Chuck Vs. The Hunters

Chapter 17: Old school elegance

Chuck heard someone enter his bedroom, but he was too exhausted to even get up. At least they used the door. The window was now a revolving door into his private world and he no longer had solitude. He imagined it was Ellie checking up on him. Since he'd returned from the resort, she went into full nurse mode. Chuck didn't quite go with Casey's 'extreme sports' excuse; he didn't want Devon on his back offering pearls of athletic wisdom. He just wasn't in the mood.

Chuck made up an elaborate story about a fun-filled 'Island hunt' that went awry. Ellie and Devon bought it, especially after seeing Sarah's was in. They were much more concerned about the gas leak that reportedly forced everyone to evacuate. The truth wasn't so pretty. By the time the Sarin gas dissipated, Chuck and the rest were in a CIA chopper and on their way to freedom. The brother's feud had come to a deadly finish.

The pungent scent of alcohol and peroxide wafted to him and he shuddered as a damp rag gently brushed over the cuts and scrapes healing on his face. He rolled over to find Sarah sitting alongside him. He cracked a smile.

"Hello, Florence Nightingale."

"Penny for your thoughts, Chuck?" She asked quietly.

"I don't think my piggy bank is big enough." He murmured.

The sadness in his eyes tore at her heart. She didn't have to be a mind reader to know he was having a mental upheaval. Despite the fact that most of the dead were dangerous Fulcrum agents, the innocent resort staff and some other guests died too. For her, Casey, and Layla, it was all part of the game. You win some, you lose some, but the ultimate triumph was for the greater good. Fulcrum had become a hundred odd members short and Beckman confirmed they were on the rampage now. She warned Sarah and Casey to keep on their toes more than ever.

Sarah put down the cloth and leaned over to fluff his pillows. Chuck inhaled her sweet perfume with a sigh of relaxation. He struggled to sit up and she helped him until he was against the headboard.

"Thanks. You don't have to do this. I'm feeling better. The leg's healing up too. I can take it…I'm a spy now, aren't I?"

"I think Casey would have something to say about that, but, you might as well be."

"Yeah, something along the lines of Inspector Clouseau and Frank Drebin, but still a spy!"

Sarah chuckled and gazed around the room. Something ate away at her since they arrived at the resort. This time Chuck played mind reader. He clutched her hand.

"Now that our adventure is over, I think we need to talk about…certain aspects of this mission."

"Such as?"

"Such as our undercover kiss…and what I planned to say in the room before the churros knocked me out."

Sarah gazed fondly at him, but shook her head. "Chuck, it was what it was, we were playing roles and it got carried a little too far."

"Sarah why do you always try to stifle the obvious?"

Sarah stood up and paced around the bed. "Chuck, I'm not stifling anything. You said what needed to be said before this mission. You're crazy about me. I know that…and I also know my feelings for you, but…"

"There is always a 'but' or a condition to your feelings, Sarah! Can't we just say it already?"

Sarah fought back tears and swallowed hard. "No, Chuck! We can't! And please don't tell me what you were going to say before we were drugged. I…I already know."

Chuck swung his legs over the bed in pain, but stood and crossed to where she stood by his Tron poster. He glared at her and held her shoulders.

"Then tell me! Tell me what you think about it. Tell me what you know!"

Sarah looked away and bit her lip; she'd never felt more helpless. Chuck's assertiveness came to the forefront more with every mission and it was highly attractive. His hand grazed her cheek and he gently raised her face. He leaned down and kissed her. Sarah forced herself not to fall into it, but Chuck was too sincere. Their embrace was long and sweet. She finally drew her lips away and hugged him close. She took a deep breath, but then shook her head sullenly.

"I've already compromised you enough, Chuck. I can't do that anymore. I'm so sorry."

Chuck felt his heart deflate and his eyes glazed sadly. He'd hoped to have a moment of truth from her, and his chance to reveal deep emotions. He was wrong. His whole life was one big compromise. He dropped his hands from her cheeks and started back to the bed. He flopped on it and stared at her thoughtfully.

"I'm sorry too, Sarah. I'm sorry I allowed myself to become emotionally attached to someone who can't share the same sentiments. My feelings aren't gonna change anytime soon, you can bet on that. It is what it is. But I'll play the Government's game for as long as they need me. After all, I'm just an asset."

Sarah was dismayed and tried to approach him. "Chuck, you're more than that and you know it…you mean so much more to me…"

Chuck held up his hand. "No, it's okay. I understand. I'll be fine. You can go now."

