Disclaimer: Chuck doesn't belong to me.
A/N: Thank you to all those that have reviewed so far, but please continue to review it is what keeps me going. I finally finished Chapter 9 and 10 and apologise for this update taking so long, I hope to return to an update every third day from now on. I decided to take a different approach to Chapter 9 and moved the original events of chapter 9 a little later, where they fit the plot better. I hope you continue to enjoy this story.
Chapter 6 - Dinner with the President
Sarah was all ready, physically they had all done a great job but she was extremely nervous. She is not sure what she is more nervous about, the possibly of having a negative effect on the meeting with the President that effects Chuck's Business interests or meeting and having to dine with the President and the First lady. Well now was the time to face Chuck, before the President and First Lady Arrive.
Sarah walked downstairs where the she heard voices, it sounded like Chuck and some security people discussing security for the dinner, but seemingly going into a lot of detail. She entered the room and the look on Chucks face made her instantly forget all about her nerves.
His eyes bugged out and said "wow you look gorgeous".
' I think that is the first compliment he has given me in over three years. I had forgotten how his compliments made me feel' Sarah thought.
Sarah couldn't help be give a huge smile.
Chuck looked over at Rachel and said "wow I didn't think anyone could make her look any more beautiful then she already was but … wow".
Robert came up to Chuck he also had a huge smile on his face when he saw Sarah and then Chuck's reaction.
"Ok the couple are only 5 minutes away"said Robert.
Samantha came up to Sarah and said " Sarah, Charles told me about the Heli-skiing do you have a Cell number, so that I can call you to discuss the details tomorrow?" Sarah and Samantha exchanged phone numbers and both Samantha and Rachel said there goodbyes and left.
Chuck then said "Ok places everyone".
Sarah came up to Chuck and asked "Um so Chuck where I am supposed to go".
"Oh, you and I will be outside to greet them, we will enter after the President and First Lady have walked through the door, ay other questions?" asked Chuck.
"Yeah, how can you look so calm?" asked Sarah.
"Sarah I have been in the President and First Lady's company on many occasions, this is the first time they have visited me in California though, and to me they are more friends then anything else." replied Chuck
Chuck and Sarah walked out the door to await the arrival; she heard one of Chucks Security Detail say
"They are at the gate".
Just then Sarah saw a Limousine come up the driveway and stop in front of the door where Chuck and Sarah were standing. Just then Chuck did something Sarah didn't expect, he reached out and took her hand and gave it a good squeeze, his hand was dry but Sarah's noticed that hers were a little moist. Chuck pulled a cloth out of his back pocket and gave it to Sarah to wipe her hands. As the Vehicle door was opening Chuck took the cloth back and calmly placed it back in his back pocket before extended his hand and said "Good evening Barack, Michelle glad you both could make it" he then gave Michelle a kiss.
Sarah was still trying to recover from the shock of Chuck attempting to calm her by providing physical contact and even giving her the cloth to wipe her hands. This is quite a turn of events, Sarah remembers when she used be the one to calm Chuck.
'It sounds so strange to hear Chuck call him by his first name'.
Chuck then Introduced Sarah, "This is the beautiful Sarah Walker"
Sarah slightly blushed extended her hand and said "Mr President"
The president took her hand then leaned into to kiss her on the cheek and then said "you look simply amazing Sarah".
Sarah then faced the First Lady and said "and Mrs Obama you look wonderful tonight.".
"Sarah, if I may call you that, there is no First Lady or Mrs Obama tonight, only Michelle" and gave her a light kiss on her cheek.
Sarah was lost for words thanks to the shock, of both being kissed by the president and the first lady and the first lady asking her to call her by her first name.
Sarah finally responded "Of course you can call me Sarah, Mrs Obama I mean ..Michelle." Mrs Obama gave her a smile and Sarah responded in kind.
They proceeded into the living area and walked to the leather couch's, their were two couches, each one on either side of an antique coffee table. As soon as they were seated a man in a suit walked in and stood beside Chuck. "Michelle what would you like to drink?" asked Chuck
"A Martini thankyou Charles" responded Michelle.
Chuck Turned to Sarah and asked" Sarah what would you like?".
Sarah Responded "a Martini thankyou".
Then Chucked looked at the President " Barack the usual?"
"Of course Charles" responded the President.
"Martin, plus two of the specials neat" said Charles.
"Very good sir" replied Martin then left.
