A/N: Thanks again for all the nice words and thoughts people sent me. That is what makes writing these stories worth it.

Had some problems with formatting on this chapter when uploaded for some reason. Hopefully it came out though.

I don't own Chuck.

Chapter 38

"Chucky, I gotta say you are in big trouble when Blondie wakes up." Carina was shaking her head as she stood next to Chuck who was holding his sleeping wife tenderly in his arms. Carina placed a comforting hand on Chuck's shoulder, "And can I say, your mom can sure kick some ass?"

Chuck couldn't help but smile as he turned to his mom who was overseeing the evacuation of the team. He still couldn't believe it was his mom and Carina who saved them. This was all like some kind of dream.

"Charles, we need to get going. No telling when the Ring will send reinforcements." Mary was quickly ushering the rest of her team to get Casey and everyone out.

Seeing the look of disapproval on his mom's face, which was obvious from his decision to go on this mission without proper backup, Chuck decided to just lower his head and obediently follow his mom and Carina out to the roof.

Once Chuck was through the door, Sarah held securely in his arms, he was met by two transport helicopters and about 20 heavily armed soldiers. As Chuck was led to one of the copters, he was met by what must have been one of the team leaders. From a distance, the members he could see seemed to be much older than what he would suspect an attack team would be. It wasn't until he got a clear view of the face of the man that now stood before him, that he instantly flashed.

Chuck was overcome with images of the man in black ops missions in Libya, and covert operations during the ending of the cold war. He then flashed on the man as a member of Ronald Reagan's personal protection detail.

Chuck shook his head as he looked and flashed on some more of the members of the team that was obviously helping both his mom and Carina. Every one of them had served or still served the Reagan's in one way or the other.

"Mr. Bartowski, my name is Colonel James D. Hampton, former member of the Special Forces." The Colonel held out a hand to Chuck. "Damn nice to meet you sir. Mrs. Reagan must be very taken with you to call in this favor. It's a real honor to meet someone that important to the former first lady."

Once again Chuck was overwhelmed. If Carina and his Mom's presence blew his mind, this was just too much. He instinctively held his wife closer as he reached out a hand to shake the Colonel's. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. And if that wasn't enough, the sound of the next voice almost pushed him over the edge.

"Come on Bro. Get Sarah in here so I can look her over."

"Awesome?"

Devon just gave him a look. "What did you think big guy? I would just let you face this alone. That's family you got there in your arms, and I nor Ellie was not about to let you guys face this alone." Devon quickly helped Chuck place Sarah on a gurney that was in the helicopter. He was instantly checking vitals.

Chuck was still stunned. "Awesome?"

Mary and Carina just looked at each other and smiled. "The kid still has a lot to learn." Carina once again placed a caring hand on Chuck's shoulder. "Chuck, did you really think after all you've have done for all of us, that you would ever have to face this stuff alone? I mean don't mention this to anybody, but those transports you see there, seems a certain General in the NSA went against her own orders to provide these."

Chuck still was having a hard time processing everything. He looked around and realized everyone there was a result of his actions and just his ability to be himself. He looked over to his wife as a lone tear fell down his face. He thought back to that time in the Orange Orange after the Suburbs mission. So many things could have happened if he had made any other choice but to win Sarah back by being her best friend. Lives could have taken different paths, friendships could have been lost or never formed, and worst of all, the love of his life could have found someone else. All this, all he had now, the fact that the Ring was pretty much destroyed and they were safe, or at least safe as they could be. It was all the result of his decision back on what was originally the worst day of his life.

True Friendship truly prevailed and his life was blessed for it.

{* * *}

Chuck realized a few things as he sat at the far side of the hospital room, where Sarah had woke up a little over two hours ago. One, he was in huge, huge, huge trouble. Two, A pregnant elite assassin, was not really someone you wanted to piss off. And three, Sarah was really really pissed.

Devon had taken great care of Sarah, and Chuck knew right away, even on the helicopter that the baby was going to be okay. They wanted to monitor Sarah in the hospital for a couple days just to make sure, and to be honest, Chuck figured that might be the best thing. Witnesses after all.

Chuck dared a glance at his wife who was laying on her side, purposefully looking away from him. Her golden locks were so soft and flowing against her back as each breath was like a calming force to him. He could tell that she was mad, but in the same sense, she was trying to not upset the baby.

