Chuck vs. The Courtyard Bench

Well, in the previous chapter: 6 months have passed and things have certainly progressed for Chuck and Sarah individually, as well as a couple. Another computer game is nearing it's completion with the help of Morgan and Kathleen. Meanwhile, the Chief Operating Officer of Westside Medical Center is fulfilling her duties by performing employee evaluations and needless to say it was an interesting sit down with Big Mike. After a phone call with the nerdy couple, they would go for a lunch date, but they would find themselves coming face to face with the someone from Chuck's past...Bryce Larkin. Here's the who, what, where, when, why, and how of it. Who did Morgan compare Bryce to when he and Chuck discussed his bad breakup? What does Ellie try to do but is stopped by Chief Beckman? Where is Ellie's mindset after coming face to face with Bryce? When does Sarah suddenly turn into a screaming banshee? Why does Casey fight the urge to reach for his taser? How does the hulking head of security end up getting the wildcard enforcer death glare directed at him? Read and find out! I 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.

Frozen In Carbonite

XXX

Chuck couldn't believe after all these years he would come face to face with the one guy that betrayed him. His former roommate and best friend during his days at Stanford having a torrid relationship behind his back with the woman who shall never be named. When he found out, the sheer impact felt like how Luke witnessed Obi Wan fall at the hands of Vader before escaping the Death Star in the Millennium Falcon. All the thoughts, feelings and emotions came flooding back seemingly in an instant while standing there just a few feet away from Bryce. For him, he could have reacted by saying and/or doing something that he'd absolutely regret. However, he didn't and surprisingly showed a tremendous amount of self-restraint on his part with the exception of the Klingon insult directed towards him.

Of course, the aforementioned Klingon insult was the only thing that he said as he walked off with Sarah following suit after, but not before a momentary stare down that clearly spoke volumes. She apologized beforehand to Chief Beckman, but mostly to Bryce, along with his manager, Tommy for Chuck's strangely rude departure since they've been deemed top priority at the orders of the Board of Directors. It would most definitely be an unfortunate situation if the powers that be were notified of how their honored guest was treated after arriving at Westside Medical Center, especially knowing that it would potentially be strike 2 for the youngest Bartowski sibling. The possibility of a 3rd strike for Chuck is unfathomable since he's been financially uplifting for the hospital when it comes to Bash At The Bench.

In any case, she thinks her auburn haired and short statured Chief Administrator has heard about the history between the two men from Ellie but didn't have the actual face to match his name until now. Unbeknownst to her, she would find herself being graciously introduced to the infamous Bryce Larkin that she's been well informed about in a not so positive light when it comes to being protective of her younger brother. Speaking of Ellie's younger brother, he wasn't in a chatty mood all throughout the car ride for the nerdy couple's lunch date, which would be located by Venice Beach where a trio of food trucks are parked.

Instead of enjoying lunch with his girlfriend filled with conversation, Chuck sat there staring silently out at the beautifully scenic beach. Although it's considerably busy with a considerable amount of foot traffic from either direction, it doesn't break the nerd's concentration whatsoever as he continues to stare out into a place that even though isn't considered his Avalon it comes pretty close. However, what does break his concentration is the feel of soft hand placed on top his right causing him to avert his attention from the beach to the woman sitting across from him.

"Talk to me, Chuck." urged Sarah, with encouragement. "You hardly said a word since we left the hospital." she added, expressing a soft smile towards him.

There's no response at first, but a visibly soft smile is eventually returned back to her. Chuck's left hand is placed on top of the one that was placed on top of his right. Afterwards, he speaks up. "It's been 7 years since I last saw or even spoke with Bryce. When I saw him today, I wanted to just run up and punch him in the face."

"That didn't happen."

The nerdy business takes a momentary deep breath before continuing on. "For whatever reason, I stood there." he shared, shaking his head. "What happened instead was me insulting him in Klingon. It just come out of my mouth. I couldn't stop myself."

A faint grin is expressed by Sarah after hearing that, but it would soon fade leading her to quirk her right brow. "Let me guess, it was one of the ways you communicated with each other."

Chuck nods. "Bryce looks like the jock type, but he's a total nerd."

In that instance, Sarah expresses a look of curiosity on her face. "That's obvious since he answered you back in Klingon. Hey, at least I know why you said he always got the great girls."

