Chuck vs. The Courtyard Bench

Well, in the previous chapter: The face off between Jack and Chuck was considerably intense to say the least. A face off where Jack admits he has renal cell carcinoma and Chuck shares with him the information that Conway provided him. One of the pieces of information he found interesting is that Jack is practically broke. That wasn't all as he finds out that all sorts of information regarding his secret exploits of being in Los Angeles months before he actually joined Garretty for his reelection campaign. A campaign that he called to be on instead of the other way around, which was shocking to the professional political spin doctor. It's then that Chuck finally finds out what Jack is in Los Angeles after letting him know that a call was placed to a hospital in San Diego where Sarah was born. The stunning revelation that Jack needs a kidney and has been trying to ask his own daughter for hers. So what's in store for this chapter. What superhero does Chuck compare himself to in regards to being an ordinary person? Who do Chuck and Sarah watch that gets the blonde beauty considerably emotional? How does Sarah convince Chuck that he's not ordinary? When does Chuck realize his feelings for Sarah are just more than caring about her? Why are Chuck and Sarah scared? Where does Chuck go with Emma in order for them to have an opportunity to talk? 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.

An Ordinary Person

XXX

The impact of Jack Button's true intentions weighed heavily in Chick's mind into the following Saturday. As much as he wanted to knock the glass of whiskey out of his hand in order to make a statement concerning his sheer brash and boldly brazen behavior, he left knowing it wouldn't make any difference blowing up at a man who only cares about his own selfish needs. However, before leaving he recalls he encouraged Jack to try to talk to Sarah knowing the severity of his illness and make things right between the two of them. True, there is some deep seeded animosity in Sarah that has been suppressed until it was unleashed on her father yesterday afternoon, which was quite possibly therapeutic for her.

Granted, what was unleashed on him was truly something he deserved and he allowed her to get all that she ever wanted to say out in the open while he just stood there with his back to her. It's that piece of information Chuck found quite surprising knowing it happened out at the main front entrance of Westside Medical Center, which is considered one of the busiest, high traffic areas. Instead of having it out in the privacy of Sarah's office, it was aired out for everyone to hear. In a way, Jack just standing there and taking the verbal tongue lashing from his daughter would certainly be like being in front of a firing squad without facing the person he hurt.

As Casey would put it, Sarah's father didn't have the stones to look his own daughter in the eyes because he couldn't face the one person who he inflicted the most mental and emotional pain. The negative pain through brainwashing, as well as manipulating that leaves deep scars instead of the positive pain of a father's love that leaves awesome memories, Chuck thinks to himself. In any case, when the suggestion presented to Jack of going to and telling her about his illness with the guy who is dating his daughter be there as moral support knowing the risk of setting her off again, he adamantly refused. He refused to the point of actually threatening him if he tried to bring up that suggestion again. It's a threat he took seriously due because even though he has been spending money left and right, he still has the necessary funds to make his point "stick" and "see things his way".

It's in how and the way Jack said it that he had no choice but to back off and take his threat seriously. By all accounts, he is one stubborn individual to the point where if push comes to shove and doesn't have any options left in even attempting to make the first move for a reconciliation, he'll take his illness that he's kept secret to his grave. After hearing that, the nerd couldn't believe his ears and was beyond baffled that the man's ego is so huge that just showing his vulnerable side is deemed by his own eyes as pitiful. Jack Burton has not and never will be pitied. I won't allow it.

It's the latter part of those seemingly haunting words that Jack said to him that essentially struck a chord with Chuck. It tells him the type of man he never wants to be seen as. In other words, it humanizes him. Jack Burton has been a man who has always portrayed himself as a god amongst men. A titan. A strong alpha male who won't ever be viewed as weak. In the youngest Bartowski sibling's mind, he couldn't help but see Sarah's father as either a flawed villain like DC's Lex Luthor or Marvels Magneto to where expressing a sinister quote is to be expected. Unfortunately, it's a quote that's not his own. It comes down from an author by the name of Richard Paul Evans and Chuck was impressed that he was able to say from off the top his head. He still recalls the following words said verbatim:

"Fate is an excuse for people who are too stupid or too weak to make their own future."

