So here we are. I didn't think that I could ever get it done. Allow me to take a step back and heave a sigh of relief :)

I started 'BM' in early August, 2010, and it took me about two years to get it finished (would have ended a lot earlier if it weren't for a pesky cousin who's still not allowed anywhere near my account anymore). A pretty long time for a measly fourteen chapter story but in that time, I've met so many wonderful people, received so much support, and of course, there were criticisms as well; most are well-meaning, very constructive and helpful.

Honestly there were countless times when I decided to drop it because sometimes it gets too hard to find the time or the motivation to write. But then, it could be a word of wisdom from a reviewer, or a gentle push of encouragement from the PMs I've received that got me back on track again. Or when I looked at the different countries that my readers come from; places I've never been to such as, Brazil, Russia, Turkey, Germany, etc. I mean just looking at the traffic stats makes me wonder that somewhere out there, someone is reading a story that I wrote. That I've maybe touched them in some ways. And it makes me think; do they hate it? Do they like it? Which chapter is their favourite? Which scenes made them cringe? Or which line was memorable for them? These are the kind of things that spurred me on and got me to finish the story. It's kinda silly but I guess different people work in different ways :)

So thank you. Each and every one of you who've left wonderful feedbacks for any of the chapters such as, (sorry, these are the names I can recalled off the top of my head because some were pretty recent and others just left a huge impression on me) JML, Arya's prayer, Pinkpowderpuff, Chuckreader, Lancemanion, NickyR, Uplink, Lolitts, Dana, Evangelion, 80montana, Jaytoyz, Sporkmunster Jinxed, Sillyrabbit, Angus, Mobicobult, Michael, njdevil, Phyxgrl, Tynianrex ,(don't ask me why but this particular name always stood out for me) and so many others who have made their voices heard(regardless whether you liked it or hated it). I sincerely thank you. And to anyone I've offended with the presence of this story, I apologize. It was never my intention to do so.

Lastly, but most importantly, to two of my most favourite people who have stood by me from the beginning till the end; my sweet, Chazzie, and my wonderful friend, nikt, both of you are the rock in my Chuck fandom world. Love ya lots.

And here's the last chapter of Beautiful Mess (which is strictly a Charina chapter).

Disclaimer: Un-bloody-believable. I finish this story and they still say I can't have Chuck. Fine, Chuck will never be mine but none can lay any claim on Julian. He's strictly mine ;)

Eight months, two weeks and thirteen days

That was how long it took all of them to get here. To get to the finish line.

After a long and patient game of identifying all the major players that supplied arms as well as funds to the organisation, the C.I.A. and N.S.A. have simultaneously cut off the limbs of the Ring and forced them to a corner, bringing all their leaders to meet in one supposed secret location. As is always the case when people are desperate, they are often prone to recklessness and mistakes. Their location revealed, the team thus embarked on their one final task, easily capturing those who had masterminded the countless acts of crime.

The Ring, was no more.

Bruised, exhausted but ultimately overwhelmed; not with a sense of triumph but of relief, the team was given some time off before they were handed their next individual assignments. When Chuck received his package, he had gone straight to his room, stared at it, lost in his thoughts.

It was another adventure to places unknown. Probably another continent. Most likely a hazardous mission. If he were lucky, it'd be a short uneventful one. And if not…

Then again, he didn't think it mattered any longer to him where he will go. It just mattered to him who he will be with. Chuck didn't think he could go through it alone again.

So the package had been put aside on his desk – unopened still; intending to wait it out till the rest of the team had a chance to look at theirs.

Chuck had wondered where her destination would be. Or if she had already accepted her mission. Would he stop her from leaving this time? Would he allow another one to walk away?

He had stared up at the ceiling, listening for movements above, aware that Casey and Sarah were preparing to leave on their separate missions. Goodbyes were never easy. Not to him. It had hurt saying his farewell to Casey again. And the subdued send-off he gave to Sarah lingered long even as he made his drive to the beach.

As he took his special spot on the soft sand, Chuck gazed out into the vast open sea, imagining how the parting between the two best friends would be. Would it be bittersweet? Tearful? Did their friendship get stronger at the end of it all? Or had he created a crack in the bond that was forged between the two long-time friends? A crack that they'd masterfully hidden from him.

