A/N: I know some people are upset or angered by my current story Chuck Vs The Brunette, well this story, a one-shot was written as my penance if you like. The entire story is written from Sarah's POV. I can't see it ever being anything more than a one-shot, not enough material and have several other ideas for longer stories

While this was planned as a one shot, the story got a bit long and thought it would be easier if I split it. I will post the final chapter tomorrow of similar size. That way it will stay closer to the top of searches for longer. :-)

For those of you that want to whinge about OOC or non-canon references in this story don't bother.

I don't own Chuck

Sarah had just finished a meeting with another asset, "No new information to report," he said. Then having to take him out to dinner, supposedly to keep him calm and once again go over what the agency needed from him. She also explained how he could get that information and how important that information was.

The sleaze was getting paid for his assistance, why did she have to put up with his innuendo and barely concealed lust for her. Why does she always have to get the sleazeballs? Graham had told her previously it was because she was so good getting them to provide the intelligence, and therefore she would always be the go-to agent.

But not only is she supposed to take it, she is also supposed to pretend she likes it, and give the sleaze hope that one day something will happen between them. But until he manages to get the information they need, nothing may happen.

Usually it hurts to string someone along and give them false hope, a chance with her, but with this guy the smiles she gave were because she looked forward to the day when she could burn him. She knew that he wasn't doing any of this simply because it was the right thing to do, it would be a happy day when she could finally tell him how she felt about him.

Daniel Shaw was the world's biggest tosser, Sarah dreamed of giving him a swift kick between the legs, or maybe using her knife to amputate his useless appendage.

But her thoughts returned from the dark place when she realized that she had reached her destination, a bar in fact, it could have been any bar. She hoped to be able to have a few quick drinks to forget about her meeting and dinner. May be some guy will hit on her and she can be honest and tell him how much he disgusts her.

'Well something to look forward to I guess.'

She walked in the door and found more people than she had expected. She just wanted to sit at the bar; she noticed a back exit, and a couple of spare stools close by so she went to take one. As she was approaching she could feel eyes following her, she had the choice of two stools side by side, but one was next to a guy that turned around and gave her a skin crawling smile and the other next to a man that seemed to be keeping to himself, he was wearing jeans and a casual shirt. She walked up to that man and asked quietly so he could just hear her over the din.

"This seat taken?" Asked Sarah.

He turned around and faced her.

"No, go right ahead," he said looking into her eyes, his eyes didn't leave hers for several seconds, and didn't waver until he turned back around and palmed his glass.

He had such kind and honest eyes, Sarah was a little thrown. The fact that he didn't talk to her chest even though he had to look up to see her face, was not lost on her either.

The bar tender came up to her.

"So what'll it be?" he asked.
"Something strong, surprise me," she responded.

He brought something back and she took a sip of it and winced.

"You said strong,"responded the bar tender.

"No, it's just what I needed," she responded.

After several more minutes of taking occasional sips of her potent concoction she found herself disappointed that the man next to her didn't at least try to say something. She told herself that it was so she could just turn him down, but she soon realized that wasn't the case at all, his eyes intrigued her and she wanted to see them again. They were chocolate brown and seemed to lead all the way to his soul.

Soul, that is a concept that Sarah hadn't thought about in a very long time. Not since before her Red Test, she had lost hers then and hadn't acknowledged their existence since then. But those eyes.

Before she knew it she had finished her first drink, and the bar tender was back.

"You want another?" he asked.

"Keep 'm coming," she responded.

After a beat.

"Tough day?" she heard.

She looked up expecting the bar tender to be back, but it had come from the man with the soulful eyes.

She looked at him and back into his eyes.

"More like tough decade," she responded.

'Ouch, where did that come from,' she quickly thought.

"I'm sure things will get better," he said.

"Sorry, yeah bad day," added Sarah.

He just nodded thoughtfully.

She was waiting for him to push for more, but it never came, and the lack of further conversation frustrated her.

"I guess it's just that I have to deal with people I don't like much," said Sarah.

"Oh, office politics?" he responded.

"Not really, I am an external auditor and need to get certain information from people, and even though they are paid to give you that information, they still act like they are doing you a favor, and therefore expect one in return," said Sarah sadly.

'Interesting metaphor,' she thought.

"Sounds like you need to find a new job," he responded.

"Doing it too long, only thing I know how to do," said Sarah.

"If you have been doing it for about ten years, maybe it's time for a change, besides it's never too late to learn new things, and you don't look like someone that would find it difficult to pick something new up anyway," he said.

