"Chuck vs the Aussie"
AN1: Hey there, working away at this but I am still a little busy so thanks for sticking with this. Also, I get last chapter was a little more tense, however, this was never meant to be a fluff story… we are in the lead up to the finale and I promise that everything will make sense and there will be drama but it will all be worth it (it is a fun story). Now, we have a big conversation here and we are rapidly approaching what may be one of the most the fun/humorous chapters in this story (when Shaw has a bad day). There are 2 days left in the swimming events and then the big reveal of the main dramatic element… and no hints! Thanks again for all the support as we approach the final stretch for my first multi-chapter story… which has become a monster… I did mention the original plan was 6 chapters and less than 40,000 words right… yeah it would have be easier, but it would have been worse for it.
Also, thanks go out to Ripe who really helped me get the events down and kept me from going completely unrealistic – all mistakes are my own (no beta's harmed), but a big shout out to Ripe – you are awesome!
Disclaimers – I don't own Chuck or the Olympics (additional disclaimers in AN2).
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 always PM reviewers. I will never beg for reviews, but feedback is so useful and now more than ever are reviews appreciated - the time that is spent reviewing really lifts a writer's spirit. So to those who review thank you so much and to those who read thank you and I hope you continue to enjoy this story.
Chapter 16: Day 7 – Past and Present
Shaw's London Apartment
London, United Kingdom
August 3, 2012
7:30hrs BST
Shaw paces in his large London flat with a clear scowl on his dark features. He curses aloud as his eyes are unfocused and clearly worried and troubled.
He curses once more and talks to himself, "How the hell is this possible? I did everything right damn it! He was emotionally crushed! I saw it on his face. He never should have had the will or energy to even complete the race let alone win… again."
He paces around his large, modern looking flat in the heart of London. He thoughtlessly moves into his office/study area and looks out of the large picture windows that run from the floor to the ceiling and look out onto the city. The view is beautiful, but he is in no mood to enjoy his well to do home and its spectacular view.
Shaw's faces twists in rage as he slams his fist down on his modern, well adorned brushed steel desk before angrily swiping his arm across the desk causing pens, papers and his silver desk lamp to fly off the desk and crash against the wall before falling broken to the floor. He yells in abject frustration, "HOW!"
Shaw breathes raggedly as he thinks with a worried expression, The hell do I do now? I do not fail, damn it! And I have no one to blame… the Director and the Ring will certainly make an example of me over this. They will probably send one of their cronies to disappear me. Bloody hell…
Shaw shutters at the thought of what his criminal bosses are capable of as he rubs his temples and signs deeply, "I need a plan…"
He walks slowly to the large picture window and leans his right forearm and soon after rests his forehead dejectedly upon the glass as his breath causes a cloud of condensation to form on the glass as he aimlessly looks out at the vibrant city.
Suddenly, the loud vibrating of his circular 'employers' mobile captures his attention as the vibrant green screen lights up ominously. Shaw sighs and walks to his coffee table and quickly grabs the mobile and after quickly composing himself he answers the call, "Shaw here."
"Daniel…" The accented and foreboding voice of the Director calmly sounds from the other end of the line.
"Sir, I…"
The Director immediately interrupts Shaw, "I do not want your excuses Daniel. I have been… too forgiving already with all your failures."
"But…"
"SILENCE! Now Daniel, I am giving you one and I mean it, one final chance to save your miserable life. We have confirmed that Bartowski will man the final freestyle leg of the 4x100 Medley. He and the Americans must not win. We have lost too much already and Scotland Yard, MI-5 and frankly the Americans are getting too close to our operations. We must recoup our loses so we are heavily leveraged. If you fail, well you will certainly face dire consequences, but the organization will be in jeopardy. So, no excuses and no failures… Understand?"
Shaw nods gravely and speaks clearly, "Yes, I will not fail."
"Good Daniel, see that you don't," the Director says in an eerily calm voice before the line goes dead.
Shaw sits into his sofa and begins to think, "I need a plan… and a way to save my ass if this Bartowski does the impossible… again."
In Transit from the Athlete's Village to the Aquatics Center
London, United Kingdom
August 3, 2012
9:55 hrs BST
After the… misunderstanding the previous day Sarah and Chuck were able to get back to normal, well as close to normal as their lives had become. They made their way from their apartments at the Athlete's Village hand-in-hand as their security detail follows surreptitiously protecting the couple.
To highlight how abnormal their lives had become, Chuck and Sarah had to deal with rabid fans and equally persistent media photographers and pundits looking for that next scoop at the security gate outside the Athlete's Village. Chuck and Sarah could only sigh in frustration as they had to once more 'run the gauntlet' in order to make it to their daily transport to the Aquatics Center.
