Chapter 10: The Prodigal Douche Returns
A/N: Okay...it's time to make things a little more intriguing...
Thank you to everyone who took the time to review. I hope everyone is enjoying the story so far.
Thanks again to my old pal charahkids for reviewing, editing, and helping me brainstorm. It's getting scary...we're starting to read each other's minds!
Maison23
Colette sensed someone was inside her room the moment she opened the door. The tape she placed on the side of the door was loose, a small trick she picked up years ago. She turned, and removed her Glock 19...then felt herself swept into someone's arms…and kissed.
The intruder stopped when Colette pressed the Glock to the guy's testicles. Colette grinned sadistically. "You picked the wrong fucking room."
The intruder now had his hands raised. After getting a better look…she narrowed her eyes.
"I take it you thought I was Sarah…Agent Larkin."
"My apologies. Didn't realize MI6 was in town. Where is Sarah, if you don't mind me asking?"
Colette shrugged. "Chuck is under 24-hour security. She moved into an apartment next door to Casey."
"Would you mind pointing that thing somewhere else? We're on the same side." Bryce said in a suave tone.
Colette didn't budge. "Not until I'm certain you're Bryce Larkin. Never can be too careful in this line of work." Colette pointed to a nearby chair, and removed her cell phone, snapping a picture of Bryce. She sent it to Casey, deciding not to bother Chuck and Sarah on their date. Judging by the slinky mini dress Sarah was wearing…she was probably giving Chuck a night he will never forget.
Colette almost snorted at Casey's text. Yep. That's the asshole. Go ahead and shoot him. I'll call a cleaner team.
Colette holstered her weapon, and walked to the door. "Have a pleasant evening, Agent Larkin."
"I'll be on my way. Is Sarah at her place?" Bryce said, stopping when Colette covered the exit with her arm.
"You're not clear to go anywhere near Echo Park. You could blow Chuck and Sarah's cover. Are we clear?"
Bryce shrugged. "You're not my superior."
Colette grinned, then held up a text from Beckman, confirming her orders. "Perhaps not…but Beckman is."
Beckman then typed another message. Larkin is to follow any instructions related to Operation Bartowski from Agents Barker, Casey, and Walker.
Colette smiled. "I stand corrected. It seems I am your superior."
"I don't mind working under a woman." Bryce said, then winked.
Colette decided to play along. She wanted to cut his testicles off for what he did to Chuck.
Colette put on her best seductive look, then traced Bryce's arm with a finger. "Good. Because I like being on top."
Bryce grinned, and pulled Colette to him. With their lips inches apart, Colette grinned. "There's just one problem…Bryce. I like real men…not pretty boys who think they're God's gift to women."
Colette shoved Bryce back with her palms. "Now. Beat it. You're boring me."
"You're loss." Bryce said. "I'm sure Sarah will be more accommodating."
Colette laughed. "You really are a bastard. I'll leave you with this thought. You're in for one big fucking surprise. Have a good evening…Agent Asshole." Colette slammed the door.
Bryce smirked at the door. "English bitch."
La Chateau Restaurant
Chuck could barely breathe, much less talk. Sarah had to do all the talking tonight. Once they arrived at the restaurant, even the greeter had a hard time focusing on their reservation.
Sarah was a beautiful woman…but tonight…she was turning heads…in a little black dress that gave new meaning to the term 'little black dress.' Little, being the key word…with a hem line showing plenty of leg.
Chuck felt a little uneasy as all eyes turned to Sarah, but felt Sarah tighten her hold. When Chuck turned to look at her…he was in awe. Her eyes were on him, and she looked like a lovesick schoolgirl.
The men in the room got the hint, and returned to their now, pissed off dates.
Chuck pulled back a chair, and Sarah stole a quick kiss before sitting down. She grabbed the chair next to her, and pulled it close. Chuck took a seat, and Sarah molded herself into his side, and ordered a glass of wine for them both when the waiter appeared.
Finally catching his breath, Chuck spoke. "You…ahem…you are…wow. Sarah you look absolutely stunning tonight. I'm speechless."
Sarah smiled, and placed a soft kiss on Chuck's lips. "You look like a dream, Chuck. I could devour you…and I plan to when we get home." Sarah slid one of her hands along the inside of Chuck's thigh, and smiled when he tensed.
