Chapter 2: Seduction Mission

A/N: And now...we introduce Colette...oh boy...

Sarah really doesn't know what to do, does she? Now, those push/pull forces over Chuck is about to test her mettle to the max...when a competitor for Chuck enters the equation.

Now...strap in, and get comfy. This is going to be the toughest situation I could possibly dream up. Colette is going to be likable. Very, very likable. This isn't going to be one of those scenarios where all the sultry agent wants with Chuck is a romp, or toy with him just to prove she can. Now...keep in mind gals compete over guys, and vice versa...that's where things will be fun. The matters of the heart, is where this isn't fun. It's as serious as it gets.

I'll put it this way. This is going to be the fight of Sarah's life...a war with herself, and her competitor...over the man she loves. And for Chuck...this will not be a picnic for him either...his dilemma just got a lot more...complicated. How will he respond? Right now...he's also in turmoil.

I'm also pushing a lot of those unspoken moments between Chuck and Sarah, where thoughts mean as much as words. Remember, this is the stage where spilling their soul meant reassignment for Sarah. They have to be careful...but sometimes...those unspoken looks, and actions mean as much as words, if not more.

Updates will begin to slow after the next chapter, but I wanted to drop everything in place before slowing the pace. I'll try to update at least once a week. Be assured the story has a plan, so never fear!

My thanks to charahkids for awesome Beta services! I'm thrilled at the reception of the story, thus far! Thank you!

Casey's Apartment: 1845 Hours

Chuck stared at himself in the mirror, with a frown on his face. "It's official. I look like a gigolo. Man-whore. Boy-toy. My life's ambitions just tanked."

Casey stepped in the room to fit Chuck with a microphone, grunting annoyed. "Stop whining, moron. That's a tailored Armani suit. It even makes you look presentable."

Chuck rolled his eyes. "How much did this suit cost the tax payers, oh Mister Transparency?"

Casey grunted angrily. "About $5000, idiot."

Chuck adjusted his tie. "You're in the wrong line of work, Casey. If you worked for the Government Accounting Agency, I doubt we would have a national deficit."

Casey shrugged casually. "Damn right. I hate waste. But, I enjoy killing bad guys too much to be a pencil-neck paper pusher."

Chuck grinned. "In that case, have you ever considered the cost of shooting people?"

Casey shrugged. "I make my shots count. That way, the tax payers get their money's worth, and I get to kill bad guys. I'd call that a balanced budget."

Sarah walked into the room...a little slower than usual for dramatic effect, wearing a shimmery mini dress. Although Chuck would have to 'seduce' someone else tonight, that didn't stop her from seeking out his attention. She paused to take a moment to admire Chuck in the tailored suit. She immediately sensed his lack of confidence. She found it equally frustrating that Chuck couldn't see he was a hunk, and arousing because she thought he was a hunk.

Sarah took a deep breath, biting her bottom lip to settle the rising...tension.

Sarah approached as Chuck turned, grinning the way his eyes widened in awe. She beamed the way Chuck appraised her appearance in awe, then glanced away. Ever the gentleman. Chuck was the only guy who truly made Sarah feel beautiful. Innocence defined him. He wouldn't even let himself stare a girl down, because he considered it lecherous.

Sarah put on her best smile. I am so turned on right now. "Wow, Chuck. You look handsome."

Chuck frowned. "I feel ridiculous."

Sarah moved into Chuck's personal space, and adjusted his tie. Chuck's eyes met hers, and studied Sarah's eyes. He wouldn't stare at Sarah's attractive form, but he loved her eyes. He would stare in those.

That's it, Chuck. Look in my eyes. I love it when you do that. Relax.

Sarah spoke calmly, and reassuringly. "Just remember what we talked about earlier. Stay calm, and be yourself. Casey and I will be right there with you, every step of the way."

Chuck replied softly. "Thanks, Sarah."

Sarah brushed the tips of her fingers along Chuck's hair, then brushed his shoulder. That's, my Chuck. Relax. I won't let anyone hurt you.

Chuck caught that look in Sarah's eyes...the one that made him feel in awe of this amazing woman. It calmed him. Sarah smiled, and gave Chuck a wink. Chuck sighed heavily, easing his tension.

Casey approached with an earpiece. "Here. Put this in your ear. There's just one more thing you'll need."

Chuck looked confused. "What's that?"

Casey slipped a condom in Chuck's pocket. "Protection."

