ALL I WANT TO DO

by mssupertigz

Chuck's is trying to hide from his past and what occurred on his last mission when he meets a mysterious woman name Sarah. Their time together changes when Chuck is called back into the field and has to face to face his demons and the surprisingly twists that come along with it and his unexpected reunion with Sarah.

8. Chapter 8

All I want to do Ch 8

Chuck leaned on his hands staring at the phone. It was the only connection he had to her. He tried to focus on her, trying to listen for clues. Casey eventually walked up to him which didn't help. Chuck took off and slammed the door to the outside. Casey stared at the rest. "Do something?" Miller, Rizzo, and Mitchel quickly busied themselves. Chuck was beside himself. He paced the area then grabbing the railing and rattling it with all he had. He screamed, hoping that it was going to help. Casey let him have his moment then knew when to speak. "I know you're hurting." His choice of words surprised Chuck. Chuck faced him.
He knew that in any kind of emergency situation an operatives greatest enemy is panic. Instantly you feel the spike of adrenaline, you feel your blood pressure increase. But did she? Was she listening when he talked to her, mentioned all the details of a mission and what to expect. He feared that as time went on, she'd lose the loss of any sense of time. He feared that she'd lose focus and let something slip causing harm to her. He feared that she'd lose to her fears preventing her to think clearly at the exactly the time she needed a clear head the most.

He hoped that he had done his job and all the training she had would allow her to pull herself back from the brink. Casey's voice snapped Chuck out of his conversation he was having with Sarah in his head.

Sarah looked around thinking she had heard Chuck's voice but she knew that wasn't true. As she looked around everything she was taught and trained for popped into her head. She remembered what the Major had said to her. 'In many ways it's easier to function during combat than after. In a fight, there's always something to do, something to focus on. Later, when you're dealing with the consequences, the only thing you can do is wait and hope.'

Sarah looked around and had to find a way out. She just hoped it wasn't too late.

Chuck was running out of time and his connection to Sarah was just a rouse. He knew Gaez wouldn't keep the line open but Chuck kept it open just in case. He broke down and told his team the whole story and his connection to Gaez. The team were speechless and some felt a bit foolish due to how they reacted and responded to how Chuck was running this operation. Chuck expressed his gratitude and that their focus to bring Walker back taking Gaez down at whatever means necessary. The team ran over the plan a few more times till Chuck headed to the door.

Chuck listened to Abrahamson as he guided them into the neighbourhood where they last had a visual on Sarah. Chuck made sure that the team stuck together this time. Carina and Zondra looked at each other and prepared themselves for what was to come. They hoped that Chuck's plan was going to work. Then they would only have to deal with getting Sarah and them out of there. While this mission was a far cry from what they had learned and read during their classes. Even their physical training hadn't come close to the real thing. Carina followed closely to Chuck's right as Zondra was closely behind her followed by Mitchel and Casey taking their six. Chuck rounded the corner reaching an open area. He stopped scanning the room over head. Casey kept his eye on the open areas above them as the others had their guns ready.

The two men from earlier came in forcing Sarah to stand. Each had one arm tightly in their grip as they made their way down the hall. Sarah looked up seeing Gaez. "We're going for a little walk." Gaez headed down a hallway then headed out an exterior door into what looked like a back yard. Sarah looked up at the bright glimpse of sun. The brightness was a bit overbearing but the sun's warmth gave her some hope. Her reprieve of sunshine was gone as they entered another room. The two men walked past Gaez then as the doors were open, she saw who was on the outside.

Gaez stared at Chuck and his small team. Chuck stood pointing his gun at him as Casey came in beside him. "Surprised that it took this long for you to come. I wasn't ready for you, so please ignore the way we look."

Chuck knew he was baiting them. He diverted his eyes to Sarah.

"Her for me."

Chuck waited for Gaez to say something. Gaez snapped his fingers as the two men let go of Sarah. Chuck swung his gun over his shoulder and gave it to Casey. He walked closer to Sarah extending his hand. Sarah noticed his hand and reached for it. Carina and Zondra moved slowly in Chuck's direction. Chuck was inches away from Sarah. His throat dry and his body sweating. He grazed Sarah's fingers pulling her closer. He looked at her. "You okay."

Sarah nodded. "Ch-k."

"You trust me."

Sarah looking confused.

Answered back. "What?"

Chuck looking at her and only her. "You trust me."

"Yes."

Chuck brought her close. She was thinking he was going to hug her. Whispering. "I love you." As he turned with her passing her onto Carina and Zondra, they hooked their arms in hers as fast as they could. Sarah faced Chuck and they face the other direction. Casey kept his gun on Gaez. Chuck spun and faced Gaez.

Carina and Zondra walked quickly taking Sarah out as fast as they could. Sarah was devastated. Chuck tried not to react as Sarah's scream could be heard down the corridor. Chuck tried to stay stoic, as Gaez was watching his reaction. When the sound of her voice faded, he knew she was safe and out of the building. The one thing he knew for sure. Gaez looked at Chuck as the two men grabbed Chuck forcing his arms back. "Hello my friend. It's been a while." Then he punched him directly in the gut. Chuck wheezed in pain as he tried to catch his breath. Gaez grabbed a handful of his hair from the back of his head. "We're just getting started." Then flung his head forward.

