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 9—the Library

Casa Bartowski

Chuck was smiling through the smothered mouth. He was trying as hard as he could to keep his heart rate down. He thought he was doing well and it was pure bliss to him. He hadn't been able to hold Sarah like this for it seemed many days. He knew Sarah was particularly happy about something. The way Sarah kissed him brought that happiness through very clearly.

Sarah had gotten into the bed and snuggled up beside Chuck then reached over to kiss him. The kiss remained an easy mixture of comfort and love. She was not pressing, but was completely happy when he stiffed to his left side so he could face her and pulled her into him. He had his arms wrapped around her. She turned on her side and wrapped herself around him. Her legs entwined with his and her arms holding him.

Chuck kept thinking he could hold out a little longer, but the pain in his side was slowly building. His left side had taken the most damage but it had always left better to have Sarah hold him there. He knew he was losing the battle with the heart rate too.

Both of them started to pull away at the same time. Sarah could feel the increase in Chuck's heart rate and reluctantly knew it was time. Sarah murmured, "You okay?" She saw him press the pain button for a release of medications.

Chuck tried to pull her back close, "Yeah, just stayed on that side a bit too long. Here, if you could move next to me." Chuck put his left arm above the pillows and Sarah stayed on her side but came next to him. She put her hand up to his chin and wrapped a leg across his. "Okay, everything is better. Can you tell me why you were so happy when you came back?"

"Sure, you were right. I told her yes and that we'll take care of it. It was as easy as that. Everyone should be safe and I actually made a few people happy in the process. But the explanations will come tomorrow. Today, you are still to rest," she smiled at him.

"You know I will. Actually with the pain medications I don't have much choice," he smiled back at her.

"Well, I'll nap too, if you do," Sarah was very tired. She had not gotten much sleep the days before.

Chuck put his hand on hers, "Sounds like a plan." He closed his eyes and was drifting into a long afternoon nap. Sarah followed quickly.

Alice was completing the actions to ensure the girls they had collected in Seattle were safe and being protected. Alice had sent an email back to FBI Agent Jim Henry to ask him to hold and protect the girls. When she was not able to get a response she sent an email asking that the FBI confirm the girls would be protected or if that was not possible, that they be turned over the Task force. Then she called Director Robins and explained the situation.

Director Robins listened to the explanation and answered, "I'll be seeing the FBI director at a dinner tonight. I'll confirm that they are taking responsibility. Meanwhile, I'll send a team to consult with the FBI. If the FBI cannot confirm that they will protect the girls, we will take responsibility and turn them over to you as a part of the task force."

Alice listened carefully to what the director was saying, "Sir, it would be best if we could avoid any outward appearances that the task force was involved. If we do take the responsibility, please ask that Agent Henry and his team be assigned to us on a temporary basis."

Kelly replied, "Yes, we will do that. We will set it up like Sarah did for Miss Habana. Anything else?"

Alice replied, "No sir."

"Well, I have a couple. I am getting copies of the reports on Chuck's condition, but how is Sarah doing, and please call me Kelly."

Alice was a bit torn by the question. She decided that she would give her impression, "Sarah is doing well. She is keeping up with us and more importantly, she is helping Chuck. Chuck and Sarah are resting today. And I think that is a good thing for them."

Kelly ended, "Alice, you are doing good job. Please keep it up. Thanks for the updates. We will make sure the girls are protected. Call again, if you need anything."

Alice answered, "Thank you," and heard the call end.

Alice was pleased. Next she got on the phone with Tom explained what was happening and told him to check in with Agent Polk. He was to ensure everything was set and then come back with Vera to help get all the data into the model. Alice looked back at Jim Henry's email and entered the data that was included into the model. She continued that afternoon to ensure that everyone was able to complete their inputs.

FBI Safe House

Tom was wondering what was taking so long, but was happy with the phone call from Alice. He ended the call and walked back rapidly to the safe house. He found Agent Polk at the entry point. Tom went to him first, "Did you receive word that you are to continue to protect Melina?"

Agent Polk held up a copy of the email, "Yes, rather extraordinary. I assume you are a part of this task force?"

Tom held out his badge again and flipped open the case showing his ID as a member of the Interagency Task Force, "Yes, Sky Marshall Townsman is also a member. The arrangement is that the details you have covering Melina will continue. There is to be no interruption. Do you have any problems with that?"

Agent Polk answered, "None at all. I think this will work out. Tell your boss that we think they made the right decision." Agent Polk opened the first door and then walked backed to the second door so that Tom could go back to Vera.

When Tom walked in the door, Melina stood up and looked at him. She was hopeful. He smiled and said, "Yes."

