"Chuck vs the Aussie"
AN1: Sorry for the delay, it was not intentional – work has been hell and I have not had days off and have been too fried to write after work. So here is the ending of the story proper. I hope it was worth the wait and that you have enjoyed the ride. There will be three epilogue chapters coming before this is complete, but this is the natural end to the story 'proper' I want to tell.
Disclaimers – I don't own Chuck or the Olympics (additional disclaimers in AN2).
*** Minor edit update - thanks to Arya's Prayers for the PM. Honestly this was a little rushed and I made some stupid mistakes (spelling and word errors). I will take another look and polish this again. Sorry for the quality control issues. I was up till 1 am finishing this on my only day off so far this month.
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… though they may be late from time to time (my bad). 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 22: FINALLY!
Previously on Chuck vs the Aussie…
Chuck takes a deep breath and dials Ellie's number. The phone rings and he waits.
He hears a click and an uncertain voice, clear as day, comes through the line, "Hello?"
Chuck freezes in shock and the voice nervously asks, "Hello, Hello? Chuck?"
Chuck finally regains his composure, "Sarah?"
Sarah smiles widely from the other side of the world, "Hi Chuck… I've been looking everywhere for you."
Chuck looks at the phone in his hand before raising it back to his ear and with a wide Bartowski grin he answers, "Me too."
Phone Call
August 28, 2012
23:04 hrs PST/ 4:04 hrs AEST (Aug 29th)
After hearing one another's voices from across the vast Pacific Ocean, both Chuck and Sarah share a pregnant pause as they smile at one another though they are a world away.
They both fight to find the words as the sound of each other's breath echoes in their ears. Their eyes close and Chuck could almost lie to himself and convince himself she was next to him, in his arms.
He breathes deeply with the phone to his ear and answers again, "Me too…"
Sarah sighs and says exasperatedly, "I didn't want to do this over the phone…"
Chuck's lips purse and he answers, "Then don't…"
Sarah freezes as she stiffens and a sense of abject horror washes over her as she thinks, NO! no no no! Don't give up on us Chuck! Give me a chance!
She fights back the tears tickling at the back of her eyes as she tries to breathe as the blood rushes to her head drowning out the world. She practically yells into the phone, "NO! I am not giving up Chuck! Please don't give up on me! I know I screwed up, but please just give me a chance… that's all I ask. I have to make this right…"
Chuck hears the desperation and pain in her voice and practically collapses in guilt as he realizes how his words sounded to Sarah. He thinks, Damn! I am screwing this up and now I am hurting her. God I am bad at this… I need to make it right…
Chuck takes a steadying breath after admonishing himself in his mind. He then allows a smile to curl upon his lips as he says with a little mirth in his voice trying to calm Sarah, who is clearly freaking out as he hears her heavy breaths through the phone.
"Sarah… I flew half way around the world to find you… to see you. That says something…"
Sarah listens intensely to Chuck as he speaks trying to be sure of what he is saying, not wanting to misunderstand and have her heart crushed. She replies a little unsteadily, "What are you saying Chuck…"
Chuck says to her in a soft voice, "What I have always wanted to… but I want to be there, to see you and touch you."
Sarah smiles involuntarily at the image that invades her mind of Chuck's tender touch. She takes a large, steadying breath and asks, "What do we do?"
Chuck laughs, "I don't know… this is really ridiculous. It's like some bad story!"
Sarah giggles with a large smile on her face before she says with seriousness coloring her voice, "I missed you…"
Chuck takes a deep breath and says, "Me too…"
Chuck thinks over the options and an idea grows in his head, "Sarah, stay where you are. I will catch a flight back to LA and… and we can finally say all the things we couldn't say… all the things we wanted to say…"
Sarah smiles and wipes a tear from her red rimmed eyes, "Are you sure… maybe I should meet you back home or maybe in the middle… on some island paradise?"
Chuck smiles and laughs, "That is so, so tempting… but I have something I need to show you back home if that is okay?"
Sarah smiles, "Of course. I will call my folks and let them know I will be here a little longer… I think they were expecting that…" Sarah says truthfully, trying to say much more to Chuck.
Chuck pauses at her comment indicating she planned to stay in LA with him. He then smirks, "Well, you can talk to your folks now if that works?"
Sarah freezes, "My parents? Chuck? What do you mean?"
Chuck laughs, "I am at your parents' house… actually I am calling from their phone, your mother's insistence I promise, cell phone bills and all!"
