#reassigned

Perryshmirtz Week Day 2: Separation/Reassigned (both!)

Agent P and Agent O are Danville’s power duo, always ready to save the day together.

At least, until they’re reassigned to opposite sides of the country, with no way to know if they’ll ever see each other again.

TW’s: None

@fierygeneraltm

Amaya played with the edge of her glove as the shuttle carrying her and a handful of other Stormtroopers landed in the Finalizer. The bronze attachment to her pauldron indicated that she was a sniper, compared to the others. One of the best as well, despite it not being a fair statement.

When the Advanced Readiness program shut down, the few survivors of the experiment were sent out to the field. For the most part, it was a success. Their enhanced abilities made them stronger soldiers in their field. The only thing separating Amaya was the fact that she volunteered to join the First Order. She wasn’t born into it like the others.

"REASSIGNED" MY ENTIREEEEEE FUCKING ASSHOLE. I WOULD BE UP AT THAT NIGGAS DOORSTEP THAT NIGHT READY TO SCRAP. AND FUCK THE BLACK ASS STUPID LOOKIN NIGGAS WHO MADE THE DECISION / ANNOUNCED IT.

Fans in the stands for IndyCar in Iowa, with some reassigned

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By: AP | Iowa |

Published: June 19, 2020 10:58:15 am

Scott Dixon, bottom, leads the field into Turn 1 during an IndyCar auto race at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas, Saturday, June 6, 2020. Dixon won the race. (Source: AP) There will be spectators in the stands at Iowa Speedway for two IndyCar races next month,…

Report: J.B. Bickerstaff Fired as Grizzlies HC; GM Chris Wallace Reassigned

Paul Sancya/Associated Press

The Memphis Grizzlies reportedly fired head coach J.B. Bickerstaff and reassigned general manager Chris Wallace and vice president of basketball operations John Hollinger within the organization Thursday. 

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Wallace will take on a scouting role with the Grizzlies, while Hollinger will take a “senior advisory” role.

Bickerstaff, 40,…

A/N: This chapter has been no-holds barred, come-dressed-as-you-are, Bowling Green Street fight between me, Sarah, and Chuck. I think I finally have this chapter the way I want. If it rambles, I apologize…Many thanks to angelgurl0, Zettel, and Steampunk . Chuckster for helping me with this one….I think I've got the last dangling plot point nailed down…Check back next week, it will probably change again….Seriously….It's like these characters are alive and just go off in their own direction…I give you Reassigned, Ch. 12, Moving Forward

Disclaimer: I don't own Chuck, or have any real computer skills

"I told you not to look at that," Sarah said, taking the file out of his hands. Chuck pouted at her, and she rolled her eyes. Things had slowed down the past few weeks for Bartowski Solutions. It had been the holiday season and there was very little companies were doing that needed his special skill set. Chuck had asked Sarah if bad guys took off during the holidays, because they had families too. That had earned a head shake and a grin. He swore he heard the word adorable. Before meeting Sarah he had taken adorable to be a bit of an insult. When Sarah said it, well, it seem to get her excited where Chuck was concerned. While he was bored he kept looking through her files she received from the CIA, reminding Sarah he had clearance. She told him he didn't have girlfriend clearance, that was something he couldn't dispute. He was convinced there were similarities in some of the files. Sarah told him there were similarities in all crimes but she did pay more attention to what he pointed out and made some notes.

"Sarah, I'm telling you, there are similarities in the file from an earlier one," Chuck insisted. "I do have a pretty good noggin." She came over and ran a hand through his hair, humming. "Uh, Sarah, that's hair, I was talking about what was under the hair." Sarah's hand grabbed his hair, not that it hurt him, but that she had his attention. His eyes got big, and her face was completely serious.

"I want you to listen to me very carefully," Sarah said. "This is how they get you. Something was already going on with Bryce, you, and Stanford. I will not let you get hurt. Do you hear me?" Tears were in her eyes. Chuck nodded.

"Sarah, I don't understand," Chuck said. "How can this hurt, what can one file do?" Sarah stared at him.

"I thought the same thing at sixteen," she said softly. She walked out of the room for a minute, and came back, holding a big file. She stared at him, and then at the file in her hand. "How bad could it get?" She took a deep breath and handed it to him. He stared at it, and then glanced at the name. Sarah Walker. He looked up at her. "That was the name the CIA gave me. I've had a ton of aliases, but that name is where they buried me. They hid me from the world with that name. Go ahead, Chuck, read it. I insist." The look on her face confirmed she insisted. She prepared herself internally. He had to know everything, if he was going have everything he wanted, and if the truth were told, what she was starting to believe she wanted as well. He opened it up, scared not to, and read the first report. When he finished he looked up at her, tears in his eyes. "Nineteenth report," she said, and he flipped until he found it. He read the report, looked at her, she nodded for him to continue, and read the next one, tears streaming from his eyes. He closed the file, putting it on the desk. This was it, he was leaving. It didn't matter, he had to know. "I understand if you have to leave," she began, when she found herself crushed against him, as he gathered her in his arms. The tears began to fall. "I've killed so many," she said softly.