"Honey?" Chuck tried to extend the olive branch, fortunately as far away as the room would allow. He could tell there was a slight breathing change, as he noticed her shoulders move slightly.

"Look Sarah, I know your pissed at me, I get that. Honestly I'm a little pissed at myself. But please understand my first priority is always to make sure you and the baby are safe. If it came down to it, I will always chose to save you. I just can't act any other way." Chuck was hoping for a reaction, something. Still nothing.

"I know you love me, and you know I love you so we just have to get through this okay. I will do whatever it takes to make this right. Just please understand why I did this."

"Chuck." Sarah whispered his name.

'Oh crap' Chuck thought as he could hear the seriousness in his wife's tone.

"Please leave."

"Excuse me? What did you say?" Chuck wasn't quite sure he heard that correctly.

"I said please leave. I can't deal with you right now."

Chuck just dropped his head in defeat. Even though he knew he deserved this, it still felt like someone punched him in the gut. He debated staying and just defying her, but in the wake of recent events, he determined it might be best to obey.

Chuck reluctantly stood up as he prayed that his wife would change her mind. After a minute or so of no reaction, he turned to leave.

"Are you forgetting something?"

Chuck stood frozen as he heard his wife. Did she really just say that? His heart leaped as he turned back and quickly walked over to his wife.

As he walked in front of her his breath caught at the absolute most gorgeous sight. He wanted so bad to just touch her, hold her, anything and now she gave him a chance. He leaned down and gave her a kiss, unfortunately, she would allow only the cheek. She still would not look at him. He wanted to do more, but it was obvious the kiss was all he was allowed.

He was about to leave once again when he noticed Sarah turn slightly, exposing her bare abdomen. Chuck smiled the biggest smile of his life as he moved down and leaned in to kiss her stomach. "Daddy loves you so much little one. I'm so sorry for making mommy mad. Please be good for her and if you don't mind, put a good word in for your old man. He really wants to hold mommy in his arms. He misses her."

Sarah nearly caved right at that moment. Years of training, years of being able to withstand unspeakable acts of torture was the only thing that allowed her not to completely give in to her husband. She needed to show him that the decision he made, even though it all worked out in the end, was something that he would have to pay for. Not pay for in the normal sense, he was just not getting lucky any time soon. Of course that almost was all for not as her heart leaped into her throat as Chuck talked to their baby. She prayed he did not see her body tremble as he spoke, but of course this was Chuck. She was sure he would be gloating about this for... Sarah completely lost focus as apparently, Chuck's kissing didn't just stop at her belly. Oh my god, Sarah's mind screamed as her body was reacting on its own as she had no control.

Chuck knew what he was doing. These were not meant as anything more than kisses to show his wife just how much he loves her and just how sorry he was. They were as heart felt and tender as he could, with also more than letting her know that she was still the sexiest woman alive.

When Chuck knew that she was about to totally give in. He stopped, stood up and headed to the door. "I love you Sarah. If you want me to come back in, just holler, I'll be sitting on the floor, outside the room." And with that he was gone.

It took Sarah a good five minutes to regain her composure and realize what just happened. "Dang, dang, dang." She mommy cursed as the electricity was still flowing through her body. She reached a hand to her forehead as she tried to calm down. "Breathe in... Breathe out..." Sarah quickly employed her breathing techniques. That man was not getting off so easy. 'Oh great use of words there' Sarah reprimanded herself. Why did I ever agree to handle the nerd from Burbank?

Sarah answered her own question as she placed her free hand over her stomach. 'Because I've always needed him.'

. . .

It was the next morning when Chuck was woken from his restless slumber by hushed conversations going on in his wife's room. Through blurry eyes, he looked down at his watch. It was only 9:00 a.m., but something was going on. He tried to get up off the floor but quickly realized that was not going to be an easy task. For not even passing the 30 year mark, his body sure felt like it was pushing 60. Of course, sitting on the cold hard hospital floor could have had something to do with that.

After a minute of stretching and making sure his back was still in alignment, Chuck took the chance of entering the lion's den.

As he cautiously walked into the room, he too late realized his mistake.

