A/N: Sorry for the delays, been slammed at work lately.

I had thought about writing about the episode where Orion contacts Chuck and so on and so forth. But although Orion fits in the story, that part really didn't bring a lot to what I was trying to accomplish. There really was only one key part I wanted to bring out about the Orion bit in Predator and I am sure you will get the change in the first couple chapters. There was also another reason I didn't want to delay but you won't know that until after you read.

So this takes place during Chuck vs. The Predator and Chuck vs. Broken Heart.

Thanks again to Gladius for his help with making this worth reading.

I don't own Chuck or anything else in this story.

Chapter 11 - 49-B

{Week Later – Almost Two Months after Suburbs}

Chuck was sitting in front of his home computer, having probably the worst day of his life. He and Sarah were so close if not already to taking the next step and now everything could be ruined because of his stupid search for this Orion character. He was selfish for letting his partners help him find Orion. Casey and Sarah were so adamant about helping him that Chuck just couldn't say no. The strange thing was, it seemed Sarah was the most determined to find Orion. Honestly, a small part of Chuck felt… well he felt important with the Intersect and he really wasn't in all that hurry to get it removed. But no matter what, now they could all be in big trouble.

Chuck was thinking back to the how his partners saved him the other night. Orion questioned whether Chuck could trust his handlers, but Chuck would have nothing to do with it. Of everyone in his life, besides Ellie, and Morgan he trusted no one more than Casey and Sarah. So when Chuck was kidnapped by the Fulcrum Agent Vincent and then forced to lead him to Orion, it was Casey and Sarah who found him and brought hell with them. They had defeated every Fulcrum agent in the building but during all of the death and destruction that his friends were sowing as they worked to save Chuck, Orion was taken to a helicopter where it was eventually blown up by a predator drone.

That led to the events of last night. Chuck sighed. Chuck couldn't believe he and Sarah were not stronger than this. It was mostly his fault, but he could tell Sarah was really hurting. He was upset also, but Sarah was just so down. They should have done more to resist it, but it was like a perfect storm. The Reagan Memorial, the emotions from both game night, and the beach volleyball game, and then the mission where they lost Orion and almost lost Chuck. It all culminated in a perfect storm of emotions that resulted in a very heated make out session at the fountain outside Chuck's apartment. That might not have been the worst thing to happen, but Beckman was already pissed that Chuck had been captured, so she had all the surveillance video commandeered before Casey had a chance to edit it. This wasn't good especially since his plan to win over Beckman was still ongoing. He just needed to talk to Sarah right now. They really needed each other to get through this and he couldn't stand not hearing her voice. As if on cue, the FireFly theme rang on his phone.

Chuck quickly went to the bathroom and took out the burn phone. "Chuck secure. Sarah I am so sorry." Chuck could not hide his sadness.

"Sarah secure and it's not your fault Chuck."

"Do you think Beckman saw what happened Sarah?"

"She probably did. Casey was doing his best to cover it up but he thinks it might have got through.

Chuck prayed that she wasn't to upset. "Are you mad at me?"

Sarah could hear the concern in his voice. "Chuck I could never be mad at you for caring about me. It was my fault anyway. I shouldn't have been so upset about losing Orion and then lay it all on you."

"Sarah don't say that. You're my best friend and I can't stand to see you upset, we were both upset. I know how much it meant to us to find Orion, and I didn't want to see you hurting like that when we lost him."

"Chuck I shouldn't have kissed you like that, especially in front of the fountain. I just reacted. I am sorry."

Chuck remembered the kiss. It was intended as just a comforting kiss goodnight between two best friends. He should've had better control, but Sarah when she wrapped her hands around his head and pulled him in, he lost all reasoning. Why didn't he fight it, why wasn't he stronger for both of them? Now it could all come back to bite them.

"Tell me what your thinking Chuck."

"Are they going to pull a 49-B?" The concern was evident in his voice.

"Chuck don't say that. I'll never allow them to take me from you. Never."

"But Sarah you know how Beckman has been riding our butts and she was pretty pissed about the whole Orion thing. She is just looking for an excuse."

"Chuck can I ask you something and I want you to be completely honest with me because I'll be going out on a limb here."

