A Heart Torn
A Charah Tale
By Lord Rapier
Edited and guided by CliffM
Chapter 16:
A New Day
Chuck and Sarah are sitting in the solarium, a beautiful sunlit room made of glass. The area outside the windows is layered with rows of wildflowers. The landscaping is beautifully done making it seem natural, the colors blend together creating a color filled mosaic. There's a door that leads to a path. The path bends leaving it to one's imagination as to what might lie behind this manmade sanctuary, filled with food and drink.
Sarah is feeding a piece of waffle to her husband as Casey enters the room. She looks at his face it appears weird to her, she can't quite figure out what it is. Chuck blurts out, "Holy crap! Casey, are you smiling?"
Casey grunts, "Shut up Carmichael, nobody needs to hear your voice this early in the morning. I don't need you ruining my appetite." He moves over to the breakfast buffet, clearly set up for tourists. Europeans don't eat like this for breakfast. Taking a plate he fills it with pancakes, drenched in syrup, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, pastry, and fruit. Carrying the plate over he joins the newlywed couple at their table.
Chuck looks at the plate piled high, "Hungry much?"
Casey stuffs a Danish in his mouth and chews. When he's done, he looks at Chuck. "Kid, which part of shut up don't you understand? Do I look like someone who needs a play by play of his own breakfast. What happened to you two last night, I turned around and you were gone."
Sarah smiles and shrugs her shoulders. "We had some things we needed to take care of."
Casey nods, "Well I hope you had fun."
Chuck's mouth falls open, "Did John Casey not make a disparaging remark about us having sex?" Chuck jumps up, and whisper shouts, "Holy crap, Casey got laid."
Casey reaches up to grab Chuck's shirt. He pulls him back down into his seat. "How many times do I have to say shut up, before I have to kick your ass?"
Sarah's eyes go wide, "Come on Casey, spill, who…."
Just then Julie MacLeod walks past the table, "Hi Chuck, Sarah, nice to see you again General," she touches his shoulder as she walks by.
Chuck and Sarah's mouths both fall open, Casey pushes his chair back. "Both of you, just shut the hell up. What I do and who I do it with, is none of your business."
Zondra Rizzo arrives, she walks over to the table, kisses Sarah on the cheek, waves at Chuck. "Good morning, Chuckles, hope you two slept well, I know I did." She moves over to Casey and plants a wet kiss on his lips, "Be right back General, I just want to grab some breakfast."
Casey leans back and growls, "Shit!"
Sarah's eyes go wide. Chuck's jaw is working but nothing is coming out. Suddenly he blurts out, "Zondra… you got with Zondra?" From across the room Julie waves at Casey, 'and COMMO. Wow! You really are the Boy Wonder. You must have been wearing your lucky four-leaf clover underwear."
Casey pulls his chair back to the table, "Can I please eat my breakfast, in peace?"
Chuck and Sarah are laughing their asses off when Zondra returns to the table. "What's so funny?"
Sarah fights to catch her breath, "Nothing special, we were just talking about the best way to deal with cats in heat."
Chuck and Sarah start laughing all over again. Zondra gives them a dirty look. "Well children from where I sit the General is a genius at herding cats, and you two are acting like immature asses."
Between laughing and trying to catch her breath, Sarah haltingly explains, "Sorry Z, but you have no idea how much grief this man has given us about our sex life. This is just a small payback. Sorry you got caught up in it."
Casey grunts, smiles a half smile, shrugs his shoulders, "Fair is fair," then goes back to eating his breakfast.
Zondra just stares, "This what you guys do for fun? Mess with each other?"
Chuck shakes his head as he sips his coffee, "Sometimes, but only when we…" he lowers his voice, …"get a break from saving the world. Z, you've only seen the tip of the iceberg. "We laugh when we can, because sometimes the things we see are nothing to laugh about. That being said, I know I can speak for Sarah, when I say, we're both glad, that you and John are happy." Sarah nods her head. Chuck continues, "However, we will be yanking his chain over this for years to come. Tell me Z was he wearing his lucky four-leaf clover underwear?"
