Chuck vs. The Courtyard Bench

Well, in the previous chapter: Sarah gets introduced to her colleagues namely Emmitt Milbarge, Michael "Big Mike" Tucker, and then Head Nurse Alex Forrest. She would then find herself sitting in her office in a meeting with Chief Beckman and Big Mike. The reason is the behavior of 2 of Big Mike's knucklehead orderlies Jeff and Lester. She would find herself having a schedule meeting next week in which she will be in charge. A bomb dropped by Chief Beckman who announced to only Big Mike and her that's she's going on vacation. Once that meeting is over she would find herself meeting with 2 other people...Chuck Morgan. Needless to say, the initial was awkwardly memorable at best. So what's in store for this chapter? How does Michael Keaton iconic character Beetlejuice play a part in this? What mission does Sarah find herself planning? Plus, who associated with Mount Doom form the epic movie the Lord Of The Rings: Return of the King? Read and find out! Anyways, hope you enjoy the read and leave a comment to share your own thoughts on this particular chapters. As always, reviews are awesome.

Again, if you enjoyed reading my stories and left a comment I truly appreciate it. Please continue to do so as it gives me the incentive to write more chapters.

I don't own Chuck

Nerdy Nerfherder and Fuzzball

XXX

Morgan is standing next to his tall and lanky best friend who is typing furiously away on the laptop set up right by the camera facing the blue bench within the courtyard. His eyebrows are somewhat furrowed and every so often biting the top of his bottom lip. The focus he has on the lap top is momentarily broken when he looks up to see one of the children off to the side suddenly flash an excited smile. She takes the opportunity to happily wave over to him. A nurse, who accompanied the little girl, wheeled her out to the spot they are now is kneeling right beside her documenting the whole thing recording it on her phone. As a matter of fact, a rather large crowd in the form of nurses, other staff members of Westside Medical Center, and a number interested individual wondering what's going on have their phones at the ready to record the event. An event which has grown popular over the years since it's inception.

After giving off a few more waves and couple thumbs up, he returns his attention back to the screen typing away on the keyboard of the aforementioned lap top. In that instance, he feels a left hand on his right shoulder. "How we lookin' dude?"

Chuck hits the last sequence of buttons on his laptop leading to a big smile that is then directed to his tall and lanky partner in crime. "Awesome."

"Awesome." repeated Morgan with a quick nod. He briefly looks around then takes a deep breath. His attention now back to his hetero life partner. "Okay..."he nodded. "...now say it."

In that moment, Chuck quirks his right brow towards him after hearing those two words. "Really? Do we have to do this? Why can't we just start like we normally do?" he inquired taking a step back crossing his arms once again.

"It's tradition."

"Since when?" Chuck stands there waiting for an answer while continuing to arch his right brow with a bit seriousness toward the man he's grown up with. He continues to stand there watching Morgan mentally searching his memory banks regarding said tradition. True, the two of them have accumulated countless traditions over the years since their YouTube channel was created. However, new ones would be created once the event known as Bash At The Bench that he thought up would become weekly tradition in itself. A tradition that actually gave him meaning and purpose after being mentally, as well as emotionally lost for so long to where he came very close to forgetting the man he used to be. The man, before his whole word crumbled around him, and he was left a broken man in every sense of the word. In any case, his thoughts concerning tradition would quickly fade and focuses back on continuing to wait for what seems like forever for Morgan to speak up but doesn't. "I thought so."

A half-hearted, nonchalant shrug of his shoulders is given as Morgan's response. "Well, it should be in my opinion. Come on..." he pleaded inevitably grinning wide like the Cheshire cat from Alice in Wonderland. A light slap to the side of Chuck's left arm for emphasis. "...you know you want to, though." he added raising both eyebrows. "It's for the kids buddy."

As Chuck stands there staring at the Cheshire cat like smile of one Morgan Grimes, he can't hold back any longer and release a soft chuckle. "Fine." Instantly, Morgan does a quick first pump celebration and then stops to prepare himself. Afterwards, he gives a nod for the go ahead. The Stanford graduate briefly looks around then with a look of absolute seriousness begins. "Beetlejuice." The look on Morgan's face that Chuck sees is initially stoned face at first. "Beetlejuice." It then changes completely as a clearly noticeable smirk is expressed added to that the wiping off of the sleeves with the flick of the hands/wrist for emphasis. "Beetlejuice." That's when Morgan's Cheshire cat like smile returns to where he tilts his head. He claps his hands to where he raises them inevitably opening both arms up then out wide. "It's showtime." he announced in similar fashion to one of Michael Keaton's iconic characters.

