Chapter 19
A/N 1: Okay, it may have been just a cold. You folks just don’t like Jill, well, I’m not fond of her, but we need to do this. We’ve taken care of Lou, Bryce, Shaw, Jill is next, and as for Cole…I’ve got nothing…yet. What I do have is some hilarity planned in upcoming chapters…well, that would be spoiling it, wouldn’t it. It’s time, for Ch 18, Truth is Stranger Than Fiction
Disclaimer: I don't own Chuck, I make no money off of this…or much of anything for that matter.
Chuck woke up feeling something playing with his hair, and hearing giggles. He was confused. He knew it wasn’t Sarah playing with his hair, but it was her he heard giggling, well, part of the giggling.
“Get him again,” he heard Sarah say, then he felt the hands in his hair, followed by them leaving his hair quickly, and giggles by two voices. The hands were small, and Chuck had a good idea whose they were.
“Please don’t get me,” he said softly, smiling.
“Dada!” Clara yelled, and the hands went to his hair again and pulled away just as quickly. “Mama say get!” Chuck rolled over, and tickled his little girl, listening to her squeal. Suddenly there was a cry from the other room, and someone running down the hall. Chuck and Sarah looked at each other wide-eyed.
“CALL EVERYONE! SOMEONE STOLE CLARA!” Molly bellowed entering the room.
“Mol!” Clara yelled from the bed. Molly shrieked, dove across Chuck, landing with her knee in his stomach, to which Chuck made a noise that sounded like “offff”, Sarah tried not to laugh at Molly clutching Clara. Clara grabbed Molly’s hair. “Mol hair retty!”
“Yep,” Chuck grunted and rolled the other way, not realizing where he was, and fell off the bed.
“Dada fall,” Clara said to Molly.
“It’s fine,” Molly replied. “He scared me so he deserves it.”
“How did I scare you?” Chuck asked from the floor.
“You didn’t tell me where Clara was,” Molly replied sagely.
“Your mother brought her in here,” Chuck said, exasperated. Molly got off the bed, leaned down and looked Chuck right in the eye.
“She wants her own baby, so she’s not thinking clearly, so it’s up to you to tell me this stuff,” Molly answered.
“Jerry tell you that?” Chuck asked, trying not to burst out laughing. Molly nodded and gave him a kiss. “Go get ready.” Molly left, and Chuck looked up, seeing Sarah peer over the bed laughing.
“Chuck, are you sure about this adoption?” she asked softly. Chuck got a confused look on his face. “I mean you’re signing up for some insanity.” Chuck grinned.
“I’m already all in on all the insanity, this just makes it legal and easier, that’s all,” Chuck said. Sarah grinned.
“Clara, tell them what I taught you!” Molly bellowed from the hall.
“Mama, Dada, tis!” Clara yelled. Sarah shrugged at Chuck.
“We can’t disappoint the kids,” she said grinning, and leaned down to kiss him.
}o{
“You do know, she wasn’t required to be there?” Chuck asked.
“Hush,” she said, but the grin wouldn’t leave Sarah’s face. They had just finished with the initial adoption appointment, and were driving into work. Clara had woken up cranky, and the only person who made her happy right now was Sarah. “Sometimes a girl just needs her mom,” Sarah said, with a grin on her face. Chuck grinned back.
“Sometimes a mom just needs her girl,” Chuck retorted. Sarah bounced her shoulder, but she didn’t deny it. “You’re taking her to work with you today, aren’t you?”
“Yep,” Sarah said, popping the p, proud of herself. Chuck started to say something when his phone went off.
“Casey,” he said after looking at it. “Beckman wants to talk.”
“We knew this was coming,” Sarah said, blowing her breath out in a huff. “Have you decided?”
“Do I have a choice?”
“And sleep at night?” Sarah countered. “Chuck, we both know if you don’t try and help, and she dies, you’ll never forgive yourself. Besides, she appears to be trying to turn over evidence on the enemy.”
Chuck was silent as they pulled into work. He went to get Clara out of the back, but she grinned, pulled away, and then reached for Sarah as she opened the other car door. Sarah had a huge smile on her face as she picked up the little one. Chuck had a fake shock look on his face.
“Luv u dada,” Clara said, and Sarah had an, “aww” look on her face. Chuck walked around, gave Sarah a peck on the lips, and raspberried Clara’s face. She squealed. They walked in together.
