I believe that a lot of people had issues with Season 3. As for me, I was able to sit through most of the episodes without much trouble except for Chuck vs the Fake Name. So I was watching it the other day and well, this story kind of wrote itself. It's set after that episode and it's my take on what I would like to see. Don't know if it makes much sense since it's written very quickly. So I guess a little suspension of disbelief is needed :) One-shot.

No beta for this. I didn't want to trouble my beta-reader with this since she already has her hands full with my other story. I apologise for the mistakes (which I'm sure there will be many).

And to those who might be waiting for an update on 'Beautiful Mess', I'm terribly sorry about the delay. I haven't forgotten about it. It's still a work in progress :)

Disclaimer: Chuck's not mine. Not today, not tomorrow, not ever.

Chuck stared despondently at the reports spread across the table. He couldn't concentrate on the words and pictures on the papers. His mind wandered instead to a certain blonde. One name played in his mind over and over again – Sam.

It hurt and he found it impossible to flash when he couldn't find his calm centre. Chuck gathered the papers and stacked them neatly into a pile. He looked forlornly at the empty Castle. That was how he felt at the moment – empty.

Pushing the reports aside, Chuck hoisted himself up on the table. Using the stack of papers as a makeshift pillow, he rested his head on it as he lay down on the table. Chuck closed his eyes and tried to block out all thoughts.

The silence worked for him as he found himself dozing off when a familiar voice interrupted his peace...

"Well, well, well... look at what we have here."

His eyes flew wide open and he sat up quickly. Slack jawed; Chuck stared at the sexy red head who was leaning her hips against the table.

"Slacking off aren't you?"

Chuck looked slightly offended. "I am not," he remarked defensively, shifting his position; his shoes now resting on the seat of the chair, "I'm just... thinking."

"Right," she drawled, her blue eyes glinting with mischief. She seated herself beside him, crossing her legs. "And why are you here alone? I heard that there's a new member to the team. Shawn?"

"Shaw," Chuck corrected flatly.

His bitterness did not escape the perceptive agent's attention. "Trouble in paradise, huh?"

"Carina, why are you here?" Chuck cried in exasperation.

"Chill, Bartowski. Which side of the bed did you wake up on this morning?"

"I..." he started but he soon deflated and shook his head slightly. Chuck mumbled an apology to her and stared off into space. He wasn't about to discuss his personal life to someone he barely knew, much less to an agent like her.

Carina looked keenly at the dejection on his face; surprised that she could feel even an ounce of sympathy for him. It bothered her somehow. She didn't know which was more disturbing: to even feel any kind of emotion for the nerd or the fact that Carina would rather see him smile than see the misery on his face.

She glanced around the Castle. It must be the gloomy atmosphere that was playing tricks on her mind. She needed to get out of that place.

"Buy me dinner, Chuck," Carina stated simply, smoothing the front of her black blouse and she pushed herself off gracefully from the table.

Chuck gave her a side long glance, "And why should I do that?"

"Really?" Carina said, unimpressed, "A hot woman like me is giving you permission to take her out to dinner and you, what-" she folded her arms, raising a brow, "Throw that chance away? And he's still wondering why he has yet to hook up with Sarah," she wondered aloud.

"Fine, fine," he hopped off the table, "But can it wait until I'm done with these reports first?"

Carina scoffed, "Let's not kid ourselves shall we. You weren't even doing anything before I arrive... so why bother?"

"Just out of curiosity," Chuck cocked his head, "Has anyone ever said no to you before?"

She drummed her fingers on the table, searching her memories, "Once,"she told him, "But that's really none of your concern," she winked and linked her arm with his. "Shall we?"

"I'm impress," Chuck exclaimed in awe after hearing her recount one of her missions in Santorini.

"Yeah... I continually amaze myself too," Carina replied matter-of-factly. "And the men there... gorgeous."

Chuck broke into laughter and leaned back in his chair.

