A/N: A short, two-chapter story to tide readers over until my next, longer story. Charah, of course.
No betas, so PM me if you spot any significant corrections that need to be made.
Successful
Chapter 1: Meet
Chuck Bartowski was a successful IT guy. He'd gotten his degree at Stanford, in spite of attempts by both his roommate and his girlfriend to derail him.
The job that he got immediately after college was just what he needed. It gave him the opportunity to show his development talents in a relatively untaxing way, which meant he was able to continue on his computer at home, developing what he hoped would be popular games. And his first had just been released and the response had been amazing. At work, he'd risen to team lead, but still kept his hand in at development. All in all, a success in the IT world. Not a major entrepreneur, but he'd decided he didn't really want that.
He'd always made time to keep swimming once a week. That was his attempt to be fitter than his sister expected. He'd even now started jogging with her boyfriend when Devon had time in his busy medical life. So, he counted all that as success Healthwise.
Of course, all this gave him little time for socializing, but, what the hell, he did that online. He even played games online.
His sister wasn't happy, though. She had this misguided view that happiness only came from relationships. One to one. Physical relationships.
His college girlfriend had shown him, quite effectively, that he was not right for that. Online porn and his hand were the only way he would get any satisfaction of that sort. He wasn't dateable, so he just didn't try.
Dwelling on that wasn't good for him, though. So, he just blanked it out and focused on what was good in his life.
His twenty-eighth birthday was in a week's time. He knew his sister would once again try to get him hooked up with a girl. He'd try harder this year. Not talking about Jill would be a good start. Maybe boast a bit about his success rather than his lack of girls since college. Lie about how much women enjoyed being with him?
If he was lucky, maybe get laid again. His first time for over six years? He could put his scruples aside and be like everyone else, at least for a day? A one-night stand.
He decided he'd get spruced up for the occasion. New clothes to actually show off his physique rather than hide it. Maybe he'd also get his hair tamed and buy some cologne. Go all out.
Having decided this, he headed out to the shopping mall. He'd also buy some new music to enhance the mood when he took the lucky woman to his bed.
Chuck decided to buy the music first. Something he was more comfortable buying. So, he headed to the Buy More.
As he walked into the store, his mind went back to college days and the vacations he'd spent working here. It'd been a very simple life. Not much money, but enjoyable. He'd helped people too, which had been rewarding.
He was still thinking that when a wonderful smell assailed his senses as a tall woman walked past him heading to the empty Nerd Herd station.
Not only was she tall, with tight fitting jeans that showed off her lovely long legs and ass, but the cascade of long blonde hair over her shoulders and down her back drew his attention, too.
He was mesmerized and he hadn't even seen her face yet! He suddenly wanted that more than anything.
He followed her rather than heading to the CD racks.
When she reached her destination, she stopped and looked around, obviously seeking a Nerd Herder.
Her profile almost took his breath away. How could anyone look that beautiful?
He noticed she was clutching her phone, almost thrusting it toward the desk and he spoke without thinking, "Problem with your phone?"
She turned to face him and their eyes locked.
He felt like he was sinking into those gorgeous blue depths. His eyes widened as he completely lost his breath. He noticed that her eyes widened too and she gave a little gasp before tearing them away and looking down at the phone in her hand.
Her voice was musical. There was a slight accent. British? "Yes. It keeps failing on me and I'm worried I'll miss calls." She thrust it toward him.
He was glad he'd come out dressed in black pants and a white shirt. He'd not wanted to go smart clothes shopping in his normal jeans and t-shirt. He didn't have the gray tie or a pocket protector, but apart from that he was dressed like a Nerd Herder.
He took the phone from her and instantly knew he could help. Grinning at her he said, "Ahh. The Intellicell. I can fix this." He reached over onto the desk grabbing a small screwdriver from the mug containing that and a bunch of pens.
The woman watched him work, opening the phone, taking out the battery and tightening the offending screw. In no time, he had the phone back together and handed it to her.
This time his fingers touched hers. Some sort of current passed between them. It wasn't electricity, but something like that. Their eyes locked again, both wide. Her parted lips looked so gorgeous. All he wanted to do was kiss them.
She briefly looked at his lips before down at her phone. "You've fixed it?"
