A/N: You may have noticed that I haven't been doing Author's notes lately. I'm not sure if it's because I got lazy or… no that's it I got lazy. So, a friend, actually a fan, Holy Rotating Blades, Batman… I have a fan, suggested that I list the military terms up here to make the reading easier for you civilian types. I'm gonna give it a try, let me know what you think.

CO = Commanding Officer

Deck = Floor

Hack = When an officer is confined to quarters they're in Hack

Mess = Refers to anyplace where food is served

Enlisted are ranked E-1 though E-9

E-1, Seaman Recruit, E-2 Seaman Apprentice, E-3 Seaman, E-4 through E-6, Petty Officer third, second and first class, E-7 Chief, A Senior Chief is an E-8, A Master Chief is an E-9

Officers are ranked O-1 through O-11 Because of the O; officers are referred to as Zeroes.

O-1 is Ensign, O-2 Lieutenant Junior Grade, O-3 Lieutenant, O-4 Lieutenant Commander

A Commander is an O-5, A Captain is an O-6, A General, or Admiral in the Navy

is an O-7 (and higher) (fun fact there is no O-7 (Commodore) in the Navy during peace time)

LEO = Law Enforcement Organizations. It can also stand for Law Enforcement Officer

ASAP = As Soon As Possible

Watching our sixes = Protecting our behinds, as in the six position on a clock.

Squared away = in perfect order

See you on the other side = Let's make it through this battle.

Wardroom = officer's mess/meeting room

A Heart Torn

A Charah Tale

By Lord Rapier

Edited and guided by CliffM

Chapter 10:

Get Over It

As the ship's officers are coming together in the Captain's Mess to clean up after Shaw's assault, Chuck is unceremoniously tossed into the CO's cabin. Sarah walks in on her own.

Chuck is fuming, "Do you think this is some kind of game?"

Sarah calmly walks over and takes a seat on the couch, crossing her long well-formed legs.

Chuck stands in front of her, "Do you think this is funny? How long did it take you to cook this crap up?" He starts to pace back and forth and notices a pile of bags. "Wow you even got them to bring our bags in here ahead of us. Not planned huh?"

Sarah sits calmly, smiling, watching Chuck freak out. She moves her head back and forth following him as he paces frantically.

He finally stops in front of Sarah and demands, "Well, do you have anything to say for yourself?"

Sarah smiles, uncrosses her legs, leans forward and smiles, "Yes Baby, I do. Are you ready to hear me?"

Chuck falls into the armchair next to her, "Fine, go ahead, I'll listen."

Sarah takes a deep breath. "First, and most important, I love you. Second, I had nothing to do with us being in here. I've hurt you enough and wouldn't trick you like this. You're accusing me of doing something I wouldn't do. Third, we both know you could have kicked those sailors' asses at any time if you didn't want to be in here with me. I'm done."

Chuck knows he's busted, "Yeah well I didn't want anyone to get hurt. So, if you didn't do this, who did?"

Sarah laughs, "I think it's pretty obvious Casey put the Captain up to it. He's probably tired of our will they, won't they crap. I know I am. I guess he figures at least this way he gets three days of peace. Baby, what happened? It wasn't a day ago you said you would take me back. You kissed me. It was such a good kiss, what happened?"

Chuck gets up and starts pacing again. He stops and stares at her, then starts pacing again. Sarah sits back folding her hands into her lap and just watches him. He stops and stares at her again, bends down and grabs his bag, "You can have the couch," then walks into the bedroom and closes the door.

Sarah sits surprised, shocked and says out loud, "What the hell?" Having no idea what to do, she opens the outer door. The guard blocks her way, "Sorry Ma'am, orders are to keep you in there. Please don't hurt me."

Sarah laughs, "Don't worry I'm not going to hurt anyone. Any chance you can round up a sheet, a blanket, and some pillows for me?"

The guard nods, "If you'll go back inside, I'll do what I can."

Sarah smiles, "Thanks, you're doing a good job. Knock when you have that stuff for me."

