motionless as they silently communicated with each through their eyes. Both seemed to telegraph their regrets over the events that had taken place. Casey was about to speak when Devon interjected heatedly.

"Stop! Just stop. I can't stand this anymore," yelled Devon.

Both Casey and Ellie turned in surprise at the emotion in Devon's voice. They had momentarily forgotten that Devon was still in the room.

"I have lived with half completed sentences and unspoken looks from the both of you for months. I can't take this anymore," explained Devon angrily.

Devon stood up angrily and pointed at Ellie in frustration. Shaking his head in contempt, he mumbled dejectedly, "Maybe you are right Ellie. Maybe we shouldn't get married."

Ellie's eyes widened in alarm and fresh tears began to accumulate in her eyes.

With a sigh, Devon continued, "I know I promised never to ask what happened. But I didn't know what that meant. Not really. I love you Ellie, but whatever this thing is…it's killing you. You need someone that you can work through this with. And that person isn't me. "

Ellie's heart stopped. She knew that this she had stopped the wedding, but hearing Devon's acceptance made it real. Suddenly she felt afraid. She knew that she was about to lose the man she loved.

A sudden desperation overtook Ellie. She had to confide in Devon. Ellie turned towards Casey and pleaded with him with her eyes. It went against the agreement that she had signed with the government. She knew that she could be imprisoned, but she didn't think it mattered if she didn't have Devon.

Casey saw the desperation in Ellie's eyes. He knew that she was going to jeopardize herself. He couldn't let that happen. He sighed.

"I guess the story starts the night that 'Sarah Walker' died."