A/N: So… about last Friday's premiere of Chuck. I will tell you how I honestly felt. I liked the episode, but completely and utterly disliked the feeling I had when Chuck was treated like some insignificant being. Intersect or not, Chuck should never be treated like the way he was in the beginning.

I know they want to go back to the roots of the show but I'm sorry, the relationship and characters have grown beyond that. To have Casey treat Chuck like he did was uncalled for and I was very disappointed in that.

Also, the Sarah/Morgan interaction really makes me very, very, very uncomfortable. I found no humor in it because that should have been Chuck out there. The dance scene made me a little queasy and I will not watch the episode without fast forwarding that scene.

Now what I did like was that we got to see just how important Chuck really is. Ellie said it best but I would think by now, everyone on team Chuck should feel like Ellie. Unfortunately, it seems just Sarah does but I wonder if that is more because it's her husband.

Another thing I liked was how open Sarah is now with Chuck. Kind of reminds me of the Sarah in this story although not quite as forthcoming.

All in all, with the removal of the dance scene, I thought it was pretty good. I was just slightly disappointed but overall I liked it.

Now on with the story… and I don't own Chuck.

Chapter 33 – The New Intersect

{Chuck and Sarah at their Beach after saving Kathleen and Alex}

"Chuck honey, please talk to me." Sarah was sitting as close as humanly possible to her sullen husband as she looked at his stern face. They were in their spot on their beach, and they were both sitting on a blanket. The sun was already setting, leaving an orange tint to the sky above them. Chuck had not talked much since the incident at Kathleen's house and she was worried about him.

On one hand she was so proud of him, and to be honest, quite turned on by the power that he could display; but she also knew that this was not Chuck. Hurting a person, no matter how much they deserved it, that was just not him and she hoped that once again he wasn't pushed beyond the boundaries that at least they were both able to stay within. She knew it was her job to calm him, comfort him, and help him get through the quiet times when the mission was over. And by the look in his face, this was one of those times and she knew she had to be there for her husband.

She cautiously reached up a hand to pull his face towards her. "Please baby, say something."

Chuck let out an angry sigh. "I'm tired of this shit."

Sarah's eyes went wide as she was a bit taken back at Chuck's words and his anger. Her husband rarely ever used those kinds of words and she had to admit, it made her uncomfortable in the way he said it. "Chuck, what do you mean?" Her worst fears of what he was tired of started to surface.

"I've had enough of this Sarah. I'm not going to continue to let this happen." Chuck looked deep within her eyes with a conviction like never before.

Sarah felt a pain in her gut start to rise. She knew she shouldn't have let him into this part of the spy life. She knew he had finally had enough of the violence and ruthlessness of being a spy. And worst of all, she was to blame and now he had finally seen that. "Please Chuck, I'm…"

"No! No more Sarah. I know what you're going to say and I'm sorry, but I don't care anymore."

Sarah was trying to fight back the tears as she couldn't believe this was happening.

"I will never allow anyone to hurt you again. I'm your husband damn it and I can't take seeing you get hurt no matter how great a spy you are. I don't care what I have to do, but I will never let that happen again." Chuck knew Sarah would think he was being over protective, or some kind of chauvinist, but he didn't give a shit. She was his wife, and one day mother of his children and he would be damned if he continued to stand by and watch her get hurt, especially for him. Even a scratch was no longer acceptable to him and he would do whatever it took to keep her protected.

Sarah just sat there speechless as this was the last thing she had ever expected. She actually did let a tear fall as there was no denying what Chuck was saying. It was a complete 180 to the feelings she had just had thinking he had enough of her and the life they were both forced into. Instead, her husband wanted to protect her and she had never seen such conviction in Chuck's eyes. It brought out the most incredible feeling inside her. She knew Chuck would always protect her heart and soul, but she never imagined that it would mean as much to him to protect the rest of her.

"Look Sarah, I know you are going to be upset with me but all the training you guys have put me through, it was never to just be a spy. It was so one day I could not only protect myself but protect my family to. You're my family Sarah, the most important part and it just isn't in me to not do everything in my power to keep you safe."