After thinking about it a moment, Jack is not letting, or allowing for that matter, fate take control of his destiny. A destiny that he really didn't clarify in regards to his future. Despite that, the determination to not let something such as advanced kidney disease stop him from achieving it is his apparent endgame. He's a fighter just like his daughter, but the only difference is that Jack won't accept defeat when it's repeatedly beating him down and targeting him right in his kidney, the proud nerd contemplated. Of course, he contemplated so much that he didn't get much sleep as he tossed and turned most of the night to the point where he had to take a walk to his thinking spot...Avalon.

To him, it's always considered to be the one place that he's able to receive some much needed clarity when it comes to thinking about vitally important decisions. Unfortunately, it didn't help matters any as he feels, and not to mention looks, like a zombie or correctly put, a walker from the Walking Dead. A comic box series turned television show series that he has been eagerly awaiting to debut on October 11th, since he's a comic book nerd after all.

His thoughts on the comic book turned into a series refocus back on vitally important decisions. The decision on what to do and the fact that he was always taught to do the right thing even if it was deemed unpopular. It's part of the DNA make up of who Chuck Bartowski is and there are times where he's been the labeled the quintessential boy scout because of it. His parents, Ellie, Devon, Hartley. Della, Vivian, The Turners, Morgan, etc. have had a hand in helping shape him to become the man he is today. He'll always be eternally grateful and give credit where credit is due for his upbringing. Although it's viewed as considerably unorthodox, it's worked out for the best to the point where unorthodox is the normal way of life for him in some weird way.

In that instance, the thought of Jack crosses his mind again. If he is considered a flawed villain like Lex Luther or Magneto, then he considers himself a flawed hero. A flawed hero that if he had to compare himself to, it would most definitely be Peter Parker aka Spider-Man, he thinks to himself. An origin story that he can somehow relate to in which there are similar backstories, but without the whole bitten by a radioactive spider scenario. Yet, he does have the ability to flash whereas Peter has his spider sense that tingles thus alerting him to whatever danger is afoot. For the most part, Chuck sees a kindred spirit in the comic book/movie character of Peter Parker that shows a human being having great power and therefore tasked with a much greater responsibility. No pressure there.

Thinking about it further, his aforementioned unorthodox life paralleled with a comic book character created by the legend Stan Lee has given him some hindsight concerning learning about the human condition. The internal struggle of battling with our own morality as does Peter Parker with the powers he's been bestowed and whether to use it for selfish gain or far worse...overpower and rule over others. Peter's choice in one selfish moment in which he let a robber escape. The same robber who ended up taking the life of his Uncle Ben. That's when he decided that he has a moral obligation to make things right when he knows a situation is wrong. Why? He's considered a hero who is closest to being an "ordinary person", he thinks to himself.

An ordinary person. It's the complete opposite of superheroes like Superman he's primarily an alien who crash landed on earth then found by Jonathan and Martha Kent. Batman and Iron Man. Both men whose financial and economic standing place them in a unique position where the men behind the masks, Bruce Wayne and Tony Stark, are certainly influential public figures. There's also the X-Men who have lived their lives isolating themselves amongst their own and only go out to save not just the public, but the world as well when there is life threatening danger.

As for Peter Parker, by comparison, is just a regular teenager who is part of the community and going to high school like a regular human being even after gaining his powers. To him, he's considered to be the most realistic out of all the superheroes when it comes to pursuing and achieving goals that a teenager his age is going after without being born into or raised in considerably unique circumstances. Granted, his own upbringing is viewed as unique, especially after his parents left. His life is just plain ordinary. An ordinary guy living an ordinary and boring life at times. It's the one thing that partially separates him from Peter Parker/Spider-Man. He sees himself as an ordinary person with a moral high ground that sometimes gets him into trouble. It's because of that Chuck adopted a principle that he's adhered to growing up and continues to adhere to.