Chuck furrowed his brow, and removed the packet. His eyes widened in horror.

Sarah folded her arms, and gave Casey a deadly stare. Not funny, you asshole!

"Uh…um…why will I need…this?" Chuck paused as Casey grinned.

Sarah turned, and bit her lip from Chuck's antics. Okay…maybe that was a little funny…

Chuck tossed the condom on the bed. "Very funny, Casey."

Casey shrugged. "What? I said you might get lucky."

"I'll be lucky to get of this in once piece." Chuck said dryly.

Sarah snorted, but composed herself. "Don't worry, Chuck. We've got your back. Alright, guys. Let's get moving."

Casey grunted amused. "Let's go, Don Juan."

Sarah sighed as she led the way. I need a drink…or I am tearing Chuck's clothes off before this night is over…

Westin Hotel Bar, 2015 Hours:

Chuck sat at the bar sipping a martini. Casey decided a little liquid courage might help smooth out the wrinkles in Chuck's attitude. Sarah sat a few chairs away facing the crowded room. Casey was standing in front of Chuck, pretending to wipe down the bar.

Chuck broke the silence. "You know, this would be a lot easier if we just tranq her, and take the data drive that way."

Sarah grinned. "Not a bad idea."

Casey snarled. "In a crowded room? Use your head, Bartowski. We have to be subtle."

Chuck gave Casey a goofy look. "Or, we could throw a bag over her head and drag her away. Thought you were always down for a good mugging, Casey."

Sarah glanced over while playing with a straw in her cocktail, biting her lip to keep from falling off the chair, laughing her head off.

Sarah cleared her throat when Barker entered the room. "Guys, the mark just arrived."

Chuck had a look of panic, downing his martini in one gulp. He grabbed his throat, and coughed. "Hrmph...burns..."

Casey noticed Barker take a seat on a sofa on the opposite side of the room.

"Alright, Casanova. You're up. Don't blow this."

Chuck glared at Casey, wondering when the hot coals he just dumped down his throat would stop burning. "Thanks for the inspiring pep talk, Casey." Chuck choked out, half gagging.

Casey handed Chuck another drink. "Here. Ginger ale, ya panzy."

Chuck slowly turned and took a deep breath. Barker was glancing around the room, giving the appearance she was out enjoying an evening.

Chuck whispered. "Alright. Let's get this over with."

Sarah whispered softly. "You're going to be fine, Chuck. Just be yourself."

"Got it. Be myself. Don't freak out."

Chuck closed his eyes and opened them. He casually walked over to Barker, stopping next to a lounge chair.

"Excuse me, miss. Is this seat taken?"

Colette's eyes studied Chuck from top to bottom. A small smile crept up on her face. Colette spoke with a thick English accent. "You can sit if you promise not to bore me."

Chuck smiled, and sat. "Don't worry. I'm not hitting on you, or anything weird like that. You just look like you could use some company."

Colette licked her lips, and put on a coy smile. "Well, that's original. Come here often?"

Chuck shook his head, not making eye contact. "First time here. It's just…been a long day at the office, and I decided to take a break from the norm. Staring at computer screens all day writing code can get pretty monotonous."

Colette leaned forward. "You're in IT?"

Chuck made eye contact. "Yeah…you probably think that's boring."

Colette slowly uncrossed her legs, giving Chuck an ample view of her legs. She shifted her body facing Chuck's. "That's not boring at all."

Colette held out her hand. "We haven't been properly introduced. My name is Colette. Colette Barker."

Chuck blushed with embarrassment and took Colette's hand. "I…I am so sorry I didn't introduce myself. Charles Carmichael. Please, call me Chuck."

Colette smiled. "Pleased to meet you, Chuck."

Colette paused. "You know, I'm a nice girl, and I like nice men."

Chuck stammered nervously. "Good! Good…because I don't like bad girls. All they want to do is lead you on, and pretend they like you, when all they want to do is control you."

Sarah blinked twice at the comment, and schooled her expression. Casey gave Sarah a look.

Chuck glanced at the belt Colette was wearing with her skirt suit. Chuck faked a sneeze as the flash hit him.

Colette leaned forward and put a hand on Chuck's arm in concern. "Chuck, are you alright?"

Chuck nodded in embarrassment. "Yeah, I'm fine. I'm sorry about that."

Colette smiled seductively. "Actually, I thought it was kind of cute. In fact, you're cute."

