"Chuck vs the Aussie"

AN1: Sorry for the long delay and me not replying to reviews in a timely fashion – I will reply as soon as I can (lame I know). Work has been nuts and now I have had a cold (I rarely get sick so this is irritating to say the least) and hopefully this chapter works and has not been affected by my delirium.

Well this crazy little story made it to 500 reviews… thank you all so much for the support and for reading. After the finale I stewed and finally had to do something after discovering fanfiction. That led to my first story (Until the Day I die) and then this and hopefully others soon in order to hopefully entertain fellow Chuck fans. I am so appreciative of the support and kind words! There was a lull in reviews after last chapter so if you do not remember trains/Australia then read chapter 23! I also am sorry that I have been a little bad replying to reviews – I have had a lot of work… no excuse, but I figured trying to get chapters done would be appreciated.

I tried something a little different structure wise - I felt it fit. Hopefully you enjoy and it all fits. This is my vision of Chuck and Sarah's life - feel free to imagine your own. I could have left this up to your imagination, but I am a history guy so I love telling their story!

Thanks again and I will post a very small final chapter to finish off this story!

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.

Chapter 24: Epilogue 2 – Interviews from Brazil

4 Years later…

NBC Sports Studio, 2016 Summer Olympics

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

August 25, 2016

14:04 hrs BRST

~o~ Entry Music ~o~

"Hello and welcome to our closing coverage of the 2016 Rio Olympics! We have seen a spectacular Games and these athletes have really given their all. None more so then the darlings of the swimming world: Chuck and Sarah Bartowski!"

"In fact, we have a very special treat for you all tonight, the much anticipated interview with the Bartowski's! This is so exciting because they rarely give significant interviews and guard their privacy tightly. Our very own legend, Roan Montgomery is sitting down live with the famous couple to talk life, love and the future. So, without further ado we give you THE interview of 2016 Olympics!"

The program cuts to a comfortable studio

Roan Montgomery sits comfortably in a plush grey chair looking across at the Bartowski's at an angle, while behind the famous couple and lothario Montgomery is a massive glass window giving way to the sun and splendor of Rio and the Olympic Stadium.

Roan cocks an eyebrow and smoothly says in a confident tenor while nodding to the couple, "Charles, Sarah. Thank you for joining me here in our NBC studios… I hate to tear you away from the beauty and… virility that is Rio and Brazil."

Chuck coughs nervously at the colorful comment while Sarah only smiles and shakes her head amusedly at the elder personality's antics. Both Chuck and Sarah were well aware of the infamous reputation of the larger than life Roan Montgomery. Many pundits liken his demeanor as one well suited for a smooth womanizing spy.

Chuck and Sarah link hands their wedding bands contacting one another's skin drawing a subtle smile from each as they look upon one another before turning back to Roan and replying together, "Thank you for having us."

Roan reaches to a small square wooden end table beside his chair and retrieves the martini glass next to the 'shaker' and in one swoop expertly downs the drink.

Chuck's mouth drops open and whispers sidelong to Sarah, "His liver mush look like camouflage!"

Sarah fights the smirk and mirth filled laugh as a smile grows on her face.

Roan then replies, "Ah! That hits the spot. Now, introductions are in order… if you have been living under a rock this will help bring you back to the 21st century. We have here the undisputed king and queen of the swimming world. Charles and Sarah met back in London and set fire to the world with spectacular performances in the pool and capturing the hearts of millions… and the media with their world wind romance. Charles of course became a star in London, taking the mantle from Michael Phelps as he captured seven medals, four Gold and three Silver. While the lovely Sarah Walker…"

"Bartowski." Sarah interrupts flatly.

Roan smiles and nods completely unfazed, "Of course my dear, but we will get to that. Sarah here won six medals, two Gold and four Silver's. Since then you two have set the media in a tizzy as you conquered the swimming world in national and international events. And now, on the grand stage you have once again made the United States and Australia proud. Charles, your performance has rivaled the greatest of all time as you tied Michael Phelps' amazing eight Gold medal performance. Congratulations."

Chuck smiles humbly, "Thank you. I had great support, a great team and the perfect motivation." Chuck says as he squeezes Sarah's hand and looks deep within her eyes.

Roan nods knowingly, "And Sarah, you competed in a few less events this time around but took medals in all five events you competed in, including four Gold's, congratulations are in order."

