A/N: Yeah, it's been a minute since I've written this much this quickly. You know, I get the sneaky suspicion that some of you think you know who the White Hat is. I mean...you're probably right...

Disclaimer: I don't own Chuck


She had given up trying to sleep. The whole idea of some "white hat" coming in and her having to protect him bothered her. The fact he knew so much about them and they knew nothing about him….Damn it. She missed Chuck. She started to turn for her suitcase to look at the picture when she heard someone at her door. She grinned. They refused to knock which she respected, so she waited for them to pick the lock and come directly in.

"I wondered how long until you two came in her to talk about this 'white hat'," Sarah said. She watched the two of them, and something felt…off.

"It doesn't feel right," Carina began. She stopped talking as Zondra glared at Carina. Carina looked at Zondra, pleadingly, sighed, and turned back to Sarah. "We're not here about the 'white hat'," Carina admitted.

Sarah pulled her chin back, surprised. "Then what's up?" She chuckled. "Did you all want to 'chat' or something?" Sarah smiled at them, and then the file began to disappear as she watched Carina looking uncomfortable. "Okay, you two, what is going on?"

"We need to talk," Zondra said.

"Okay, then about what?"

Zondra paused, straightened, and looked Sarah right in the eye. "It's about him."

"Him who? The 'white hat'? I thought you said it was about someone else," Sarah said. She thought she knew what they wanted to talk about, but….they didn't talk…not like that…not about….love…life…real life.

"Sarah you broke the rule," Carina blurted out. "And we both know it's affecting you."

"Carina, you've broken so many rules over the years it's not even funny," Sarah said. "Which rule did I break that is so terrible?"

"The number one spy rule," Carina said softly. Sarah gave her a look. "Sar…." Carina glanced at Zondra, seemingly pleading for Zondra to say something.

"Sarah…you're in love," Zondra said softly. Sarah scoffed. She watched their faces. They didn't change their expression. "You are, and it's okay."

"Who am I in love with?" Sarah asked. She kept up her mask but inside she was dying. She knew they were right.

"You're gonna make us say it, aren't you?" Zondra asked. Sarah sat there, quiet, stone-faced, almost daring them. "Fine, you're in love with Chuck Bartowski."

"Oh, don't be ridiculous," Sarah said, waving her hand at them. "He's a great guy, don't get it wrong, but…well, Carina said it best. He's the guy you settle down with, in Snoresville. He's the kind that wants the PTA and 2.7 kids, whatever the hell that means."

"Sarah, we were there with you that night in the car," Zondra reminded her. Sarah felt her face falter. "You know, when the song came on?"

"I don't know what you're-" Sarah began. Zondra pulled up her phone and hit play.

I'm drunk in the back of the car

And I cried like a baby coming home from the bar (oh)

Said, "I'm fine, " but it wasn't true I don't wanna keep secrets just to keep you

And I snuck in through the garden gate

Every night that summer just to seal my fate (oh)

And I screamed for whatever it's worth

"I love you, " ain't that the worst thing you ever heard?

"I never screamed I love you at him," Sarah replied, knowing how petulant she was sounding.

"Sarah," Zondra began gently. "You were in the car, crying, hearing that song. You were drunk and yelled, 'That's me! That's me! And I'm ruining him!'"

Sarah sat there for a second. She lifted her head, looking at the two women. "I did," she admitted. "And yes, I snuck in through the garden gate to his apartment many nights, but I never said I love you to him."

"But you do," Zondra said. Sarah looked away. "It's okay."

"The hell it is," Sarah said, fighting emotion. "He's a good guy, he's not like us."

"He's not," Carina agreed. "He's nothing like us, and yet…he loves you and you love him."

"He didn't even have the decency to cry when I left," Sarah said, steeling her jaw.

"Probably because he thinks this isn't over," Zondra said gently. Sarah blew a rough breath out. "He thinks that you will come back."

"I can't," Sarah said softly. "I won't."

"If he walked through that door, you wouldn't say a bit of this bullshit," Carina spat. Both Zondra and Sarah looked at her. "What? Look, I don't believe in this love bullshit, but it's obvious you two do, and she would go to him in a heartbeat."

"I might," Sarah replied, making both of them turn to her. "But he's not coming through that door. I'm not going back, he deserves better."

"Doesn't he get to make that decision?" Carina asked. Both Zondra and Sarah looked at her, again. "What? Did I say the wrong thing?"

