Okay, so I started bringing other characters into the plot, with little subplots to go along with them. This story is really about family, not so much romance, but I promise that as the story progresses, there will be lots more Chuck/Sarah interaction.

This chapter may be a little confusing, but it sets the foundation for some things that happen later in the story.

I do not own Chuck.

The Beginning of Beautiful… Freindship(s)?

The next morning, Chuck and Ellie sat impatiently at Chuck's apartment. Chuck could tell that Ellie was trying to remain calm, but it wasn't working. She got up from her seat and started pacing.

"El, would you please sit down?" Chuck implored. "There's nothing to be nervous about."

Ellie started biting her fingernail, which wasn't a good sign. "What if she doesn't like us?'' She asked nervously,

"El, Sit." Chuck commanded.

Ellie acted as if she didn't even hear him, "Oh god, Chuck, what if she hates me?"

Chuck looked utterly confused. His forehead furrowed, "Why would she hate you?''

"Chuck, she's twenty-two! Ellie nearly yelled. "She has a whole life before us."

"Ellie, she's a Bartowski, just like us. She even repairs computers for a living, and she's incredibly smart and beautiful like you. She'll fit right in." Chuck paused for a moment to let his words sink in to Ellie's mind, and then continued, "She'll love us as much as we love her."

Just then, there was a knock at the door. Ellie was still a wreck. When Chuck got up to answer the door, she grabbed him by the arms and faced him. "Oh my God, it's her, Chuck, what do I say? How do I act?"

"Ellie, relax," He chuckled, putting his hand on her shoulder, "It's just our little sister out there, not an axe-murderer." He freed himself from her grasp and walked over to the door. "And, about how to act, well… just be you," He added before he swung the door wide open.

The next few minutes were a blur. There was so much laughter and hugging and introducing. Ellie had surprisingly been able to compose herself enough to properly welcome Jamie into the family.

Jamie couldn't believe that this was happening. She had wanted this for so long; it was hard to take it all in. She was so happy. She had a family again, and for the first time in a very long time, she felt at home. Oh, and yes, she loved Ellie. The two of them were amazingly alike in a lot of ways.

"So, Jamie, where are you from?" Ellie asked,

"New Jersey," She replied, "But I grew up for most of my life in New York."

"Really?" Chuck said, "Which part?"

I lived in all five boroughs, but the longest that I ever lived anywhere, was when mom and I lived in the Bronx. I lived there from the time that I was four until I was nine."

"Chuck tells me that you have a degree in computer programming," Ellie changed the subject, "How did you decide on that field?"

Jamie just chuckled. "What can I say? I'm a Bartowski!"

They all laughed, and then Jamie continued, "Seriously, though, Mom told me about Dad, and how much he loved computers. I thought that maybe it could be a way for me to kind of connect with my father, even though I never knew him."

Chuck knew that what she had just said wasn't really true, she was recruited into the CIA because she had a knack for designing electronics, and they paid for her education. However, he was enjoying watching her do what she did best—spin a story out of thin air.

"So um, back to the subject of where you have lived, where do you live now?" Ellie asked, getting up and walking onto the kitchen to get some coffee.

"Well, I'm staying at a hotel, but I'm looking for an apartment." Jamie smiled, "Hopefully I can find one that is close to you two."

"Chuck?" Ellie called from the kitchen.

"Yeah sis."

"Do you know of any open apartments in Echo Park that Jamie could look at?"

"None that she could afford on a Buy More salary." He answered. "Wait, John Casey's looking for a roommate!"

Ellie walked back into the living room with an amused look on her face, "Seriously, Chuck."

"I am serious. He was just asking me the other day if I knew anyone who might want to sign onto his lease with him."

"Chuck, you can't possibly be thinking of our younger sister moving in with a middle aged, ex-marine," Ellie reprimanded, "Plus, I mean there are other options"

"Like what?"

"Well, maybe Morgan could go live with John Casey and Jamie could move in here."

Do you seriously think that Morgan would live through one night in that house?" Chuck defended.

Ellie shrugged. Clearly Chuck had the better argument, but she wasn't going to give up, so she came back at him with, "Jamie probably wouldn't be interested anyway."

While Jamie was thoroughly enjoying listening to the exchange between her brother and sister, and while she thought that it was sweet that Ellie cared so much, and that it was funny that they were talking like she wasn't even there, she figured that it was time to say something.

After listening to their amusing dispute for a few minutes longer, she finally interrupted them, "Actually, I'm very interested. Chuck, do you think that maybe we could go over there now and talk to Mr. Casey about it?"

Chuck gave Ellie an 'I told you so' face, and turned to Jamie, "Yeah, sure. He shrugged.

They got up and left before Ellie could stop them.

MEANWHILE, AT THE WOODCOMB APARTMENT…

Devon and Sarah were peering through the window trying to figure out what was going on at Chuck's apartment.

"Explain to me again why we couldn't be there," Devon demanded (for the fiftieth time).

Sarah glared at him, "This is a big deal, Devon. Just give them a few minutes to adjust."

"And the in-laws, meaning us, not being a part of this, that was your idea, am I right?" Devon inquired.

