Warning: There is some adult content in this. Nothing major but please use discretion. Very special thanks to Natty who braved a possum to beta this and teach me grammar. I still don't own Chuck.

A Horse of a Different Cover

- - - -

Sarah was wakened from her fitful sleep by the telephone announcing their eight o'clock wake up call. As tired as Sarah was, she was grateful to be out of the bed. Not that she expected Bryce to try anything. She had made it clear what would happen in that event. She had just grown so used to sleeping cuddled next to Chuck that she was afraid that she would do it unconsciously with Bryce. "That would be disastrous" she thought to herself. So to make sure that it didn't happen, she slept on the very edge of the bed. To the point of almost falling out on to the floor. She wrapped her hands in the sheets so she couldn't move. If Bryce noticed, he didn't say anything. Her conservative sleepwear didn't seem so conservative at the moment. She had forgotten how short that nightgown really was. And it had ridden up to Sarah's mid thigh during the night. She quickly pulled it back into place as she stood up.

"Do you want the bathroom first," Bryce asked her as he sat up in bed. He was wearing sweat pants but no shirt. If he was thinking anything about last night it wasn't evident in his face or voice.

"Thanks," Sarah said without looking at him. She quickly grabbed the clothes that she had laid out last night and walked into the bathroom. She took a much longer time in the shower than normal, hoping that Bryce would have to get ready quickly and she would be spared having to talk to him. Finally, she could stall no longer. She opened the door and walked into the room. Bryce wordlessly took his turn in the shower.

"Hopefully," thought Sarah to herself. "I can avoid him for the whole week."

- - - -

Casey and Carina were in the car on their way to pick up Chuck for today's mission.

"This is the first time that I've gone under cover with Chuck," Carina said. "I hope that doesn't bother you."

"Why would it bother me," Casey said with a sneer. "You're doing your job."

"I know," said Carina. "But sometimes it's a little more real when it's someone you know. Chuck and I do have a little history together. I hope that he can deal with that. I mean, he's already messed up by Sarah being off with Bryce."

"I'm not the jealous type," Casey said with a smile. "You should know that by now. Do you want me to be jealous? Is that what you're saying?"

"Don't be silly," said Carina with a sideways glance. "I just want to get everything out in the open."

No," said Casey, his smile turning into a broad grin. "I'm not jealous. But I hope that you don't mind me having some fun with Chuck. Do you?"

"I don't know," said Carina hesitantly. "I'm not sure that is such a good idea. He's already pretty messed up."

"Oh come on," Casey said pleadingly. "Just a little? I helped you mess with Sarah in Vegas. I think that you owe me a little fun. Don't you?"

"If I remember Vegas correctly," Carina said with a sparkle in her eye. "You were paid in full. But I guess a little fun would be ok. Just please don't over do it. We are on a mission after all. We need Chuck at least a little functional."

"Yes ma'am," said Casey with his broadest grin. "Thank you ma'am."

As Chuck got into the back seat, Carina turned to him.

"How did you sleep? Are you feeling better?"

"I slept well," Chuck said with a smile. "Sarah called last night. So that helped a lot."

"Sarah called," said Casey incredulously. "Sarah called on a cell phone while on a mission? The Sarah I know? Sarah Walker?"

"Sarah Bartowski," Chuck corrected. "But yes. She said that Bryce told her to call."

"She must have really let him have it," said Carina with a laugh. "She told me that she was going to. I would have given a kidney to be a fly on that wall. Do you think that she taped it, by any chance?"

"I don't know," said Chuck hesitantly. "She didn't say anything to me about it. But you never know with you spy types."

"Speaking of spy types," Carina said. "I want to talk to you about tonight's mission. This will be the first time we've been under cover as a couple. I want to make sure that you know that there are differences between how Sarah and I work."

"Ok."

"Sarah can turn it on and off," Carina said slowly. "I can't. When I'm in character, I have to stay in character. That means that I might do things like hold your hand or kiss you even when we're alone. Stuff like that."

"Wait a minute," Casey growled. "You're going to hold his hand? Nobody said anything about kissing."

"I know that you and Sarah would drop the cover," Carina said ignoring Casey. "Once you were alone. I mean before you were um, um before you were..."

"Before you were banging her four times a night," Casey said with a growl. "Is that what you meant to say?"

"Yes Casey," Carina said quietly. "Thank you. Oh and before I forget, I lent all of my conservative sleeping clothes to Sarah so she could hide her goodies from Bryce. So tonight, I'll be wearing something a little more revealing. I just want you to be prepared."

"Oh hell no," said Casey with a growl as he turned to look at Chuck. "Not the yellow one? Tell me you're not going to wear the yellow one."

"Sorry big guy," said Carina with a smile. "It's either that or nothing."

