Title: Chuck vs. Life
Author: marybr
Characters: mainly Chuck/Sarah (but the regulars are there – Casey, Ellie, Morgan, Awesome, etc.)
Chapters: 8/?
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters portrayed in this fic. I'm gaining nothing with this, except the sheer joy of being Chuck/Sarah's puppet master. I do own Julia, 'though :D
Summary: First of all I suck at summaries, so regard this fact as you read this. The fic fits right after the last episode aired (1x11), and it basically picks up after those events. It's nothing more than Chuck and co. moving on with their lives, and especially centering on how Chuck and Sarah will deal with their mutual feelings. I know, this summary blows… Just read the first chapter, and you'll get a sense of what is actually about.
A/N: Thanks for the reviews! And, again, sorry for taking so long to update. Things are crazy hectic right now. I'm not kidding or making excuses here. I'm bending backwards to write this, let's just say that my late nights are becoming really late nights. Hopefully with graduation passing this week I'll be freer, well, when the second stage of the Bar exam pass I'll really have all the time in my hands, and things will flow faster. The good news is I learned last week that I passed the first stage; so, I'm good to go to the second one. The bad is it'll only happen January 27th, and until then I pretty much have my plate full with all the studying. I'm going to crack one of these days, I'll tell you. So, you guys have to be patient with me, ok?
Saucy-Duck, thanks for the constructive criticism. I re-read the part you were talking about, but I didn't find it ooc for Chuck. However, being the one who wrote it I'm biased; so, you're probably right. About Julia, what can I say? The gal really is squeaky clean :)
Kev525, I know it isn't really satisfying for C/S fans seeing Chuck sleeping with Julia. But, come on! The guy deserves a little sugar, huh? I mean, when was the last time he got a little action? Jill, perhaps? Anyhow, it's been waaay too long. But I promise it will be 10 times better when I finally put Chuck in bed with good ol' Sarah. Hang tight :D
Soccergirl004, thanks for the kind words. And you're totally entitled to keep your Julia hatred. Now, about the move to a third world country, hell, maybe she can come to mine lol But don't put your dollars on it :)
Nattylovesjordy, flattering will get you anywhere, my friend. No, seriously, you're far too kind to me. I'm afraid you're spoiling me. Anyway, this update is especially dedicated to you. See, now you don't have to throw anything at me (glad to know you wouldn't subject me to rocks, by the way lol).
Miks, thanks for the review. Yeah, Sarah is always on Chuck's mind, like on that Elvis song. Ain't it sweet? Don't worry, Jules' days are numbered :D
Gaaddict67, yeah, that crack was funny. I really enjoy writing Casey, we share snarky thoughts.
Go-Chuck-Go, thanks for the "Counselor", but I'm not one… yet. With God's help – and lots of studying – I'll get there after the second stage of the Bar exam. Pray for me, ok? lol But thanks for the review, and about the grammar mistakes, that's what hurrying and half-ass text checking will do to you. If you can PM me pointing them out I'll correct asap. Thanks :)
SoContagious, it really is remarkable how you truly get what I'm trying to portray. I just, I don't have words. And it isn't easy to leave me out of words lol. Anyhow, I'm really glad that you're enjoying the fic. And I love when people quote me to me, it's amazing to know what parts of the chapter you specifically liked best. I gotta say that I enjoyed writing that paragraph as well, it came out nice.
Susann, welcome! And thanks for the review. I hope you keep coming back. Read all 7 in one sitting, huh? I tend to do that too when I come across a good fic. I'm glad you like my writing style, I aim to please lol. Nice to read you like Julia, she's a great girl. If only there was no Sarah. But there is a Sarah, however she is sitting on her hands. For now… There lies the rub, I believe.
Hope you guys enjoy this chapter! And again is a longer one, to make up for my future update delay, which I'm already foreseeing it will happen :D
Chapter VIII
It was Sunday. In the middle of the afternoon, Chuck found himself lying on his back in bed. Alone. Julia was working. He had this little Lego construction – a well-constructed building, which he spent a couple of hours working on – on top of his belly. He kept staring at the thing, tracing the little blocks with his index fingertip. He was mesmerized by the object.