Sarah sits quietly thinking. The tears start to run down her cheek as she thinks, how could I have hurt him like that? He loved me like no one else in my life and I broke his heart. I'm afraid I may have broken him. Walker you're a piece of work. How the hell are you going to fix this? She lets out with a deep sigh, maybe I just have to accept that I can't, and let him be. I just can't hurt him anymore, I won't. Sarah lies down and faces the back of the couch sobbing uncontrollably. She lies there for a long while, crying, there's a knock at the door, "Who is it?"

"Um it's Petty Officer Franklin Ma'am. I have your bedding."

Sarah goes to the door, opening it she reaches out to take the stuff he's holding.

Franklin looks at her face, her eyes red and swollen, her makeup smeared from crying. "Are you okay Ma'am? Can I help?"

Sarah shakes her head, "No I'm okay, it's kind of you to offer. Thank you for this stuff."

Sarah moves back and closes the door. She makes up the couch for sleeping, spreading out the sheet then the top sheet and blanket. She finishes up by finally putting the pillows in the pillowcases and placing them at the end of the couch. Opening her bags, she pulls out her toiletries and something to sleep in. Then unhappily, she realizes what she has to do next.

Sarah goes to the bedroom door and knocks, "Chuck, I'm sorry to bother you, but the bathroom is in there."

Chuck calls out, his voice is hoarse, "Fine go ahead."

Sarah opens the door and walks into the bedroom. Chuck is lying in the bed, the covers pulled over his head. She's apologetic, "I'm sorry to bother you, I'll be as quick as I can."

From under the covers chuck says, "Fine."

Sarah steps into the small head and washes her face, brushes her teeth, and uses the facilities. Stepping back into the bedroom, she stands and stares at Chuck covered from head to toe. "Chuck. I'm sorry. I can't bear how much I've hurt you. I'll speak to Casey tomorrow about getting us out of here. I guess he was hoping we would work things out. Seems that's not going to happen. I'll see if I can get a ride back to my office. I'll try to be gone, before you get up."

Sarah turns to leave. Chuck speaks softly, "Don't go. I don't want you to be a spy anymore. I couldn't stand it if you got hurt." Sarah moves over and sits at the foot of the bed. Minutes pass and Chuck pulls the cover off his head, it's clear that he's been crying. "I was okay until you started talking about getting married… I got really scared. I started to feel the hurt all over again. Sarah it was so bad. I can't do that again."

The tears start to stream down Sarah's face, "I understand, but Chuck I have no intention of leaving you."

Chuck rolls over on his back to look at her, "Did you intend to leave me last time?"

Sarah shakes her head, "No, no I didn't. I loved you with all my heart. I still do. I guess I was just as scared as you are right now. I really screwed us up, didn't I? Would it help if I tell you that Casey said he would shoot me if I hurt you again. I believe him."

Chuck shakes his head, "No, I would never want to see you hurt, no matter what you did. I always want you to be happy."

Sarah shakes her head and puts her hand on Chuck's foot, "I still can't believe how stupid I was to walk away from a man like you. I've regretted that moment every day since. I thought about calling you every day, but I was terrified that you hated me. I couldn't face you. I guess I was right, you do hate me."

Chuck sits up, "I don't hate you. I'm just afraid you'll leave me again. I guess both of us are wasting a lot of time living in fear. Maybe it would help if we slowed down a little. Get to know each other again, rebuild some trust."

Sarah nods, "I understand. I won't lie, it will be hard for me. I've already lost so much time with you, but I understand. I'm glad we talked, I'll let you get some sleep now, I'll bet you're exhausted." Sarah pats his foot and stands up, "Good night. We can talk more in the morning." She walks to the door and turns back. "Chuck you are the love of my life. I'll wait for you, as long as it takes." She walks out of the room and closes the door behind her.

Sarah goes back out to the office portion of the cabin and gets ready for sleep. She's wearing a white tee shirt and white cotton panties as she climbs under the covers. Sleep doesn't come for her as she tosses and turns, her mind active. I feel better knowing there's some hope, that he loves me too. I don't know how I can reassure him. I've earned his distrust. I have been pushing him away, running away from him forever. How can I prove it won't happen again? I'm not sure I trust myself. He loves me so much it scares me. How can I ever deserve that kind of love? I've been a con artist, a spy, a killer. How can someone as kind, as loving, as Chuck, ever want someone like me? I think what scares me most is that he doesn't want anything from me, he just wants to love me. The tears start to flow.