"What, you aren't enjoying the lovely conversation we're having?" Sarah chuckled sarcastically as she sat down at the table. In reality, there was so much awkward silence, it was deafening. It wasn't that Devon and Sarah didn't enjoy each other's company; it was just that Chuck and Ellie were almost always there with them, so it was easy to find things to talk about. But now that it was just the two of them, it was becoming quite clear that Devon and Sarah really didn't know each other that well, and it seemed as though they had nothing in common.

"Well, if you have something to say, I mean, be my guest." Devon replied.

"I didn't say that I had anything to say."

"Okay, don't say anything then," He retorted.

More awkward silence.

Finally, Sarah thought of something that they would both enjoy conversing about.

"Hey, you like rock climbing, don't you?" She asked.

"Well, yeah," Devon responded, "Rock climbing, sky diving, white water rafting, if it gives me a thrill, I like it. Why do you ask?"

"I took a rock climbing class in Colorado,'' she answered, "When I was sixteen. My dad and I did it together. I actually wanted to be a rock climbing instructor, but it never panned out."

"Why not?"

"Just bad timing, I guess, lots of different things happened in my life, and

'Rock Climbing Instructor' kind of became less of a priority." She explained, her voice making it quite clear that she was not going to give any further explanation.

"Oh," he breathed, understanding.

Sarah racked her brain for some way to carry on the conversation, "So, rock climbing, do you plan on going anytime soon?"

"I don't know, why?"

"For the past few years I've wanted to get back into it," She told him, but thought to herself: I need a thrill that's not laced with bad guys and bullet holes.

"Hey, if you want to come along on my next excursion, that's fine with me," Devon shrugged, "however, me and the boys were actually going to go rafting as this year's daredevil trip, actually, you might like it. It seems like your kind of thing."

Sarah smiled to herself; she really didn't have any friends, besides Chuck and Ellie. Well, actually, Chuck didn't really count, since he was her boyfriend, and while Ellie was nice to talk with about girl stuff, Sarah's inner tomboy had recently been screaming to be let out of his cage. She just wanted to do some normal, adventurous stuff for a change, and maybe Devon was the ticket to that.

"Rafting…sounds fun." She grinned, "I'm in."

"Awesome," he said, giving her a grin back. Then he looked out the window. "Oh, hey! Chuck and Jamie are coming out! Wait, why are they going to John Casey's?"

Sarah sighed, "No idea." Really, she wasn't even listening to his question, she was too deep in thought: White water rafting… definitely awesome! Then a certain reality hit her like a bullet to her chest. Oh cripe. How on God's green earth am I going to tell Chuck?

Maybe that inner tomboy wasn't screaming so loud after all…

SAME TIME; JOHN CASEY'S APARTMENT…

Casey sat, wondering how the Bartowski meeting was going. He opted not to listen in, even though he really wanted to. Today was his day off work, and he had nothing to do. He had no mission reports to file, all of his guns were too clean already, the Crown Vic was spotless, and all of his dishes were washed. Heck, he didn't even have any laundry to do. This was the worst day off ever.

At the very moment that he decided he couldn't resist the urge any longer to listen in on what was going on at Casa Bartowski, and was about to pick up his earphones, General Beckman came on the monitor.

"Colonel Casey," She began, "May I have a few moments of your time?"

"Of course, General."

"You may have thought it strange that I just called to check in last night.''

"It did strike me as a bit odd, General," Casey replied.

"I actually did have something that I wanted to discuss with you, Colonel. It's about Agent Bartowski."

Casey looked confused.

"The younger Agent Bartowski," She corrected. "That is why I opted to call back this morning. I did not want her to hear what I have to say."

"OK," Casey grunted.

The general went on, "You may have heard about Agent Bartowski's methods. How they are rather… well… unconventional."

"Yes, General."

"I am aware, Colonel, that you played a rather large part in her training. I do not, however, blame you for the problems that she has caused." She continued.

"Thank you, ma'am."

"Jamie trusts you, John. Your job is to keep her anarchic behavior in check. Do whatever it takes. We cannot have her compromising Operation Bartowski, do I make myself clear?" She asked pointedly.

"Quite clear, General."

"As a heads-up, there is a rather large possibility that she is going to try and find whoever killed her former handler. She has direct orders to keep her hands off that case. If she enlists your help, you are to report her actions to me, immediately. Do not, under any circumstances, assist her. Understood?"

"Understood, General."

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

"Colonel, who's at the door?" Beckman demanded.

"That would be Bartowski and Little Bartowski."

"Very well, Colonel, you are dismissed."

Casey went over and opened the door. "Hey."

"Casey, our cover didn't go as planned exactly, I had to jump the gun a little bit. Chuck covered pretty well though, made up a story about you wanting a roomie." She smiled affectionately at her big brother, "By the way, good job with that Chuck."

Chuck smiled back.

"So I guess this is actually happening- you're moving in with me." Casey said, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

"Yeah, I guess so." Jamie grinned.

Thanks for reading. As always, I appreciate feedback. I really hate negative reviews, though, I mean, if you don't like my story, don't read it. Constructive criticism does not count as a negative review. I am always looking for ways to make my story better.

Special thanks to tw200. Your feedback has been invaluable!