A/N 1:

If things had worked out differently, this would have been included in the last chapter. So I wanted to get this out as soon as possible. Changes are happening, hopefully for the better.

A/N 2:

Obligatory, Don't own Chuck,and not making any money, but man, if I could have been a writer on that show!

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Carina looked at herself in the mirror and cocked her hip. Should be registered as a weapon, she thought, admiring her body and outfit, her leg teasingly unveiled by the slit in the skirt.

Time to party! Time to start living again! I need to move on from mourning Sarah's death, remember her fondly, and start living for both of us. I haven't been out since Chuck's Mom showed up, and I have a reputation to maintain. The Queen of the clubs needs to reclaim her throne.

Her shoulders slumped and posture softened, I guess it's to be expected after all the drama and trauma of the past month. Chuck's Mom returns, turning his world upside down, then Sarah's death took all of our legs out. Of course I haven't been in a party mood.

She straightened back up, shoulders back, But, now it is time to move on, rejoin the living and get moving on the dance floor. I need this. I need to get out.

Carina frowned, So why do I feel like I am talking myself into this?

She shook out her arms and rolled her shoulders. Come on Miller, you are bold and adventurous, there are fun times waiting to be had, and it is time to start having them.

She grabbed her purse, spun on her heel and headed to the door, and to the waiting night.

As she walked to the front door, she passed Chuck's room, and saw him lying on his bed, eyes closed with his headphones on. I wonder what he is listening to? He has such an amazing diversity in music, it is fascinating listening to him tell about the songs. It's been too long since we've shared that, me lying with my head in his lap, talking and sharing kisses. I stopped all of that when I was trying to get him and Sarah back together. A lump formed in her throat and her eyes watered.

She shook her head, Stop it! I need to live for her, not waste away mourning her. Or, I could just be happy in denial, like Chuck, she smiled, considering that. I guess it couldn't hurt to hold on to some hope.

But for now, I need to get back to the night life, where I feel alive, become one with the beat on the dance floor and fill myself with the energy of the club.

Look out clubs, I am going to get back my mojo and remind everyone, who the Queen of the club is, she encouraged herself, as she headed out the front door.

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The bartender handed her the bottle of water she had ordered, along with her cocktail, as Carina dabbed the sweat from her brow and upper lip.

She had headed straight to the dance floor, to both work out her stress and re-energize herself. But after a short while she needed a break. It seems like the music is too loud, she thought. Normally, she loved feeling the beat pulse through her, vibrating her soul. Tonight, it seemed overpowering.

Chuck doesn't seem to have a whole lot of EDM in his collection, but then it would blow out your eardrums through the headphones, she grinned at the thought. I wonder what he was listening to tonight? Some soulful R&B, or some quirky indie toon that gets him bouncing, or maybe just some smooth Jazz. I should have asked him to come along. But, no. This isn't really his scene, and hell his big brown eyes probably would have convinced me to stay there with him. And, I need to get out, to shake my money maker and have a blast.

So why am I not having a blast?

Mr. Tall, Blond, and GQ, stepped in front of her, catching her eye. He smiled and waved, pointed to the dance floor and mouthed, "dance?"

She gave him a weak smile, shook her head and waved him off.

"Maybe, later," he hopefully spoke into the cacophony, lip reading required to understand the comment.

She shrugged, again offering only a weak smile.

Sorry Dude, not ready for company yet. That's not true, I would love Sarah's or Zondra's company, just like in the old days, when we would walk into a club and become the center of attention. Although, I am sure if Sarah was here, she would be turning down my night of partying for a night of snuggling with Chuck. Her body warmed, remembering the pleasure of Chuck's snuggles.

Her reverie was interrupted by the bartender proffering a cocktail. He used his thumb to indicate Mr. Swarthy, Exotic and Meticulously Groomed, down the bar, who was holding his glass up in a long distance salute. Man, I bet he takes longer to get ready than I do. She held both hands up, palms out and added a slight shrug, indicating a gentle rebuff, while offering a small smile of thanks.

He frowned, but pointed with his hand, in a motion encompassing the club, to indicate he would be around, if she was interested.

Sorry guy, I am not looking to share my beauty tools. I am the peacock here. I need someone simple in their elegance. Like how Chuck can fill out a suit, oh so nicely, she smiled saucily at the memory.

And, when did they start letting in such a young crowd? Her people reading skills took in the mating rituals occurring all around her, and she shook her head at the antics of the participants.

They all have to be over 21, but they seem so young and foolish. Did I look like that, when I was rocking my bad self, at their age? At their age? What the hell, Miller? You're sounding like an old fuddy duddy. What's happened to you? Oh, shit! Is this what growing up feels like? The years, and experiences, have taken my chaotic energy of youth, which grabbed for anything that life might offer, and focused my energy on those things I find to be truly fulfilling. Swapping innumerable cheap well drinks, for a few well mixed cocktails or fine wine.

I guess this is growing up, like they sang in one of those boppy songs Chuck played for me, she recalled, smiling at the memory.

Her grin was wiped away, by the appearance of Mr. Midsized, Muscular, and Golden Tanned.

He suddenly appeared in her space, leaning in with an outsized grin and loudly proclaimed, "Aah, my fiery goddess. If you're not having an exciting night tonight, let me give that to you. Your red hair tells me you've got a passion for life, just like me. Come with me! Let's go out tonight and have an adventure."

Yeah, I don't think so. She took in his appearance and vibe, and thought, I can just imagine his idea of adventure isn't going to be rappelling off buildings, or parachuting into hot zones. Let me guess, it's going to the beach and skinny dipping.

She gave him a hard look, and he stepped back, the smile vanishing from his face. She dialed up her fuck around and find out vibe, and instinctually he realized that he could get burnt, severely, by this fiery red haired goddess. She rolled her eyes and shook her head at him, and he wisely left while his pride and anatomy were intact.

Do they not realize how lame their lines sound? Or maybe I've outgrown them, and now I've seen something better. It's hard to admit I was so young and stupid just a few years ago, that I probably would have left with him, thinking that would be a good time.

She surveyed her kingdom and found it lacking. She realized, This music is no longer energizing, and it's starting to give me a headache, this doesn't feel like my crowd anymore, and these guys would be more trouble to get rid of, than the pleasure of a brief orgasm was worth.

Her core warmed as she thought, Chuck was a quick learner, an always attentive lover, so he learned exactly how to push her buttons to bring on mind blowing orgasms. On the Richter scale, these guys offer a tremor, at home she had someone who could topple cities.

She gasped, Do I really see Chuck as home, now? And could he be mine? And if so, what the hell am I doing standing around here, surrounded by loud unfulfillment?

She gathered up her things and headed for the door. This has always been my plan A. I thought my life could be a perpetual party. But the appeal is gone from that now. I think I need to work on plan B. Plan Bartwoski.

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A/N 3:

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