A/N: Thank you for coming along on this ride. I know, it's been a doozy. Some of you have wanted to shake both of them, but it's me, they figured it out.
Disclaimer: I don't own Chuck
There was something building in Chuck.
A need. A need that needed to be satiated, and quickly. It was becoming overwhelming. But right now, it had to be secondary, because she had shown up. And because Carina came first in everything, she had to be dealt with.
Sarah looked over at him, and he could clearly read the What do we do? look on her face.
He didn't say anything. He tried his best to convey a Do you trust me look?, but he was sure he had failed, until she smiled at him.
"So, wanna tell me what's going on?" Carina asked. Casey was standing behind Carina, and she couldn't see his face. He wore a pensive look. It was obvious he had no idea what to do.
"Chuck is going to explain it to you," Sarah said. She turned to Chuck. "The floor is yours."
"I have a supercomputer that analyzes data in my head. It has upgraded, and to explain how is long, tedious, and doesn't really matter. The problem is, the upgrade is burning up my brain, and I need to get to a secure computer to fix it. I'm not sure how to fix it, other than something in my brain from this upgrade is telling me I must do so," Chuck said.
Casey's eyes widened, but he kept his mouth shut. Carina looked at Chuck, then at Sarah. She then turned to Casey, shaking her head. "Since these two fools want to continue their weird thing and not share with the rest of the class, how about we go talk outside. You know, the two adults."
"Okay," Casey said, and gestured for her to lead the way. As she passed him, he gave Chuck a look. Chuck thought it was pride, but it was Casey, so it might have been gas. The two walked out of the room.
"Oh. My. God. That worked," Sarah said, slumping down beside Chuck.
"I've been wondering for a while why we just don't tell the truth," Chuck admitted. "It's so fantastical, no one would believe it."
"Okay, so what do we need to do?" Sarah asked him.
"I need to get to-" he began.
"We," she said, taking his hand in hers. "We are doing this together."
"I understand you have to protect me-" he began.
"No, I don't think you do," Sarah told him. "Chuck, I'm not leaving." He looked at her. "Not because you're the Intersect. Not because I have some duty. Not because I think it's the right thing to do." She took a deep breath. "This is hard for me to say, okay?"
"You don't have to say anything," Chuck told her.
"Yes, I do, you need to know," Sarah began.
"Sarah… I know," he told her, a soft smile on his face. "But what I don't know… would it be okay if I kissed you?"
"It would actually be preferred," she told him, grinning at him. He leaned toward her as the door opened, and Casey and Carina walked back in. Chuck and Sarah quickly turned toward the interlopers, trying to act like nothing had happened.
"They doing that now, huh?" Carina said, "making out and shit?"
"Apparently," Casey grumbled. Chuck started to speak, but Casey held up his hands. "Look… just… Christ."
"He is so eloquent," Chuck said to Sarah.
"Perhaps you shouldn't say anything," Sarah told Chuck. "I have plans for those lips of yours, and if they get ripped off by Casey, it will ruin them."
"Oh, good Lord, that is disgusting," Carina muttered. "So, let me get done with what I need to get done, and get the hell out of here. Stay away from Thurston."
"Can't," Chuck told her. "He's a gunrunner." Carina started to speak. "And has his hands in the trafficking in Bolivia." She looked over at Casey. "I am the analyst," Chuck reminded her.
"Okay, smart guy. Then what's the problem if you move on him," Carina fired back.
"Multiple problems," Chuck admitted. "First, there is no legal evidence against him." Carina nodded. Begrudgingly, but nodded. "Second, as a big of fish as he is, someone would just replace him. What you truly want is him to flip on those above him."
"He is good," Sarah said.
"He also has a plan," Casey said. Everyone looked at Casey. "What? As much as it wrinkles my shorts, he's always got ideas. Now, I didn't say it was a good plan."
"That may have been the nicest thing you ever said to me," Chuck told Casey. Casey glared at him. "He needs to come to us."
"Never mind, he's a moron," Casey said, shaking his head. "Why in the hell would he come to us?"
"You know him best," Chuck said to Sarah. "If his life was in danger, would he be a stand-up guy?"
"Oh, God, no," Sarah replied. "He's a snake in the grass that would turn on his own mother, given the chance."
Chuck nodded and turned to the other two. "Do you know where he's hiding his supplies? Both the drug and weapons varieties?" Carina shook her head. "We do." Carina grimaced. "What would happen if all of his drugs and weapons were seized?"
"Oh, he be royally screwed," Carina told him. "But how?"
