A/N: Okay this begins at the timing of Chuck vs. The Beef Cake. It will pick up if you remember where originally Chuck went into the Orange Orange to break up with Sarah… again. Then later that night, they had the mission to get the intel from Cole's belt buckle. Well the next two Chapters will be dealing with this time frame. I am trying to stay as close to what the information was given in the episode but putting my spin on it. Hope you enjoy.

Thanks again to Gladius for help with redoing this chapter about 20 times :)

Also I don't own Chuck.

Chapter 5 – Sacred Trust

Sarah was standing in the Orange Orange, cleaning the counter tops. Though her mind was far away as she thought about the last two weeks. She paused momentarily to think that it was actually two weeks ago that she had the worst night of her life when she had to reject Chuck. It was something she would never forget seeing the pain she had caused the one man that didn't deserve it. Even if she was some stranger, someone that wasn't in love with him, even if she was someone that didn't have feelings for him, just a human being with an ounce of openly visible emotion would have probably shown more pity on him then she did. She never hated her job before for training her to compartmentalize the emotions that she felt. But before Chuck, she never had many emotions to compartmentalize. Now however, her feelings for Chuck were so strong, it took everything she had to keep them in check just like a good CIA Agent was taught to do. Either way, blame it on what you will, she should have never handled the situation the way she did instead of internalizing the pain.

They say hindsight is 20/20 and now she knows why. Even as she confronted Chuck, she couldn't understand why she didn't handle it differently. It was uncalled for and at least now she knew why. She actually figured it out as they were removing the last bit of furniture from their home in the suburbs. She was angry. Angry that it wasn't truly real. Angry that just like the furniture, the government was taking everything from her. So who did she take out her anger and frustration on? The one man in this world that didn't disserve it. Real classic Walker. She just shook her head as she continued to clean.

And after all that, after all the broken promises, the cover after cover after stupid cover, the continued let down time after time; what does Chuck do? Instead of moping around or acting like some love sick ex-boyfriend, he becomes her best friend. He treats her with a kind of respect that no one has ever shown her before. He doesn't expect anything and doesn't even show in the slightest that he is upset or not satisfied with their current arrangement. He is everything to her and she can honestly say he is the best friend she's ever had. Of course she still wants more, but that will have to come in time. She's already begun implementing her own mission plan, which started with the conversation with Ellie and that little Buy More gremlin Morgan Grimes. Today however was going to suck and suck bad. She knew it was going to be fake, Chuck knew it was going to be fake, hell even Casey knew; it was his idea. Even so, it still sucked and she hated it. This would make it official. Sure the 'plan' was to make it look good for their employer, but it also signified the end of their cover relationship. Oh yeah, it was going to be a bad day.

The bell above the front door rang and her heart fluttered as she saw who it was. Here we go she thought. Time to break up… again. At least it won't be too hard to sell it this time. Oh Chuck better be right about this Sarah thought as she took a breath and waited for it.

{* * *}

Team Intersect had just finished up the briefing with General Beckman. Their mission was to retrieve the intel from a Fulcrum agent's belt buckle. It was going down tonight and Sarah would be called on to get the belt buckle by any means necessary. Everyone in Castle could tell that Sarah was not thrilled at all about her mission objective.

Casey had already headed to the armory to prepare his gear for the mission and Chuck was readying to head back to the Buy More. Sarah could see he was looking a little down. She couldn't tell if it was an act or if it was from the mission details. She had to find out though.

She quickly caught up with Chuck as he was passing one of the supply closets in Castle. In the blink of an eye she pulled Chuck into the closet with her and closed the door.

Chuck had a look of panic on his face; he really had no idea what Sarah was doing.

"Chuck, I just wanted to talk to you. Off-grid and I didn't want to wait until you got home."

Chuck was still a little freaked out but he could tell by the look in Sarah's eyes that at least she wasn't angry with him.

"Are you okay Chuck? I mean with everything?" Sarah truly was concerned.

"Well let's just say I would rather be playing World of Warcraft, or shoot, even running with you then you having to do this tonight." Chuck looked away. He didn't want to come across as being jealous.

"Hey." Sarah turned his head so he would look at her. "So do I, okay? You believe me don't you Chuck?"