Sarah begins to pale, "Chuck… explain…"
Chuck explains, "I went to find you and ran into your mom at your apartment. She took me back to their home."
Sarah cringes, "Did… did you meet my dad?" Sarah begins to panic, This is not good! I love my dad, but Chuck is not prepared to meet him! Not without me to protect him. Oh god, please let daddy be on the road…
Chuck smiles, "I did… interesting guy…"
Sarah now turns a stark white as she stiffens and takes an unsteady breath, "Oh god Chuck I am so sorry! He didn't do anything did he? What did he do to you!? I am so sorry Chuck… it's not his fault it is just the way he is… he didn't try and con you did he?"
Chuck laughs, "Sarah! Sarah! Calm down! I am fine… like I said your dad is an interesting man. He loves you and didn't do anything a father wouldn't do to protect his daughter. Well… I may have somehow ended up on a billboard advertisement, not sure how that happened, but besides being 'convinced' to help your dad's company with its marketing I am all good. Besides, remember what I told you, your dad's sins are his own. I would never judge you by his actions."
Sarah finally takes a breath as the color in her face returns. "Thanks god! A billboard eh?"
Chuck laughs, "Yeah… I am not sure what the hell he convinced me to do… I may have to come back and do a PR campaign… with you of course."
Sarah smiles, "Oh yeah?"
Chuck smiles into the phone, "Yeah. I think I could suffer through it."
Sarah beams as she thinks, Leave it to daddy to make sure that even if I screw this up I would have another shot at Chuck. Hum… do I thank him when I get home or do I smack him for tricking my boyfriend? Not important…
Sarah takes a deep breath and says softly, "Come home Chuck…"
Chuck answers immediately, "On my way as soon as possible. I will send my flight info over." Chuck pauses and thinks with a pondering look on his face before asking, "Will… will you meet me at the airport?"
Sarah smiles widely, "Of course!"
Chuck beams a smile, "Perfect! I have to book my flight… I can't wait…"
Sarah replies, "Neither can I…"
"See you soon Sarah!"
"Bye Chuck."
"Bye Sarah."
Sarah hangs up the phone and floats over to the couch in Ellie's family room and summarily flops down onto the plush red cushion. Ellie follows her into the room with a huge smile on her face. Ellie says excitedly, "That sounded like it went well!"
Sarah looks at the young brunette and smiles brightly, "Yes it did! He's coming home and then… then I will be able to make this right!"
Ellie beams at the Blonde, "Sarah that is great! I will tell the gang and we will crack open a bottle to celebrate!"
Sarah smiles weakly, "I'm not sure… I haven't really drank since… you know…"
Ellie waves a hand, "Come on Sarah! Chuck flight won't leave until tomorrow and it takes will take half a day for him to get here!"
Sarah smiles, "Okay… just one…"
Ellie smiles and yells, "Devon open a bottle!"
Ellie's Apartment
Los Angeles, CA
August 29, 2012
12:14 hrs PST
Sarah jostles away on an unfamiliar bed and lets out a pathetic groan, "Head hurts. Oh god… I am never drinking again. Chuck?"
Sarah looks around half heartedly and her face scrunches adorably as she tries vainly to avoid the sun filtering through the blinds in Ellie's guest room, Chuck's old room.
Sarah groans and pulls the covers over her head, At least Chuck will be here in a day or so. Hum, he probably got a flight out in the morning… it was 4 pm in Sydney so he probably missed the last flight out. Damn… I have to wait. I really should have check his flight itinerary, but damn do the Bartowski's know how to party.
Sarah's attention is then caught by the creak of the bedroom door opening and she burrows deeper into the covers before relenting and peaking out of the covers. She sees a zombie-like Ellie shuffling into the room in a light pink robe. Ellie and Sarah share a knowing, hung over grimace and Ellie flops onto the bed with a groan. Sarah can't help the laugh, "Well we certainly are a mess, eh?"
Ellie chuckles, "Okay, those shots last night were not my best idea… but we had to celebrate! Chuck is coming home and then all will be right with the world!"
Sarah smiles widely at that, but nervously says, "But I did forget to check the message Chuck sent about his flight…"
Ellie waves a hand, "You worry too much. He has like a 14 hour flight and he probably couldn't get a flight until today anyway. But let's check Chuck's email… I think he sent me one too."
Ellie climbs out of the bed and leaves the room bringing back her sleek black Sony laptop as she yawns. She shuffles back to the bed and sits down and wipes her eyes tiredly before sliding next to Sarah in a comfortable seated position against the backboard of the bed as the women look at the laptop as it boots up and Ellie pulls up her email.
