A/N: Thanks for all the great reviews of the first two chapters, as well as the faves and follows. I really appreciate them all. I was going to end the story with the last chapter, but decided to add just one more.

This short chapter spans a much longer time period than the previous two, and consists of a series of snapshots into their lives, all from Sarah's point of view.


Bleeding Out

Chapter 3: Kind of Man


I can't stop the feeling, stop the motion
Of the wheels that keep on turning in my head
I kinda like the feeling, like the hurting
Smiles are beaming, you're a challenge

You're a diamond in the rough

You're the kind of man to fall in love with me
You're the kind of man to fall in love with me
You're the kind of man to fall in love with me
You're the kind of man to take me not seriously

"Kind of Man"
London Grammar 2024


Six months later. Nine months after the attack

Sarah still missed some of the field work, but a lot less than she'd expected. She guessed that was partly because the last one had alienated her from the role.

Having a permanent residence and no longer living out of a suitcase, was one of the unexpected perks of the job she now had, here in LA. She turned her head on her pillow and smiled. The man next to her made this permanent residence possible. Living with Chuck was one major factor in her happiness these days.

After that first night together, she'd only stayed away for two nights before moving in. Those nights were either side of her first day as an analyst. The hotel bed was comfortable, but it was missing something. Chuck. She moved in with him the next day.

Sarah knew she'd made the right choice transferring to Los Angeles as soon as she'd seen Chuck in the Buy More. How one person could change her life so much was surprising, though.

Of course, saving her life as he did make him very special, but she'd come to realize it was so much more than that. It wasn't just gratitude that drew her to him, there was some sort of connection that both her mind and her heart latched onto.

In the past, she wouldn't have believed it possible. Both her dad and the Company had drilled into her that love wasn't for her. In fact, her dad still thought that love was for fools.

Well, it seemed she was a fool. She hadn't told Chuck yet, but she knew that she was in love with him. So much so that if her arm suddenly recovered and she could return to the life of an operative, she wouldn't go. She wanted this life now, with the man she loved.

The fact that anyone could love someone with her past, still amazed her, but she accepted that he was special in that way, too.

She wasn't the only one that had changed jobs. Chuck hadn't left the Buy More completely, but he had reduced his hours. That was focusing Big Mike's mind on the fact that Chuck couldn't always be relied on and others needed to step up, or stronger staff be brought in. Chuck had made it clear that he would move on when he could. So, they needed to cope with his complete absence.

This change, and determination, was because Chuck was now a student again. He was being allowed to complete his degree at Stanford, but remotely because he didn't want to move to Palo Alto.

When he'd suggested this, Sarah had encouraged him and even gone with him to make his case to the new principal. She wasn't sure whether the man saw that what had happened to Chuck, without any review, was totally wrong, or whether her steely looks and hinted threats made the difference, but Chuck was in, so she didn't really care.

All this meant that her salary was the main one paying for their accommodation, and she couldn't be happier.

Chuck stirred, waking up and she rolled over to kiss him. Another wonderful part of her life now, She'd never slept the night with anyone before, and so hadn't experienced the happiness of waking together until being with Chuck. Of course, she'd only ever want to do that with this wonderful man.

As her lips pressed against his cheek, Chuck smiled. "Morning, gorgeous."

She knew he loved her for more than just her looks, but it was still pleasing that he thought that. "Morning my gorgeous boyfriend," she replied. And he was. "Time to get up and go for our morning run."

That was another change for Chuck. He'd been reluctant at first, but now enjoyed running with her. She still had to keep her pace slow for him, but he was quicker now. Running beside him was great anyway.

On the days he couldn't run, because he had to occasionally go to Stanford, she ran with Devon. Those were faster and confirmed that she could still do it. Of course, on those days, she missed the shared shower with her boyfriend, but she washed and dried much quicker.

All in all, she now had a good life, something she'd never expected.


Six months later. A year and three months after the attack

The course work for Chuck hadn't been difficult. That was another reminder for all concerned that he was brilliant. Sarah was careful to only mention that to him in private. It was one of Chuck's quirks that he really disliked receiving praise in public.

Of course, anyone who knew him and found out about him finally getting his degree, congratulated him, which he accepted. They didn't need to know how easy it was for him.

But… Sarah made sure he knew just how proud she was of his brilliant brain. That frequently led to the other thing she found amazing about him, but she never told anyone about that. He claimed that was all her doing, and she wasn't going to test that, either.

This week she'd had a visit from someone who she suspected would've wanted to test that about him.

Chuck was at home applying for jobs. He was doing that with far more confidence in himself than when she first met him. However, when Sarah got home from work, she found him with someone she'd not seen in a long, long time. Carina Miller, who she'd worked with all those years before.

Knowing what a man eater Carina could be, Sarah tensed on seeing her standing close to Chuck. She was far too close, as far as the blonde was concerned. "Step away, Red!"

"I was only talking to him," grumbled Carina as she turned around.

"And I know what you're like!" Sarah was standing with her hands on her hips glaring at the redhead. "Step away. He's mine!"