Colette leaned forward, and ran her hand along Chuck's arm, letting her fingers gently caress his wrist. "Why don't we continue this conversation upstairs?"

Chuck's eyes widened. He knew he had to act fast, and alert Sarah and Casey that Barker had the data drive. He took a deep breath, counted to three, and pressed on.

Chuck pulled out all the stops. He lowered his head bashfully and blushed. He replied stammering. "Uh…wow…wow…I…I…is it hot in here to you? Phew!"

Chuck took a breath and composed himself. "As much as I am…flattered by your offer, I'm not really into one night stands. I'd like to get to know you first. Besides, I'm into nice girls. I've had way too many acidic relationships in the past."

"Acidic" was the code. Sarah whispered softly. "Chuck, I don't have a visual. Where is the belt?"

Chuck thought fast. He sat his drink on the table and swept his hands across his waist, giving the appearance he was brushing debris off himself. Sarah saw the motion and understood.

"Chuck, is it around her waist?"

Chuck coughed once. The code for "yes."

Barker took Chuck's hand. "Chuck, that's exactly why I want to take you upstairs. You're a very nice man. I promise to do nothing but 'nice' things to you tonight."

Classic seduction…she has the upper hand. She's a pro…this is not good. Sarah mused.

Chuck froze, panic written all over his face. He gave Sarah a quick "help me" glance, as Colette molded herself into Chuck's side.

Casey spoke calmly. "Chuck, we'll take down Barker upstairs. Figure out a way to give us the room number."

Sarah chimed in. "Chuck, calm down. We won't let things go too far. If you have to, use the Twilight dart in the lapel of your jacket." I am going to kill this slut for putting her hands all over my Chuck!

After Chuck and Colette entered the elevator, Sarah caught a glimpse of Colette crashing her lips into Chuck's as the door closed.

Casey moved around the bar slowly. "Walker, you stay here and cover the exits. I'm going after Bartowski."

"No, Casey, let me. You cover the exits." Sarah said frantically.

"Walker, we need Barker alive. If you go, I doubt that happens. Stay put."

Casey moved quickly to the elevator, while Sarah took calming breaths. She noticed two men and a woman with a stroller enter the elevator. The men looked suspicious.

"Casey, possible Fulcrum agents. Proceed with caution, there's a mother and infant present."

Casey grunted, catching a glimpse of a handgun. "Got 'em. They're packing."

Sarah heard Chuck and Colette chatting.

Chuck nervously read off the room number. "I see we have arrived at room 407. Are you in town for business?"

Sarah took a calming breath. "Good work, Chuck. Casey is on his way. Hang on."

Colette's voice was barely audible over the microphone as the sound of the door closing, and bodies crashing against the wall could be heard. "No…pleasure."

The sound of kissing could be heard. Chuck's voice could be heard in between kisses. "Colette…as much as…I think…you are…a beautiful…woman…can…we…sit…and talk?"

Colette's voice could also be heard over the mic. "After."

"Colette…WHOA!"

The sound of bodies crashing over the sofa, Colette giggling, and Chuck yelping could be heard.

Chuck tried to get control, but was obviously failing. Colette pinned Chuck to the wall, and raised his arms over his head, kissing his neck. "Colette…whoa, whoa, slow down there, tiger. Wha…why are you tying my hands up?"

Colette whispered in Chuck's ear, using the belt to restrain Chuck's hands. "I like it kinky."

Colette removed her blouse to divert Chuck's attention, then stepped away, unzipped her skirt, and let it drop to the floor...removing her handgun in the process. She hid the gun behind her back, thinking Chuck's attention would be on her, clad in bra, stockings, and panties. She narrowed her eyes when Chuck gasped, obviously attracted to her, but diverted his eyes toward the window. Is he blushing? Never had that happen before.

Colette moved closer, grabbed Chuck's face, and kissed him, bringing her handgun to her side, ready to strike. Either he is really good, or this is his first mission. He's not armed...so I won't kill him. He's involved because he's wearing an earpiece...but why isn't he armed? You are an enigma, Chuck.

Suddenly, the sound of gunfire erupted through the microphone.

"Walker! I'm pinned down in the stairwell! Get to Bartowski!"

Sarah shot from her seat, and bolted up the stairs. She could hear Chuck mumbling in between kisses.

Just as Sarah reached the 4th floor, she heard the click of a gun, and Chuck panicking.

"Okay, Mr. Carmichael, who are you, and who do you work for?"

"Colette…why are you pointing a gun at me? I…I…I don't know what you're talking about."