Sarah smiles and says, "I appreciate it Roan. It was a lot of fun to compete again at the Olympics and we have so many friends competing that it is an amazing way to get us all together."

"A fun reunion of the… CAT squad is it?" Roan asks with an amused smirk.

Sarah blushes, "Yes, it was great to have extra time to see Zondra and Carina. We make as much time to visit as possible, but life has a way of getting in the way so it is nice to have the entire gang together."

Roan nods, "And what better place then beautiful Rio."

Sarah smiles, "Yes, it has been great so far. So different than our home counties and it is a great experience to see the sites and to experience another culture."

Roan then pauses in thought, "Beautiful women on the prowl in Brazil say no more. But Sarah I have to ask, why Charles?"

Sarah bristles, "Why Charles what?"

Roan continues, "No offense Charles, but Sarah is a gorgeous, sophisticated woman…"

Sarah cuts in, "And Chuck is passionate, sweet and caring…"

Roan chuckles and sarcastically replies, "Tall, dark and caring! What a combo!"

"Hey! He has a lot to offer! He is brilliant, which most people forget because he is an amazing athlete. He can do anything with computers. He is kind and humble and is the best man I know… I'm the lucky one…"

Chuck simply smiles at Sarah as the couple share a moment.

Roan breaks their moment saying amusedly, "Well that answers that."

Chuck and Sarah snap to Roan with a shared confused expression, "Um… what?"

Roan smiles softly, "Sorry Sarah, that was a mean thing for me to do, but the fans are always clamoring to get information on the state of your relationship. A lot of eligible men are just waiting for a shot at Sarah and so are the female fans with Charles." Roan turns to look directly into the camera, "Sorry folks, looks like you're not getting a shot at a single Chuck and Sarah." Roan turns back to the couple, "Dirty trick I know, but I have found that the best way to discover the truth is at times through subterfuge and misdirection. I mean Charles is a world class athlete… who looks like that (points and waves dismissively to a picture on a screen to the left of (a shirtless) Chuck holding hands with Sarah in swim trunks) and who just happens to be a successful computer programmer."

Sarah was scowling at Roan, but as he explains his odd actions her face softens and she then beams at Roan's complements of Chuck. She then sneaks a kiss on Chuck's cheek as Chuck reddens slightly from the attention.

Roan picks up the shaker and pours himself another drink, "Speaking of which… switching gears as everyone just watched your amazing performances and careers, Charles I have to ask about your other career."

Chuck smiles, "Of course, what do you want to know?"

"You and Orion have made millions off your first and subsequent video games, but I have to ask about your first game: 'The Intersect.' It is an award winning and excuse the pun, game changing work of art… or so the geeks I have talked to tell me…"

"Nerds…" Both Chuck and Sarah say at the same time before sharing a look and a smile. Chuck then adds, "We prefer to be called nerds."

Roan looks blankly at him, "Right… so what was your inspiration?"

Chuck smiles, "Well it was years in the making. I originally had the idea of how life could be different with, well everything going wrong. So I set about creating a world where our poor protagonist, Sam, had everything go wrong. His parents abandon him, and he is raised by his sister, which allows him to make it to Stanford despite all odds. Once happily at Stanford he is betrayed by his best friend and girlfriend who get him kicked out. So he stuck in a dead end job… I used my brief time at the Buymore when I was in high school as inspiration. That is where the story starts in the game, when Sam is sent the Intersect by his former best friend, which thrust Sam into the spy world."

Roan nods, "Fascinating premise. Can you explain what the intersect is for our less gamer oriented audience?"

Chuck smiles, "Certainly! The Intersect is a computer program that allows government secrets to be encoded in images. These images can be seen and retained by a really select few who have a high image retention ability… mainly Sam. He is unique and when he opens an email with the pictures, lots and lots of pictures, the secrets are downloaded into his head. He knows all the governments' secrets and intelligence. So the CIA and NSA send two agents, Jenny Burton and Major Alex Coburn first to find the Intersect and then to protect Sam from evil organizations and terrorists as Sam is used to help protect the nation."

Roan smirks, "Interesting you brought up… Agent Burton…"

Chuck blushes and fidgets nervously as Sarah fights back a giggle as she smiles happily.

Chuck takes a breath, "Yes, she was actually planned, but I always had a block with the character… and Agent Coburn until the London Olympics…"

Roan smiles knowingly, "Ah yes… London what an inspiration."