"Of course Sarah, you know I'd never lie to you."

"I know but I just needed to hear you say it. How much is our friendship worth to you?"

"Everything Sarah. I can't live without you in my life."

"Enough to run away with me?"

"You mean go off-grid?"

"Yes Chuck."

"I don't know Sarah. I know how much your job and your career mean to you. I just couldn't take that away no matter what you say."

"Chuck don't you dare claim to know what means the most to me. I thought we were closer than that for you to make such a moronic statement. I mean as close as we are, you think I care more for my career than you? Really Chuck?"

Well a couple months ago it would have been a no brainer, now not so much. "Sarah it's not that. I'm just saying I'm not going to be the cause of you giving up so much. Your happiness means more to me than that, and I refuse to allow you to give up so much for me. I'm just not worth it."

{Silence}

"Sarah?"

{No response}

"Sarah are you there?" Chuck was starting to panic.

{Nothing}

Why am I such an idiot? Chuck wondered. He hung up the phone and placed it back under the cabinet. He couldn't move. He just sat there with his head in his hands. Everything he had tried so hard to keep safe these past few months could come crumbling down with one mistake. Why did things like this always seem to happen to him? Is he ever going to catch a break?

He sat there for a few minutes longer and decided to wash up a bit. In reality he was hoping maybe by washing his face he could wash away his concerns. He finished brushing his teeth and was heading out of the bathroom. Just as he reached for the handle he was launched back into the bathroom by a blonde she-devil.

"Sarah? What are you doing here?"

"Shut your mouth Chuck." She quickly slammed the door and stood glaring at Chuck. "Why are you doing this to me Chuck? Why?" Sarah was not going to lose it. She was stronger than this and she didn't want Chuck to see her cry even though he continues to break her heart apart.

"Sarah I'm sorry okay? I should know better by now but I still have self-confidence issues when it comes to you." Chuck held his hands out, begging her to forgive him for being an idiot yet again. He really hoped Sarah would not tell Ellie about his latest brain fart.

"But how could you think that Chuck? Has the last couple months meant nothing to you? Why do you still question my feelings for you? Why do you dare question how much you mean to me?" Sarah was beyond hurt now. "Chuck, I don't want you to freak out okay, but it's obvious you need to know how much you mean to me. And yes I know what I am about to do probably is not a good idea right now. But I have to show you how much you mean to me and I suck at words."

Chuck didn't have time to respond as Sarah pulled him close and attacked his mouth. In a weird way, Chuck was almost as shocked by this kiss as he was by their first one on the docks. Chuck tried to be strong and break the kiss but he just couldn't. The taste of Sarah and the emotion she was pouring into the kiss was just too much for him to resist. So just like their first kiss, he eagerly responded.

It was moments later they both broke the kiss, each needing to gain some much needed air.

"Sarah please tell me this is going to work out." The thoughts of the 49-B popping in his head, "I can't lose you. I will do whatever it takes Sarah, whatever it takes." Chuck knew there was no going back. It was time for phase II of his mission plan.

Chuck took a deep breath. He pulled Sarah close to him, looking deep within her eyes. "So I need to know Sarah, and please don't hit me again. Is this what you really want?" Chuck cringed as he saw Sarah ready to punch him. "Wait wait. I mean are you really willing to do what it takes to be together now?" He could feel her body tensing as she was still in his arms.

Sarah could not control her emotions any longer. To hear Chuck finally after all this time get it, she knew that she could never go back to the way it was before. This was her new life and Chuck was the one and only part of it. Sarah wasn't exactly thinking rationally, but that was now pretty much all the time when she was around Chuck. "Chuck I want this more than I have wanted anything in my life. Nothing means more to me than us, and I don't mean just as friends." Sarah grabbed his face. "I will do anything to make this work. Do you understand? Anything."

Chuck could never recall a more determined look than the one he saw now in the eyes of the woman he loved. "Then we work this out together. I have some things I am working on to get Beckman in our corner but what if something happens before that time?"

She reached up a loving hand to wrap in his curls. "Chuck I will take care of the 49-B if it comes up. Casey and I have already talked about how to handle this. We just still need to be very careful okay?"