Chuck tried to remember the last time he was so scared he almost wet his pants. There was the time he was dangling from the window holding on to the cipher, or the time he was dropped off the roof. However none of those times compared to the menacing stares provided by the love of his life, and the sister that raised him. Chuck suddenly felt like his throat swelled shut and he had not drank for weeks, as he tried to simply swallow.

"Charles Irving Bartowski."

Chuck knew that tone, and he had a choice to make. Actually at this moment in time, there really was no choice. While it didn't make much sense, Chuck had only one response, "Sorry ladies, wrong room." With that he quickly exited the room.

"I swear I'm going to beat my brother to a pulp." Ellie was getting ready to go track Chuck down. The only reason she didn't unleash on him earlier was because she wanted him to feel the discomfort of sleeping on the hospital floor. She was about to leave when Sarah grabbed her arm.

"Ellie, don't worry, I got this."

Ellie looked down at Sarah who was in no position to get up and run after her boneheaded husband. This was one reason why Ellie looked confusingly at her sister.

Sarah just smiled as she heard a loud commotion outside the door. She could clearly hear Chuck saying 'Okay okay, just let me down.' It was then the door to her room suddenly swung open and Colonel John Casey was holding Chuck by the back of the neck, dragging him in the room.

Chuck was flung unceremoniously towards the middle of the room where now there were three menacing stares directed at him. He still had his wits about him even in the face of such humiliation. "Good morning honey. Just brought Casey by to say hello."

Sarah tilted her head as she gave him a look.

"Ellie, would you mind giving us a moment?" The Colonel was obviously not in a good mood.

Now Ellie was extremely upset with her brother, but protective hen mode was causing her to analyze the situation a little more closely. She was trying to weigh the damage that would be done to Chuck with the damage that he might deserve. She stared intently into Casey's eyes, making sure there was nothing there that would cause her to think anything would happen to her baby brother. She then looked to Sarah who gave her a wink. That was all she needed as she started walking out the room.

Chuck couldn't have been more surprised than he was at that moment. "Uhh, Sis."

"Good luck Chuck, it was nice knowing you." Then she was gone without a look back.

Chuck was not a religious man but he quickly became one as Casey now blocked his only escape. "Okay look guys, we've been through this. Yes I know I screwed up. Yes I know I'm in trouble. But you know what, I would do it a hundred times over."

"And therein lies the problem moron." Casey really felt like punching the kids lights out. "That was not your choice to make for us."

Chuck started shaking his head in defiance. "No way John. You can't say that." Chuck nodded his head over towards his wife who he suddenly noticed was trying to get out of bed. "That is my life over there, and you're a pretty close second. It was my choice to make." Chuck cringed as Casey lunged for him.

"Casey, that is enough." Sarah was not playing around, with either of her boys.

No one ever controlled the Colonel, but something about Sarah's tone caused him to stop dead in his tracks.

Even though Chuck was fearing for his life, he couldn't help himself but to walk over and help his wife out of bed. Of course doing so, caused him to get a peek at his wife's rear end as she got out of bed, the hospital gown not covering much. A slight moan escaped him as he couldn't control himself.

Sarah looked back at him, noticing where his eyes were. "Oh you can forget that for a very long time, Mr. Bartowski." Sarah had to bite her lip at the wounded look on Chuck's face. She could be angry all she wanted, but she had no defense against this.

Chuck was at his wits end. He knew he had made a mistake, but he would do anything to always make sure his family and friends were safe. His partners had to know that, it was not like this was anything new.

After making sure Sarah was steady on her feet, he turned so both his partners could look him in the eyes. Of course this also caused him to take on the full frontal attack of both menacing glares. "What do you guys want me to do? How do we get past this?" Chuck was never more sincere than he was right now.

Sarah looked over to Casey, trying to judge what her partner wanted to do. She knew what she was going to do on a personal level as Chuck's wife, but as his partners, it was a decision she and Casey needed to make together. Even though she had already officially resigned the CIA, she would never be out of it completely. Not that she needed to be part of it anyway to be considered his friend or partner.

Sarah knew she would have a hard enough time with her punishment for Chuck as her husband, so she nodded to Casey to take this one.

"Listen Kid, it's not about what you did. We're not stupid. That was some heroic shi..." Casey caught himself again, getting a strong look from Sarah. "That was some heroic stuff. But it was completely stupid. Why would you think it's your decision to be the hero? Especially at our expense?"

