Chapter 11: The Beginning
A/N: Final chapter.
Bryce Larkin slid through the ceiling of the DARPA lab in Vienna, Virginia. He knew he had minutes before the entire facility was crawling with security.
Bryce managed to slip past the collective CIA and Fulcrum net. Bryce infiltrated Fulcrum, and learned they were after the Intersect. Once he found out Sarah Walker of all people was tracking him, he knew he had to act now. Bryce had to protect the Intersect at all costs. He returned to the US under one of his unused identities. Sarah and the CATs were right on his tail after a five month cat and mouse game across Europe. He knew he was only minutes ahead of Sarah and her team.
The Intersect was too dangerous. After working with the Intersect creator, Orion, for years, Bryce knew in the wrong hands, the Intersect would corrupt. In the right hands, more specifically, with the right heart...the Intersect was safe.
Bryce knew one man would never be corrupted by it, and would use it for good. One man had the heart to always protect the innocent, and do the right thing. More importantly, this man was trained to face danger head on, and was the bravest man Bryce knew.
Most of all, Bryce knew only a select few could even handle the Intersect. Orion was one, his son was another.
Bryce ran across the all-white room to a computer console, and inserted a disk attached to his handheld computer. He entered the commands, and put on a pair of sunglasses.
"It's hard to say good-bye." Bryce muttered as the program downloaded to his handheld.
Bryce keyed another program on his handheld, and the hard drive shorted out, wiping the data clean.
Grinning, Bryce pocketed his sunglasses, and ran out of the room. He knew he now had seconds to make it to the roof.
"Orion was right. This can't fall into the wrong hands." Bryce said, navigating the stairs.
Bryce made it to the roof, and embedded the file in with an old computer game from college. Zork.
After emailing the attachment, Bryce grinned. "Give 'em hell, Chuck. I hope one day you'll forgive me…"
A shot rang out. Bryce went down. One though passed through Bryce's mind.
In Chuck's hands...Fulcrum will never know what hit 'em.
The shooter, approached Bryce's body and grabbed the handheld. It was toast. She removed her cell phone and dialed a number.
"This is Roberts. Larkin's dead. I need a signal trace." Jill said, tossing the handheld off to the side.
Jill sighed. "Too bad Bryce. We would have made a great team."
Jill smiled, turned around without another thought about Bryce, and left.
Minutes later, Sarah, Carina, and Zondra rounded the corner. They found Bryce on the ground, and moved in slow.
"Spread out. Watch for ambush." Sarah commanded, then moved in. She leaned down, and checked Bryce's pulse. No heartbeat. She looked over and found a handheld computer. It was damaged. She snapped a picture, and sent it to Chuck.
Hey Baby...know what this is?
Prototype LINK 15 handheld computer. The DOD wanted to use them for JTAC...close air support. Links with satellites. WIFI capable. Can send data really fast.
Thanks. You were right. That alias was BL. Found him. He's toast.
Sorry to hear that. R U okay Honey?
I'm good, Sweetie. No fireworks. He was gone when we found him. Had the handheld.
You can get a signal trace if he used it to send anything.
Thx. Miss you Babe.
Miss you Beautiful. U sure u good?
I'm ok. Tired. Call you later. I love U!
Love U! Be careful Gorgeous!
XOXO Heart emicon
Sarah smiled, and dialed Graham. "Director...we found Larkin. He's dead. We're at the DARPA facility in Vienna. I need a signal trace from a LINK 15 handheld on my location."
Did you say...the DARPA facility in Vienna?
"Yes, Sir. Is there a problem?"
Graham sighed. Secure the scene and report back to Langley immediately. Have your team standing by for further orders. Graham ended the call.
"I found a shell casing." Zondra said, pulling out a pen to pick up the casing.
"Bag it. Give it to the cleaner team for forensics." Sarah said, scanning the area for other clues.
"Shooter's gone. The tactical team is securing the perimeter now." Carina said, scanning the area.
Casey arrived on scene, and approached. "Walker. Got a call one of our black site labs just blew up."
"Here?" Sarah said, pointing to the building.
"Yep. Graham passed along your request. I have our NSA geeks running the signal trace you requested."