Even though the percentages were not in their favor yet, Chuck's plan never compensated for this. It was amazing how much he planned for a true friendship, never realizing a true loving relationship would happen so soon. True love has seemed to find a way to work its way into his plan even earlier than he had hoped. Just goes to show, not even the best analyst in the world can predict how much influence love can really have on someone. It was definitely a wonderful problem to have.

Chuck wanted to say something, but decided instead to show Sarah what he was feeling. He held her face in his hands as he kissed her. It was one of the few times he actually initiated a kiss. The kiss quickly escalated, as all their kisses seemed to do. It was not long into the kiss and Sarah made it very clear she wanted more as she began grinding seductively against him.

Oh dear God in heaven. "Sarah, I want you so bad." His voice was barely a whimper as some how Sarah's shirt was now laying on the floor next to them.

"Chuck, are you in there bro?" Devon asked as he knocked on the bathroom door.

Chuck instantly stopped what he was doing. His hand still resting on Sarah's left breast.

Sarah felt his hesitancy. "Chuck just tell him to go away," as if to give him more incentive, Sarah reached around to unclasp her bra.

"Chuck, hurry up dude. Had some bad tacos for dinner and they are making their way through the intestinal track." Devon was standing right outside, banging on the door.

And there went the mood. Chuck just leaned his head against Sarah's as she brought her hands back around, her bra unfortunately still in place.

Sarah regained her composure. "I really hate Devon right now." She lightly banged her head against Chuck's.

"I think I even hate him to be honest." Chuck walked over to the toilet and flushed it. "Devon, you're really not going to want to come in here for a while. I myself am suffering from a bout of bad shrimp." Chuck just shrugged as he looked at Sarah.

"Okay Bro. Just make sure to use the Lysol and hurry up." They could hear Devon walking away.

Sarah playfully slapped him. "You are such a nerd you know that?"

"Well that's what you love most about me right?" Chuck was giving her the eyebrow dance.

"Honestly, I lost count months ago." It was then Sarah's phone vibrated and she glanced at the screen. 'Damn it, Beckman wants to see me.' Sarah reluctantly started putting her shirt back on.

Chuck noticed the phone call and a feeling of despair came over him as he saw Sarah's demeanor. "Sarah who was that?"

Sarah could see the worry in his face. She brought him into her arms as she hugged him tight. "Chuck that was Beckman. She wants to see me but don't freak out okay?"

Chuck started freaking out. He was shaking his head. "I can't do this Sarah. I can't lose you. I won't."

"Hey hey." Sarah kissed him in an effort to calm him but also to calm herself. "We are going to get through this. I promise you Chuck. Us, you and me, that is my most important mission right now. Do you understand what I am trying to say?"

It suddenly hit Chuck what Sarah was telling him. Sarah never fails a mission and she just reaffirmed that their relationship was her mission. He was still worried but he was able to calm down a bit knowing that Agent Walker would make sure they stayed together. "I understand. But know this Sarah. You are not alone in this fight. I'll fight for us too. I will do whatever it takes to make sure we are together."

Sarah smiled. Those words comforted her more than even the confidence in her own abilities. This was going to work. She had no doubt. "I will talk to you as soon as I can. Just try not to think the worst okay?"

Chuck just gave her a look like right, sure.

She kissed him again. "I will call you later, okay?" She held onto his hand as she did not want this to end.

Chuck was distracted for a second as he looked into Sarah's eyes. Even with what was looming ahead, he still felt like he was the luckiest man in the world. "Thank you for everything Sarah. We will make this work." He kissed her again, staying on her lips just a tad longer than was appropriate considering Devon would be in shortly. "You truly are amazing Sarah Walker."

When they ended their kiss, Sarah smiled and squeezed his cheeks. "Don't you ever forget it."

{* * *}

{Next Night}

Chuck sat at his computer still worried to death about the findings of Agent Forrest who had been sent to evaluate the current situation. His worst fears the other night had come true. He was positive at this point that Sarah and he were never meant to consummate their relationship. It had been just last night Sarah and he had come so close and now of course, the 49-B was activated. Sarah tried to calm him, by telling him everything would be all right, but he did not believe her. She was at Castle now in another meeting with Beckman.