"Makes it sound like I'm just a possession," Chuck muttered, but Sarah could see the humor in his eyes.

Sarah looked at him seriously. "And I'm yours, aren't I?"

He smiled then. "Not my possession. My gorgeous girlfriend."

She moved around Carina and pulled him into a kiss.

Carina slumped down onto the couch. "I've never seen you so expressive before."

Sarah nodded while leading Chuck to the armchair. "I've changed." She guided him into the chair and sat on his lap.

Carina's brow raised. "I can see that." Then she looked more serious. "I heard your right hand and arm were weaker now."

Sarah shook her head. "The arm's getting stronger with exercise, but the hand can't grip as tightly as it used to. My weakness is due to a stabbing. I couldn't continue as an operative after that, so I'm now an analyst."

"I'd heard, you were, but, shit, Blondie! What a come down. And here in Snoresville, too."

"I chose to be here, Red. I like the Californian climate, and my favorite person is here, too."

"That's not for me," Carina replied. "This stabbing, what happened?"

Sarah hoped this would be the last time she had to replay this. "My last mission was off the coast near here. It was bloody. I drank enough to forget it, but too much really. I was robbed, but not until stabbed and left to die." She looked at the man she was sitting upon. "This wonderful man saved me."

Carina looked at Chuck in a different light. "Cool, Curls." Looking back at Sarah, she asked, "This stabbing. What happened?"

Sarah sighed. "One in my shoulder that has incapacitated my arm, and one in my belly. I was bleeding to death, but Chuck came to my rescue."

Carina frowned. "And you quit, to be with him?"

"I was taken back to DC and after three months, they'd done all they could. My arm worked, but not good enough. I transferred back over here to be an analyst."

"To be with him," Carina said again. A statement rather than a question, this time.

Sarah nodded. "I'd missed him."

"But you didn't know him!" Carina exclaimed.

"He got me to hospital where they saved my life and he visited me for a few hours."

Crina narrowed her eyes. "So, you got back to him out of gratitude?"

Sarah could see that she was going to have to explain it all. "My last mission was on board a ship off the coast of California. It was so bloody that I started to think I wanted out, but didn't know what else to do. I got drunk in a bar in LA, so much so that two men overcame me and took my purse, but only after a fight and stabbing me. They left me in an alleyway to die." She looked at Chuck. "He was the same in his job. We sort of connected in a way I'd not experienced before. Also, he wasn't repulsed by what I had been. The attraction and all of that stuck in my head during the treatment I received back east. I realized how much I wanted him in my life, crazy though that probably seems to you. The job change gave me that possibility."

Carina looked at Chuck. "And you felt the same?"

"Come on!" he replied. "Look at her. I saw her in the bar and was attracted to her beauty before everything happened. When I visited her in the hospital, I fell for her completely because we just clicked. I couldn't get her out of my head, and then three months later she reappeared. Best day of my life."

"You're both weird," Carina muttered.

Sarah smiled at that comment. "So, seriously, Red, why are you here?"

Carina looked at her. "I was worried about you."

Sarah was surprised to hear that. "A bit emotional, there."

Carina growled, "We're here to catch someone smuggling a huge amount of very pure heroin into the country, so I was here anyway, but, yes, I do care about you."

Sarah briefly thought about pointing out the fifteen months that had passed since the stabbing and no contact, but said, "You're the first person who knew me as an operative to see me since the attack. To care enough. Thanks, Carina."

"Do you still drink?"

Sarah smiled at her friend. "I do, but not much now. I never go to bars anymore, but we eat out, don't we, babe?"

Chuck hugged her. "We do." He looked at the redhead. "We're going out tonight."

Sarah looked too. "Wanna come?"

"And sit watching you two? No thanks," Carina responded. "Besides, I'll be at the port tonight." She stood. "Glad you're ok, Sarah."

Sarah jumped up and hugged her friend. Carina wasn't used to this, but after a moment, hugged her back.

"Keep in touch," Sarah whispered in her ear.


Six months later. Two years since the attack

They were going out for a meal. It was partly to celebrate Chuck's first promotion, only seven months after starting working for the leading IT firm in LA, but it was also to commemorate their meeting for the first time two years earlier.

Sarah laughed when Chuck told her that they were going to a restaurant not far from the bar he first saw her, and therefore not far from the alleyway where he found her.

She saw the bar as the taxi neared the restaurant. She still remembered sitting in there, consuming all that alcohol as she thought about her life and how much she hated it. The depression she felt.

As if recognizing her thoughts, Chuck squeezed her hand. It reminded her that that was followed by the turning point in her life. Not the stabbing itself, but Chuck appearing in her life. The turning point in her career occurred three months later, but Chuck was the most significant thing. Not just that he saved her life, but that she found someone she cared about and who cared for her.

The Italian meal was delicious and she did drink a couple of glasses of red wine with it.

They didn't speak much. They didn't need to talk, just enjoyed each other's company.

When Chuck had paid for the meal, he helped her into the coat he'd suggested she bring. She didn't question it, because it was a cooler night and the taxi he must've ordered hadn't arrived yet. They could've waited inside, but he seemed to want some fresh air.

