A/N: Thanks for the continued support for this AU story, and particularly for the reviews. This started life as me trying to write a story where I liked Bryce, which I don't normally. But it developed into one where he, Sarah and Chuck had all gone through changes making them different to canon. It's so pleasing that you like it.
Sarah has just found where she wants to stay for the rest of her time on the island.
Caribbean Retreat
Chapter 6
Sarah was virtually skipping along as they walked away from what would become her apartment, she was so happy.
"I should record this," Chuck said, the amusement clear in his tone.
She grinned, knowing why he'd said that. "Want more evidence to convince Bryce that I've changed?"
He laughed. "From what I know, I don't think Agent Walker would be seen dead skipping."
She hugged his arm to her. "Skipping doesn't fit with any role I would've had to perform in the CIA." The very idea was amusing.
"Unless your mark was a six year old girl," he replied.
She chuckled and was going to say that children didn't feature in any of her missions and then she thought of her last one and all humor drained away. Chuck was instantly aware. He stopped and stood in front of her, held her arms and asked, "What is it?"
She looked at him. The concern for her was written all over his face. After all the secrets he'd shared, shouldn't she tell him this one of hers? What if someone overheard her? She decided that she couldn't risk it. "Just a memory where a child was involved."
"Sorry to make you remember that," he said. He sighed. "I might do this sort of thing because I don't know what topics to avoid. I know you can't tell me about your missions, though. I've experienced that with Bryce."
She had guessed he was aware of that. "Thanks, Chuck," she meekly responded.
"Are you gonna add any additional furniture to the apartment or… or decorate it? Either are allowed."
She stood on tiptoes and kissed him. She really appreciated him changing the subject. He smiled as she dropped back down. "No to both, unless my boyfriend needs anything."
He looked puzzled. "Why'd you say that?"
She held his arms this time. "Because I'm hoping you'll move in with me at some time."
His jaw dropped. He'd obviously not thought of that as a possibility.
As she watched his face, it showed a series of emotions. Shock at first, obviously, then morphing into happiness as he took it in, then he frowned and finally looked sad. She guessed what had gone through his mind before he explained the sadness.
"That sounds wonderful, Sarah, beyond my hopes, but if you leave after six months, it would be so much harder if I was there."
Sarah tried to reassure him. "Chuck, I never want to go back to the CIA. I only took this six month period to ensure Graham let me go."
"But what if he demands that you return?" Chuck asked.
She hadn't talked about this with him. She grabbed one of his hands and pulled him down onto the beach. Neither of them had towels, but she made him sit anyway. From here they could probably see their normal spot, but she couldn't wait to tell him her thoughts.
"Chuck, you know that part of the reason I was upset when I saw Bryce was that I thought I was being followed. That wasn't just me wanting my privacy. I was very careful in choosing how I got here. I didn't use my name and I wore a disguise all the way. Director Graham shouldn't know I'm here. I didn't plan to even return to complete my retirement."
He understood what she was telling him beyond those words. "Hence the phone being switched off." She nodded. "I can set it up so that, if he calls, he can't trace where you are."
She grabbed both sides of his face and kissed him hard. He not only understood, but he would make things easier for her. "You wonderful man!" she said as she pulled her lips away.
He grinned. "I do my best."
She kept one palm against his face. "Well, your best is pretty great."
She knew she had fallen for him before, but each moment with him, that feeling increased. Is this what being in love feels like?
She had no one to ask and that wasn't just because she was hiding. The only woman she had been in contact with before leaving was Carina Miller. She knew all about sexual encounters, she was the expert in that, but she knew nothing about love. In fact, if Sarah did talk to her, she'd scoff at the idea of falling in love.
She thought about her mom, who Sarah couldn't contact anyway. She must've loved her dad at some point in their relationship, but she may well be too jaded to remember the good times.
Before returning to the café, Chuck had just enough time to make the phone adjustments. She wasn't rushing him, but he said he'd like to do it immediately rather than her having any problems. She did appreciate that.
He came to her room, sat at the desk and worked his magic. It didn't seem like any time before he handed it back to her.
"I've hooked it up the same as mine. If you get any calls now, people will not know where you are."
