Misty morning, clouds in the sky
Without warning, the wizard walks by
Casting his shadow, weaving his spell
Funny clothes, tinkling bell
Never talking
Just keeps walking
Spreading his magic
Evil power disappears
Demons worry when the wizard is near
He turns tears into joy
Everyone's happy when the wizard walks by
Never talking
Just keeps walking
Spreading his magic
Sun is shining, clouds have gone by
All the people give a happy sigh
He has passed by, giving his sign
Left all the people feeling so fine
Never talking
Just keeps walking
Spreading his magic.
Songwriters: John Osbourne / Terence Butler / Frank Iommi / W.t. Ward
The Wizard lyrics © Onward Music Ltd
A Heart Torn
A Charah Tale
By Lord Rapier
Edited and guided by CliffM
Chapter 25:
The Handsome, Magical, Nerd Wizard
Sarah and Carina/Gretchen walk out into Mrs. Sawyers office. Mrs. Sawyer takes one look at Gretchen and gasps, "Oh My God, Sweetheart what happened to you? Weren't you in handcuffs?"
Sarah frowns, "That was all a joke Mrs. S., Gretchen and I have been friends for years. I'm afraid we got a little carried away with our training in the gym. We think she has a sprained ankle, but we want to get it checked. Mr. Bartowski said you have the address of our company doctor."
Mrs. Sawyer pulls out a pad and writes down the info. "Do you want me to have the car brought around Ms. Walker?"
Sarah takes the piece of paper, "No need Mrs. Sawyer, we'll be taking our car. Would you mind calling the doctor and letting him know we're on our way?"
Mrs. Sawyer picks up the phone, "Right away, Ms. Walker, please let me know if you need anything else."
Sarah helps Gretchen get to the elevator, she looks at Sarah and laughs, "So that's the fearsome Mrs. Sawyer. You know, if she had let Chuck get even one of my calls, we could have avoided all this."
Sarah shakes her head as they enter the elevator, "Ca... Gretchen we could have avoided all this if you had listened to me. We were already discussing bringing you in. You're lucky you didn't blow it with this stunt. You had better not hurt Chuck. He's really going out on a limb for you. He's risking millions in contracts by hiring you."
Gretchen's eyebrows go up, "Millions, WOW Walker looks like you did alright for yourself."
Sarah is angry and speaks sharply, "Carina, are you listening, the man I love is putting his ass on the line to help you, for me. If you screw him over, I'll take you out myself."
The elevator door opens, and Sarah guides her to the car, "Okay Sarah, I get it. He's being nice to me. It makes me uncomfortable, but I get it. I know you were there for me, both of you. I won't forget that. I won't screw either of you."
Sarah helps Gretchen into the passenger seat, then walks around to climb behind the wheel. Gretchen whistles, "Nice car Walker, not as nice as your Lotus. That was more my style."
Sarah nods, "I like it too, but it's Chuck's car. I usually use the limo."
Sarah backs the car out of the space and heads for the garage door, pushing the button, causes the gate to open to the right. She pulls out of the garage and heads across the campus to get on the main road.
When Casey walks into the outer office, Mrs. Sawyer coughs, "Mr. Casey, get that disgusting thing away from me." Casey grunts and heads down the corridor. Mrs. Sawyer waves her arms in the air in a futile attempt to dispel the cigar smoke. She reaches into her desk drawer and pulls out a can of air freshener, she's spraying around the room when a man walks in behind her. He's wearing a Khaki uniform. There are multiple multicolored ribbons over his left breast pocket and a set of brass wings. Clipped to his chest is a badge that reads visitor. Casey is standing behind him. "Excuse me Mrs. Sawyer, you have a visitor. By the way, sorry about the smoke."
Mrs. Sawyer turns around and screams, "THOMAS!" She throws the spray can to the floor and runs over to hug him.
He hugs her back, "Hi Mom, it's good to see you."
She holds her son tight, "Oh son, I was so worried about you, but Mr. Casey and Mr. Bartowski said you would be alright. I'm so happy to see you."
Thomas kisses his mother's cheek, "I'm fine Mom, Gen... er Mr. Casey really stood up for me. Who's Mr. Bartowski?"
Casey puts his hand on his shoulder, "Um he's the Boss, come on, I'll introduce you."
Mrs. Sawyer steps in front of the door, "Mr. Casey, The Boss has been trying to get his work done all day. It's been one thing after another."