Casey's phone rang. "Uh, huh...you're sure." Casey listened, then hung up.
"Signal was sent to an email account. Will take about an hour to pinpoint the account and city."
Sarah sighed. "This is turning into the mission that just won't end. I haven't seen Chuck in five months now." Sarah pouted.
Casey grunted amused, then turned to give instructions to his team. "The Lieutenant did good tracking Larkin down. Give him my thanks."
"I will." Sarah said smiling. "He truly is amazing, Casey. God, I miss him."
Casey grunted low. "Hell...I miss the kid too, Walker. He's good people."
John Casey leaned against a wall in the domestic arrivals terminal in LAX. It was early evening, and many passengers were in the airport.
Casey grunted amused when he spotted his new partner. He figured she was probably a ticking time bomb by now.
After the DARPA incident, Casey was sent straight to LA to provide over watch until the CIA sent an agent to assist. He didn't need a crystal ball to know who that agent would be.
Chuck was granted leave to convalesce, but returned to his duties as an EOD instructor. The last word from Beckman, Chuck was resigning his commission. His sister insisted. He promised Ellie he would never go into harm's way again.
If Ellie only knew why Casey and Sarah were at Chuck's doorstep.
Casey was broken from his musings by a voice. "Okay, Casey. Make it quick. I'm going straight to Echo Park so I can see Chuck. We haven't seen each other in five fucking months, and I am going to see him tonight. You got that?" Sarah hissed.
Casey handed Sarah a file. "Nice to see you too, Walker. We're headed that way. You need to read this."
Sarah read the file and looked pissed. "You have got to be fucking kidding me!"
Casey grabbed Sarah's bag, as the two walked slow so Sarah could finish reading. Sarah growled. "Larkin got off too easy for my liking. I'm sick of him screwing with my boyfriend's life!"
Sarah sighed, picking up her pace. "Dammit. This is fucked up, Casey. Larkin just put the man I love in the damn crosshairs. FUCK!"
Casey shrugged. "Least he sent it to Bartowski. Someone we can trust. Guess that's the silver lining."
Sarah slipped into Agent mode/worried girlfriend mode. A deadly combination. "Has Fulcrum found the location yet?"
"Nope. Larkin was smart. They got the city, but that's as far as they got. Whatever program he used to send the file…was sharp. Nothing we have. Custom built. Our analysts confirmed the standard Link 15 OS was not used. Had a different operating system. Something we haven't seen before."
Sarah nodded. "Chuck's family…we'll need to set up protection. If they get close, they could use them as leverage."
"Already done." Casey said, grunting after the comment.
"Have you made contact with Chuck?" Sarah asked, suddenly felt excited to see him again.
"Nope. Saved that for you. I did speak to Ellie while Chuck was on base. Told her we were deployed together, I was moving to the area, and wanted to check on her brother." Casey said.
Sarah furrowed her brow. "Wait…you talked to Ellie? What did she say?"
Casey grinned, looking at his clock. "As you know…it's Bartowski's birthday. Ellie felt seeing you again would be the perfect present. The party is in 45 minutes."
Sarah saw a restroom nearby, and grabbed her bag. "Shit. I need to hurry."
Casey put a hand on Sarah. "Walker…if Bartowski downloaded that damn thing…you know what that means."
Sarah shrugged. "Won't matter. I'm going to be right here beside him. Graham warned me this could be a long-term op. I'm satisfied with that arrangement. He has Carina and Zondra hunting the shooter from the lab. They are joining us when they finish their current mission. Even if Chuck didn't download it, Fulcrum is closing in. We're not leaving until this is resolved." Sarah paused. "Not that I'm planning on leaving anyway."
Casey grunted amused. "Just be glad he's not a civilian. Larkin wasn't a complete traitor. Sent it to someone we trust. We know Fulcrum was going after the lab, and it appears Larkin was protecting the secrets by sending them to Bartowski. We have pieced that together. Least you won't have to follow asset protocol."
Sarah gave Casey an 'are you kidding me' look. "True. Instead, I will get to work with my amazing boyfriend again. I call that the perfect work/life balance."
Sarah stopped in her tracks. "Shit! Ellie talked Chuck into resigning. She is not going to like this."