"Even you?" she asked, not sure why that seemed important.
He nodded. "You can text me, though."
He got up to head off, but she didn't let him go until she'd given him a thank you kiss.
The next two days were a blur to Chuck.
He always used to have a known routine. Pre-work, work, post work. All of it alone or briefly, with Bryce. His day off was spent mostly on the beach, alone, away from people. He would have calls with his sister and, very, very rarely with his dad, but no other human interaction.
All of a sudden, there was Sarah in his life. He spent as much free time with her as possible. When he wasn't with her, he was thinking of her. She pretty much dominated his thoughts and when he was with her, he felt lost in her.
He knew he'd been in love with her from the moment he saw her and every moment with her, increased that love.
He'd thought he was in love with Jill Roberts, but that had felt nothing like this.
He wasn't going to spoil it by gushing. In spite of the discoveries about Jill that he and Bryce had made, he still felt that he'd been too demonstrative in his affection and his gushing was partly responsible for her running from him. Had Jill known that he was going to propose after graduation? Now that he knew she was some kind of a spy, it was likely.
So, he was being cautious. Maybe too cautious.
He certainly wasn't going to push for a more physical relationship. Bryce hadn't given details, but Chuck knew his friend was a lothario at college, and he would've assumed Sarah would succumb to his charms. That hadn't happened and Chuck was sure that Bryce's fear of her was more than just how their partnership ended. He suspected that Bryce came on too strong and she, well, reacted.
Chuck didn't think Sarah would react violently if he did anything, but only a fool would chance it. Of course, his sister had brought him up to be more respectful and he regarded himself as a gentleman, so he wouldn't be at all forward, anyway. However, he didn't want Sarah to think of him being prudish. What was the term? Victorian, in his behavior.
He pushed these thoughts back.
When she got the keys to her apartment, he was going to help her move in. He'd talked to Bryce about it and he wanted to help too. They'd make it as easy as possible for her.
As for their physical relationship, he'd let Sarah take the lead. It was the gentlemanly thing to do. Wasn't it?
It was moving-in day, and Sarah was excited. She thought that this apartment could be her first real home.
She'd had an apartment in DC for several years. She hadn't owned it, or paid any rent toward its upkeep, but it had been her residence when in the city for nearly ten years. But that was it. When in the city. She had probably spent less than twenty nights in that apartment, always moving on to her next assignment or mission as fast as she could. She just didn't think of the place as her home. She'd probably spent more time in some of the many hotels than she had there.
Her time in Budapest before she could escape was close, but she tried not to think about that.
So, today she'd take possession of the keys to the apartment in which she planned to spend most of her nights going forward.
Chuck had offered to help her move in and Bryce had said they could close the café for the day if he wanted that. He'd help if she needed assistance. They both now wanted her to be settled.
She declined both offers. Her possessions consisted of the contents of one small suitcase and her purse. What were they going to do? Chuck pull her case and Bryce carry her handbag? Amusing though that idea was, it was also pointless and would cost them a day's earnings at the café and some unhappy customers.
She told Chuck to come and see her in it, in the afternoon.
The thought of him alone with her in her apartment sent shivers up and down her spine. She still hadn't decided what she wanted to happen. Well, she had, but was Chuck ready for that?
The thought of taking him to that bed had started to occupy her mind each night. She'd been with men during her time in the CIA, so she wasn't a virgin, but she'd never ached for it like she did now with Chuck. She knew that was stupid. They would when they were both ready. They had no intention of separating, so they had all the time in the world. If it happened on her first day in her home, she was sure it'd be a wonderful memory to have to associate with that special day, but it wasn't essential.
She was sure he'd be a wonderful lover, but she didn't plan to push him. She'd let him take the lead.
Chuck got a text while he was starting lunch prep.
* I'm in xxx *
The kisses made him smile as much as the message. He immediately sent one back:
* Congrats xxx *
As soon as he'd finished cleaning up from lunch he rushed out.
"Congratulate her from me," Bryce said as Chuck dashed through the café.
"Will do," he called back.
He slowed down once he was out. He felt like sprinting, but didn't want to arrive breathless and sweaty. That would not be good.
