Chuck vs. The Courtyard Bench
Well, in the previous chapter: Sarah introduces Chuck to her mom and little sister. It's end up becoming an awkward experience for not only for Chuck but Sarah as well. The reason is Molly and the focus she had on his hair. Fortunately, Chuck took it all in stride. Moving forward to their non date Chuck and Sarah share common interest in music as they head to the location of their intended destination. The place: The Paddle Room. The event: drinks, food, and fun in the form of ping pong. It's also a place where they meet the owner...Lou Palone-Demetrios. So what's in store for this chapter? What does Chuck say that causes Sarah to feel like an 8 year old? Who does Lou say that she would like to date even though she's married? Why are the people clapping in the Paddle Room clapping for Chuck and Sarah. Where does Chuck take Sarah after playing ping pong? 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
A Flash Of Genius
XXX
For the better part of 20 minutes Chuck and Sarah shot back questions to each other freely answering anything that was asked. Not once did the ping pong ball being hit was caught and held to avoid answering a question that was deemed too personal to share. Neither one was considerably evasive or refused for that matter the line of questioning that were pretty straight forward and to the point. Questions that ranged from the name of Chuck's first dog to what was the most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to you for Sarah. The answers to both were Peaches and putting on baby oil thinking it was sunscreen as a kid. Overall, it would most definitely be a fun experience that truly helped breaking the awkward tension that built up between the two of them at the bar after Sarah placed her hand on top of Chuck's.
They had so much fun that it literally took their breath away and not to mention a bit of their energy leaving the both of them somewhat exhausted. It got to the point where Chuck had to remove his jacket and toss it on his director's chair because it was quite literally getting hot under the collar. Luckily, he already rolled up his shirt sleeves beforehand so being able to air out his somewhat sweaty arms were truly a blessing. Nonetheless, they would find themselves reaching the end as high fives are exchanged for not only a well-played competitive match, but providing the pure enjoyment of each other's company. It's something that neither of them truly experienced for quite some time until now.
"Good match Ms. Walker. You had my number." Chuck nodded in defeat. A slight shrug directed her way. "...this time." he added briefly pointing at her.
"Any time Mr. Bartowski." smirked Sarah. She reaches and wipes the perspiration on her forehead with the back of her hand. Afterwards, she takes a deep breath after taking part in what she believed to be a great cardio work out that didn't involve running on a treadmill or lifting any weights. "Just let me know when you want to get smoked again for round 2..." she said holding up 2 fingers on her right hand. "Me and my awesome skills will be ready." Sarah added swinging the ping pong paddle in her right hand in victory. An air of arrogance and smugness exuded while at the same biting her bottom lip. All purely in jest at Chuck's expense.
"You're on!" Chuck quickly retorted back.
Once again there is a momentarily lull as the two stand a foot away from each other on Chuck's side of the ping pong table. As both of them are taking a much needed breather. Sarah briefly glances at her nerdy opponent then clears her throat before speaking to him.
"You really imagined yourself as being that guy Charles Carmichael?"
Chuck doesn't answer right away. He places both hands on the end edge of the bucket containing the remaining ping pong balls. His thumbs hooked on the inside allowing him to lean forward a bit on it while he peers down into a representation of a crystal ball of sorts. A crystal ball showing him what life could have been if the situation involving Jill and Bryce never happened. In his mind, it would be likened to Gwyneth Paltrow in the movie Sliding Doors in a situation where the path of his life never deviated, leading to a much different reality.
While doing so with considerable focus, he once again experiences that seemingly familiar sensation that came over him earlier in Casa Bartowski sitting on his couch. A sensation that spine tingling and ending with a sense of euphoric calm when it's all over along with being oddly clear headed afterwards. It's a look that Sarah keenly notices as she stands there waiting patiently to allow Chuck some time to respond or if he actually wants to respond. Fortunately for her, it wouldn't be long before her nerdy ping pong opponent turns his head slightly briefly acknowledge her.
