A/N: For starters, thank you all again for sticking around and offering your support and encouragement for this fic. Now that they completed their final spy mission, our characters will begin to focus more on achieving something they have been craving for a long time: living a normal life, or at least as normal as it can be given how extraordinary they are.

Chapter 23

"Chuck! Auntie Sarah! Over here!" Molly yelled, jumping up and down while waving at them outside the general aviation area of Bob Hope International airport. She then ran and jumped into her aunt's arms.

"Hi Molly," Sarah said, hugging her niece.

"Did you have a good time in France?"

"We had a great time," Chuck replied, ruffling the little girl's hair.

"And we brought you some nice gifts, which you can open at home," Sarah added. After putting Molly down, she hugged her Mom. "Thanks for coming to get us."

"It was nothing. I had an opening in my schedule, and I wanted to see you two."

They kept making small talk as they went over to where Emma had parked the Miller Hotel courtesy minibus. Throughout the drive, Molly was talking a mile a minute, describing how awesome it was to be able to use Chuck's gaming suite and how nice Devon, Ellie and Alex were to her.

"You look tired," Emma observed.

"We didn't get much sleep in the last two or three days," Chuck replied honestly.

"I was under the impression that you had to meet with a couple of customer representatives."

"Yes, but we were also in Paris, Mom. They don't call it City of Love for nothing you know."

"I know. In fact, I remember that one time when your father and I were still engaged…"

"Mom! Too much information!" Even Carina couldn't stand to hear about Jack and Emma's sexual escapades, to say nothing of her more private younger sister.

"Have it your way, dear." Emma stole a look at Chuck, who was riding shotgun. He was trying to appear nonchalant, but he did look a little awkward. She guessed his parents were not unlike her and her husband in many respects. "Tell me, what are your plans now?"

"Orion and the Burbank Buy More will launch Chuck's new game in a couple of days, so we'll have our hands full with the final preparations for the event. After that, I don't know. Maybe we'll work on the line of computers for kids we've been considering."

"You're forgetting one thing," Chuck said. "I have a new game in the works, starring you."

"Ah, that. No, I didn't forget."

"Anyone care to explain?" Emma asked.

"Sarah is about to be immortalized as a computer game character."

"You are going to name a character Sarah Walker?"

"No, I think Chuck will use another name. But the character will have my looks, from what he said."

"Naturally, you'll absolutely have to come with me to the E3 to help with the promotion of the game."

"What's the E3 again?"

"It's the Electronic Entertainment Expo that takes place annually here in Los Angeles. Naturally, we'll also do other conventions."

"You'll have all the time in the world to talk about work later," Emma told them. "Where do you want me to drop you off?"

"Take us to my place," Chuck said. "We'll go to work from there tomorrow."

"Can I come too?" Molly piped up.

"Only if you promise to keep the volume on the gaming system low. Sarah and I need to get some sleep. Jet lag can be kind of brutal."

"I promise."

"Then you can come."

"Yay!"

"I'll be keeping an eye on her," Emma promised. "Besides, if Ellie is home, we'll have more company."

-o-

The days following their return from Paris were kind of hectic. First, they had to compile and submit their official reports on the mission. Then, with Ellie and Devon standing by, Stephen and Hartley removed the intel from Chuck and Sarah's brains, leaving the skills packs intact, as requested.

Chuck's big day finally arrived. He was giving interview after interview to correspondents from gaming magazines and sites, which most of the time interfered with his plans to help Sarah make sure the game launch event went as smoothly as possible. He could see her chugging down coffees like they were water all day long. She probably had enough caffeine in her system to last her a week. When he finally caught a break, he went looking for her. He found her by the entrance to the Buy More, talking to one of the re-enactors from the club they had gotten to help.

"Hey," she said, noticing him.

"How are things in the trenches?" He smiled at the chuckling re-enactor. "Pun intended."