He knew there were two sets of doors to unlock to get to her apartment. One into the building, in addition to her unique one.
He called her as he approached. "Nearly with you."
"I know," she replied. He looked ahead and she was leaning out of a window waving to him. He waved back.
He saw her lift her phone to her ear. "I'll come and let you in."
By the time he reached the building, she was standing holding the front door open.
Sarah loved the place, but knew it would be so much better with her boyfriend with her.
When he called to say he was on his way, she had to open a window, lean out and wave. She was so excited.
She had to let him in through both sets of doors, but once he was in her apartment, he swept her up in his arms and twirled her around, while saying, "Welcome to your new home!" She couldn't help giggling at his exuberance.
He set her back down on her feet and gave her a delicious kiss. She hung onto him and kissed back just as hard.
Once their lips parted, breathless though she was, she told him, "Actually, it's my first ever home. The CIA apartment where I stored my paltry possessions didn't count."
He looked at her. "That's rather sad."
She shrugged and changed the subject, "Chuck, I want you to stay here with me tonight. It would mean the world to me. I feel more complete when you're with me and I want that on my first night here."
He looked uncomfortable, so she thought she needed to say more. "This isn't about sex, Chuck. It's about togetherness." She flushed and looked down and said quietly, "I've never spent the night with anyone."
He looked shocked. "But…Bryce?"
She'd trapped herself into telling him. She doubted he really wanted to know. "Bryce and I never had sex, even though he wanted to, and we never slept together. When we had to pretend to be in a loving marriage and share a room, it was never in the same bed."
He still looked confused.
She gripped his hands and squeezed them. "I've never felt comfortable being asleep with others around. I had to do that when on a cover with Bryce, but not in the same bed. I felt too vulnerable. With him in a separate bed, or on the couch, I would sense an approach." She held his gaze. "I always slept with a knife under my pillow."
He looked shocked at that revelation, but then started to chuckle. She wasn't expecting that. She smiled and said, "What?"
"I got the idea that he might've lost something important to him."
She grinned. "That might've happened!"
"And you want me to share a bed with you?"
She could tell the question was partly in jest, but not completely. She nodded. "I promise no knife-wielding."
He frowned, but she didn't think it was about knives. "What's wrong, Chuck?"
"Sarah, please don't think I don't want to be with you, but since being in hiding, I've gotten used to my safety features around me and having an easy escape if anything were to go wrong."
She realized what he was saying and grasped his hand. "Can we go to your bedroom, then? I want to see what'll be needed." She nearly said 'to entice you into my lair' as a joke, but squashed that. He might not take it in jest.
He nodded. "That might work." Then he said, "We can't just go there immediately. I'll have to explain what's happening to Bryce. He may freak out, but needs to understand what's happening."
She felt disappointed, but conceded that point.
"Besides, if we go there during the day, other clientele might see us head upstairs."
Her heart sank. She looked at him. "Are you embarrassed to have me as your girlfriend?"
He looked horrified at her thinking that. "What!? No! Unbelievably proud that you lowered yourself to be with me." She hated that he thought that, but now wasn't the time for that discussion. "It's your honor I was thinking about."
She kissed him for that, but then said, "Chuck, I don't give a rat's ass what people think. If they think we're having sex up there, who cares?" 'I care,' she thought. 'I want it!'
He smiled. "Ok. Let's go and see if I can have a quick word with him."
She grabbed her new apartment keys, locked up and they set off.
She handed a pair of keys to him. He looked puzzled. She shrugged. "They gave me two of each. I want you to have a set."
He stopped her and kissed her. She knew this was a big deal because anyone could see them. "Thank you, Sarah. This means a lot to me."
She smiled and pointed at the two of them. "This means more to me than you can imagine. My first boyfriend, the first person I trust enough to want to sleep with."
She nearly said the words that had been swirling around in her head, but decided somewhere private would be more appropriate.
They kissed again and then set off again.
Bryce was having a quiet afternoon. Only one couple had come in for coffee and a cake. After he'd served them, he sat and thought about the events of the day.