In response, Chuck just stands there in momentary silence staring at his best friend. It's not long before he just walks off and takes his place in front of the camera but not before giving another wave to the kids then the crowd. He then signals the man behind the camera who quickly recovers shrugging off the unfortunate but not highly unusual silent walk off that oftentimes happens between them involving their lifelong friendship.

"ALL RIGHT! HERE WE GO!" he announced briefly looking around. While doing so, he hypes up the crowd urging them to bring the energy up like they've always done in the past. Afterwards, he does a quick heel spin tuning his attention back to his main compadre. "Chuck..." nodded Morgan holding up 3 fingers then doing the countdown. "...in 3...2..." he bellowed hitting GO LIVE then pointing at the tall, lanky man standing in front of the camera. A mic now in his hand and the blue bench right behind him.

As if on cue, the crowd within the courtyard of Westside Medical Center erupt in applause, cheers, and a few sporadic Arsenio Hall fist pump-dog pound barks combo. It's that eruption that pumps Chuck up as he starts his intro to the show that he's done some many times in the past.

"WHAT IS UP BARTOWSKI BRIGGGGAAAAAADDDDEEEEE!" After bellowing that out, the crowd becomes even more unhinged in a positive way, especially the kids who are thrilled at what's going down. They, along with everyone else in the area of the courtyard include those stepping out on to the atriums/balconies or looking out their windows from their offices, gradually settle down as he continues on speaking into the mic. "If you don't know by now. I'm the Nerdy Nerfherder, Chuck Bartowski and behind the camera making me look awesome like always is my buddy...my pal...the Chewbacca to my Han Solo...the other half of this dynamic duo..." He called out flashing a smile motioning to Morgan. "...the one and only Fuzzball otherwise known as Morgan GRIMMMMEESSS!" he added pointing to then waving at him to join him in front of the lens.

Once again applause and screams erupt as Morgan pops into screen waving and pointing in such a goofball like fashion. Afterwards, it's Chuck who points the mic at his best friend and speaks up. "You ready for this my friend?" he asked draping his left arm around his bosom buddy's neck.

Instead of saying anything, Morgan leans into the mic and simply gives the loudest Chewbacca growl he can muster. In doing so, the courtyard goes absolutely bananas signifying the overall atmosphere is not only electric but will most definitely be full of fun filled insanity. Not as insane as Chuck and Morgan who are hamming it up and being overall crazy, goofballs. In any case, after Morgan returns to his position behind the camera and by the lap top, Chuck continues on. "It's Friday and you all know what that means." he happily said pointing to the crowd. "...it's another edition OF..."

It's at the point, Chuck turns the mic toward an already electrified crowd but mainly at his reason for doing this whole thing...the kids. "BASH AT THE BENCH!"

For Chuck, he's done this so many times before that it never gets old and the impact of the crowd yelling back is certainly impactful in a deeply emotional way. He stands there for a moment taking it all in like always and can't help but point at everybody then places his hand in his chest to show his loving gratitude for their unwavering support. Support that's been significantly building to the point where it has built a following, especially on social media. In any case, he can feel the tears welling up but composes himself to continue on but not before throwing up heart hands that are being thrown back at him. "Okay, on today's show we have a lot of cool and awesome things planned and a few surprises." He pauses for dramatic effect leading to the oohs and oohs. "Also, whenever stuff happens that go unplanned, we always roll with the punches. That's to be expected and half the fun here on this show." he bellowed pointing indiscriminately. "Let's get this a rollin' by giving a quick rundown on last week show." he announced reaching and retrieving a folded piece of white paper from his back pocket. After taking a quick glance at the list he returns his attention to the jovial and rambunctious crowd in attendance. "First off..."

XXX

Sarah is walking the halls on her way back to her office on the 3rd floor after having met Ellie's brother and his rather strange bearded friend. An interesting encounter to say the least she thinks to herself. As she is walking, the 2nd in command to Chief Beckman suddenly notices that people have stopped in their tracks and their attention is focused on what's showing on the Hospital's television. True, most hospitals would have the channel set to either the news, some type of reality game show, or the hospital's information channel but this was different. The difference was that people were not only paying attention to the tv, but actually glued to the screen watching what's being televised. She continues to look around in confused bewilderment once again noticing that it seemed as if everything and not to mention everyone stopped what they were doing to watch to the point of being absolutely transfixed.