"I have Morgan arranging new deliveries every time Jeff and Marvin report the stock falling below one hundred copies. The preordering pickup desk is working smoothly and the whole process does not get in the way of the store's regular business. All in all, we're good. How are things on your end?"

"My throat is dry. I haven't done this much talking in one day since Stanford and some oral exams I took back then."

"Take this." She led him to a cooler and poured him a glass of water.

"Thanks. I must say, you deserve a huge bonus."

"I do?"

"Sure you do. By the way, I think I even saw Casey around here somewhere."

"Yeah, he needed some stuff for home. He totally approved of the props we arranged with the re-enactors, too."

"Did you offer him a game?"

"I slipped a copy in one of his bags."

"That's why I love you. Are you sure you're all right?"

"I just need to sit down for a minute. My feet are killing me. I forgot to take a second pair of shoes today, as I had planned."

"When we get back to my place, I'll draw a nice warm bath for you, complete with wine, scented candles and soft music, and then I'll give you a massage."

"You know how to make a girl feel nice, Mr. Bartowski."

"As an added reward, you'll get the day off tomorrow. The way I see it, this is going to drag on for a few more hours."

"It's a huge success. Your game is number one on the charts."

"You get a major share of the credit for said success. It was your efforts at advertising and marketing that made it possible."

"You did the heavy lifting. All the advertising in the world can't help a lame game, Chuck. Plus, it was a labor of love." She gave him a foxy grin. "In every way."

"For the moment, as everything appears to be under control, I'm going to make sure you're well fed. I called Lou and she'll be bringing a couple of Chucks over."

"Man, I love her sandwiches. And the Chuck is my all time favorite."

-o-

Later, Sarah was luxuriating in Chuck's bathtub, enjoying the feel of the warm water on her body, the relaxing scent of the candles strategically placed around the room and a glass of good red wine. And, as promised, Chuck finished setting up some surround speakers and started the music.

"Bolero?" Sarah asked. "Are you hoping to get lucky tonight, Mr. Bartowski?"

"It's just one part of tonight's music selection, Ms. Walker, all guaranteed to help you relax. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to see to the massage oils."

"Come here."

"What?"

"Closer," she whispered.

He knelt by the tub held on to the sill with one hand and leaned closer. The other hand went on the nape of her neck as their lips met.

"I love you, Sarah."

"I love you too, Chuck."

When she had soaked long enough in the tub, he helped her out, got her in a fluffy bathrobe and took her to his room, where he lit more candles and put on some more music. She then shrugged the bathrobe off of her shoulders and lay down on the bed.

"You are still a little tense," he commented as he massaged her shoulders.

"Nah, just tired," she replied drowsily. "Whatever you do, don't stop."

The massage left her feeling a new woman. Gone was the day's exhaustion. It was time to reward him for being such a considerate boyfriend. Therefore, she asked him to step outside for a minute. The moment he was out the door, she opened one of the bags containing a lingerie set purchased in Paris. It was a transparent black negligee with matching bra and panties.

"You can come in now," she called seductively.

He opened the door, took two steps inside and froze. "Hi-oh!"

"You like it?"

"It doesn't cover a thing," was all he could stammer.

"Of course it doesn't. I'm wearing what a good girlfriend would wear to seduce her boyfriend. I'm just being professional."

"Huh? Do you mean the world's oldest…?"

"Chuck," she cut him off. "You must be more tired than you think. What I meant is that being your girlfriend is a full-time job. A job I love very much, by the way."

"It's a reasonable explanation." He was still rooted where he stood.

"Are you coming to bed?"

"Um, sure."

"Good, because the night is still young."

-o-

Sarah had proven that she was most definitely not a morning person many times over. But today was a minor exception. Even though they had gone to sleep rather late, she woke up before Chuck, feeling refreshed. She looked at his sleeping form and smiled. He got up about a quarter of an hour later, surprised not to find her snuggled up against him as usual. He went to the bathroom and the moment he got out a most heavenly smell pulled him inexorably to the kitchen. Sarah was there, wearing a pink satin nightgown… and she was cooking.

