Chuck vs. The Courtyard Bench

Well, in the previous chapter: The arrival of Chuck's family attorney Hartley Winterbottom set the tone for a interesting meeting to say the least. Contracts were sign and afterwards Sarah suddenly fires Jeff and Lester much to their shocking surprise. Of course, Jeffster is not to thrilled about it leading Emmitt to object and goes so far as to threaten with legal action and/or go to the board of directors. Unfortunately, his actions have awaked The Wildcard Enforcer in Sarah and thought its unfortunate, it works in her favor as it is revealed that she called Lester's parents who are primary donor much to his shocked surprise again. Needless to say, he is not untouchable after all and her instincts lead her to humble Lester and have her just been revoked moment. A turning point in her career at Westside Medical Center. Unfortunately, her high would turn into a low as Hartley's daughter Vivian arrives leading to a reunion of childhood friends much to Sarah's chagrin. So, what's in store for this chapter. "What case does Devon mention about that Hartley and Vivian were involved in that was all over the news? Who does Chuck compare himself and Vivian to when he mentions the movie Serendipity? Where are Chuck and Vivian when she reveals to him something she wanted to tell before leaving for high school in the UK? Finally, why is Morgan and Pain after exchanging a high five with Sarah? 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.

Lady Feelings

XXX

The appearance of a family friend by the name of Hartley Winterbottom wasn't that surprising, since Chuck expected him to arrive at the meeting. What wasn't expected would be the appearance of someone he practically grew up with and quite possibly shares a strong bond with. A strong bond that's similar to what he and Ellie have, but considerably different when it comes to the best friend dynamic shared with Morgan. In other words, a hybrid of both, where it's considered to be the best of both world for the nerdy business owner in regards to one Vivian McArthur. True, it has been 14 years since the family/childhood friends last saw each other, but after meeting up with Ellie it seemed like things picked right back up where they left off, not missing a beat whatsoever. The reunion itself would reconvene in the 2nd floor doctor's lounge, which would be far better suited for privacy when it comes to catching up with family.

"Clara is adorable. Who does she take after?" inquired Vivian. She scrolls through the pictures from Ellie's phone with a noticeable grin expressed.

"Her personality is similar to Ellie's. Smart but considerably headstrong." stated Devon raising both eyebrows. "When it comes to being bad at lying, she takes after dear old dad. Yet, she's our awesome daughter." he added flashing a smile.

"Although..."chimed in Ellie. "...she does get her goofy weirdness from her uncle." Ellie added, directing her attention to Chuck. The nerdy business owner sitting on the lounge couch that's situated right by the table where Vivian and Hartley are sitting.

"Hey, I can't help it if my niece knows who the coolest one in the family is." Chuck said cracking a humorous smile. "Plus, us goofy weirdos stick together." he added expressing a myriad of funny facial expressions over to his older sister.

In response, Ellie searches for something near her to throw at her younger brother. She eventually finds something to toss over instead of throw at him. Half a water bottle that she's being drinking out of. Unfortunately, it doesn't get the desired affect she wanted causing her to briefly hang her head after seeing Chuck catch it with one hand. To add insult to injury, her nerdy younger sibling sky hooks said water bottle towards the recycle bin located to his left and makes it in.

"Booyah!" A raised clinched fist in victory then points in taunting way to Ellie. Speaking of Ellie, she responds back the only way she can think of in that very moment and that is to stick out her tongue out at him. "Don't hate the playa, hate the game sis."

Hartley and Vivian can't help but laugh at the entire interaction between Chuck and Ellie. The man who mediated the contract negotiations earlier in Sarah's office is experiencing some heartfelt emotions at the moment. He shakes his head after continuing to look over Clara's pictures. "She's going to grow up so fast." In that instance, he takes a deep breathe then begins to reflect back on his life. "I regret the times I should have spent with you instead of focusing all my time in building up my law firm."

"Fortunately for us, father..." Vivian responded. "...we made up for that lost time." Her attention on Hartley is directed towards Chuck, Ellie, and Devon. "After high school, I studied in Oxford focusing on law. Once I graduated with high honors, I came back to the States to join his law firm. Father and daughter working together as a team." she proudly added.