The Peter Parker Principle. Doing good vs. Doing what's right. It's the proverbial ying and yang of being a superhero 101, as it pertains to the morality of a normal every day teenager who just so happens to be everyone's friendly neighborhood wallcrawler. His compulsion to act when other stand still and at times recklessly. Defending the morals of what's deemed right without actually breaking the moral code himself like killing people out of sheer vengeance, he thinks to himself. Of course, even though he's not a teenager, there's always going to be a part of the teenage Peter Parker innocence within him. Thinking about it further, he hasn't broken his moral code and hopes he will never have to, knowing there may come a day where he'll end up facing that moral dilemma. Ultimately, one question is now swirling in his head that is causing him to be mentally and emotionally in so many directions. What is the right thing to do?

His thoughts concerning the matter at hand comes to an abrupt end when he suddenly feels an elbow push against his ride side. His attention is then averted to the person he's currently cuddled up underneath a blanket with on the couch...Sarah.

"Hey..." she softly uttered, with concern. "...you okay?"

XXX

Chuck would be a man of his word as he spends some quality time with Sarah at her place of residence. The only person other than the two of them in the condo unit would be Emma since Molly is spending her Saturday with her bff Cherice Baxter. This time she would be dropped off by Cherice's mother when the two of them were done hanging out and doing what normal teenagers do. In any case, while Emma is in the kitchen, Chuck and Sarah are in the middle of watching yesterday's Bash At The Bench with Morgan now taking over as host after his nerdy best friend had to leave to be there for a beautiful blonde. Speaking of the beautiful blonde, she sticks her right hand out from underneath the blanket holding a remote control and pauses the show fully turning her attention to her nerdy knight in shining armor from yesterday.

"You're thinking out loud and dozing off at the same time." she continued to say, with a warm softness to her smile peering up at him.

The nerd in question takes a moment to quickly blink a couple times and briefly shake his head. "Was I? Sorry..." he apologized, while stretching out any physical kinks. "...I guess I didn't get much sleep last night." Chuck added, reaching up with his left hand to run the back of his neck.

"Late night Call of Duty sessions with Morgan again?"

"Not this time. Just have a lot on my mind as of late." It wasn't far from the truth, he thinks to himself.

"I bet. Anything I can do?" she asked, tilting her head to the left. In doing so, she gently nestles it on Chuck's right shoulder.

Chuck couldn't help but crack an instant grin in the corner of his mouth after hearing that. With all she's been through mentally and emotionally involving her father, Sarah's focus on what she can do to make things better for him leaves him momentarily speechless. In his mind, she truly is an incredibly amazing woman who he still can't believe sees something in him that's just extraordinary, instead of ordinary. Of course, asking her to have her eyes checked would clearly be a bad idea at this moment and not to mention ruin the awesome mood right now between the two of them, he thinks to himself.

Yet, if compared to, she would most definitely be a mixture of Gwen Stacy and Mary Jane Watson. A blonde and a fiery red head. Two women in Peter Parker's ascension in pre and post Spider-Man. Total opposites sides of the spectrum personality wise when it comes to matters of his own heart regarding the two of them. In a way, it sort of mirrors his relationship he has now with Sarah and the one he had in the past with Jill. A relationship that ended up falling to its death, so to speak, in a Gwen Stacy like comic book fashion.

While sitting there, he can certainly tell Sarah is well-balanced and smart, but at the same time self-conscious when it comes to her own personal life and not to mention personal insecurities. However, her insecurities have mainly been personal when it comes to her own heart. Add to that how she can feel like at times she can be easily snubbed as it pertains to the character of Gwen Stacy. However, unlike the aforementioned Ms. Stacy, Sarah is the type to hold a grudge and doesn't quickly forgive or forget easily, especially when being wronged by her own father.

