Let us do something, while we have the chance.
Still don't own Chuck.
"Sometimes it helps to know that you got something to lose."
--Agent Walker Episode 3.4
Chapter 2—the Interruptions
West Side Medical
The morning sun was coming in the room as Chuck and Sarah were unwinding from each other. The six o'clock nurse had already come in and did her checks. Several attempts at the most passionate kissing during the night ended in the nurse coming to check on the loose monitor connection. Sarah finally went over to the other bed. That arrangement did not last very long either. Chuck had woken up when the pain killers started to wear off. He heard Sarah wrestling with a nightmare and called her over. They spent the rest of the night wrapped in each others arms.
With the nurse out of the room, Chuck moved Sarah's hair back around her ear and reached in to kiss her, "Good morning, I love you."
Sarah kissed him back and said, "I love you too."
Chuck had to know, "Was that better last night. I mean no more nightmares?"
She kissed him again, "Yes, and thanks. It was terrible. I shot you and you went over board and I could not find you."
"Well, stay with me kid and we'll make those bad dreams go away," he said with a smirk. She gave him a little bump and started to reach for his toes. He responded, "No, please. Please. I don't think laughing is an option yet."
Sarah backed off and kissed him.
The nurse came in to the room in another minute. She saw Chuck's disheveled hair. She said, "I'm sorry, we got an alert out at the station. One of you monitor leads must have come off."
Sarah turned to Chuck, "She does that again and she is going to look like my old alarm clock."
Before the nurse left Chuck started to get up, "I need to go to the bathroom and then I'd like to try a shower."
While the nurse was getting Chuck ready, Sarah dodged into the bathroom and came back out. She had dressed. Chuck was amazed how beautiful she looked.
The nurse helped Chuck out of bed and put little saran-wrap like coverings on his bandages. She helped him over to the bathroom and showed him where to hook up his IV bag. He said that he could do it. Sarah walked over and said that she would help if he needed anything.
Casa Bartowski
Casey saw her lying next to him. She still looked as lovely as that first morning at her ranch. He moved over and kissed her. Saying, "Hey beautiful," he began kissing down her neck.
Mary held his face in her hands, "You know I love you. I can't think of a day without you anymore."
"I can't either," was the muffled reply as Casey started again. She wrapped herself around him.
Much later Mary looked at the clock, "Come on, we have to get up."
Casey rolled out of bed, "Okay."
Mary knew she was making progress. In the past Casey's answer would have been a grunt.
West Side Medical
Mary knocked on the door of Chuck's room. She poked her head in, "Hey, we got some breakfast for you and a breakfast thermos of coffee."
Sarah and Chuck looked up from Chuck's breakfast tray, "Food. Real food."
Mary came in with the bag of goodies and the black gold. Sarah and Chuck were smiling.
Chuck began, "Thanks for saving us."
Sarah added a hug and, "Really, thanks for bringing this."
Casey looked at Chuck, "Well, you look better this morning. How was last night?"
Chuck turned his head to Sarah, "It was close but no one died." Chuck looked back at Casey with a smile.
Sarah poked him and explained, "The nurses kept coming in to check on him. If he even moved, the lead on the monitor would come off and they'd be in here in a second…Okay, real good response, but a little annoying." Sarah's shoulders shagged a little.
Mary was watching the exchange and shook her head. She poured the coffee and gave each their cup. She asked, "So any news on getting out?"
Just then Doc Weidman came in. Doc Adams was right behind him. Doc Weidman said, "Sounds like that was my cue. Oh, thank you." He got a cup from Mary. As he was looking at the chart, "You used the restroom this morning?" He saw Chuck nod. "Did you write down the results of your lung exercises?" Chuck gave him the clipboard. After doing a few checks himself the Doc said, "Okay, I'll sign off that you are released. There are a few things to go over…" Doc Weidman spent the next couple minutes making sure Chuck knew what all he had to do and what was expected. Finally he concluded, "The nurses will bring you the release forms and you can leave."
Mary's eyes got wide. She tugged at Casey and whispered, "We need to get the apartment ready." Casey nodded. Mary said to Sarah, "We'll go on and get the apartment set up for you."
Chuck looked over, "Is Kristen okay?"
Sarah looked at Mary, "We will not make her move out."
Casey said, "We are going to get this fixed. You're getting your apartment back." He turned to leave the room, "The guards will be with you on your trip. Give us ten to make sure they have everything ready."
Casey and Mary went out of the room with Mary smiling at Casey.