But what were really going through his mind, were the thoughts that came to plague him on New Year's Eve. He wanted to know why Sarah kept coming back into his head. Why he couldn't shake this woman off? He was with someone else; someone who was really great, and funny, and charming, gorgeous, and who actually liked him back. He was starting to get mad at himself for not being able to successfully remove the blonde's trace off his mind… and his heart. He was actually starting to get mad at Sarah herself, for not being as easy to forget as he'd like.
Yes, it was irrational. He was well aware of that. But right now he wasn't caring so much about rationality or fairness. He was frustrated and confused, and not as happy as before. Why was he clinging so hard to someone that he had already lost; actually, someone whom he never really had? Sarah wasn't even an option; so, why did he fell this way? I think too much, that's my problem; he thought.
As he was lost in thoughts, Ellie entered his room.
"So, did you ask Julia if she wanted to go with you to our cousin's wedding?" she asked, standing next to his bed.
He came out of his own mind, and looked at her.
"Yes; she said she'd love to go," he replied absently.
"Great, 'cause I RSVP'd for the four of us," she added.
"I don't know why we're going to this thing. She's a distant, distant cousin. We don't even know her that well, all I can remember is that she was a pain when a child," he whined.
"Believe me; I didn't want to go either. But look at it like a chance for a fun vacation, and a romantic getaway. Since the wedding is this whole weekend thing in San Francisco, we can take the opportunity to get to know the grounds," she said, smiling enthusiastically.
"Yeah, it will be a hoot," he said ironically, absently staring at the Lego building again.
Ellie directed her eyes to where his were, and landed on the Lego construction on his belly. She knew something was up with her brother. He wasn't usually cranky like this; he was sure going through some sort of bad mood.
She sat on his bed, and looked at him. He was still looking at the Lego.
"I noticed the Lego cases when I stopped by your room the other day," she said softly.
He didn't move or said anything. She continued.
"I'm taking they were a Christmas gift… from Sarah," she said, but it sounded more like a question than a statement.
She studied his features. It took a few seconds, but he finally said something.
"Yeah. She gave them to me… At our Christmas party," he said, finally looking up at his seated sister.
Ellie made herself comfortable by lying in bed next to him. Both looked at the ceiling.
"That is a very special present," she stated softly.
"I know," he replied in the same tone.
"I figure you told her, you know, about that Christmas," she said, looking to her side at him.
He simply nodded.
She looked up the ceiling again.
"You never told anyone that," she added.
"I know," he replied identically as before.
"Not even Morgan," she said softly.
He knew that as well. But didn't feel like repeating himself.
"I mentioned, well, I let it out once -- in between subjects – and, apparently she was really listening to me. She remembered…" he stated weakly.
There was a moment of silence. Ellie broke it.
"I know you don't like to talk about this. But I feel like it's my obligation as your sister. So; I'm just going to say this, and leave you to think about it, ok?" she rhetorically asked.
"A person who has no feelings for another does not give this type of present. When someone gives you a gift as special and meaningful as this, it's really supposed to mean something. I don't know why you and Sarah broke up…" she stated firmly.
He moved a bit at his side; she took the hint.
"…and I'm fine that you don't want to talk about it, but this girl likes you, Chuck. I saw it then, and guess what? I still see it now. I know that you're with Jules now, and that's great. That is if you really like her. 'Cause if you think that you don't, or that you're still into Sarah, it's not too late, you know. It's not too late to go after what you really want," she added.
"So; the real question is 'who do you really want, Chuck'?" she asked, getting up.
"It's only up to you to figure out," she finished, with a knowing look on her face.
With that Chuck watched Ellie leave his room.
What she said made a bit of sense, he had to admit. Except for the part of Sarah liking him for sure. There was nothing sure about that. But now, at least, he was a tad open to the possibility. There were signs before, he just didn't trust them. Could Sarah be that good of an actress? He wondered. This hot and cold routine that she played drained him. These doubts tormented him.
He was abruptly taken away from his thoughts when Casey's face pressed up against his bedroom window startled the hell out of him. The agent's face was beyond menacing. Chuck got up and opened the window.
"You're up tonight, Bartowski," he said sternly.
"Fuller is having a party tonight at his place. Our intel confirms that it'll be a cover to deliver the stolen artifact to its buyer, who'll probably attend as a guest. A high player like this person is on the Intersect for sure; so, your job will be going to the party and looking at as many people as possible to see if you get a flash. If you do, agent Walker and I will try to intercept the piece," he added in serious tone.
