"Chuck vs the Aussie"
AN1: Hi everyone, First I wanted to clarify something a guest reviewer asked about – the Chuck and Sarah in this story are younger than the show (see dates in background). They are 23/24 years old at the Olympics – I wanted the college scene to be pre Olympics, so that's why they both made it in 2012. Also, I have references to two USA swim stars (used first names), but I have played with the timelines (it is AU after all) and these current stars in our universe are competing in their last Olympics (I make this point in the chapter, but just want to avoid unnecessary confusion). So here is the much anticipated meeting of Chuck and Sarah - I swear it is in the chapter so don't freak out it's in the 4th scene and I actually added 2 bonus scenes.
Now keep in mind that I did Chapter 1 and 2 for a reason – to set the stage for Chuck and Sarah's psychology. It will inform how they react, so here is my view on their psychology – Chuck is what I see as a reluctant hero, great at his sport, but he does it because he loves it not for popularity – he is shy at his core. Sarah is a person with 2 conflicting dominant personality traits – her nurture, which has caused her to be shy/introverted with relationship and abandonment issues. Versus what I see as her nature (without the moves affecting her), which is confident and charismatic (like her father Jack). So this can be seen as Agent Walker vs Jenny Burton and this internal conflict will be important in the future.
Disclaimers – I don't own Chuck or the Olympics or British Airways or Team USA… Ya I own very little.
Oh – italics will always denote character thoughts and once again keep an eye on the time shifts and dates.
And thank you to everyone who has provided feedback – you have no idea how much I appreciate it! I try to always PM reviewers my thanks and little bits of info or when I think chapters are coming and to respond to great questions! So thanks again!
Chapter 3: The Meet
U.S Olympic Swim Team Development Camp/Team Meeting
Omaha, Nebraska
July 3, 2012
8:55 hrs CST
As Chuck walks into the CenturyLink Center, the venue for the U.S. Olympic swim trials, he whistles with a happy and care free attitude, still feeling the high of qualifying and earning a spot on the team. He heads toward a meeting of the full team, both men and women, to meet his fellow teammates and the new coach who will oversee the final stage of training and preparations for London.
Chuck pulls the door to Auditorium 4A open and looks into the very large room with a stage and seating that reminds him of his days in class at Stanford. He smiles as he sees forty of the best swimmers the U.S. has to offer sitting, mingling and chatting excitedly as they await the coaches.
Chuck walks into the room and spots a few of the guys he's competed with and against in the past few years, saying hi and shaking hands with his new teammates. As Chuck heads toward a seat he feels an arm clap his shoulder.
"You're Chuck Bartowski, right? The very famous swimmer asks.
As Chuck turns he is surprised to see Michael and Ryan – two of the now elder statesmen of the U.S. team, both extremely famous and competing in perhaps their last Olympics. Both Michael and Ryan had won basically everything there is to win and set new records in the process that Chuck now set his sights on as the next generation of U.S. swimmers.
"Wow, Michael, Ryan… it's an honor to meet you guys… I have watched both of you clean up at the last three Games! You two are awesome!"
"Hey thanks Chuck, we wanted to introduce ourselves to the guy people keep telling us is going to take our records," Ryan says with a good hearted smirk as Michael smiles at Chucks enthusiasm.
"Besides, we have two of the same races and we are all on the 4x100 and 4x200m freestyle relay teams so it's good to finally meet you," Michael tells Chuck.
"Thanks guys…" Chuck says slightly embarrassed and in awe of the praise from two idols of the sport.
"I won't let the team down," Chuck affirms in a confident tone.
"Good to hear, well we better be off – talk to you later Chuck," Ryan says as they leave Chuck slightly dumbstruck… That just happened right, Chuck thinks to himself.
Before he can recover from his reverie, suddenly someone jumps on his back wrapping him in a tight hug.
"CHUCK, I am so glad to see you!"
"Zondra! I thought Ninja assassins had finally caught up to me… or was that a video game I can never remember," Chuck responded smiling at his friend still latched to his back.
"Ha-ha, very funny my nerdy friend," Zondra replies as she jumps from his back and gives him a proper hug.
"So you excited! This is going to be so great I hear you're in 6 events including relays!" Zondra asks a smiling Chuck.
"I am and I hear you are as well, right?"