"No favoritism though." Hartley responded shaking his head. "She wanted to prove herself and worked her way to the top. Now look at her..." The proud papa to a beautiful daughter is beaming with joy. He takes the opportunity to lean in and kiss the side of his daughter's head. "...an esteemed partner of our firm. She'll be in charge of the whole firm one day."

"In the meantime..." transitioned Vivian. "...we recently sent away and received the death penalty conviction for Yuri "Gobbler" Bobrienko."

"That case was all over the news. The guy is a serial killer who ate his victims. Not awesome."

In response, Ellie speaks up. "Serial killer cases creep me out, but make for intriguing documentaries."

"Indeed babe."

The doctor's lounge becomes seemingly sullen and somber after the topic of serial killers. This would lead Chuck to try to redirect the conversation to a much happier topic. However, it would be Hartley that would bring up a topic that hasn't been spoken of in quite some time. "Still haven't located your dad. Believe me, I've tried. Use every resource that I could utilize."

Ellie and Chuck are deafeningly silent after Hartley mentioned their dad. The siblings know it was a brief mention during a conversation involving Sarah that initially spark the trip down memory lane. "Thanks for trying." responded Ellie.

"Yeah Hartley..." nodded Chuck. "...thanks. We've actually accepted the fact he doesn't want to be found. We're both okay with that."

"Still. I'm not going to stop trying. I consider Stephen Bartowski to this day a dear friend. My brother." He pauses to take a deep breath the continues on. "Did I ever share with you how your father and I met?"

Both Bartowski siblings shake their head in response.

"I was attending University in Oxford..." Hartley proceeds to share with Ellie and Chuck a story that they've never heard before until.

While sitting there listening to the story as well, Vivian knows it's been far too long since they've been together like this. Pictures being shared, exchanging stories, and not to mention reminiscing about the people who aren't with them now. Yet, being able to reconnect and be with the people who truly matter in life. It's something that was sorely lacking while living with her granny Millicent in Somerset during her high school days and while attending college at Oxford. Her father's Ala Mater. Sure, she made friends in high school and in college that she would stay connected with, but it's vastly different when compared to forming a strong bond that never breaks. A strong bond that's she's always had with Chuck Bartowski since they were young kids leading up to their preteen years then heading into the early teen years.

Her thoughts of childhood past would come to a close as her father's story pertaining to his initial first meeting with Stephen Bartowski would eventually over. It then leads Vivian to speaks up.

"I truly have missed this with the both of you, especially you Chuck. All you've been able to accomplish thus far." Vivian can clearly see the awkward reaction to the compliments being given to him. It's something she's always noticed about him whenever something positive happened to him that he was able to achieve on his own. "You and your self-deprecating sense of humor. It's quite endearing and always made me smile." she said with a soft smile towards him. "I'm still gobsmacked any female suitors haven't scooped you up as of yet."

"Oh, gee golly gosh. You're making me feel like I'm 8." he sarcastically remarked. Yet, a smile of appreciation expressed back to Vivian. "Oh, came close but..."

Ellie immediately interjected herself in knowing that bringing up Jill never leads to anything positive. "It's not something we talk about...ever."

Hartley nods. "Say no more."

"So, what about Sarah?" wondered Vivian directing her attention to Chuck.

"What about her?" retorted Chuck quirking his right brow.

"You two seemed quite chummy when I walked up."

'We're just friends..." Chuck notices Vivian not breaking eye contact with him. A curious, investigative smile expressed. "...for real Vi." he firmly added. He shakes his head then continues on. "Why do I feel like I am all of a sudden on the witness stand right now?" jokingly remarked the nerdy Bartowski sibling. "Your honor!" Chuck called out with his attention directed to Hartley.

Vivian holds up both hands expressing a faint chuckle in response. "Prosecution rests it's case..." she responded with an endearing grin. "...for now."

It's an exchange that Ellie is keenly aware of, noticing their flirtatious interaction between both individuals. It's something that has always been there between the two of them when they were younger. A puppy dog crush as it were, clearly evident on Chuck's face when he was around her, she thinks to herself. Of course, he could never really hide it well because he has a tendency to wear his emotions on his sleeve. It was evident the day she moved overseas to go to school and though her absence was sorely missed, it was considered tremendously positive. Unfortunately, the same thing could not be said when it comes to she who shall never be named.