Because it would help explain a lot. Why Carina had been uncomfortable around him since the night they'd spent together. It felt to him like she was pulling away again. And it had hurt more this time. Then, he knew where she was coming from. What he needed to do to. But now, he was at a lost.

He pulled out his cell phone and browsed through the photos in the gallery, stopping at a particular one. Sighing, he allowed himself a tiny smile as he zoomed on the smiling faces from the photo; a photo of Carina and himself, taken while they were at a night market in Thailand. It was a night when his still healing heart first became aware of another important presence starting to occupy it.

How far they have come. And how much further he still has to go? he thought, as he pulled his knees up and hugged them to his chest.

And just like that night on Phuket's beach so many moons ago, Chuck heard her light footfalls approaching. But unlike the sentiment that accompanied him that day, he wasn't feeling all that confident. Not even anticipating her company. On the contrary, he was gripped with a sudden bout of anxiety. He didn't know what to expect. Didn't know what she'd do. What she'd decided to do about her future.

But mostly, he was anxious to know if that future of hers would include him.

"What is it with you and beaches," he heard her mutter as she eased herself down next to him.

He took a while to respond; feeling the weight of her curious gaze on him when he didn't turn to look at her. When he did speak, it came out almost hesitantly, as he chose his words carefully. "Have they left?"

Chuck felt her eyes narrowing at him this time. "They have."

"Good," he stated simply. Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw her fold her arms. Not a good sign. Taking a deep breath and exhaling it shakily, he slowly faced her but she had turned her head away from him, staring off into the distance, pouting slightly.

He scooted closer, mentally kicking himself. "Have you received your package?"

"Oh, you're talking to me now? And here I thought I've grown a third head."

A small smile crept its way to his lips despite himself. His hand reached out to push her hair behind her back and let it stay there.

"I'm sorry," he said. "I was worrying about something." He paused. "About us."

She looked at him with a questioning gaze.

He couldn't hold it in much longer. He needed to know. Taking a deep breath, he blurted out, "Are you going to break up with me?"

Slightly taken aback by the question, realization quickly settled across her feature, erasing the confusion from her eyes. She couldn't blame him for feeling the way he did. Not after the way she'd acted after that night. Even away from the presence of Sarah and Casey, she had been uncomfortable displaying any sort of affection around him. With all the mixed signals she'd thrown at him, it was a wonder he hadn't given up trying. That he hadn't walked away.

He was still here. Right beside her.

Hooking her finger around his shirt collar, she pulled it slowly towards her, bringing him closer. All the years she'd spent avoiding any emotional entanglement, had come undone with the appearance of this nerd in her life. So many battles she'd won without fear, so many physical scars she'd received, but it was the scar to her heart that had frightened her the most. It was a battle she'd fought so hard against. And so she'd run. Had kept running. And she would have continued running if she hadn't had a moment of clarity. That more than the fear of opening her heart to him, she was more afraid of losing him.

There was nothing to stop her now.

Tilting her head up, she pressed her lips softly against his, feeling his surprise at the kiss.

"Does that answer your question?" she said as she broke away from the kiss, her hand still on his cheek.

The tension immediately dissipated. Licking his lower lips in response as he blinked away the haziness in his eyes, he began staring at her lips. And then lifting his eyes to meet her gaze, he eked out slowly, "I don't know." He covered her hand with his, the barest hint of amusement playing on his lips. "You weren't really clear with your answer just then. I think you have to do it again."

Biting her lips to stop herself from chuckling, she shot him a sultry gaze. "Is that right?"

"Mmhmm," he nodded enthusiastically.

Wrapping her arms around his neck, she moved in, so agonizingly slow, breathing against his lips, as his heart swelled with hope and just as he parted his lips, she pulled back, and flicked his forehead laughingly.

"Firstly," he rubbed at his forehead, "that hurts. But most importantly," he sighed with a smile, "I missed that."

"But what's all that talk about breaking up? I didn't think we were in a relationship in the first place. Did you change your mind or was that all a lie?" she raised an eyebrow at him.

"Oh crap," he feigned a cringe. "Busted."

"What!"

"I mean I'm not a smooth talker. I can't win a girl with my knowledge on computers." He hung his head in shame but slowly peeked cheekily at her. Until she reached out to twist his ear.