"Hi Chuck," she said brightly. "How did you sleep?"

"Like a log, honey," he replied and yawned.

"Here, have some coffee. It'll jumpstart your system."

"Thanks. What are you doing?"

"I'm making us some breakfast. We have the day off, remember?"

"No, you have the day off. I'll have to go to work."

"You can work from home just as easily. Isn't your super-duper computer networked to the Orion mainframe?"

"You've got a point there."

"I called the office to inform them that I wouldn't be coming in today, but apparently you beat me to it."

"Yes, I fired off an email to Mr. Watkins yesterday while we were still at the Buy More."

"What are your plans for the day?"

"I have some material I want to gather for my next game. Basically, I'll be programming pictures of you into the character generator. This way, Samantha Walters will be born."

"So you already found a name for your new character."

"And she's going to be as badass as you are."

"Samantha Walters used to be one of my aliases."

"I know. Remember when we first met, in Rome?"

"How can I forget? For a moment there I was scared shitless."

"Trust me, I know how it feels."

"When does a big scary spy like you get scared?"

"Former spy, and it was when I made my first parachute jump."

"Oh."

"That and when I asked a girl in high school to be my date to junior prom. Believe it or not, I was no James Bond back then. However, I was able to tap into my natural charm thanks to Roan Montgomery's Infiltration and Inducement of Enemy Personnel class in the Farm."

"Infiltration and inducement?"

"Seduction school," he clarified.

"I'm not sure I want to hear about it."

"Well, it was pretty awkward at first, for everyone."

"Did it ever occur to you to try and seduce me back in Rome?"

"We didn't have time for it to work. Besides, I don't think it would have been effective on you."

"What do you mean it wouldn't have been effective? We are together, aren't we?"

"Sarah, we fell for each other while trying to live like normal people."

"Chuck, I was attracted to Agent Carmichael, but it was Chuck Bartowski who stole my heart. And I think I liked Charles because Chuck was strong in him."

"Is that why you kissed me when we had that chemical agent scare?"

"I think so…"

The toaster dinged and ejected two slices of toast. Sarah put them on a plate and reloaded the toaster. Then she expertly flipped the omelet in the pan. When it was done to her satisfaction, she served it and sprinkled on some herbs she chopped up.

"Mmm, delicious," Chuck said. "Your Mom's recipe?"

"I would sometimes watch her as she made breakfast for us when I was little. The recipe is burned into my memory."

"Except… you're not eating."

"Think again." She popped a strawberry in her mouth.

"Really? A fruit salad?"

"Not exactly. Watch." She opened the refrigerator and took the pitcher from the blender out, pouring a generous measure of whatever was in it into a tall milkshake glass. Then she topped it with whipped cream and added a cherry on top. Finally, she closed her lips around the straw and slurped.

"You made a milkshake?"

"Not just a milkshake; it's a fruity protein shake."

His enthusiasm took a noticeable nosedive. "Protein shake?"

"Is there a problem?"

"No, it's just… Awesome's protein shakes are positively horrible."

"Try this one and you'll definitely change your mind."

He tried it. It was indeed heavenly. "Now I feel somewhat cheated. I mean, the omelet is delicious, but so is the milkshake."

"There's enough in here for two, you know. I'll just pour you a glass."

"Thanks. But you should really eat something solid, too."

"I made and ate a peanut butter and jelly sandwich while cooking."

"Careful, Sarah. If you keep this up you may actually turn into a real girl."

"Perhaps I want to turn into a real girl. Not the kind interested only in fashion and gossip, mind you. But I want a normal life. And something tells me that I won't exactly miss my previous life."

"You'll have plenty of excitement working for Orion."

"Doubtlessly, but it will mostly be a nice nine to five existence and I'll also get to be with the man I love both on and off work. By the way, what will happen to Carmichael Industries?"

"Well, that's up to Director Graham and his staff to decide, but I think it'll continue to exist in one form or another. After all, it's a ready made cover."

