Thanks for the reviews. Seems like there are other Chuck fans out there that are also hooked on Burn Notice.
I noted, for the record, that when I checked to get the date of the Burn Notice premier, I found I was misspelling Michael Westen's name as "Weston." Sorry about that. I have corrected it.
I really did intend to have Michael Westen and crew show up in this second installment, but the story seemed to take on a life of its own and before I knew it I was up to 11 pages and still no Michael. He'll show up again next chapter, I promise.
I probably should have said it before, but I don't own either Chuck or Burn Notice. More's the pity.
CHUCK VERSUS THE BURN NOTICE
CHAPTER 2
A Day At the Beach
Sarah looked at Chuck incredulously. They were in a club in Miami called La Barracha with Ellie and Devon and Chuck had just flashed on a minor drug dealer named Enrique Obregon and an ex-spy named Michael Westen. "We have to get out of here," Sarah hissed.
"What?" Chuck yelled over the load music.
Sarah leaned into Chuck and said into his ear. "We have to get out of here. I worked an op with Michael Westen. He can I.D. me."
Chuck looked at her, his expression a mixture of fear, concern… and something else Sarah had trouble identifying. Sarah picked up her purse, grabbed Chuck's hand and led him out to the dance floor where Ellie and Awesome were dancing. "I have to go," Sarah yelled in Ellie's ear.
"What?" Ellie asked.
"I have to go," Sarah yelled, a little closer.
Ellie grabbed Sarah's hand and pulled her a little farther from the speakers so they could talk. Devon, a confused look on his face, followed; with Chuck trailing behind, glancing nervously over his shoulder.
Once they were in a corner where the music was a little quieter, Ellie turned to Sarah. "What's wrong? Are you all right?"
"I'm sorry," Sarah said. "It's the flight. I don't fly that often and when I do it really takes it out of me. It just hit me all of a sudden and it's like I just hit a wall. I really need Chuck to take me back to the condo. I'll be fine with a little sleep."
"You know, Sarah," Devon said. "It's the lack of humidity in the cabin. You need to drink lots of fluids when you fly, especially long flights. I can make you a nice ginseng and acacia shake. Fix you right up."
"Thanks, Devon," Sarah said. "I think I just need some sleep. You guys stay. Chuck and I will head back to the condo."
"No, no, no, no," Chuck said. "I think they should come with us. Get some rest, too." He motioned with his head toward the door Michael Westen and Enrique Obregon had gone through.
Sarah gave him a warning look. "They'll be fine," she said, then turned to Ellie. "I mean, we'll be fine. You guys have fun. We'll see you back at the condo."
Ellie gave Sarah a hug. "I hope you feel better."
Devon gave Chuck a slap on the back. "Take care of your lady, Chuck. Don't worry about us."
Chuck was about to protest, but Sarah grabbed his hand and pulled him out of the club. Once they were outside, Chuck looked at Sarah incredulously. "We can't leave Devon and Ellie in there with a drug lord and an ex-spy."
"Chuck," Sarah said. "They'll be fine. No one knows who they are. And I think you'd be hard pressed to find a club in Miami that didn't have at least one drug dealer in it. We'll go back to the condo and call it in."
"But…" Chuck started.
"Chuck. They'll be fine. If we pull them out, they'll get suspicious."
"But…" Chuck tried to continue, but Sarah simply turned away to hail a cab, and then hustled Chuck into it when it pulled up.
In the cab, Chuck whispered to Sarah. "You sure they'll be okay?"
"Trust me, Chuck," Sarah said.
Chuck got quiet for a moment, and then he turned to Sarah. "You said you worked with Michael Westen?"
She nodded. "We had an op together in Sarajevo," she said, keeping her voice low so the cab driver, blasting Cuban music over the radio, couldn't hear.
"So," Chuck said pensively. "You know him pretty well, huh?"
Noting Chuck's tone, Sarah turned to him. "What are you asking, Chuck?" There was anger in her voice. "We ran an op together. That's all."
"I just thought…" Chuck said, his voice trailing away.
"What, Chuck? That I slept with him? Look, just because Bryce and I… I don't know what kind of person you think I am, Chuck, but I don't sleep with every agent I work with."
"Sarah. I… It's not…" But Sarah had turned to look out the front window of the cab and was no longer looking at him. "I'm sorry," Chuck said in a very small voice.
"We'll call in the meeting between Westen and Obregon when we get back," Sarah said coldly. Chuck just slumped down on the car seat, his head hung low. It was a long ride back to the condo.