"How do you know I have been doing it for ten years?" she asked concerned

"Oh sorry, just assumed with your comment about decade," said Chuck apologizing.

She just smiled and realized that it was the first honest smile she had worn in a very long time.

"No it's ok, I was hoping I only said that in my head," said Sarah.

The chuckle she heard from him was heart lifting.

"So what brings you here? Tough day too?" asked Sarah.

"Busy day more than anything, just needed to unwind," he responded.

She looked back down at his clothes, busy day but he looks like he is dressed more for going out than work.

"What was keeping you busy then, what kind of work do you do?" she asked.

"Oh um… I dabble in music a bit, got a band and we play a little, but I kind of work doing sound mixing and stuff at a local recording studio," he answered nervously.

Sarah could see that he said that with some trepidation, probably feels like he hasn't gotten anywhere in life. But compared with her, he is probably doing something he loves.

"I'm Sarah by the way," she said.

He smiled and answered in return.

"Chuck."

'Chuck? Interesting,' thought Sarah.

He seemingly noticed her expression when he responded.

"Yeah I know, my parents were sadists," he responded.

She found herself giving him another honest smile.

"I guess you really like music then, huh?" she asked.

"Yeah pretty much," he responded.

"You have like groupies or something?" she asked.

"What? Don't think anyone would be desperate enough to follow us like that," said Chuck smiling.

The self-deprecating humor was different to what she was used to, agents were always so confident in their own abilities, while assets are too busy talking up their value for more money, or 'favors' the thought made her skin crawl.

"I think I would like to see you play," said Sarah.

"Ah no you wouldn't, we mostly just play at dives and places like that, in fact I am surprised they don't charge us for the privilege of playing there," said Chuck shaking his head.

'Ok, how can I respond to that?' Thought Sarah.

"So you must meet some interesting people, working at the studio?" asked Sarah.

"A few I guess, what music do you like?" asked Chuck.

"Don't really listen to much music, not that I don't like music, it's just not something that I have had much time for in my life," says Sarah.

After a beat

"You must think I'm strange," said Sarah.

"No it's kind of refreshing, you are like a blank slate, not yet corrupted, ready to be influenced," Chuck said laughing.

"Oh so you want to influence my music tastes then," asked Sarah smiling.

"Well that amongst other things," said Chuck with a sparkle in his eye.

"So tell me what interesting people you have met?" asked Sarah.

"Even if I mentioned them, you wouldn't know whom I was talking about," said Chuck smiling.

"No probably not," said Sarah thoughtfully.

They continued the easy banter through several more drinks, up until they were told closing time was approaching. Sarah couldn't believe how much fun she was having, just talking with Chuck. He was like a breath of fresh air in her life.

When it was time to leave, she didn't want the night to end, but didn't know quite what to say.

"Well Sarah it was great to meet you, and don't let the animals get you down, remember you are only visiting and you can leave the zoo at anytime," said Chuck.

"You are a funny guy Chuck," she said with an honesty that scared her a little.

"Thanks and you are a beautiful, intelligent and thoughtful woman, have a nice life," responded Chuck.

It was only ten minutes after she had left the bar, she felt the loss. The conversations with Chuck had uplifted her and brought some enjoyment back to her otherwise emotionless life. That happiness existed for a short time after she had left, but when she thought of something she wanted to tell him, something that he might think was funny, she realized that she will probably never see him again.

That night, when she was back at her plain non-descript apartment she felt lonely, really lonely for the first time in her life, she felt that she wanted to connect with someone so badly that it hurt.

That night Sarah struggled to get to sleep, whenever she closed her eyes she saw his face with those eyes. It made her more uncomfortable, how could a man, just a normal man make her feel so…

'I am not even going to put a name on these feelings, once I have done that then there is no turning back,' thought Sarah.

When Sarah finally got to sleep, her dreams were invaded by the man, the man that just would not leave her thoughts.

The following morning Sarah did not want to get out of bed, she had nothing to do except fill out her reports for yesterday's meeting with Shaw. The amount of alcohol she consumed last night, and thoughts of remembering the meeting and dinner with Shaw nearly made her sick.

She finally got out of bed when Graham called her, asking for her late report on yesterday's contact with Shaw.

"Agent Walker, do I need to remind you the importance of the information that the asset can provide. I understand he is rather taken with you, and if are unable to motivate him with conventional means you might need to use alternative methods. Do I make myself clear?" said Graham.

"Yes sir," said Sarah.