"No," Zondra said. "You said the right thing, which…"

"Is so off brand for you," Sarah finished. "Listen, we have a mission-"

"And that's why we have to talk to you," Zondra said. "You've never balked at playing someone's girlfriend." Sarah sat there, quietly. "You love him."

"So," Sarah said, shrugging.

"Shit, we're gonna have to hug her," Carina muttered.

"You really love him," Zondra continued.

"And so what if I do?" Sarah asked.

"Then you have to tell him," Zondra said.

"Taylor said it best," Sarah said softly. She began to sing softly. And I screamed for whatever it's worth "I love you, " ain't that the worst thing you ever heard?

}o{

Then

She was working the bar, looking past customers to see if she could see him on the beach. It was close to the same time she saw him yesterday, and she found she was disappointed he wasn't there.

"Looking for your nerd?" Carina asked, as she made her customer's drink. She made a kissy face at the customer in front of her. He grinned at her, a dopey look of love covering his face.

"See you're working on your tips," Sarah replied softly.

"Girl, I'm working on the whole thing, not the tip," Carina replied, making Sarah laugh out loud. Carina handed the drink to her customer, and waggled her fingers at him. He place money on the bar, winked at her, and walked off. Carina looked down and gave a low whistle. "Not bad, not bad," she said.

"Do we get to keep the tips?" Sarah asked.

"If they don't tell me to give them back, I am, and even then…prove how much I made." Sarah snorted, handed her customer his drink, and picked up the money he laid down. "Apparently I don't flirt as hard as you."

"Well, it could be because you keep looking for someone," Carina pointed out. Sarah started to reply when Carina cut her off. "Listen, it's summer, have some fun."

"It's not like that," Sarah began.

"However it is, you have a customer," she said, gesturing in front of them. Sarah turned, and grinned at the customer in front of her.

"Hi, can I have a Shirley Temple?" Chuck asked. He was dressed in beach attire.

"For real?" Carina asked.

"What, can't a man enjoy a non-alcoholic drink with a bit of fruit and class?" Chuck asked.

"I'm not touching that," Carina said, shaking her head and walking away. "It's your lunch break, Walker."

"It is?" Sarah said. Carina gave her a look. "How long do I get?"

"I don't give a shit, it's not like we're busy," Carina said, making Sarah laugh.

"Do you really want a Shirley Temple?" Sarah asked Chuck.

"I mean, can I have one later?" he asked. Sarah nodded. "Then I'm good. Wanna go for a stroll along the beach with me?"

"That feels like a line you've practiced," Sarah said.

"It absolutely is, because if you want me to tell you why I was here yesterday, I can't do it with a bunch of people around," Chuck told her. Sarah came around the bar, and slid her arm through his. "Okay, off we go."

"Be back soon," Sarah called.

"Have her home by midnight!" Zondra called out. Sarah shook her head as the two walked out of the bar.

}o{

They walked for a bit, away from people. She had let go of his arm, and his hands were stuffed into his pockets, lost in thought. "A few years ago, my world got rocked. Twice, actually."

Sarah was silent. She could tell he was trying to figure out how to get all of this out, and she needed to give him space and time.

"I got kicked out of Stanford, because my roommate accused me of cheating," Chuck said after a few seconds. "I didn't do it."

"You know, given what I saw this morning, I can honestly say I don't think you would," Sarah told him.

"Thank you," he said, giving her a soft smile. There was pain on his face, and she knew there was more. "My girlfriend also dumped me."

They walked for a bit, in silence. He stopped, turned toward the ocean, and set his jaw. "I learned yesterday she was getting married." Sarah stood there, thinking. He didn't seem like he was in love with her, it seemed more like…he was confused.

"I never found out why," Chuck continued. "She said she had cheated on me with my roommate, Bryce Larkin." Sarah had heard that name before, but she didn't know where. "She's moved on with her life, and here I am, a college dropout, working at the Buy More."

"Changing lives at the Buy More," Sarah said softly. He turned to her. "Chuck, I've known you around twenty-four hours, and what I saw you do for that family…and obviously you've done it before…whatever happened back then, it's on them, not you."

Chuck nodded, and looked back at the ocean. "That's why I came out here yesterday. I was thinking about how, I've just…settled…how I've not moved forward with my life. I came out here to sit and think, but then that happened, and I was pulled right back into the old life." He was silent a second and then grinned. "Just when I thought I was out, they pulled me back in," he said in a bad accent.