When they got back to the condo, Sarah waited for Chuck to unlock the door, then walked in and sat down on the couch without a word. Crestfallen, Chuck shut the door, then took a seat on the chair opposite her. "Sarah," he began.
"Not now, Chuck," she said, her voice hard.
They sat in stony silence for a few minutes until there was a knock on the door. Sarah looked out the peep hole, and then opened the door.
"What was that all about?" Casey asked, slipping in to the suite.
"Chuck flashed," Sarah explained. "There was a drug dealer named Enrique Obregon…"
"Drug dealers in Miami are a dime a dozen," Casey interrupted.
"And an ex-freelancer named Michael Westen," Sarah continued, annoyed at Casey's interruption.
"Westen," Casey said. "I've heard of him. Real badass, from what I've heard. Wasn't he burned? Didn't I see a burn notice on him?"
"Yes," Sarah replied. "A couple months before Bryce stole the Intersect."
"We need to report this," Casey said. "My room."
Casey opened the door to the condo and looked up and down the hall, then slipped out with Sarah and Chuck right behind him.
A few moments later, they stood in front of a large television screen in Casey's suite, on which was the familiar face of General Diane Beckman. Chuck glanced at his watch. It was after 10:00 p.m. and the General was still in her office, still in uniform and still looking as severe as ever. Didn't the woman ever go home?
"Michael Westen," the General was saying. "Freelance operative. He did work for the CIA, the NSA, the DIA, the DEA and several other agencies. A burn notice was issued June 28, 2007. He is considered extremely dangerous. His meeting with Obregon is worrisome. He could be looking to move into drug running or dealing."
"Recommend we pack up the asset and ship him back to LA," Casey opined.
"General," Sarah interjected. "That risks blowing Chuck's cover. There is no indication Westen saw us. It was obviously just a coincidence. We'll simply avoid that area."
"Too risky," Casey said. "A burned operative? He's probably already been recruited by Fulcrum."
"We have no evidence of that," Sarah said, turning toward Casey. "Chuck's sister and her fiancé will get suspicious if we pull out now. How will we explain leaving so suddenly to them?"
"Enough," Beckman cut in when Chuck stood to interject. "Keep an eye out for Westen, avoid the area, and keep the Intersect under cover as much as possible. You can stay for now, but if there is any indication that Westen knows Chuck is an asset, I'm pulling the plug on this whole vacation immediately. I will notify the proper authorities about the meeting between Westen and Obregon. Keep me informed as to any other developments."
Without another word, Beckman cut the connection.
"I still say we're better off packing up Bartowski in a shipping container and sending him back to LA," Casey grumbled.
Sarah rolled her eyes and said, "Come on Chuck. Let's get back to our suite before Ellie and Awesome show up." Then she turned to leave.
Chuck gave a glance around the room, which Casey had turned from a beachfront condo into a tactical operations center. "Love what you've done with the place, Casey," he said, before hurrying out the door after Sarah.
Back in their room, Sarah grabbed a nightshirt and headed into the bathroom to change. Chuck sat on the bed, looking forlornly at the bathroom door. A few minutes later, Sarah came out in a short nightshirt, her face scrubbed clean of make-up and her hair in a pony-tail. Chuck let out a breath when he saw her. Even without any makeup, Sarah was the most beautiful woman he had ever known. And he had screwed up with her… again.
"Sarah," he began.
"Get ready for bed, Chuck," Sarah responded.
Chuck grabbed a t-shirt and went into the bathroom to change and brush his teeth. When he came out, Sarah was already in bed, the light on her side of the bed already turned off. Her back was to Chuck's side of the bed.
Chuck got into bed and turned out the light on his side. "I'm sorry," he said after a few moments of silence.
There was a long pause, and then Sarah turned to face him. To his surprise, there were tears in her eyes.
"Is that what you think of me?" Sarah asked. "That I sleep with everyone man work with?"
"No. God no," Chuck responded. He took a deep breath. "I'm so sorry. I guess I'm still freaked out over you and Bryce. I know I shouldn't be. But you… and Bryce of all people. I guess I'm just insecure."
"Chuck," Sarah said. "Didn't I prove during that whole Von Hayes mess that you aren't competing with Bryce, or with anyone else?"