Chuck smiles nervously, "Yes, I had a lot of the idea and designs completed, but after some great inspiration (Chuck looks affectionately at Sarah) I finally was able to polish and complete this massive project. And yes I realize Agent Burton looks like Sarah and yes she was my inspiration."

Roan smiles and says with an aloof sarcasm, "Shocking! So Sarah how do you feel about this?"

Sarah smiles at Chuck before looking back at Roan, "I was surprised to say the least, but honestly it was such a huge compliment. I played a raw version of the game in London before I… or Jenny was added to the game. I was not a gamer in any way shape or form and I was so amazed by it. And to be a part of it was really special for me."

Chuck and Sarah share a smile and Chuck kisses her on the cheek after sharing a contented look.

Roan nods at the couple, "And your game Charles became the most advanced and bestselling video game on the market earning Orion Games and yourself a hefty financial reward. It is estimated you earned millions on this and subsequent game releases, care to confirm that?"

Chuck shakes his head smiling, "No, not really. I didn't do it for the money. Honestly it was just something I loved, like swimming. That is all that is important to me, having my family to keep me grounded and having the opportunity to do what I love with the people I love is all that matters."

Roan nods, "Well said Charles. But your two 'jobs' have made you immensely wealthy and famous…"

Chuck looks at Sarah admiringly and with a small smile says, "I'm just lucky I guess."

Roan nods and then with a contemplative look says, "Moving on, so how long were the two of you cavorting before London?"

Sarah and Chuck look at Roan in shock before looking at one another and then back at their interviewer. Sarah answers in a confused, but honest tone, "Um… we met in London…"

Roan smirks playfully at Sarah, "Come on my dear. You and Chuck are in a very elite world of competitive swimming… it is a small world of competitions and international events. Admittedly you are both friends with numerous other athletes including Carina Hansen and Zondra Rizzo. So when did you really meet and get together?"

Chuck laughs softly, "I know it sounds ridiculous but we really met in London. In fact the first time I laid eyes on Sarah was in Heathrow when we were both waiting for our luggage. And you are right, over the years looking back on how many times we should have met before London 2012… well the odds are ridiculous that we had never met. I mean even Zondra and Carina had talked for years about Sarah to me and I honestly think they were planning on introducing us in London… finally."

Sarah then adds, "Chuck's right. Zondra and Carina always raved about this great guy I had to meet, but every time our paths should have crossed something got in the way." Sarah then looks at Chuck lovingly, "But some things are worth the wait…"

Roan then asks as Chuck and Sarah share a smile, "At first many suspected a planned media romance to up your profiles as you were relative unknowns. Now having been together for years and having married is it safe to say those conspiracy theorists were wrong?"

Chuck smiles, "Yeah we have heard those crazy rumors for years… though when a nerd lucks out like I did it is to be expected."

Sarah scowls, though gently at Chuck for his self deprecation.

Roan asks confused, "Charles… you instantly became the most eligible bachelor in the world after the photos of you coming out of the pool hit the internet in London. I have heard that you were humble to the point of being less than confident in social situations, but I never believed it…"

Sarah cuts in, "It's true and it makes him so lovable and frustrating at the same time! People expect us to be arrogant or at least supremely confident… but the truth is we are regular people. I know that sounds lame, but we both have our baggage and at times it almost cost us. I almost screwed this relationship up in London because of my insecurities… I sometimes wish I was as confident in real life as I am in the pool… the pool is my refuge… where my confidence is full and I truly feel at home. Well until I met Chuck that is." She thinks in her head, Since London he has been my home… I am so glad he never gave up on me.

Chuck then adds, "I always felt the same way as Sarah. The pool was my place, a place where my fears and insecurities do not exist. I know it is weird to most, but Sarah and I are similar in that way. The nice thing is we always have been better together than we were on our own."

Roan nods, "Fascinating. Now how was dating after the London Olympic Games?"

Sarah instantly smiles as she remembers that wonderful trip through Australia and practically vibrates thinking of their time on the trains. She schools her expression and fights down her desire to 'jump' Chuck and replies, "Well we certainly have had our ups and downs."

Chuck smiles and adds, "Neither of us were really good at relationships and we had so much pressure due to the media scrutiny, our appearances, endorsements and trying to live our normal lives."

Rona then asks levelly, "And what of the fans?"