He snapped his fingers as the two men dragged him further down the hall slipping into a side room which Chuck kept an eye on. He kept a mental note of how many steps it was from the door. Chuck also kept a count of how many windows and where the sun was. This gave him a rough idea where he was. He knew he was still in the same area but he wasn't sure how long this warehouse was. In seconds they were back outside again. The fresh air gave him a bit of refresh, as his lungs were able to catch the free air. The two men stood Chuck up which gave him the opportunity to slip his fingers into his side pocket of his jeans pulling out a small tracker. Yes, Gaez knew his every move up to now but no more. Chuck dropped the tracker as they headed down a narrow alley towards another building.

Casey and Mitchel closed the door behind them as Miller and Rizzo took Sarah into the back to get her cleaned up. She was still yelling as Carina made her sit down as she tended to her. Sarah mostly had scratches and a few cuts and the bruising that were becoming evident, but the wounds of the heart would take some time. Sarah grabbed the bottle of antiseptic and dabbed her elbow as Carina left then came back with something to eat and drink. Sarah's eyes were puffy and when she turned Carina had to ask. "He's more than a teacher, isn't he?"

Sarah put down the bottle and looked at Carina. She grabbed the cup of coffee, letting the warmth trickle down her throat. She looked at Carina who had become her best friend, a sister through all of this. Sarah wiped her cheek. Composing herself. "Remember when I told you the reason that I was late for orientation." Carina nodded. "Well, I was late because I was coming back from a week in Santorini. My dad did some crazy illegal things and I was involved. The CIA arrested my dad and I had to make a decision either go to jail myself for my involvement or join the CIA. I met Langston Graham when I was 18 and he'd said he come back looking for an answer. That was four years ago. Around February he came back looking for an answer. So, I gave him one but I had to get away. I flung a knife at a map I had on my wall. And where it landed that would be where I would go until I had to come back. It landed on Santorini. I arrived there during Spring break. They lost my luggage and the hotel was booked solid, not one room available. I waited in the bar but it was wall to wall people. I looked over my shoulder and there was this guy motioning to me as he pulled out a chair. I looked around as if he was looking at someone else. When he motioned to me again, I walked towards him. He pulled out a chair. He was so charming, adamant, and also adorable. He said hello and said it's just a chair. I sat down looking back at the bar wondering how he saw me."

Carina smiled. "He introduced himself as Charles Carmicheal, Forensic Engineer. Which I found out to be true by the way. He has a degree from Stanford. We talked for hours. We drank, ate, and talked some more. It was like I had known him my whole life, not to sound cliche' or anything. It was getting late and I had kept him talking for most of the day. I said I better go see if there is a room. I headed to the front desk and they told me that there wouldn't be a room available till Wednesday this was Sunday. Chuck walked up to me hearing the news. He offered his couch. It wasn't much he said, it's just a couch. He wrote down his room number. Then said it was a pleasure to have met me and hoped to see me around. I waited for an hour. It was getting late and I figured a couch was better than sitting here. So, I knocked on his door. He answered and I walked in. He offered me something to drink and stepped outside. We watched the pool area for an hour. He walked back in, grabbing some blankets. He offered me his bed. I said no I can't take the bed from you. The couch is fine. I didn't feel scared or anything. I stood facing him next to the couch. He faced me. He took my hand and he kissed me. It was sweet. He was nervous and so was I. He told me he didn't do this kind of thing." Carina jumped in 'Yeah right.'

"No, Sarah shook his head. I found out later that he had only been with one other girl and that was Jill."

"The one who died?"

"Yes."

"Wow. I would never have guessed that."

Sarah continued. "To make the story short. We slept together. He was a perfect gentleman and it being my first time. Which shocked him."

Carina smiled. "He was your first."

Sarah nodded and lowered her head. Minutes later. "Anyways we spent three wonderful days together and then they came for him. The CIA had found him. We said goodbye not thinking we'd see each other again and the day I showed up there he was of all places. I signed in and he only said a few words to me then took off. I was hurt. He left like he didn't know me. I was about to grab my things when he came back in. He had forgotten his bag. He walked up to me and kissed me. I kissed him back. He whispered I missed you but I can't do this. It was three weeks before anything happened. I met him coming out of the bathroom at PJ's. We kissed. Then he left. A few days later I was in the library and he had slipped his office room number on a piece of paper. I don't know how he did it I didn't see him. I stared at his note for an hour."

"You said you were going to catch a lecture."

"I did."

"Right."

Sarah laughed nervously. "I arrived at his office door and…Sarah lost in her thoughts. Carina now curious even more. "So how did you two manage to keep your relationship a secret? Did you know of how many rules you were breaking?"

"Every day. But he was so worth it."

"So where did you hook up?"

Sarah laughed. "You sure you want to know."

Carina looking at her. "I can't picture you getting busy in a back room or something."

"Worse." She laughed. Sarah continued. "The study room in the library. His office several times. Back seat of his car. My room."

"Yo girl. It was the real deal." Sarah's laughter went to tears. "When he pushed me towards you, he asked me if I trusted him and I nodded then he said that he loved me, then he pushed me."

Sarah started to cry. Carina moved into a hug. "I didn't answer him." She pushed her back and looked at her. "Well let's get him back so you can tell him in person how you feel."

