a/n 1: Chapter 14, The Power of Love

I don't own Chuck

"Isn't that Sarah?"

Devon turned to look where his mother had indicated. He and his parents were getting take-out for dinner, and were on one side of the restaurant. Honey was looking at the far end of the restaurant, through some potted plants that looked like they would be more at home in a rain forest.

The past weekend had been quite tense in the apartment. Devon's parents had backed off some regarding their wedding issues, but the apartment had become quite crowded.

No one wanted to stay with Chuck and Sarah.

After Casey burst into the apartment, Sarah had pulled Chuck to the back patio, and no one knew what was said. Everything seemed fine between them, but no one thought it was a good idea to stay with them. Or for that matter, ask what was said between them. Beckman was working on clearing out an apartment in the complex for the elder Bartowskis, but at the moment, everyone was staying with Ellie and Devon.

"I'm telling you that's Sarah," Honey insisted, pulling Devon from his thoughts.

"She's right, son," Woody agreed. "What is she doing out on a date?"

"It could be a…" Devon looked around. "A mission," he said with a lower voice.

"Maybe, but she seems to be familiar with him," Honey insisted. She gasped as the woman she thought was Sarah laughed, and laid her hand on the arm of the man. "Oh my God, does she have a sugar daddy?"

"A what?" Devon asked, shocked.

"A sugar daddy is," Woody began.

"I know what a sugar daddy is," Devon said, cutting him off. "But what I'm wondering is why would you jump to that conclusion? That could be one of her family."

"It could be," Woody agreed. He was silent for a tick. "Orrrr…"

"Or what?" came Chuck's voice behind them.

"My mom thinks Sarah has a sugar daddy," Devon explained, keeping his gaze on Sarah and the older man.

"And Devon thinks it could be a family member," Honey said, continuing to watch as well.

"The one thing we really need to know is does Chuck know," Woody added. Everyone murmured their agreement. That was when it hit them, and all three turned to look at Chuck. "Oh."

"Yes, oh," Chuck replied. "Getting take-out?" The three nodded. "I highly recommend the linguine with clam sauce." With that, Chuck turned, and left.

"Crap," Devon said, and took off after him. Honey and Woody stood there, not sure what to do. They shrugged, and continued to watch Sarah with the man.

}o{

"Chuckster! Chuckster, wait!" Devon called after him. Chuck stopped walking and waited for Devon to catch up. "Man, listen, I don't get my parents, and I am so sorry about that."

"It's no big deal," Chuck told Devon. "I'm not upset. I'm not."

"Chuck… you okay?"

"Am I okay?" Chuck asked. "Devon, Sarah said she wanted to be married. And I thought I was ready, but… dude… she's Sarah freaking Walker!" Devon's eyes went wide at Chuck's outburst. "Beckman's okayed it. Sarah invited her dad here and is now telling him about it. She's making plans to be married."

"Do you want to be married?" Devon asked.

"Of course I do!" Chuck replied. "But it's Sarah!"

"Yeah, it is," Devon said softly. Chuck let that sink in. He blew out a breath. "Do you love her?"

"With all my heart, man."

"Do you want to spend the rest of your life with her?"

"Every second… well, not when I'm in the bathroom-"

"Got it," Devon replied, cutting in. "So, what's the problem?"

"I think I just realized how truly huge marriage is," Chuck admitted. "It was one thing to say I would marry her to prove how much I loved her, but when you really stop and think about it, you're pledging to stay with someone no matter what."

"You don't have to," Devon told him.

"Then why the hell get married?" Chuck asked.

Devon grinned.

"Ah, well played." Devon gave a nod. "You marry someone to be there for them in the worst moments. You marry someone because you can't be without them. All the good stuff is easy. It's the hard stuff… That's hard."

"It is," Devon agreed. "It's scary as hell."

"Plus, we haven't been together nearly as long as you two have," Chuck began.

"Don't do that," Devon cut in. "Don't compare your situation to anyone else's. You don't know where Ellie and I were in comparison to you two. At the end of the day, if you love her, and want to be married, and she wants to as well… that's all that matters." Devon furrowed his brow. "Wait, why are you out here?"