"What is my cover?" he asked, slightly bored.
"You will go as agent Walker's date. Same alias as always. I'll also be attending, but we don't know each other. Got it?" Casey replied.
"Fine. What time?" he asked in the same tone as before.
"Agent Walker will pick you up here at 9 pm. Formal wear," he answered, and turned to leave.
"Oh, I almost forgot. I can't. I have a date tonight. Jules and I are going to a concert," he said.
"Cancel," the agent simply put, turning back.
"I can't. What will I say? Can't go on our date tonight, honey. I have to go to a party with my ex. I hope that's alright with you," he said sarcastically.
"Lie," the agent said already losing his patience.
On that note Casey took off, leaving a defeated Chuck behind.
He got his iPhone from the nightstand, and called her. It was better to do this quickly, you know, like ripping up a band aid. He heard the first phone ringing tone, and his heart raced. He put the available hand inside his pocket. On the third ring she picked up.
"Hi, honey," she greeted enthusiastically.
"Hey!" he replied, trying to sound cheery.
"To what do I owe the honor of your call, mister?" she asked joking.
"Are you busy?" he asked.
"No, I'm taking a coffee break actually. You won't believe the funny – and yet disturbing -- case I was working on a couple of minutes ago. I'll tell you all about it tonight on the way to the concert. But here's a teaser: it involves a carrot," she whispered the last part, even 'though no one was around, and muffled a laugh.
"Yeah, speaking of which, uh… I'm actually calling you because it turns out I'm…" he tried to come up with a good lie, uh, excuse.
"… on duty at the Nerd Herd after hours. I had completed spaced out. I'm sorry," he said, closing his eyes.
"Oh, you were so excited to go," she said disappointed.
"Can't you ask another Nerd to cover for you?" she asked hopeful.
"No they…" he tried once again to find an out.
He was pacing around his bedroom; he didn't enjoy this pressure.
"… they also have dates tonight," he finished lamely.
"Lester and Jeff have dates?!" she asked incredulously.
Damn it! He forgot that he had told her all about the two comic characters, and that she had actually met the couple of Bozos. No wonder she doubted this.
"Tell me about it! I guess we will no longer hastily say that miracles don't happen, right?" he managed to joke midst a faux chuckle, covering his face with his hand.
"I'll say," she said grinning.
"I'm so sorry that you can't come," she added in a sad tone.
"Me, too" he added genuinely.
"Well, we'll do this another time. It's ok," she said.
"Thanks for understanding," he said, sitting in his bed.
"I'll call you tomorrow. Bye," she chimed in.
"Bye, Jules" he replied.
He put the cell in his jeans' pocket, and let his upper body collapse on the bed. He hated lying. At that moment he wondered if this would always be his life if he stayed with Julia, or any other woman he met from now on really. He would always have to lie. Sarah was right, he thought. It's hard to have a real relationship in this line of work. Just the idea of having to lie daily to his future wife – whoever she will be – sickened him.
9 pm came faster than Chuck had imagined. There he was, dressed in his black suit, white dress shirt and silver tie. Looking sharp, and waiting for his date. He thanked God that Ellie and Awesome decided to go out to catch a movie at the theater, and grab something to eat afterwards. Otherwise it would be hard to explain why he was going out all dressed-up with Sarah instead of Julia.
His cell rang.
"Hi, Sarah," he said.
"Hey, I'm waiting outside. Are you ready?" she asked coldly.
Chuck sensed a bit of hostility in her tone, but let it slide.
"Yes. I'm coming out," he replied, turning the cell off.
He put it on his suit jacket's inside pocket, and went to her car.
Sarah saw Chuck coming to her car. She was wearing this beautiful, rich purple gown. Her hair was all up creating this beautiful do. She was mad at him. She didn't have the right to be, but when Casey accidentally let it slip that Chuck and Julia were sleeping together she was instantly jealous. Plus, it didn't help that she spent New Year's Eve all alone in bed at her hotel room, thinking of Chuck at midnight kissing his lovely new girlfriend. As irrational as it was, she was mad at him. But she would try her best to not let it show.
