A/N: Sorry about the lateness of this chapter, could not log on for the longest time to fan fiction.
Okay where the last chapter was mostly all seriousness, you almost have to read this one with tongue in cheek if you know what I mean. This was a fun one and I know some thing's may seem a little cheesy, but just grab the crackers and enjoy the cheese. You wanted to know how Sarah reacted to Morgan's comments about Jill. Well you will soon find out.
Thanks to my Beta, Gladius for his suggestion once again on this chapter.
I don't own Chuck.
Chapter 10 – Just A Game
Sarah couldn't wait to see Chuck today. Yesterday was amazing, the breakfast every morning he made for her for a week was amazing, their kiss in the Castle closet was amazing, the night they spent together after the Agent Barker mission was amazing, the Memorial was beyond amazing, Chuck was amazing. Hell everything was amazing. She had been happy before, or at least happy to a standard she had learned to accept growing up. Successful cons, successful missions, shooting bad guys, and manipulating marks were what she used to think made her happy. Nothing however compared to the happiness she has felt over the past few weeks. And tonight was Bartowski Family Game night and if she had to admit, she was really looking forward to it.
Her giddiness was one of the reasons she could not wait to go over and see Chuck for lunch. Well that and the fact she wanted to make sure Morgan knew what Chuck's priorities were going to be for the next few… well, for the rest of his life. Okay, she really didn't want to be mean to the little guy, but she still hadn't forgotten what he said about Ji… A sudden bile rose in her throat at the thought of the four letter word.
She'd never truly wanted to hurt Morgan, Sarah thought because after all, he was Chuck's former best friend. A small part of her did feel bad for putting magnesium citrate, a very potent laxative, in his grape soda continuously over the past few weeks when it was supposed to be Chuck and Morgan's game night. But hey, she could have been doing him a favor. Okay, replacing his Axe body gel with the rash inducing histamine gel was a little overboard she admitted with a grimace. But that gave her a whole week with Chuck to herself and well Morgan started the war, she was just finishing it. It wasn't as if she wanted to do these things, but it doesn't pay to get one of the CIA's best spies angry and expect to get away with it. That truth was just a part of life Morgan needed to learn about it and the sooner the better.
Even with all she had done to Morgan over the past month, she still really owed him a huge favor. Their confrontation forced a change in Sarah, a realization. She would have never been as aggressive towards her and Chuck's relationship if not for Morgan and also Ellie. She'd have just kept her feelings to herself, letting Chuck make all the effort, while secretly hoping he understood how much she loved him. Yeah, great plan that would have been; without a doubt doomed to failure. No, in a weird way, Morgan had changed her life and someday she promised to make amends with him. Well, just not until Chuck was fully secured.
Which brought her to her 'how to secure Charles Bartowski mission checklist.' She'd already crossed off neutralizing Morgan Grimes, mission successful there. Being more open with Chuck without compromising her past. Well, okay, secrecy about her past no longer mattered to her. If Chuck wanted to know, she would tell him anything. But of course Chuck had been just like he was on the night they shared the cheeseburger right after her high school reunion. He never pushed her. That was just one more thing she loved about him and why she had opened up to him more about her past. Hopefully there would be a lot more 'opening up' as time went by. Yep, can check that off the list.
Next on her list was being more aggressive in their relationship. She almost laughed out loud at what a big check off that was getting. If she didn't know any better, the gender roles had seemed to reverse. Chuck was still very chivalrous and charming, but sometimes he was so slow in knowing what she wanted. That would soon be changing too she smiled, in a way it already was. Chuck was much more comfortable now in their back and forth bantering and that was so sexy to her.
Next on her list was to integrate more into his family. Well, she and Ellie were definitely closer than ever. Their talks have been very invaluable in building her mission plan to win Chuck back. While she had wanted to spend more time with Ellie, it was evident that what time they did spend together meant so much to both of them. Ellie had asked her to be her maid of honor and she was so… well so honored to do that. Yeah, that mission objective seemed to be accomplished.
More physical affection with Chuck….hmmmm. Okay this was a tough one. She knew in a way, they were both holding back or at least being very careful. Chuck of course seemed to be holding back a lot more but his walls were definitely crumbling. She had this strange feeling that her little nemesis, one Morgan Grimes, may have planted some crazy thought in Chuck's head; but no matter, that would hopefully soon be moot. This was a mission objective that she couldn't allow to fail. Not after that wonderful kiss in the closet and the kisses and playful flirting that had been going on since. No, this objective better be a constant priority.