It's at that point, Church arches his right brow. "Do I have to be worried?"

"Not at all. You know I only have eyes for you." she retorted back, with a reassuring smile. "My nerd." Sarah added, gently squeezing her hand that's on top of Chuck's.

"I know. I just wanted to hear you say it." he happily replied, returning the smile.

The nerdy couple share a moment of comforted silence together before Sarah asks a question. "What did you even tell him by the way?"

"I told him…" he pauses briefly. "…I told him that his mother has a smooth forehead." he answered, shrugging his shoulders. After hearing that, Sarah couldn't help but express a bit of laughter. "It's the only Klingon phrase that immediately popped into my head."

"Seriously?" she said, chuckling a bit afterwards. "What did he say back to you?"

"I should die a dishonorable death."

"That's pretty harsh to say." she answered back, raising both eyebrows.

Chuck shrugs his shoulders once again. "Not if you're Klingon. They take pride in their boney and textured foreheads. Smoother foreheads are less desirable and considered to be ugly. So, mother with a smooth forehead ranks significantly high in the insult department." he responded, reaching up with both hand to show where exactly on the level of Klingon insults the two rank.

Sarah sits there for a moment trying to comprehend the Klingon insult level of hierarchy, but would quickly set it aside in order to focus on something else. That something else is whether or not Chuck is going to be able to handle himself emotionally. In her mind, he seems to be perfectly capable of being able to show the strength of his mental stability after it's took a hit, in a manner of speaking, with Bryce's arrival. Her thoughts subsequently are broken when she hears Chuck's voice.

"It's funny."

"What?" she responded quizzically. Her full attention is given to Chuck.

"I remember Morgan saying to me when I came home from Stanford after that whole situation happened…" he pauses for second then keeps going. "…Bryce would be forever known as Boba Fett. The Mandalorian bounty hunter introduced in Empire Strikes Back." he shared, recalling that particular moment in time. "After he said that, I couldn't help but think I ended up being frozen in carbonite after all that was taken from me by not only him, but Vader as well. Vader being…"

"The bitch who took your mojo."

In that instance, Chuck nods. "Anyways, he reminded me how long I was away from myself emotionally until you showed up." he further shared. "How stuck I was in a hibernated state separated from my emotions and no matter how many times the people who cared about me tried to emotionally wake me up from it, it didn't work." the nerd described.

"Morgan?" questioned Sarah, with a sense of astonishment in her voice.

"He has his insightful moments." he amusing retorted.

There's a shared momentary silence between the two of them until Sarah breaks it. "He's right you know. That kind of emotional relationship trauma can really damage a person to the point where it results in suffering deep psychological scars." Sarah responded.

A small grin is expressed in the corner of Chuck's mouth after hearing that. "Is that Dr. Dreyfus talking?"

"What can I say? He's rubbing off on me." she replied back, shrugging her shoulders.

Once again Chuck is momentary silent as he gazes out at the beach once again. A few seconds later, he speaks up. "Harrison Ford originally wanted the Han Solo character to end in Empire Strike Back. Thankfully, he would be convinced to return in Return of the Jedi and the Star Wars fandom rejoiced. Han Solo was brought back to life by Princess Leia." It's at the point, Chuck turns his head to face Sarah. His eyes locking with hers. "For me, you are my Princess Leia who risked her life and infiltrated Jabba's palace as a bounty hunter with Chewie as her prisoner. You were able to finally wake me up and release me from my self-imposed carbonite prison." the nerd descriptively added. "Metaphorically speaking of course."

"Of course." Sarah retorted, a bit amused. She then shoots a soft smile towards him.

"I don't want to find myself in that cold, dark and lonely place ever again." he said, shaking his head.

"The odds of that happening again…" She pauses inevitably shaking her head. "…well, I'll just say you won't now that I'm here." Sarah firmly insisted. "I'm not leaving your side."

In that moment, Chuck expresses two words that are considered to be a fitting response. "Normally, I'd say never tell me the odds, but…" he replied, leaning forward expressing his toothy smile "…I'll take your word for it." the nerdy business owner added, giving a nod towards her.

"You better." the blonde stated, arching her right brow once again. She takes that moment to reach up with her right finger to playfully boop the tip of his nose.