Sarah turned her body to admire her boyfriend, gently caressing his hair with her fingers. Chuck smiled solemnly.
Sarah leaned closer, and whispered. "I know you don't like people staring…but I want the whole world to know I am head over heels in love with you."
Chuck nodded, and took a sip of his wine. "You also pissed off many a lady. Feel sorry for these guys when they get home."
"Serves them right. It's not polite to stare." Sarah said, her hand massaging Chuck's thigh. "They might not get lucky tonight…but you are."
Chuck coughed nervously. Sarah kissed him on the cheek. "Chuck…whether you believe it or not…several of these women were eyeballing you too. You are a hunk."
"Please." Chuck said softly, and sarcastically.
"You are, Chuck. Problem is…you've been hiding all these years. Hiding yourself in a retail electronics store…and hiding yourself from the rest of the world. And all this time…the world was missing out. I…was missing out." Sarah leaned closer. "You are the bravest, most considerate, and sexiest man I have ever met. I love everything about you…and I count myself fortunate that you chose me. I love you, Chuck Bartowski…and I am making it my mission to ensure you are the center of my world."
Chuck slowly turned his body, stared deep in Sarah's eyes, and caressed her cheek. Sarah closed her eyes, and smiled. Chuck leaned down, and kissed Sarah softly, but passionately on her lips. Sarah moaned in Chuck's mouth.
Chuck ended the kiss, and smiled. "I love you too, Sarah Walker. I am making it my mission to make you the happiest woman alive. Each and every day…I have to pinch myself that I am with such an amazing woman. You are smart, beautiful, and you have more heart than any woman I know." Chuck blushed slightly. "You're also ridiculously sexy."
Sarah's eyes shined, and she kissed Chuck softly on the lips. "Chuck…I'm in this for the long haul, if you'll have me."
"Me too." Chuck said without hesitation. "I don't think I could ever move on from you if I tried. Not that I would want to."
"You won't ever have to. Nothing will ever separate us again. Nothing." Sarah said with determination. "I was an absolute mess…that's what you did to me. You turned me into a wreck. I won't go through that again."
Chuck nodded sadly. "If it's any consolation…you did the same to me."
Sarah rested a hand on Chuck's face. "It tore my heart out watching you every night. I came close so many times to giving in…but I was scared they would take you away from me."
Chuck sighed. "I acted like a real jerk to you, Sarah. I am ashamed of that."
Sarah shook her head. "Chuck…I'm not mad at you. Your reactions were perfectly natural. I was madder at myself back then…and I took it out on you. I was mad…because I was falling in love…and I didn't know what to do."
Chuck nodded, lost in deep thought. "That first kiss…wow." Chuck frowned. "And then we got in that fight…"
Sarah closed her eyes, and opened them. "I'm sorry about that. I was…falling in love with you, Chuck. I didn't know what was happening to me."
"Don't be sorry." Chuck said softly. "I shouldn't have acted like an ass about it."
Sarah turned coy. "Chuck…when I kissed you…I have never felt my toes curl like that. And…when you kissed me in front of Roan Montgomery…I went to the bathroom to fight off having an orgasm…Chuck I have never been that turned on by a kiss. Had you not grabbed me…my knees would have given out."
Chuck gulped, his tone soft. "Really?"
Sarah nodded slowly. "The…reason I wanted to have dinner tonight…is to ask you something very important. To…show my devotion to you." Sarah paused. "Chuck…I want us…to…"
Sarah's phone rang, and she growled. "God…dammit."
"Walker." Sarah said annoyed, then narrowed her eyes. "You have got to be kidding me. Okay. We're…on our way."
Sarah hung up the phone, and glanced ahead. "Un-fucking-believable."
"What is it?" Chuck asked in alarm.
Sarah got up, and dropped cash on the table for the wine, and yanked Chuck to his feet.
Sarah walked briskly to the exit, with Chuck in tow.
"Oh crap…this can't be good."
Echo Park
Sarah left Chuck with Casey, and stormed into her apartment. She flicked on the lights, and power-walked to the bedroom. Satisfied, she turned and felt herself pinned to the wall, and lips pressed against her own.
It took a moment to register what was happening. Sarah shoved Bryce against the opposite wall, and slapped him. Hard.
"Sarah…why did you slap me?"
"For taking too many liberties, Bryce! Namely, breaking into my apartment, and trying to seduce me! You do know Chuck lives here too, right?" Sarah seethed.
