Chuck vs. The Courtyard Bench
Well, in the previous chapter: Sarah angrily confronts Carina about her surprisingly inappropriate birthday gift for her. Unfortunately, Carina believes she did nothing wrong and only did it to liven up the party. It would lead to Sarah bring up situations in the past that she's caused her a tremendous headache one of them of them being the Pakistan incident that nearly caused an international fiasco. A fiasco that involved a diplomat's son and a tattoo parlor her red headed best friend took him to. Fortunately, Sarah's father was able to handle the situation that could have ended very badly for the both of them. It would ultimately lead to Sarah informing Carina that she needed to make things right and the way to do that was to sing a song. A song that connected not only her and Carina, but Zondra as well. Needless to say, it brought the 3 C.A.T squad members to tears and possibly bonded them closer together. After the performance, Sarah opens her gifts and when it came to Chuck's gift it caused her to be momentarily speechless. A wrist bracelet that belonged to Chuck's mother and after putting it on Sarah's wrist, Chuck expressed out loud his lover her. She expressed her love back and it was witnessed/heard by everyone. So, what happens in this chapter? Here are the who, what, where, when why, hows? Who does Chuck compare Sarah to when they are having a meaning talk on their beach? What information does Sarah share with Chuck that involves the weekend and the start of the week? Where does Morgan want to throw Bryce after being told he wants to talk Chuck? When Chuck meets with Hartley, what does his foster father say that causes him rethink his past relationship? Why does Ellie make decision that she does after having her always meaningful conversations with her younger brother? How does Ellie end the conversation she's having with Chuck? 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.
Pros and Cons
XXX
It's a sunny Sunday afternoon and a barefoot Sarah is hand in hand with Chuck holding her shoes as they're both walking by the shoreline of Avalon otherwise known as Santa Monica Beach. The nerdy couple is enjoying the majestically beautiful scenic view of their surroundings and although it's a bit windy, it's not disrupting the seemingly tranquil peacefulness the two of them are experiencing together whatsoever. For Sarah, she made good on her promise to have a talk with Chuck concerning Bryce's request and as much as she's mentally urging herself to bring up the subject, it's her boyfriend who speaks up causing her to snap out of her thoughts.
"So, what's on your mind?" Chuck inquired, briefly glancing at the blonde standing on his left. "I know it's something serious." he added. A look of curiosity expressed on his face.
"What makes you think it's serious?" Sarah answered back.
Chuck is briefly silent then gives his response. "You've been quiet since we left the house." There's a slight pause before the nerd continues on. "Hey, a lot of people say I'm considered the king of thinking out loud. So, if that's the case then you're the queen." he firmly stated, nodding down towards her.
In that instance, Sarah can't help but softly breathe out a chuckle. "Is it that obvious?"
In response, Chuck reaches up with the right hand still holding Sarah's shoes. Afterwards, he sticks his pinky in right ear then wiggles it around and briefly squints in an amusing manner. "I've nearly gone deaf."
It doesn't take long for Chuck to receive a quick playful punch to his left side causing him to express a bit of painful laughter while taking a step to the side. This would lead the two of them to stop walking. It's during that momentary pause, Sarah reaches up with her right hand in order to move a strand of her blond locks behind her right ear as it's been blowing back and forth in front of her face in a very annoying way. The bracelet she received a birthday gift that once belonged to Chuck's mom still adorning her right wrist from last night. A special birthday gift that she will truly cherish because it was given with love from the man she loves.
"I talked with Bryce."
Immediately, the amused look on Chuck's face disappears and turns expressionless to the point where he lets go of her right hand. His attention on Sarah would inevitably turned to the waters of Santa Monica Beach. He's momentarily focused not only on the waves, but on a number of surfers riding those aforementioned waves. After a few seconds of watching the surfers, he gives his response.
"When?"
"Yesterday…" answered Sarah, crossing her arms. "…before Bash At The Bench started. Chief Beckman wanted me to check up on him since she had other priorities to attend to." she shared. Afterwards, there's a seemingly awkward silence between them leading Sarah to break and continue on. "He wants to talk to you."
"About what?"
Sarah shakes her head and shrugs her shoulders. "I don't know, Chuck? Whatever it is, it must be important. It was almost as if he was pleading for me to ask you and talk things out." she surmised.