Casey grunts, "Tell me Boss, how hard do you think it'll be to go sight-seeing after I shove your head up your ass?"
Zondra leans in and quietly says, "You guys confuse the hell out of me. Why does a General call a Colonel, Boss?"
Sarah speaks softly, "Same reason I do Z. Chuck is the CEO and Managing Partner of CI. He's also the leader of our team. He's not just a pretty face, he's got a beautiful brain."
Chuck blushes, "Stop it Sarah, tell the truth. Casey calls me Boss because he knows it pisses me off. We don't have a leader. We've been working fine, covering each other's backs."
Zondra takes a spoonful of yogurt, "So you're telling me with all the crap that went down between you two, you still trust each other… without question?"
In unison Chuck, Sarah and Casey say, "With my life."
Zondra shakes her head, "the CAT Squad was tight, but you guys raise trust to a whole new level. How could I ever fit into a team like that?"
Chuck laughs, "Too late Z, you're already part of the team. You're Sarah's best friend and partner. Think how many people know about me and Sarah. Do you really think John feels safe enough, with just anyone, to be with them? He never gets that drunk. No matter what it looked like, last night was a decision. Like it or not you're a part of this team. More importantly, and you said it before when you called me brother, you're a member of this family. I do have one concern. Are you sure you should be doing, what you're doing, with Dad?"
Sarah puts her hand to her mouth, but it doesn't hide her laughing. "Oh God! Chuck, tell me you didn't just say that."
Casey looks up and gives Chuck an angry look, "DAD! that's does it, Kid. I'm hiring Miller and I'm putting her on your personal security team. Let's see how funny you find that."
Sarah is still laughing as she shakes her head, "Oh no you're not. If you think I'm trusting Chuck's safety to Carina, you're crazy."
Chuck looks at Casey, "I keep telling you. You're calling the wrong person Boss. She's the real Boss."
Casey grunts, Zondra just sits speechless. Finally she offers, "You know we could go sight-seeing, or we could just go back upstairs to that king size bed."
Sarah looks at Chuck, waiting for his reaction. He looks into her eyes and smiles, "I'm sorry Z, I didn't catch that. I was looking at the only woman in the world." Sarah's eyes glisten with moisture when she smiles.
Zondra speaks with an edge of frustration, "Damn you Walker. I'll bet you got the last good one."
Sarah laughs and reaches across the table to take Chuck's hand, "That's right. He's without a doubt the best. I thought you couldn't stand nerds." Zondra curls her lip at Sarah. Sarah shrugs and throws Chuck a kiss.
Casey pushes back from the table and stands up, "My God people, I just ate. Do you really want to be covered in barf? Let's go, I want to see some of Italy before I hurl. I need a cigar."
The quartet has a great time sightseeing. Zondra is puzzled, every time they get near a beach Chuck and Sarah want to stop. They just sit in the sand, holding each other, looking at the water. The newlyweds never letting go of each other's hands. Through all the historical sites, the grand scenery, it's hard to see any light between them.
Climbing back into the car after a stop, Zondra remarks, "Okay guys, it's almost sunset, there's one more beach up ahead, then how about some dinner?"
Sarah is in the back seat, her head resting on Chuck's shoulder, "Sounds good."
Zondra drives to the next stop and the four of them take their shoes off and walk out towards the water. About fifty feet away from the water Sarah pulls on Chuck's hand and leads him away from the others. They walk a little further. Sarah steps in front of Chuck, "Would it be okay if we sit here Baby?"
Chuck smiles and sits cross legged in the sand. Sarah sits next to him her arm around his waist her head resting against his shoulder. Chuck puts his arm around her shoulder and holds her tight to him. "Chuck, it's almost time to leave Italy, I have one more thing I have to leave behind."
Chuck pulls her in even closer, "I'm listening."