She continues to walk inevitably making her way to the nurses' station where she notices Head Nurse Alex Forrest looking over and signing charts. She's completely ignoring what's apparently on all the tv's within Westside Medical Center unlike everybody else. Upon reaching the nurses' station she briefly glances up at the tv once again then turns her attention to Alex. "What's going on? Do you see this?"

Alex doesn't even look and gives her response. "Yeah I do..." she stated. "...and don't care." she added looking up briefly locking eyes with her.

The seemingly hard-nosed senior staff member in charge of nurses then turns around lifting the charts to where they slide down her hands hitting the bottom end of them on top of the station desk. Afterwards, she then drops the charts down on the desk for the nurse behind the desk to file. Unfortunately, said nurse is busy totally transfixed on what's going on tv to do her job. In that instance, Sarah can't but shake her head in disbelief at what is actually going on. She lowers her head crossing her arms then lifts her left arm placing left hand on her forehead to where she lightly rubs it. It's then she closes her eyes.

So many thoughts are running through her mind right now one of them being if she made a terrible mistake in accepting the position here at Westside Medical Center as Chief Beckman's 2nd in command as Chief Operating Officer. Her thoughts abruptly break up when she suddenly hears a somewhat familiar voice.

"Sarah, you okay. Everything kosher?"

In response, Sarah slowly lowers her left from her forehead and opens her eyes to see Devon standing in front of with a look of concern on his face. A half-hearted but appreciative smile. "I am. I guess I am. I don't know." she said shaking her head. Her response causes a truly perplexed expression on the relatively handsome heart surgeon's face. "Sorry. I'm just dealing with a lot right now."

"Understandable. 2nd day on the job stress." he firmly nodded. "Not awesome."

"Oh, you have no idea." she retorted raising both eyebrows. She then turns her attention on the television where Chuck is talking with a young child, which leads Devon to do the same.

"All right myself and the esteemed Mr. Morgan Grimes have chosen our Rockstar Rebel Kid of the Week. This awesome 7 year old kid by the name of Camden Willard has been fighting and battling cancer since the age of 4. He's been suffering from what's called Wilms Tumor. Stage II. The proper medical term for it is Nephroblastoma. It's considered to be a rare kidney disease but fortunately a highly treatable condition. Today..." he said expressing an extremely grateful smile. His attention briefly averted behind him then back to the camera. "...I'm happy to report that 3 years later he...is in... REMISSION!" he screamed out.

The news of Camden Willard's incredibly positive prognosis is cause for celebration as those within the courtyard erupt in applause, cheers, and once again Arsenio Hall fist pump-dog pound barks. Chuck waits to let the focus remain on a smiling Camden by stepping out of camera view giving Morgan the opportunity to zoom in on the representation of being a fighter. A few moments later, he comes back into view and sits next to him in order to be interviewed by the proud as punch host of the YouTube channel called Nerdy Nerfherder and Fuzzball.

"What's up Cam!" he bellowed as he does a well choreographed handshake with him.

Once the well choreographed handshake is over Cam expresses a genuinely infectious giggle. A giggle that Chuck can't help but respond with laughter of his own. It's something that Sarah can't help find it but adorably cute, not just on Camden but Ellie's younger brother as well. Her thoughts concerning Chuck's adorably cute laughter is suddenly set aside in order to refocus once again briefly listening to the start of the interview.

"Hi Chuck!"

"You're looking awesome. So, tell me how are you feeling? I see you..."

As the interview continues between Chuck and Camden, Sarah forces herself to break away from watching because if she didn't, she would have stood there all day with a smile on her face. Plus, she didn't want the tears to ruin her make up because she has a big soft spot for kids going through cancer since she was part of the Board of Directors for the Children's Miracle Network for Langley Memorial Medical. The strength those kids and not to mention the parents have in dealing with every day, as well as uncertainties life throws at them is extremely mind blowing. True, it's not fair but that's life she thinks to herself. After taking a moment to compose herself, she directs her attention to Devon who has a huge smile on his face.

"Camden is an awesome kid."

"He's a Rockstar Rebel that's for sure." nodded Sarah in absolute agreement.

Devon gives a firm nod in response. "Indeed."

As Devon continues watching Chuck interview Camden, Sarah decides to bring up a question or in this case several questions that's been weighing on her mind. "Devon."

"Hmmm. What's up?"