In her mind, she considered Vivian someone who could very well be right for Chuck. However, the relationship between the two of them was more like a best friend who act like their brother and sister. In other words, the female tomboy-ish version of Morgan Grimes, but considerably more attractive. What she knew and felt back then is still resonating with her after watching Chuck interact with her for the past 10 minutes or so. Thinking about it further, it's going to causes quite a stir knowing the relationship he established with Sarah, who he shares a growing bond with, while there is an already cohesively strong bond shared with Vivian.

Her thoughts concerning the possible emotional conundrum that Chuck may very well be facing somewhere down the road, abruptly ends as she notices an all too familiar sight. A sight where her baby brother exudes some momentary awkwardness leading to nervous laughter. His attention is quickly averted to her in order to deflect the attention away from him.

"Hey El, isn't Clara having a half day at school this Friday?"

"I think so."

"Awesome. You should bring her to the hospital. We have big things planned for the Live YouTube show."

"Sure. Make it a family day..." She briefly pauses to where an idea pops in her head. "...and you two are more than welcome to come. Chuck's show gets pretty wild and crazy sometimes.

Vivian and Hartley briefly turn to each other exchange non-verbal communication. Afterwards, it's Vivian who gives an answer for the both of them. "We're in."

"Awesome." It's at the point, he reaches for his phone digging it out from within his right front pants pocket. "You know what, I'll text Sarah to see if her mom and sister want to come to." He's about to call her, when he reconsiders it. It leads him to stand up. "I'll just go ask her. I think she's with Morgan and Casey at the courtyard. I did give Morg Jeffster's rider in order to do some early prepping."

"I think I'll join you." Vivian said pushing herself out of her seat. "If that's ok with you?"

"Just like old times." he answered back. He steps forward sticking out his right elbow. It's then that Chuck's childhood friend growing up, hooks her left arm around then through in order to be escorted to the courtyard. Before they head out, Chuck looks back and speaks. "You guys want to come with?"

"You and Vi go ahead. I'm so enjoying looking at photos of little Clara."

"Have fun little brother."

"Later Chuckles!" waved Devon. The handsome surgeon watches Chuck and Vivian head out the doctor's lounge. It's not long after that he returns his attention back to Ellie who is now showing videos of their daughter to Hartley.

XXX

"I'm serious Vi..." Chuck said glancing at Vivian. "...it's awesome to see you. I totally didn't expect to see you, especially after all these years." he added shaking his head.

The light brown haired woman with piercing green eyes gives a quick side squeeze to Chuck's right arm after hearing that. "I wouldn't have known if I didn't happen to cross paths with my father waiting in front of the elevator." she replied back. Ironically, the two are standing in front of an elevator waiting for it to open. As they are, Chuck is keenly aware of the whispers and looks directed his way because of woman currently on his arm that is not Chief Sarah Walker. He ignores it as she continues listening to Vivian speak. "Call it happenstance or possibly serendipity."

"Like the movie Serendipty starring John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale. "So..." Chuck briefly pauses titling his head slightly mulling over the last 6 words that Vivian said. "...what's happening could be considered a romantic comedy."

Upon hearing that. Vivian can't help but express a soft smile. The only child and not to mention daughter of Hartley Winterbottom has always felt comfortable around Chuck back then and even more so now. In her mind, the times he would make her feel safe in her own skin even though he didn't necessarily think of himself as the quintessential jock type who had the physique of a Greek god. What he lacked in the muscles department Chuck most definitely made up for with his intellect, generosity, sincerity, heart, and over all sense of just being his nerdy self, she thinks to herself. Just be yourself. It's three words that she and Ellie would always remind him about when it came to having the utmost confidence in himself to talk to the ladies.

Of course, she's always known his intellect would be one of his most impressive personality traits. The old adage that chicks dig smart men rings true, especially growing up with a guy who enjoys taking apart and rebuilding computers. It's a thought that leads her to believe that Chuck still does enjoy doing that, because it flexes his mental rather than his physical muscles, which he's somewhat lacking in. What some women see as a turn off is most definitely a big turn on in their book. Essentially, to have that ability without even realizing speaks so much about Chuck and the simple act of being responsive when picking his brain on matters of relative, as
well as utmost importance.

