A/N: For this chapter, I want everyone to know that I in no way condone or represent the views written in this chapter. This is strictly my interpretation of what one our favorite characters may think. Please do not turn this into a political bashing chapter and just enjoy it for what it is. Prepare to be heart warmed.

Thanks Gladius for the suggestion on this chapter.

I do not own Chuck or any thing related in this Story.

Chapter 9 - Memorial

{Buy More}

Chuck had looked back over the past several weeks since he came up with his plan, and he had never been happier. If there was ever a doubt about his friendship with Sarah it was answered tenfold. He knew he and Morgan were always close but Sarah and he were inseparable now. They did everything together and it was scary how much they loved being together. Even when she stayed over for the week of the bet. It just felt normal going to bed looking at her beautiful face and waking up looking at that same face. They both behaved themselves as Sarah reminded him about the surveillance, but even that didn't stop them from holding hands underneath the blankets or the quick touches. It was amazing how much more comfortable he was in bed with Sarah as opposed to their first 'sleep over'. He acted like such a jerk that night insinuating that she was some kind of hooker. He apologized to her again the other night when they were going to bed. He was very sincere in his apology and Sarah seemed to be genuinely touched that he still felt that bad about it too apologize again.

Chuck turned his thoughts to how his training had progressed over the last month. Sarah had started training him in karate and he had to say it was the highlight of his day. She warned him not to get over confidant, but she had faith in him that he could use what she taught him to protect himself. He laughed thinking about the first days of training. He never realized she was going at 3/4 speed while teaching him. He thought he had the moves down pact until she made a demonstration of what karate was like full speed. He instinctively rubbed his backside thinking of how wrong he was. Even in this short time of training, Sarah seemed excited about his progress.

Casey had also seemed to be having a blast training Chuck on weapons and tactics. As close as he was to Sarah, his relationship was getting stronger and stronger with Casey also. The big guy warned him about being over confidant though. Casey was very specific that being a spy is not like playing video games or playing laser tag. Of course Chuck wasn't stupid to even think that being good at laser tag would make him a good spy. But Casey did say some of the skills that made him great at those games could definitely help him as he got more comfortable in his training.

Of course training was just while he had the Intersect. It wasn't like he could ever actually be a real spy or even want to be a real spy. He tried to keep telling himself that although everyday spent with his partners was definitely making it harder and harder to listen to his inner nerd that thought he wanted the 'normal' life.

Chuck's thoughts were interrupted by the beep on his phone letting him know that he had mail. He smiled as he noticed the email was from his now surprisingly very close friend Mrs. Reagan. She informed him everything was set for the weekend. Now he just needed to get General Beckman's buy in.

. . .

Chuck casually looked around the Buy More, making sure to acquire his target. Sure enough, Casey was over near his favorite location, securing yet another sale of the Beast Master grills. This gave Chuck the distraction he needed as he got up and headed back to the break room. He double checked to make sure no one was around, which was odd in itself that no one was actually taking a break, then he made his way down into Castle. He quickly went to the conference center and initiated the call to Beckman.

Right away it was evident the General did not want to be bothered. "What do you want Bartowski? I'm busy."

Chuck was very sincere in his approach. "Sorry to interrupt your busy day ma'am. But I have a favor to ask."

"I'm sorry Bartowski, are you under the impression the United States Government has time to do you any favors?"

Wow how true that statement was. "I understand ma'am. This is not for me, it is for Major Casey." Chuck could see a change in Beckman at the mention of her prized pupil.

"Proceed Bartowski, but make it quick."

Here it goes Chuck thought, "I need you to assign Major Casey to security detail this weekend at the Ronald Reagan Memorial."

The General had a questioning look on her face. "And why would I do this Mr. Bartowski… hold on one sec." Chuck could see the General answering her phone.

Moments later, Beckman is eying him curiously but with a little bit of respect.

"Okay, Mr. Bartowski. It seems Major Casey has been specifically requested for protection detail this weekend for a special visit by the former first lady to the memorial of her husband."

A relief came over Chuck at that moment. He was hoping Mrs. Reagan would come through for him. "Yes ma'am. Very good ma'am." Chuck was about to leave but Beckman was not done.

"I am assuming you would like to be there too Chuck?" Beckman asked.

Did she just call him Chuck? "I would appreciate that, yes ma'am." Chuck was still in a state of unbelief that the General actually called him by his first name.

"Very well, Casey and you will be tasked with this mission. Agent Walker will be of course assigned to your protection also. I will make sure to keep the details of the mission somewhat classified. I assume you would rather this be a surprise for Major Casey?"

Did someone kidnap Beckman and replace her with someone with a heart? Chuck could not believe what was happening. "Yes I would, thank you General. Thank you very much."

