Previously on Chuck Versus the Outback:
Sarah tried to catch her breath, "Wait, if it is Casey tell him I'll show you the picture of his cloverleaves if he doesn't leave, and if it is Morgan tell him to run. 'Cause I'll be the one killing him since he would have ruined this," moving her hands to represent what they were about to do, "twice in a matter of two weeks!"
"Wait, how do you know about that?" Chuck catching his breath also as he put some clothes back on.
"What, you don't think I saw the crumpled note in the bathroom? Why do you think I was so irritated? I needed that as much as you did, maybe even more."
"Ah-ha...this all makes more sense. I should have just put a tie on the door or something." Chuck left the room and walked to the door. He took a deep breath and opened. Please, let it be a prank. Dear god, not Morgan, not Morgan...
Chapter 4: Unwelcomed Doubts
Casa Bartowski
Los Angeles, California
May 3, 2009
Chuck wished that it was just a dream. No one was actually at the door, and he was still in bed with Sarah. He was finally making love to the love of his life, the woman of his dreams. His life was finally starting to go somewhere. He was done with the Buy More. He got an apartment. He got a car, and he had Sarah by his side.
He slowly opened the door to find, "Casey! W-h-a-t d-o y-o-u w-a-n-t!" What the hell does Casey want! I'm going to kill him, why me? What I would give for people to let me have one night, one night with my girl!
"Uh...I hope I wasn't interrupting something?" Casey smirked at Chuck. Team Casey one, Team Chuck zero!
"Actually you were!" Chuck was furious. "If you want to know the details of my encounter, I would be happy to go into the finer points at a later date."
"What having trouble getting the bird off the ground? It's OK Bartowski, it was destined to happen-" Even though Casey was a trained professional he didn't see Chuck's fist flying towards his face.
"If you don't leave right now, I am going to make sure that I destroy every inch of your prized Crown Vic, inch by inch and then I'll hack into the California Voter Files and register you as a member of the Green Party."
"You wouldn't dare; you don't have the balls Bartowski-"
Chuck pounded Casey's jaw. He was again who was off guard. "Just you watch. You have five seconds to leave before I take a sledge hammer to your car." Team Chuck one, Team Casey one. Ha! See who wins now. "One...two...three...four..."
"Fine Bartowski. Just on the record, revenge is sweet. Revenge is very sweet. You better make sure Walker is watching your back Bartowski." Casey stormed off into the night.
Chuck slammed the door behind him. That man will be the death of me! Why doesn't anyone want me to get laid!! He walked over the couch. He was a little dizzy from the confrontation. Chuck usually never raised his voice to anyone. Even growing up, he rarely shouted and screamed at Ellie. Sure, they fought. All kids fight with their siblings. Chuck Bartowski hadn't hollered like that since he saw Bryce with Jill back at Stanford.
Sarah heard the entire ruckus between Chuck and Casey. She was proud of Chuck for standing his ground. Though, she hadn't seen him this angry before. She wasn't worried about her physical safely, but she was concerned for Chuck. She knew he wanted to show her how much he meant to her. He wanted to relive himself from all the pressure and tension that had been building up for two years.
Sarah decided to put on one of Chuck's shirts and see what was wrong. She assumed he wasn't coming back to bed. As much as she wanted Chuck physically, she wouldn't be able to live with herself if her first time with Chuck was fueled by anger, frustration, and pure cold-blooded rage.
As Sarah tiptoed into the living room, she heard mumbling under his breath, "I want to be with her. I want to make her a happy woman. These people are always interrupting us, barging in, taking control of the relationship. Is this a sign? Are we not meant for each other? Please god, just give me a sign, give me a sign of what I should do. Please god..."
Sarah tried to be as quiet as she could. Chuck was mumbling words between outright sobs on the couch. She felt guilty for the problems between Chuck and her. She stepped on a floorboard that just happened to creek. Just my luck! I might as well try to cheer him up. Sarah didn't see Chuck react but she followed the light into the room.
BOOM!! BWCHOOOM!! BAHHBOOOOM!!
Chuck heard the thunder and saw the ensuing lightning from the living room. He thought out loud to himself, "I should see if Sarah's OK." He got up and felt his way down the hall.