"Sometimes the promise of a meal isn't enough if he hasn't had a taste of what will be on offer," said Graham.

The thoughts turned Sarah's stomach and this time there was no hope keeping it down as she ran to the bathroom and heaved into the basin.

When she had come back to the call Graham was concerned.

"Agent Walker are you ok?" he asked.

"I will be sir, I think it was just something I ate last night," said Sarah.

"Well make sure of it, we can't have a weak stomach threatening this mission," said Graham, and disconnected the call.

'Brilliant,' thought Sarah.

Sarah started racking her brain for ways to get Shaw to be more receptive to giving them the information, without having to become intimate, the first thought was threatening him with sexual mutilation. That brought a smile to her face, but if that didn't work it would blow it completely.

In the age old carrot or stick metaphor maybe she could use the stick, but he would probably think Sarah was just being adventurous, the very thought of Sarah punishing him and it arousing him, sickened her even more.

She found herself thinking of Chuck, the thought calmed her down until she wondered what Chuck would think of her, if he knew what she really did.

—-#############—-

That night Sarah spent the evening ensuring Shaw knew what was waiting for him, after he had gotten the information she had asked him for. She was glad she didn't have to go too far, but how far she went was more than any woman would have ever chosen to go with such a sleaze. She had to contend with his tongue down her throat, she had since used the strongest mouth wash she could find. She now wasn't sure if the taste in her mouth was either imagined or real and from Shaw or the mouth wash, but what she did know is she needed a drink.

If she was honest with herself she knew that coming to the same bar as last night was not because she needed a drink, it was for an entirely different reason. When she walked into the bar and realized that Chuck was not there she was disappointed, but she still went down to sit on the stool she used the night before.

She sat down , and the bar tender came up to her.

"Same as last night?" he asked.

"Yes, you remember me?" asked Sarah.

"Of course, you were with Chuck," he responded.

He went away to make her drink, then came back after he had finished.

"So you know Chuck?" she asked.

"Nah, just as much as anyone does, doubt he will be in tonight though," he responded.

"Oh why?" asked Sarah.

"Usually only comes in once a week, if it all," he said.

He went back to serve other patrons.

Sarah found herself lamenting missed opportunities, she didn't even know his full name only Chuck, Chuck was probably short for Charles or Charlie. But she would never get to see those eyes again, that smile. She knew she should have done something last night to keep the night going. Yes she was an agent and a relationship with a civilian is unlikely to ever work. But last night was the first time she actually felt like a person in years.

Sarah became concisously aware that her foot was moving to the beat of the song currently playing at the bar. She sat and listened to the words, it had a good beat and the words were describing how she felt at the moment, it was about lost love.

It was funny the words were hitting her so strongly, as she had only just met Chuck, and the song was about a lost love, not a missed opportunity. Sarah then thought that she would love to tell Chuck that she liked this song, then realized that would never happen.

Maybe she could check out all the recording studios around the area, one of them might know who Chuck is? Sarah found herself going over other things Chuck had told her about himself, and if she could use it to help identify him.

She could keep coming back to the bar and see if he comes back, the bar tender did say once a week, so maybe it will take a week or two, maybe she could ask the bar tender to call her if he came back?

'Oh god, I am becoming a stalker,' she thought.

If it was for the agency she could understand it, but this was personal.

She put her head into her hands.

She could feel a presence behind her and was about to turn around and give them the 'whatfor' and to leave her alone as she didn't want to be annoyed, but before she could start she heard his voice.

"Another bad day?"

"Chuck?" she yelled.

"Hey, you remembered. Wasn't sure you would remember that much about last night, considering what you were drinking. I see you have developed a taste for it though," he said nodding towards the nearly empty glass.

"I could never forget you," she said shyly.

He sat down next to her.

"I didn't think you were coming tonight," she said

"Oh, why did you think that?" he asked.

"The bar tender said you don't come in twice in one week," said Sarah cautiously.

She saw some disappointment in his eyes.

"Oh what did he say?" asked Chuck.

"He remembered me from last night and that you wouldn't be in, that you only come in once a week or something," said Sarah

"Did he say anything else?" asked Chuck.

"Not really, I asked him if he knew you, he just said something strange like 'no, just as much as anybody'" said Sarah.

After a beat

"I thought he might have been stalking you, but apparently not," Sarah said laughing.

"Why? Why would he?" asked Chuck.

"Oh, no reason. Um ok, I got to come clean," said Sarah.

She noticed Chuck visibly deflate.