"We already know he's in an abandoned warehouse," Chuck began.
"What are you doing, Bartowski?" Casey growled. "You can't be telling her where the guns and drugs are. You know how she screwed us last time."
"You're just mad because I tied you up and didn't screw you," Carina muttered.
"Listen, we need her help," Chuck told Casey variety trying to get him to refocus on the current predicament instead of remembering the older man in his boxers. He was so glad Sarah kept that picture. "We need to get into the building in Weston with little fanfare, and we can use a few of their gadgets."
"What exactly do you have in mind?" Sarah asked, intrigued.
"It's not just cocaine, is it?" Chuck asked Carina. She shook her head. "It's meth as well."
"Oh, Jesus," Casey said. "You're not."
"Not what?" Sarah asked, not quite catching on.
"If you start a fire and cause an explosion, that will bring… everyone down. DEA, freaking people in hazmat suits," Casey began.
"And everything will get seized," Sarah said, her eyes lighting up. "Wait," she said, turning toward Chuck. "Someone could get killed in that."
"Not if we make sure they're nowhere near where the lab is," Chuck said. "That's why we make a diversionary fire on one end, where the weapons are being stored. Then we fly in a drone, set off a few sparks, and watch the whole place go up."
"Property…" Casey began and then he shook his head. "You son-of-a-bitch," he chuckled. "It's supposed to be torn down. You'll literally be helping the city. Practical, economical, and fiscally responsible."
"You knew he'd love that part, didn't you?" Sarah asked Chuck softy. Chuck just grinned.
"And then, Carina gets to approach our target and offer him the deal of a lifetime," Chuck said. "You have drugs and guns that have been seized, blown up, or whatever, and someone, somewhere is owed some money."
"He's going to be pissing himself," Casey said, grinning happily.
"The strangest things, make him happy," Chuck said to Sarah.
"I'm in," Carina said.
"Good. We must get Chuck to Weston," Sarah said. "No questions asked."
"Not even if he's good in bed?" Carina asked. Sarah glared at Carina, as Chuck sat there blushing.
}o{
Carina got Chuck and Sarah to the computer Chuck was after. She and Casey stayed upstairs, keeping everyone away from the room. Chuck thought he heard Carina saying something to Sarah about not getting too freaky down there, but he did his best to ignore it.
Over the last little bit, the… urge, he was having about needing the computer was growing, and he didn't know that was possible. He had felt earlier that he had reached an overwhelming need to get to… whatever it was… some site. He had no idea of the site… except… he did? It was like his fingers were dying to type, but his brain had no idea what was going to be produced.
She stood over his shoulder as he positioned his hands over the keyboard, but something deep within told him that was a bad idea.
"Sarah, I don't know what is about to happen, but I think for your safety that you shouldn't be by the screen," Chuck told her. She gave him a look. "Listen, I don't think this is dangerous-"
"You don't know," she cut in.
"-You're right, but what I do know is that if you get caught in that weird thing like I did when I got the Intersect… if you download something, or see that weird screen… you can't help me." The face she made told him he was right.
It also told him she didn't like it.
"Chances are you're gonna see me flop around a bit in this chair, or just sort of have a blank stare. All I know is if I don't do this…" He trailed off, because she had reached down, and gently wiped the small trickle of blood from his nostril.
"Okay," she agreed, reluctantly. She stepped away. "Can you at least tell me what you're doing?"
"I truly don't know," Chuck said, going online. He began to type. "I… I don't know what has happened. It's like… it's like my brain knows what to do, but I can't explain it. Like when Jack was so smart in Stargate."
"Is that the one you beam up?" Sarah asked.
"Woman, you are distracting me," he said in a low voice, smiling the whole time. She giggled. He loved that sound. She didn't laugh much, but when she did, he noticed it was something he said or did, and he found he was addicted to making her laugh. Or giggle. Or just smile, whenever he could. He loved to see her happy. His fingers typed faster. "Sarah… I'm getting somewhere."
"Okay, be careful, please," Sarah nearly begged.
He paused, and looked at her. "I will, and Sarah… I love you." With that, he began to type, and clicked on the link that had appeared in front of him. He was somewhere deep in the web.
"I love you," Sarah replied, and then the screen lit up, and Chuck's eyes widened.
It was obvious something was happening.
}o{
It was black… but there were weird lines. Like… like… Tron? What in the…
"Hey," he heard a voice behind him, and he turned. Chuck couldn't believe who he was seeing. "Good to see you, except… it's not me."