Casey grunted in amused…again. "That's your problem. I'm staying the hell out of that one. Ellie…gives me the willies."
Sarah turned. "I'll handle it. Now. Go start the car. Five months without my boyfriend makes me want to shoot somebody."
Casey grinned. "Damn, Walker. I believe you."
Sarah turned, giving Casey a grin. "Oh, and Casey...my cover is Bartowski. It will be my legal name soon anyway."
Casey grunted amused. "Shoulda known."
Sarah stepped into the restroom, and called Ellie.
Hello?
"Ellie…it's Sarah. I'm in town for Chuck's birthday. I wanted to surprise him."
Ellie squealed on the other end of the line. Sarah, sweetie, thank goodness you're here. He misses you so much…we all do. He was starting to worry when you didn't call today.
"Sorry…I was traveling to get here. I missed him too, Ellie. I'm at LAX, but I'm headed straight there. Can I text you when I arrive?"
Absolutely! I'll keep him occupied. This is really going to make his day.
Sarah smiled. "Mine too. I'm sorry I haven't gotten a chance to see you guys. Things have been…crazy."
It's okay, sweetie. We understand. Your texts and calls have meant a lot to Chuck…well me too. And...Devon loved those recipes you sent from France. I'm glad we could chat too. Don't worry about all that…you're here now.
Sarah sighed. "We'll talk more when I get there. Look for my text."
I will. See you soon!
"Bye, Ellie." Sarah hung up the phone, smiling mischievously at the little surprise she was about to put on underneath her clothing for her boyfriend's birthday.
Chuck hadn't said much since the party started. Ellie invited so many people it was a bit overwhelming. Not that he cared. He would give anything just to see Sarah again. And, he was a little worried he hadn't heard from her that day.
Chuck knew she was a CIA spy and had been assigned her next mission right after taking down Ilsa. It was her job.
Chuck was overjoyed to at least talk to Sarah daily, whether by video or phone call. She texted him often to check in, or to simply tell him that she loved him. They even sent pictures to each other. It was exciting to be in a long distance relationship with Sarah, but it was also sad.
It just wasn't the same not to be able to hold her in his arms.
Chuck frowned, and took another sip of his punch. Ellie approached, and took a seat next to her brother.
"Chuck, sweetie…I wish you would mingle a little. At least try to have a good time."
"Sorry, El. Just…not in a party mood." Chuck said sadly.
Ellie took Chuck by the hand, trying not to boil over with excitement. "You miss Sarah…don't you?"
Chuck nodded through a sad smile. "Terribly. Not being with Sarah hurts more than that gunshot wound did. I haven't heard from her today, and I'm starting to worry."
Ellie received a text, and smiled. "Come on. I know a perfect way to take your mind off things. I got you something for your birthday."
Chuck sighed, standing to follow his sister. Ellie had a death grip on his hand, so he wasn't escaping.
"El…I have enough electronics. You didn't have to get me anything."
Ellie stopped, and got behind Chuck, covering his eyes. "Just trust me, little brother. You are going to love your birthday present."
Ellie held Chuck's eyes closed, and Chuck felt warm hands his chest, and soft lips pressed against his own. He immediately recognized the hands, and lips, and the perfume.
Ellie removed her hands, tears trickling over her broad smile.
The moment Chuck saw Sarah, he flashed.
