I do not own Chuck.

Thanks for the reviews guys. Here's the next chapter and I hope you enjoy it. Just a heads up, not much action will be going on in this chapter.

Chapter 9 – Italian Sun

Chuck and Sarah were sat in the lobby of the airport waiting to board their plane. They had the VIP treatment and were giving a choice of either cocktails or champagne. Both opted for the bubbly and sat back enjoying the luxury and the stress free week ahead. Though Sarah was a little anxious to find out if Casey and Verbanski had uncovered anything and wanted to touch base before the jetted off to Venice, Italy.

Sipping the champagne, Chuck could tell exactly what Sarah was thinking and told her to get out her phone.

'Go on, call them, though it's not even been 24hrs so I doubt they would have much. Then that's it, for the next 7 days you're all mine. No spy business, no Shaw's to deal with. It's just us and the sun.'

'Verbanski said she'll keep us updated on the situation, I'll have to touch base every few days for an update.'

'No Sarah, let them deal with it. For 7 days we shouldn't have to worry about that or her. Casey will fill us in when we get back ok. We've had so much to deal with to last us a lifetime, now the only thing we need to worry about for the next week is where to eat or…..if it's pasta or pizza, you know silly things.'

The curiosity will overcome her and Sarah knew she would find it hard to not know where exactly Casey and Verbanski were in their search for Evelyn, but for the last year all she has wanted was to leave the CIA and live a normal life with her husband and now she had a chance to live that dream, although for only 7 days and in a beautiful country.

'Ok Chuck, just this one call and that's it. I'll be all yours for the next week.'

Whipping out her phone she began dialling Casey's number and as it started to ring, she looked at Chuck and gave him a small kiss on his cheek, nearly caught in the moment Casey answered his phone.

'Casey, how's the search going, found anything yet?'

Casey looking over to Verbanski, she urged him to tell them the truth. Torn on what to do, he knew that if he told them the information Verbanski had found, their time away will be filled with paranoia.

'Not much, but I think we're closing in.'

'Nothing at all? Sarah questioned.

'No. She's good, she has covered her tracks.'

'Ok well we should be boarding anytime soon and unless it's an emergency refrain from calling us, Chuck want's there to be no….'

'I've got it Walker.'

Casey ended the call and Verbanski wasn't too pleased he didn't tell them the situation and what she had uncovered. Arms folded, she slammed down a file she had containing Evelyn's information before pleading her case on why they had to know.

'Casey, what was that. They should know. This woman is god knows where and they have a right to know what we found, if I were them I'd want to know…I would break your arm for not telling me.'

Getting up from his seat he walked over to Verbanski and explained why they didn't have to know right now.

'Both Chuck and Sarah want to leave the CIA, this has put them back. As much as I think we should all be here to find this woman, I know they need a break. God knows why, breaks just don't sit with me. Personally I think they have a right to get away from this all. Besides we have it covered and unless we capture her, there is no need to tell them anything until they get back.'

'Fine, but I don't want to be in your shoes when Sarah gets back and realises you kept her from the truth.'

Shrugging off the small threat, he knew he could handle Walker.

Back with Chuck and Sarah..

On the airport loudspeaker they were calling for all passengers to board the plane.

Flight ITA77 is now boarding, please proceed to your gate.

'That's us.' Chuck said.

Heading off to their gate, Sarah noticed what she thought was Devon in the far distance heading for the same gate. Chuck not noticing Sarah checking the man in the distance out, he carried on walking to their gate. Looking to her to ask her something, he realised she wasn't neither behind him nor beside him. Searching for his wife, he started to panic until he noticed a sexy blonde further back. I know that woman anywhere. He started to walk back to her when he began to wonder who or what exactly she was looking at. Approaching Sarah, he started to whisper in her ear until he saw his sister and Devon approaching them.

'Hey buddy' Devon said to Chuck as Ellie and Sarah gave each other a hug. This was the first time Sarah had seen Ellie since regaining her memories. She felt an unbelievable sense of guilt, she had threaten her life, but most of all she felt glad to be able to have her friend back.