With the previous threats to the couple, the security detail was more than prepared and capable of protecting the couple. As such, the group made their way quickly to the vans, though the jarring nature of fame was not something a million security guards, no matter how good, could protect the young swimmers from.
Once inside the van Chuck smooths out his grey Team USA track suit before looking over at Sarah in her yellow and green Aussie track suit and her simple yet beautifully put together appearance with her golden hair in an efficient and practical pony-tail. As their eyes meet the worry and stress can clearly be seen behind both their eyes. Chuck smiles and chuckles as he decides to lighten the mood, "Well that is not getting old at all…"
Sarah can't hold back the little snort as she looks at him with a raised eyebrow, but mirth in her eyes.
Chuck does a comical faux double take, "Why Miss Walker, are you getting sick of all this wonderful attention!" Chuck's face breaks into a teasing grin.
Sarah laughs, "Well you know me Chuck and how much I love the attention… okay I can't even joke about this! This sucks!" She then crosses her arms as she pouts adorably.
Chuck laughs, "Well at least I got a quick smile out of you before you had to go back to reality… I much prefer my dream world."
Sarah smiles teasingly, "Am I in your dream world?"
Chuck laughs, "Of course, like it is realistic a nerd like me could be dating a girl like you. Yep definitely a dream, I better not wake up or I will be very upset!"
Sarah can't help herself she smiles brightly and grabs Chuck's face and pulls him into a passionate kiss as they travel in the back of the van to their venue. Chuck is surprised at first, but quickly loses himself as the kiss heats up and his hands move from framing her face to her soft neck as they embrace.
The kiss finally breaks and the pair huffs in air as they blush slightly as they share a look. They then realize where they are and the fact that two burly agents are escorting them and are currently sitting in the front seats of the van. Chuck and Sarah blush a deeper red and plaintively say, "Sorry guys…"
The Agent in the passenger seat turns slightly as his black suit pulls slightly against his well muscled, military looking form as he replies, "Nothing to worry about Sir, Ma'am."
Sarah then turns to Chuck, "Thanks Chuck…"
Chuck looks at her confused, "For what… the kiss because believe me I don't mind." He then breaks out something Sarah has not really seen yet, the Bartowski eyebrow dance.
She breaks into a giggle, but then the heat rises in her as she thinks, Oh that look is going to be trouble! Good thing I am sitting… my legs are goo. I really need to find a way to counteract his charms… who am I kidding I love them! She then clarifies her statement, "No you nerd! Not for the kiss…" her voice then softens, "Thank you for being you…"
They share a look and a smile as they continue their journey to the Aquatics Center, hand-in-hand ready to take on the day.
Warm-up Area at the Aquatics Center (Olympic Venue)
London, United Kingdom
August 3, 2012
10:55 hrs BST
Chuck and Sarah once more find themselves in the Aquatics Center preparing to take on the world in the pool. Chuck and Sarah had, in their short time together, developed a new pre-competition routine. Not surprisingly the new routine involved the young couple chatting and holding hands as they mentally prepare for the arduous task of Olympic swimming.
Chuck and Sarah chat briefly before she begins her warm-up routine and stretching, mostly about her race and race preparations, but also about Chuck's race. Chuck tells her that he is being rested for the heats and will anchor the final freestyle leg the following day. Sarah notes the slight nervous tenor in his voice as he talks about this final race and a wicked thought flashes in her mind.
Sarah begins her stretching and warm-up preparations while conversing with Chuck. Chuck being a gentleman does his best to… well be a gentleman as Sarah intentionally bends and sways unnecessarily in order to get a rise out of her boyfriend. And she's certainly causing a rise in his blood pressure.
A wide, wry grin breaks over Sarah's face as she once more leans over 'stretching' suggestively and sensually. Chuck can no longer hold in his groan as he says, "Sarah, I know what you are doing! And you are killing me woman!"
As Sarah touches her toes she cannot help wiggle her behind at Chuck teasingly him as he groans once more. Sarah can only laugh as she thinks to herself, I can't believe how much fun this is! I never thought I would tease a boyfriend like this. I am acting ridiculously and honestly inappropriately, but Chuck is too much fun to tease. Such a good guy trying not to stare… this is probably cruel and unusual punishment, but I bet he will suffer through it.
From her folded over at the waist position, Sarah twists her head around and smiles at Chuck, who is upside down from her view, before rising back to a proper stance with an innocent look on her face as she casually says, "What Chuck?"
Chuck gapes at her as his mouth drops open before his tone turns deep and faux serious, "Oh don't you give me that, 'what Chuck'! You know exactly what you are doing. Don't forget I am a swimmer too so I know unnecessary stretching when I see it!" Chuck tries to be serious, but he is losing the battle as he enjoys their back and forth.
Sarah finally can no longer hold in her joyous mirth as laughter breaks through as she smiles brightly at Chuck, who also has a smile on his face.