Light floods the room when the bedroom door opens. Sarah hears Chuck walk in and sit in the armchair near her head. In a soft whisper he says, "Sarah are you awake?"

Sarah quietly says, "Uh huh."

Chuck continues to speak softly, "I'm sorry I walked out earlier. That was immature and rude. I got really scared."

Sarah answers in a whisper, she doesn't want him to hear the tears in her voice. "It's okay, I understand. I'm pretty scared too."

Chuck sits quietly for a few minutes, "I'm sorry if I'm making you upset. I only want you to be happy."

Sarah smiles, "I know," she laughs a little, "Believe it or not that's what scares me the most."

Chuck is confused, "Why would that scare you? A woman as wonderful as you deserves to be happy. You do so much to help so many people. You've saved me so many times, mostly from my own stupidity. You saved me from myself." Chuck pauses, "Sarah, I can't sleep."

Sarah is amazed, her mind reeling, how can he still have such faith in me after the way I hurt him? I have to find a way to ease his fear and pain, I have to. She's gentle as she responds to him, "Well Baby, since we're both awake, maybe we could talk?"

She can't see as Chuck shakes his head, "Um… I don't really want to talk right now. Do you think we could cuddle a little? I'll understand if you don't want to."

Sarah doesn't answer. She throws the covers aside, gets up and climbs onto his lap,

"Chuck, I want to cuddle with you too. I don't ever want stop cuddling with you. May I kiss you?" Chuck nods and Sarah takes his face in her hands and kisses him softly, "Baby let's get in bed, I miss you."

Chuck stands up, picking Sarah up in his arms. She wraps her arms around his neck and rests her head on his shoulder. There's no need for words, these are two people who know that they love each other. For now, that's enough. The rest can wait a few hours. He lays her down on the bed where he pushed the covers back when he got up, then he lays down next to her. She lays her head on his shoulder, his arm wraps around her and pulls her in close. Her leg goes over his and she entwines their feet together. "I hope you don't mind. My feet still get cold."

Chuck smiles and kisses the top of her head, as he pulls the covers over them, "Not at all. As a matter of fact, I insist." They both fall asleep happier than they've been in two years.

Sarah wakes up and hugs Chuck as tight as she can. He strokes her hair, "Thank you Sarah, I needed that cuddle. I've really missed this, missed you." Chuck lies there holding her tight, breathing deeply.

Sarah can sense that something is on his mind, "Are you upset about something Chuck? I want to remind you that I can be here for you, listen to you, help you feel better. I'm not just about the hurt."

Chuck pulls her in tight, holding her as close as he can, "Sweetheart this is genuinely nice, I've missed our…intimacy… "Sarah's heart jumps with joy, he called me Sweetheart, "… I was just wondering why you keep leaving me to be a spy."

Sarah pushes up to look at his face, "What do you mean keep leaving you. I left once. I keep telling you how sorry I am. Are you going to beat me up with it forever? I was so scared."

Chuck gets upset and leans over to kiss her. "I'm sorry Baby, that's not at all how I meant it. When I said you, I was also referring to my parents too. Why do the people I love keep leaving me? To be spies, always to be spies. What's wrong with me?"

Sarah sits up and takes Chuck's face in her hands, tears start to wet her cheeks. "You listen to me Charles Bartowski, and you listen well. There is nothing wrong with you. You are the most wonderful, marvelous person I've ever met. I can't speak for your parents, but I can tell you that I left, just temporarily, because of me. I left because of my weakness, my fear. I'm just not as brave as you, and certainly not as loving. You risked everything to save me, and I repaid you by breaking your heart. I was terrified. I couldn't accept that a man like you could love someone like me. How could I ever live up to the way you saw me, loved me?