"Yep, I hear we are the young guns now," Zondra replies smiling widely.
"Ya, Michael and Ryan introduced themselves and said the same thing, kinda freaked me out a little, you know…" Chuck says while his smile turns slightly pensive.
"I saw you talking to swim royalty… they said that… that is huge Chuck, I always thought you'd be a star."
"I thought the same about you Miss Zondra… I guess we have a little work to do to earn our keep."
As she is about to respond a grunt is heard before a loud yell interrupts and silences the bustling conversations in the auditorium, "FALL IN!"
"Ah… what," Chuck says quietly to Zondra
"Must be the new coach," Zondra replies as they both take a seat and look towards the large, imposing man on stage, dressed completely in black military style clothing.
Joining the large middle aged, square jawed man on stage were a large African American man in a black suit and the tiniest red haired women Chuck had ever seen in a dark blue ladies pant suit.
The small women spoke first, "I am Diane Beckman and I am the Head Manager and Team USA's IOC liaison along with my college, Mr. Langston Graham."
Mr. Graham continued for her in a gravely, almost menacing voice, "The team has not performed up to the standards expected by us or the American people… as such, we have decided to add a new head coach to prepare all of you for the games…"
"He's… a little different than your other coaches, but we expect you to follow the Coronel's orders… however different they may be," Beckman says in a strong voice colored slightly by a tinge of uncertainty. She thinks to herself, the team will probably set records, but god help them the Colonel's going to put them through hell.
"May we introduce your new coach, Colonel John Casey USMC – he is an ex-Recon Marine and a U.S. Navy SEAL. He has been tasked to prepare you for the Games," Graham says, while Casey stands at perfect attention before offering a satisfied grunt.
"Oh and you should get used to the Colonel's… unique communication methods, as you just saw," Beckman adds before both she and Graham take their leave.
"Ok, you maggots, it is my job to whip you into shape and ensure you honor our country – you will not fail me or America or so help me Reagan I will drop you midway in the Atlantic and make you swim home – you get me!" Casey bellows.
The fully assembled team looks on in shock
"I can't hear you!" Casey yells.
"YES SIR" the team calls back.
"Good, let's get to work."
Later…
As the team is training in the gym, Chuck summons his bravery and goes over to Casey, "Hey coach…" but is cut off by Casey, "You call me Colonel, now what do you want Bartowski."
"Oh, um… well I was wondering, you have an impressive military background but as far as I can tell you know nothing of Olympic competition or racing…" Chuck asks with a nervous smile.
"I know how to swim in life or death situations, moron, and I will use all my training to make you the best, Casey replies.
Chuck trying to be funny says, "So you're gonna make me 'be all I can be'?" with a teasing smile.
The smile disappeared from his face as Casey stares with a deathly expression at Chuck.
"That's an Army motto; you think you're funny don't you Bartowski?"
"Um… I try?" Chuck says through a labored and nervous smile.
"Laps Bartowski – until you puke and then do ten more, I don't take lip boy," Casey yells.
As Chuck makes his way to the pool he sarcastically thinks, well this'll be fun… and Casey, no the Coronel… he's a happy person, I appreciate that about him and he works hard… as he chuckles to himself.
Australian Olympic Swim Team Development Camp/Team Meeting
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
July 3, 2012
8:55 hrs AEST
As Sarah enters the auditorium for the team meeting she makes eye contact with probably the last person she wants to see – her former friend Amy. Sarah prays that Amy will leave her alone… its bad enough they are teammates again, but Sarah really does not want to talk to her. Despite her hopes, Amy begins walking over to Sarah after excusing herself from a previous conversation.
"G'day Walker, you're looking well," Amy says with a smile acting as if nothing is wrong.
Sarah scowls at Amy and replies coldly, "I am."
"Look Sarah, I'm sorry for what happened, but neither of us needs to be fightin' and ear-bashing each other… can we bury the hatchet during the Games?"
"Amy, I won't forgive you, but I won't act unprofessionally… so I'll give it a fair go."
"I understand…" Amy says before giving Sarah a labored smile and walking back to her seat.
As Sarah makes her way to her seat, a stern women enters and addresses the team, "Ok boys and girls, my name is Alexandra Forrest and I'm the new coach of this team. I will push you hard and I expect you to train by the book and I reckon we'll win heaps of medals."