Sarah stifles a chuckle, "Fine! But it was a right good show, eh!"
Chuck snorts, "You will be the death of me woman! And turnabout is fair play!"
Sarah laughs before seeing Chuck's completely serious expression as he crosses his arms across his chest.
Sarah's laughter halts and she gulps ever so slightly as she looks at Chuck's kind, yet intense expression. She thinks to herself, Oh he is going to destroy my concentration… hum… probably would be worth it…
She finally summons a rebuttal, "You wouldn't!"
Chuck laughs as he strides over to her with a confident look. He gently grasps her wrist at arm's length and carefully pulls her from arms length into his chest. Sarah's breath instantly hitches as she looks up into his deep brown eyes as her own begin to close in preparation for a kiss as his hand gently ghosts across her soft cheek. After a moment her eyes shoot open to see a mirth filled look in Chuck's eyes after denying her the expected kiss.
"You better stop playing and kiss me buster!"
Chuck laughs and releases her as he rushes to the door, "You have to earn the kiss after that show you just put on! After you win the heat I will consider… what is that saying again… oh yeah, 'giving you some sugar'!"
Sarah gapes at him as he leaves the room while her teammates filter through as the relay racers move to the marshalling area in preparation for heat 2 of the 4x100m medley relay. She yells out, "Chuck," as she pouts adorably, but he ducks out the door leaving Sarah dumbfounded.
She thinks to herself, How the hell am I suppose to swim after that! At least he isn't swimming in the medley heats today… stupid sexy nerd! Her eyes close and she bites her lip gently as she thinks of that first image of Chuck coming out of the pool.
She signs dramatically as her shoulders drop. She begins to turn to walk to the marshalling area to meet with her teammates, though she is less happy at being on the wrong end of the teasing for a change. As she turns a strong hand turns her rapidly and without warning she is pulled into a deep and passionate kiss. Sarah is caught off guard and melds into the passionate embrace as her hands grip his shirt tightly as his strong hands ghost upon her back, pulling her in closely. The kiss finally breaks and both remain inches apart with open mouths, panting for air as their breath intermingles with one another's. Sarah looks up with wide eyes and sees Chuck's large smile.
She tries to form words, but cannot, which causes him to chuckle and respond, "I've rendered you speechless. Well, I didn't want to leave you wanting… besides I would have to be crazy not to want to kiss a hot Aussie temptress!"
Sarah gulps and finally breaks herself from her trance. She looks from side to side before looking back at Chuck, "I have to go fix my lipstick… excuse me…"
Sarah turns in a slight daze and walks towards the marshalling area as Chuck laughs, "Uh… Sarah! You're not wearing lipstick… and she's gone…" Chuck then smiles and thinks, Hum… maybe the kiss was more distracting then leaving her hanging…
He then shakes his head with a large smile on his face as he thanks whatever good deed he did to get this lucky as he heads out to meet the security detail and head to his seat to watch Sarah's race.
Meanwhile, Sarah walks blankly into the marshalling area as she touches her lips gently before flopping down on one of the benches in the marshalling area. Her teammate Alicia Coutts notices Sarah's blank look and asks, "Hey Sarah, you okay? Hello?"
Sarah breaks from her reverie, "Hum? What?"
"You alright Sarah? Where is your head at… let me guess your American boyfriend"
Sarah smiles and blushes slightly and Alicia smirks and good naturedly teases Sarah, "Head in the game Walker, you can play kissy face later! We have a race to win!"
And win they did, the Aussies swam brilliantly as they took a large lead and placed first in heat 2, while Japan, Denmark, the USA and Britain qualified for the final in heat 2. In fact, Zondra's American team, despite being favorites in the medley relay, did not have a good showing as all the stars, Zondra included, were rested for the finals that luckily the team made. Meanwhile, in heat 1 the Netherlands, China and Russia posted good enough times to make the final race the next day.
Later (after Sarah's race)…
Sarah leaves the pool to stretch and cool down in order to ensure her body physically ready for her 200m backstroke medal race in the evening, Chuck makes his way to meet his teammates as they complete their last minute preparations for the 4x100 medley heats.
Chuck wishes his teammates well before they set off into the pool, while he moves to a team observation area at pool level rather than risk missing the race by heading up to his previous seat. As expected Team USA performs perfectly as the four Americans finish first in heat 2 of the medley relay and guarantee that Grevers, Hansen, Phelps and Chuck will swim for Gold the following and final day of swimming events. Chuck smiles widely at his teams triumph and knows that the pressure will be on to win one more Gold for the US of A before his Games are finally complete. He congratulates his team before heading off to find Sarah, while his teammates that swam complete their own cool down routine.