He'd been surprised when Chuck had told him that Sarah Walker had taken out a lease on an apartment in the town. He'd been so sure that she wouldn't stay for long, but she really seemed to want to.
He'd also been doubtful about her feelings for his friend. That had been very worrying. He really didn't want Chuck to go through another breakup like he had with Jill. God, he didn't want to experience it himself. That had been awful.
However, Sarah seemed, no, was different from the Agent Walker that he had experienced. He was having to accept that he was wrong about Sarah. She was right that he'd changed since leaving, and although the circumstances were completely different, he shouldn't have just retained his view that she couldn't.
It was difficult, though. When they were partnered, she had shaken his belief in both himself and his longevity. He'd never feared anyone like he did that woman. Nor had he ever met anyone so cold and unfeeling.
Now, she was here, a totally different person. She must have gone through something awful to have changed so much. For the cold, deadly woman to have become this warm and loving one that was with Chuck was still hard to fully comprehend.
He knew his friend was attractive. He had been at college, but hadn't recognized that himself. Chuck had always looked inwardly rather than out to see what others thought of him. That didn't mean he ignored people or their problems. Quite the opposite, in fact. He would go out of his way to help. That was part of his charm. However, he seemed to withdraw when thanked.
Bryce had talked to him about this. It stemmed from his parents. Both had profusely praised him, but then abandoned him. Of course, they did the same to his sister, but she coped better. So, Chuck saw praise as a prelude to departure and avoided getting close to anyone.
All that changed when Chuck became besotted on Jill Roberts. Bryce was suspicious of her from the start, even before they got together.
His spy instincts, that the CIA were developing, kicked in. Jill had been observing Chuck for a while. He didn't know of course, and Bryce didn't mention it as he thought it would disturb the guy he thought of as his only real friend.
When Jill moved in, and that was the best way to describe it in retrospect, she didn't praise Chuck, she just was there. Now, Bryce knew she was just being exactly what Chuck needed, what drew his attention.
Chuck became interested in her, more and more.
If Chuck had asked him about her, Bryce would've advised his friend to steer well away. Unfortunately, the change in their relationship happened when Bryce was away. He had wondered since whether that was deliberate on Jill's part. When he returned from time at the Farm, Chuck was not only Jill's boyfriend, but also sleeping with her. That shocked Bryce. It seemed so out of character for Chuck. Since then, he'd decided Jill must've taken him to her bed and he just went along with everything that happened.
Bryce had to admit that Jill was beautiful, but he couldn't see why Chuck was so enamored.
Bryce had always attracted women and, on becoming a spy, felt even more desirable. He hated the phrase Chuck used, but it was technically correct. He 'bed hopped.' He did that more when Chuck and Jill started sleeping together. He had his choice of women. The sad thing was that the same was true about his friend, but Chuck just couldn't seem to see that.
Being abandoned by Jill tore Chuck apart.
Bryce had wondered over the years whether he should've pushed his friend to date other girls at that time. Would that have helped? Was that what a true friend would've done? He never worked that out. Chuck's reaction to her leaving was so alien to Bryce. Personally, he thought he would've just moved on and found someone else. That was partly why he couldn't really help Chuck. He had no idea how to think like him.
It was ironic that Sarah's rejection of him caused Bryce to struggle, but he convinced himself that was because it was so violent, but in the last few days, he wondered if that was all it was.
Sarah Walker was the most beautiful woman he'd ever met. She was back then when completely cold unless acting a part. He saw both aspects of her, the Ice Queen, the deadly assassin, and the stunning actress, playing a persona for the role. He had to admit, both were beautiful. However, she made it very clear that she was not for him, in any way.
He regretted his actions, trying to have sex with her that one time. It was unprofessional and he'd nearly paid the price. She had acted as if it never happened and it hadn't ruined their working relationship, but he still regretted it.
He shook himself out of those thoughts. Not helpful now!
Here on the island, the Sarah Walker he saw was different to the actress. He realized that now. This was possibly the real woman behind the mask. He had to be honest, she was more beautiful than she had ever been. Had she been like that on arrival, or was that Chuck's influence? He'd been so horrified when he saw her first that he didn't notice. However, she seemed so happy with his friend and Chuck was the same. It was like they were made for each other.