"Dang it Casey, it wasn't about being a hero. Who do you think you're talking to?" Chuck was somewhat hurt by such an accusation, especially that his wife wasn't defending him. "Both of you, especially you." Chuck made it a point to look directly at his wife, "should know that I would never do what I did to just be 'the hero'. You know what, I'm done." Chuck threw his hands up into the air.

Okay Sarah was not expecting this, not at all.

"You're not going anywhere kid. We're not done." Casey stood his ground.

Chuck was not in the mood anymore. Everything that had happened the past 48 hours, his wife still mad at him, sleeping on a hard floor, his sister pissed, everyone pissed. He finally had it. He had to get away and think. "Get out of my way Casey." Chuck was right up in his face.

Casey was not about to move. The kid needed to be set straight and as much as it pained him to have to hurt the kid, he would do whatever it took. "Stand back Bartowski."

Chuck didn't even think twice as he made a move to his right, only to go left, pushing Casey off balance, just enough to get by him.

Casey quickly recovered only to have Chuck once again, duck out of the way, using Casey's momentum to shove him backwards.

Chuck was at a place now that he rarely got. He was pissed. "ENOUGH!" He was glaring at Sarah, making it clear he was done.

Sarah was still stunned at his behavior. It was not until she saw it in his eyes that she knew what was wrong. Her husband had buried it deep enough, but because Casey and her just couldn't let it drop, it was out now. She could see and sense the pain Chuck was going through. Once again Jill had an influence on their lives, even in death.

Chuck could see the heartbreak in his wife's eyes and it only took him a moment to understand what she must be thinking. He raised a finger to her. "NO! This isn't about her and what happened, so don't even go there. Yes I'm upset about it, but it's more than that. I would do it a million times over if it meant keeping you and the baby safe." Chuck lowered his head and in barely a whisper, "I would do anything to keep you safe." Then he left without another word.

Casey and Sarah just stood there looking at the door where Chuck had just stormed through. Sarah was surprised that Casey was the first one to speak what she was thinking.

"I should have never done that. I forgot the kid ain't like us and I let my own emotion get in the way." Casey never the one for lady feelings, was having a moment now. "He can't be alone right now Sarah."

"John, we have to give him some space." As much as it hurt Sarah to admit this, there was only one person that could help Chuck right now. Sure she could do it, but right now Chuck needed his Sister. She would be there for him too but it was time to call Ellie. "Casey, let Ellie know she needs to find Chuck."

Casey just nodded in agreement, as he went to find Ellie.

Sarah sat back on the bed, holding her hand over her stomach, looking up at the ceiling. "Chuck I love you so much." She felt so bad right now. She was mad at Chuck but she never once stopped to think of what he had to go through to save her. She was so concerned with her own anger that she had forgotten that Chuck wasn't like them, or the former them to be exact. She continued to reprimand herself for her behavior as if to add to the reprimand, she felt the baby kick for the first time. "Great" she thought, already a Daddy's boy, or girl.

{* * *}

It didn't take long to find her brother. Sarah had told her exactly where he might be. She had to admit, this part of the beach was so peaceful and surreal. It was the spot that had meant so much to Chuck and her Sister in law.

"Hey little brother, mind if I join you?" Ellie sat down right next to Chuck who just nodded as he continued to stare out over the ocean.

The siblings sat silent for a moment. Ellie was analyzing her brother's mood, or lack thereof. She wanted to make sure she had a good understanding of what he might be going through. Casey had only told her so much, it was going to be up to her to get out the rest.

"So, you care to talk about it?" Ellie figured the direct approach might be a good shot.

There was a brief moment of silence, and to the surprise of Ellie, Chuck starting talking.

"El, all my life I've lived by a standard, a decree, a motto. I would do anything for my family and friends, anything. Well, that was put to the test to the point I think I may have lost myself in the process."

Ellie could feel the emotion in his words. She instinctively reached out to take his hand in hers which he did willingly.

"El, I love you guys so much, and you know how I feel about Sarah, but what is the cost of my so called Chuck Bartowski decree? I killed people Elle, killed them without remorse or second thought. What's happened to me?"