Instantly, Chuck coughs out a bit of laughter after hearing that. After glancing at Sarah, he then shakes his head in disbelief. "After 7 years, now he wants to talk me and what…hear his side of things? Already heard it. He went behind my back and…"
Chuck immediately bits his bottom lip in order to cut himself off. The disdain, resentment and anger is clearly heard in the tone of his voice from where Sarah is standing. In that moment, all the feelings and pain that were buried deep down inside him 7 years ago have suddenly risen to the surface. While standing there, a part of her thinks it's clearly a mistake bringing up Bryce wanting to speak with him. All the painful issues associated with a past that relentlessly haunted him but eventually faded over time are now back thanks to her. Stupid Sarah!
However, the other part of her truly believes she's doing the right thing in some way brokering a meeting between the former best friend/college roommates. In her mind, the opportunity has presented itself to be able to finally put to rest what he's wanted to say to Bryce after 7 long years, which she knows is quite possibly a tremendous amount to get of Chuck's chest. It would most definitely be considered quite therapeutic and if she's learned anything from her sessions with Dr. Dreyfus is that in order to move forward you have to face your past.
She did and she's been able to mentally and emotionally heal from her whole ordeal with Jack. Her own experience can hopefully for work Chuck when it comes to Bryce, she thinks to herself.
"Listen." Sarah takes a step forward and reaches up to softly place her right hand on her boyfriend's left shoulder. "I know you think it's probably pointless in talking to him after all these years. But…" She briefly pauses to briefly gaze out at the seemingly endless waters of Santa Monica Beach. "…things don't disappear on their own. You need to make the commitment to let it go. If you don't make this conscious choice up-front, you could end up self-sabotaging any effort to move on from whatever you're feeling or thinking in your head right now. You have a choice. To stop reliving the past pain. To stop going over the details of the story in your head every time you think of the other person, which I know you've been doing since Bryce arrived at the hospital."
It's at the point, Chuck turns to face Sarah and stares at her for a moment. After a few seconds of silent staring, he speaks up. "You're really benefiting from the sessions with Dr. Dreyfus."
"I have." Sarah softly smiled back. She then removes her right hand from his left shoulder and hooks it around his left arm. "Doc's been awesome." she added. The blonde turns her gaze back out into the ocean while cuddling up next to Chuck.
"Doc? Have you been going back to the future without me, Sarah McFly?"
"In a way…" replied Sarah, softly grinning. "…I have. Thankfully, I haven't messed up the timeline." she added, with a firm nod.
"That you know of."
Sarah shrugs her shoulders in response. After a brief moment of silence, she has a thought. "You know Doc could help with your situation."
A smile is given in response. "Thanks for the offer, but I'm awesome." Chuck soft said, kissing the top of Sarah's forehead.
"Are you?" Sarah sees the questionable expression on Chuck's face. Again, she gathers her thoughts in order to choose her next words very carefully. "I know there are pros and cons when it comes to weighing your decision on whether or not you want to talk to Bryce."
"Right now, the cons are outweighing the pros." Chuck retorted, shrugging his shoulders. "Can I at least flip a coin? You know, like the character Two-Face who was once known as Harvey Dent. Not the Tommy Lee Jones' version from Batman Forever, but the one from the animated series." he added, trying to lighten up the conversation with some humorous pop culture references.
Sarah quirk her right brow in response. "I'm serious, Chuck."
"I know you are." he breathed out. Chuck takes a moment to gather his thoughts concerning what he'll respond back with. After a few moments, he speaks up. "It's just a lot to consider."
"You have until the weekend?"
"Why?"
"Last night after my birthday party ended, Bryce's agent, Tommy, contacted Chief Beckman. She said Bryce's surgeon will be at the hospital on Monday. So things will be considerably busy." she shared. Afterwards, she rubs Chuck's left forearm while continuing on. "You need closure. This is the perfect opportunity to get that. Don't squander it, Chuck." urged the blonde.
Chuck doesn't answer right away. His attention is focused on the surf and the waves as if he's pondering his decision. The nerd taking into account what she learned from her time in therapy with Dr. Dreyfus and how he was able to bridge a truly painful divide between a father-daughter relationship. It's that particular thought in which he finds himself contemplating possibly having the well-respected therapist mediate the potential powder keg of meeting that could explode between the two of them.
"I'll think about it."
"Let me know when you decided. Okay?" she responded. An encouraging squeeze of his right arm added in as well.
"Ok." Chuck nodded.