Sarah pulled her Smith and Wesson 5906 and checked the magazine.

"Casey! Chuck's in trouble!"

"I'm busy, Walker!"

Sarah heard the sound of Chuck getting hit, and Chuck landing on the floor.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, whao…wait, if I have offended you in some way, I'll leave!"

"You're not going anywhere until I get some answers!"

Sarah exited the stairwell, and took out two Fulcrum agents firing at Casey in the hallway. She quickly scanned for threats and bolted to the room. She could hear Chuck frantically pleading when she arrived at the door.

Sarah slammed into the door, crying out. "CHUCK!"

Sarah steadied herself, and kicked the door open, storming in with her weapon at the ready.

Sarah froze at the sight before her, her nostrils flaring. Her eyes fixed like a predator.

Chuck was laying on his back with Colette standing over him with her handgun drawn. They were both in their underwear. A trickle of blood was visible on Chuck's lip.

OH, HELL NO! Sarah leveled her handgun on Barker and narrowed her eyes. "CIA! FREEZE!" Please move, bitch! Give me a reason!

Barker turned her gun away. "CIA? What the bloody hell are you doing here? This is a MI6 operation!"

Sarah furrowed her brow in confusion. "MI6? You're MI6?"

Barker lowered her weapon. "We're on the same side."

Barker turned her attention to Chuck. "Is he with you?"

Sarah moved closer. You're damn right he is! "Yes! He's one of ours! Put your weapon down, and your hands on top of your head until we sort this out!" You might be MI6, but your ass is mine for roughing up my guy!

Barker complied. "Fine, but you're making a big mistake."

Sarah replied curtly. "We'll see. Get dressed, and don't make any sudden moves."

Barker collected her clothing while Chuck got to his feet. Sarah was quickly at his side, checking him over.

"Chuck! Are you okay?" Sarah said, her heart pounding in her ears.

"Never better." Chuck said dryly, then noticed he was in his underwear, turning nervous. "I should…uh…get dressed. It's…kind of cold in here." Chuck said sheepishly

Sarah visibly relaxed, giving Chuck a slight grin. "Get dressed. We have to get out of here."

Chuck quickly grabbed his pants and put them on, not bothering with the shirt and tie.

Casey rounded the corner. "Walker, we've gotta move, now!"

Sarah handcuffed Collette, while Chuck led the way.

Moments later, the three were in the parking garage while Casey retrieved the van.

Colette spoke annoyed. "You two are making a big mistake."

Chuck replied with venom. "Save it. We'll deal with you later."

Sarah yanked Colette by the arm to a halt. "You can drop the act. You're not that charming, by the way."

Sarah cast a look to Chuck. He didn't look happy. She made a mental note to talk with him later.

Just then, a Blackhawk gunship appeared, and opened fire on the group. Chuck being in the lead, took cover behind a car. Colette and Sarah were a few feet behind him, taking cover behind a concrete pillar.

Chuck frantically pleaded for help as the Blackhawk's guns shredded the car he was hiding behind. Sarah tried to return fire, but was pinned down.

Colette pleaded with Sarah. "You have to let me help you, Agent Walker!"

Sarah squatted next to Colette. "How do I know I can trust you?"

"You don't. But you don't have any other choice."

Sarah hesitated, then cut the zip ties on Colette's wrists. Sarah handed Colette her handgun, and the two quickly opened fire on the helicopter. Colette dove over the car and grabbed Chuck, pulling him to a concrete pillar. Colette turned, and started firing on the Blackhawk's engine, forcing the helicopter to limp away.

When the shooting stopped, Sarah moved to where Chuck was crouched. She stopped when she saw Colette checking Chuck over. Chuck had a look of awe in his eyes as Colette helped him to his feet. The three stopped and looked back and forth at one another. Colette patted Chuck on the chest and gave him a warm smile.

Chuck smiled humbly. "Thank you, Agent Barker."

Colette smiled softly. "It was my pleasure, Chuck. I wasn't lying when I said I like nice guys."

Colette frowned, noticing the cut on Chuck's lip. She removed a tissue from her pocket, and placed it over the wound, sighing. She placed a gentle hand on Chuck's chest, while nursing the wound. Colette made eye contact, and smiled sadly...ashamed.

Ashamed for the first time in her career. She genuinely enjoyed her interaction with Chuck. She now knew, there wasn't an ounce in insincerity in his interaction with her, even though he was playing a role.

