AN: Sorry it has taken so long to post this update, I had taken a bit of time off from writing to concentrate on training. I recently completed my first marathon, pretty happy with my time.

Next chapter will be up in a few days (Ready to post now), as long as I don't get overwhelmed by abuse.

Previously on Chuck vs the Brunette

"Chuck? Sarah still seems to have feelings for you, and I don't think the relationship is that strong between her and Shaw," said Kensi nervously.

"Nah, I even spoke to her today, and she even reminded me that I am a different person to who she knew. Made it pretty clear that nothing could happen," said Chuck.

"Did you think that it had changed, is that why you asked?" questioned Kensi.

"Just some behaviour during the mission, but she always was a professional, able to hide her true emotions, and have seemingly real feelings appear in a heartbeat," said Chuck.

Kensi put her hand on Chuck's arm.

"Chuck, I will always be true to my emotions. I am not that good of an actor," said Kensi.

"You were doing pretty well on our first mission together," said Chuck smiling.

"Chuck as I said, I am not that good of an actor," clarified Kensi smiling.

Chucks eyes went up to Kensi's and could see the emotion in them.

"But Chuck let's just take one step at a time," said Kensi.

And now….

Chapter 7

Chuck pulled out his phone and entered the number; he was now waiting nervously for answering.

"Hello."

"Hey Kensi, did you want to do something today?" asked Chuck.

"Um, Hi Chuck, something like what?" asked Kensi.

"Rock climbing? I know it sounds pretty lame, but it could be fun. It will be with my brother-in-law and Casey," said Chuck.

"I would love to Chuck, and I don't think it's lame. I haven't been for ages so you have to promise you won't laugh?" asked Kensi.

"I don't take promises lightly, so I can't promise, can I laugh if you do something funny?" asked Chuck.

"Sounds acceptable, what have you told your brother-in-law about me?" said Kensi.

"Nothing yet, I will just say you are a friend, is that ok?" asked Chuck.

"Yeah of course, um so your brother doesn't know about you?" asked Kensi.

"He knows I work for the agency, but not much of the details. He got dragged into the world some time ago, when kidnapped. Kidnappers thought he was me," said Chuck.

"Shit, that must have been difficult, so what's the cover for how we met?" asked Kensi.

"Let's keep it simple, say we met at a party and we clicked, did a bit of dancing," said Chuck.

"Chuck it will be difficult to convince him we are friends if you tell him we did the tango together," said Kensi.

"No it'll be cool, he knows about Sarah and the best covers are those based on truth. My sister Ellie though, that would be a different story, oh and she does not know what I do, she thinks I work in an electronics store," said Chuck.

"Does your sister know Sarah?" asked Kensi.

"Yes, they are pretty good friends, she was the bridesmaid at her wedding." said Chuck.

"Oh," was all Kensi responded with.

"Don't worry about that, it was kind of strange because for that time our cover was boyfriend and girlfriend, and my sister bought it," said Chuck.

"Will she be there?" Asked Kensi nervously.

"No no no, there will be no Ellie. Hey if you want to tell Devon what you do it's your choice, but I would never say anything unless you wanted him to know," said Chuck.

"Why? Can't you trust him?" asked Kensi.

"No nothing like that, it's just your life, and your decision," answered Chuck.

After they had sorted out the specifics of where and when, they disconnected the phone call.

Kensi caught herself smiling, she needed to control herself, she couldn't start a proper relationship with Chuck, not until he sorted out his feelings for Walker. But she couldn't help herself thinking how sweet and thoughtful he was.

-#############-

Later that day Chuck, Casey and Devon were all in Casey's Crown Vic, they were almost at the car park where their adventure would begin.

"Chuck, bro you look a little nervous, you have done this before, so what's with the nerves?" asked Devon.

"I have a… friend meeting us there," said Chuck nervously.

Casey driving looked towards Chuck in the passenger seat with an inquisitive look.

"Who bro?" asked Devon.

"Oh no one either of you know, I met her at a party we both kind of hit it off," said Chuck.

"Is she CIA?" asked Devon quietly.

"No Awesome, not CIA, NSA or DEA," said Chuck.

"Ok cool, what's her name?" asked Devon.

"Kensi," replied Chuck.

"Kensi, interesting name, is she some exotic chick or something?" he responded.

"No nothing like that," responded Chuck.

They arrived at the car park.