Her playfulness causes Chuck to express a much needed chuckle. His trademark toothy smile is expressed afterwards, but slowly begins to fade. "The thing is though with Bryce showing up..." Chuck pauses. His toothy smile replaced with a look of concern on his face. "…I've just got a bad feeling about this."

XXX

"Dr. Woodcomb…" Chief Beckman stated, stepping in front of Ellie and holding up her right hand. She's standing at the end of the nurses' station located within the center of the emergency room. The sliding glass door and curtain drawn closed for expressed privacy of the injured patient just a few feet away to her right. As always, Casey is right there flanking her six. "…I'd advise you against what you're possibly thinking of doing?" she added, looking up and eyeing the oldest Bartowski sibling.

"Casey." greeted Ellie, with a serious nod to the hulking head of security. In response, Casey simple expresses a notably soft grunt. Afterwards, her attention is directed to Beckman. "You do realize who that is." She added, point towards the room with her left finger.

"I do." nodded the auburn haired Chief Administrator. "As much as I understand the personal history involving Mr. Larkin, my hands are tied when it comes to The Board of Directors." she softly explained, trying to keep the conversation between the both of them.

"That's bullshit!" she blurted out, inevitably crossing her arms. A look of surprised shock is expressed on her face afterwards with the sudden outburst. A moment briefly frozen in time.

"Excuse me?" she retorted, eyeing the experienced neurosurgeon.

It's Ellie's sudden outburst in a relatively busy emergency room that causes those working in and around the nurses' station to briefly stop what they were doing. All eyes directed towards the two women's location. However, the focus on them would subsequently be broken when Casey makes his presence known and expresses a noteworthy growl grunt that speaks volumes, especially the staff who have not grown accustomed to the hulking head of security's way of communicating, but has been able to decipher the message be sent as well.

Instantly, staff continue working leading Beckman to return her attention back to the woman standing in front of her. She then crosses her arms to match Ellie's body language. "I'd choose my next words very carefully, Eleanor."

"Sorry. I was out of line."

"You'll get a pass...this time." she firmly stated.

"I appreciate that, Chief. It won't happen again."

A brief silence is shared before she speaks up again. "How did you even know he was here?" questioned Beckman, arching her right brow. In that instance, Beckman glances behind her where Casey standing. In her mind, she knows that there's a close friendship between The Colonel and Ellie since her head of security has formed a tight knit bond with her daughter, Clara.

"Wasn't me." grunted Casey.

"Mhmm." Beckman responded, arching her right brow up towards him.

Ellie immediately chines in. "Word gets around very quickly in this hospital. You know that, Chief." She takes a brief moment to gather herself mentally as her boss turns back to face her. She then speaks up. "Still, his presence and from what I hear his supposed status as a celebrity may very well cause a distraction thus disrupting the work flow of Westside Medical Center."

"Are you saying this as Chuck's older sister…" Beckman pauses then continues on peering up at Ellie. "…or the doctor who I can always count on?" she inquired, pursing her lips together.

Both, she thinks to herself. However, she doesn't think that's the answer her boss will be satisfied with. While standing there, Ellie knows that even though Chief Beckman is a woman of short stature, it's her deceptively strong and seemingly larger than life presence that can most definitely throw any individual off balance from thinking she can be intimated. On the contrary. Her auburn haired boss has the ability to somehow tower over you in a tremendously menacing way, especially when an employee/staff member gets reprimanded for something he or has done. This is one of those times after the way she approached a woman that's truly well respected not just as a person, but as a boss practically by everyone in the hospital.

In a way, she's similar to a particular character, Hetty Lang, from one of her favorite shows that she and Devon watch, as well as binge together NCIS: LA. For her, the character is at first glance a seemingly fragile, seasoned woman who doesn't look at all threatening by any stretch of the imagination. However, looks can be deceiving as she's a force to be reckoned with if you mess with her or anyone she's associated with. A trait that by comparison also fits her boss who should never be underestimated no matter how a person thinks he or she possibly has the upper hand on her.

Speaking of Beckman, she is still standing silently waiting for Ellie's answer, but seemingly isn't getting one back. After taking a deep breath, she proceeds to speak up. "Need I remind you, as a doctor you must set aside your personal feelings and issues of bias in order to help any patient, including Mr. Larkin." Beckman added, reminding her of the oath she took.

"He's not my patient." she answered back. A hint of defiance in her voice.

