Chuck vs. The Courtyard Bench
Well, in the previous chapter: Jeffster hijinks that resulted in getting in big trouble with Chief Beckman. Plus, Sarah asking Casey to walk her down the aisle. Unfortunately, Casey didn't give her an answer. Speaking of Casey, he received a call that greatly impacted him. So, what happens in this chapter? Here are the who, what, where, when, why, how's? Whose song did Chuck and Sarah sing in tribute for Sensei knowing it was considered to be his favorite song. What was Chuck thinking about as Casey was giving his eulogy for Sensei? Where did Casey end up going after the funeral ceremony was over? When did Brother Bodhin win a bet that involved being nude? Why does Morgan not like Jason Schwartzman? How does Hartley react to an old friend? Read and find out! I hope you enjoyed 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.
A Wise Man
XXX
The news of Casey's mentor, Sensei, otherwise known as Ty Bennett, was something totally unexpected for his former student. Yet, it wasn't surprising. For the most part, Casey was thankful that Bennett passed away peacefully in his sleep. Brother Bodhin notified him after he was concerned that he didn't show up the following morning for prayer and meditation. Despite the news of his passing, Casey was able to make all the funeral arrangements for a soldier who deserved an respectful and honorable burial, which fell on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. Since the ceremony was held on the grounds of The Monastery of the Holy Spirit, there were going to be a number of ceremonial traditions that were being held. A few of those traditions were reading sermons and leading chants called sutras, which are Buddhist funeral prayers. Another tradition was for the mourners to wear white for the ceremony because it not only symbolized grief, but seriousness as well.
Although Westside Medical Center's hulking head of security didn't invite anyone to attend and just wanted it to be a private ceremony, there were a number of people who came purely to be supportive.
All 5 individuals understood how much respect and admiration he had for the man, especially when it involved how Sensei should be buried. Plus, they knew how Bennett played a significantly important role in Casey's life. Chuck, Sarah, Morgan, and Alex were the ones who came in support of Casey. However, there was one additional person who was in attendance as well. That person was Casey's girlfriend, Getrude Verbanski. Speaking of Getrude, she and Alex were sitting on either side of him. Both women were holding his hands and squeezed them in supportive comfort. The two women also knew that even though he doesn't ever really express outwardly what has always referred to as his lady feelings, they could clearly tell he was dealing with it in his own way. Alex, more so than Getrude, could tell that her father was a bit nervous because he was rubbing his index and middle like a violin before they all sat down. It's the same thing Alex did growing up and still does whenever she gets nervous. Like father, like daughter.
In any case, as much as Casey wanted to have a military style funeral for Bennett, he opted for the Buddhist traditional ceremony. The ceremony involved the body of the deceased being presented/displayed simply in an open casket. However, before Brother Kraisee passed away, he spoke with Casey concerning his wishes on how he wanted to be buried if that time ever came. Brother Kraisee's wishes were granted and that was his body was not only to be cremated, but have a particular song be sung. Also, Brother Kraisee's cremated remains would be buried underneath a fig tree, which was also known as the Bodhi Tree. According to Buddhist history, the Bodhi Tree represented a religious symbol in Buddhism because of how prominent it became in the story of the Buddha's discovery of enlightenment. It also represented the capacity of every human to follow the steps of the Buddha in achieving enlightenment.
Although the song itself didn't go with a traditional Buddhist funeral ceremony, it was given approval by Brother Bodhin who was The Abbot of The Monastery of the Holy Spirit. For Casey and Brother Bodhin, they knew it was a song that was considered to be a surprising favorite for the man who actually shed everything he desired of the world. Yet, the song connected them during and even after their military days. Also, the lyrics to the particular song resonated with not just the three men, but those who were privileged to have heard the song when it was played. When it came to the approved song, it was called "Fire and Rain" by James Taylor. A song that Chuck and Sarah didn't want to mess up because it was honoring Brother Kraisee on behalf of the two men who knew, as well as deeply respected him.
There were a few moments of silence before the nerdy couple started singing. It gave Chuck the opportunity to do some last-minute adjustments on the guitar that he was going to use during their duet. Once the adjustments were complete, he nodded over to Sarah who took a deep breath before she turned her attention towards the funeral attendees that were seated in the area located by the Bodhi Tree. It wasn't long before Sarah began to sing the first set of lyrics to the song.