Sarah watches the robotic coach Forrest, she thinks to herself, great we've got an ice queen for a coach… she looks more like a cylon or a secret agent than a swim coach, hehe I will have to tell little Alex that one, she'll get a kick out of it.
"Ok everyone, it's time to start training – let's get to it!" Forrest calls out as the team heads off to the pool and gym.
LAX – Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B)
Los Angles, California
July 20, 2012
15:25 hrs PST
Sarah Walker and her mother Emma walk through the international terminal concourse of LAX toward their gate for the second leg of their very long journey From Australia. The pair had left Melbourne over fifteen hours prior via a Qantas flight and were exhausted and jetlagged as they await their final flight from LAX to London Heathrow.
The exhausted and slightly frazzled Sarah Walker, wearing her gold and green Team Australia track suit, turned to her mother, "Hey, Mom I'm gonna head up stairs to the food court and grab a 'pick-me-up' coffee while we wait for part 2 of the flight from hell," she says laughing tiredly at her little attempt at humor. "You want a coffee or a tea?"
Emma smiles at her tired girl, "no thanks baby girl, you go ahead I will meet you at the gate, we're at gate 104 over there." She says as she points the way.
"Sounds good Ma, I won't be long."
As Sarah entered the stairs to the upper level food court, a young man in jeans wearing a light Grey Team USA Olympic jacket with a black stripe across the chest and the American flag on the arm rounded the corner, just missing Sarah as she disappeared out of sight up the stairs.
Emma saw the curly haired young man talking animatedly to a bearded man and what looks like his mother and sister. As she watched the group and particularly the tall curly haired young man in a grey Team USA jacket talk as they walked by, she thought to herself - I wish Sarah could find a handsome, nice young man like that… she has had such a tough time dating since the Amy incident. Emma began to seethe think of the pain her daughter experienced in university and just hoped that one day she would find the right man, she wanted grandbabies to spoil after all.
Meanwhile…
"Buddy this is going to be awesome, you are so going to win gold I just know it!" Morgan beams at Chuck.
Chuck, Mary and Ellie try in vain to keep their laughter from spilling out due to the overly excited bearded little man's infectious attitude.
"Take it easy buddy… no more sugar or coffee for you… speaking of coffee I think I am going to head up to the food court, there is a café up there, you want anything?"
"Charles, I wouldn't have coffee before the flight you need to try to get some sleep on the plane, the jet lag is going to be brutal… here have a bottle of water," Mary says to her son.
"Thanks Mom," Chuck says as he takes the bottled water and has a quick sip before replacing the cap.
As the group of Bartowski's (and Morgan) made their way to the end of the international terminal to gate 101 they began seeing more and more people waiting for their flights, including athletes and fans on the way to London. As they reached their gate they checked to make sure they are in the right spot as there are numerous flights to London and two British Airways flights leaving from this terminal at the same time to ferry people to the Olympics.
"British Airways Flight BA0282, this is us," Ellie says as she confirms the gate and flight information.
"The other BA flight to London is over there at gate 104, so at least if we were in the wrong spot we are close to the proper gate, just in case… not that I don't trust you Ellie, it's just kind of an important flight," Chuck says with a innocent smile.
Ellie rolls her eyes at her little brother but decides to let it go, this was a big deal for him so she would cut him a little slack… just a little though.
"Kind of an important flight? Chuck buddy this is THE flight – my best buddy is going to the Olympics…" Morgan says loudly before looking around at the crowded gate area at the attention he was garnering before continuing,
"Ya that's right you heard me, my best buddy is going to the Olympics, he's gonna win gold! USA, USA, USA…" Morgan chants loudly.
As Morgan began chanting, much to Chuck's embarrassment, suddenly the terminal area broke out into cheers and many began following Morgan as they chanted USA loud and proud. Chuck and his family couldn't hold back huge smiles as random people poured out enthusiastic support for the young athlete.
Several people even walked up and shook Chuck's hand and wished him luck and all the best in London. Others were fans who asked Chuck what events he was competing in so they could make sure to go see him in action. Mary and Ellie burst with pride and had to hold back tears as the crowed poured praise upon the youngest Bartowski.