"Yeah. The guy I imagined myself being right now." he slowly shared. A somewhat forlorn and distant expressed on his face. "Back then, I was highly ambitious. Driven." It's at that point, he pushes the bucket of ping pong balls forward then turns around to where he leans back against the edge of the table. Both palms rest down on either side of the table as well. He briefly looks down then lifts his head looking straight ahead. A faint smirk as he continues to recall what could have been in regards to his future as Charles Carmichael. "Achieving a level of notoriety once I created an updated version of the game Zork. A game that would make an absolute fortune with Bryce as my business partner." He pauses briefly then continues on. "I'd bask in the glory of having a family with the woman of my dreams. Living the high life..." he stated turning his head to face Sarah. "...you know." A brief head tilt to the side with a solemn smile and half-hearted shrug added in as well.
"Somehow..." responded Sarah. "...I honestly can't picture you being that guy. After all I've seen."
"What have you seen?" inquired Chuck quirking his right brow. He pauses for a moment and then recalls his interaction with Emma and Molly but mainly with Sarah's little sister. Who could ever forget because it quite honestly stuck out to him as one of the strangest and not to mention weirdest encounters he's ever been a part of, he thinks to himself. "Oh right. YouTube."
"I mentioned your YouTube show to my mom and sister. Well..." Sarah shared raising both eyebrows. "...next thing I know Molly finds your channel. We watched the entire Friday show you know. Those kids at the hospital, more importantly Camden, see you as their Rockstar Rebel."
"Ya think?" he replied sounding surprised by that statement.
"Wholeheartedly Chuck." smiled Sarah. "Oh, Molly has subscribed to your channel by the way."
A slight grin with a faint chuckle is expressed after hearing that. "Awesome. Nice to have one more subscriber." he retorted shrugging his shoulders.
"And a fan." she chimed in. "Molly likes you. Remember?
"She didn't like me before?"
"Only what I told her and my mom about you on Friday. She had her opinions."
In that instance, it's Chuck's eyebrows who are now raised up. "Do I even want to know?"
"It was more or less..." Sarah pauses shifting head from side to side. Her thoughts mulling over the best way to describe Molly's reaction to Chuck overall based on Friday's YouTube show. "...a lively discussion. I'll leave it at that."
"Lively you say." nodded Chuck interpreting it as both good and bad in his mind. "She's seems like a handful...Molly."
Sarah shakes her head expressing a bit of laughter in response. "She's a brat...but my brat."
"Nice to have fans that like me, especially your bratty sister."
"My mom is also included."
"Oh. She just has good taste then." jokingly remarked Chuck. "I'll keep in mind to not slouch so much." he added straightening up his posture.
"She'll appreciate that." grinned the beautiful blonde.
There is a brief pause leading Chuck to show a bit of hesitancy on his face in wanting to say what's on his mind. Yet, he decides to throw caution to the wind, so to speak. "What about...you?"
"What about me?" questioned Chief Beckman's 2nd in command. Her right brow arched upward as she twirls her ping pong paddle in her right handle by the handle.
"A fan?"
The two lock eyes and share a moment of silence together that's neither awkward or filled with considerable tension. It's comfortable is the best way to describe it. "You could say that. What I do know is..." Sarah can feel a lump in her throat but keeps on going after taking a moment to swallow it down. "...you're growing on me."
"What..." responded Chuck. "...like mold?" he sarcastically added.
His responds warrants a laugh from Sarah. She then shakes her head. "No. Not like mold. More like..." Sarah pauses mentally finding the right word then finally getting it. "...a seed being planted in the ground. What will end up blooming is anybody's guess." she softly shared.
"That's fantastically profound..." nodded the nerdy business owner. "... and sweet of you to say." he added expressing an appreciative smile.
"Golly gee. Way to make me feel like I'm 8 why don't you." Sarah shyly responded briefly ducking her head. A slight hint of a blush graces her cheeks afterwards leading her to break eye contact with him.
It's become perfectly clear to Chuck there's "heat" between the two of them. So, he does his best to cool it down the best possible way he can think of right now. "That's the kind of friend I am." he stated, getting up. He then walks over to the director's chair where his jacket was tossed.
Sarah momentarily stands there knowing that she has come to the same realization Chuck has potentially come to realize as well. There's a certain unexplainable and undeniable chemistry between the two of them that's electric. Yet, it's something that they both feel they know in their heart is just too soon and won't act on it because it would completely ruin their friendship that's been established. "Yeah..." she softly muttered to herself. "...friend."