Chuck was awakened by a wave of water. Even though it was cold it was refreshing in a weird way. He shook his hair of the excess water then looked up seeing Augusto and Amy holding the pail. Chuck looked up and expressed his reaction. "I see you brought a rat inside." Augusto laughed then slapped Chuck across the cheek causing his lip to bleed again. Chuck spit then added. "I bet it was hard to see her do your job while you had to sit back and wait."

He looked at Amy, he was on a roll. "So, you're the flavour of the month."

Amy walked up to him and grabbed his face, not liking the comment. "Well, I had you fooled."

"Easy chicas."

Augusto moved in along Amy's left. "You go pamper yourself and I will continue having a wonderful conversation with my friend." Amy walked away dropping the pail, exiting the room. "She did good, wouldn't you say?"

"When did you know we were coming after you?"

Augusto sat down and propped his legs up on the table. "Around early January. My sources informed me that the CIA was still looking for me but were also looking for you. I heard you went underground and they just recently found you and brought you back to bring me in. I had to laugh that they used all their resources to find you so you could bring me in."

"They wanted to make sure you were going down for good. I was impressed that a cock roach such as yourself hid this long. But when you work in the dark and (as he looks around) the use the destitute you could easily hide. I wasn't a fan of coming here and I would have liked to spend my time doing other things than this."

"Yes, but to have the satisfaction that you finally can bring closure to your nightmare. I see it as my way to put an end to those loose ends. I get rid of you and Casey and my life can go back to normal. And everyone is happy."

Augusto continued to smirk and grin knowing what buttons to push making Chuck loath him even more.

"So, it took them a year to find me. So, I figured that it had to take you a month or so to recoup and the Major I was surprised to see him on this visit."

"Yeah, I brought the Major. Stronger than ever. Can't keep a good man down."

Augusto didn't care for the counter response. He looked back at Chuck. "But what I want to talk about is the blonde. Walker is her name, right?"

Chuck didn't want to show any reaction but just hearing her name hit him hard. "You sleeping with her?" Chuck diverted his eyes. Augusto slapped Chuck's knee. "You devil you. You know how many rules you have broken sleeping with a recruit. But again, you were always taking risks. Your methods, your style not orthodox but it seemed to work. And with my skills that is why we made such a good team."

Chuck looked up. "We were never a team. You lost that right when you murdered two members of your team because they got too close and found out what you were involved in."

"I would have gotten away with it yes if it wasn't for them. But in a weird twist of irony, it worked out and I ended up here. Doing just fine till I got word that they were looking for me. That's when I had to get someone inside. So, I got a hold of the recruitment list and sought out Amy. She was eager and the perfect person to keep an eye on you. And when she made it as far as she did everything just fell into place."

Augusto stood up pulling the chair aside. He leaned in whispering in his ear. "Like Walker, Amy was also impressive under the sheets." That rattled Chuck. He tried to shift in his restrains. "You can move all you want but you're going to be here for a while, so you better not make your restrains any tighter than they already are."

Chuck could feel his arms falling asleep and his fingers going numb. He tried to relax. He was trained for this. Casey trained him to withstand torture, being tied up and in doubt Casey would always say. "Break your thumbs." Chuck wasn't a fan of pain or needles but if he had too he would.

Sarah entered the room where Casey was staring at the feeds. She walked up to him. She saw that he was reviewing footage. Casey waited. "That's where the bomb was." Sarah pointing at the screen.

Casey stopped the feed. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, Amy and I were heading up this way as she pointed to the screen. That's where I saw Carina and hoped to meet her and exit. That's when I saw the wire. It looked out of place. So, I followed it. If I knew then why Amy didn't want me to investigate, I would have continued to meet up with Carina. She didn't want me to find it in the first place. It was intended for whoever walked by it but me snooping around delayed that from happening and by then Carina and Mitchel were long gone. That's when I was hit over the head."

Sarah instinctively touched the side of her head. "Do you remember where you went?"

"From here." Pointing back at the screen. "I think we went this way. Cause we ended up going outside."

"Outside?"

"I looked up briefly and saw the sky." Casey checked on Chuck's tracker pulling up a drone feed image of the area. "Yeah, over here." Sarah pointed. "Then where?"

"We zig zagged for a bit. It was like we entered another building."

"Any stairs?"

"A few going down. Then a wooded door possibly green." Casey grabbed his cell. "Abrahamson, Casey here can you get a visual on the area about a block wide from the location of the where the bomb went off and they took Walker. We are looking for a room or house with a green door. Or a shade of green." Casey and Sarah watched as the live feed sped through corridors and narrow walkways scanning doors and every nook along the way. Sarah continued to watch hoping that what she gave as clues would be enough. 'I'm coming Chuck.' She silently whispered to herself.

Chuck looked up as a breeze swept across his face like a touch from someone. He felt her if that was possible some telepathic mumble jumble. He just hoped she felt him too.

He looked up seeing a young teenager with a tray of food. Chuck looked at him as he put the tray down. Then started to walk out. "And how am I supposed to eat." Looking down at his hands. The teen looked behind him. "Well at least loosen the one hand then when I am done you can retie me or you can sit here and feed me." The teen looked less that thrilled in helping to feed him. He walked over and loosened the tie. He ate his sandwich and grabbed the pop can. When the teen looked away Chuck took off the cap and slid it in the crease of his pants. Chuck finished eating. The teen retied the tie but Chuck adjusted his wrist slightly so when it was tied, he had room to move. The teen didn't care if Chuck was secure or not. The inconvenience of sticking around cramped his style. Chuck thanked him which he didn't get a response. Chuck laughed to himself.