"See," Carina smiled, "Isn't this better than moping all by your lonesome in that dreary Castle? Taking me out to dinner is a good move after all," she glanced around her, "Although... I would have chosen a finer establishment than this. But this will have to do for today."

"Nothing gets you down, huh?"

"We only live once, Chuckie, and being in our line of work, fighting for our lives every other day... we can never be too sure."

There was no air of resignation in her tone. It was really plain and simple for her. Death is inevitable. Chuck wondered if he could ever adopt the same blasé attitude.

"That sounds kinda depressing," Chuck regarded her intently.

"Nah. It is what it is. Life equals death," she shrugged. "If anything, that knowledge is the reason why I live my life with no regret. You never know if that next bullet is meant for you. Live life to the fullest, you know," Carina grinned, "The glass is always half-full for me." She lifted her cup, looked inside it and made a face.

Chuck peered into her cup and looked up at her, "Need a refill?"

"Erm... not really," Carina looked through the glass window, faint smile on her lips, "How 'bout a stroll?"

"A stroll?" Chuck asked sceptically, "You?"

"Why not?" Carina responded, a little incredulous, "Burbank may be a bore but," she gazed cheekily at him, "the company's not."

"Flattered," Chuck shot her a half smile, "But I don't know how I'm going to entertain you. I don't think anyone or any man can keep up with you."

"Let's stop the chit chat shall we," she rose from her seat and pulled his hand. "You are showing me around Burbank," Carina smiled sultrily and Chuck had no choice but to obey, albeit less reluctantly this time.

"So where to?" Carina folded her arms as soon as they stepped out of the 'Gate of India' restaurant.

Chuck gazed at her for several seconds. He had no idea why she was here or why Carina still wanted to be in his company. "You sure you want to just... walk?'

"You can take me to your place if-"

"Alright," he interjected quickly; making her grin, "follow me."

"So... you still haven't told me why you were alone at the Castle today," Carina asked as they strolled down the beach.

Chuck didn't respond immediately. Soaking in his surroundings, he made a mental note to come to the beach more often. He had forgotten how at peace he would feel having the sand beneath his feet and the breeze swirling gently around him. Life's simple pleasures, he thought to himself.

Chuck turned his attention to his companion who was hugging herself almost as if she was fighting off the chill from the breeze. His gaze softened and he removed his jacket, wrapping it around her shoulders.

Her head snapped up at his gesture, eyeing him curiously. Chuck shrugged his shoulders, giving her a small smile, "It can be quite chilly here." He shoved his hands in his jeans pockets and continued walking.

"I was benched," Chuck muttered after a while. "The rest of the team are on a mission. In Mexico. I was left behind to study the reports."

Carina smiled slightly. "But that's not why you were moping. You guys were having troubles when I left you the last time. It seems that it's still not over, isn't it?"

"Agents are complicated people to be with," Chuck replied impassively. "Tell me something," he stopped in his tracks, "Would you ever disclose your name to anyone?"

Carina tilted her head, studying him with interest. Her lips curled at the ends when she put two and two together. "That depends... if I'm gonna shoot him later, I'd probably consider that. But if Sarah," she paused, watching as Chuck widen his eyes at the mention of the blonde's name, "were to reveal her name to that Shawn guy, I'm pretty positive she was under duress and most definitely she wasn't thinking straight. Trust me, Chuck, no agent in her right mind would do stupid things like that. Especially her. I know Sarah."

"I, uh," he stammered, "I never said anything of that sort." Chuck turned away and resumed their stroll.

"Don't have to. Your face says it all."

"Shouldn't you dish as well?" Chuck sneaked a glance at her.

"Been working non-stop for three years. Told to take a break. For two weeks," Carina told him with indifference. "So I got bored. Thought I drop by and hang out with Sarah," and she looked pointedly at him, "Well... definitely not complaining," she smirked.

"Glad I could help, I suppose," he gave her a genuine smile. "Do you want to grab a drink? We've been walking for quite some time and you must be feeling rather thirsty."

