Chapter 7: The Compromise
A/N: Time to enter the second arc..
Thanks for reading and reviewing, and thanks to charahkids for helping me out! Next update will be ready soon. Enjoy!
Castle
Chuck didn't realize he was in the supply closet until he felt himself pressed against the door, and warm lips pressed against his. He knew right away it was Sarah from the perfume she wore, and the feel of her body.
Chuck was relieved. He intentionally avoided Colette until he and Sarah had the opportunity to sit down with her, and discuss things. Castle was out of the question, and they had a mission.
That didn't stop Sarah from making out with her nerd. Chuck knew they needed to talk as well…but time was never their friend.
Sarah backed away, and saw the wheels in Chuck's mind spinning. "I know we need to talk, Chuck. Soon."
Chuck did a double take. "Uh…that's scary. Did you add mind-reading to your list of awesome skills? That was totally Jedi, by the way."
Sarah rested her face against Chuck's chest, and laughed. "I don't know if I'm laughing at what you said, or the fact I actually know what a Jedi is. What have you done to me?"
Chuck shrugged. "I thought you liked Return of the Jedi…are you telling me you didn't?"
Sarah rolled her eyes. "I saw it when I was 9…" Sarah trailed, Chuck caught the look in her eye.
"You don't have to talk about it." Chuck said softly, rubbing Sarah's back.
Sarah made eye contact. "Chuck…I think it's…time I started talking to you about my life."
Chuck was about to say something, but Sarah already knew what he was going to say. She knew her Chuck. "Chuck…honey…I'm through deflecting personal questions. What we have…is personal. You deserve to know…just…give me some time. Okay?"
Chuck nodded through a solemn smile. "Okay...honey. Sarah…I know life hasn't been easy for you. I know some things are hard to talk about. I just…I want you to know…I'm here for you. On your terms. I don't wanna get impaled by a pencil. Okay?"
Sarah practically melted in Chuck's arms. "You really are something, you know that? And...I'm sorry I got so pissed at you over my high school reunion. You were sweet, by the way."
Chuck kissed Sarah softly on the lips. Sarah reacted by deepening the kiss…pleasantly surprised Chuck kissed her…and a little turned on.
Sarah smiled when she backed away. "That's the second time you kissed me."
"Did you not want me to?" Chuck asked in concern. Sarah smacked him. "Owwww! Guess not…"
Sarah grabbed his face, and kissed him again…this time a little tongue was involved. "Chuck…I am your girlfriend. If you don't kiss me, I'll think something is wrong."
Sarah sighed. "Did…did you and Colette kiss you on the…"
"Dinner. It was just dinner." Chuck said defensively. "Uh…yeah…we kissed…"
Sarah nodded. "Did you kiss her, or did she kiss you?"
"She kissed me." Chuck said without hesitation. "Sarah…I'm…sorry..."
Sarah silenced Chuck with a finger to his mouth. "I told you this morning…it's fine. I understand."
Sarah glanced down, sadly. "I thought I had lost you. All this pushing you away…I just couldn't stand it any longer."
Chuck shook his head. "You haven't. I…I just couldn't…I'm in love with you…but it was killing me inside to be this close to each other…but…so distant."
Sarah blinked away tears. "I know. Chuck…I fell for you som time between you fixing my phone, and before you disarmed that bomb with a computer virus. I…wanted to sleep with you after our first date. I knew you were innocent…but I…I would have given anything for just one night with you."
"I never would have seen you again had it not been for…" Chuck trailed, tapping the side of his head. "For the record, I would have turned you down. I'm not into one night stands."
Sarah smiled at that. "I know. You're a rare breed, Chuck. You're living proof chivalry is not dead." Sarah turned coy. "I still would have had you. I'm pretty good at getting what I want…" Sarah leaned forward, her hot breath sending chills down Chuck's spine, her finger tracing Chuck's jaw, "…anytime I want. Remember that."