As for Mary Jane Watson or "MJ" for short, there are similarities to the red headed 2nd love of Peter Parker to the woman sitting right beside him. Exuberant, carefree, fun, but at the same time is a master at being able to mask the pain that she's endured over the years. True, he's managed to pierce her seemingly old and tough outer exterior to where he discovered a much softer side to her only to find himself piercing something much deeper. In doing so, he discovered some troubling deep seeded father issues that possibly caused her to be unsure if the existence of true love is actually real.

"I should be saying that to you." Chuck retorted. turning his grin into a smile. "I know you say you're fine but..."

"I am..." Sarah interjected. She notices Chuck about to say something so she quickly cuts him off. "...really. What I said..." she pauses for a moment then continues on. "...wanted to say to Jack has all been said. I'm good." she insisted. After saying that, the man sitting next to her simply expresses a smile of her own. "Although, punching him in the face or kicking him in the nuts would have felt even better." she added, giving a regretfully disappointing shrug.

"Still..." he responded back, turning and shifting his body to face her. "...I want to show you that I'm there for you, always. You can trust me to be there for you, Sarah."

"You did." answered Sarah, who suddenly notices Chuck express confusion on his face. She then repositions herself to where she's now facing towards him. Afterwards, she points to her right at the flatscreen television causing the nerd in question to turn his head. As he does, the beautiful blonde uses the remote to back up a couple minutes of the show then starts the video again leading her to watch him while they're both watching and listening to Morgan speaking on stage.

"What's up Bartowski Brigade! Chuck always said to expect the unexpected and today is that day. I am taking over as host for the rest of the show as he is tending to some personal business that just came up. So, please bear with me because I'm usually behind the camera instead of in front of it. He sends his heartfelt regrets for leaving, but he said it's a matter of importance that he'd be there for someone, rather than stay and not be 100% focused. He didn't want that for himself, you guys here in the crowd, you the YouTube audience..." Morgan said, pointing right to the camera. "...and most of all for the show itself. It just wouldn't be fair." he announced, shaking his head.

After expressing that, Chuck and Sarah watch as Morgan takes a deep breath then quickly exhales to calm himself down knowing how visibly nervous he is. During his moment of calming down, Sarah recalls her mother Emma mentioning to her that Chuck's bearded best friend nearly threw up because of it, which she found amusing and at the same time quite endearing. While sitting there next to her heroic nerdy knight, she continues listening and watching him watch Morgan on screen.

"With that said, I consider him a hero for doing that in my book. An awesome guy and my best friend." he proudly declared with a firm nod and noticeably nervous smile. A round of applause is given with a few whistles and woops mixed in as well. When the applause die down, Morgan continues speaking. "I am a bit nervous but the awesome things I do have back up thanks to Chuck before he left. Everybody say 'hello' to Lazlo. I know you all in the YouTube audience can't see him, but trust me he's there."

"Get on with it Morgan! I don't go all day. Chuck owes me for this."

"You got it buddy!" bellowed Morgan, with a smile and shooting a thumbs up back. Afterwards, he nervously looks down evident by how he's slightly shaking as he looks over the set list then lifts his head looking out into the audience. "Okay, for today how about I call you guys Morgan's Minions?" He stands there on stage scanning the crowd for approval. "No? Marauders?" he suggested, in hopes of getting a response. "How about..."

"Grimes!" angrily shouted Lazlo.

"Next up..."

In that instance, the show is paused once again leading Sarah to turn her head and face her nerd. Her eyes welling up with emotion, but not enough that tears are sliding down either side of her cheek.

"You said that?"

A nod is sufficient enough of a response that causes Sarah to raise her left hand then slides it up against Chuck's right cheek. She softly caresses it as she takes a moment to peer up and look into in his brown eyes that feel like they're always welcoming and safe. In a way, they feel like she's home and doesn't have to look for and search for a place that sees her for the person she truly is. A woman who can be absolutely comfortable around him and be comfortable being in her own skin too where she feels great whether she's just wearing sweats or all dolled up for a night out on the town, she thinks to herself.