"You ready to go?" wondered Sarah.
"Just a few more minutes." he responded back, hoping she'll understand.
Sarah doesn't say a word. In her own way, she understands what Chuck is going through and simply lifts herself up a bit in order to softly press her lips against his. She also caresses her boyfriend's cheek at the same time leading the two to touch foreheads. The moment between the couple would eventually end leading the beautiful blonde to retrieve her shoes from her nerd then turns around to make her back up to Casa Bartowski.
As she is heading back, Chuck is standing there continuing to look out in the ocean. While doing so, he knows he has so much to take into consideration that it leads him to experience a sensation he's feeling in a particular area of his body….his hands. It's a sensation in which it causes him to open, close, and inevitably flex his fingers. The sensation eventually subsides leading him to stick them in his cargo shorts pocket. For him, it's a relatively weird sensation but disregards and returns his attention back to the waves one more time before heading back up to join Sarah.
XXX
"Hey Morg, you got a sec!?"
It's a mid-Monday morning and Chuck is dressed in button down shirt and tie with both sleeves rolled up. As he looks up from doing paperwork, he sees a familiar face walking passed his office door and gets the attention of one Morgan Grimes. His bearded best friend quickly steps back and slides into his office with ease inevitably making his way towards the guest chairs situated in front of the main office desk. A brief moment later, he's leaning forward with his hands placed firmly on top of back of the chair.
"What's up, dude!?
"I need to run something by you?" he retorted, sitting upright in his office desk chair.
"Business related?"
"It's…" Chuck pauses for second then continues on. "… personal."
For Morgan, the way his hetero life partner sounded regarding the latter half of his response caused him to suddenly become greatly concerned. So concerned in fact that he turns around and immediately heads towards the main office door to close it so the both of them can have absolutely privacy. However, because closing the office door he sticks his head out into the hallway in order to check if Kathleen is nearby. She isn't. It doesn't take long for Chuck's business partner to find himself seated in one of the guest chairs giving his full attention to his childhood best friend.
"Is everything ok, buddy?" inquired Morgan, expressing concern in the tone of his voice. "Did you and Sarah have a fight? Are you two breaking up?" he quickly spitted out, completely wide eyed.
Instantly, Chuck's eyes widen after hearing what Morgan asked him. "Oh, nothing like that." he answered, repeatedly shaking his head. "Sarah and I aren't breaking up. Trust me. We're actually awesome." he firmly reiterated.
"Awesome." he breathed out, shaking his head. After taking a moment to gather himself from nearly having a heart attack involving a breakup between two people who on paper don't make sense at all. Yet, when you see both of them together it just makes perfect sense. "Don't scare me like that. So, what's up?" he wondered, with immense curiosity.
"I found out from Sarah that Bryce wants to talk to me."
"Why?" he blurted out. "What does Boba Fett want?" Morgan added, expressing utter disdain in his voice.
"I have no idea." he answered back. Chuck then comfortably leans back against his office desk chair to where he's briefly peering up at the ceiling. Both hands placed against his upper torso then interlocking them together. After taking a deep breath, he speaks up. "Do you think I should? Hear him out?"
"Who else have you talked to about this?"
"Besides you…" Chuck replied. "…Sarah. Other than Ellie, you know more about Bryce and how the both of us were inseparable, especially when it was considered a trio." he added, momentarily reflecting back on his Stanford days.
For Morgan, his nerdy best friend's unfortunate frozen carbonite moment of his life was considered a dark time not just for him, but everyone that truly cared about the youngest Bartowski sibling. He recalls the conversation he had with his now business partner after returning from Stanford and how truly heartbroken he was. Bryce would always and be forever known as Boba Fett whereas the woman who shall never be named would be deemed Vader. Essentially, an established friendship was mostly definitely disintegrated to the point where the charred remains of 2 relationships would totally be unrecognizable.
In his mind, that's how immense the impact of both betrayals were as it had him forming a kind of carbonite protection void of any of emotions, as well as feelings that wouldn't be able to penetrate through. The conversation between the two them would also involve him reminding Chuck how long he was away from himself in an emotional sense because of the woman otherwise known as Vader. The dark side of the force taking his mojo. For him, it was considered one of those rare moments where he actually took the time to give sound advice, which was totally surprising even for him.