As Chuck exits the cool down area he enters into the main athlete's area and is startled by an Aussie accent as the blonde young woman bounces excitedly towards him. Chuck turns and eases into a smile as the woman approaches.
Meanwhile…
Sarah finishes her cool down routine and checks the TV for an update on Chuck's medley team's results and is delighted to learn that Chuck will be racing in the finals for the 4x100m medley relay. She practically bounces as she rushes into the main athlete's area in the Aquatic Center as she looks for her boyfriend.
She looks left and then right across the small, scattering crowd of athletes, coaches, trainers and IOC volunteers as her blonde pony tail flips as she looks from side to side across her yellow and green Team Australia track suit.
She spots Chuck and her eyes light up as she quickly moves towards him with excitement in her heart, especially at the prospect of continuing 'that' kiss. But as everything seems perfect a group of four IOC volunteers part revealing Sarah's own personal nightmare. When the people move Sarah sees that Chuck is not alone, rather he is talking easily with her blonde nemesis Amy.
Sarah immediately halts her advance towards Chuck as if she had been punched in the gut. She exhales raggedly as her mind races and her body freezes up, unable to move as she watches in horror and jealousy as Chuck and Amy converse.
Sarah watches as Amy laughs at what must have been a funny joke of Chuck's as Amy touches his arm subtly. Sarah curses and thinks, Damn that bitch! And Chuck! Too cute, funny and adorable for his own damn good!
Sarah then begins to lose control as her mind begins to see all the little things including that little smile that Amy shoots Chuck, the touch on the arm, the other excuses to touch like pretending he has lint on his shoulder and chest in order to damn near grope him, while pretending to be 'friendly.' Sarah's mind suddenly snapped to all those little acts by Amy with Sarah's boyfriend at university. The color drains from her face as her mind begins race as she thinks of losing Chuck and how crushing it would be.
She thinks dejectedly, No! Not again… I can't take that pain again… I finally have something good, someone who cares about me like a boyfriend should. No no no no! Ok, don't freak out… I have to get Chuck away from her… and finally tell him the truth before I lose him forever. Deep breath… you can do this!
Sarah strides over to Chuck and his eyes truly light up as he sees her approach and he forgets Amy is even there as his blonde vision rapidly approaches. Without thinking Chuck moves towards Sarah and pulls her into a strong hug before kissing her passionately, which results in a disgusted look from Amy, wolf whistles from the crowd and what else is new - more photos being taken of the couple.
As the kiss breaks Sarah quickly says, "Chuck we have to go – now!"
Chuck smiles and nods, "Okay, bye Am-eee." His pronunciation of Amy is affected by Sarah's powerful grip pulling Chuck unceremoniously away from her enemy.
Chuck then has a confused look grow on his face as Sarah essentially drags him towards the exit and he asks, "Um… Sarah where is the fire?"
Sarah snorts, "No fire, just need to get you out of here before I kill a skank."
Chuck nods before his mind catches up, "Wait, what!"
Sarah huffs, "Just come on Chuck and I will explain everything once we get back to the Athlete's Village."
Chuck nods with a serious look, "Okay, lead the way."
Sarah's Apartment at the Athletes Village
London, United Kingdom
August 3, 2012
12:55 hrs BST
Sarah opens the door to her little Olympic apartment and unceremoniously pulls Chuck in by the wrist. She walks him to the couch before stopping and gripping him by the shoulders and gently shoving him down into a seated position on the couch.
As Chuck bounces once as he lands in a seated position on the couch, Sarah immediately begins pacing nervously as she bites her nails and chews on her lips.
Chuck watches Sarah with a quizzical expression on his face for a few, agonizingly long minutes before he can no longer withhold his question, "What the hell! What is going on Sarah… are you okay?" Chuck asks with a concerned look on his face.
Sarah stops mid pace as she takes in a deep breath as a smile inadvertently graces her face as she thinks, I'm acting crazy and of course he is going to be concerned for me and not upset I am acting like a nut. Ugh! I really, really don't want to do this… but I need to tell Chuck the truth… he needs to know. I just hope he doesn't think less of me for being so naive and not being good enough to keep my boyfriend from cheating on me with Amy. Alright here it goes…
Sarah swivels and looks at Chuck with a contrite look as she ponders her words carefully. Finally, as Chuck's face becomes more and more worried, she is able to find the words to at least start this much dreaded conversation.
"Ok… Chuck… I know I am acting a little nuts here and I will explain… I just need you to let me say a few things and everything should make sense…"
Chuck nods with a serious look on his face, "Of course, but are you alright?"
Sarah heaves out a breath and wipes her forehead with the back of her hand before her hands begin fidgeting nervously with the front of her track jacket. She nods, "I am fine, but I have to tell you something and I am kind of freaking out that you will think less of me for it… it is about my past…"
Chuck nods and keeps a neutral expression as his mind races, What could she possibly think would make me think less of her… oh god this is going to be something really bad and really huge… but nothing will change the way I feel!