"Let's see when my brother is going to make it in!"
Sarah smiles as Ellie opens the email from Chuck so both women can see the message. They both read the beginning of the email with a smile on their faces; however, as they get towards the end of the email they both are looking a little concerned and then they see it and both practically yell, "CRAP!"
Back in Sydney after Chuck completed the call to Sarah…
Chuck presses the end button on the phone and smiles widely as he hangs it up. Emma wanders into the large grand room and smiles at Chuck. She says in a soft tone, "Not to pry, but I gather it went well? My darling isn't being trouble is she?"
Chuck smiles, "No, I am going to fly to LA and see her so we can sort this all out." Chuck then asks, "Can I use your computer? I want to book a flight out as soon as possible." He looks down at his Olympic watch and bites down a curse, "Ugh, I won't be able to leave until tomorrow…"
"I wouldn't be so sure, Charlie." The voice causes Chuck to swivel around and look at Jack Walker.
Chuck eyes the older man with interest and sees playfulness, mirth and cunning swirling in Jack Walker's eyes. Chuck gulps nervously, "Um… what?"
Jack laughs, "Well, since you were so gracious in agreeing to help Origin Energy in our newest campaign I was able to get the stuffed shirts to make a concession or two." Jack then looks at his wife and shoots her a wink.
"Jack Walker what did you do," Emma asks testily.
Jack smirks, "Nothing honey, I just happened to get ol' Charlie boy here access to one of Origin's little toy's."
Chuck now completely confused asks, "What toy?"
Jack looks left and then right in a mock conspiratorial look as a smile fights its way onto his face, "Well Charlie, have you ever flown in a Gulfstream G650?"
Chuck gulps and stares at the man blankly, "Come again?"
Jack laughs and Emma smiles, "I have a private flight ready for you Chuck as a humble thanks from my employer. But you do have to come back for the PR events and photo shoots, with Sarah of course."
Chuck parrots in shock, "Of course…"
Jack smiles wider, "And… since I am such a 'forgetful' guy I mistakenly had the flight prepared to leave… oh… now."
Jack then adds with sarcasm lacing his voice, "I don't know how I could make that mistake…" He looks at his wife who is smiling widely at her husband's antics. Jack then turns back to Chuck, "Well Charlie, you better grab your stuff. You have a flight to catch!"
Chuck snaps out of it and smiles. He walks up to Jack and shakes his hand, "Thank you."
Jack waves his hands dismissively, "Don't worry about it. Just remember what we talked about…"
Chuck nods, "I will."
LAX International Airport
Los Angeles, CA
August 29, 2012
13:04 hrs PST
Chuck's flight touches down and taxis to the private hanger. Chuck takes a final look at the luxurious cabin that he had spent the last 13 hours in rather comfortably, yet nervously awaiting his reunion with Sarah. He thinks to himself, God that is the way to fly! So, so much leg room! And the service was amazing!
One of the very attractive Aussie stewardesses smiles at Chuck and says in her Aussie accent, "We have arrived Mr. Bartowski… I hope you enjoyed the flight."
Chuck smiles, "I did. Thank you."
She smiles back, clearly tempted to make a play for the famous swimmer, but her bosses words rang through her head and she thought better of overtly flirting with the young man.
Chuck, none the wiser gets out of the plush leather seat and heads to the now open door and down the door ramp onto the tarmac. He smiles as he looks at the blue sky as he is directed to the immigration check point.
He quickly clears the security check and makes his way by car to the arrivals terminal in order to find Sarah.
Once near the baggage claim carousel, their meeting spot, Chuck began to excitedly look in earnest for the beautiful sight that is Sarah Walker.
Ten minutes passed and Chuck began to have a hint of worry enter his mind, Where is she? Did she change her mind? Crap! I should have known.
Chuck's thoughts were becoming darker and darker, though he at least had the distraction of fans asking for pictures and autographs to help dull the pain he was starting to feel as he looks in vain for Sarah.
Interstate-105
Los Angeles, CA
August 29, 2012
13:06 hrs PST
"Shit, Shit, Shit! I can't believe I screwed this up!"
Ellie from the passenger seat grips the door handle of the blue Mustang, her father had given her, her knuckles turning white as Sarah recklessly races down I-105 towards LAX.
Sarah shakes her head angrily as she honks and aggressively passes a slow moving Prius as she yells, "Get that piece of shit off the road! Ugh! I have to get to the airport Ellie!"