In her mind, it's not too often a woman will find herself completely enamored by a guy who actually sees her. The real her instead of who he thinks or wants her to be. It's a guy who places value on the true importance of being there for someone in need, without even asking, and doesn't have to think twice about, what others think about the decision made. To Sarah, Chuck's selfless act of doing what's right and what was best in that particular moment knowing he could have very well stayed in order to finish the show tells her what kind of man he genuinely is.

Essentially, he's the kind of man who may think he's just an ordinary person buy his own standards, but he's not. Far from it. He's so much more. Chuck is a far better man than any of her failed past relationships combined. Granted, he may not lead an extravagant lifestyle with travel and adventure, but that doesn't mean it's considered a life less ordinary. It's filled with people who love and care about him to the point where they would rally around him at the drop of a hat no questions asked. Chuck is a rare breed in which he is truly genuine in the way he talks to people and acts in regards to doing anything with the best of intentions behind it, which is considerably rare, as well as surprising these days.

It's that particular thought that causes a smile to form leading her right hand to slide up against the other side of Chuck's face. Afterwards, she briefly expresses a sigh of contentment before moving forward and inevitably closes her eyes to where feels her lips pressed against his. The kiss between them is electric as always. Yet, it's a kiss that somehow Chuck is allowing her to lead and not the other way around, which is far different than the experiences she's had in the past. Plus, when it comes to his kisses she's noticed, or in this case feels, incredibly safe and protected, even when he unexpectedly pulls her in for one, instead of feeling as if there's a competition of who can overpower the other.

The mere thought of the way Chuck kisses while in the middle of kissing him causes her to smile outwardly and inwardly knowing it's one of the main reasons she's fallen deeply in love with him. Yet, she's too scared to say it to him not really knowing how he truly feels about her. Despite that uncertainty and fear, she's all in with him even if they never say out loud to each other, she thinks to herself. A few seconds go by before she separates her lips from his. Her eyes then slowly open and then hears the following 4 words escape his mouth:

"Punch me. I bleed." Chuck softly breathed out. His eyes closed while saying it.

Sarah expressed a confused chuckle after hearing the 4 word response from him. She leans back a bit and shakes her head. "What did you say?"

XXX

"Huh?" he responded, with his eyes opening open. He then leans back a bit embarrassed. "Wha..what? Say what?" Chuck stammered out.

"Punch me. I bleed." she repeated back, quirking her right brow.

"Oh, yeah...it's a line...from the movie Spider-Man 2." Chuck stammered out once again. "The scene where Peter pleads and tries to convince Mary Jane or "MJ" to give him another chance and come back to him, knowing she's getting married to J Jonah Jameson's son." he quickly spitted out, sharing a seemingly pivotal scene of the movie. A tight lipped smile expressed towards Sarah afterwards.

"Mhmmm." remarked Sarah, faintly chuckling after. With both her hands now resting on either side of Chuck's shoulders, she reaches up to playfully rake through his seemingly untamed mop of curly hair on his head. As for Chuck, he just sits there letting her do it all with his unmistakable goofy smile on his face. It doesn't last long as her hands up intertwined behind the back of his neck. The two of them now leaning forward with their foreheads touching. "Thank you for being who you are. Movie references and all." she added, beaming with pure joy and admiration for her nerd.

"You're welcome. I'm just an ordinary guy who was lucky enough to have awkwardly met an awesome woman down at the hospital's courtyard. Right time and right moment, I guess." he said, shrugging his shoulders.

Sarah takes a moment to let what Chuck said simmer a bit in her mind. It's not long before she releases her hands from the back of his neck and leans comfortably back against the arm of the couch. "That's not true."

This time it's Chuck who quirks his right brow with a questioning look on his face. "What's not?"

"That you're just an ordinary guy. Don't ever sell yourself short, Chuck." Sarah is briefly silent for a moment, then continues on, "As far as I'm concerned, I'm the one who is considered lucky for having you in my life." she added, reaching up to boop him on his nose with her right finger in a playful manner. "Ordinary by itself...I find...is a bad word. I've learned that for myself thinking back on my past relationships and the basic perception of being ordinary can be deceiving. It can make for awkwardly bad first impressions." she shared, reflecting back on her and Chuck's first meeting.