Their future careers were next and this was a big one. The one thing for certain was they had to be together. That she had no doubt about. Not even a question. As for the CIA she could resign at anytime if need be, she'd put in her time. Sure the CIA would want her to stay but legally they couldn't stop her. However, Chuck was a different case. The legalities of what Chuck had in his head brought into it a whole new level of bureaucratic red tape. Once it was out though, then they'd be freer in considering their alternatives. There were so many other positions in the government intelligence agencies besides clandestine agents, that she was positive that both Chuck and she could have their choice of position. Or maybe they could start a small software company and live in Hawaii reaping the benefits. She got so excited thinking about the future possibilities. Not a check mark though, she thought, as there were too many unanswered questions.
Sarah paused at the next one on her mental checklist. She understood completely that it was her own fault for this even being an issue. Get Chuck to realize he is that guy. This was proving to be harder than she thought it would be. Even though Sarah was doing everything she could think of, Chuck was still not getting it. She truly wished she could do more but she knew there came a point where he would just have to trust her and accept how much he means to her. She knew being the hard-ass agent for so long tended to build some walls, but she was trying to be more of a traditional girlfriend for him. She actually enjoyed dressing up in non-mission outfits, shopping, cooking, and just doing everything a real girl should. She could do real, she actually loved the attention he gave her when she was real. Okay, he always gave her attention, but she could be the loving, caring, sweet girl that he wanted.
Of course that brings up the last of the mental mission objectives. Setting up a way to cordon off all the bitches that seem attracted to Chuck. She knew if these sluts started mysteriously disappearing that might reflect poorly on her in Chuck's eyes. After all, she still needed to do the sweet and caring real girl thing. Maybe accidentally beating each one to a pulp? Okay, okay, maybe limited to a few black eyes and busted lips. That would be a deterrent for any woman to mess with her nerd. Maybe Casey could help with this? He is the top sniper after all. Stopping in mid-thought Sarah laughed at how ridiculous she was being. That wasn't how she should be acting and she really was just kidding around. She would never bring Casey in to be a part of the needless slaughter of every bitch that tried to get close to Chuck. That was her mission objective and hers alone.
Sarah smiled as she thought of her mission objectives and how they were coming along nicely. It was just a matter of time now. And of course now it was time to go see the man that makes it all worth it. Time to go see her nerd. She had thought about paying a visit to the local deli shop on the way, but that could always wait.
{* * *}
Ellie had been trying to come up with something fun the 'family' could do together. It had been a while since they got together and it was about time for another Bartowski Family Game Night.
So tonight was game night over at Casa de Bartowski. Chuck was sitting in his favorite chair with Sarah sitting right next to him not so covertly going out of her way to push the boundaries of just how 'friends' should act in the physical sense. Yeah, life was really good right now Chuck thought as he smiled at all the attention.
Of course he was a little worried for his little buddy Morgan who he had barely seen for the past few weeks. Matter of fact, ever since he and Sarah had become closer, Morgan had strangely enough been fighting illness after illness. The poor guy was finally feeling well enough to make it to the first game night in a while.
. . .
Ellie and Devon were having a blast as they could not contain their laughter at how Morgan and Sarah were going at it the whole night. Nothing serious, but it was obvious there was a war going on for Chuck's attention, and the two doctors were just sitting back and enjoying the show. Of course Ellie had already had a specific game planned to end the evening events and it looked like now was a good a time as any.
"Okay guys. This will be the last game of the night, and since it is getting real close to Chuck's birthday. We will be honoring our favorite nerd with a game of 'Who knows Chuck best.'" Ellie felt a gentle nudge from Devon and she was trying to keep her laughter under control. "Currently, and for the last 20 years, Morgan Grimes has held the honorary position of 'knowing Chuck best' so tonight, we will see if he can overcome his stiffest challenge."
Chuck suddenly went still as he saw the determination in both Sarah and Morgan's face. He had seen those looks before, in movies right before two hardened gladiators faced off in a duel to the death. Oh man, this was going to be epic; he worried it might even get bloody.
Morgan stood to stretch and also to give his stomach a break. He had been suffering from quite a few stomach problems lately and he wanted to make sure he was going to be okay before the war began. "Ellie, I would just like to say what an honor it is to hold this prestigious title. Of course being Chuck's Best Friend," Morgan emphasized this last part as he smirked at Sarah, "I'm not sure it's even fair for a certain somebody…" Morgan nodded his head towards Sarah, "to even participate. This really isn't going to be close and I hope I don't make that certain someone cry like a little baby."