It was another two hours before Chuck was starting toward the door of his room. Sarah had called for help from Ellie and Devon. Both assured her that it would not take much more time. Most people did not make it out of the hospital till the afternoon. Chuck got his ride in the wheelchair to the front door of the hospital. Chuck walked with a little assistance from Sarah out to the van. Chuck felt a little disappointed that he would not have a race with the driver to get Sarah's door.
Casa Bartowski
Casey was surprised to find that Sarah had already started working the apartment above Ellie and Devon. The occupants were moving out that day. The new lease was effective that day and he could have the apartments as soon as the residents got checked out.
Meanwhile, Mary and the girls were going through themselves to make sure that everything was perfect at the Chuck and Sarah's new apartment. Kristen was even helping by pointing out the easiest places to put the new oxygen machines for Chuck. While he was to use them for only a couple more days, Kristen said it would be easier than carrying around a portable.
Casey let Mary know when they left the hospital. The apartment was perfect and everything was in its place. Next to it, Mary had a luncheon for everyone in the conference room. The next room was readied for Kristen in case the new apartment was not ready that night.
The van pulled up to the curb in front of the apartments. The guards got the doors for Chuck and Sarah. Chuck was trying to go back around for Sarah but she beat him to the front of the van. He was trying to walk and hold her hand, but she helped him steady himself at the start of the apartment's archway.
Chuck said, "Okay, little weak. Sorry."
"Come on, I'll help. Here let me," Sarah said as she got his arm and helped him walk into the courtyard.
Mary, Casey and Steven were there. Mary said, "Anything we can help you with?"
Sarah looked at Chuck, "Thanks, we have it."
Mary went on, "We have the apartment ready for you. The other apartment is being cleared out."
Casey added, "The lease that you worked is final today. As soon as the current residents are out, we will take over. The girls picked out some furniture on-line and we made arrangements for its delivery this afternoon."
Mary said, "You don't have to worry about Kristen. If the apartment is not ready, she'll sleep in the next room."
Sarah smiled, "You guys are so great. Thank you."
"We'll have lunch over at the conference room. If you would like to join us, it will be ready in about thirty minutes," Mary finished.
Chuck steadied himself and said, "We'll be over in a moment. Thank you."
When Chuck and Sarah got to the door and opened it, Chuck said, "You know it was not supposed to be like this. I had always envisioned a dinner like we set up for Devon and Ellie, and me almost carrying you over the threshold."
"I know. Me too. But that part will have to wait a month. Right now, I am thankful that I got you home and we can be together," Sarah was looking down.
Chuck put his hand under her chin and pushed her hair around the back of her ear. He bent down and kissed her. It lasted for quite awhile until they heard clapping in the background. Chuck looked up and waved his hand. He pulled Sarah through the door and closed it.
Chuck and Sarah collapsed on the couch. Chuck said, "It really does look nice."
Sarah looked around the room, "Yes, they really did a great job."
Chuck looked over at Sarah, "Are you happy with it."
"Yes. You know this is the first place that I can actually call my home, since I was…well, I don't remember," Sarah was smiling at Chuck. She turned and kissed him. "I love you."
Getting to the apartment was a little more than Chuck expected. He had to rely on Sarah to make it. Chuck held Sarah close to him, "Why am I so tried?"
Sarah said, "Well maybe it's because you were suppose to stay mainly in bed for the next couple days. But I'll check with Doc Adams. Here is the oxygen tube. Remember you need to keep this on most of the time. And that's the portable. I'll take it up stairs for you when we go to lunch."
Chuck put the breathing tube on. He sat back and took a few deep breaths. "Okay, that helps." He took Sarah's hands and held them. He just stared at her.
"What?" Sarah finally asked after his gaze would not move. She smiled at him.
"That," he pulled her hands to his chest and her along with them, "I love your smile." He kissed her. Moving his head from side to side, he tried desperately to kiss her like her wanted.
When he started to take off the breathing tube, she stopped him. "No, leave it on. You need to keep that on for a while." She continued to kiss him lightly and gently on his lips and down his chest. She looked up at him, "I want you to heal." They stayed on the couch a while holding and kissing each other.
When it was time to go to the conference room, Sarah took the portable up to the bed room and came back for Chuck. Reaching the bedroom, Sarah went to the restroom. Chuck looked at the time and got the portable. He was ready when Sarah came out.
They got to the conference room and everyone was crowding around to say they were happy he was back and to get well soon. Chuck and Sarah finished their lunch.
Chuck stayed seated and said, "Thank you everyone, especially Mary, Casey, Alice, Lea, and Kristen for getting the apartments all straightened out."