"Regardless…" Beckman's tone of voice becomes a bit more authoritative when speaking with Ellie. "…I'm simply looking out for your own best interests in my mind. I would not like to find myself suspending one of my best doctors in this hospital because of a personal grudge. Am I clear?"

For Ellie, she most definitely wants to give Bryce a piece of her mind for what he put her baby brother though back in Stanford. True, she never really got the chance to stick it to him or the woman who shall never be named, which certainly providers her the opportunity to express all that she's wanted to say to him after all these years. His selfish actions and the absolute betrayal of a friendship that would end up costing Chuck to emotionally hide within himself. It caused him to avoid any sort of emotional connection when it comes to his dating life that she tried to jump start, so to speak, which ended up failing miserably.

In any case, when the opportunity presented itself she truly believes it shouldn't be wasted even if it's considered not a good time by her boss. While standing there, she shakes her head knowing Bryce was considered part of the family as he would from time to time come home with Chuck for a visit and not to mention stay over, especially went it involved special family gatherings such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. Of course, she recalls Morgan feeling threatened by their friendship to the point where he actually confided in her about Bryce and how he felt like his friendship with his hetero life partner was ending locked away in carbonite deep freeze. His best friend was being taken away from him by Boba Fett.

For her, it was one of those rare times in their tempestuous relationship that she truly felt empathetic in regards to Morgan's feelings. Granted, he also felt like this involving the close friendship he established with Vivian before she ended up moving overseas to attended school, but she understood where he was coming from nonetheless. Fortunately, once he crossed that unforgivable line he was automatically put on notice and ultimately burned all bridges connecting him to her inner circle. Morgan would most definitely have his so called hetero life partner back, but they would unfortunately receive a much difference Chuck back in return.

Her thoughts concerning her anger she harbors for Bryce are subsequently set aside when both women suddenly see from their peripheral vision the curtains beings draw back from the room where Bryce was being medically checked out because of his knee injury. A few seconds later, the door slides open with Bryce being pushed out sitting in a wheel chair by the same man that accompanied to the hospital, Tommy Delgado. The man following both of them out of the room is the doctor assigned to him who is speaking seriously concerning the reality of the situation. For Ellie, the opportunity presents itself to confront the infamous Bryce Larkin and completely disregard her boss' word of warning.

XXX

"As I said Mr. Larkin…" the doctor stated. He steps forward then turns around in order to face two men to repeat his prognosis. "…you possibly have a serious tear of your ACL. We won't know until we get some x-rays done of your right knee. If it is what I suspect, you may not be able to put any pressure or weight on your right leg. You're definitely going to be out of action for a while." he explained, in short detail.

"How long, Dr. Andrews?" questioned Tommy.

"In all likelihood..." he surmised, crossing arms. Bryce's medical chart tucked underneath his left arm as he gives his answer to both men to hear. "…6-12 months. Possibly longer than that. That doesn't include rehab." replied the doctor.

"I've got to train for the 2012 Olympics. This will set me back." he responded back. It's that gradual realization that causes him to focus his attention from Dr. Andrews down to the emergency room's tile floor. "I've got people counting on me. Sponsors, kids, agents, my fans..." Bryce trailed off listing a number of people and or groups. A hint of considerable stress in his voice.

Upon hearing the words "my fans" she can literally feel her stomach to turn to the point of throwing up right at that very moment.

In that instance, Dr. Andrews speaks up. "Well, training is definitely put on hold for now. I'm sure the people counting on you will understand." he said, with encouraging reassurance. "Plus, you require months of rest after surgery and physical therapy."

It's at that point, Chief Beckman steps forward making her presence known. "Excuse me, Dr. Andrews. If I may?" she asked, motioning to speak with the hospital's newest patient.

Dr. Andrews nods then generously steps back. However, before Beckman says anything Bryce notices a familiar face behind the woman who greeted him earlier out in front entrance sidewalk. "Ellie."

"Bryce." she coldly answers back. "Does it hurt?" Ellie briefly looking down at his injured right knee.

"Only when I think about it or move the wrong way."

A briefly faint, but not so noticeable smirk is expressed in the corner of her mouth. After hearing that, she hears Dr. Andrews chime in.

"You'll be provided with a knee brace during your stay along with crutches. That should alleviate some of the discomfort you're experiencing. I know that being pushed around in a wheelchair will probably feel uncomfortably tiresome after a while."

