Chapter 3
A/N: I’ve never seen so many people feel so sorry for Casey. I normally stay away from Buy-More stuff because I’m not sure how to write it, but you guys seemed to enjoy it…at least Jeff. Ch 3, I Despise You.
Disclaimer: I don’t own Chuck, and remember if you fall down get back up again, they’re never gonna keep you down…
Sarah and Chuck walked into her hotel room. Chuck was dressed for the date, but he was more concerned for Casey. Ellie might kill him…well, Casey was a NSA agent so he was pretty sure Casey was safe…pretty sure…. He was lost in his thoughts about Casey’s well being and didn’t realize Sarah was ready to go.
“That was quick,” he said, his mind on Casey, and Ellie.
“Well, we need to cover our pre-mission briefing,” Sarah said. Chuck nodded, thinking about the last 12 hours, and how close he came to being placed in a bunker.
“Chuck?” Sarah asked, getting irritated. First he actively tried to get away from Heather and Mark, not that she blamed him, but they knew about her past, and he didn’t seem to care. Then he didn’t want to go on the date, in which he could learn quite a bit. Was this all a mistake? Was he not all-in? Sarah knew she should really talk about this, but talking wasn’t a strong suit when it came to feelings. Facts she could handle, well, kind of, but he needed to know some things.
“Ready for you pre-mission briefing?” Sarah asked. “I didn’t have time for a dossier.” Chuck sat down on the bed with his hands in his pant pockets. “Okay, Chuck, we need to talk,” she said, feeling herself getting mad. The anger spread to her face, and she started walking, maybe stalking, toward him. She stopped got a small notebook and a pencil. Chuck looked up, surprised, and a little fearful.
“Sarah, one minute you don’t want me to know anything about your life before Burbank, the next you’re mad when I try to respect that,” Chuck said, confused and scared.
“Chuck, it’s one thing not to push me, it’s another to appear completely disinterested in everything about my past!” Sarah said, shoving the notebook and pencil in his hands, while bent over him, glaring. “Do you need to write anything down?”
“Sarah Walker, one of many aliases, but as far as I’m concerned…she’s my Sarah. One of your aliases is Jenny Burton, class of 1998, go Cougars. I know you like gardenias, vegetarian pizza no olives, cheeseburger medium-rare extra pickles. You don’t like getting up early, your music knowledge is a little lacking, but you have come a long way in your movie knowledge,” Chuck said, her staring at him and her mouth dropping. “You love your Porsche, although I’m still not sure how you afford it, you don’t like bullies, and you have the most beautiful soul I have ever seen. Your physical beauty, while a wonder in it’s own, pales at the person you are inside. You do what you have to do for this country, regardless of how it makes you feel inside, because you believe in the greater good.” He took the pencil and the notebook, and tossed them over his shoulder. “Here’s a secret, I have two intersects, the one downloaded, and the one in my head of everything I can learn about you. Less than 12 hours ago, I thought I was bunker-bound and I was trying my best not to learn anything else because it would hurt less when I couldn’t see you anymore…which is stupid, because it was going to hurt so bad.” Sarah’s hand was over her mouth; she was in such shock. Tears were forming in her eyes. Chuck was trying to figure out what he did, and how to fix his mistake.
“I said something stmrrrpphhh,” he said, as Sarah crashed her lips into his, knocking them both backwards onto the bed. She broke away for a moment, and stared at him.
“Chuck Bartowski…I despise you,” she said. Chuck looked shocked. “I despise that no matter how hard I tried to push you away, you refused to go. I despise that I was simply doing my assignment and then some brown haired nerd made my heart jump into my throat when he told a ballerina that real ballerinas were tall.” Chuck grinned.
“I despise the way you feel like you have to fix my tie all the time and smooth it out,” Chuck replied. Sarah grinned.
“I despise how you trusted me when you had no real reason to,” she continued. “I despise about how even though it would be safer for everyone if you’d stay in the car, you just can’t help yourself and get out to save our lives on a constant basis.” Chuck grinned.