"Do you have a moment to talk..." she asked with a bit of hesitance on her part. "...in private? It's about Chuck and Morgan. Mostly about Chuck. I have some concerns." added Sarah in a very cautious manner knowing the relationship shared between them. More so when pertaining to the relationship shared between him and Ellie. A relationship that she doesn't want to end up hurting in regards to as not only being co-workers but as subordinate and newly dubbed boss on a temporary basis starting next week.

The husband to one Dr. Eleanor Bartowski, or Ellie as she likes to be referred to, is about to respond when he and Sarah hear the sound of bell being rung. They turn their heads to the television screen once again where they see the newly crowned Rockstar Rebel for this week celebrating with a smile after hitting the bell to signify he beat his cancer. It's at that point, everybody and I mean everybody in, as well around the Hospital including Sarah and Devon start clapping for the little guy's attitude, resiliency, and most of all strength to keep fighting. Afterwards, Devon returns his attention to Sarah who she can clearly see is a bit apprehensive waiting for an answer.

"Sure. We can talk about Chuck." he answered. "Let's go to my office. This way." added the man who specializes in cardiothoracic medicine. The two walk off heading to his office for a more private conversation between the two of them.

XXX

"So..." wondered Devon taking a sit in his desk chair behind his office desk. "...you have some concerns about Chuck?" he added with considerable concern in the tone of his voice. He leans forward placing both arms on his desk folded inward. His full attention directed towards her. The man's right eyebrow slightly arched up.

Sarah sits in a chair across from Devon a bit nervous and not to mention hesitant to bring up her concerns but forges through. After taking a deep breath, she continues on. "How long have you known him?"

Devon mulls over the question presented to him by the new Chief Operating Officer of Westside Medical Center. His seriousness is then replaced by a smile as shares his answer about the length of time he's known his brother-in-law. "Chuckles? I've known him since he was a teenager. I met his sister while in college at UCLA. The home of my Bruins!" he shared raising his fist in the air for his Alma Mater. He notices his answer isn't really what she is looking for so he gets to the crux of the matter. "He's a stand up guy if that's what's you're wondering. Also, I did hear about the unfortunate meeting you had with him and Morgan."

"How?"

"John Casey."

For Sarah, word of her initial introduction with Chuck and Morgan would be provided by the mysterious but very reliable head of security. She gives off a nod then begins to do some investigating of her own in regards to who she is dealing with. A troublemaker that's going to give her constant headaches or someone different entirely judging, or a combination of both she thinks to herself. "Do I have to worry about him?"

"In what way?"

"Well, when Casey arrived at the courtyard he talked to them like they were a menace and even went so far as calling both of them..." she pauses for a moment. "...and this is his own words mind you numbnuts." Sarah added shrugging his shoulders unsure how Devon will respond.

It wouldn't be long for Sarah to get a response. Instead of complete silence mulling over his answer he quickly shares it in the form of laughter, which somewhat perplexes Devon's temporary boss unbeknownst to him. "John's never really liked Morgan since he caught him and Alex flirting with each other."

An even more perplexed expression is given after hearing the name Alex. "Alex? Head Nurse Alex Forrest?"

"No...no. Nooooo." he repeated quickly. He shakes his head momentarily thinking about Morgan actually flirting with Head Nurse Alex Forrest and a slight chill runs up his spin. Afterwards, he refocuses and continues on. "Alex McHugh. His daughter. She works as one of the nurses at the Children's Hospital here. Chuck is the unfortunate crossfire of an overprotective father hating any guy talking to his baby girl. I'm a father of a daughter myself so I can't relate right now. She's 6. However, there is a particular 5 year old that I'm keeping my eye on during her playdates."

Sarah expresses a faint chuckle after hearing his concern about a 5 year old suitor potentially interested in his 6 year older daughter. "That's makes sense knowing Casey even if it is just for a short time. He actually gave me his business card."

"Awesome. He doesn't give out his card to just anyone. He must like you then."

A surprised smile is expressed upon finding that out. "Did you get one?"

"Sort of. Since Ellie's my wife and he gave her his card..." he explained shrugging his shoulders. "...I added his numbers to my contacts. In other words, in good by association. I know that Chief Beckman, Big Mike, and a few others have it including Chuck. In a way, we're like a select club of the Colonel's chosen military unit. It's awesome. I'll gladly represent and uphold John's unit with honor." he proclaimed not realize he gave a double meaning.

This causes Sarah to hold back and restrain herself from busting out laughing after hearing the last part of what Devon said. It takes a moment after some struggle but she is able to accomplish it. She then composes herself and continues to refocus back on her line of questioning about Chuck. "Is Chuck privileged? What I'm trying to say does he receive special treatment by Ellie or Chief Beckman?"