"I'm assuming that's from a movie or something?" Sarah asked. Chuck's jaw dropped. "Great, it's like a famous one or something, right?"

"I mean, it's kinda famous," Chuck told her. "But you know what, while I am surprised you didn't know it, I'm not gonna judge you."

"Kinda felt like you did," she said, her lips twisted, trying not to grin.

"No, I was surprised, not judging," Chuck insisted. She narrowed her eyes at him, humor clearly on her face. "Really."

"Hmmm," she said. "I'm gonna give you the benefit of the doubt." She pointed her pointer finger at him.

"Thank you," Chuck said. He turned back toward the ocean. She saw him fighting a smile.

"You're judging," she accused. He started laughing. "See! I knew it!" She had to grab on to his arm she was laughing so hard.

"You seriously don't know The Godfather?" Chuck asked, amid chuckles.

"I don't think I ever had a godfather," Sarah said. Chuck looked at her, confused. "What?"

"Wait, that's the name of the movie, The Godfather." Sarah stood there, stone-faced, and then her lip twitched and she burst out laughing at him. His jaw dropped and he joined her. "Oh, God! You got me. You got me good." She gave a small courtesy, holding the side of an imaginary skirt. "I deserved that."

They stood there, laughing, just enjoying each other's company. "So, what are you going to do?" Sarah asked after a bit.

"I need to move on, you know?" Chuck replied. "Except…I feel like I'm in a rut."

"That sucks," Sarah said. "So what you need is someone new in your life to get you to see and experience new things?"

"I mean…that sounds like a good idea," Chuck said, grinning at her. "You wouldn't happen to know anyone that would fit that bill would you?"

"Okay, hang on," Sarah said. Chuck looked worried. "Wait, you've done nothing wrong, but…I'm only here for the summer. I'm kinda on a sabbatical of my normal job and once the summer is over, I leave, and…given what you told me…"

"Sorry, I wasn't implying that we should date or anything," Chuck said quickly. "It's just…you're easy to talk to, and you're someone new. I get it, I never thought you would date me or anything like that."

She pulled her head back. "What?"

"I mean, I get it, someone like you…" he paused. "I'm obviously not getting this across right."

"You think I wouldn't date you?" Sarah asked. Chuck nodded. "Why not?" Chuck started to answer. "I mean you are good looking, and while that hair is…something….it's a good something." Chuck reached up to touch it. "You're a kind man, with a good heart, and you make me laugh. Exactly why would I not date you?"

"Is this a trick question?" Chuck asked.

"Let me ask you something, Chuck," Sarah began. "Have you always been this down on yourself, or did this start with what happened with your roommate and your ex?" Chuck didn't answer. He stood there looking guilty. "So, let's pretend we both know the answer to that."

"I kinda feel we do," Chuck added softly.

"I know I don't know you, but from what I've seen…." She stood there a second and then decided to just say it. "Maybe I'm upset I won't be around." She let that sit there as he tried to figure out what that meant.

He looked at her. "You ever hear of Sherlock Holmes?" She tilted her head and gave him an amusing look. He held up his hands. "Just checking." She couldn't help but chuckle over that. "It was written by Sir Author Doyle, who some think might actually have been Jack the Ripper."

"Wait, seriously?" Sarah asked. Chuck nodded. "Please continue.

"He once wrote a line by Sherlock, that might fit this." Chuck paused, and Sarah nodded at him to continue. "He said, 'When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.'"

She squinted at him. "I think you just took another shot at yourself," Sarah told him.

"You're saying if you weren't moving away you'd date me?" Chuck asked.

"I'm saying if people hadn't treated you the way they did, I'd probably date you now," Sarah said.

Chuck was silent for a second. "What if I'm willing to chance it?" She grinned at him. "Yeah, bad idea." She started to speak. "But, what if we hung out, as friends?"

"Okay," Sarah said, nodding. He held out his hand and she took it, shaking it. "Friends."

}o{

"See you later," Chuck said as they separated at the bar.

"I'll text you tomorrow," Sarah promised. Chuck waved and headed off.

"Well, well, well," Carina began.

"Carina, don't," Sarah said, cutting her off. "Do you know he got kicked out of college cause his roommate accused him of cheating?"

"They don't kick you out over accusations," Carina pointed out.

"Listen, I know you'll just make fun of me, but I don't believe he did it," Sarah told her. Carina studied her a minute, nodded, and went back to work. "You're just gonna let that go?"