In that instance, Chuck immediately jumps in concerning first awkwardly bad first impressions. "Speaking of first impressions..." he takes a moment to clear his throat. Despite being hesitant to ask, he does any way knowing how their first meeting turned out. "...did you think I was a ordinary guy when you first met me?" Chuck asked, expecting a brutal answer.

"Honestly?" Chuck simply nods. "I thought you were up to no good because you and Morgan were trespassing on hospital grounds. Plus, the fact you were setting up near the children's hospital so my spider senses were tingling." she added, briefly shrugging her shoulders. After receiving a nod of understanding and then a nerdy smile from him with a Spider-Man reference, she moves on with first impression assessment. "Then after talking with you I thought you were an entitled rich kid who got away with getting in trouble because Ellie and Devon worked at the hospital. You were also in good with Chief Beckman."

"Really!?" responded Chuck, with shock and surprise expressed on his face. "Wow. So what about now?" he wondered, with innate curiosity.

"You're ordinary..." Sarah notices the answer is like a stab in the heart for Chuck. She quickly elaborates further for her sake. "but...BUT..." she reiterated, holding up both hands briefly in front of her. "...from what I've seen from my own my eyes you've managed to make the ordinary look absolutely extraordinary. That's the truth."

"Are you sure? I'm sure Cole..."

Sarah immediately interjects after her ex's name being spoken. "Cole doesn't hold a candle to you, or any guy I've dated in the past, for that matter"

It's a statement that completely floors Chuck because it wasn't said in a joking manner, but with a serious tone to her voice. As much as he wants to respond back, he can't because he's rendered speechless at the moment by the unexpected reveal just now. With her tone of voice and added serious expression on her face, he takes what she said as truth, which makes him fall for her even more. In the past, he would never get a second look from the woman that are sort of in the same caliber as Sarah because of the hair, the tape on the fingers because of video game controller chaffing, his tall, lanky build, etc. The woman sitting in front of him took the time to see past that after she made a mistake on her part when they first met and then went back to make things right between the two of them, he thinks to himself.

In his mind, that says something about her overall character and then the willingness to listen to him when he talks about his past. A past that would inherently have her open up about her past as well to him. The trust they instilled within each other have forged a strong bond of respect, admiration, caring, and most of all love. It's that last word, love, which makes a significant impact on him because of how hesitant and cautious he is when it comes to saying it. The last time he said to someone he got his mojo taken, but he's been able to slowly regain it back all thanks to one Sarah Walker. In that moment, he knows now that he loves her but saying it to her completely freaks him out because of the sheer impact of those 3 words that will completely change their relationship.

So many questions running through his own mind concerning admitting he loves the woman sitting in front of him. All swirling in one big giant ball of a mental mess that it's hard even to focus on one thought. However, he would be abruptly snapped out of his mental spiral by Sarah's voice as she continues on.

"The proof is not letting your past in regards to family define your present and future. The proof is what you've been able to start and do with YouTube show that you took a risk on in order to spotlight kids who have cancer at Westside Medical Center." she happily and proudly shared. It's at that point, she slides her hands over and holds both of Chuck's in hers. After briefly peering down and feeling his hands in hers, she peers up and keeps on speaking. "The proof is all the parents that I've been fortunate and privileged enough to meet, as well as talk to, in making your tribute video. You're welcome, by the way."

"Thank you." he softly responded.

"Like I said Chuck Bartowski..." Sarah said, leaning forward slightly. "...don't ever think you're someone "as just ordinary"". she insisted once again, doing air quotes. "There are over 300 kids, their parents, hospital staff, your friends, family..." In that instance, the blonde beauty sitting in front of her nerdy beau takes a deep breath then gives off a satisfying exhale "...and me who think otherwise." she firmly added, squeezing his hands in hers. A bright, warm smile expressed his way. "All I ask is for you to never lie to me and in turn, I'll be there for you to listen whenever you need to talk. Deal?"