"I came here tonight hoping to see you, and when I was told that you wouldn't be here I kind of started thinking about the recording studios around here and how I could find you. I didn't know anything more about you, I know stalkerish. That was probably why I joked about the bar tender," said Sarah ashamed.

"Is that what you have to come clean about?" asked Chuck.

"Yeah, I really had fun last night and after the day I had, it was pretty amazing. I guess I was sad I wouldn't see you again," said Sarah shly.

What was wrong with her, why was she behaving like a school girl, she has seduced princes and heads of state, and otherwise powerful men without feeling self-conscious. But now a guy that probably struggles to pay the bills, and she is embarrassed.

"Well I guess I should come clean too," said Chuck.

Her eyebrows went up in surprise.

"The bar tender was right, I normally wouldn't come here twice in the one week, but was hoping to see you too," said Chuck.

She just gave him a smile that he returned.

Sarah took a closer look at what he was wearing, he looked similar style as last night, but this time she noticed the jeans he was wearing were designer custom fit, and the shirt was also from a designer collection.

He looked like he took extra care to make sure he looked good, stylish but understated.

While checking out his jeans when he went to the men's, she also noted that he filled out said jeans very well too.

After he came back she remembered about the song.

"Chuck before you got here they were playing a song, I wanted to tell you that I liked it, but you weren't here," she said.

"Hehe, so you are starting to get some music appreciation, so what was the name of the song?" asked Chuck.

Sarah just shrugged nervously.

"Ok, so who were the artists?" asked Chuck.

Again Sarah responded with a shoulder shrug.

"I know it was a guy singing, and it had a good beat" said Sarah shyly.

"Hehe, yeah surely their can't be too many that fit that description," said Chuck.

Sarah hit Chuck on the upper arm, "Don't be mean," she said.

"Can you sing some of it?" asked Chuck.

"No," responded Sarah.

"Well it can't have been that good if you can't remember any of the words," said Chuck.

Sarah hit him again.

"It was a good song, and I do remember some of the words, but I just can't sing. Besides you are the one that dabbles in this stuff," said Sarah.

"Ok, say what the words were and I will see if I know the song?" he asked.

She told him the words and Chuck was nodding as she went.

"So you know the song?" asked Sarah.

"Nope not a clue," responded Chuck.

"But if you hear it again let me know," said Chuck.

"So when you dabble with the group of guys as you put it, do you play an instrument?" asked Sarah.

"Yeah, I can play a couple of instruments, but mostly guitar," said Chuck.

"Do you sing?" asked Sarah.

"Well yeah, but probably not that well," said Chuck.

"I would still like to see you play," said Sarah.

"Hmmm may be, just not yet," said Chuck.

"What? I promise not to laugh," said Sarah

"Oh, gee that fills me with such confidence," said Chuck.

It was followed by another punch to his arm.

"You wanna change stools?" asked Chuck.

She looked at him confused "Why?"

"My arm is getting sore," said Chuck.

Sarah did something she hadn't done since she was a child she poked her tongue out at him, Chuck only laughed.

"So I guess the guys you play with are your friends?" asked Sarah.

"Yeah, known them for years, but my best friend is the sound,…well we call him the sound engineer, but he is really just our roadie, that helps us set up. His name is Morgan," said Chuck.

"How long have you known him?" asked Sarah.

"More than twenty years," said Chuck.

"Wow, " responded Sarah.

"Yeah we go way back," said Chuck.

"So how is the audit going?" asked Chuck.

Sarahs face quickly changed as if she had sucked on a lemon.

"My boss has told me that I have to try even harder to be nice with my contacts, he is concerned that I am still struggling to get the information," said Sarah.

"You can't go above them?" asked Chuck.

"No unfortunately, but hopefully I'll get the information we need to complete," said Sarah.

"So what then? You move on to another company, another assignment to audit someone else?" asked Chuck.

"Yeah probably, you originally from New York?" asked Sarah.

"No, actually from the west coast, LA" said Chuck.

"Why you here in New York? Are your friends here too?" asked Sarah.

"Yeah, we kind of go where the work is," said Chuck.

"I would have thought more opportunities for recording studios in LA?" asked Sarah.

"We know the guy that runs the studio out here, so made sense," said Chuck.

"You originally from New York?" asked Chuck.

"No West Coast too, moved around a lot when I was young," she said.

After a beat.

"Chuck, I don't know why, but talking to you is easy. It probably sounds pretty silly, but that has never happened to me before," said Sarah nervously.

"How much have you had to drink?" asked Chuck.