"Aack," he squeaked, grabbing his ear.

"You big jerk. Tricking me into sleeping with you?" she tried to maintain a stern demeanour although she couldn't quite keep the smirk from appearing. And when he pulled his best puppy dog look, complete with a soft whining, she finally started laughing.

When her laughter eventually ceased, his expression turned serious. "I meant it, you know? Every word. We can take it slow. However slow you want it to be." Brushing his knuckles across her cheekbone, he added, "I'll wait."

"Waiting is cruel, Chuck."

"Not if there's hope."

She searched his eyes; searching for the truth in them. Carina didn't need to search long. Her gaze softening, she interlaced her fingers in his. "Let's take a break. Let's go to Paris. Or wherever. Just the two of us."

The smile bloomed on his lips. She couldn't have given him a more perfect answer.

Having informed the Directors about their plan for an extended break, Chuck and Carina went out on their a dinner date. Satiated, and buzzing with excitement, they'd gone home in high spirits and intended to spend a quiet evening together. Their evening together in a very long time. They relaxed on the couch, propping their feet up on the coffee table of their living room. The television was on, playing a movie that Chuck had popped in the player, but they were hardly paying it any attention as they revel in each other's warmth. Closing her eyes with a sigh when Chuck pressed a kiss on her temple, she shifted slightly, leaning in more against him, her back to his chest. She could live like this. Could get used to being held in his embrace.

And as if in sync with her thoughts, Chuck wrapped his arms tighter across her waist. Inclining her head up, she kissed him on his cheek before Chuck swooped down to capture her lips.

A little breathless as they broke apart, she rested her forehead against his, and cupped his cheek with her hand.

"This nerd sure knows how to kiss," she muttered.

He chuckled lightly at her comment, giving her a peck on her lips. "See? Regretting it aren't you? You should have accepted me a lot sooner, you know."

"Where's the fun in that? Shouldn't you work hard to have someone like me?"

Cocking his head to the side, he grinned, "True but since you were already interested in me long before we even landed in Burbank, I don't see why you should prolong the inevitable."

"Confident much? Don't flatter yourself, nerd boy. I never said I was interested, alright. I was a picture of a true professional in D.C. Strictly. Business."

"Riiiight. Because you've never flirted with me back then. You didn't try to kiss me under the pretext of a mission. Or that you didn't pinch my butt. Or get jealous when the brunette analysts talked to me. And you most certainly never checked me out whenever I stepped out of the shower. Yeah," Chuck paused, stealing another quick kiss, "you were very, very, professional."

"You. Big. Liar," she exclaimed in mock indignation. "I disagree with everything you've accused me of. I've never flirted with you. Shame on you for interpreting my friendliness as an overture. The kiss was a necessity because we would have been found otherwise. In fact you were the one who took advantage of the situation by copping a feel. I swear I felt your hands on my impressive derriere," she quickly clamped her hand over his mouth when he started to protest. "So that butt pinching was definitely payback for that and for getting me all wet in the rain. And I definitely don't know what you are talking about regarding the jealousy. I don't care who you talked to. Never have. You were the one who went all green-eyed with Mr Ken doll, Mr Rookie, Mr Body… well all those men who took an interest in me. Lastly, you have a nice body," she turned her face away, folding her arms. "It's natural to look."

"You always have to win, don't you?" he laughed good-naturedly, hugging her across her chest. "Fine, you're right. You always are."

"Of course I am. And for future reference, I'm always right. The women always are," she smirked.

"Future? So I'm included in that future of yours?"

She didn't respond immediately, her smile slowly waning. Resting her head against his cheek, she stroked the arms that enveloped her. "Don't you want to be?" she said, her voice quiet.

Stunned more by the vulnerability in her voice rather than her question, Chuck was rendered speechless momentarily. More than once she heard Chuck drawing his breath as if to speak but the silence still stretched. Mistaking his silence for hesitation, Carina laughed awkwardly, extracting herself from his embrace with the excuse of getting herself a glass of water. Her movement however was stopped by Chuck's hand around her wrist.

"Carina," he started, his voice soft and imploring. He watched fresh doubt rising again in her eyes; her emotions torn between wanting to flee and staying. Preservation of the heart. Chuck knew it all too well.