Ellie takes a calming breath, "Slow down Sarah, we have to get there in one piece! Chuck will understand or he will call. We don't want to get in an accident or pulled over."
Sarah sighs, "Fine…but I need to get there fast. This is one more mistake and I promised myself that I would not hurt him again."
Ellie sighs, "Chuck will understand, besides this is my fault after pushing you to loosen up last night."
"No Ellie, I decided to have fun and assumed it would take Chuck longer to get here…"
Ellie nods, "Who knew your dad had a private jet with the speed and range to get him here before we even though he would have left."
Sarah purses her lips and weaves across a lane and around a slower moving car who had the audacity to be in the double digits speed wise when Sarah was in a hurry. Sarah then speaks, "It's not his… it is a company jet. Apparently my dad got Chuck to agree to help the company and in return the plane was a perk Chuck did not know about. You have to watch my dad… he's a bit sly."
Ellie smiles, "I bet! From everything I have heard he sounds like quite the character."
Sarah smiles, "He is…"
Ellie then looks back at the road nervously as Sarah aggressively passes another driver.
As she races to the airport all she can think is, wait for me Chuck! I'm coming!
LAX International Airport
Los Angeles, CA
August 29, 2012
13:34 hrs PST
Chuck looks around the baggage claim area and heaves a sigh. He pulls out his phone and looks at it before sighing again and putting it away. He walks with his shoulders slumped towards the line of taxis. He thinks, They probably didn't get the message… I hope. I will just head home and hope she is there. I should probably call… no, I don't want to be a bother or make them feel bad for forgetting me…
Chuck walks through the sliding doors and looks at the closest yellow cab and wanders aimlessly towards it with a wave to the driver.
As he reaches for the door he hears a god awful screech and sees tire smoke to his left down the line of cars picking up passengers. He thinks, The hell?
As the smoke clears he sees the car in question, a blue Mustang. He mutters quietly to no one in particular, "That looks like Ellie's car…"
He turns back to the cab and is about to get in when he hears a yelling voice. He pauses, one foot in the cab as his head turns towards the noise. He says to himself, "That sounded like my…"
"CHUCK!"
Sarah runs at full speed, not caring about the looks she is receiving from the crowd of people picking up their friends and family. Sarah rushes past, not caring who she bumps into or the odd looks she's receiving.
She looks to the left and right trying to find Chuck as she desperately thinks, Please be here! God I hope he hasn't left!
She is about to rush into the terminal entrance when she stops. She isn't sure what compelled her, but her body just stopped moving and she pauses for a moment before slowly turning. She's not sure how, but she knew, just knew he was there behind her.
Chuck looks at her with a mixture of confusion and awe on his face.
She slowly turns and their eyes meet. They share a surprised look. Sarah's chest heaves as she tries to catch her breath, not from the run, rather from the intensity of the feelings she is having after finally seeing Chuck. There is so much she wants to say to him, but the words won't come and they stare at one another for a moment.
Chuck realizing that this is not his mind playing tricks on him quickly forgets the fear and worry that Sarah would not come. As smile grows on his face and he says simply, "You're late."
Sarah snaps out of her reverie and in an instant rushes towards him and leaps into his arms. She molds to him and her lips crash into his as if this is the last moment they have on earth before a bomb explodes or the world ends.
The embrace is heated and raw as the passion and need for one another is on display for all to see. After air becomes necessary the kiss finally breaks and Chuck and Sarah are lost in one another, not hearing the cheers and cat calls of the gawking masses.
His face is flush as she breathes rapidly, her lips red and swollen from the kiss. She gulps, "I missed you."
Chuck smiles, "I missed you too… I can't believe you are here…"
Sarah smiles, "I know. Sorry I am late… I thought you would be leaving today… I didn't expect my dad to pull a rabbit out of his hat. I know better than that."
Chuck smiles slyly, "What kept you from getting my email?"
Sarah blushes, "Um… well…"
Chuck smiles not letting it go, "What?"
Sarah sighs, "Fine! I was at Ellie's and the Bartowski's plus Devon are apparently really good hosts…"
Chuck tries to hold a laugh, "Oh yeah?"
Sarah eyes him with mock indignation as she fights a smile that quirks at the corners of her mouth. She adds, "Yes, they heard our conversation and convinced me to celebrate… I got kind of caught up and we woke up a little late… and hung over…"
Chuck openly laughs.
Sarah yelps, "Hey!"
