Chuck vs. The Courtyard Bench
Well, in the previous chapter: It's the aftermath of Bash of the Beach where the setting is now in the courtyard of Casa Woodcoob? Anything can happen. Who is going to show up? What surprising revelations will be shared, if any? How does the movie Wargames tie into this? Why does Chuck reference David Hasselhoff? Where does Chuck think he and Sarah will end up? When will Charah share their feelings towards one another? 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.
Read Between The Lines
XXX
"Hey Molls..." Chuck said, getting the attention of the youngest Walker in the courtyard. "...can you explain the message you sent me? I don't understand it." he added, looking at it all confused in trying to decipher it.
While standing there in the courtyard of Casa Woodcomb amongst his inner circle that has been decorated and well prepared by none other than Ellie with help from Devon of course, the youngest Bartowski sibling is still on a high after all that happened earlier in the courtyard of Westside Medical Center. A flood of comments were posted on the Nerdy Nerfherder and Fuzzball social media pages. All mostly positive and the video itself has been shared massively all due to the surprise appearance of Vinnie Jones coming for the expressed purpose of making his biggest fan the happiest 11 year old on the face of the earth. In any case, the befuddled and not to mention perplexed nerd continues to stare at his phone screen trying to make sense of it all.
"Come on, Chuckles." The 13 year old walks over then stands next to her big sister's nerdy boyfriend peering at the screen on his phone. "It's easy to understand for those who speak in emoji like moi, for instance. Just look at it."
Chuck quirks his right brow down towards the young teenager, the gives his retort. "For you maybe. I speak in normal text. It's like trying to decipher hieroglyphics and you can plainly see I'm not Doctor Jones. Indiana Jones." he remarked, with a sense of amusement on his part.
"Who? Is he your college teacher or something?" she asked, furrowing her eyebrows a bit up towards him.
As much as Chuck would like to school Sarah's youngster sister in all things that is the legend that is Harrison Ford starring in one of the most epic trilogies for growing up, he decides against it. Instead, he returns his focus to the aforementioned message that she sent him. "Like that..." he pointed out, focusing on the emojis in the message that was sent to him by Molly after singing the high note. "...what is that? An emoji of a person not feeling well? Before that, it's what looks like..." Chuck squints leaning down a bit closer to look. "...a halo, a turd, a music note, and..." he added, shaking his head in total confusion. "...a smiling emoji wearing sunglasses with a thumbs up?"
"Holy shit! Sick note, dude! See..." she replied with emphasis briefly scanning down at the text message. Afterwards, she expresses a smirk up towards him. "...easy." she added, shrugging her shoulder.
Molly's attention is then focused elsewhere causing her to scamper off leaving Chuck to stand there completely baffled to the point of reaching up to scratch the back of his head with his left hand. His thoughts concerning the younger generation's way of communicating with each other is something he may never be able to truly grasp is abruptly broken by the sound of a female voice.
"Don't worry, Chuck." In response, the nerdy boyfriend to one Sarah Walker lifts his head turning his attention towards the matriarch of the Walker women. "She sends me those kinds of messages too. It's so confusing and hard to understand, especially for a person my age. Kids today." she said, shaking her head in disbelief.
"I'm with you there, Emma." All eyes now fall on Kathleen standing next to Alex with Morgan by her daughter's side. "Half the time, I have no idea what this one here..." She motions over to her right lightly elbowing her only daughter on left her side. "...is texting me about. Just text it out instead of using happy faces, eggplants, peaches..."
"Whoa! Wait! You've been getting eggplants and peaches? Better question. Who's been sending them to you?" questioned Alex, expressing a mixture of shocked horror on her face. "I know I haven't been sending you those kinds of emojis."
"Speaking of..." noted Kathleen, shaking her head. "...what do those mean anyway?" she asked, with immense curiosity.
Instantly Alex feeling absolutely uncomfortable with that particular question elbows Morgan causing him to suddenly wince in pain. In doing so, he is keenly aware that Alex is shooting an intense stare at him signaling to do something. Anything. Morgan gets the message loud and clear. He directs his attention to the two people who just arrived and join in on the celebration.
"Hartley and Vivian..." he announced somewhat loudly in a jolly manner. "...you came!"
"Of course. We wouldn't want to miss out on the festivities." Vivian replied with a courteous nod.