Chuck and Sarah smile, "We have amazing fans."

Sarah adds, "We are very lucky."

Roan then asks, "And what of the more… aggressive fans?"

Sarah's face darkens, So many bloody brunettes! She takes a cleansing breath, "It is part of the whole media thing… though we would give up being famous in a second."

Roan quirks a brow, "Really? You would give up all the money and all the adoration?"

Chuck smiles, "Honestly, we don't want to seem unappreciative, but we are private people. Besides it would be nice if famous and rich men would stop trying to seduce my wife… come to think of it that would probably happen anyway… she is stunning after all."

Sarah smiles at Chuck lovingly, "They never had a shot! All I ever need is Chuck's eyebrow dance and I am gone."

Chuck demonstrates and Sarah giggles and slaps his shoulder playfully.

Roan blankly stares at the couple, "That looks like happy hour at Chilies…"

Chuck smiles while laughing and Sarah says through her giggles, "Hey whatever works!"

Roan smiles, "Let's see this caged passion!"

Sarah still laughing grabs Chuck and pulls him into a passionate kiss. As the kiss breaks Roan simply says, "Bravo."

Roan then turns to the camera, "Bravo indeed. Okay Chuck and Sarah after London you two became inseparable as you attended events and competitions together. This all led to the proposal, tell us about this."

Chuck smiles with a faraway look, "Ah, the proposal…"

Flashback…

Fonda Gaig Restaurant

Barcelona, Spain

July 21, 2013

Chuck and Sarah sit in a beautifully and modernly adorned restaurant following their day of preparing to compete at the 2013 World Championships. As Chuck sits at the table he tugs at the stark white table cloth as he nervously taps his feet on the rich wood floor. The room has a modern air with thatched light brown/tan wall paper between large square white pillars that created a classy look in the restaurant. All the chairs in the restaurant are a rich burgundy red creating a stark, yet visually pleasing contrast in the popular and renowned Mediterranean eatery.

Sarah smiles brightly at Chuck, her stunning blue eyes studying him above her clear glass as she sips her water.

She takes in his slight perspiration and jittery appearance and finally asks, "Chuck, are you feeling okay?"

Chuck snaps up and looks at her with a shocked expression that he tries to school, "Me fine… good, great," he squeaks out.

Sarah quirks a brow at him and continues, "Are you sick? You look… I don't know…"

Chuck nervously chuckles as his hand mindlessly finds its way to his pocket and the little red box that has been burning a hole in his pocket all night. He thinks to himself, Chuck stop freaking out! This is a happy day. She is going to say yes and then we will start the next stage of our lives together… she's going to say yes… I hope…

"You can talk to me…"

Chuck shakes the thoughts and gives her a large stunning smile, "I'm fine, just thinking about the rest of the competition…"

Sarah smiles and lets out a relieved breath, "Nerves over competing Chuck? I am disappointed," Sarah says with mirth in her voice. "I thought you would be over that by now!"

Chuck smirks amusedly at her, "Well we can't all be as confident as a blond bombshell after all Miss Walker." Chuck then proceeds to fire the Bartowski eyebrow dance.

Sarah giggles mercilessly and slaps his wrist playful, "Charmer! You're not so bad yourself Mr. Bartowski! We have another week to train and explore Barcelona before the competition starts so just enjoy the time!"

"I know," Chuck says with a smile as he gently and lovingly rubs her wrist

Chuck then has a thought, "So… I always meant to ask was there some great story about how your folks got together… like a proposal story?" Chuck then internally chastises himself, Really Chuck! That is so lame… what was I thinking… parents proposal. That's so out of left field, obvious and god I am freaking out and delaying this. Head in the game!

Sarah chuckles, "Why do you ask?"

"No reason… I was just curious. Emma and Jack were so kind to me when we were touring through your homeland I wanted to learn more about them… and you."

Sarah blushes, "Well actually it is quiet the story."

As Sarah begins Chuck is taking a sip of his red wine.

"Well us Walker's have a bad history at proposals. My parents had kinda a nightmare proposal."

"Really? It can't have been that bad…"

"No it was bad… my mother's family had a restaurant that they loved so my dad wanted to propose there. He had the flowers, candles, champagne and it was so over the top. Well someone knocked over a candle and it started a fire… they were lucky to escape with minor burns..."

Chuck gulps, "Minor burns? But… but… they must have had a great laugh about it later?"