"Dad?" Chuck asked. His father walked forward… in a suit from Tron.
"What can I say," he said, looking at the suit, and grinning. "I love that movie."
"I know," Chuck replied, grinning. "But… what are you doing here?"
"Again, I'm not here, sort of a virtual Clippy, you know… a guide?" Stephen said. "See, I created the Intersect."
"Of course you did," Chuck grumbled.
"It's never worked right… except for our family, which means something. But I'm not sure what," Stephen went on.
"Wait… what?"
"Yeah, I have the third Intersect. The first… it was more of a personality thing, and it went wrong… very wrong." Stephen shook his head and went quiet for a second. "The second… the second got upload by someone who shouldn't have. The third I have, and I have the governor," he lifted his wrist, showing Chuck a watch-like item. "To make sure it doesn't fry my brain."
"Okay, that's what I need," Chuck said.
"Well, you could make one, but if you're here, then you don't have time," Stephen told him. "If the Intersect has upgraded, you probably have forty-eight or so hours until your brain turns to goo."
Chuck's eyes went wide. "So I'm going to die?"
"No," Stephen said, shaking his head. "See, the original… well, second Intersect, came with built in safety parameters. I had to take that out in later builds, because it just didn't work right. Which again, odd, I get it."
"Okay Dad, that's great… but… uh, sorta need some help or I'm gonna die," Chuck told him.
"No, you're here, so problem solved," Stephen said shrugging. "Oh, I forgot… you don't know who has the second Intersect." Chuck stared at him like he was crazy… which, given he was in his mind… maybe? Chuck was starting to wonder if his dad… or this avatar for his dad… was crazy. Or was he?
"What does the second Intersect, and who has it, have to do with me dying?" Chuck asked.
"You have it," Stephen said. "You downloaded it when you were young." Chuck's eyes went wide. "You weren't supposed to, and for whatever reason, I never could make it work the same after you did." Stephen shrugged. "Anyway, your brain is rebooting."
"Rebooting?" Chuck asked.
"Yes. You know, restarting," Stephen explained. "Once it does that, the original Intersect will take control, and stop your brain from burning up. It's a safety feature." He stood there, proud of himself.
"A safety feature?" Chuck asked. Stephen nodded. "You… the second Intersect has a safety feature?"
"Yes. It has a built-in governor that keeps your brain from overheating," Stepehen said. It was obvious by the look on Stephen's face that he was confused by the worry on Chuck's. "It's like a computer update. It's going to keep your brain from melting. It's a good thing." The look on Chuck's face didn't seem to say so. "I'm missing something."
"Okay, back to the rebooting part," Chuck said. He was trying to be patient, but feeling extremely impatient. "That means my brain has to stop. To reboot, my brain has to stop." Stephen nodded. "My brain. Has. To. STOP!"
Stephen blinked as it dawned on him. "Oh."
"Oh?" Chuck replied. "You shut down my brain, and all I have is an oh? Are you sure it will restart?"
"Theoretically," Stephen replied.
Chuck rolled his eyes. "Dad, did you just kill me?"
Stephen started to answer, then stopped. He began again to answer, but again, stopped himself. "Maybe?" he admitted.
"Oh, God," Chuck replied, shutting his eyes. "It's not like Sarah can punch me awake."
Stephen started to respond, when the lights went out. "This is unexpected."
"DAD!" Chuck yelled. "What is going on?!"
"Well, I'm not sure," Stephen began, as the lights flickered back on. Stephen smiled. "See."
"SEE WHAT?"
"Your brain. It rebooted," Stephen told him.
Chuck stared at him, his eyes wide, and he noticed the room seemed… brighter… like it was fading. In fact, he was sure of it. The room was fading around him. "What's happening?"
"You're waking up," Stephen told him. "Good luck!"
"Good luck with what?" Chuck asked, scared to death what it could mean.
"Oh, just… life and everything! Bye!"
The world faded around him.
}o{
"Come! ON!" Sarah yelled. She leaned down, pinched his nose, and began to breathe into his mouth, when the lifeless body below her gasped. "Oh, thank God!" she muttered. His eyes fluttered open, and Sarah thought it was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen.
"Did my heart stop?" Chuck asked. Sarah nodded, fighting back the tears. "I quit breathing?" She nodded again. "I'm so sorry."
"How do you feel?"
He gingerly put a hand to his chest. "Like I was wrong," he said, trying not to groan. She gave him a look. "Apparently you can punch me awake." He rubbed his chest carefully. "It really hurts."