Tears falls from Sarah's eyes, "Baby, it was on a beach similar to this one, what feels like thousands of years ago. I asked you to trust me. You did, and I betrayed that trust. Chuck I'm sorry I hurt you so badly. I have no choice. I have to ask. Chuck, will you trust me?"
Sarah feels Chuck's body shudder as he sobs, his tears falling on her head. "Sarah, I love you… I have no words to describe my love for you. Without you, I can't breathe, my heart stops beating, my life becomes empty. I also have no choice. Yes, I'll trust you."
The couple hold each other, and watch as the sun goes down, both thinking, it's the end of a day. Tomorrow, It's a new dawn, it's a new day.
Across the beach Zondra and Casey are watching them, Zondra takes a deep breath and lets out with a heavy sigh, "Tell me Casey, you think we'll ever find that?"
Casey plays with his toes in the sand. "I thought I did once, but she was a spy and duty took precedence. There came a time when it was close enough for me to grab again, country came first again. I don't know Rizzo, I don't know if we'll ever have that, but I'm glad they have it. I am enjoying my time with you, you're good people." Casey shakes his head. "Okay enough moping, let's get some food. I feel like celebrating again. Too bad Julie had to go back to the ship, but I think I'll enjoy having you all to myself."
Zondra smiles as she gets up, offering her hand to John. "Come on, let's fake it for a few hours. Let's see how many people we can fool, as long as we're not fooling ourselves or each other."
Casey takes her hand, standing up, he pulls her into an embrace and kisses her. She kisses back. "You're a good liar Rizzo, you almost have me fooled."
Zondra shrugs and smiles, "Eh, some spy skills are more fun than others." Holding hands, they walk over to Chuck and Sarah. Casey shoves Chuck with his foot, "Come on kids, Dad's hungry."
The four of them laugh as they get up and start back to the car. Sarah puts her arm around Chuck and the other arm around Casey as they walk through the sand. Zondra and Casey have their arms around each other. All four of them holding each other tight. Chuck thinks to himself, Bryce, buddy, sorry about what I thought on the ship, thanks.
When they get in the car, Sarah sits as close to Chuck as possible. "Z, I know it's not as good as Mama and Papa's, but would you mind one more meal at La Tovaglia A Scacchi? I spent a lot of time there. I need to say goodbye. After dinner, we can go wherever you guys want. However, the safe place would be the hotel. That way you wouldn't have to worry about driving, and it would still be on the agency."
Casey scratches his chin, "Hmmmm, all the JW I can drink. No fears of interacting with the local LEOs. And I can make sure that the Bartowski's are on time for our flight home, I'm sold. Chuck, remember full dress uniform for the flight. I'll come by in the morning to make sure you're squared away."
Chuck pouts, "Why do I have to get all dressed up to fly home?"
Casey turns around and gives Chuck a dirty look, " Bartowski, do you ever get tired of whining? Because it's protocol, you're flying on a military aircraft, you'll be in full dress, and you'll like it. New Bartowski, you'll dress accordingly, formal business wear, you too Rizzo."
Zondra is shocked, "Me, Why do I have to dress up? I'm not flying with you."
Casey flashes her a smile full of teeth, "Pretty please, with sugar on top."
Zondra looks at his face and turns away, "Damn, that's some scary shit... fine, business formal."
Parking the car the quartet enters the restaurant, the owner immediately rushes over, "Signorina, so good to see you again. Come, I have your regular table ready for you."
Sarah puts her head on Chuck's shoulder and says in Italian, "Not Signorina, Signora this is my husband. I'm afraid this will be my last meal with you. We're returning to our home in the states."
The owner throws his hands up, "Congratulations, I'll bring you a special bottle of wine to celebrate. For my favorite customer, on the house." He hustles them over to a table in the corner, it's surrounded by two walls and there is a full view of the street through the opening to the terrace seating.
The four of them eat their dinner, a lovely Italian meal. Not as good as their previous lunch. Something wasn't quite the same but delicious, nonetheless. In his mind Chuck thinks, it doesn't get any better than this, the girl of my dreams, her best friend, and my best friend. Great food, good wine, peace and quiet. Chuck stops and listens. He can hear the noises of a city, traffic, people talking, people yelling. No explosions, no gunfire, just people enjoying life. In a rare moment, Chuck allows himself to feel good, I helped save this, I played a role in keeping these people safe.