Sarah half smiles, "Eventually… but they nearly took it as a sign and delayed the marriage… it almost ruined them. But in the end my dad found a way, but we still don't joke about it, sort of a sore subject so be cautions with saying anything, okay."

Prior to the story Chuck had been fighting for the courage to ask and was hoping that Sarah's story, had it been happy, would have provided him the perfect opening to pop the questions. Now he sat with his right hand, and well arm, shaking as he held the open ring box in a death grip.

As soon as Sarah finished the story he could only think, Why in god's name did I ask her about Jack and Emma's proposal – STUPID! Okay abort! No restaurant proposal!

Chuck snaps the box closed and a loud click resonates and Sarah looks around surprised, "What was that noise?"

Chuck panics, "Uh, noise what noise? Oh my jaw I have a cracking jaw… I'm surprised you haven't notice when we kiss… excuse me I'll be right back…"

Chuck hides the ring in his suit coat and rushes from the table leaving a slightly bewildered Sarah.

Chuck runs outside and meets Morgan, "Morgan! Abort! Abort!"

Morgan stands with a massive number of red and white balloons in a full tux and top hat as he curses, "Damn it! I knew it, not enough balloons!"

"No Morgan you bought the whole store! No, no balloons the proposal is off! We can't have it a restaurant!"

Morgan scoffs, "Are you kidding me?"

"No her parents had a nightmare proposal, we have to shut it down, we have to shut it down now!"

Morgan looks at Chuck seriously, "Can't shut it down, the champagne, the string quartet, the horse drawn carriage! It's all in motion; we are in too deep here!"

"Gah!" Chuck bellows and prompts Morgan into action.

Chuck then rushes inside to cancel the champagne, while Morgan loses his balloons while trying to get rid of the horse drawn carriage.

Chuck sits back down and signs. He raises his glass, "Cheers, to a wonderful night with a wonderful woman!"

Sarah smiles and cheers' him as she thinks, I wonder what's up with him… hum I will have to keep an eye on him. At least we have a great vacation planned in the south of France after the Championships.

Chuck and Sarah proceeded to finish their meals before heading to their hotel for the evening. For now, Chuck would have to re-plan his proposal to the beautiful Sarah Walker.

Chateau Margaux

Margaux (Bordeaux), France

August 26, 2013

Chuck and Sarah had finished competing at the Worlds and had disappeared from the media blitz on their favorite form of transportation: a private cabin aboard a train heading north to France. Soon the pair had arrived in the south of France in the Boudreaux region at the Chateau Margaux for wine and relaxation at the beautiful white stone winery.

After a tour of the grounds and an amazing wine tasting, Chuck still jittery with anticipation brought Sarah to the upper floor veranda/balcony overlooking the countryside as the day had given way to a clear, beautiful night with the bright full moon looming large over the horizon.

As the pair ascends the stairs to the open air stone veranda Sarah pauses and gasps, "Look at the moon Chuck… it's so beautiful."

Chuck looks down at her and smiles nervously, "It's perfect."

Sarah and Chuck share a tender, but powerful kiss that leaves Chuck completely drawn and distracted to her that Sarah could have pick pocketed the ring from Chucks grey wool overcoat without Chuck even noticing… had she known it was there.

As they come out of the haze of the kiss Sarah looks out at the dark county backlit by the large full moon that rises above the lush green lawns, trees and the grape vines and sighs, "I have been to so many places all over the world, but I don't think I have ever been to a place as beautiful as this…"

Chuck smiles, "I have… every day. Every morning I wake up and look at you… when we brush our teeth tandem style… whenever I look at you… it's the most beautiful place I have ever been."

Sarah smiles brightly and looks adoringly at him.

Chuck continues, "I feel like I should be James Bond right now…"

"I didn't fall in love with James Bond… I fell in love with you."

Chuck pauses and a small smile dances across his faces as he nervously touches the ring box in his coat as he rambles, "I am-am going to ask you a question right now so please don't freak out."

Sarah says with emotion in her voice, "I won't…"

"Sarah will you…"

As Chuck moves to bring the ring from his coat and before he can drop to his knee there is a loud rustle and flashes of lights as a horde of reports run up to the balcony chasing the couple. Chuck and Sarah look at one another in shock before running down the balcony to another set of stairs.

They rush through the Chateaux and escape in a black SUV that spirits them from the property and the insane French media and paparazzi.