“Packin’ one on the hip already, huh, Walker?” Casey asked as he saw the three. Sarah glared at him. “Sorry, if you want to pack one, that’s your business.”
“It’s Bartowski, Casey,” Sarah replied. Casey just stared at her. “The name,” she said. Casey shook his head. He had a look of shock on his face, when she walked by him, patted his shoulder and grinned at him. She turned to Chuck. “I need to get set up in my office, but I’ll see you in the conference room in a few. Chuck nodded and headed to the conference room, with Casey in tow.
“Bartowski, I don’t know how, but you have ruined a perfectly fine agent,” Casey said, grumbling.
“Casey, Molly is responsible for most of that,” Chuck replied. Casey thought for a second.
“Well, you finished her off.” They walked into the conference room and waited. A few minutes later Carina and Sarah walked in, fussing over Clara. Chuck leaned over.
“Looks like someone else is having lady feelings,” Chuck said. Casey grunted, but his heart wasn’t in it, watching Carina. The screen popped on, and Beckman raised an eyebrow when she saw Clara hoisted on Sarah’s hip. Sarah gave her a challenging look. Beckman had a small smile and began.
“I realize I have no way of ordering you, but I need your help. Jill Roberts has a kill order on her from FULCRUM. If we can get to her, and persuade her to join us, we can find many of their agents, and stop this group before they give us any more problems,” Beckman said. Chuck stood there, quiet. The three in the room turned to look at him. He looked around, surprised.
“What are you looking at me for, I’m the one person, besides shortstuff over here, who isn’t a former agent,” Chuck said. He tickled Clara’s tummy.
“Hat’s me!” Clara yelled. Beckman nodded. Clara blew Beckman a kiss.
“Mr. Bartowski,” Beckman began. Clara blew Beckman another kiss. Beckman tried to start again, and Clara blew Beckman another kiss. Chuck and Sarah were struggling holding in their laughter. Casey was in shock, and Carina was crying trying not to laugh. Beckman finally swallowed, and blew a kiss back.
“Hank you!” Clara yelled.
“You’re welcome,” the general said. She closed her eyes a second and tried to begin again. “Mr. Bartowski,” she started and then paused looking at Clara. Clara was ignoring her, playing with Sarah’s hair, all while Sarah was fighting the grin trying to overtake her face. “You are the one with the history with Roberts, and, it somehow seems while you are the only one that is not a former agent, how you go, the rest go.” Sarah looked at Chuck and shrugged. Chuck’s mouth dropped and he looked at Casey and Carina. Casey didn’t look at him, but grunted, and Carina winked. The door opened and Morgan came in. “Mr. Grimes, so thrilled you could join us,” Beckman said, sarcastically.
“Sorry, Bryce is outside,” Morgan said, and realized Beckman was on the monitor. “I guess you are expecting him.”
“Let him in, Buddy, and come back here, you’re part of this,” Chuck said, turning to Beckman. Beckman rolled her eyes but acquiesced. Morgan called up front, and Bryce joined them a moment later.
“Chuck,” Bryce said, nodding. Chuck stepped towards him and Bryce backed up quickly. Chuck opened his arms, and Bryce watched him, not trusting him, but allowed Chuck to pull him into a hug.
“Next time you want to talk to me, talk to me,” Chuck whispered into Bryce’s ear. Chuck pulled away, giving him a look. Bryce nodded, understanding.
“If that’s over with,” Beckman began.
“Nah, it’s really not,” Chuck said. Beckman wasn’t pleased. “I understand we have a working relationship with you, but I’m not thrilled about agents coming and going through here, and how is Bryce a part of this. You’re NSA, general. Last I checked, Bryce is CIA.”
“I’m dead as far as the CIA is concerned,” Bryce answered. Chuck turned, concerned.
“I’m sorry, Buddy, does your family know?” Chuck asked.
“They think I’m dead,” Bryce responded.
“Dude, you’re a douche bag, but no one deserves that,” Morgan said. Bryce nodded.
“Language!” Sarah said to Morgan, who immediately hid behind Bryce.
“Morgan, don’t do that, she has no problem taking me out to get to you,” Bryce said.
“If we’re finished reminiscing!” Beckman said.
“Not really,” Chuck said turning back to the monitor. He saw Beckman’s face. “Right, not a question. Shutting up.”
“To your point Mr. Bartowski, the only agent I’m comfortable with you working with is Agent Larkin,” Beckman said. Chuck saw something on her face.