Sarah Bartowski, CIA Agent-in-Charge/Clandestine Attack Team
Assignments:
-Sarah Bartowski/Sarah Walker, CIA, Agent-in-Charge, Clandestine Attack Team (CAT): Agent Carina Miller, Agent Zondra Rizzo, Agent Amy Francelli (Missing in Action-Operation Firefly-Columbia)
-CAT attached to Joint Task Force-United Kingdom-detection, disarmament, and recovery of stolen Costa Gravan nuclear device (Operation Morning Star)
-CAT attached to CIA SAD/SOG-Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom
-Attached, United States Secret Service, 12-month tour, Close Asset Protection
-Operation Haywire: Infiltration of Red Star Eastern European terrorist group, Agent Bryce Larkin, Partner (Agent filed multiple complaints against Agent Larkin's conduct)
Aliases: Sarah Bartowski, Sarah Walker, Christine Davenport, Elena Truffaut, Alena Valenkova, Jenny Burton, Rebecca Franco, Gemma Cross, Sofia Copelli
Parents divorced, recruited at 17, father incarcerated (Nevada), mother location: unknown
Specialist in counter-espionage, Close Quarter Battle/Jujitsu, Kung-Fu, Karate, USMC Combat Development Course, USMC Scout Sniper Course, NATO small arms certified, CIA Combat Knife Course, CIA Close Asset Protection Course, CIA Combat Pistol Course, CIA Combat Rifle Course, Infiltration and Inducement of Enemy Personnel, Enhanced Interrogation Techniques
By order of Langston Graham, Director, National Clandestine Service:
Real Name: Redacted
Missions: Redacted
Confirmed Kills: Redacted
Awards: Distinguished Intelligence Cross (Operation Morning Star)
Personal affiliations: Lieutenant Commander Charles I. Bartowski, US Navy (Personal/Romantic Affiliate-Authorized)
Life Insurance Beneficiary: Lieutenant Commander Charles I. Bartowski, US Navy
Power-of Attorney/Will Recipient: Lieutenant Commander Charles I. Bartowski, US Navy
Emergency Contact: Lieutenant Commander Charles I. Bartowski, US Navy
Chuck shook off the flash, grabbing his head. Sarah was right by his side. "Chuck…are you alright?"
Chuck stared longingly in Sarah's eyes, and smiled. I'm Sarah's beneficiary and personal contact? Wait…Sarah Bartowski? What does that mean? Lieutenant Commander? When did that happen…WAIT! WHAT THE HELL JUST HAPPENED!?
Chuck took a breath, cupping Sarah's face. "You're right, Sis. I love my birthday present…with all my heart."
Sarah smiled bright at her boyfriend. "And your birthday present loves you just as much, Chuck."
Chuck pulled Sarah close, and she leaped in his arms, wrapping her legs around his waist. Chuck held her close, as a soft sob escaped Sarah's lips. "I missed you, baby."
"I missed you too, Sarah." Chuck said softly. "Baby?" Chuck grinned.
Sarah cupped Chuck's face. "You heard. You are my baby. Got it?"
"Got it." Chuck replied, kissing Sarah again.
Sarah dropped her feet to the ground, and hugged Ellie. "It's good to see you again, Ellie."
"It's good to see you too. I'm glad you could make it."
"I wouldn't miss it for anything." Sarah said, looking back at Chuck. "I'm sorry I couldn't come sooner. I was assigned a new mission after visiting Chuck in the hospital."
"I know, sweetie. I'm sorry that happened. But you're here now, and Chuck is safe." Ellie said, then frowned when she caught Sarah's look. "Is he?"
Sarah sighed. "I need to speak to you both. In private. Is Devon here?"
Ellie motioned to the apartment. "He had to work the night shift. Let's go inside."
The group went inside the apartment, and Sarah addressed them both. "Ellie…the details are Top Secret, so I can't get into why I'm here. However…Colonel Casey and I have been assigned to protect you both."
Sarah felt Chuck tense. "Sarah…is this about…an email Bryce sent?"
Ellie blinked, speaking through gritted teeth. "Bryce Larkin?"
Chuck held up a hand. "Hold on, Ellie. Go in the bedroom for just a moment."
Ellie sighed. "Alright…but I want to know what's going on when I get back." Ellie walked quickly to her bedroom, and shut the door.
Sarah leaned close. "The email…did you open it?"
"Yeah…the file was massive, so I checked it out…following protocol…but there were pictures. Lots of pictures. It was so big...it blew my hard drive." Chuck said, then narrowed his eyes. "And I'm remembering intelligence like an encyclopedia. Are…are you here for…oh crap…"
Sarah grabbed Chuck's face so their eyes met. "Listen to me. I am here for you. What you saw…just means we get to spend a lot of time together in the foreseeable future."
Chuck closed his eyes, and opened them. "Are you telling me I downloaded some sort of database with secrets?"
"No, I'm telling you that you downloaded the database with all our secrets." Sarah said, her tone firm. "Call Ellie back. The next part she needs to hear too."