5 minutes later he returned with a tray with the four drinks. Martin placed the tray in front of Chuck and Chuck then served the drinks starting with Michelle, then Sarah, then finally the President.
They had easy conversation, with the President regaling them of stories of his high school and college life, then Chuck also entered into the conversation talking about his own High school and College life.
'It is amazing to find out how the president had such a normal existence but was able to progress to such greatness. What am I saying, look at Chuck mother and father leaving him while still a child, being kicked out of college for something he didn't do. Then being claimed by the Government as an asset, controlling almost every part of his life for almost 2 years. Chuck was amazing' Sarah Just smiled and asked about Michelle's life and how life as the wife of the most powerful man in the world was. She just responded that yes he is very busy and away from home a lot but when he is home he is just a normal man, husband and father.
It was time to move into the Dining room, the table was set out with some of the most amazing China and silverware, it was a sight to see. Chuck could see Sarah's eyes light up with amazement, he whispered "No I don't have Dinner like this every night". Sarah just looked at Chuck and smiled, he smiled back but not with his full smile.
They sat down, both the President and Chuck pulling out the chairs for Michelle and Sarah accordingly. When everyone was seated, a gentlemen in a suit appeared and sat at the grand piano and starting playing. An amazing combination of food was served, delicacies and dishes from around the world. During dinner, friendly conversation was flowing. After all the courses dishes and delicacies had been run.
The President piped up and said "So Charles, you are going to tickle the ivories for us yourself aren't you? An evening with Charles Bartowski isn't complete without at least one song. I am sure everyone else believes the same"
"Ah, do I have to? I thought my sparkling conversation and with the beautiful Sarah here, I didn't think I would need to" responded Chuck.
"Hmmm, what do you think Sarah, think he should treat our ears to some amazing melodies?".
Sarah just smiled and said "Well I know I would enjoy listening considering such an amazing description given by you Mr President."
The president looked confused "Oh so you haven't been treated to some Bartowski magic?" Both Chuck and Sarah faces went red. The president looked back and forward between them and he also got a red face.
He quickly changed the subject "So Charles, how about some music?".
Chuck agreed he would do one song. The man that was playing stood up and walked out of the room. Chuck sat down on the stool stretched his fingers and started playing, he then brought in the melody with such a soulful voice.
Birds flying high you know how I feel
Sun in the sky you know how I feel
Breeze driftin' on by you know how I feel
It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me
And I'm feeling good
Sarah can not believe how well he is playing, how well he is singing and the strength of the feelings he was generating inside of her. She only wishes that a new dawn could be for her and Chuck with there life together.
It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me
And I'm feeling good
Fish in the sea you know how I feel
River running free you know how I feel
Blossom on the tree you know how I feel
Dragonfly out in the sun you know what I mean, don't you know
Butterflies all havin' fun you know what I mean
Sleep in peace when day is done
That's what I mean
And this old world is a new world
And a bold world
For me
Stars when you shine you know how I feel
Scent of the pine you know how I feel
Oh freedom is mine
And I know how I feel
It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me
And I'm feeling good.
Both the President and the First Lady where clapping their hands.
"Very good Charles, another" said the President.
"Maybe I will give you another after our discussion" said Chuck.
"On that note Charles, lets leave these wonderful ladies to discuss things, and we will have that discussion" said the President.
Both the President and Chuck walked out of the room, leaving Sarah and Michelle alone. Martin came back into the room and stood next to Sarah, Sarah saw this and then assumed that he was standing there for further drinks.
Sarah looked at Michelle and asked" Would you like another Martini?",
Michelle responded "Yes thankyou".
Sarah looked at Martin and said "I will have another Martini as well Martin",
"Very good M'am" replied Martin.
When Martin had left the room Michelle looked at Sarah and said "So Sarah I understand that you were close with Charles over 3 years ago?".
"Yes we were" said Sarah.
"Am I also to assume things ended … awkwardly?" asked Michelle.
"Um yes they did" replied Sarah.
"Barack has told me that Charles had a relationship with someone over 3 years ago, that he still carries a torch for, and that and his broken heart are the reasons why he will not commit in another relationship. It is probably not my place to ask but are you that person?" asked Michelle.
"Yes I am" replied Sarah.
"Sarah it obvious that you both still have feelings for each other, even now after three years, why did you leave?" asked Michelle.
"I was stupid, and I was a coward. My life was my job before meeting Charles, I was going to throw it away for the chance to spend my life with him, but I was scared that the feelings I had, and the strength of these feelings were not returned. He had said some things that suggested that we couldn't have a future or work out and I was scared" said Sarah.