Chuck then takes in a breath, "Take your time Sarah, I am here for you."
Sarah smiles weakly, "Thank you Chuck… I am really not that good at opening up… you're actually the first guy in a long time that I have felt… comfortable opening up too. But, when it comes to my past… well I am just so afraid to tell anyone."
Chuck simply nods with a kind expression on his face as he waits for Sarah to explain.
After a quiet moment Sarah finally continues in a soft, nervous tone, "Well, I told you I moved a lot when I was younger, right?"
Chuck only nods and Sarah continues.
"Well, I told you it was hard, but to be honest it was more than that… it kind of broke me. I love my parents and it is not their fault, but it just got harder and harder to leave friends behind and then start over in a new city and make new friends only to leave them again. You might get the picture; make friends only to have the heartbreak when you have to leave. Well, after a while my heart just couldn't take the pain of leaving my friends behind… so when I got to high school I kind of gave up."
With that Sarah's head drops as she flops down on the far end of the couch next to Chuck as she sighs dejectedly. Chuck immediately scoots over and tries to hug Sarah, but Sarah grips his hand and prevents the hug as she resignedly says, "Sorry Chuck, I probably really want and need a hug right now, but please let me finish first… if you hug me I might never be able to get this out." Chuck can only nod as he moves away as Sarah forces a small smile.
Sarah then takes a steadying breath before continuing, "So in high school I no longer wanted to make friends. More than that I wanted to make sure no one wanted to be my friend… I wanted isolation… loneliness is better than the pain of loss. I could never be cruel or mean in order to drive people away, so I changed how I looked… I had braces, but I let my hair dry out and had a bad haircut and dressed in order to blend in and not be noticed. Well, being high school that meant I was able to avoid people and push those people who wanted to be kind to me away. The only problem was that I attracted a few bullies. So I dealt with that, but I promised myself I would make something of myself and prove the bullies wrong, yet in the end I had to deal with heaps of loneliness."
She then looks up from her hands that fidget in her lap and a genuine smile appears, "I then went off to University and was lucky enough to meet Zondra and Carina… and another. They took it upon themselves to bring me out of my shell and they would not take no for an answer. They helped repair my broken heart and for two years it was the best time of my life with my three best friends."
Chuck nods before his brow raises and he asks, "Sorry to interrupt, but three best friends? Do you mean Alex?"
Sarah laughs, "Of course you would be a perfect boyfriend and listen intently to my ranting and pick up on that. No, not Alex… this is what is so hard…"
Chuck smiles kindly and says, "Don't worry, nothing will change how I feel and letting whatever this fear is go will make you feel better."
Sarah takes a deep breath and quickly says, "It was Amy."
Chuck has a quizzically expression, "Amy? You mean your teammate I was talking to today? I didn't know you were good friends, let alone best friends…"
Sarah laughs dryly, "That's because we are NOT friends."
Chuck nods as his mind races to figure out the enigma that is Sarah Walker.
Sarah looks Chuck in the eyes and sighs once more, "Well I can see that giant brain working away so I better tell you before you figure it out. We had a falling out…"
Tears begin prickling in the back of Sarah's eyes as she holds back the wall of emotions that threaten to spill out. She takes another deep breath, "I never let anyone get close… so that included… guys. My friends gave me a makeover and helped me open up and I finally got some attention from the boys on campus. Well, I started dating this guy, Riley, and everything was going really well and I was really happy… until…"
Chuck was captivated and was ready to pounce if he felt Sarah needed him to hold her, but for now he held himself back. He thinks to himself, I so want to hold her and tell her I don't care and that I lov… whoa…
Before Chuck can even process that potentially huge thought Sarah starts again as she says, "Riley and I were dating for a while and he was my first… well only serious boyfriend and… I wasn't good enough."
Sarah then begins to cry despite her best efforts and Chuck can no longer hold back as he pulls her into a tight embrace as they sit together on the couch, Sarah weeps into Chucks should as he rocks her gently as he tells her, "Everything will be alright."
After a few minutes Sarah regains her composure and says, "Thanks… I'm sorry I am such a mess, and this is probably a reason he did what he did…"
Chuck shushes her, "Sarah, you are too hard on yourself. I know you, who you are and you are perfect. If this Riley couldn't see it then it is his loss. I am so, so sorry he hurt you… and I kinda want to kick his ass!"
Sarah chuckles wetly through a few remaining tears before Chuck hands her a box of tissues from the small coffee table. Sarah takes it graciously with a small smile before wiping her eyes and blowing her nose. As soon as she finishes she grimaces, "Sorry Chuck, I am such a mess…"
Chuck simple states, "Sarah you are fine, I am here for you."