He smiled. "Yeah. Common problem with those."
She smiled at him and he was completely lost. "How much?" she asked.
How much does he want her? No, idiot! How much did the repair cost.
"Oh, I don't work here. I just saw that no one was here and I could help." He saw her start to frown and he rushed forward. "I used to work here and fixing phones, as well as computers, were my thing."
"So, you just offered to help?" She looked carefully at him.
"Beautiful damsel in distress. How could I not?"
Her smile was back. "You fix my phone and compliment me. You must've been popular here."
He could tell she was teasing him, but he still blushed. "I would probably have lost my job if I dished out compliments like that."
She grinned. God, she was gorgeous! "Well, I'm glad you don't work here, then. Can I buy you a coffee to say thanks?"
All thought of shopping, of any sort, went out of his head. "You don't have to do that, but I'd love to have a coffee with you…"
"Sarah… Sarah Walker." She reached out her hand and he clasped it in his.
That current passed between them again. Both gasped but neither pulled away. They locked eyes again. He needed to tell her his name but no words would come.
A smile formed on her face again. He noticed a lovely crease form on her left cheek. God, he wanted to kiss her! "And your name is?" she prompted him.
"Chuck… Chuck Bartowski."
She shook his hand. "Lovely to meet you, Chuck." She pulled her hand away and he reluctantly let her. Her smile turned into a grin acknowledging that. "Come on. There's a coffee shop the other side of the parking lot."
He wanted to hold her hand as they walked but thought that was probably going too far. They'd only just met. They weren't boyfriend and girlfriend. Then, the word, 'yet' appeared in his head.
He walked beside this vision out of the store in a bit of a daze.
Sarah had been so insistent that he'd reluctantly let her buy the coffee. That pleased her. "Glad you didn't insist the man bought the coffee. Macho bullshit."
He smiled. "It wasn't that, but I felt I'd conned you."
She blinked, but then said, "You can buy the next one."
He couldn't believe his luck. "Does that mean I can see you again or that this'll be a longer coffee date?"
She cocked her head to one side, looking really cute. "You think this is a date?"
He realized he'd gone too far. He looked down. "Sorry. I don't get to spend time with beautiful women."
He felt her cool hand on his wrist. The jolt drew his eyes up again. Hers were wide as they connected. She shook her head slightly. "You keep complimenting me, Chuck. It'll go to my head."
He had to stop himself from pointing out that she was the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen. That would definitely be too much. Instead, he mocked zipping his mouth up, and her tinkling laugh made him fall harder still.
He remembered back when he worked in the Buy More, he couldn't stand silences and certainly not one-to-one silences. However, his time working in offices, and then on his own, where concentration was important, had just about cured him of that. He was able to just sit here, gazing into the eyes of this beautiful woman and keep his mouth from moving, or so he thought. Certainly, no sound escaped.
Sarah blushed and took her hand away. She just smiled. "Still complimenting me, just with that look. Thank you, Chuck. I'd been having a bad day, but it doesn't seem so bad now."
"D'you wanna talk about it. I can be a good listener," he said.
She shook her head. "No." There was a pause before she said, "Tell me why you were in the Buy More. I don't think it was just on the off chance that you'd meet me."
"But what a wonderful outcome," his mouth blurted out.
That beautiful tinkling sound again. It made him want to make her laugh more. He had to look away or that desire to kiss her might overwhelm him.
"Buying things for a party," he replied. Then, he thought about why he wanted mood music and blushed.
"Ooh! A party! I've not been to one of those for a while."
He looked up at her. Her eyes were sparkling. "Please come."
Those eyes really did sparkle. "As your date?"
"Yes."
Her smile widened. "Will we have another coffee date before then?"
"Yes, please," he instantly replied.
She positively grinned now. "So, third date at a party, huh? Hoping you'll get lucky?"
"God, yes!"
She tipped her head back as that wonderful laugh burst forth. When she got it under control, she asked, "What's the party for?"
"My birthday," he said, totally transfixed by her.
"Oh, then you want me as a birthday present?" she teased.
"I can't think of anything I want more," his autopilot mouth replied.
She gazed back. "How about not waiting for your birthday?"
