Apparently, I need to avow my lack of ownership in this story. That's a trend I noted when I was rereading. It was interesting trying to get back into the style of this story.

Chuck recovers rather quickly. "How could you do this to me?"

Sarah looks confused. "What do you mean?"

"Agree to seduce me? Under orders? What's that about ?"

"How do you …? Nevermind." Her voice is unhappy. "You know how it is, Chuck. I'm an agent. I don't get to question orders, I just follow them. On the plus side, we both get do what we've want-"

Chuck cuts her off. "Don't give me that. Just say you failed."

Sarah shakes her head. "I can't do that. I was first in my class in seduction and infiltration of enemy personnel. I wouldn't fail." Silence greets her pronouncement, as Chuck just stares at her incredulously. For a moment, they simply look at each other, before she breaks the silence with a husky voice. "C'mon, Chuck, isn't this what you've always wanted?"

She moves in closer, and he doesn't back away. "No." His voice sounds very uncertain, like he doesn't believe it himself. "Not like this."

"Why not?" The words are little more than a breath in his ear.

With great effort, he pushes her away. "It's not HOW I want it."

"I don't care about 'how.' I just want it."

"Oh, I so want to believe that. But ... I have to believe I'm hearing the woman who finished first in her class in seduction. And I don't want Agent Walker right now. I want Sarah."

The purr in her voice disappears and her body posture becomes much less aggressive. "How can I convince you otherwise? That I want this too?"

"I already told you. Say you failed." A half-smile appeared on Chuck's face. "Preferably lying when you tell them that."

"I - I can't do that." Her face shows her mortification at the idea.

"Well, it's going to be true." He turns to the door and starts to leave.

Sarah's eyes are brimming with tears. "Chuck, don't go."

He pauses, looking sadly at her. "You know I hate to see you upset."

"Then stay." He looks uncomfortable until she adds, "I'll even propose a lousy compromise."

"What?" Distrust is still heavy in his voice, but a bit of curiosity blunts its edge.

"Stay tonight. I will leave you alone, but I'll claim success. Your honor won't be compromised, but it'll get Beckman off my back."

A pause looms in the air. Chuck breaks the silence. "OK." Neither looks happy with the compromise, however. Fade out.

Fade back into the same room, with Chuck lying on the bed. Sarah comes out of the bathroom wearing the least sexy pair of pajamas ever. She looks sadly at Chuck. "I'll just sleep on the couch."

"Really? Why's that?"

"So that you know you're in charge. And this way, I won't be tempted to go against my word. Not tonight at least."

Chuck winces, but he acquiesces. The main lights go out and the two try to sleep. Both toss and turn. Neither is comfortable.

Finally, Chuck growls out an upset "Aaarggh!"

"What's the matter?" Real concern laces her voice.

"This is so frustrating. I can't shake the feeling that you're still playing me, even now. That this is all part of some seduction plan."

She sighs. "I could lie and say it wasn't a technique. But essentially everything is. It's just …." she trails off unhappily.

"Why are you telling me that?"

"I'm … I'm trying to be honest. It's not exactly easy."

"I appreciate the effort. Good night, Sarah."

"There's nothing good about it," she grumbles. "Night. Sleep well." The camera goes black.

The next scene is bright, with Sarah in the foreground in the middle of Castle. Behind her, Chuck is out of direct view, but he is watching intently. Sarah is addressing the wall, so her face is in profile. "Nahal Sorek is complete."

"That was quick." Beckman's voice is typically dry.

"First in class." Sarah doesn't sound quite as proud as might be expected.

"Good work. Keep me informed if anything changes. Beckman out."

In a moment, Chuck walks over to where Sarah stands. Putting his arm around her, he says sincerely, "Thank you."

"Yes, now they think we're sleeping together. Are you happy?"

"Not really. You?" She shakes her head and slips free of his arm. Climbing the stairs, she glances down near the top. "If you ever want to make me an honest woman, though, just let know."

The camera zooms in on a smile growing across Chuck's face before it fades to white.

I've had a couple ideas for sequels to this story, but they didn't work out at the time. At this point, I don't see one ever getting written. So I thought I'd compromise on this little epilogue to explain, a bit, of how the end of the episode plays out in the future.