It's at the point, Devon shakes head in response. "On the contrary. You'd think so since Ellie and I work here. Chuck grew on the Chief and eventually get on her good side. Plus, he got approval to hack into the hospital's television feed for his YouTube..."

The word "hack" instantly gets her attention causing to zero in on it by cutting him off in mid-sentence.. "Wait. What? Hold on. He hacked into the hospital television feed and it was actually approved!?"

"Well, at first he got in trouble with the Chief..." nodded Devon once again. "...but when word got up to the powers that be she immediately got a call about it." he explained now intertwining his hands together. "To her surprise, they loved it saying its great p.r..." he said putting p.r. in air quotes. "...for the hospital. Plus, it puts a positive spin and even gives an awesome reputation for Westside Medical Center."

Once again Sarah shakes her head in amazed disbelief. A number of thoughts are running through her mind right now and none of them are putting Chuck in a positive light. In her mind, she believes it's her job to give the guy a dose of reality since he's apparently someone who breaks the rules instead of adheres to them. Granted, it's commendable in what he's doing in providing a way to put a spotlight on a worthy cause but in a legal way with a set of ground rules. Her thoughts would subsequently be broken up when she sees Devon stand up. He reaches for the tv remote on his desk and turns on the flatscreen behind her, just off to the left of his closed office door.

He then flips a few channels inevitably landing on Chuck and Morgan who are now in costume with some of the other kids. After a few seconds, Devon gives off a hint of laughter. He lowers his head a bit then continues on returning his attention to the flatscreen. "The one thing I can say is Chuck is a changed man."

"Changed? How so? In what way?

"He bounced back after getting dumped by his ex Jill. It took a long time though. He took the break up hard. Found out later she cheated on him."

"That's awful."

"What's awful was that it was with his ex best friend and former Stanford roommate..." he shared with a hint of anger in his voice. "...Bryce Larkin". He actually planned on proposing at the end his junior year but that all fell apart. It broke him. Thank God there was a gap before his senior year started because it took him the whole summer to recover...for the most part. Not awesome as I recall. We refer to that summer that we never really talk about as "Mount Doom"

"Why Mount Doom? When did it happen?"

Devon takes a deep breath before giving his answer. "The when first...2003 or was it 2004?" He waves those particular years off and keeps going. "The why. Well, that's a long story but the short version is Chuck bought tickets ahead of time for the movie Lord of the Rings: Return of the King. Mount Doom is where..." It's at the point, Devon digs for his phone and once he gets it out does a quick search leaving Sarah once again perplexed. After what seems like a forever, he finally gets the information he needs. "...it's where Frodo and Sam ended up destroying the precious gold ring that rules all but they would find themselves stuck on a rock surrounded by flowing lava. The hope of rescue not in sight whatsoever."

"So, let me get this straight and bear with me since I'm not much of a movie buff."

"Neither am I."

"Oh good. I do remember watching that movie a couple time on tv so I have some knowledge of it." She shakes her head then begins. "Chuck basically felt like his life was slipping away after his ex precious Jill representing Mount Doom basically destroyed him to where he ended up on his own metaphorical rock. All his dark emotions flowing down around him like raging lava. No sign of him ever being pulled out from it?"

The experience heart surgeon is absolutely impressed by how she interprets the movie reference to Chuck's real life situation. "Awesome way to describe it Sarah." A proud smile is given in response. "Yeah, he was going to take Jill to go see it. Even dress up for it."

"That didn't happen."

A quick point is given off a response towards Sarah. He then clears his throat and continues on. "He went into a deep, dark place. We got worried. He hid within himself. He became closed off becoming emotionally more than mentally distant."

"He hasn't dated since?"

"We tried to get him to. Myself, Morgan, and especially Ellie. Nurse friends that she knows here at the hospital and around the surrounding area. Nada. His mojo was taken from him." He shared shaking his head once again reflecting back on that unfortunate time. "Anyways, when it comes to Ellie, she practically raised him after their parents left." The information about Ellie raising Chuck was significantly impactful after their parents leaving caused her to pay even more attention. "It's one of the main reasons he and Ellie have such a close relationship."

"Were any of his potential dates successful? Any of them comes close to being "the one"?" she inquired giving air quotes. Sarah leaning forward with keen interest. Her undivided attention directed at Devon.