Chuck was overwhelmed by the display and the kindness… if he lacked motivation before he certainly did not lack motivation now, seeing the faces of random Americans cheer and support him would push him to go harder to make them proud.
Meanwhile at gate 104…
Sarah hears a mighty commotion from a few gates down at the end of the terminal as the large crowd is chanting USA… hum, I wonder what that is all about she thinks curiously.
With her coffee in hand she reaches the seating area and finds her mother resting, but also looking curiously at the chanting crowd. Sarah overcome with curiosity asks, "Ma, what's all that about?"
Emma smiles at Sarah, "That my dear is a little display of American patriotism, say what you will about the Yanks, but they do wear their pride on their sleeves. Apparently some little bearded guy started a chant for his friend who is going to the Olympics, like you…" bumping her daughters shoulder with her own, "and decided to start a chant, and it looks like most of the airport decided to join in."
"I can't wait till I get to compete and get to hear those cheers as well," Sarah says with excitement gleaming in your eyes.
"You are gonna do great… hey, I think they were cheering an American athlete, maybe you should go say hi… be a good little Aussie ambassador… and if he's who I think he is then he's very cute," Emma says with a smile and a wink at her daughter.
Sarah blushes a deep red before smacking her Mom's arm, "Mom – that's not funny!"
"Alright, alright – I thought I'd give it a fair go. You know how I worry, you haven't really dated since the incident with Amy and a mother worries… we expect grandbabies you know…"
"MOM," Sarah says slightly mortified.
"Fine, fine I will leave it be, but just promise me when the right guy does come along you don't miss out because you're scared." Emma tells Sarah.
"Yes, OK… so now can we drop it – I'm far too tired to have this conversation," Sarah says frazzled.
"Too right, you rest Sarah."
As Sarah closed her eyes the loud speaker broke her from her rest.
"Flight BA0268 to Heathrow London is now boarding, please check your tickets as there are two flights leaving within 20 minutes of each other to London. I repeat BA Flight number 0268 to London is now boarding." Came the announcement over the speaker
Emma checks the tickets, "That's us Sarah… maybe the American Olympian will be on this flight!" Emma says enthusiastically.
Sarah rolls her eyes at her mother, "let's go," she says slightly exasperated, though a small smile graces her beautiful features.
10 minutes later...
"Attention please BA Flight 0282 to Heathrow/London will begin pre-boarding… can we also have the Bartowski, Ryan, Palmer and Johnson groups come up and board… it's not every day we have Olympians flying with us.
Once again surprised, the Bartowski's, along with the other Olympians boarded the plane to start their journey to London and the Games.
British Airways Flight 0268
Somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean
July 20, 2012
8 Hours into the flight
Sarah had been awake for the last hour as Emma slept… Sarah kept thinking back to her mother's not so subtle commentaries on her love life, or lack of one. As she thinks to herself, I know Mom means well but I refuse to force feelings and I just haven't felt strongly enough for anyone to risk getting hurt. But she's right, I am scared… what if the right guy comes along and I freak out or screw it up… I'm really not good at relationships, especially since the Amy incident. I need to sleep and not only am I nervous about competing on the world stage, but now I am worried about my love life… not good.
And it doesn't help that Dad had to work… again, and won't be there in London for support.
As she exhaled audibly a stewardess stops by with a drink cart, "Hey there dear," the stewardess says in an English accent, "here you look like you could use a drink, ya"
Sarah smiles appreciatively and tells the server "thanks."
Sarah thinks as she drinks her cocktail, well I will just have to be open to a relationship and fate will decide, ya I like that… fate. Ok now I just have the nerves of competing on the world stage to deal with.
As Sarah played out her worries and demons in her head she began to tire until finally she was able to fall into a fitful sleep… tomorrow would be another day on her journey to the Olympics.
British Airways Flight 0282
Somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean
July 20, 2012
8 Hours into the flight
Chuck sat cramped in his seat with his leg bouncing carelessly as his nervous energy bled through. Mary, watching her son's nervous musing decided it was time to intercede. She put her hand on his leg in order to stop his nervous bouncing before looking at him with a smile, "Charles, you are going to do great so there is nothing to worry about, besides – I want you to have fun, it is the sport you love after all."
Chuck looks into her eyes and begins to relax as a relieved smile starts to form on his tired face.
