A/N: Wow, I'm humbled as I post this chapter realizing just what this story has become. I actually have been re-reading it and man have we been on a journey. I remember after I was finishing up vs. Sarah's Mom, talking about this story with my Beta and other close friends on this site. It was a different story from the ones I wrote before, and even though I've tried to keep it real to my original goal, I know some of my "Valkrie" style musings have made its way into this story. Even so, I believe I kept true to the whole reason I wanted to write this story, a story about the love between two people. That was it really. There have been missions, angst, things exploding etc.., but at the core, I believe the story has kept true to my goal.
So now, as I've had a chance to take a step back and look at the journey we've been through, it just blows my mind. I realize I'll never come close to certain authors and their limitless talents. I realize there are so many incredible stories out there, ones that are made of legends. But if by one small, itsy bit of chance, that my story has made it to the low end in the neighborhood of those incredible stories, then I'm beyond honored. Seriously, I don't mind carrying the proverbial books for these guys, just to be in their presence is an honor.
So here I am, on the precipice of 1000 reviews and I just can't thank you enough. I realize that sure, write enough chapters and anyone can make 1000+, but I would like to think that there were many people out there that liked this story. I know it wasn't perfect, I know I should have done things different here and there, but I want to say thank you for all those that have stuck with me and have shared in the telling of this story.
I also want to thank those pioneers that have paved the way for someone like me, you guys are my heroes and your talents are beyond words. To those that have supported me through pm's and reviews, you guys are just amazing and have meant so much to me. To those that didn't support or voiced your displeasure (of course your probably not reading this so its a mute point) still I wanted to thank you guys for motivating me to do better, not just settle for doing it my way.
Of course a big thanks to my beta, Gladius Grimm. I would not be here doing this if not for his support, his encouragement and his friendship.
Now for this chapter, the only thing I really wanted to point out was that this is a few years ahead of the schedule of the show so Molly will be a lot younger than the she was on the show when they found her.
I still don't own Chuck.
Chapter 42- Reunited
{Echo Park - Night Time}
Ryker was a very patient man. He didn't get where he was by being careless or impatient, at least most of the time. It was the thought of the one time he underestimated his asset, that made his blood boil now. It had been a long three years that he's waited to extract his revenge on Elaine Truffant or Sarah Walker as he recently learned. She was his crowning achievement back in the day. Graham had personally selected him to train his up and coming protege. Graham knew exactly who Ryker was, and knew exactly what his training would turn his golden child into. It was a fun ride for Ryker.
He smirked thinking of all the shit he put Walker through, always behind the guise of the greater good. She had thought she knew everything coming off a long partnership with the arrogant son of a bitch Bryce Larkin. So head strong, so confident. It was fun breaking her as he could come up with some pretty intense training scenarios. Of course to Walker, she thought they were real missions and most were. She was such a good little doggy, always willing to please, obeying every command.
While strangely enough Ryker never felt a physical attraction for the blonde, it was her methods of torture and execution that really got his blood flowing. He was certain he had her trained enough where there would be no question when his big payoff happened. She was so cold hearted and ruthless, she could make grown men weep. But just when he thought she would always be his little lap dog, she suddenly grew a conscious. That damn baby was supposed to be his retirement and the slut ruined it.
He had to lay low for a while, but there wasn't a day gone by that he didn't think about getting his revenge. Every minute that passed he waited. Waited for just the smallest clue, the smallest hint. The CIA had done a really good job covering up her whereabouts and thusly the whereabouts of the child. But the Gods were looking down on him as just last week a hit came back from one of her files. His friend still in the CIA had told him about this Carmichael guy and the file he was poking around in. That led Ryker all the way to Burbank, and that led to this apartment complex where he had been surveying the last few days.
The idiots had already revealed the location of the child, his men were on their way now to take care of that. He wasn't worried about that quite yet. He had some unfinished business to take care of first.
Ryker had already witnessed the tall brown haired man leave the apartment, which currently left a surprisingly pregnant Walker all by herself. Of course, pregnant or not, it still would not be an easy task so he would have to rely on stealth and a well-placed knife to the gut. Two Walker's for the price of one, he couldn't ask for a better gift.