Casey smiles, "Mrs. Sawyer, trust me, the Boss needs to see Buzzsaw, just as much as you did. He was worried too."
Mrs. Sawyer looks doubtful, "If I get in trouble... Fine. Thomas, we have dinner reservations for tomorrow night, courtesy of the Boss. Wait until you see the beautiful gifts he brought me, all the way from Italy."
Buzzsaw looks at Casey, "This Bartowski guy was in Italy too?"
Casey laughs, "Come on, time to meet the Boss."
Casey opens the door and is immediately met with, "ARRRGGGHHH! I'm never going to get this done. How many times do I have to say, I don't want to be disturbed."
Chuck looks up and sees Buzzsaw. He jumps up and comes around the desk to take him in a hug, "Man, I'm glad to see you."
Mrs. Sawyer breathes a sigh of relief and closes the door. Chuck ushers Buzzsaw over to the middle of the three chairs in front of his desk and sits in the chair to his left. Casey sits in the chair to his right. Buzzsaw looks back and forth at both of them. "General, Colonel, I'm very confused."
Chuck is smiling ear to ear, "Confused about what?"
Buzzsaw turns to look at Casey, "I thought you said I was going to meet someone named Bartowski. This is Colonel Carmichael."
Chuck laughs, "Don't be silly. I'm Batman. He's Robin the Boy Wonder." Casey growls.
Chuck gets up and pushes the buttons to engage the security protocols. Buzzsaw jumps when the locking mechanisms engage, and the shutters close. "Sirs, what the hell is going on?"
Casey waves his now unlit, half smoked, cigar at Buzzsaw. "What's going on is that we're about to have a highly classified conversation."
Buzzsaw sinks into his chair, "General, am I in trouble? I mean I was a little freaked out when Hammer just vanished. Is it my turn to disappear? Will I get to say goodbye to my mom?"
Chuck laughs, "Hammer didn't vanish, he was transferred to Antarctica."
Buzzsaw's eyes go wide, "Holy shit. That wasn't a joke? You can really do that."
Chuck decides to have a moment of fun, "Yep that's me, the magical wizard. I can make people vanish and reappear on the other side off the world. I only do it if I need to. Do I need to?"
Buzzsaw starts to stammer, "No...no Sir."
Chuck laughs, "Relax, I'm just messing with you, Hammer did that to himself. He discussed classified info with the wrong person. He put a lot of people at risk, including his mother, and yours. Thanks to us, the powers that be, decided to go easy on him. The alternative was prison, or worse. Our Commanding Officer wanted to put him in front of a firing squad. She was the OIC (Officer in Charge) for that mission."
Chuck walks around to sit behind his desk, "In any case, I'm glad you dropped by. I'm really glad to see you again. By the way, the name is Chuck, that whole Colonel thing was momentary, a cover. He on the other hand, really is a General."
Chuck sighs and sits back, "Thomas, I'm about to tell you something that you will forget as soon as you've heard the words." Thomas nods his head. "Before we retired and we started our own security company, the General and I worked for a special branch of the government. Both of us have been trained in a variety of disciplines. That whole, I'm afraid to fly, routine was just a cover." Casey smiles as he quickly catches on.
Buzzsaw looks at Casey, "He speaks the truth, either of us could have flown your Hornet, but I'm not carrier qualed, he is. We were called in, to help in a crisis. When I made that call, it was to get permission, to take the risk of revealing Chuck's training. It's a good thing we did. The emergency we flew to, was time sensitive. A disaster was averted because of the hours we saved."
Buzzsaw, looks at Chuck, "But, who the hell is Mr. Bartowski?" They both laugh.
Chuck is still laughing when he says, "That would be me, Chuck Bartowski, at your service. Carmichael was my cover name for many years, so as a joke I named my company after, well... me. Thomas, I'm hoping we don't need to upset your mom, I love her like my own. Buzzsaw, besides Rabb, you're the only person who knows for sure that I flew your Hornet. That I'm Batman. Discussing any of this, with anyone, could put all of us at risk."
Buzzsaw shakes his head, "No worries, Sir, I'm glad I finally got to meet you for the first time. Mom has said so many good things about you." Chuck and Casey smile.
Chuck leans forward, "I'm about to lift the security measures, any questions before I do?"
Buzzsaw looks at him puzzled, "Questions about what Sir, my Mom, I already know she's the best? I'm sure you'll tell me anything I need to know."