"Chuck…" Sarah couldn't finish as Chuck interrupted her raising his hand to just let her know he needed to finish.

"I know, I know. You can protect yourself and your job is to protect me and I understand that feeling. But you can protect me now by allowing me to know that you and our family will always be safe. I've sat back long enough and watched you take a beating from the scum of the earth, and I will not allow it any longer. I will do whatever it takes." Chuck then lowered his head as he knew Sarah would probably rip him a new one.

"Oh my God Chuck. I love you so much." Sarah could not hold back her emotions as she jumped into Chuck's arms, straddling him as she grabbed his face and kissed him deeply.

No more words were needed as the two made love once again on their beach. Their relationship had evolved once again. While Sarah would never completely allow herself to give up protecting Chuck, she realized now her job just got a whole hell of a lot easier. She also knew the ramifications of what Chuck was saying. While she always thought she could take on the world, pretty soon she would be carrying a huge loving part of their world within her womb. And when that life was inside her, she would never do anything to put their child in danger. She was always able to protect herself physically, but now that was her husband's job and she was ready.

Sarah smiled as they made love knowing that this moment was more than just sex. This was the moment that she never would have thought possible since the day she was able to start cons with her father. This was the day that she finally had someone that would care for her. Care for her in every way possible. She felt as if a burden was lifted, a burden she had been carrying on her shoulders for quite a while now. And just like the feeling she was releasing by having Chuck inside her, it felt incredible.

{* * *}

{Casa Bartowski Next Morning}

By the time they both woke up the next day, Sarah knew what needed to be done. Chuck had mentioned talking about the Intersect with her and she had a feeling she knew why now. Chuck was in the shower, so she had time to do what she needed to do.

. . .

Chuck was finally dressed and headed towards the living room, anxious to see Sarah and have their discussion concerning upgrades to the Intersect. He was meeting with his father and Ellie tomorrow so he wanted to make sure his wife was okay with things before he presented them. Of course he also wanted to talk to Casey, but he knew with everything that had just happened the big guy was busy enough…

"Casey?" Chuck stopped dead in his tracks as he saw his wife and Casey sitting on the couch, a look of what took you so long on both their faces.

"What kid? You think I wouldn't be here for this?"

Chuck was still a little shocked. He then looked to his wife who had the 'oh so innocent' look on her face. "I… I just thought you wouldn't have time to you know, talk about this stuff."

Casey just smirked as he shook his head. "Bartowski, if you haven't figured it out by now, you really need help."

Well it was a little cryptic but Chuck thought he understood what Casey meant. Either way, two of the most important people in his life were here and that comforted him more than he would have thought possible. It was fitting though, if any two people understood him and how the Intersect affects him, it was his partners… his friends… his family. Chuck smiled brightly as he took a seat across from his partners. He wanted to sit closer to his wife, but this was important to the team… and never mind as Sarah got up and sat next to him on the floor, leaning her back against his legs.

"So, about the Intersect…"

. . .

It was close to 6:00 pm and team Intersect finally concluded their official unofficial meeting. It did not go as smoothly as Chuck had hoped for, realizing that even though he knew his partner's cared for him, apparently that care had reached astronomical proportions over the last few months. He obviously expected the protective and thoughtful reactions from his wife, but if anything, Casey might have been even more over bearing. It actually touched Chuck deeply to get a deeper glimpse into just how much he meant to John.

Chuck being who he was never settled for just being a host to the Intersect, he treated it like a computer system that it was. He dissected it, studied it, and wanted to know everything about it. Of course he would never have the complete understanding that his father did of the Intersect, at least not yet, or the physical affects the Intersect had on him, that Ellie was an expert on. Even so, he was intimate with the Intersect and so the new design for Intersect 3.0 was very detailed and very well thought out thanks in large part to his partners. Now he just had to present his design to his father and by some act of God try to convince Ellie it was for the better.