It's Sarah undivided attention that causes Devon to experience a sense of uncomfortableness. He decided to end the discussion by passing off that piece of information to someone who can best take over. "I don't think I'm the guy to help you with that. Now, if you want to get the 411, I suggest going to the source who knows Chuck inside and out."

"Ellie."

"Indeed." he retorted briefly pointing to her then to his nose. It wouldn't be long before Devon watches her take all the information she learned mentally in.

Afterwards, Sarah stands up looking him eye to eye. "You've been a big help. Thanks Devon." she said reaching out for a handshake.

"No problem. I'm an awesome sounding board if you ever need one again." he retorted reaching over to shake Sarah's hand.

"I'll keep that in mind." she nodded. With that said, she turns around and opens then heads out Devon's office. After speaking with Devon, her next mission is to delve deeper as to who Chuck is and get it from a very reliable source...Ellie.

XXX

"Have a great rest of the day Mrs. Jenkins." Ellie smiles and waves exiting the room after checking on one of her patients. She flips her stethoscope over her head and lets it drape down around her neck as she leans over to place her left hand under one of many hand sanitizer dispensers located around the hospital. After receiving a bit of it, she rubs it all over her hand then makes her way towards the nursing station in order to see who her next patient to check in on is. Once she reaches it, she finds herself being approached by and standing face to face with Sarah.

She's about to speak to her when her attention is directed elsewhere due to the sound of singing. When she locates the source it's Chuck on tv sitting on the bench beautifully belting out a melodic tune with just the instrumental playing from what she hears. The lyrics itself...very familiar and not to mention poignant. She then realizes it's the tail end of the popular Disney song from the animated movie Hercules. It's also apparent to her he's singing about Camden Willard's cancer journey just for him on his special day.

And I won't look back; I can go the distance
And I'll stay on track; no, I won't accept defeat
It's an uphill slope
But I won't lose hope till I go the distance
And my journey is complete, oh yeah

But to look beyond the glory is the hardest part
For a hero's strength is measured by his heart, oh

Like a shooting star, I will go the distance
I will search the world; I will face its harms
I don't care how far; I can go the distance
Till I find my hero's welcome waiting in your arms

I will search the world; I will face its harms
Till I find my hero's welcome waiting in your arms

Once the song is over there is momentary silence. He then speaks up looking directly into the camera flashing a soft smile. A smile that hits her right at that very moment. She then listens to what she believes is his closing remarks.

"For my partner in crime Morgan Grimes aka Fuzzball and one of the strongest kids I'm honored to know Camden Willard have an awesome, as well as safe weekend everybody. Don't forget to send your donations to the account set up below. All proceeds you're happily donating to hopefully from the sheer generosity of your heart will go towards expenses to help with these kids' medical treatments and not to mention relieve some of the financial burden for the parents too. Anything helps. With that said, I am the Nerdy Nerfherder Chuck Batowski saying till next time Bartowski Brigade."

With that the screen turns black. It then returns to the normal hospital television channel. Afterwards, a rather emotional Ellie smiles nearly tearing up, but that's not the case for a number of nurses that congregated around the nursing station. In any case, she faintly breathes out the following 4 words: "Proud of you little brother."

It's those 4 words that Sarah clearly hears as she is considerably speechless taking a moment to process what she just watched. However, she doesn't take too long and breaks free of her stunned silence. " Wow. Umm...hey, can I talk to you?"

"Yeah sure. Oh..." Ellie said. She's somewhat excited causing Sarah to step back a bit. Afterwards, she locks eyes with her colleague and new found friend. "...what are you doing tomorrow night? Have any plans?"

Sarah is momentarily silent by the question being asked but proceeds with caution as she gives the older Bartowski sibling her answer. "Nothing planned really? Why?"

"I'm taking you out. A welcome to the family celebration. It gives you a chance to see the night life of Los Angeles. What do you say?"

In that moment standing there, Sarah starts to mentally abort on her mission but then realizes it's gives her a chance to get some girl time with the one person who can give her the inside scoop on the real man behind Chuck Bartowski. After mentally putting operation Chuck back on, she verbally gives Ellie her response. "Sounds perfect. Just you and me?"

"Us and maybe a couple of other female co-workers here. Who knows." she stated shrugging her shoulders. "Things could change."

"Awesome." Sarah can't help but be tickled by that word. It's as if being around Devon causes you to use one particular word and stick with it she thinks to herself.

"So, I'll text you my address. Meet up at my place then head out from there?"

"Sounds like a plan." she nodded then walks off.