He surprised her by saying he'd like to see where they first met, if she didn't mind. Strangely, although it was such a horrible moment in her life, she found it was special too, so they walked to the alleyway.

He'd obviously asked for the taxi to meet us there, because she saw one approaching and slowing down. It must've been earlier than Chuck was expecting because he seemed a bit panicked. "We can ask him to wait a moment or two," she said.

Chuck nodded and, just in the entrance to the alleyway, he dropped to one knee.

"Sarah Walker, finding you here was the moment my life started. I had to save you, but my heart went out to you in more ways than just concern. I love you and could think of no better place to ask for your hand in marriage." He'd pulled out a dark blue box, and she just watched, awestruck. He opened it and the most beautiful single diamond ring was there. "Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

She dropped to her knees and kissed him with all her love.

They stayed like that until they heard a gruff male voice. "So, is that a yes?"

They pulled apart and she looked into Chuck's eyes. Those hazel eyes full of love and promise. "Yes. Oh, yes!"

Chuck's smile showed briefly before she kissed him again.

"Good," the taxi driver said. "So, I'll have a happy couple in my cab."


Six months later. Two and a half years since the attack

Chuck's friend, Morgan, had suggested that Sarah and Chuck get married in the alleyway, but that was not going to happen. Sarah pointed out there'd be insufficient room for their guests.

They married on the beach that Chuck had said was his special place as he grew up. He'd taken her there several times since they got together and it had become their special place. Somewhere to get away from everything and just chill. Not that their apartment wasn't great, but the view of the ocean, the rippling of the waves, the smell of the place, all of it was lovely.

Her mom and little sister were there, both in tears as they watched Sarah walk along the red carpet toward the man she was to marry. She was trying to hold hers back, not wanting to miss any of this.

She walked on her own, which seemed fitting for her life before Chuck. Her dad was probably still in prison somewhere, but she wouldn't want him there and spoil the occasion for her mom.

Carina, her bridesmaid, walked behind her, dressed in a blue dress that matched her eyes perfectly.

Up front, Chuck was standing next to Morgan, his best man. He was watching her. The awe in his eyes was just what she'd hoped for. He looked so smart in his suit.

When they stood together, it was even harder to keep those tears at bay. She felt so joyful, she could burst with it.

She was the first to say her piece. "Chuck, when we first met, I couldn't really see you, and yet here we are, getting married." She heard chuckles and his smile made her pleased she'd said that. "You saved me that day, not just from my knife-wounds, but also from a life I didn't enjoy, a life of loneliness and lovelessness. I was physically whisked away from you for a while, but my heart remained here with you, just as it will always. I will never leave again, and look forward to life, love and family with you."

"Perfect," he said quietly.

They hadn't practiced their words, partly because he said he didn't know what he would say. The loquacious man, struggling to find words. Now it was his turn. She'd told him it didn't matter if he had none. She knew what she meant to him.

"Sarah, You saved me, too. I wasn't happy with my life either, and then you came into it and the spark lit my desire to live… to live with you, and be worthy of you. I will strive to be as good for you as you are for me. There aren't enough words to express what you mean to me, my love, but I too look forward to our life together."

She was struggling to hold back those tears as she also whispered, "Perfect."

They kissed and forgot everyone else there.


Seven and a half years later. Ten years since the attack

Sarah lay on her beach mat watching her husband and kids playing on the sand not far away. Molly was with them.

"It's lovely seeing them all together," her mom said as she leaned up on her mat to watch, too.

Molly loved their kids so much that she insisted on coming to stay with Sarah and Chuck as much as possible. The fact that they now lived in Malibu and the villa was on the beach was purely coincidental.

The kids loved their aunt just as much as she loved them.

Sarh felt very lucky that her two children loved each other so much, and played together so well.

Freya was now six and a half years old and did her best to look after her four year old brother, Thomas. She already looked to become as athletic and nimble as her mother had been growing up. Sarah hoped she wouldn't end up following in her career path, but it was unlikely. Freya's dad would never lead her astray like hers had.

Freya's blonde hair and blue eyes were a match for her mom, too. And for her aunt, even though they weren't blood-related. She was very pretty and Sarah knew that would lead to complications later, so maybe learning self-defense would be worthwhile, but that was some time off yet.

Thomas, with his brown curly hair, was mostly going to look like his dad. He was already tall for his age, just as his sister was. However, his eyes were also blue, so didn't match his dad's hazel ones.

Sarah just felt so blessed.

Ten years ago, almost to the day, she'd been lying in an alleyway, bleeding out. She'd thought her life was about to end, but the opposite had happened. She now thought of that as the start of her life. Her life with Chuck Bartowski, and now with her lovely family, too.


A/N: Thanks to my two daughters for the names. My Sarah delivered Freya just before I finished writing the second chapter. My other daughter, Kathryn's second son is called Thomas.

So, it was another fast romance, but this chapter of snapshots shows their happiness continuing.

The song for this chapter is "Kind of Man" a single from London Grammar that's also on their wonderful album "The Greatest Love".

I'd love to hear your thoughts about the story, if you can spare the time for a review.