"Deal." nodded Chuck. "What's this power you have over me, Sarah Walker?"

"I don't know, but I know you like it. The question is..." she softly said, leaning forward more. "...can you handle my power?" Sarah added, quirking her right brow.

In response, Chuck leans forward as well and is nose to nose with Sarah. "With great power, comes great responsibility." he softly responded back with a smile of his own. After a few seconds, he takes a deep breath and then resolves himself to tell Sarah about Jack. Damn the consequences of his threat.

"Sarah, I..."

Unfortunately, he doesn't get to finish what he intended to reveal concerning Sarah's father as Emma suddenly appears in front of them. "Sorry to interrupt..." the matriarch of the Walker Women apologetically said. "...going to the Farmer's Market. I'm making spaghetti and garlic bread."

"Don't forget the parmesan cheese!" Sarah blurted out causing Chuck to burst out laughing for some reason.

"I'll add that to the list. Looks like someone is feeling better." smiled Emma, reaching down to caress her oldest daughter's cheek." Her attention is then averted to Chuck. "Stay for dinner. I'm not taking no for an answer." she insisted, with a grin.

"I guess I have no choice then. I'm in."

In response, Sarah pumps her fist in Tiger Woods like fashion. Afterwards, Emma continues on. "Normally, I would drag Molly with me to get her outside, but..."

For Chuck, he doesn't let a perfect opportunity slip between his hands and quickly volunteers to go with her. "I'll go."

"Awesome. You'll carry the bags when we get back." answered Emma, reaching down to pat Chuck a couple times on his left shoulder. Her attention is then turned to her oldest daughter. "Your job is to set up the plates then, young lady."

"I'm an adult, Mom." groaned Sarah, with brief eye roll added in.

"Not in my eyes." retorted Emma, bending down to kiss the top of her daughter's blonde head of hair. Afterwards, Chuck steals a quick kiss and pushes himself off the couch inevitably standing next to Emma.

"I'll be back." he announced, with an Arnold Schwarzenegger accent from the movie Terminator.

'You better." Sarah responded, playfully pursing her lips together up towards Chuck.

Unfortunately, Chuck wouldn't get the chance to kiss those lips again because he's pulled from behind by Emma. "Come on Romeo." she said, dragging him out the door. "Lock the door, please." she requested, disappearing out of sight with Chuck.

A few moments later, Chuck and Emma are standing at the elevator when the door opens leading both of them to step inside. It's at that moment, Sarah's mom who presses the button to the lobby and as the elevator doors closes, Chuck turns to her. "Emma, I need to share something with you."

XXX

The drive to Los Angeles's Farmer's Market instead of Culver City's would be an eye opening for Emma after Chuck shared with her the secret Jack Burton has been hiding from Sarah. During the 30 minutes driver there, it gave her time to digest what he said to her concerning his supposed health problem. A secret that revealed the real reason as why he's in Los Angeles. He knew he had to talk to someone and get what he knows off his chest because that's who he is. As much as he wanted to talk to Sarah and share why her father is really here, he would end up talking with Emma. Fortunately for him, she was quite shocked and not to mention angry, but not at Chuck. Her shock and anger would be directed at her ex-husband's possibly true intentions because of how he can play games with people's heads. All for his sick and twisted enjoyment.

"What should I do?" wondered Chuck, believing he's in one huge not so awesome moral dilemma.

The two of them are walking down the produce side of the market when they stop in front of the tomatoes. As Emma picks up and inspects one of them, she gives her answer to Chuck. "Don't say anything."

Emma's surprising answer caused him to express a mixture of bewilderment and confusion on his face. After being momentarily rendered speechless for the second time today, he forces himself to speak up. "What? I thought you of all people would tell me to tell her. I have an obligation to tell her the truth. I even made a deal with Sarah not to lie to her."

"You're not lying to her, Chuck. You're saving her from a choice that she's going to end up making out of manipulation by that rat bastard. Pardon my language."

