A/N: Ahem…Volkoff…dead. He real dead. This chapter…I might have gotten a tiny bit fluffy…It's me. I did.
Disclaimer: I don't own Chuck
Chuck sat at one of the empty tables in the dining area. He had gotten a piece of pie from the kitchen, but it was mostly uneaten. He'd picked at it a bit, but he was in no mood to eat.
"Chuck Bartowski!" came an exasperated voice behind him. Chuck never turned. "What has that pie ever done to you?"
Chuck shoved the piece of pie over to the seat beside him, as Morgan sat down. Morgan cut into the pie and took a bite. "Mmmmmm," he said, his head rolling around his neck. "This is an Ellie Woodcomb special."
"Yep," Chuck replied, taking a drink of his beverage.
"Okay, buddy, spill," Morgan said. There was silence for a moment. "Oh, so that's the way it is?"
Chuck turned to Morgan, more confused than ever. "That's the way what is?"
"I get a new friend in your girl, and you won't talk to me. Jealous?"
"What? Morgan-"
"She doesn't owe you anything, Chuck," Morgan said pointing the fork at him.
"I know she doesn't," Chuck replied.
"She can talk to who she wants to," Morgan continued.
"Morgan, I am quite aware of that," Chuck said, trying, unsuccessfully, to derail the Morgan train.
"So, in the future, when she and I share a joke, or talk to each other and don't include you, you need to put away the green-eyed monster."
"Morgan, I don't care what you two do," Chuck blurted out. "Sarah is talking to Devon."
Morgan just looked at him.
"Alone."
Morgan continued to stare.
"Devon's a doctor."
"He's not making a play for her," Morgan countered.
"I KNOW THAT!" Chuck shouted, then took a breath to re-center. "Her dad has cancer! Do you remember that?" Morgan's eyes went wide.
"Oh," Morgan replied. And then Morgan's hand shot out and grabbed Chuck's arm. "The doorway," he said in a hushed whisper. Chuck turned, and there stood Sarah, looking upset.
"Go to her, buddy," Chuck said. Morgan took a long look at his friend, then started to rise, but Sarah shook her head no. Chuck pointed to himself, and she nodded. He rose, instead, and walked over to her. Reaching out, he pulled her in, pressing her head against his chest. He felt his shirt grow damp from her tears.
"Sarah," he began softly.
"Will you take me to the hospital?" she asked, in a small voice.
"Gladly," Chuck replied. He kept his arm around her, pulling her close as they walked away.
"Knew I was right about those two," Morgan said out loud, as he took another bite of pie and moaned. "That woman can cook," he said, shaking his head.
}o{
The drive to the hospital was silent, but Sarah had Chuck's hand in hers the whole way. She held on to him like he was a life preserver on a storm-ridden ocean.
"Thanks," she said softly as they got out of the car. Chuck turned to her, and saw something he had never seen on Sarah Walker's face in all the time he had known her: Fear.
"Hey, you've got my back, I've got yours," he said offhandedly, knowing she didn't do feelings well.
"Chuck, this is a little more than that, and you know it," she said in a soft voice. "Thank you."
"Anytime, Sarah, honestly. Anytime."
With that, they started their way into the hospital, and again, her hand found his. The two walked up to Jack's room. Sarah stopped just in front of the door. She took a deep breath, and then looked down at their hands. She looked up at Chuck, gave him an apologetic look, and let go of his hand. He gave her a warm smile, and she nearly melted in front of him.
"Thank you," she said softly. She turned, faced the door, put her hand on it, and pushed it open. She walked in, Chuck behind her, to see her father lying back on a bed, looking comfortable.
"Angel," he said, a smile on his face, that quickly fell when he saw Chuck behind her. "What's the schnook doing here?"
"Good to see you too, Jack," Chuck said pleasantly.
"My friend is here to support me while I see my father who has cancer," Sarah replied, a steely look of determination on her face.
Jack studied her, then glanced at Chuck, and then looked back to Sarah. "Okay then," he said. "How's the job?"
"Going well," Sarah replied.
"I should give you two some privacy," Chuck said. Sarah gave him a small smile of thanks, and Chuck walked out of the room. There was a sitting area near a window a little distance away, and Chuck walked over to it and sat down. The jet lag and lack of sleep caught up with him, and it only seemed a few moments later there was a gentle shake on his arm.
"Hey," Sarah said gently. He opened his eyes, and saw hers. Her face was tear streaked, but she didn't seem as scared as she was previously. "Okay, this is weird, but my dad would like to talk to you… alone."
"Okaaaaay," Chuck replied, shaking his head, trying to clear the sleep fog from his brain. "Any idea what this is about?"
"None," Sarah admitted, a grin on her face. "You don't have to," she began.
"No-no, no, I will, it's just…well…"
"It's weird," Sarah finished for him.
"It is," he agreed, sitting upright, and running a hand through his hair.
"Just give up on that mess," she said, smiling at him.