Chuck pulled her gently on to his laps, and when she looked at him, he said, "You are the most strong-willed woman I've ever met. You fear no one. You don't care what anyone thinks of you. You always say what you want, do what you want. And you always say that you're okay, even when you're not. But you know what?" he took her hands in his. "You don't have to be strong all the time. You don't have to be alright every time. You have me now," he gazed at her, letting the words sink in. "You can say how you really feel. Because no matter what you've said, what you will say; no matter how many times you've pushed me away… I'm still here. I'll always be here. I'm not going anywhere, Carina. I've crossed that bridge and I'm not looking back. The past stays only in my memories. You never have to wonder about that. Never have to doubt." Drawing her closer to him, he slid a strand of hair behind her ear, meeting her eyes with an steadfast gaze, he whispered, "Trust me, I'm all yours. Now. And always."

She sat transfixed; the honesty and intimacy of the confession unexpected. Words eluded her for several seconds. She couldn't speak. All she heard was his voice in her head. And all she could see was his warm eyes gazing back at her. Open. Trusting. Understanding. Holding back the tears that threatened to spill, the only thing she could do was cupped her hands over the back of his neck as she swallowed the lump in her throat. "Corny," she said with a cracking voice. "As always."

"I am aren't I?" he said with a soft smile. "I'm lucky I'm cute. Or I wouldn't stand a chance with you."

"That you are," she breathed, brushing away the tears at the edge of her eye before it fell. She fought for the strength to keep her voice steady. Fought the urge to escape with another deflection. Instead she inhaled a shaky breath and spoke, "And for taking so long to get here. For pushing you away all these time… I'm sorry."

A moment passed between them. They had come so far. Denied what they wanted for far too long. Yet the outcome was always going to be the same. Love is not something one can easily hide.

She remembered a quote by Ralph Waldo Emmerson, saying that 'life is a journey, not a destination'. But it was not so much a journey as it was a path of discovery for her these last few years. To discover herself. To discover that she has needs, and wants, just like everyone else. That it was okay to let her guard down once in a while. It was okay to lean on someone sometimes. And that when one door closes, another door will open if one is brave enough to push it. To see what's on the other side.

She had never intended to look. But he came without warning. And she never wanted to feel. Yet, he'd stubbornly latched himself onto her heart. She didn't know when it happened but she was already in the middle when she realized it had begun. That her armour was slowly cracking. Now, it was too late. She was never letting go. Never again.

"Wait. Did you just apologize?" he teased, to lighten the mood, earning him a light smack on his arm. "You did, didn't you?"

"I don't know," she wiped away a trickle of tear as she chuckled. "Did I?"

"What about all that talk about you always being right?"

"Starting now. From now on, I'm always right."

Chuck didn't think that Carina could get more adorable, but here she was being utterly endearing, with that slight pout of hers; he had to stop himself from the sudden urge to hug her tight. "I'll agree to that, but there's one thing you should know. One thing you should do for me first." He appeared so solemn. So serious suddenly that it struck a new fear in her heart.

"It's really important that you do this," he sighed gravely.

She steeled herself and started nodding but Carina's eyes began to narrow when she noticed the barely suppressed grin threatening to make an appearance on his features. "You're going to say," he leaned in close, his warm breath on her lips, "that Chuck Bartowski… is the most awesome boyfriend in the whole wide world." He collapsed in fits of laughter watching her mouth gape open, and then began half laughing and crying out in protest when she began attacking his sides, poking his ribs with her fingers before squeezing his cheeks together with her palms.

"You are such as ass," she growled, wrapping her hands around his neck in a mock strangle.

"Okay, okay," he cried in defeat. "White flag. I'm raising my white flag. Arrgh!" he continued struggling. "I'm gonna tell on you. Ellie, help!" And that was when Carina broke out in peals of laughter and in that moment, Chuck immediately flipped her onto her back and pinned her down on the couch. He looked down, with his forearms on either side of her, his eyes slowly darkening with desire.

"Is this the best you can come up with," she whispered, her breathing becoming heavier. "I could easily-"

Her words were cut off by his mouth touching hers, just a whisper of a kiss before he drew back.