Chuck nods, "What you need to know is, there was a computer crisis somewhere in the Med, Colonel Carmichael and General Casey were flown out there, from your base to deal with it. You greeted us because your mother asked you to. I've never been in a Hornet in my life."
Casey leans forward, "If you're unclear on the details, perhaps you miss your RIO, and you speak Polar Bear?"
Gretchen looks at Sarah, "OOOOHHH, the limo, aren't we posh."
Sarah gives her a quick stare. "See, I was thinking a wheelchair was more your style."
"Ha Ha! Very funny Walker. Loads of laughs." They both laugh.
Sarah what the hell happened to you? How'd you wind up back together with Chuck. I thought you two were over."
Sarah smiles, "Well Gretchen, damn that's gonna take some getting used to. Why did you tell us your real name?"
Gretchen throws her hands up, "Sarah my career as an agent is over. Chuck nailed that when he finished kicking my ass. I quickly realized, if I'm going to work for a civilian company, I'm going to have to fill out paperwork. Tax papers, insurance papers, etcetera. I figured why play games longer than necessary? Okay, your turn, how did you wind up with Chuck again? I mean on the phone you were too terrified to call him, so spill."
Sarah sighs, "You were wrong, spies do fall in love, just not with their marks. It was a rough road, but Chuck is the best thing that's ever happened to me. Unknowingly we both got assigned to the same mission. He wanted nothing to do with me. Blocked me at every turn. He actually put a kill order out on me. If I were to get within twenty feet of him, bang, I'm dead."
Gretchen stares at Sarah, "Damn, I guess we was pissed at you."
Sarah shakes her head and smiles sadly, "He was angry. More importantly, he was in as much pain as I was. I hurt him really bad. All the way to the core. He wanted me, but he was afraid I would hurt him again."
Gretchen winces when Sarah hits a bump, "Ouch! Watch it, that whole rough road thing was a metaphor, right? Your boyfriend did a job on me."
Sarah laughs and shakes her head, "Honey, my fiancée saved your ass. The others wanted you more than hurt. He not only showed you that crossing him was a bad idea. He also showed them that they really didn't want to see you hurt. Except maybe Casey, he found out about you and Morgan. If he didn't respect Chuck so much, you would have disappeared."
Gretchen gasps, "Chuck, what the hell happened to him? I never would have believed he could fight like that, not to mention what he did to me. Did you know that he could kick my ass like that? You might have warned me. Your fiancée?"
Sarah sighs, "I did know. I told you I hurt him really bad, he took it out on Casey in the gym. From what I've been told, all he did for two years was work, train, and sleep. By the way Partner, he didn't do anything to you. He did something for you, for us."
Gretchen shakes her head, "A kill order? So, how'd you get back together? Did you say fiancée?"
Sarah takes a deep breath, "I blackmailed Casey, I made him get me into Chuck's room. Chuck was not happy I was there. I begged him to forgive me, to take me back. He threw me out. Casey had to lock us in together. It started out really bad, but we worked it out. Eventually he forgave me. See Ca... Gretchen that's what he's offering you. The real thing. All you have to do is take it slow and enjoy what the team has to offer. To be honest, I'm a little jealous, you're spending the weekend with the Grimes. Their boys are wonderful. True healing spirits.
Listen carefully, do not push Alex. Be nice. There's no need to flirt with Morgan nor bring up the past. You don't have a lot of leeway. It's important you prove you can be trusted. Please don't mention what happened between you and Casey. He would love an excuse to get rid of you."
Gretchen seems remorseful, sad, "Yeah, I get you. I guess I've kind of abused your whole team. Sarah, I'm sorry I didn't listen to you." Sarah hits another bump, Gretchen groans, "Trust me I'm really sorry. I have to be honest, I'm a little worried. I don't know if I can stop being me. I just can't tolerate sitting around."
Sarah pats her knee. Gretchen winces, "OUCH." "Oops, sorry, he really did do a number on you. I guess you won't have a choice about the sitting around part. At least for a few weeks. Keep in mind, every strike was aimed to slow you down, so he wouldn't have to really hurt you. There was no way he was going to let you fight me. He played you like a mark. I was a little shocked when he punched you in the nose. I guess he figured it was the only way to stop you."
Gretchen's eyes go wide, "You wereshocked? But he was right, I wasn't going to quit."
Sarah smiles, "My Chuck is pretty smart that way. He took Zondra down, didn't hurt her at all, but she yielded."
Gretchen is shocked, "He took Zondra down, wow! I'll bet she hates him more than ever."