The way Chuck is able to use his smarts to solve any sort of problem speaks volumes in regards to his generosity in being able to provide his time no matter how busy he is. For her, it's yet another personality trait that totally stands out where the giving of his own time in a very unselfish way gives him major points in the hotness scale, she thinks to herself. In her view, it has immensely doubled after learning that he's been giving his time in spending with kids at the children's wings of the hospital even going so far as to highlight them on his Live YouTube show. A show that she's just been introduced to by way of her "sister" Dr. Eleanor Woodcomb and will definitely subscribe to so that she'll immerse herself in Chuck's world. A world that she's hasn't been a part of for the last 14 years.

Vivian's line of thought then turns to Chuck's sincerity and how much of an honest person he is. Granted, he's the type of guy who can be too honest but it shows how truly genuine he is. A rarity for any woman to find in a guy when it comes to living the single life and being able to navigate their way through the oftentimes murky waters of the dating scene. The rare quality of being open and honest living in a city where people lie about anything, as well as everything in order to boost themselves up, especially when it involves social media. After reconnecting with Chuck through social media like Twitter, Facebook, and the newest platform called Instagram. While most people are in it for likes, clout, shares, and/or popularity, he's sincerely using the platforms provided him to shine a light on the kids fighting battles just for the sake of wanting to live another day.

Ultimately, what she come to know and incredibly endearing is the size of his heart. A heart that beats with the love and passion of wanting to help those he loves...cares about. True, the love he gives is most definitely returned back after briefly hearing stories from Ellie and Devon on how the kids are viewed as rock stars by him. However, the heart of what makes those kids true rock stars is Chuck and someone like her would be considered a complete fool to not notice, because she's not the type to be absolutely self-absorbed, she thinks to herself. Granted, she may look self-absorbed but that's just her natural resting face, which has been considerably happier since being around the one person who shared his heart with her when there were times he didn't necessarily want to turn to Ellie, or Morgan for that matter. It's a thought that has considerable weight and not to mention meaning to her in some many ways.

"Could be." she responded with a half shrug of his shoulders. After remaining briefly silent.

After saying that, the elevator door opens leading a number of people to file out. Once it's clear and empty of people the two step inside. Luckily, nobody would come running
or rushing over to stop the doors from closing, which is considerably annoying thing that people have a tendency to do from time to time. In any case, once the elevator door closes, Vivian makes a decision to say something to Chuck that could very well change the dynamic of their relationship. "Chuck."

"Yeah?" he said after pressing the 1st floor button.

"I've got something to tell you." she said turning her head. Her eyes inevitably locking with his as Chuck gives her his full attention. The elevator door eventually closing leaving the two of them standing side by side together.

XXX

"Well..." wondered Vivian. Her left arm still hooked around Chuck's right. "...I know it's a lot to process right now." she added, trying her best to read Chuck's facial expression. "Talk to me."

Before Chuck answers, he realizes the elevator hasn't moved causing him to lean forward to press the down button. Afterwards, he returns his attention back to Vivian.

"How long have you known? The way you've felt?" inquired Chuck.

Vivian is silent for brief moment. She shakes her head a bit. "Before I left for high school. I wanted to tell you but..."

Chuck chimes in. "You were scared? Understandable." Vivian simply nods acknowledging. "I would have completely freaked out myself if the roles were reversed." he added shrugging his shoulders. So, you just decided not to tell me and keep it bottled up for 14 years? How did that work out for you?" he asked with sarcastic curiosity.

"The first month or so living in Somerset, it was quite a struggle. I kept myself busy but every now and then I just wanted to call you. I chickened out."

For Chuck, it's completely baffling to him that Vivian would have so much trouble with something such as a simple phone call. Granted, the time difference was somewhat difficult to deal with but they made it work. However, with time and the ever changing scope of their individual lives they gradually lost touch. He always considered their relationship a close one. There are certain things that Ellie doesn't know about, or Morgan for that matters and he's his best friend. In his mind, to hold back something like that must have been an absolute struggle for her, which is surprising because he's always seen her as a free spirit. A free spirit that spoke her mind when something needed to be said.

