A/N: If you're interested there is a spotify playlist named Just Two People by some jerk named David Carner.

Disclaimer: I don't own Chuck.

Chuck stared into his closet, pulling out a shirt that wasn't one of his white Nerd Herd button ups. His fingertips lingered on the fabric as he realized he hadn't worn this since he left Orion Industries. At work, the only shirts he wore were white button ups, and when he wasn't at work, it was a t-shirt. He stared at the shirt in his hand, and then looked over at the radio as Shinedown's Second Chance began to play. He thought back to that day, not that long ago in his father's office.

}o{

"Dad, I'm telling you, I can do more. I can do so much more in this company than just design products, than write code." Chuck was beyond frustrated; this was fifth time they'd had this conversation in as many weeks. He clenched his hands in frustration. "Don't you get it?" He asked, nearly pleading with his father. "I can do more."

"Charles, listen… I can't do half of things you do," Stephen said, holding up the schematics of the latest computer Chuck had designed. "I don't have the brain, the genius, you do." Chuck looked up to the ceiling, blowing out a frustrated breath.

"Charles, I get it. You think you can do more, but this… THIS," Stephen said, holding the schematics up and shaking them in the air. "This is what this company needs. This is what we need."

"No, it's what you need," Chuck said, pointing his finger at him. Stephen slumped his shoulders. He placed the schematics back on the desk, and rested his fingertips there. He looked back up at Chuck.

"Charles, listen… we are going to become the biggest electronics manufacturer in the world," Stephen began.

"Who cares?" Chuck asked. "God. Seriously, Dad, what does it matter if we're first, second, or third? If I didn't design this stuff, you could find someone else." He reached down and held up the list of things he had wanted to work on. The projects of outreach, working with kids in STEAM and STEM. "What about these things, that I want to work on? Huh? You have everything for your employees, but I ask to do something I want to do – for the betterment of the company, I might add – and you shut me down?"

"Charles… they can't do what you do," Stephen said. "You have a gift."

"No, you are forcing this out of me," Chuck told his father, gesturing toward the schematic. "You are projecting what you think, what you wanted to be, what you think I should be." He shook his head in disgust. "You know what? You're like that ex-jock that wants his son to be the quarterback in high school, when all the son wants to do is be in the glee club. I don't want to be the star quarterback, Dad. I want to be so much more, and I get it… maybe we can't do everything, but something… anything."

"Charles… listen, why don't you take a few weeks off, andwhen you come back, we'll give you a day per week to work on the stuff you want," Stephen offered.

"One day a week," Chuck said softly. His father nodded and smiled, missing the look on his son's face.

"When we can, there may be some weeks we need you to work on other things for the company," Stephen said. Chuck stood there, nodding slowly, saying nothing. He pressed his lips together.

"No," Chuck replied.

"You don't want to work on your own projects? I'm confused," Stephen said. Chuck reached up, and unclipped the security tag from his shirt, looking at it for a moment. "What are you doing? Son?"

"Standing up for myself," Chuck said, tossing the tag onto Stephen's desk.

"Charles, wait," Stephen said, panic on his face. Chuck shook his head, and turned toward the door. "You can't do this, you can't throw your gift away. You can be the next Bill Gates, the next-"

"Dad, I'm Chuck Bartowski," he said, looking his father in the eye over his shoulder. He turned and walked out the door.

"CHARLES!"

}o{

Chuck put the shirt back in the closet. The last think he needed to do was go to the family dinner wearing the last shirt he wore in Orion Industries. That was drama no one needed. He browsed through his closet for a different shirt a few seconds more. "Who cares, it's my family, and they're all mad at me anyway," he muttered. He rolled his head back on his shoulders, sighing. That wasn't fair of him.

Ellie, Devon, and Mary weren't mad at him, they just didn't understand. And why would they? They got to do the things they loved at Orion Industries. They got to live out their dreams, do the jobs that let them thrive personally. They literally told Stephen what they wanted to do, and he let them design their job. Chuck… he was the guy creating, when he wanted to be out amongst people, working with them. Helping those in the community, showing the world all the good Orion Industries was doing.

"Doesn't matter," he muttered. "What's done is done."

Chuck reached in and grabbed a shirt, checked it for wrinkles and, deciding it was fine, buttoned it and headed out of his bedroom. He grabbed his things, walked out of the apartment, locked it, and walked over to his car. He stared at it for a moment, laying his hand on the roof of the car, and thought back.

}o{

"I always wanted one," Stephen told Chuck showing off the Nova to his son. "I don't buy much that is frivolous, but this… this, I wanted."

"I like it," eight-year old Chuck told his dad. "When I get older, can I drive it?"