Sarah was about past the kitchen when she collided with a tall, lanky, curly-haired man. Chuck walked into Sarah. His momentum pushed her backwards onto the floor. She felt her ankle roll and knee buckle. Unfortunately for Sarah, he landed on top of her. She wasn't expecting the crash even with agent training. Chuck's weight was crushing her shoulder into the floor.
After a slight moment, Chuck realized that he was crushing Sarah. "Oh my god! Sarah are you okay?" He immediately rolled over onto his back. Both he and Sarah were lying on the floor.
"Chuck I'm fine. I think I might have twisted my ankle and my shoulder-" She was panting heavily.
"I should get you to the hospital. Let me just find my phone and the car keys-"
"No, Chuck. Just help me up."
Chuck got up from the floor and bent down to give Sarah a hand up. How could I have not noticed her walking! I'm such a fool. I hurt her. I hurt Sarah...
"Chuck...you in there?" She looked up at Chuck who was blaming himself for falling on her. "I don't think I can put weight on it. Will you be able to carry me to the bed?" Sarah thought for a second about what she had just said. Sarah, he's the one who is hurt more than me. Head surgery, what were you thinking?...Cut it Walker. I just got so wound up with what he was mumbling I didn't even notice him walking straight for me. Sarah's constant war between the agent and the women was beginning to take a toll on her. It was wearing her down completely.
While Sarah was fighting with herself, Chuck was trying to figure out what to do. He felt so guilty about hurting her. Chuck had assumed she was still in bed. He never considered her to be lurking around the apartment in the dark. What was she doing walking around anyway?....SHIT! She must have heard the scuffle with Casey and my ramblings...damn it. I always find a way to ruin the moment. I can make this up to her right now.
He had to pep himself up a little before he could lift her. "You can do this Chuck. It's just like picking up a chair. Not a big deal," he whispered.
"Chuck, just give me a hand. You don't have to pick me up-" He lift down and lifted her up into his arms. She put her hands around his neck. Suddenly, everything seemed right. Sarah looked into his eyes, "Is this a good enough sign?" She leaned into him and pressed her lips onto his. The kiss was nothing like before. Gone was the hunger, the need for a companion, and in was the tenderness and utter affection. It wasn't a long kiss, but it spoke. It said how much she loved him, how she wouldn't ever leave.
Though Chuck would have preferred the words, he knew that she wasn't there yet. He was grateful for hearing her proclaim her love. He would ask anymore of her tonight. Well, not much more than she had already done. Chuck broke the kiss after a few seconds and started slowly walking to the room with the love of his life in his arms.
Chuck kicked his door open so he would be able to walk in without further injuring Sarah. He laid her onto the bed. "I'm going to find some matches to light some candles so it isn't so pitch black. I'll be right back."
Sarah nodded in agreement. The scene of candles in his room seemed a little like déjà vu for her. She remembered the night when they had to 'make love'. That was also the same night when Ellie almost died. Things had changed considerably since then. The main change being that she was in Chuck's bed voluntarily without the need to 'secure their cover' since there was no cover anymore.
Chuck came back into the room with some matches and lit up the candles that were around the room. The setting could not have been anymore romantic. No power, no lights, no surveillance. Just the glow of the candle flame. He looked around the room and realized what he had to do. Chuck had gotten his sign for sure. If there was any doubt lingering, it had definitely retreated the back of his mind. I need to do this. I am Charles Bartowski. I can do anything if I try. After lighting all the candles, he took off his shirt and pants just leaving his boxers. He trotted over to where Sarah was lying peacefully stomach down on his bed. He knelt next to her and started rubbing her aching shoulder.
"Chuck," Sarah murmured, "you don't need to do that, I'm-" She stopped talking after she felt the sensation of her shoulder. It experienced a numbing sensation from the simple pressure Chuck was applying to her shoulder. "Please don't stop-" She gave into it, allowing him to heal her.
Chuck didn't restrict himself from massaging just her shoulder. He worked his way down her back and eventually down her legs. He worked his way up again and turned her over. He looked into her eyes, "Sarah let me have you." He pushed his lips onto hers slowly and tenderly.