"Thanks Mom I needed that, I was kind of freaking out a bit… it's… it's just a lot of pressure, you know…" Chuck tells Mary in a quiet, worried tone.
"I know, but we're all here for you… you just need something to take your mind off the pressure… hum, so are you dating anyone?"
Chuck had begun sipping his water when Mary dropped that bombshell of a question. He spit water onto his tray table before directing a shocked and horrified look to his Mother.
"Mom, that's private!"
"Chuck… it's just I have never met any of your girlfriends and I was just… curious."
"Oh god, please don't make me have this conversation," Chuck begged.
"Sorry, you're trapped, so spill Charles." Mary says with a wry smile
Chuck lets out a dejected sigh before beginning, "No girlfriend, I just haven't found the right girl you know… I want something special like you and Dad have… so I have been waiting, I guess… for the right partner…" Chuck rambled out.
"Sweetheart, that is nothing to be embarrassed about, in fact I'm proud of you." Mary intones.
"Really?"
"Of course. Both your father and I are so proud of you and he is so sorry he had to stay in L.A. to run Orion Games. It is kind of your third sibling after all… now get some rest we still have a ways to go till London," Mary says.
"Ok, Thanks."
"Oh, and Chuck…"
"Ya Mom?"
"That took your mind off things right?" Mary says with a smile and a teasing look.
"Ha!" Chuck lets out as he smiles brightly, "that was a good one Mom, when did you get so funny?"
"I'm always funny… Ok maybe not, but it helped right?"
"Yes, yes it did… night Mom."
"Night Charles."
Heathrow International Airport Baggage Claim
Hillingdon, London, United Kingdom
July 21, 2012
10:25 hrs BST
The flight from the United States had been long… very long and to say it left the Bartowski family (and Morgan) tired would be a humorous understatement. Once they disembarked the British Airways (BA) flight they made their way to baggage claim. They entered the large baggage claim area and took in the grey granite/stone floors, the silver metal support beams that ran from the floor to the roof in certain spots and the silver metal incased baggage conveyer belts. Chuck looked up at the roof of the baggage claim area, which is covered with square glass tiles containing grey circular tiles inside of the glass that created a modern polka dotted look. Chuck saw various bright yellow signs with black numbers on them denoting the baggage carousel number. He found the number 4 carousel and began waiting with his family for their bags.
As the luggage tumbled down the chute onto the conveyer belt/carousel, Ellie, Mary and Morgan found their luggage rather quickly, but much to Chuck's chagrin his had yet to arrive. While waiting Chuck noticed that the ladies and Morgan were getting antsy.
"Hey, my stuff will probably be last – you all look like your dying for a restroom and a coffee, so go on ahead and I will catch up in a bit," Chuck told his group.
"Thanks Chuck," Ellie says before she and Mary headed off.
"Ya, thanks buddy, I will come back and grab you in a few once I'm all set, Ok," Morgan Added.
"Sounds good, Morg," Chuck replies with a tired smile.
Meanwhile…
Emma and Sarah Walker had arrived about ten minutes prior to the other BA flight from Los Angeles. The pair made their way down to the Baggage claim area, coming to baggage carousel number 5, where they waited for their luggage.
Once Emma had her luggage Sarah spoke, "Mom, go have a tea and a sit down, I'll wait for my Luggage 'n stuff."
"Thanks Sarah, I will be waiting for you with a coffee," Emma tiredly, but thankfully replied to her daughter.
As Sarah waited the other BA Flight arrived and its passengers began entering the baggage claim area right next to where she was waiting.
After waiting patiently for five minutes Sarah began scanning the crowd around her in order to distract from the tedium of waiting for her luggage. As she looked to her left toward the neighboring carousel she froze, transfixed upon a pair of eyes that caught hers at the exact same moment. An unknown feeling washed over her as she forgot to breath as she stared at the kind looking young man as the world around her disappeared as only the stranger remained in her focused sights.
Exactly 10:44:44 a.m. (BST)…
Chuck had become bored as he stood waiting for his bags, shuffling on his feet with his hands resting awkwardly in his grey jacket. He began to look around and taking in the sights of the airport when his eyes met with a beautiful young stranger's. He swore he was looking at an angel as he thought to himself, Wow… she's… she's so beautiful…
He stared, unintentionally, in awe of the girl in a gold and green athletic jacket before realizing she was staring right back at him. Confused that such as vision would even look at him, let alone gawk, was impossible for the mild mannered Chuck to consider. So he looked left and right and behind himself in order to find the celebrity or male model that captured the angels' attention, looking rather foolish as he searched in vain… not realizing it was him she was watching.