Ryker checked his watch as he made his way to the bedroom window and carefully lifted it up. He noticed a light coming from the kitchen and the coast was clear for now. The kitchen would be the perfect location to beat the shit out of Walker and maybe after he was done with her, he would cut her up into tiny pieces, just for good measure. Today was definitely going to be a good day Ryker thought to himself as he entered the bedroom and made his way to the kitchen.
He stopped just around the hallway as he got a good glimpse of his target. He shook his head as he saw the long, silky legs and the golden hair falling over her slim shoulders. Her ass was as tight as ever, she had really taken good care of herself, even with the protruding belly which disgusted him to even look at. To bad Ryker thought as he slowly approached.
He carefully removed one of his knifes as he saw Walker dressed in an apron, boy shorts, and what must have been some kind of college t-shirt. Oh this was going to be so much fun as her back was to him while she was leaning forward in front of the sink, washing dishes.
The mighty Enforcer had been reduced to a pregnant Martha fucking Stewart, Ryker laughed to himself. The thought made him want to cut her up even more. He was right behind her, still silent as a cat as he prepared to attack. He didn't want to stab her quite yet, beating the shit out her was his first inclination.
As he approached, the sight of that blonde hair just reminded him of the last time he saw her. Yeah that would be coming off soon as he thought a good scalping would be in order. Now was the time he thought as he knew a strike to the abdomen would accomplish so much. He smirked as with all the strength he could, he kicked out at her, sending her midsection smashing into the sink.
Ryker never gave her a chance to turn as he again, slammed her stomach into the sink, making sure to knock the wind out of her first and hopefully demoralizing her enough to whimper in defeat. That would make it easier to take care of the rest of her, her mind occupied on the baby. "Oh bitch, we're just getting started." Ryker reached over to grab her hair, yanking violently backward, hoping to rip out as much as he could. To his horror, every strand of the blond hair came flying backward, leaving in its place, a very brunette lock of hair.
The female turned, a smirk on her face. "Bitch huh? You're about to get my boot shoved right up your ass you stupid piece of shit."
Ryker couldn't believe his eyes as the brunt of a fist came crashing into his nose, breaking it instantly.
Carina was thankful that Chuck had suggested the padding in front otherwise the blow from behind could have really made her lose her breath. Also, the window ledge micro camera Chuck installed was brilliant as she knew Ryker the Dickweed wasn't going to threaten her with a weapon, well until now that is.
Ryker may have been momentarily stunned, but he was one of the best and instantly recovered as he pulled out his gun aiming it directly at the tall brunette. "I don't know who the hell you are but your going to tell me where that bitch Walker..." Ryker never finished as he felt the cold hard nuzzle of a gun pressed up against the back of his own neck.
"That's my daughter in law your talking about dip shit, and her names Bartowski." Mary was seeing red and if it wasn't for the look on Carina's face, she would've have put a bullet in this idiots head right then and there.
"Don't worry Mamma B, I got this." Carina had fire in her eyes as she was licking her lips to beat the living crap out of this scum bag.
"Alright girl, he's all yours. Now drop the weapon Ryker, we want this to be a fair fight." Mary wasn't messing around and if she accidentally shot this scumbag in the back of the head, no sweat off her back.
Ryker knew he was in a tough situation. His only chance was to comply for now and beat the crap out of the Red head and then the bitch behind him. He raised both hands, allowing Mary to take his gun. Oh man was he going to have some fun with these two.
"There is one thing you need to learn Ryker, don't fuck with us Bartowski's." Mary gave a smile to the recently 'adopted' member of the Bartowski clan. "I gotta get going baby girl, but you need me, just ring." Mary knew Carina could handle herself, and she had to get back before Volkoff suspected anything. Even so, she still would hide out until knowing for sure Ryker no longer took a breath. With one last look, making sure Carina would be okay, Mary headed out.
Carina just smiled as she prepared to bust this guy in the nuts. It was just seconds and she attacked, feigning an over extended round house and kicking out with a hard foot to the stomach. This definitely got the mark's attention.
Carina was on fire with rage now, this piece of garbage made something click inside her. "You come into my families house." Carina kicked out once again, catching Ryker right in the groin, causing the man to double over in pain once again. "You think you can hurt my little nephew?" Carina grabbed the back of his head as she slammed his head downward as her knee shot upward.
Ryker knew he had lost the battle before it even begin. He did not expect this. What the hell did Walker do to get this much support? Was the last thing he wondered as coherent thought was beat out of him.