Sarah responded with the oomph that had expedited their last encounter. Her fingers roamed his back and found their way into his hair, disheveling it more than it already was. "Mr. Bartowski, you have had me for a while." That one soft spoken declaration sparked what would be the night Chuck and Sarah really first made love.
Even with Sarah's slight injuries and Chuck's reduced stamina, it was a night they both would remember and try to re-create for the rest of their lives.
Casa Bartowski
May 4, 2009
That morning, Chuck woke up smelling the sweet scent of vanilla in his nose. He was a little disoriented but quickly surveyed his surroundings. "This better not be a dream, please, not a dream," Chuck mumbled.
He looked over his chin to see Sarah sleeping on his chest. "Thank the lord! It's not a dream!" He quickly wished he hadn't spoken because Sarah immediately stirred.
"Hey there," she said groggily, "sleep OK?"
"Yeah...so...want me to make some food?"
"Funny, the only thing you can make is coffee. I'll make some food while you shower, because you kinda smell."
Chuck gave her a dirty look, "Yea...after a night like that I guess I would smell."
She didn't respond him. She just got up, found a shirt and left the room. I should have said something to him. Damn it! I gotta go back.
Chuck thought to himself. Great, she isn't even going to acknowledge the fact we had sex last night. What was I thinking, this is going too fast for her.
Sarah quickly re-entered the room. "Uh...I forgot something." She rolled over him and kissed him powerfully and passionately.
"Wow." Chuck was in shock from the random display of affection from Sarah, although he didn't mind.
"Now go get in the shower smelly." Sarah playfully slapped his arm and stepped out of the room and walked into the kitchen to find some food and start up a pot of hot coffee. She was starving after the intense night she had had and couldn't help but reflect on what had happened. To think I waited as long as I did, I didn't know what I was missing. Woww when he did that thing with his hips...Walker, you done talking about Chuck like he is meat? He was gentle and so powerful, you wish you could appreciate it...Why don't you shove it Sarah? Once again, Sarah's inner battle was fighting out an all out war.
While Chuck was in the bathroom, he couldn't help recall last night's adventures. If I could have anything in the world, it would be to live like that all the time! The way everything just connected; I never really thought we had much chemistry, but now I'm like wow! He looked into the mirror with a glow on his face and announced in a Awesome-like voice, "Well done Charles. Did good last night. You're aces Charles. Aces." He found some stray clothes and slipped them on.
Chuck strolled into the kitchen finding Sarah in deep thought. He wondered what her 'deal' was. I hope she isn't trying to compare me to other people. Oh god, that would be just terrible! Why wasn't she saying anything other than 'you smell'? He thought he would try to surprise Sarah in the kitchen. The only way he would be able to pull this off would be if he used all of his spy knowledge to lurk around.
"Chuck, I know you're there. Who do you take me for? A rookie spy?" Sarah caught him trying to conceal himself under the countertop.
He revealed himself once he figured he had been made, or when Sarah spotted him. "One day I'm going to do it Miss Walker, and then you'll be the rookie." He smiled at her warmly, "now, where is this coffee I smell?"
She poured him a cup and put in the perfect amount of sugar for his liking. He handed it to him. He smiled back contently. They tried conversing in nonsense small talk, but both knew they were ignoring the ever-growing elephant in the room. Last night.
Sarah decided she would try broaching the subject when they were broke actually awake to respond rationally with her new found confidence, "Uh...so last night...that was..." She tried to think of one word that would display and illustrate her serenity, "it was...uh...well mind-blowing." She tried not to blush that much after her confession.
Chuck, on the other hand, was not worried that much about blushing. He didn't care if Sarah knew that he was happy. He had been worried that he had disappointed her because she had high expectations. Now, he was worried that he wouldn't be able to contain his joy and bliss. "Really? So...how would you compare it to...uhh-"
Sarah knew he would be asking this, she didn't expect it this soon, "to Bryce?"
He nodded, "Is that too personal to respond to? I'll understand if you take the fifth." He tried to smile at her conveying his regret of asking the question. He was embarrassed to even think about it. Who would blame him for asking? He had had a crush on her since the first day she walked into the Buy More. He had always felt like he was second on her list of lovers. Of course he would be asking her to compare him in bed to Bryce.