It's one of her most endearing qualities he thinks to himself. To him, it's somewhat the mirror opposite of his big sister Ellie who exemplified a stern, motherly authoritarian who wanted what's best for him. Always looking out for his own best interests in mind. Asserted herself as the role of big sister protecting her little brother, which she took very seriously thanks to their dad. As annoyingly frustrating as it was, being able to talk with Vivian and having her give advice that would never fly with Ellie was one of the reasons they meshed so well together back then. They were the quintessential beauty and the nerd that nobody in middle school could quite figure out their dynamic of a relationship. Granted, it was a dynamic that he couldn't figure out either but just ran with it any way.

Of course, that says a lot being that nobody in middle school, high school or in just general for that matter never really figured the dynamic of his relationship with Morgan. They still don't, he thinks to himself. It's a humorous thought knowing that same dynamic is now related to the friendship he shares with Sarah. Once again, he feels himself quite lucky that 2 incredibly beautiful women are actually wanting to be seen with instead of avoiding him altogether. In his mind, it would be awesome if they would end up becoming eventual friends as well, despite Vivian seemingly showing up out of nowhere. Although, their personalities may clash due to her overall open sensibility and politeness being that she's English while Sarah is more cautiously reserved and guarded from what he's been able to gather thus far.

"How do you feel now?"

"A sense of relief."

"You know, I never did tell you back then that I had a crush on you."

"Oh, I knew..." nodded Vivian. "...and so did Ellie." she added with a slight grin. "It was pretty obvious."

"No, it wasn't."

"Charles Bartowski…" Vivian said playfully hitting the side of Chuck's right arm with her right hand. "...you wear your emotions on your sleeve. Plus, you think too loud." This leads to Chuck peering down and staring at the floor for a moment. However, his brief concentration on the elevator floor ends when he feels another hit. This time it on his chest. "I can hear you...you know."

Once again Chuck takes a moment to gather his thoughts before speaking. After what seems like forever, he pipes up. "Sarah."

"The woman you seemed quite chummy with earlier." nodded Vivian. "What about her?"

"What do you think of her?"

"It's hard question to answer since I don't know her at all. Here's a better question..." questioned Vivian with curiosity. Her right brow quirked upward. "...what are you asking me?"

Chuck shakes his head in response. "Nah...no...I don't know. I do know we're just friends. It's also too soon for me to put myself out there."

"Ex that will never be talked about?"

"She took my mojo?"

"That hag. Excuse my language?" A brief mixture of disdain and anger expressed on her face.

Chuck knows enough terminology and watching enough BBC channel television to know what the word means. "Hag indeed." he retorted back shaking his head. Chuck then gives a faint hint of a smile briefly turning is head to face her. "I hope you understand."

"I do." she softly responded back. "If you need to talk, remember..."

"Just ring you on the telly." he instantly chimed in a bad British accent. "I know. I remember." chuckled the self-professed nerd.

This warrants a laugh from Vivian as well. Afterwards, she takes the moment to breathe in then continues on. "Listen, take all the time you need. You know where I am." she added, rubbing the side of his right arm with her free right hand.

"Yeah, standing in the elevator right now with me." he joking remarked. His humor once again causing laughter to be expressed by Vivian who is thoroughly enjoying their time together.

XXX

The courtyard of Westside Medical center is empty with exception of 5 individuals stand by the area of the blue benches. As Morgan stands there looking over the rider Chuck gave him, Casey is busy talking to 2 members of his security team or crew as he likes to call them. A bald Asian man named Harry Tang and a female with dark shoulder length hair pulled back into a pony tail. Here name...Greta. Both of Casey's team members are considered short in stature with their heights closely matching in the area of 5'5 to 5'6. However, what they lack in height they make up for in their skills and training that were instilled in them by the Colonel himself. Grunts, growls, and all.

They would be given the unfortunate task of being assigned as Jeff and Lester's security detail, which didn't make any sense whatsoever to the vastly experienced Head of Security. It also didn't make sense to Tang and Greta as well.