Sarah shakes her head, "You remember Decker? He was about to put a bullet in me. You think Chuck put a hurt on you? Decker was screaming. Every blow was intended to cause pain. Chuck was about to crush his skull. I stopped him, didn't want him killing. Zondra put Decker down with a double tap. She loves Chuck, called him her brother. Feel free to call her, she took my old job. I'll bet she'll be glad to hear from you."
"Her Brother?" Gretchen sounds incredulous, "I would never have seen that coming. Well, Amy is locked up, so I guess you're the only CAT he hasn't put a hurt on."
Sarah laughs, "Oh No, I got my share too. He put a heavy beating on me, just not with his fists. I'm also the only CAT that didn't challenge him to a fight, and the only pussy, Casey didn't play with."
Gretchen laughs, "Yeah I guess Johnny gets around."
Sarah pulls into the doctor's parking lot and turns to face Gretchen. "Chuck wasn't trying to hurt you. He was trying to get your attention. Listen, if you give him half a chance, you may learn something new. Here's something else you need to know. Chuck is going to suffer for what he did to you. That man hates hurting others. What he did for you was a sacrifice that he'll pay for, in many ways.
If our friendship means anything to you at all you'll appreciate that. He hurt himself to help you." Sarah sighs, "Being part of this team has changed my life."
Gretchen sighs, "Millionaire, boss, fights like a demon, made Sarah Walker fall madly in love. How the hell did Chuck do all this? All in two years no less."
Sarah looks at her with a knowing smile, "Haven't you figured it out yet? Chuck is the Handsome Magical Nerd Wizard." Gretchen looks at Sarah like she's insane. Sarah laughs.
She looks Gretchen in the eye, "Tell me, when was the last time you relaxed and felt safe?"
Gretchen shrugs, "I can't remember."
Sarah smiles, "Really, how do you feel right now?"
Gretchen thinks a moment, "Well, I paid no attention to your driving or where we were going. I guess for all I know, you brought me someplace to dump the body, but I'm not worried about it."
Sarah opens her door, "Exactly. Beat to hell, but you feel safe. Wait there I'll come around to help you."
Gretchen is quiet when Sarah comes around and opens the door, "Sarah, I don't know if I can do it, be like you. Will you help me?"
Sarah smiles "That's what the team does. Come on partner, let's get you fixed up, can't have one of my bridesmaids limping down the aisle."
Gretchen grabs onto Sarah's shoulder, "BRIDESMAID! You did say fiancée.
Sarah laughs at her reaction, "If you can behave yourself for a little while, I'll tell you more."
Sawyer's eyes go wide, "No Sir, crystal clear on the details. RIO who Sir? English is my only language. A little French in High School, but no Polar Bear."
Chuck nods and presses the buttons to open the room. The three of them chat as if they just met, complaining about the Navy, Marine Corp, and private corporations. Quite a bit of time passes, as the men enjoy each other's company. The intercom buzzes, "Yes, Mrs. Sawyer."
Mrs. Sawyer sounds annoyed, "Don't you think you've monopolized enough of my son's time with your little boy's club? Besides Ms. Walker has been waiting, out here, for you to show your face."
Chuck laughs, "Why don't both of you come in?"
Sarah opens the door walks in and stands next to Chuck, he puts his arm around her. Mrs. Sawyer sits in the chair to her son's left. "Sarah this is Buzzsaw, Mrs. Sawyer's son Thomas. Buzzsaw, this is my wife, Sarah."
Mrs. Sawyer reacts with shock, her mouth drops open, "Oh Dear, Son you can't repeat that. Their marriage is a big secret." They all laugh. Mrs. Sawyer looks around the room at them, "What, what's so funny?"
Thomas reaches over and pats his mother's hand, "It's okay Mom, I promise not to tell anyone."
Chuck smiles, "Mrs. Sawyer, did you honestly believe that I wouldn't trust your son? I know that he was brought up right. I believe he knows how to keep a secret. Plus, he was on the Ford too. I'm betting his ears were open, but he kept his mouth shut. Sarah, how's Gretchen?"
Sarah smiles, "It's so nice to meet you, Thomas. Your mom and my husband have said so many nice things about you."
Thomas smiles, "It's nice to meet you too Ma'am. I can't say I've heard a lot about you, but your husband has earned my respect."