Chuck smiles and pulls her into a kiss that silences her protest. When the kiss breaks Chuck says softly, "I am just happy you are here… I thought…"
Sarah sighs, "I'm so sorry…"
Chuck smiles, "Don't be… you're here and that is all that matters."
As Sarah is about to pull Chuck into a kiss their phones beep and they pause with a frown. They look down and see the same text:
I left my car and caught a cab to see Devon, take my car. Tell Sarah not to drive like a maniac! :) Ellie
Chuck laughs and Sarah blushes.
Chuck with a huge smile, "Were you in a hurry Miss Walker?"
Sarah slaps his chest, "Of course!"
Chuck smiles, "Okay, let's grab her car and I will drive so I don't have to be exposed to another Walker woman driving. If you drive like your mom does in her Porsche we need to have a serious talk!" Chuck says jokingly.
Sarah gives him a mock glare, "Fine, what's the plan? And you will pay for that comment buster!'
Chuck laughs before answering, "I have a plan for the day… we need to have a talk, but first I wanted to drop of my stuff and change at my apartment before I take you to dinner… and a proper date. If that's okay?"
Sarah smiles, "Lead the way!"
Ellie's Mustang
Los Angeles, CA
August 29, 2012
15:24 hrs PST
Sarah looks over at Chuck and smiles, "Chuck you look tired."
Chuck smiles, "A little… long flight, but the trip home and the shower and change really helped me feel more human." He shoots her a grin before turning his eyes back to the road.
He then adds, "I did have a good sleep on the plane though! It was awesome! So much leg room and there was a bed and everything!"
Sarah laughs at Chuck's excitement over the experience in the jet. She becomes a little quiet and Chuck picks up on it and asks, "What is it?"
Sarah sighs, "Nothing… I'm still curious what my dad did to you…"
Chuck laughs, "Well besides getting me here? He convinced me to help out his company… not sure how that happened…" Chuck scrunches his brow as he thinks back and Sarah laughs.
"Yeah, you have to watch him or he will end up with your wallet in his pocket, or your first born or your kidney!"
Chuck laughs, "Quite the sly business man huh?"
Sarah laughs, "Yep, a regular con man, but I love him all the same." Sarah then asks, "Was that it?"
Chuck chuckles, "No, he asked me if I thought I was good enough for you."
Chuck nonchalantly looks out the window as Sarah tenses. She then asks, "And?"
Chuck looks into her eyes, "Well he liked my answer."
Sarah calms and smiles, but her curiosity gets her, "What did you say?"
Chuck smiles slyly and looks at her briefly, "I will tell you later."
Sarah huffs and he laughs.
He then says, "We are almost there."
Sarah smiles, "What are we having for dinner? I hate surprises you know!"
Chuck laughs, "We are having a special delicacy, sizzling shrimp!"
Sarah smiles, "I can't wait!"
Bamboo Dragon Restaurant
Los Angeles, CA
August 29, 2012
16:04 hrs PST
Sarah smiles widely before excitedly telling Chuck, "God this is amazing!"
Chuck grins his special grin, "I know right!"
Sarah laughs, "Thanks Chuck…"
Chuck shrugs, "It's just dinner."
Sarah locks eyes with him, "Not just for dinner, for being you… for giving me a chance."
Chuck smiles and says, "How could I not?"
Sarah sighs, "I'm not normal…"
Chuck laughs, "Like I am sooo normal!"
Sarah sighs, "But I can't give you a normal, non-screwed up life…"
Chuck looks at her, "Who ever said I wanted normal?" They lock eyes and Sarah blushes at the intensity.
Sarah, deciding to change the subject cuts in, 'I played your game…"
Chuck freezes, "What now?"
Sarah laughs at the abrupt change, "Your dad told me about the 'update' and that you finished the game, congrats by the way!"
Chuck smiles shyly, "Thanks…"
Sarah continues, "Anyway, as the night went on your dad decided I had to play it and see my character… his words… so he went and got your finished copy."
Chuck stutters, "I can explain…"
Sarah grins at him and teasingly says, "Oh yeah?"
Chuck sighs, "Not really… I just had a great muse… Agent Walker."
Sarah laughs and Chuck breaks into a chuckle and a bright grin.
Sarah then gets serious, "I love it by the way…"
Chuck smiles, his nervous energy subsiding, "I thought it might freak you out."
Sarah smirks, "It's… a little different, but you did a great job and it is such a cool game. I am glad I could be a part of it."
Chuck looks at her, "You completed it… As soon as I added Agent Jenny Burton everything finally fit together after years of trying to make to work. So thank you for the inspiration!"