Chuck entered the vehicle. She started the car, and went towards the party.
"Hi, again," he grinned, fasting his seatbelt.
"How are you?" he asked politely, looking at her.
"Fine," she replied absently, not taking her eyes from the road.
Chuck had a puzzled look on his face. He didn't get why she was acting all weird.
You can't do this! You have to do better than this. Just say or do something nice, she thought.
"I'm great, actually. And how are you?" she corrected herself looking briefly to the passenger seat, giving him her best fake bright smile.
"I'm good," he replied confused.
Hot and cold, hot and cold; he thought.
The twenty minutes ride felt like an hour at least. It was awkward, and both were very happy to arrive.
They entered the party with linked arms. After all they were a couple. Tonight, at least, they were.
"Let's mingle a bit to see if you get a flash," she said.
They started to go through the crowd of elegant people. Chuck studied every face that passed by, no flashes yet. They spotted Casey sitting on the bar; so, they made their way there and sat one stool apart from him.
Sarah discretely gave Casey a 'we're here' nod, and the man went to do a little ground recon.
"Can I get you two something?" the bartender asked politely.
"Yes; a martini. Shaken, not stirred, mate," Chuck said in his best fake British accent.
Sarah shot Chuck an incredulous look. The bartender looked at her, and she shook her head to say 'no'. He turned around to fix Chuck's drink.
"What are you doing?" she asked whispering.
"Carmichael fancies being British this brilliant evening," he whispered back with a smirk, keeping the accent.
"Well, tell him to cut it out. It sounds fake," she said sternly.
"Here it is, sir. Enjoy," the bartender said, giving him the drink.
"Lovely, mate," he said taking a sip, and looking at Sarah obviously baiting her.
"Cheerio," he added, as both left the bar.
Sarah rolled her eyes, and let it go.
They continued mingling, and she spotted Fuller talking to a guy.
"There's Fuller," she discretely showed Chuck.
"No flashes," he said, taking another sip of his drink.
He made a face. Sarah noticed.
"Why do you drink it if you don't like it?" she asked.
"Remaining in-character, love," he replied.
Sarah saw Fuller making a discrete exit.
"Fuller is heading out; I'll follow him and check. You stay here, and see if you get any flashes. If anything happens you're wearing the ear piece; so, call Casey," she said before leaving.
"Sure," he replied, letting a bit of his drink spill on his shiny black shoes.
"Bollocks," he said to himself.
"Casey, I'm going after Fuller. I'll keep you posted, and you keep an eye on Chuck," she said over the com, heading to the glass door.
"Roger that," he replied.
Sarah went out the door, and saw Fuller getting in the guest house. There were two security guards at the door. She made her way there quickly.
"Oh, is Simon in there? He told me to meet him here for, you know," she said in her best girly voice, midst a big smile.
"I don't think so. You turn back, and he'll meet you later," one of the men said gruffly.
"You can check with him, if you need," she added.
But before the man could open the door, she clocked him. The other was preparing to attack her, but she kicked him in the stomach. Both were on the floor, so; with two other punches they were unconscious.
She entered the room, and Fuller was going through his safe. He pointed a gun at her.
"Wait, wait. Please don't shoot. We met at Winston's last week; you told me to come to your party. Sarah… Sarah Walker," she improvised.
He didn't remember her, but he went to so many clubs. Met so many women, drank so many drinks, that it was possible. Well, it was likely.
"Oh, sorry. I didn't put the name on the face," he said, lowering his weapon.
She came closer slowly. Really close.
"This isn't the best time, Sarah," he said, escorting her back to the door.
"But you said we would pick up from where we left of, babe" she said really close to his ear, biting his earlobe.
The man was beginning to cave. Come on! A woman like that, no one could blame him. He felt her up, and kissed her mouth. She took the opportunity to knee him really strongly on his private parts. He bent down, and she punched him twice. He fell unconscious.
Chuck walked through the crowd; he went near the glass and saw Sarah entering the guest house. He continued to walk, but no flashes.
Back at the guest house, Sarah looked into the safe. There was money, some documents, many different passports, and among these items was this wooden box. It was the size of a hand. Sarah grabbed it and opened. Inside there was this heavy metal looking sphere. She figured this was it. Chuck would have to take a look at it to confirm.