Sarah was looking down at the ground
'I can't believe how many people I have told this, to but still not Chuck, for god sakes I have just spilled my heart to the First Lady'.
"I am sorry I should not trouble you with my problems" said Sarah.
"Sarah, I asked the question and thank you for telling me, Barack and I are friends of Charles and both of us care for him, and we have been concerned for sometime, that he doesn't seem to be able to share his life with someone special" said Michelle.
Sarah just looked at her
"I am sorry, it is just so strange to be here talking to the First Lady about my feelings when I still haven't been able to tell Charles yet" said Sarah.
"So Sarah if you still have feelings for him, why are you here and what of your Job?" said Michelle. Sarah gave Michelle a small smile,
"I realized pretty quickly, that my life meant nothing without Chu..Charles and a life without him in it, is not worth living. I came back to see if he could find a way to forgive me and maybe give us another chance" said Sarah.
Michelle just looked at Sarah as if trying to decide if she was being truthful or not.
"Barack doesn't talk about things much, and when he does he certainly doesn't go into too much detail, but one thing I know is that Charles is very important to Barack, and this Country. For both my husband and Charles sake I wouldn't like to see Charles hurt again. So if you intend to leave him again, do it without telling him your feelings, as it would be devastating to him and I wouldn't like to think what that would do to Barack and his ability to keep this country safe" said Michelle.
'What is Chuck involved in why is he so valuable, this all doesn't seem to make a lot of sense. If he was still an intelligence asset or even if he became an agent, why is the President so involved?'
"Michelle, if there is even a chance of Charles and I having a future, I will leave my job and will spend the rest of my life showing him how much he means to me. I will never leave him, it will only be if he pushes me away, I deserve to be treated that way after being a coward and putting him through what I did " said Sarah.
"Then I wish you all the best, I wonder how the two of them are going. I know Charles is rather hesitant in agreeing with Barack's request, but Barack believes this is for the best and will get the necessary approvals required for him to take his place, as a permanent member."
'What is Michelle talking about? What is the President trying to get Chuck to agree too, a permanent member of what?'
Sarah sat there thinking what could Chuck be involved with, then started thinking Chuck had developed the Nexus Communication Sets, could he have also developed more technology that is involved within the Intelligence agencies?
'Could a conflict of interest be the reason that Chuck is hesitant?'.
"Charles I am sure, would be concerned about people seeing possible conflict of Interest, even though those that know Charles would never think he could do something to benefit himself" said Sarah.
Michelle smiled, "Yes, unfortunately very few of us get to see the true Charles Bartowski, those that do should be very honored. every one else sees that business men that takes on the world" replied Michelle.
They continued their conversations about all sorts of topics, Sarah was surprised how open and friendly Michelle was being, it was like being at a party and meeting someone and just hitting it off. Sarah had to keep reminding herself that this was the First Lady.
Chuck and the President returned both laughing easily as if one had just told a funny joke, Michelle looked at them at said "Sounds like a productive discussion then?",
The president responded "Oh that, no we have agreed to disagree for the moment",
"So why the laughing" asked Michelle.
"We were just talking about how happy Warren was today on winning closest to the pin, and how that celebration completely overshadowed Barack's Hole in One" said Chuck.
Michelle then piped up "ok then Charles, conversations are over where is this other song you promised, how about 'Making Love out of Nothing at All'?"
"Ok well only because you asked so nicely" said Chuck, Chuck went back to the piano and started playing and then the voice that made Sarah's heart soar.