Sarah stood, "As you probably know, I am going to take leave while Chuck heals." She smiled, "And we get married. You are all invited to that." Everyone clapped at that. "Mary is going to be in charge of the teams while I am on leave. I know there is still a lot to do. I am sure you'll do fine. Thank you again for everything."
Chuck and Sarah got their laptops out and started to check things. Mary went over to Steven, "What have you and Liz been able to put together on the remaining Fulcrum agents? And did Chuck ask you to check on the traffickers too?"
Steven said pointing to the screen, "The model shows three concentrations of Fulcrum agents related to Maitland's organization. One in Seattle, one down in Oregon which is split between Portland and Salem, and one in San Diego. The San Diego group may have been involved in sending that boat to get you. The boat came from their docks.
"We are still running the request that Chuck put in. But from the earlier runs there were other traffickers in the cities we hit. It did not appear that we got them all. But like I said that model is still running. Since we have volumes of data more, the run will not complete until tomorrow.
"Chuck and I were working on the speed, but did not get a new version built," Steven concluded.
Chuck looked up at that point, "Hey, I am working on it."
Mary moved closer to see what names were on the screens. She asked, "So, what information do you have with each of the Fulcrum names?"
Steven showed her. They began to divide up the planning between the three remaining teams.
Ellie and Devon came up to the conference. Ellie said, "Hey, we really did not know whether we were allowed to do this, but we wanted to check on Chuck before we headed to work. We work late tonight but tomorrow let's get together and go over the wedding plans. Mary, you and Casey are invited. And Dad, if you can come, please do."
Chuck thought everything was going fine until Devon started looking at his eyes. Devon got Chuck by the arm, "Bro, I think we need to get you to the other oxygen tanks. Have Ben or Dorothy get this tank checked. I don't think it is working for you. Come on."
They all went right over Sarah and Chuck's apartment. Devon checked the equipment in the bedroom. He said, "Here use this. You feel a little better?"
Chuck's eyes were beginning to open again, "Yes, I feel a lot better."
Ellie was not that happy, "Sarah, if you have any other problems, call us please."
Sarah was a bit shaken, "Sure, thank you."
Everyone said his or her goodbyes.
With Chuck already in bed and Sarah got in with him. Chuck turned over and said, "I'm sorry I scared everyone, especially you. I'm alright. It must have been that tank. Are you okay?"
Sarah wrapped her arms around him, "Yes. I'm just glad you're better now." She moved her arm to a better position and heard him grunt low and hard. "Chuck, Chuck!" She reached over to check on him. "Chuck, are you alright?"
"Sarah, it hurts really bad. I can hardly breathe. Ah ah, help." Chuck's mouth was open but the air was not moving through it.
Sarah put her ear to Chuck's chest while getting the phone, "Casey, get help. Chuck's in trouble. He can't breathe. Hurry, please."
Casey got Mary's arm and went running out to the courtyard. He called to one of the guards, "Get the van with emergency lights ready now." Seeing Devon still in the courtyard, he called out, "Chuck's in trouble he can't breathe."
Devon looked back over his shoulder, "Hon, get our bags. Chuck's in trouble."
Devon, now bag in hand, went running up to Chuck and Sarah's bedroom. He got out the stethoscope and listened. Turning to Ellie, he said, "Lung has collapsed. We need to get it equalized."
Ellie got some gauze with a little alcohol and wiped a place. She was crying a little, "Chuck baby, this is going to hurt a little but you have to hold still." She began to remember the numerous times Chuck came home with terrible scrapes and cuts after defending Morgan for some reason or another. It was the typical lead in to scrubbing the wound.
Devon was fast. He cut the hole and pushed in the tube to equalize the pressure.
Sarah saw that Chuck did not move but there were droplets coming down from the closed eyes. She ran her hand through his hair again and again.
Devon said, "You're going to be fine, Bro. We'll get you to the hospital. They can stitch up your lung again. It will be fine."
The guards had come in the bedroom with a stretcher and carried Chuck out to the van. On the way to the van, Devon turned to Casey. "Hey, I don't want to tell you how to run things, but you need to have the tank checked. It might not have been the direct cause, but I bet you it contributed. We'll be fine taking him to the hospital. Ellie will arrange that the guards can stay and get him a room so that Sarah can stay with him."