Bryce grinned. "He could spend the night at Ellie's. We were roommates once. He remembers the drill. We haven't seen one another in quite a while."
Sarah put her hands on her hips, and huffed. "I told you last time. Things need to stay professional between us. Chuck is…" Sarah never finished. Colette was standing at the door, and answered for her.
"Gone."
Sarah turned. "What?"
"He slipped out of Casey's to check on you. He looked upset when he left."
Sarah's mouth dropped. "No…"
Sarah stormed out of the apartment, but Colette grabbed her arm. "Sarah…what the hell happened? Why did Chuck look upset?"
Sarah's eyes turned primal. "He saw Bryce kiss me. Now, do you see my hand tattooed on Bryce's face? He's lucky I didn't break his nose."
Colette glanced at Bryce, and narrowed her eyes. "Chuck thinks…"
"Yeah. Now, I have to go find him. Get this piece of shit a hotel room before I shoot him."
"On it." Colette said, letting Sarah go.
Colette approached Bryce, and shook her head. "You really are an ass."
Before Bryce could respond, Colette punched him in the mouth. Bryce grabbed his face, and Colette grabbed him by the collar of his shirt, dragging him to the door. She shoved him into the courtyard, and then to the street. Casey tagged along for good measure. Once out in the street…Colette unleashed Hell.
Bryce didn't know what hit him. Before he could react, he was flat on his back, blood oozing from at least three cuts on his face, and he was sure he was now missing a couple of teeth. Colette stood over him, her weapon in her hand.
"I would love nothing more than to wipe that smug grin off your pathetic face with my Glock! You ruined a good man's life…and for what?"
"Who the hell are you talking about? I don't even know you." Bryce said, spitting blood.
"Chuck, you bloody tosser! You got him kicked out of university, and turned him into a government asset so you could benefit! Now, you have the audacity to sneak in his place, and try to seduce his girlfriend?"
Bryce narrowed his eyes. "Sarah is my girl."
Colette laughed. "No…she's with a real man. That man's name is Chuck." Colette holstered her sidearm.
"That's not possible." Bryce said confused. "Sarah doesn't do relationships."
"Larkin…you've got a lot to learn about people." Casey said, lifted Bryce to his feet…then planted a right hook in his gut. "That was just a warning shot. Now. Beat it. Find a hotel room. Preferably in the next county. The next time I shoot you…you're staying dead."
Colette approached, grinned, and then kicked Bryce square in the balls. "You're not remotely charming. Cunt."
Mo's Coffee, Echo Park
Sarah found Chuck sitting in Mo's Coffee several minutes later. He was sitting in a corner booth, turning the cup in front of him in circles. Sarah sighed, walked in, and ordered a cup of coffee as she made her way to the booth.
Sarah took a seat across from Chuck, but he never looked up. She folded her hands in front of her, and glanced away.
"I take it you saw what happened." It was a statement, not a question.
Chuck nodded, then made eye contact. "I also take it I didn't see everything."
Sarah gave a sad smile. "No…he's sporting my handprint on the side of his face. I should have broken his nose…but I didn't know you saw what happened."
"I, uh…was worried about you. You didn't mention anything about Bryce being in town."
"I didn't want to upset you. My intention was to run him out of OUR apartment. I wanted to protect you." Sarah said calmly.
"Maybe it's time people stopped trying to protect me. I'm a big boy." Chuck said sarcastically.
Before Sarah could retort, Chuck held up a hand. "Please…let me get this out. It's…hard not to be jealous of the guy you…had a relationship with before me…the very guy that ruined my life."
Sarah's face dropped. She closed her eyes, and opened them, locking eyes with Chuck. She reached across the table, and took his hand.
"And you think Bryce will fly into town…sweep me off my feet…and what we have never mattered. Is that about right?" Sarah said, her tone breaking at the last part.
Chuck closed his eyes, and shook his head. "I know that won't happen…but that doesn't mean I don't think about it happening."
Sarah nodded slowly. "Listen to me very carefully. I get it. Bryce will always be a thorn in your side…and for the record…I wish he and I never did anything outside of work together. It hurts me, knowing that it hurts you. But Chuck…I would rather die a slow, agonizing death than add my name to the list of people who betrayed you, and abandoned you. That's what you fear most…isn't it?"