"I don't care," he choked out. "I mean, I care." She looked up at him confused. He took a deep breath, considering his words. "This doesn't make me think less of you, Sarah. This actually makes me love you more. Sarah, you were taken from your family, made a weapon, and pointed at people."

"But it was my decision," Sarah replied. He gently pushed her away where he could see her face. She knew how untrue that statement was, and by the look in his eyes, he did too. "Chuck, how can you love me?"

"How can I not?" Chuck asked. She melted. She was done fighting, she was done wondering why and how. She was done questioning if he would leave her for her past. She was done wondering what it would be like to have a home, because right then and there, she had one. "Sarah, you stole my heart, and everything you do just makes it more and more impossible to get it back. I do want to read the rest of that file. Not because I want to hurt you, but because I want to know what hurt you, and do what I can to be there for you. Sarah, you said I'm in this, as your partner, and partners have each other's backs. I've got your back." Sarah gave him a look, he recognized that look. He really had some errands to run, but he was getting the feeling it was going to be a bit. "Uh, don't you have a report to do yourself?" It was at that point he had no idea what day it was or what time it was, because Sarah Walker's face was attacking his, and her body was pressed against his in ways that made his brain misfire. She pulled away and whispered into his ear, making his body crackle with anticipation.

"Chuck, we're going into that bedroom, and we're not coming out until I am completely satisfied, do you understand me?" Chuck nodded, ears red. "And Chuck, it's going to take a while. A. While."

-ooooo-

"Are you sure you don't need anything?" Chuck asked, sticking his head back in the bedroom, quite a bit later. She gave him a scandalous smile. "Oh, for the love of Pete, Woman!" he said grinning.

"Chuck," she hummed at him. He shook his head, and she stretched. The lone sheet that was covering her moved in ways that made him want to crawl back in bed with her, but he had work he had to do. She gave him a grin, knowing what he was thinking. He fought off a head to toe blush. "I love you."

"Love you, Sarah," he said, and headed toward the Buy More, before he couldn't. He needed more supplies for his truck. He also needed a truck. Right now he was using an old car Sarah had found, and bought for him. He refused to take it as a gift, and was making her accept payments. She rolled her eyes each month when he gave her money, but she took it. He felt really bad about borrowing the money from her, and then he didn't, once she told him all the ways he could make the interest payments. She had gotten him to agree if they were to marry, he wouldn't make the payments anymore, if she agreed that wouldn't be the reason she decided to marry him. The look she gave him, he would not describe as loving. Money from the business was actually not the issue he thought it was going to be. He was stunned he was actually making money but he had to keep income flowing in. That was the reason for today's trip, he needed supplies.

He was really hoping Bryce was serious about giving him the employee discount at the Buy More. He pulled up in the parking lot and sat there a moment. He looked over at the Weinerlicious and thought how it would be a perfect storefront for his business, but he really couldn't have it now with Castle underneath. Besides, he had checked out the rent for storefronts in the shopping complex and he was out of his league, moneywise. He got out of the car, went inside the Buy More, and began to shop. As he perused the aisles, he felt more than heard someone behind him. He turned expecting to see any of the Buy Morians, but when he saw it was Carina, he was a little surprised.

"Curls, good to see you off your leash," Carina said, winking at him. "You're good with computers, right?" Chuck's alert system went off in his head. He nodded. "Think you could help US at my store?"

"What seems to be the problem?" Chuck asked. Carina looked around.

"Seems the Buy More ass man thought he could decode a thumbdrive," Carina said. "Turns out he released a virus, on our system. He's trying hard to fix it, but…" She gave him a look that spoke volumes. She didn't trust Bryce. Hell, no one on the team trusted Bryce, and Chuck knew that had to be a problem for him. He felt a little sorry for him, just a little. Bryce had the Intersect, he had Casey and Carina, but he wasn't performing the way he should. From what he'd overheard Carina tell Sarah, he wasn't processing some of the information the way he should be. Bryce was an action-oriented guy. Chuck was more of deciphering information, which might have explained why he did so well in the class he was accused of cheating in. Wait, could that have been a test to see who got the Intersect? That suddenly made some sense. In Bryce's eyes, this Intersect was supposed to be used by someone to take action according to everything Chuck had overheard, but that didn't make a lot of sense. If it were facts, information, and that kind of stuff in the Intersect, wouldn't it make more sense to be in an analysts head? Just like the military or government to take something intended for one thing and turn it into a weapon. Chuck remembered his earlier conversation with his girlfriend and realized how helping Carina might not make her happy. Chuck really didn't want to make his girlfriend unhappy. He didn't like it when she was unhappy. "Chuck?" Carina said. He had gotten lost in thought.

"Sorry," Chuck said. "Spastic Colon." And with that, Chuck ran to the bathroom. He found an empty stall, grabbed his phone, and called Sarah. "Sarah!"

"Hey, Baby, miss me," she answered the phone, her voice like honey. Chuck forgot why he called.

"Yes, yes I did," he replied.

"What's that weird echo?"

"Oh, probably the bathroom," Chuck replied. There was silence.

"Uh, Chuck, I don't want you to take this the wrong way," Sarah began, trying to figure out how to say this nicely.