Her face and eyes no longer seemed full of mirth, but something else entirely. He could feel his body reacting. He reached across the table and grasped her hand. That jolt went places that had been dormant for some time. "If you're serious. I'm free now."
She stood, holding his hand. "Do you have a car or shall we go in mine?"
In no time, Chuck was driving her to his apartment.
He couldn't help the words escaping, "This is really happening?"
"I hope so," she replied. She looked as desperate as he was.
They virtually ran to his apartment when they reached the complex.
Chuck lay on his back, staring at the ceiling. Sarah was doing the same next to him.
"Wow!" she said.
"Wow, indeed," he replied, turning his head to look at her. "Are you a dream?"
She looked at him. "Did that feel like a dream?"
"I've never felt anything so good, but my dreams are always darker."
He didn't know that Sarah's were too, but she didn't mention them. She rolled onto him. He groaned. Her full length now pressed against him. His whole body was on fire again.
"But only in a fantasy could anyone be so perfect," he said.
She kissed him and he opened his mouth. Her kisses were amazing on their own. He'd discovered that when they first arrived. With her naked body lying on his, he was in absolute heaven.
He wrapped his arms around her keeping the kiss going. Yes, definitely heaven, especially when their bodies got more involved.
They finally had emerged from his bedroom. Sarah took a shower while Chuck prepared some lunch.
She came out, with a towel wrapped around her while using another to dry her hair. "This feels very domesticated, Chuck."
He stopped what he was doing and looked at her. She looked stunning. Her long bare legs below the towel and her bare arms and chest above it. "I can't imagine anything better," he breathed out.
She padded over to him, her feet bare, and stood on tip toes to give him a peck on his lips. "Well, I think you have a girlfriend for your party."
He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her up. She dropped the second towel and wrapped her arms around his neck. The kiss that followed was deeper, both of them tingling all over.
"Lunch can wait," she whispered into his ear.
When they finally sat down to eat the salad he'd prepared, Chuck decided he couldn't just gaze at her with no words, so he told her his mission that day.
"I was going to buy some new smart clothes for the party, maybe some cologne, maybe get my haircut too."
She grinned. "Hoping to wow some poor girl?"
He smiled. "My sister thinks I've been alone for too long. She invites women she works with in the hope that I'll not frighten all of them off."
She cocked her head, looking puzzled. "And you normally do?"
He nodded. "I usually turn up in jeans and t-shirt, not the most attractive party gear, and fall into the trap of talking about my boring work. Often I get asked about previous girlfriends. Why do women ask that?"
She shrugged. "I don't." And she didn't now, either.
"Turns out, they don't really want to hear me pining after a girl who dumped me at college."
She frowned. "College? When was that?"
"Six years ago, now." Her eyes widened. He grinned. "I decided this year I'd put her behind me."
"And the Buy More?"
He blushed. "I decided to buy some music for when I took a girl to my room. Mood music."
She laughed out loud. "Well, we made our own music!"
"You're perfect, you know that, don't you?" he said.
"Hardly, but together we were something special." She gazed fondly at him. "No haircut. I liked running my fingers through it while we made love. And if t-shirt and jeans put other women off, wear those. You're mine now."
"I was from the moment I saw you," he admitted.
She laughed. "Sorry, I took longer. You had to fix my phone first," she teased.
He laughed too. "You've not received any calls, though."
"My mom is flying back from her vacation, but the flights have been delayed and delayed. She's gonna call when at LAX and I'm gonna collect her."
"I'm glad she didn't call earlier!"
She grinned. "I'd claim I had to run to the phone and that was why I was breathless."
"Good job you're silent when you… you know." He smiled. "Unlike me."
She gave him a serious look. "Are you saying you wouldn't stop?"
"Might not be able to."
She shivered. "You know I want to again now." She paused for a second. "It's been a while for me too, but I can still remember. I shouldn't say this so early in a relationship, but you're by far the best lover I've ever had." She held his gaze as she said that.
He was surprised. "You obviously chose the wrong men."
She nodded. "I did, but that's not what I mean."
He blushed and looked down, not comfortable with praise.
She hooked her fingers under his chin. "Tell me about your job."
"Looking for an excuse to bail?" he teased.