Sarah smiles then turns to Chuck, "Well, like we hoped, it was a sprain. The doctor gave her a soft cast, a pair of crutches and told her to keep it iced. He did have to straighten her nose. That seemed awful painful. I could tell by the screaming." Chuck makes an ouch face. Casey gets a big smile on his face. "I dropped her off with the Grimes's, the boys were a little freaked out by her appearance. Knowing them, they'll get over it soon enough and will want to touch the boo boos."
Casey slaps his thigh and lets out a loud, "HA." He stands up, "You know what folks, I'm gonna go see my kids, this may turn out to be a good weekend after all."
Chuck and Sarah laugh as he walks out the door. Chuck yells after him, "CASEY BE NICE." Casey grunts.
Chuck stands up, "Buzzsaw, take your mom home. If she fights you, which she will, throw her over your shoulder. Tomorrow night dinner is on us, at our favorite restaurant. It's where Sarah and I had our first date. Now go away, we need to pack and get some sleep we have an early morning.
Just so I can share my misery, I didn't get my coding done. Mrs. Sawyer, if anyone tries to bother me on Monday, have Mr. Casey shoot them. I'm sorry, I believe I said, go away."
They laugh, Chuck comes around to shake Thomas's hand and hug Mrs. Sawyer, Sarah does the same. They walk out the door. Chuck and Sarah head to the back door and their private elevator. Arriving in their apartment they put their suitcases on the bed next to each other's. Sarah moves Chuck's off the bed, "We're only going for one night, we can share. As they pack Sarah asks, "Hon would you mind if we make a stop on the way to the airport?"
Chuck shrugs as he puts a couple of folded shirts in the case, "Of course Sarah, anyplace special?"
Sarah smiles, "It is, but it's really not on the way to the airport, so we'll have to get up a little earlier, say four A.M..."
Chuck shrugs, "No problem, we can catch a nap in the air. Where are we going?"
Sarah puts on her Russian accent, "Who do you think you are American spy to qvestion Natasha?" Chuck smiles. "Chuck, would you mind if I surprise you?"
"You mean like this?" Sarah shrieks in surprise when Chuck runs across the room grabs her, throws her on the bed next to the suitcase and kisses her hard.
Sarah is laughing as she throws her arms around him, "Not quite like that, but close. Baby, have I thanked you for loving me today?"
"I don't remember wife. I've been so happy. The days have all run together." Chuck kisses her and starts to nuzzle her neck. Sarah giggles at the ticklish sensation.
Chuck stops to look into her eyes. Sarah reaches up and moves a lock of hair off his forehead. "Chuck, I know what you and the others are risking, taking in Gretchen. Thank you for helping my friend."
Chuck smiles, "All part of our baggage handling services Ma'am. Any friend of yours, is a friend of mine. Except Boris, there's something about that guy I don't trust, he has shifty eyes. I think he plans to steal you away from me."
Sarah laughs and pulls him in tight, "Can't happen, nobody could ever steal me away from you." Sarah thinks for a moment, "Except...Boris is kind of cute. I like his eyes and I love his accent. I heard that he's a really good toe sucker. I'll have to find out for myself before I decide."
"Fine, we'll have a toe suck off. He can have the left foot. I'll take the right. We can meet in the middle."
Sarah laughs again, "Okay, but no cheating, no kissing the back of my knee, that's off limits."
Chuck moves his hand and runs it up her thigh, Sarah gasps, "What about here, can I kiss here?"
"Charles Bartowski, are you trying to unfairly influence the judge?" Sarah moans when Chuck moves his fingers.
Chuck looks in her eyes, "Why? Do you think it might work?"
Sarah arches her back and groans, "Oh yeah, it could definitely work."
After a lengthy delay, the bags are finally packed, a light dinner eaten. Sarah sets an alarm for 3:30, as they climb into bed. Chuck looks at the clock, "Hon, you said four."
Sarah nods, "Uh huh, and I also know how my husband wakes up in the morning, I'm guessing we may need the extra time."
Chuck smiles as he takes her into his arms under the covers, "I love my wife." Sarah turns the light out, and wiggles in tighter to be the little spoon.
At three thirty, a song begins to play on the clock radio. Sarah moans and snuggles deeper into Chuck's warm body. His arm draped over her side; he pulls her in tight. "Chuck, I like this song, what is it?"
Chuck kisses her neck, "It's called Still Loving You by the Scorpions."
Sarah nods, "I like it, it feels sad, but it touches me inside." Sarah rolls over and takes Chuck's face in her hands, she kisses him softly, but long. "I love you Chuck, you've given me so much. I never paid attention to music before you taught me."