Just yesterday mornin', they let me know you were gone
Suzanne, the plans they made put an end to you
I walked out this morning and I wrote down this song
I just can't remember who to send it to
I've seen fire and I've seen rain
I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end
I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend
But I always thought that I'd see you again
After Sarah sang the first set of lyrics, Chuck joined his fiancé on the chorus of the song. As they continued to sing, Casey sat there and stared at the spot underneath the Bodhi Tree where the cremated remains of his mentor was buried. The spot itself was marked with a special smooth stone. The name Brother Kraisee etched on a silver name plate on top of it. While Casey sat there, he heard the lyrics that Sarah sang concerning sunny days never ending and seeing lonely times when there was not a friend in sight. In his mind, those lyrics hearkened back to the battlefield and although you're surrounded with your fellow soldiers, it can be absolutely lonely as well. Yet, during times of feeling loneliness it was Sensei who could always count on to be reminded about relying on the brotherhood to watch your six. They'll lead you back on track if you ever find yourself lost.
Sensei was lost and through an uncanny set of circumstances, he was able to get back on the right track with help from his former student. Put your trust in one another and you'll never feel alone. It was credo that helped establish a cohesiveness not only between one another, but in their own mind, body, and soul as well. True, Sensei's way of training seemed cold and merciless, but it gave his students the determination to be mentally and physically pushed so they'd reach the next level. A level where they can push past the pain all while being centered and calm. This time, it was Casey's turn to be cold and merciless knowing he was just looking out for Sensei's well-being because if he didn't, he would end up completely lost with no way of ever finding his way back on track. His thoughts concerning Sensei were briefly set aside when he heard Chuck and Sarah singing the next set of lyrics together.
Won't you look down upon me, Jesus?
You've got to help me make a stand
You've just got to see me through another day
My body's aching and my time is at hand
And I won't make it any other way
For Casey, those lyrics stood true for not only the literal battlefield, but metaphorical one as well. There were plenty of times where he recalled he looked up into the heavens calling out for help. It got to the point where Casey never got an answer, which caused him to curse the heavens. For a period of time, it got dark for him, and he knew if he didn't seek help, he wouldn't become completely lost just like Sensei did. That's when he heard the voice. Instead of hearing that still small voice of Jesus, he heard the Sensei's voice. What he heard was for him to get up off his ass or he'll kick it for him. However, despite how emotionally, as well as physically in pain he was, he used that voice as a motivating factor to get himself the help he truly needed. It was an incredibly tough road to find his way back but, with the support of his then wife at the time and Chief Beckman he managed to get on the right track, especially with Sensei's voice continually rattling around in his head.
Oh, I've seen fire and I've seen rain
I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end
I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend
But I always thought that I'd see you again
Been walking my mind to an easy time
My back turned towards the sun
Lord knows, when the cold wind blows
It'll turn your head around
Well, there's hours of time on the telephone line
To talk about things to come
Sweet dreams and flying machines in pieces on the ground
Oh, I've seen fire and I've seen rain
I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end
I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend
But I always thought that I'd see you, baby
One more time again, now
Thought I'd see you one more time again
There's just a few things coming my way this time around, now
Thought I'd see you, thought I'd see you, fire and rain, now
Ever since he got the call of Sensei's death, Casey gradually experienced a sense of mental relief knowing his former mentor was given the peace he sorely looked for and needed. In his mind, it was like his sensei was constantly staring at the sun and after so many years of being blinded he was finally able to turn his life around for the better. It was a sight to see for Casey as he witnessed the transformations of someone who wasn't fully in control, to someone who was able to be in absolute control. Granted, the medication played a significant part in his mentally, emotional, and physical stability, but his time spent with the monks of the Monastery of the Holy Spirit gave him peace. Peace that he was searching for all throughout the chaos that Sensei was battling within himself. It was that thought where Casey took a deep breath and faintly exhaled a soft grunt.
Afterwards, he squeezed Alex and Verbanski's hands showing how thankful he was not only the two of them for being there for him, but for the other 3 individuals who were there for him as well. As much as he hated to admit that he appreciated Morgan's support, he wouldn't ever actually say it out loud for the bearded moron to hear coming out from his own lips. It was bad enough he accepted the fact his daughter was dating his daughter was one thing, but the possibility of him becoming his future son-in-law was a totally different story. A nightmare of a story if it ever came true. Of course, when it came to the two individuals who sang Sensei's favorite song, Casey simply gave Chuck and Sarah a firm nod after they ended their performance, which the nerdy couple reciprocated one back as they returned to their seats.