"No, it's OK. I figured you would be asking eventually. Well here is my answer Mr. Bartowski. It consists of three words. No comparison whatsoever." She saw his face go from a somber expression to one of gratification. She was telling the truth. To Sarah, a single night with Chuck was better than the two years with Bryce. Was it the fact that she and Chuck were making love where with Bryce it was just sex? Absolutely.
Chuck had doubted his so-called 'performance' but after Sarah admitted that he was better than Bryce, he found a new source of courage. Bryce Larkin had always gotten the girls that Chuck was interested in. This new revelation, however, gave Chuck a new sense of hope that would jump-start his life.
Sarah looked up at his face. He looked like a kid that just walked into a candy store. His eyes were wide with excitement and pride. "Is that what you wanted to hear?" she smiled, "Now, go get dressed Mr. Big-Shot. We don't want to be late for the briefing."
Chuck nodded and before he left her to change into some clean clothes walked up to her and pulled her into a deep kiss.
After a moment, they came up for air. "Thank you."
"No Chuck, thank you." She couldn't help but widely grin at him as he walked away. Why did she always feel that Chuck was trying to be Bryce? She thought, more like fought with herself. I don't get it...Of course you wouldn't Walker, don't you remember the Lon Kirk catastrophe? You called Bryce your boyfriend and not even considered Chuck's feelings...Yeah, but that was so long ago, I bet he forgot it...No, he most certainly didn't. How about the second time Bryce came back, you remember that Walker? You were pretty comfortable sucking his face at the Von Hays party? Now, why would he want to be like Bryce?...Um, because he is a good dancer?...Wow Walker, you are more ignorant than I thought. Bryce is the only person who you had let be with you...Oh my god, I never saw that...Of course not! You were too worried about pleasing the CIA and NSA to even consider his feelings. Geez Walker, it only took you six months! Don't let him get away. Tell him that you are in love with him for being Chuck, not for acting like Bryce.
The in fighting in Sarah's head was starting to wear her down. She couldn't stand fighting with herself when Chuck was concerned. She would have to consciously pick a side sooner rather than later. For now, she would try not to fool herself into siding with the agent or the girl.
Chuck and Sarah went in their respective directions to get themselves ready for the nine-o-clock briefing. Chuck hoped that the General wouldn't chew on Sarah anymore than she had the day before. In his mind though, everything seemed a tad different. He finally had sealed the deal with Sarah; he was mighty proud of himself to finally outdo Bryce Larkin at something. He had also finally heard how Sarah felt about him. She loves me. He mentally wrote a note to himself to remember that day for the rest of his life. The day Sarah Walker admitted her love and the day he first made true sweet love to her. Chuck found himself daydreaming when he was supposed to be changing into clean clothes since Sarah was in the shower.
She broke his stare, "Hey, you ready? Not going to do anything stupid are you?"
"Yeah I'm ready. Why should I not do anything stupid?"
"Well, for one you'll be on the couch-"
Chuck babbled a response quickly, "Nope, I'm not going say anything stupid. Promise."
Around nine, the duo left Casa Bartowski and strolled over to Casey's for the usual briefing or ass-chewing from Beckman.
Casey's Apartment
Around Nine in the morning
The team gathered around the screen. They realized things had to go better than yesterday's fallout. Chuck promised Sarah he would be quiet. He didn't want to push his luck. Casey gave the two a mean glare just as the screen lit up. General Beckman seemed to be in a better mood.
"Good morning Team. What is Mr. Bartowski's status?"
Casey decided to let Sarah take this one since she was more familiar with his condition. Yeah, that's not the only thing she knows. I can't believe the two. I need to get some military grade earplugs if they are going to be doing that every night. I don't think I could take hearing more.
"General," Sarah stared, "Chuck's vision is back to normal. The stitches seem to be healing as are the other bruises on his body," she look a quick stare at Casey. "He has an appointment with the CIA neurologist today that will give us an update on the rest of his condition."
"Agent Casey," she caught him a little off guard.
"Uh...Yes ma'am?"