The conference call disconnected but Chuck couldn't help notice a small smile on Beckman's face as the call ended. It was odd, since he had never actually seen one there before. Either way, he was so looking forward to this weekend. It was something he hoped would mean a lot to his friend.

{* * *}

Team Bartowski was in transport to their target destination. Casey was not too pleased with this new assignment. The major was required to be dressed in full military Class-A uniform, which apparently had shrunk a bit from the humid California air. General Beckman had instructed him to wear his Class-A's as he would be security detail for a high priority government asset. As if one moron was not enough. Beckman had also made it very clear that it was because of Chuck that this mission was needed. This seemed to fuel the frustration inside Casey even more.

Chuck had kept quiet about the mission since first getting the okay a few days ago. Of course Sarah could tell he was up to something and she tried everything in her repertoire to get him to spill it but he held strong. Casey would be proud that his torture resistance training was actually working for Chuck.

Even so, Chuck hoped Sarah would understand. Yeah, he was doing this for Casey, but he also wanted her to be a part of this too. It meant everything to him that she was here with them. He hoped that she would enjoy this time also.

Chuck looked next to him where Sarah was sitting. They were both dressed in their Sunday best and Sarah looked absolutely amazing. She smiled at him as he looked deep within her eyes. She instinctively reached over for his hand that he quickly grabbed. This simple act of holding hands gave him so much strength and it calmed his nerves. This day could mean so much for bringing this team even closer than they already were. Now if he could only survive the glares that Casey kept sending his way.

The Team did not really speak that much during the trip. There was an air of somberness that enveloped them all. It was odd considering Casey and Sarah really did not know what was going on. This would soon be a day neither would forget as long as they lived.

They arrived at the Naval Base in Ventura County, Point Mugu, California moments later where they departed their transport and were escorted to a limousine that would take them to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California. Chuck was even more nervous as they approached their destination.

"Thanks again Bartowski for ruining another weekend." Casey was still pissed as he sat uncomfortably in his uniform, in the back seat of the limo, still no idea of where exactly they were going. He had originally planned on taking a fishing trip this weekend and just relax. But no, thanks to Bartowski, he was stuck protecting another asset.

Normally Chuck would be happy and joking around trying to lighten the somber mood, but he felt like now just was not the time. What he said next, surprised everyone in the car. "Thank you Casey for all you have done for me."

Casey did a double take. What the hell was Chuck talking about? He had just insulted him and he said that? He was probably just trying to get his goat. He stared at Chuck who was sitting next to Sarah. He couldn't help but wonder what Bartowski had up his sleeve. His thoughts were interrupted as he suddenly realized where they were.

The limo pulled up and a man in a suit approached the limo and opened the door. "Major Casey, if you will come with me."

Casey just stared at Chuck, he could not believe where they actually were. There was something very deep and emotional exchanged between Asset and Handler in that moment. Those titles from this point on would never have less meaning than they did right at this moment. It was just John Casey and Chuck Bartowski, two friends, two partners, two equals in life. The exchange quickly ended as Casey exited the vehicle.

"Chuck, what are you doing?" Sarah could tell something was up as she leaned over towards Chuck.

Chuck looked to Sarah, a gleam in his eye as a small smile crept on his lips. "You will see. Let's go."

. . .

As Chuck and Sarah approached Reagan's tomb, Sarah instinctively wrapped her arm around Chuck's and held on tightly to him. Chuck looked down to question her but she gave him the look like this is not up for debate. His arm was hers for the duration of the day and there was nothing he could do about it.

He just smiled as he held her close as they walked to the memorial. There were already chairs set up in front of the monument and Chuck and Sarah were led to a couple seats up front.

Sarah had not let go of Chuck even as they sat down. There was something about being here that touched Sarah. It touched her in a way that she really had never felt before. Being in the burial place of such an important man who served his country as President, made her feel something she had never felt before. She had never been to anything like this, not even Arlington; death was just something she tried to stay away from because it was something that came knocking on her door daily. This was different though. It was special not only because of who was buried here, it was special because of the person sitting next to her and the love in his heart to do something like this for his friend.

It was moments later when Mrs. Nancy Reagan came slowly walking towards the memorial. Her arm was securely held in Major Casey's as he escorted the former first lady to her husband's monument.

Chuck had never seen this look on Casey's face before. He could not place the emotion, but something was different, and something was very strong behind those eyes. Casey held the first lady as if she was a fragile piece of expensive china. Chuck knew at that moment that he would never forget this day.

To Chuck's surprise, as Mrs. Reagan made her way to the memorial, she motioned Chuck to come stand with her. Chuck at first did not realize it was him that she was motioning to. When he finally realized after being prodded by Sarah, he stood to walk to the first lady. He stopped as he turned to Sarah and reached out his hand. He mouthed "I need you!" It was all it took as she grabbed his hand like it was a lifeline. They held each other closely as they made their way to stand in front of the monument next to Mrs. Reagan and Major Casey.