A tear slid down the side of Chuck's face. Sarah couldn't stand it any longer. She shot out of her seat and knelt next to Chuck, taking his hands.
"That will never happen. Do you understand me?" Sarah said softly. "You are my guy…my love…I'm never leaving you. Okay?"
Chuck nodded. "I'm sorry for acting like this."
"Chuck…your parents abandoned you, your roommate betrayed you, and...Jesus, I can't even say that bitch's name…"
"Jill?" Chuck said, with a lop-sided grin.
Sarah nodded. "My point is…before we were rudely interrupted tonight at dinner…I wanted to ask you something very important. To…prove how committed I am." And something I have dreamed about for so long…
Chuck nodded, and took a breath. "Sure. You know you can ask me anything."
Sarah smiled, and kissed Chuck's hand. "Chuck Bartowski…will you be my husband?"
Chuck's eyes widened, and the look of awe on his face blinded Sarah. He leaned down, and kissed Sarah on the lips. She lifted herself into Chuck's lap, and the couple kissed for several minutes…desperate…passionate…ending with their foreheads touching.
"Is that a yes?" Sarah asked breathless, tracing Chuck's jaw with her finger.
"I'll answer if you'll clarify something for me. Are you going to stick a knife in my kidney if I forget to lower the toilet seat again? You look scary when you're pissed at me."
Sarah leaned her head back, laughing. Chuck turned serious. "My answer is yes. I will marry you."
Sarah smiled, and kissed Chuck on the lips. Chuck grinned. "So…does that mean my name will be Chuck Walker? That would be totally bad-ass."
Sarah snorted, then swatted Chuck playfully. "I'm fond of Sarah Bartowski. The name fits."
"Noted." Chuck said, then kissed Sarah again. "So…when would you like to tie the knot?"
Sarah grinned. "We're having a double wedding…with Ellie. If that's okay with you?"
Chuck narrowed his eyes playfully. "Why do I feel like the subject of a conspiracy between you and my sister?"
"What? Us?" Sarah said innocently. "We are going to be sisters…you better watch your back."
Chuck ran his hands gently along the exposed skin on Sarah's legs. He grinned when she gasped slightly, her eyes dilating. Chuck leaned forward, and whispered. "Let's go home. Seeing my…fiancé in that dress is…driving me crazy." Sarah swallowed hard. "I would like nothing more than to make love to you…all night long."
Sarah took a ragged breath, her pulse quickening. "Chuck…if we do not get up and leave…and I mean right this instance…I am going to screw you right here in this booth…"
Chuck nodded, and Sarah got up, tossed $5 on the table, and dragged Chuck toward the entrance. Once out the door, she turned, and pinned Chuck to the side of the building. Their tongues dueling furiously. Sarah ended the kiss, and sighed…tears in her eyes. "My dream…of being with you…is finally coming true, Chuck. Bryce is not a threat to you…he can't hurt you any longer. I won't let him tear us apart. I promise."
Chuck gently wiped away Sarah's tears with his thumbs. "I've dreamed of being with you too…spending the rest of my life with you…is something I will cherish until my dying day. So we understand one another…I won't sit on my ass this time and let Bryce do anything that jeopardizes us."
Sarah smiled, and kissed Chuck on the lips. "Let's go home. Chuck…Bryce is irrelevant."
"You got it." Chuck said softly, then escorted his fiancé home.
Castle, Next Day
Bryce, Colette, Casey, and Beckman were all seated quietly around the table. Beckman smirked at Bryce's battered look. She had already given him a dressing down for disobeying last night's orders, but was pleased her team had matters well in hand.
The door opened, and Sarah walked in, holding Chuck's hand. Bryce narrowed his eyes, at the look on Sarah's face. "She never looked like that with me." Bryce muttered.
Sarah smiled when Chuck pulled back a chair for her, and she took a seat. Chuck took a seat beside her, and Bryce studied them both.
Orion stepped from around the corner, and took his seat at the head of the table. Beckman sat at the other end.
"Good. Now that we're all here, it is my pleasure to announce that Stephen Bartowski has been appointed head of the Intersect Project. Stephen…please begin."
"Thank you, Diane." Orion said, glancing at Chuck. "Chuck…there is something I have been working on for some time, and I need you to look at this…" Orion laid a card from Roarke Instruments in front of Chuck. Chuck flashed.