Sarah nods and fiddles with her fortune cookie. She cracks it open and reads the fortune:
About time I got out of that Cookie!
Sarah stares at the small white strip of paper twice and then a third time before breaking into a deep laugh, "Oh wow! Chuck look at this!"
Chuck looks at the fortune and laughs, "Ha! That's a good one, poor cookie!" Chuck shakes his head in a jokingly sad motion, "Poor little guy…"
Sarah and Chuck look at each other and burst out laughing. Finally Sarah regains her composure, "What does yours say?"
Chuck grabs his cookie and cracks it open and pulls out the fortune and after reading it bursts out laughing, "Oh that is perfect!"
Sarah with delight shining in her eyes asks, "What does it say!"
Chuck smiles, mirth dancing in his eyes and shows her the slip of paper:
404 Error: Fortune not found. Abort, Retry, Fail?
Sarah laughs out loud, wiping the tears of joy away. "Wow that really is a perfect fortune for the computer guy!"
Chuck laughs, "Yeah, we both got funny ones! Though I was waiting for the, 'help me I am being held prisoner in a Chinese bakery' or 'ignore the previous cookie/fortune'! Well that or something serious and meaningful"
They share a look and then laugh again.
Chuck then asks, "Ready to go?"
Sarah smiles, "Yes, as much fun as this is I am all set… and full."
Chuck smirks, "For now! It is Chinese food after all."
Sarah laughs as they walk out of the restaurant hand in hand.
Sarah asks, "Where to next?"
Chuck smiles, "I thought we could go for a little dancing, there is a little club called the Nadan-i-Noor Nightclub. It should be fun."
"Sounds good!"
Nadan-i-Noor Nightclub
Los Angeles, CA
August 29, 2012
18:44 hrs PST
After being in the club and being recognized rather quickly by the crowd, Chuck and Sarah were having fun, but the attention was wearing on them as they danced.
With the loud music in the background Sarah finally turns to Chuck, "Hey! Can we get out of here? I prefer a quiet spot to just hang out and talk… besides you keep getting gawked at by all those damn brunettes!"
Chuck laughs and says jokingly, "Why Miss Walker are you jealous?"
Sarah sighs, "Yes…"
Chuck pauses, "Really?"
Sarah blushes and nods.
Chuck smiles, "Let's get out of here, besides I am getting tired of having to beat away the other guys who keep trying to dance with my beautiful Aussie!"
Sarah grins at him and grabs his hand.
They climb the stairs back up to ground level and Sarah rests her head on his shoulder. She sighs as she takes in his scent and she finally feels content.
The Beach
Malibu, CA
August 29, 2012
19:04 hrs PST
Chuck pulls the car into an empty parking lot at the beach and stares out for a moment at the ocean before putting the car in park. He jumps out and runs around the car and opens Sarah's door and gives her his hand and, being a gentleman, helps her rise from her seat.
He smiles at her before taking off his socks and shoes, leaving them in the car. Sarah quickly follows and soon they are walking hand in hand, barefooted across the dunes to the water's edge.
They walk up the beach for a few minutes in complete silence and Sarah is not sure where they are going, but is relinquishing control to Chuck as the sun sets and the sky turns shades of red and orange above the blue ocean.
Just as Sarah is about to ask where they are headed, Chuck pauses and looks around. He looks at her, "We're here."
Sarah looks around and quirks a brow at him, "And where is here? It looks like the rest of the beach?"
Chuck smiles and sits in the sand, his hands grasping his knees. Sarah sits next to him after he pats the sand next to him. She molds into his side as his arm wraps protectively around her. He softly replies, "This is my spot… I come here to think when life gets hard or something good happens… it keeps me grounded. It is where I come to think…"
Sarah looks at him, "Talk to me Chuck."
Chuck smiles at her, "Yesterday I was in Australia… and now I am here. And sometimes I wonder why you chose me."
"Chuck… I need you to know how sorry I am… for hurting you… for everything."
Chuck smiles as he watches the waves roll in before looking at Sarah, "I wanted you to forgive me… for hurting you."
Sarah sighs, "Chuck you have nothing to be sorry for, you are amazing. Any other guy would have taken advantage, but not you… you did the right thing, even though you knew it would be the harder choice." Sarah sighs and looks out at the ocean, "I am screwed up Chuck… I am broken and honestly I don't deserve you."
Chuck buts in, "That's not true!"