Casey told Sarah that they were going to stay behind and check things while they were still fresh. Mary stayed with Casey. They called Doc Adams and Dorothy to make sure they were on their way to the apartments. It was another ten minutes before they arrived. It did not take long. When Doc Adams and Dorothy both pointed to where the portable was they supplied, they checked the tank Chuck had used. They quickly found out the other tank was one that the good Kathy Murdock had 'fixed' for Kristen.
West Side Medical
Doc Adams called Sarah just as Chuck was being taken into the hospital. Sarah passed the phone to Devon. Doc Adams said, "Devon, the tank was sabotaged. Chuck was not only, not getting enough oxygen, there may have been a poison in the mix. We are headed to our lab to see what it is." Devon's face went from the normal smile to a serious scowl.
Sarah asked, "What is it?"
Devon looked at Ellie and shook his head, "Just a minute, Sis and I'll explain." Devon put the phone back up to his ear, "Listen, check for hydrogen fluoride. It is real nasty stuff and could be the reason."
When they were inside the emergency room, Doc Weidman came up to the group. He said, "We are all set."
Devon held up his hand, "We got a complicating factor. The gas tank he was using at lunch may have had poison in it. It is being checked. The reaction and the timing correspond to hydrogen fluoride. But they are checking."
"No problem, we'll do a swab while we are in there and check. I can treat him for a low concentration of HF. But let me know as soon as your folks find out," Doc Weidman started wheeling Chuck away.
Sarah let Chuck's hand go, mouthing I love you. Chuck smiled back at her.
Sarah turned around to Devon, "Is he going to be alright?"
Devon got Sarah and Ellie into a side waiting room off the emergency room. He started, "Okay, let me tell you what I know and what I think. We know his lung collapsed. That is an occasional side effect from a punctured lung. Sometimes the puncture opens back up or a new hole opens nearby as a result of weakening the wall of the lung tissue.
"But in Chuck's case, the air tank he was using at lunch was sabotaged. Ben said that Chuck was not getting enough oxygen and it could include poison. I thought it sounded like hydrogen fluoride. It could weaken the area in a low concentration and in the right mix would not be noticeable to Chuck or those around him."
Sarah asked again, "But is he going to be alright?"
Devon gathered both of them up, "I don't know Babe. I am not going to lie about this, it could be bad. We just have to wait and see." Devon helped them sit down.
Sarah sat with her head in her hands, 'Please. Please. This can't be happening. He was resting. Everything was going okay. We were doing so well.'
Sarah's cell phone rang, "Yes, okay that will help. Here's Devon."
Devon got the phone. He grabbed a piece of paper and scribbled a note. "Yeah, I got it. Thanks Ben. I'll let them know." Devon gave the phone back, "Its hydrogen fluoride, very low concentration. I'll go let them know. I'll meet you in recovery."
It was another hour before Devon and Doc Weidman came into the recovery room. Doc Weidman went to Sarah and Ellie, "He'll be out in a minute. There was a small perforation near the previous stitches. We fixed that. We also used a bit of a base spray to neutralize the remaining hydrogen fluoride. We took a swab of another area of the lung and we are sure the spray worked. We will keep him in the critical care room.
"So from today, he has two new incisions. There is the one that Devon made and then a new one we made to do the repair. There are two other things. First if he can go to the bathroom in the morning, we will send him back with you. The hospital is not the place for him to recover. Your apartment will be better, less germs. Second the mandatory sick leave is now two months." Doc Weidman added one thing with a smile, "Lastly, please keep the bad guys, whoever they are, away from him for a while."
Devon smiled back and gave him a pat on the back, "Thanks man."
Chuck was wheeled into a critical care room and Sarah went to him. She was surprised how pale he looked. She bent over to embrace him and then settled to the seat next to him and held his hand.
Ellie checked on Chuck and then Sarah. She said, "Sarah, he looks like he will be alright. Don't worry we'll take good care of him. Are you going to stay the night?"
Sarah said, "Yes, I can't leave. Ellie, thank you and Devon for all you did. If Devon had not noticed that something was wrong after lunch, he might…"
Ellie interrupted, "But he did, and everything will be fine. You alright?"
Sarah answered, "Yes, thank you."
Devon said, "Hey Sis, I'll let Ben know what's happened. See you later."
Ellie and Devon left. They had their shift to start and would be back to check in on them. Sarah checked in with Casey. They decided that it was okay to have Mary and the teams continue the planning. She would be back to check on the plans the next day.
When Sarah got done talking to Casey, Chuck started to wake up. He felt someone holding his hand and looked over to see his blond angel. Chuck said, "Hi there. Are you okay?"
Sarah rubbed her eyes again and said, "Fine. How are you doing?"