'Guys what are you two doing here.' Chuck asked them.

'Well after I spoke to you this morning I got a call from Diane Beckmen, she booked us on the same holiday as you guys. It was so weird and so out of the blue but I thought it would be nice for us 4 to spend same time together and I agreed, plus I wanted to see Sarah. You weren't the only one who nearly lost her Chuck.'

Ellie grabbed Sarah's hand and told her she had missed her. They had become such good friends, best friends even and even though Sarah had threatened to hurt her and Chuck, she knew it wasn't the Sarah they had all grown to love.

'But guys….you surely have an airport in Chicago, why have you come all the way over to LA when you could have flown from there; we could have met in Italy.'

'He's right babe.'

'Diane thought it best if we travel from the same airport, said we're safer if we travel together. She arranged for us two to get over here, it was all so sudden. I hope….i hope you guys don't mind.'

Chuck wanted to be alone with Sarah, after having gotten her back he wanted to enjoy having some alone time. But Sarah did need a friend like Ellie and he knew Sarah would love to spend time with her, if that made her happy, it would make him happy. Sarah didn't have many friends in her life and she did need someone like his sister. Chuck had every intention of still enjoying this trip and when the 4 of them were together they did have great fun, now he was looking forward to this trip even more.

'No of course not, right Chuck? We will have an amazing time.' Sarah said.

The 4 boarded the plane and after 35mins of waiting, the plane finally took off.

Back with Casey and Verbanski..

'Casey, maybe we should just take a few moments break, we could go out and have something to eat.'

Casey didn't answer, too deep into his search for Evelyn and the other 3. When set a mission by the general, Casey always followed through and nothing was going to stop him finding Evelyn. Verbanski realising Casey did need a little break away from the search, she pulled the plug on his screen.

'What, why did you just do that Gertrude?'

'Look, I know you don't like time away from your job but I think you can spare an hour to get something to eat. Evelyn is stuck in the US, we will find her. Just stop what you're doing and come with me to dinner, otherwise I'll go alone. And who knows who may approach me.'

Not wanting any other man to step on his territory, he reluctantly followed her out. Heading for his Crown Vic, Casey's phone beeped. He checked his phone and immediately ran back to his apartment. Verbanski left standing, had no option to follow him back to his place. Re-entering his apartment Casey was at the computer, he put in a search and something came back. Knowing Casey had uncovered something, she asked him what he found.

'What you got Casey?'

'She was living in New York with her daughter. They up stakes and came to California 3 weeks ago. '

'Anything to give us an idea where she is now or where she is heading next?'

'No. But she has been her for 3 weeks, meaning she has perfected her plan to break out her husband. 3 weeks is an awful long planning time.'

Casey immediately got on the phone to Beckmen.

'General, put several agents on the facility where Shaw is being held.'

'It's a top government facility Colonel Casey; she's not going to get in.'

'Don't under estimate her. Don't forget she is with a former Ring agent, and they are ruthless. They will shoot to kill.'

'I'll get right on it. Have you found anything else yet?'

'No. All we know is that she has been her for 3weeks and was living in New York before coming here. She's had a long time to plan exactly what her steps will be. I don't want her escaping again.'

'If you find anything else you contact me asap.' Beckmen ordered.

Ending the call, Casey sat back down and continued his search. Verbanski, not forgetting the break she prompted him to follow her.

'Casey I'm still heading for that dinner and I want you there.'

Looking over to her, Casey was indeed getting peckish and a dinner with this amazing woman wasn't something to turn down. The two headed off to have a cosy meal.

In Italy where the foursome had now landed…..

Stepping off the plane, the weather wasn't hot but warm. It wasn't the weather they came here for, Chuck and Sarah needed a break and with Devon and Ellie with them two, this vacation was definitely something to look forward too. Waiting for their luggage, Sarah was now becoming much more relaxed and it showed. Chatting with Ellie and putting everything that had happened behind them, they seemed really glad to have each other back in their lives. Chuck watching Sarah, was so happy to see her back to herself, it still amazed him how he ended up marrying this incredible woman. Devon came over to Chuck and rested his hand on his shoulder.