Sarah smiles, looking on at the young man in the grey USA jacket, and seeing him look in all directions. Hum… he's cute and lookin' round like that… maybe he's lost or needs some help, hum… maybe I should lend him a hand… spirit of the Games and all… and he is cute, Sarah thought to herself, a small smile creeping onto her face. Her rapidly beating heart and the flipping of her stomach pushing her to act and walk over and talk to the young man in spite of her shy and reserved nature.
As Sarah began walking toward Chuck, he started to have a mild freak out as his palms became sweaty. Oh god she's coming this way… maybe she saw me staring. Oh god she's going to yell or slap me… you know better than to stare, you're a gentleman dammit! Chuck thought as he chastised himself.
As the girl walked right up to Chuck he could not help a wide Bartowski grin that took over his features when he saw her up close.
Sarah damn near fell over as her knees became weak at the megawatt smile the young man had just unleashed, causing her heart beat more erratically. Damn that's and amazing smile… I think it just got brighter in here… Sarah thought as she smiled widely back at the man before her.
"G'day, you lost or you looking for your family… do you need a hand?" Sarah asks cautiously with a shy smile as she quickly looks to her feet before locking eyes with him once again.
Mesmerized by her beautiful sapphire eyes, Chuck slowly replies "Huh… No, no my bags are delayed. My mom and sister got their stuff quickly so I had them go have a rest and coffee, there was no use all of us waiting on my lonely bags," Chuck says with a shy smile of his own.
"Oh… sorry to bother you then…" Sarah says as her cheeks turn slightly pink, embarrassed at her mistake.
"No bother at all, thank you that was really kind, I'm Chuck," he says with a comforting look and a smile.
"Sarah, Sarah Walker," she says in her Aussie drawl as she shakes his hand.
"Judging by your wonderful accent… and well your jacket, I'm guessing Australian?"
"Yep, I'm from the Lucky Country down under," Sarah replies with a large grin.
Chuck then studies Sarah, looking her up and down, but not in a lustful or inappropriate way, rather in a curious, considered way.
"You must be one of the models for Team Australia," Chuck says honestly without thinking before mentally kicking himself for his very forward response.
Sarah immediately blushes as an ecstatic, but slightly shy smile breaks out on her face… she had heard lines before, but this was not a cheap line… it was said as if it were the absolute truth. Her heart fluttered and her stomach tried valiantly to flip out of her body at the greatest compliment Sarah Walker had ever received.
"No… not a model, I am an athlete though… but thank you, no one has ever really been so kind to me" (and really meant it Sarah thought to herself).
"Oh god, you must think I am a jerk or trying to pick you up… I'm sorry I tend to ramble when I'm nervous and blurt out things I really should keep to myself… sorry," he says with a weak, nervous smile as he cringed slightly waiting for her response.
"Hehehe," Sarah cannot help the giggle that escapes and she thinks, aw he's so cute when he rambles and when he's nervous.
"So you're not trying to pick me up?" Sarah says with a pout on her face as she tries and fails to hide a wry, teasing smile.
Chuck cringes with a nervous look.
"Too bad," Sarah finishes with a smile
A look of shock colors Chuck's face before a huge Bartowski grin forms. Wow, I'm in trouble… this is the coolest girl I have ever met! Chuck thinks to himself in awe of the funny, clever and beautiful athlete before him.
Before Chuck can respond an older blonde women with an Aussie accent calls from across the baggage area, "Sarah, I got your bag and it's time to head off to the Athletes Village."
"Ok Mom…" Sarah replies.
"Sorry, gotta go that's my Mom callin' – it was nice meeting you… maybe I will see you 'round," Sarah said with a hopeful smile.
"Yes, it was nice to meet you too," Chuck responds lost in her big blue eyes, forgetting to ask for her number or if he could see her again.
"Yo, Chuck," Morgan calls as he runs over toward Chuck having seen the tail end of the interaction with Miss Sarah Walker.