I know just how to whisper
And I know just how to cry
I know just where to find the answers
And I know just how to lie
I know just how to fake it
And I know just how to scheme
I know just when to face the truth
And then I know just when to dream
And I know just where to touch you
And I know just what to prove
I know when to pull you closer
And I know when to let you loose
And I know the night is fading
And I know the time's gonna fly
And I'm never gonna tell you
Everything I gotta tell you
But I know I gotta give it a try
And I know the roads to riches
And I know the ways to fame
I know all the rules
And I know how to break 'em
And I always know the name of the game
But I don't know how to leave you
And I'll never let you fall
And I don't know how you do it
Making love out of nothing at all
Making love, Out of nothing at all
Making love, Out of nothing at all
Making love, Out of nothing at all
Making love, Out of nothing at all
Making love, Out of nothing at all
Making love, Out of nothing at all
Everytime I see you all the rays of the sun
Are streaming through the waves in your hair
And every star in the sky is taking aim at your eyes
Like a spotlight
The beating of my heart is a drum and it's lost
And it's looking for a rhythm like you
You can take the darkness from the pit of the night
And turn into a beacon burning endlessly bright
I've gotta follow it 'cause everything I know
Well it's nothing till I give it to you
I can make the runner stumble
I can make the final block
And I can make every tackle at the sound of the whistle
I can make all the stadiums rock
I can make tonight forever
Or I can make it disappear by the dawn
I can make you every promise that has ever been made
I can make all your demons be gone
But I'm never gonna make it without you
Do you really want to see me crawl
And I'm never gonna make it like you do
Making love out of nothing at all
Making love, Out of nothing at all
Making love, Out of nothing at all
Making love, Out of nothing at all
Making love, Out of nothing at all
Making love, Out of nothing at all
Making love, Out of nothing at all
Making love, Out of nothing at all
Making love, Out of nothing at all
Making love, Out of nothing at all
Making love, Out of nothing at all
Sarah is stunned she can not believe it, that song those words that voice. This is the song and the words that she needs to tell Chuck, it is all true, accept the 'don't know how to leave you', really she doesn't know how she ever did and it was the biggest mistake of her life.
Michelle could see throughout the song that Sarah was contemplating the words and what they meant. Sarah realizes that she doesn't just love Chuck she adores him, there is nothing in this world that she wouldn't do for him. She just wants to run over to him, hug him, cover him with kisses and take him in every sense of the word.
The four of them had one last drink before the President and the First Lady left, everyone said their goodbyes and Chuck and Sarah were on their own.
Sarah starts thinking, 'oh what do I do now I have had too much to drink to drive even if I had a car. I will get someone to call a cab.'
"Thank you Sarah, it appeared that Michelle enjoyed herself it made my discussion with Barack possible. While we may not have come to any agreement yet, at least he understands my point of view and my concerns" said Chuck.
"That's ok Charles, I had a good time too, it was amazing that Michelle and I were able to talk like we were. Um… Thank you for having me but I guess I should get going, unless there was something else" said Sarah.
Chuck was silent and didn't say anything and quickly became an awkward silence that Sarah had to end.
"Well ok then, is it possible to get someone to call me a cab?" asked Sarah.
Chuck Responded "Yes we can do that, however I did get Samantha to sort out some clothes and other accessories for you, I am sure it is not as comfortable as you own things but you are more then welcome to stay in the guest rooms prepared for you. I will get Martin to show you to the room if you are interested. I will not be offended if you go, as I am sure you have a lot to get back to anyway. However either way I have spoken to Samantha and I believe she has your contact details so the future activities can be organized. Goodnight Sarah" said Charles.
"Goodnight and thank you Chuck" Sarah responded, she realized after she said it that she had said Chuck not Charles but Chuck didn't comment.
Sarah got Martin to show her the room, she saw the nightwear sitting on the bed various skin moisturizers and cleaners, brushes a new toothbrush as well as all the make up perfumes and deodorants she had used in getting ready earlier. She walked into the wardrobe and discovered several casual outfits for her as well as another dress she had seen in the showing that she also liked but wasn't sure if it was appropriate for this evening. She saw the cases for the necklace, bracelet and earrings she was wearing tonight. 'shoot if I had got a cab I would have walked out with all of this jewelery I had completely forgotten, her face started going red. She took them all off and put them into the cases. 'I will stay tonight even though sleeping so close to Chuck but not being with him will make it difficult.'
Sarah cleaned off the makeup put down her hair and put on the sleepwear that was provided, she then hopped into bed. The bed was very comfortable but lonely, she tried going off to sleep but her thoughts would constantly take her to Chuck and that he was likely to be asleep in another room somewhere and wishes she was in his arms. After about 2 hours of trying to get to sleep she decided to get up and go for a walk. She went to the closet to get some clothes to put on and found a nightgown, so she decided to put that on over her nightwear. and then went for a walk outside her room and downstairs. She found herself in the living area where the showing had been earlier and where she had been relaxing on the Couch with the First Lady. She was in her own little world until she was disturbed by a voice
"You are so beautiful, it's hard to believe but I think you are even more beautiful then before you left 3 years ago. At the time I thought it was impossible but you proved me wrong"
She turned around to look at Chuck with a glass in his hand, from his voice and his face it was clear that he indulged in a few more drinks after she had gone to bed. He continued " So couldn't get to sleep, the room not comfortable? Something missing?" said Chuck.