She shook her head. "I want to know more about my boyfriend."
"And then you'll tell me about yourself?"
Her eyes clouded. "Not thought this through," she muttered, looking away herself.
He placed his palm on her cheek, pulling her back. The tingles up his arm were a reminder of how she affected him. "Unless you're a murderer, you won't put me off, Sarah."
She blinked. "And what if I am?"
He didn't hesitate. "I'll still take my chances." He leaned closer and gently kissed those gorgeous lips. Sparks were going off in his head again.
She started speaking as soon as they parted. "I'm ex-CIA. I have killed people."
He sat back, not expected this. She interpreted his look of shock as horror.
She could've kept quiet, conned him, even, but how long would it have lasted.
She needed to get out quickly before it hurt more. She started to rise, but his hands clasped her arms, stopping her. She looked into his eyes as he said, "Please don't leave. I don't want you to leave."
She sat down again. "What're you thinking, Chuck?"
"The most gorgeous woman I've ever met is a badass spy, but still wanted to be with me. I hope my dull existence isn't too boring for her."
She was surprised. Holding his gaze, she said, "So, me being a killer doesn't frighten you off?"
"I probably won't like the details, but no. You must've been ordered to do that. If you still want to be with me after I bore you to death with my story, I think I'm hooked."
She kissed him harder this time.
He had just started to explain his job, when her phone rang. She frowned at it, wishing it had stayed silent, but she answered it. "Hi, Mom. You're here?"
"Finally," her mom said. "Got to get my case and then through all the rigmarole, but yes, finally here at the airport."
"I need to get my car and then I'll be with you," Sarah replied. She looked apologetically at Chuck.
"See you soon," her mom replied.
As she ended the call, Sarah said, "Can you take me back to the mall so I can get my car?"
"When can I see you again?" he asked.
She kissed him hard again. "Mom lives in San Diego. I'll be away for at least a day, maybe two." He could see the sadness in her eyes.
"Where do you live here in LA?" he asked. "You do live here, don't you?"
She smiled. "I'm staying in Maison23. I've only just come to LA and haven't found a place of my own yet." She looked down. "I had thought I might go and stay with mom for a while."
He clasped her hands. "Move in with me."
She was shocked to hear that. "Isn't that a bit quick?"
"Maybe, but only to others. My heart says it's right."
Her arms were instantly around his neck and her lips on his.
As she pulled back, she said, "I'm not used to relationships." Then, she snorted at her comment. "In truth, I know nothing about relationships, but if you'll have me, then yes."
After driving her back to the shopping mall and walking with her to her car, he was surprised. "A Porsche?"
She held her head high. "I was a CIA operative for many years. The pay was good. This is my one reward for all that."
"Until now," he said. She looked confused. "You have me now," he explained holding his hands wide, palms up.
She closed the distance between them. "I do," she said and gave him a kiss. "Remember that. I'll be back for the party at least. No straying."
He chuckled, while holding onto her. "Six years of celibacy, and now you think I'm going to stray from the best thing that has ever happened to me."
"Well, we got parts of you working again. I don't want them used by other women," she whispered into his ear.
He hugged her tighter. "I'm taken now," he whispered back and kissed her again.
She climbed into her car. Even watching her doing that was a thrill for him, her skirt rising up her leg showing off her knees and gorgeous calves. She grinned when she looked up and saw him focused on her legs. "They're just for you when I get back, Chuck."
He grinned. "Say hi to your mom from me, but get back as soon as you can."
He watched her drive off. Still not sure how he'd gone from single to the happiest man in the world in such a short space of time.
"So, you don't want me to invite any of the nurses to your party because you've found someone?" his sister asked, looking very dubious.
"That's right," he replied.
"How do I know you're not just trying to avoid talking to anyone other than Morgan all evening?"
"Trust me, El. Sarah's real." He thought about her. "God, she's so real!"
"And you met her yesterday and now she's your girlfriend?" Ellie said, repeating what he'd told her.
"Yep."
"But she's disappeared," Ellie said flatly. "It all feels like one of the contrived stories that you and Morgan make up."