"OH!" Chuck yelled. "OH GOD! You think I was calling you…OH! Oh no! No! I called you because we have a situation that you told me to stay out of, and I'm hiding, and I called you, and then you answered the phone like that and I got distracted and,"

"Chuck," Sarah said gently.

"Umm," he replied.

"You're spiraling, Baby," she said. "What's going on?"

"Bryce found a virus, apparently all sorts of nasty, and it's infected Castle's computer systems and Carina's asking for help. I told her I had a spastic colon, ran to the bathroom and called you. Help."

"Good job, Chuck," she said. She could feel him beaming. She thought for a second. "I'm torn, you can't hide in there forever because at some point she'll come find you and get you over there."

"I agree," Chuck said, with no shame.

"And you are the best at what you do, so that's one reason she wants you," Sarah continued.

"Sarah, Bryce…Bryce is struggling," Chuck said. "If we don't help him they're going to throw him in a hole."

"Chuck, I don't want them touching you," Sarah said. "At all."

"What if I just do nerdy stuff, in Castle?" Chuck said. "I'm no spy." Sarah laughed.

"Chuck Bartowski, you have no idea, do you?" she said. "No, you're not a spy like they think, like they would define one, but the things you can do with the computer, your charisma, just your natural charm…they don't stand a chance. If that's not being a spy, I don't know what is."

"Seriously, are you trying to get into my pants, because you're working way too hard here," he said. She laughed.

"I'm on my way there," Sarah said. "Do what you have to for Carina, but don't sign anything."

"What if it's a declaration of my undying love for you?" Chuck asked. There was a pause.

"Now who's trying to get into whose pants?" she asked.

"Love you, Sarah," he said, grinning.

"Love you," she replied, and hung up. She hurried to her car. It was a ten minute drive to Castle, she could be there in five. Chuck left the bathroom and Carina was waiting for him when he got out.

"I mean I joke about getting permission to go to the bathroom," Carina said with a grin. Chuck made a snide "ha-ha" face, and went with her to the Weinerlicious. Carina took him downstairs and Chuck saw Bryce standing at a computer terminal. He looked run down. Casey was glaring at him. Bryce looked up and saw Chuck.

"What is he doing here?" Bryce barked.

"Saving your ass, again," Casey replied. Casey nodded his head toward the computer and Chuck gave a nod, fearful of speaking. The air was tense as Chuck pulled up the code. He looked at it for a moment, and then began to type and talk to the computer.

"Oh, that's nasty," he muttered. "Oh, niccceeeee. That's kinda impressive, but I'd of done this instead….hey, gonna fight me?" He was grinning like a kid in a candy store. He was getting into it, when the door at the top of the stairs flung opened and crashed against the wall and there stood one madder than a baptized cat, Sarah Walker.

"MILLER!" She growled. Casey took off like a flash with Bryce behind him.

"Blondie," she began.

"Don't. Blondie. Me!" Sarah said. "WHY?"

"Because we need help," Carina admitted. "And not just with this virus, this entire thing is going downhill fast." Sarah narrowed her eyes. "I want both of you on board as analysts. Bryce doesn't understand half of what he's seeing."

"Carina, quick question, did that class I got accused of cheating in have anything to do with the Intersect?" Chuck asked. Both women stared at him, one in shock, another with love, pride, and a lot of lust…a LOT of lust.

"How did you know?" Carina asked.

"Because it would make sense for Bryce to get me kicked out of that class if he wanted the Intersect for himself," Chuck began, still typing. "Think about it, it was all about recognition, and what else is this thing you're talking about but a computer flashing images through your brain. Bryce didn't do that well, not because he didn't see them, it's subliminal imagery, he saw the images, he just couldn't connect them to the files and make the connections."

"Wait, you're saying you'd be a better Intersect than him?" Carina asked.

"NO!" Sarah yelled.

"You're damn right, no!" Carina said. "What kinda Godspy would I be if the father of your child is given that thing? Chuck, you don't ever mention this to anyone except the three of us." Chuck nodded. "So, Bryce is seeing the files, which makes sense, he's just having trouble connecting everything together."

"Which is why you can look at the files and making connections," Sarah muttered. "Damn that sexy, big brain of yours!"

"AH-HA!" Carina said, and went to a safe. She pulled out files and dropped them in front of Sarah. They were all the ones she had worked on in the past few weeks. "He's figured these leads out, not you." Sarah closed her eyes. "Blondie, listen to me, if I figured it out, they'll figure it out."

"Pbbfftt," Chuck said. "You can play crazed sexpot all you want, Carina Miller, but I see through it," he said, chewing on a Twizzler. "Oooooo, this one is particularly nasty," he muttered to the computer. He realized both women were staring at him. "We all know that you use that disguise of Carina Miller to appear to be brain dead, meanwhile you are making calculations in that pretty little head of yours to figure out the best outcome."

"You're boyfriend just called me pretty," Carina said to Sarah. Sarah shrugged.

"He's right, about all of it," Sarah added. "I think I know where you're going with this." Carina winked. "I join up as an analyst, he's a civilian contractor."