Chuck strokes her hair, "I don't know how to explain it to you. Watching you hear the music, feeling the words, does something inside me. It's like I'm hearing it for the first time right along with you."
Sarah smiles and looks in his eyes, "Just think Baby, one day we'll introduce our children to your music, your movies, and I'm so excited about reading them stories. We get to do it for the first time all over, again and again. Then we can feel what you're feeling, together, for the first time.
Chuck leans over and kisses her, "I'm glad you made time for us to cuddle, it's the best way to start my day."
Sarah laughs gently, "I told you. I know my husband."
Chuck holds her close, "Sarah Lisa Bartowski, will you wake up with me forever?"
Sarah kisses his chest, "Yes Charles Irving Bartowski, I will. Forever and a day."
Sarah gently touches his cheek, "Baby, I want to stay here all warm and snuggly in your arms. However, if we do that, we won't have time for my surprise."
Chuck nods, "Okay, quick shower, I need to grab my travel bag from the office, then we'll head out. I want to go on record that I'm leaving this bed under protest."
Sarah throws the covers back, "Duly noted, your complaints will be heard at the next partners meeting. Come on, Up."
Chuck groans, "Yes Agent Walker, your asset will obey your orders, as cruel as they are."
Sarah laughs, "Well, Asset, if you catch me, I'll let you soap me up, without a washcloth." Sarah runs off to the bathroom.
Chuck jumps out of bed and runs after her, "Hey no fair, you had a head start."
Sarah stops short of the bathroom, Chuck wraps his arms around her, "Oops, you caught me. Guess I'll have to accept my punishment."
Chuck takes her in his arms and stares into her eyes and he takes a deep breath and lets it out. "I would never have thought it possible to love someone this deeply, this totally. I love you, Sarah."
Sarah looks back into his eyes, "Thank you for loving me, Chuck." Sarah smiles, "But if you think this is going to get you out of soaping me all up, you're wrong." She takes his hand, "Come on lover, time is happening, whether we like it or not."
After a nice "hot" shower the couple dress and grab their bags. Sarah picks up a sweater, "Might be a good idea to take a jacket Sweetheart, could be chilly at this hour."
Chuck grabs a light jacket. They pick up their suitcase and head to the elevator. They exit outside his office. "This will only take a minute Sarah. Can't go anywhere without my leash."
Sarah laughs, "Your leash?"
Chuck nods as he packs his travel bag, "My computers, cell phones, Sat phone, jammer, Tranq gun and darts, picture of a gorgeous blonde slave girl."
Sarah sounds disappointed, "Hon, do you really need all that? We're only going to be gone for two days."
Chuck closes his bag, "Tools of the trade Sarah. I'm responsible for a lot of stuff. I can't be out of touch for too long. I'm also hoping to hear from Morgan's team on that vetting. Did you think I didn't see you putting your gun in your purse? Speaking of which, we need to get you licensed to carry. While different, I don't think conjugal visits would turn me on that much."
Sarah laughs, "Busted, but I better not catch you working unless it's urgent. This weekend is meant to be family time. You know we still haven't had a proper honeymoon." They get back in the elevator.
Chuck kisses her, "I thought we were at the start of our fifty-year honeymoon. Here's a thought, why don't you plan something that we can do right after the wedding. Given time, I'll make sure I can vanish for two weeks, no leash. You saw what a strain it put on Alex and Morgan. With time to plan, the team can cover for me. Would it be okay if we don't take Casey on this trip?"
Sarah gets pensive, then sarcastic, "I don't know, I think we may have started a tradition. Can we really honeymoon without him?" Arriving in the garage they load their luggage into the trunk.
Chuck looks in as he loads, "Hey where did this blanket come from?"
Sarah shrugs, "I put it there. You never know when we may get locked in there. I figured it would be more fun to cuddle than to argue about deli meats."
Chuck puts on a hurt look, "Ouch! Perhaps that's baggage that doesn't need to be handled anymore."
Sarah laughs and reaches up to kiss him, "Sorry Baby, I couldn't resist, remember I'm funny now."
Chuck closes the trunk, "Yeah, I'm laughing my brains out."
Sarah takes the keys from his hand, "Do you mind if I drive Hon?"
Chuck walks over and opens the driver side door, "Well considering, I have no idea where we're going, that might be best."
Sarah climbs in the car, her short skirt riding up, "Thank you husband, did you get a good look."