In any case, he continued on by showing his nerdy best friend how stuck he was in his own hibernated state separated from his emotions. It was unfortunate situation knowing no matter how many times the people who cared about him tried to emotionally wake him up, it didn't work. Of course, Ellie did the best she possibly could in trying to emotionally wake him up but to no avail. Speaking of Ellie, she has always been the quintessential purveyor of sage wisdom and motivational speeches, he thinks to himself.
On the other hand, his role as the awesome best friend has always been to provide some much needed distraction even if it meant playing video games, movie marathons, chowing down on sizzling shrimp and/or completely humiliating himself in order to get a laugh or at least a smile out of Chuck. Throughout their friendship, his tall and lanky counterpart has always been there for him whenever he needed to get out of a really gnarly funk. He'll always be indebted to him for that and when it came to repay that debt, he was most definitely able to come through big time for him.
"You already know my thoughts on this, dude." Morgan stated, crossing his arms.
"If there was an actual sarlacc pit, you'd toss him in it. Yeah, you've mentioned that numerous times, Morg. Him and Vader." Chuck replied. A faint chuckle is expressed afterwards.
In that instance, Morgan expresses a faint chuckle as well leading to him to sit there momentarily silent. However, he's not silent for long as he scoots forward and sits at the very edge of the guest chair he's sitting on. He then locks eyes with Chuck with a seemingly serious expression on his face.
"Listen, I can't tell you what to do." he shared, shaking his head. "What I can do, is offer a possible suggestion that may help."
"Help me Obi-Morg Kenobi. You're my only hope."
Instead of mentally searching for the perfect Star Wars quote to respond back with, Morgan responds with a slight nod. He then focuses on providing Chuck with the aforementioned suggestion that may help his tall and lanky best friend.
"Take a blank piece of paper, draw a line in the middle. The write "Good Idea" on one side and "Bad Idea" on the other. Whatever side has the most go with that." he shared, shrugging his shoulders afterwards.
A moment of silence is shared between the two men as they stare at each other. The silence is broken when Chuck speaks up to respond. "That's actually an awesome idea. Thanks buddy."
"You're welcome." the bearded one proudly nodded. While sitting there across from Chuck, his thoughts suddenly turn to another Bartowski. "Are you going to talk to Ellie about this?" questioned Morgan.
"Eventually. I'm just weighing my options here. Like a told Sarah, there's a lot to think about and consider."
"Got ya." Morgan responded, briefly pointing at Chuck. "Don't wait too long or you'll never hear the end of it from her."
"I know. I have until the weekend. Monday is when Bryce is getting his surgery on his knee."
"You got time." There's a shared silence between the two but that subsequently ends with Morgan throwing out an idea. "I'd still go with the sarlacc pit idea."
Chuck amusingly stares at Morgan. "Don't you have work to do?"
It's at that point, Morgan stands up and starts back up towards the door. "I was actually until we started talking about Boba Fett and tossing him into a sarlacc pit." After expressing an amusing grin, he turns around and opens the door to head out. However, before turns back around in order to bring up something that's relatively important.
"Thanksgiving dinner at Ellie and Devon's still on for Thursday?"
"As far as I know. Despite what happened at Sarah's birthday because of Carina, El still wants to give her and Zondra a home cooked meal before they head off." Chuck shared.
"Awesome. I wouldn't miss your sister's marshmallow sweet potatoes for the world." Afterwards, Morgan glances at Chuck's office door. "Open or closed?" he asked, briefly pointing at the door.
"Open."
Morgan nods than steps out into the hallway heading off to the right, which he was intending to go before being roped into Chuck's office. Speaking of the nerd in charge, he sits there behind his desk for a moment before picking up his pen and then reaches over to his left to slide over a yellow writing pad. He then goes about doing what his bearded best friend suggested concerning whether it's a good or bad idea to talk to Bryce. After thinking about it and jotting a few things down, he begins to feel that weird sensation again in both hands causing him to stop what he's doing. He then places the pen down taking a moment to flex his fingers to the point of rubbing them.
A few seconds later, he starts to gradually experience an unexplainable uneasiness to the point where he can't sit still causing him to reach up with both hands in order to unbutton the top of his dress shirt then loosens his tie. He feels a little better after but he soon finds the urge to stand up. When he does, he starts pacing back and forth behind his desk while rubbing his hands together. It's at that point, he feels the need to do something to get rid of this unexplainable restlessness he's experiencing right now.