"Chuck, did you just flash?" Sarah asked.
"Yeah…" Chuck flipped over the card. "Ted Roarke is connected to Fulcrum."
Orion sighed. "Ted Roarke and I were roommates at MIT. He…stole several of my designs, and started his own company. Not long ago…he purchased a prototype Intersect key from an assassin named Sasha Banecheck…and a cypher."
Sarah muttered under her breath. "Mr. Colt."
"Exactly." Orion agreed. "Banacheck and Colt were brokers for Alexei Volkoff. Volkoff is working with a larger organization that sponsors Fulcrum."
"The Ring." Bryce said. "Is that why I was recalled?"
Beckman leaned forward. "Agent Larkin, the intel you recovered proves to us what we have feared all along. We thought the Ring was just a myth…but now we know they are real."
Chuck glanced around. "The Intersect doesn't have anything on the Ring…except…."
"Except what?" Sarah asked in concern.
Chuck sighed, and got up. Sarah got up, and joined him. "Talk to me, Chuck. What did you see?"
Chuck stared Sarah in the eyes. "Your Red Test. Evelyn Shaw. I…saw Graham's termination order. That's the only mention of the Ring in the Intersect."
Sarah twitched slightly, and Chuck rested his hands gently on her arms. "Sarah…she was married to a CIA agent named Daniel Shaw. He disappeared about a year ago. He was supposedly looking into a secret organization…but the report didn't give a name. I think he was looking into the Ring."
Bryce narrowed his eyes. "I know Shaw. He didn't seem very stable. Chuck, did it say what happened to him?"
"He had a source inside this…organization. Said he was making contact. That was the last entry in his reports."
Orion nodded. "Shaw was the only agent working the case, but he never should have been assigned. After his wife was terminated…his track record wasn't very stellar. He got several agents killed on other missions. He's a loose cannon. Did some digging of my own. He's gone rogue. Which leads us to Ted Roarke." Orion paused. "Chuck…I need you to look at something else."
Orion held up a map of the Roarke Instruments campus. He also handed Chuck a schematic of the Intersect. Chuck compared the two, and glanced at his father in shock.
"Roarke is building an Intersect….that's why he had Banacheck and Colt broker the missing components."
"I'll be damned." Casey said. "Right under our noses."
"So…our mission is to stop Ted Roarke from completing the Intersect." Colette said, studying the schematics. "What should we do?"
Bryce chimed in. "Sarah and I could go undercover, and infiltrate Roarke Instruments. With my Stanford degree, and her Harvard degree…we shouldn't have any problems getting hired."
Colette grinned, waiting patiently for Sarah to respond…but was surprised when Chuck was the one to respond.
"Your degree is in Accounting. My degree is in Electrical Engineering. Unless you're going to work in Accounts Payable/Receivable, and Sarah goes to work in International Sales, that's not very logical." Chuck said professionally.
"But…" Bryce tried to say, but Sarah cut him off.
"Chuck has a point. Besides, my orders are, he is not to leave my sight."
Bryce narrowed his eyes. "I think Agent Barker and Casey can watch him. He won't wonder far. Besides…Chuck was expelled. Roarke Industries won't hire him."
"Stanford cleared his name, Larkin." Casey grunted angrily. "Walker and I cleaned up that little fuck-up."
Colette waited patiently, then phrased her own plan carefully. "My degree is in Computer Science. Chuck's degree is in Electrical Engineering. That would be the most logical pairing."
"Or we could order a JDAM strike on the whole damn building, so you Nancy's will stop arguing about who plays grab-ass with who." Casey snarled.
"That's actually not a bad idea, Major." Orion said. "Once we confirm Roarke is building an Intersect. But, we need proof. The military bombing a civilian company without proof will cause too many problems."
Chuck, a little pissed at Bryce's cheap shots, decided on a gamble. "General…it's your call."
Beckman weighed all arguments, then nodded. "Mr. Bartowski…I want you, and Agent Barker to infiltrate Roarke Instruments R&D division. Agents Walker and Larkin will infiltrate their business and accounting divisions. If there's proof, I want a full deck of cards when I have to sell this to the National Security Council. That's my decision."
"I'll be monitoring everyone from Castle." Said Orion. "Chuck…it's up to you to find the Intersect cube." Orion keyed a few commands on his keyboard, and a picture of the cube popped up on the screen. "This is what it looks like."