"Aww... such a gentleman," Carina teased. "Let's just go to that convenience store and grab a soda."

"Really?" Chuck looked at her in amazement, "I swear I'm seeing a whole new side of you today."

"And you know what," Carina leaned closer, "I'll let you see all sides of me if you spend the night."

"You never ease up on the teasing do you?" Chuck chuckled somewhat nervously.

"And miss the look of horror on your face?" Carina puckered up her lips and chuckled, "Not a chance," and she dragged him along.

"Isn't this too... I don't know, normal for you?" Chuck asked, bending down to grab the can from the fridge. He handed it to her.

"Normal? It's just soda, Chuck. You don't think I sip wine everyday from a golden chalice, do you?"

Chuck laughed. "Something like that. Want anything else?" He looked over his shoulder as he approached the cashier.

"Not for now."

Chuck paid for their merchandise and they left the store. As they ambled along a nearby pier, they spotted a bench and decided to take a break from all the walking.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Ask away," she said sipping her soda.

"What about love?"

"What about it?" Carina asked without much interest.

"Do you believe in it?"

"Overrated," she answered curtly. Carina softened her stance when she saw him studying his shoes. "I think it's addictive. It has the power to lure you in and just when you have your guard down, it turns on you and stabs you in the back," she spoke evenly, her voice betraying no emotion.

No words were exchanged as the silence stretched uncomfortably between them. "That jerk must've valued his dating life dearly," Chuck's quiet voice pierced through the uneasy stillness. Carina faced him with a perplex expression. "Because if he were to try and stab you in the front," a hint of a smile on his lips, "he wouldn't stand a chance. A skilled agent such as yourself would have kung fu-ed his ass, effectively ending his manhood."

A slight frown creased her forehead before she erupted in laughter. "God, Chuck," she cried, "That's so lame. And one more thing, I never said that it had anything to do with my personal life. It was just an opinion."

"Don't have to," he grinned, "Your face says it all."

"Is that so? And what about you? Why Sarah? Is it because she's a buxom blonde?"

He chuckled slightly as his gaze went up to the cloudless sky. "When you like someone, it goes beyond physical beauty," Chuck locked his gaze on hers, and continued, "It's about how she makes you feel when she walks in the room, when she smiles at you, when she gets angry at you. It's in all the little things she does and in return... you'll try your best to make her happy," he smiled ruefully. "Even if her happiness lies with someone else."

At a loss for words, Carina regarded him thoughtfully. "What?" Chuck asked softly.

She sipped her soda again. "Nothing."

"If there's one thing I know, when a woman says nothing, it always means something," Chuck bumped her on the shoulder but Carina kept her silence. "Wanna head back?" He tried again.

Carina nodded and stood up. "Here," he took the can from her, "let me throw that away for you."

She watched as he moved to throw the cans away and the words rang once more in her head: It's in all the little things he does...

"I guess chivalry isn't dead," Carina smiled mischievously, "I couldn't remember the last time a guy walked me to my doorstep."

Chuck smiled a little sheepishly, running his fingers through his curls, "It's a little outdated huh?"

"A nice surprise, actually."

"And you're a pleasant surprise. So where are you going after this? I doubt you're gonna be spending all your free time in Burbank."

"I'm probably going to Paris. Haven't really gotten the chance to enjoy the city because of all the missions."

His eyes shined with a sense of wonderment, "Paris?" Chuck sighed, "You'll be visiting the Eiffel tower? Notre Dame? The Louvre?"

Carina smiled, "You wanna come with me? We can visit Paris together and don't worry. I won't bite... much," she winked.

He felt his hopes soar and for a second, Chuck felt certain that he was going to take her up on her offer. The moment passed all too soon and Chuck shook his head. "Love to," he expressed regretfully, "but I still have some things that I need to flash on."

She narrowed her eyes at his curious choice of word. "Well, it's worth a shot."