They had barely loaded the dishwasher after finishing breakfast when a loud squeal emanating from the apartment next door made them both jump.

"What was that?"

"Ellie," Chuck replied.

"I know it was Ellie. But what happened?"

"Let's go find out."

"Hold on a minute. I need to get my robe."

Chuck was too impatient to wait for Sarah, but she was fast. Together they made their way to the courtyard, in time to look through Devon and Ellie's living room window. Ellie was admiring a new ring on her finger. And it was an engagement ring, no less.

"She looks so happy," Chuck said, his tone almost one of reverence.

"Yes she does. Devon is a great guy."

"He is. After we had the Intersect removed, he took me and my parents aside for a talk. He wanted our blessing to ask Ellie to marry him. Let's go in and congratulate them."

"Chuck, it's a family time."

"I know." He looped an arm around her waist and pulled her with him as he knocked.

"Chuck!" Ellie squealed. "Devon proposed!"

"We kind of heard it all the way to my kitchen, sis. Congratulations."

"Congratulations," Sarah added.

"Good thing you're here, Sarah. I want to ask you something."

"Sure, anything."

"Will you be my maid of honor?"

"Me?"

"Yes, you. You're the best person for the position."

"Huh?" Sarah was still a little taken aback.

"Sarah, you make my little brother happy. In fact, it's the happiest I've ever seen him. I can think of no other girl to be my maid of honor, especially since Devon asked Chuck to be his best man."

"It's an honor I'm happy to accept."

Ellie grabbed Sarah and pulled her into a bear hug. "Thank you."

"Sis, let her go. She's turning blue."

"Oh, sorry."

"I'm OK."

"This calls for a celebration. We'll have dinner here tonight. I'll call Mom and Dad."

"What about you, Devon? Aren't you going to call your parents and give them the good news?"

"I most definitely am, bro. And soon I'll mean that literally. I called them last night and told them I was going to propose to Ellie."

"What did they say?"

"They wished me luck."

-o-

"I'm so happy right now," Sarah gushed after she and Chuck had returned to his apartment. "Everything is going well."

"It gets better. Ellie was recommended for a fellowship in neurology at USC. The selection has not yet been finalized, but, from what an old professor of hers said, the position is practically hers."

"This is all part of the normal life I had been dreaming for so long. Until now, I was using what appeared to be a normal life as a cover, but not anymore. From now on, I'll be living it."

"And I want to be part of your normal life."

"You already are. I wouldn't have it any other way."

"Since we are now both living normal, dull lives, I guess I'd better get to work."

"But what am I supposed to do?"

"It's your day off. You figure it out."

"I think I'll stick around to see what you'll do with the virtual me."

"Just don't expect to see much. This is only the beginning of the game's development process. All you'll see is your character in some standalone videos."

"Still, I'm curious."

She followed him to the study, where he turned on his awesome computer system. The character generator created three-dimensional images from pictures and videos and soon a virtual Sarah was looking at them from the screen. Chuck had an idea. He tapped the keys and the casual clothes Sarah's likeness was wearing were replaced by a cutoff t-shirt, shredded skinny jeans and a leather jacket.

"This is Heavy Metal Sarah." A few more commands later, and Metal Sarah was head-banging while playing Iron Maiden's Number of the Beast on an electric guitar.

"Okay, I get it. Your computer can do wonders."

"This is Vampire Sarah." Another image appeared, this time in a period dress and fangs.

"Show me Samantha Walters."

"Okie-dokie." This time, SWAT Sarah made her appearance. "The game will be a first person shooter, like the last one, but focusing on law enforcement."

"Are you going to compete with Counterstrike?"

"Yes and no. This is going to be rather more plot-heavy. I'll probably add a level where Samantha and her partner will have to go undercover."

"What about voice?"

"We'll work on that later."

"You know best."

"Thanks. Now, what are we going to do about lunch?"

"Let me think about it and I'll get back to you."