"You are going to pay so bad for what you did to my girl. For what you did to my best friend." Carina continued the onslaught. Punch after punch, kick after kick. Her knuckles were bruised and battered and she couldn't tell if the blood pouring from her hands were hers or his. It didn't matter. All she could picture was her pregnant friend, and what this monster could have done to her if Chuck hadn't thought of this plan. The last thing she heard was the sound of his skull cracking as she continued to kick his face into an unrecognizable pile of goo.
{* * *}
Ryker's men were taken out with little more then a breaking of sweat. They were expecting a house with a helpless mother and little child. What they weren't expecting was an Intersect and the NSA's own version of Terminator 2.0. It was over before it even started.
Chuck turned to Casey as the cleaning crews were taking care of clearing out the remains of Ryker's unit. He knew the big guy wanted to get a piece of Ryker, and he had even suggested a plan where his mom helped him here so Casey could get a piece of the action with Carina. In the end, his best friend wouldn't leave him and Chuck was thankful for that.
He just got the all clear text from Carina but he wanted to make sure she was alright. He knew his mom had already headed back so he wanted to send Casey. "Casey, just got the all clear from Carina but I want you to make sure she is alright. Get her, and then meet us back at the house."
Casey nodded his head, extending his hand to his partner. "We did good today kid. You did good." Casey gave one last look of admiration and then headed off.
Chuck was not far behind as he jumped in his car and headed to their house in the suburbs. Yeah it was a risk to open up the location of their house, but he knew it would be the safest place, at least until things cleared up and they made sure no one else knew about things. He had already had his dad working on the cover up and he had no doubt by the time his dad was done, Sarah's mom and sister would be just a memory.
{* * *}
{House in the Suburbs}
Sarah was on pins and needles. On one hand, her heart was so full as she had spent the last three hours hugging, talking, and hugging some more with her mom and little sister. Sarah knew they were not blood related but you couldn't tell by the instant bond both sisters had for each other. If that wasn't amazing by itself, she just couldn't get enough of her mom being there. They had cried and hugged each other and did their best to catch up on lost time. Ellie and Devon were there also helping with Molly and even though Molly was shy and wouldn't get to far away from Emma, she did play some games with the Doctors and seemed to be having fun.
Even though Sarah still wanted to spend quality time with her mom, she was worried sick about her husband. She was also worried about Carina, even though Mary had called her already and let her know everything was fine. Carina had suffered a few bruises, and they might have to replace the tile and cabinets in the kitchen, but other than that, everyone was fine and Chuck should be at their house in a few minutes followed by the rest of the team.
Even with all the confirmation, with the overwhelming feeling of love and family support, and not to mention for the first time, Chuck and her were sharing their house in the suburbs with family, she still missed her husband terribly. She could care less about the mission, all she wanted was her husband with her. A part of her just knew this moment wouldn't be complete until her mom and sister met the most important man in her life, her own family now.
Sarah's mom couldn't help but smile as she watched her anxious daughter constantly sending glances towards the front door. This was a dream come true to finally be reunited and even though it would have been nice to be under better circumstances, this was still amazing. To add to that, her daughter was married and having a baby of her own, she just couldn't believe it considering the last time she talked to her daughter.
She was just as anxious to meet the man who had captured her daughters heart. She may not have known what exactly her daughter did for the government, but she knew what her daughter had become. Stupid Jack had done enough damage and then her job just added to it. When they last met, there was something missing from her daughter. She would never admit this, but the light was gone from her. It was almost as if her daughter had lost her soul.
But now, just seeing her these last few hours, seeing her react when on the phone with this Chuck guy. Seeing her now, the light was back and it was shining so brightly it was blinding. What part of her heart had broken for her daughter years ago, was quickly repaired by what this Chuck guy had done for her daughter. She couldn't wait to meet him.
As if on queue, Chuck quietly entered the house.
Now it wasn't like they had been apart for more than a day or anything. It was going on eight hours, twenty-five minutes, and thirty seconds, but Sarah wasn't keeping track. After all, to be that lovesick just wouldn't be right. But seeing her husband come through that door, and even with everyone watching, she couldn't help but run into his arms.
Sarah launched herself at Chuck as they both feverishly hugged one another, Sarah making sure Chuck was alright, and Chuck almost feeding off the need to hold her, touch her, inhale her essence.
