A/N: Everyone having fun still? I'm trying. World's crazy, come on in for some crazy but a different kind. Hope you're all doing well.

Disclaimer: I don't own Chuck

"Sarah! What are you doing here?" Chuck asked, confused. "Why are you following me?"

She pulled her chin back in shock. "Me?" She shook her head, confusion covering her face. "Why are you here? Why are you following me?"

"How can I be following you if I didn't even know where you were?" he countered.

She was silent for a second. "Well, are you telling me you couldn't have done something during our phone call to figure out where I was, by tracing it, or something?"

"She is right Master Chuck," C3PO cut in.

"See," Sarah said, crossing her arms and looking proud of herself.

"C3PO," Chuck began.

"However, I believe the both of you have been… what is the term… bamboozled?" C3PO continued.

"I'm sorry, we've what?" Chuck asked.

"It seems to me you have been set up," C3PO explained. "Molly was the one who called you, saying she knew someone that needed a computer expert."

With that, Sarah had pretty much figured out exactly what had happened. Chuck was still trying to figure things out. "Did Molly not tell you where I was going?"

"Oh, she did," Sarah replied. "She told me you had a conference of your own to work, but I think we have been set up."

"I don't know how," Chuck said. "The only people I've met are Carina and Zondra." Sarah scowled, but he could tell it wasn't at him. "You know them?"

"Remember when I said I had a group of friends I partied with?" Sarah asked. Chuck nodded, and that's when it finally dawned on him. She grinned, seeing it on his face. "I'm just glad they didn't try to pull the old hotel is full and you need to share a room bit," she said, biting a nail, and thinking. Chuck swallowed, and she glanced at him. A smirk covered her face. "God, I've missed you," she said softly.

"I've missed you," he admitted. "But, remember, we have to put work first."

"Okay, so I legit need you," she said, and then she stopped.

"We're doing that again, huh? Just gonna leave those innuendos right there?" Chuck asked. Sarah nodded. "Well, joke's on you… I'm going to cherish the thought of you needing me for my skills and my companionship."

"We talking work skills, or…" She trailed off, grinning at him.

"Joke's on me," he said hoarsely.

}o{

"How's that look?" Chuck asked, showing her the completed presentation.

"Perfect," she said. "Listen, I'm sorry about this," she began.

"Wait, whoa," Chuck said, holding his hands up. "First, I can use the money."

"Okay, fair," Sarah replied.

"But second, is it so wrong that your friends realize that maybe, just maybe, you're acting differently about a guy, and they want to meet him?"

Sarah tilted her head, and narrowed her eyes. "Who says I'm acting differently about some guy?"

"Uh, you did, my apartment… I was there, and to be honest, there's a good chance C3PO might have recorded the whole thing," Chuck admitted, wincing.

"C3PO," Sarah said.

"Yes, Mistress Sarah?" C3PO replied.

"When Chuck and I get…" she trailed off as she watched Chuck's eyebrows climb up his forehead, "physical…" He made a choking sound. "I'm going to need you not to record any of that."

"Understood, Mistress Sarah," C3PO said. "Is that limited to coitus, or would you like it to be expanded to osculation?"

Chuck blinked several times, not sure if he should say anything, or just stand there. "Chuck?" Sarah asked.

"Not sure what osculation means," Chuck admitted.

"Kissing," Sarah said.

"Why don't you cut off at ki… osculation, just to be safe, buddy," Chuck said, feeling himself turning a shade of red that might not yet be defined.

"Very good, Sir," C3PO said.

"Very good, Chuck," Sarah said, patting him on the chest and heading toward the front of the room. Chuck collapsed into the chair in front of the computer setup.

}o{

Chuck found himself frowning, as the next session continued. He recognized Peter Stark, from Stark Technologies, listening to Sarah's presentation. Peter was constantly rolling his eyes, muttering under his breath, and just gave off the body language that he didn't believe anything Sarah was saying. While he was entitled to his opinion, Peter Stark was someone people followed, right or wrong. His opinion carried a lot of weight, deserved or not.

Chuck felt his phone vibrate, and he looked down, seeing a text. It was his mother, asking him about lunch. He had completely forgotten, with everything going on. Sarah had the group go to breakout sessions, so no technology was needed. Chuck slipped out the back door and called his mother.

"A simple yes or no would have been fine," Mary said, teasingly.

"I know, but something big has come up, and I'm at a job," Chuck explained. "I'm currently in San Francisco… it's a long story, but I'm working the technology at Sarah's conference. Her friends wanted to meet me so… here I am, getting paid, and hopefully making contacts."