2 days later

It had been two long days and no communication from Augusto Gaez. The line went dead probably a battery phone. Between Sarah's recollection and Abraham's catching a signal thanks to the phone they had an area. Casey called Beckman to acquire extra foot patrol. Beckman agreed and would send them by the end of the day. Casey gathered the remaining recruits and gave a Major Casey speech which seemed to help keep them focused. Sarah gathered her gear like she and done several times. This time it wasn't for grades or status it was to bring back someone from her team but personally it was to see the man she loved. And she hoped that she'd have the opportunity to tell him in person. Casey showed the team the area that they were going to check out. They all looked at the screen. "I know you're not soldiers but you are the best of the best. And with that we are going to bring Agent Carmichael back no matter what it takes."

Casey headed to the door feeling a slight kink in his lower back. He did a slight stretch and moved out. He wasn't going to let what happened to him get the best of him. He had come too far on his recovery, being free from his braces was a miracle.

It was late afternoon as they moved through Rio based on what Sarah remembered and they had their eye in the sky Abrahamson. Casey pulled out a scanner that looked like a price gun and waved it in front of them. Carina looked over to him. "What's that for?"

"We're going all out here. It senses cameras almost infrared. We're not going to let him win." Mitchel and Sarah came up from the back and the four of them continued further into the alley.

Chuck leaned overlooking to see if there was anyone coming. He slid his fingers finding the can tab bending it giving him a sharp edge. He placed the end in his fingers giving him some leverage to start cutting the tie. All he needed was to cut into it and he would stretch it breaking it apart. His wrist started to cramp but he continued on. What seemed like hours his tie broke. He moved over to the other one and quickly sliced through the second one. He got up getting his legs to work then slipped to the door. He looked down the hall seeing it was a house with added rooms attached to it. He slipped across the hall doing a zig zag till he reached an exit. If he reached an exit, he could call for help. But he knew his team was already looking for him. Chuck lowered himself moving towards an exit, he hoped. He saw someone coming and grabbing them by the neck making them fall limp. He dragged their unconscious body inside then took their gun and their phone. He dialed Casey but had no service. He slid the phone into his back pocket and continued. He heard voices. They knew he was gone. He kept moving hearing gun shots. Then Augusto yelling "I want him alive." Meanwhile Casey stopped hearing the shots and knew he was close. He smiled. "Thats my boy." Sarah laughed. She could tell that Chuck meant a lot to him and like Chuck said it was like that father son older brother type relationship and how much they cared for each other. Chuck reached an open area that gave him only a few options. A cliff that led to a ravine or head back inside. He did see an exit hoping to run and take his chances. He started to run hearing shots and sliding in the dirt when one of the bullets was a little close. His gun falling to the ground. Chuck looked up as he sheltered his face from any other shots coming his way. He saw Augusto walking his direction with his gun pointed. "Give me a reason not to shoot you." Chuck looked up again. "Well, you could but then again that's too easy and I know you're a gambler and fighter."

"You know me well."

"I do and I know you wouldn't want to miss out on fighting me to the end and this time getting the results you want." "Your life. Of course."

"You had your chance and decided to spare me assuming to finish it now." Augusto walked closer. "You think you can take me. I was the better fighter."

"You were but I have a few tricks of my own." An evil cackled came out of Augusto as he threw the first punch. Chuck startled falling back sliding in the dirt. Chuck shook it off returning a punch to Augusto's face then coming in with a hard right to the left side of his ribs. Augusto hopped slightly at the intrusion. They returned punches back and forth Chuck drawing blood first. They wrestled lodging the gun from Augusto's lower back. Chuck saw it fall. He scrambled to it but was pulled back by the shoulders then feeling his hands on his throat. Chuck decided to play dirty literally. He grabbed a handful of dirt and tossed it behind him distracting Augusto enough to be released from his grip. Chuck got up missing the gun as Augusto pushed him away from the gun. He staggered then grabbing the gun himself pointing the gun at Chuck. As he lifted his leg swinging around releasing the gun out of his hands. They continued to fight. Chuck took what was left and threw his last punch. Augusto fell back hard to the ground. Chuck looked for the gun and when he saw it, he grabbed it and ran. He made it past the exit he saw earlier. He looked back quickly then faced forward to move in when he saw Amy. He saw the 2x2 being raised then everything dark.

The four reached an area and saw someone lying in the dirt. Sarah feared the worse and it crossed the minds of the rest as well. They reached the body carefully rolling them over seeing that it was Augusto. He was out cold. They could see from his face that someone did a job on him. Casey looked around scanning the ground pointing. "He went that way." Casey tied Augusto and had Mitchel stay with him. Carina and Sarah followed him hoping to find Chuck.

Amy had taken the gun Chuck had. Chuck rubbed the back of his head only to see more blood on his hands. "Nice shot."

"I thought so."

"So, what did he promise you. A relationship. The white picket fence." Her face showed none of that was going to happen. "It doesn't matter. What matters now is making sure you're not going to be a problem?"

"Is that what he told you? Didn't you hear what I said? What he did to my team and to his country?"

"That's just your opinion." Chuck looked at her. "Really? He made you believe that what he did was justifiable."