He looked up when the door to the café opened. Time to stop his reflections. He stood, but then saw who had arrived.
"Hi, Bryce," Chuck said as he walked in holding Sarah's hand. "Got time to talk?"
His first thought was that Chuck was going to tell him they were getting engaged. They seemed so into each other that he wouldn't be surprised!
"Coffees?" he asked.
"No. Let's just talk," Chuck replied.
They walked to their usual table at the back. He joined them.
Chuck looked at Sarah, but she gestured for him to talk first. He looked at his friend. "Bryce, it's nothing bad," Chuck stated. "We just wanted you to know before it happened."
"I want Chuck to move in with me," Sarah said.
Chuck looked at her in surprise. "I thought it was just sleeping together."
She looked at him and frowned, "What's the difference?"
"All the crap that fills his room," Bryce said. He chuckled. "You'd need to see it."
Her frown disappeared. "I want to see it."
Bryce looked at his friend. "Are you ready for her to see your room? No one other than me has ever been there and I've only been there a few times."
Chuck straightened his back. "I have it set up to do a few things. Part of that is to stop me from getting lonely, but part is to make me feel safe."
"Even though I'm only in the next room," Bryce drily commented.
Chuck gave him a look. "Sometimes you wouldn't hear if I was being attacked."
Bryce blushed as he thought of some of the loud women he'd brought home.
"And you're not always there, sometimes for the same reason, but you do go away occasionally."
That was usually to see Chuck's father, but he had to concede the point. He also joined the dots. He looked at Sarah. "You want to see what will make him feel safe at your place?"
She nodded. "The last thing I want is for him to be uncomfortable there."
This really was a very different Sarah Walker to the seemingly uncaring ruthless spy.
Bryce contemplated her plan. He remembered how Chuck had been when they first arrived here. Skittish, to say the least. He also remembered all that they had bought to make his room feel safer. "I bought some of the items needed, but some were ordered on the internet." He held her gaze. "I can help."
She looked surprised that he would offer. Hell, he was a bit surprised himself, but he'd now spent years caring for his friend and still wanted the best for him. It's what a good friend does.
"Please," she breathed out. She looked at her boyfriend. Bryce had noticed disappointment in her eyes just before she turned. He guessed why, and found he was right. "So, you won't be with me there tonight." Were those tears forming?
Bryce sat back. Sarah seemed to need Chuck with her. Another very different thing about this version of her. Agent Walker not only never needed anybody with her, but didn't even allow anyone to be there. Again, Bryce wondered when that change occurred. He suspected it was being with Chuck.
The next day was Saturday. Bryce could make some of the purchases early in the morning, but the internet items would have to be ordered and wouldn't be here for a few days.
"Why don't you stay together here?" he asked. Am I really suggesting this?
They both looked surprised, but Sarah seemed to immediately evaluate the idea. "Really?" she asked.
He did feel jealous for a moment, but then shrugged. "If Chuck had to put up with the noise from my room, it's only fair for me to do the same."
Both blushed furiously. "We're not-" Chuck started.
Bryce held up his hand. "I can see how much you both want to. I can go somewhere else at night until you can move."
Sarah was still bright red, but Bryce was sure he could see the idea appealed. My god! What a different woman! He looked at his friend with so much admiration. Chuck has completely melted the Ice Queen!
Sarah finally spoke. "I don't think you need to do that, unless you have somewhere else you'd rather be…"
Bryce thought of Jane on the other side of the island. He'd not seen her for a while. He'd get in touch, but that wouldn't be for tonight.
He focused back on the couple in front of him. "Okay. We'll get started on buying what's needed locally tomorrow, but I suggest ordering what's needed from online today. Chuck, can you bring down my laptop as well as yours?"
Chuck was in a bit of a daze but nodded as he stood.
Sarah stood too. She grasped Chuck's hand and said, "Lead me to your lair, Chuck."
Bryce watched them head up the stairs. He shook his head. Chuck's life was going to change even more from now.
A/N: The relationship develops further. Sarah has also discovered some of Chuck's hangups caused by living in fear of being found by the CIA.
A review would be great, if you can spare the time.