"Yep, but you missed the best part, I get to make the Weinerlicious, Bartowski Solutions," Carina said. Both women were watching Chuck's face as he slowly turned toward them, realized they were watching and whipped his head back. "Chuck's storefront is an even better cover for all of us. I work as the receptionist, you're in charge of marketing and sales, like you really are."

"She's good at it too," Chuck said.

"How did you know?" Sarah asked.

"You make doodles on your notepad, and I use my pencil to rub the next page," Chuck said, shrugging. He bit off another part of the Twizzler. "So, I run my business, help out with nerdy stuff, and sometimes I look at intel but we don't tell anyone and Sarah turns it in under her name?" Sarah and Carina shared a look.

"Carina, I have a feeling there's more than that," Sarah said. Carina looked away for a moment, and then shook her head in disgust.

"Bryce is going downhill fast, and Chuck here is the only one that can save him," Carina admitted. "He's not that far from the bunker." Chuck looked over at Sarah.

"Sarah, this is your call," Chuck said sincerely. "This is one of those times you know much more than I do."

"About people? No, Chuck, it's not," Sarah admitted. "Carina isn't going to give you up to the wolves, she's got you. Casey respects the hell out of you. The only person here who has any issue with you is the one person you're trying to save, Bryce."

"Don't you think it's going to get weird though, all of us here?"

"Chuck, it's already weird," Sarah pointed out.

"Soap operas think this whole thing is farfetched," Carina added. "I mean, can we appreciate the craziness, Chuck and Bryce, former roommates, Bryce gets him expelled from college, Bryce dates Sarah, Sarah gets pregnant, and then meets Chuck. Chuck dates Sarah."

"You forgot where Bryce 'died,'" Chuck said with finger quotes. Carina nodded.

"Chuck and Sarah FINALLY sleep together, Bryce comes back from the dead."

"Finally is right," Sarah muttered.

"I'm sorry I had those issues," Chuck said honestly. Sarah smiled at him, and Carina made a gagging motion with her finger.

"Super computer loaded into Bryce's brain," Carina continued. "Chuck saves Bryce's ass, Chuck moves in with Sarah, Sarah and Chuck have baby and live happily ever after." Sarah turned to her.

"You don't know that," Sarah said.

"The hell I don't," Carina replied. "It's my wedding gift to you."

"Sarah's not sure she wants to get married," Chuck said, hitting a button in satisfaction. "It's gone, and I've uploaded a better virus countermeasure. It wouldn't have stopped that, but it's better than what you have." He turned, looking pleased. Carina was grinning, and Sarah was frowning, thinking.

"Like I said," Carina said with a grin on her face. "My wedding present to you." Chuck looked at Sarah, who shrugged.

-ooooo-

"Honey," Chuck called. Sarah popped her head out of the hallway. "I'm home," he said, grinning. "So, interesting proposal from Carina today, right? I mean it's a shame too, that storefront would have been nice."

"Yeah, and you know what's nicer, you wouldn't even have to always go in, Carina would be there answering the phones, unless they had a mission, it's a great set-up," Sarah said. Chuck had followed her into the kitchen where she was baking something and was checking the oven. Chuck was leaning against the door frame, his arms crossed, watching her. She stood up, turned, and studied him. "Wait, it's a shame?"

"Yeah, I'm not going to," Chuck said. He straightened up, walked over to her, and put his arms around her. "After what you said today, I can't. I can't do that to you."

"I've been thinking," Sarah admitted. "It's not the worst idea." Chuck gave her a look. "Hear me out. The storefront would be great for business. You are literally giving them a civilian cover, and I've gone over those forms five times, the government has no say in anything."

"Sarah," Chuck began. Sarah shook her head.

"Listen, Chuck, if I thought for a minute this was bad, I'd tell you. Plus, Carina needs this and she's going to protect you." Sarah looked him right in the eyes. "Babe, she's all in with us on this. You and I will never be in the field. Anything you do or see goes down in my name."

"He's going into the bunker isn't he?" Chuck asked. Sarah nodded. He looked up at the ceiling.

"It's even worse than Carina's letting on," Sarah admitted. "We're getting a six month contract. Bryce could be in a bunker before then if we don't figure this out, quick."

"I am literally saving Bryce Larkin's ass, this is getting a bit ridiculous." He blew out a breath.

"Chuck, you know I'm okay with him going to the bunker," Sarah said. "Right?"

"I mean I'm trying hard not to get jealous here, but part of me wonders," he began but the look on her face made him stop. She wasn't mad, she was upset with herself.

"Chuck, Carina is the AIC," Sarah began. It then dawned on him.

"And if this goes bad, it's gonna fall in her lap," Chuck said. Sarah nodded. "That's the dumbest thing ever, she has to try to control Bryce?" Sarah shrugged and blew out a breath. Chuck ran his hand through his hair. "Okay, here's the deal, can I get out if I need to?" Sarah nodded. "Then if something smells funny, you think something is off, or whatever, we walk away."

"Are you sure?"

"Sarah, I'm not putting us in a spot where something could happen to our daughter, or you," Chuck said. "And I know you'll protect me." She grinned wickedly.

"I think maybe I should go practice protecting you right now," she said, grabbing hold of his belt loop and dragging him.