Then the agency gave me an escape, and I took it. I hate that I took it, but I did. I didn't leave to be a spy. I left because I was afraid to be your wife. Please, give me the chance. I'll show you how great I think you are, how much you mean to me." Sarah is beside herself, trying to figure out what she can do. How do I reassure him, make him understand it wasn't about him. "Please Chuck, just give me a chance, please. I swear I'll be with you forever. I've learned my lesson." She lies back down and throws her arm and leg over him, repeatedly kissing his throat and face. "You're the love of my life. There is no better man in this world. Please don't punish yourself, both of us, because of my stupidity."

Chuck lies quiet for minutes, just breathing in and out, holding her close, "I want to believe you… I really do. But it's hard to deny that everyone leaves me."

Sarah is feeling frustrated, "Honey, I met your father, he loved you, he loved Ellie. He was willing to die to protect you. He left because he believed it was the best way to protect you and your sister. You know why your mother left. She was trying to fix your father's mistake. She wanted to save the world from the evil he created. She came back, she loves you. What about Ellie? She loves you. She didn't leave you. Don't forget Casey. He gave up the world he loves. Being a Marine was everything to him. He gave that up to look after you. He'll never admit it, but he loves you. What about Morgan, could anyone be more loyal? You stop this nonsense right now. Don't you dare use my fear to beat yourself up. I just won't have it."

Sarah jumps out of bed, puts her hands on her hips and demands, "Charles Irving Bartowski, you stop acting like a pouty little child and listen to me. I love you. I screwed up. How many ways can I say it? I screwed up, you didn't. Now what's it going to be? Are you really willing to throw us away because of what happened when you were a kid? Or are you going to believe that I love you and want to be with you? You don't want to get married… fine, we won't get married. But I'm not going anywhere. You hear me I'm not going anywhere, so get over it."

Chuck is shocked at the energy in Sarah's voice. He sits up in the bed and stares at her. A couple of minutes pass as he thinks, "Okay, but I have two questions."

Sarah has been fidgeting, arms crossed, tapping her bare foot on the deck, waiting to hear what he has to say. She's feeling frustrated, impatient that he's just sitting there staring at her. When she responds, her voice has an edge to it, "Go ahead, I'm waiting."

Chuck clears his throat, "First, how is it you can make even white cotton panties sexy, and second, why don't you want to marry me?"

Sarah stares at him, she cocks her head to one side as she tries to figure out what he just said, "What did you just ask me?"

Chuck smiles, " I asked, how is it you can make even white cotton panties sexy?"

Sarah stares at him, "Thank you, I got that part. What was that second part?"

Chuck stands up and pulls her close to him, "I asked, why don't you want to marry me?"

Sarah starts to cry, "Charles Bartowski, if you're saying this to mess with me, I will kick your ass."

Chuck drops to one knee, "You're right, I am being childish, stupid. If you're my wife for even one day, it will be my dream come true. Sarah Lisa Walker, will you marry me, have my children, and put up with my absurd behavior?"

Sarah falls to her knees, and starts to kiss his face over and over, his eyes, his nose, his mouth.

Chuck laughs as she kisses him over and over. "Is this your way to avoid answering me?"

Sarah pushes him to the deck, falling on top of him. She continues to kiss him all over his face. "Yes Baby, yes. I promise we'll be happy. I promise I will make you happy, and I'll never, ever leave you."

Chuck and Sarah climb back into bed and are snuggling when there's a knock at the door. Chuck gets up and moves into the front room closing the bedroom door behind him. He opens the door and finds Culinary Specialist Senior Chief Child. He's waiting outside with a cart loaded with food. "Good morning, Sir, the Captain sends his regards. I was also ordered to ensure that Agent Walker is… um, okay."

The door to the bedroom cracks open, "I'm fine Senior Chief. Would you please tell General Casey that we would like to see him, as soon as he can get free."

Senior Chief pushes the cart into the room, "Aye, aye Ma'am I'll pass that along. Is there anything else I can get for you?"

Sarah pops her head out, "That looks like a lovely breakfast, and it smells delish. We should be okay, thank you." She pulls her head back and closes the door.

Chuck moves to the door, "Thank you Senior, you're the best. I appreciate all the effort you've gone to for my team."

The Senior Chief steps out the door, "It's been my pleasure Sir. We owe you big time. Enjoy your breakfast. I'll pass your request on to the General."