Stephen looked down at his son. "One day, I may even give it to you."

}o{

Today he was going to give his father the last payment on the car. Today, he would be his own man, not weighed down by Orion Industries. Today he was free, and he wondered how his family was going to react. He patted the roof of the car, nodded, and walked around to the driver's side door. Opening it, he got in, and took off for his parents' house, no music playing today. He needed to be focused.

A few minutes later, he pulled up to the front of what he called 'Castle'. Their house resembled a huge brick fort. Stephen and Mary had moved into it after Orion Industries had taken off. Chuck had only lived there a few years, and he felt the place was impersonal at best. Imposing was probably the better word.

Chuck pulled up the drive and parked his car. As he opened the door, he saw the front door open and his dad walk out. Chuck pulled out his wallet, retrieving the check from it.

"Here you go," Chuck said, handing Stephen the check.

"Son," Stephen replied, hurt on his face as he accepted it and looked at it. He looked up at Chuck, and began to say something else, but Chuck gently cut him off.

"No, I wanted to get this over with, just me and you. Besides, it's not right, me not paying for it," Chuck told him.

"Charles," Stephen began.

"Dad, I need to do this, okay? I need to be my own man. And I get it, you didn't really give me anything at work, but I can't just quit working for you, and take your car," Chuck told him.

"I told you, it was yours," Stephen said again.

"Dad… I need to, okay?" Stephen nodded. "How have you been?"

"Busy," Stephen replied. "Come in, I promise, no business-talk today."

"Dad, the whole family but me works with you… it's fine, just no asking me to come back," Chuck said, grinning. Stephen nodded, and the two started toward the front door.

"So how's the Buy More?" Stephen asked, as they walked in.

"It's own special hell," Chuck admitted, making Stephen laugh. "Uh, you've actually kept me busy the past few weeks," he said, turning to his father, not really wanting to broach the subject, but not sure how else to deal with the problem.

"Yeah," Stephen said, his eyes widening. "Teddy is perplexed with the amount of defective product." Ted Roark was the head of quality control at Orion Industries. "All we can figure is we got a bad batch of motherboards, and he's working on it now."

"It's not just motherboards, Dad," Chuck told him. "The past few I've opened up… I can't explain it."

"Do you think we got an incorrect shipment, a lower quality computer meant for some other company?" Stephen asked.

"Maybe," Chuck replied. "That would make a lot of sense-"

"CHUCK!" Ellie yelled, making the two of them stop talking. Chuck turned to his sister, but it was the woman that was standing behind his sister, that he couldn't look away from.

Chuck wasn't much for hyperbole, but he swore he was looking at an angel. She had a smile on her face that Chuck thought might be the most beautiful thing he had ever seen.

She was tall. Not as tall as him, but taller than Hannah… and Jill. Her blond hair fell past her shoulders and framed her face. He couldn't stop the stupid grin that began to grow on his face if he wanted to, and he really didn't want to. She was wearing a black skirt, blouse, and a jacket, with a belt to match. "Hi," he said, waving.

"Hi," she replied, the smile intensifying. Chuck wasn't sure if he was breathing or not.

Ellie looked from Chuck to Sarah. "Really?" she muttered. She got an amused smile on her face. "Chuck, I'd like you to meet Dr. Sarah Walker." Chuck slowly turned to Ellie, the smile falling from his face. Ellie quickly realized what Chuck thought, and quickly turned to Sarah. "I'm sorry, Sarah. I'm known to try to set my brother up with my doctor friends."

Sarah chuckled. "Not that kind of doctor," Sarah told him. Chuck's smile returned as he turned back to her. "I have a doctorate in psychology."

"Ah-ha," Chuck said, rocking back on his heels a little, grinning. "So, you've come to put me in one of those jackets that let you hug yourself."

"Mmhmm," she replied. "This is the only time I could squeeze in your fitting." Chuck laughed at that.

"Wow, a doctor and funny," Chuck said, his smile continuing to beam at her.

Stephen put his hand on Chuck's shoulder. "She and her father's consulting firm has been hired by our company," Stephen told him. "She and Ellie have become friends, and Ellie invited her to Sunday dinner."

"Of course," Chuck said. "So what are you using a psychologist for, Dad?"

"That's a topic we could discuss over dinner, if that's okay with you?" Stephen asked, looking at him and then glancing over at Sarah.

"Like I said, everyone but me works there," Chuck told him. Chuck turned back to Sarah and the look on her face puzzled him. She seemed… disappointed wasn't the right word. Sad? He wondered if she knew the story of how he left the company. "I'm honestly good with whatever," Chuck said, trying to set her at ease. He hated seeing anyone upset, especially if he was the one causing the issue. And for some reason, he realized he really didn't like seeing her upset.