Sarah turns to him, "It is Chuck, you are so great and I am just a scared girl. Ugh I suck at this. If I was stronger I would let you go… so you can be happy… but I am not. I was so miserable when you were gone… and I just hope you will forgive me and that I can make you happy…"
Chuck looks at her intensely before sighing, "You just don't get how great you are… do you?"
Sarah chuckles, "Neither do you!"
Chuck laughs, "We are both a little pathetic. We are neurotic and have no confidence when it comes to relationships… which is odd with us being Olympians…"
Sarah chuckles, "I know, but when I am in the water I am a different person, my fears are gone and I do what I love… out here… on land I am afraid of being alone or hurting those I care about."
Chuck nods, "I know the feeling… it's like being two people, one in the water and one the rest of the time… it's funny."
Sarah smirks, "We are quite the pair. But I hope you can give me a chance… even though you can do better and you deserve better, I selfishly hope you'll settle… for me…"
Chuck's face clouds in thought and Sarah breathes raggedly worried about Chuck's reaction. Finally Chuck decides, "Sarah, I need you to trust me, okay?"
Sarah looks at him worriedly, "Alright…"
"Wait here, I will be right back."
Sarah tenses and Chuck looks at her, "Don't worry I will be right back, I promise. Trust me."
Sarah lets out a breath she didn't know she was holding, "Okay…"
Chuck rises to his feet and kisses her forehead gently before running back towards the car. Soon Sarah is left all alone to her thoughts.
As Sarah sits she thinks, Well… I told him I was sorry and why and he seemed to forgive me… though I don't know why. And I told him up front how messed up I am so he can make a choice. He has every right to run, but maybe… just maybe he will stay. If he hasn't run for the hills… I wouldn't blame him if he did…
Sarah looks out at the sunset and sighs and says to herself, "It's beautiful…"
She hears behind her, "Yes…"
Sarah turns in surprise and sees Chuck staring at her; only her and her face flushes at the compliment. She smiles, "I was talking about the sunset."
Chuck smiles, "Oh, I was distracted."
Their eyes lock and Sarah smiles sweetly at him. Chuck walks over and Sarah sees he has a blanket and a case in his hands. Chuck lays down the blanket and Sarah jumps up and sits on the blanket.
Chuck shyly says, "Sorry… I forgot this in the car…"
Sarah smiles, "Thanks. Um… what's in the case?"
Chuck smiles nervously, "Well… I told you I played an instrument… this is my guitar and at the risk of being terribly cheesy there is something I just have to do. God I hope this isn't weird."
Chuck looks down at his feet as he kicks some sand, looking as though he has lost his nerve.
Sarah gently reaches out and grasps his empty hand and says, "Trust me Chuck, I know I will love it. Sit, I want to hear you play."
Chuck takes a steadying breath and sits, putting the case to his left as Sarah sits to his right. They both sit in silence staring out at the ocean and the fiery amalgamation of colors lights up the sky as the sun sets.
Chuck sighs and Sarah gently rubs his shoulder through his shirt to give him a push to begin. Chuck pops open the cases clasps and an audible click is heard as he opens the case and pulls out his acoustic guitar.
He looks at her, "Sarah, I wrote this as a way to get you back and I want you to hear and feel what I feel for you. And no matter what you say I need you to understand how great you are."
Sarah tries to argue but Chuck strums the guitar and begins to play the songs melody.
You by the light
Is the greatest find
In a world full wrong you're the thing that's right
Finally made it through the lonely to the other side
Sarah is lost in the beauty and the power of the music. She can feel the power behind his words and is hopelessly lost as she listens and feels Chuck bear his soul to her.Her breath hitches… the greatest find? He… He thinks… oh wow…
You said it again my heart's in motion
Every word feels like a shooting star
I'm at the edge of my emotions
Watching the shadows burning in the dark,
And I'm in love and I'm terrified.
For the first time in the last time
In my only life.
Sarah stares at him in absolute awe, the talent, but more than that the power and truth in his words. I'm in Love and I'm Terrified... For the first time... she hears that word, those words her breath escapes her and her heart begins to beat rapidly. Her spirit soars and truthfully she has never been so scared or so happy.
This could be good
It's already better than last
And nothing is worse than knowing
You're holding back
I could be all that you needed
If you let me try
Sarah tries to hold back but tears are now trickling down her rosy cheeks. She thinks as the song hits home, I have been holding back… not only on Chuck but on my life. I haven't been living… I've just been existing. Without the risk of pain there cannot be love and… and I've wasted so much time. He's all that I need and he's asking me… begging me to let him in. But I'm still scared, what if he hurts me or I hurt him?