XXX
"A wise man always treats a stranger with respect. For he could be gazing on the face of an enemy." Casey shared. He briefly glanced down to Brother Kraisee's marked grave before he returned his attention to those seated in attendance for the funeral ceremony. "It was a saying Sensei," Casey stopped and corrected himself. "Brother Kraisee always said that stuck with me," He momentarily paused before he continued on. "For many of us who Sensei trained with him actually." he added, looking over at Brother Bodhin. He was seated in the front row with Chuck, Sarah, Morgan, Alex, and Gertrude.
Casey never liked being the center of attention. It made him incredibly uncomfortable and hated the feeling and the way he counteracted it was the hardened scowl on his face that gave. Granted, it was his usual resting face but turned up considerably more. As he stood there in front of a somewhat large gathering by the Bodhi Tree, he felt not only nervous tension building up inside of him, but a tremendous amount of anxiety as well. He believed he did better in the background knowing he served a far better purpose there. It was not only what the military instilled in him, but what Sensei instilled in him as well. After he cleared his throat and rubbed his hands together to calm his nerves, he continued on.
"I honestly didn't know what he meant at the time," Casey shared, shrugging his shoulders. "When he first said it to me, I was drunk. A number of us stumbled in after we celebrated surviving our first weekend with Sensei. What I remember was he took a near empty beer can that I was holding in my hand and showed it to me. When he did, he crushed it with his left hand." he added, reflecting back on that particular moment.
Brother Bodhin chuckled and nodded in response to what Casey shared. Of course, he was the designated driver at the time and vividly recalled the moment in question. Afterwards, he briefly glanced over to the guests that were sitting in the front row next to him. They were grinning with amusement knowing he had a life before he turned his life around and became a monk. Of course, one of those individuals who was grinning was Chuck. As he sat there and listened to Casey hoping he expresses his lady feelings because the way he was talking about Bennett he was more of a father figure than a mentor. It was the thought of a father figure that had him focusing on his own situation that involved his foster father, Hartley.
Although things between the two of them were settled, there were still some lingering questions on why he continued to remain so elusive about the progress of searching for Stephen Bartowski. He wanted to let go of it and move on, which he did for the most part. However, after finding out Bennett's passing and how Casey bent over backwards for someone, he believed should be honored rather than be ignored. In a way, he couldn't help but compare Casey's situation with an episode of Highlander: The Series. The episode was titled Homeland and it involved not only Duncan's past, but his first love, Debra Campbell. It revolved around a special bracelet that belonged to her and ended up in an auction in Paris that Duncan attended. Needless to say, he won it and ventured off to his homeland in the highlands of Scotland to get the answers he needed.
His journey to find the exact location of where Debra was buried, caught the suspicious eye of the owner of the inn, Rachael, who noticed the bracelet. Speaking of Rachael, she wasn't too thrilled about strangers showing up even if they're part of the MacLeod lineage. The reason she wasn't too thrilled was because of the rash of grave robberies that have happened on MacLeod land. Of course, he wasn't the only one that showed up because Duncan's watcher, Joe Dawson was there as well. Joe's reasoning for him being there was that it had been over 250 years since Duncan returned home from being banished by his own father. Unbeknownst to Duncan, an immortal named Kanwulf the Viking who was the main villain. Kanwulf actually took the place of the local priest that Kanwulf killed. It was also the first time Duncan died and came back to life after he believed he killed the man responsible for his father's death.
While Chuck sat there listening to Casey's speech, his thoughts drifted off to the episode where Duncan's search for Debra Campbell's grave lasted for hours. He was able to return Debra's bracelet to its rightful place. Unfortunately, Rachael believed he was a grave robber but later found he was putting the bracelet back. Ultimately, the episode culminated with the face off of Duncan and Kanwulf. Duncan won avenging the death of his father using his father's sword thus proving to Rachael the legend of Duncan MacLeod was absolutely true and there was a sense of clan loyalty.