Chuck nodded through a gulp. "Got it."
"Good." Sarah said, smiling. "This morning was…" Sarah moaned…Chuck's eyes widened. "…wonderful. You were perfect. Thank you. I'm…ready to do that again."
"In a bed this time, please." Chuck said softly. "Sarah…the next time I make love to you…I want to lay you down in a bed. I feel bad because the bathroom isn't very romantic."
Sarah's eyes glazed over. "Oh my God…don't say another word, or I'm taking you right here."
Chuck gulped again. "Uh…this isn't very romantic either…"
Sarah knew what Chuck was trying to say. "Chuck, listen to me. The bathroom was the only place that doesn't have surveillance. We couldn't do that in your bed. You made it romantic. When you're sweet, and considerate...it is such a turn on."
Sarah pulled Chuck to her lips. "Stop worrying. I loved this morning, and I love you. Okay?"
"Okay." Chuck said softly. "I love you too."
Chuck sighed. "I have a favor to ask…about Colette. Please take it easy on her. I…I care about her…but I'm in love with you. I want her as a friend. Please don't be mean."
Sarah nodded. "Chuck…I'm not going to lie to you. I see her as a threat. She wants you, and that's a problem for me. If she crosses any boundaries, I will react. I'm your girlfriend, and any girlfriend would respond the same way."
"Fair enough. But…until we have a chance to talk…please don't try to fight her again. If she flirts with me, I'll handle it. But, I don't like hurting people's feelings." Chuck said, surprisingly confident. "And…if it was the other way around…spy or not…I would fight for you too."
Chuck frowned. "Well…if it was a spy, I'd talk Casey into kicking their ass….but I still owe him a Crown Vic…"
Sarah chuckled. "Casey would have to stand in line, because I would kick their ass. Nobody is going to make my boyfriend jealous."
Sarah turned serious. "Okay. I'll take it easy on Colette. But…Chuck…I won't sit back, and do nothing if she doesn't get the hint."
"That's fair." Chuck said. "I understand. Thank you."
Sarah smiled, and kissed Chuck softly on the lips. "We have a lot to talk about."
"Yeah." Chuck agreed. "And…I've…never been this happy, Sarah. You are amazing."
Sarah melted in Chuck's arms, kissing him softly on the lips. "With you...I feel alive again."
Surveillance Room
Chuck was in the process of double-checking Casey and Sarah's live feeds, and the recording equipment when Colette walked in.
"Have they made it yet?" Colette asked, checking the monitors.
"Almost there." Chuck said, wanting to talk to her, but knew now wasn't the time.
Colette took a seat, and sighed. Chuck noticed the sadness on her face.
Chuck sat next to Colette, and turned his chair to face her, muting the radios, but left Casey and Sarah's mics open so he could keep tabs. "Colette…I am so, so sorry about what happened to you."
"Occupational hazard. Don't be sorry, Chuck. There was nothing you could have done to prevent what happened. I'm just glad…" Colette trailed. "I'm glad I got out of there when I did. They were going to rape me."
"What?" Chuck said, his heart now shattering in his chest. He took her by the hand, and Colette smiled.
Colette stared Chuck in the eyes, her tone barely above a whisper. She knew they were being recorded. "Judging by Sarah's…demeanor towards you…I take it the two of you are together?"
Chuck smiled sadly, and nodded. "We're together."
Colette sighed. "Who would have thought it? Colette Barker loses the guy to Sarah Walker."
Chuck gave a gentle squeeze. "I meant what I said last night. I still want you in my life. My heart belongs to Sarah…but that doesn't mean we can't be friends."
Colette took a moment before speaking. "Then she'd better not ever let you go. If she does…I meant what I said too. I want you."
"The last thing I want is for the two of you fighting over me. I'm not worth it." Chuck said.
"I beg to differ." Collette replied softly. "The sad part is…you don't see it."