"Maybe some fresh air will do some good." he breathed out. Chuck immediately heads out of his office and disappears out of sight, but not before letting Kathleen and Morgan know he's going to do. When it comes to his best friend's suggestion, he puts it on hold until he gets back from taking a much needed breather outside.
XXX
The middle of the week finds Chuck meeting with Hartley Winterbottom to get an update on any information regarding his father, Stephen Bartowski. Ever since recognizing a connecting pattern approximately 6 months ago, the locations that Longshore investigated with the help of trusted contacts and sources have been considered very promising hot leads. Unfortunately, as much as those aforementioned hot leads have given Chuck hope there have been moments where the leads have grown completely colds. Oftentimes weeks at a time.
Of course, there were times where the son of Stephen Bartowski felt like he was absolutely on the right track and had an awesome feeling he was coming close to finding his dad. However, he would end up experiencing utter disappointment and frustration when Longshore's sources, as well as contacts weren't able to provide any viable information. Essentially, it just became added stress to deal with, especially now that Bryce Larkin has made an unforeseen appearance back into his life. After being informed by Sarah that his former best friend and Stanford roommate wants to talk with him, it has affected in more ways than one.
"Charles, how are you feeling son?" wondered Hartley, sitting behind his office desk. He notices the zoned out expression on Chuck's face. "You all right?" he added. A tone of concern expressed in his voice.
Chuck immediately snaps out of it upon hearing his name being called out by his foster father. He is sitting in the guest chair on the other side of office desk with an open file in his hands. "Oh…yeah. I'm fine Hartley. Just got a lot on my mind." he responded, shrugging his shoulders.
"It shows. Plus, you look knackered. Have you been getting enough rest?"
"Not lately." Chuck pauses for a moment. While sitting there, he mentally ponders whether or not to bring up whether or not he should talk about what's been on his mind as of late other than the whereabouts of his father. "I must look like a walker from the Walking Dead."
"Indeed." Hartley nodded, expressing a soft chuck of amusement. Although he's never gotten or understand all of Chuck's pop culture references, he's proud of how he's richly embraced his nerdiness and not to mention has found the love of his life who is equally as nerdy. His thoughts concerning the couple are set aside leading him to get up from behind his desk and make his around it in order sit in the other guest chair. Once he's seated, the successful Los Angeles attorney leans forward a bit and speak up. "What's going on, lad? Does this have anything to do with this Bryce fellow?"
Instantly, Chuck's eyebrows shoot upward expressing absolute surprise. "How did you know?"
"I have my sources."
It takes a second before Chuck realizes who his sources are or is. "Ellie."
Hartley gives a faint grin in response. "Since this will be our first Bartowski Thanksgiving in years for myself and Vivian, I called her to see what I should bring."
"What did she say?"
"Just bring our appetites…" he answered, patting his stomach with both hands. "…and maybe some wine. That we could do." Hartley added, expressing jovial laughter. The two share a laugh together and when the laughter subsides the veteran attorney continues on. "I know your friendship with him was fractured after what happened at Stanford."
"It's more than just a fractured friendship, Hartley." Chuck retorted, pushing himself up into a standing position.
It's at that point, the Chuck takes a step back and turns around in order to walk towards then stops in front of the large office window showing the city of Los Angeles. He stands there for a moment to gaze out at the scenic picturesque city scape from high atop a seemingly Mount Olympus high rise building. The son of Stephen Bartowski can certainly imagine feeling like Zeus from where he's currently standing, but not have the ego and power go to his head.
Although, the ability to throw lightning bolts at will, control the weather and have his winged horse Pegasus be at his beckoned call while resembling Liam Neeson from the updated 2010 version of Clash of the Titans instead of the 80's classic movie starring a young Harry Hamlin. That would most definitely be awesome, he thinks to himself. While standing there, he can't help but envy Hartley. Speaking of Hartley, he's now standing up and a couple feet behind Chuck. As much as he wants to say something he allows his best friend's son to gather his thoughts so he can express what's being weighing heavily on his mind.
After a few seconds go by of standing in front of the large glass window, Chuck turns around with his arms crossed and shaking his head.
"The way I feel…" Chuck pauses momentarily. After thinking about it for a few seconds, he speaks up. "…it's how Obi Wan felt after dealing Anakin a final blow in that epic lightsaber battle at Mustafar in Revenge of the Sith. The advantage of having the high ground." Chuck can clearly see Hartley not really getting what he's trying to say so he expounds further pertaining to that particular Star Wars reference. "He was like a brother to me."
