Just a friendly warning. Much of this story takes place in a strip club. There will be adult themes including illegal drug use and prostitution. I promise that I will be as tactful as possible but you may want to consider if this is the story for you. I still don't own Chuck.

The Perfect Assignment

- - - -

Chuck and Sarah were in the car driving back to their apartment. They decided that it would be a good idea to take a nap before tonight's mission. Sarah could sense that Chuck was tense. He was wordlessly staring out the passenger side window. Finally Sarah couldn't take the silence any longer.

"Babe", Sarah said. "I'm really sorry about the bra. Please don't be upset."

"Why would I be upset", Chuck asked without moving his gaze from the car window.

"Because, you know", Sarah said tentatively. "I mean I hope you're not jealous that I went to the club like that. Casey was supposed to remind me to put it back on."

"So", said Chuck, finally looking over at Sarah. "As long as I never knew about it, it wouldn't matter? Is that about right?"

"Chuck", Sarah said with a sigh. "I didn't mean it like that. Please don't be mad at me."

"Babe", said Chuck with a slight smile. "I'm just teasing you. I'm not mad. I just don't understand what you mean."

"I'm not trying to make you jealous", Sarah said slowly. "It's just that I know that you get jealous sometimes because of the things that I have to do. So I think it's better if I don't rub your face in it. That's all."

"Like today", Chuck said with a smile. "Are you going to tell me what happened at the club? Or is that one of those things that you're not going to rub my face into?"

"I'd rather not", Sarah said with a sigh as they pulled into the parking lot of their apartment.

"You do know", Chuck said as he opened the door to the apartment. "That just leaves me to imagine the worst. Was it the worst?"

"Of course not", said Sarah.

Chuck held up a cassette tape and showed it to Sarah. "You know that Casey gave me the tape", he said.

"Are you going to listen to it", Sarah asked?

"No", said Chuck as he handed the tape to Sarah. "Because you're going to tell me what happened. And I'll trust you that you're telling me everything. And you'll trust me to understand. Eventually anyway. I think that's the way people who love each other and trust each other should behave. Don't you agree?"

Chuck held out his arms to Sarah as an invitation. Sarah quickly accepted.

"Yes", Sarah said with a smile. "Of course I do. I'm sorry for not trusting you."

"Good", said Chuck with a laugh. "But talk really fast, because I'm really tired."

"It wasn't that big of a deal", Sarah said with a giggle. "I talked to the manager and asked him if I could get a job as a waitress. He spent the whole time looking at my chest and trying to talk me into becoming a dancer. He told me that I have too good of a body to be a waitress. Several times. I'm thinking that's why Casey wants you to listen to the tape. I told him that I was too shy to dance but if I could be a waitress for a while, I might consider it later. He said ok and I start tonight. Oh, and he really, really wants to sleep with me."

"Did he say that", Chuck asked? "Or are you just surmising?"

"I'm just surmising", Sarah said with a laugh. "But I'm pretty sure that I'm right."

"He's going to have to get in line", Chuck replied. "Your dance card is pretty full for the next fifty years or so. We might be able to work him in around 2060."

"Maybe", Sarah agreed. "I think he'll probably be dead by then. He didn't look that healthy. I think that he might drink too much."

"That's too bad", said Chuck. "He's going to miss an awesome night."

"Thanks", Sarah said with a giggle. "In fifty years, I might have it perfected."

"I'm thinking that it's pretty perfected right now", said Chuck with a wide grin. "You know? I don't think that I've told you that I love you today."

"No", said Sarah. "You haven't. It's actually been a couple of days."

"You've been keeping track", Chuck asked?

"All women keep track", Sarah replied.

"Oh come on", Chuck replied as they settled in on the bed. "I'm pretty sure that I told you yesterday."

"In the middle of making love doesn't count", said Sarah as they nestled in the spoon position. "You'd tell anyone that you loved them in the middle of making love."

"What", said Chuck sleepily? "Of course it counts."

"No", said Sarah with a huge yawn. "It doesn't."

"Yes it does."

Chuck would never know who won the argument as he fell asleep with Sarah in his arms. Somehow, he didn't mind.