To take his mind off things Chuck tried to concentrate on other parts of his plan. Even though it could all come crashing down, he still felt the need to do all he could. He had decided back in the beginning to try and stay in contact with Carina. He thought the best way to establish a friendship was to help her in any way he could. About month ago he had flashed on some information concerning a leader of a drug cartel Carina was deep under cover with. He also flashed on some men who were supposed to be working with Carina. They were actually working for the drug lord. He sent her the encrypted message the moment he found out. She had contacted him about two weeks later and thanked him for saving her life. They had been in constant contact ever since as they both were implementing a special surprise for Sarah.

Another area that he was still concerned about was Roan Montgomery. He had mailed out and left messages for Roan over two months ago. Yet he had still hadn't heard back from him.

He was checking his inbox when a message appeared from Roan. He opened it and Roan actually seemed excited to have received a message from him. Chuck had originally sent him a detailed email, of course leaving out the parts that might get him thrown in a bunker, of what his plan was and if he had any advice on what to do to get General Beckman in his corner. Chuck smiled when he read the email. Roan actually thanked him for the email. He said it had made him look long and hard at his own situation and something he needed to fix from way back. Roan promised him that everything would work out. Chuck had no clue how Roan would do it. But if anyone could warm the heart of someone as cold as Beckman, it was definitely Roan Montgomery.

{* * *}

{At Castle}

"I am sorry but no, I will not be reassigned."

"Excuse me Agent Walker? Agent Forrest has concluded that due to your feelings for the asset you are no longer able to protect the Intersect."

"I am not leaving General."

"Yes you are, Agent Forrest please escort… AGENT WALKER!"

Sarah had knocked Agent Forrest out cold with a hard elbow to the jaw. "I want to make something perfectly clear General. NO ONE, will take me away from Chuck. I think you have read the reports from the late Arthur Graham. You know what I'm capable of. If someone tries to take Chuck from me, those reports will be nothing like what I will do to you and anyone you send."

"Agent Walker, do you hear yourself? You are so compromised it's not even funny. You're threatening a General of the United States."

"I'm not threatening anyone. I just made a promise. I tell you what General. You send anyone you think can protect the Intersect better than me. You give me five minutes alone with them, and then we'll see whose better. Agent Forrest is lucky. Last night I had a very good night with Chuck and he'd really rather I didn't kill anyone strictly for pleasure. But tomorrow is another day. Are we clear General?"

The General was pondering what Sarah was saying. She had a point. Anyone she sent wouldn't last five minutes with Sarah Walker. And that was with Chuck safe. What the hell would she do if he was in trouble? It was at that moment the General received a phone call. "One minute Agent Walker."

Sarah was never more angrier than she was right now. She wanted to beat something, anything. All she had done for the government and they were just going to take her away, reassign her? Hell no. That wasn't going to happen. She had waited all her life to find someone like Chuck and she was not going to turn her back on him. They would have to send an army to stop her.

It had been almost ten minutes before the General got back on the conference call. Sarah could see a change in the General, whoever was on the phone call must have made quite an impression on her. Last time Sarah remembered the General looking like this was when she was speaking of Roan Montgomery. It was definitely a different look for the General, she almost looked human. "You are reassigned back to Team Bartowski . I will brief the team more tomorrow. Have a good night Agent Walker."

Wow did she seem in a hurry. That was very strange Sarah thought as she accidentally kicked Agent Forrest in the side on her way out of Castle. Everything was going to work out after all. That thought turned her anger into happiness. Well that and the kick to the unconscious agent.

{The next day in Castle Briefing Room}

Sarah was all smiles and Chuck couldn't figure out why. She had told him nothing. He deducted that it might have something to do with the large bruise Agent Forrest was now sporting, but he wasn't sure.

"Team, good morning. Everyone looks so chipper this morning."

Everyone in the room stood shocked at the complete one-eighty demeanor of the General. They also noticed a bouquet of roses on her desk.

