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 7—the Rate

West Side Medical

Sarah woke up first the next morning. She looked over at Chuck. He was still lying on his back and probably had all night long. It had been another night of the nurses coming in every two hours to adjust or change something. Sarah had given up trying to track what they were doing. She was only catching catnaps in between their visits. Chuck had stayed asleep the entire time.

Sarah slid off the bed trying not to wake Chuck. She got her clothes and went to take a shower. She finished up, bushed her hair and was satisfied that she was ready for the day. She got back over to Chuck's bed and sat in the chair next to him. Taking his hand she waited for him to wake.

No more than a minute later Chuck began wrestling with his covers and woke up. He saw Sarah waiting next to him and said through a dry mouth, "Hi, love you."

Sarah bent over and kissed his hand, "I love you too." She reached over and got the water glass and held it for him while he took a sip. She asked, "Are you feeling better?"

Chuck took another sip of water and said, "Kind of, heart is not racing." He took a breath and breathed out, "Not wheezing. So, I guess that is better. Chest seems to be hurting more." His eyes went wide, "They didn't operate again?"

Sarah held his hand tighter, "No, not a big operation. Doc Adams said that they put a tube in you to heal in small hole that was developing in your lungs. I have not looked to see where that was."

A nurse knocked at the door just then, "I can show you which one it is. It is time to change his bandages." She looked at Chuck as she came beside the bed, "Let me check you real quick. Then would you like to take a shower before I put the new bandages on?"

Chuck answered, "Sure that would be fine." He watched her go through the drill and made a few adjustments.

"Okay, let's start this," she got the IV bag.

Chuck scooted to the edge of the bed. Sarah got on one side of him and the nurse on the other. He braced himself against both of them, stood up and shuffled over to the restroom. They helped him get set and then he said he could do the rest. The nurse said to hit the buzzer when he was ready.

Sarah sat on the bed waiting for him to get done. In a little while she heard, "Hey Sarah, could you help?" Sarah rushed over to the restroom. When she opened the door, she saw him standing there in his shorts holding the IV bag and looking at the robe like it was a great puzzle.

She took the robe from him and said, "What do you need?"

"Well, maybe I need another robe. The drawstring is all knotted. And I am sorry, I did not see the hook for the IV until just now," he looked at her rather sheepishly.

Sarah answered, "Let's get the nurse and she can change those. Then we can see about heading home."

"Fine," Chuck picked up the buzzer and hit the button. "So, did everyone get home last night?"

"Yes, and that's one of the things we need to talk about," she saw him raise his eyebrow. "Everything is fine with the teams. But the doctors don't want your heart rate to go up. And because of that, they don't want you to work. They said that if your work causes another problem, then you will have to come back here and stay."

"But I need…" Chuck began.

Sarah put her fingers to his lips, "Please wait until we get back to the apartments. I really don't want to live here, do you?" Chuck shook his head no. He got his IV and they headed out the door of the restroom.

The nurse was just outside the door of the restroom. She said, "Good, this will be easier with just your shorts on. Let's go over here to the cabinets. I can get to the supplies quicker." When they got in place, the nurse pointed, "Here it is darling. The new one is fairly small. We'll put a small bandage on the incision. Now, the fun part. I promise that I will try not to pull every hair, but then you're the first this morning." She smiled at Chuck.

Chuck tried hard not to winced too much as she changed them all. He thought for sure that some of those stubbles had grown out and were getting pulled away again.

The nurse finished and said, "Okay, not that bad? Next we need you to lay back down. We'll try to get the blood pressure back down along with your heart rate. The doctors will be in a while to check you." The nurse helped him get back in bed and covered him. She said, "Back in a while," and she left.

Sarah went over to Chuck. Getting beside the bed, she kissed him. It was a nice long tender kiss. When they broke from it, she said smiling "Might as well tailgate on the bandages."

Chuck smiled back, "Anytime." He pulled her on the bed, "Please, I did miss you." Sarah scrambled up beside him.

"I missed you too." Sarah added. "That was scary last night," she cuddled next to him.

Chuck kissed the top of her head, "Something for later. I better not try to think about it, if we want out of here."

Sarah looked up at him. She knew this was going to be bad. She'd have to talk to Doc Adams or Ellie about this. She knew Chuck was still thinking about doing something based on that flash. Maybe they could give him something while he typed it out on the laptop. She moved closer to him and put her hand lightly on his chest, "Love you."

Casa Bartowski

Casey was rolling over in the bed. He opened an eye to check the clock. It was late, but they had stayed up waiting for Kayle's team to get in from Seattle. They didn't get back from the airport until 1:30 and still had to stow their equipment. They had slept in, but nature was calling. Deciding the best move was a pit stop; Casey slipped out of bed and went to the bathroom. Coming back he thought he made it without waking her.