"Good lord," Chuck said with a cough. "Please pick the yellow one. And Sarah is hoping to call me tonight. Please tell me that I can take her call. I couldn't stand it if I don't get to talk to her."

"I don't know," said Carina. "We are on a mission you know?"

"It might be ok," said Casey with a growl as they pulled in to hotel parking lot. "As long as you are in the room alone. At least it will get you out of her bed for a few minutes. Maybe you should tell Sarah what you're doing and what Carina is wearing. That might be good for her to hear."

"Yea," said Chuck slowly. "Thanks big guy. But I don't think so. Besides, I'm sure that you're going to fully brief her when she gets back."

"You know it," Casey said with a growl as he looked Chuck directly in the eye. "I'm even going to let her listen to the tape."

"Can you wait inside for a minute," Casey said to Chuck. "I'd like a minute alone with Carina before she has to be your girlfriend for the night."

"Sure big guy," said Chuck nervously. "Take all the time that you need. I'll be just inside."

As soon as Chuck was inside the hotel, Casey and Carina burst into laughter.

"Aw thank you," said Casey through his laughter as he kissed Carina's forehead. "I knew there was a reason that I love you."

"You're welcome," said Carina struggling to get the words out. "If you think that he's uptight now, wait until tonight. I'm pretty sure that I'll have him wetting his pants by the end of the night."

- - - -

Bryce and Sarah were let into the main reception area where breakfast was being served. They immediately went to greet the king. Bryce stepped up to him and shook his hand.

"Your majesty," Bryce said firmly as he kissed the king's cheek. "Welcome to America. It's such an honor for you to come."

"Thank you Bryce," the king replied. "How nice to see you again."

As soon as Bryce moved, Sarah stepped up.

"Your majesty," she said as she kissed both cheeks. "I'm so happy to see you again."

"Sarah," said the king. "You don't know how happy I am to see you. I have really missed you. Please tell me that you'll do me the honor of dancing with me at the ball tonight?"

"Your majesty," Sarah said as she flashed her patented smile. "The honor would be all mine. As long as it wouldn't cause a scandal, perhaps we could dance more than once."

"Who cares about scandal," said the king with a smile. "I would like that very much. After all, I am now the king."

As Sarah and Bryce took their seats, Sarah turned to Bryce.

"What's this about a ball," Sarah said with a smile, while obviously angry."

"Oh yea," said Bryce. "I forgot. We have to attend a State Ball tonight in the king's honor."

"Ok Bryce," Sarah said while still outwardly smiling. "You know how much it pisses me off when you don't tell me things. Is there anything else that you've forgotten to tell me?"

"Sorry," said Bryce sheepishly. "I just forgot. I wasn't trying to hold out on you."

"He still likes you," Bryce continued obviously trying to change the subject. "You should really think about seducing him."

"Bryce," said Sarah. "In case you haven't noticed, I'm married. To someone who would actually care if I slept with someone else."

"I don't get it," said Bryce. "I mean, he does know what you do. Doesn't he? Why would he care? It wouldn't bother me."

"Yea I know," said Sarah. 'It so wouldn't bother you that you would dim the lights for us. You'd probably slip me the condom. Chuck is different. He cares. And I'm not going to even think about betraying him."

"Ok," said Bryce. "But then why were you just flirting with the king? What was about that maybe we could dance more than once stuff?"

"Because," said Sarah, her smile turning into a grin. "I'd much rather dance with him than with you."

- - - -

Chuck and Carina were going to dinner at the hotel after checking in. In the elevator, Carina turned to Chuck.

"Ok," she said softly as she grabbed his hand. "We're officially a couple starting right now. And you better get used to this."

Carina grabbed Chuck and kissed him hard with an open mouth.

"Carina," Chuck said in an embarrassed tone. "Don't you know that I don't like PDA?"

"Get over it" was Carina's reply.

"I guess that it's show time," Chuck said with a smile. "Huh?"

"Show time," asked Carina with a sideways glance. "What the hell does that mean?"

"Man," said Chuck in exasperation. "I thought that you'd know. It's what Sarah always says."

"I'm just teasing you," said Carina with a smile. "Yes Chuck. It's show time."

As they were just getting served their entrée, Scott Wilson entered the restaurant and was seated at a table across the room. With him were another man and two women. The women were obviously dates.

Chuck's face showed his shock as he looked at the couples. Carina mistook the expression on Chuck's face.

"Did you just flash" she asked in a hushed whisper.

"No," said Chuck in the same tone. "I didn't need to. See the dark haired girl with Wilson? That's Angel from the club."

"Shit," said Carina softly. "Has she seen you?"

"I don't think so."

"Well calmly follow me" said Carina as she grabbed Chuck's hand and led him into the kitchen.

As soon as they entered the kitchen their waiter approached them.