Chuck saw her tears and answered, "I think, better than you." He tried to move and leaned back, "Ah…"
Sarah got up, bent over and kissed him.
"Better," Chuck said. "You know, I only want to hold you. I mean...yeah, but I feel like I've missed you and now and only want to hold you. Sorry, rambl..."
Sarah almost climbed in bed with him. She wrapped herself around him. She could feel the tension from his body go as he relaxed. He fell asleep in her arms.
Casa Bartowski
Kristen heard what happened to Chuck and that he had gotten the portable tank that was meant for her. She went into the next room and was seated by the window rocking back and forth. Mary went over to Kristen. She said, "Kristen he is going to be alright. They operated and fixed the hole. He'll be fine."
Kristen answered, "I know but I should have had it not him. He has been through too much. Sarah needs a chance too. All they ever do is watch over us."
Mary held her face up, "No. Don't you start thinking that way. If it had been you, you would have likely died from getting too much HF in your lungs." Mary took Kristen's hand, "Come on let's finish moving everyone into the apartments."
The remainder of the day was spent moving the girls into the new apartment. Everyone chipped in. Mary and Casey helped Alice, Lea and Kristen. No one let Kristen pick up anything. LT hovered over Kristen making sure she got everything from her old apartment and everything was put where she wanted it. With everyone working on it, the job was done before nine o'clock. Mary told everyone that she would have a late breakfast ready in the morning. She sent a text message to Sarah to let her know.
West Side Medical
Chuck was kept in the critical care unit. Chuck was asleep with Sarah sitting next to him. Ellie and Doc Weidman came to check on them. Ellie said, "I have you set up to stay here. When you want, the nurses will move in an extra bed for you. I got your evening meal set up for you both."
Sarah said, "Thank you. Is he really going to be alright. I mean will he have problems after this?"
Ellie came over to Sarah and put her hand on her shoulder. She was not sure what Doc Weidman was going to say. He finished his checks and said, "He'll be fine. Yes, this is a setback. He really will have to rest. He'll be asleep most of today. Tomorrow, I do want him out of here. We will have him pumped full of antibiotics, but your apartment will be better. With both Doc Adams and Nurse Watts you should be able to handle it. He will be on a higher level of pain medication for a couple days. If you absolutely have to have him do some review or reading, you'll have to plan ahead and be ready when he is awake. You need to know for the next week, it is possible that this could happen again. You have any problems call."
After he left Ellie stayed a little longer. She asked, "Are you going to be okay?"
Sarah answered, "I'll be fine."
Ellie said, "Look I know everyone called about coming over to say hi, but we had to limit it to just you. Devon and I will be around until midnight. We'll check in on you."
Sarah nodded.
Chuck woke up at couple times that evening. Each time he only wanted to check on Sarah and tell her how much he missed her. The last time he woke that night, he saw Sarah in the bed next to him. He watched her a little and could tell she was having bad dreams again. After taking a drink he managed, "Sarah, Sarah, are you awake? I'm sorry but can you come in bed with me?"
Sarah looked at him and said, "Chuck, I don't know if that is a good idea."
He waved his hand to motion her to the bed. "Sarah, I am not going to let you go through those dreams again. Please come over."
Sarah got in bed with him at the same time Ellie showed up.
Chuck looked at his sister, "Look, big favor, make sure it is okay for her to sleep with me." He raised his eye brow.
Ellie said, "Sure, you need her. I'll make sure the nurses know." She smiled at him as she rubbed his head. "You guys take care. I'll see you in the morning."
There was a chorus of "Goodnight," as Sarah and Chuck snuggled closer together.
Casa Bartowski
Mary and Casey retired to Casey's apartment. Casey poured a couple drinks. Mary had a sip and said, "I can hardly believe that happened to Chuck."
Casey looked at her, "You have to…well, you have to realize that the people we are after think nothing of life." He took another sip, "The Ring will be worse." He poured her a little more. "That's why I keep trying to tell you that you have remember why. I don't want you…look I love you and I am selfish. I don't want you hurt or worse. Okay?" He downed his drink and poured another.
She down hers and held out her glass. Nodding her head while he poured her another, she said, "You have to come back too. I love you." She took a drink, "You know you did such a…noble thing to make sure the girls got their apartment and most importantly Chuck and Sarah got theirs back."
Casey raised his glass, "It was only right."
They snuggled to together as they finished their drinks. Later after a shower, Mary put her favorite teddy on. She got into bed with Casey and said, "I'll show you what's right."
A/N Hope you enjoyed. Right, no slack.