XXX
The daughter of Emma Walker is standing lost in thought within the area of the ping pong table that she and Chuck having played on. However, Chuck is nowhere in sight as he headed off to the bathroom. She's continuing to twirl her ping pong paddle by the handle when Lou walks by and then stops keenly noticing her guest is by herself with her ping pong partner nowhere in sight. The savvy business and not to mention married woman, to a Greek night club owner, has never really been the type of person to get interpersonal in the relationship of others, especially her main goal for her guests are to have absolute fun and unwind. However, she can't help but have this sort of innately weird and oddly strange feeling that she's somehow playing a pivotal role that sets the course of where they end up in the future.
Essentially, it's been a feeling that's been nagging at her ever since her 2nd encounter with the both of them. An encounter where the silence was absolutely deafening, she thinks to herself. For her, she would have to, or in this case needed within that moment of sheer awkwardness to, ingratiate herself in a way that would not seem she's prying into their relationship or lack thereof. While standing there, she finds herself feeling the urge to do it again even though the 1st time was merely to have them get the ball rolling, in a manner of speaking, for some good ole fashioned fun and hijinks. This time, it's out of pure annoyance due to the fact that she's actually concerned for two complete strangers that she may not ever see again once they leave. Plus, it shuts the voice in the back of her head up.
"Sarah, right?"
Lou's seemingly out of nowhere appearance somewhat startles Sarah causing her to nearly drop the ping pong paddle she's been twirling in her hand by the handle. She takes a moment to clear her throat then gives her response.
"Uh huh..." she nodded turning to face her. A sheepish smile directed towards the owner of the establishment they're currently in. "...that's right."
In that instance, Lou briefly looks around the area then back to the blonde woman standing in front of her. "Where's your friend?"
"Oh Chuck. He went to the bathroom. He'll be back soon."
"Ah. Ok. Thought he ditched you by the way you were standing there looking like your dog just died." she stated within a concerned tone in her voice. It's then that Lou leans in so that what's said is just between the two of them. "Listen, I can make a call to my husband and he can teach Chuck a lesson." Lou added leaning back. A firm nod with a look of seriousness behind them. "I'll even name a sandwich after him. Something befitting that if not refrigerated right away, it will make you sick." she offered. "What's his last name?"
"Bartowski."
"The Chuck Bartowski." suggested Lou.
Upon hearing that from Lou, Sarah's eyes widen to the point of potentially popping out of their sockets. In her mind, the look of seriousness that Lou gave to her tells her that she's not all joking and can solve her non problem with a simple call to her Greek club owning husband. It's at that point, she expresses a bit of forced laughter then gives her response. "Not necessary Lou. Besides, he's not that kind of guy. Trust me."
Lou quirks her right brow observing just now Sarah's overall body language. It leads her to act on her suspicions. "How long have you known Chuck?"
"I just met him Friday."
"2 days ago, and you're on a..." Lou stops once again correcting herself. "...non date as you both call it." she added shaking her head trying to make sense of it. "Chuck moves fast."
"It's not like that with him." Sarah stated shaking her head. "As a matter of fact, I made the first move."
"Taking the proactive approach..." she said crossing her arms. "...but something tells me there's more to it."
Sarah nodded then begins giving the Clift notes version of what happened Friday. "Our first meeting was on my 2nd day of the job as Chief Operating Officer. Basically 2nd in command to the Chief Administrator. I made an assumption about him based on circumstances that turned out to be very wrong." she explained shaking her head. Sarah goes on further after taking a deep breath. "I would be enlightened by those who know him best."
"So, you're hanging out with him here out of pity?"
"No..." she quickly chimed in. "...far from it. I'm here because I want to be here. I haven't had this much fun in a long while."
"You didn't look like it when I approached you just now."
Sarah shrugs her shoulders then continues on. "Deep in thought."
"Obviously..." retorted Lou. "...but it looked more like you were brooding than in deep thought." she added with a slight shrug of her shoulders. "It doesn't take a genius to see something is bothering you."