"Been there, done that, Doc. No stranger to injuries. They can be a bitch." he shared, with a soft chuckle. As much as Ellie wants to inject all of what's she's really thinking right now and how karma is a bitch, she restrains herself from doing so. Instead, she decides to remain quiet. "Pardon my language." apologized Bryce, directing his attention to Chief Beckman.

"I've heard worse in my position." the Chief Administrator shrugged.

The momentary lull in the conversation shared silence leads Bryce to turn his attention to Ellie. "How are you…"

Bryce doesn't get to finish what he was about to ask when Ellie focuses her attention on Chief Beckman. "I've got rounds, Chief. Is there anything else?"

For Ellie and Chief Beckman, the two women have worked side by side with each other for so long they're able to establish a mutual understand with each other without saying a single words. Oftentimes, an entire conversation can last within a second after exchanging a simple look.

"I think we have an understanding, Dr. Woodcomb. Please, continue being the outstanding doctor I know you are for this hospital." she firmly nodded.

With that, Ellie leaves but not before giving a firm head nod to Casey who exchanges one back. She then gives one last brief stare down of Bryce as she heads off for her rounds. Once she's out of sight Beckman returns her attention to Tommy and Bryce with Dr. Andrews standing right by the two men.

"As Dr. Andrews mentioned about requiring months of rest after surgery and physical therapy. Your surgery will be scheduled once it's known how extensive your knee injury is after checking your x-rays. We'll get to that as soon as possible." she thoroughly noted.

"You run a tight ship here, Chief Beckman." stated Tommy, observing and taking into account everything since arriving at Westside Medical Center.

"We pride ourselves in providing the best and most unique customer service for our patients." Beckman retorted back.

"I happen to agree." Tommy acknowledge. "Along with the added benefit of something special. A concert like atmosphere that is stands out among the other hospitals." he added, with a smirk. "Did my homework and it is rather a unique style of customer service."

"If you did your homework like you said, you'd know we have an excellent and not to mention highly qualified orthopedic surgeon on staff at Westside Medical Center. His name is Dr. Carl Morgenstern and…"

It's at that point, Tommy interjects. "Thanks for the offer, Chief Beckman. However, we'd rather use a surgeon of our choosing. Someone we've called on before when it comes to our clients like Bryce here if you don't mind. Would that cause any sort of problems for you?" he asked, kindly declining the chief's offer.

"No. It's no problem at all." Beckman immediately chimes in. "Since, you've got the surgeon handled, I can happily offer the best physical therapists on staff here and she just recently returned from a work related road trip. Her name is Hannah Lang."

"If you recommended her, then we'd be fools not to accept that particular off. We're looking forward to meeting her." It's at that point Tommy reaches into his inside pocket of his suit coat and retrieves something. That something is a card he hands to her. "Here's my card in case you need to contact me."

"Excellent." smiled Beckman. Afterwards, she peers down at the aforementioned card she was given. "FMT?" she added, peering back up with a questionable look on her face.

"Fulcrum Management Team. Organization I work for that does business here in the United States and all over the world." he answered, sharing a brief explanation of what he does. "I manage, or in some cases, I'm a handler for star athlete clients like this guy right here. He can be a hand full" added Tommy reaching down with his right hand playful hitting the side of Bryce's upper left shoulder.

"In other words, I'm an asshole." Bryce responded. He leans over to his left poking Tommy's right side with his left elbow. "He is too." he amusingly added, pointing up to his manager.

"Somebody has to be." Tommy retorted, with a noteworthy chuckle. "Your business is my business. Neither of us get paid if it doesn't get done. Well, at least I'm getting it done and getting paid."

"Don't remind me." Bryce rolls his eyes causing Tommy to express a bit of laughter at his unfortunate expense.

After the laughter subsides Beckman speaks up. "It will be a pleasure doing business with you and FMT." she retorted, holding up Tommy's business card. "I'll let Ms. Lang know and provide you her number so you can contact her. Set up a meeting. Plus, I'll have my head of security, John Casey, escort you to one of our private rooms here in the hospital." she shared, motioning to the big man behind her.

The rising star athlete acknowledges Casey who simply expresses a noteworthy grunt. His attention returns back to who is providing 5 star quality special treatment just for him. "Thank you, Chief Beckman." Bryce said, giving an appreciative nod. "If I could stand right now, I'd give you a hug."