This was going to be a tough one and Ellie knew it. Being a doctor, let alone a Bartowski, she cherished life. She knew Chuck did to. Growing up he wouldn't even harm an insect, let alone hurt someone else. But she had witnessed his anger in Costa Gravas, and now apparently on the recent rescue mission. For anyone else, this type of actions would be justified. For Chuck, it wasn't so clear. "Sweetie, I wish I could tell you what you wanted to hear. But Chuck, sometimes for goodness and mercy to prevail, the evil must be punished. The fact that you do feel this way now shows that you do care."

"But Ellie, I didn't care while I did it. It was like I had no control over my emotions. All I cared about was getting Sarah back. Am I crazy?" Chuck let go of Ellie's hand to hold his head. He had been riding such a high that now everything was crashing around him.

"Chuck, you've been thrown into this world, not by choice. Yeah, it may be your choice now, but you didn't ask for the Intersect to be sent to you. You didn't ask for the Ring or Fulcrum to try to destroy everything you hold dear." Ellie became very serious for a moment as she tried to get Chuck to look at her. "And you didn't ask for the most amazing, wonderful, and loving woman to give up everything to marry you and start a family with you."

Chuck's head snapped up at the realization of what Ellie was telling him. He understood now what it must have been like for Sarah to put up so many walls. It's not like you just wake up one morning and bam, you have walls up. It starts out brick by brick until before you know it, you're surrounded on all sides. The difference is, he wasn't alone inside his walls. He had his Sister, his best friends, and most importantly, his wife. All there to shatter the walls and help him to realize he was still the Chuck that everyone knew and loved. He hadn't lost that. "So what do I do Ellie? How to I erase the pain?"

Ellie took a deep breath. "Chuck, you're going to have to get some help." She raised her hands as she saw Chuck vehemently objecting. She expected this. "Calm down, just calm down. This Doctor is a close friend of mine and Devon's. He is the best there is and I trust him. Nobody but us and of course Sarah will have to know. He owes me a big favor and I know you will like him."

Chuck was not thrilled with the idea of seeing a therapist. But he was even less thrilled with feeling like he was, especially with the baby on the way. He wanted to enjoy this journey and make sure that both he and Sarah enjoyed it more than anything. If taking a few months to get some professional help would allow this, then maybe it wasn't such a bad idea. "I'll think about it Ell."

That was all she could ask for. She knew how important it was for Chuck to get better and she knew that with his family's total support, he would do what's best. She put a comforting arm around her little brother as she held him close. "We're going to make it Chuck, but there is only one thing I ask."

Chuck turned his head towards his sister, questioning in his eyes.

"Trust me Chuck."

Chuck couldn't help but smile at the similitude of that statement. It was not coincidence that the two most important people in his life had both said it before.

Ellie then got up, much to the surprise of Chuck who could only stare up at her, questioning why she was leaving.

Ellie gave a big smile and then leaned down to give Chuck a kiss goodbye. "There's someone who wants to be with you now."

Realization hit Chuck as he quickly jumped to his feet, turning to see his wife standing alone, not more than twenty feet behind him. She had her hands clasped in front of her and she was staring down at the ground.

It took all his control not to run to her, but he quickly closed the distance as he stood now directly in front of her. His body so close that there wasn't an ounce of space separating him and Sarah. He gently lifted her chin so she could look him in the eyes. He could see the hurt, the sadness, the concern, all pouring out of her expression. Words could not help this moment so he leaned down and tenderly kissed Sarah.

Sarah's arms instinctively wrapped around Chuck's neck as she completely gave herself to the kiss. Every emotion pouring out of her from the past couple days. Wounds would need mending and discussions would be needed, but not now. Not this moment. It was just her, Chuck, and their baby as Ellie was long gone.

Sarah couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over her as if she dove into a clear, spring of water. This was the start of something new and she had no doubt that they would make it. Heartache would come, sadness, anger, obstacles of all kinds would stand in their way. But she knew, she knew that together, they could overcome anything. Together, their family would be stronger than any foe. She had battle against herself, against the agency, even against her own father, and it all led to this, the greatest battle of all, it was Sarah versus True Friendship in the beginning but no more. The battle was over and they had won. Now it was Sarah versus the Family Life and she could not wait for it to start.

A/N: Thus ends the Marriage Arc. Not sure if I will continue with the Family arc or not. There is also still a lose end to tidy up but this may be the end, I just don't know yet what I want to do. Would love to hear what you guys think.