"That's a lot, and I want to talk to you about it when you have time," Mary began. "But in the meantime, how is it going?" Chuck was silent for a moment. "Chuck, are you and Sarah okay?"

"What? Yeah, Mom, we're great, if I'm being honest," he said, smiling as he talked. "It's just… Sarah's presenting, and Peter Stark is there… well… being Peter."

"Oh Jesus," Mary muttered. "Why do all the men in this profession think his shit doesn't stink?" Chuck burst out laughing. "It's true," she insisted. "Whatever he says, right or wrong, everyone agrees, and when he's called out, he pulls this 'well, it was just my opinion and now that it's been proven wrong, it's no big deal.'" Chuck could feel her shaking her head.

"Hey, I'd love to talk, but they're breaking, and I want to go support Sarah," Chuck told her.

"Go," Mary said. "Love you."

"Love you," Chuck said, and hung up.

Mary stared at her phone for a second, and grinned. "Jane Stark," she said, scrolling through her contacts. "Where are you?" She smiled. "There you are." She hit send, and waited for the phone to connect.

"Jane? Mary Bartowski. How are you? Hey, I hear you're at the conference in San Francisco." She laughed at Jane's response. "Listen, I want you to know we have hired Dr. Sarah Walker to help us, and she is doing a marvelous job. She's giving a presentation today, and if you can, I highly recommend you go. Oh, Peter's going." Mary paused, grinning as she listened. "And we know what an open mind he has."

She held the phone away from her ear as Jane let out a slew of curse words about her husband. "Listen, she's great at what she does, she's made a real difference here." She listened a second. "Great! Listen, call me back, and tell me all about it. You too! Bye."

Mary hung up the phone. "Maybe it's time I do take more control around here," she said softly to herself.

}o{

"God he's an insufferable ass," Sarah said softly to Chuck.

"Yep," Chuck replied. He noticed a woman walk in, and he followed her with his eyes. He turned back to Sarah, who had an amused expression on her face, an eyebrow raised.

"Like them a little older there, Chuck?" Sarah asked before he could say anything.

He gave her a flat look. "No," he replied, making her giggle. "That is Jane Stark, Peter's wife. She usually doesn't come to these things." He wondered if his mother had reached out. "I may have had something to do with that, unintentionally, and I'm sorry."

"For what?" she asked, pulling back her chin, confused. He pressed his lips together, worried he might have overstepped his bounds. "Hey," she said softly. "Just tell me."

"Look, I'm not trying to be some male savior, okay," he began. He paused, unsure of what to say.

"Chuck, just tell me, it's okay," she insisted.

"So, mom texted about lunch, and during all the hubbub, I forgot to tell her I was here," he continued. She nodded for him to go on. "You had them break out into small groups, so I ran and called her. She asked how it was going. I told her about Peter, who she really doesn't like-"

"I knew I liked your mom," Sarah said softly, making Chuck grin. "Go on."

"And that's it," Chuck said shrugging. He looked over at the couple having an animated discussion. Jane sat down in the seat beside Peter's, her arms crossed with a look on her face of try it, and he sat down, clearly annoyed. "I think Mom talked to her."

"Good," Sarah said. Chuck looked at her. "What?" she asked, shrugging. "Chuck, listen, that guy is a jerk. And he's one that once his mind is made up, he's not changing it."

"True," Chuck admitted.

"Your mom has dealt with that her whole career, I'm sure, and my bet is she knows exactly where his weak spots are. So, if she feels I can help his company, but I'm talking to the wrong person, then I will gladly take her expertise."

"Okay," Chuck replied. "I need to get back for your big finish." He paused. "Just so you know, and I'm being really professional here, but I want to kiss you. I felt like you should know that."

"Great," she muttered. "Now I'm going to be thinking about that the whole time." She grinned at him.

He looked around and bent down, his lips near her ear. "Do a good job, and I can give you a reward later," he breathed softly into her ear.

"But will you give me the reward I want?" she asked just as softly. Chuck nearly tripped where he stood.

}o{

Chuck watched the tête-à-tête that continued between Peter and Jane during Sarah's presentation, amused by it. He had seen similar things between his parents over the years. Jane was clearly open to what Sarah was talking about, but Peter had dug his heels in, and it was obvious to everyone in the crowd what was going on. Sarah was watching the two and their conversation stopped.