Sarah's heart leaps that he has not run for the hills. She then begins her story a bit blasé and matter-of-factly, "Anyway… I wasn't good enough for him so he wound up in bed with Amy."
At that Chuck rose to his feet and practically yelled "WHAT!"
Sarah begins to cry again, "I knew it; I knew you would leave me just like him for that bitch Amy." Sarah then collapses with her face on the cushions as she heaves deep, painful cries.
Chuck looks down with pain in his eyes and quickly pulls her into a comforting hug, "No Sarah, I was angry at this asshole and Amy! Not you… wait… you think that I would leave you over this? You did nothing wrong! One of your best friends betrayed you! And this guy did not deserve you! Hell, the way he broke you heart he doesn't deserve to be able to walk straight! Please tell me someone kicked his ass!"
Sarah looks up at Chuck through red rimmed eyes and asks in a soft, childlike tone, "It wasn't my fault?"
Chuck responds instantly, "No and you were betrayed. Sarah, you are way too hard on yourself… and I am starting to see that you are just as hard on yourself as I am on myself… we really are a pair you know. But you need to know, what they did was unforgivable… I mean Amy was your friend. I know how much that must have hurt, I can't image what would have happened to me if my best friend betrayed me like that and say got me kicked out of Stanford and stole my girlfriend. You really are amazing to have come out of that… I think I never would have recovered… I probably would have ended up at the Buymore working for minimum wage without a future."
Sarah sniffles, "Really…"
Chuck replies instantly, "Of course! And I can't believe how civil you have been to Amy and then she has been talking to me…" Chuck trails off as his mind realizes Sarah's painful predicament and his face takes on a look of shock. "Oh god! I was talking to Amy! It must have been so painful for you to see and you probably thought the same thing I did when I saw you with Shaw. I am so, so sorry! And you have a history with Amy and her betrayal so it would be worse."
Sarah finally smiles, "You're perfect you know that Chuck Bartowski."
Chuck smiles crookedly as he uses his thumb to smooth away some of the tears on her face before pulling her into another hug. "Thank you for telling me all of this… I know it must have been hard, but I will not betray you."
Sarah nods into his shoulder before saying, "I know Chuck, but I was scared… scared to lose you… to lose this like I did back at school… for me just when thing seem to be going perfect is when everything falls apart."
Chuck nods, "Well then we will have to work to make sure everything works out…"
Sarah nods and smiles at Chuck, "Your right… now let me go get cleaned up… I am very clearly a mess."
Chuck smiles, "No, you look as beautiful as ever."
Sarah beams and pulls him into a deep, passionate kiss as both taste the salt from all the tears, but neither minds as they share a truly powerful moment. Soon after the kiss breaks Sarah heads to the bathroom to clean up and once she returns she goes over everything in a little more detail as they talk out Sarah's rather illogical and self deprecating take on Amy and Riley's betrayal.
Finally Sarah turns to Chuck, now completely at peace, "Thank you again for listening Chuck… I feel like this huge weight has been lifted and now all is well… and it is all thanks to you being you."
Chuck smiles his special grin for her, "No, you were strong. I just listened… don't sell yourself short Sarah Walker… you are fantastic."
Chuck then has a thought, "Hey! It is supposed to be our music time, how about we listen for a bit before we head back to the Aquatics Center?"
Sarah beams, "That is a great idea Chuck!" Sarah gets her laptop and the pair relaxes to some of Sarah's favorites as they return to some semblance of equilibrium after the emotionally charged conversation and afternoon.
Too soon their twin alarms blare at them that it is time to head back to their venue for Sarah's medal race and both sigh at being broke from their time together. Chuck then has another thought, "Hey Sarah… I was looking online the other night and noticed that the BBC does something called Proms throughout the summer, which if I read correctly are classical music performances. I thought that once our events were done we could see a performance or two?"
Sarah once again beams and thinks to herself how lucky she is, "I would love that Chuck… as long as you don't mind me dragging you out to these events?"
Chuck grins, "Oh course not! I would love to escort a beautiful woman to the opera… probably too classy for me, but hey being with you will get me in!"
Sarah laughs and slaps his chest playfully, all thoughts of her pain and worry completely gone as she feels like a new young woman after baring her soul to a man worthy of her heart.
"Well then, I will look forward to my dashing American date escorting me to these wonderful functions! Come on Chuck; let's get back to the Aquatics Center… I have a race to win!"
Chuck smiles widely, "Let's go!"
Aquatics Center (London Olympic Venue)
London, United Kingdom
August 3, 2012
19:29hrs BST
Sarah once again finds herself griping the railings on the starting blocks as she pulls herself out of the water with her feet on the staring wall as she awaits the beep and the start of the race. As she waits her mind clears and she feels so calm and… lighter after the emotionally charged, but soul healing conversation with Chuck.