- - - -

Casey and Carina were in the front seat of Casey's car. They were parked down the street from the club. Sarah was getting ready to begin her first shift. Chuck and Sarah were in the back seat snuggled together.

"I'm sorry", said Sarah softly. "That we had to take off our wedding rings."

"It's ok", said Chuck with a smile. "If I'm lucky, maybe that's all you'll have to take off."

"That's funny", said Sarah trying to contain her laughter without much success.

"Do you mind if we go to work", Carina said harshly as she turned to face them in the back seat. "Come on Sarah, this isn't the senior freaking prom. There is a world class animal in that club. I can't tell you all of the sick things that he would love to do to you. How about you get your freaking head in the game before you get us all freaking killed. You can suck face with your new husband when we're done."

"Sorry", said Sarah curtly as she moved over to her side of the car. "You're right. Let's go to work."

"Ok", said Casey. "Let's go over this one last time. Chuck is going to wait for about a half hour then go into the club and sit in your section. He is going to ask Angel for a few dances. Sarah, you are going to take a fancy to Chuck and start flirting with him. You're going to ice Matlin when he comes on to you. You both have wires. We'll be monitoring from out here. If you get in trouble, we'll come in with guns blazing. Any questions?"

Both Chuck and Sarah shook their heads in the negative.

As Sarah started to exit the car, Chuck reached over to kiss her goodbye.

"Sorry Chuck", said Sarah flatly. "Not now. We're working."

"I understand", said Chuck. "I'll see you inside."

As soon as Sarah left the car, Carina turned to Chuck.

"Ok Chuck", she said. "You remember what we talked about. If you get alone with Matlin, he is going to try and get you high. Just palm it like we practiced and act wired. Are you ok? I know that you can do this."

"I'm ok", said Chuck. "Well no. Actually, I'm freaked out. I had a bad experience at the senior prom."

Carina just smiled. "Didn't we all", she said.

"Don't worry", said Chuck. "I'm going to do whatever it takes. Just like always."

- - - -

As soon as Chuck entered the club, he noticed Sarah. It was amazing. Even fully clothed in a room full of half naked women, Sarah dominated the room. Chuck picked a table that was obviously in her section and sat down. He had only been sitting for a few moments when she came over.

"Hello", she said. "My name is Sarah. I'll be taking care of you tonight. What can I get you?"

"Hi Sarah", Chuck said. "I'll have a beer. Has anybody told you that you're really pretty?"

"Yes", said Sarah with a smile. "Almost everybody here has. But I can tell that you really mean it."

Chuck was well aware of Sarah's flirting style after having witnessed it many times on missions. Even though he knew that she was acting, he had a hard time concentrating when she was smiling at him.

"Why do you say that", Chuck said with a grin. "I'm sure that they all mean it. You are very pretty."

"I don't know", said Sarah as she walked away. "There's something about your eyes that's different from the rest."

"Now I understand what all those poor bastards were thinking", Chuck thought to himself with a smile.

Just as Sarah was bringing Chuck his beer, Angel walked up.

"Hi Charles", Angel said in a soft voice. "I'm glad to see you back. Do you want a dance?"

"Of course", said Chuck with a smile. "Just let me pay for my drink first."

"Oh", said Sarah with a beaming smile. "That's ok. I'll run you a tab. If you need anything just let me know, ok? Anything at all."

"Ok", said Chuck to Angel as he took a sip of his beer. "Let's get started."

Joel Matlin was sitting at a table in the corner of the club about twenty feet from where Chuck was sitting. There were four other men sitting at the same table.

As Angel began her dance with Chuck, Matlin motioned to Sarah.

Sarah could feel the men's eyes on her as she approached the table. They were not making any attempt to hide the leer on their faces.

"Would you like another round", she asked Matlin without the smile that she had flashed for Chuck.

"What I would really like", said Matlin. "Is you in the back room. On your back. How about it?"

The men at the table laughed loudly.

"Wow", said Sarah flatly. "That's really original. Does that line ever actually work?

"More than you think", replied Matlin. "I'm pretty sure that it will work with you too, eventually anyway."