He turns to look at Sarah. She smiles at him and feeds him a ravioli. The flavors of the pasta, cheese and sauce explode in his mouth, yum, that's good. Looking across the table, Casey and Zondra are flirting with each other, feeding each other. Is something going on there? I wonder if Casey is missing Ilse.?
Casey takes a sip of his wine, "Crap, I forgot, I have to bring something home for Alex, the Elf and the kids. I hate souvenir shopping. I never know what to get."
Chuck nods, "He's right Baby. We need to get something for Ellie, Devon, My mom, Mrs. Sawyer, Alex, Morgan, the kids… Casey are we flying home in a cargo plane? We're going to need one. We might also pick up some smelling salts. Because when they see us together, they're going to faint. Z, any ideas where we can get all this shopping done in one place quickly? I want to take my wife dancing tonight."
Casey smiles, a knowing smile, "I think we'll be okay. I'm sure our ride can handle a few mementos.
Zondra eats the last of her cannoli and leans back sipping her espresso and nods. "I would recommend buying some ceramics, local cheeses, preserved meats, olives, fashion accessories and of course toys for the kids. We could try Via Toledo, Chiaia District or Poggioreale Market, but be careful about the foods, some aren't permitted through customs."
Once again Casey smiles, a knowing smile, "I think we'll be okay. We'll be flying into a military base, with top level clearance. Of course there may be an issue with the crowd waiting to meet The Batman."
Chuck looks at Casey, "You're kidding right, I'm nobody."
Casey gives Chuck, are you an idiot look, "Colonel, you do know that the very existence of Batman, who he might be, and what he might have done is highly classified. Of course, I'm kidding numbnuts." Turning to Sarah, "you know there's still hope, you can unload him anytime, and find someone who won't give you idiot kids."
Sarah is pissed, tired of Casey bad mouthing Chuck. Leaning forward, she turns to Zondra, "Speaking of idiot kids Z. I hope you're practicing safe sex. Clearly you aren't making smart choices in a mating partner unless you're hoping for little, grunting, knuckle dragging, baby apes."
Zondra puts her hands up, "Leave me out of this."
Casey looks at Sarah, her face is clearly showing her displeasure, Chuck puts his hand on her arm, "It's okay Hon, he's just fooling around."
Sarah's face is harder still. Her stare at Casey is deadly. Casey looks back at her, "too far?"
Sarah nods, "Too far."
Casey nods, "Sorry kid, no harm meant. You're still my favorite nerd. I look forward to being Grandpa to your kids. Who I'm sure, will be as beautiful as your wife, and as smart as you."
Sarah sits back and smiles, "That sounds great Z, lead the way. Good thing we have an SUV. We're going to need the room for all the souvenirs. And if Casey opens his big, fat, stupid mouth again, we'll have a way to move the body."
The tension hangs in the air for seconds until Chuck starts laughing, "I think I just got that Mama Hen crack he made (see chapter 7)."
Sarah turns and stares at Chuck. Slowly her hard face starts to crack, she starts laughing. Casey and Zondra join in. Everyone in the restaurant turns to look at the crazy people in the corner.
The proprietor brings the check and Chuck reaches for it. Casey pushes his hand away, "Nope, this one is on me. It may take a while before new Bar… Carmichael forgives me. I need all the points I can rack up."
Sarah is snotty, when she says, "Damn straight." They all start laughing again as Casey pays the bill and they leave the restaurant.
They laugh all the way to the car, bad feelings dissipating with the laughter. Sarah looks at Chuck and thinks, this is why you're our leader, you always do exactly the right thing. You keep us together, focused on what's important, each other. Sarah smiles, my kids are going to have the best dad in the world. They're going to grow up with love, kindness, and gentleness…. A tear rolls down her cheek and she turns and grabs Chuck's face, kissing him hard. At first, he's surprised, startled, and his arms fly out to the sides. Recovering from the shock he wraps his arms around Sarah and holds her tight as he returns the kiss. When Sarah pulls her mouth away Chuck asks, "What was that for?"