"Indeed. Smashing show today, Charles. That last note you sang..." Hartley beamed with joy. "...bloody marvelous! Freddy Mercury is smiling down from the heavens after listening to that. May God rest his soul." he added, briefly looking up towards the sky of the open courtyard. "I was totally awestruck, lad."
"Father's right, Chuck. Something was happening with you up on that stage today. Something..." Vivian takes that brief moment to search for the right word to describe what she, along with everyone else, witnessed and listened with their own two eyes and ears. "...magical."
"Thanks guys." he responded, considerably embarrassed by all the adulation and attention he's getting. "It wasn't all me. Morgan..." His attention is suddenly focusing on his bearded best friend blurting out his name once again. "...Morgan was there too. It's a team effort." he firmly insisted.
"I concur." Once again, the attention from Chuck is then directed to the Chief Administrator of Westside Medical Center. "Teamwork plays a tremendous role in garnering success. Despite being just you two..." Beckman noted, pointing to Chuck and Morgan. "...along with Kathleen of course." The mother of Alex McHugh simply nods acknowledge her efforts as well that haven't gone unnoticed. "You've been able to grow in every sense of the word. Just as the hospital itself has been able to grow as well with the newest addition to the family." the auburn haired woman stated, directing her attention to her second in command.
"I'll drink to that." announced the man standing next to Beckman. That man is Roan Montgomery who walks off towards the rented bar situation near the courtyard fountain.
"Chief's right, Chuck." proudly chimed in Sarah. "It all started because you took a keen interest on one kid. All it ever takes is one kid that makes all the difference in the world to where you still talk and interact with him from what Ellie shared with me. That says a lot in my book. Enjoy the spotlight this time. You have the right to think that you've achieved something that's so spectacularly mind blowing. Instead of someone who doesn't believe he isn't really deserving of all this recognition."
"I know. It's just that..." he replied, acknowledging them with a nod. He then points to Morgan and Kathleen. "...they're just as awesome to be in that same spotlight."
"Hey, you're not so bad yourself, Chuck Bartowski." she firmly nodded towards her nerdy boyfriend.
Without missing a bit, he quickly responds. "Please..." Chuck humbly waved off. "...I'm fantastic." he stated, in a joking manner.
Sarah momentarily silent then gives her response. "Yeah, you are." she said, staring softly up towards her nerd.
The two are locked in each other's gaze that seems to last forever. Unfortunately, reality breaks up the moment of forever between Chuck and Sarah by what sounds like chomping and/or chewing. The source...Manoosh. All eyes that were on the nerdy couple suddenly are focused on Manoosh who is scarfing down on some Nacho Sampler that he brought himself, even though he knew Ellie has been cooking for practically an army for the past 2 days. This leads Manoosh to respond with a mouth full of Nacho Sampler.
"What?"
Manoosh hears a disgusted grumble leading him to turn his head. "I'm getting another beer." Lazlo said, rolling his eyes, then turning right and heading towards the rented bar. A bar where Roan is presently standing at drinking a refreshing alcoholic beverage alongside Jeff and Lester who have shown up as well.
"Roger that."
The sudden sound of a voice causes Morgan to jump nearly out of his skin as he shifts to his right leading him to stand on the other side of Alex. As for Alex herself, she turns to the voice and smiles. "Hey dad."
"Casey? When did you get here?" questioned Morgan, somewhat hiding behind Alex.
"I've been here for quite some time, Grimes. I've just circling the perimeter to make sure all is secure." grunted the Westside Medical's head of Security.
He then walks off to join Roan at the rented bar by the courtyard fountain where Jeff, Lester, and now Big Mike are congregating at. It's at that point, Devon emerges out the front door of Casa Woodcomb and makes a beeline towards Chuck with a seemingly frantic expression on his face. "Chuck, serious red alert Bro."
"What's wrong, Devon?" wondered Sarah, with a tone of concern in her voice.
"Code Wargames." he answered, looking directly at Chuck.
"Let's go." calmly responded Chuck. He's about to head off, but briefly stops looking around amongst the circle of individuals then gives a quick explanation. "He's giving me a heads up, Ellie nearing a meltdown, cooking wise. I'm going to see what I can do." he added, heading towards the front door. "Thanks, Awesome."
"Isn't that Devon's job?" inquired Emma, directing her attention to Chuck. Unfortunately, her answer falls on deaf ears as he and Devon head inside inevitably disappearing out of sight.