"Ellie!" Chuck called out, and his sister bolted back into the room. Sarah took both of their hands.
"The government sent me here to keep you safe. Chuck knows things that some really bad people will come after him for. That's all I can say, Ellie. Chuck knows the details."
Sarah sighed, and cupped Chuck's face. "When I'm not doing my job, we, as in, you and I…are going out to dinner. Walking along a beach. Spending time in our bed doing delicious, wonderful things. I also want that movie night you promised. This week preferably. And I want a back yard barbecue. I also need you to make room in your bedroom for my stuff. I'm now you're roommate...and I'm homeless. I closed out my apartment in D.C...I'm not going back. Furthermore, we may want to install acoustic drywall so I don't embarrass you with your sister while I screw your brains out every night, and every morning…better yet…we may just get our own place. That would be better. In fact…we can get started on that right after the party. You also promised me a date...and I promised to wear something that will blow your mind. Five months without you has been pure torture." Sarah paused. "Are you able to follow me, or am I going too fast?"
"No, no…I read you loud and clear." Chuck said in awe…and a little terrified.
Ellie's jaw was now resting on the floor. "Oh…my…God…."
Sarah winced. "Sorry, Ellie. TMI. I can be a hot-head."
Sarah grabbed Chuck's face. "Ellie spent a lot of time putting together this party. You and I are going to mingle with your guests, with me on your arm so all these women I have noticed eyeballing you will know that you are my Chuck. They can get their own. This one…is taken."
Sarah's tone turned soft. "After we, uh…catch up in our bed after the party…we're going to the beach. We have a tradition to keep."
Chuck smiled. "I'd like that. God, I love you!"
Sarah kissed Chuck on the lips. "I love you too, baby."
Chuck took a slow breath, leaning to whisper in Sarah's ear. "Um…I, uh…apparently saw your service record a minute ago. It just…flashed through my head. I'm, uh…your beneficiary, and emergency contact."
Sarah looked at Chuck in awe. "You saw my file?"
"The mission stuff and confirmed…you know…was redacted." Chuck glanced at Ellie, then back at Sarah. "I…also saw your cover." Chuck grinned. "Mrs. Bartowski."
Sarah grinned, looking at Ellie, her tone loud so Ellie could hear. "Yep. My cover is going to be your wife."
"Uh…really?" Chuck said nervously. "Wow…I mean…I'm good with that…um…"
Sarah snaked her arms around Chuck's neck. "I plan on making that official sometime down the road anyway. I'm ready when you're ready. We'll talk about that later. Doesn't matter…because I'm not going anywhere. For now…the cover will ensure I will be in a perfect position to protect you. As your spouse…I gain access a girlfriend can't...notably as it relates to your active duty status as a Naval Officer."
Chuck nodded. Ellie looked like she was about to bust. "I'm…gonna head back to the party. I suppose you two are having your…honeymoon tonight?"
Sarah grinned. "Yep. Ellie…the story is…Chuck was never in London. We got married in D.C. while he was…assisting a State Department think tank on IED policy. For my cover, I work for the State Department, and that is how we met."
Ellie nodded seriously. "Got it. I'll keep it…as Chuck says…locked down."
Sarah hugged Ellie. "Thank you. Ellie…Chuck and I are really a couple…just a…different kind of couple."
"I understand. I am so happy for you both…but I'm worried about you two being in danger." Ellie said sadly.
"Don't. He has me, and so do you." Sarah said confidently. "Chuck can take care of himself…but I will be watching his back."
"I trust you." Ellie said softly.
Sarah tightened her hold. "Thank you. I won't let anything happen to either of you. He is going to be my husband, and you are going to be my big sister."
Ellie smiled bright. "Welcome to the family, little sister."
Sarah pulled away and took Ellie by the hand. "Ellie...Chuck won't be able to resign his commission for the time being. I'm sorry...but he will need to remain in federal service in order for us to protect him. We'll talk about that later. For now...let's get back to the party."
Ellie sighed. "Okay. I understand. I'll give you guys a minute."
Ellie went back to the party, and the couple held hands, staring at each other, smiling.
Sarah kissed Chuck on the lips. "Now. Let's finish up this party. I have another birthday present you can unwrap under this suit."