"Don't make me doubt it, El," Chuck said quietly. "Sarah's the best thing to happen to me. It is amazing that such a woman would enter my life and want to stay. My self-doubt is fighting with my hope that she'll come back from San Diego to me."
"Have you got her phone number?" Ellie asked. He nodded. "Call her. Reassure yourself." She didn't mention that it would do the same for her.
"I'm not sure," he said. "I don't want to intrude on her time with her mom."
"Call her," Ellie encouraged. "She'll be missing you." She didn't add, 'if she exists at all.'
He pulled his phone from his pocket and called.
It was going to be wonderful to see her mom again.
At one time she'd thought that would never happen. It had been nineteen years from leaving with her dad to when they saw each other again, by chance, in San Diego. Unfortunately, the assignment she was on at the time, had only briefly taken Sarah there, so the meeting had been very short, but Sarah had promised to visit.
She had taken a few days off to see her mom again only a year later. That had been both wonderful, but also difficult. They hadn't talked much about Sarah's dad, but instead she'd had to explain what she'd become. Not the details. She couldn't share those and wouldn't want her mom to know them anyway. However, Emma Jackson was a smart woman. She clearly guessed some of it. However, Sarah never wanted her to know about any of the assassinations Agent Walker had carried out.
This time would be different. She'd be able to tell her mom it was all over.
She spotted a dark blonde head of hair first. Then, the whole of her mom came into view. Their eyes locked and both of them beamed.
In no time, Sarah had her arms around the shorter woman. "Hi, Mom."
"Hi, Sarah. Thank you for this."
Sarah pulled back. "It'll give us a chance to talk on the drive to San Diego. I've a lot to tell you."
They got to Sarah's car quickly and set off.
"I'm all ears," her mom said before they set off..
Sarah smiled. "I'm out of the CIA, Mom."
Emma's jaw dropped. "Really?"
Sarah grinned. "Yep. Out of the world of espionage completely."
"I know you weren't enjoying it, but this is quite a surprise." She paused for thought. "So, are you going to come home?"
Sarah shook her head. "I'm not going to come and live with you, Mom, but I won't be far away. I'm going to live in Los Angeles."
Emma was about to ask why LA, but Sarah's phone rang.
Sarah looked at the caller's name and smiled. "Hi, Chuck."
"Hi, Sarah. Can you talk?" Hearing his voice made her feel warm all over.
"I'm just about to set off from LAX. Can you give me a second or two then I can take the call through the car. Everything okay?"
"Yeah. Call me back when you're ready."
"Okay. Won't be long." She ended the call and started the engine.
Her mom stayed quiet until they were on the freeway. "Chuck?"
Sarah glanced at her. "My boyfriend."
Emma's eyes widened. "Is he why you left?"
"No. Nor the reason for choosing LA, before you ask, but certainly one of the reasons for staying there."
She glanced at her mom again, seeing a happy tear escape from the older woman's eye. "Wonderful!"
Sarah smiled and nodded, agreeing with her mother's sentiment completely..
"Call him," Emma directed.
Sarah did. "Hi, Chuck. Mom's here in the car with me."
"Great. Hello, Mrs. Walker."
Sarah's face dropped. She'd not mentioned that Sarah Walker hadn't existed before she joined the CIA, nor that her mother had a completely different name to the one she'd abandoned. However, Emma handled it perfectly. "I reverted to my maiden-name, Chuck. Emma Jackson."
"Oh! Oh, sorry. I didn't know," he sputtered.
She chuckled. "So, I take it this one has been as reticent to talk as ever."
"Mom!"
"We've not been going out for long," Chuck covered for her.
"Oh, come on, Chuck," Sarah replied. "It's over a day now!"
He chuckled. "You're on speaker at this end, too. My sister's here. She doubted you existed."
"Hi, Ellie," Sarah said. "Very real and very much in your brother's life."
A warm female voice came through the speakers. "Hello, Sarah. I'm so glad you're not an imaginary girl."
"Ellie!" they heard Chuck exclaim.
"I know it seems sudden. Well, it is, I guess, but we're girlfriend/boyfriend as of yesterday." Sarah felt good saying that. She never would've expected to say those words except as a cover.
Chuck spoke next, "I haven't got anything to tell you, other than I miss you, so I'll let you and your mom go now. See you in a few days." He sounded a bit regretful.