Chuck couldn't look Sarah in the eyes. "I'm so sorry," Chuck repeated. "I didn't mean to imply…"
"Yes, you did," Sarah replied. She sighed. "Get some sleep. I'm sure Ellie and Awesome have a big day planned tomorrow." She rolled over and turned her back to Chuck, who stared at her back for several minutes more. He so wanted to reach out and touch her, but how could he? God, he could be so stupid sometimes. Why did he have to flash on that stupid Michael Westen? Why did he have to open his stupid mouth about it? At this rate, it was going to be a long week.
Sarah woke to an empty bed. Chuck was already up and she could hear him and Ellie in the condo's small kitchen, talking in low tones. Sarah got up, put on a robe that was hanging on the back of the bedroom door, and then stepped out of the bedroom.
"Good morning!" Ellie called when she saw Sarah. "How are you feeling?"
"Much better, thanks," Sarah said. "Flying just takes it out of me, you know? Sorry to be a party pooper last night." She stepped into the kitchen and gave Chuck a light kiss on the cheek. "Morning sweetie."
"Morning sweetie," Chuck said, a little self-consciously.
"No problem at all," Ellie said. "It's a pretty common problem. Devon and I didn't stay long either. I was pretty beat myself."
"Is that coffee I smell?" Sarah asked.
"Oh, of course," Chuck said, scrambling to pour Sarah a cup and fix it just the way she liked it: cream, no sugar.
"Devon went for a run," Ellie explained. "He should be back in a bit. I was cooking up some pancakes. They keep the refrigerator and pantry stocked for the guests."
"And I found some chocolate chips for them," Chuck said, holding up an open bag. "I know you like them in your pancakes." Although Sarah was still annoyed with him, it was kind of cute the way Chuck was falling all over himself to cater to her. He was like a puppy, with those soulful eyes looking so sad after last night. She felt herself melt a little, and then gave herself a little shake.
No. She reminded herself of why she was mad at him. How dare he imply that she had slept with Michael Westen? How dare he imply that she slept with all the agents she had worked with? Although… it had been tempting with Westen. He had a certain raw magnetism and confident cockiness that was hard to resist. If the assignment had lasted longer…
"Earth to Sarah," Chuck was saying, snapping her out of her reverie.
"Sorry," she said. "Not enough coffee yet."
The door burst open and Captain Awesome came through, shirtless as usual. "Nothing like an early morning run on the beach," he said. He gave Ellie a kiss and smiled at Chuck and Sarah. "You know, Sarah, you look like a runner. You should join me tomorrow morning."
"Oh, no, thanks," Sarah said. "I'm more of a Pilates kind of girl."
"Me too!" Ellie squealed. "We should start going together!"
Sarah stifled a groan. She hated Pilates. But she couldn't exactly admit that her normal workout involved kickboxing, judo, karate and several others of the martial arts. "That'd be great," she said, feigning cheerfulness.
"You know, didn't you pull a hamstring or something reaching up for that shelf at the Orange Orange?" Chuck said. "I thought they told you to take it easy on the Pilates for a week or two."
"Why didn't you call me when you hurt yourself," Ellie chided. "I would have been happy to look at it. It must have been a torn ligament if they wanted you to take it easy. You don't want to put too much stress on it or it will take longer to heal."
"Thanks, Ellie," Sarah said. "I didn't want to bother you. I know how people are always coming to their doctor friends for free advice. It must get old."
"Nonsense, Sarah," Ellie said. "You're practically family. Next time you'll come to me or Devon, promise?"
"I promise," Sarah said. Ellie turned back to the stove and Devon went to go towel off. Sarah turned to Chuck and mouthed, "Thank you." Chuck responded with a huge grin. 'Dammit,' Sarah thought. 'Why does he make it so hard to stay mad at him?'
"So what's the plan for today?" Sarah asked.
"Well, Devon wants to go parasailing or to rent some jet skis," Ellie said. "Big surprise. But I said I wanted to spend the day relaxing on the beach or by the pool."
"We're not going to spend all day at the beach, are we?" Chuck whined.
"Relax, little brother," Ellie laughed. "I know how much you love sitting around in the sun, so we'll do a little sight-seeing or something, too."
Sarah laughed. Chuck didn't seem like the 'sun himself on the beach' all day type, especially if his complexion was any indication.
After breakfast, Chuck insisted on doing the dishes while Sarah, Ellie and Awesome changed into their swim gear. Then he changed into some trunks and a ComicCon t-shirt and came out with a bag full of sunscreen, a beach towel, a floppy hat, his iPod, his PSP, and a couple books. "Ready?" he asked. Sarah and Ellie were in beach wraps with bags of their own. Devon was in trunks and flip-flops with a beach towel thrown over his shoulder.