"I want to believe you Sarah. I just know how much you love missions. I have a hard time believing you would rather be hanging out with me." Chuck tried to give her a fake smile like he was trying to joke. Unfortunately, she saw straight through it.

"Did it ever occur to you that the reason I like going on missions so much is because you're there with me?" Sarah just looked at him like, take that.

Chuck had to admit, that caught him a little off guard. "Actually no it didn't occur to me but it's sure nice to hear," Chuck tried to change the subject. "Are you okay from our earlier breakup? Casey sure made it look good with that comment about a trained assassin with a knife in her hand huh?"

Sarah narrowed her eyes. "You were quite convincing in that little presentation. Are you sure it wasn't real?" Sarah held up her arms knowing Chuck was going to say something about the friendship thing. "I know, I know Chuck, it was a breakup of our cover relationship, not our friendship."

"Well you don't have to make it sound like that. Aren't you glad to be out from the cover? Now Beckman hopefully won't be hounding us so much." Chuck was looking at her now. He really wanted to see her response.

"Was it really so bad?" Sarah was probably giving more then she should.

"Only if it wasn't real," Chuck responded.

Fair enough Sarah thought. "I want to call you before the mission tonight okay? I just have a strange feeling about tonight."

"Sure. And don't forget it's your turn to do Friend's Night this week okay?" Chuck could swear he saw her eyes light up.

"I'm looking forward to it," said Sarah.

They were just about to leave when Chuck stopped and turned around, looking at the supply closet. "You know, for a supply closet, there really is a lot of room in here." He mused.

Oh she knew it alright as she pulled Chuck out of the closet. It wasn't like she hadn't fantasized about what her and a certain nerd could do with all that room; and talking was definitely not it.

{* * *}

It was only about an hour until the mission commenced and Chuck was getting ready. With all things said, even after their earlier conversation, he was not thrilled that Sarah had to go on a seduction mission to try to get the data from this guy's belt. One thing he was proud of himself for was that he really was not jealous. Of course a lot of that had to do with how adamant Sarah was about just taking the mark up to his room and tranqing him without anything else happening. But of course Beckman would have none of that. Sarah was to extract not only the information from the belt, but in the process, hopefully find out who is contacts were. She was pissed though and that made him feel a tad better. However good he felt at Sarah's response to her mission meant nothing compared to how worried he was about her safety. This guy she had to seduce was no push over and if Sarah was not on her game, something bad could happen to her.

It was then his cell rang once with the theme song to FireFly. He counted to ten in his head then went to the bathroom as if nothing was wrong. Once in the john, he reached under the sink cabinet and pulled out the burn phone, the one Casey suggested he use to communicate under the radar with Sarah. He knew this was not good if she wanted him to call her on the burn phone instead of the regular.

"Bartowski secure and in the john."

"Walker secure and you're gross."

"Hey, I am in the john, not using it."

"Sure, whatever Chuck."

"What's wrong Sarah, are you okay?" He could sense in her voice that something was wrong.

Slight pause.

"I don't want to do this tonight. I'm just going to tranq him Chuck. Then we can just beat the information out of him."

Chuck looked up at the ceiling. He did not want her to do this either, and her alternative option was appealing; however they had to not only get the buckle, but they had to find out as much intel as they could. It could take days to extract the kind of intel they needed by interrogation. "I don't want you to do this either. I hate that the CIA makes you do these things."

"Chuck?"

"Yes?"

"You do know I never take it all the way right?"

Chuck shook his head. I mean he always had faith in Sarah to make the right decision. He knew she wasn't like Carina, and even though Casey would normally go out of his way to make it sound worse when Sarah had to do a seduction mission, he still had believed in her. She took her job seriously, and even though he may have thought of it out of anger, Sarah was no tool for the government, nor for anyone. She was the strongest person he ever knew. He still wanted to hear her reaffirmation, "What do you mean Sarah?"

"I mean I never let it get too far where I actually have sex with the mark. I have never done that and I never will."

"Not even with Lon Kirk, I mean…" He just wanted to hear it from her. It was so nice to hear Sarah say the things he had always hoped.

"Chuck, do you really think that little of me?"

"Of course not Sarah. I just thought… Well the way Casey always talks about it and then Carina, I just always assumed."

"You sure have a lot to learn about the CIA. They would never encourage that type of behavior especially from an agent. Can you imagine the lawsuits if they required their agents to whore themselves out like that?"