“I despise how when you thought you were going to die you grabbed me and kissed me,” he countered.
“I despise how you kissed me in front on Roan Montgomery and nearly made me moan,” she said with a raised eyebrow.
“Really, moan?” he asked. She made a face and nodded. “Wow, okay, I despise about how you got in a dumpster with me and dug through trash to find Awesome’s wedding ring.”
“I despise how adorable you look when you wake up in the morning,” she said.
“I am adorable,” he said, grinning.
“And you know it, and use it to your advantage,” she said.
“I know. I really shouldn’t, but it’s a gift, and a curse,” he said.
“I also despise, absolutely despise, about how you don’t care one bit about my past, and still care about me,” she said, leaning her head on his chest.
“I meant it, it doesn’t matter what you did, I’m here for you,” Chuck said.
“That’s why I want you to know, just when I’m ready to talk about it,” she said. Chuck nodded.
“I have one question,” Chuck began. Sarah sighed, and nodded. “Does Casey have some culinary training?” Sarah pulled her head up and looked at him like he was an idiot.
“Really, that’s what you want to know?”
“I mean, let’s be honest, he’s a bartender, a waiter, he makes quiche, and all sorts of food service industry things,” Chuck said. Sarah just looked at him, then she looked down, stood, and she slightly nodded. Chuck sat up quickly. “You’re kidding!?”
“At some point, he took some classes to be better prepared. It was suggested after seduction school didn’t go well that for his purposes he might learn some skills that would help him to be placed in a support role,” Sarah said. Chuck was quiet a second.
“That’s really impressive,” he said. Sarah turned to study him. “No, think about it, Casey accepted a short coming and then did the best he could to make himself available to a partner.” Sarah shook her head.
“You always find the best in everyone, don’t you?” she asked softly. Chuck shrugged. He grinned.
“So class of 1998?” he asked. She gave him a look and nodded. “You were a Backstreet Boys fan weren’t you? She looked away. “Sarah Walker,” he said, mouth dropping. “You, bad-ass ninja spy, liked boy bands?”
“No,” she said, very unconvincingly.
“That is the worst lie I’ve ever seen,” Chuck said grinning. “And, you’re a trained spy.” She was fighting the smile. She looked away. “You had a crush on one of them didn’t you? Which one?” he said, amusement covering his face.
“I think I liked it better when you didn’t ask questions about my past,” she muttered. “Howie D,” she said softly. Chuck fell back on the bed, rolling. She rolled her eyes and pulled him up off the bed. “Come on, it’s time for our date.”
“Jenny or Sarah?” Chuck said. She gave him a shy smile. “I mean it doesn’t matter, because you’re my Sarah, or my Jenny, although I feel Sarah fits you better.”
“You know Jenny is not my real name, right?” she asked. Chuck shrugged.
“I don’t care what your name is, I know who you are,” Chuck said. Sarah looked at him, almost hungrily, and he thought he heard a noise. “Did you hear that?” Sarah studied him.
“That may have been me, deciding how late I think we can be to dinner,” she said.
“Why would be late…oh,” he said, as Sarah took his hand and pulled him out of the hotel room. “What happened to slow?”
“Why do you think we’re leaving?” she asked.
}o{
“So, Mark what do you do?” Chuck asked. He really hated this. He wanted to know everything about Sarah, absolutely everything, but he couldn’t push. He had realized on the way over, he and Ellie were alike in that regard. They both wanted the best for those they loved…oh…loved…he had glanced over at Sarah, and just grinned. Yeah, he was in love with her. He was probably fooling no one except himself, but he knew. Deep down, he knew. He also knew that she wasn’t comfortable with talking.
“I’m in engineering, but it’s top secret,” Mark said, with what appeared to be a small pond of sweat growing on his forehead. Chuck glanced at Sarah.
“Am I that bad?” he thought while looking at her.
“Not anymore,” she thought, looking at him, as if to answer.