Sarah reaches up and removes a tiny speck of lipstick from his lip with her fingertip. She smiles impishly, "Do I need a reason to kiss the man I love?"
Chuck shrugs, "I guess not, but if he finds out you're kissing me, we could both be in trouble."
Sarah laughs, "Quick, get in the car Chuckles, he could show up at any moment."
The rest of the evening is filled with laughter, lights, and love. Any outsider would see two couples who want nothing more than to be with each other. Chuck watches Casey with concern. Finally he's able to get Sarah alone. He takes a moment to enjoy her face as she takes in the glowing bright lights of the shopping district. His heart is touched. He imagines he can actually see the tension leaching out of her, leaving her filled with childlike wonder. Staring into her eyes they challenge the glow of the colored incandescent lamps that beckon the shopper to come buy the wares they illuminate.
Chuck puts his arms around his wife, "Are you having fun Baby?"
Sarah sighs, she reaches up, tucking in a lock of his hair gone astray, "I'm so glad I waited to do this with you." She takes in a deep breath, "I wish we had more time."
Chuck smiles, he bends his neck to kiss her gently, "Sarah, time stopped the first day I saw your face. We have all the time we need. We could travel the world together if that's what you want. No matter where we go, the only place I want to be, is in your arms."
Sarah's eyes shine with tears unshed, "Chuck… Baby… I feel like I'm going to burst. Is it safe to feel this happy? Please tell me I'm not dreaming. That when I wake up, you'll still be with me."
Chuck sighs, "Sarah Lisa Bartowski, you'll never be rid of me. I'll be right here all the rest of my days. And after I'm gone, I have every intention of haunting you. However, there is something that I need to discuss with you before my demise. Should we be worried about Z and Casey?"
Sarah turns her head and glances at her partners, old and new. She takes a deep breath and smiles. Turning back to face Chuck. "I spoke to Z, in the ladies' room, back at the restaurant. They're fine, just enjoying the moment, no illusions. Let's get this shopping done, I want to dance with my husband. As I recall you owe me a Tango. Unless you would prefer to dance with a South American arms dealer who wants to kill you."
Chuck puts on a pensive face, "Hmmmm tough choice, sweet and deadly, or spicy and deadly."
Sarah gives him a dirty look, "keep talking Colonel, I'll show you sweet and pissed off. Now take me dancing. We're bringing enough of Italy back for the entire CI staff, and all their families, much less our own." Sarah puts her hand to her mouth. "OH! God, I have a family and they don't all carry guns. Chuck, you're the gift that keeps on giving." Sarah pushes up on her toes to whisper in his ear, "Tell you what handsome, take me dancing and you might get lucky tonight."
Chuck releases Sarah and turns to yell at Casey and Zondra, "Guys, we have to get going. There's dancing and stuff, to be done."
Sarah laughs, and kisses Chuck on the cheek, "I love you, Chuck Bartowski. Truth is you can get lucky, anytime you want."
Chuck puts on a look of surprise, "Guys really, we need to get going." Chuck grabs Sarah's hand and drags her over to their friends. Sarah is struggling to keep up, laughing all the way."
Casey looks at Chuck and Sarah heading their way, arms full of shopping bags. "Now there's a man who just got an offer he doesn't want to refuse."
Zondra looks at the running couple then at Casey, "You do fuck with them all the time, don't you?"
Casey looks Zondra in the eye, raising an eyebrow. "Would you prefer it, if I fuck with you?"
Zondra picks up her bags, and yells, "Hurry up guys we need to get moving. Let's go, hustle, we have stuff to do."
Returning to their rooms to drop off their purchases, Zondra follows Casey to his. "I hope you don't mind John. I called ahead and had my stuff moved into your room, no sense in wasting taxpayer's money."