Sarah grasps Chuck's hand as they sit side by side in the back seat, "Wow, that was… interesting. Oh, so what did you want to tell me?"

Sarah looks at him questioningly and Chuck's shoulders drop further as he thinks, The perfect moment ruined… I will give her the proposal she deserves!

Chuck forces a smile, "Nothing… just that I love you."

Sarah smiles brightly, "I love you too Chuck." She grips his hand tighter as the SUV drives quickly into the night and to safety from the ravenous media.

Team USA Training Center

Burbank, CA

January 3, 2014

Chuck powers through the pool, his own personal therapy for the disaster that had become his proposal plans. He neuroses as he glides through the water from wall to wall lost in thought and distracted by the pains of fate.

Chuck thinks as he swims, What did I ever do to deserve this? Is it too much to ask for the perfect proposal? No I don't think so! But nooooo! The restaurant, the balcony then that zoo disaster… okay that was a bad plan and it is probably good it failed, but still! Then the beach failures: how can it possible rain, or lightning or there be a freak disruption every single time I try and give Sarah the perfect proposal. It's not fair. Hum… maybe I am being told something… NO! Fate be damned! I love Sarah and I am going to marry her damn it and it is going to be perfect!

"BARTOWSKI!"

Chuck stops mid front crawl and pops his head from the water as he treads water looking at his coach, "Yeah Colonel?"

Casey grunts angrily, "The hell are you doing in there? Your form is terrible! Where is your head at?"

Chuck sighs and swims to the wall and climbs out of the pool and approaches the Colonel.

"Sorry Colonel, my head is not in it today."

Casey glares at him, "Spit it out kid."

Chuck sighs, "It's just I keep trying to propose to…" Chuck slams his mouth shut with a click but it is too late as he cringes and looks around for spies ready to release his plans to the world. Seeing no one he turns to Casey, "Please don't tell anyone! Only my family and Sarah's parents know… I don't want the media getting wind of this."

Casey grunts and appraises Chuck, "Don't think I can keep a secret Bartowski?"

Chuck pales, "No! It's not that sir… Casey… it's just really important…"

"Ug… lady feelings. What's the problem Bartowski?"

Chuck sighs, "I set up the perfect proposals and then everything falls apart. It has been one disaster after another for months!" Chuck paces the water still dripping from his body as he walks next to the pool.

Casey ponders for a moment and then says, "Take a seat kid, you're making me dizzy."

Chuck and Casey move to a bench poolside and sit. Casey looks mildly uncomfortable and they sit in silence for what seems to Chuck to be forever before the imposing Maine begins, "You know I proposed to someone once… a long time ago." Casey pulls out a cigar and cuts it.

He continues, "We had plans to go to Niagara Falls. I was about to ship out… things got screwed up and we were young and I was stupid. I ended up proposing in a Buffalo bus station. Not exactly the most romantic spot in the world, but I still have that day… that look on her face. Truth is there is no perfect spot or perfect day so forget about that… all you need is the girl."

Chuck ponders Casey's heavy words as the big man rises and leaves Chuck to his thoughts alone in the training center.

Ellie and Awesome's Wedding – Beach

Malibu, CA

January 5, 2014

Ellie and Awesome had had a spectacularly beautiful wedding. Their relationship had progressed rapidly as Awesome moved to California and had led them to this day on the beach in Malibu. Chuck stood in as Devon's best man and Sarah was Ellie's maid of honor. In the warmth of the southern California sun, with the ocean in view the couple joined together under a wood alter covered in flowers.

After the ceremonies, as the sun began to dip towards the horizon, Chuck and Sarah walk hand-in-hand down the beach. Sarah, in her royal blue dress walks in the surf as it tickles her ankles as she holds Chuck's hand before pulling herself close to him. Chuck is in his dark blue suit and light blue dress shirt and tie walks tangled with Sarah down the surprisingly empty beach.

Chuck looks out at the ocean and then down at Sarah's face as she burrows into his shoulder lovingly. He smiles down at her and looks around when a thought strikes him… well Colonel Casey's words strike him: It's all about the girl.

Chuck had not even considered proposing this day due to the craziness that was preparing for the wedding and the stress and happiness for the newly joined Awesome's. But Chuck looks at Sarah and realizes the truth behind his (Casey's) words and not caring that this was not the plan or in fact it was kind of a perfect place and moment to propose. Rather he only saw Sarah and only saw what he wanted – Her.