"I just want to inform Agent Forrest that her services will never be needed here again." Beckman looked directly at Chuck and Sarah. "It has been brought to my attention by an expert in Agent relationships, that the current relationship you both have with each other may prove to be more useful than we originally thought." Beckman actually smiled. "You are free to continue to pursue your relationship without prejudice from the United Sates Government. Team Bartowski is back together and we have even received extra funding for our operation here in Burbank. It seems you are quite popular, Mr. Bartowski with former first lady Nancy Reagan. She still has quite a bit of pull around Washington."

"Uh, thank you ma'am." Chuck stammered as he saw Casey beaming with pride. Did he actually hear what he thought he had just heard? He was shocked to say the least.

"That will be all. And Chuck, thank you again. Roan says hi." The General had the biggest smile on her face as she disconnected the call.

Chuck looked at Sarah as if to say pinch me, I'm dreaming.

She just laughed and nodded her head yes, it was true.

Chuck knew he had to head back to work and then there would be a lot to talk about with Sarah later, not to mention the huge friend… excuse me, date night he had planned tonight. Without wanting to be rude, he turned to Agent Forrest, "Well Agent Forrest, can't really say it's been a pleasure, but really it hasn't. Good luck in whatever it is you do." Chuck then walked over to Sarah and leaned forward just a bit, whispering, "Don't forget I am in charge of friends' night tonight. I have a surprise for you." Chuck gave her a wink. "I'll call you later okay?" Chuck thought about kissing her but felt it might be inappropriate… Well never mind as Sarah pulled him in for a deep kiss in front of everyone.

Sarah had the biggest smile. "I'll see you later, Bye Chuck." Sarah watched him leave. She then turned to Forrest.

Sarah and Agent Forrest just stared at each other like there was going to be a war right in the middle of the room. "You're dismissed Forrest. You heard the General. Get out!"

Forrest walked by Sarah giving her a shove as she left.

"Keep walking sweetheart." Thank goodness that's over. Sarah had to clean up some stuff and help Casey finalize some reports. She wanted to hurry up so that she could get ready for tonight. She wanted to make sure this would be a special night for her and Chuck. She hoped her surprise would be here but she still had not heard anything yet.

"Walker, you're going to want to see this." Casey was standing next to a surveillance monitor.

Sarah walked over and looked down at it. "The bitch is dead Casey."

. . .

"Chuck, Chuck wait up. Please."

Chuck stopped and turned as he heard Forrest flag him down. "What do you want Forrest?"

"Look Chuck I am sorry. I know it looks like I am a hard ass but that is just my cover. It's not easy being the 'Terminator' you know."

Chuck could see she was at least trying to be sincere. "Okay fine. I am sorry I treated you the way I did but I felt threatened. And nothing comes between me, my friends and family."

Forrest was now practically all over Chuck. She reached up to touch his curls. "I was hoping we could at least be friends."

Chuck heard the freezer door open.

"Well, call me anytime. See you later Chuck." And then she kissed him and ruffled his hair as Sarah came storming into the room. Forrest was out the door as Sarah jumped the counter in an attempt to head her off.

Chuck really did not want Sarah to be bogged down in paper work trying to explain why she killed another agent, especially on date night. So Chuck grabbed her, pulling her into his arms.

"Damn it Chuck, let me go. I am going to kill her."

"Sarah will you please calm down." Chuck was trying to soothe her but she was acting like she was possessed.

"She kissed you Chuck. She kissed you and touched my curls. She is going to die."

Oh man, this is not good Chuck thought. This is going to call for the big guns.

"Chuck let me go. NOW!"

Chuck softly began to hum the melody to their song. He started with her favorite line as he sang the words to her, using all the emotion he could in this situation.

This

Could be good

It's already better then that

And nothings worse then knowing you're holding back

I could be all that you needed

If you let me try

Sarah instantly calmed down as she laid her head on Chuck's chest. She could not withstand this kind of attack. His singing was her Kryptonite. She just could not defend against it.

Chuck continued to sing the Chorus as he and Sarah stood in the Orange Orange, swaying back and forth, dancing to the music Chuck provided. When he was finished, he looked down at Sarah. "You okay now?"

She sighed. "Yes Chuck. I just really hate that bitch."

{* * *}

A/N: Next Chapter will be a huge step for their relationship. I will try to get it out as soon as I can.