"If you'd rather not," Sarah began.

"Please, I'd love to hear it," Chuck said. He paused and then narrowed his eyes at her. "Wait, is this a trick to not hear the men bringing me my jacket sneaking up on me?"

"Welp, you caught me," she said, mock sighing. She giggled, and Chuck thought he had never heard a more delicious sound in his entire life.

"Let's go to the dining room," Stephen said, walking toward the doorway, offering Sarah his arm. She graciously accepted, and the two walked out, Chuck still watching them.

"It's okay," Ellie said softly.

"What's okay?" Chuck asked, turning toward her.

"Dad's married, and I'm pretty sure they're not serious," Ellie said, making Chuck burst out into laughter. "Seriously, I thought we lost you for a minute there, brother dear."

"She is a very attractive lady," Chuck admitted. "He won't use her to try and bring me back, will he?"

Ellie turned to her brother, a knowing grin on her face that confused Chuck. "I think I can almost promise you that Sarah Walker will not try and get you to go back to Orion. Come on, let's go." She grabbed Chuck, turned him toward the door, and gave him a push. She chuckled, watching him go. Chuck Bartowski was about to be in for a hell of a surprise.

}o{

"Mom, your pot roast is amazing as always," Chuck said.

"Thank you, Son," Mary said. She turned to Stephen, who was chewing. She gave him a significant look. "Stephen," she prompted.

"Yes, dear, it's amazing," Stephen said, clueless. She closed her eyes and prayed for strength. "That wasn't right, was it?"

"No, dear… something you wanted to tell Chuck, in front of everyone?" Mary offered.

"Mom," Chuck began, but closed his mouth as Mary gave him a look. It was at that moment, Sarah thought she might know a secondary meaning of the nickname Frost Queen.

"Oh, right," Stephen said. "I have been…" he looked at Mary and then back to Chuck. "Reflecting, on our discussions, and… you were right." Chuck was taken aback. "I saw something in you I didn't have, that I couldn't do, and all I could think about is how amazing it would be if I had your abilities." He paused for a second. "I never thought for a second about what you wanted to do."

"Thank you, Dad," Chuck said softly.

"There's more," Stephen said. "Because of what happened, morale has dropped." He quickly held up his hand as Chuck started to say something. "I'm not asking you back, this isn't what this is." Chuck nodded and continued to listen. "We brought in a consulting group, one Dr… Sarah, is a part of." Chuck turned to Sarah who gave him a smile. "I do have one favor to ask." Chuck turned back to his father. "And I am asking, not demanding. I'm not doing anything but asking."

"Okay," Chuck said, completely shocked at what was happening here.

"Sarah… she is working with everyone at the company, but one of the things she needs is information from you. And to help the company, I am asking that you participate."

"All information you tell me is strictly confidential," she told him. Chuck was pretty sure he'd answer any question she asked. He wasn't sure he could stop his mouth from answering, if she asked him anything.

"How personal will this get?" Chuck asked. "I mean, am I going to need to do some deep soul searching before I answer anything?" She twisted her lips, chuckling.

"I don't need to know about your bed-wetting days," she said.

"Who says they've ended?" Ellie quipped. Chuck shot Ellie a look, but amusement was on his face. He was silent for a second, thinking.

"Ask," Sarah said softly.

"I don't want this to sound weird," Chuck began.

"You really can't help how you sound," Ellie said.

"Devon, you're a saint, you know that?" Chuck said.

"I keep telling her," Devon said, making everyone laugh.

"You're avoiding the question," Sarah said. Chuck turned back to her, impressed. "Is this something you want to talk to me about in private?"

"No, there's nothing this bunch doesn't know, or won't offer up about me, unbidden," Chuck told her. Everyone at the table smiled and shrugged. "There's no tactful way to ask, so… how long would this take, and when? I have a job, and since I'm not an Orion Industries employee…" he trailed off as he heard Stephen clear his throat. He turned his head slowly toward his father. "You didn't?"

"Can I say that what I did… son!" Stephen said, as Chuck pushed back his chair and stormed out of the room. Everyone looked at Stephen.

"I told you that was a bad idea," Mary said.

"You did," Stephen said. "Maybe I should go talk to him," he said, starting to rise.

"Maybe I should," Sarah offered. Stephen paused. "I mean, I am not directly involved in this like all of you are, and maybe he could use an ear that isn't part of the family."

"Thank you," Ellie said. Sarah nodded, pushed back her chair, and left the table. They heard the front door close and Ellie spun on Stephen. "That was the dumbest thing I think you have ever done!"