"I'm not sure that's protecting me," Chuck said. She raised an eyebrow. "But you are the protection specialist."

"Don't you forget it, Mister," she said, grinning. Chuck stopped, and gently grabbed her waist, spinning her into him. She looked up at him, surprised.

"Never," he said softly. "I'll never forget everything you've done for me, and will do for me, and our family, whatever that looks like."

"You seriously want me to marry you?" she asked, just above a whisper.

"Uh-uh," he said. "Not until after the baby do we have this conversation."

"Chuck, I love you."

"I love you, Sarah." She grinned wickedly, grabbed his hands and pulled him into the bed room.

"Did I ever tell you I'm more of an action kinda girl?"

"You've mentioned it once or twice," Chuck replied grinning.

"Let me show you," she said. And she did.

A/N: Before we go, Congratulations Yvonne Strahovski on your Emmy nomination. A lot of us around here know that is a long time coming, and you've been amazing forever. (No, I know she's not reading this…she's not, right? Oh…Oh boy….)Hope you liked it, reviews and PMs are always welcomed…Til next time!

Charahkids….thoughts and prayers…LOL! I'd like to apologize for my disappearance, and my goodness, I didn't know the love you guys had for this story. I'm quite blown away. Teach me to go 11 days without updating this one! I had a dental thing go sideways and trying to concentrate on writing when your mouth is sore if very difficult. Anyway, I'm back, kinda. (Fair warning, the Oxy has kicked in so things may have gotten wild.) So here it comes, the moment you've all been waiting for. …I give you Reassigned, Ch. 9, Giving Thanks

Disclaimer: I don't own Chuck

Chuck, Sarah, and Bryce walked into Castle. Chuck looked around at the facility. He hadn't looked around last time very much since he was worried what might happen with Beckman. Now that he was, he was taking the time to appreciate the lengths the government had gone to for this project. He drooled over the newest computer hardware and Sarah watched him wander around like a kid in a candy store.

"He ever look at you like that?" Bryce asked, getting in a dig at Chuck's expense.

"Nope, he seems me for me," Sarah replied. "Except when I wear something that makes his brain fry," she said with a smirk. Bryce flinched a little at that one.

"Forget to use protection with the nerd?" Bryce said in a snarky, low voice, beside her. Sarah spun toward him, exhasperation on her face.

"No, I was already pregnant when we met," she replied. Bryce blinked, did math, carried the one, twice, redid the math, tried to think of any other conclusion, couldn't, and the color drained from his face.

"You mean," he began.

"Yes, BRUCE, your brother is the father of Sarah's baby," Chuck said to Bryce. Bryce stared at him, and then at Sarah, and then back to Chuck. He was speechless. "Oh, before I forget, Ellie has invited you, Bruce, to Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow night, so you better show up, you'd hate for her have to come find you and try to figure out the difference between you and your brother, who she hates."

"I'm the father," he got out.

"He's a little slow," Chuck said, turning to Sarah. Sarah nodded, a smirk on her face. They were really both enjoying this. "What did you see in him?"

"He was convenient," Sarah said, shrugging.

"Well, as long as he got the job done," Chuck replied. She gave him a look and shook her head.

"Many times it was one-sided, most times it was one-sided," she admitted, sighing. Chuck shook his head. She grinned at him coyly. "Now it's one-sided my way, at least by numbers." Chuck blushed. "Two to one, three to one, four to one," she mumbled.

"Four?" Chuck mouthed.

"The baby is mine?" Bruce asked.

"Maybe Casey shot his brain," Chuck offered, cocking his head to the side as if thinking of suggestions as to why he was acting this way. Bryce then, finally, asked a question that was not about who the father of the baby was. However, in retrospect, it was the worst thing possible.

"What do you want from me?" Bryce asked. Sarah gave him a look and Chuck shrank back, feeling a chill sweep through the air. Chuck felt a lot of anger toward his former friend, but in that moment he truly wondered if he was going to see a murder take place in front of him, and he felt sorry for Bryce, very sorry.

"Not one damn thing, Bryce," Sarah said, turning and storming out. "Not. One. Damn. Thing." She said, leaving through the Orange Orange, upstairs. Chuck turned to Bryce.

"You might have been better off dead," Chuck said, and followed Sarah out the door. Upstairs he found her glaring at the world in general, seated at a table. "Would you like any yogurt?" he asked her.

"No thank you," she said, arms crossed, steam coming off her head. Chuck turned to Carina.

"Can you get me a toasted marshmallow one, with a side cup of gummi bears?" he asked. Carina gave him a look.

"You like gummi bears that much?" she asked. Chuck shook his head, and Carina grinned at him. "You're a good one, Chuck." A few minutes later he sat down, putting the yogurt in front of him, and the cup of gummi bears between him and Sarah. Sarah was still irritated. "Wanna talk about it?"

"No," she said, reaching over and grabbing a gummi. "That stupid son of a bitch," she said, shaking her head. "What do I want from him? I told him about his child for his sake. It's his child, you'd think he'd want something to do with it, anything."