"I never quite looked at it like that to be honest." Did he just feel like the heaviest burden had been lifted from his shoulder?

"Some agents obviously take advantage of it and some even enjoy it. But I just wanted you to know that I never have or will do that with a mark, ever."

"Do those rules apply to an asset?" Chuck hoped she could tell he was trying to be funny, well sort of.

Another pause.

"Are you flirting with me Chuck?"

"That depends. Is it working?"

"Chuck, what would I do without you?"

Chuck could tell her mood had changed. He could sense the happiness now return in her voice. "Seriously though Sarah, I want you to know that I never once thought that little of you. Where some may think sex is the greatest weapon a female agent can have, I always knew you were so much more then that. Your smarter then most people out there, your ability to analyze the information on the spot is almost as good as mine, wink, wink, and you have to be the strongest and most athletic person I have ever known. Of all your weapons, and of course I am not speaking from experience, I would think sex would be lowest on your list."

{Silence}

Oh crap, did I say something wrong? Me and my big mouth. "Sarah?"

"Chuck, I don't know if I should come over there and kiss you or if I should beat your ass. That was the nicest and somewhat most disturbing thing anyone has ever said to me."

"Well I know we are both communicationally challenged but I hope you understood what I was saying. I just wanted you to know that I respect you, and without sounding stupid, I really look up to you Sarah." Chuck thought he heard a gasp on the other end. Oh man did I do it again. Stupid Chuck, stupid Chuck.

"Chuck do you even realize how special you just made me feel. You jerk! Now I can't do the mission."

He could just hear the ribbing now from Casey if Sarah backed out of the mission. He had to be there for her though, "I tell you what. Why don't we come up with a code phrase? Something just you and I know. Something that when we hear it, we know that we are thinking about one another. A way to remember what we have talked about."

"You mean like a best friend code or something?"

"You catch on quick Walker. What should it be? And don't you dare be gross."

"That was not my fault last time at the restaurant. You started it Chuck."

"That waiter will never be the same." Chuck laughed at the memory of just how disgusted the waiter was.

"Thank you Chuck."

"For what Sarah?"

"For just making me happy. For being there for me."

"That's what friends are for Sarah. So what about that code phrase?"

"How about brunettes suck?"

"Sarah. I am trying to be serious. This is important to me." Chuck just smiled.

"Jill's a bitch? Is that a better code phrase?"

"How about Bryce is a douche bag?"

"Now that one I like."

Chuck could almost sense her smiling. "I think I got it. Blond's have more fun. So when ever you say that, I know you are doing good and thinking about me."

"I like that Chuck. I'll see you tonight."

"Bye Sarah!"

"Bye Chuck."

{* * *}

They had arrived at the hotel and everyone was set up. Casey was in his usual spot tending bar, and Chuck was sitting there giving him a hard time. The team was ready as Sarah approached the mark.

"Casey, I bet she has him eating out of her palm in less then five minutes." Chuck was stealing glances at Sarah. He saw she was wearing the bracelet that he gave her for Christmas. He had tried to convince her wearing it during missions wasn't a good idea but she refused to take it off. Matter of fact, she hadn't stopped playing with it since they met at Castle for the mission earlier tonight.

"You're awful confident aren't you Bartowski?"

"Come on Casey. Look how beautiful she is. You would either have to be dead or gay not to be with her. And honestly, I am pretty sure the dead would come to life and the gay man might just swing to the other side of the fence if they spent any time with Sarah."

"Chuck. You do realize the two way comms are hot now, right?"

"Oh crap. Thanks for telling me that ahead of time you jerk."

"Well after all, blond's have more fun." Chuck heard in his ear piece. He froze as he slowly turned around. He saw the look of mischief on Sarah's face as she gave him her your so dead look.

"I think I'll shut up now." As he turned back around towards Casey.

Chuck put his hand over his ear piece. "But you do have to admit Casey, she looks so amazing tonight doesn't she? And her looks are probably the least of her best qualities. I couldn't imagine if these marks got to really know her. To know how smart she is. How thoughtful and caring she can be. How athletic and competitive she is…"

Casey was shaking his head.

"What?" Chuck still had his hand covering his ear piece.

"Moron. She can still hear you through my ear piece."