"He was the victim." Chuck stood facing her as she grabbed the gun and pointed it at him. "I'm a pretty good shot."

"I'm not saying you're not but I think you forgot something." She looked at him then at the gun. Chuck punched her right in the face. Then grabbed the gun as she fell backwards. Chuck smirked. "The safety is still on." Chuck ran out hitting a dead end. He climbed up seeing Marcos. They made eye contact and he yelled "Campos." The chase continued as Chuck chased Marco over the roof tops of the run-down homes. Casey, Sarah, and Carina weaved their way through. Trying to find Chuck, losing some hope. Casey looked up to see someone leap overhead then seconds later he sees another. Casey grunts. He starts climbing. Sarah doesn't think twice. Carina looks at what's going on and doesn't want to be left there alone so she starts climbing as well. Sarah reaches the top seeing the back of Chuck and is relieved. The three follow the chase. Chuck slides to a stop seeing Augusto. "How?" He decides who is more important. He sees Casey and Sarah. He yells. "Going after Augusto." Casey yells back. "I got Campos. He's mine." Chuck jumps down. Sarah sees Chuck jump down and she follows him and Carina follows her not seeing Casey anymore. Chuck sees Augusto and the hatred for one man gives him the energy to push through. He runs parallel to Augusto then sees the end of his path. He jumps down tackling Augusto and they tumble down a hill. Sarah sees them tumbling and screams. She can't believe her eyes as she sees Chuck flip hard over and over down the hill. They land with Augusto lying on top of Chuck. Sarah looks for any sign of life as she tries to slide down the hill. She sees movement but it's not Chuck. Augusto staggers back then looks up seeing Sarah. He smiles at her thinking he was going to walk. Sarah stops seeing Chuck still lying there not moving. Augusto turns and leans down pulling out a gun he had in his ankle holster. He aims it at Chuck. Carina and Sarah both see the gun and never thought twice. They both fired at Augusto. Augusto falls back hitting the dirt. Sarah and Carina hear then sees their backup. "They yell CIA." The soldiers tower over Augusto removing him then tending to Chuck. The leader walks up to them. "Major Casey?" Sarah replies. "He went after Marco Campos."

Meanwhile Casey in hot pursuit bit his legs are giving out on him. But he forces himself to follow through. He's not going to give Marcos the gratification that he caused this in the first place. Marcos reaches the end of the road so to speak. He faces Casey. Trying to catch his breath. Marco looks ahead thinking he could jump. He knows he doesn't have a choice. Either way he's toast. "I'm glad to see that you're walking. I guess I didn't wait to stick around to make sure you were dead."

"I am hearing that a lot." Casey stands his ground. Marcos moves back. "You have no where to run." Marcos looks over his shoulder. "You can run Marcos but I will find you and make you pay."

"Never! I broke you once I can do it again."

"Try it!" Marco could see the anger in Casey's eyes and knew he was done. Marco took a few steps towards Casey as Casey aimed his gun ready to shoot. Marco looked at Casey. "I am willing to take my chance." Marco took off in a sprint running towards the end. He leapt and as Casey watched him, he ran towards the end. Marco's arm flung in the air to give him some momentum. Casey watched as he reached the other side. But as he landed Casey could hear the stucco breaking off. Casey leaned over the edge seeing Marco falling hard to the ground below. A soldier looked up seeing Casey looking over the other side.

Casey headed downstairs reaching Marco's body. He looked at the soldier. "Bag and tag soldier."

"Yes sir."

Sarah put her gun down as soldiers entered. Sarah repeated that she was CIA. They eyed her questioning her motives. She was standing there with a gun. Carina shoved the one soldier as he approached her. Then a loud booming voice could be heard. "Stand down. They are with me. Major John Casey."

"Yes sir." The taller one turned to face him. "General Beckman would like a full report sir."

"I bet she does." Casey looked at the two. "Do a full search. There are others."

Sarah saw that the Major looked dishevelled. As she ran towards Chuck. She crouched down beside him. He was unconscious. She pulled his hair back. His face was bruised and bloody. Casey came waving support. Chuck was carefully lifted into a stretcher and rushed off. Sarah wanted to go but she was stopped at the ambulance. Casey looked at her. "This so as far as you can go." He put his hand on her shoulder in a consoling way. "He will be fine." His words were kind but Sarah didn't know why she couldn't go. Sarah watched as the ambulance took off. Carina stood beside her till it disappeared. Sarah wondered why there were no sirens.

Casey headed back grabbing Amy who was just waking up from her knock out. Her face bloody and swollen. Sarah laid eyes on her and charged her. She got one good swing in when Casey hollered. "Walker she's not worth it." Carina pulled Sarah back as they headed back to their base home. Mitchel walked in holding his head. He sat down kicking himself for letting Gaez go. Carina walked over to him giving him some water. "Gaez is dead. Carmicheal was rushed off. Status unknown."

"Dead?" He went after Chuck. Sarah turned to joined the conversation. But Carina spoke first. "We shot him. And Marcos?"

"I saw the Major going after him." Casey entered answering the inquiry. "He jumped but slipped. Never had a chance." The three looked at each other. Then the room got very busy very fast.