"Well, if you're looking for a silver lining, maybe this is best," he said. Sarah slowly turned toward him. "Hear me out." She inclined her head for him to continue. "If he wants nothing to do with your daughter," he began. She laid her hand on his, and looked him right in the eye so there could be no question what she was about to say to him.

"OUR daughter, Chuck," she said. His whole face lit up with a smile.

"Our daughter," he corrected. "Then maybe he won't be on the birth certificate which would give her some protection." Sarah thought for a moment, nodded, and started to get up. "Wait, wait." Sarah paused and sat back down. "Give him some time to get used to this. Remember he is an idiot but he was dead, and had no clue about the baby. Yes, he reacted poorly but he did get hit with a whole lot at once."

"He's a douchenozzle is what he is," Sarah said, eating a gummi bear. Chuck grinned.

"You sure you don't want anything to eat?" he asked. Sarah shook her head, eating another gummi bear as Chuck grinned. She then realized what she had done, slapped him lightly on the shoulder and leaned against him.

"I love you, Chuck," she said. "Thank you, for everything."

"Anytime, Sarah, anytime," he replied. He paused for a second. "Four?"

"Four," she replied, with a content sigh.

-ooooo-

"You are aware, just to make sure we're all on the same page, that you cannot treat "Bruce" like you would Bryce?" Chuck asked Ellie. She smiled at him.

"Yes, I am aware, but Morgan will be here, and I suspect he will say something that will make everything fine," she replied. Chuck laughed.

"This ought to be good," Chuck said. "Is he bringing Anna?"

"I told him to bring whoever he wants," Ellie replied. Chuck groaned and put his hand over his eyes. "What?"

"Morgan's told her all about you," Chuck said, knowing how Ellie would react.

"All about what?" Ellie asked. Chuck just stared at her and her eyes narrowed. "Chuck, did he tell her about me from his perspective or real life?" She paused and thought about what she just said. "Oh, God," she said, and poured herself a glass on wine and downed it. "It's Morgan, of course he told it from his perspective." She looked at the wine. "What am I thinking?" she said and began to put it away. Chuck took the bottle out of her hand and put it back.

"Ellie, if you put that bottle away, Sarah will know, and that will upset her so much more than it being out," Chuck said. "Besides, there's a slight chance she might martyr this up a bit."

"Why do you think there's only a slight chance?" Ellie asked. "I'd make that idiot feel as bad as possible."

"You're now assuming Bryce, I mean Bruce, cares about anyone but himself," Chuck replied. Ellie nodded. The door opened and Sarah came in. Ellie's smile broadened.

"I love that she just lets herself in like she's family," Ellie said. "Because she is," she said pointedly at Chuck. "Even if she's not officially yet." Chuck tugged on the neck of his shirt.

"Ellie, can you cool it, we're kinda dealing with a lot," he said. "Besides, I'm not sure she wants to get married, I've never really discussed it with her." The second those words were out of his mouth he regretted it.

"Sarah," Ellie said, waving. Sarah came over and joined them. "Chuck and I were having a discussion."

"No, please, no," Chuck said, trying to cover her mouth, but Ellie managing to push him away.

"How do you feel about marriage?" Ellie asked. "In general?" Sarah's eyes got wide and she watched Chuck's shoulders slump.

"Whatever two people want to do is fine," Sarah replied. "Some wish to marry, some don't, and I understand the reasoning behind either decision. But I'm guessing you mean more how do I feel about one day being married, myself?" Ellie nodded, grinning. Chuck was looking for somewhere to escape to. "I never thought I would be," she admitted. Chuck hoped he had controlled his face. He was worried that would her answer, so he tried to prepare his reaction. "I also never thought I would be a mother, and I am, and I'm excited about it. SO, I think my new answer is this, I would like to marry the right guy, and that would require the right guy to ask me." She turned and looked at Chuck. "I mean I'm not sitting here asking for someone to ask me."

"But you'd consider it if the right one did?" Ellie asked.

"I'd have to ruminate on it," Sarah replied.

"We Stanford people know that word," Chuck retorted.

"Well, those that graduated," she said, grinning. Chuck's mouth dropped.

"Woman, you wound me," he said. She quickly crossed what little distance that was between them.

"I'm so sorry," she said softly. "Should I kiss it and make it feel better?" Ellie, clapped her hand together, and vibrated.

"Um, yes, but not here, or now, and Ellie, can you give us a minute," he said, turning red.

"Nope, I am loving this, so to be clear, if my brother asked you to marry him, you'd ruminate about it?" Ellie asked, bouncing.

"I would, and, Ellie, if he takes to long to ask, then I'd ask," Sarah said. Chuck's mouth nearly bounced off of the floor. She reached over, and shut it for him, looking at Ellie the entire time. "He's not ready yet," she said, winking at Ellie.

"No, he's not ready," Ellie concurred. Chuck wasn't 100% sure they were talking about marriage. There was a knock on the door before that conversation could go any further. Devon opened the door, and "Bruce", Morgan, Anna, Carina, and Casey all joined them.

"Are you going to behave?" Chuck asked Sarah softly. She turned toward him, a mysterious smile on her face, and bounced a shoulder. "Really, you can't even commit to behaving at Thanksgiving."

"Is that a prerequisite of being Mrs. Bartowski?" she asked.