"Maybe", said Sarah sarcastically. "But I wouldn't hold your breath. I'm not on the menu."

"We'll have to see about putting you on the menu then", said Matlin with a leer. "Until then, bring us another round."

- - - -

Casey and Carina were in the car monitoring Chuck's and Sarah's conversation.

"I see that Matlin is hitting on her already", said Carina with a flat smile. "How predictable is that? That guy is about as subtle as a car bomb."

"I'm really worried about Chuck", Casey said with a sigh. "I'm not sure that he can handle seeing Sarah in this environment."

"Don't worry about Chuck", Carina said. "He'll do fine."

"Why do you say that", Casey asked?

"Because he knows that he has to", replied Carina. "He knows that it is up to him to keep Sarah safe. Man does he love her. He'll do anything that is required to make sure she's safe."

You're right about that", Casey agreed. "He really does love her. I've never seen anyone have it so bad."

"The funny thing", Carina said with a smile. "Is that she loves him even more than that. I can't wait to see someone try to hurt Chuck. You won't believe what she'll become."

"I've seen her in action", Casey said.

"Trust me", Carina replied with a shake of her head. "You haven't seen anything yet."

- - - -

Sarah was at the bar getting her next order of drinks when Angel walked up.

"How's your first day going", Angel asked with a sarcastic laugh.

They had to practically shout to be heard over the noise of the club.

"Ok", said Sarah. "I guess."

"Are you sorry that you work here yet?"

"Not yet", said Sarah with a laugh. "But I'm working on it. Who's that guy that you were just with? He's really cute."

"Oh you mean Charles", Angel said flatly. "If you say so. I really don't think he is into chicks, if you know what I mean."

"Why would you say that", Sarah asked.

"Because", Angel said. "I've danced for him like a hundred times and nothing. I'm not sure why he keeps me dancing but it's obvious that he's not interested. I've offered to take him in the back a few times and all he tells me is maybe later."

"You're kidding", said Sarah. "As long as you're not getting anywhere, would you mind if I took a shot at him? He's not like all of these other guys. I don't know. He's sort of innocent or something. Whatever it is, it turns me on."

"Hey", Angel said. "Knock yourself out. I didn't think you were a pro."

"I'm not", said Sarah with a smile. "I'm an amateur. I just think he's hot. You know how it is? Some guys just get your motor running. I can't explain it."

"Whatever", replied Angel in disgust as she walked away.

Joel Matlin was watching Angel talking to Sarah. As soon as Angel walked away, he motioned her over. As soon as Angel caught Matlin's signal, she walked directly over to him as quickly as she could.

Hi Mr. Matlin", Angel said with a smile. "How are you tonight? Do you want a dance?"

"I'm great", said Matlin as he grabbed Angel and pulled her onto his lap. "Maybe in a bit. I noticed that you were talking to that new girl."

"You mean Sarah", Angel said as she leaned her head against Matlin's chest seductively. "Yes sir."

"She's really hot", Matlin said with a grin. "Isn't she? You know me with the new girls? I want her. Bad. I need your help to get in her pants. I'd like you to find out what she likes. I would make it worth your while."

"I'd do anything for you Mr. Matlin", Angel said. "You know that. But I already know what she likes. See that man over there with the dark curly hair and the green shirt? She thinks he is hot. She just told me that she wants a shot at him."

"Really", said Matlin as he kissed her on the cheek. "Thanks Angel. That's why you're my favorite girl. That just earned you an invitation to my party tonight."

"Wow", said Angel as she turned and put her arms around Matlin's neck. "Really? Thank you so much Mr. Matlin. You know how much I love your parties. I really am looking forward to it."

Chuck was watching Sarah wait on tables. He couldn't help but smile at how men's heads would turn and follow her around the room. He took a long drink of his beer. And when he looked up, Joel Matlin was standing next to him.

"Hi", Matlin said. "My name is Joel. Do you mind if I join you?"

"Sure", said Chuck in a surprised voice. "Please sit down."

"My name is Charles", Chuck said as he shook Matlin's extended hand.