“Anymore?” Chuck thought. Sarah grinned.
“Mark, are you feeling okay?” Chuck asked. Heather looked at her husband.
“You’re sweating like a pig, you’re all gross,” she said.
“Excuse me,” he said, and got up. Chuck glanced at Sarah.
“I’m gonna make sure he’s okay,” Chuck said. Heather glanced at him. “I know guys aren’t supposed to go to the bathroom together, but I want to make sure he doesn’t collapse or something.”
“Thanks, sweetie,” Sarah said.
“Whatever,” Heather said, rolling her eyes and waving him off. Chuck walked past them where Heather couldn’t see him, and made a face at her, causing Sarah to have to bite the inside of her cheek not to laugh.
“Casey,” Chuck said through his communicator. “I think something is about to go down in the bathroom.”
“Bartowski, I don’t need a play by play, eat some prunes or something,” Casey growled.
“No, Ratner is sweating up a storm and heading to the bathroom.”
“I was about to carve,” Casey replied. Chuck got a “seriously?” look on his face.
“Ask Sarah if she wants to and come join me, you know how she loves using knives,” Chuck replied. Casey grunted and had a look of “not a bad idea” on his face.
“So I’m guessing he doesn’t know about daddy,” Heather said to Sarah.
“Because he hasn’t pushed it,” Sarah thought to herself. She took a drink of wine and thought about what Casey said. No more half-in. She was all the way in. “No, but Chuck knows my past was hard on me, and he makes an effort not to push, not because he doesn’t want to know, but he wants me to tell him when I’m ready.”
“We both know you’ll never tell him your past,” Heather said. Sarah had a confident smile on her face.
“No, I will,” Sarah said, and meant it. “He means everything to me, and I want him to know me. All of me.”
“Excuse me ladies, but if you’re ready, I’m here to carve, unless, you’d like to ma’am,” Casey said, looking at Sarah.
“Why would she?” Heather asked.
“Talent recognizes talent,” Sarah said, talking over for Casey.
“Don’t filet her before I get back,” he said softly. She grinned at him.
“I won’t, for Chuck,” she said. She swore he mumbled something about lady feelings as he hurried off. In the bathroom, Mark had been approached by two men and Chuck walked in.
“Oh, boy,” Chuck said after he flashed on the first. Mark pleaded with them to leave him out of it, as he got shoved up against the mirror, causing soap to spill on the floor and get on Mark’s jacket. “See, that’s gonna leave a spot.” The other Russian pulled a gun on Chuck. “But, that’s the thing kids are going for nowdays.” The Russian that Chuck flashed on, threw Mark in the stall, and he scurried to lock it and protect himself. The second Russian turned on the hand dryer to hide the noise, turned and stepped in the soap on the floor. Chuck watched in horror, and a little humor as the two collided, and crashed their heads on the floor. Chuck decided to run and get help, and also managed to slip on the soap. He tried to keep his balance limbs flying every which way. He landed, bringing his elbow down on the Russian’s head he flashed on, knocking him unconscious, and his shoe landed right in the other Russian’s groin. The second screamed in agony, as Casey walked in. He took one look at the situation, kicked the second in the face, knocking him out. Casey ran to get the van as Chuck stood up fussing with his jacket that had soap on it as Mark walked out and saw the carnage.
}o{
Sarah was in the gym at castle, trying not to laugh.
“So Mark thinks Chuck is “Mad Dog” Special Agent Charles Carmichael?” she asked. Casey nodded, amused. “So what’s the next move?”
“I think I’ll let your boy toy explain,” Casey said.
“Thank you,” Sarah said softly. “I know what you did for us.” Casey looked at her.
“We’re not hugging,” he said.