"What is there to protect Colonel? Those 2 geniuses are soft like pudding..." Tang questioned with his arms crossed. "...especially Jeff." he added shaking his head.

Casey sounds off a notable grunt in response. "Agreed. It's just a temporary assignment. One and done." nodded the hulking head of security.

It's at that point, his attention is directed to Greta who asks a question. "Permission to speak freely, sir?"

"Just ask. You're a civilian now, Greta."

"Is this detail considered punishment?" grunted Greta sounding off her displeasure.

"Negative..." answered Casey. His attention directed to his female subordinate. "...concerning the cage incident. I told you that's no longer an issue." he growled back. "As a matter fact, Chief Walker handled it. They won't be a problem any more. I can assure you both of that."

"Yes sir." nodded Tang.

"I hope so Colonel. Nobody takes my subway sandwich from our breakroom fridge." Greta seethed. A bit of anger still resonating within her voice. "Lester came close to dying. Wig off or on. It didn't matter to me." she growled.

"Relax and calm yourself. This is not the time for the "let's be bad guys" mentality. That was a lifetime ago for the both of us." Casey firmly stated eyeing the determined and headstrong woman. "Do I make myself clear?"

"Crystal sir."

After that brief interaction, Casey begins discussing and going over security measures with his two subordinates directing their attention to certain areas of the courtyard. While that is happening, Sarah is standing in front of the blue bench where she first met Chuck. Since their arrival in the courtyard, her mind has been drifting to the moment that Vivian McArthur stepped back into Chuck's life after apparently being gone for 14 years. The look on Chuck's face of him being so happy to see someone he has had history that's a female who didn't take his mojo irked her for some unknown reason. The playful and flirtatious interaction between the both of them bothered even more, even though she doesn't know her personally. For her, it was seemingly an instantaneous feeling coming at her all at once that caused her to mentally react in an "infringing on her territory" kind of way, she thinks to herself.

While standing there, she couldn't help but wonder if she's been overreacting because of some nerd who turned out to more than she ever bargained for or even imagined. Yet, It's not just some nerd...he's her nerd. It's that particular thought that causes her to shake her head knowing how one guy out of all her past relationships has made her this emotionally and mentally wound up that it's hard to even concentrate at times. What sort of nerdy powers does Chuck Bartowski possess that makes him so adorably likeable that she would actually fight another woman because of the relationship they already share, which she has never done before in her life. It's a thought that completely baffles her so much so just even thinking about is driving her nuts because of how tremendously confusing it is.

Her thoughts concerning her primal instinct to fight a woman she doesn't actually know abruptly ends when she suddenly sees Morgan standing in front of her. "Oh hey. What's up Morgan?"

"I know that look." he said point to her face.

"What are you talking about?"

"It's the 3rd wheel look. I should know. I've been there."

"Is it that obvious?" wondered Sarah shaking her head. It's at the point, Sarah walks up, turns around and sits on the blue bench. It leads Morgan to do the same as well taking a seat on her right.

"You're feeling how I felt when it started out with just me and chuck. Han Solo and Chewbacca. Then when we got older, it became Vivian and Chuck. I became the 3rd wheel. When they got older and Vivian left, it became Ellie and Chuck. Then, you show up I've became the 4th wheel." he stated considerably exasperated. "Vivian's back now and I'm not even on the freaking car. I'm the spare tire now."

"I'm sorry Morgan. It was never my intention to make you make feel like that."

In that instance, Morgan cracks a smile as he looks at Sarah. "No worries. I'm glad you're now a part of his life. I just don't want to end up being the spare 5th wheel kept in the trunk. You know?"

"I get what you're saying..." nodded Sarah. "...I think." she added chuckling with amusement. It's something that she truly needed in that moment.

"Look, it's gonna take some getting used to since Chuck and Vivian have always had a close bond, much like he has with Ellie. It's different but the same, if that makes any sense at all." explained Morgan the best way he can. "Chuck and I will forever be best friends. He's my hetero life partner."

"That's something I've never heard of." faintly chuckled Sarah.

"You've been able to form a bond with him that's special. We all see it. There's no need to worry." Morgan whispered with reassurance in his voice.