"There is Kensi over there?" said Chuck pointing in her direction.

"Awesome," was all that Devon responded with then formed a huge grin.

"Just friends awesome," said Chuck.

"Awesome," he once again responded with a smile.

They all got out of the car and Chuck went over to Kensi privately.

"Hi, glad you could make it," said Chuck giving her a big smile.

"No thank you for the invite," responded Kensi smiling.

"By the way Casey doesn't know you know about him yet, I only told them you were coming on the way here, so haven't been able to get him alone yet," said Chuck.

"I was kind of thinking you could tell your brother-in-law that I work for the Government. Just probably keep NCIS out of it. At least that way I can talk with John Casey without sounding too suspicious," said Kensi.

"Oh and if it comes up, Devon my brother-in-laws nick name is Awesome or Captain Awesome," said Chuck.

Kensi just gave him a single raised eyebrow.

"I am sure you can work out why yourself," said Chuck smiling.

"So you told Devon about the party?" asked Kensi.

"Just that we met at a party and kind of hit it off," said Chuck.

Chuck brought Kensi over to meet the guys.

"Kensi this is awesome my brother-in-law, otherwise known as Devon, husband to my wonderful sister Ellie," said Chuck.

"Hi Devon," said Kensi

"Hi Kensi, such an exotic name you have," said Devon

"Is that a good thing or bad?" asked Kensi.

"Definitely good," responded Devon smiling.

"Well thank you" added Kensi.

"Awesome," responded Devon.

Kensi looked at Chuck and he only smiled in response.

"And this is my good friend John Casey," said Chuck pointing to Casey.

"Kensi," said Casey in a gruff voice.

"John," responded Kensi which only brought a grunt from Casey.

Kensi concerned at the noise from the big man looked at Chuck.

"Yeah... don't worry about him, he has his own language made entirely of grunts and other guttural sounds. You will get used to it," said Chuck.

"So I see you brought your own gear Kensi, awesome," said Devon.

"Yeah I have done a bit of climbing myself, so I hope not to embarrass myself too much in front of you guys," said Kensi.

"I'm sure you will be awesome," responded Devon.

"So Devon what do you do?" asked Kensi.

"Cardiothoracic surgeon," responded Devon smiling.

"Awesome," Kensi responded smiling and all four of them started laughing.

"Yeah enough of the flirting Devon, you're married to my sister," said Chuck.

"Very happily married Chuckster," said Devon.

They started walking down the path to the cliff face and the challenge that awaits them, Devon was conversing with Casey while Chuck and Kensi were together.

"So your brother-in-law is a heart surgeon, your sister sure got lucky," said Kensi.

Chuck looked down at the ground.

"Don't worry Chuck, I am not interested in your brother-in-law. Not really my type," said Kensi.

Chuck looked back up his attitude seeming to improve.

"So what is your type?" asked Chuck shyly.

"Well, I guess I haven't really thought that much about it. But If you were tall, intelligent, with a sense of humour, dark hair, maybe with some curls, brown eyes and a big smile, I think it would be a good start," said Kensi smiling.

"Well, if I meet anyone like that I will be sure to keep you away from him then," said Chuck smiling.

Kensi only responded by punching him in the arm.

"Ow, that hurt," responded Chuck.

All that could be heard was a long grunt.

"You know exactly who I am talking about. So what does your sister do?" asked Kensi.

"Neurologicial resident, same hospital as Devon," said Chuck.

"So you brother-in-law is a heart surgeon and your sister is a brain surgeon" said Kensi.

"Yeah pretty much," said Chuck.

Kensi had a smile and Chuck didn't know what she was thinking, but decided maybe now was not the time to find out.

-#############-

The climb to the top of the peak was uneventful, other than the occasional glances Chuck made in Kensi's direction, always seeming to be looking up at Kensi. Each glance from Chuck was followed by a grunt from Casey, a smile and blush from Kensi and finally the series was complete with a soft "Awesome" heard from Devon.

They got to the top of the climb and it was time to stop for some lunch.

Kensi was sitting near Casey while Chuck was annoying Devon.

"John, it's good to meet you. I have heard a few things about you," she said.

"What did Bartowski say," said Casey angrily.

"hehe, no nothing like that, he just said you were a member of his team but now a civilian. I meant from reputation," said Kensi.

Casey gave an approving grunt.

"Some of the work you're credited with, I kind of expected you to be, more of a superman," said Kensi.