Chuck's eyes widened in shock. "Hi, oh!"
"After all…we're on our honeymoon."
The apartment door burst open. It was Morgan. He looked as though he would cry. "Sarah…sniff…I'm Morgan…sniff…Chuck's bestie…sniff…"
Morgan hugged them both. "Please take care of Chuck. Please, Sarah."
Sarah laughed softly. "I promise, Morgan. It's…nice to finally meet you."
Morgan pulled away, smiling at this friend. "He's all grown up now…sniff."
Morgan got a hold of himself. "Sorry. This is just…a really happy…yet shocking revelation. And I might be a little drunk. I spiked the punch with a little too much rum."
Chuck laughed. "Just sleep it off tonight, buddy. You'll be fine."
Morgan nodded. "Uh…Sarah…you wouldn't happen to have a sister, would you?"
Sarah laughed softly. "Only child. I'm sorry, Morgan."
Morgan waved a hand. "Ah. Just as well. Your beauty is unique. I don't think it can be replicated." Morgan held up a hand. "I meant that as a compliment…not as a lecherous douche."
Sarah smiled. "I didn't take it that way. That is kind of you to say."
"All good, buddy." Chuck said, hugging Sarah close.
"Right. Well. Back to the party, then. All kidding aside, I'm happy for the two of you…and I mean that."
"Thanks, Morgan." Chuck said solemnly. Even Sarah was touched.
Morgan left, and Sarah smiled. "He's sweet, Chuck. I see you surround yourself with good people."
Chuck shrugged. "My family and my friends are everything to me. And…he accepts you. Whether you saw it or not…he just gave you a big seal of approval. He's a loyal friend. The best. We've been friends since childhood. I hope he can find happiness with a girl he loves too."
Sarah smiled. "Well…maybe you and I can help him with that. You can be his wingman, and I'll handle the vetting."
"That's very kind of you, Sarah." Chuck said in earnest.
"Well…this is my family too." Sarah said sweetly.
Sarah took Chuck by the hand. "Come on. Let's go party."
Chuck smiled as Sarah pulled him towards the courtyard.
Sarah was cuddled up to Chuck on the sand as the sun rose over the Pacific Ocean. She sighed in content when Chuck pulled her closer, kissing her on the side of the head.
No words were spoken. This was their place now. Their time. It was perfect.
Sarah moved in front of Chuck, and took his hands. She smiled. "It's time I told you my real name. I'm sorry I haven't told you before now...I honestly didn't think about it. I know this sounds strange...but I'm...not the same person anymore. Not after meeting you."
Chuck smiled. "I understand."
Sarah took an audible breath, stared Chuck in the eyes, and smiled. "Samantha Lisa is my first and middle name. I was born May 30, 1982. Chuck...I don't...I don't know my last name. My real birth certificate has never been recovered. Up until the age of 17...I had so many identities running around with my father...well...before meeting you...it was...difficult knowing who I really am."
Chuck grinned. "Well. That clarifies quite a bit. I'm two years older than you. I do appreciate the birthday. That'll save me from playing guessing games...you know...going bankrupt buying you gifts hoping each day is your birthday." Chuck winked.
Sarah gave faux disappointed look. "Darn. I should have capitalized on that. Silly me." Chuck laughed at the comment.
Chuck turned serious, and kissed Sarah softly on the lips, caressing her face with his hands. "Thank you for telling me that. Samantha is a beautiful name."
"I'm going to tell you everything about me. Just don't call me Sam. I hate that name. My...dad called me that. Reason being...I'm not Sam anymore. Truth is...I'm Sarah now. Your...Sarah. That's how I feel." Sarah said softly.
"Sarah...a name doesn't define who you are. Your heart...defines you. Your actions...are the reflections of your heart. That's all that matters. Besides..." Chuck trailed, his tone solemn. "I know who you are."
"And who might that be?" Sarah asked in awe.
"The woman I love...and want to spend my life with."
"I love you so much, Chuck." Sarah said through a whimper.
Chuck pulled Sarah close. "I love you too...Samantha." Sarah smiled. It meant a lot to hear Chuck tell her that he loved her, using her real name.