"Normally it is." chimed in Morgan, hoping to make sense of the confusing situation at hand. "You got to remember. This is Ellie we're talking about. I remember she wanted Thanksgiving to be perfect one year and she ended throwing 2 perfectly good turkeys away." he recalled, holding up 2 fingers. "Anyways, the reason that Ellie is Code Wargames is because if you saw the awesome classic 80's movie the computer representing Joshua is Ellie..." he firmly noted for everyone paying attention. "...and it took Matthew Broderick and John Wood's characters to basically get Joshua from Defcon 5 to Defcon 1. What they end up doing is having the scenario where Joshua plays a game of tic tac toe and the end result is a draw. Hence, no winner." he shared, in hopes his explanation in terms of his usual movie reference knowledge.
There is a seemingly long silence amongst the individuals until Manoosh speaks up. "Makes sense to me." He looks around then shrugs his shoulders then gives a possibly simpler explanation of his own. "In order for Ellie to not go nuclear, Chuck and Devon are considered the 2 keys to deactivate a potential nuclear disaster. Just have to get a good read on the situation." he shared, peering around then stuffing his mouth with more nacho sampler afterwards.
After another seemingly long silence it's Molly that breaks it up with a thought said out loud. "That sounds like a dumb movie."
Morgan is about to say something because of being personally offended by what he still considers to be a cinematic masterpiece. However, he is quickly stopped by Alex for his own good. Afterwards, the circle of individuals disperses in order to enjoy the festivities within not only the courtyard of Casa Woodcomb, but inside as well.
XXX
"Thanks little brother..." smiled Ellie, turning her attention to her husband. "...babe. I needed that." The husband of Ellie Woodcomb simply gives her a hug. Afterwards they head outside into the courtyard joining the festivities giving Ellie a much needed breather, as well as break.
"Always." nodded Devon.
"No problem sis." nodded Chuck, giving a loving brotherly wave. For the youngest Bartowski sibling, he was always able to somehow get a good read on his older sister, especially when it came to pushing her button. Of course, he knew when to not cross the line and when he did he knew he was absolutely going to get it. Yet, growing up reading the signs of a monumental Chernobyl like breakdown would eventually prepare him for contingency plans that help assist Devon or anyone else for that matter in talking her down from the nuclear fallout, he thinks to himself. "Emma and Kathleen are helping. So, you don't have to do all this yourself. You're not Wonder Woman you know." grinned the youngest Bartowski sibling towards his older sister. His attention is then turned towards the kitchen giving a nod to the two ladies who stepped up.
After dodging some kids while standing there in the middle of a now seemingly high traffic area that is the living room, a soft smile is expressed as Chuck briefly watches from out of the living room widow Devon giving a comforting, loving embrace to his frazzled wife that nearly went Defcon 1. He continues watching as guests come up and speak to his big sister and show their appreciation for all her efforts. His thoughts concerning how his big sister nearly went nuclear would subsequently be broken by a female voice.
"Chuck."
"Hey, Forrest..." nodded the nerdy individual. "...awesome that you made it. I see you got something to drink. There's some food already out. Feel free to get your grub on." he added, expressing a toothy smile towards her.
"I will. Not hungry yet. You and I need to have a talk."
A surprised look is expressed on Chuck's face after the head nurse of Westside Medical Center said that to him. "Seriously!? In all the times we've seen each other around and crossed paths in the hospital, not once have you and I ever really talked. Hell..." he said, giving a half-hearted shrug. "...I think this is the first time you've called me by my first name."
"Are you going to listen or not?" she said, walking towards and out of the living room into the outside terrace.
"Yes ma'am." he quickly retorted, following right behind her. He stops and steps to the right as she heads left to where both of them are leaning against the side of the terrace. However before doing that, she closes the terrace doors for privacy in order to avoid having others eavesdrop on their conversation.
Afterwards, Forrest is momentarily silent as she takes a sip of her bottle of alcoholic beverage of choice. She places it on the top part of the terrace wall then turns his attention and stares at Chuck for a few moments. It causes the nerd to be a bit uncomfortable, but she would break her stare by briefly peering down then speaks up. "Are you and Walker...serious?"
"Why...ummm…" he suddenly stammered out. His eyes widening leading him to squirm in his seat. "...why do you ask?" he added, using that moment to figure out what to do with his arms. Eventually, Chuck ends up crossing them. "I'm sure you...you're a lovely woman and somewhere out there you'll find your match that's made in a scary part of heaven, but..."