"What is the status of your search for the drivers of the van that tailed Agent Walker and Mr. Bartowski yesterday?"
"Ma'am, the driver's name is Agent Jacob Folds. He was a CIA Agent before he was supposedly killed while on a mission. We suspect that he actually went rogue for the 'Ring'. The passenger's identity is yet to be found."
"Is Mr. Bartowski's cover still intact? Do they or do they not know the identity of the Intersect?" She was getting frustrated with Casey. Her voice was getting increasingly louder, "Well, Colonel, do you have an answer?"
He was dodging the questions because in reality he didn't know. After his confrontation with Chuck the night before, he got plastered. He felt guilty for ruining Chuck's night so he only thought it was fair if he ruined his own. "I do not believe his cover has been compromised. With that said, do I have your permission to track Agent Folds to see if I can get more information regarding their operation?"
"Yes Colonel. I want you to do the surveillance as soon as possible," she turned to Sarah, "Agent Walker, will you be able to watch Mr. Bartowski while Agent Casey is away?"
Sarah and Chuck's face lit up. They were going to be without Casey, hallelujah! "Yes ma'am. I can assume Chuck's 24 hour protective detail while Agent Casey is completing the reconnaissance mission."
Chuck was trying to hard to keep his promise to Sarah. He wanted to thank the General but he wasn't sure how it would go over and if the couch was really that comfortable. He opted out of saying something to the General. He didn't want to risk it with Sarah. He wanted to show to her that he would follow her directions.
"You have your orders," she pointed to Sarah and Casey, "I want you two to keep a close watch out for possible 'Ring' agents watching the Intersect. Clear?"
"Yes ma'am," seemed to come from both.
"That is all." The screen went black.
"Does she ever say 'have a good day' or at least 'goodbye'? Wouldn't you say that is a little rude?"
"Bartowski, the General doesn't have time for silly formalities. Get over it." Casey turned to Sarah, "Walker, can I assume you can handle him for the day while I'm out?"
Chuck got the joke. He smirked at Casey. He thought his jokes and punches at his and Sarah's 'thing' would stop, but he was wrong.
Sarah gave him an angry glare before responding to his wisecrack, "Yes Casey." She sighed loudly. She was sick of his jokes. One, they were not funny and two, she thought they were hurtful. "Can I talk to you privately?"
Chuck looked confused. "Oh I see how it is," he said sarcastically. He turned to look at Sarah, "I'll me up with you by the fountain?"
"Yeah, It'll only be a few minutes."
Chuck walked out of the room. Sarah followed him to make sure he wouldn't listen to her chat with Casey. Once she was sure he wasn't listening, she turned back to Casey.
"I assume you know what I wanted to chat about?" She gave him a dirty look.
"Look, if it's about last night it was supposed to be a-"
"A joke right? Because you think this is all some sort of practical joke. Am I right?"
Casey kept his silence. Sarah got her answer, "This is no joke. I don't get you. You help Chuck and I be together and then you go messing with his head. Do you even care? Are you so cold-hearted that you will make it seem like you care and then totally fuck it up in the end?!" Sarah was screaming at him. She had bottled up all this anger and frustration. It wasn't Casey who she was really mad at. She was mad at the whole establishment that frowned upon her relationship, no, her partnership with Chuck, and most of all herself.
"Look, Sarah...it's not what it seems like...I just was having a little fun-" Casey tried to get a few words in before Sarah verbally attacked him again.
"Fun? You think it's fun making people feel like shit? You think it's fun ruining people's life? I am going to ask you nicely only once. Will you stop screwing with Chuck?"
Casey stared at her, trying not to give in to her. If you had stared down John Casey a month ago, he wouldn't have cracked. Now, after the Chuck fiasco and the new 'Ring' he was easier to crack than a stale cracker. "Fine, Walker. You have a deal. My deal with you still stands. Mess up the mission and I out you both to the General."
"I wouldn't have it any other way." Sarah smirked at Casey and put out her hand. "A shake to seal the deal?"
Casey shook her hand and then he pushed her out of his apartment. He didn't want to deal with these two anymore. They had conned him into breaking the rules and not having any fun doing it!