Chuck started banging his head against the bar. "I just can't win. I think Sarah is going to have me doing kick boxing this week after tonight. She probably already has the life size picture of my face hanging on her punching bag."

"I'm sorry, Sarah was your name? Is there something you find funny?" The mark was addressing Sarah with a tad bit of annoyance.

Chuck looked up to Casey who was now giving him the 'I am going to kill you' look. "Bartowski, will you please shut your pie hole? You've got Walker laughing her ass off already and she's just started the mission."

"Sorry." Then in a whisper, "Sorry Sarah."

. . .

It was moments later Sarah and the mark were heading up to his room. Casey had already left to check on the guys Chuck flashed on near the elevator. This left Chuck alone at the bar, listening to Sarah and her mark. It was getting very heated and even though Chuck had promised himself he would not let this get to him, it was.

"Well as I said before, blond's have more fun." It sounded through his ear piece. He did not catch the before or even after, he just knew she was thinking of him. She must have sensed how we was feeling and even completely engrossed in her mission, she thought to let him know she was okay.

. . .

"Oh Chuck!" Chuck froze as he heard Sarah moan his name.

"Chuck, Chad, hell you can call me Gertrude for all I care." That must have been the mark talking.

What was Sarah thinking? She just called his name while trying to seduce a mark? That could get her killed. Then he heard her asking the man to slow down. It wasn't what she said but the tone in which she said it. He could tell something was wrong.

"Casey, you have to go help Sarah."

"Little busy here Bartowski." Casey was pinned down in the elevator, taking heavy gun fire.

Chuck was already on his way as he heard the emergency code phrase. Luckily he never took his ear piece out or he would have missed it and missed the room number. He knew Sarah would be pissed but he had to go help her all by himself.

. . .

Chuck finally broke through the door only to find Sarah pinned up against the side wall by her throat. The mark had her throat securely in his outstretched hand while the other looked as if it was getting ready to punch her. Chuck instantly analyzed the situation and took in his environment. The mark had no weapon in his hand, Sarah was in trouble, there was a gun lying very close to where Sarah and the mark stood. He had to act quickly. He instantly saw her face as she was trying to tell him to get out, but he couldn't. Seeing her skirt ripped and blouse in tatters, something inside him snapped. He wasn't a fighter, but he wasn't exactly a push over either. Growing up protecting Morgan gave him some skills. Chuck had played enough football with Devon and his buddies to figure out any size with enough force and momentum could cause damage. So he went for it, charging full steam as the mark was reaching for the gun which happened to be dangerously close.

The mark never knew what hit him as the full force of one Charles Irving Bartowski impacted with the mark and sent the guy flying into the side wall. Chuck realized suddenly why he didn't like football and why he should really start eating more to fill out his lanky frame. The impact shook every part of him to his core, momentarily knocking the wind out of him.

Sarah had already retrieved the gun and was aiming it directly at the dazed assailant. She gave Chuck the dirtiest look after making sure he was okay.

Chuck still couldn't get the image of Sarah being attacked out of his head. He had seen her attacked numerous times, but this was different. This struck him at the core. It was the only explanation for where he got the courage to do what he did next. He walked over to the mark who was still on one knee, trying to regain his composure. "Do you even realize what you did? Do you know who that beautiful woman is over there? Do you have a clue of how wonderful she is? And you treat her like a piece of meat? You sick bastard!" Then Chuck punched the mark across the face. He would never be compared to Muhammad Ali, but for a skinny nerd working at the Buy More, the punch did a lot more damage then even Chuck anticipated. He gave one final look at the mark, then turned and walked back towards Sarah. "I'm sorry." He whispered to her as he stood next to her, wrapping her in her over coat.

Sarah was speechless. She had never seen Chuck act like this. She never had a partner that would have stood up for her like that. Sure they would have came in to save the day, but it would have been for the mission first, her second. Not even Bryce would have done what Chuck did; Bryce would have just reprimanded her for letting the mark get the upper hand. But Chuck, his first reaction was to defend her honor. A part of her was a little angry that he risked his life coming up here instead of Casey, but she just could not shake the feeling of pride that was overtaking her. She looked to Chuck, still keeping her gun aimed at the mark. She mouthed "Thank you."

That is when Casey finally stormed into the room.

"Guys, we've got to go!