Comfortable silence filled the space. Colette gave Chuck a warm smile. "You're a sweet guy, Chuck. Most men would move on, and not look back."
"I never wanted to hurt you." Chuck said softly.
Colette shook her head. "Chuck…you haven't. You've made me very happy. Just…being in your life anyway I can is good enough for me. I'm not in love with you...we've only known each other a short while…but I do care very deeply about you."
Colette took Chuck's other hand, and stared deep in his eyes. "I care about you enough that I am willing to bow out of pursuing you…I know you love Sarah. And…you can always talk to me. About anything."
"The same goes for me." Chuck said, gently touching a bruise on Colette's arm. "I am so sorry you got hurt."
"I'll be fine." Colette said, then focused on the screen. "I'm sure Sarah will want to talk to me…and don't worry. I intend for that conversation to be very civil."
"Yes..she wanted the three of us to talk. And…thank you for dinner. You looked beautiful."
Colette blushed, and motioned to the screen. "I had a wonderful time. Well…showtime."
"Right." Chuck said, putting on his headset. "Uh…how about we split up. I'll take Casey, and you take Sarah."
Colette gave Chuck a curious look. Chuck nodded. "I think it would help if you two…bonded a little."
"Right." Colette said, then un-muted the mic. "Okay, Sarah…looks like it's you and me for the duration. Chuck is monitoring Casey…the two guys at your 2 o'clock position are both armed."
Sarah narrowed her eyes, curious to why she wasn't talking to Chuck. "Got 'em. Nice work."
"Just doing my job, Sarah." Colette said professionally.
Chuck glanced around the room, but didn't flash on anything. "Casey…hors d'oeuvre tray at your 12 o'clock. Uh…yeah…grab the big one…"
Casey grunted. "Thanks, Bartowski. Skipped lunch."
Colette gave Chuck a confused look. Chuck nodded. "Casey works up an appetite on missions."
"Good to know." Colette said. "Sarah…head's up. The man approaching you is the Italian ambassador. He can be a little handsy. He has a wife named Isabella, and two children."
The ambassador took Sarah's hand, and began to flirt. Sarah shut him down be asking about his wife, and children. The ambassador retreated, with his tail between his legs.
Sarah left the ambassador in her dust. "Smooth, Colette. Thanks for that."
"No problem." Colette said. She noticed Chuck in awe of Sarah's appearance through Casey's body cam. She quickly stopped the audio recording, and moved to a secure channel.
"Sarah…we're secure. Chuck is...enjoying the view in that dress. I could pick his mouth up off the floor, if you like?"
Sarah glanced in Casey's direction, and blushed. "I take it he told you about us. We'll talk later. In the meantime...tell him I was beginning to wonder why I wasn't talking to him. Now I know."
Colette took off her headset, and reached across to position it behind Chuck's head. He had no idea what she was doing.
Chuck was mesmerized, glued to the screen. "Wow…she looks so beautiful…"
Sarah approached Casey, and pretended to adjust his lapel, which was in actuality, the body cam. She gave a coy wink, causing Chuck to jump slightly. "How…did…"
Colette returned her headset to her head. "Spy, Chuck."
Chuck glanced at Colette, then back at the screen, smirking. "Very funny."
Casey turned, and Chuck flashed. "Guys! I just flashed! The short…balding…sweaty guy with glasses in the other room…his name is Doctor Herbert Woflgang…he's a DOD scientist…that has got to be Perseus."
Casey and Sarah exchanged looks, and moved in. A man approached, and greeted Sarah and Casey. He was walking with a cane.
"That's him! That's the bastard who tortured me!" Colette said angrily.
Chuck flashed on at least six other men in the same room. They were all Fulcrum.
"Oh, crap. Crap…crap…crap…guys…you're surrounded. You just stepped into a rogue's gallery." Chuck said frantically, and alerted the tactical team, who was already on standby.