"I'm not hitting on you, idiot." She said, shaking her head as she was just now insulted by the insinuation.
"Oh, thank God." he faintly blurted out. He suddenly notices her quickly turning back thinking she heard him so he tries to cover for his unintentional response. "Oh, thanks. Awwww. I'd be flattered if you were..." Chuck then looks around then makes the mistake of not shutting up and just babbles on. "...and don't get me wrong. The whole Cylon model number Six from Battlestar Galactica, it works for you. And..."
"Chuck just shut up and listen."
Chuck instantly complies knowing if he continued to talk, he would dig an even deeper hole for himself. He would end up going nuclear himself and it would certainly have been a much bigger disaster than what Ellie was just going through when it came to food preparation, he thinks to himself.
"You and Walker, don't make sense at all." A bewildered but not so surprised looks is expressed in Chuck's face as Forrest continues on. "Yet, you make it work and balance each other out in an oddly, weird way."
"Thank you?" answered Chuck in a questionable tone of voice. It's as if he's unsure how to answer what Forrest just said to him.
"Listen kid, you just got to get your head out of your ass."
"Excuse me?"
"You heard me." Forrest quickly but calmly spitted out.
"We all know."
"You all know..." he said, quirking his right brow and furrowing his eyebrows towards Forrest. "...what?"
"Are you that dense, Bartowski?"
"Walker loves you..." she stated, take a step forward locking eyes with Chuck. "...and you love her." Forrest added, giving a firm nod at him.
"Are you sure? I mean..." Chuck is searching for words and at the same time processing what Forrest just said to him. "...about Sarah. That she loves me?" he added, shaking his head.
Forrest stands there shaking her head at the complete and utter stupidity of a guy who has the reputation for being a smart guy. At the same time, however, he can be the dumbest man alive imaginable, she thinks to herself. "Answer me this. Do you love her?"
It's those 4 words that make an impact on him because it's the first time he's actually been asked that question. Of course, he's always asked that question to himself countless times ending up with the same result. However, to have someone actually call him out on it is considered to be something he's truly ill prepared for. Truth be told, he came close to telling out loud how he feels about Sarah when he asked Vivian what she thought about her in the elevator. Also, he's always imagined it would be his best friend Morgan who he would be having a heart to heart conversation where he would make him realize that he has to stop lying to himself. All the times he has looked at Sarah and that it would be okay to no longer deny the way he feels about her because admitting it would most definitely be sweet, satisfying relief.
A type of relief in which he can be honestly open with not just himself, but with the people around that he does truly love Sarah Walker. All the mixed emotions that have been building up within concerning his feelings towards Sarah that haven't led him to pull the trigger, in a manner of speaking, to say those 3 words to her. In his mind, he would finally be free from the shackles of past heartbreak in the form that who shall not be named therefore giving him the opportunity to finally walk the path of true happiness. A path that he has been absolutely scared of ever since laying eyes on Sarah in regards to their first meeting in the courtyard of Westside Medical Center, he thinks to himself. To him, it the absolute unknown that scares him to death, but at the same time he so wants to and feels ready to take that leap of faith.
"Yes." breathed out Chuck. Afterwards, he expresses a faint grin that turns into a smile. "I do love Sarah. It...it actually feels good to say that out loud." he breathed out, expressing a sense of relief.
"It's about time. Hopefully, I don't have to hear the whispers of "will they" or "won't they" I always overhear from my nurses." she shared, shaking her head with a sense of pained relief on her part. She then continues on noticing a mixture of surprised relief after hearing that bit of information coming from her. "Now that you've finally realized that. What are you going to do about it?" asked Forrest, pointing to Chuck. It's a question that makes a significant impact for the nerd as he stands in front of Westside Medical Center's head nurse.
XXX
Chuck emerges and steps out from Casa Woodcomb with some new found insight coming from an unlikely individual. Yet, it's that aforementioned new found insight that has given him the courage to say how he truly feels to the woman who has turned his life upside down in such a positive way. True, he at first resisted the notion that a woman like her could actually be interested in a nerdy guy like him. While standing there for a moment, he scans the crowd trying to locate Sarah but doesn't see her. So, he steps forward weaving his way through the individuals in the courtyard and as he does, he's lost in thought, which is something he shouldn't be doing because it has the propensity to turn completely sideways for him. Fortunately for him, his thoughts are broken when finds himself standing in front of his unintended destination and hears the following 6 words: "What can I get for you?"