They headed down to the beach and staked out a spot with two big beach umbrellas and beach chairs. Chuck started to pull his gear out of his bag, but was brought up short when Sarah put down her bag and pulled off her beach wrap. She was clad in a tiny teal bikini that highlighted her eyes wonderfully, not that most men would be looking at her eyes.
She looked at Chuck and grinned. "You're staring," she chided him.
"Sorry. Sorry. Um. Nice swimsuit."
"Thank you," she said, and spread her blanket on the chair before sitting down.
Chuck shook himself a little, and then proceeded to slather himself with sunscreen – spf 50. At a raised eyebrow from Sarah he said, "I burn easily." He set his iPod and PSP on the table beside his chair, along with a copy of Jim Butcher's Small Favor and the strategy guide to "Call of Duty: World at War."
He flopped in his chair next to Sarah and picked up Small Favor. For some reason, although he loved the Dresden Files books, he couldn't really get into it. He kept glancing next to him where Sarah lay with eyes closed on her beach chair.
Even though her eyes were closed, a small smile played across Sarah's lips the fiftieth time he looked over. "Why don't you go play Frisbee with Devon," she asked without opening her eyes, "since you're obviously not getting any reading done?"
"I… Well… Okay," he responded, with the expression of a kid with his hand in the cookie jar. He got up and trudged through the sand toward Devon.
Ellie looked over at Sarah, smiled, and gave her a wink. Sarah just smiled back.
About half an hour later, Sarah opened her eyes when a shadow fell across her. She was expecting it to be Chuck, but there was a blonde-haired, muscle-bound jock standing over her, ogling her. His companion was eyeing Ellie. "You're blocking my sun," Sarah said coldly.
"Hi," the jock said, flashing a mouthful of perfect white teeth. "I'm Mike. It looked like you could use someone to help you put on a little more lotion."
Ellie sat up and looked around for Devon. He and Chuck were a little way off, playing beach volleyball with two other guys. At least Devon was playing. Chuck was mostly trying to keep out of Devon's way. Ellie was about to get up when Sarah said, "I'm fine, thanks."
"Mighty fine, from where I'm standing," Mike said, leaning over Sarah.
"No thanks, really," Sarah said.
Now Mike was squatting next to Sarah's beach chair, picking up her bottle of lotion. "But I insist. Can't have you getting sunburned. I want your screams to be pleasure, not pain."
It was hard for Ellie to really catch what happened next. One minute Sarah was lying there on the chair, the jock squatting over her. The next moment Sarah leaned back on the top of the chair and the far end swung up quickly and clipped Mike the Jock under the chin. His head flew back, then snapped forward just in time for the end of the chair to whack him on the top of the head. He fell face-first into the sand. Devon and Chuck came running up as Mike's friend helped him to his feet. There was a cut on the bottom of his chin and sand all over his face. He looked more than a little dazed. Somehow, Sarah was on her feet, looking down at him.
"Really ought to have that looked at," Devon said in his best doctor voice. "May need a stitch or two."
"I'm fine," Mike said, stumbling away. "Fine."
Ellie scrambled to Sarah. "Are you all right?" she asked.
"I'm fine," Sarah said innocently. "I don't know what happened. I was just trying to get away from him. I guess I sat on the wrong part of the chair when I did. I hope he's going to be okay."
Chuck was staring at Sarah, open-mouthed, and this time it had nothing to do with her bikini. It was the quickest take-down he had ever seen from her.
Ellie out her hand over her mouth and tried hard not to laugh. "Oh Sarah," she said. "That was awesome! I hope he's going to be okay but…" she looked over her shoulder at the jock stumbling down the beach, supported by his friend. "He got exactly what he deserved."
"Awesome," Devon added.
Sarah looked over at the retreating pair with disgust. "Do they really pick up women with those lines?" she asked. "Good thing I have a real man and don't have to deal with that." She put an arm around a surprised Chuck's waist. "How about we take a dip in the ocean?"
Chuck looked a little stunned as Sarah led him toward the water. Devon put an arm around Ellie and she leaned up to give him a kiss. When they looked back, it was impossible to miss the little swagger in Chuck's step as he and Sarah made their way to the water. "Shall we, babe?" Devon asked. Then he quickly scooped Ellie up in his arms and carried her shrieking with laughter toward the waves.