"I was Sarah when I met you...and that's who I want to be for the rest of my life. I feel...reborn. Because of you...I'm more than just a spy. I'm a different woman. A...better human being."
Sarah sighed, fearing the talk she needed to have with her boyfriend. "Chuck…now I need to go over what all is about to happen."
"I've got a pretty good idea…but go ahead." Chuck said softly.
"You are officially assigned to the NSA while you host the Intersect. We are working on reassigning you to Naval Station Ventura County so you'll be closer to LA. Graham and Beckman felt that would be the best way to keep you from being turned into an asset. That wouldn't happen with me here anyway…but we have to keep the government satisfied the Intersect is being used in an official capacity, and isn't in the head of a civilian."
Chuck nodded. "I can live with that. Especially with you here."
"I'm not going anywhere. Graham knows this is my last assignment. If they find a way to extract the Intersect…I'm resigning and staying right here." Sarah took a slow breath.
Chuck looked at Sarah in concern. "Sarah…I can't ask you to give up your career for me."
Sarah shook her head. "Chuck…my career isn't as important to me as…being with you. I know that without a shadow of a doubt. It took two years for us to reconnect…and we spent five months apart. I am no longer willing, or wanting to be away from you that long again. Fate…has allowed us to be together…but I need to meet fate halfway."
Chuck nodded in understanding. "Sarah…I…" Chuck said softly. "I love you. That's all I know to say. I love you with all my heart."
Sarah kissed Chuck softly on the lips. "I love you too. So much."
Sarah sighed. "Chuck…I know this is…a bit fast…for the both of us…but I want to…show my commitment to you. Graham also signed off on us…well if we…um…" Sarah trailed, unsure of herself.
Chuck squeezed Sarah reassuringly. "Sarah…don't be afraid. Just tell me."
Sarah turned her body so their eyes met. She smiled, and looked Chuck in the eyes. "This isn't just for the job…this is for…us. I want this more than anything. Never thought I would ever feel this way…but I do. It's what I want…and it will eliminate any complications that could prevent us from ever being separated again. It's my…insurance policy to make for damn sure we stay together."
"What are you saying?" Chuck asked softly.
Sarah took a slow breath, and exhaled slowly. "We are married for the cover, but I want to get married for real. I really…really do." Sarah laughed softly. "You've already been vetted. Graham saw to it as part of our deal. He has me protecting you, and I have you. It's that simple."
Chuck's eyes widened, and his mouth formed a blinding smile. "I mean...this is the first time a girl has asked me to marry her. I think this is the part where I say yes."
Sarah gave Chuck a coy look. "Sweetie…I'm a trained government assassin who knows over 500 ways to kill you. You say that like you actually have a choice in the matter."
Chuck narrowed his eyes playfully. "So, I could have expected a knife in my kidney had I said no, right?"
Sarah swatted Chuck. "Chuck, don't play with me like that." Sarah huffed through a pout after the statement.
Chuck diffused Sarah with a searing kiss. She smiled seductively after the kiss. "Don't tempt me…"
Chuck cleared his throat. "Sorry. I didn't mean to tease you, Sarah." Chuck turned solemn. "I really, really want to marry you too. Nothing would make me happier. I will spend the rest of our lives together trying my best to make you as happy as you've made me."
Sarah blinked away a tear. She spoke softly. "Wow. Baby...I am happy. Please don't make me start bawling either."
"I'm sorry. So…when are we doing this little side mission?"
Sarah didn't even blink in her response. "Ellie and I are going shopping for a dress this weekend. You are wearing your Mess Dress Uniform. I would like to be married…right here on the beach. This is our spot…and I want our wedding to take place right here."
Chuck nodded, brushing a stray hair out of Sarah's face. "Done. We need to get our own place."
Sarah grinned. "Done. We have an apartment. Took care of that this morning. We're moving this weekend. I think that will be less of a problem than installing new drywall." Sarah winked after the comment.
"Sounds like you've already planned this out." Chuck said, kissing Sarah softly.
Sarah nodded. "What do you think I've been doing for the past five months? It takes a lot of time to travel between missions. I even have a dress idea for one I saw in Pars three months ago."
"So that's why the people in the background were speaking French." Chuck said. "Wish I could visit the Eiffel Tower someday."