Melina walked quickly over to Tom and almost knocked him down. She hugged him and said thank you repeatedly and then went to Vera and did the same. Once she calmed down she said, "Really thank you, I know they would have picked me up after I had been released. Their tattoos are not just art, they are a promise. I've been held too long and seen the results of their justice four times. Anyone of the girls that you released are candidates for the same kind of justice. You are going to protect them too, right?"

Tom answered, "Yes that was why this took a little longer. Our bosses have ensured that all the girls are safe. You'll stay here for awhile and the FBI agents that have been protecting you will continue. We can get you anything you need but you have to stay here."

Melina replied, "Oh everything is fine. They have a few sets of clothes for me. There is enough food in the refrigerator to last for days. I'll be fine."

Tom looked at Vera. She nodded that she was ready. Tom said, "Well, we have to leave and get a few other things done. We'll come back." He was about to turn and leave when Melina came over, gave him a hug and kissed his cheek. She did the same with Vera.

Tom and Vera checked again with Agent Polk to make sure they had phone numbers for anything that happened. They headed back to the apartments so that they could get the information into the model.

Simi Valley

Casey was elated. He knew Mary was the one. After they picked out the ring he asked her, if she would go, "There is one thing I promised myself that I would do if I ever got a day off while I was out here. I would like you to come with me and for it to be our first real outing."

Mary looked at him, "Okay, I wish I knew, but I don't. What do you want to do?"

"I like to take you to the Ronald Reagan Library. It is not too far, just over in Simi Valley," Casey asked.

Mary remembered the picture and other Reagan memorabilia Casey had in his apartment. She looked at him and realized this was one of his dreams, "Of course, you know I went to his second inauguration. Dad and well, most of the family was there. We actually made it into the Capitol Rotunda. I was just a little girl and don't really remember much. But Grandpa always talks about it. It was quiet a drill getting everyone inside. But that sounds like a great idea."

Casey felt like he had found gold or maybe something better. His smile was bigger than his face. He came over to Mary and wrapped his arms around her. He hugged her, lifted her up, and gave her a big kiss.

She looked at him smiling, "You looking to do something else first?"

Casey's eyes went wide, "No. You need to know I love you. This will be great." The protection detail was alerted and Casey and Mary got in the van. They went back to the apartment and pick up clothes for the dinner and then back to the jeweler. After picking up the ring, it was a fairly quick trip over to the library.

Casey opened the door for Mary and took her arm. He was still feeling like he was on cloud nine. They saw the statue of President Reagan in the lobby of the library. Walking over to the reception desk, Casey looked at the lady that was sitting there. She got up when she saw Casey and Mary coming, "Oh, welcome to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. I am Susan Lawton."

Casey was expecting that the library people would know they were coming. The protection detail had to coordinate the visit and let the library security know they would be augmented. The detail lead reported to Casey that there were no problems as the library has distinguished visitors with extra security or a regular basis.

Casey offered his hand, "I am Colonel John Casey. This is Special Agent Mary Ramirez. Neither of us has been here before. We are just visiting."

Susan shook Casey's hand and then Mary's hand. "Well, then you are in store for a treat, because you are going to get an escorted tour."

Mary thought Casey was truly the kid in the candy shop. He was so interested and excited about everything that it caught her. She became interested in all of the details. It seemed like they were walking to every part of the library.

Susan opened the door to the next room, "Here we have the replica of the oval office as it was when President Reagan was in office. As you can see the center piece of the office is the Resolute Desk."

Mary did look at the room but was almost more interested in the pure happiness on Casey's face. Susan continued to point out the details. The Reagan flag was folded to display the eagle's claw with olive branch as opposed to the current presentation of arrows. Mary was sure that Casey was standing at attention. Susan pointed out the pictures and the various western sculptures. Mary had been silent most of the time. Other than saying thank you along the way Casey did not say anything. At one display, Mary stopped for a long time looking at one set of pictures.

Mary said to Casey, "That sure does look like Mom and Dad." It was a set of pictures from the 1985 Inaugural Ball showing the Reagan's waving to the crowd. "I think that, "she pointed to two faces in the crowd, "is them. They went to the ball that night. I remember getting dressed up for dinner but then not getting to go dancing." She held on to Casey before they proceeded.

Next they went to the pavilion with the plane that President Reagan used as Air Force One. Casey almost would not leave. Casey went to every room and spent quite awhile in the cockpit and the communications bay. Mary had to ask him twice if he was coming. Finally, they went out and looked at the piece of the Berlin Wall.