This causes Ellie to wonder where she's heading off to. "Sarah, what's the rush?" she hollered out.

"I have to apologize to someone?" she hollered back eventually disappearing out of sight.

Meanwhile, Chuck and Morgan are saying their farewells to the kids as they're escorted back to the children's wing of the hospital by the nurses. As for the raucous crowd, they would end up dispersing as well leaving the once full courtyard nearly empty with a just a few individuals milling about one of them being Casey's daughter Alex. She remained behind for a reason. While Chuck starts packing up, Morgan is busy talking with Alex.

"So, what did you think? Awesome huh?"

"It was more than awesome Morgan. I think it was one of the best shows you and Chuck have ever pulled off. Props to the video director." she stated giving a flirtatious smile towards him.

A goofy smile is expressed back in response. "That's me. The video director." His attention on Alex is suddenly averted when he spots someone out of his peripheral vision causing his eyes to go wide quickly alerting his best friend by waving at him like a mad man who doesn't notice at first. Fortunately, he's able to get his attention at the very last second.

"It's Vicky Vale!" he whispered out loud.

It leads Chuck to quickly turn around and nearly crash into her. Luckily, he doesn't as he leans and falls back but fortunately catches himself with his back foot. However, instead of him speaking it's Sarah who does the speaking first. "I'm sorry."

At this point, Chuck has no idea how to respond as his brain is apparently not working in that very moment. It takes Morgan turning and facing the other way then leaning back a bit to kick the back of his leg to get him mentally going again, which actually does help. He returns his attention to Alex who he pretends to talk to, but the bearded man and the young woman intently listen in on their interaction with intriguing interest.

"My bad. What do you have to apologize for? I'm the one who didn't inform you about me doing all this." he retorted in amazed disbelief.

"Still..." shrugged Sarah. "...I may have come off a bit strong with my presence coming at you 2 guys."

"If it's any consolation..." responded Chuck awkwardly standing there in front of Sarah. "...your presence is just strong enough in my book." he added giving her the ok sign. Instantly, Chuck's eyes close realizing that made absolutely no sense whatsoever. A sentiment that Morgan and Alex agree wholeheartedly as they stand there behind Chuck sharing cringe worthy expressions with each other.

This time Sarah cracks a visible smile at what Chuck's apparent attempt at flirting. No matter, she continues on with her mission objective. "Let me make it up to you."

It's those 7 words that cause Chuck's eyes to pop back open after hearing that. "What...come again? How?"

"My treat and since I don't really know anyone here, you'll show me around. As a friend..." she quickly blurted out. "...to...you know make up...for earlier."

Once again, Chuck's brain response is a bit late as he is able to finally respond with the help of another kick to the back of his leg from his bearded best friend. "Yes! sure. Is tomorrow good for you?" he inquired raising both eyebrows. He finds himself awkwardly wiggling his hand to where he ended up just placing them behind him. "Like you said, two friends hanging out." he nervously stammered out.

"I have plans tomorrow." Sarah immediately notices the disappointment in his face. His eyebrows that once raised in potential hope have sadly dropped in apparent defeat. In her mind, she doesn't want to reveal whose she's actually spending it with for fear that he may end up talking to his older sister. So, she keeps that bit of information on the down low. Yet, she gives him some glimmering hope. "Are you free Sunday?"

Chuck is about to respond when Morgan quickly appears standing by his left side. "Oh, he's free. He's got nothing but time on his hands. And he's very available on that day. You guys are going to have a great time on your date." he chuckled with enjoyment for his hetero life partner.

Instantly, Sarah and Chuck respond in unison to Morgan's mention of the word "date". "It's not a date!"

Afterwards, Chuck and Sarah suddenly see Morgan jerked backwards quickly disappearing out of sight. By whom? Alex of course. He glances back over his right shoulder where he sees Morgan and Alex eyeing him then motioning for him to focus back on Sarah. After shooting a serious squint eye at both of them, he slowly turns back to the aforementioned blonde in question. "Apparently, my schedule is wide open Sunday."

"Great. I'll text you my address."

"Awesome." There is a brief moment of awkward silence between the two of them leading Chuck to speak. "You need my phone number. So..."

Sarah immediately realizes this and reacts. "Right. Duh! Let's exchange numbers."

Sarah stands there and retrieves her phone. After a few seconds, she's ready to input his number. He gives it and once his digits are entered in, she types his name. CHUCK. Afterwards, she takes a quick moment to send him a text. He doesn't have to wait long as Chuck receives notification on his phone. The tall and lanky self-proclaimed nerd retrieves his phone and checks his messages. A grin is expressed as he reaches up wiggling his iPhone at her. "Got it."