Sarah paused as her mind replayed what had just happened. Four shots are heard as Gaez falls to the ground. Dust waffle through the air as his body settles… In the background the team celebrated inflight catching an airbus back to DC. The clanging of bottles as the recruits laughed and cheered. Carina grabbed a couple of bottles sitting down beside Sarah who is lost in her thoughts. Sarah reluctantly takes the bottle. "You doing, okay?" Sarah shook her head. "Still trying to figure this all out. Why would they just leave?"

"Who knows. There's so much protocol and rules that maybe things like this happen after a mission?" Sarah never responded. Carina knew she was hurt and not just physically. Sarah placed the bottle to the side resting her head on the side of the plane. Carina got up and kissed the top of her head then returned to the rest to enjoy some of the celebration. Sarah went back to recalling everything that happened like a slide show. Seeing his face his eyes with so much concern in them. Then when he said 'do you trust me' then whispering I love you. 'He loves me' Sarah whispered in her thoughts. She held on to those words and knew he was safe but when would she hear from him.

Chuck and Casey got word that the airbus had taken off. Medics looked Chuck over and his injuries. Mostly cuts and bruises from the beating. One downside of being a spy. Taking the hits when it's not always necessary. When you're tied down that's one thing but when you try to survive the beating because you want the aggressor or aggressors to feel that they are winning just to get the upper hand and knock them down. Chuck knew how Gaez fought or presented himself when he fought. He was fast and quick which made him run out of steam. Not like Casey who figures out his opponent and stays strong to the end. What happened to him a year ago was unfortunate. Wounding him so that he couldn't fight back. Then when he was trying not to bleed to death, they tossed him over the edge breaking his back and his left leg. Casey called those people coward fighters.

He stared up at his friend. "Thanks." Casey looked up. "No thank you. It was a successful mission. He is gone and this nightmare is finally over."

"What about Marcos Campos?"

"He's no longer a concern either."

"So why take us out like this and why are we not with the team?"

"They don't want to have someone come after us. Gaez was well taken care of. And if others hear he's dead they could come after us. No calls in or out. At least for a few days." Chuck looked outside. All he saw was darkness. He wasn't sure if he was over the Atlantic or back in the states. His mind went to Sarah. He knew she was very confused and he didn't know how hurt she was. He hated that she had to learn the hard way about post mission extractions. One thing he didn't much touch on in class. He sat back knowing that his fate laid in the hands of General Beckman and whether she believed that the threats were gone.

Two weeks

Sarah sat at the kitchen table listening to Zondra and Carina get ready for graduation. Sarah reflected over the last few weeks. They were rushed out of Rio quickly and had four days a debriefing. She lost track of those days and what she said. After day two she knew that they were looking to hear if their stories changed. If their recount wavered any questioning their motives may have had. Sarah thought back to when she walked out of her debriefing once again and sitting on the bench leaning back as she closed her eyes. She had not heard from Chuck and it scared her. Was this normal?

Zondra came out wearing a dark black suit and a cream shirt. Carina comes out after her wearing a dark blue dress cut just above the knee. Sarah looked down at her black skirt and purple blouse. She spent a little more than she wanted to on her outfit but she'd figured she wear it once she got out in the field.

Families celebrated the new agents as they looked at their achievements and accolades. Zondra disappeared seeing her family. Carina met up with someone who Sarah assumed was her 'friend' who was also a boy. Sarah stood in the background watching, knowing that if her mom could be here she would. She stared at her new badge and her gun, both items that she gracefully acknowledged as her achievements and what she had gone through. Then a voice of a Heavenly Angel could be heard over the crowd. She turned looking around at where the voice was coming from. She looked up facing a stairwell. There at the top was her Chuck. Sarah smiled then ran over. Chuck walked down the stairs not taking his eyes off her. Sarah didn't try to run up the stairs in her tight skirt. Chuck reached the ground opening his arms as Sarah fell into them. The world around them was like a silent cloak embracing them. Chuck pulled her back just enough to press his lips against hers. She welcomed his lips as it had been a long time since she had kissed him. Their lips not missing a beat. Chuck held her close and he continued to kiss her. When they finally broke their kiss Sarah looked at him. "We can't be doing this here." Chuck smiled then leaned in whispering. "I don't care anymore." They kissed embracing their reunion.

They held hands looking at each other. "What happened?" Sarah looking at his face and what it looked like. He looked tired and his bruises were still evident. She caressed his face. Chuck spoke. "I know you have questions but they can wait." Chuck looked over her shoulder seeing Carina and Zondra as Sarah then looked to see what he was looking at. "You go celebrate and I'll see you later, I am staying in town tonight." He gave her the address as she slipped it inside her blouse. Getting an eyebrow dance response from Chuck. He kissed her once more as he watched her walk towards the girls. She stopped and turned around looking at him. "I love you too."

"Me too." He smiled then waved at them then looked back. Carina hooked her arms in Sarah's and the three of them started to walk, Sarah waved disappearing into the crowd.

Chuck dozed off when he arrived back at the hotel. He avoided his office which he decided anything there could wait. Awakened by a knock at the door he looked at his phone seeing the time was 11:30. He had slept longer than he thought. He grabbed a hoodie and slipped it on over his muscle shirt. He walked to the door opening it seeing Sarah. His sleepy looked caught her attention. "I'm sorry did I wake you?" He reached for her hand and kissed her. "So worth it." Sarah melted in his arms, like she always did when she was with him. He closed the door and they walked further into the room. Chuck turned and pressed his body close feeling something pressing against him. He padded down her jacket reaching for her pocket. He watched as she pulled out her badge and her gun. She opened up the black case displaying a Glock 19. Chuck looked up. "A gun?"