"What's bothering me is that he's a fantastic guy."
"Is that a good or bad thing?" Lou questioned with a perplexed expression on her face.
"Depends."
"On what?"
"If I give in to my feelings. I got privileged information beforehand and because of that, I've...in a sense...cheated myself out of the process. You know."
"I get it. It's like going to see a new movie by yourself. Then avoid spoiling it when you go see it with friends and/or family. Am I right?"
Sarah nods. "I want to just sit and talk with him about everything I know." After taking a big breath before locking her full attention on Lou. "I've learned more about Chuck in 2 short days than I would have in a lifetime with all my past relationships combined. It's not fair to him..." She pauses clearly sounding conflicted. "...or myself that for matter to carry this secret around in which he can't know that I know. You know?"
"Understandable. You want it to be organic and authentic. The surprises, the totally unexpected, and everything in between. Instead, you're finding ways to incorporate what you know into certain parts of the conversations."
In that instance, Sarah snaps her finger and briefly wags it at Lou. "It just doesn't feel right and any moment the other shoe is going to drop."
"I just met Chuck myself and the vibe I get from him is that he's a pretty simple guy. Aloof at times. Yet, there's nothing flashy or arrogant about him. His authenticity is strangely, and not to mention so weirdly, magnetic that you can't help but gravitate to him. The type of guy who wears his emotions on his sleeve. Plus, he a geek."
"Nerd actually." Sarah quickly interjected.
"Geek...nerd. All the same to me." Lou refocuses and begins again. "He's passionate about what he loves and enjoys doing. I know this because of his friend Manoosh. The fierce loyalty he has with him and amongst those he's closest to will never waver. He'll stick by you through thick and thin. I thought he was joking but after seeing and talking with the man up close and in person, he wasn't lying." she shared shaking her head in amazed disbelief. "I would date him but I'm married. Happily."
A faint smile is expressed but then abruptly fades. "Here's what I know. It's too soon not just for him but for me too. More than anything else, Chuck needs a friend right now after all he's been through."
"He's been hurt? Cheated on? Betrayed?"
"All of the above." nodded Sarah.
"And what about you?"
"Similar story but circumstance are different."
"So, two broken people helping each other piece back together their lives."
"With a twist."
"And what might that be exactly?"
"Chuck doesn't know how truly broken I was..." she shared cautiously opening to Lou. "...still am. Look, I would rather sacrifice my own happiness than jump into a relationship with Chuck only to have it completely fall apart because I let my feelings cloud my better judgment."
Lou pauses as she begins to gradually get a handle of the situation at hand that's being presented to her. "And your thinking here is you don't want to end up making a mistake. One that could end up jeopardizing whatever you and Chuck have formed. Dealing with the repercussions afterwards. If any."
"Yes..." nodded Sarah. "...and those repercussions involve individuals closely invested in wanting Chuck to be truly happy." she further explained without getting too much into detail. "I don't want to lose what I've been able to form with them as well."
Lou nods mulling over all that Sarah has shared taking into considered the extenuating circumstances of that she knows. All though it isn't much she provides what she hopes can settle the uneasiness within her heart and mind. Once she's able to mentally gather all her findings, she provides what she hopes will be helpful for her blonde-haired counterpart. "You know, I've been in this business for quite some time. I witnessed many people come and go in this place all for the purpose of having fun. Observed the interactions between friends but mostly from couples." Lou lifts up her hand as soon as he sees Sarah open her mouth. "I'm not saying you are. What I am saying is Chuck may have come to the same realization when it comes to giving into his own feelings."
"Are you sure?"
"Two people can say so much without saying anything at all. You and Chuck..." Lou firmly stated eyeing Sarah standing in front of her. "...spoke volumes. Neither one of you noticed I was standing there until I made myself known. Just know this, the both of you are looking out for each other's best interest in mind. Quite refreshing. Anyways, he's given you an out and it's up to you whether you'll take it or ignore it."
It's the last thing that Lou says to her leaves a significant impact on her. The choice of taking "the out" provided by a guy who quite possibly knows "this thing" between them is just getting too real too fast. That...or completely ignore it to where she acts on her feelings. In that moment, she chooses what's best for the both of them rather than what's best for her. It's at that point, Sarah about to say something to her new found sounding board when Chuck appears leading Molly's big sister to suddenly be silent. After exchanging a glancing nod with Lou, she directs her attention to the nerd in question.