Oh it was so on, Sarah's eyes gleamed at the challenge giving Morgan the 'this lady takes no prisoners' look. "We'll see Morgan."
"Okay, rules apply just like last time. You'll be given a question concerning Chuck and the person who writes down, and this is very important, gives the most accurate answer, will get a point. The first person to get ten points wins." Ellie grinned, she couldn't wait to get started, she'd already collected the answers from Chuck although to be honest she really did not need them. This was going to be so much fun. "You guys ready?" It was obvious to Ellie that the only two competitors in this game were going to be Sarah and Morgan. Usually they would have set the game up differently but this just seemed to work better as Ellie had thought about it earlier.
Sarah was ready as she grabbed her white doodle pad. This was what she trained for observation, remembering items to the minute detail and full recall.
"First question. What is Chuck's favorite ice cream?"
Morgan just grinned from ear to ear. "Oh please Ellie. No need to eliminate Sarah from the competition already." Morgan quickly turned his paddle around to show Mint Chocolate Chip. "Boo Yah!" Morgan was living it up.
"Uh, excuse me Morgan. But what I think you meant to say was Haagen Dazs' Mint Chocolate Chip with colored sprinkles on top. Of course Chuck likes said ice cream in his Spiderman bowl that he won in the seventh grade for collecting the most box tops." The almost feral look she gave him seemed to growl 'take that'.
Morgan just stared mouth agape as a sheen of sweat seemed to appear on his forehead. Matter of fact, everyone save Sarah was stunned out of their proverbial pants. Chuck just looked at her in shock 'who is this woman?'
Sarah seeing the absolute cutest look on her nerd's face leaned over to kiss him on the cheek. She whispered, "And that's all from intel I've gathered on my own. No cheating from me."
Chuck honestly couldn't care less what she said. He was still in shock that she knew those very specific and correct details about him. Of course that wouldn't be in the CIA's database, but wow. She just surprised him, then he glanced at Morgan and knew he wasn't the only one.
Ellie had to gather herself. She wasn't even positive she remembered where Chuck had gotten the spiderman ice cream bowl. "Okay next question and this one's a little harder."
Morgan quickly collected himself. He had to pull it together and concentrate.
"What is Chuck's favorite song?"
. . .
The night went on and it truly was an epic battle between two hardened Chuck gladiators dueling to the death. Sarah was on a roll but Morgan had caught up as it got close to the end of the match. The score was nine points Sarah, nine points Morgan. It came down to the final question.
Everyone was on the edge of their seats. It was as if it was the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl the score tied with only ten seconds left. This was it.
Ellie could not believe the epic duel. It all came down to this last question. "Okay guys, for the final question and for the win. Who is Chuck's hero?"
Sarah had this one wrapped up in the bag and about to send Morgan home packing. Sarah knew that Han Solo had always been Chuck's hero. He would talk about if he could ever be someone else, he would have chosen Han. Of course she knew that Morgan also knew this so she had to pull something else out of the hat. She would reveal where Han was born and who raised him. Oh she had this one.
"Okay Sarah you first." Ellie noticed a somber look on Morgan's face and she knew why. It wasn't pride or conceitedness, it was just a friend that knew his best buddies heart.
Sarah stated, "Chuck's hero is Han Solo. Born on Corellia and raised by Garris Shrike."
Chuck was stunned and if he had to admit, a bit turned on. He could not believe she had actually known that. He was not even sure Morgan knew that detail about Han Solo.
Ellie was quite impressed with Sarah, but now it was Morgan's turn. "Okay Morgan, your turn. Who is Chuck's hero?"
Morgan was completely somber as he slowly turned his paddle so everyone could see what Chuck's self-proclaimed twin wrote.
Sarah gasped as she saw what was written. She quickly put her hand to her mouth as she looked at Chuck.
Chuck was so filled with conflicting emotions right now. One he was happy his buddy got it. Two he was embarrassed because of what it said. And three, just how much what Morgan had written meant to him.
Ellie just tilted her head as she was starting to get emotional. She knew the answer ahead of time but it was never expected to even get this far and it was never expected to be revealed. It was now, and she just looked over at Sarah who was now starting to tear up her calm exterior now replaced. "Morgan, you are correct and you win. Chuck's hero is Sarah Walker."