As much as Sarah wants to get in depth with Morgan concerning how big of a bond does Chuck share with Vivian, she ends up just smiling at the man, who she now considers a friend. "Thanks Morgan. I'll make sure to thank the carnival freaks who raised you as one of their own."

"No problem." In that instance, Morgan suddenly realizes something. "We bonded just now, didn't we?"

Sarah nods expressing an appreciative smile towards Chuck's bearded best friends. In that moment, she sees Morgan raising his right hand for a high five then notices both his eyebrows rise up. Afterwards, he points with his left finger to the hand that's raised up. "Come on. You know you want to."

Sarah shakes her head a bit hesitant to do so, but eventually accepts his invitation for a high five. Once the high five has been established both their hands are momentarily intertwined. As they are, Sarah's attention would be averted to her left to where she suddenly sees Chuck walking towards them with Vivian looking very comfortable hanging on his left arm. Almost immediately, it causes a reaction that leads her to experience a mixture of emotions, two of them being jealousy and anger. Unfortunately, what she didn't realize that as her internal jealous-anger meter was going off, she was squeezing Morgan's right hand so hard that it caused him to fall down forward on to his knees in considerably great pain. Sarah quickly lets go upon realizing what is happening and quickly checks on him. This causes Chuck and Vivian to rush over while Tang and Greta stand there indifferent about what happened. Casey, on the other hand, expresses a noticeable smirk at Morgan's unfortunately misfortune.

"Morg…" Chuck said with concern kneeling down beside him. "...you okay dude?" he added helping his best friend to his feet.

"Yeah. I'm...uh wooo…" responded Morgan holding and flexing his right hand. "...Sarah and I were...uh...doing a test of strength. I lost. She won. Right Sarah?" he said eyeing her.

It took second before Sarah realizes what's going on. "Yeah. Morgan challenged me and I guess I don't know my own strength."

"Wow. Smart, beautiful and strong." Vivian stated smiling at Sarah. The daughter of Hartley Winterbottom standing in front of her. "Hello again. We met earlier, but I didn't get the chance to chat extensively with you. I hope we do that and get to know each other. Become friends as well."

Sarah is momentary silent as she contemplates Vivian's offer. So many mixed emotions swirling within while standing in front of her. Yet, she pushes them down and in doing so takes a deep breath before she gives her response. "I'd like that." she answered shooting a polite tight-lipped smile at her.

"While still kneeling down by his bearded partner in crime, he glances up at Sarah and gets her attention. "Hey Sarah, does your sister have a half day in school this Friday."

The daughter of Emma Walker directs her attention down Chuck kneeling beside his best friend. A new found friend to her. "Yeah. She's pretty happy about it actually."

"Let Emma and Molly know. See if they want to join in on the fun Friday at 1 p.m. It's gonna be an awesomely fun day..." Chuck pauses briefly. "...hopefully. Let's cross our fingers." he said looking at Morgan. The immediate realization as he briefly peers down at little bearded buddy's right hand. "Not you buddy. Not you." he said. patting him on his right shoulder.

"I'll let them know."

"My father and I will be there as well. It sounds it will be absolutely riveting."

"Oh..." nodded Sarah. "...sounds awesome." he she faintly responded.

Afterwards, Chuck helps Morgan up to his feet still nursing his hand a bit and inevitably stands in front of Vivian and Sarah. He looks back and forth at both women the speaks up. "I know this may sound cliché, corny and this is not a diss to Humphrey Bogart's famous last line from the classic move Casablanca but..." he said crossing his arms. A visible happy smile on his face as he glances at his best friend standing to his right "...Morg, I think this is a start of an awesome friendship." he prophetically added. He reaches up placing his right hand on Morgan's left shoulder. It's not long after he says that, Sarah glances at Vivian who unbeknownst to her has just become the Chief Operating Officer's rival.

XXX


NOTE: Okay, I know what you're thinking and let's just say it's not what you think. I'll just leave it at that. Once again, I like to thank you all for your support of this awesome story. It's been a labor or love and not to mention fun to write as I put my AU timeline story Chuck vs. Proposal on the back burner for now. As always, leave a comment and share your thoughts. Shout out to NEVR once again for being my Beta reader who gives sound advice when it comes to what I write or preview on the Chuck Fanfiction Facebook Page.