In fact...she wasn't lying when she said he was cute. She meant it.

Colette glanced at Sarah, who was giving Casey their location, and to quickly notify Beckman to put a lid on the authorities getting involved.

"Agent Walker..." Colette paused, to collect her frustration. "Chuck is not an agent. Why the fuck was he the primary on this mission?"

Sarah gave Colette a warning look. "Orders. You're an electronics expert. So is he. Common interest. Seduction 101, or were you asleep in that class?"

"What if I had been a real threat? It could have been his death sentence." Colette hissed.

Sarah narrowed her eyes. "Chuck was never in danger. He has me watching his back."

"Yeah...you did a real whiz bang job watching his back, Agent Walker." Colette said annoyed, then narrowed her eyes. "Is the CIA using non agents as bait?"

Sarah huffed. "No. He's one of ours. The details are Classified."

"Classified?" Colette laughed sarcastically. "Don't give me that bollox."

Chuck sighed, gently removing Colette's hand from his busted lip. "Ladies...please stop fighting."

Chuck shook his head in frustration, while the two spies looked on...both with concerned looks. "We're all alive. Mission accomplished. Now, I promised my sister I would be home by 11...so I can spend at least a few minutes with her before she leaves for her shift at the hospital. So, could national security matters wait until tomorrow? I'm tired, sore...and I'd like to change out of this ridiculous male prostitute costume."

Colette shot Sarah a look. "His cover was a male prostitute?"

"No." Sarah spat, then approached Chuck, taking his arms, and trying to calm him down. "Chuck...it's okay. We're about to leave."

Chuck sighed, staring over the top of Sarah's head. "I'm tired of this, Sarah." Chuck whispered.

Casey flew around the corner in a Suburban, stopping next to the group. "Let's go. LAPD will be here in one minute. We need to be gone by then."

Chuck grabbed the door, and opened it, stepping aside for the ladies to enter. Both thanked him with a smile, and slid in the back.

Sarah held out her hand expectantly, for Chuck to climb in the back. Chuck didn't budge. With a sad expression, he closed the door, and climbed in the front with Casey.

Casey gave Chuck a low grunt, and cast his eyes at Sarah...who momentarily lowered her head sadly.

Chuck balled up the shirt and tie in his hands, shoving them to the floor in frustration, before putting on his seat belt.

Casey gave Chuck a sideways glance. "Bartowski...SOP is for you to sit in the back..."

Chuck held up a hand. "Frankly...I don't care. Tonight, I'm riding shotgun. I think I'm perfectly safe in the front seat from here to Castle."

"What? Thought you liked playing footsie with Walker in the back seat." Casey jested, through an amused grunt.

Chuck turned, leaning close to Casey, his tone firm. "Goddammit, Casey...just this once...please let me be."

Casey grunted low, as Chuck faced forward. He glanced in the mirror, Sarah had her eyes closed, her face stone cold.

Deep down...Sarah was trying her best not to cry.

Chuck had disengaged with her. She had to act fast.

A/N: Okay…a Blackhawk helicopter gunship over a populated area? Seriously? Guessing that was a MH-60L DAP...could be wrong. How did Fulcrum nab one?

I know, I know…this scene was so Barker could do the "Poncho Villa" dual-gun wielding money shot for Sarah to be "impressed"…which also meant he wouldn't have hit the broad side of a barn. Instead of being impressed, in reality, Sarah would have thought he was a moron. Barker would have had more luck shooting himself in the hand. Shooting one-handed decreases accuracy. Add two, and you're more of a danger to yourself than the bad guys. It looks cool in the movies, but it don't mean squat in the real world.

In reality, there would have been no survivors on that rooftop. The rounds from the Blackhawk's guns would have gone right through that pretty red car the group hid behind like a hot knife through butter. And...I would imagine Fulcrum never would have gotten away with that to begin with, before the FAA sent up the "red star cluster" with the military that a rogue aircraft was over a major metropolitan area. Sarah and Cole would have died the moment they left cover...if not before from rounds shredding that car.

I laughed my head off during that scene...from the sheer idiocy of what was happening...

Long story short, a large group of bad guys would have been more believable than a helicopter gunship appearing out of thin air! Fulcrum must have wanted that data drive bad to risk that kind of exposure! Sheesh!

But...we're dealing with a TV show with a computer crammed in a guy's brain. It's entertainment, I get it. It's not that hard to at least halfway get it right…enough of my rant!