"Don't make fun of me Chuck, I'm serious," she said disappointed.

"Sarah, I am too, but I just want to make sure that if something happened, I wouldn't be taking advantage of you," said Chuck seriously, staring straight into her soul.

"Chuck, it's not taking advantage of someone when they want it," said Sarah.

"Chuck you have no idea how sad I was when I thought I would never see you again," said Sarah.

"I am pretty confident, that if you put your mind to it, you could find me," said Chuck.

They both couldn't take their eyes off each other.

"You ever thought about a different career?" asked Chuck.

"Only in my dreams, don't think I could handle changing careers though," said Sarah.

"You seem to be a very intelligent woman, I am sure you could do anything you put your mind too," said Chuck.

"Thanks Chuck, but it's a big step," said Sarah.

"What other interests do you have?" asked Chuck.

"Not much outside work unfortunately, I did marketing and languages at Harvard, but never did much with it," said Sarah.

"Harvard that's cool, I'm sure that we could both come up with a job that you would enjoy. So how many languages and how fluent?" asked Chuck.

"Let's just say I don't have much trouble conversing while traveling the world, but why does it matter Chuck?" asked Sarah.

"Don't like seeing you unhappy, and I don't think your job makes you happy, you travel for work or pleasure?" asked Chuck.

"Work, most international companies need an audit of their remote offices too, what about you? Are you happy?" asked Sarah.

"My two loves are music and technology, so yeah I'm good," said Chuck smiling.

"You ever thought about doing something else?" Asked Sarah.

"I did Electrical Engineering at Stanford, so I guess If it wasn't what I'm doing now I would be working with a technology company," said Chuck.

"Wow Stanford," said Sarah impressed.

"What did you father do?" asked Chuck.

"Um sales rep," answered Sarah.

She still couldn't believe how easy it was to talk to him, she was finding it difficult not opening up completely, she was sure that if she told him the truth about her father it would surely kill the conversation.

"Your parents?" asked Sarah.

"Um, never knew much about mom's work, she left us pretty early on, when I was about eight. Dad didn't hang around for too much longer, but he was an engineer so probably why I appreciate technology," said Chuck.

"Oh I am so sorry Chuck, who raised you?" asked Sarah.

"My older sister mostly, I should have gone into the system, but no one really knew we were alone," said Chuck.

"That's terrible," said Sarah.

"No it wasn't too bad, Ellie and I were really close," said Chuck.

"Were?" asked Sarah.

"Yeah, adulthood makes catching up difficult, she still lives in LA with her husband, they are both doctors. I think they have enough time to eat and sleep, but not much more," said Chuck.

"That's sad Chuck," said Sarah.

"My friends are my family now," said Chuck.

Sarah thought it was sad, but when she looked at her own situation. Who did she have? The only person she would say was closest to friends or family would be the guy she is currently talking to, and she just met him yesterday. Carina would be a friend too, but she never really felt like she could just talk with her.

"You are not a serial killer are you Chuck?" Asked Sarah.

He just looked at her, "well if I was one, would I likely confess it?" Asked Chuck.

"Chuck?" pleaded Sarah.

"Ok, ok no I am not a serial killer," he said looking into her eyes and seemed to be baring his very soul.

"So can you honestly tell me now that I answered that, does it make any difference?" asked Chuck.

"Well yes it does, I could tell you were being sincere," said Sarah.

"Aren't most serial killers psychopaths anyway?" asked Chuck.

Sarah's eyebrows raised.

"Now we are discussing the psychology of a psychopath,... looking into psychopaths eyes you will see no emotion," said Sarah.

"Had the occasion to stare into the eyes of many psychopaths have you?" asked Chuck.

"Did one subject on psychology at Harvard," said Sarah.

"Doing a subject is one thing, but how do you know you would recognize it?" asked Chuck.

"Chuck, are you telling me you think you are a psychopath?" asked Sarah.

"No, I think I probably have way too much empathy to be anywhere near that. But I can still worry about you though," said Chuck.

It seemed strange, weird even that they were having this conversation, but Chuck saying he was worried about her warmed her heart. She never had anyone care about her before, unless she was necessary to complete a mission. She couldn't believe how many new feelings and emotions she started feeling in just a 24 hour period.

"I'm ok, but I think the guy I am waiting on for the information is a psychopath, as an auditor I try and look for markers that suggest if someone is being truthful. But I think it's sweet that you were worried," said Sarah.

"You mean the guy your boss has asked you to be nicer to is a psychopath?" asked Chuck alarmed.