"Not fair," she muttered. When she moved to speak again, the words died on her lips when he kissed her once more. Longer this time as her eyes fluttered close. And when he pulled away for the second time, Carina was having none of it. Reaching up to grab his collar, she said, "Bartowski, either you kiss me properly or I swear to-'

Chuck crashed his lips to hers, tugging her bottom lip, then her top lip, eventually teasing his tongue to the soft, pink flesh. Parting her lips with a sigh, the sound tingled all over his skin, an invitation to explore her mouth. Slipping his tongue into her, they tasted each other deeply, enjoying the sweet and hot tussle as they continued to make every moment last. Wanting to feel every moment of it thoroughly. As his hands started to roam across her body, she broke the kiss, pushing him back gently. Slipping away from him, she sat up and pretended to ignore a very dazed, and a very confused, Chuck.

"Ah well," she shook her head in mock regret, putting some distance between them on the couch. "Too bad we're taking it slow," she made a show of examining her nails, while maintaining an airy attitude as she watched Chuck struggle to speak. "Aren't we, Chuck?" she smiled demurely, noticing his flushed cheeks. Payback's a bitch, she thought, choking back her laughter.

Humming in contentment, she stared straight ahead, acting as if she was absorbed with the scenes playing on the television screen. "What a great movie," she mused. "The heroine is such a tease. Don't you think," she turned to look at him, her face a picture of innocence, "honey?"

She let out a tiny yelp when Chuck suddenly moved to grab her, lifting her up in his arms.

"Where do you think you're taking me?" she said as he carried her away from the couch, heading towards her room.

"To your room."

"I thought we're taking it slow?"

"We are. I'm just carrying my girlfriend to bed."

"Says who?"

"Says your boyfriend."

"Nuh, uh. I don't think so. Told you I don't do relationship."

"So what am I if not your boyfriend?"

"Umm… my boy toy?" she teased.

He gasped. "That's preposterous! I'm not someone who can easily be bought." Then he shrugged, "Although if you buy me that 'Totoro' figurine that I showed to you on the net yesterday, I might consider it."

"I'll buy you the whole set."

"Okay, it's a deal," he said quickly.

"Figured you come cheap."

Nodding solemnly, he agreed, "So cheap. Kinda sad, actually."

Both stared at each other for a second and burst out in chuckles. Easing her gently onto the bed, Chuck wrapped his arms around her protectively as she laid her head on his chest. They didn't feel the need to speak; merely enjoying the feel of each other's warm embrace.

Exhaling softly, Carina was the first to break the silence. "I don't want to like you too much."

"I think it's too late." He held her even tighter, trying to close as much space between them. "I think you already have."

A beat. "When did you start becoming so smart?"

His lips curved in a gentle smile. "I've always been smart. Isn't that the reason why you like me so much? That and my good looks?"

Propping herself up with her elbow, she leaned in towards him, whispering in his ears, before lying back down as she waited for his reaction.

Startled at first, the gravity of what she'd told him, what it meant for her to be sharing a piece of herself with him finally caused him to beam down at her; his eyes brimming with joy and gratitude.

"It's a beautiful name. Should I call you that from now on?"

She thought about it, and then shook her head. "No. I love the name Carina."

His expression softened, gazing at her for a long, wordless moment. Then with a tender smile, Chuck whispered, "I love Carina too."

She lay there, stunned, not breathing. Her world suddenly ceased to spin. Searching her heart for the fear she was certain his words would bring, waiting for the surging panic to rear its unwanted head, she was pleasantly surprised to realize; there were none.

When she finally drew a breath, Carina planted a long, slow kiss on his lips. A kiss full of meaning. Filled with promise. She said nothing. But her kiss and her smile implied everything. In the moment's silence that they shared gazing at one another, a moment that seemed to stretch for an eternity, they knew that life was forever changed.

The past was now well and truly behind them. Forever gone.

A new chapter was about to begin.

minirix's final note (since it's the last chapter and all)

my fav chapter: forever and always the first chapter. (it's my first, what can I say)

fav scene: it's a tie between the hershey kiss, and the Casey and Carina scene

chapters I could do without: 10 and 11. Reading them again, I was kinda disappointed with how the chapters turned out.

scene that had me torn (something that I don't have the heart to revisit again): Chuck's and Sarah's pizza scene. Hurts me to write it. Hurts me to read it.

So what are yours? Care to share? :)

And on that note, for the last time, thanks for reading. It's a wrap (always wanted to say that).