"Hey, you hungry?"
"I'd say I've worked up quite an appetite playing ping pong" answered Chuck picking up his ping pong paddle. "You are a worthy opponent Sarah Walker. I kneel to you in defeat m'lady." he added kneeling down. Head down then lifting up said paddle above his head to present it to her.
The moment he does that Sarah can't help but be amusingly tickled by the funny and corny gesture. A gesture that gets the attention of those around and nearby thinking that a proposal is going down much to the beautiful blonde's awkward embarrassment. It wouldn't be the case but the sound of congratulatory clapping still happens once the realization sets in that nobody is actually getting engaged much to everybody's chagrin. She takes it all in stride though and expresses laughter at the sheer absurd hilarity of it all.
Lou, on the other hand, is standing there finding it quite dorky but in an oddly adorable way, which works for the both of them. It causes her somewhat jaded mindset to change in regards to believing that they're maybe an actual decent guy in a city that's relatively well known for fake, ego driven douche bags. It's a thought in which she finds herself actually rooting for the two of them to make it all the while continuing to listen-watch-observe the two of them playfully interact with each other.
"You may rise." Lou hears with amusement in her voice. She then watches the beautiful blonde take Chuck's paddle as a trophy solidifying her victory over her nerdy opponent. Afterwards, she helps Chuck up to his feet and in doing utter 2 words that's considered music to female business owner's ears. "Eat here?"
"How about the food trucks outside? I'm game if you are?" Chuck suggested.
"Let's do it." nodded Sarah.
"Awesome." Chuck picks up remaining bucket of ping pong balls and his paddle and turns around in order to carry them off with one hand. "I'll return the paddles and the bucket with what's left of the ping pongs ball back to the cage." he added taking both paddles for Sarah.
"Ok." Sarah suddenly notices Chuck's jacket laying on the director's chair causing her to quickly get his attention. "Chuck! Hold up!"
"What's up?" he hollered back while turning around.
In that instance, Lou grabs it from the director's chair and hands it over to Sarah. "You almost forgot your jacket!" she hollered out. The jacket being held up in front of her with her left hand while still hold her paddle in her right.
"Good looking out Sarah." Chuck retorted doing a half jog-side step combo back to the ping pong table. After slinging it over his left shoulder, he exchanges an appreciative smile with his ping pong partner.
"Hey, that's the kind of friend I am." she replied back. Repeating back what he said to her. An appreciative smile of her own returned to him.
Chuck and Sarah's attention on each other would be directed elsewhere after the sound of a clearing throat. "Sorry to interrupt." Lou interjected." Just wanted to say thanks for choosing The Paddle Room as your choice of entertainment. Hope to see ya again. Oh, and I don't normally do this but go ahead and take the paddles home with you."
"Nice..." retorted Chuck. He accepts the complimentary gift as it was a Christmas present. "...but it feels like we're stealing."
"I've got plenty more. So no worries." Lou waved knowing the 2 paddles can be easily replaced. "Let them know at the cage that the paddles are on the house. If they hassle you, I got your back." she firmly nodded with an expressive grin towards Chuck.
"That's mighty generous of you Lou." he smiled once again chuckling at the rhyme.
Chuck briefly raises the 2 ping pong paddle in his with one of them now his and other Sarah's. Afterwards, he gives a quick salute with both of them but nearly drops them along with the bucket of ping pong balls to ground. Fortunately, he's able to get a good grasp on the items in question with some tricky maneuvering of his own. A humorous sight indeed for Sarah and Lou who witness the whole thing unfold with their very own eyes. It would lead the two women to turn to each other but not say anything. Only shared grins exchanged would be enough communication between them conveying a mutual understanding in that very moment. In any case, Chuck inevitably turns around heading off to the cage with Sarah following suit leaving Lou standing by herself.