"Bottle of Coors." he requested, giving the hired bartender for the night a courteous nod.
As he's waiting, he finds himself suddenly being bumped or in this particular case someone falls against him. His initial instinct is to catch the person before he or she falling to the ground and ends up hurting himself or herself. The person in question who he ends up catching...Emmett Milbarge.
"Emmett? You actually came to the party. Still dressed from work. Were you even invited?"
"Of course I came and no..." he retorted back somewhat slurring his words, leaning from side to side. He then looks downs then back up to Chuck. "...I wasn't invited. These are my party clothes. Will there be karaoke later? I can sing a mean "Hold On" by Wilson Philips." he added, expressing his oh so familiar weasel of a smile.
"Here's your Coors, sir."
After taking his bottle of Coors, he asks the bartender a question concerning the seemingly inebriated state that Emmett is in. "How much has he had to drink?"
"Don't know. I didn't serve him anything." the hired bartender answered back. His attention is then focused on some other individual leaving Chuck to deal with his arch nemesis at Westside Medical Center.
"Emmitt..." he said, reaching over to steady him enough to get his attention the best he can. "...what have you had to drink."
"Wine coolers." chuckled Emmitt. The hospital's legal attorney suddenly whips the bag that's been draped around his upper torso then digs inside of it. A few seemingly drunken seconds later, what pops out is a 4 case of what looks like Bartles and Jaymes Strawberry Wine Coolers. There are 2 empty spots in the case telling Chuck that Emmitt already consumed 2 and now he's feeling considerably tipsy.
In that instance, he takes the case and places it on the bar then removes one of the 2 remaining wine coolers left in it. Chuck then scans for the percentage of alcohol in it. "4%?" he muttered to himself, in disbelief. He sticks the wine cooler bittle back in the slot where he took it from and shakes his head with a bit of amusement. "Take it easy on those wine coolers, Emmitt." While standing there, a faint smirk is expressed leading him to take down a mental note concerning pulling another prank on Emmitt with his usual partner in crime Morgan Grimes if they find him passed out somewhere.
"You're not the boss of me, Bartowski. You're not my mom. I know when I've had enough to drink." he said pointing to himself, slurring his words again. "I can handle my liquor." he added, holding up his strawberry wine cooler.
His attention on Emmitt is inevitably directed out to the lively crowd in the courtyard. As he scans the crowd, he finally spots and zeroes in on Sarah near the circular steps where Mrs. Casabian lives. The railings decorated with twinkling lights. She's apparently talking with one of the nurses and Beckman's personal assistant Scooter. He turns around getting the attention of the bartender and orders 1 more bottle of Coors. A second later, he receives it and has both bottles clutched in either hand as he ditches a tipsy Emmitt Milbarge in order to make his way over to Sarah. Speaking of Sarah, she's in the tail end of a conversation with Scooter whereas the nurse headed off to mingle with the rest of the party goers in the courtyard.
"Still, it was a surprise to everybody that Vinnie Jones actually showed up. I was busy with an assignment from the Chief."
"You can watch it later on YouTube and I know." smiled Sarah. "I'm glad Everette had an awesome time. He'll definitely remember it for years to come."
"Hey guys." called out Chuck, appearing then standing in front of the two by the stairs. "Sorry Scooter, I wasn't able to bring you a beer."
"No worries. I was about to head to the bar anyway. Then get myself something to eat." he responded back. "Later Sarah."
Sarah waves then turns her attention to Chuck who hands her a bottle of Coors. "Thanks." she softly smiled, taking a sip afterwards.
"You're welcome." nodded Chuck, taking a sip of his bottle of Coors as well.
There is an awkward silence between the two of them. It would lead to Chuck and Sarah simultaneously turning to each other, then speak up in unison to where there is a bit of embarrassment between the couple. However, it would be the youngest Bartowski sibling who tries to break the awkward tension in his own way.
"So..." he started, with a mixture of apprehension and hesitance. "...how's your beer? Good?"
"Mhmm." responded, Sarah taking a sip of her Coors.
Internally, Chuck is kicking himself and mentally berating more so than encouraging himself to tell her what apparently everybody already knows. In his mind, it's something that he needs to get off his chest and not hold back whatsoever because of how utterly scared he is that he ends up being rejected. True, he already knows what rejection feels like and how incredibly painful the overall experience was to him. Yet, it wasn't so much the pain he felt, but how deep he buried himself and not mention his own heart to the point digging it back up would take time, he thinks to himself. His thoughts concerning the quintessential death, burial and eventual resurrection of his former self would end being broken by a female voice.