"Excellent. I'll see you Sunday then." she said turning around to walk off.

"See you...yes. Sunday." he stammered out. Both arms stick out pointing to her as she disappears out of sight. It's then that he quickly retracts his arms and immediately places both hands behind his head. A mixture of anxiety, fear, exasperation, and worry all rolled into one expressed on his face. The realization is slowly hitting him to the point where he immediately runs off leaving Morgan and Alex standing there wondering where he's going.

As for Chuck, he ends up frantically searching throughout and finally finding his sister standing next to Devon at the nurses' station on the 2nd floor talking to each other. It's not long before he weaves his way in, around, and almost knocking down people among them an elderly couple causing him to forcibly spin around them like a running back avoiding a tackle. His forward momentum leads him to nearly crash into the front side of the nurses' station itself but Devon catches him before he does. He's all out of breath from running causing Ellie and Devon to express looks of concern on their faces.

"What's going on bro? Why were you running so fast that you nearly bowled over Mr. and Mrs. Turner?"

"Hey little brother, you okay?"

"That was impressive by the way. Awesome spin move. You sure you don't want to play some touch football with my frat brothers some time? I can set up..."

It's at that point Ellie slaps her husband's arm making him stop. Her focus after eyeing her handsome better half falls on her younger brother bent over with his hand on both knees taking some time to gather himself but mostly sucking in some much needed air. After his brief recovery time is over, he stands straight up. "El. Captain. Remain claim." he stammered out once again still out of breath. "I...I have some news you won't believe."

It's at the very moment, Morgan seemingly out of nowhere suddenly jumps on his back. Leg's somewhat wrapped around his waist. "Chuck's got a date!"

"We know."

For Chuck, his surprise suddenly turns to confusion. "You know. How? Plus, it's not a date. We're hanging out as friends."

"Alex. The news has spread all over the hospital." She quickly waves it off to the splendid news concerning her younger brother's non date. "Hey, at least it's something little brother..." nodded Ellie. "...hanging out with Sarah as friends."

"Baby steps Chuckles. Way to go. That's awesome." he said pointing to his brother-in-law.

A celebration ensues amongst Chucks friends and family congregating around the nurses' station. As that is happening, Sarah is standing by the corner and has watched what all enfolded from her hiding spot. Her break in concentration would be interrupted by the appearance of Casey standing right next to her causing the 2nd in command to Chief Beckman to be briefly startled. "Have you been standing there the whole time?" she whispered out loud.

"Not the whole time."

"I take it you heard." she retorted turning around to face him.

Casey expresses another one of his grunts. "Alex texted me."

Sarah shakes her head. "Awesome." she breathed out.

"You'll learn that when it comes to this place, word will get out quick."

"Wonderful." she said shaking her head in disbelief. "I'll be up in my office if you need me. Or I might just go home. It's been a long day and it's not even 5 p.m., yet." She glances down at her watch. "It's only 2:45!? Yeah. I'm heading up for a nap in my office." she said walking past him and towards a nearby elevator.

"See ya, Walker. Oh, one more thing." he grunted walking towards her. "You'll do great next week..." He leans down so that only Sarah hears this. "...boss."

Sarah leans back eyeing Casey with a mixture of surprised disbelief and wonder. "How?"

"It's my job to know things. Trust me. Big Mike hasn't spilled the beans." firmly nodded Casey. "If you need anyone kept in line, don't hesitate to call." he added with a smirk.

Sarah expresses an appreciative nod in response. Afterwards, he turns around and disappears around the corner. The next thing she hears is Chuck's name being frantically called out then Morgan running into view and heading down the hallway away from her with people getting out of the way as if he's being chased. He is...by Casey. In any case, she takes a peek around the corner to see Chuck, Devon and Ellie laughing. She then notices Chuck talking to Ellie and knows that she has to distract Chuck or Ellie for that matter in order to have the younger Bartowski sibling know that the reason's she's busy tomorrow night is to get a bit more intel by way of the eldest Bartowski sibling. Its then she makes her presence known and strikes up a conversation with all 3 individuals. The topic of conversation she'll use? What else. Camden Willard.

XXX


NOTE: THIS CHAPTER WAS A BIT LONGER THAN MY LAST 2 CHAPTERS! SO WHAT DO YOU THINK? SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS AND LEAVE A REVIEW!