On the way back through the library they stopped at the store. Casey got Mary the box set of Ronald Reagan movies. Mary got Casey a stature of Ronald Reagan holding a saddle. She said smiling broadly, "It will be a good reminder of when we saddled up."

Casey and Mary thanked Susan for such a wonderful time and for the tour. They walked out to their van hand in hand. Having already retrieved their clothes from the apartment, they stopped along the way to change. Casey was very happy with Mary's selection. She looked great.

The restaurant was on the beach. Casey opened the van door for Mary and held her arm as they went into the restaurant. They were offered a seat at the windows overlooking the bay. The waiter came and offered them the special of the night, a classic crab cakes, chopped spinach salad, filet and Maine lobster tail, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, and for desert Strawberry Crème Brulee. The waiter offered what he thought was the best wine for their selection, an Australian Vintage Chardonnay. Casey offered a toast and Mary returned it.

While waiting for the Brulee, Casey began, "I wanted to have a real day to do this. Not just rush through it. For me it has been truly a day to remember and this is the high point." Casey got on his knee beside Mary, opened the box, and got out the ring. "Mary, you know I love you. You mean everything to me. I would be very honored and extremely happy if you would marry me. Would you marry me?"

Mary slipped the ring on and said, "Yes." She kissed his hands and when he bent to her she kissed him, a very loving and passionate kiss. She added, "Casey, this has been a very special day to me. Thank you. I love you so much."

The remainder of the meal was spent holding each other's hand. Casey was his usual gallant self and held Mary's arm while walking out to van. The ride back to the apartments was in silence as Mary smothered Casey in kisses.

Casa Bartowski

Casey and Mary went directly to Sarah and Chuck's apartment. Casey knocked on the door.

Sarah opened it. She saw the smiles on both of their faces. Without a word she gave Casey a hug and then Mary, "Congratulations. This is so great. I am so happy for you."

Casey managed, "Thanks."

Mary said, "It is so wonderful." Mary showed Sarah the ring, then looking at Casey, "But it has been a really great day."

Casey went over to the bed where Chuck was. Chuck held out his hand, "Congratulations big guy. I am glad you ask. This is really great."

Casey answered, "Thank you."

Mary went over to the bed and Chuck tried to move up in the bed to greet her. She met him with a hug. Chuck kissed her cheek, "Congratulations. I mean really, I am happy for you."

Sarah already had a bottle of Champagne prepared and glasses for three. There was a bottle of water for Chuck. Sarah asked, "Casey, will you open the champagne?"

Casey got the bottle open without too much loss. Sarah poured for the three of them and then gave Chuck a glass with water. Chuck held his glass, "Again congratulations. May your lives together be happy and blessed."

Both Casey and Mary said thanks.

"So what all did you do today?" Sarah asked. She was hoping that Casey came up with something exciting. She knew that she had not given them much time to get anything set.

Casey started the description which was surprising to both Chuck and Sarah, "We went to the jeweler's where we got your ring for the mission in the suburbs. The owner was real nice. He had the ring ready in an hour."

Mary held the ring up for Chuck to see. Chuck commented, "Very nice."

Mary then continued, "We came back to get our clothes for tonight, picked up the ring, and went to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. It's real close. I am not sure but I had always thought it was further. Anyway, we were met at the door and given a really great tour. I thought it was very, very nice. I had gone to President Reagan's second inauguration and seeing pictures of that and everything else was a very special. I am very happy that we went." Mary looked at Casey, "It made a memorable day."

Sarah smiled, "That sounds so nice. You did get something to eat?"

Casey smiled, "We went to the same restaurant Chuck use to propose, only up at Malibu." He held up his glass to Chuck, "I liked your selection."

"And it was very good," Mary said. "Casey proposed there. This has been such a great day." She hugged Casey. Mary then asked, "So, how are you guys doing?"

Sarah answered, "Good, we're good. We had a nap this afternoon and that really helped."

Casey asked looking at Chuck, "So, are you going to be able to handle tomorrow?" Both Sarah and Mary looked at Casey like he was trying to push Chuck.

"We'll find out tomorrow," Chuck looked at him with determination in his eyes.

A/N Hope you enjoyed.

For this story, we have already gone AU. I mean having Sarah and Chuck as Directors is definitely AU. I started this storyline with Casey being in the Air Force. That's from first season comments about him being a pilot of a stealth fighter (F-117). And then his infatuation with the future bomber in Chuck vs the Cougars. Now I know things were thrown off because his Spy Dossier on the NBC Chuck site shows him as being in the Army (still does). Then this season they have gone full blown to show him as a Marine. But for this story I'll keep him in the Air Force.