"Well actually, it's a gift from the Major."

Chuck laughed. "He must like you. I got the same gun when I graduated." Sarah smiled. Then he saw her badge. He ran his fingers over the brass then eyed her credentials. "Agent Sarah Walker."

Chuck went quiet. His silence was golden. He looked at her. Then spoke. "I'm proud of you. You did it."

"I couldn't have done it without you."

"I just guided you." Sarah moved to the couch and sat down. "You want anything?"

"No." As she extended her hand. Chuck sat down still holding her hand. She looked at his face then touched it gently. "Does this hurt?"

"Not as bad now. Was pretty swollen the day we left." Sarah needed to know. "Where did you go? They just took you."

"I'm sorry, I heard that they didn't let you see me."

"Casey gave me a few minutes. But all I saw was your bloody face." Chuck caressed her face. "So sorry."

"Casey towered over me protecting, me allowing me that time with you. I'm guessing he knows about us."

"Yeah, I told him when Gaez took you. I was lost, angry and frustrated that I let it happen. I should have figured it out. I said that it felt like he knew everything that we were doing and I was right. I should have looked internally that would have prevented you from being taken."

"You came and you rescued me." They stayed quiet for some time.

"Where did you go?"

"They took us out of Rio after you guys left. I wanted to know that you were safe and far from there. They had us seek medical attention. Then once we arrived in DC we were as they call it hidden for awhile." Sarah's look made him clarify. "We were in hiding in case Gaez's people retaliated. He was a big fish in the criminal world. Known for killing two CIA agents and getting away with it makes you a pretty big fish. I heard what you did. How are you doing?"

"Haven't slept. When I close my eyes, I see and hear the whole thing. Then when we came back, we were in debriefs for days. Repeating over and over again my recollection of what happened. And when I fired my gun. (slight pause) I saw you fighting Gaez then you both rolled down the hill. You didn't move and when Gaez stood up pointing a gun at you I didn't hesitate. I raised my gun and Carina did as well and we fired. Gaez fell back and I ran down to you. That is when soldiers came in. Assuming the worse. But Casey stepped in."

Chuck holding her hand in reassurance. "I had to. He was going to kill you."

"I know and I'm sorry that you were put in that situation. One's first kill is the worst. Any time you take a life it affects you. But you have to remember it's either them or you."

"What he did to you Chuck, he had to pay." Chuck caressed her face. "I'm not saying what you did was wrong. But it was a life no matter whose life it was. Those feelings just don't go away. I'm glad you saved me." He leaned in and kissed her.

He looked at her then he looked at the clock. "That's enough for now. Let's get some sleep. We both need it." Sarah didn't argue she was exhausted emotionally, physically, and mentally. She got up and looked at her clothes. She had not come prepared. Chuck smiled then added. "I'm fine with you sleeping naked."

Sarah blushed. "Do you have something I can wear?" Chuck walked over to his bag and pulled out a t- shirt. "Will this do?" Sarah looked up as he held up a British t shirt. "It'll do." Sarah walked over then tossed it onto the bed then started to unbuttoned her blouse as Chuck slid under the sheets. He watched her as she slipped out of her skirt. His eyes showing her how much he appreciated the view. Sarah laid her dress clothes over the chair and slipped off her bra. Chuck took in a deep breath. "So beautiful." She slipped his shirt on and started to walk over to the bed. He opened the bed for her as she crawled inside settling along side him. He shut the lights off then covered them up. Their bodies relaxing and sleep coming over them. Chuck kissed the top of her head as she looked up giving him a proper goodnight kiss. He smiled then slid down into the bed. In minutes they were sleeping.

They woke up around 8:30 but went back to sleep curled up in each other's arms. The second time they woke up it was half past twelve. Sarah got up looking at the room service menu. Chuck in his sleepy haze padded the bed. Sarah tossed the menu at him then cuddled in beside him. They both looked at the menu agreeing on what they wanted. Sarah reached over Chuck getting a response from him. She gave him a quick kiss then picked up the receiver. "Hello this is room." She looked at Chuck having the same Deja vu vibes from Santorini. Chuck whispered "426."

"Room 426."

"Yes Mr. Carmicheal."

"What would you like to order?"

"Coffee, two morning breakfast plates, with bacon. Lots of syrup, a fruit plate." Sarah looked at Chuck as he whispered. "Whatever you want."

Sarah put the phone back to her ear. "A bottle of champagne and orange juice. That's all, thanks." Sarah reached back over Chuck placing the receiver back down. Sarah sat up grabbing Chuck's face kissing him. "What was that for?"

"I rarely get to see you in the morning so I wanted to also give you a morning kiss." Chuck rolled into Sarah and laid her back. He stared at her. "Good morning." He leaned down to kiss her keeping it PG-13.

They knew that if it went any further, they'll be in the middle of everything and miss room service.

Chuck got up much to Sarah's dismay. He slipped into the bathroom and returned showing her an extra toothbrush. "If you want it." Sarah got up and freshened up waiting to eat. She came out wearing a bathrobe tying it as she sat down.