"Are you sure? By not telling her, I'm actually saving her from a choice that could possibly save Jack's life." he replied back, shaking his head. Chuck turns around and takes a few steps forward and in doing so reaches up placing his hands up behind his head. Afterwards, he drops them down out of pure frustration. "This is so not awesome." he breathed out. While standing there continuing to face the other way, Emma speaks up once again.

"I overheard you and Sarah talking about seeing yourself as an ordinary guy." Chuck turns around and faces Emma giving her his full attention as he watches her put several tomatoes in a bag. "It was hard not to the way you two speak to each other. Cute." She watches as Chuck steps forward while placing his hands in pockets. "Listen, I've met all the guys that Sarah has dated and not once has she been this serious about a guy other than Cole. The smile on her face has shown me that." In response, Chuck shrugs his shoulders a bit sheepishly and then continues to listen as Emma goes on. "No ordinary guy has taken the time with my daughter to show her who Chuck Bartwoski is. The dates you have taken her on have made an immense impact on her. Ping pong/food truck/Venice Canals non date, food rave, Harry Potter escape room, Clue themed Mystery dinner you took her to...have Chuck Bartowski written all over it. Original and not cliché dates that most men take women to. You took into account what Sarah likes and enjoys. You listened to her and showed up for your date holding her favorite flower, Gardenias. Her face lit up. Now that makes you an extraordinary guy right there. A guy who I would one day be proud to call my son-in-law." she said, reaching up to place her right hand on the side of his left arm, just above his elbow.

For the 3rd time today, Chuck is rendered speechless. Twice by Emma Walker. His thoughts concerning her approval of being called her son-in-law are broken when he feels his left arm being squeezed. His attention back on Sarah's mother once again. "Cole Barker made her smile the same way you did, but in a completely different way. I feel that he never really understood my daughter the way you do. Him cheating on her proved that." she stated, with a tinge of anger in her voice. She shakes it off and keeps going. "That's what separates him from you. In my view, Cole was extraordinary but ended up ordinary whereas for you..." she said, reaching up with her free hand to point to him. "...you started out ordinary but grew to be a very extraordinary guy. Molly would agree with me as well. She'd even go so far as to slap you upside the head if you didn't agree with her."

Chuck expresses a soft amused chuckle in response. "I wouldn't put it past her."

"This investigator you hired. Conway. You said he's thorough and considered the best. Is all the information he found out real?"

"100%" he answered.

Emma is silent for a moment then responds. "Still, don't say anything to her. I don't want her to be manipulated by him again and she's been through enough of his mind games. It took a toll on her and thankfully she was able to break free from his influence for good. I don't want her slipping back into it again." she pleaded, with absolute concern in the tone of her voice. "As for Jack, he put himself in this mess and whatever happens to him it's his own fault." she firmly declared.

"Yes ma'am." nodded Chuck, not wanting to get on Emma's bad side.

"Good." After looking around the area they're in and briefly looking down at the bag of tomatoes in her left hand, she speaks up. "Anything else on your mind?"

"Garlic bread." he answered, raising both eyebrows.

The matriarch of the Walker women smiles after hearing that. "Thanks for the reminder. We'll go get that as soon as we get more ingredients. She then spots the mushroom section behind Chuck causing her to step forward and turn him around. Afterwards, she hooks her left arm around his right and begins walking leading Chuck to do so as well. As for Chuck, the burden he's feeling concerning wanting to say something to Sarah is somewhat lifted. However, he wonders if by not saying something, will it end up biting them both in the ass?

XXX


NOTE: So, did you Charah quality time with a Spider-Man themed comparison added in? Anyways, next chapter will have Beckman inform Sarah about talking to a therapist and it's someone that we all know from the series, Dr. Leo Dryfus. Plus, in the coming week Chuck will make a major decision...about his hair. Stay tuned for that. As always, leave a comment and share your thoughts about this chapter. A tip of the hat to NEVR for doing beta for this chapter and future chapters!