He pauses and Sarah looks up at him with a soft, but curious look. Chuck smiles down at her as he untangles himself from her and pulls her around to face him.

She stares up at him and is about to speak when Chuck reaches to his pocket and pulls out the deep red ring box. Sarah gasps softly as she stares at the box as Chuck drops to his knee, his pants getting wet as the surf ebbs.

Chuck takes a deep breath, "Sarah I have wanted to do this for a long time… but every time something went wrong. I so wanted it to be perfect for you. But fate and crazy occurrences kept forcing me to put this off and I am tired of it. I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you… perfect moment or not."

Sarah now has tears in her eyes as Chuck looks up at her, pure love in his eyes.

"Marry me."

Sarah wipes a tear from her eyes and lets out a wet laugh.

Chuck raises the ring box awaiting her response. Seconds pass and Chuck feels as though hours tick by as he awaits her answer in terrified nervousness of everything she might say, wanting only to hear one word.

Sarah drops to her knees and grasps his face and pulls him into a kiss.

Sarah so softly replies the only answer, "Yes."

Chuck beams as he holds onto her for dear life as she repeats, "Yes! I will marry you Chuck."

Chuck and Sarah share a passionate kiss as Chuck places the ring on her finger and they bask in the perfect moment.

Without trying Chuck had accidently stumbled on the perfect moment, but none of that mattered – he had the girl.

End Flashback…

Roan smiles at Chuck, "Bravo Charles."

Chuck smiles and looks at Sarah, "Thanks."

Roan then looks to the couple with a smile, "And the wedding?"

Chuck and Sarah look at one another and share a look.

Sarah then responds, "Well that is another story…"

Flashback…

"Chuck!"

Chuck pops his head into the tent and immediately clinches his eyes shut as het clamps his hands over his eyes.

Sarah looks on at him for a moment with a touch of mirth pushing through her turmoil, "What are you doing Chuck! I am freaking out here!"

Chuck sighs, "Sarah it is our wedding day… it's bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding."

"But Chuck! The media caught wind of this and are ruining our day! What are we going to do?"

Just then Morgan, Ellie, Carina and Zondra rush in. Zondra says nervously, "Uh… bad news…"

Sarah seethes, "WHAT!"

The friends (and Chuck) cringe and Ellie softly replies, "Well there are reporters everywhere and now the fans have kind of descended on the beach."

Sarah sighs, "They are way down the beach so this will all be fine right?'

The friends all cringe, though Chuck doesn't see this as he is still covering his eyes. Sarah growls, "What?"

Morgan blurts, They have breached the perimeter! We are being overrun!"

Carina smacks Morgan, "Nice Morgan!"

Zondra scowls at Morgan before looking at Sarah with soft eyes, "The whole private beach wedding may have gone out of the window..."

Chuck's shoulders drop and tears begin to prick at the corners of Sarah's eyes as her friends descend on her and begin to comfort her.

Sarah sobs, "But it was going to be perfect…"

Suddenly Jack Walker and Stephen Bartowski burst into the tent. Jack says with authority, "Darlin, schnook, kids let's go!"

They all look at the dad's until Stephen adds, "Come on! We have a wedding to get to!"

End Flashback…

Roan was riveted and the cool reporter was never riveted. He asks the question the public had asked for years – where the hell had the famous swimmers disappeared to on their own wedding day?

Roan verbalizes the question, "So the world was watching and had invaded you special day despite the private nature and impressive security.

Sarah huffs angrily as she crosses her arms and looks away, "Yeah."

Chuck wraps an arm around her before turning her face with his finger and tenderly kissing her until a smile breaks out on her face.

Roan simply watches before asking the burning question, "So where did you go?"

Chuck smiles widely, "Well…"

Sarah smiles, "We escaped!"

Flashback…

Chuck and Sarah look out at the tranquil ocean from their beach as they look around and see their closest friends and family on the deserted beach. After rushing to the airport the close friends and family had piled onto a private jet and had disappeared into the skies, escaping the media buzzing around the beach against all odds. Many hours later the couple arrived in their second home. There on a quiet Australian beach Chuck and Sarah exchanged their vows and had the perfect moment as they became man and wife.