Chuck steps over to the food cart and pours two cups of coffee, "Okay Sarah, all clear."

Sarah comes out still dressed in her underwear, "You know baby this reminds me of that time we spent on that train to Zurich. You know, we have two more days in here. We can practice for our Honeymoon."

Chuck puts the plates of food down on the small table and sits down, "Sarah Walker, what kind of boy do you think I am. Also, I believe you said weren't using birth control?"

Sarah sits in a chair next to his. Her legs are in a lotus position as she nibbles on a piece of toast. "I don't know about you Colonel. But when it comes to you, I am a shameless slut. When I found out you were on board, I may have talked to the doctor."

Chuck smiles, "I hope that never changes. What exactly did you discuss with the doctor?"

Sarah gets shy, "Let's just say Morgan won't be ruining things this time."

Chuck gets a big smile on his face, "Sarah Walker, you are a shameless slut, YES!" As he pumps his fist in the air. Sarah laughs nervously and leans over to kiss him.

Taking a sip of his coffee, "Baby would you be okay with it, if we get married twice?"

Sarah looks puzzled, "Twice? Why twice?"

Chuck takes a bite of his pancakes, "Because I don't want to wait to call you Mrs. Bartowski. If we get married without Ellie and Morgan here it would really hurt them. Our first wedding would be a secret. Then you, Ellie, Alex, and my Mom can plan whatever you want back home."

Sarah sips her coffee, "I like that, but don't you want me to sign over my shares of CI first, and don't you want a prenup? Also why is it Mrs. Bartowski and not Mr. Walker?"

Chewing on a piece of bacon, "Nah, if you leave me again, I'll pull a Shaw and blow-up CI, then run away with Mrs. Sawyer. Never to be seen again."

Sarah laughs, leans over, and kisses him, "Then I guess CI and Mrs. Sawyer are safe, cause I ain't goin' nowhere, not ever. Instead of leaving I've decided I'll stick around and make you miserable. You got away easy last time. Next time I'm going to stick around and make you suffer."

Chuck smiles, "That's the best offer I've had all day. But Sweetheart, there is no way I can suffer more than when I'm not with you. The mere thought makes my heart hurt."

Chuck hesitates, "About your second question. Walker isn't your family name, it's a CIA name. More importantly, if you're okay with it. I would like to have a son we can name Stephen Joseph Bartowski."

Sarah gently touches his cheek wiping away a tear. "Of course, Baby. You're absolutely right, Mrs. Bartowski it is." Sarah smiles and leans over to kiss Chuck. "Baby, I just realized how perfect this is for us. We'll have our first, first wedding and our second first wedding. It's us!" Sarah jumps into Chuck's lap as they laugh together at the irony involved.

There's a knock at the door, Sarah jumps up and runs into the bedroom. Chuck gets up and opens the door, still wearing the sweatpants he slept in. Casey is standing there chewing an unlit cigar, "You summoned me your majesty?" He pushes Chuck aside, walks over and pours himself a coffee in Chuck's cup.

Chuck shakes his head, "Nope, it was the Princess, not me."

Casey sits on the couch, "And what can I do for her Royal Highness?"

Sarah walks out of the bedroom wearing jeans and a tee shirt smiling, "You can give me away."

Casey furrows his brow, "Why would I give you away? The Russians would pay a pretty penny for you. What the hell are you talking about?"

Sarah sits next to him on the couch, "UGH, come on John, Morgan is the Best Man, Ellie is the Matron of Honor, and you give the Bride away. What don't you understand?"

Casey's mouth opens and his cigar falls into his coffee, "What the fu…"

Sarah snickers and continues, "However, that's for the wedding in Burbank, since we're stuck in hack for the next two days, you'll need to arrange the first wedding here. But nobody back home can know."

Chuck is sitting in the armchair right next to Casey's knee, "Is there a problem General?"

Casey looks back and forth at them, "I figured you called me here to help get rid of a body… this is much worse. Boss what the hell happened in here?"

Sarah immediately answers, "Good stuff John, only good stuff. Would you like a blow by blow?"

Casey covers his ears juggling his coffee cup on his lap. "No, no I don't want to hear it. If you promise not to tell me, I'll do anything you want. I'll talk to the Captain. I'll get you out of hack."