"That's my cue as well… maybe I'll see you around?" Chuck responds.
"Ya I hope so, Bye Chuck," Sarah says over her shoulder as she runs towards her Mother, also forgetting to get Chuck's information… both young athletes too caught up in the moment to think clearly.
"Chuck, who was that? Vicky Vale… spill I need details man, tell me you got her number?" Morgan asks a mile a minute.
Chuck's smile falls briefly, "Oh man I got so caught up I didn't think to ask… there are millions of people in London and it's going to be crazy during the Games… I might never see her," Chuck says in a sad, worried tone.
"Hold on buddy, what do you know about her… maybe you can find her?"
"Hey ya, Sarah is an Aussie and she said she's an athlete… hey I might see her at the Athlete's Village," Chuck says now rather excited. "Thanks buddy, started to freak out for a second there."
"No worries, with a women like that - a leggy Valkyrie, I would not blame you for freaking out, but hey I bet you find her… some things are just meant to be," Morgan says sagely.
"Thanks buddy, let's go find Ellie and my Mom," Chuck says as he claps Morgan on the shoulder before retrieving his bag and heading out of baggage claim.
Meanwhile, as Sarah sits in the cab with her mother she thinks over the chance meeting with the curly haired American. She is pensive as she realizes she should have gotten his number or where he is staying… I may never see him again. As she bites her lip nervously she thinks through the interaction, Ok, he was young… with a lanky build - he didn't look like and athlete, though with that jacket on it was hard to tell. It would have been nice to see under his jacket to be sure… focus Sarah, stop objectifying the Yank. Ok, so maybe a trainer or a coach or a fan… Shit I may never find him if he's a fan. Now if he were an athlete then I might find him at the Athlete's Village… if he was a swimmer I would certainly see him at the pool or in training - that would be a dream come true…
Athlete's Village
London, United Kingdom
July 23, 2012
8:25 hrs BST
The Athlete's Village was a grouping of large dormitory-like concrete buildings. The buildings were grouped together, which formed and internal square of green space and lawns at the center. There were many clusters like this that housed the athletes that would soon compete for their countries. As the athlete's arrived, they began decorating their balconies with national colors, slogans and flags so the fans and people of London could see the national pride of the Athletes.
As Sarah walked on the lawn of the square near her temporary home for the Games she spied two very familiar people walking toward her building.
"Zondra, Carina! You two made it, how 'ya doing!" Sarah says enthusiastically.
"Sarah, we're doing great, we were just looking for you, how was your flight?" Zondra asks.
"Ugh, it was so long, but it was worth it to get here…. And…" Sarah says before trailing off with a smile.
"What's that look you got on your face, spill Walker," Carina says with a curious smile.
"Ok, but don't laugh, I… I kinda met someone… at the airport here in London," Sarah says shyly looking away from her friends.
"Sarah that's great, you found yourself a Brit already! Good for you it's been too long," Zondra says.
"Ya, so you going on a date or did you just get naughty with him there?" Carina asks with a salacious look.
"Wow that would be a big NO Carina! And Zondra, he's not a Brit; he's American… but…" Sarah says trailing off.
"What?" Both Zondra and Carina reply.
"OK, I screwed up, we both forgot to get each other's information so all I know is he is a sweet, funny, charming American… and he had an official Team USA jacket so he might be a trainer or a coach or he might just be a fan, I don't know," Sarah says frowning at her predicament.
"Could he be an athlete," Zondra asks thinking she might know him, though unlikely. "What did he look like?"
"I didn't think he was an athlete, but I really don't know. He was tall, lanky even with dark curly brown hair and mesmerizing chocolate brown eyes," Sarah says with a sign and a faraway look.
"Well she's clearly gone for this guy," Carina says with a chuckle.
Zondra pauses with a pensive look as she scrunches her brow thinking, hum that sounds an awful lot like Chuck Bartowski, but it couldn't be… her meeting the guy I wanted to set her up with for years in the airport, ya too unlikely… would have been interesting though.
"Oh and his name is Chuck, that's all I know," Sarah says with a nod of her head.
There is no freaking way, Zondra thinks to herself. She decides not to mention her suspicion because if she's wrong and gets Sarah's hopes up it might crush Sarah's fragile heart. No, I'll wait and engineer a meeting to see what happens Zondra thinks to herself.