Chuck laughs, "OMG, I've created a monster. For the record, anytime I look at you, it's a good look." He closes the door and walks around to climb into the passenger seat.
Sarah buckles her seat belt and checks to make sure Chuck has done the same. She lowers the convertible top. Then she pulls the car out of the garage and towards the freeway, heading west. Chuck puts his hand on Sarah's thigh. She admonishes him, "Boris, not now, I'm driving."
"Vhat? I am tinking your leg might be cold. Boris merely uses his hand to varm you up."
Sarah takes a quick look at him, "Aha, and I know how quickly you can go from warming me up, to making me hot. Now be a good dangerous espionage agent, we're almost there."
Chuck looks up and sees the green sign up ahead, and smiles. In a singsong voice, "I know where we're going, I know where we're going."
Sarah laughs, "Can't put anything over on you."
Chuck looks proud, "Nyet, Boris is very smart Russian espionage agent, can read signs. Now Boris knows vhy is blanket in trunk. Ve do hootchey kootchey on beach."
Sarah laughs, "No hootchey kootchey, at least not this time." She raises an eyebrow, "But maybe another time. When we have more time." Sarah pulls into a parking spot and hands the keys to Chuck. "Come on Baby, let's go cuddle on our beach."
Chuck gets out and walks around to open the door for Sarah. Together they collect the blanket from the trunk and head down to the shoreline, hand in hand. Sarah takes the blanket and opens it up. Chuck sits down and Sarah cuddles up next to him shivering. Chuck removes his jacket and lays it over her bare thighs, "Perhaps a short skirt wasn't the best idea. Didn't you warn me it might be a little chilly out here?"
She leans up to kiss his cheek, "You're right, but we won't be here long. I mostly dressed for our flight."
Chuck pulls her in tight, "I'll keep you warm." They sit quietly in the dark, listening to the water lapping against the beach. The moist, salt laden air brushing their cheeks. Chuck breathes in deep, the smell of the ocean filling his nostrils. Sarah is leaning against him, her ear pressed against his chest. She can hear his heartbeat, that familiar sound saying over and over, "Sarah, I love you."
Sarah takes a deep breath, "Baby, when I was telling you about Budapest, you stopped me, when I got to the part about the men I killed."
Chuck leans his cheek on her head, "I saw no reason to rehash what I already knew. It wouldn't have helped my search."
Sarah sighs, "Chuck, are you ashamed of me? Of the things I've done?"
Chuck shakes his head against hers, "That's a silly question. Sarah, I know who you were. I also know who you are. I knew when I fell in love with you. I knew when I asked you to marry me, both times. I guess the important question is... are you ashamed of the things you've done?"
Sarah wraps her arms around him and pulls him in tight. "Chuck, did you know that in the metaphysical world, water represents emotion?"
Chuck is puzzled by this turn in the conversation, "No Baby, I didn't. That hasn't come up in my experiences."
Sarah takes a deep breath, "You see that ocean out there?" Sarah points out towards the water where the moon has laid a lighted path.
Chuck is very confused, "Yes Baby, it's kind of hard to miss."
Sarah laughs, "Yes, it is. It's huge, vast, so large it's hard to imagine it's size. Yet it's still not large enough to represent what I feel for you. Love, awe, passion, desire... I could go on for the rest of my life and not tell you how I feel about you. Just like the ocean isn't large enough, there aren't enough words.
Charles Irving Bartowski, you saved my life. "Talking to Gretchen made me realize what you've actually done for me."
Chuck interrupts her, "No more than you've done for me Sarah. You've saved my life countless times."
Sarah gently slaps his chest, "Hush, your wife is speaking." Chuck laughs. "I wasn't talking about my physical life. I'm talking about my life. You helped me to see who I am, the real me, the whole me.
There's a reason I brought up Budapest. When I went into that house, When I saw that couple dead in the corner, "Molly's parents, all I felt was anger. When I looked at those eleven-armed men, I felt nothing. I wasn't afraid, no fear at all. I killed them one by one, bullets flying all around me I felt nothing. No fear, no remorse, no regret.
Then I picked up Molly... something changed. I didn't know it at the time, but it was fear. All I knew was I didn't like what I was feeling. I Didn't like it at all. By the time I called my mom for help I was in full freak out. With all those emotions overwhelming me, I still didn't understand that I was just plain scared.
