Part IV: It's a wonderful life

Beckman and Graham walked down the long sterile corridor to Casey, who was leaning against the wall, looking disheveled and tired.

"Agent Casey, shouldn't you get some rest. I'm sure our patient isn't going anywhere. Besides, the doctors tell me there should be no further complications."

"Yes, ma'am. I just want to be here when he wakes up."

Inside the room with all the beeps and whistles, attached to a heart rate monitor and brain wave recorder was Chuck. By his bedside was of course Sarah, who had not left his side since he collapsed in the beta unit's room.

The medical team stationed at the facility was able to reach Chuck in time and start him on a course of antidotes in order to counteract the poison. But still, it was touch and go for a while but now he seemed out of dire straits.

Still, even after hearing the news of his well being, Sarah did not leave his side, but now even she couldn't keep her eyes open. She fell asleep sitting on a chair next to his bed with her hand on his chest.

Chuck opened his eyes to see himself in an unfamiliar location. Last thing he saw was Sarah over him, crying. He realized that he was saved and was amazed that they were able to bring him back. But then again they did bring Bryce back from a fatal gunshot to the chest, I guess even this is possible.

He leaned over and saw Sarah sleeping in the chair next to him. Without disturbing her, he got out of the bed and wrapped her in his blanket. Also, noticing the breeze behind him, he put on his robe and exited the room.

One of the few times he left the door side, Casey felt the urge for food and left for a quick bite to eat. Chuck wandered out of the room and walked into the waiting room next door to watch the news playing on the TV. Whoa, three days passed? I wonder what Ellie must be thinking.

Sarah awoke and was startled at the sight of an empty bed. She quickly jumped up and ran out of the room. First she ran up the corridor and then back down.

Seeing her frantically pacing, Chuck finally said "Hey Sarah. Did you lose something?"

"Chuck! I thought you…you were…." She quickly embraced him and didn't think of letting go, "Don't scare me like that!"

Chuck had a puzzled look on his face as he felt the outpouring of emotion from Sarah. "What's with that look?"

Chuck looked down into her eyes and said "nothing. Just thought I was dreaming."

"And why would you think that?"

"Well, that quite the outburst of emotion there Sarah. Just surprised me a bit."

"Its your fault you know, all these changes you've started."

"So do you have an answer?" Chuck asked.

"I'm…scared. But yes, I trust you."

A smile broke out on Chuck's face and he told her "don't worry I'll protect you from the Morgan's residing in my world."

They both shared a laugh and both knew the implications of the short conversation they just had.

Now Sarah didn't release her bear hug on Chuck until Casey showed up with Graham and Beckman in tow.

"Hey Casey, can I call this even for the crown vic?"

Laughing, he replied "let's call it three-fourths covered. I still have good memories of that car."

"Darn. I guess to cover the last fourth I'll have to save a smaller country. Maybe Spain or Denmark."

Now turning to Graham and Beckman, Chuck asked "did everything turn out ok? No international crises or new wars popped up? I just didn't wake up into Armageddon, did I?"

Graham replied "no Chuck, thanks to you they were all averted. Thank you again for what you did."

Beckman added "Yes, thanks Chuck. And I'd like to apologize for giving the order to eliminate you."

"No problem, if I had a dollar for every time a government agency wanted to kill me, then I'd be…."

Interrupting Chuck, Beckman said "There's another matter about the intersect. Since you are the only viable intersect, you will be back to full operational status. For the time being you will be employed, secretly of course, as a special agent for the CIA. You will continue to work with your partners, Sarah Walker and John Casey, seeing how you all get along so well. Continue the good work, Special Agent Bartowski."

"Thank you, General."

Turning to Sarah and Casey, "well guys it seems the old gang is back together."

Sarah, acting a bit shy, said "actually Chuck there is something we need to go over, it's about our cover. Beckman and Graham actually think there's a need for more increased security for the intersect. Our cover is being modified, from boyfriend and girlfriend to live-in couple."

"What?"