“Gosh, Casey, that was almost a lady feeling,” Sarah said, grinning. “Ellie has calmed down quite a bit.” Casey went a little pale. “I’ve also found a building that we could move to, that will cover all our needs.” Casey gave her a look. “People seem to forget I have a degree from Harvard in International Business.” Casey grunted. “It’s used to be owned by Ronald Wilson Reagan.” Casey’s face was covered in shock. He turned to leave. “It’s okay if you want to hug me.” Casey spun, caught her in a bear hug, dropped her, and left. “I think he had a tear in his eye,” she said softly.
“Okay, I’m a little scared,” Chuck said bringing in a box. “I’ve not seen him that emotional since the Crown Vic blew up.”
“I found a building for our new headquarters, it was owned by Ronald Regan,” she said. Chuck just stared at her.
“He may have just fell in love with you,” Chuck said. Sarah made an “eww” face. Chuck shrugged. “You just told Casey that we may buy a building owned by Ronald Regan, after an intense workout?” Sarah though for a minute.
“He did hug me,” she said softly.
“Well, make sure and send me an invitation to the wedding,” he said. She rolled her eyes.
“What’s in the box?” She asked. He handed it to her, and she opened it.
“Well, isn’t this nice,” she said as she turned to him smiling. “Is this a welcome-to-our-new-apartment dress and we should go celebrate?” Chuck struggled to keep the smile on his face.
“If by celebrate you mean go to your high school reunion because that’s where the meet is happening, then yes,” Chuck said. Sarah shut her eyes, took a deep breath, and opened them.
“My father was arrested in high school,” she said. The look on Chuck’s face was the one she used to struggle with the most. She thought it was pity, but what she had learned over the last 18 months was it was pain. Pain that she had to go through something he didn’t think she should, and God she was so thankful for it. Someone cared about her. Not just someone, but Chuck Bartowski. “It was a difficult time.”
“Then maybe you shouldn’t go,” Chuck said. Sarah shook her head. Chuck nodded, and stuck his hands in his pockets. “I understand, well, I hope you and Casey have fun.” Sarah’s eyebrows shot up as Chuck fought to keep the grin off of his face. “You found a building that Ronald Regan used to own and we may make it our offices. I’m pretty sure you just proposed to him.” Sarah threw the dress box at him.
“You are so gonna get it,” she said.
“You keep saying that,” he replied. A smile of determination crossed her face. She stepped up to him, and put finger lightly on his shirt just below his throat.
“I bet you don’t make these little comments when it’s just us in our new apartment,” she said. Chuck swallowed, and Sarah grinned.
“I’m pretty sure you’re right,” he said, grinning. She slowly moved her finger down his chest, with a predatory smile on her face.
“And, the truth comes out, Chuck Bartowski is just a tease.” Chuck sighed.
“You finally figured it out,” he said, grinning. “My girlish screams at danger, my nearly throwing up on the C4, it’s all been an elaborate CIA trick. Sarah, you just figured out, that you weren’t sent here to watch me, but take part in the most elaborate torture the CIA has, torture by nerd.” Sarah threw back her head and laughed. “It’s been an 18 month process to wear you down.” Her finger stopped right above his belly button, and she removed it. She stepped in just inches from him.
“Did I pass?” she asked.
“You’ve lasted the longest anyone ever has,” he choked out. She smiled.
“Do I get a prize?” she asked. Chuck nodded slowly.
“You get Casey to take you to your reunion,” he said, grinning. She shoved him away and mocked stomped off.
“I despise you Bartowski!” she yelled.
“I despise you, Walker!” he yelled back. “And I always will,” he said softly to himself.
}o{
Sarah sat in one of the green chairs, shaking her head. It had been an….interesting reunion. On one hand, Dick Duffy was now in prison, (seriously, who names their kid Dick Duffy?) they had arrested Heather (after she had gotten in a lucky shot during the fight), and now Mark was safe. But it was the little moments Sarah found herself thinking about.
They had walked in and after a few minutes of awkward introductions, Chuck had pulled her aside.