Mrs. Reagan held on to Chuck's hand as the only ones standing were Team Bartowski, and the loving wife of former President Ronald Reagan. Mrs. Reagan asked if they would all read out loud the writing on the Monument. The Team more than agreed as they began to read the inscription on the tomb:

"I know in my heart that man is good, that what is right will always eventually triumph, and there is purpose and worth to each and every life."

Chuck could not help but tear up a little at the meaning of those words. This exact moment in his life was one of the most special experiences he had ever felt. Chuck really did not know how to react. He really had never felt this way before. He of course respected his handlers and somewhat understood the sacrifices they had made. But being here in this moment, being here among such important people, it all seemed to hit him ten fold. He realized at that moment how lucky he was that Sarah and Casey were sent to protect him. He realized how fortunate he was to have them in his life. This thought touched him in a way he will never be able to explain. Without realizing what he was doing, he leaned next to him and kissed the golden blond hair of the person that meant everything to him.

Mrs. Reagan turned to Casey.

"My husband was not a perfect man. He made mistakes. He constantly wished he could do things differently during his time as President. But one thing no one could ever question was his love, his dedication, and his service to this great country." Mrs. Reagan started tearing up. "That young man over there, Chuck Bartowski, has told me how dedicated you are to this country and the many sacrifices you have had to make. I know if my husband was alive today, he would be honored to call you a friend. I ask that I may have that honor too. Major John Casey, thank you so much for your service." Mrs. Reagan then hugged Casey close and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

Casey was trying to stay as calm as possible but this was beginning to be way too much. His palms were sweating, and they never sweat. His heart was doing some strange things as he looked into the eyes of the wife of his hero. Those words, those words meant more than anything on this great earth. Casey had never felt so much warmth in his heart before. He could not even look at Bartowski. If he did, he would never be able to hold back what his body was telling him to release. He would be strong though, at least outwardly. Inwardly, it was a completely different story.

Mrs. Reagan then to the surprise of everyone walked up to Sarah who was holding onto Chuck as if her life depended on it. "And you must be Sarah Walker. Chuck has told me so much about you. You keep a hold of that one." Mrs. Reagan motioned towards Chuck, "men like him don't come around often. I hope you know what a special man you have. And trust me; I know what it is like to have the man of my dreams in my life. Don't ever lose that."

Sarah was speechless. Although she was not a diehard Republican like Casey was there was no denying the commanding of authority this woman that stood before her demanded. She was a strong woman and someone Sarah knew she could look up to. Sarah had been in the presence of many great and important leaders around the world, but none of them seemed to hold a candle to this frail woman that stood before her. Without even thinking, she now put her arm around Chuck and replied, "I won't."

Mrs. Reagan, then turned to Chuck. "I will talk to you later Chuck. Make sure to let me know how it goes." She winked at Chuck as she then smiled at Sarah. She turned to Major Casey and nodded.

Casey proceeded to walk her to one of the chairs in the front.

Sarah held onto Chuck as she looked up at his eyes. Something changed in her at that moment. And it was something really, really special. She once again held onto Chuck's arm as they walked back to their seats.

The ceremony began as the color guards marched out for the flag ceremony. Sarah just held Chuck's hand in her lap as she rubbed the top of his hand. It felt so right to be here with him. She did not want this to end.

{* * *}

If the flight over was quiet, the flight back was just as quiet. There was not a whole lot that could be said between Team Bartowski. For the first time since they were brought together, true honest emotion was felt by each of them. A bond was formed on this day, an unbreakable bond that went much deeper than protocol or the greater good. This was a bond between a hardened NSA Agent, the top CIA Agent, and a computer nerd from Burbank. Story writers could not come up with an odder pairing, but it was true.

Chuck and Casey were walking back to their respective apartments as Sarah headed back to her hotel, she told Chuck she would call him later. Sarah knew Chuck and Casey needed a moment.

Casey paused as he stood in his doorway. Chuck continued on to his apartment.

"Chuck!" Casey called out.

Chuck paused, realizing that was only the second time he could recall Casey using his first name. Chuck turned to look at Casey. "Yeah Major?" Chuck could tell Casey was struggling with something.

"I want you to know... It is an honor having you as a true friend." Casey nodded his head, and then headed into the apartment.

Chuck just smiled as he thought briefly of what this day meant and what Casey had just said meant. Chuck looked up to the dark starry sky above. Everything that he had now was because of one thing. It was a strange thought that came to his mind but he couldn't help himself as he stared into the heavens above. "Thank you buddy. I owe you Bryce."

A/N: I really hoped everyone enjoyed this chapter. I hope you can look beyond political affiliation and just enjoy the moment. Thank you for taking the time to read this chapter. Sorry it was so short.