They had lunch by the pool, then gave into Devon and went jet-skiing that afternoon. Chuck let Sarah drive and, despite her intention to retain her cover, she got a little competitive when Devon started racing her. She slalomed through their agreed-upon course with deft precision, with Chuck arm's locked in a death-grip around her waist as he struggled not to fall off. She crossed the finish line a full thirty seconds ahead of Devon and Ellie, and then throttled to a stop with Chuck panting loudly in her ear. "Don't ever do that again," he gasped.
Devon slewed to a stop beside them, Ellie shrieking with delight. "That was awesome, Sarah," he said. "Where'd you learn to handle a jet ski like that?"
Thinking quickly, Sarah gave Devon a sheepish grin. "Well," she said. "There's this jet ski game at the arcade that Chuck likes to go to. While he's doing all those boring shoot-em-up games, I like to play that one. I guess it really is good training for the real thing."
"Awesome," Devon said again, but Ellie lit into Chuck. "Chuck," she chided. "I can't believe you're really taking Sarah to the arcade and making her wait while you and Morgan shoot zombies or dinosaurs or whatever."
"Its okay, Ellie," Sarah said. "I ask Chuck to take me. And he doesn't try to make me play all those gun games. We have fun."
Ellie gave them a dubious look, but dropped it. Chuck stifled a grin (which was easier to do than normal since he was still half-terrified from the race). The last time he and Sarah had gone to the arcade, Sarah had played every shooting game in the place and complained that they weren't challenging enough.
That night they had dinner at Shula's Steakhouse in the Alexander Hotel. Chuck paled a little at the bill when it came, but Sarah slipped him some cash on the sly to care of the tab. Instead of clubbing, Ellie suggested a moonlight walk on the beach, to which Chuck readily assented. Sarah feigned satisfaction with the idea, but inwardly was uncomfortable spending time with Chuck, her asset, in such a romantic setting. Yes, she was still mad at him; but the double dose of Bartowski magic – from both Chuck and Ellie – was wearing her down. Chuck was trying so hard all day to be solicitous, knowing he was in the doghouse, and Ellie was so pleased to have Sarah along that she couldn't contain herself.
After the beach and a glass of wine on the balcony at the condo, the two couples got ready for bed. Sarah insisted that Chuck get ready first, while she made a report to Beckman and checked in with Casey. Casey congratulated her on the takedown of the jock and asked if she wanted a copy of the tape for her collection. She considered telling Casey what he could do with the tape, but then decided that she was rather proud of the move and, to his chagrin, told him to email it to her CIA mailbox.
Chuck came out in his boxers and a t-shirt after she finished her report and she went into the bathroom to change and get ready for bed. When she came out, Chuck was sitting on the end of the bed waiting for her.
"I had a good time today," he said.
"Me too," she replied.
"Listen," he said. "About last night."
"Chuck…" she began.
"Please, Sarah," he replied. "Let me finish. Yes, I admit the thought crossed my mind that you and that Michael Westen guy might have…" He shook his head as if clearing it. "Anyway, I saw his file when I flashed. He's like this super agent. Handsome, charming, deadly… a real spy's spy, if that makes any sense." He sighed heavily. "It's just… I wasn't trying to accuse you of anything. I just… Guys like him and Bryce. They make me feel so inadequate. I mean, I know how all the girls went for Bryce when we were in college and if I were a girl…"
Sarah laid a hand on Chuck's arm. "Chuck," she said. "Yes. I'm still hurt by what you said. Or rather, implied. It's a touchy subject with me. And yes, Michael Westen is charming and very competent. But no, I didn't sleep with him. Don't sell yourself short, Chuck. You may not be a superspy, but you have other, very important qualities. I wouldn't trade you for a dozen Bryce Larkins or Michael Westens."
Chuck, who had been looking at the floor, looked up at her, a wan smile on his face. She could tell he didn't know whether to believe her or not. She continued. "That being said, what you said, or rather implied, hurt. It showed that at least a part of you doesn't respect me for me."
"Sarah, I respe…" Chuck began.
"Chuck," Sarah said, cutting him off. "We both have a lot of baggage, just like I told you on our first date. But I also told you to trust me. Trust me, Chuck, and trust in yourself. You have a lot to offer a girl." She looked into his eyes. "Someday you'll find someone worthy of you."
"I already have," he whispered, so low that she couldn't be sure she heard him correctly.
"Let's go to bed," she said.
They got in bed, backs to each other again. But somehow, the bed didn't seem nearly as cold as the night before.