"You're doing it again."
"Huh?
"You can never hide the fact you're thinking out loud. From anybody..." Sarah shared. "...even me." she softly smiled, up towards him.
"I guess I'm like an open book, aren't I?" he answered back giving a shrug.
This time it's Sarah who expresses a shrug of her own. "I'm still interested in reading the book that is Chuck Bartowski. Can't wait to read more. Even the chapters that haven't been written yet."
"Awesome. Hopefully, you won't be disappointed in the writing. It can get pretty difficult to understand at times. Boring even."
"I don't think so. Not to me..." Sarah softly retorted back, shaking her head. "...and I can read between the lines, especially if we're both on the same page." She takes a sip of bottle Coors afterwards. While doing so, doesn't break eye contact with her nerdy boyfriend.
In that moment, Chuck clears his throat by the mere look that is being directed towards him to the point where he can somehow feel himself starting to blush. He clears his throat once again and makes the determination to tell her right now. "Sarah, there's something I've been wanting to tell you."
"Yes Chuck?" The two locking eyes with each other.
As he's opening his mouth and steps closer to her, the following words are announced behind him. "Vinnie Jones is here!"
"Vinnie Jones is here." he calmly repeated back. The sudden realization of what he said and the individual in question causes his soft smile to fall flat leading his eyes to widen. "He's here! Vinnie...Jones...is...here!?" questioned the nerd, suddenly whipping around to locate his exact whereabouts.
He finally locates and sees Morgan standing there nerding out along with everyone else excited to see him unexpectedly showing up where his sister lives. What makes it more of a freak out moment is that Vinnie Jones points in his direction causing the YouTube host to stand there in stunned silence as the actor waves over to him. As for Sarah, she hangs her head with disappointment as the moment between the two of them was unexpectedly thwarted, but she would suddenly find herself with an unfortunate consolation prize, so to speak. Sarah feels herself taken by her left hand causing her to turn her head to see Chuck expressing his unmistakable toothy smile down towards her. He squeezes her left hand then raises her left arm to twirl her around. Afterwards, he hooks her arm around his right as he turns around to stand by side with Sarah. He then motions for her to come along to which she answers him back by simply expressing a smile as they make their way towards the arrival of someone who nobody ever in their inner circle thought possible to where everybody's minds just went nuclear.
XXX
Vinnie Jones showing up in the courtyard where Ellie and Devon reside in Casa Woodcomb was considered nuclear in the best possible way. From what Chuck was able to ascertain, the X-Men: Last Stand actor who played Juggernaut happened to find out that there was another celebration going on in honor of Chuck Bartowski and it would be located at Ellie and Devin Woodcomb's home. Needless to say, Jones' people would do their thing in finding the address and next thing everybody knows he's drinking beers, singing karaoke, and not to mention regaling everybody with behind the scenes stories on a number of his movies. Of course, it was the latter part that Chuck and Morgan seriously nerded out over, especially when it pertaining to X-Men: The Last Stand, Gone In 8 Seconds, etc.
Although the festive celebration was all about focusing, as well as honoring what Chuck, Morgan, and Kathleen were able to accomplish as a team, he didn't mind one bit because everybody had fun. It's what truly mattered to Chuck because having all the attention and notoriety on him is considered flattering, but at the same time he would much rather have the invisibility abilities/powers of Sue Storm from The Fantastic Four. Plus, this would also add to the "you would not believe what happened" file knowing full well there were most definitely videos and pictures taken with and/or of him during his time at the party. Unfortunately, the party would be over for him as he, along with a few of his people who accompanied him, but not for the party goers themselves.
In any case, the festive celebration would eventually near its end, but not before Chuck would find himself standing in front of the courtyard fountain speaking to all his guests that were there celebrating alongside him.
"This has been an awesome night. Thank you, guys." he stated, placing his right hand over his chest then patting it a couple of time. Afterwards, he looks to the two individuals standing on either side of him, which are Morgan and Kathleen. "I wouldn't be in the place where I am now if weren't for the hard work and dedication of these two by my side." he added, giving a nod and grin towards both people.