"You are coming to the party on Friday, aren't you?" Ellie asked.
"I am," Sarah replied.
"Good. See you then," Ellie replied.
"Hope to see you sometime, Chuck," Emma said.
He was silent for a second. "Meet the family time comes around quickly, doesn't it?"
"Hey, your sister gets to see my little girl before I get to vet you!" Emma said.
"Vet?" Chuck and Sarah said at the same time.
Ellie laughed. "That's fair. I'll be vetting you on Friday."
Sarah's eyes widened.
"I like you already, Ellie," Emma said, chuckling.
"I'm ending this call now!" Sarah said. "See you soon, Chuck."
"Take care, Sarah," he replied.
She ended the call.
"Vetting him?" Sarah questioned. "I'm twenty-seven!"
"And you don't want him to have your mom's approval?" Sarah thought for a moment. She did want that. "You know that I want to hear everything about him, don't you?"
Sarah glanced at her mom. "Can we wait until we get to your house, Mom?"
"Sensible. Can't have you distracted whilst driving."
"He is a distraction," Sarah said quietly.
Emma just smiled. She hadn't expected this tough cookie to crumble like this.
They sat quietly as the car ate up the miles between the two cities.
They were sitting drinking in the living room. Emma had taken her case into her bedroom before brewing the coffee.
Sarah had been trying to pull together her thoughts, but now was time for conversation. "Which do you want first, Mom? My leaving the CIA or Chuck?"
Emma grinned. "Your escape or subsequent capture?" Sarah looked surprised. "Escape first, I guess."
Thrown a bit by her mom's comment, Sarah had to think back. "You know I've been unhappy with my job for a while. I've enjoyed the good it's done, but not how I had to achieve it."
"You haven't given me details, but yes, I know."
Sarah nodded. "Director Graham wanted me to go on an assignment where he expected me to seduce a man to get information from him and then to kill him."
Emma gasped.
Sarah looked away. She'd done a few of the latter, but wasn't going to mention that. "He said to get the information 'by whatever means.' He expected me to sleep with the man."
Emma's hand was now covering her mouth.
"That was too much. I quit in the spot."
"Have you ever-"
Sarah looked back at her mom. "No."
"What will you do?"
"I've moved to LA, somewhere I only vaguely remember from when I was young. I plan to find some work there. Not sure what yet."
Emma smiled. "And Chuck lives in LA?"
Sarah sighed. "How can you fall for someone so quickly, Mom?"
"It's something that happens to us, the Jackson girls. I did with your dad, your gran did with your grandad. When you meet the love of your life, it's instantaneous."
"But dad was all wrong for you, Mom."
Emma nodded. "My heart chose, not my brain."
"My brain recognizes a good man, Mom. Maybe too good for me."
Emma clasped her daughter's hand. "I don't want to hear comments like that, Sarah."
Sarah sighed. "After all I've done, with dad and then for the CIA, I'm probably not worthy of a good man, but I'm going to try."
Emma sat back. "That's all you can do, but maybe tell him about your past. Exorcise it, if you will."
Sarah gave her a small uncertain smile. "I'll try."
"So, tell me about him."
So, tell me about her," Ellie said to her brother.
"She's ex-CIA," Chuck started with the bit his sister would find hardest.
Ellie looked stunned. "A spook?"
"That's quite derogatory, El."
"Sorry. Common term," Ellie replied. "She's not playing you, is she?"
"Did you hear the prefix? Ex-CIA. She doesn't work for them anymore."
"How d'you know? She might still be with them."
Chuck looked at his sister. "And why would the CIA be interested in me?"
Ellie narrowed her eyes. "Have you been hacking again?"
"I've not done that since college," he replied, getting frustrated with her. "Why can't you just accept that Sarah interested in me, for me."
She sighed. "Sorry, Chuck. You are a catch. I don't mean to belittle that. I just worry."
"Well, I think Sarah might be the one, so don't spoil this for me."
"I'll try," she replied.
"Don't try, do," he said.
A/N: Yes, another of my stories where they instantly fall for each other. I thought about publishing it as a long one-shot, but decided it was better split into two chapters.
Review if you can.