She is thinking of Chuck as the beep sounds and she launches herself into the pool and into an inverted dolphin kick. She breaches the surface and enters into her well honed backstroke as she chases the leaders. Sarah is a little slow off the starting blocks and sits in fifth place behind Missy Franklin of the USA who leads, followed by Simmonds of the UK, Russell of Canada and Vivian Volkoff of Russia.
As the swimmers touch the far wall Sarah has made up some ground and has moved into third place, while Volkoff has moved into second and Franklin continues to lead. Meanwhile, both Russell and Simmonds cannot hold on and fall out of contention as the American Beisel moves into fourth place behind Sarah.
The swimmers hit the wall and dolphin kick before pushing into their backstrokes as they increase the pace based on their negative split strategies. As they complete the second 50 meter lap, Sarah holds onto third place just behind Volkoff, while Franklin remains slightly ahead in first place.
Once again the swimmers touch wall and Sarah pushes hard and pulls into a tie with Volkoff as Franklin falters slightly for there is essentially a three way tie for first. The three reach the far wall for a final time after trading leads back and forth, but Franklin just touches the wall first, followed by Sarah and then Vivian.
Sarah pushes hard, but Missy Franklin has a spectacular race and holds on through the final 50 meters and touches the wall first to win Gold. Sarah pushes hard, but Vivian is close behind and Beisel makes a move to try and overtake the two.
Sarah briefly drops a hair behind Vivian before pushing hard and just passing the Russian and holding off Beisel as Sarah touches the wall to take the Silver, while Vivian Volkoff just barely touches the wall ahead of Beisel.
Sarah is ecstatic that she was able to win another medal and although the competitor in her wanted Gold, she is a student of the sport and quickly realized just how good the young American Missy Franklin really is. That said, Sarah now has motivation to improve and be the best.
Later…
After Sarah had completed her interviews, her cool down routine and most importantly received her Silver medal, she made her way to find Chuck. She found him in short order and he immediately pulls her into a hug before planting a kiss on her soft lips before smiling with glee in his eyes as he congratulates her on a great swim. Sarah tiredly smiles and takes in the great support from her boyfriend.
Chuck and Sarah are talking as they walk towards one of the side exits in order to meet their family and friends… and security detail. They surprisingly find themselves alone in the quite hallway as they continue to laugh and talk as they are intertwined together as they walk with a bounce in their step. However, Chuck suddenly stiffens and his smile evaporates and a scowl emerges on his kind face.
Sarah, lost in the previous moment does not immediately see what has changed Chuck's demeanor. Seeing the change instantly she looks around and sees the source of his anger: Amy. Amy confidently walks up to the pair with a huge smile and for the first time in a very long time Sarah does not fear Amy.
Amy looks at Sarah with a small smile before turning a huge, toothy smile on Chuck as she says, "Hey Chuck, Sarah! Good to see you."
Sarah answers, "You too Amy… we have to run."
Amy then asks Chuck, "Hey Chuck, hang out as our events wind down?"
Chuck gives her an icy glare that surprises even Sarah as he says with nearly a snarl, "No."
Amy smiles before realizing his direct rejection which leads her to ask, "Wait, what?"
Chuck grinds his teeth, "I said no! I do not want to hang out. First, you did not give the same offer to my girlfriend Sarah, which is beyond rude. But really, I was just told about how you treat your supposed friends and frankly people like you disgust me. I am always kind to people and try and see the best, and honestly I wanted to be friends, but you gave me no choice when you betrayed Sarah."
Amy stares at him blankly as Sarah beams at Chuck before smirking at Amy as she crosses her arms across her chest.
Amy stutters, "I… I don't know what you are talking about."
Chuck angrily snaps, "Like Hell! You were Sarah's friend and you slept with her first serious boyfriend! Being her friend makes that bad enough, but you knew everything Sarah went through and yet you crushed her anyway!"
Amy tries to defend herself, "Let me explain…"
Chuck immediately cuts her off, "No, you had years to try and make it right, but you were to callous to be a human being and I am not giving you the opportunity to blame Sarah or defend what you did – it was indefensible! Now, Sarah and I are leaving to see our families before heading back to the Athlete's Village. Leave us alone."
With that Chuck guides Sarah to the exit leaving a thoroughly chastised and dumbfounded Amy in their wake. As soon as Chuck and Sarah were out of Amy's view Sarah leaps into Chuck's arms and latches onto him as her arms wrap around his back, while her legs lock around his waist. She wastes no time pulling him into a deep and passionate kiss.
When the impromptu make-out session ends Sarah smiles with joy in her eyes, "You Chuck Bartowski are amazing! I have a great family and some great friends, but that was the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me… thank you…"
Chuck smiles, "You deserve to be protected and Amy deserves far worse."