“Have I done something, more than the normal something I usually do?” Chuck asked. Beckman just looked at Chuck.
“I’m just thinking of the irony of the situation is all,” Beckman said. Chuck started to ask more, but decided to keep his mouth shut. Beckman sighed. “You five,” she began as Sarah raised an eyebrow. Beckman looked at Morgan, shut her eyes, and continued. “Your group, however many you actually have working there,” she said looking at Sarah. Sarah nodded. “Are the only ones I can truly trust right now.” Chuck raised his hand. “Chuck, Casey wouldn’t work with anyone that would join FULCRUM,” she said trying to take control of this briefing. His hand stayed up. “What is it Mr. Bartowski.” Chuck turned to Bryce.
“Sorry, Buddy,” he said and turned back to Beckman. “How do you know you can trust Bryce?” Bryce leaned in toward Chuck.
“I get it, I’m not mad,” Bryce said. Chuck turned to him.
“Good, I really want to find some common ground again, Morgan too,” Chuck said sincerely.
“You’re not a total D-bag, Bryce,” Morgan admitted.
“Thanks, Morgan,” Bryce said.
“WILL YOU THREE SHUT UP!?” Beckman yelled.
“Shhhh!” Clara said with a finger on her lips. Sarah lost it. Carina lost it, even Casey laughed. Beckman shook her head, and cut the feed.
“Oh, we’re gonna pay for that, but it was worth it,” Casey said. Everyone turned and looked at him in shock. “What?”
“How do we know we can trust you Bryce?” Sarah asked, trying to get control of the situation again. “Let’s be honest, a few of us have reason to question you.” Bryce nodded.
“I haven’t told Beckman your secret,” Bryce began. Sarah gave him a look. “And I’m not going to,” he quickly added. He took a deep breath. “It was my fault about Jill,” Bryce began. “But, not how you think. I always had feelings for her, but I knew I was CIA. I also knew she was being recruited into FULCRUM. I set you up with her because…” Bryce looked away for a second, and then he turned to Sarah. “Do you remember the times I told you about my friend?” Sarah nodded. “What did I say?”
“That he could see the good in anyone, and he had the ability to save people,” she said. Chuck looked at Sarah and then at Bryce. Bryce looked up at Chuck.
“I never slept with her, that’s the truth,” Bryce said. “I love her,” he said softly. “I always have,” he mumbled looking at Sarah. “I’m sorry.” Sarah nodded.
“Bryce I think we both know what we had wasn’t love, it was what we thought we deserved,” Sarah said, reaching over to rub his nearest hand. Clara bent over and patted Bryce’s head. Bryce leaned over and kissed Clara on the cheek, making her giggle.
“Retty!” she said. Sarah tried to stop the grin.
“He is one pretty man,” Chuck said, Bryce backhanded him in the gut.
“He’s alright,” Sarah admitted. “Finish telling it, Bryce.”
“She was threatened by her father’s friend, Bernie Ominsky,” Bryce said. “He threated to kill her family if she didn’t join FULCRUM. I thought by setting her up with Chuck, he could get through to her if anyone could, I just didn’t know she was being threatened at the time. She dumped you on orders when FULCRUM found out you had cheated on the test. They thought all of your scores were faked.”
“Okay,” Sarah said nodding. “Now a lot of things are starting to make sense.”
“Uh, one doesn’t,” Chuck said. “Why do you think she’ll turn now, what about her family?”
“Bernie is dead, heart attack,” Bryce replied. “When he died, Jill got her parents off the grid.”
“So, she was forced to do what she did,” Casey said. Bryce nodded. “I don’t know, Larkin. Does she actually have any feelings for you?” Everyone turned and looked at Casey again. “What?”
“Dr. Phil here does have a point,” Chuck said, pointing at Casey. Casey grunted and then realized what Chuck said and scowled.
“That’s why I need you,” Bryce said. “You can help me get her safe. If she wants nothing to do with me, I get it. But I don’t care how she feels about me, I need her to be okay.” Chuck looked at his friend, and then over to Sarah. She nodded. Chuck looked at Morgan.
“Dude, if you’re getting played, we’re all getting played,” Morgan said.
“Bryce, if you are pranking any of us,” Carina began. “I will castrate you. I’m not even joking.”
“I believe you, Carina, I believe you,” Bryce said, terrified. “The problem is where do we keep her.” Casey and Sarah shared a look.