The one thing that was emphasized the most, and the one thing he absolutely wanted to make sure was in the upgrade, was the fact he would not lose control or become some Hulk like alter ego. He had killed and he wanted to make sure if it came to that again, that it was the last possible outcome. Every life, even the scum of the earth, deserved a chance and Chuck wanted to make sure the Intersect 3.0 provided him with everything possible to make sure killing or even severely injuring an enemy was the last possible solution. He knew deep down when it came to Sarah or the rest of his family, that he would do whatever it took, but it had to be his decision, not the Intersects.

Another thing that was discussed in detail, and Chuck really had to think long and hard about this, was the fact by having an 'improved' Intersect; he would be even more of an issue to the Government and also more of a sought after target by the Ring. But Chuck knew what he loved doing and what he wanted to do for as long as he could. He wanted to be a spy, and he knew by having the Intersect, it just made him that much better.

Even though Sarah and Casey tried to convince him he could be just as good without it, Chuck would not accept that. The Intersect was a part of him and he knew if used properly, could become a source of incredible good for the world. He always wanted to be a super hero and deep down, he felt the Intersect gave him that opportunity. He would never outwardly voice that, but that is what he felt and he couldn't think of a life without the Intersect right now. It was just too much a part of him now.

Chuck and Sarah were just sitting down for dinner; Casey was already gone, he was headed over to have dinner with Alex and Kathleen. He had practically forced Chuck and Sarah to come with him but they both knew this was something Casey had to do on his own. They did however promise to have them over for a 'family' gathering soon.

Chuck was setting the plates on the dining room table when Sarah gently grabbed his arm and turned him towards her.

"I'm proud of you you know that?" Sarah now held both his hands as husband and wife stood very close to each other, seeing their love for each other manifested in their eyes.

"Yeah? Not quite sure why." Chuck tried to make light of it but it was obvious Sarah was dead serious and this was no time for joking around.

"I mean it Chuck. For everything you've done. For how hard you've worked to become the person you are today." Sarah reached up to give him a quick kiss. "But most of all for what you've done for our family, for me."

Chuck could tell something very deep was on her mind and it was more than what she was saying. He gently broke her grip and held her chin in his hand so she could look at him. "Tell me Sarah."

Sarah took a deep breath as she really did not want to bring this up but she wanted to let Chuck now how far he has come and just how much it meant to her. "Chuck do you remember back when we had that mission at the conference where… where Ms. Roberts was supposed to speak. The one where the biological weapon was used?"

Chuck tried to hold in the sower taste in his mouth thinking about that time when he reconnected with Jill. It was possibly the worst moment of his life what he did.

Sarah looked down at their hands, gaining strength from the sight of her wedding ring. "Even though you had every right to act the way you did. After all, I wasn't exactly expressing my true feelings for you at that time in the most obvious of ways. But when you refused to allow Jill to speak at the conference and instead offered me up, that hurt me deeply."

Chuck shook his head passionately. He would always regret what an idiot he was for treating Sarah like he did those few days, especially that moment.

"Hey, it's okay honey." Sarah could see how upset Chuck was getting and that was not her intention. "I don't want you getting upset. What I want you to realize is why the conversation we had at the beach meant so much to me. When you told me you would never let anything happen to me, that and the past times recently when you turned into superman as you protected me, it made me realize just how much I meant to you. While I love that you always thought of me as your 'hero', I never wanted that. All I ever wanted was for you to think of me as your girl, your wife, your lover. It was these moments recently that showed me that you did think of me like that and I can't tell you how special that makes me feel. It means everything to me."

Chuck just smiled as he understood now what his wife was telling him. While he always looked up to Sarah, and if he had to admit, thought of her as a Goddess. By doing so, it wasn't always fair to her. Even though she will always be a Goddess to him, more importantly she will be his wife. The woman he loved without end. "I love you Mrs. Bartowski… Sarah."

Sarah hugged him close, taking in his scent as she melted in his warmth. "I love you too Chuck. So, so much."

{* * *}

{Orion's Lair}

"You want it to do what?" Ellie was practically screaming at Chuck. It took all her power to not start beating the crap out of him after sitting here in Orion's lair, with her Father, Sarah, and her idiot brother. She quickly turned on Sarah. "And you're okay with this?"