“Listen to me, whatever happens, I got your back,” he said. Sarah smiled gratefully. His glance went past her, and he spoke, softly with a grin on his face. “Wow,” he said, she turned and saw the picture, and her heart dropped. She turned back to him. “Even then you had those eyes that look right into your soul.” Sarah stared at him. “Probably best I didn’t go to school here.”
“Why’s that, Chuck,” she asked nervously. He grinned.
“Because if you thought I drove you crazy the last 18 months trying to date you, I would have driven you insane then,” he said.
“Chuck,” she began.
“I know what you’re going to say, the hair, the braces,” he said as she nodded. “But what you’re missing, those eyes, inside of them, it was already there, and it’s not like you always let me in, but when you do, you have a beauty there that time, bad hair days, braces, or anything will ever touch.” She felt something in her, and she was trying had to control herself. Chuck looked around. “Did you hear something, like a low growl, or moan, or combination?” She grabbed his hand.
“Let’s dance,” she said.
“But that noise,” Chuck said.
“Trust me, if you want to take it slow, let’s dance,” she said. Chuck looked at her.
“Are you sure dancing is the best thing?”
“There won’t be any slow songs or anything,” she replied. Chuck raised an eyebrow and Sarah flicked her head toward the DJ. Chuck looked and there was Casey.
“I’ve now seen it all,” he said.
Sarah sighed. She was falling hard, and she didn’t even care. She heard the door open and Chuck walked in. He was on the phone and winced when he saw her eye.
“He quit huh?” Chuck said. “Morgan,” he mouthed. “No, I don’t want it, in fact you and I need to have a little talk, but I’m at Sarah’s buddy, so I need to go.” He hung up. “That left a mark,” he said, with a sad grin.
“You should see the other girl,” Sarah said.
“Doesn’t matter if she’s in traction, she hurt my girl, and that’s all I care about.” She looked at him for a second.
“You’re girl?” she asked. Chuck looked up from the bag and looked her right in the eyes.
“My Sarah, my Jenny, or whatever name you choose to go by,” he said. “I don’t mean it possessive, I mean it in that I’ll always care about you and want to see you protected, even though you are my handler.” She stared at him. He looked around again.
“I swear I keep hearing that noise,” he said.
“It may be my stomach, I’m hungry,” she said. He pulled out a frozen patty for her eye, and then with a Bartowski eyebrow waggle, a cheeseburger, medium-rare, extra pickles. “I really despise you right now,” she said grinning. “But, there’s something we need to do first.” She pulled out her packet and his and held out a pen. “You all-in, Chuck?” He took the pen, signed what felt like 43 places, handed her the pen, and stopped.
“You sure?” he asked. “I know what I’m getting into, but do you?” She grinned and took the pen.
“Chuck,” she said, smiling as she signed in the last place. “I know what I’m getting into. You, you have no idea.” Chuck swallowed.
“Well, I’ll get a knife to cut the cheeseburger,” he said, nervously. She rolled up her pant leg and pulled one out. He just looked at her for a minute. “I have the coolest girlfriend ever,” he mumbled.
“Girlfriend?” she asked, grinning. Chuck shrugged.
“Cover anyway, and I hear I may be doing some exploring of under the cover,” Chuck said. He thought about what he just said. Sarah just grinned.
“You. Have. No. Idea.” She said, winking at him.
“Oh boy!”
A/N: This is becoming more fun than I ever imagined. Molly chapter being worked on, Uprising bouncing around in my head (I’m at some of the part the dream didn’t cover). Next time…On Tom Sawyer…
“You need to approach, Jeff,” Sarah said.
“You sure, Walker? Jeff tried to kiss your boy toy just a few days ago,” Casey said.
“He probably doesn’t remember it,” Chuck said. Casey grabbed the remote and hit play on the monitor. It was Jeff sitting in the home theater room.
“He has such supple lips, Lester,” Jeff said.
“Really, Chuck?” Lester asked. Casey hit pause, and Chuck just stared at him
“You seriously had that qued up?” Chuck asked. “You know I may never sleep again.”
Til next time!
DC