"Sarah, if you think he didn't then I think he didn't," Carina said with a shrug. "Did they investigate the roommate? Sounds like he set him up. What was his name, we can look into it."

"His name was Bryce Larking, but I-" Sarah cut herself off, seeing Carina spinning and staring at Sarah. "What?"

"What? Bryce Larkin, like Agent Bryce Larkin that was taken in with Langston Graham, Bryce Larking?" Carina asked.

"Sonofabitch," Sarah said, turning and looking at the direction Chuck had walked off.

}o{

Now

The 'white hat' was due to be here soon. She had to be professional about this. He could be the key to this mission, and so far, while some of the things that he had said were a little weird, and it felt a little stalkery, he hadn't done anything untowards to her.

She shook her head and chuckled, thinking about the conversation the three women and Casey had with General Beckman about Bryce Larkin. After a little research it was confirmed that Chuck's roommate was indeed one of Langston Graham's agents.

Carina had offered to seduce Chuck to get intel out of him. When Beckman pressed her about said intel, Carina admitted she was just trying to get Sarah's hackles up.

Sarah walked over to the window, and stared out at the city. She bet Chuck would have loved the view. He told her how he would love to travel, but his job was one he really couldn't. Sarah did admit that while hers let her travel, she didn't have time to enjoy the view.

Now here she was enjoying the view, but realized without him here, she really didn't care. "When this is over, I'm going to go see him," she said softly. For the first time, since she had left California, she felt a bit of peace. She thought the colors looked a bit brighter. A knock on her door pulled her out of her thoughts.

She turned toward the door. She…she recognized that knock. She quickly crossed the room to the door. She looked through the keyhole, and then quickly unlocked the door and threw it open.

}o{

Then

"How'd you find this out?" Chuck asked. Sarah had come to the Burbank Buy More the next morning. She had to tell Chuck something after what she found out the night before. "I mean…he's a rogue spy?"

"Yeah," Sarah said, taking back the non-classified document she had found. It left out many things, but it was for public consumption and listed Bryce in jail. "My job…I know some people that can find stuff out. Apparently it was pretty easy."

"Huh," Chuck said, impressed. "That's something else that's changed." She was curious about what he was about to tell her. "After getting kicked out of Stanford, I quit using computers for the most part. Turns out I probably could have found out myself if I had searched."

"Well, sounds like you have a lot of stuff to get to work on," Sarah chirped.

Chuck was silent a second. "Hey, I know you said we shouldn't date," he began. He watched her face, and her grin never faltered. "So, I'm not asking this as a date, but…can I take you to dinner? As a thank you?"

She leaned forward, putting her elbows on the counter. He mimicked her and their faces ended up inches apart. "Kinda feels like you're asking me out," Sarah said.

"I just said," he began.

"I accept," Sarah said. "And, tonight is my night off."

"Well, it's a date…that's not a date," Chuck said.

"But isn't it?" Sarah said.

"But I thought you said….you know what, I'm just gonna take the win," Chuck replied.

"Well, I've been thinking about you, this situation, and everything," Sarah began. "You're a grown man."

"Some would say more grown than others, height wise…emotional, eh."

Sarah giggled. "I told you I'm leaving at the end of the summer, so I'll say this….Don't go falling in love with me, Chuck."

"I was going to warn you not to fall in love with me."

"I'm sorry, I don't think I'm capable of falling in love…not like that."

"What do you mean you can't fall in love like that? Either you fall in love, or you don't."

"Chuck…I come from a family…I don't know how to love." Chuck straightened, and crossed his arms. "What?"

"I don't know if this is a good idea," he said, a grin on his face. She gave him a curious look. "I mean, what do I do if you go and fall in love with me, and then leave, and then have to quit your job to come back?"

"I wouldn't do that," Sarah said.

"What if I come to where you are?" Chuck asked.

"You shouldn't do that," Sarah said. "My job…I travel." She cocked her head. "Besides, it's just dinner tonight."

"So, it's a date?"

"Absolutely," she told him.

"Then, should I pick you up?" Chuck asked. Sarah nodded. "Seven?" She nodded again. "I will see you then."

"Bye, Chuck," she said.

"Bye, Sarah," Chuck replied. He watched her leave, and stood there a moment. He went to the back of the store, and found his laptop that he hadn't really used in some time. He fired it up, paused, and then began to type. How the hell did Sarah Walker know Bryce Larkin was a spy?


A/N: Thanks for reading, and if you have a second and want to leave a review, I would appreciate it. Take care, fam.