Clan loyalty. Casey believed in and still believes in, especially when it involved the military. A sense of clan loyalty forged in the bond of a military brotherhood. In a sense, the Buddhist funeral ceremony was Casey's bracelet because he wanted to properly honor and respect a man who deserved what the military couldn't or refused to. Unfortunately, the military's treatment of how they've handled veterans who suffered from issues of mental and physical health needed to be overhauled, Chuck thought to himself. The nerdy business owner set aside the lack of doing more for veterans who truly needed help and refocused back on Casey's speech.
"He saw potential in me," Casey shook his head. "But the one thing he said that held me back was my stubborn pride." he added, flashing a faint smirk.
After he mentioned that, the sound of amused chuckles was expressed by the individuals who were seated in the front row that included Brother Bodhin. As much as he wanted to shoot a death glare towards the individuals seated in the front row, he ended up sounding off an amused grunt of his own.
"It was my stubborn pride that got me into situations that I was way in over my head. Like that time Brother Bodhin and I found ourselves in trouble with the authorities after a night on…" Casey suddenly stopped because he felt he was sharing too much, which was evident by not only whispered murmurs from the seated monks, but the surprised expressions from the guests seated by Brother Bodhin in the front. "It was a lifetime ago. People change." he stated, shrugging his shoulders.
It took a moment before the murmurs settled down, which gave Casey the opportunity to gather his thoughts. Once he felt he was ready to continue on, he resumed speaking.
"When I was in a very bad way I got to a point where I was angry and jaded, especially after Kathleen and I split. Alex was just a toddler." Casey nodded over to his daughter in the front row. He received a smile from her back. After clearing his throat, he continued on. "From that point on, I stumbled. I started getting into a mindset that people will just let you down."
Casey took a deep breath and stood there for a moment. A few seconds later he shook his head and continued on what he was going to say.
"It was Brother Kraisee's voice that I heard in my head to get my ass up." Casey once again looked down to his left and gazed down at the memorial stone that marked his mentor's burial spot. Afterwards, he returned his attention back to the seated attendees. "I owe Brother Kraisee a debt of gratitude that no words can ever really express. His voice pushed me towards the path that eventually led me to being hired by Chief Beckman. However, there was a deal made where I agreed to meet with a colleague of hers. That deal stands to this day."
As Casey mentioned about an agreed deal made with Chief Beckman, Sarah hearkened back to the session she had with Dr. Dreyfus. It confirmed that Casey was one of his patients. It's that thought in which she expressed a proud smile towards her hulking partner who seemed to be winding down his speech.
"I've met people who were at one time strangers," Casey locked eyes with Sarah and acknowledged her with a firm nod. "And they've earned my respect because I know they're not the enemy." His attention on Sarah moved towards Chuck and Morgan who were not only smiling at him, but waited for nods of approval as well. Instead of nods of approval he gave the two men something else. "No matter how foolish, simpleminded or childish they've acted."
Instead of looking disappointed, Chuck and Morgan simply shrugged their shoulders after briefly looking at each other as if they accepted the insult as a compliment. As for their better halves, they couldn't help but be amused knowing that Casey basically insulted the two men in an oddly polite way. It was even more amusing when Chuck and Morgan exchanged fist taps. After he ended his speech, Casey turned around and directed his full attention down towards the smooth stone with Brother Kraisee's name on it.
"Rest In Honor." he faintly breathed out. Afterwards, he lifted his right hand and gave a respectful salute.
XXX
After the funeral, Casey wanted to be alone, and his wishes were respected. He took a walk and before he knew it he found himself standing in Brother's Kraisee's room. It seemed like a simple and modest living quarters that was also used as a devotional space. The furnishings were minimal with just a bed, linens, and a table with a chair right a few feet away from a wooden alcove that was situated in front of an open window. It was vastly different from the living space that he provided for Sensei at New Directions shelter for homeless veterans. In any case, after doing a 360 turn in the room, he stepped over to the wooden alcove and stared out the window with his arms crossed. In the distance, he saw the Bodhi Tree where the funeral ceremony was held and as he stood there in silence, he cracked a bit of a smirk. Unfortunately, the silence didn't last as someone made their presence known.
"Brother Kraisee loved that view."
Casey didn't respond right away as he continued to stare out the window because he knew who was standing behind him. A few seconds went by before he finally spoke up.
"Nice cover and concealment," Casey leaned forward a bit and did a quick scan of the outside from left to right. "Perfect position for surveillance on a target. Several exit points to work with." he noted. Afterwards, he turned around to face the individual in question.