For Chuck, it's become a considerably long, winding and incredibly tough journey full of twists and turns. A journey that was filled with a lingering painful heartbreak, sadness, and darkness then eventually replaced with no more pain, happiness, and a bright light that he found himself walking straight towards. Granted, it was a journey of absolute uncertainty that he had to work out not only on his own, but also with help from unlikely people that he thought he never would see again or ever interacted with. The first individual is a woman his attention briefly falls on as she stands next to the man who became his unofficial foster father Hartley Winterbottom. Essentially, it was Vivian who even though didn't fully go into his feelings for Sarah, the only daughter to the highly influential attorney party became the driving force in giving him the push to go with his feelings instead of holding them back.
The nerdy man of honor would continue to briefly scan the crowd in the courtyard while standing there until he spots Head Nurse Alex Forrest. In his mind, she has become an unlikely ally despite treating him like a street urchin ala Aladdin and her so called heart to heart talk certainly straightened him out immensely. Unfortunately, her efforts in pushing him to express how he truly feels for Sarah would end up failing thanks to the unexpected arrival of Vinnie Jones. Yet, tomorrow is another day, he thinks to himself. It's that particular thought that he takes a deep breath and continues on addressing all the people in the courtyard.
"We should also give a round of applause for my sister Ellie and all her efforts in putting..." Chuck pauses looking around the lighted courtyard. "...all this together. You're awesome sis! Thanks for not going nuclear" he added, waving over to his older sister standing beside Devon.
"You're welcome, little brother." smiled Ellie, expressing proud relief on her part.
"Listen..." Chuck pauses for a moment trying to search for the right words to say. "...tonight turned out to be far better than I possibly could have ever imagined. Sure, there were some things that didn't happen that didn't end up being written down in the book that is my life..." he said, briefly turning his attention to Sarah standing by Emma and Molly. "...but for what's it's worth you just have to read between the lines." Chuck added, shrugging his shoulders.
In response, Sarah can't help but smile, leading Molly to peer up at her older sister. She's about to say something when she suddenly notices her mother Emma glaring at her. For the 13 year old, on any other occasion she would simply ignore her being the teenage juggernaut she's considered to be, but on this particular night she adheres to her mother's glare and returns her attention back to the nerdy man who makes her sister very happy.
"I'll end this by leaving you with this pearl of wisdom from a man that doesn't get enough credit. David Hasselhoff. The Hoff." In response, there are a few groans expressed, but that doesn't deter Chuck one bit as he continues speaking. "One man can make a difference." He pauses for a second then resumes. "That's right. The man who starred in the 80's awesome classic show Knight Rider."
"Don't forget about F.L.A.G." Morgan chimed in.
"Foundation for Law and Government." the two nerdy best friends said unison.
As usual, Chuck and Morgan begin nerding out over Knight Rider while standing there, but then a clearly audible grunt is expressed leading them to do an about face knowing full well who it was from. Afterwards, Chuck clears his throat and continues on after being momentarily distracted by his bearded best friend. "Sorry. Anyways, as I was saying..." he said, taking a moment to mentally get back on track. "...Yes, one man can truly make a difference, but you also need your very own version of F.L.A.G. to help when one man isn't enough." A grin is then expressed by the nerd as he looks out into the crowd standing in front of him. "You are F.L.A.G..." he added, pointing to each and every person. "...and I'm...we're thankful for you all being there for us when we needed it the most. Your support during every Bash At The Bench proves that. I honestly don't know where this is all leading to but I do know one thing. Without all of your support, this..." Chuck points around the courtyard. "...and everything leading up to this doesn't happen. So, let's raise our glasses, bottles of beer, and..." In that moment, Chuck notices a seemingly drunk Emmitt raise what he assumes is his last Bartles and James Strawberry Wine Cooler. "...wine cooler." he called out, shaking his head. "To the future."
"To the future!" the crowd repeated back. They all take a drink leading Chuck to stand there for a moment as his attention falls on Sarah who proudly expresses a smile towards him. A thought pops into his head as he raises a toast towards her then takes a sip who does the same back to him. To our future, together.
XXX
NOTE: Yes, I know, I'm cruel that they didn't say those 3 words to each other again. Patience. The big payoff is at the Hospital Gala and it will involve an appearance that will set it off. Anyways, enjoy this chapter? What do you like about it? Next chapter is Chuck's makeover with Hartley and Vivian. Look forward to that. Leave your thoughts in the comments below! Tip of the hat to NEVR for once again doing the beta!