Sarah smiled. "We are. For our honeymoon. I went ahead and booked an open reservation while I was there. All we have to provide is the date." Sarah said, like it was no big deal.
Sarah cupped Chuck's face, staring deep in his eyes. "One more thing…trust me, Chuck. Not just now…but forever."
Chuck kissed Sarah softly on the lips. "I trust you with my life, Sarah. Forever."
Sarah sighed in content. "Ellie asked me to be her Maid-of-Honor. We're also picking up my bridesmaid dress this weekend too. I can't wait to see you in your uniform at her wedding." Sarah smiled, kissing Chuck on the lips. "Ellie's wedding can double as our wedding rehearsal. And, uh...we can practice for our honeymoon that evening."
Chuck gulped. "Wow. I'm looking forward it it."
Sarah bounced a shoulder. "You're going to be a busy guy for Ellie's wedding. You will be walking us both down the aisle." Sarah purred. "It's going to be all I can do to behave myself. I'm sure you will be charmingly handsome in your Service Dress Blues."
Chuck grinned, caressing Sarah's cheeks. "And I'm sure your dress will compliment every beautiful curve on your gorgeous body."
Sarah bounced her head from side to side. "When this mess is settled...I want to start our family. Having your babies, backyard barbecues, playing catch, soccer games...in our home...with a picket fence and a big yard for a playhouse, and a pool. That's my end game."
Chuck's smile blinded Sarah. "I'm all in, babe. How many kids are we having?"
Sarah didn't even blink. "I want between 3 and 6 children, Chuck. More...maybe. As many as we can manage." Sarah purred in Chuck's ear. "I'd love to get started on that now...but things are dangerous. That doesn't mean we can't...practice. It takes lots...and lots of practice to have babies."
"Wow." Chuck wheezed.
Sarah's phone rang. She huffed in frustration, giving Chuck a quick kiss. "Hold that thought"…"Yeah, Casey."
Walker, just got handed a mission. Seems there's been a threat made against the Commanding General of NATO at a conference held in downtown tomorrow night. Beckman wants us to check it out. Beckman and General Stansfield are old friends.
"Give us an hour and a half, Casey." Sarah hung up the phone, and smiled at her cover husband/real fiancé. "Well…Lieutenant Commander Bartowski…are you ready to go save the world?"
Chuck furrowed his brow. "Lieutenant Commander…that was in last night's flash…with the personal contact listing in your file. That explains the promotion."
Sarah shrugged. "Beckman felt you deserved it. The ceremony will on Friday. Ellie and I will be pinning you. It'll look nice with the Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire the British government is awarding you, and the shiny new Navy/Marine Corps Medal for risking your life to take out Ilsa." Sarah frowned. "Your second Purple Heart had better be your last one."
Chuck nodded. "I'll try. I'm tired of getting shot anyway. That's getting old."
Sarah chuckled. "You are such a comedian."
Chuck kissed Sarah on the cheek. "In last night's flash...I see where the CIA awarded you the Distinguished Intelligence Cross. Congratulations, by the way. Well, Mrs. Bartowski…let's do this."
Sarah crashed her lips into Chuck. "We will…right after we visit our bed. We have five months to make up for...and we need to start practicing for having those babies. Casey can stew for a while Won't hurt him."
Chuck got up from the sand, and lifted Sarah in his arms. The couple smiled as Chuck walked up the beach, his future wife giggling in his arms.
CHUCK
A/N: Believe it or not, I started this story 6 years ago. It sat in "writer's block" corner of my hard drive. I pulled it out in March 2023, and took three chapters I had written, and finished it. Funny how that works.
I am working on a sequel to this story...but it is in it's infancy and may take a while to put together/write. I haven't thought about doing sequels before, but this one felt like it's own Chuckverse. So, we'll see. Even if I can't get something off the ground...at least this story has it's own happy ending. That was intentional.
Chuck's birthday was changed in this story as opposed to it's canon occurrence in September.
In order to stay true to canon...we learn that Sarah's real name is Sam (we assume a derivative of Samantha) Lisa, but no real last name.
I had a blast writing this one. I hope you had a blast reading it.
Thanks for reading!