"Is there a problem with your meal" he asked.

"Not at all," Carina replied as she flashed her seductive smile. "We have somewhat of a delicate situation here. An ex boyfriend of mine just showed up. I really don't want him to see me. Any help you can give us getting out of here discreetly would be most appreciated."

"Not at all," replied the waiter with a smile. "Don't worry. It happens all of the time. If you go out that door and down the hall, you'll be in the hotel lobby."

"Thank you so much" said Carina as she pressed two one hundred dollar bills into his hand.

"You're very welcome," replied the waiter as they were walking away. "I hope that you enjoyed your meal."

"Very much" said Carina over her shoulder.

They weren't back in the room for very long before Casey knocked at the door.

"Ok," he said. "Here's the deal. We got Angel's name from the arrest records when we raided the party. She also works part time for an escort service called Ladies on Your Arm. It's obviously also a front for prostitution. She has been booked for Wilson all this week."

"I've got an idea," said Carina. "How about tomorrow night, I take Angel's place?"

"That would work," said Casey. "But what do we do with Angel?"

"Chuck can keep her occupied", said Carina.

"What", Chuck said with a whine.

"Chuck," said Carina soothingly. "Angel knows you. All you would have to do is intercept her at the door tomorrow and tell her that you've gotten her reassigned to you for the evening."

"But what will I do with her," Chuck said with a sigh. "You know what she'll be expecting?"

"That's up to you tiger," said Casey with a grin. "I'm sure you can think of something."

"Crap."

- - - -

Sarah and Bryce were sitting at their assigned table at the ball. Sarah was stunning in her blue backless gown. And of course Bryce filled out a tux very well. They looked very much the perfect couple, even in a room full of perfect couples.

"You know," Sarah said to Bryce. "I wouldn't object at all if you picked up someone here and spent the night at her place. Not at all."

"Thanks," said Bryce with a smile. "I'll keep that in mind. I don't suppose that you'll be visiting the king's bedroom tonight?"

"How many times do I have to say this," replied Sarah coolly. "The only sex I'm ever going to have is with Chuck. Forever. Got it?"

Just then the king approached.

"Sarah," he said. "Would now be a good time to have that first dance?

"Of course your majesty," Sarah said with a dazzling smile. "I'd be so honored."

"With your permission" the king said to Bryce.

"Don't be silly, your majesty" Bryce replied with a smile.

"You know," said the king as they began to dance. "I've really looked forward to seeing you again. You're one of the main reasons that I agreed to come on this visit."

"Thank you your majesty," said Sarah with a smile. "That's so nice of you to say. I've missed the time that we spent together as well. I'm eager to help our two countries become closer allies."

"You don't know how big of a crush I had on you" he said.

"Of course I know," said Sarah with a coy smile. "A woman always knows these things. I'm very flattered."

"Then you'll understand," said the king. "Now that I'm the king, I'm more bold in asking for what I want. Would you do me the honor of coming to my room tonight?"

"Your majesty," said Sarah with a coy smile. "Please don't be offended. I'm so flattered. And under other circumstances I would like that very much. But I'm afraid that I can't. You see, I'm very much totally in love with my husband. I just couldn't betray him. Please don't be angry at me. I really value your friendship."

"This husband that you talk about," replied the king. "He's not Bryce is he?"

"Why would you say that" Sarah said in surprise.

"Come now Sarah," the king replied softly. "I've studied you very closely. By your voice I can tell that you are very much in love. But by the way that you look at Bryce, I can tell that you are not in love with him. Please be honest with me. Am I correct?"

"You are," said Sarah sadly. "Your majesty, please don't be angry. I never meant to deceive you. When we visited two years ago, Bryce and I were together. But we haven't been for about a year now."

"How could I be angry at you," said the king with a smile. "I'm disappointed that you won't be with me tonight. But I'm very happy for you. You are obviously very much in love. I would like to meet this very lucky man. He must be incredible."

"He is," replied Sarah as she embraced the king. "More than I can describe to you. My words fail me. And thank you for your warm thought. But actually, I'm the lucky one. I would be so honored for you to meet him. Perhaps, one day, we can come to Qatar. Would you allow that?"

"Sarah," said the king. "Don't be ridiculous. You are always welcome in my home. I look forward to it. Tell me, how are you staying in the same room as Bryce. Isn't that uncomfortable for you?"

"It's very uncomfortable," Sarah admitted sadly. "It is causing my husband a lot of pain."

"Don't worry," the king replied with a smile. "Bryce will not be in your room tonight."

"Thank you your majesty," Sarah said with a smile. "But I would get in trouble if my superiors found out that you knew the truth."

"Don't worry Sarah," said the king with a smile. "I can be discreet. It's a talent one needs to be king."