There was no celebrating, no clapping, and no brow beating. Morgan just turned to Sarah and with the most heartfelt somewhat shy smile filling his face. "Thank you for saving my best friend from the path he was heading down. I can honestly admit that you are the best thing that's ever happened to Chuck." With that, the bearded one left the house, leaving everyone at a loss for words.
Sarah really did not know how to respond. The things she had done to Morgan these past few weeks. She never knew what it was like to have a friend like Morgan. Well not until now with Chuck, so she never really understood the actions of Morgan. She thought he declared war when all along he was just protecting his friend.
Sarah now held onto Chuck's hand as her emotions were overcoming her. She couldn't believe how much respect had just paid to her by the only man in this world whose opinion truly mattered to her. She was really having a hard time trying to keep a shred of calmness as she turned to Ellie for help.
Ellie just nodded towards Chuck as if to say, he's right there. That is all you need. Then Ellie and Devon left the room.
Sarah got up and sat in Chuck's lap, screw the camera's and screw Beckman. Some things in life were more important than protocol.
Sarah gently grabbed Chuck's face in her hands. "Chuck. Do you really mean that? Do you really think that much of me?"
Chuck was slightly embarrassed but he had to let her know. "Sarah, since the minute you saved my life at the dance club and later on the roof of that building. I've idolized you, respected you, and cherished every minute I've had with you. Don't you see why it's so hard for me to accept just how much you 'care' about me?" Chuck tried to gather himself. "You're just everything to me Sarah. You're everything I want, everything I need, and everything I could ever hope to be."
There were no words that could be expressed at this moment. Nothing else could be said that would make this moment even more cherished to her than it already was. So Sarah did the only thing that she felt could express her feelings. She kissed the one man who completed her. The one man in this world who truly was her everything.
{* * *}
Morgan was sitting alone on his mom's couch watching Star Wars Episode I, the Phantom Menace. Or he had it on, while his thoughts were far far away. He was thinking back to when he was nine years old and had gotten that dreadful call from Chuck, saying it had been a week and his mom still had not come back. That week turned into two weeks, turned into a month, and then years.
It was a rough couple years following Chuck's mom disappearance but they made it through. Then Chuck's dad leaving, at least mentally, almost happened about the same time his own dad decided to take off. Their friendship was never more needed than during that time. And of course the Jill and Bryce debacle, that was probably the worst time of all.
He had to admit though at first he thought Sarah would be no different. Someone that would just take advantage of Chuck's caring and devotedness and when she tired of him, she'd be gone. But Morgan knew his twin better than anyone else. The nights they would talk about Sarah and how Chuck felt about her. It was odd that on those nights Chuck seemed to have the radio louder than usual or they'd talk in the weirdest locations, but either way, Morgan knew Sarah was different, she was the game changer, she was Chuck's Princess Leia.
Morgan felt bad for the way he had treated Sarah but it was obvious something had to make that girl take a stand, like Master Yoda said, 'Do or do not, there is no try' so he had to pull out all the stops. She finally made the effort that Morgan knew she could. Hopefully she could someday understand that he did it for his best friend… Morgan froze as he heard a knock on the door.
He checked the time, it was almost midnight, this couldn't be good. He cautiously grabbed his replica Luke Skywalker light saber with realistic sounds and lights and approached the door. Ready to press the button to make the sword come to life.
"Morgan, it's Sarah. Can I talk to you?" Sarah spoke through the door.
Sarah? What in the world is she doing here? Morgan had a scary thought of his life ending, but then it quickly went away. He thought reassuringly, it was Sarah, not like she was some trained assassin or anything. Morgan cautiously opened the door.
"Sarah, what are you doing here?" Morgan still held his light saber, one could never be too careful.
Sarah felt so bad about what she had done to Morgan over the past few weeks. It was for the greater good, but she still felt bad. "Morgan, I just wanted to apologize for the way I've been treating you. You will always be Chuck's best friend, and I don't ever want to come between you two. I just… I just…"
"You just love Chuck so much and want him to love you just as much." Morgan said this as if this was the absolute truth of the universe.
Sarah was shocked at the conviction in Morgan's voice. She really couldn't counter his statement. She just lowered her head, "Yes Morgan. And I just suck expressing my true feelings for him. It was you though that sort of got me to realize I needed to do more."