Sarah quietly did as he requested and climbed out the window. Chuck rushed up and watched her walk despondently beyond the courtyard gates. He knew it. She did share the same feelings, but the life they presently shared was one word and one word only.

Complicated.

~Oo~

The sun leisurely sank into the horizon in a spectacular burst of orange and red flames, turning the sky vivid hues of pink and purple. Casey and Layla quietly allowed the force of nature to overpower them. They sat on a quilt near the shoreline. Casey wrapped his arms around her and she rested comfortably between his legs. He lowered his chin on her shoulder and she leaned her head toward his cheek. He kissed her temple and jaw. She smiled softly.

They did just as Casey desired and spent hours talking honestly about the direction their lives had taken in the last eighteen years. Casey still couldn't reveal Chuck's secret of the Intersect, not just because of strict orders, but he truly cared for Layla's safety. This was especially after she dropped the next bombshell he expected.

"Jon, I'm going back to Washington in a few days to resign. I can't keep up with this life anymore. I want to retire on a quiet Island…maybe somewhere in Hawaii or Maui…possibly open my own beach shop and make jewelry or art prints…I was always creative like that. Art was one of my first loves. You've seen some and liked it, remember?"

She rambled, tears filling her dark eyes. "John…no more covers, no more prosthetic and disguises…I just…I just want to be me!"

Layla lowered her face into her hands and cried. Casey knew the final outcome of this crazy adventure shook her up, but she'd acted bold the entire trip home. But no she seemed so small and helpless before him. He reached out and she collapsed against his chest. He stroked her hair. Something very few people realized about John Casey was that under certain circumstances, he allowed himself to be a sincere comforter. In their time together, Layla learned that when situations took dangerous turns.

"You always had the right stuff for the job, but too much heart. Not everyone in this line of business is a calculating killer…uh, present company excluded…but you used your skills to the Government's advantage and that was all you could do. It's okay, baby, you'll be fine, wherever you go."

Layla raised her eyes weakly. "I know that, but I don't want to leave you behind, not after all this time, John."

Casey's eyes misted over. Every moment with Layla invoked raw emotions in him. "I don't want to leave you either, but right now I can't compromise my position. My team needs me."

Layla caressed his face. "The world needs you, right? I understand how important this secret assignment is. Eighteen years ago it was a very bitter pill to swallow when we parted, but now I'm content knowing that…"

"That I still love you? I do love you." Casey sighed. It'd become much easier to admit.

"Yes, John…and I still love you."

Layla turned her attention to the waves and Casey massaged the nape of her neck. She cocked her head and glanced at him with a sly smile.

"I love when you do that…sugar bear." She purred in a deep Russian accent. Casey drew back startled.

"Hey! Where did that come from?"

"The Russian spy seduction course I taught...every nation has different tactics." She teased and winked. "Don't you realize that I teach these women everything they know?"

Casey laughed aloud and they fell back on the quilt in a tight embrace.

"Are you sure about this? What about semi-retirement? Go back to teaching, we need your old school elegance with our new breed of women, they just don't get it. They all want to be Sarah Connors, Ripley, and Rambo rolled into one." Casey prodded her.

"Now I understand why you fell for my student, Ilsa…wasn't that name inspired?"

"Come to think of it, I remember catching you crying in the middle of the night watching Casablanca at one of the hotels. I should've put it together."

"Everyone cries watching Casablanca." Layla chuckled and kissed him again. She stroked her fingers across his chest.

"I also have my trade secrets. Old school elegance? That sounds so eighties, John. I've long retired the hair sprayed bangs and slinky red dresses with poofy sleeves."

"Ehh…but you still looked so hot! According to Beckman, I'm still stuck in the eighties anyway."

"Yes…I'm sure Reagan would've agreed."

Casey playfully tickled her. "So, what's your answer? Retirement?"

Layla jumped up and stretched. She was slowly having a change of heart.

"I'll let you know. I've had enough chatter to last a long time." She kissed him tenderly. "First, you have to serenade me…you know where to stop." She teased and casually strolled up ahead.

Casey licked his lips and followed after her, dragging the blanket like a lovestruck teenager. She wasn't going anywhere just yet.

"I have a feeling it'll be much sooner than 'ease.' " He rushed to her and kept his arm around her waist.

"Like I said, John…you'll know."

Casey grinned and they trekked up to his car. "That's my girl. I sure will."

The End.