"Yes I am Ellie. Trust me, I understand your concern and believe me my reaction was not much different. But please let him finish Ellie." Sarah was pleading with her Sister.

Ellie turned on Chuck ready to rip him a new one if he didn't explain himself and quick.

Chuck felt about two feet tall. He often wondered why the Intersect didn't contain a defensive move for the Ellie. Unfortunately he was on his own with this one.

Chuck raised both his hands in a calming motion. He was hoping his dad would have been more help, but it was obvious Orion was already going over design protocols in his head. "Ellie look. I know your upset but you have to understand why I'm doing this."

"Fine Charles. Why don't you explain it to the very person that raised you since I seem to be the only one that has a problem with this?" Ellie was standing right in front of Chuck, hands securely on hips, with head tilted, waiting for the response.

Chuck didn't want to bring it up quite yet, but he knew he had to do something to defuse Ellie's warpath. He gave a quick look to Sarah, expressing his intent with just a look. He saw her nod slightly that it was okay. Chuck took a deep breath. "Ellie, Sarah and I want to start a family and…"

Okay Chuck had seen many things in his life. He had seen moves by Sarah and Casey that defied the fabrics of time. He had watched many a movie that included Bruce Lee and the 'Glow'. But how quickly Ellie ran to Sarah, wrapping her up in her arms would never be explained by modern physics. And that wasn't even incorporating the instant change of Ellie's attitude. Hell, it even seemed to get a rise out of his father. Sarah just smiled at Chuck as the life was being squeezed from her, letting him know maybe they should have thought this out further.

"Oh my God, Sarah." Ellie was beyond ecstatic as she hugged her sister close. Her and Devon were talking about having a baby and the thought of her and Sarah pregnant together just wiped every angry thought she had just moments before.

Chuck was feeling a little left out. "Um, sis. Brother, over here. You know the one that has a little something to do with how many nieces and nephews you have. And ow." Chuck rubbed his shoulder where Ellie Bruce Lee Woodcomb slugged him.

"Why didn't you say something sooner you dork? Of course we will do this for you and our family." Ellie turned to her father. "Right dad?"

Orion, although deep in design thought, couldn't help but be excited about having grand kids. Maybe this time he could get it right. He knew he would do anything in his power to help the safety of his family, and by giving Chuck the upgrade he was requesting, he had an opportunity to do just that. "Of course we will Ellie. Matter of fact, I'm going to start nailing down the designs for the new Intersect." It was then Orion got up to head back to his study.

"So you sure you're okay with this Ellie? I need you on this. I can't do it without you."

Ellie just looked at Sarah and Chuck. Even if she wasn't thrilled with the idea, she would do anything to make sure her family was protected. It would take a lot of hard work, and there were so many things that would have to be thought out. Safety had to be top concern. "I only have one condition."

Uh oh, Chuck thought. "And what is that sis?"

"If at any point I determine the Intersect could do you harm, then I pull the plug. No questions, no debate, nothing. I have to approve the operational safety of the Super Intersect before it's uploaded." Ellie would not leave this for debate.

Chuck looked to Sarah and she came over to him as they both held hands. "Of course Ellie. I will not do anything until you give the final approval."

Ellie looked at her brother and sister and could see the honesty in their eyes. She could also see that this meant so much to them. The Intersect was no longer a tool for the government to use for their agenda. It was about to be so much more.

A/N: My Beta voiced a concern to me about the Intersect and I just wanted to share my plans for the future. The Intersect will not define Chuck and Chuck will not be some druggie looking for an Intersect fix. I really just wanted to jump ahead in the show to where it's obvious the Intersect means a lot to Chuck. The one thing I never understood is why Ellie and he did not try to improve it, together. Well that's why I'm writing my own story. No it will not turn him into a cold hearted killer or take over his mind, and it will not let him fly or anything. I just want to show how much the Intersect means to Chuck but do it in a way where it helps his family and those around him. Hopefully that makes sense.