Casey smiles at Zondra as he opens the door and they head into the room, "Good thinking. I have a reward for your patriotism, it's about tomorrow…" The door closes behind them.
Anyone standing outside that hotel room would have heard a loud scream, followed by an equally loud exclamation, "ARE YOU SHITTIN' ME?!"
Chuck and Sarah are sitting in the lounge, enjoying their cocktails, when Casey and Zondra arrive. Zondra is bouncing all over the place like a giddy little schoolgirl. She goes to the bar to get them some drinks. Sarah looks at Casey, "What's up with her, I haven't seen her smile like that… well ever?"
Casey shrugs and smiles, "She told you. I'm good at herding cats."
Chuck nods, "We need to talk. Would you mind asking her to give us a minute?"
Casey gets up and intercepts Zondra. Taking one of the drinks from her hand, he says something to her. Zondra smiles and takes a seat at the bar. Casey returns to his partners at the small table, "What's up?"
Chuck takes a sip from his drink. "I want to drink a little bit tonight. I want to dance with my wife and relax."
Casey shrugs, "You're a big boy, you don't need my permission."
Chuck smiles, "You're right, but I do need your attention, on me. I have some concerns about what might happen if I indulge. I would appreciate it if you would help Sarah keep an eye on me. Make sure I don't say anything I shouldn't. If I start to act out, get me out of here. Most importantly, don't let me hurt anyone."
Casey sits back, he shakes his head, "Kid I owe you a big apology. Not for messing with you. You know that's forever. I apologize for forgetting the responsibility you carry around in that head of yours. Thanks for reminding me. No worries, I'll always have your back. Do you have your Tranq gun on you?" Chuck nods his head. Casey holds his hand out, "Gimme." Chuck looks at him, questioning. "Kid if you go full on Bruce Lee, you'll take both of us out before we can react. What I'm carrying would be a permanent solution, to a temporary problem. Gimme."
Chuck smiles and takes Sarah's purse off the table. He slides his tranq gun under it and puts it back on the table. Casey picks it up and puts it in his jacket pocket. Sarah kisses Chuck's cheek, "Do you feel better now sweetheart? I'll be right next to you, all night, and John will be watching closely. Tonight Batman gets to relax and have fun."
Chuck smiles and pulls Sarah in close as Casey gets up and walks over to the bar. Leaning over he whispers in Zondra's ear. Her head tilts back and she laughs. Casey offers his hand. She takes it and steps down off the barstool. When they return to the table Zondra is laughing. Casey and Zondra sit, "Carmichael the next time you need to share your lady feelings, talk to your wife. Keep me out of it."
Zondra reaches over and pats Chuck's hand, "It's okay Chuckles, lots of people are afraid to fly. That flight over in the Hornet must have been hell for you. Is Casey a good pilot? Did you feel safe?"
Chuck looks at Casey and smiles, "I couldn't have felt safer if I were flying it myself. But that would be very unsafe since I have no idea how to fly. I think I better leave the piloting to someone else. I'll stick to my keyboards."
Zondra glances at Casey, "Well, I'll bet the flight home tomorrow will be as safe and comfortable as can be. You relax and enjoy your last night in Naples."
Chuck nods, "You know what Z, I'm going to follow that advice." He drinks the last of his cocktail. He catches the server's eye and signals for another round. She nods and heads to the bar. "As a matter of fact, New Chief, with my wife's permission, perhaps you would honor this nerd with a dance?"
Zondra laughs and looks at Sarah, "Well Old Chief, what do you say?"
Sarah looks hard at Zondra, "Fine, but make sure you keep your hands above the waist. I'll be watching, and who the hell do you think you're calling old?"
Zondra laughs, "No worries, Sarah, he's already rejected me once. This girl knows how to take a hint."
The group is laughing as the server brings over their drinks. They proceed to have a fun night of drinking, dancing, and laughing.