'You really didn't think that one through did you Sarah?' she thought.

"It's ok, but thanks… "She started saying but when she placed her hand on his, her voice seemed to stop working.

It hit her that this is the first time she had touched his skin with her own, and she couldn't explain it. Yes she had heard all the jokes and stories about a spark when first touching someone, the someone they are meant to be with. But this was real, she felt something, sure it wasn't like getting hit with an electrical charge, it was more like the feeling of hopping into a warm bath with the warmth spreading all over her body, starting from the point of contact. But this warmth also warmed her to her core not just the surface of her skin.

This was definitely something she could not ignore, if just touching his hand did this what would…..'Oh my,' she thought.

As the warm feeling spread to her face and was now burning as the blush spread.

Sarah knew she had lost, lost all control and it was dangerous. She was totally at Chuck's mercy, and anything he asked her for, she knew she was powerless to refuse.

"I'm just going to go and freshen up, you will be here when I come back, right?" asked Sarah.

"Yeah, just don't take too long, I might forget what I'm doing," said Chuck smiling.

Sarah got up and went into the ladies, while at the basin she started straightening herself and checking everything was in its right place. She could see the beginning of the gray under her eyes, as she hasn't slept that well lately.

When Sarah came back out her heart sank, Chuck had left.

There was some commotion going on near the bar, and it seemed like considerably more people were at that bar. It was then that the bar tender got her attention and pointed to the back door, the one she had readied as her escape path if required.

She felt nervous going through the door, not for what she may find, but rather that she wouldn't find Chuck.

But sure enough there he was standing in the alleyway waiting, bouncing up and down on his toes.

She quickly went to him and put her arms around him, it lasted just a few seconds until she pulled back and hit him in the arm.

"Don't do that, I told you not to go and you left," said Sarah.

"I'm sorry Sarah, things started getting a bit rough, and so I thought it was best to get out of the way. The bar tender was supposed to tell you where I was," said Chuck.

"Well he did, but there was still a couple of seconds I thought you had left," said Sarah.

"A couple of seconds?" asked Chuck smiling.

"Don't tease me," said Sarah grumpily.

"I really did intend on staying till you came back," said Chuck.

This time Sarah was looking into his eyes and watching his body language and could see that Chuck was sincere and was even panicking.

"Chuck it's ok, I'm sorry, I over-reacted. I don't know exactly what has happened to me, but maybe if I knew that tonight wasn't the last time I will see you, things would be different," said Sarah looking down at the alleyway and realizing how dirty and disgusting it was.

Sarah felt a finger underneath her chin lifting her head up, until she was looking him in the eyes.

"Sarah, tell me what it is you want? I am having a lot of trouble reading anything from you. Sometimes I feel you want to jump my bones and other times, beat me senseless," said Chuck.

Sarah just looked into his eyes, yes the jumping his bones comment she completely understood, in fact the last several minutes of their conversation at the bar was probably all that was going through her mind. And if beating was a metaphor for sex then she could understand that one too. But she definitely didn't want to hurt him.

"What do you mean beat you senseless?" asked Sarah.

Chuck's eyebrows disappeared into his hairline.

"So that's the comment you have issue with?" asked Chuck.

"Yeah," she said calmly.

"What are you saying Sarah?" asked Chuck.

"I'm asking why do you think I want to beat you senseless," asked Sarah.

After a sigh of resignation from Chuck.

"Whenever you were hitting me you had this look," said Chuck cautiously.

"I think any look you have seen from me tonight, revolves around your first comment and not wanting to miss out on the chance," admitted Sarah.

"If you aren't interested in me that way, please put me out of my misery and I will go home and drown my sorrows with some whiskey," said Sarah sadly.

"Sarah, I'm not much into the one night stands, what would happen tomorrow?" asked Chuck concerned.

"Well, I am going to have to work, not sure about you, but was thinking I would like to see you at some stage," said Sarah shyly.

"I know I have only met you, but it seems like I have known you for years," said Chuck.

"I know exactly what you mean," replied Sarah.

After a beat.

"Do you ever regret any decisions that you have made?" asked Sarah.

"Not really, not big ones. The decisions that we make put us on the path we follow for life. If their is something good in our life, that is likely to have occured because of the decisions that we make," said Chuck.

Sarah looked at him.

"What do you mean?" asked Sarah.

"Well take meeting you last night, all the decisions that I have made in my life, if I changed just one of them, I may not have met you last night or if I did you might have hated me," said Chuck.