“You have containment cells downstairs in the ‘garage’ don’t you?” Chuck asked. Sarah looked over at her little girl.
“Daddy might be mad at me,” Sarah said.
“Bad mama,” Clara said hugging her. “Tis!”
“I’m outta here, come on, Larkin,” Casey said.
“Martin, let’s go,” Carina said, knowing it would be best to leave them alone.
“Again, Morgan, is that so hard to remember?”
“Whatever, Marty.” Morgan chased after her, going on about his name. Chuck turned to Sarah.
“What would have happened to me if Jill hadn’t have broken up with me?” Chuck asked.
“FULCRUM would have killed you,” Beckman said from the screen. Both Sarah and Chuck turned around. “I never cut the audio. Chuck, she probably saved your life by doing that.”
“So leaving me was the best thing for me,” he said, softly.
“Chuck,” Sarah said, grabbing his hand thinking he was about to spiral. Chuck shook his head.
“No, I’m good,” Chuck said, looking at her thankfully. “I don’t like what happened, but I do understand.”
“Chuck, I can’t make you take this case,” she began. “Damn it, Bartowski,” she grumbled. Chuck looked up, shocked. “I was going to make you a deal, but I can’t. I can’t hold this over you. I am going to have your adoption proceedings moved up. What you decide to do about Jill is your decision, but I will say this, if you don’t help her, she’s probably dead.”
“I’ll do it,” he said softly.
“No,” Sarah said, making Beckman’s head whip to her. “We’ll do it.” Beckman nodded, and cut off the feed. “Come on,” she said, taking his hand. “Let’s go find the others.” Sarah led him downstairs. They found the cells, and even an interrogation room.
“I know I never asked,” Chuck began.
“Sometimes we hold people or extract them for a pickup,” Casey said. Chuck nodded. “We haven’t done that much lately.”
“One way mirror?” Chuck asked, pointing. Casey nodded.
“Your boyfriends are over there,” Casey replied.
“I’ll just go join them for our hen session then,” Chuck snarked, leaving.
“What’s eating him?” Casey asked.
“He just found out Jill dumped him to save his life.” Casey grunted and then laughed.
“Casey, he’s not like us,” Carina said. “He’s a civilian.”
“No kidding,” he replied. Chuck walked into the observation room, where Bryce and Morgan were.
“Why aren’t you in there with them?” Chuck asked. “I mean Morgan and I are the two civilians.”
“Right now I feel more like you two,” Bryce admitted. Chuck nodded, and all three turned to watch the spies discuss strategy. “You know, you’re a lot like Peter Parker.” Chuck turned to him. “If things don’t mess up, Jill would have chased you til the ends of the earth. She’s your Gwen. But, because of Parker luck, you meet Sarah, who’s MJ.” Chuck turned to Bryce.
“You’re still as mad about One More Day as I am,” Chuck said. Bryce nodded.
“Don’t get me started!” Bryce answered.
“Sarah reminds me more of Black Cat,” Morgan admitted. All three men turned, looked at Sarah, and nodded as one. “Does that make Lou Debra Whitman?”
“Lou?” Chuck asked. Morgan rolled his eyes.
“Dude, she named a SANDWICH after you!” Morgan nearly yelled. Bryce turned to Chuck.
“A sandwich?” Bryce asked. Chuck nodded.
“She’s a deli owner,” Morgan explained.
“That’s next level,” Bryce said.
“Thank you. He never will believe me,” Morgan griped.
“I thought it was because we were friends,” Chuck replied.
“This is the guy that think you should bring roast beef on his sandwich if he were on a deserted island,” Morgan began.
“No,” Bryce said, shocked. Chuck just left the room. He started back upstairs. Sarah came into the observation room, looking for Chuck.
“Sarah, desert island, what kind of sandwich would you bring?” Morgan asked.
“My knives,” she said and left.
“See, that’s practical,” Bryce said.
“But, not a sandwich,” Morgan rebutted. Sarah started upstairs looking for Chuck. She found him in his office, staring at a phone, she stepped back and made a silent “shh” sound at Clara, who did the same back to her.
“I was mad for so long, and it wasn’t even her or Bryce’s fault,” Chuck said softly. “Sarah, I know you’re out there, I can tell when you’re around.”
“Sorry,” Sarah said, starting to leave.
“Don’t go.” She came back to the doorway, took a breath, and went inside. “What’s it like? Seeing Bryce again?”