Sarah greeted Chuck in the courtyard. "Hi." She sat down next to him at the fountain.
"Hey, what did you guys talk about?"
"Uh...just about some stuff...it doesn't really matter. It's all taken care of."
Chuck didn't really believe her. He knew it had something to do with their 'thing' so he wouldn't push her to tell him. He was happy with what he was getting. "Ok...so we should probably leave for the doctors?"
"Yea, and then I figured we could stop by my place to start boxing up stuff? I don't have much so it won't take long."
"Sure, that sounds fine," Chuck looked a little skeptical about his next question. He knew she might not be able to answer it but it was worth the shot, "Sarah." His face turned deadly serious, "Are those guys, Folds and the other man, are they trying to kill me?"
Sarah's face went blank. How was she supposed to answer his question? How could she tell him that his life would always be in danger? "Chuck, you are safe with me. There is no need to worry."
"You didn't answer my question, are they trying to kill me or just kidnap me?" He looked at her wanting the agent's answer not the girl's answer.
"Chuck, they will not stop until they find you. But, we have to make sure you are safe at all times. That's one of the reasons we are moving into that new apartment."
"There were other reasons?" He looked up at her with a cheerful smile.
"Don't push your luck Mister. Now let's get to this appointment.
CIA Medical Facility
Los Angeles, California
Chuck and Sarah waited inside the room for the doctor. Sarah didn't know if Chuck would flash on him or if the doctor was any good. Chuck hoped that he would at least flash on him so he would be sure he wasn't rogue or anything.
The door knob turned. "You must be Charles Bartowski. My name is Doctor Sheppard." The doctor continued walking into the room. He was a bit startled to see another person in the room, "And you are..."
"Agent Sarah Walker of the CIA, sir. I'm Chuck's handler."
"I see. Well nice to meet you Agent Walker and Mr. Bartowski. Now let me take a look at your charts."
The doctor took a moment to look over Chuck's medical history. He noticed the few times Chuck had been ill. There were a few things that stood out, normal surgeries and major procedures. At age 8, Chuck had his tonsils taken out. When Chuck was 16, he was admitted to the hospital for stab wounds. During his Stanford years, he was admitted and stayed in the hospital for a week with Appendicitis. The strangest was the record of an Australian hospital. He stayed in at Royal Darwin Hospital for a little less than a week.
"Mr. Bartowski, I'm going to take out the stitches in your forehead now. It will not be painful. OK?"
"Yea, sure thing Doc. But I do have a low pain threshold, so I may squirm a little."
"I saw that noted in your file. There are a few one thing I wish to talk to you about. But first, lets get these stitches out."
The doctor continued to get the kit and take the stitches. As warned, Chuck squirmed like a little kid getting a shot. He didn't cry, but Sarah saw the pain on his face. She held his hand, which comforted him a little. He was squeezing her hand hard while the doctor was pulling out the stitches. Sarah thought he was cutting off her circulation. But by the time her concerns were forming, the doctor finished. Chuck never let go of her hand, but he did stop squeezing so hard.
"Mr. Bartowski, your file notes that you spent some time in Royal Darwin Hospital. Is that correct?"
"Yea, that's where I got the stitches. Is there something wrong?"
"You were assigned to me by General Beckman. We're old friends. She briefed me on your situation. The unwelcomed guests you have been attracting?"
"Oh, yeah..."
"Doctor Sheppard, is there a point to this?" Sarah didn't want to spend her day in the place she hated most. She remembered times when she would wake up in the hospital alone after being tortured or injured.
He turned to Sarah, "Agent Walker, did you make sure the hospital was secure?"
"Yes, of course. My partner, Colonel John Casey of the NSA took care of security."
"Well, being a retired agent and all, I feel it is some common professional courtesy to tell you that it was in fact not secure. One of the nurses seems to be linked to a domestic terrorist organization."
The look on Sarah's face showed her emotions for once. She was scared. It had been her and Casey's fault that Chuck was being sought after! See, you let yourself get so caught up in all your emotions you didn't protect your asset!...It's Chuck, he's not my asset. He's my boyfriend!...Yea, you keep thinking like that and he's going to be dead by the time you feel the need to take your so-called relationship to the next level.