Mary had made the same decision. As Casey was slipping back into bed, Mary headed for the bathroom. Casey rolled over and watched her leave. He was happy that everything went well when they left San Diego. When he heard that the other two teams had problems, he knew they would have a difficult route. Escaping with only one significant injury was close to a miracle with as many shooters lined their passage. He remembered looking back at Mary's van to make sure they were going to make it. The Cobras made the difference. He was happy that he made that call. He also reflected that without the heads up from Chuck they would have all been trapped…and possibly. Mary came back in and slipped back in bed. Casey had been mulling it over all night. He knew he finally resolved that he was the right thing. Casey decided it was time to remember why again.

Later Mary had her head resting on Casey's chest. She looked up at him, "You know we need to check in on Chuck. Without him we may…"

Casey put his fingers over her lips, "I know. But for now, I am happy that I have you." He rubbed his hand lightly over the bandages on her face and neck. He smiled at her, "You know when we get done with this, well…"

Mary looked at his eyes. She smiled coyly and said, "What?"

"If you ever tell this to anyone…but like I said before, I love you," Casey explained. He reached down to kiss her. His head was whirling, he was thinking of picket fences, grocery runs, and normal. Retirement was coming up soon. He knew getting a star, was so remote. And life with a remote and Johnnie Walker was not really what he wanted after this. He broke the kiss and said, "What if we stayed together?" He saw her reaction as she was raising up to look at him. He corrected that, "No, I don't mean that. I mean, well would you consider marrying me?"

It was a reaction he did not expect. Mary jumped on him and then grabbed him so hard he could hardly breathe. She said, "Yes," kissed him; and did it again three more times.

West Side Medical

Doctor Weidman came in the room to see Chuck. Sarah was with him, now sitting in the chair beside him. Doc Weidman went to the other side of the bed. He looked at the charts and the monitors again. After checking him one more time with the Stethoscope he said, "We are going to send you home again. You know the conditions. Anything happens and you come back here." He continued to explain the small surgery and what they found. He went on to explain the medications and their effects. He ended with, "Any questions?"

Chuck realized the problem he'd have if he asked about working. He knew there were some things he had to do to keep everyone safe. Chuck said, "No."

Sarah added, "No, thanks for everything. We'll keep him quiet." She could tell what Chuck was thinking. Keeping his heart rate down was going to be a real chore.

The nurse came in behind him and had a wheel chair. "Here's your ride. Are you ready to go?" she asked.

Chuck answered, "Yes, please." He started moving to the side of the bed.

Sarah called the protection detail, "We are getting ready to go. They are getting him in the wheel chair…. Okay, thanks." She looked over at Chuck, "We're ready. I'll call Casey to let him know that they don't need to head over here." She hit the speed dial for Casey, "Oh hi… Just wanted to let you know that we are heading over to apartments… He did what? Oh that's so good, congratulations. I am so happy. Thank you, that helps this morning… Right, we will be over in a couple minutes. Congratulations again… Yes, I understand. I'll tell Chuck, but we'll wait for the official announcement… Okay, bye."

Chuck could tell she was about to pop. Whatever Sarah had found from the phone call had made her radiant. He was sure he saw the face that Ellie normally had before her infamous squeals. He looked at her, "What?"

Sarah walked over and got behind the wheel chair. She nodded at the nurse and took over. Bending down she whispered in his ear, "Not official yet, but Casey asked Mary to marry him. She said yes. Casey doesn't want it to get out until he gets her the ring and in his words, 'makes it official.'"

Chuck turned his head so he could whisper back to her, "That's great. I mean really great. Tell them to take the day off."

Sarah nodded, "Okay." She got her phone again. "Hi. Yeah, we're fine. Chuck said, and I agree, we want you guys to take the day off… Well, I have to keep him quiet and his heart rate down, so he really won't be working today… I think that would be great… Please do. See you later. Bye." She bent down whispering, "That was Casey. He said they would. They will drop by later tonight."

Chuck kissed her, "Great." Chuck had a big smile. This seemed to make his day too.

Sarah looked up to the protection detail, "Okay, we are ready." She followed the detail out of the hospital and to the waiting van. After they helped Chuck get in the van she went around to the other side and got in.

Chuck watched and knew the driver would get her door. He waited for her to get in. She moved across the seat and got next to Chuck. She helped him with his seat belt and snapped it in. Chuck winced and took a deep breath. He got out, "Okay, next time I need to be on the other side." Sarah took his hand and he leaned against her.

Casa Bartowski

Casey hung up and Mary came in the room. Casey said, "That was Sarah. They said that we should take the day off. How about we go shopping?" He saw her face light up and decided that he would correct the situation, "I know a shop that you should like." Holding up his hand, "I need to set up the protection details first. Do you want to go to breakfast?"

"Sure, you want to go to that Dave's Diner. That was pretty good," Mary replied.