"I doubt that I could ever hate you Chuck, but I guess I know what you mean," said Sarah sadly.

"But while you can't go back and change your past, you do control your future, if you are not happy with your life. What rules are there that say you can't change it? Like if you don't like your job why not change it? It's never too late," said Chuck.

"While I think that is good advice, I think maybe we need to move out of this dirty alleyway," said Sarah.

As they made their way back out to the street Chuck put his arm around her waist and pulled her closer and said.

"No matter what happens tonight, know that I don't intend to ever let you out of my sight for too long either," said Chuck.

Sarah just looked up into his eyes and once again saw the sincerity in them. If Sarah was honest with herself she found the sincerity in his eyes a little frightening. She could not see any way she could ever deserve a man showing such sincerity.

Sarah knew that when she has finshed with Shaw it will be time for her to move on to another mission, a mission that could take her anywhere in the world and away from Chuck.

It didn't seem fair that she was so pre-occupied with wanting to sleep with him, knowing that she would likely have to leave him very soon, but she cannot deny or explain the feelings she has for him.

Like Chuck said, a different decision could have meant they didn't meet, and why can't she change her mind about her decision to dedicate her life to the greater good?

She has enough money put aside for a rainy day, she could quit and spend time with Chuck and have a real life. A life she never thought she could or even want to have.

How would Chuck feel about Sarah suggesting it, would he let her pay for things? She knew Chuck had his love of music and was not going to do a 9–5 job, just so he had money. He likely spent all of his money on his clothes and living expenses, so wouldn't likely have any money in savings.

But money is not important, not when you are talking about the strength of these feelings.

'No I'm being silly, how can I give up on a career, one I have had for over ten years on something that would be lucky to last ten days. As soon as Chuck finds out how damaged I am he will show me the door.'

"So what does the future hold for you?" asked Sarah.

"If you want to know when I am going to grow up and get a real job, probably never," answered Chuck.

"No Chuck, I wouldn't want you to give up on those things that you love, I guess i am just trying to sort out my own life," said Sarah.

"Well I am likely to go where the work is and New York is unlikely to last forever, probably just a few more weeks," said Chuck.

"Oh" said Sarah sadly.

"Chuck want to come to mine?" she asked nervously.

"Um ok, how far is it? asked Chuck.

"Probably just a ten minute walk," she answered.

"Lead the way," he added.

"So your work likely to keep you in New York?" asked Chuck.

"Next assignment could be anywhere," said Sarah.

"Oh" responded Chuck sadly.

"What does that mean, you just said you will be leaving New York soon yourself anyway" said Sarah.

"Will you be in town for the next few weeks?" Chuck asked sadly.

The look of sadness in Chuck's eyes made her hurt, how could she have said something that hurt a man like Chuck.

"Please don't look at me that way, probably at least another week, but beyond that I'm not sure," she said.

"What did you expect was going to happen Chuck, you just told me yourself that you will be likely leaving in two weeks." said Sarah.

"Yeah but I am doing something I love, you are going to leave because of a job you clearly hate," said Chuck.

"I think hate is probably to strong a word, dislike is probably it though," said Sarah.

"When my friends and I move on, why don't you come with us?" asked Chuck.

"Chuck while as sweet and inviting as that sounds, I would have to find another job if I left the current one. And it is unlikely to allow me to follow you guys around anyway," said Sarah.

"Working at the studio I am sure I could find someone that would be interested in your services in marketing and with your language ability you could promote to different markets as well," said Chuck.

"That does sound like a great job, but why would anyone give a chance like that to me, a person that they don't know," said Sarah.

"Just because you can't see how it's possible, doesn't mean you should give up on that dream," said Chuck.

"Chuck I'm not a dreamer or optimist like you, I just can't wait for something to happen I have to make it happen," said Sarah.

Sarah immediately saw that she had hurt Chuck again and realized what she had implied.

"Chuck your ability to hold on to your dreams is one of the reasons why I like you," said Sarah.

After a beat.

"I wish I could do it, but it's not me," she then added.

"Hey, I'm not saying to spend years waiting for the opportunity, I'm just saying don't make decisions based on it not happening, at least not while you and I are still in New York. Like I said I am not big on one night stands, and until you're ready to believe that anything is possible we should probably just stay friends," said Chuck.

"What? So because I can't believe in dreams you will not come up to my apartment with me?" asked Sarah angrily.

"I will come with you, but as a friend," said Chuck.

"But I don't want to just be friends," said Sarah.

"Then let's see what we can do about making those dreams more real," said Chuck.