'I know what you're thinking bro.'

'What's that Devon?'

'A 2nd honeymoon. Right?'

Chuck laughed, clearly understanding the hidden meaning behind it.

'Well I'm glad that for 7 days it's just us. You know, I guess this will show us what our life will be like when we eventually leave.'

'That's still the plan then, to quit it all?'

'Yep. We're going to follow it through once Evelyn is found and safely in jail. But no more talk of that….we're in Venice, the city on water.'

'Thinking what I'm thinking? Take a dip in the water?'

'Err no. Devon, you can't swim in that. Take a boat ride on it, yeh but swim…no buddy.'

Sarah and Ellie had walked over to where their partners were,

'Our bags not come through yet?' Sarah asked.

Looking over the belt, their luggage had not come through. 10mins later, eventually all their bags and belongings were safely through and the 4 headed to their hotel, a trip that would take a mare 15mins. Taking in the amazing sites whilst heading to their hotel, Sarah felt like a normal person. Having told Chuck earlier that they would never be normal, evidently she was proving herself wrong. Bar their honeymoon, Sarah really never took trips or vacations. She visited many beautiful places, but that was all missions and covers. She had her family around her, her amazing husband, her best friend and her husband. They got on so well and this trip would be no different. Finally approaching their hotel, the 4 looked in awe. Beckman did really go out, the hotel was small only accommodating no more than 200 guests but it looked stunning. Stepping off the coach and heading into the hotel, Chuck approached the desk to get them all checked in. Coming back over to them, Chuck looked puzzled.

'Chuck what's wrong'

'They booked us a family room.'

All 4 of them looked a bit dazed. A family room…? Huh?

'Ha I'm just kidding with ya. Got your keys, we're a few rooms out from each other but that's cool.'

Heading to their rooms, the couples separated as Chuck and Sarah went into theirs and Devon and Ellie went into theirs. Walking into their room, Chuck put their bags down and jumped right on the bed, star shaped. Face down in the pillows he muffled to Sarah…

'Can we just stay here for a few hours…?'

'Err honey, I can't understand a word you just said.'

'I said, lets party.'

Opening the mini fridge that was in their room, Chuck pulled out some bubbly and grabbed some glasses that were ready and waiting nearby and poured out the champagne. Having arrived at nearly evening time, dinner would soon be served up. They didn't have much time to acquaint themselves with the room, downing the champagne and quickly showering the 2 prepared to head down for some dinner. Texting Ellie, Chuck told them they would meet for dinner if they were up for it.

Me and Sarah are heading for something to eat, meet us down there if you want.

They headed into the small but lovely restaurant and picked out a table of 4, if the other 2 joined them, which 5mins later they did. Laughing, talking and sipping wine, this evening had got off to an amazing start. Desert was next on the list, but Chuck and Sarah declined and wanted to walk off their meal. Heading out of the hotel, Chuck pondered where to go next.

'Right or left?'

'Any, just as long as we know our way back.'

Arm in arm the two headed off. Under the stars and the moon, this evening couldn't be more romantic. With a slight breeze, Sarah's hair was blowing and constantly getting stuck to her lips.

'Ever wondered about moving away from Burbank?' Chuck asked Sarah.

'I dunno, never thought about it. I moved around a lot and Burbank is the best thing I could call home, I've been here for 5yrs…I can't remember a time where I stayed for that long. Why have you thought about moving or something?'

'I dunno either, I mean Burbank is my home too and it has been for a very very long time. Sometimes though you tire of where you are and want a change.'

'Well as long as I am with you Chuck, we could live anywhere and I would be happy.'