"Sounds good, just a second," Casey got the phone and outlined his plans to the lead of today's protection details. He put the phone down and said, "We are all set. They asked us to put vests on. Since we have not heard back from Chuck on the level of the threat, I agreed." Casey walked over to the locker in his wall and got out Mary's vest. He handed it to her and got out his.

Mary went back in the bedroom and put on a loose blouse to help cover the vest. She came back and was ready to go. "Okay, let's get going. I am a little hungry," Mary acknowledged.

Out Shopping

They went to the diner and had an enjoyable breakfast and moved to the next destination. The driver slowed at the curb and the guard at shotgun got out to get Mary's door. Casey got out of the van from the other side. He went around the front of the van and got her arm. Mary was beaming.

When they walked into the building the bell at the door jingled. The older gentleman behind the counter stood up and moved up to where Casey was standing, "Can I help you?"

Casey knew what he was looking for. He had got the rings they used when the team went to the suburbs. Sarah seemed to like that ring and he thought he would start with that for Mary. "Yes, we are looking for an engagement ring for her. I was thinking of starting with your round cut 2 carat rings."

Mary looked at Casey, "You've done this before?"

Casey got close to Mary and whisper, "For Chuck and Sarah." He moved back and pointed to the round cut rings in the case beside them. "I think they have the best sparkle," he took the ring offered by the jeweler, "but it is up to you."

The jeweler heard that and said, "Here let me show you what they are like side by side. You have the round cut. Here is the same size with an emerald cut and then here's an oval cut. I have a couple more the same size. Here is a princess and marquise." He saw that Mary was still studying them. She did not appear to have the smile that goes with the special one. "So, you know there are several ways of cutting the diamond. With the round diamonds you can get certificates to show how the diamond is proportioned to give off the most sparkle. And in some the mounting makes a difference in the appearance. Here's a little variation on each." The jeweler added another row with a ring that was slightly different above each of the first rings.

Mary pointed to the second row round cut ring. She thought it sparkled a little more than the others. She said, "That one does look like it has more sparkle."

The jeweler looked at the tags on the two round rings, "Very good, a few more lessons and we'll make a jeweler out of you. I do apologize. The ring you picked was to be the first one I was going to show you. They must have been out of position. But you are right, this is the better of the two. It has the better clarity and color rating."

Casey was starting to get nervous; he'd remembered that some of those characteristics meant doubling the price. He carefully watched as the jeweler looked at the tag on the one that Mary seemed to like. He had a sigh of relief when he saw that it was in the ballpark of what he was thinking.

The jeweler continued, "Okay, the next question is: are you happy with the setting?"

Mary looked at the ring. "Yes, I like it." She turned to Casey, "What do you think?"

Casey smiled, "That's fine. I think it will look good on you."

"One more thing, I need to get a size. Here, we will start with this one," the jeweler held out the sizing rings. After a few attempts they narrowed it down. He put down the sizing rings and went to his computer. "Okay, we have this mounting in your size. One last choice, you can select a loose stone that is like the one I showed you or I can transfer the stone from the ring you selected to the new mounting."

Mary decided right away, "I liked the one we looked at."

The jeweler looked at the clock, "Well, if you could come back in an hour, I'll have it ready."

Casey said, "That will be fine."

The jeweler printed out the order and had Casey sign it. He said, "Thank you; see you then."

Casa Bartowski

Dorothy and Doc Adams were getting Chuck settled in his new bed. Sarah was with Chuck and watching the activity. Dorothy had the couch in the living room taken out and had a special bed with adjustable settings put in its place. He would be able to sit up in bed, like a hospital bed.

Once they had Chuck in place and hooked up, Doc Adams started in again, "You can't let your heart rate go up. We don't have a report in a medical journal to rely on but we are fairly certain that it is linked to the HF. We think based on the concentration of HF in the fluid we pulled from your chest that it will be another ten days before the HF will no longer be a problem. All that means your lungs could rupture again. That will force another operation, and right now that is too risky.

"Do you have anything you need or any questions?" Doc concluded. He looked over to Sarah, "Do you have any questions? I don't want to frighten you, but this is really serious. Oh, one other thing. It should be obvious, but I don't think we ever said it. We are keeping him out of the hospital to avoid any infections. There is still enough flu and colds going around the city to be concerned. The obvious part is that we can't have anyone from the team with a cold or flu come in contact with him. I'll brief them on that and his condition this morning." He looked at Sarah and saw that she was okay. "Okay, see you later."

Dorothy said, "I'm just going to be in the conference room. If you need anything, just buzz."

Chuck waited until they had left the room, "Okay, we are in serious trouble. Please tell the teams that we have today to collect as much as we can from the surveillance and process it through the model. I know I cannot do anything today. I'll try not to think about it so I can heal."

A/N Had to do it. Casey needed a little extra. Hope you enjoyed.