Sarah gets up and climbs into Chucks lap, "No don't do that. We're fine right here."

Chuck laughs, "See I told you I'm not the boss."

Casey gets a serious look on his face, "Look I'm glad you kids worked things out. Unfortunately, I have to tell there's another piece to the puzzle that came to my attention."

Chuck looks worried and pulls Sarah close, "C'mon Casey can't you give us one day?"

Casey leans forward, "You think I want to be the bearer of bad news. But if I don't tell you, someone else will, and I'm here for you, both of you."

Sarah softly says, "It's okay John we understand where you're coming from. We're a team and we watch out for each other."

Casey leans back into the couch and rubs his eyes, "Sarah, your boss, the Director of the CIA was compromised…"

Sarah gasps, "Oh God, Casey please don't say it." Tears pour from her eyes. "Please say something else, not that."

"… Shaw arranged for your promotion."

Both Sarah and Chuck are crying as they hold each other tight, Chuck talks through clenched teeth, "That's what that bastard meant by again. I want to see the body. I want a list of all of his relatives. I will kill every last one of them," he's screaming. "I will wipe the name of Shaw from the face of the earth."

Sarah buries her face in his neck tears pouring freely. "No Baby, hasn't he hurt us enough. If you become him, he wins. He wins it all. I won't let you. I want my Chuck. Please I need you to teach me how to forgive him, please."

Chuck is breathing hard, his chest heaving. Sarah takes his face in her hands and forces him to look into her eyes. "Please Baby, come back to me. We have so much time ahead of us and look how much more we appreciate each other now." She strokes his cheek, "Shhhh, we're okay. We're going to be okay. No hate, no anger. Shhhh, shhhh, shhhh be sad for him. He was so tortured, so sick. He never had what we have. Shhhh be kind, be my Chuck."

Chuck's face softens as he looks into her face and kisses her gently. He nods his head, "Casey I want that body recovered, whatever it takes. I want this done, forever. He's hurt us enough. Call Morgan, I want all CI resources working on finding Decker. Have them coordinate with all LEO (Law Enforcement Organizations), national and international. I want him found, and you tell the President we will be billing the government for our expenses and time. This is on them."

Casey stands up and walks toward the door, to hide the tears in his eyes. "We'll talk about this when we get home. We'll have a meeting with the President soon enough, but you can't meet him like that. Walker, do you have this?"

Sarah holds Chuck tightly, "We have this. We'll be fine, right Sweetheart?" Chuck pulls her in tight and nods. "Casey, thanks. I know that was hard for you. Now get us married ASAP. We have a happy life to look forward to."

Casey nods, "No problem, that's what partners do for their best friends. By the way, you owe me a cigar." He walks out and closes the door.

A few hours later Chuck and Sarah are sitting cuddled together on the couch, chatting about going home and getting settled in. Chuck's anger has been washed away by Sarah's love. There's a knock on the door. Chuck calls out, "Come in."

The door opens and Casey enters pushing a food cart. "I figured I'd join you for lunch. Any objections? Yeah, I don't care." He pushes the cart across the room and Sarah gets up to lift the cloches and bring the plates to the small table, giving Casey a chance to check in with Chuck.

Casey sits in the armchair next to Chuck, "How ya doin' boss?"

Chuck nods, "I'm okay, it's a good thing I have you and Sarah. I was ready to kill earlier."

Casey laughs, "Really? I hadn't noticed."

Chuck makes a face, "Very funny, and stop calling me Boss."

Sarah sits at the small table, "Come on guys. Lunch is ready, and I'm starving."

Chuck and Casey join her at the table, "Guys, this is not my usual thing, but I do want to thank whoever it is out there looking after us. We've all faced death, and worse, many times, and yet here we are. I didn't have much of a family growing up. Neither did Chuck. And John, we know you gave up everything to serve our country, but here we are, a family. People joined by love and caring. So, whoever or whatever has our sixes, thanks."

Casey takes a deep breath in, "Yeah, we've been pretty damn lucky. Thanks Walker, well said."