Chuck thought fast, and pulled up the building's schematics. He hacked into the building's electrical grid.
"Sarah…Casey…in three seconds…I'm setting off the fire alarm. The tactical team is moving in as we speak. Get ready."
Colette's tone was primal. "Sarah…if you get the chance…please kill that bastard!"
"It will be my pleasure." Sarah said through gritted teeth.
"Now." Chuck said, then triggered the fire alarm. The tactical team moved towards the back entrance, as Sarah and Casey turned, and blended into the crowd. Dr. Busgang headed toward the back entrance, but was immediately caught by the tactical team.
Realizing they were trapped, the Fulcrum team blended into the crowd too, and managed to exit the building. Sarah and Casey knew they could do nothing at the embassy, for it would ignite an international incident.
Chuck, in the meantime, determined to seek justice for Colette…tracked the Fulcrum agents to a nearby van. He got the tag number from one of the embassy's surveillance cameras before they escaped.
Later that evening…
Colette was standing in the observation room when Sarah walked in. Busgang was sitting in the interrogation room. He had already demanded a lawyer, and when Casey answered the question, Busgang realized he was in deep trouble.
"You're working for Fulcrum. Traitors don't get lawyers. Ever heard of the Patriot Act? Now, it's either, talk, or we have a room reserved just for you at Guantanamo Bay."
Sarah took her place beside Colette, still dressed in her evening gown. Colette broke the silence.
"It took me over a year to bag his guy…and Chuck learns his identity in less than five seconds using the Intersect. I feel we're obsolete, Sarah."
Sarah shrugged. "I felt the same way when I first took this assignment. But…he's not an agent, Colette. That's where we come in."
Colette nodded. "Tonight was a good example of that fact. He truly is remarkable. I can't believe I was fortunate enough to draw this assignment."
Sarah turned, and made eye contact. "I take it you and Chuck had a chance to talk?"
"Briefly." Colette said, knowing she had to be cryptic. "It's a wonderful feeling having someone care about me, Sarah. But…I know where I stand."
Colette shifted her eyes, and sighed. "You really are lucky, Sarah. Very lucky."
Sarah glanced downward, and back in Colette's eyes. "Yes. I am. I won't take it for granted."
Colette smiled. "Please don't. Some things…are worth fighting for."
Sarah nodded. "I couldn't agree more."
Comfortable silence filled the room, until Sarah pointed to Busgang, her tone friendly. "He's all yours. This was your case."
Colette sighed. "Thank you for your courtesy."
Colette exited the room, and entered the interrogation room.
Busgang started groveling. "I…I demand to speak to your superior. I have rights!"
Colette slammed her hands on the table, causing Busgang to jump. Her tone ice cold.
"You'll shut your fucking mouth, or I'll call back in Major Casey…who despises those who betray their country. I passed him sharpening his favorite knife…I think he has in mind to skin you alive with it…or worse."
In the other room, Sarah grinned. "She's good."
Colette took a seat, and folded her arms. She smiled, and spoke in a sweet tone. "Now…Doctor Busgang…tell me a story. Because that's the only way you're walking out of this facility in one piece."
Busgang nodded quickly. "Okay…okay…I'll talk…just…please don't let that scary guy back in here."
Colette shrugged with one shoulder. "I'm listening."
"They...uh...told me this was all legitimate. The research I was doing. They said it was for a covert federal research project." Busgang said calmly.
"They...as in...the men at the embassy?" Colette inquired, leaning on the table and clasping her hands.
Busgang nodded quickly. "Yes...I thought they were CIA."
Colette narrowed her eyes. "Did you check their credentials?"
"No." Busgang said, slumping in his chair. "I believed them."
Colette shook her head. "For such a smart guy...that was pretty dumb."
"They seemed legit. Even...knew about Orion..."
"Who is Orion?" Colette asked.
Busgang sighed. "It was all based on his research...the Intersect. We were part of a team of scientists. Each of us with different specialties. Um...subliminal imaging, code...there was even a neurologist."