Her inner battle was beginning to scare her. Sarah Walker was never really the type to get scared. In all her years as a CIA agent, the fear seemed to make her excel. When most people would back off, Sarah would follow through with her plan even if it risked her life. The new revelation from the doctor scared the shit out of her.
"Doctor, what does this mean?" Chuck was not only concerned about his safety but also Sarah's self-esteem. He knew this would certainly shrink it.
"Well Mr. Bartowski, it doesn't mean anything." He turned back facing Sarah, "Agent Walker, hopefully this new piece of intel will assist your situation?"
"Yes sir. Thank you. Was General Beckman aware of your findings?"
"No, I just figured it out when I saw his medical record." He swiveled back to look at Chuck, "Mr. Bartowski, I have some questions about your medical history."
"Uh...OK? Ask away."
"When you were 16, you were admitted for-"
"Stab wounds." He finished the doctor's sentence. He knew this would be coming up.
Sarah wondered why she wasn't informed of this. Why wasn't this in his CIA/NSA dossier?
"Yes Mr. Bartowski, I just wanted to make sure that the information was correct. You know, it isn't the normal thing to find in someone's medical history."
"Well Doctor Sheppard, I am certainly not normal." He looked over at Sarah and gave her a reassuring smile. I knew she would like that.
"Mr. Bartowski, I want you to take good care of yourself for now on. Try not to get into too many knife fights? Now if you will excuse, I have to put your new data into the system."
Chuck stood up, "Thank you for your help doctor. It is greatly appreciated." He firmly shook the doctor's hand.
Who knew a skimpy government asset would have a strong shake? The doctor excused himself from the room.
"Well that went well." Chuck was trying to ease up at the atmosphere in the room. He hoped Sarah wouldn't be mad at him. There wasn't really any reason to be. He didn't share his life story with her. He felt in time she would learn everything there was to know about Chuck Bartowski.
"Yea, now let's get back to my place so you can help me box up my stuff." She looked at him quizzically, "Is there anything wrong? You feeling okay?"
"Yeah, just thinking. I couldn't be feeling any better. Let's roll..."
After the nurse came back with the official doctor's orders, Chuck and Sarah left the medical facility. The doctor ordered that Chuck take it easy for at least another week before going back to work. Currently, Chuck didn't have a job so that directive wouldn't be hard to follow. The doctor also gave him a prescription for some antibiotics to keep his immune system strong. The only thing that worried Chuck from the doctor's orders was that he was not allowed to have sex until his blood pressure lowered. Chuck hadn't shared the letter with Sarah yet, but he knew she would be mighty disappointed since last night's recreation turned out to be mesmerizing for both of them.
They got in the car and headed off to Sarah's apartment to pack up her stuff.
Unknown Warehouse
South LA, California
"Agent Newman, what new information did you find out?"
Agent Newman was proud of his work from yesterday. He hadn't found any information about the car's owner, but from the driving it seemed like it was some sort of agent. "We have concluded that Chuck Bartowski's girlfriend or friend is some sort of agent. Sir, I think we may have the wrong guy. We checked his records. He got expelled from Stanford University for cheating, and then worked at the Burbank Buy More for about 6 years. Why would the CIA put their greatest piece of intelligence in the brain of a loser? The only explanation for the driver's skills is that she is just good."
"I am taking your word on this Newman. I want Agent Folds to keep surveillance on Chuck Bartowski's whereabouts. If no new information is found after a week, we can start on another target." The 'Boss' turned to face the group, "This is important. The Ring elders do not take failure lightly. Not only am I putting my neck out on the line in this operation, I am also putting yours out too. Don't fail me."
The men left to go to their respective duties. Agent Folds, a newbie in the Ring was station to survey Chuck Bartowski. The CIA and NSA would later find out that Agent Fold's assignment saved Chuck's life.
LA Freeways
Mid-Day
Chuck and Sarah sat in the car in silent. Sarah drove, of course, and Chuck sat in the passenger's seat staring out the window looking at other cars.