"I am your father," Stephen protested.

"That doesn't mean it wasn't dumb!" Ellie told him.

"Ellie, it wasn't dumb," Mary said to Ellie. She turned to Stephen. "It was the stupidest thing I've ever seen you do, and that is saying a lot." Stephen sunk down in his chair. He knew he had stepped in it.

}o{

Chuck had walked out of the house, heading toward the pond that was on the property. He picked up a rock, skipping it across the pond, watching the rippling effect, and smirked at the irony. No matter what he did, there was his father. Chuck had wondered why Orion Industries had a contract with the Buy More, and now he was sure he knew. Chuck was just about certain that he was paid at the Buy More by money from Orion Industries. He was just about certain that his number one job was all things Orion. He was willing to bet all the money he had that ninety-five percent of all Nerd Herd calls involving Orion Industries were routed to him.

He pulled out his phone and called the store. "Buy More Nerd Herd, Anna speaking," came the bored voice.

"Hi, I am having trouble with my television," Chuck began.

"What brand is it sir?" Anna asked.

"An Orion," Chuck answered.

"Our Orion specialist is out today, but he will be in first thing tomorrow," Anna replied.

"Thanks," Chuck said, and hung up. His shoulders slumped. This job hadn't even been his. "Is anything in my life mine," he muttered.

"Oh, I think everything in your life is yours. Maybe you didn't obtain it the way you thought, but it doesn't make it any less yours," Sarah said softly, walking up to him.

"But what has my work gotten me?" Chuck asked her.

Sarah was silent for a second. "Can you explain to me what happened in there, because I think I'm the only one that doesn't understand."

"It appears my father, upon me leaving Orion Industries, either after, or as a perk to the Buy More to hire me, gave the Burbank Buy More a contract for me, no one else, me, to work on all Orion equipment," Chuck told her.

She was silent as she processed that. "Why do you think they would do that?"

Chuck didn't respond for a second. "Something you asked bothers me. You said they. I never thought of it as a they, more of as a he, my dad."

"You could be right," Sarah admitted.

"So could you," Chuck conceded. "But as to why, many reasons. Remind me of what I left, keep me up to date on the products, and… to keep an eye on me… control me."

Sarah was silent for a second. "I don't think you working with me is a good idea," Sarah said, staring into his eyes. "I don't think it's fair to you."

"I appreciate that," Chuck told her. "Watch them. Apparently, I didn't know them like I thought."

"No, I think you did," Sarah told him. "I think you always knew, but you were just hoping you were wrong. I don't think they are doing it as a control mechanism, not consciously. I think it truly is in what they feel is in your best interest. I don't think they think they're hurting you."

Chuck was silent for a second. "I'm gonna admit, I was looking forward to working with you."

"I was as well," Sarah said. "Will you come back inside?"

"No, I don't think I will," Chuck said. "I think I'm leaving."

Sarah nodded, and held out her hand. "It truly was a pleasure meeting you, Chuck Bartowski." He took her hand and they both nearly gasped at the warm comfort felt by both. Chuck blinked, and realized he still had her hand in his.

"A pleasure meeting you, and I do wish it was under different circumstances," he told her softly. He let go of her hand, and walked to his car.

"Me too," she said softly as he got in his car and drove off.

}o{

He got to his apartment and had C3PO reject the tenth call from his father. "Master Chuck, it seems your father is trying to track you."

"Initiate Pineapple Protocols," Chuck said. He began to grab clothes and throw them in a bag. He got everything together, went over, and picked up his phone. "Did it work?"

"Please, Master Chuck, I am equipped with over eight thousand ways of rerouting signals. Your father will never find you, if you don't want him to." Chuck grinned. He walked out of the apartment, locked the door, and walked past his car. "Sir, where are we going?"

"Away," Chuck answered. "And we're not taking the car, just in case."

"Are we leaving California?" C3PO asked.

"No, we're going somewhere to think, and hide out for a few days. What's the Nerd Herd schedule look like tomorrow?"

"There are three of you working," C3PO answered.

"Put me down as having taken vacation," Chuck said, getting on the bus. He found a seat, and plugged in his earbuds.

"Sir, that is highly irregular," C3PO warned.

"Would you like me to activate the Sith Protocols?" Chuck asked.

"Oh, will you look at that, you have a vacation day tomorrow… and the rest of the week," C3PO said.

"Well done," Chuck replied, watching the streets go by as he rode away from Echo Park.

A/N: The End

Wait…I meant of that chapter, not the fic. You really didn't think that did you? Don't know what the Sith Protocols are? WHY HAVEN'T YOU WATCHED EPISODE 9?! *heavy breathing* Be back soon.