"Like you care if it is or isn't," he retorted. She stuck his tongue out at him. They didn't notice Bryce come over to them.

"Hi guys," Bryce said.

"Bruce," Chuck replied. "So glad you could join us today. A day of thanksgiving, because I have so many things to be thankful for."

"Like what, Chuck?" Sarah asked, acting bubbly and giggly, knowing what her boyfriend was doing and playing along.

"Oh, because of this guy's brother I got kicked out of Stanford, lost my girlfriend, which caused me to mope for a long time, but then I met you, so now, thanks to the biggest jerk I know, I'm with the most wonderful woman I know," Chuck said, watching each word slam into Bryce. "I only wish there was some way I could tell him. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to get something to drink. Need anything, Honey?" Sarah shook her head, and Chuck turned to leave.

"Bit babyish about things, isn't he?" Bryce said, trying to ignore the hurt.

"You are an utter idiot," she said, and walked off, leaving Bryce standing there, alone. Casey walked over to Chuck.

"If I shoot him again, do you want the footage?" Casey asked. Chuck laughed.

"No, unless he lies about it, and tries to make it sound like it was nothing, so probably, because we both know Bryce Larkin can't tell the truth to save his life," Chuck replied.

"Wow, Bruce, you look exactly like Bryce," Morgan's voice came over the din. "I'm just glad you're not an useless tool like he was."

"Lot of love for him in this room," Casey said. "Did you know he has to open tomorrow and work a 14 hour shift, on Black Friday?" Casey chuckled. "Chuck, you are evil getting him that assistant manager job. Chuck grinned.

"My luck he'll get a mission and get out of it," Chuck replied.

"Nope, I made Beckman promise me nothing short of a nuclear missile would be given to us," Casey said, grinning. Chuck looked at him, and Casey shrugged. "I mean at that point he's going to screw it up anyway." Chuck nodded. It was at that point, Ellie announced that dinner was ready and everyone was seated. The began to eat and each was asked to tell what they were thankful for. Chuck and Sarah had no idea what anyone else said, because they stared at each other the entire time and each thought how they were thankful for the other. When dinner was over, Bryce came up to Chuck and Sarah.

"Can we talk?" Bryce asked. Sarah nodded. She looked over at Chuck.

"Why don't you go to my old room, it should be empty," Chuck offered. He started to walk away.

"Chuck," she said, thinking he was upset. He smiled and shook his head.

"Sarah, this is something you two need to figure out," Chuck said. "You know I support you," he said, and kissed her on the forehead. She looked at him, nodded, and led Bryce toward Chuck's bedroom.

"So, I handled finding out I was a father very poorly yesterday, but in my defense, you did spring a lot of that on me," Bryce said. Sarah fought rolling her eyes. He was telling the truth, but he was being defensive, same old Bryce.

"Bryce, that is very true," Sarah began. "We do need to talk about the birth certificate though. I think putting you on there is a mistake, for a couple of reasons, all of which have to do with you being a spy, and for the baby's safety."

"It's not because you hate me?" Bryce asked.

"Bryce, I don't hate you, I hate some of the things you did, and some of the ways you treated me, but I don't hate you," Sarah said. Bryce had a sly grin on his face hearing those words

"Did it hurt you that I was gone?" he asked softly, moving towards her.

"Bryce, so help me God if you pull any of that stuff, I will whip your ass in front of God and everyone and let everyone here know that Bryce's dead brother just made a move on me in my boyfriend's old bedroom," she hissed, fire in her eyes. Bryce stopped, and tried to look hurt. Sarah had seen this before and she wasn't falling for a bit of it.

"You're saying we're done?" Bryce asked. "It's because I made you pregnant?"

"No, you idiot," she said, staring at him wondering who dropped him on his head as a baby. "It was convenience, we don't, didn't, never have, loved each other. You need to accept I'm with Chuck and move on. This conversation is about the safety of our child, nothing more." Bryce nodded.

"So, what are your plans about the birth certificate then?" Bryce asked.

"Leave it blank," Sarah said. Bryce shook his head.

"Chuck's going to help you raise it, right?" Bryce asked.

"Her," Sarah stressed. Bryce looked confused. "Our baby is a girl, Bryce. And, yes, Chuck is going to be the father to our child."

"Right, then it's obvious, put Chuck on the birth certificate," Bryce said, shrugging. "When the baby's born I'll sign papers giving up all rights just so you're covered."

"Bryce," Sarah said, stunned. "You'd do that?" He nodded. Sarah didn't know what to think. For so long she had thought he was absolutely the most selfish man alive. She knew by doing this it did keep him out of child support and things of that nature, but he had sacrificed himself for the good of their daughter.

"You don't have to sign anything," Sarah said. "You're legally dead, remember." Bryce nodded and grinned.

"And this way, in a couple of years when the urge hits to be the Mrs. Anderson again, you can leave the rugrat with Chuck, and come back to my team and we can kick ass like old times," Bryce said. Sarah saw red. She clenched her jaw, and tried to remain calm. She kept telling herself to remain calm for the baby. That's when she looked up at him. She was looking at the father of her child, and that made her angrier than ever. She wished Chuck was the father, because she knew exactly what he'd do. Bryce grinned, and that pushed her over the edge. She slapped him so hard his teeth rattled. He blinked a few times, put his hand to his lip to see if there was blood and shook his head. "Hit a nerve?"