"You wound me," Chuck replied, standing.
She watched him stand to his full height, grinned and leaned in close. "Want me to kiss it and make it feel better?"
"Desperately," he said quickly, before he could think about it.
She smiled at him. "Can I do it after you talk to my father?" He turned an interesting shade of red, that amused her to no end. "Quit flirting and get in there."
"Yes, ma'am," he said, smiling at her. He got to the door and paused.
"Chuck," she called out. He turned to her, standing where he had left her. "Thank you." He smiled and nodded, and opened the door.
He walked in to find Jack coughing, and looking uncomfortable.
"Have a seat," Jack wheezed.
"Are you okay, do I need to call a doctor? Oh, God… Is this it?" His voice was rising. "Do I need to get Sarah?" He was beyond panicked.
"Calm down, kid!" Jack said, getting his air back. "I was choking on some nuts." Jack held up the package. "A piece went down the wrong pipe."
"Oh," Chuck said, relief filling him. "So, what can I do for you."
"Thank you," he said simply.
"No problem, sir, I just hope this all works out." Jack stared at Chuck and shook his head.
"I should have expected that," Jack muttered. He grinned as he looked at Chuck. "Thank you for this, but more importantly, thank you for showing my daughter there are good men out there."
"You think I'm a good man?" Chuck asked, surprised.
"And if you prove me wrong, I will get up out of this hospital bed and whip your ass," Jack growled. Chuck shrank back. Jack blew out a breath. "I was… am… a lousy father."
"It's never too late to change," Chuck said, and clamped his teeth shut as Jack flashed him a look.
"I know, but I've got a lot on my plate right now," Jack replied. "I've been one thing my whole life. Of the two of us, Angel did more for me than I did for her." Chuck stood there, quietly, realizing this was a man coming clean. He wondered how bad the cancer actually was. "What I'm saying is, I need you to show her what being loved by a good man can do for someone."
"Uh, sir… love?" Chuck began.
"Really, schnook, we're gonna play that game?" Jack asked, amusement on his face.
"Sir, I-I… I… I love your daughter," he finally got out. "I love her."
"I'm aware," Jack said dryly. "And, she's in love with you. I don't know if she's figured that out yet, but she does." Chuck stared at him. "Give her time, she'll figure it out." Chuck stood there quietly, and Jack leaned forward. "Just ask."
"How bad is it?"
There was silence for a moment. "Not too bad, but not too good," Jack answered. "Gonna try a new aggressive form of therapy, and there's a good chance I'm gonna lose all my hair. But it's worth it to see my baby girl happy, and she is. Because of you."
"Sir, you don't know me," Chuck argued.
"I don't, but she does, and that's all I need. Now go, you both have jet lag. I could hear you snoring all the way in here."
"Sorry about that," Chuck began.
"For the love of God, Charlie, quit apologizing." Jack held out his hand, and Chuck shook it. "Be good to her."
"I will," Chuck said, and left the room. Sarah was standing, her arms crossed, staring out the window, at the end of the hallway where he had been earlier. "Sarah," he called. She turned, smiled, and made her way to him.
"You two done?" she asked. He nodded to her. "Let's head home, I could use some sleep. Mind if I drive?"
"Not at all," Chuck said, following her to the car.
}o{
They headed down the hall of Castle, Chuck's mind racing. He hadn't said anything in the car, but he knew what he had to do. They got to his door, and Sarah turned to him. "Stay," he said softly.
Something flashed on her face he didn't quite understand. "Chuck, I know earlier-"
He took her hand, and she cut off what she was saying. She looked at their hands and then back to his eyes.
"Sarah, you've been protecting me for a long time. Tonight, let me protect you. Let me take care of my friend, the way she's been taking care of me."
Whatever was on her face before was gone, melted away. She nodded, and he opened the door to his room and led her inside.
}o{
Sarah woke hearing a muffled argument. She raised her head and glared at the door. "Make 'em stop," she muttered. She felt his large hand pull her against him, and heard him smacking his lips as if waking.
"Shhh," he said, not opening his eyes, making her giggle. She felt him raise his head and look down at her. "Who am I shushing?"
"The jerks outside your room," she said. "WHAT?" she yelled at the door, making Chuck drop back down, his eyes now very wide opened. "I'm sorry," she said, quickly, turning toward him.
"Oh, for the love of God," Casey growled. "What fresh hell is this?"
"You're the one that knocked on our door, Casey," Sarah said, turning back to him. She missed Chuck mouthing the word our, but Carina and Zondra, who were trailing Casey, did not.
"This is our fault," Zondra said, grinning. "We wanted to tell this story all at once."
"Is my Crown Vic okay?" Casey asked, concern on his face.
"It's fine, it's outside," Carina said, and then moved before she could be run over by Casey, hurrying off to check on it. "That guy has a thing for his car." She looked at Chuck and Sarah. "But enough about him, what is up with you two?"