"No Shaw's the superman," said Casey angrily.

"What? no Shaw seems more like naughty kid in school that keeps getting sent to the principal's office," said Kensi laughing.

"What really?" asked Casey.

"Yeah Chuck gives him a pretty tough time, and Shaw just can't handle it. I feel ashamed to say it but it is fun to watch," said Kensi.

A proud smile came across Casey face.

"Shaw is a douche and deserves everything he gets as far as I'm concerned. I have done nothing to lead him on and in fact just the opposite, but he keeps up with the flirting that just makes my stomach turn. Shaw and Walker they're involved, he is such a sleaze ball," said Kensi.

"You know about Chuck and Walker?" asked Casey cautiously.

"Yeah, I told Chuck I wanted more, but until he sorts out his feelings maybe we should just be friends. Don't want to just be a rebound," said Kensi sadly.

"Sounds like you could do some good for the moron," said Casey.

Kensi looked at him angrily.

"No it's just a…nickname I call him, if he knew how smart I thought he was… well let's just say his head is big enough as it is," said Casey.

"Yeah, he is pretty amazing, seeing what he is capable of," said Kensi.

"Yeah, some of the stuff he remembers," said Casey shaking his head cautiously.

"Oh yeah I guess, but it's also his ability to come up with a solution to a seemingly impossible situation," said Kensi.

"On the two missions we have been on we have hit what would seem a wall for most, and even Shaw was yelling to abort both times, but within a few minutes Chuck not only had a solution, but had almost finished implementing it," said Kensi

"You should see him when he is thinking, he has this adorable thing he does with his tongue and…oh sorry you probably don't want to hear about that," said Kensi nervously.

"You really like him don't you?" asked Casey.

"Yeah, I have never met anyone quite like Chuck before," said Kensi.

"He has that annoying ability to get just about anyone to like him," said Casey angrily.

"So why do you think Walker and him didn't work out?" asked Kensi nervously.

"Dunno 12 months ago they seemed as close as two people could get, then it all fell apart, not sure what happened between them, but Walker just seemed really cold and negative towards him after that," said Casey.

"Yeah, Chuck didn't really explain it, just mentioned that Walker wanted him to quit with her instead of going on some training. She took it as a rejection and Chuck went on the training," said Kensi.

Casey just grunted in understanding.

"Walker should have known that Chuck puts other people's needs ahead of his own. His decision to not…leave would have been about what he thought he needed to do to help others, not what he wanted," said Casey shaking his head.

"You left, so I guess you understand the desire to have a normal life," said Kensi.

"Yeah, but in my case it was different," said Casey.

"How so?" asked Kensi.

"Oh…..just that I was getting too old for the life, I would be no good behind a desk," said Casey.

"Do you think that Chuck would ever leave the agency?" asked Kensi nervously.

"I think if Chuck thought people still needed him in the agency, especially those people closest to him, and then he will stay. I think he wouldn't consider it for at least a few years, but I could definitely see him leaving and starting a family," said Casey.

After several seconds of silence.

"Just do me a favour if you are not really interested in a relationship, let him know, he needs to move on from Walker, but he doesn't need to get his lady feelings all wrapped around you if nothing 's going to happen. He is a nice guy and a good friend and I don't think he could take another relationship, where he is just strung along," said Casey.

"John, yes I will but understand one thing. If I thought he was over Walker and ready for another relationship Chuck would not be confused about my feelings," said Kensi.

Chuck came back over to Kensi and Casey.

"What are you two talking about?" asked Chuck smiling.

"You of course," answered Kensi with a smile.

Chuck looked a little apprehensive.

"Nothing to worry about Chuck, no national security matters or embarrassing stories," said Kensi quietly.

"Yeah Bartowski, Kensi tells me you've put the 'Special' Agent in his place," said Casey.

"Oh that, yeah well not proud of some of the things I have said and done, but he kind of rubs me up the wrong way," said Chuck shivering.

"I can understand that, because I feel much the same way," said Kensi.

"Never liked the pretty boy either," said Casey.

"Casey you should have seen the briefing we had when Beckman told us about this latest operation. I told Beckman that Shaw was badly constipated," said Chuck.

Both Kensi and Casey looked at him confused.

"Beckman kept asking him if he was ok, because he looked pained and said that it was no laughing matter being full of shit," said Chuck.