As long as they were together no matter where they were, they would be happy. Their relationship had grown from strength to strength over the last 5yrs and remembering the moment when he first realised he was in love with her, he couldn't believe how far they had come. Montgomery was the first one to suss out that there was more than just cover dating to the two. Casey had often teased and messed them about when it came to feelings, but Montgomery was the first one to say it aloud that Chuck loves Sarah. Sarah hadn't known about their little chat outside their apartment, and Chuck began relaying it to her.

'You know when Agent Roam Montgomery came to Burbank…he was one of the first people to really understand that there was more than my cover dating feelings for you.

'Yeh, well I'm not surprised. He's got radar for that kind of thing.'

'Remember that time when you and Casey were kidnapped? I asked for his help and at first he said no, do you know why? Cause he told me that he wasn't in love with one of the agents. I guess by that point I pretty much knew I had fallen in love with you but I never said it aloud or directly told myself that. Those first 2yrs were, intense. Not only with you but my whole world was turned upside down and when I willingly downloaded the intersect 2.0 it was never because I wanted to be a spy or anything like that. I made that choice for you, and Casey I guess. It was the only way for us to get out of there safely.'

'Chuck I know why you downloaded it. When you were inside that vault of some kind you were telling me all these reasons why but I never heard much of them. Carina sent me a video; you were caught on film Chuck. When I lost my memory…or supressed let's say, Casey sent me a video log that I made of myself. Everyday or most days I would make a log just to keep everything on my own personal file. I logged one day that I had fallen in love with you and had no idea what to do about it. Look at us, remising when we had realised, it's feels like that was a long time ago.'

'You know something I never got and I have no idea why I am bringing this up but after I decided to become a spy, we were free to be together. I mean I always questioned why we couldn't be together before and you always told me it was complicated or because I was an asset, which I get. But when I became a spy…it was more open. Instead you went to Daniel, he was a spy, and so was Bryce. So why it is when I became one it still took you a while to follow it through. You don't even have to answer because the is no point dwelling, it's just it was hanging on my mind.'

Still walking arm in arm, Sarah had never really thought of it.

'I guess it's because I knew I loved you Chuck, I don't understand it myself but Bryce….Daniel they were just there. It was never something that really meant something to me. I'd be lying if I said I never cared for Bryce because I did. But with you, you really saw who I was. It's hard to explain sometimes…'

'I know. Why is it when you really want something or someone you end up waiting what it seems like years to finally win that thing or person?'

'It's like that cliché line says, good things come to those who wait.'

Chuck and Sarah had walked for over an hour, they were enjoying the moonlit sky and the stars they were under. It was so clear, and the slight breeze made it all that more perfect. Deciding to head back, the two got a little lost. But it was one little adventure that they needn't worry about, it was fun. Completely forgetting the way and not really paying attention to where they were or where they had gone, it was time to flag someone down for directions. Though the language barrier proved a problem. Spotting an old gentleman Chuck approached him for directions back to their hotel.

'EXCUSE ME' Chuck said it a slow and loud voice.

'Hotel, hotel, we need to get back.'

Trying to speak as slow as he could so the man could understand better, Chuck was not getting through. Luckily though Sarah who was taught many languages, Italian being one of them came to the rescue.

'Potresti indicarci la direzione di Hotel...'

Sarah hadn't gotten the name of their hotel and looked to Chuck.

'What is it called?'

Chuck shrugged.

'Are you telling me we don't know the name of the hotel?'

Neither of them had really taken in the name of the hotel. Chuck found this situation so funny, they were lost in a country they barely knew and it was getting late. No CIA back up this time. Describing the hotel as best as she could, Sarah hoped he would know exactly which one they were staying at.

'E 'un piccolo hotel...'

'Ahhhh.'

The old gentleman had guessed exactly where they were staying, in fact there was only one hotel with 50 miles. He told Sarah exactly where to go, and it turned out the two had simply walked in circles and they were only a few minutes away from where they were staying. Thanking the man, the two took off and headed for their hotel.

Hey guys, hope you enjoyed the chapter. Please review and next one will be up soon.