"Or." grinned Brother Bodhin. "It's just a good place to sit, relax and meditate." he added, shaking his head. "A sniper's mindset never really goes away."
"Roger that." Casey breathed out.
There was a moment of silence shared between the two men. It was broken when Brother Bodhin walked over to the table and pulled out the chair, turned it around, and sat on it. Afterwards, his attention was focused on the late Brother Kraisee's bed. At that point, Casey turned around and briefly observed what his former teammate was doing. It wasn't long before Brother Bodhin resumed speaking.
"The last conversation we had together was about Nirvana."
A look of confusion was expressed on Casey's face. "The band?"
Casey's response caused Brother Bodhin to express amused laughter, which gradually subsided. Once he composed himself, he shook his head and proceeded to clear up what he meant.
"Enlightenment," responded Brother Bodhin. "He was on the path and sought to seek Nirvana."
"How?" Casey glanced behind him before he took a step back and sat down on the wooden alcove situated in front of the open window.
"It took 6 years for Buddha to achieve Nirvana. The highest level or state to achieve."
"What level was Sensei?" Casey inquired.
Brother Bodhin shook his head. "He was just starting out, so he'd have to go through four stages to attain full enlightenment otherwise known as Arahant."
The Abbot of the Monastery of the Holy Spirit clearly noticed the genuine curiosity expressed on his former teammate's face. He proceeded to explain the four stages of Enlightenment: Sotapanna, Sakadagami, Anagami, and Arahant. Brother Bodhin further explained that the people who were at one of those 4 stages were included in the Buddhist Community or Sangha. Afterwards, he delved deeper and informed Casey what Brother Kraisee was striving to attain.
"Brother Kraisee was at the first level stage known as Sotappana or Stream Enterer. Also referred to as "One who enters the streams." He cracked a small grin before he moved on. "At first, he was highly against it because it involved sitting still and meditating while doing some breathing exercises. He said he was too old for that…." Brother Bodhin stopped himself because he nearly uttered a profanity. So he substituted the word. "Stuff."
Casey expressed a grin of his own after he heard that. Brother Bodhin was a far different man from he used to be as Colin Davis.
"Stubborn old man." he softly grunted. After he shook his head, he directed his attention to Brother Bodhin. "How was he as a student?"
"There was considerable resistance at first," responded Brother Bodhin. "But once he gradually eased into it he seemed to accept what was being taught to him." There was a slight pause before he brought up something else. "There was also a discussion about you."
"Me?"
"He said out of all his students you were the one who gave him the most headaches." Brother Bodhin shared.
"He always said I was damaging his calm."
Both men shared a laugh. Afterwards, it was Brother Bodhin who shared something with Casey that he learned from Brother Kraisee.
"He said that you spent so much of your life pushing people away. Lashing out with hurtful words and punches. But I know why you do it."
Casey grunted. "Just because you're now a peaceful monk, it doesn't mean I won't deck you."
"I'm sure you would, my brother." Brother Bodhin smiled and held up both hands in front of him. "All I'm saying is, Sensei did his best to help release all the anger you were harboring. He knew who you were harboring it for."
"My old man."
Brother Bodhin nodded. "That was just a part of it." He made sure to lock eyes with his former teammate. "And you did it because you were scared."
"Bullshit."
"I disagree."
"I wasn't scared of my dad," Casey replied. "Besides, he died and no longer became an issue," he added.
"You're right," responded Brother Kraisee. "But it wasn't that. It was the fact that you didn't want to become your dad. To end up transferring that abuse to your own family." Casey didn't say a word as he sat there and continued listening to what Brother Bodhin was sharing when it came to the last conversation he had with Sensei. "He could sense that fear stirring within you. Fear to be known. Fear to be known, seen as or even compared to him."
Casey was dead silent as he sat there letting what Brother Bodhin shared sink in. He was about to respond when his former teammate continued on.
"However," The emphasis on 'however' instantly caught Casey's attention. "When he was at the hospital, he sensed a positive change in you. You've surrounded yourself with individuals who give off a positive light. One of them goes by the name of Chuck. The two of them spoke."
After Brother Bohdin said Chuck's name, Casey expressed a soft growl. "When? I would have known about this."