Speaking of Lou, she watches as Sarah suddenly stops then quickly turns around. She then mouths the words "thank you" to her. In response, the owner of The Paddle Room gives a slight nod and happily mouths "you're welcome" in return. Once the bucket of remaining ping pong balls was returned to the cage, the two former opponents, now hungry individuals, head down to the trio of food trucks parked outside by the building. Fortunately, for Chuck and Sarah they left with the ping pong paddles as souvenirs without any incident, as well as avoiding any sort of blowback by the owner to her subordinates working at the cage.
XXX
"And that's why I call him, Captain Awesome." he shared. "Everything he does is awesome. Climbing mountains, jumping out planes. Flossing..."
A genuine laugh is expressed to where she quite possibly sees Devon in a different light. "Funny. It surprisingly suits him." shrugged Sarah. "He is an awesome doctor of course."
Chuck nods in agreement. "How's your sandwich?" asked Sarah taking another of bite of her Greek delicacy. A delicacy consisting of Seasoned Chicken Gyro served with lettuce, tomato, onion, Tzatziki sauce and Feta Cheese. Greek fries on the side. A bottle of water to wash it down. The jacket that was slung over Chuck's shoulder now being worn by her after he offered it to her on a now seemingly chilly night knowing that the light fleece jacket she's wearing wasn't enough. The ping pong paddles that they were using to play with earlier laying on the table as well
After swallowing part of the sandwich he mentioned to Lou earlier, he takes a moment to take a swig of water. Afterwards, he gives his response to Sarah. "Hitting the spot. Thanks for asking." he said. Chuck takes one more swig in order to completely wash down the remaining remnant of food in his mouth. "Yours look delicious too."
It's at that point, Sarah does something totally unexpected that Chuck it caught him completely off guard. She makes her way around the tall table they're standing at with the gyro in her hand and carefully lifts it to feed him a part of it. What he wasn't fully prepared for was how close their faces were, so much so that that they were mere inches away from each other. In that moment, they stare deeply into one another's eyes.
For Chuck, he felt like he's swimming in her seemingly ocean blue eyes. Although, from what he could see they had a bit of greenish hue to them. Eyes that tell a story. A story he would most definitely want to know about they are after all windows to the soul. Chuck couldn't help but be momentarily mesmerized to the point where if he continued staring into them, he could end up very well drowning in them. So, he quickly chomps down a part of Sarah's chicken seasoned Gyro she offered and quickly turns his attention to his bottle of water. Once he grabs it, he takes a much longer instead of taking a small swigs of it like before hoping that what just happened was hardly noticeable.
Unfortunately for Chuck, it was noticeable for Sarah as she found herself doing the exact same thing. When she got a momentary glimpse into his eyes. She saw within that they were indeed brown but not necessarily chocolate brown. His eyes were more of a dark chestnut brown with flecks of hazel in them. Yet, at certain angle and from the combination of the truck and building lights they give off a faint glimmer that truly stand out to her. For its a sight that is truly captivating to her that she for a moment forget where she was and that she was in the middle of eating something as well. After clearing her throat and taking the time provided to drink more of her water while attempting to nonchalantly slide back without having Chuck notice. Thankfully, her efforts are successful leading her to speak up after afterwards.
"So, where we heading off to next?"
Chuck doesn't respond right away for the expressed purpose of making it a somewhat suspenseful, but failing miserably. After receiving a shooting stare from Sarah, he finally fesses up. "Ok, no mass. No mass. Put those ocean blue daggers of yours away." he responded holding up both hands. Chuck humorous chuckle expressed as he continues on.
Sarah took notice of how Chuck described her eyes and in order to hide her smile she reached for her bottle water in order to take a drink of it. It's at that point, she knew they deeply connected once again as if time stood still. For her mostly. Yet, it would be considered merely a fleeting moment for those that didn't have an inkling whatsoever of whether or not what happened actually meant anything. In any case, she tables her thoughts as Chuck finally shares where they're going to next.
"Have you ever heard of the Venice Canals?"
Upon saying that, Sarah thinks about it until her eyes go completely wide after mentally registering what's she's imagining in her mind. "You're taking me to Italy?"