{* * *}

Chuck was back in his room after one very exciting night. The Fulcrum agent that he punched turned out to be an MI6 agent, the modern day James Bond. Chuck was still a little pissed at the guy for the way he treated Sarah although they came to find out he assumed she was an undercover Fulcrum agent. Chuck gave him a break after his explanation and the fact the guy saved their lives. He wasn't completely satisfied, but he had to admit, the guy was impressive as an agent. He was amazing to watch as he got them out of the mess at the top of the hotel building. It was then the FireFly theme interrupted his thoughts.

Chuck quickly went to the bathroom. "Chuck secure."

"Sarah Secure."

Brief silence.

"I am glad you called Sarah. You were amazing tonight."

"Well I don't feel amazing. I hated what happened tonight."

"What do you mean hated Sarah?"

"Chuck. I mean I know I can handle myself, and I know that Agent Barker was just playing a role, but it sickens me to think that there are men like that out there. I mean what if it wasn't me up in that room and what if I didn't have you?"

"Well I'll admit, I got really scared when things started going bad. I know you could handle yourself, but it scared me to think someone was taking advantage of you."

"Chuck, why can't all men be more like you?"

Okay, Chuck really didn't know how to respond to that. "Hey, I'm nothing special. I just happen to respect others, especially women and most especially you."

"And that's exactly what I mean. Thank you so much for being there for me tonight. I don't think I could have done this without you."

"Oh come on Sarah, you can do anything. But thank you for saying that. I can honestly say there is nowhere I'd rather be than with you… and Casey of course." Whew, that was close, Chuck thought.

"Speaking of which. Do you think you can make sure you're with me tomorrow at Castle? I mean I know I can handle myself, but this Agent Barker is really getting on my nerves. Maybe if he thought, you know, we were an item he'd lay off."

"Yeah, like he would believe that. He seems too smart to fall for something like that."

"That's true. He would never think a girl like me could be with a wonderful guy like you. Gee Chuck, thanks for making me feel worse then I already am."

"Wait… What? What are you talking about? That's not what I meant."

"It's okay Chuck, I get it. I just wish you wouldn't rub it in my face all the time."

"Sarah. Are you kidding me? I meant it the other way around. He would never believe…"

"Chuck I have to go. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Sarah? Sarah?" No response as she disconnected the call.

Well good going Chuck. Way to be the gentleman there. But she knew what he meant right? I mean it was obvious wasn't it? He quickly tried calling her back but she wouldn't take his call. Damn it Sarah Walker.

Chuck quickly made a decision. He got dressed, grabbed his keys, and headed over to Sarah's hotel.

. . .

He stood outside the door. He hesitated as he prepared to knock. One never knew what to expect when standing outside the door to one Sarah Walker. He had some awesome experiences, but then one not so awesome. Here goes nothing, he reached to knock but the door slowly opened.

Chuck froze in mid knock. "Uh Sarah, you okay?" Chuck could see that it looked like Sarah had been emotional.

She just shook her head no.

"Hey, I'm sorry okay. Why would that get you so upset? You know how I am and you have to know what I meant." Chuck cautiously reached out his hand to stroke her arm. "Sarah I need to know you're going to be okay."

Sarah just stood there with her head against the door. His warm hand felt so good against hers. But why does he always do this to her? His words shouldn't elicit such strong emotions from her but they always did, especially tonight. Tonight things were off with what happened in the hotel room with Agent Barker. It was just something about that experience really unnerved her and she needed Chuck to be there for her.

Chuck could see that Sarah was hurting. He was positive it was more then what he said but he didn't want to push it even more. He thought of something Sarah had said on the phone. He knew she had probably been through some horrible things throughout her spy life, but for whatever reason, the experience in the hotel really got to her. Yeah Agent Barker ended up being one of the good guys, but Sarah could have just as easily got herself in a bad situation. "Hey, do you want to talk about it?"

Sarah looked at him with longing in her eyes. "Will you just stay with me tonight? Just as friends of course," Sarah added to keep any objections from him away.

Chuck knew this was a slippery slope but he couldn't deny the need to be there for his best friend. "Of course Sarah."

. . .

Sarah had been nestled in Chuck's arms for most of the night. She was still having a hard time sleeping and she knew Chuck hadn't slept at all. He was so good to her, she thought. He would rub her arm or just whisper that everything was going to be all right. He did everything she needed to feel safe.