By now, Chuck was with Sarah in the observation room, and flashed. Sarah held Chuck back when he wanted to go in the interrogation room.
"Chuck...no...don't go in there."
"But Sarah...please...I have to know if this thing can be taken out." Chuck pleaded.
Casey entered the room, and Sarah addressed him. "Casey...do not let Chuck leave this room."
Casey grunted, and Sarah walked past him. Sarah barged in the interrogation room, and gave Colette a knowing look.
"Dr. Busgang. I have a question. Can Intersect images be removed once they are uploaded?"
Busgang furrowed his brow. "Well...in a computer...yes. You simply overwrite the file..." Busgang's eyes widened in surprise. "He did it didn't he?"
"Did what? Who?" Sarah asked, folding her arms.
Busgang shook his head in awe. "Orion. We said it couldn't be done...uploading the Intersect into a human host. Those agents told me they were looking for a human host who had the Intersect. I didn't believe them. All our tests concluded it would be lethal. He did it...didn't he?"
Colette narrowed her eyes. "That's Classified...back to the question. Can the Intersect be removed?"
Busgang snapped out of his musings. "I suppose...but only Orion would know."
Sarah heard a tap on the glass, and motioned for Colette to join her. In the other room, Casey had Chuck pinned to the wall. "Please, Casey...let me go!"
Sarah approached. "Let him go, Casey!"
Casey stepped aside, and Sarah took Chuck's face in her hands. "Chuck...breathe. That's it. Breathe."
Chuck shook his head, frantic. "I just want my life back...I want to be normal again."
Sarah motioned for Casey to pull the power to the surveillance camera in the corner. When the feed was cut, Sarah took Chuck in her arms.
"Listen to me. We will get your life back." Sarah said soothingly.
Casey and Colette wordlessly left the room. Outside, Colette covered her mouth. "Major...this changes everything."
Casey grunted lowly. "There's just one problem. If Bartowski gets his wish...we could lose this war." Casey paused, the conflict visible on his features. "That kid in there represents the reason I took this job. To protect the innocent. Good men who deserve to live the good life. Men like me volunteered. He didn't. But...whether he believes it or not...he was made for this kind of work."
"Do you honestly believe that?" Colette said softly.
Casey didn't blink. "Yeah. I do. I've seen seasoned agents crack under pressure with some of the things that kid in there figured out. Half the time I wonder if it's the damn thing in his head calling the shots...or him. Fact is...and this is something no one but us...me, Sarah, and now you will ever understand...it's not just the Intersect that is making the difference. It's Bartowski."
Colette sighed. "I see the dilemma. He deserves a real life...but he's also winning this war. What do we do?"
"Glad that's not my call." Casey said. "I know one thing...with...recent changes between him and Walker...I think he can find the balance. Have a taste of the good life, while making sure the bad guys of the world don't win."
Colette glanced away and smiled. "Then it's up to us to help him balance both."
Kate's Diner, Echo Park
Sitting in a corner booth, Chuck felt awkward. Sitting next to him, with their hands intertwined, was Sarah. Across from the couple, sat Colette. Casey sat at the counter, sipping a cup of coffee, and wolfing down a hamburger, and a slice of apple pie.
Silence filled the air, until Chuck cleared his throat. "Um...thank you both for sitting down together. It...means a lot to me."
Both women smiled, and Colette addressed Sarah. "Sarah...I know we've spoken briefly...but I wanted to offer my congratulations. I am happy for you both."
Sarah nodded. "Thank you. And...thank you for what you said earlier."
Colette sighed. "I won't lie. You have a wonderful, wonderful guy...I am envious. But...I know where I stand...and I can live with that."
Sarah took a deep breath. "I won't lie either. I see you as a threat. Do I need to constantly look over my shoulders?"