"It's nice to meet you Charles", said Matlin as he motioned to Sarah. "I've noticed you here a lot in the past few days so I thought I'd come over and introduce myself. Can I buy you a drink?"

"Bring us another round", Matlin said to Sarah when she arrived. "And put it on my tab."

"Sure", said Sarah as she turned and gave Chuck a Sarah smile. "Another beer, Charles?"

"That would be great", said Chuck with a smile of his own.

Matlin watched the interaction between Chuck and Sarah with interest. As soon as Sarah left to get the drinks, he turned to Chuck.

"She really likes you", he said.

"Who", asked Chuck, looking around in bewilderment?

"That waitress", replied Matlin. "Sarah, I think it is."

"Really", Chuck asked with a smile? "What makes you think so?"

Matlin looked at Chuck with a bemused look as he shook his head."

"I don't think. I know", he said. "She's so incredibly hot. Isn't she? Tell me you wouldn't fight every man in this bar for a piece of that?"

"She's ok", said Chuck without much conviction. "But I never was much for blondes. You know the one that I think is hot is Angel?"

"You're kidding", said Matlin with a laugh. "Angel? You know that she's a pro? Don't you? For two bills, she'll take you in the back and turn you inside out."

"I know", said Chuck sadly. "But I have something against paying for it. It sort of ruins it for me. But man, is she hot."

"Charles", said Matlin with a smile. "I think that we can help each other out here. You want Angel and I want Sarah. Angel is already coming to a very private party that I'm throwing tonight. I would like you to invite Sarah and be my guests."

"Oh man", said Chuck hesitantly. "I don't know."

"Trust me", said Matlin with a laugh. "This is something you won't want to miss. You'll have a good time. Who knows, maybe you'll even wind up with Angel."

"But I could never ask a girl I've never met before to a party", said Chuck nervously. "I've never been good at that sort of thing."

"Let me handle it", said Matlin with a laugh.

Just then Sarah returned with the drinks. Matlin turned to her with a grin.

"Sarah", he said. "Charles here has just agreed to come to my personal private party tonight. But he doesn't have a date. He was just telling me how beautiful he thinks you are. Would you like to come to my party as Charles's date? My parties are legendary. I promise you'll have a great time."

"Charles", said Sarah with a blush. "Is that true? You really think that I'm pretty?"

"Sure", said Chuck with a smile. "Of course I think you're pretty. Will you come?"

"Ok", said Sarah with a smile as she nodded her head. "I'd like that."

"Great", said Matlin. "Meet me back here at midnight. I'll have a limo waiting for you."

"We have a couple of hours to kill before midnight", Chuck said to Sarah. "What time do you get off?"

"I'm done in ten minutes."

"Would you like to go somewhere and talk", Chuck said with a smile. "Maybe we can get better acquainted."

"Why not", Sarah said.

"That's great", said Matlin. "I'll see you both back here at midnight."

- - - -

Chuck was the first one to return to the car.

"Nice work Chuck", said Carina. "You really had him going."

"Thanks", Chuck said with a smile. "Promise me that I can watch when you shoot him?"

"You got it", replied Carina.

Just then Sarah arrived. As soon as Sarah was in the car, Casey drove away.

"What an asshole", Sarah said with a sigh.

"I hope you're talking about Matlin", said Chuck with a wide grin.

Sarah tried unsuccessfully to keep in her laugh.

"I know that you get to shoot him", Sarah said to Carina. "But I get to kick him a couple of times first."

"Where are we going anyway", Chuck asked.

"Just for a drive", Casey growled. "We can't risk being seen here. We have two hours to plan our strategy for this party."

"Wait a second", Chuck said with a smile as he slid over to Sarah and put his arms around her neck.

Chuck kissed Sarah strongly as they drove. Sarah could feel Chuck's mouth open and attack hers vigorously. Sarah returned the kiss with equal intensity. After several moments Chuck held up one finger to stall the obviously growing impatient Casey. Their make out session lasted for several minutes. Finally Chuck broke the kiss and spoke.

"Sorry guys. I just wanted to stay in character for a few minutes", Chuck said.

"We were getting better acquainted."