"You're welcome…" the Chief Administrator smiled. "…and there's no need." she added, holding up both hands. "A handshake will suffice."

The two exchange handshakes leading Beckman's attention to suddenly focus on a hand being offered to her for another handshake. That hand belongs to Bryce's manager Tommy Delgado. "I'm sure this will be a mutually beneficial partnership." he stated, expressing a smirk and smile combo.

Meanwhile, Ellie is heading towards the main floor nurses' station #1 located near the front entrance of the hospital and she's deep in thought. However, her thoughts are interrupted when she accidently bumps into a woman.

"I'm so sorry. I was lost in thought."

"No worries. I get that way too."

"You get that way, a lot."

Ellie turns her head to see that another woman is standing there and apparently it's her friend. Since she said to Chief Beckman she'd be going back to her rounds being able to help in any way when it comes those who aren't patients is considered customer service. So, she take the moment to help these two woman out who seem to be lost. However, she first introduces herself. "I'm Dr. Woodcomb by the way. Do you need any help?"

"I hope so. Do you happen to know where we can find Sarah Walker?" the woman asked.

XXX

"We're already here, El. See you in a bit." she said, lowering her phone as the call ends.

"What did my sister want?" Chuck asked, as they both step on the sidewalk. Both heading towards the front entrance of the hospital.

"I don't know. She sounded strange though."

"Chuck notices the arch in right brow. "How strange?"

"Sounded urgent, but I also thought I heard her giggle."

"Giggle? I wonder what's up." Chuck retorted, shaking his head in disbelief.

"Me too. She's said she's at the main nurses' station #1." Sarah responded back. The two of them finally approaching the hospital's sliding front door. "We'll know soon enough. I hope it's not a surprise. I hate surprises."

"I know you do." Chuck said, heading inside with Sarah.

The nerdy couple makes their way through the somewhat crowded hallway leading to the main nurses' station. It's usually normal for a Wednesday and as they are about to approach said nurses' station the both of them see Ellie. However, she isn't alone as there are two other woman standing in front of her. The recognition in her face as it slowly starts to realize who these two women are. She suddenly finds herself, in a sense, momentarily frozen in her own perpetual carbonite involving two people she hasn't seen in a number years.

It's not long after that Ellie finally turns her head and makes eye contact with her to where the eldest Bartowski sibling points the blonde out in question. This leads the two women to turn their heads and all three woman lock eyes with each other. All of a sudden the sound of loud banshee like screams can be heard causing everyone within the vicinity of nurses' station #1 to stop in their tracks because of the disturbance that's is happening right now. A disturbance that has now turned into a NFL end zone celebratory dance of epic proportions between the 3 women who are acting like little girls at the moment.

As the dance celebration is going on, Chuck is left standing there absolutely bewildered at what is unfolding before him. While standing there, he can't help but be reminded how what going on in front of him is somewhat similar to the scene from the television show Scrubs. Elliot's friend from college played by Kerry Russell stops by the hospital for a visit and J.D. imagines their banshee like screams causes a chaotic vocal wind storm that pushes both J.D., Turk, and everything for that matter back. From what he remembers, the only way to stop it was to show a picture of Turk's daughter.

Unfortunately, he wouldn't get the chance to try it with a picture of his awesome niece from his wallet as a seemingly high pitched whistle breaks him out of his thoughts. Again, everybody in the area freezes right where they're and dare not move. For Chuck, it took a few seconds to pin point where exactly the sound of the whistle came from, but when he found the source it came from none other than John Casey. As he's making his way towards the 3 women, the somewhat crowded area parts like the red sea allowing for a clear path towards them.

It's not long before he stands right in front of the trio of females with his arms crossed and eyeing each one of them finally landing on his partner, Sarah Walker. He's about to say something about the loud disruption within this particular area of his castle when one of the females speaks up.

"You look familiar. Have you ever been to Prague?" she inquired, eyeing the rather large man up and down. A glint in her eye and a smirk to match that is mischievously dangerous. "I dated a guy in Prague. He ended up in his boxer shorts handcuffed to a head board."

Casey just stands there staring at the red headed woman who boldly just said that with absolute reckless abandon and out loud for everyone in the area to hear. It's at the point, he notices a number of individuals snickering, whispering to one another, etc. causing him to express a grunt expressing his displeasure. In that instance, Ellie clears her throat making her presence known then claps her hands as a mother would to get the attention of her child.