“It’s not the same,” Sarah answered. “I’m in a different place, I know now I didn’t love him, or if I did it’s not the same love I feel for you. I may have loved him as a friend, but what I have with you…it’s just different. I was already on my way to breaking up with him, and then he left me, with Molly. That’s not fair, he didn’t leave me, because we weren’t together, we were convenient.”
“I thought I loved Jill,” Chuck said softly. “But if I’m honest, I don’t know if I did. I don’t know if what happened between me and Bryce and then me and Jill, didn’t seem to make our breakup more than it was. But to find out she did what she did to save my life…how can I not do whatever I can to save her?” Sarah came over and hugged him. Sarah’s phone rang, she pulled it out.
“They found her,” Sarah said. She looked at Clara. “Will you stay with Alex for a little bit and let Mommy and Daddy go save a friend.” Clara nodded solemnly.
“Frnd,” Clara said.
}o{
The lady sat at a table, in the farthest corner of the room, situated where she could see everything. Her mouth dropped at the man who walked toward her.
“Chuck?” Jill said, her mouth open. He slid into the booth across from her when she noticed a tall blonde woman with him.
“Jill,” Chuck said. “I’m here to help.”
“Help with what, Chuck?” Jill asked, trying to figure out what his game was.
“FULCRUM,” he answered. “I’m here to bring you in to help save you.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Jill sputtered. Sarah slammed her hand on the table, both Jill and Chuck jumped.
“Jill, do you think he would ever try to hurt you?” Sarah asked, her eyes turning stormy. Jill shook her head.
“Are you both CIA, NSA, FBI?” Jill asked.
“I’m former CIA, he’s Chuck,” Sarah answered, unable to keep the smile of her face. Jill looked at her.
“He’s more than just Chuck,” Jill replied.
“I never said, he’s just Chuck,” Sarah countered.
“Do I need to leave?” Chuck asked. “I’d hate for you two to talk about me like I wasn’t here.”
“Stay out of it,” they both said.
“Right,” he grumbled, leaning back in the booth, crossing his arms.
“You’re together?” Jill asked. Sarah nodded. Jill looked at their ring fingers, then back to Sarah. “Kids?”
“Two,” Sarah said. Jill looked at Chuck, her eyebrows raised.
“Pretend I’m not here, you’re both doing it so well,” Chuck said grumpily.
“Did he always sulk like that?” Sarah asked. Jill turned back to Sarah and couldn’t help but grin.
“Yes, and then he’d do the puppy dog eyes,” Jill replied. Sarah rolled her eyes.
“He acts like he doesn’t realize,” Sarah said. Jill nodded. “Short hair or animal shapes.”
“Always animal shapes, although Ellie would never let him keep it that long for very long,” Jill replied. Chuck looked very uncomfortable, and Sarah glanced over to see if he was okay. “Is something wrong with Ellie?”
“She died,” Sarah said softly. Jill’s mouth dropped.
“I know she didn’t like me, but she was practically Chuck’s mother,” Jill said to Sarah. “Wait, didn’t she have a child?” Sarah nodded. Jill closed her eyes. “So, you two are raising her?” Sarah nodded again.
“Plus the child Sarah adopted,” Chuck added, figuring if they were going to talk about him in front of him he was going throw all the monkey wrenches in it he could.
“You two are raising two children that aren’t biologically yours?” Jill asked. Sarah nodded. Jill reach out and took Sarah’s hand. Sarah was shocked. “I am so thankful he found someone as wonderful as he is.” Chuck looked over at Jill and just put his head in his hands. “Did I say something wrong?”
“He may have been hung up on you for a while,” Sarah said. Jill nodded.
“I’m just glad you got his confidence up,” Jill said. Sarah gave a sheepish grin. “Still?” Sarah nodded. “Okay, I’m ready to go in.” Sarah and Jill got up to leave.
“You joining us, Chuck?” Sarah asked.
“Well I wouldn’t want to ruin your fun,” Chuck replied.
“Seriously, why do you put up with him?” Jill asked.
“We all have our crosses to bear,” Sarah said. Chuck groaned and followed along behind.
A/N: So some of you wanted me to have Sarah beat her, or hurt her, or whatever. My take, her story never made a lot of sense. Never. As I wrote this, the story took a life of its own I didn’t really see coming, but yet, is soooo Chuck. For the record, Sarah’s family is going to get involved soon, and I really think you guys will enjoy it. See you soon.
DC