"Oh, I was going to go get the brochure she found, from the car," Chuck explained. "She wanted her dad to do some digging and make sure the wedding planner wasn't some fly-by-night operator, or a con woman."

"Why would Sarah's dad know that?" Devon asked, confused. Chuck pressed his lips together. "Is that something I shouldn't ask?"

"Sarah's dad used to be a con man," Chuck told him. "In fact, he may still be one. They have a very… complicated, relationship. What are you doing?"

"I have no idea where your parents are, or Ellie, and I was looking around to see if they were here," Devon explained. "You know how she feels about that word. Wait… Sarah's in the CIA, and her dad's a con man?"

"He's kind of the reason she was forced into the CIA," Chuck explained. Devon let out a low whistle. "Yeah, I know."

"So, how's it going?"

"Uh, okay, I guess," Chuck said with a shrug. "I think she wants him to stay for the wedding, but I don't think he's going to. We've been talking a lot about her family, and she told her dad about the house, the one in San Diego."

"So, what about her mom?"

Chuck pressed his lips together and blew out his cheeks. "She says that's something else she has to talk to me about, and maybe my mom, and Honey."

"Uh, why would she need them?" Devon asked.

"I've been trying not to think about that," Chuck admitted.

"Chuckster, what is your brain doing?"

"Nothing, Devon… nothing, I swear," Chuck insisted. Devon gave him a look. "This whole thing started when she saw those women, former agents with their children, and she said she could do this, right?" Devon nodded. "Okay, so three women agents, two of which have children… that we know of."

"Chuckster," Devon said in a low tone, nearly begging him not to go there.

"Dude, she had a life before she met me, but I keep wondering…" Chuck shook his head. "You know what, I'm not gonna say it. I'm not. If she does, it doesn't matter to me."

"What doesn't matter?" Devon asked, and then slapped his hand over his mouth.

"That," Chuck said, pointing at Devon. "That!"

"But, bro, wait… it does matter, but not for the reason you think," Devon added in a rush. "Think about who she is. Think about what she's had to do. If she does, and she didn't tell you, there's a good reason."

"I know, I know," Chuck admitted. "It's just… it's a lot, you know? But we don't know that she does."

"Who has what?" Honey asked, walking up to the two of them.

"If Sarah has a baby," Devon told Honey. Chuck shut his eyes and Devon winced. He quickly turned to Chuck. "I am so sorry."

"Yeah," Chuck began.

"Honey, Devon? What's going on?" Sarah asked. "Chuck, is everything okay?"

"Do you have a baby?" Honey asked. Sarah looked at Chuck, then at Devon, and finally back to Honey. "They don't know and won't ask."

"I see," Sarah said. "Chuck, go get the brochures." Chuck started to raise a finger and say something. "Now, please," she said in a clipped tone. Chuck nodded, and turned toward the car.

"I'm gonna go join him," Devon said, and scurried off after Chuck.

}o{

"Listen," Chuck began in the car after dinner was over.

"Chuck, I'm not mad, I'm not upset," Sarah assured him. "In fact, thank you." Chuck blinked and stared at her. She looked over at him, and grinned. "I blindsided you. I told you how we are together, and I didn't need to be married, and now I do. And you've taken it all in stride. Plus… I went a little bridezilla…"

"No, you didn't," Chuck disagreed. Sarah gave him a look. "I mean, you're just excited about-"

"Chuck, I went full-goose-bozo bridezilla, and you took it like a champ," Sarah told him, reaching over and squeezing his hand.

"I told you the wedding planner was a con artist," she added.

"You were right," Chuck replied. "She was. But back to you, and being a bridezilla. You be the biggest bridezilla you want. You be whatever it is you need to be to get through this, because baby? I get to marry you." She smiled at him. "And I'm not gonna pretend that it's not a little scary, because we have to be honest with each other."

"We do," Sarah added. "That's why I have to tell you something. It's about my mom, and why I haven't talked to her."