They both laughed and it was one of the few times he had seen Casey laugh, and the big man had a good set of lungs. But the thing that impressed him the most was Kensi's laugh, it made him feel good. He liked that laugh and he enjoyed being the one to make her feel that way.

"So she actually said full of shit?" asked Casey.

"Yep, it worked better than I could have hoped," said Chuck.

"What, you mean you set him up? You planned it?" asked Kensi amazed.

"Yeah well, prior to that conference I had just had Walker tell me that nothing was ever going to happen between us, and that she was with Shaw. Then he suggests that the three of us should all go out for dinner and drinks," said Chuck shaking his head.

"I was hoping Beckman would insinuate that he was full of shit but not actually use that phrase. It took all my self-control to not laugh," laughed Chuck.

"What did Walker do during all of this?" asked Casey.

"At first she was pretty dirty with me, but by the time the General said being full of shit was no laughing matter she couldn't help but start chuckling," said Chuck.

Now it was time for Devon to wonder what was going on with the three of them.

"What are you three talking about? Must've been pretty funny," asked Devon.

Devon only got three pairs of eyes staring at him as a response.

"Kensi I never did find out what you did for a living after the Chuckster accused me of flirting?" added Devon.

"Um, I work for the Government," said Kensi.

"Oh, the government like, hi, I'm from the government and I'm here to help?" asked Devon.

All three of them looked at Devon, Casey with a smile

"The ten most dangerous words in the English language." said Casey proudly.

Kensi saw the expression on Casey's face and just looked at Chuck in confusion.

"He hero-worships Reagan," said Chuck shrugging.

"What Bartowski? he was a great man," responded Casey.

"It's ok Casey, we all have our hero's" added Kensi,

"Ok, so who is yours then?" asked Chuck.

"I need to keep some things secret Chuck," said Kensi smiling.

"So Kensi it seems you are avoiding the question?" said Devon.

"Devon?" Questioned Chuck.

"No it's ok Chuck. I know a little about what Chuck does. I work for the government but nothing as exciting as Chuck, or what Casey used to do," said Kensi.

Devon just nodded his head.

"Awesome, you're a spy too," said Devon.

"No Devon," said Chuck.

"It's ok Chuckster, I understand," said Devon.

"Devon I am more like an insurance investigator for the government," said Kensi.

"Right, insurance," said Devon knowingly nodding his head slowly.

Both Chuck and Kensi huffed in exasperation and Casey just grunted.

"Sorry, since he found out about me, he just thinks everyone around me is a spy," said Chuck.

"Well sorry bro, but with anyone around you it's a pretty safe bet," said Devon.

"What so you are saying that Morgan is a spy, how about Jeff and Lester?" asked Chuck frustrated.

"I said safe bet not sure thing, but there is your Dad..." said Devon but before he could say anything more Chuck interrupted.

"Ok Devon that is enough, let's stop before you out everyone," said Chuck frustrated.

"Oh not awesome, sorry Chuck," said Devon.

Kensi took Chuck aside.

"Don't worry Chuck, I will not tell anyone. And I am sure that was not how you wanted me told about your Father," said Kensi with an encouraging smile.

It was time to descend with all four of them attached to their lines. Kensi on one side of the cliff face with Devon on the other.

"Ok we will all go down one at a time so we can't interfere with each other's descent," says Devon.

"Sounds sensible," says Chuck.

"I will go first, followed by Kensi,"said Devon.

Devon set off for his descent backwards and went down, pushing off occasionally for a safe descent. When Devon got down the bottom, Chuck looked towards Kensi who had already moved in his direction giving him a quick kiss then set off for her own descent.

Devon turned back up to the cliff and pulled out his phone as he started recording Kensi descent. He thought she might like a record of it.

Kensi was about half way down her descent when problems hit, a rock dislodged from near the top of the cliff face and fell towards her. Chuck looked on in horror as the rock seemed to home in on Kensi.

Devon transfixed by what was happening he didn't even move away in case the rock hit him. He saw the rock through his phone and couldn't take his eyes off it as it made its path down the same path Kensi was taking.

"Look out" was yelled as the rock continued its path and Kensi looked up with enough time to see the rock bounce of the cliff face and hit her with a glancing blow to the side of the head. They were all wearing head protection but the rock hit with such force it rendered her unconscious, that's when the real problems started.

AN2: Next Chapter get ready for some Ellie action…..