It's after 1 A.M. when, the two couples make their way to their rooms. Casey has his arm around Zondra and moves towards his room. Chuck slaps him on the back, his words slurred, evidence that he did indeed take the opportunity to relax. "Casey, you're the best. I couldn't ask for a better friend." He turns and kisses Sarah, "Except for maybe my sweet, sweet Sarah. I love you Baby. Now Casey, you can't tell Morgan that you're my best friend." He puts his finger to his lips and makes a shushing sound. "It would really upset him."
Chuck burps loud and nasty. "Oops, sorry, I'm gonna… um I'm gonna…," he laughs, "I have no idea what I'm gonna… Oh, oh, I think I know what I'm gonna." He grabs his mouth and stomach and looks all around. Spotting a maid's service trolley he runs over and heaves into the trash can. Sarah runs over. She holds his head, and rubs his back as he empties his stomach. She shakes her head. "I got this guys. You get some sleep. We'll see you in the morning."
Zondra heads into the room and Casey walks over to Sarah, smiling. "I'm glad he had a good time, he earned it. We'll see you in the morning. I'll be by at 0730, we have to be in the car by 0800, to make sure his uniform is squared away. It's important that he look sharp."
Sarah checks on Chuck who's still heaving. "Casey what the hell is going on? You and Z have been acting like you have some kind of secret."
Casey leans over and whispers in her ear. Sarah looks at Casey, her hands still on Chuck. "Are you kidding me? You couldn't tell me that before he did this to himself?"
Casey shrugs, smiling, "Would you really have taken this night away from him?"
Sarah shakes her head, "No, I guess not. He needed it. He earned it. But he's going to be plenty pissed at you in the morning."
Casey shrugs, "I think I can handle that. The good news is I'll bet you'll be getting some sleep tonight. Do you need some help getting him in bed?" Sarah sighs and shakes her head. Casey turns and heads towards his room.
Sarah grabs some tissues off the cart. Lifting his head, she wipes his face. "Come on Baby, let's get you into bed. You have a big day tomorrow."
Sarah gets her shoulder under his arm and the two of them stagger to the room. Chuck shakes his head. "Uh, uh already had my big day. Married my Sarah. I love my Sarah."
Sarah manages to get the door open and plops him on the bed. As she removes his clothes she says, "And your Sarah loves her Chuck. You get some sleep Honey. I'll see you in the morning. I'll be right here next to you when you wake up, I promise."
Sarah picks up the phone, "Desk, yes I'd like to leave a wake-up call for 6:30, and please arrange for a pot of coffee outside my room at 6:45. Yes that's the right room, thank you."
6:30; the hotel phone rings. Sarah picks it up and an automated voice says, "Good morning this is your wake-up call, good morning." Sarah hangs up the phone and puts her arms around Chuck. "Good morning, Husband."
Chuck pulls her arm tight around him and groans. "No, go back to sleep. Sleep now, practice later."
Sarah laughs as she rolls him over so she can look at him. " Shower and brush your teeth now. Then coffee, then dress, then go bye, bye on big airplane. If Chucky is a good boy, practice on big airplane, high in the sky."
Chuck's eyes are closed, they pop open wide, "My darling wife, are you inviting me to join the mile high club?"
"I am, if that's what you want. But only, if you're good and do what I need you to do." Sarah punctuates it with a kiss on the cheek.
Chuck smiles, "Come on wife, give us a real kiss."
Sarah smacks him playfully. "YUCK! Charles Irving Bartowski, are testing me to see if I'll kiss your puke laden lips?"
Chuck rolls over and buries his face in her neck and starts to blow raspberries. Sarah is laughing and kicking her feet, "Chuck, stop, stop."
Chuck stops long enough to say, "If you would deny your husband a kiss then you must be punished." He goes back to tickling her.
Chuck stops tickling her long enough to ask, "Care to join me in the shower, after I brush my teeth?"
Sarah sighs, "Do you know the last thing you said to me this morning, just before you passed out?"
Chuck thinks for a moment, "Where's the toilet?"
Sarah laughs, "No you said, 'I love my Sarah,'" she lets out a heavy sigh. "Chuck… thank you for loving me."