Ellie who was standing next to Sarah's mom leaned over so she could hear. "Believe it or not, it's always like that." Both woman smiled as they looked on.
"Chuck thank you so much for doing this for me. Thank you for bringing my mom back. I love you Chuck Bartowski." Sarah kissed him tenderly on the lips and buried her face into his chest. She truly felt like the luckiest girl in the world.
After their bodies and souls had fed just enough to keep the hunger at bay, Chuck finally looked up to see Sarah's mom. "Hey Sarah, I think its time to meet your mom."
Although not wanting to break the embrace, Sarah took a step back and quickly grabbed Chuck's hand, swinging it back and forth as she practically skipped over to where her mom and sister were.
"Mom, I want you to meet my husband, Charles Irving Bartowski."
Chuck laughed at the formality of his introduction. "Please, call me Chuck." Chuck gently nudged Sarah as they both shared a quick laugh.
"And who might this beautiful woman be standing behind you Miss Burton?" Chuck leaned a little to the left to see Molly hugging close to Emma's leg. "Hmmm, and here I thought I married the most beautiful Burton. I guess I should have waited a few more years. And ouch" Chuck was rubbing his arm and ribs where he quickly learned where Sarah got her ability to punch from. Sarah and her mom smiling at each others well placed hits.
The little girl couldn't help but smile as to the surprise of all, she came running from behind her mom and launched herself into Chuck's arms.
Now this was a surprise Chuck thought as he looked to Sarah and Emma, questioning what was happening. Both woman held the same expression as tears filled their eyes and the exact same hands, in the exact same manner covered both their mouths.
"Thank you for finding me Chuck." It was the most heartfelt words ever spoken as now the tears were flowing from everyone. Even Devon had to excuse himself.
"Hey, anything for you guys. Plus, don't tell Sarah this, but she's not really good with video games but I've heard you can play pretty good. It was about time I got a new Mario Cart partner." Chuck acted as if this was the most important thing in the world to him.
Apparently the girl felt the same as she hugged him even harder, burying her face in his neck.
Sarah's mom couldn't believe her eyes. Molly was never this affectionate to anybody. She wasn't exactly shy, but she was always reserved around people. Chuck was definitely one special guy. ""You did good Sarah."
Sarah was still crying as she rubbed her stomach, feeling the baby give a slight kick. She had so much adoration in her eyes as she stared at her husband so lovingly holding little Molly in his arms. "I know mom. I really did."
{* * *}
"Quite a day huh sweetie?" Sarah was running her hands through Chuck's hair as they lay in bed, both facing each other.
Chuck could see the raw emotion in Sarah's eyes. His poor wife was an emotional wreck today but he couldn't be happier. Sarah's mom coming back into her life was one of the greatest things that could have happened. Chuck knew his wife better than anyone, and this was huge for Sarah. A game changer as he referred to it. Sarah changed yet again today as a huge part of her family was brought back together. She hadn't stopped thanking Chuck since. He loved it.
Chuck reached out to pull her just a little closer. Her tummy was already touching him but he wanted to give her a kiss. "It was a special day Sarah. I'm so glad your mom is going to be a huge part of your life now."
Sarah suddenly got a very stern look on her face. "And whats all this with my Sister Chuck?"
Chuck feigned ignorance. "I don't know what you're talking about."
Sarah gave him a loving slap. She didn't know what it was about Chuck, but Burton woman for some reason were enamored with him. Her mom could not stop smiling and talking about how wonderful he was. And if that didn't take the cake, the fact little Molly didn't let Chuck go the whole night just iced it. Her mom could not believe how attached the little one got to Chuck. She had never seen her act that way. Of course Sarah couldn't blame her. "Oh you know what I mean. You were all lovey dovey with my sister. And she definitely has eyes for you."
The two laughed as the difference in atmosphere from a few days ago to now was a complete 180. Just everything was so wonderful in their life right now from finally staying in their house in the suburbs, at least till their apartment is cleaned up, but possibly now for good. Having Sarah's mom and sister living with them, finding out their having a boy, Chuck almost completely recovered, Carina 'hanging around' now as she was re-stationed to DEA ops on the west coast. Everything was perfect and it was such a wonderful time to raise a family.
For all the pain, all the trials and tribulations both had to go through, it was finally their time for things to go right. It was the first day of the rest of their lives and it was starting out beautifully.