"Well that was the plan." Morgan instantly cupped his hand over his mouth. Oh man he had such a big mouth.
"The plan?" Sarah now had her hands on her hips. This had been a plan? Really?
"Fine. You got me. I give I give." Morgan was just shaking his head.
Sarah had to laugh inside a little. If only marks were as easy to break.
"Look Sarah. I knew you loved Chuck, Ellie knew you loved Chuck, hell, Jeff and Lester knew you loved Chuck. It seemed the only person in this universe that didn't know you loved Chuck was… well was you." Morgan was hoping she would take this the right way. "You just needed a little shove in the right direction."
"So that whole conversation awhile back was just part of your plan?" Sarah couldn't help but smile. "You mean you really don't think I treated him like Jill?"
"Of course not Sarah. How could you ever think that? You know, you would make a really lousy spy. Please don't ever give up your day job." Morgan was just shaking his head. This poor misguided girl.
Wow, how much were Morgan and Chuck alike. Now she really felt bad about spiking his drinks with laxatives and then replacing his shower gel with the itching lotion. "Well I guess I should thank you then."
Morgan became really serious for a moment. "You can thank me by never hurting my best bud. You can thank me by finally honoring a commitment to him and not leaving him."
Sarah knew that those were nothing that she hadn't already promised herself. "Morgan, you'll never have to worry about that." Sarah felt so relieved to finally fix things with Morgan.
"Uh Sarah?" Morgan could not look at her.
"Yes Morgan?" Sarah could see the uneasiness in her former nemesis.
"There was also one other tiny conversation I might have had with Chuck. You know, maybe some advice I gave him." Morgan was preparing to run.
Sarah suddenly could feel something really strange in the pit of her stomach. "Morgan Grimes, what did you do?"
Morgan gave a nervous laugh. "I might have instructed Chuck to abstain from physical contact with you for a bit." Yep, Morgan was out of here as he saw the look on Sarah's face. Oh God he thought as he saw her eyes…maybe she was some highly trained ninja assassin.
"MORGAN GRIMES!"
{* * *}
{Couple Days Later}
Ellie was riding such a high from the last few weeks. She could tell the tremendous change in Chuck and even Sarah. She had seen them act happy before. She had seen them act like a girlfriend and boyfriend before. But nothing compared to how those two acted around each other now. She did not want to lose this momentum so after her big success at family game night, she had another event planned that hopefully would bring the two lovebirds even closer. She laughed to herself. If those two got any closer they would become one person.
Ellie decided today would be a good day for 'couples' day at the beach. After all, they did live in California, might as well enjoy the benefits of living here.
Ellie thought of how far Sarah truly had come since their conversation at the restaurant on girl's night out. It was obvious that girl was head over heals for Chuck especially after game night. She had never seen anyone so aggressive in their pursuit of Chuck. It was usually the other way around. Obviously Sarah was taking the 'try harder' to actually try your hardest.
She was finishing packing for the day when she turned to Devon who had just come back from the kitchen. "So honey, you think signing Chuck and Sarah up for Couples Volleyball will be a good idea?" Ellie looked to Devon.
"Of course babe. Chuck was always pretty good at it and I think it will be good for the two love birds."
Ellie went and gave Devon a big hug. "I figured as much, but I just wanted to make sure everything goes smoothly today. Remember that this day is for Chuck and Sarah."
Devon had never recalled a more determined Ellie. Dare he say she was borderline obsessed with making sure Chuck and Sarah got back together? He understood the Chuck side. I mean Devon had brothers of his own and Chuck was just as much a real brother to him as his own were. He also understood Ellie's motherly attitude towards Chuck. I mean how could she not considering how much she had to act like a mother to Chuck ever since he was nine years old. It actually made him smile thinking about how determined Ellie was. He liked seeing Ellie with a purpose, because Ellie with a mission was always a good thing.
They finished up packing and it was time to get Chuck and Sarah who were supposed to be over shortly. Yeah, today was going to be a good day.
{* * *}
"Sarah are you sure you want me on this team? I mean Devon is much better at volleyball than I am and I think you'd have more fun playing with him." Chuck was standing next to Sarah warily eyeing their competition. He still couldn't believe Ellie had done this to him.
"Chuck, I don't want Devon on my team. You're my team Chuck, no matter what we do we'll always be a team." Sarah nudged him. "So let's go kick some ass."
Chuck just shook his head at her. "Just don't laugh at me when you see me floundering around out there..."