"Ah." nodded Hartley. "Just like your father and I." he added, pointing out the similarities.
In that instance, Chuck quirks his right brow after hearing that. "You feel betrayed by my dad."
Hartley is silent for a moment before answering. In his mind, he doesn't want to sound insensitive, but at the same time he wants to share with his best friend's son how his absence has made him feel. "In a sense…yes. He pretty much abandoned you and Ellie. That right there is unforgivable…" he pauses for a moment. "…but I understand the reasoning behind it. If we find him…"
"When we find him." interjected Chuck.
A nod and a faint smile is given in response by Hartley. "When we find him, I'm going to wallop him upside head then give him a great big hug. He's certainly a sod that's for sure."
For Chuck, he's hung around Hartley long enough to know that sod is a British term for idiot. Even though it's considered an insult, it's deemed in a loving term when it concerns someone, they both care about. "Sod indeed. Bryce is definitely one and I want nothing to do with him."
"Are you sure?" Chuck quirks his right brow in response causing Hartley to continue on. "I understand that he betrayed your trust with that harlot."
"Harlot?"
"Well, the way Ellie described her…" Chuck couldn't help but express a chuckle while Hartley takes a moment to share how his older sister describes his ex. Afterwards, the founder of Winterbottom, McArthur, & Associates presses forward in regard to the specific topic at hand. "There's still a part of you that wants answers. The question of why possibly lingers."
"I know why."
"After talking with Ellie, it's my understanding she never really liked the harlot. Apparently, the both of you have very different perceptions of her. She saw the person she truly was, and you were blinded by the person you thought she was. She said she even tried to warn you about her." Hartley thoroughly shared.
"Ellie's always that way. Protective older sister."
"That she is." nodded Hartley. "There's got to be a sliver of truth when it comes to Ellie's concern." he pointed out.
"A dad quote." Chuck replied, expressing a faint grin. He stands there for a brief moment in somewhat deep contemplation, then speaks up. "What would you do my situation?"
"Well…" started Hartley. "…I'd want to see for myself if my sister's concerns were right. What did you do with all the evidence you complied?"
"After I hacked Bryce's phone, I had them all downloaded on a disk."
Hartley raises his right brow after hearing the word hacked. Instead of dwelling on it, he keeps going. "Do you sift through all of it?"
"Mainly focused on voicemails and texts. I couldn't stomach it."
"Do you still have the disk?"
"In a box in my closet somewhere collecting dust."
"You've kept it after all this time? You didn't throw it out? Why?" Hartley inquired, with immense curiosity.
"Why does it feel like I'm all of sudden on the witness stand in court? Am I being prosecuted counselor?" he inquired, shaking his head. A mixture of confused bewilderment is expressed on the nerd's face.
Instantly, Hartley holds both hands up. "Apologies my boy. Not my intention. I'm merely trying to help you."
"How is that helping?" wondered Chuck, taking a step forward.
"Helping you to get to the truth, son." Hartley answered, taking a step forward inevitably standing in front of him. He then reaches up placing both hands on top of Chuck's shoulders.
"What truth?"
"How your heart may have been blinded by the fact of who that harlot really was. Ignored the initial warning signs and red flags about her. Those answers may be in what you downloaded back then." Hartley suggested. A suggestion he hopes that Chuck will possibly consider in order be relieved of the stress that he's experiencing because of the past involving Bryce. "You'll quite possibly find your sliver of truth there."
What Hartley said to him just now causes Chuck to actually consider going back to listen and watch what he downloaded from Bryce's phone minus the text messages. True, he's been given 2 options and he'll either choose to have his closed to the truth or have his eyes finally open by them. For him, it's a big decision he'll have to make, but before he does, he'll have to consult with one other person…Ellie.
"I'll think about it." he softly responded back.
XXX
The Bartowski-Woodcomb family Thanksgiving has always been considered more so a momentous event rather than holiday where people stuff themselves silly to the point where they end up in a food coma. Morgan indulging himself with Ellie's heavenly marshmallow sweet potatoes while Alex closely monitored how much her bearded beau ate. Casey, on the other hand, indulged himself with the wine that Hartley brought to the party and although he didn't consider himself an expert connoisseur The Colonel gained some new-found knowledge from the Bartowski's close friend/family attorney. Meanwhile, Kathleen found herself having some quality girl talk with Gertrude Verbanksi. Needless to say, the two women enjoyed watching Casey uncomfortably squirm as they compared notes.