"All right…." she bellowed, looking around. "…you heard him. Get going." Ellie added, motioning for everyone to comply.

They do and a few moments later all that's left are a couple nurses behind the station #1, the dark haired woman standing right next to Sarah just shaking her head. He then turns his attention to Sarah standing on the other side of the red head who is burying her head in her hands. His attention on is then turned to Sarah.

"I take it you know these two, Walker?" he added, expressed considerable annoyance in his voice.

"Unfortunately." she answered back, wither her face buried in both hands. The muffled sound of utter embarrassment in her voice. "Sorry, Casey."

"They're Sarah's college classmates from D.C." happily stated Ellie. Her attention on Casey is then averted to Chuck walking up inevitably standing beside Sarah. "Hey little brother. I saw Bryce."

"Oh boy" Chuck softly muttered out. "How bad was it?" he added, expecting an out verbal assault on his former roommate.

"Chief Beckman stopped me. I so wanted to tell him off, Chuck."

There is a sense of relief coming from the youngest Bartowski sibling in hearing that. After taking a deep breath, he is about to respond back when the red head speaks up. "So, you're Chuck Bartowski!"

The nerd in question turns his attention to the red head. "I am…" he nodded. "…and you are?"

"Carina…" she answered, drinking in every bit of Chuck in. "…Carina Miller." the red headed added. The same glint in her eye and smirk to match that she previously expressed with Casey is replaced with a look of perplexed uncertainty. Yet, she's somewhat impressed and not to mention oddly intrigued by the man standing a few feet away from her. A man who is vastly different physically than her former fiancé.

Chuck suddenly notices the way Carina is looking at him as if she's undressing him with her eyes thus causing the nerd to be rather uncomfortable. Fortunately for him, his attention would be focused on someone one. His blonde girlfriend's other friend.

"I'm Zondra by the way. Zondra Masoni." she announced raising her hand, introducing herself. "I would like to apologize on behalf of her." Zondra added, pointing to Carina. She then leans over whispering over to her. "See, this is why I tell you to behave."

Sarah begrudging lifts her head after burying it in her hands. "What are you two even doing here?" she inquired, shaking her head in absolute disbelief.

"To party." Carina blurted out. "Pants optional, but not the handcuffs." she added, biting her bottom lip. The red head then shoots a flirtatious wink over to Casey.

Speaking of Casey, he's has the urge to reach for his Taser and stick a number of volts into the red head vixen who seemingly doesn't have an off switch when it comes to her sexual libido. However, he thinks better of it because it may quite possibly be considered a turn on for her, which is something he doesn't any part of whatsoever. Instead, he expresses a gargoyle like scowling and sounds off a grunt completely shutting her down much to the disappointment of Carina.

"Actually…" interjected Zondra, rolling her eyes. "…we came to surprise you."

"That too." Carina nodded, pointing to Zondra.

"I hate surprises."

"We know." they both answered, in unison. However, Carina's tone is more giddy, excitement while Zondra's is subdued and low key.

"Plus…" Zondra continued on. "…we haven't had a C.A.T squad reunion in ages."

"And…" chimed in Ellie. "…since Carina is as a party/events planner. The both of us can double our efforts in planning a celebration." she excited added. In that instance, both women lean forward and high five each other.

"What are we celebrating!?" happily wondered Chuck, chiming in. His attention turning to Sarah who shakes her head and shrugs her shoulders telling him she doesn't know.

"Walker's birthday." Casey revealed, before Zondra, Carina, or even Ellie shared that piece of info. He sees his blonde partner go completely wide eyed then shoots her wildcard enforcer death glare toward him that reads "how did you know" along with "I'll kill you". The Colonel can't help but express a faint smirk nonverbally telling her it's his job to know. This would lead the nerdy business owner to suddenly express his noteworthy toothy smile upon hearing it's his girlfriend's birthday.

XXX

NOTE: Carina and Zondra show up to surprise Sarah causing a big stir, especially the red headed vixen. What sort of trouble will Carina get into after checking out her blonde best friend's boyfriend? Plus, it's Sarah's birthday so all sorts of hijinks could possibly happen. So, what do you think? Comment and share your thoughts on the latest chapter. As always, tip of the hat to NEVR for doing the beta. You rock!