"I had a bad dream and Sarah was here to comfort me," Chuck said, not caring if the two didn't believe him, but wanting Sarah protected emotionally. "Why are you here interrupting my sleep?"
"Guess we better tell him so he can be comforted some more," Zondra quipped. "Tommy is dead, we think killed by Bennett."
"We have no leads," Carina said. "Well, that's not true is it… Jenny?" Sarah buried her face in her hands, as the two women turned and walked out, Chuck glaring at Carina.
}o{
"We don't have to do this," Chuck said, plucking the phone out of Sarah's hand.
"We don't have any other choice," Sarah retorted, plucking it out of his hands. Two heads were going back and forth like watching a tennis match, Mary's in person, and Beckman's on the monitor.
"Enough!" Mary yelled, making Beckman jump, and Sarah and Chuck turn to her. "You two are acting like children."
"I'm team lead," Chuck replied.
"And I'm responsible for your safety," Sarah said, making him turn back to her.
"What does Mark Ratner or Heather Chandler have to do with my safety?" Chuck asked.
"Until we get Bennett and Amy, you're going to poison yourself with self-doubt," Sarah said. "You need to move on, Chuck, and until we catch them, you can't."
"Not at the cost of hurting you," he said softly, ducking his head. A soft smile appeared on her face, and she cupped his cheek with her hand, slowly turning his head to lock eyes with him. "Sarah, I can't."
"I will be fine, as long as my husband is there beside me," Sarah said.
"Sarah-" he tried to begin.
"Chuck, just be there for me, and I can do this with no problems. He gave a reluctant nod, and she held up the phone, pressing Dial. "Hi, Heather… Sarah Walker. How are you?"
}o{
Chuck was silent on the car ride to the dinner Sarah had arranged. "You okay?" she asked.
"Fine," Chuck replied, without not really feeling it. He didn't like this at all. Sarah was about to have to have dinner with her high school nemesis, and he knew how much that could hurt more than anyone.
"Kinda sweet, you over there sulking because I wouldn't let you take a bullet for me, so to speak," Sarah said with an amused smile. Chuck looked a little abashed, and she changed the subject. "So, remember; Carina, Casey, and Zondra will be at the restaurant in disguises, in case anything goes wrong."
"Exactly what could go wrong at a restaurant?" Chuck asked. "I mean, getting a piece of shellfish caught in your throat, sure, but with Mark and Heather?"
"No idea, but we'd rather be safe than sorry," Sarah informed him. "Now, I need you to get in a better mood, Mr. Walker."
"Mr. Walker is always in a good mood, because he's married to Sarah Walker," Chuck said, a slight grin crossing his face.
"Dork," Sarah said, grinning at him.
"Uh, it's nerd, Mrs. Walker. I would think you would know that better than anyone."
"Does this have something to do with that Space Wars movie?" she asked, trying her best to look innocent. Chuck laughed at her. "There he is," she said softly. "Chuck, just be with me during this, I'll get through it."
"You shouldn't have to," he argued.
"Maybe I want to, for you, for your dad, for Morgan, for Bryce, for your whole team," Sarah said. "Maybe I want to be a part of something bigger."
Chuck reached over, took her hand, and squeezed it. "You already are."
}o{
Chuck looked over at Ratner, who was sweating, again. "You okay, Mark?" Chuck asked.
"Oh, he's fine, Chuck," Heather replied, squeezing her husband's hand. "It's been very stressful at work for him, and it's been hard on him. However, things are about to get a lot better." Chuck didn't like her tone, her manner; something was wrong.
Sarah's hand covered his under the table. The squeeze she gave him told him she was thinking the same thing.
"Oh?" Chuck asked, trying to appear interested. "What is about… to…" Chuck trailed off, as a man walked up to the table.
"Chuck," Bennett said, smiling at him. "How's Bryce?"
Chuck felt Sarah's hand on his leg keeping pressure on it, so he wouldn't stand up. "He's going to live, no thanks to you," Chuck replied.
Bennett looked up toward the kitchen, smiled, and started toward the door. Chuck and Sarah watched Casey power walk past them, eyes locked on Bennett.
"Don't move," Heather said. "There's a gun pointed at you under the table."
"I'm so sorry," Mark said, nearly crying.
"Will you shut up, you sniveling wimp?" she said, turning toward Mark. Sarah's hand flicked out, grabbed her butter knife, and the next thing Chuck knew, the blunt end hit Heather right between the eyes. She fell face forward into her soup.
"Wow," Chuck breathed.
"They got him," Carina said as she walked up, saving Heather from drowning in her chowder. Zondra grabbed Mark by the collar. "They took Casey."
"That was their plan," Sarah said, turning to Chuck. She turned back to Heather, as Carina cuffed the unconscious woman's wrists. "Don't worry, I'll find out what she knows."
"Sarah," Chuck began.
"Don't worry, Chuck. I'm going to enjoy this."
"That's what I'm worried about," Chuck replied.
A/N: Oh. Boy.