Colette's reply was quick. "That's fair, Sarah. And, no. You don't." Colette paused, leaning forward. "But you're right to see me as a threat...but not your competition. You should see me as a threat because if anything happens...if you ever hurt him..."
"I won't." Sarah said softly. "I'm done hurting him."
Colette saw the intensity in Sarah's eyes, and smiled. "Then you'll never have to worry about me."
Chuck took a steady breath. "Can I just say...I care about you both. Neither of you should see the other as a threat because of that. I love Sarah...and that won't change...and I care about you, Colette. A lot."
Chuck paused, his emotions boiling to the surface. "My parents abandoned me and my sister...my best friend from college ruined my life...thinking he was saving me...and...the first girl I...thought I loved...betrayed not just me, but her country. I don't have a lot...but the people I love...and consider part of my family...are all sacred to me. I don't take the people in my life for granted...because I know what it's like to lose those you love."
Sarah's eyes shined with tears...and so did Colette's. Chuck took a breath, and closed his eyes momentarily before opening them. "So...I love you both...in different ways. Sarah...I'm crazy about you, and I've always been. And...to be in a fake relationship with you was pure torture. But now...I've never been happier. To...be with the woman I fell in love with...I don't think I will ever top that."
"Oh, Chuck..." Sarah said through her tears, pulling Chuck's forehead to her own. "I love you so much. Nothing in this world will ever change that."
Colette wiped away her own tears, and couldn't help the smile on her face. What she was witnessing, was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. Two people who beat the odds, madly in love...and together.
"Chuck...you really are a beautiful human being." Colette said softly. Chuck turned his face, and held out his free hand. Colette took it, and smiled. "And know that I love you too...in my own way. And...I promise I won't do anything to hurt what the two of you have. In fact...I've got your back." Colette ended with a wink.
"Thank you." Chuck said. "That means the world to me...to us."
Sarah nodded. "I agree."
Sarah took a cleansing breath. "I owe you an apology, Colette. I know you wouldn't have come back to Castle had you talked. I should have known you never would have given Chuck up."
"No...you were right to question me, Sarah." Colette said. "I would have done the same had I been in your shoes. And...if I may...you have my respect. You have been in an impossible situation."
Sarah knew what Colette meant, and it was actually refreshing to have someone know what she went through. Spies don't fall in love, but she did...and had to protect the man she loved, and hide her feelings. It wasn't easy.
In fact, it was worse than torture.
"It was worse than being tortured." Sarah said softly. "And I know...I've been tortured."
Chuck turned, concern on his features. "I'm sorry, Sarah."
Sarah turned, giving Chuck a smile, and a tender kiss on the lips. "We'll talk about all that soon. I promise. And...I'm okay."
Chuck nodded, seeing the sadness in Sarah's eyes. "When you're ready."
Sarah smiled, and faced Colette. "Now. We need to decide on your cover...if you're going to meet Chuck's sister. Our cover job will be the Orange Orange."
Colette's eyes brightened. "You mean...you want me to meet his family?"
"Yes." Sarah said. "You're part of our team."
Colette smiled in delight.
Sarah spoke cordially. "I am being relieved as Chuck's handler. That responsibility now falls to you."
Colette gave Chuck a curious look, who shrugged. "I know. Not your dream assignment. I can be a real pain in the ass."
Colette blinked, and snorted loudly. "Clearly. But...it will be my honor."
Sarah grinned. "I am now Chuck's asset protection...but I'll be protecting more than his life...just so we're clear on that."
Colette nodded. "Crystal clear."
Sarah winked at Chuck, then continued. "Usually asset protection is a step down from handler...but in this case...it's a promotion. Considering protecting Chuck is a matter of Executive Order by the President of the United States. I am now in the Agent-In-Charge of this operation. All matters related to Chuck...is my responsibility. You and Casey's job...is the Intersect. I have the final say. I will no longer allow Chuck to go on missions...unless necessary, and I can't let him out of my sight."