"Chuck, if your dream is to become a rock star maybe you need to stop being such a nice guy, they would have had me in bed already and probably back out the door too," said Sarah.

"I have to believe that not all are like that, yeah sure the opportunity is there, but the decision is still the individuals in the end," said Chuck.

Sarah just stares at Chuck.

"Yeah you probably think I am niave," said Chuck.

"No I think you just like to see the best in people," said Sarah.

"What so you only see the worst? I guess it saves you from being disappointed?" said Chuck sadly.

"Job requirement," said Sarah.

"An auditor has to see the worst in everyone?" asked Chuck.

'Oh shit,' thought Sarah.

"Sarah, you shouldn't live your life that way," said Chuck.

"So this is me,you don't have to come up if you don't want to," said Sarah sadly.

"No, I want to, but nothing is going to happen," said Chuck.

They made their way into Sarah's apartment, and Chuck was looking around.

"Yeah, I know pretty plain," said Sarah.

"So how long you been in New York?" asked Chuck.

"About a month," said Sarah.

"Looks like you just checked in," said Chuck.

"Yeah I travel pretty light," responded Sarah.

"So why do they have you traveling all around the place, don't they have auditors closer to the location to do it?" asked Chuck.

"I have got a bit of a reputation within the industry, I am pretty good at what I do," answered Sarah.

"So any part of your job you like?" asked Chuck.

"Sometimes I found someone that is doing the wrong thing and it is good to know that I have a hand in bringing them down. But mostly the travel, even though I don't get much of a chance to see the sights in my travels," said Sarah.

"That's sad," said Chuck.

"I suppose you don't get much traveling done?" asked Sarah.

"Not much, have been to several places over the years, but what I make sure I do is experience life whenever I do travel," said Chuck.

They were both sitting on the couch, Sarah had taken her shoes off and had her legs underneath her.

"So where have you been?" asked Sarah.

"Mostly traveled around Europe," said Chuck.

"Backpacking tour or something?" asked Sarah.

"Yeah something like that," replied Chuck.

They continued their discussion over coffee until Chuck let out a yawn.

"Hehe, well I guess it's time to head off," said Chuck.

"What if I slept on the couch, you could have the bed?" said Sarah.

"I thought it was the guy that is supposed to sleep on the couch, besides I have a big day in the studio tomorrow," said Chuck.

"I would sleep on the floor if it meant you would stay, and I could come with you tomorrow. I only have have to be in later in afternoon." replied Sarah.

"Ok, I will stay and sleep on the couch on one condition?" said Chuck.

"Ok, what?" said Sarah nervously.

"I get a goodnight kiss," said Chuck.

Sarah responded with a big smile.

She leaned into him preparing to put every ounce of feeling she could, attempting to try to change his mind about where he was going to sleep and how much actual sleep he would get. But as Sarah's lips touched Chuck's it became apparent to Sarah that Chuck may have had similar ideas, but about her decision of a future. Because this was the kiss of her life, no scratch that, it was a kiss of any lifetime.

The things that were done to her body through just that kiss were astounding, Sarah knew that the only thing stopping her from attempting to take the kiss further was her fear of leaving the only job and life she knew. But could she ignore her desire to never be apart from him and a desire to have a future with him and everything that came with it.

The kiss finished and only when the need for oxygen was able to defeat their desire to continue. Sarah rested her forehead on Chuck's

"Wow," was all she could get out, when she finally had composed herself enough to talk.

Then after several more breaths

"That is not very fair Chuck," she added.

"May be not, but I think you had similar ideas, but more of the short term and immediate variety," said Chuck smiling.

"Those lips of your's are quite talented, and that is not even mentioning that tongue," said Sarah looking into his eyes. Sarah could tell he was aroused through several signs, one of the skills her training left her with.

She knew he was definitely interested and just being a gentlemen, a gentlemen when she had thought that they were extinct.

"You're not too bad yourself, and in fact close to achieving your goal, but not quite," said Chuck.

"Want to go for another round?" asked Sarah smirking.

"Hehe, think it's time to go to sleep. Goodnight Sarah," said Chuck.

Sarah left Chuck on the couch and sighed, she really did have a lot to think about and would probably spend the whole night pondering her future.

AN: Ok this is the end of the first half of the one shot, I will post the second half tomorrow. I would appreciate reviews, as I wrote this story specifically for you all as an apology for Chuck vs. the Brunette.

I will not answer any questions in reviews on the first Chapter, but will happily answer any questions on the second chapter.