Chuck was thinking about Ellie. If the Ring agents were able to tail me, does that mean that Ellie is in danger? He needed to get Sarah's opinion on the matter but he wasn't sure if he wanted to hear it. He knew what the agent side of her would say, but what he needed now was his girlfriend's opinion. Was his family in real danger?
Sarah was driving and noticed Chuck. He seemed like he was miles away. He didn't speak to her. She had always relied on Chuck to diffuse a tense situation or to break the ice. Sarah was forced to do something to get him out of his 'funk'. She was scared of his reaction to a direct approach so she decided a less direct path towards to do that because the silence was killing her.
She reached over the center console of the car and took Chuck's hand off his leg. She brought it to the center and just held onto it. She started rubbing the top of his hand with her thumb to calm him.
After a few minutes of stop and go traffic on the expressways, she finally took the plunge. "Chuck, you okay? You just seem...I don't know...in another place?"
He didn't look over to her. He knew she was trying to help and he greatly appreciated it. "Just thinking. I'm fine."
"Penny for your thoughts?"
He wanted to tell her badly. But how do you tell your CIA handler/lover/girlfriend that you think that she isn't doing a good job protecting your family? Or how about that you think that being the Intersect is going to get your sister and brother-in-law hurt? Chuck knew he had to say something to relax Sarah. He decided to go with something truth if he was ever going to have a real partnership with Sarah. "I've been thinking about what the doctor said. You know, the fact that he figured out the people who were trying to find me by looking at the file for no more than a minute and you and Casey were clueless. I know that you and him were worried about me but it just got me thinking."
Sarah easily figured out the root of the problems. Since the doctor had brought up his medical past, he had been acting strangely. Duhh Sarah, he is pissed that you guys fucked it up!....No Walker, I think this is deeper. He was admitted for stab wounds. That is serious. That leaves you messed up for a while...Yeah whatever, if I had been in control back in Australia this wouldn't have happened. You are just too scared and afraid to admit it. "Enough!!" Sarah shouted out.
Chuck was startled by Sarah's exclamation. What the hell is going on inside her? Do I even want to ask? The answer is 'yes' Charles is you ever want to get to know the real Sarah. "Sarah, I'm not blaming you or Casey. That's not what I was saying at all. I'm just scared about Ellie. But now, I'm worried more about you. Is everything OK?"
If she was going to have a break down, it wasn't going to be while driving. Sarah didn't respond to anything Chuck was saying.
"Sarah, please talk to me. The only way you can get better is by saying something. If I did something to hurt you, let me know. I can't fix something if you don't tell me. Please?"
Sarah just drove faster and faster to her hotel. By the time they got there, Chuck was more than curious about her behavior. She had not been this evasive since....ever! He was definitely worried. This wasn't something that would go away over night. Chuck had a feeling this was something that would make either a happy or sad ending for him.
Sarah's Hotel
Early Afternoon
They arrived at the building. Sarah pulled the car into the valet parking and jumped right out. She didn't wait for Chuck. She sprinted right in.
Chuck, on the other hand, was forced to take care of the car and such. He made sure that he got everything out that he needed. He took his time going up to the room. He figured she just needed some privacy. Chuck found some boxes that she could use to pack her stuff. He headed up to her room after a few minutes. When he got to the door, he heard Sarah screaming.
"This is driving me crazy! Why can't I just decide. Agent or girl. Girl or agent. Why can't I just be both!!"
Chuck thought about knocking, but he decided to let Sarah vent.
"I want be with him, but the CIA is always going to get in the way. I want to have a life with him but the Intersect is always going to get in the way. I want the family, the house; I want to be the cool mom in the neighborhood. But the damn CIA! They always ruin everything. Well not for long. Not for long." As she stopped her rambling, Sarah's voice got calmer and quieter.
"Well that's a good sign" Chuck said to himself. As he was putting his hand on the door to knock, he flinched at the sound coming from inside. A single gunshot.
End of Chapter 4
A/N: Sorry about the long delay; I was having some internet problems. Chapter 5 is already in the works so it will likely be up in two days at the latest. Thank you to all of you that have been reviewing and thank you to those that are going to review this chapter. Tell me what you think about it so far, and where you would like to see it go. You might just get your wish answered....
happy reviewing!!