They exchanged their heartfelt vows:

Sarah looks adoringly at Chuck, "Chuck… you are a gift. You're a gift, you're a gift I never dreamed I would want or need needed and every day I will show you are a gift I deserve. You make me the best person I could ever hope to be and I want to spend and learn and love the rest of my life… with you."

"Perfect…" Chuck gasps out almost silently as he stares into her eyes.

And your vow's Chuck…

Chuck smiles softly, "My vows…" Chuck thinks and begins again, "Words aren't good enough Sarah… words cannot display the depth of my love for you. Or my dreams of our future or that our kids will be like little aquatic superheroes!"

Sarah lets out a wet and emotional chuckle as she smiles widely at her man.

"Words can't express that... they don't cut it… so not vows… I will just prove it, every day for the rest of our lives. You can count on me."

Sarah ever so softly says, "Perfect."

Do you Charles Irving Bartowski take Sarah Lisa Walker to be you're lawfully wedded wife?

Without hesitation Chuck says, "I do."

Sarah Lisa Walker do you take Chuck Bartowski to be you're lawfully wedded husband-"

"I do!"

By the power invested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife… you may kiss the bride.

Chuck pulls Sarah into a sweet kiss before twisting the pair and dipping Sarah before kissing her passionately with their family and friends clapping and smiling as they watch the first kiss of the Bartowski's.

End Flashback…

Roan quirks a brow at the pair, "So you ran off to Australia and were secretly married on some unknown beach?"

The pair smiles, "Yep."

Roan shakes his head, "Unbelievable!"

Sarah smiles, "Best day of my life..."

Chuck squeezes Sarah and adds, "So far…"

Roan then shakes off his thoughts on the story and continues, "And how is wedded life?"

"Perfect!" They both reply with a beaming smile.

Roan then continues as he looks to Chuck and changes the subject, "Now Charles, we have had a lot of questions from fans of your games and business insiders about the choices you have made and your swimming career."

Chuck nods, but has a confused expression.

Roan continues, "We are told that had you concentrated on you company and software development that you would be a multibillionaire the likes of Bill Gates. Now, not that you are not well off, but many fans and business strategists alike believe that you would have made amazing advances in technology and have changed the world."

Chuck replies tentatively, "Well that is nice of them…"

Roan then asks the million dollar question, "With all that faith, if you could go back would you give up swimming… to change the world?"

Chuck ponders and Sarah squirms uncomfortably.

Chuck then has a light bulb go off, "But then I never would have met Sarah…"

Roan nods, "Maybe, but you would have your choice of women, power and greatness…"

Sarah seethes, but bites back an angry rant.

Chuck bristles and bluntly responds, "No."

Roan quirks a brow, "No?"

Chuck repeats, "No, I would not change a thing even for unlimited wealth, saving the world or changing the face of technology."

Roan then continues, "But Charles, you could have done great things, you would give all that up even if you had the opportunity?"

"Without a second thought."

Sarah fights back proud tears, damn hormones.

Roan pauses, "But…"

Chuck cuts in, "Roan, I understand that things could be different, but there is no way I could possibly be happier. And I would never risk not meeting Sarah. Swimming and fate finally brought us together and for that… I am blessed and would not change a thing. I met my soul mate… nothing could beat that… well…"

Chuck tenderly squeezes Sarah's hand as they share a look and have a complete conversation without uttering a word. Sarah then nods so subtly only Chuck could possible notice after years together.

Chuck smiles and turns to Roan, "Besides, Sarah and I have an announcement…"

Roan leans forward, curiosity clear on his face, "Oh? And what pray tell is that?"

Chuck smiles and pulls Sarah in tight as Sarah looks down at her lap and blushes as Chuck touches her midsection.

Sarah then softly says, "I'm pregnant…"

And with the the world learned of Chuck and Sarah's first child and why Chuck could never choose another path. Fate and faith had brought them together and together they would stay for the rest of their days.

AN2: Well I hope that this was enjoyed and now there is only one final chapter to tie everything up and give you nice view of the future

Oh and the potential for Chuck competing in 2020 is based on Dana Torres of the USA who competed at the Olympics in her late 30s (Chuck would be 33 in this timeline (2020) remember so not too farfetched and hey Chuck is special damn it!) and she (Torres) almost made the Olympics at age 41.

One very short chapter to finish this off then on to my next project. Thank you all for the support

Disclaimer 2 – Don't own anything related to NBC or well anything… still covering my ass :)