Sarah's answer causes Chuck to spit out the water that he was drinking. After apologizing to a guy standing at a nearby table for spitting out water unintentionally at him, he wipes his mouth with the back of his forearm. "What!? Oh no...I can't afford Italy...right now." He takes a moment to compose himself and after unsuccessfully wiping the table down, he ignores it and returns his attention to a very confused Sarah. "I'm sorry. I should've clarified the place I'm talking about."
"Where are you taking me then?" wondered Sarah.
In that instance, Chuck smiles and the continues on. "It's a place that I consider special." he answer her with reassurance. "Plus, we'll get to walk off our dinner." Chuck is silent for a second as briefly side eyes Sarah. After clearing his throat he continues on. "Your treat..." said Chuck with a bit of cautious hesitance. "...right."
In response, Sarah simply quirks her right brow at Chuck. "Yes." She pauses expressing a faint chuckle. She then takes another bite of her Seasoned Chicken Gyro. When she does, she speaks up with a mouth full of food but the taking the take to cover her mouth while doing so. "This place better be worth it."
"It will be awesome. You'll see." nodded the now nerdy tour guide.
XXX
"Wow, Chuck, you were right. This place is special. It's also breathtakingly beautiful." she stated taking all what she sees before her in, especially at night.
It would be 9:30 p.m. and for the past 15 minutes Chuck and Sarah walked an area of Santa Monica that not too many people realize exists, especially those who live in Santa Monica or Los Angeles for that matter. The nerdy native of Los Angeles spent those 15 minutes taking her on a guided tour of the beautifully picturesque canals and houses one can imagine only the wealthy live in this part of town. Yet, all the houses are different in their own way with some having gardens lead down to the canals and a small village of waterways. What made it even more pleasant experience was the sweet smelling aroma of exotic plants and shrubs. It's that potent combination in which Sarah couldn't help but fall in love with the whole area that just looked as it were a film set of a movie.
As they reach and walk on a wooden bridge with a painted white wooden railing, the two inevitably stop in the middle. They stop to take a 360 panoramic view of their surroundings, which leaves Sarah considerably speechless. This leads Chuck to smile knowing he got the desired reaction he wanted from her.
"I told you it was awesome." he happily said briefly raising both arms up the side. "Was it worth it?"
"Definitely worth it." she softly retorted. The smile never leaving her face.
It's that point, she breaks her concentration of what's all around her to Chuck who she finds with his arms resting on top of the white railing. As he's leaning forward, he gazing out into the canal as if he's lost in thought. Instantly, she recalls the face that Chuck made during a brief lull in their ping pong patch. It led her to put a mental pin on it in order for her mention it to him later. This is later she thinks to herself.
"Chuck..." she called out. The beautiful blonde stands next to and then leans against the white railing as well. Arms resting on top somewhat similarly to her nerdy tour guide. "...can I ask you a question?"
"Shoot."
"I noticed you make a face. It was during a break playing ping pong earlier."
It takes a while for Chuck to realize what she's talking about but then it hits him. "Oh, that face." nodded Chuck expressing a sheepish grin. "Until this morning, it's a face that I never thought I would experience again."
"What do you mean?" wondered Sarah looking puzzled.
"Well, as a kid my dad wasn't around much. He left us...me and Ellie when we were were younger." he shared. Unbeknownst to him, Sarah knows this part of the his story so she keeps silent and lets him speak. "He was a uniquely gifted man. Smart and even helped important people using his skills. He was considered a hero. I just considered him dad. You know." A faint chuckle breathed out leading Sarah to do the same. "I honestly wasn't aware what was going on because I was young. All I wanted was to spend time with him, but those moments were few and far between. His travels took him away a lot, especially when it involved helping people like I said before. But..." he emphasized. "...the opportunities I did get to spend with him were awesome. We bonded over Sudoku. A game of numbers. It took me a while to figure it out, but I got it."
In that moment, Sarah could clearly see how much of an impact Chuck's father made on him when he was younger. Though its a different view than Ellie recalls, she once again hangs on every words not wanting to miss anything that he's about to share with her.
"At one point, I wasn't getting it and he sat with me to help. All he said was to take a deep breath, close my eyes, shut out the noise, and just concentrate on the numbers. I thought it was stupid exercise but then I started to feel something to where I saw an image."