He held up his hand. "Wait… before you do, I need to say something, please."

Sarah nodded.

"My mind has this tendency to go to the worst possible scenario at times. I've talked about this in therapy, and I can usually control it really well. But the other day, the way everything happened, everything I could ever hope for-"

"Wait, me wanting to get married was everything you could ever hope for?" Sarah asked.

"Of course it is," Chuck replied. "I'm not gonna lie, and tell you that I'm not scared, or worried, and that it's not big. But Sarah? You wanting to be with me the rest of my life… I can't think of anything better." She pulled her lips between her teeth trying to control her emotions.

"And that's why my evil brain went there. That's why my brain said, something has to go wrong. That's why it jumped to, you know she could have a kid. Because you saw two mothers, with their kids, and my brain… what I'm saying is, whether you do, or don't, it's my brain trying to sabotage me. And I'm owning that. I'll admit I have those thoughts, but what I am fighting like hell not to do is take those thoughts out on you, or get you involved with them."

"Okay," Sarah said, nodding. "I hear you, but can we amend that just a little, please?" Chuck looked over at her. "We're going to get married, for better or for worse, and we've said no secrets, no lies."

"We have," Chuck agreed.

"Then you have to tell me these things, and I have to understand it's not you actively thinking them, it's your brain."

"If that's what you want," Chuck began.

"No, it's not what I want; it's what we have to do, Chuck." Sarah cleared her throat. "The one thing I saw with my parents' relationship is how they kept things to themselves; their fears, their worries, and all the bad thoughts. We have to share, and understand that they are just those: thoughts. And that the brain can be a treacherous organ."

"It's a bitch some days," Chuck muttered.

"Agreed," Sarah said, nodding. "So, do we have a deal?"

"We do," Chuck told her. He began to grin.

"What?" Sarah asked him.

"I'm going to be Chuck Walker," he said smugly.

"Baby, you can be whatever you want," she told him.

"That sounded dirty… I like it." Sarah laughed. "We good?" Sarah nodded. "You wanted to tell me something a minute ago. Thank you for letting me get my part out, Now, if you would, I'm ready to hear what you wanted to tell me."

"I had a mission that went bad, and I gave her something to watch." She paused. "Chuck, do you think we can wait?" His brow furrowed. "Listen, I need your mom and Devon's mom on this, and I'd like to only tell the story once, because… it's a lot."

"Whatever you need, Sarah, I'm here."

"I know you are, Chuck. I know." She thought back to Thanksgiving, and the porch.

}o{

Thanksgiving Night

"Listen, I'm sorry," she began.

"Please don't take it back," he nearly begged. Her eyes went wide. "Even if you don't want to, just let me have today, okay? I know, I've been playing it cool, the way Devon told me to-"

"You haven't played it that cool," she pointed out.

"Fine, I've been playing it cool for me, but Sarah… I love you, and you saying that… that made my year," Chuck said softly.

She didn't say anything, she just moved in close to him, her fingers playing on the hem of his shirt. She looked up into his eyes, a slight smirk on her face. "Even more than the Weinerlicious outfit?" He nodded. She looked back down at his chest and gave a slow nod. She looked back up at him. "Even more than going on the It's A Small World ride?" He nodded again, a grin threating to escape his features.

She sighed, and tilted her head. "You know, if you do this, I'm gonna insist you stick around forever."

Chuck blew out a breath. "I mean, I am fond of you…"

"I don't find you totally repulsive, if that helps," Sarah offered.

"When you say insist?" Chuck began.

"Trained. Assassin."

"Noted," Chuck said, his eyes wide.

She narrowed her eyes. "You are completely turned on by that, aren't you?"

"Do I even have to answer the question?" Sarah had twisted her lips so as not to laugh, when the door opened. They both turned to find Ellie standing there.

"Hey, you two okay? Things have been a little intense today."

"We're fine Ellie," Sarah said. "At least I am. I shouldn't speak for Chuck."

"I thought that's what marriage was, when you and I become we." Sarah turned toward him. "Will you marry me, Sarah?"