Brother Bodhin shrugged his shoulders. "That I don't know. What I do know is that he shared with Brother Kraisee that underneath your extremely terrifying exterior there apparently lies a man who deeply, deeply feels. He said it's something you don't like or want to admit out loud."
"Bartowski is a dead man." softly grunted Casey.
"He also said you care about not only him, but a number of people who you've become protective of."
"It's my job," growled Casey. "I'm Head of Security."
"Mhmm," responded Brother Bodhin. At that point, he stood up and simply expressed a smile towards Casey. "He was proud of you for the man who you turned out to be and found yourself an extended family. You don't have to be enlightened to know you have a good thing going. Don't ever take it for granted."
Casey was momentarily silent before he stood up and faced Brother Bodhin. "All that coming from a guy who actually stood in formation totally nude."
"Like you said," Brother Bodhin responded. He gestured towards the door as his former teammate walked towards him. "People change." There was a slight pause before he continued on. "I still won that bet though, didn't I?" he added, cracking a mischievous grin. Both men shared a laugh together as they left the room that once belonged to their sensei.
XXX
2 Weeks Later
"Hurry up Chuck!" Sarah hollered, from the living room. "10 minutes till the show starts!"
Sarah was excited for the watch party of the 8pm series premiere of "We'll Always Have Omaha", which was held at Casa Bartowski. She looked forward to seeing a character that inspired the character, Katrina Omah. A woman that she not only reconnected with but was able to apologize for all that she put Heather Chandler as mean girl. In any case, the nerdy couple weren't alone as Sarah's mother and younger sister, along with Alex, Morgan, as well as Kathleen joined in on the watch party too. Casey was invited but declined the offer for date night with Getrude. In any case, they were all gathered comfortably in the living room when Chuck emerged from the kitchen. He was carrying or, in his case, was trying not to drop the bowls of popcorn he securely carried in his arms. Fortunately for him, he made it without clumsily dropping the bowls he carried into the living room.
"I'm still on the fence about the actor Jason Schwartzman playing me," wondered Morgan, opening his can of grape soda. After he took a quick sip, he continued on. "He was awesome in the movie Scott Pilgrim vs. The World as the main villain. I just don't see him as me."
Chuck stood there by the corner of the living table and looked at his bearded best friend who was cozied up to Alex. "You do know this series isn't a biography of our lives," Chuck paused and raised both eyebrows down towards him. "Right buddy? We just inspired the characters."
"I know," Morgan nodded "Honestly though, do I look like the villain type. He looks nothing like me. Plus, I didn't like how Gideon treated Romona."
"What I loved were Chris Evans and Brandon Routh." Sarah shared.
"Lucas and Todd." Alex wistfully uttered, expressing a smile.
At that point Molly responded. Actually, she more or less mumbled because she had stuffed popcorn in mouth and spoke at the same time. Everyone momentarily stared at her as the youngest Wexler daughter washed down the popcorn in her mouth with a bottle of water. After she was finished, the young girl expressed relief in the only way a 14-year-old teenager knew how to. She gave the loudest and seemingly longest belch that not only caused everyone's eyes to widen except for Emma. Of course, the matriarch of the Wexler women rolled her eyes and shook her head out of sheer disbelief.
"That felt good," she breathed out, with satisfaction. Molly suddenly noticed everyone staring at her. "What?"
"That was," Kathleen tried to find the right words as she sat there somewhat stunned. "Impressive."
Alex instantly chimed in after the response her mother gave. "You were trying to say something, but you had a mouth full of popcorn."
It took a second before Molly remembered what she was going to say. "Oh right. Thanks Alex." A nod was given back by Casey's only daughter. Afterwards, the 14-year-old turned and faced Morgan. "Gideon is so like you. A delusional man-child that can't take a hint."
Morgan instantly took Molly's comment personally, which resulted in another lively discussion between the two of them. Chuck was about to intervene when a familiar ring time was heard. He looked down at the coffee table where laid his phone down before he went to the kitchen to microwave some popcorn for the watch party. The name HARTLEY was shown on screen. Chuck stood there for a moment as he contemplated on whether or not to pick up. Fortunately, the choice was made for him when Sarah picked it up and handed it to him. Instead of saying anything, she gave him a nod and encouraged her soon to be husband to talk with his foster father. Chuck nodded back as he took his phone from Sarah. It wasn't long before he closed the sliding door after he stepped out on the back porch to privately have a conversation with Hartley. Plus, it was quieter than the lively discussion that was going on in the living room between Molly and Morgan.