Those two years I was apart from you, I was in so much pain. I was terrified that I had lost the best thing that ever happened to me. I Ran away like a stupid little girl afraid of the dark. I had no choice. I had to learn about my feelings. However, it wasn't until I spent time with you, Alex, the twins, Morgan, and even Casey that I fully understood what was missing.
Now I know. Baby, you're not the dark, I was afraid of your light. A light that shines on who I really am. I was paralyzed by the thought that you would see the real me. The liar, the manipulator... the killer.
Chuck, knowing that what I'm feeling is fear, doesn't change that I'm terrified of what's going to happen in Chicago. I'm scared that I may lose Ellie as my sister. That Clara will never know her Aunt Sarah. That our kids won't know their Aunt Ellie and Uncle Devon, and it's all my fault. How can I live with myself if I come between you and your sister?"
Tears are running down Sara's cheeks, drying quickly in the ocean breeze. "Chuck, I know you're here, and I know you would never abandon me. That you would do anything possible to support me, protect me. Baby, please don't take offense. I want to talk to my mom so bad. The hurt is almost as much as being apart from you. Don't you dare laugh, Chuck, but I need my mommy."
Chuck sits quietly, he knows there's nothing he can do to fix this. He can't protect her from herself. He pulls her in tight and kisses the top of her head. A few minutes pass, Chuck quietly says, "I'm so proud of you Sarah. You're so brave. Baby, do you still trust me?"
Sarah nods, "Always."
"Let's take this one step at a time. Let's drive to the airport. Then we get on the plane. Then we fly up into the sky and make love. Then we take a nap. Then we land. Next, we stop somewhere for a bite to eat. Then we drive to the office. Once there, I get to introduce everyone to their new boss, my gorgeous wife.
Then we take a short drive and park in front of Ellie's house. That's when you can make the decision to be scared, not before. I would never force you to do anything you don't want to do. Right then, you can decide you want to leave. I will go in, hug my sister and niece, then we leave. The one thing you need to know is through all of those steps, I'll be there. Holding your hand, being proud of you, protecting you, loving you. So, tell me Sarah Bartowski, are you ready to take that first step?"
Sarah sighs, "You're not disappointed in me because I'm scared?"
Chuck stands up and offers his hand to Sarah, to help her up. He takes her in his arms, "Baby, I'd be disappointed if you weren't. I'd hate to be scared all alone. Come on Boris is dying to join the Mile High Club."
Sarah laughs, "Lead on my Russian lover, I would never want to disappoint you."
Chuck bends down and grabs the blanket, when he stands, Sarah takes his face in her hands and kisses him passionately, "Thank you for loving me, Husband."
As they walk up towards the car Chuck's arm around her shoulders, Sarah smiles. "You know what Baby, we're going to bring our kids to this beach, our beach. They're going to learn about trust when we teach them to swim. They're going to learn how to play, unfettered by shame, from their father. They're going to learn from us what love is. Our children will never know what it feels like to be afraid to be loved."
Chuck opens the trunk and shakes out the blanket. Together they fold it, and Chuck puts it in the trunk. Opening the passenger door for Sarah, she's about to climb in when he stops her. "I also want them to never be afraid of someone they love. I know you love Ellie. I know you love me. We'll be alright, I promise."
Sarah looks into his eyes, "I know you would never break a promise." Sarah climbs into the car.
Closing the door he walks around to the driver side. He makes all the adjustments, then turns to Sarah, "Thank you My Love, that was a nice surprise. Now let's fly."
Sarah smiles, "Yes Baby, let's fly."
A/N: I know you all want to know when they'll get to Ellie. The answer is soon. There is so much for Sarah to learn. I know that it seems like a lot has happened in the six months or so since you started reading AHT. However, it has only been a little over two weeks for Chuck and company. In that time a great deal has transpired, so let's give our heroes a little breathing room. A little time to live a calm day or two. Ellie and family are not going anywhere. This is not deliberate to keep you in suspense. I don't know if the result will be worth the anticipation, I hope you won't be disappointed.
In the meantime, just like in your lives, things happen. you may want to go see the newest movie this weekend, you have to work, eat, sleep and we hope bathe. While you wait.
So, a little about this chapter. I was thinking about the show and how Chuck helped people be the better versions of themselves. I thought how the hell does he do that? I hope you agree with my theory. See you next week.
A special thank you to CliffM for once again keeping me on track. Plus, without his editing you would think you're reading an idiots Scribblings. Who knew that English had rules?
Please give me the energy to keep writing, send me a review. Maybe give me a vote.