"What image?" Sarah softly asked.
"It was an image of a light bulb that suddenly turns on." she answered. "It's like when I flash on that image, I'm briefly overcome with a tingling sensation and then I'm oddly relaxed afterwards. It's like I zone out for just a bit. Plus, I'm clearheaded to the point where I experience a tremendous amount of clarity. It's as if I'm capable of doing anything with my mind as clear as it is." he further explained. "It's been a long time since I thought about how it happened..." added Chuck pausing briefly. "...and my dad. He used to tell me that there's a flash of genius within everyone including myself. I never really knew what he meant by that until now."
"What does it mean to you?" Sarah asked furrowing her eyebrows with wonderment.
Chuck break his attention looking straight forward and turns his head to lock eyes with her. "It means to me that whatever happens in life that has you crossing paths with the unexpected..." he shared taking a deep breath. "...don't ruin the moment by making a mistake. Instead, let it be and know that no matter what happens take stock in those who'll be there for you even if it means sacrificing something far greater that you wanted so badly to have happen." he added with a soft smile. "That's also the sign of true friendship."
Sarah is silent for a moment as she mentally lets Chuck's interpretation to what his father used to tell him as a kid. In her mind, it certainly made in impact as she knows with a shadow of a doubt that she made the right decision in choosing the "the out" rather than making the mistake of giving in to her feelings to soon. True, even though Chuck didn't say it out loud, he conveyed it in a way that would make sense to her and himself for that matter. Her thoughts concerning the prophetic words of a missing father would abruptly be broken as Chuck pushes himself off the white wooden railing.
In doing so, Chuck looks down at his watch to check the time. "It's 10:00." he announced. "I should get you home before Molly scolds me out, knowing her."
"I am a little tired." Sarah mentioned. "I got your back if she does." she noted with a firm nod.
"Please do."
Chuck and Sarah exchanged laughs make their way off the wooden bridge with the white railing. They walk off heading back to Chuck's chair. Afterwards, the two of them would eventually make it back to Sarah condo where they end up standing in front of the door to her unit. As Chuck is standing there with their attention on each other, he starts to say something. "You know..." a coy but soft smile shot towards Sarah. "…if we were really on a date this would be the part where I'd be forced to kiss you goodnight."
"Forced?" she replied expressing a soft smile. "It wouldn't be so bad." Sarah softly responded.
"I'm sure I could suffer through it." he responded flirtatiously with a smile.
"Me too." she responded as they both look into each other eyes.
Unfortunately, the moment would be broken when the two of them hear from behind the door the sound of 2 people trying their best not to eavesdrop. This leads to Sarah shaking her head as she gives a sideways glance to her right while Chuck takes that moment to rub the back of his neck.
"I'll see ya around Sarah. I just want to say tonight was fun for me. This is the best non date I've had in a long time..." Chuck pauses briefly then continues on. "...with you."
"Same."
Once again, the two faintly hear the following 2 muffled words coming from behind the door. "Kiss her!" Afterwards the sound of a muffle "shush" coming after that. In that instance, Chuck gives a wave as he backs up inevitably turning around to head back down to his car leaving Sarah standing there by her door. Seconds later, the door opens with Sarah being suddenly jerked inside by her sister Molly. Once inside, she stands in front of her mother and Molly who just stare at her.
"What?"
"Well?" stated Molly expecting her to give the 411 of her evening with Chuck Bartowski.
Sarah just smiles and then turns around heading into the kitchen. This leads to Molly be considerably perturbed as she marches into the kitchen after her older sister. "Hey, get your ass back here!" she demanded disappearing into the kitchen.
"Language and shouldn't you be in bed. It's a school night."
As another discussion between sister occurs in the kitchen, Emma is still standing in the living room just shaking her head to where she heads in there as well before a possible fight breaks out. Plus, to get some major details on what happened with her oldest daughter spending a night with a guy who she's clearly into, she thinks to herself.
XXX
NOTE: Hope you enjoyed this chapter. I had a bit of difficulty in trying to get the second paragraph to work for me but it finally came all together. As always thanks for you support and to NEVR for being my BETA once again. You rock dude! Leave your comment and share your thoughts peeps!