"Hey," Chuck said. "It's been a while."
"That it has, son." responded Hartley. "Did I catch you at a bad time?"
"Watch party for the series that Sarah and I technical advisors for."
"What was the show called again?"
"We'll Always Have Omaha."
"Ah. I see. Go have fun. I'll call back later and…"
"No, wait," Chuck paused and waited for Hartley's response. "You there?" he added, intently listening on.
There was a seemingly long silence on the other end before Hartley answered. "I am."
Chuck took a moment and gathered his thoughts before he spoke to Hartley again. After he did a bit of pacing back and forth on his back porch, he continued on with the conversation.
"Look, you've always looked out for me," Chuck shook his head. "And Ellie as if we were your very own kids. You basically took over raising the both of us, which wasn't easy." The youngest Bartowski sibling took a deep breath before he continued on. "To be honest, I don't know what's going on and if it somehow involves my dad or not I'm going to trust you." he added, doing his best to sound understanding. "Vi too. You both never lied to us or did anything that would ever break that trust. All you ever did was tell us the truth. That we are truly grateful for. "
"I appreciate that, my boy. You don't know how glad I am to hear that. And Vivian as well."
"Is she…" Chuck suddenly stopped himself. "You know what, just let her know I said hey."
"I will do that."
"It was actually awesome to hear from you Hartley. Lunch some time?"
"That sounds smashing. I'll give you a ring and we'll meet up."
"Will security let me in this time?" Chuck humorously asked.
Chuck heard Hartley softly laughing on the other end of the line. Afterwards, he responded back. "I'll make sure to let them know."
"Awesome."
"Good to hear from you, son."
"You too."
The conversation between both men ended. Chuck stood there for a brief moment and expressed his trademark toothy smile. Although their first meeting together in quite a while was going to be awkward, it was considered a step in the right direction with Hartley. He felt a sense of anxious relief for that lunch meeting between the two of them knowing it was going to be an awkward situation at first. Yet, he hopes the relationship will get back to what it was before it got incredibly complicated. In any case, Chuck's thoughts were interrupted by the muffled sound of his name being called from inside Casa Bartowski.
"Chuck! It's starting!"
"I'm coming!" he hollered back.
After he stepped over and opened the sliding door, he stuck his Iphone in the right front pocket. Thankfully, the lively discussion between Molly and Morgan was over by the time he sat down for the series premiere watch party. Meanwhile, Hartley stood in front of his office window and looked out into the wondrous, lit up landscape of downtown Los Angeles. His attention on the colorful landscape that illuminated the City of Angels was interrupted by the sound of a voice behind him.
"Well?"
"The situation took care of itself." Hartley stated. He continued looking out the window.
"Are you sure?" responded the mysterious individual. "
Hartley finally turned around and faced the mysterious individual who stood in the middle of his open office doorway. Although the man in question was sharply dressed, the look on his suggested that he was absolutely serious.
"You don't have to worry about Chuck."
"If he became a problem, it would be wise of you to handle it."
"I know. Trust me," Hartley locked eyes with the individual who now stood across from him. "He won't be a problem."
"Then we can proceed without any more interruptions." The mysterious individual was set to leave but before he could, Hartley stopped him.
"Answer me this."
The man in question stopped and slowly turned back around. When he faced him, Hartley now stood in front of his desk instead of behind it.
"Do you come down here as my old friend, Clyde Decker," Hartley briefly paused as he took a step forward. "Or as the U.S. Federal District Attorney?"
Decker didn't say a word. Instead, he expressed a smirk. Afterwards, he turned around and left his office. At that moment, Hartley knew that from this point on that the scope of landscape was going to drastically change, especially now that Clyde Decker made his presence known.
XXX
THE END
NOTE: THIS ENDS PART 4 OF STORYLINE SAGA. SO, WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE INTRODUCTION TO CLYDE DECKER? SINCE HE WAS A NO NONSENSE PAIN IN THE ASS AS A GOVERNMENT AGENT, HE'S A PAIN IN THE ASS U.S. FEDERAL DISTRICT ATTORNEY. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR CHUCK? IT'S GOING TO GET INTERESTING FROM THIS POINT ON.