"Okay," Sarah said, a soft smile on her face. "I think it's time to address the elephant in the room." There was a nervous energy as everyone waited. "Some of you think I'm full of shit."

Laughter rang out as tensions lessened. "It's not that, Dr. Walker," Peter said. "It's just… money can fix most employee problems. Sure, they aren't one hundred percent happy, but buying themselves something nice can assuage a lot of feelings."

"I'm not saying you're wrong," Sarah admitted, leaning against the table that was at the front of the room. "But that's not the most efficient methodology."

"But it gets the job done," Peter argued. "And in the end, that's all that matters."

"But what if you have an employee that is your superstar, and money just isn't enough?" Sarah asked.

"If they exist, then produce him or her, and we can have that conversation," Peter said smugly.

Sarah's eyes caught Chuck's, and that's when realization struck. In the past, she would have told Chuck's story without missing a beat, without thinking about it. In the past, she would have done whatever it took for her job. And that's when the irony slammed into her. Until she met Chuck Bartowski, she was just like Peter Stark and Stephen Bartowski, when it came to love. She looked at it as a means to an end… not the end, itself. Not the most important thing. Her job was the most important thing… until now.

She held those brown eyes with hers, the soft smile staying on her face, and she did what she had never done before; she thought about the man she cared about, over her job. "I guess until I have someone who is willing to share their story about how this would affect them, we'll have to table this," she said with a shrug. She watched Chuck's face. It was filled with awe. He was aware she wasn't asking him to, he was aware that he didn't have to… in fact, she was fine if he didn't, because it was his story, his life, and she stood by him, whatever he decided.

"Dr. Walker," came his timid voice. She watched him, gave him a slight head shake and her smile intensified as the look he gave her told her what he was about to do. "Dr. Walker?" he said much clearer.

"Yes," she replied.

"I am one of those people you spoke of," Chuck said. Peter looked at Chuck, and Chuck knew that look. Peter knew he recognized Chuck, just not who he was. Chuck caught the look Jane gave him, and it was one of recognition. She knew exactly who Chuck Bartowski was. "I left a company, because money could not buy my happiness."

"Yeah, but no offense son, who are you?" Peter said. A smattering of laughs came through the audience.

"Six months ago, I left Orion Industries," he began.

"That's nice, but who are you?" Peter said again. "I get it, you're good with computers, but if you're so good, why are you running technology at a conference?"

Chuck looked Peter Stark right in the eye, and before he could say a word, C3PO spoke.

"This is Master Charles Bartowski, creator of no less than seventy-five instruments you have on your person, or in this room," C3PO said. A gasp hit the crowd. "Furthermore, in this hotel proper, there are over one thousand electronic devices Master Bartowski had a hand in creating. He is also my creator, and an extremely pleasant fellow… an assessment which I cannot apply to you, Mr. Stark." Gasps filled the room again.

"C3PO," Chuck said in a strangled voice.

"Yes, Master Chuck?" C3PO asked.

"Power down," Chuck said in the same strangled voice.

"Very good, Sir," C3PO said. "Are you feeling well? Your vocalizations are not in their normal range."

"Power down!" he hissed, intensely.

Peter was glaring at Chuck. "Oh, get off you high horse," Jane said, making Peter's eyes go wide as he turned to her. "You literally said there is no one, and there he is, right in front of you. You're just mad because he proved you wrong, and everyone here knows you're not pleasant when it comes to business." There were low murmurs in the crowd. She turned to Chuck. "And your parents are using Dr. Walker?"

"Yes, they hired Burton Consultants after I left," Chuck began.

"So, you're sleeping with her, and trying to sell her fantasy," Peter shot out.

Chuck took a step toward Peter, making everyone gasp, but was stopped at the firm but soft hand on his chest. "He is so not worth it," she said softly.

"See?" Peter said.

"I see two people that care about each other, Peter," Jane said. "If you must know, Mary's the one who recommended Dr. Walker." Peter turned to her, shock on his face. "Everything Chuck said is true. He left six months ago. They hired Burton Consultants last week."

"Last… week?" Peter said, looking at Chuck. Chuck nodded. Peter winced, stood, straightened his jacket, and looked at Chuck and Sarah. "Okay, I was completely out of line."

"You were," Sarah said. Nervous laughter filled the room. "But,I also understand how this is different than anything you've ever done before." Peter nodded. "Mr. Stark, you do what you absolutely love, there is no denying that." She paused as he reluctantly agreed. "Why shouldn't your employees?"