"Hey you sorry saps going to play or you going to chit chat all day?" The obnoxious opposing team member Steve was impatiently holding his hands up in the air. It was obvious this guy took the game of volleyball much more serious than most people around here. He looked physically to be a cut out of Devon's mold but personality wise he was a douche.
His female partner wasn't much better. "Hey Blondie, why don't you get your man moving or would you like a real woman to show you how to do it?"
Oh crap Chuck thought as he quickly turned to Sarah. She was already pissed and the match hadn't even begun yet. The only saving grace was that there was no place to hide a weapon in Sarah's bathing suit, although now that Chuck really thinks about it, does that even matter? Sarah's hands were lethal weapons in and of themselves. "You okay Sarah?"
"Just fine Chuck, just fine." Sarah was eying the busty brunette with the athletic build up and down.
"Get your skinny ass ready and make sure your blond bimbo can play. Wouldn't want Barbie to break a nail." Steve was arrogantly chiding them on.
"Dude man. Could you please just watch your mouth? This is supposed to be a fun game, why are you being such a jerk?" Chuck didn't like the way the guy talked about Sarah.
"Listen here you prick, you better shut that mouth of yours before I slam this ball right through it."
Chuck looked to Sarah. "And to think we could have been having a nice relaxing time today. Remind me to thank Ellie."
Sarah was so close to beating the snot out of both members of the other team, but she wanted to try at least to have some fun with Chuck before she took matters into her own hands. "You ready Chuck? Let's show these idiots how Team Bartowski does it."
Chuck swallowed hard; oh this is not going to be good.
. . .
As Chuck predicted, it had not gone well at all. The tournaments were the best of three and the Charah team had already lost the first match and was down 10 to 5 in the second. Steve and his brunette bitch were non-stop in their badgering of Team Charah and it was getting to the boiling point. Christa, who they found out, was the brunette's name had already propositioned Chuck more than once. Constant remarks about letting a real woman show you how it's done. Why play with plastic Barbie when you can play with a real woman? The only thing that did surprise Chuck was apparently Steve, being just as good at being an ass, never once tried to hit on Sarah. If Chuck knew better, Steve might have actually been trying to hit on him once or twice.
Chuck called for a timeout as he walked over to Sarah who was so fuming mad that Chuck knew for sure if he didn't calm the situation, there would be two mysterious disappearances after the tournament. It was time for Chuck to do what he does best.
"Sarah, I need you to focus okay?"
Sarah turned angrily at him. "I am focused damn it. I am focused on killing that bitch over there. And don't you dare act like you haven't noticed her flaunting her tight ass and over sized chest at you."
Funny thing, he really hadn't noticed that part. I mean he noticed the advances and propositions, but when you were already with the hottest girl in the world. Somehow everyone else just seemed normal. Yeah he was weird like that. "Sarah, believe me, if I wanted perfect ass and perfect chest, I don't have to look much farther than my own teammate." Did he really just say that out loud? Judging by Sarah's change in behavior, yeah he guessed he did.
Sarah reached over and kissed him. "Oh you really want me to take it easy on you in training this week don't you?" God this man just always knew the right thing to say.
"Hey team wish we knew how to actually play volleyball. You YMCA rejects ready yet?"
Chuck took a deep breath. "You know, I think Morgan and I actually went to school with that guy. I mean how old is he? Ten?"
Sarah just smiled as she nudged Chuck, "I know right. I mean where are all the mama jokes?"
Chuck stood mouth agape. Did bad ass super spy Sarah Walker just bring up mama jokes? I mean really?
Sarah knew what he was thinking, "Not a word Chuck. Not a word."
There were so many places Chuck wanted to go with that but they needed to pull this together. "Sarah look, we've faced down terrorist, crime bosses, drug dealers, Chinese mobsters, hit men, and pretty much a good sampling of the scum of the earth. If we can beat them, than we should be able to beat big mouth and big boobs over there."
Sarah gave him a dirty look like he better tread carefully there.
"Here is what we need to do..."
Chuck went on to explain the tendencies that he had analyzed from the other team's game play. Sarah then came up with some strategies of her own to use against their opponents. They just needed to stay focused on each other and work as a team. That they could do.
Chuck's shirt had long since been drenched with sweat. Deciding against his own embarrassment of public decency, he finally took his shirt off. Chuck knew he had been toning up thanks to the exercising with Sarah, but he was still self-conscious about his self-perceived bird chest. Apparently, his low self-esteem did not match anyone else's on the field of play.