"Unless I go to the bathroom." Chuck said dryly. "Just wanted to clarify that."
"Preferably with the door closed." Sarah added.
"With the water running, or radio on." Chuck offered.
Colette gave a firm head bob. "Got it."
Sarah turned, addressing Chuck. "Oh, and uh...you have to quit the Buy More. The Orange Orange is your new cover."
Chuck narrowed his eyes. "Then say good-bye to your customers. I doubt I look presentable in those tank tops and capris."
Sarah rolled her head back, laughing. "You're going to be running our website. E-commerce. The, uh...government takes advantage of economic opportunities when applicable."
"Cool. What's the dress code? I kind of like the Nerd Herd uniform." Chuck said offhandedly.
"You'll be wearing an orange polo shirt, and khakis..." Sarah leaned close to Chuck's ear. "Or...we both could be wearing nothing if you play your cards right. And...uh...I kept my Nerd Herd uniform if you ever feel...nostalgic."
Chuck turned beet red. Colette rolled her eyes. "Sarah...don't break him."
Sarah gave Colette an innocent look. "What? He's fine."
Colette cast her eyes to Chuck...who was lost in dreamland. She motioned to Chuck. "He's a vegetable."
Sarah kissed Chuck on the cheek, and he snapped out of his musings. "Huh?" Chuck squeaked. "Where am I?"
Sarah folded her arms. "Tell me you're not going to miss Jeff and Lester?"
Colette held up a finger. "Wait...is that the greasy haired little Indian guy, and the wild-looking pervert?"
Chuck nodded. "Yep. That would be them." Chuck turned to Sarah. "Nope. Not gonna miss them."
Chuck paused for a moment. "Big Mike and Morgan won't like it...but I'll talk to them."
Sarah pat Chuck on the arm. "They are welcome to visit anytime they want."
Chuck eyed Casey at the counter. "I think I'll join Casey. That pie looks delish."
Sarah scooted out of the way, and let Chuck exit, while she and Colette made small talk.
Chuck took a seat next to Casey, and reached over. "Hey Casey, that looks...OW!" Chuck trailed, as Casey popped his hand away.
Casey had pie hanging off the side of his mouth, and an evil look on his face. When he spoke, bits of pie shot from his mouth, right in Chuck's face. "Get your own damn pie, numb nuts!"
Chuck faced forward, and wiped pie from his face. The waitress sat a piece of pie in front of him. After one bite, Chuck looked like he was having an orgasm.
"This is gooooooood!"
Casey grunted in agreement. "Best damn pie you'll ever stuff in your pie hole."
"That's...that's...clever, Casey. Pie hole." Chuck said in glee.
"Good. Now shut yours, and dig in. I like to eat in peace." Casey snarled.
"Fine." Chuck said, then grinned when Casey gave him a grin.
"Well. I see you survived your chat? Disappointed myself. I wanted to see some hair pulling action."
Chuck smirked. "Sorry to disappointed you. By the way...remember Irene Demova? How DID you know she was a Serbian porn star?"
Casey grunted. "I'm a Marine, moron. Spend half my life around homesick young Devil Dogs with nothing better to do than run gags, look at porn, and play with themselves."
"Got it. Thanks for clarifying that." Chuck said, snorting slightly.
Casey rolled his eyes. "Fine. Even I appreciate good looking women."
Chuck leaned closer, whispering. "I noticed you keep stealing glances at the waitress."
Casey shrugged. "I appreciate her...assets. I have a set of testicles, you know."
Chuck bit his lip to keep from laughing. "Could have fooled me."
Casey dropped his fork, and gave Chuck an evil grunt. "Bartowski...don't be an idiot."
"Right. Shutting up now." Chuck said, returning to his pie. Casey grunted amused, and continued enjoying his own tasty little piece of freedom.
A/N: Be careful what you ask for...sevenrez gave me a really good idea for the next chapter...