Of course, this year's festivities at Casa Woodcomb celebrated the addition of two new members of the extended family and they were lovingly welcomed with open arms. Speaking of the aforementioned two new family members, Carina and Zondra they shared stories concerning the misadventures of the C.A.T. squad during their college years, which Emma and Molly would be hearing for the very first time much to their shocked surprise. However, it would certainly be tit for tat as Hartley and Vivian regaled everyone with stories involving Chuck and Ellie in their younger years sharing stories that were both funny, heartfelt, as well as utterly embarrassing. In any case, the festive celebration would die down a bit giving Chuck the opportunity to talk with his older sister and they would do it out in the courtyard. After finding a seat and making themselves comfortable the best they could sitting down on the courtyard fountain, Ellie is able to clearly notice something is on Chuck's mind and wants to say something but is hesitating. So, instead of waiting for him to talk, she is the one who'll initiate the conversation.
"Spill it, little brother."
After taking a deep breath, Chucks responds. "Sarah told me that Bryce wants to talk to me. I have until the weekend since he'll be busy with knee surgery on Monday."
"You told her to go back and tell him to kiss your ass, right?" Chuck doesn't respond. He is sitting beside her completely silent causing Ellie to be greatly concerned. "Right?" she firmly questioned. While sitting there beside her younger brother, she can clearly see the answer staring right back at her face as they lock eyes with each other. "You're considering it!? Why on earth…"
Chuck immediately interjects. "See, I knew you'd react this way." he stated, briefly pointing at his sister.
"Do you blame me? He's an asshole who doesn't deserve to be heard." Ellie declared.
It's at that point, Chuck pushes himself into a standing position. He takes a couple steps forward then turns around to face Ellie who is still sitting down. "I know that."
"Do you? He's already said what he said back then. What makes now any different?" she wondered with utmost curiosity.
"I was talking to Morgan…"
"Really?" Ellie groaned, expressing disappointment in her voice. She rolls her eyes dreading the advice he gave Chuck.
"And Hartley. They were split on it."
"So, I'm the deciding factor." Chuck responds by begrudgingly shrugging his shoulders. Ellie shakes her head afterwards then momentarily sits where she is. A few seconds later, she pops up into a standing position and approaches her younger brother inevitably standing in front of him. "I've decided…" The oldest Bartowski sibling takes a deep breath then continues on. "…not to make a decision."
Ellie's response causes Chuck to express absolute confusion and bewilderment on his face. For him, it's the total opposite of what his older sister would do, which makes him wonder if she does some kind of reverse psychology. He shakes that particular thought out of his head and speaks up.
"What!? Why?"
"You're going to make a decision regardless of what I think you should do." Ellie pauses briefly, then speaks up. "Whatever it is you end up deciding to do, stick to it and then move on from it. Finally leave the past where it belongs."
"You always know the right thing to say, El. You're like Yoda, but taller and prettier." responded Chuck, expressing a soft, toothy smile towards her.
In that instance, Ellie simply shakes her head in amusement. She then waves her right hand in front of her in a Jedi like way and voices her own version of a Yoda impression possible. "Give your big sister a hug, you want to."
Chuck expresses a chuckle in response. The two Bartowski siblings envelope each other in a loving embrace and as they do, the front door of Casa Woodcomb opens. The individual stepping out into the courtyard is none other than Sarah Walker who witnesses the siblings eventually let go of each other after taking a moment to embrace. Afterwards, its Ellie who makes her way back inside and as her blonde counterpart passes her to join her nerdy boyfriend by the fountain an exchange of soft smiles occur between the two of them.
"Good talk?"
"I think so." Chuck nodded.
"Have you decided on what you're going to do?" inquired Sarah.
"Not yet. I'll have my decision for you after Bash At The Bench tomorrow." he answered, back. "One way or the other, I'm leaving the past behind me once and for all."
XXX
NOTE: So, what do you think? Typical Chuck overthinking the situation once again like in the series? What do you think he'll do and if the face-to-face meeting between the two former college roommates happens will Casey's security team be needed? Plus, there's possibly something going on with Chuck that has him experiencing something that could end up attacking him out of nowhere. I'll just leave it at that. As always, share your thoughts and I tip my hat to NEVR for doing the beta. You rock my friend!