"You son of a bitch," she spat. "I don't know which is worse, that you want me to dump our child and run off and spy with you, or that you think I'll ever want to spy with you again. Bryce get your head out of your ass, we are finished." Bryce started to move toward her, and she couldn't stop herself. Her foot flew up and caught him right in the crown jewels. Bryce dropped to his knees. She put her hand on his head, gave him a push, and toppled over, collapsing on to the ground. "You were right about one thing, Bryce, I should put Chuck on the birth certificate, because he will be the father of MY child, but I won't do that to him. You really are a selfish son of a bitch." And with that, she walked out, leaving him lying on the ground. When she exited, Chuck didn't even try to scramble away from the hallway where he had tried to listen to what was going on in his old room. "How much of that did you hear?"

"No words, just the punching or whatever it was that happened," he said, looking past her seeing him on the floor. He winched at the sight of Bryce.

"I didn't punch him," she said, whipping her head a little making her hair toss. "I slapped him, and kicked him in the area where men are supposed to have balls, but I question if he does." She turned and walked off.

"Well, you are pregnant, so we know he does," Chuck replied. Sarah stopped, and turned toward hm. Chuck swallowed. "You know sometimes I don't know when to keep my mouth shut." Her face softened and she came back, took his arm and led him outside. They went to the fountain and sat.

"I'm sorry, Chuck," Sarah said. "I'm mad at Bryce not you."

"He hit on you, didn't he?" Chuck asked. Sarah turned to look at him, with a raised eyebrow. "It's Bryce Larkin, and your Sarah freakin Walker, of course he hit on you." She smiled at him. He took her hand. "I'm sorry he's an idiot." Sarah sighed.

"That I can deal with, it's what do I do about the birth certificate, Chuck?" Sarah said. "I mean he's going out there and going to do all his spying stuff, and I'm raising our kid, but putting his name on the certificate, legally dead or not, is bound to cause some problems. Mine's an alias, but his, it's his real name."

"But doesn't he always use Anderson?" Chuck asked. Sarah nodded.

"Yeah, but Chuck, spies…they have a way of getting found out," Sarah admitted. "My choices are leave him off, or put him on, and neither is exactly the safest for our daughter."

"What is the optimal solution?" Chuck asked. Sarah smiled at him.

"You're always thinking, aren't you?" she asked. He shrugged. "Optimal is the names of two innocent people, that can never be traced back to me."

"So you're saying not even your name?" Sarah nodded.

"And that's selfish, if mine is on there, then why shouldn't Bryce's be?" she asked. Chuck gave her a look.

"Uh, because you're having the child, because you're raising the child, because you're sacrificing for the child, because you're being a parent," Chuck said. Sarah snuggled up against him and sighed.

"I think I'm going to keep you, you always know just what to say to make things better," she said. Chuck swallowed.

"Well…I'm about to say something that may test that theory," Chuck began. She pulled away, and looked up, curious. "So, what if, you put my name down. Hear me out," he rushed out, scared she'd object. She wasn't. He had no idea she wouldn't but she wouldn't. "If it's my name, then it looks like you met me, and decided to leave the spy life if you were ever found out. Also we're together. I'm still stunned, but we are, and you seem to be serious about keeping me around, so we're together." She smiled at him, tears in her eyes. "If something happens, and I hope it doesn't but life, you know," he said, shrugging. She nodded. "I'm still going to be her father according to you."

"Damn straight you are," she said.

"Then putting my name on the birth certificate causes no more problems then not," he said.

"Child support," she countered. "If, God forbid, something happens, you'd be on the hook for child support."

"Sarah, do you really think I'd not be a part of our daughter's life?" Chuck asked. "I'm already crazy about our child, as you keep reminding me."

"Chuck you are that child's father, maybe not biologically, but you are," she said.

"Then put me on the birth certificate if you want," he said. "I hope it didn't sound creepy, I was just trying to help." She studied him. Was he for real? Did he actually exist or was he some strange construct of her imagination? Chuck Bartowski may be the best person she had ever met.

"Are you sure?" she asked.

"Sarah, I'm positive," he replied. She smiled, and the smile turned a little predatory.

"Chuck, if you do this, then I'm going to get greedy and want more," she said.

"More children?" he asked. He shrugged. "I figure one day we'll have one too." She licked her lips.

"Chuck, I want more," she said, lustily. "I want five."

"Kids?" he asked his eyes wide.

"I don't know about kids," she said. "And while what I want isn't necessary or kids, it doesn't hurt." She gave him a second and it hit him.

"Well, I mean a gentleman always does what he can for a lady," he said. Suddenly she stood, her hand shot out, grabbed him, and dragged them toward their apartment door. "Wait, what will everyone think?" he asked. She gave him a "what do you think?" look as she opened the door and dragged him in. "Oh."

A/N: Ahem, Wade….Douchenozzle is now in your court….Reviews and PMs are always welcomed!