"Casey, I believe I got the artifact. Chuck has to confirm. I took down two of Fuller's security men; and Fuller himself. I'll go find Chuck, you come here to the guest house and take Fuller," she said over the com.
"I took down the other two. I think we're clear. I'm heading your way now," he replied.
Chuck was getting restless. What was Sarah doing all this time in the guest house with Fuller by herself? Not so pleasant thoughts came rushing through his mind. He decided to go over there. He'd be discrete.
Sarah was leaving the guest house, and saw Chuck coming her way. They reached one another.
"Great. You're here. You need to take a look at this piece, and see if you get a flash," she said, holding the box.
Chuck couldn't care less about the box, the artifact, whatever. He studied Sarah's face, and noticed that her lipstick was a bit smeared. He felt his blood boil, and his heart race.
"What were you doing in there with Fuller?" he asked, trying to maintain his calm.
"What? You need to look at this, Chuck," she stated, opening the box.
"I won't look at anything before you answer me. Were you or were you not inside that house…," he said in high tone, trying to come up with a word for this.
"… being with that man?" he finished agitated.
"First of all, keep your voice down! People may hear us. Second, it's none of your business! Third, who are you to say anything when you're clearly being with a woman you met less than two weeks ago?!" she piped in, matching his tone.
"For someone who isn't interested in me, you're sure keeping a really close track on my dating history," he stated looking straight into her eyes, their faces inches apart.
She broke down eye contact.
"We don't have time for this! Just look into the damn box," she ordered, handing him the box.
"Well, we'll have to make time, then. 'Cause I can't take this anymore! I'm a little confused here, one time you say we have no future, the other you kiss me; one time you are all sweet to me, the other you treat me like crap; one time you say this – us -- never felt like a job to you, the other you say it's just a job; one time you practically throw another woman at me, the other you act all jealous…" he rambled fastly.
"Which one is it, Sarah?! Do you like me or not?! 'Cause I'm starting to get the impression that you do. So, tell me now, honestly, do you have feelings for me?" he asked.
"Chuck," she tried.
"I promise this is the last time I'll ever…"
But before he could finish the sentence the door of the guest house opened. Fuller had woken up. He aimed his gun and shot. Chuck and Sarah were side by side, both turned around when they heard the door being opened.
The bullet hit his belly hard, and he fell to the ground with the box. The thing opened and the sphere rolled out of it. Sarah immediately reached for the small gun that was tied to her leg. But Fuller was aiming at her already. She had no chance. Before he could pull the trigger again, he got hit twice in the chest. Sarah looked behind, and there was Casey.
She looked down at Chuck, and kneeled beside him. His white dress shirt had a massive red stain on it. Blood. She knew the stuff pretty well after many years at this particular job. She was shaking. She never found herself shaking before. Casey passed by them in a hurry, and went to check if the man was really dead.
Sarah put her unsteady hands over the wound, applying pressure. She looked at his face for the first time, and felt like crying; but didn't.
"It'll be alright. Everything will be alright. We'll get you to a hospital," she said, even her voice was shaken.
"I got a flash of the ball when we fell down together. This is it," he said, breathing heavily.
"Don't worry about that now. Don't say anything," she stated.
"I guess it's a lot harder when you're not wearing a vest, huh?" he joked, laughing a little and coughing after.
His eyes were closing. Casey came over, Fuller was dead.
"Hey, Chuck! Chuck! I need you to stay with me," she pleaded, trying to get his attention.
"We have to take him to a hospital now," Casey said.
"I do," she finally managed to say softly to Chuck.
He lost conscious completely.
Sarah checked his pulse, and was relieved to discover a strong rhythm.
"He's fine," she said enthusiastically.
Casey took the man on his arms, and both agents headed for the SUV. He put Chuck on the back seat, and Sarah sat with him. His head propped on her legs. During the whole drive to the hospital, Sarah kept running her fingers through his curly, messy hair.
A/N: Tense, huh? Come on, you guys can't blame me for that! It was bound to happen sooner than later. I'm surprised Chuck still hasn't got hurt on the actual show. A civilian working as an agent, facing all these dangerous situations… it's a matter of time. Plus, this little incident will bring good things (but not clichés – I hate those, and I try to avoid them as much as possible). Just wait and see. Tootles lol