"Thank you so much your majesty," said Sarah with a sigh as she embraced the king. "I really value your friendship. If there is anything I can ever do to be of service to you, please let me know."

"Well," Sarah continued with a smile. "At least I'd be happy to perform any service that I can tell my husband about."

"Well," the king said thoughtfully. "You could dance with me again.'

"Your majesty," said Sarah with her Sarah smile. "That wouldn't be me performing a service for you. That would be just be fun."

- - - -

Chuck and Carina were getting ready for bed. Chuck was lying in bed watching Sports Center as Carina was in the bathroom changing.

"Chuck," Carina called from the bathroom. "Would you turn off the television? I need your attention for a minute."

"Sure," said Chuck as clicked the remote. "What do you want to tell me?"

"I want your opinion on something," she said as she walked out of the bathroom. "What do you think about this negligee?"

Carina was wearing a yellow teddy that was, for all intents and purposes, transparent. She had on a pair of dark panties but that was it.

"Carina," Chuck said with a blush. "What are you wearing? What will Casey and Sarah say?"

"Come on Chuck," said Carina with a wry smile. "We're undercover as a couple. This is how I act as a couple. You want me to stay in character don't you? And you've already seen everything that I'm showing you now. Don't you remember?"

Just then Chuck's cell phone rang. Sarah's picture sprang up on the screen.

"This is Sarah," Chuck said excitedly. "Please tell me that I can take it?"

"Go ahead," said Carina softly. "I'll be here waiting when you are done."

"Hi babe," Chuck answered as he walked into the bathroom and closed the door. "I'm so glad that you called."

"Hi Chuck. I'm missing you so much. What are you doing?"

"Carina and I are undercover. We're in the hotel room right now. I'm in the bathroom. How did your day go?"

"Well, I just got back from a State Ball in honor of the king. I blew my cover with him. I'm getting so horrible at this spy stuff."

"You blew your cover? Are you in trouble?"

"I don't think so. He was really cool about it. The good news is that he's keeping Bryce busy so I don't have to sleep with him tonight."

"That is good news. I wish that I could say the same about Carina."

"Is she messing with you? She's just kidding you know?"

"Yea. I know. Don't worry. I have a plan."

"I'm sure that you do."

"I miss you so much. When can you come home?"

"Soon. I miss you too. The king wants to meet you. He wants us to come to Qatar. Would you like that?"

"I guess. I'm not sure where Qatar is. Would you be coming with me?"

"Of course silly. It's right next to Iraq."

"Not exactly the vacation hot spot. But I'll go anywhere if you go with me."

"That's sweet. I'd better let you go. It's late."

"Ok. Can you call tomorrow?"

"I hope so. We'll see."

"I love you. You know that. Right?"

"I know. I never get tired of hearing it though. I love you too."

"I know. Goodnight babe. Enjoy the empty bed."

"Goodnight Chuck. Don't enjoy the not so empty bed too much."

Chuck ended the call and slid back into bed next to Carina.

"How is she doing," Carina said with a smile. "Has she killed Bryce yet?"

"Not yet," Chuck said with a small laugh. "But I do think that he is catching a cold from the chill in the room."

"You never told me what you think of my negligee" Carina said in a soft voice as she slid over to cuddle next to Chuck.

"It's very sexy," Chuck said with a smile as he put his arm around Carina. "Have I told you how incredibly beautiful you are?"

"No" Carina replied in a surprised voice.

"Well you are," Chuck said softly. "You're one of the sexist women I have ever seen. And we are a couple tonight. Aren't we?"

"I guess," said Carina hesitantly with her eyes wide in surprise as Chuck kissed her. "But what about Sarah?"

"Come on Carina," Chuck said in a whisper as he kissed her again. "You know Sarah. She of all people understands what you have to do for cover. I mean how many times has she had sex for cover reasons? She's in bed with Bryce right now as we speak."

"I can't tell you how long I've been thinking about this" Chuck said as he kissed her again. This time he opened his mouth. As soon as he did, Carina turned her head to break the kiss.

"Come on Carina. Stay in character with me. I know that you want this" Chuck said as he grabbed Carina and rolled on his back so that she was on top on him. Chuck grabbed the hem of her teddy and began to lift it off of her.

"Chuck," Carina said loudly as she jumped out of bed. "What are you doing? We can't do this. What about..."

Carina stopped talking as she watched Chuck rolling on the bed in laughter.

"You son of a bitch," she said with a laugh after a moment when the realization hit. "Very funny. How long have you known?"

"Every since the car," Chuck said still laughing uncontrollably. "I mean, Casey acting jealous? Come on. He has to be the worst actor ever."

"Well in that case," said Carina with a sly smile. "Maybe you'd be up to helping me mess with him?"

"Always."

- - - -