Sarah leaned in and kissed him. Ellie shut the door, squeezed her eyes closed, vibrated, and did a small dance. "Okay, I'm not telling anyone what happened out here, because if I do, they are going to bother you all weekend and you two deserve some you-two time."

"How do you feel about a double wedding?" Sarah asked Ellie. "Wait!" She spun to Chuck. "Did you have any wedding plans, or things you want to do?"

"I did have a proposal plan, there were cars, and… you know what, I revised it several times over the years," Chuck said, scratching the back of his neck.

"You are so weird," Sarah said, looking at him and shaking her head. She leaned in and gently kissed him on the lips. "But, apparently, I'm into weird."

"Chuck, how do you feel about a double wedding?" Ellie asked him.

"I'll do you one better," Chuck replied. "How do you feel about a double wedding on the beach, so you don't have to worry about all that nonsense?" Ellie's eyes went wide. Sarah stepped away from Chuck, as he was crushed by Ellie and her hug.

"Thank you! Thank you! THANK YOU!" She said, hugging him tight. "Oh my God, they were driving me CRAZY!"

"I hadn't noticed," Chuck wheezed. Ellie put out her arm nearest Sarah and dragged her into the hug. "Are you going to stop her?" he squeaked out.

"Why? I enjoy my sister hugging me," Sarah replied.

Chuck would have, but Ellie tightened the hug.

}o{

Now

Devon met Chuck and Sarah at their door as they pulled up from dinner.

"Guys, we need to talk," he insisted. Sarah opened the door, and ushered Devon and Chuck inside. "When I went back to get the order, after Chuck and I found the brochure, the owner pulled me aside and asked why my parents were taking pictures of your dad."

"Why were they taking pictures of my dad?" Sarah asked, concern on her face.

"I asked," Devon informed her, looking concerned. "And he told me he didn't, and… where is she going?" Devon asked Chuck, as Sarah walked past him and out the door.

"To your apartment," Chuck replied, hurrying after her. Chuck and Devon hurried into the apartment just in time to watch her walk over to Chuck's old room and shove the door open.

Chuck and Devon got to the doorway, where they saw Honey on the phone, Woody looking a little sheepish, and Sarah looking like she was about to strangle someone. Chuck just hoped it wasn't him. Sarah held out her hand.

"She wants to speak to you," Honey said into the phone. Honey listened and held the phone out to Sarah. "Let's give her privacy."

"Not Chuck," Sarah snapped. "He stays here." Honey nodded and she, her husband, and son left the room, shutting the door behind her. "Sarah Walker, secure."

"How did you… you know what, of course you did," came the voice on the other end. "I assume you know who I am?"

"Madelyn Trench, Director of the CIA," Sarah said, looking Chuck in the eye. His eyes widened. "The question is, am I still a member of the CIA?"

"I would hope so, Sarah," Madelyn replied. "I would like to apologize for not talking with you before and informing you of the secondary mission that is currently ongoing around you. It was the holidays, and I knew Diane had things well in hand."

"Excuse me," Sarah said, caught off guard.

"Would you please put the phone on speaker so Chuck can hear this as well?" Madelyn requested. Sarah did so, and told the Director. "Chuck's mother was burnt by Langston Graham. You and your team are doing good work, but I wanted someone there to watch Mary and Stephen. What happened to them was wrong, and there could still be some fallout."

"This doesn't sound normal," Chuck said to Sarah.

"It most definitely is not," Sarah agreed.

"Your mother is still a CIA agent, doing her job, Mr. Bartowski," Madelyn explained. "Her job is currently need-to-know. I realize you are a CIA analyst now, and if Mary decided to read the two of you in, that is something I can endorse. As for Honey and Woody, they are in the area to provide support as needed. We have found both Honey and Woody, and Mary and Stephen, secure residences nearby. But not in your apartment complex… Diane has released the one she previously secured for your parents, Chuck."

"Thank God!" Chuck blurted out. He looked abashed. "Sorry."

