Title: Bumper cars and cotton candy
Author: Cindy Ryan
Pairings: Chuck/Sarah
Category: Fluffy one shot
Timeline: Set late second season but before Chuck vs. the dream job. Could be considered a sequel to my previous fic Sacrifice.
Summary: Sarah decides the guys need an afternoon off
Author's notes: Part two will be posted on Monday

Years of training plus nearly two years of working on Operation Bartoski helped Sarah Walker stand her ground.
She was proud of herself for not flinching at the anger in her partner's voice.

"What did I say about lying to me, Walker?"

"It was for your own good, Casey."

"Where have I heard that before?"John Casey growled as he took a step forward.

Chuck ducked in between his two handlers making sure to keep Sarah behind him. Not that he thought Sarah couldn't take care of herself but an angry Casey was well, an angry Casey.

"She does have a point."Chuck stated trying to hide a smile. Sarah's idea for the afternoon really was a good one even if she had to trick both of them into coming.

"Don't tempt me, Bartowski. I'm sure there's something around here I could cause bodily harm with."

Chuck glanced around the bustling Santa Monica Pier amusement park and winced.

"It's only for a few hours, Casey."Sarah interjected quietly. "We need it."

"It's a waste of time."

"Some times we need to do that."Chuck agreed. "Of all people both of you deserve an afternoon off….besides the summer's almost over we can have one fun day can't we?"

"We live in California, Chuck….summer doesn't end."John retorted wincing as he sounded like a postcard.

Chuck gently pushed him towards the crowd on the boardwalk. "Stop and smell the roses and all that….just once….it won't kill you."

"I doubt that."Casey argued but he could feel his resolve crumbling.

It'd been a long six months.
Very long.
The temperature today was perfect.

The sound of the waves mixing with the delighted squeals of children and the music from the merry-go-round…..

Sarah smiled as she saw her partner's protests and grumbling cease as they walked along the pier.

She slipped her right hand into Chuck's and felt him squeeze it before lacing their fingers.

"Casey, I bet they have a game over there were you could spend all afternoon shooting something."Chuck stated with a grin as they walked past the food stands.

"They're probably rigged."

"Your chance to beat the system."Sarah countered as she tugged Chuck towards a stand that was selling cotton candy.

Sarah bought the cotton candy in traditional pink when it was her turn. She popped a swatch into her mouth and closed her eyes as it melted.
Her father had taken her to places like this when she was little but it was always to pull a con, work the crowd.
Never to have fun and be a kid.

"You want to do movie night after this?"Chuck asked as the trio began walking again.
They'd been dating for almost six months and he couldn't believe how smoothly it had gone.

Especially with how crazy their lives were….he'd been waiting for somebody to find out. He suspected the General knew and was looking the other way but couldn't prove it.
They deserved some happiness…wherever they could snatch it.

"Sure."Sarah replied as she took another mouthful of cotton candy. "Think we can keep it from Morgan this time?"

Chuck laughed. "Doubtful but there's always hope."

Sarah glanced to her right and saw they were alone. "Where'd Casey go?"

Chuck followed her gaze. "Probably to find an innocent plastic duck to shoot."

"Come on….merry-go-around's just ahead."

Sarah and Chuck made it through the short line and onto the carousel just as it started up again.

Sarah climbed onto a black stallion while Chuck chose the lion that was on the inside line next to her.
As the ride started and completed one rotation Chuck leaned over and kissed Sarah. She was just about to lean against him when a young voice broke the moment.

"Ewwww kissing….Momma they're kissing."

Chuck laughed and glanced back at the six year old boy with red hair who was sitting atop a tiger. The brown haired woman in her thirties standing next to him flashed them an apologetic smile.

"It's alright."Sarah stated with a grin as she turned back around. Chuck's arm remained on her shoulders.

Sarah almost pulled away from him. It was too much of a risk to show such public displays of affection. She'd allowed the kiss, instigated the holding of hands. She was slipping allowing herself to get too comfortable.
But it was a day off….they deserved one of those, didn't they?

Chuck felt her tension and squeezed her hand. "You okay?"

"Thinking too much."Sarah replied with a nod as she rested her head on his shoulder.

Chuck slipped his left arm so it was around her waist and pulled Sarah closer. He had a feeling he knew where her thoughts were.
Where they always were.
Always an agent.

It was part of what Chuck loved about Sarah.
Her loyalty, determination and passion.

The ride slowed and came to a stop. As it did Chuck came up with a plan.
There had to be a way for all of them to relax and have fun.
If only for a few hours.

Once his feet were on solid ground Chuck caught Sarah's right hand in his and tugged her away from the ride and back towards the boardwalk.

"Come on."

"What?"Sarah asked with a laugh delighted to see sparkle in Chuck's eyes.

"I've got an idea."