Sarah could not believe her eyes when Chuck removed his shirt. She lost focus as she stared at his toned chest and stomach. Oh my god he looked so good Sarah thought. Unfortunately her infatuation was short lived as she saw the pure look of desire on Christa's face as the bitch licked her lips and eyed Chuck up and down like some piece of meat. What was even worse was she noticed Steve checking him out also. She just couldn't win trying to keep Chuck all to herself. Talk about fighting a war.
. . .
Chuck and Sarah worked flawlessly together after that point. It was almost magical to watch as they each knew where the other would be, what strategy to use, and who would do what. Chuck was unbelievable as he blocked shot after shot and Sarah's serve was now unstoppable. She actually got a few really hard shots into the Christa's chest and the side of her face. You'd have thought they won the game on the shot to the face alone.
Charah won the second game and the third was now Charah 14, Jerk's 13. This was it, game-point. It was Steve serving and Chuck could only pray that they could somehow pull this off. He gave Sarah the signal for their defense as Steve served the ball.
The ball quickly flew over the net just over the reach of Chuck. He instantly turned and dove for the ball digging it out of the ground knocking it high into the air. He was quickly back on his feet as Sarah prepared to set the ball for him. She placed the ball perfectly for him near the net as he rocketed to the sky and put all his strength into his spike. Unfortunately the ball ricocheted off of Steven's head knocking the man to the ground and in turn sending the ball flying above and behind Chuck.
Chuck could only stare as Sarah barely made contact as she aggressively dove for the ball sending it lofting just high enough for Chuck to make a move.
He sprinted towards Sarah and where the ball was dropping to the sandy floor. She was already on her feet but there was nothing she could do as she watched Chuck go airborne trying to save the second hit. It all came down to this moment as Chuck had a brief experience what Superman must feel like. But then the sandy beach rushed towards his face as he reached out a balled fist and gave the ball an upward punch just as his face and body impacted with the sand.
Steve was still dazed so it left only Christa. Sarah never thought anyone would have been able to make a save like that but somehow Chuck did the impossible, just as he always did. He set her up perfectly where she hit the ball just out of reach of Christa on the other side. Point, set, match, Team Charah won.
Sarah could not believe what she was feeling right now. She had felt good on successful missions. The high from those were always exhilarating and had a lot to do with why she was an agent. But the pure excitement and adrenaline rush she was feeling now was like nothing she had ever felt. She quickly turned to Chuck who was getting up wiping himself off from the sand. She locked eyes with him and something was exchanged between them. In that moment, as strange as it was, with all their other life shattering experiences together, in this exact moment they shared an existing bond that could never be broken. Call it friendship, love, partnership, companionship, whatever. But it was a bond that had been built because a nerd from Burbank and a super spy from the CIA had not given up on each other.
Sarah and Chuck simultaneously ran towards each other and Sarah leapt into his arms. She could care less about anything but being in the embrace of her partner, her friend, her...
Chuck had rarely been the aggressor in their relationship, okay pretty much never. For this brief moment that changed as he kissed her with such excitement that it caught Sarah completely off-guard. She didn't care about the taste of sand. She only cared about that moment. Chuck swung Sarah around in his arms as they heard the cheers around them. It was a simple game of volleyball. No trophies, no awards, just a game a caring sister decided to enroll her brother and "friend" in. It would be something that helped to change their lives forever. Even great things come from the simplest acts.
As if to emphasis this, there was a tall brunette standing off to the side of the volleyball area. Her fiance was already going nuts, proclaiming how 'awesome' the game was, but she just stood there with her hand over her mouth as tears fell down her face. No one would ever know the sacrifices Eleanor Faye Bartowski had made for her brother. No one would know the endless nights of crying that she had when her brother was betrayed at Stanford. No one would know the 16 year old that gave up her teenage years so that her brother could be cared for. No one would know the late nights working while going to school just so her and her brother could have food on the table and a place to live. But none of it mattered as she looked over at her Chuck and the woman that would now take over protecting Chuck's heart. She had trained her replacement well and even though it was hard to hand off the reins, it could not of been to a better person. Ellie's heart was full as she knew her brother was finally safe. He was finally safe in the arms of the woman that would now protect him for the rest of his life. She shook her head it was just a volleyball game. But in the end… it was so much more...