"Sorry, I might have… cracked a rib," Sarah admitted. "I was really worried.
Chuck nodded. "Yeah, well, at least you didn't make my brain shut down," he muttered. Sarah stared at him. "Can we get out of here?"
"Yes," Sarah said, gingerly helping him up.
}o{
"I think he's just being dramatic," he heard Casey say. Chuck didn't want to open his eyes, because he still felt… well, like he had died and come back to life. "My heart once stopped for a couple of minutes."
"You have a heart that can stop?" Chuck heard Carina ask. He couldn't help but snicker at that.
"See, told you he was being dramatic," Casey said. He heard footsteps, then a shutting door. Chuck opened his eyes to find Carina and Sarah sitting on the couch on the other side of the room.
"I think he really likes me, and was just worried," Chuck said. The grin on Sarah's face told him he was wrong.
"I don't know that Casey likes himself, to be honest," Carina told him. She got up and headed to the door. She stopped, looked at Sarah, then back at Chuck. "You get her killed…." She trailed off.
"Huh?" Chuck replied. "How would I get her killed?"
"She cares now," Carina said. "I don't like it. It's messy."
"I thought you loved messy," Chuck countered.
"Oh, she loves to make a mess, but not a mess that someone else causes to be around her," Sarah said, standing and walking over to Carina. She gave her a hug. "He won't get me killed. Because of him I feel alive."
"Ew," Carina said, shaking her head. She looked over at Chuck. "Is he packing something I don't know about."
"Out!" Sarah said as she opened the door, practically shoving the other woman out.
"Of course you don't know, because you never seen it," Chuck said, as she headed out.
"Not for a lack of tryyyyyinnnngggg," Carina said in a sing-song voice, as Sarah slammed the door shut.
She turned to him. "You shouldn't have said that. It just encourages her."
"Me breathing encourages her," Chuck told her. Sarah smiled, and shook her head. She walked over to the bed and sat down. He looked at her. "What's wrong?"
"We have another club to check out tonight, and I don't know if you should go," Sarah told him.
"It's fine," Chuck told her. "Just… no pounding on my chest, okay?" Sarah snorted, then nodded. "When do we want to take down the warehouse?"
"Casey is looking into all sorts of stuff to find the best time with the least amount of people. We have to limit collateral damage," Sarah told him. "Probably tomorrow, or the next night."
"Okay," Chuck said.
"I told them," Sarah blurted out.
"Told who, what?"
"I told Beckman and Graham I was staying," Sarah said. Chuck started to speak, but she shook her head. "I'm not good at this," she began.
"Why do you think that?" Chuck asked. "No one is good at talking about their actual feelings. Even when I do, I cover it in self-deprecation, and don't attack things head-on. Hell, Sarah, I hid in a Buy More for five years because I didn't want to face things. Talking about real feelings, real emotions… that's hard. There's no one way to do it."
She studied him, and when she spoke, it was just above a whisper. "Bryce. He always said I wasn't good with talking about things."
"That emotionally-constipated pretty boy?" Chuck asked. Her eyes went wide. "I mean, sure, he got the pretty girls, the best girls. But for a relationship? For more than a good time? No. There were things going on… sorry."
"No, no, you're right. My male influences on speaking about how I feel – before I met you – were Bryce, my father, and Graham," Sarah told him.
"Sarah…" Chuck began, and just shook his head.
"Not the best, huh?" Chuck couldn't help but giggle about that. "When I thought you were dead… when you didn't respond… when we were driving back, I made myself think about how things would be if I wasn't here. If I went somewhere else for a job, to be… someone high up. And you know what else I realized?"
"What?" Chuck asked.
"You wouldn't be there," Sarah told him.
"We could figure out a way to make it work," Chuck told her.
"No, you misunderstand. You wouldn't be my partner. And for that fact, neither would Casey," Sarah told him.
"Is this where I'm supposed to make a joke about you and Casey or… right, zipping it," he said, miming zipping his lips under her intense glare.
"I like… no, I love working with the both of you, and… I don't want to change that," Sarah said. "I love my life." She was fighting back tears. "I feel like I belong here. I feel like I'm part of something. And-and, not just work, but you… your family… your crazy-ass friends-"
"Okay, Morgan is my friend. The rest of the Buy More crew…" He trailed off.
"Chuck. They are your friends… your found family," Sarah told him. "Just like you, Casey, Ellie, and everyone here are mine."