Beckman eyed everyone in the group. Sarah looked pissed. Chuck looked like he wanted to crawl under a rock and die. Colette and Bryce both looked satisfied.
Now, for the curve ball.
"Mr. Bartowski, Agent Barker. The two of you will pose as a couple. That should...make for a believable cover while the two of you search for the cube. Pretend you're...sneaking around...chasing each other. That sort of thing. Agent Walker, Agent Larkin...the same applies to the two of you." Beckman eyed the group skeptically, giving Casey a subtle wink. Casey grinned slightly, then watched the group with a stoic look.
Colette, taking a deep breath to crush her excitement, broke the silence. "Sarah, don't worry. I won't let him out of my sight." I know I'm bad...but I can't help it. I finally get to spend some quality time with Chuck...oh, I am going to enjoy driving her crazy! Just wait until you see what I'll be wearing!
Bryce leaned back, and smiled. "It'll be just like old times, Sarah. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson."
Sarah muttered under her breath. "Like hell." Chuck grinned slightly when Sarah gave his hand a reassuring squeeze.
Beckman nodded. "That's settled. Orion and I will establish your covers with RI. You'll begin tomorrow."
Bryce, satisfied with the arrangement, stood to leave with a smug look. Chuck's eyes locked on his former friend, and gave Sarah a wink. He approached Bryce, and spoke in a commanding tone.
"I need a word in private."
"Sure, buddy." Bryce smiled, then followed Chuck out of Castle.
Chuck led Bryce around the back entrance into a nearby ally. Chuck stopped, with his back to Bryce.
"What's on your mind Chu…" Bryce never finished, when Chuck turned around, and decked Bryce as hard as he could. Bryce landed flat on his ass, stunned.
Chuck ignored the fact he probably broke every bone in his hand, and pointed a finger in Bryce's face.
"Let's get something straight, right here and now. I know you had me expelled to protect me. I know you thought you were saving me from becoming a spy. I also know, Jill lied to me about the two of you sleeping together. She had her day in court over that, and if you'd like to talk to her personally about it, her current residence is ADX Florence for as long as she still has a pulse. Now. Stop making decisions for me, stop trying to protect me, and stop trying to seduce my fiancé, you…swash-bucking wannabee, prick!" Chuck seethed, then held out his hand to help Bryce up.
Bryce gingerly took Chuck's hand, and stood up. "That really hurt."
"Good. What you did to me…hurt even more. I'm referring to kissing Sarah in my damn room…and later in our apartment. You could probably kick my ass, but I promise you I will make you limp away if that ever happens again. That was a complete and total dick move on your part. Don't ever do it again…or we're done." Chuck said in a tone that caused Bryce to flinch slightly.
"Furthermore…that was also for talking me into breaking up with Sarah…" Chuck paused, his tone breaking. "Feelings don't get you killed, idiot! Feelings…meaning…what Sarah feels for me, and what I feel for her…has kept us both alive! Whoever taught you that steaming pile of crap is brain-dead!
Chuck stopped speaking, tears pouring from his eyes. "It tore my heart out doing that to her. You know what she thought? She thought I would forget all about her. That's how I made her feel…like she didn't matter…like…everything we went through together didn't matter at all. That's what I did. Stupid, idiot, jerk-wad Chuck made the most…beautiful, kind…and amazing woman I have ever met feel like she doesn't matter to me. When in reality…she matters to me more than anything."
Chuck shook his head angrily. Bryce stood in front of Chuck, stunned into silence. "I once considered you my best friend. I was wrong. Best friends have each other's backs…and in hindsight…you have never really had mine. But you know what? I forgive you. I forgive you…you fucking asshole."
Chuck turned, and walked away with his head hung low. Sarah rounded the corner with tears pouring from her eyes, and nearly tackled Chuck when she hugged him. Bryce's eyes widened in shock at what he saw. Sarah wasn't playing a role any longer. She was in love…with Chuck.
"I love you Chuck Bartowski. I love you more than anything." Sarah choked out through a sob.
Chuck held Sarah close, and closed his eyes, taking in her scent. "I am so…sorry, Sarah. I never wanted to break up with you…or hurt you. All I ever wanted…was you. Only you. I couldn't have done any of this without you. I love you."