'Yes you'. She thought
"The room is wonderful and thank you for everything in the room. You have several brands of most things, I have been spoiled" said Sarah.
"Ah they just wanted to make sure that we have something you would be comfortable with" said Chuck.
"Yes very comfortable, please thank whoever it was that organized, oh I put the Jewelery back in the cases that were on the dressing table in the room. Was there somewhere else I should put them? I assume they will be picked up tomorrow." said Sarah.
"No that's okay Sarah, I want you to keep them, my thank you gift for looking after Michelle so well". answered Chuck.
"No I can't take them they are too expensive the dress by itself is too much" said Sarah.
"Sarah I want you to have them, I know we never had anything real, but ever since I have been successful and have been in a position to buy things like that I have always thought of being able to give something like that to you. So now I have" said Chuck.
Chuck saying that what they had wasn't real hurt Sarah, a stab to the heart. Even though Chuck was well intoxicated he could still tell something that he had said had hurt her.
"Sarah whats wrong, tell me what have I done, what did I say?" asked Chuck.
"Chuck, you haven't asked me why I am here, why I was following you, why I was at the Shooting range and the golf course. Aren't you even curious as to why I have showed up?" asked Sarah.
"Hell yes I am curious, its been about the only thing going through my mind the last few days. But asking the question means maybe getting an answer I don't want. After all I have done and achieved I have not been able to deal with certain things since you left" said Chuck.
Sarah took a deep breath she has to tell him something and it has to be true but she can't scare him away.
"I came back to speak to you, to see if you could forgive me, to see if you could think we could start over, maybe have another chance?".Said Sarah.
Tears were in Sarah's eyes when she started and they were running down her cheeks when she finished.
"Sarah, you can't expect me to drop everything and what start a relationship with you just so you can disappear out of my life again" said Chuck.
Sarah looked down to the ground she couldn't look at him.
"Chuck If you tell me we have no chance of a future, I will leave you alone to never bother you again. But if you tell me there is a chance no matter how long it might take, then I will quit the agency in a heart beat and work everyday to make it up to you to earn your forgiveness so we can have a chance" said Sarah.
"Sarah, the agency is your life you could never do it" said Chuck.
Sarah looked back up into Chuck eyes.
"No Chuck you are wrong, what I can't do is continue living without you" said Sarah.
With that she breaks down and starts crying and collapses to the floor. Chuck is stunned but via pure reflexes he jumps up and grabs Sarah and they both end up on the floor with Chucks arms wrapped around her. When he realizes what he is doing, his body stiffens slightly. Sarah's face presses into his chest and her arms wrap around him and the sobs get even louder.
Chuck can feel his shirt getting wet, but he does not react. He quickly starts to realize how comfortable and natural it feels to be holding her. He knows that she is very emotional it's probably a combination of release of stress from the night and the alcohol. Even though she hurt him three years ago, he can not stand seeing her sad and hurting, so he decides he will hold her for as long as she needs it.
After about 30 minutes Sarah has settled down and is no longer sobbing but has not let Chuck go. "Sarah, come on you need to get some sleep I will take you up to your room" said Chuck.
"NO! do not let me go", cried Sarah and held on tighter.
"I will carry you up to your room okay" said Chuck.
Sarah didn't respond. Chuck stood up easily with Sarah in his arms and started walking towards the stairs. Sarah noticed how effortlessly he picked her up even though he was intoxicated. He went up the steps and took her into her room and put her down on the bed.
Sarah said "Please don't leave me alone" and started sobbing again.
"Sarah look, if I stay here and hold you, this doesn't change anything, I still need to think about everything you said and determine how I feel. I can't just think that the last three years didn't happen" said Chuck.
"I don't want you to forget the last three years, I will never forget the last three years and I know it was my fault. I don't want you to make any decisions about this tonight, we have both had a little to drink, I wasn't even going to tell you anything until we had our dinner. But please know that what we had, well I always thought of them as real, they are the most real emotions and feelings I have ever experienced, so please never doubt that" said Sarah.
With that Chuck lay down beside her, brought her head onto his chest and put his arm around her, gently rubbing circles with his hand on her back.
They both went of to sleep having the most relaxing sleep they have both had in a long time.
A/N Please continue to review, I really do appreciate all the comments.