Chuck smiled thinly and shifted a little, "Thank you... for the offer," he gazed at her earnestly.

Carina paused for a moment before she spoke, "Chuck, a man has to be assertive to get what he wants. Remember that okay."

"Duly noted."

"This hot chick is always right you know."

Chuck grinned broadly, "I don't doubt that. And good luck with Paris," he wished her before he left. Chuck took a few steps before he turned and looked at her again, "I really had a great time," he told her and finally walked away.

A slow smile spread on her lips and she closed the door.

Chuck held the frame holding a picture of himself and Sarah in his hands, stroking the glass surface with his thumb. Chuck emitted a long sigh. The memories of that happy day when they had posed for the camera seemed so far away. Chuck wondered if he could ever experience it again. Then he remembered what Carina had told him this evening and the end of his lips quirk into a smile.

A man has to be assertive to get what he wants, Carina had said. Chuck gazed at the photo of the two of them one more time and placed it on the night stand. He knew what he wanted.

Picking up his cell phone, he dialled a secure line. He waited a few seconds before a familiar voice responded on the other end of the line. Chuck took a deep breath and calmly stated, "Bartowski, secure. General, I have a favour to ask..."

Chuck stood nervously in front of her hotel room door. He raised his hand to knock on the door and briefly hesitated. Would she say yes? Gathering up all the courage he could muster, Chuck knocked three times and waited.

The door swung open and the occupant stared at him, astonishment clearly evident on her face. "I didn't know you were coming," she smiled, "To what do I owe this late night visit?"

"Were you expecting other company?" Chuck ventured hesitantly. He heard noises coming from inside the room and he panicked for a second, "Oh, you already have company," he mumbled quickly, "I better go."

She chuckled lightly and grabbed his arm, "Relax, Chuck. That was the TV. Come in," she held the door open for him.

"Uh, no. I'll make this quick." Chuck inhaled deeply and spoke rapidly. "This evening, someone told me that to get what I want, I must be assertive. And she told me a valuable lesson also," Chuck looked at her, "That if a hot girl were to ask you out, then you are an idiot if you said no."

She leaned her shoulder against the door frame, grinning at his words.

"So what I'm saying is," he swallowed a little, "Carina, would you like to visit Paris with me?" Then he added quickly, "Just as friends. I've never been to Paris and you have and I happen to enjoy your company this evening so-"

"Breath, Chuck," she gave her head a little shake, "You look like you're gonna choke on your words. Relax."

Chuck licked his lips, "So... what do you say?"

"Just as friends?" Carina asked with an air of mischief.

"Strictly," Chuck muttered a little nervously.

"I could live with that but," she wagged her finger, "don't blame me if nature were to take its own course."

Carina chuckled again when Chuck's eyes widened at her warning."God. Would you look at your face? I'm kidding. I know where your heart lies. Although I don't know how she would react if she knew you will be spending your time with me in the city of romance."

"I need to get away for a few days. We both need the space, I guess."

Carina nodded. "Okay but I don't think we can get the tickets for tomorrow."

Chuck smiled at last, "Being in the C.I.A. has its perks so I, uh... I've already taken the liberty and booked two plane tickets to Charles de Gaulle."

"Impressive," Carina remarked.

"Yeah," he sighed, "I continually amaze myself too," Chuck grinned.

Her eyebrow arched in amusement and they both laughed in unison. "So," she said when their laughter died down, "What if I were to reject your offer?"

"Well you only live once and I was certain that you wouldn't pass up the chance to see the look of horror on my face for one whole week."

"A week? Carina looked at him appreciatively, "What time do we leave?"

"I'll pick you up tomorrow at eight in the morning?"

"That's great," Carina said and before he left, she added, "And, Chuck, you're gonna love Paris. I guarantee that you won't regret it."

Chuck gave a lopsided grin, waved at her and walked towards the elevator.

He was looking forward to it already.

That's it guys. Thanks for reading :)