Sarah took Chuck's face in her hands, and kissed him softly on the lips. "I am sorry too…that I didn't give myself to you long before now. We could have avoided so many mistakes. Never again."
Sarah cast her eyes on Bryce, then spoke softly to Chuck. "Do you trust me?"
"Always." Chuck said softly, lost in Sarah's eyes.
"Then stand right here. I need a word with Bryce."
"Okay." Chuck said, sighing heavily.
Sarah smiled, and approached Bryce. "Let's get something straight. We will never be partners again, and what happened between us was a mistake. One I will regret to my dying day…because of how it affects the love of my life." Sarah pointed at Chuck. "That amazing man right there."
"Sarah…what happened to you? You used to be the best." Bryce said confidently. "We…were the best."
Sarah nodded. "We were a good team…but the thing is…Chuck is an even better partner. He has my back, and I have his. We're in love…and we are getting married very soon. I am going to be a wife, and a mother to our children. That's what I am going to give him. I don't know how to be those things...but I will learn."
Sarah glanced away smiling. "A real life…is all I've ever wanted, Bryce. Yes, I am a good spy…but I am going to be an even better woman, wife, and mother. That…you can count on."
Sarah narrowed her eyes. "The next time you invade our private space, I won't slap you. I'll shoot you. That's out of bounds. We can work together professionally, and I respect you as a colleague. Beyond that…Chuck is my fiancé. We are getting married. We are going to raise a family together, and I am going to be the president of the freaking PTA. My kids are going to have a mother, and a father who love them, and will never betray them. That's what happened to Chuck, and that's what happened to me. I'll be damned if that will be the legacy of our own children. Furthermore, when my future sister-in-law has children…they are going to have an Aunt and an Uncle right there, who loves them just as much as Ellie and Devon. That…is my mission."
Sarah spun around, and kissed Chuck furiously. Sarah grabbed Chuck's hand, and led him to her car.
"Uh…where are we going?" Chuck asked curiously.
"Apartment. Bed. You can figure out the rest." Sarah said in an icy tone, then pinned Chuck to the car. "Since you had to act like my knight in shining armor a few moments ago, it's my turn to take you home, rip your clothes off…and make love to you until you can't walk straight." Sarah finished by shoving Chuck in her car, and speeding away.
Colette joined Bryce in the ally, and smirked. "You would actually be cute if you weren't such an arrogant ass."
Bryce sighed. "Maybe I needed an intervention."
"Maybe you do." Colette said. "Come on. Let's put some ice on that lip."
"Guess I had it coming. Didn't know the nerd had it in him."
"Appearances can be deceiving, Agent Larkin." Colette said playfully, then turned serious. "Sarah won't be the only one you have to worry about. If you ever hurt Chuck again…you'll have me to deal with."
Bryce did a double take. "You like him, don't you?"
Colette made no effort to deflect. "Yes. I do. Now...so we understand one another...I know he loves Sarah." Colette grinned. "But that doesn't mean I won't have a little...innocent fun. Nothing too dramatic. I just like for Chuck to know I'm still interested if anything happens with him and Sarah. I also like keeping Sarah on her toes. We get along, but we both want the same guy. Too bad she's not willing to share him. I would share Chuck with her."
Bryce grinned. "Maybe we can help each other."
Colette shrugged. "I won't do anything to hurt Chuck. If I turn up the heat...that will hurt him. But...I am going to enjoy every minute of this cover. I won't lie about that. He's a great kisser, and I plan on kissing him a lot. For the cover, of course."
"I plan on doing more than kissing with Sarah." Bryce said confidently. "She'll come to her senses."
Colette chuckled. "I won't count on it...but I do admire your confidence. No matter how fool-hearty it might be."
Casey met the pair in Castle with folded arms, and a grin on his face. Bryce smirked. "What's so funny, Casey?"
"Proud of my boy Chuck, Larkin. He should have busted your chops a long time ago." Casey grunted angrily, then walked away. "I'm hitting the range. Looking at you makes me want to shoot something."
Orion approached, and folded his arms. "Take a seat, Bryce. It's my turn."
Bryce gulped. Colette walked away, grinning. "I'll join Casey on the range."
A/N: That whole "feelings get you killed" crap in the series was completely brain-dead. I'm sure spies, like servicemen and women, are trained to compartmentalize. One of the many lessons learned in the military, which puts this thought in perspective is: Observe everything; admire nothing.