"And you said you aren't good at this," Chuck teased. She shoved him, grinning. "Ow, ow, ouch." He was grabbing at his chest.
"Chuck!" she said moving quickly toward him.
"Gotcha," Chuck told her. Her eyes went wide as she grabbed a pillow. "You wouldn't beat the guy you nearly lost with a pillow, would you?"
"Why not, I already know I can bring my boyfriend back to life," Sarah said, and swung it. His eyes widened, and his expression didn't change as she hit him. "Chuck, are you okay?"
"Boy… boyfriend?"
"You told me you loved me, and I love you," Sarah said. "So… yeah." The smile that grew on his face made her heart soar. She leaned in to kiss him and slowly started to push him back on the bed.
"Okay, for reals, hurt. Pain. Owwwww." Chuck was nearly whimpering, and Sarah did her best not to laugh.
She didn't succeed, but she did her best.
}o{
That night found them at a nightclub that was playing nineties music. "Hey," Sarah said into his ear. "You know how I said I had trouble expressing myself."
"Sarah," Chuck began.
"Listen, I found the perfect song and the DJ is going to play it," Sarah told him.
"Sarah Walker," he said, impressed. She winked at him, her face lighting up as the electronic keyboard then the beat began.
I got all this love
Waiting just for you
I just gotta know
That your love is true
Can't keep running boy
In and out my life
Wanna be your girl
Not cause the mood is right
Chuck couldn't help thinking about every relationship he knew that Sarah had with men. When had there ever been someone stable in her life? When had anyone shown her to be their priority.
She threw her arms around his shoulders and looked him right in his eyes, smiling as she swayed to the music.
If I let you come inside
Tomorrow will you hide?
Will you be there for me
When I need someone to hold?
Baby don't misunderstand
I do want you for my man
I just need a little time
Before I address my love
"I'm not going anywhere," he told her.
"Neither am I," she replied.
Don't walk away boy (don't walk away)
My love wont hurt you (no no)
Don't walk away boy
I'll be right there for you
You say all the things
That I like to hear
You push all my buttons baby
Love to have you close to me
Wanna feel your love
Wanna be for sure
That it's me you need baby
Each and every night
He couldn't help but smile, knowing how far Sarah had let him into her life. He didn't know much as far as specifics in her life… well, those not in the Intersect. But what he did know was her. He knew the woman, and he knew that she had been hurt many times in the past. All she wanted was someone to love her for her, and honestly, who didn't want that in their life?
If I let you come inside
Tomorrow will you hide?
Will you be there for me
When I need someone to hold?
Baby don't misunderstand
I do want you for my man
I just need a little time
Before I address my love
Don't walk away boy (don't walk away boy)
My love wont hurt you (no)
Don't walk away boy (don't walk away)
I'll be right there for you
Baby don't misunderstand
I want you for my man
I need a little time
Before I give you my love
Don't walk away boy (don't walk away)
I'll be right there for you
Don't walk away
This is what it sounds like
Don't walk away boy
Don't walk away boy
I'll be right there for you
Don't walk away
Don't walk away boy
My love won't hurt you (won't hurt you)
Don't walk away boy
I'll be right there for you (I'll be right there, oh yes)
Don't walk away boy (don't walk away)
"Didn't know you were such a Jade fan, Sarah," Chuck said. She leaned forward and kissed him softly on the lips. "I'm not walking away."
"You're damn right you're not," Sarah told him, making them both laugh.
}o{
A week later found them in a newly furnished Castle. Chuck had expertly powered the drones, caused the chaos to get the workers away from their target, then started the fire, that took out much of the illegal product.
Neal Thurston had practically thrown himself at Carina's offer, scared for his life. Chuck's favorite part was when Carina had called Sarah into the interrogation room and asked her if she would sign off on his deal. It was all a load of hogwash. Sarah had no authority to do anything, but Neal didn't know that. The thirty seconds that Sarah sat there and pondered was amazing theater.
Chuck wasn't sure if Neal had urinated on himself or not by the time Sarah signed the papers, but he was a shade of pale Chuck had never seen before.
"Well done, team," Beckman said as a way of beginning the meeting. She put on her glasses as she looked at the report. Looking up, she said, "I do believe this is the first time in the history of the United States that we actually made money on an operation."
"How is that possible?" Chuck asked.
"Well, we gave the state of Florida a gift by destroying those condemned buildings, taking the cases out of court saving the state thousands, if not millions, in court costs. Plus, adding all the seized money, it's a net positive," Casey said.