You said it again my hearts in motion
Every word feels like a shooting star
I'm at the edge of my emotions
Watching the shadows burning in the dark
And I'm in love and I'm terrified
For the first time in the last time
in my only
Sarah thinks as she enthralled by Chuck's voice. He's saying it to me, oh god he's just as scared as I am. I can see it in his eyes the fear, but also the love. I can see the willingness to give all that he has… to me… The thought of losing control… to give him control over my happiness is almost unbearable. But as I see him sing his heart out and see him bear his soul to me… I am not afraid to risk my heart. Will he make mistakes? Probably, but his love is a burden I would gladly bear if he will only love me back.
I only said it cause I mean it
I only mean cause it's true
So don't you doubt what I've been dreaming
Cause it fills me up and holds me close
Whenever I'm without you
Sarah smiles at him, He means it… he's telling me he's willing to risk everything for me. How can I not do the same? And the dream... his dream of being with me… with ME keeps him going? I know how that feels… I feel it when he's around and I know the sting of emptiness when he was gone… but wait that means…
Sarah smiles widely and wipes the tears from her cheeks, If he has this much faith in me, like I do in him, how can I not try? And more importantly, I need to see myself through his eyes… so I will always be a good as I can be… to be worthy of this man's love.
You said it again my hearts in motion
Every word feels like a shooting star
Watching the shadows burning in the dark
And I'm in love and I'm terrified
For the first time in the last time
In my only life
Chuck finishes the song and holds his breath waiting. He is terrified to look at her, terrified of what she might think.
He finally looks up and turns to her with his heart in his eyes, reflecting his utter love for her. He opens his mouth to speak, but for once she beats him to the punch and stops the ramble in its tracks.
"I love you…"
Chuck stares into her eyes, shock clearly evident. He can only think, She loves me? She loves me!
He beams his special grin for her and finally breathers, "Wow… I… uh… didn't think you would say that first…"
Sarah laughs, "How could I not? After that song… but I am terrified…"
Chuck smiles at her, "I love you Sarah Walker, ever since I met you that day at the airport in London."
Sarah smiles as a tear drops from her chin and Chuck reaches out and wipes the tears from her cheeks gently with his thumb. He quietly says, "And I am terrified too, but you are worth it… never forget that."
She breathes in his scent and they move closer, "I won't… you are worth it too. I promise I won't run away again. I may be scared, but with you I feel like I can fly, like I can conquer the world."
And with that their lips met and their passion and love erupted. The kiss became passionate as each tried to show the depths of their love for one another and the power of their emotions. And soon Sarah is pulling at Chuck's shirt.
Chuck pauses and breaks the kiss, "Sarah… we can wait…"
Sarah through hooded eyes and smiles at him, "I can't."
Chuck looks deep within her eyes and unlike in London cannot deny her, cannot deny his feelings. He captures her lips with his own as they roll on top of the blanket, the setting sun just peaking out over the horizon casting a failing light on the young couple.
Chuck pauses, "I love you Sarah."
Sarah breathes heavily, "I love you Chuck, don't let me go."
"I won't."
And with that their lips met with a crash and soon their clothes were discarded and for the first time they made love on the beach in Malibu, their beach, bodies and souls intertwined as one.
Later…
After the powerful experience of their first time with one another Chuck simply held Sarah in his arms, protecting her as the swell of emotions hit them both. They sit together, their hearts beating as one as they watched the sun rise on the horizon, giving way to a new day.
Sarah stirs and Chuck holds her tight.
He kisses her head and hair and she smiles content in his arms.
She is the first to speak, "We have big questions to go through… our jobs, where we live, our families and friends…"
Chuck holds her tighter, "Sarah, Don't Freak Out."
She turns in his arms and pulls herself partially on top of him as she touches his chest, feeling his heart beat against her hand.
He breathes her in and says with pure conviction, "As long as I have you…"
And as the sun finishes rising they share a gentle kiss.
Sarah looks deep within his chocolate brown eyes, her ocean blue eyes mirroring her soul as she replies softly, "As long as I have you…"
THE END
AN2: And that's how you end on a beach scene!
Remember this is only the end of the story proper – I am writing a set of epilogues so this is not done quite yet!
I hope you liked this and I hope to write the epilogues soon and complete this project before I move on to my next project which will be completed before I start to post so I expect weekly updates on that one.
Disclaimer 2 – Don't own anything related to NBC, I don't own the song Terrified by Katherine McPhee (Ft Zachary Levi).