He stood there a moment. "When you put it that way…" He sighed and looked at Chuck. "You have every right to slug me."

"No," Chuck said. "But she does." The room burst out into laughter, and Peter could only nod. "I'm pretty sure that wouldn't be the best business decision, though."

"Probably not… although, I bet there are a lot of people in here that would." He sat down. "Dr. Walker, I believe you were trying to enlighten some of us, and I ask that you continue. I will do my best to listen."

"That's all I ask, Mr. Stark," Sarah said. She kissed Chuck on the cheek, as "awwws" went out through the room. "Mr. Bartowski, if you would go back to slide seventeen?"

"Gladly, Dr. Walker," Chuck said, heading back to the computer.

}o{

Sarah was talking to several people, as Chuck began the set-up for the next presentation. He felt someone at his shoulder, and turned. "I'd like to bring you on, and use you when you're available," Zondra told him, handing him a form to fill out.

"Hey, I appreciate what you're doing for Sarah, but giving me handouts-" Chuck began.

"No, this isn't a handout," Zondra said, shaking her head. "Here's the thing; you've talked to two of our presenters. Admittedly, one is your girlfriend, and the other… the other is a headcase." Chuck snorted, knowing she was referring to Carina. "But, you've shown more interest in their work and presentations in a few hours than any IT person has their entire time here."

"One of them is my girlfriend," Chuck reminded her.

"Yeah, but what you did and said with Carina… and you listening to her on the drive over, and explaining the pros and cons of the way she decided to set up her presentation… like an invested audience member, and not like some know-it-all IT guru…" Zondra shook her head. "Like I said, if you're available, I'd like to use you." She grinned. "Especially when Dr. Walker presents. Who knows, maybe you can present with her."

"I don't know, that's her show," Chuck began.

"Oh, I'm aware. I'm also aware how much you helped it, at the risk of looking…"

"Like myself?" Chuck offered.

"You looked like a good and decent guy, Chuck, and let's be honest… those are getting few and far between." Chuck ducked his head. "Think about it," she said, laying down the clipboard.

"I will," he said.

}o{

He was sitting out in the lobby, filling out the papers on the clipboard. The presentation he was working with had again broken into small groups, and he wasn't needed any longer. He had come to the last line, where all he had to do was sign, when a man sat down beside him.

"Chuck Bartowski?" he asked. Chuck looked at him. "I'm Barry, Barry Jenson."

"I'm afraid I don't know you," Chuck admitted.

"I used to be Sarah Walker's boyfriend," he explained. Chuck sat up. "Listen, I'm not here to cause trouble, just to warn you. You'll never be first in her life."

"Thanks," Chuck said, nodding to him.

"No, you don't get it," Barry began. "I was warned by Tony, her ex-boyfriend before me, and I didn't listen."

Chuck laid down the papers he was working on. "So are you telling me there's a long line and a tradition of her ex-boyfriends warning the next one, and that it's your turn?"

Barry chuckled. "I don't think there's a long line. I'm just telling you I thought Tony was full of shit, and she cared about me."

"Okay, you've done your due diligence," Chuck told him. "I appreciate it."

Barry stood up. "The job always means more."

Chuck shook his head. "You don't get it, do you?" Barry looked at Chuck. "It was nothing against you. It never was. You just weren't right for her."

"What makes you think you are?" Barry asked.

"Because every chance she's had to pick her career over me, she's picked me," Chuck explained. "And I don't mean that as a shot at you… it's just what was important to her, at the time. She didn't love you, and I'm sorry for that, but that's not her fault."

"Don't say I didn't try and warn you," he told Chuck, walking off.

"Fine, you warned me," Chuck said, signing his name to the document.

A/N: Welp…is it sad that this is the angsty as this story gets? I mean, I feel like I'm giving you all diabetes from this constantly. Is this the part I give you a tease for next time? Fiinnnnnnneeeeee

"So about Barry," Sarah began.

"Sarah, I could care less about Barry," Chuck told her. He was surprised when she moved up close to him.

"I care about what you think, and I don't want you thinking I don't care about you, because I do. I'm glad you're here, Chuck. Before you, I wouldn't have cared if my boyfriend was here, in fact, I would have been annoyed. But with you…Chuck, I'm in it to win it," she said with a grin. She reached up, grabbed his neck and pulled him into a kiss.

Well….well….I got nothin…(I mean I've got a lot more written but I'm not letting you see it…yet) Reviews, PMs, yadayada