They enjoyed their breakfast bringing back many memories of their time in Santorini. Chuck took turns sipping his coffee and his mimosa. He looked at her. "We should go back to Santorini sometime. And actually, see the place." Sarah popped a strawberry into her mouth. "Didn't you sightsee when you were there?" Chuck shook his head. "I laid pretty low. Only going out if I had to. Didn't think that I would have been spotted but I was, I wasn't careful and an ATM picked me up." Sarah reached for his hand. "But it didn't end up too bad in the end."
Chuck slid his fingers into hers. "No, it didn't." He pulled her making her stand up and sit in his lap. His lips met hers as he slid his hand up under her bathrobe reaching her inner thigh. Sarah's breath hitched. She looked at him. The need and wanting him were no longer two separate things. She kissed him back sliding her hands under his muscle shirt feeling him. He stood up with her in his arms. He carried her to the bed. He laid her down removing her robe then pulling her shirt off him. He removed his shirt laying over her. "It beats the back seat of my car." Sarah nodded as that was the last time they were together and everything that happened after that. As they got reacquainted their kisses became intense. Their arms and legs battling over each other. They slid under the covers and began their love making, long overdue.

Sarah laid on her side feeling Chuck behind her. They had gone another round before and this time they just laid there. Chuck slid his arm over her body holding her close, placing kisses inside her neck and shoulder. She melted her body into his. Their bodies reacting to their love making. They both fell asleep. When they awoke it was dark inside the room. Chuck leaned back turning on the light. He laid on his back waiting for Sarah to join him. "You hungry?" Sarah nodded. He grabbed the menu and scanned it. Pointing to a few items. "How hungry are you?" Sarah laughed. "Ok then." Chuck picked up the receiver. "Room 426. We would like two chicken parmigiana, Caesar salad, bottled water and two bottles of 86 Chateau LeFranc pinot."

Sarah ran her fingers through his hairs on his chest. Chuck stroked the back of her head. "I missed this."

"Me too." As Sarah continued to run her fingers over his chest. "I love you." She looked up at him. "I love you and I hope I heard what I heard." Chuck sat up. "I wanted the first time I told you that I loved you to be special not a life and death situation that it sounded like, thanks for everything and by the way I love you."

Sarah kissed him. "It gave me hope, that I would be able to tell you in person."

Chuck held her close as they waited.

They sat watching some tv sleeping in late and spending some quality time in the shower till they ran out of hot water. Sarah slid her leg up his as she looked up seeing him laying there with his eyes closed. She lifted the blanket staring at his body. Though he had boxers on the rest of his body was fair game, till she was ready for more. She kissed his chest, kneading his skin with her fingers. He amazed her in so many ways and she was thankful for everything. Meeting him when she did and what they went through despite all the rules and the less than desired perks of being a spy.

Chuck's body started to react making Sarah continue what she was doing. Chuck opened his eyes slowly seeing this beautiful goddess leaning over him. He pulled her close to him. "I see that we have been busy?"

"Just speeding things up."

Sarah straddled his legs as he pulled the t shirt off of her. They made love on the couch slowly making their way to the bed.

Chuck got up grabbing something from his bag. Sarah covered herself up looking at him. He brought over what was left of the wine and their two glasses. He passed her the box and poured them some wine. "What's this?"

"Just something for your completion of this course."

"Sarah propped up a few pillows then placed the box on her lap. Chuck took a sip of wine watching her. Sarah slid the lid off the box finding two smaller boxes. The first box had a red ribbon tied around it. She untied the ribbon opening the box. She pulled out a pair of Ray Ban sunglasses. "Every spy needs a great pair of sunglasses."

Sarah smiled then gave Chuck a kiss putting them on. "So sexy." Sarah smiled. She grabbed the other box. She ripped open the wrapping and pulled out a leather pouch. She looked at it running her hands over the leather. Unzipping it she opened to find a lock picking kit. "Again, a good spy should always have a good lock picking kit. Plus, Casey said that you spent a lot of your free time picking locks."

Sarah tossed all the wrapping back into the bigger box then looked at Chuck. "Come here." Chuck turned and faced her. "Thank you." Then kissed him. "You're welcome." He kissed her again then reaching back giving her some wine.

Monday morning

They checked out of the hotel and headed to her place. They barely made the 11 o'clock check out time as their love making went into extra innings. Chuck held the door as Sarah stepped out. She grabbed her gift from the back seat as Chuck closed the door. They walked hand in hand when they heard a voice. They both looked up. "Agent Sarah Walker?"

Sarah looking startled as the words Agent Sarah Walker in one sentence was so new it wasn't registering. Chuck shielded her as their eyes were focussed on Fitzroy. He looked up seeing Chuck, he apologized for the intrusion. "What is this in regard to Fitzroy?"

"Sorry sir, but this message is for her sir." As he pointed to her raising his hand. Chuck eyed the package and knew exactly what it was. He tried not to react as he looked at Sarah who was still trying to comprehend hearing her official title. Chuck backed off letting Fitzroy do his job. Fitzroy walked over and handed Sarah the package. "Agent Walker, your instructions are inside the package. Have a good day."

He turned on his heels, acknowledging Chuck.

"Agent Carmicheal."

"Fitzroy."

Sarah watched as the black SUV drove off leaving her staring at the package. "What is this, Chuck?"

"Let's go inside and I will explain."

Sarah headed inside as Chuck looked back down the street then looking up at Sarah as she headed inside.