Everyone was staring at Casey. Beckman had even removed her glasses, and was studying him. "So, I suppose the appropriations committee is happy?" Casey swallowed, looking a little green. "Moving on," she said, putting her glasses on and glancing down at a file. She looked back up. "Agent Walker?"
"Yes, ma'am," Sarah replied.
"I see here that you have put in to be the permanent bodyguard for Mr. Bartowski," Beckman said. "You do know that will take you out of the field?"
"Will it?" Chuck asked. Sarah glanced at him and shook her head, as both Beckman and Graham sighed heavily, in unison. "Here me out. We're a team, a… crisis team. A first response team, if you will."
"Okay," Beckman said. "Continue."
"I think that means that neither of the three of us should be put in a position where one of us is exposed," Chuck continued.
"He means no more seduction missions," Casey muttered.
"They do fit the parameters I was laying out," Chuck agreed. "General, short of stationing a full team here to react to what I flash on – which could be in five minutes or five weeks – we're the first line of defense."
"What you say makes sense," Beckman agreed.
"There are some missions that are probably not suited for this team," Sarah said. "Those that put us in impossible odds." She paused. "I mean, that is if you want to protect the only Intersect."
Graham and Beckman shared a look. "I see," Beckman said.
"I've also been thinking since Chuck… I mean, Mr. Bartowski-"
"It's fine to call him Chuck," Beckman drawled.
"Since I am Chuck's bodyguard, I should be closer," Sarah said. "Are you okay with that?" Sarah asked, turning to Chuck.
"How close?" Chuck asked.
"She can't be any closer than she has been the last week," Casey muttered.
"Hey! First, nothing happened. Second, it's none of your business," Chuck said to Casey. Casey stared at him. Chuck prayed to God it was because Casey was impressed with Chuck, and not running his mind through the easiest joints to manipulate until Chuck passed out from pain.
"Oh?" Casey said, a grin appearing on his face.
"He has a cracked rib, if you must know," Sarah said. Casey raised an eyebrow. "From CPR I was forced to administer."
"You banged him to death?" Casey said.
"Major!" Beckman said, making Casey snap to attention. "You very well know that Chuck…" She looked up from the report and then at Chuck. "Wait… your brain literally restarted?"
"I mean… that's what the inventor of the Intersect told me… or his avatar did," Chuck said.
"And you didn't recognize the inventor?" Beckman asked. Chuck just stood there. "Weird you didn't recognize your own father." Chuck's eyes went wide. "Mr… Chuck… we are the CIA and NSA," she said wearily. She turned to Sarah. "Agent Walker, if you want to move in with your boyfriend, that is your prerogative."
"Boyfriend?" Casey asked with a certain amount of disgust in his voice.
"Yes, Major, boyfriend," Beckman said. "It's what happens to two emotionally available adults."
Both Sarah and Chuck winced. "Damn," Chuck whispered under his breath.
"As for your proposal, I like it," Beckman said. She turned to Graham. "Director?"
"Sure, why not," Graham said, looking like he was having a splitting headache and wanted to be anywhere but there. "I take it, Agent Walker, you are staying in Burbank?"
Sarah reached over and took Chuck's hand in hers. "Yes," she replied simply.
Beckman went to turn off the feed, but paused. "Major, I might remind you… Agent Walker, might not be forgiving about your remarks about Chuck, now that they are… a couple." With that, she turned off the feed. Casey stormed off.
"That went well," Chuck said to Sarah.
"Have you talked to Ellie?" Sarah asked.
"Yes," Chuck replied. "The x-rays do show a crack, but she said we can't damage it unless there is a direct blow. The biggest issue is pain, and after the first few days, it reduces dramatically."
"Has it?" Sarah asked, a gleam in her eye.
"Yeah," he said, grinning. He reached past her and hit a button on the remote on the desk, and music began to play. He gently took her in her arms. "So, where do you think you should move?"
"How about in with you?" Sarah asked.
"I like it," Chuck told her, pulling her against him, his lips meeting hers.
Closing time, time for you to go out
To the places you will be from
I know who I want to take me home
I know who I want to take me home
I know who I want to take me home
Take me home
I know who I want to take me home
I know who I want to take me home
I know who I want to take me home
Take me home
Closing time, every new beginning
Comes from some other beginning's end, yeah
"Wanna go home?" he asked softly, his lips inches from hers after he had pulled away.
"Always with you, Chuck," she replied. "Always."
He took her hand, and the two headed up the stairs and toward home.
A/N: Thank you for a different journey with these two. Hope you enjoyed it.