"Chuck, I want to tell you something." Sarah wouldn't look at him, she just knew this would be too hard. Instead, she just pulled his arm tighter around her.

"Sure Sarah." Chuck gave her a reassuring squeeze.

"Chuck, you remember how upset I was back when we had to do that mission at my old high school reunion? Well I told you how bad my high school life was but I never mentioned everything about why it was so bad."

Chuck could feel the tension fill Sarah. He did not want to interrupt by saying anything so he just held her to provide as much comfort as he could.

"When I was in the tenth grade. I had to stay late for orchestra rehearsal. Well of course my father was nowhere to be found so I was stuck at school waiting for him to pick me up. It was then one of the football players came up to me and started talking to me. I really thought he was interested and next thing I know, we're in his van and things started getting way out of control. I didn't even want to kiss him, I just was happy for some kind of attention that didn't involve being made fun of or being picked on. I really thought he was being nice. But then he wouldn't take no for an answer. He forced himself on me and no matter how hard I tried to fight him, I couldn't do anything. I'd never been more scared in my entire life." Sarah paused as she felt Chuck tensing. She could feel his anger and that wasn't what she wanted. "Chuck, my dad finally showed up before the worst happened and luckily I got away. And don't worry, a year later I beat the living snot out of the guy. It was actually at that moment in the van that I knew I had to learn to defend myself. It was also when I started learning to use knives." Sarah could feel Chuck relax a bit after this. She smiled a tad knowing that Chuck would do anything to protect her no matter how crazy it seemed.

"Anyway, because of that experience, I've always try to be very careful with seduction missions. I try to never allow myself to be put in that predicament again. Tonight, when everything was said and done, and I was by myself. Memories of that horrible night in high school came pouring back."

Chuck could not keep quiet any longer. "And of course I acted like a real prick. Especially when you needed me. I'm such a jerk Sarah." Chuck was sick to his stomach thinking about what Sarah had to go through. She always had the Wonder Woman persona like nothing could harm her, but thinking back to her time in high school where she was vulnerable, it just made Chuck feel bad.

This time Sarah did turn in his arms to look at him. She ran her hand along his face. "Chuck, I have never told anyone about that night in high school. Not Carina, not Bryce, not even my Dad. For all he knew we were just a couple of teenagers making out. But Chuck, I told you because you mean more to me than anything or anyone. You're my…best friend Chuck and I hope now you'll understand how serious that is to me. I needed you and guess what Chuck, you were there for me. You're here for me, thank you Chuck."

The emotion between them was so intense right now. It wasn't lustful, sexual, or about friendship, this was something much more. Chuck would never be able to explain what the emotion was, but it was the strongest thing he ever felt. He knew at that moment that he'd do whatever it took to make Sarah happy. He never wanted to see the hurt in her eyes, or hear the hurt in her voice ever again. "Sarah I'll always be there for you. But just like tonight, all you have to do is let me in."

Sarah couldn't help herself. She gave Chuck a quick kiss. She knew she shouldn't have but Sarah had to give him reassurance the only way she knew how. She quickly turned around and snuggled back in his arms. She had to or this night would quickly go where they knew it couldn't. Sarah wanted to cry at how wonderful she felt in his arms but also scream at how frustrated she was that they couldn't take things further. Matter of fact, she knew if Chuck had just said the word, she would probably do anything for him right now. She had shared one of the most intimate things with him and this was huge to her. In a strange way, giving him that piece of her past meant more to her then if she would have made love to him. This was something only shared between her and Chuck. That was how much she trusted him. It was how much she loved him. She just prayed that he knew it.

"Thank you Sarah." Chuck kissed the back of her head and held her close.

Sarah smiled as she drifted off to sleep. He did know, she thought.

A/N: I hope you were not to disappointed with this chapter. I really wanted to play out a couple things here. First, what if Chuck never took out the ear piece. In the original episode, he got there late and Sarah was already undressed. In my version, he gets there before that and hopefully it did not go to AU or OOC. 2nd, Sarah is the top agent, I often wondered why she used the code phrase for help so early. I mean she could handle one man right? Well that got me thinking, what if it was the situation she was in? I combined that with her ultra hatred for her High School years and came up with the last few paragraphs. Once again, hopefully I did not go way AU or OOC. I just tried to fill in some pieces that could have happened.