Chuck kisses her cheek, "Totally my pleasure. I need to brush my teeth. Give me three minutes in the bathroom, then come in for the world's best kiss ever."
Sarah is smiling when Chuck gets up and walks into the bathroom, closing the door behind him. She gives him a few minutes then opens the door to join him. As soon as the door opens, he grabs her and pulls her in. Holding her tight he kisses her hard. Sarah feels her knees go weak. Catching her breath, "Good work Bartowski, I think you may be on track for that club membership. Shower now, Casey is going to be banging on that door shortly. We need to pour some coffee in you. Then you need to be dressed and ready for inspection when he gets here."
Chuck turns on the shower adjusting the temperature. "I don't understand why I have to be in that damn monkey suit. I'm going to be a Marine for all of one more day."
Sarah looks him in the eye, " Casey explained that to you. It's protocol, plus seeing you in that uniform makes me hot. Now stop complaining, wash your wife. Make sure you don't miss anything important."
After showering and drinking numerous cups of coffee, Sarah helps Chuck get into his uniform. She checks to be sure it's wrinkle and lint free and everything is straight. Then she takes off the tunic (jacket) and hangs it up. "You look very handsome. Now you go sit on that plastic chair while I dress." Sarah puts on a white bra, sheer nude stockings, a white silk blouse, two buttons open at the collar, a black suit: the skirt four inches above her knees, black pumps with 2-inch heels, and her garter holster. "Tell me Honey, how do I look?"
Chuck whistles, "Baby, you look good enough to eat. Which would be easy since you forgot your underwear."
Sarah smiles evilly, puts her hand to her mouth, "Did I? Hmmmm, well don't you think about that. I don't want you to be distracted. You just relax. Don't think about the plane being high in the sky, with your pantyless wife sitting next to you, okay?"
There's a knock at the door, "It's me, open up. It's inspection time." Sarah opens the door. Casey looks sharp in his full-dress blues as he looks her up and down. "Very nice. Now you Colonel. On your feet." Casey walks over and grabs the hanging uniform jacket. He slips Chuck's Tranq gun into the inside pocket, and helps Chuck put it on. "You look good. I'm proud of you kid. You make a great Marine. Zondra went to pull the car out front. The bellhop should be here in a minute to collect your baggage and packages. Are you ready to go home?"
Chuck looks at Sarah and smiles, "First I have to thank both of you for watching out for me last night. Sorry about the whole getting sick thing, but I had a really fun time. I'm ready to go back to Burbank. Home is where the heart is." Sarah smiles, knowing that sentiment was meant for her.
Casey puts Chuck's lid (cap) on and makes sure it's straight. "Okay, let's go. The plane is waiting."
There's a knock on the door. Casey lets the bellhop in to collect their belongings. They follow him to the elevator and out to the car. Casey climbs in front with Zondra, Chuck, and Sarah in the backseat. All the packages are loaded in back. Casey gives the bellman a tip and they pull out.
Zondra drives, the short distance to the airport, but it's long enough for Chuck to start grumbling, "Isn't it bad enough that I have a hangover, do I really need to wear this uniform? I feel silly. I'm no Marine."
There's no response, as the car pulls into the airport gate. The guard checks their ID's as another guard checks the bottom of the vehicle with a mirror. Chuck remarks, "Wow, that's really tight security. What are they guarding?"
He looks out the front window and sees a jumbo 747 painted white and blue. Chuck yells out, "CASEY, IS THAT AIR FORCE ONE?"
A/N Crap another author's note, look I don't like it any more than you do. I prefer to be ignored by a much better class of people. However, just in case you're still around. There may be a pause after this chapter. I've hit a crossroads as to what direction the story will take. (This is an old note. The dilemma was resolved). The ending is already written, (only 30+ chapters to get there). The question at hand is how we will get there So be patient, I'm hoping that pause won't happen, and if it does it won't be long. In the meantime, there are all kinds of good things to read, so keep your guilt to yourself.