Sarah smiles, "Can you do me a favor?"
Chuck nods simply and Sarah asks him sincerely, "Put her out of your mind, forget about the past. You helped me today; she is not worth the time or the energy… like Shaw she's not worth it. So put what she did out of your mind, which knowing you will be hard, but do it for me."
Chuck begrudgingly nods, "Okay…"
Sarah beams, "Good! Now let's find our families and friends and then get back to the Athlete's Village."
Chuck flashes his special smile before saying, "Sounds good."
Sarah's Apartment at the Athlete's Village
London, United Kingdom
August 3, 2012
20:40hrs BST
Chuck and Sarah once again find themselves back at Sarah's door after bidding their family and friends a goodnight. They were slightly delayed as their family and friends picked up on something and dragged the Amy story out of the couple. Sufficed to say everyone was so happy that this ugliness was finally exercised and Zondra, Carina, Emma and Alex were ecstatic that Sarah had seemingly buried this demon and was finally, they hoped, would be able to move on.
Once the stories were exchanged and further support, including numerous hugs, were given to the couple (and Chuck was thanked over and over again by the girls for standing up for Sarah), Chuck and Sarah made their way back to the Athlete's Village for a well earned sleep.
At Sarah's door the couple's eyes locked and smiles grew on both their faces. Sarah's the first to speak, "Thanks again Chuck."
Chuck shrugs, "I didn't really do anything…"
Sarah becomes serious, "No, you listened and supported me and after everything you stood up for me when you could have avoided an awkward confrontation."
Chuck adds, "Sarah, you were the one that was brave enough to tell me something that must have been so painful… thank you for trusting me with that… I will never betray that trust…"
Sarah smiles, "I know Chuck… and I have been thinking…" Sarah then has another nervous look grace her beautiful face, "One thing that this whole… thing has taught me is to face my fears. And one thing that scares me, but I think you deserve to experience it is my music… so would you be interested in hearing me play the violin?" Sarah's face is a mix of nervousness, excitement, fear and hopefulness as she bears her heart once more.
Chuck's reaction is perfect as his face nearly breaks as his thousand watt grin damn nearly knocks Sarah off her feet, "Of course! I would love to hear you play… I have wanted to ask, but I didn't want to push you."
Sarah smiles shyly, "Okay… I will play for you… I am not very good but…"
Chuck cuts her off, "Sarah, I already know you will be great so I know I will enjoy the time and thank you for offering to show me something you love."
Sarah smiles widely, "Too bad you don't play…"
Chuck then looks at his feet with a sheepish smile, "Well, actually I do…"
Sarah grins, but is a little shocked, "What?"
Chuck stutters, "Um… yeah… I was a nerd and a swimmer, but I always loved music and after a nasty breakup I decided to learn the guitar and I always sang a little… I am not very good, but it helped me heal after… you know…"
Sarah nods, "Maybe one day I will hear you play and sing?"
Chuck grins at her, "Yeah… one day…"
The two move together and share a final soft, sensual kiss that builds in passion. Finally, their kiss breaks and Sarah bids Chuck and quick goodnight in order to avoid a temptation she knows she cannot give in to, nor is she ready for emotionally.
Chuck makes his way to his apartment and he climbs into bed with a smile on his face as both he and Sarah drift off to sleep in their own apartments and neither are plagued by fear based nightmares.
Meanwhile, their earlier passionate kiss in the Aquatics Center was being printed and posted on the internet around the world as the media ate up the juicy kissing picture of Chuck and Sarah. The Guardian Newspaper again led with Chuck and Sarah kissing on their front page with the headline:
'HOT AND HEAVY - Olympic Darlings (Chuck and Sarah)'
AN2: So a big and emotional chapter for Sarah - I realize these last two chapters were a little deep. We have a bit of fun coming and then a little drama to end off the story. Now keep in mind that Inspector Angel is interrogating Justin, Bryce and Jill. I was going to have a scene at the end, but I decided against it because this chapter should be about Chuck and Sarah. But don't worry I have not forgotten and will not pull a Fedak et al on you fine readers and just leave that plot hanging. Next chapter sets up the answer to the question – what will this crazy writer (yes me) do to the poor innocent Shaw (being sarcastic so don't freak out) in chapter 18? Well I am going to work hard to get these two chapters out as soon as I can – work has been tough on me and I kind of hurt myself in my off time (nothing too serious, just sore), but I will work as much as I can to get you more hopefully faster than I have the last few updates. Thanks for all the support!
And Chuck telling off Amy was meant to be reminiscent of his arrest of Jill – I may have gone a bit too angry here, but I think Chuck's protective instincts make it fair at least. As always I love the feedback! One more chapter and the events are done and we are into the final stretch.
Disclaimer 2 – Don't own anything related to NBC