"No need to apologize, Mr. Bartowski," Madelyn said, with a chuckle. "I don't know if I'd want my parents that close or not." There was silence on the phone for a second, and then they heard a deep sigh. "As for your father, Agent Walker… I am sorry."

"Shit, what has he done this time?" Sarah asked.

"Nothing," Madelyn said. "I have been shown what was done to you by Graham, regarding him. I have been through your records, and what Graham did… it was unconscionable. What Diane said stands. The day you decide to leave, you can… no questions asked. You too, Chuck."

"What about the Intersect?" Chuck asked.

"We'll figure something out. And no, that doesn't mean a bunker, or some other outdated method," Madelyn assured him. "Also, I hear congratulations are in order."

"I hope that's not going to be a problem," Sarah began.

"Why should love be a problem?" Madelyn asked. "A wise philosopher once said You don't need money, don't take fame. Don't need no credit card to ride this train. It's strong and it's sudden and it's cruel sometimes. But it might just save your life. That's the power of love."

"I don't know that one," Sarah admitted. Chuck began to laugh. "What?"

"Huey Lewis and the News," Madelyn told Sarah.

"Director, permission to throttle the analyst?"

"Even if I gave it to you, you wouldn't do it," Madelyn told her. There was silence for another moment. "Sarah, I'd like to ask you something about Kieran Ryker." Chuck saw Sarah stiffen. "Do you believe him to be part of Fulcrum?"

"I have no idea," Sarah admitted. "But I know he's as dirty as they come."

"I would agree to that, as well," Madelyn said. "He has been burned, and frankly, should be dealt with. But you aren't that person any longer, Sarah Walker."

"What do you mean?"

"You aren't the Wildcard Enforcer any longer. And that is not a bad thing," Madelyn hurried on. "You have moved into protection, and that is something that you should concentrate on. I will say this: If that baby was alive, he should be put down. Ryker, that is."

"I understand ma'am," Sarah said, nodding. "Do you have any suggestions on what someone might do if they were to have an idea where the baby is?"

"It seems to me that Kieran needs to be drawn out, and you have just the person there to help you do that; your father." Sarah blinked and looked over at Chuck. "You also have three CIA agents, an analyst and someone in support that understands how the CIA operates. Plus, you have one of the best NSA agents in the business. I think I would use that team to take him out. If I knew where the baby was."

"Baby?" Chuck mouthed. Sarah swallowed and held up a finger.

"I understand, ma'am," Sarah replied. "And ma'am? Thank you."

"You're welcome, Agent Walker," Madelyn replied. Sarah heard the warmth in her voice. "Chuck," she called out.

"Yes ma'am?"

"Back to the Future: overrated or underrated?"

"Underrated, ma'am," Chuck replied.

"Remind her, Chuck, when she needs it," Madelyn said.

"Remind her what?"

"They say that all in love is fair. Yeah, but you don't care. But you know what to do, when it gets hold of you. And with a little help from above, you feel the power of love."

"I think I might watch Back to the Future tonight," Chuck said with a grin.

"Be safe you two, and please, call me if you need anything." With that, Madelyn hung up.

Sarah hung up the phone, and looked at Chuck. "So, we need to talk to your mom, and my mom." She swallowed. "I saved a baby right before I met you and I hid it, and the child might be in danger."

Chuck nodded. "Then I think it's time we assemble the team." She crossed the floor and kissed him soundly. When she backed up, he looked down at her and grinned. "What was that for?"

"It wasn't me, it was the power of love," she said, grinning.

And with that, she walked out the door, leaving him alone in his old room.

a/n: So what's next? Would you like a peak?

Carina stared at him. "You don't know who you're messing with." Chuck started to respond, and she shook her head. "No, I don't have to do one thing physically to you to make you uncomfortable. You either take it back, or you are going to have to deal with me, during this mission, making you crack."

"I believe in you, Carina Miller," Chuck told her, crossing his arms.

"Don't say I didn't warn you, kid," Carina said, standing up and walking off.

"We're the same age!" Chuck called after her.

Oh. My. Reviews and PMs are always welcomed. Take care friends. DC