Chuck just says, "Thanks Honey, couldn't have said it better," then pauses, "Casey what are you going to call Sarah when she's a Bartowski?"

Casey takes a bite of his food, "Well if she's anything like the other Bartowskis, I'll call her pain in the ass." The three of them laugh as they dig into their lunches, ready to move on to better things.

With lunch finished Casey walks over to the desk, picks up the phone and dials a number. "Hi, this is Casey, is the Skipper around?" Waiting a minute, "Hey Jim, what's the word? Half hour gotcha, see you then." Casey hangs up the phone and goes to the door. He speaks to somebody and then turns back into the room carrying a suit bag on a hanger. He walks back over to the couple at the table, who have been watching him with curiosity. Sitting down he pulls an envelope out of his pocket and hands it to Sarah. She opens it and starts to cry, then hands it to Chuck. She throws her arms around Casey's neck, "John, you big loveable Marine, you're the best."

Casey scowls," Damn it Walker, how many times do we have to talk about this hugging thing?"

Chuck takes the paper wondering what's going on. His eyes go wide as he reads an Italian marriage license for Charles Irving Bartowski and Sarah Lisa Walker. "Casey, you're a frickin' miracle worker."

Casey smiles, "That's why they call us Marines." He stands up and hands Sarah the suit bag, "Take this into the bedroom and don't come out until you're called. Chuck get your full-dress uniform on, and make sure those shoes shine like the sun. Move it Marine." Sarah grabs the hanger and heads into the bedroom.

Chuck gets dressed, Casey checks him to be sure he's squared away, "Follow me." He walks out the door and Chuck follows close behind. As soon as they're out of sight, Lt MacLeod walks in the cabin and straight to the bedroom carrying a makeup case.

Chuck follows Casey to the Wardroom. When they arrive, the space is packed. There are rows of officers in full dress whites including sabers. All at attention across the space in front of the table. The Captain is standing near the door as they enter, he points at a spot in front of him, "You know the drill Colonel, stand right there. General over here to my left.

The door opens and all eyes turn to see Sarah enter. She's dressed in a white Navy uniform all insignia removed. Her hair is up, and her makeup is beautifully done. Lt. MacLeod steps in behind her and walks her over to Casey then stands to the side. Sarah whispers to her, "Thank you Julie." Chuck just stares, his lips look like they want to say something, but he's speechless.

Casey calls out in a loud voice, "Sergeant front and center," a Marine Sergeant steps up with a shotgun. There's a loud metallic clicking when he cocks it. Casey in a firm voice gives an order, "If Agent Walker takes one step towards that door, take out a knee. She can get medical attention after the wedding." Sarah and the rest of the room crack up laughing.

Sarah turns towards Chuck and drops to one knee, "Chuck will you make me the happiest woman in the world and marry me? Make me Mrs. Batman?" The entire room claps and cheers. Sarah reaches up and takes his hand, "Chuck I swear I will make you happy. I won't mention, married, not married, you're stuck with me either way."

Another round of laughter is followed by a clap from the back of the room, followed by another and another, the slow clap continues and a chant of "Marry her, marry her," is added.

Chuck looks around, shakes his head, and laughs, "Fine, I'll marry you. What some women won't do to marry a superhero." He helps Sarah to stand up at his side.

A cheer goes up and the rows of officers separate to reveal a wedding cake on the table. Standing next to the table is an officer wearing a yarmulke and tallis. The CO steps up, "This is Rabbi Chaim Shapiro, our squadron chaplain. For those who are not aware, this couple's true identities are classified. In order to be legally married the Rabbi is the official who has signed your license with your true names on it and is the legal officiate. However you Batman, and you Vicki Vale, will be married by Captain James T. Kirk.

Chuck does a fist pump and shouts, "YES!" He turns to Sarah, "We have to have kids soon. I have to tell them about this. Morgan is gonna freak out. Is somebody recording this?" Sarah and the room break out in laughter.

Kirk holds out his hand. In it are two metal rings. "The metal for these rings comes from two nuts removed from the F-18 that brought you together. The General had my Machinist Mates grind them down to make your wedding rings. Don't worry in case you want to fly it home we replaced the nuts." The room laughs.