"Don't worry Sarah we will do our best to find you mystery guy, but for now let's head to the Aquatics Center and get some training in.
"Sounds good, thanks guys for being such good friends," Sarah says before the trio made their way towards the Aquatics Center.
"Just give me a sec, I'll catch up," Zondra says as she falls back and opens her cell.
"Hey Chuck, you training right now? Yes, awesome… oh you're going into the pool now… OK, hang-out for a bit - me and a few friends are coming by now to train… Sounds good, bye Chuck, see you soon."
As Zondra closed her cell she smiled widely as she ran to catch up to her friends thinking, ya… this is going to be good!
Aquatics Center (London Olympic Venue)
London, United Kingdom
July 23, 2012
8:41 hrs BST
When the three friends arrived they quickly went to the locker rooms to change before heading to the large, onsite gym to exercise and prepare before using the pool at the facility. Zondra, knowing that Chuck was just finishing up in the pool decided to spring her plan into action to see if Chuck was indeed Sarah's mystery guy.
"Hey Sarah can you go grab us some towels from the pool area… don't want to get too sweaty and slip and hurt ourselves training before the Games even begin," Zondra says coolly, even though she's nearly vibrating with excitement.
Sarah smiles, "good plan, Zondie… we wouldn't want any slip-ups before the Games," Sarah says laughing out loud at her little pun. "I'll be right back."
As Sarah left Zondra ran over to Carina, "Car, you are going to want to see this - if I'm right it is going to be good," as the pair sneakily followed Sarah to the pool area.
Sarah walked briskly to the pool and saw the towel stand and as she made her way she noticed a lone swimmer in the large pool.
Hum, that guy looks rather hot and he's a very skilled… swimmer Sarah thought to herself, now distracted as she stood in front of the towel stand watching the swimmer.
The swimmer made one final lap before climbing out of the pool no more than 10 feet from Sarah. As he exited, Sarah's eyes nearly burst from her head. The guy was very attractive, his body glistening from the water as his well defined pecks and six-pack beckoned to Sarah as if he were a Greek god. His head was down and as he took off his swim cap, his curly hair fell upon his face obstructing her view and preventing her from seeing who he really was. Sarah was now biting her lip, as lustful thoughts entered her mind. She chastised herself for objectifying this random guy… she had never done that before… but damn he looks good, too bad he's probably a jerk or an idiot or a player and probably an ocker (unsophisticated) she thought.
She finally snapped herself out of her awkward stare and was preparing to head back to the gym when the young man raised his head and smiled brightly to no one in particular as he brushed his wet hair back away from his face. Sarah almost fell in shock after seeing his face… can't be she thought… "Chuck?"
AN2: So I hope you enjoyed that – it was a little longer because I wanted the 2 meetings in here – I didn't want to leave it hanging (Athlete's Village and Aquatics Center scene's were bonus). Now, if I had ended this after the airport scene meeting would the pitch forks have come out? I really hope you like the Chuck and Sarah meeting, feedback is really helpful as this is the first pre-relationship Charah interactions I have done, so let me know what you think! Chapter 4 and 5 will further develop the Chuck and Sarah interactions (relationship is coming) but first the drama aspect of this story will be introduced (will be fun, I promise… I have great villains coming!). I also hope you have enjoyed how I have built the story up – it is so tempting to jump to the fun stuff (AKA Charah or drama or action) but I really wanted to be realistic and build the story at a pace that is fun to read, but is not rushed. I also hope you liked Morgan's little chant – it just seemed so him and it really fit with the national pride aspect of the Olympics (hopefully the American readers liked it and that the readers from across the world thought it was fun and funny!). Oh and Chuck's physique – ya it was not mentioned before for a reason so hopefully it was a little surprise for a few of you – look at Team USA folks if you want to get an idea of the swimmer physique. Anyway, thank you all for reading and for the awesome feedback – I am so glad it has been enjoyed so far and I look forward to bringing you more. Next up is the second 1st meeting of Chuck and Sarah (some awkward C and S), some relationship developments and some drama! I hope you like the posting speed – I will try weekly or every two weeks if things get tight, so hopefully that is OK (this will have been a faster than normal update ). I got this out faster than I thought so I might need a week to nail down Chapter 4 (just FYI).
Thanks again!