Chuck shrugs, "I can't fly a jet, but my bride can."

The Captain smiles, "Of course not, my mistake, and why am I not surprised. I haven't known the two of you very long, but in the short time I've known you, I've seen bravery, dedication, and integrity that I have rarely seen before. You saved lives as if it were something you do every day. You faced adversity and instead of allowing it to force you apart, you used it to strengthen you and bring you closer together. When I look at the two of you right now, I can see that your love for each other surpasses all your other assets. I can see no reason the two of you should not be joined together for life. Are there any objections to this union?" The room remains quiet. "Who gives this heroine to be married to this hero?"

Casey steps up, "I do, but if he screws up, I'm taking her back." The room laughs including Chuck and Sarah.

"Do you Batman take this woman Vicki Vale to be your partner in all things, hard and easy, do you swear before this body to stand by her side in good times and bad, in sickness and in health, for all the rest of your days?"

Chuck looks into Sarah's eyes and a tear rolls down his cheek, "Try and stop me. I do."

"Do you Vicki Vale take this man? Ahem, I was ordered to say this by a superior officer. Do you take this giant pain in the ass, no matter how much stupid crap he pulls." The room breaks into laughter, "To be your partner in all things, hard and easy, do you swear before this body to stand by his side in good times and bad, in sickness and in health, for all the rest of your days?"

Sarah can barely speak and croaks out in a whisper, "Oh hell yeah."

Then by the fictitious power invested in me by the United Federation of Planets I now pronounce you husband and wife. Live long and prosper. Now Colonel if you would step aside, we will kiss the bride while you wait to be her last and final kisser." All the men in the room line up to kiss Sarah on the cheek, as the one woman, Lt. MacLeod, steps up to kiss Chuck. Casey steps up last, he has a tear in his eye. Sarah smiles and hugs him, "Damn it Walker…, "

Sarah interrupts him, "Casey, shut up and kiss me, my husband is waiting." Sarah pulls his face down and gives him a big kiss on the lips, "Now get out of my way, before I have to move you."

Chuck is waiting impatiently for his bride. Sarah steps up to him, "Mr. Batman."

Chuck smiles, "Mrs. Batman," then he takes her in his arms, dips her, and kisses her long and hard to the hoots and hollers of all the officers in the room. When the couple breaks their embrace, they're surrounded, hands are shaken, and backs slapped.

After the cake is served the Captain steps up to the couple, "Congratulations you two. I hope you have long lives filled with happiness and lots of little sailors. But before then the nuclear inspection team may be onboard later this evening…"

Sarah puts her arm around Chuck and interrupts the CO, "Sorry Captain, the Colonel has a new commanding officer and will be on special assignment until further notice."

Kirk laughs and salutes, "Aye, aye Ma'am, order heard and understood. Please let me know when he'll be available again."

Sarah looks up at Chuck lovingly, "Yeah, that may be awhile. Maybe we should get started right away."

The CO smiles. "yes Ma'am," he shouts into the room, "Officers take your positions."

The officers line up on either side of the path to the door, draw their sabers and create an arch of crossed swords. Chuck and Sarah walk towards the open door. When they reach the last officer, Lt. MacLeod, she smacks Chuck on the butt with the flat of her sword and shouts, "GO NAVY." Chuck jumps forward as the officer's laugh.

Chuck and Sarah walk out the door where Echo team is waiting to escort them to the Captain's cabin. Echo One opens the door, Sarah enters, Chuck offers his hand to One, "One, thank you for your support and service."

One takes his hand, "Master Chief Booth Sir, you can call me Seeley. Guaranteed Sir, you won't be disturbed."

Chuck shakes his hand, "Thank you Seeley, see you on the other side." Echo one is laughing as Chuck walks in and the door closes.

A/N Okay folks there you have it, Charah legal at last. So, what do you think, did I do right by our heroes? Do you like the glossary at the top? Did you like the ceremony? Is Morgan gonna get pissed that he wasn't there? Are they ever gonna make the darn movie? I have no idea how I sleep at night, so many questions, so many worries. Hope you enjoyed, see you next week, Same Bat Time, Same Bat Channel.