A/N: Three things about Noir, It's gritty and hard, Sexy Times do come at you fast (nailed it Fezzywhigg), and someone is going to betray someone else. I give you Walker, PI, Ch 4, The Morning After

Disclaimer: I don't own Chuck.


(Italics indicate a voiceover)

The next morning I found myself at that café Chuck had wanted me to meet him at, drinking coffee. I thought about calling him as I was leaving his apartment, since he told me last night when he left the office to call him before I left, but he was lost in thought and I wasn't sure bad jokes were the way to go. I was watching the museum across the street, enjoying the day, before it got too hot. The rain the night before had brought relief, and it was actually pleasant. Chuck sat nursing a glass of ice water, saying very little. He hadn't really said anything since we sat down, and very little the entire trip to the café. Actually he had been quiet all morning, and it really didn't surprise me. From the little more than 15 hours I had known Chuck, I began to realize he didn't say much more than he found necessary. Something inside of him died with his mother and girlfriend, that much was obvious. I found it wasn't an awkward silence, it was like two old friends that just enjoyed each other's company.

I couldn't stop myself from thinking about last night. I was lying in bed next to him, surprised at how right it had felt. I'm not one who needs a man, but lying in his arms, I felt like I belonged, that this was right, that this was more than just something physical. It had been quiet, like it was now, and I found myself surprised when he began to speak.

"Have you ever lost someone you loved?" he asked softly. "Not like a parent or family member, but someone who connected with your soul?" I shook my head against his chest, a little surprised of the intimacy of the question, but given what we had done, I guess I shouldn't have been. "I thought part of me died that night, in fact I'm sure part of me had." He was quiet for a second. It was like he had said too much, or not enough, or both. I found myself wanting to comfort him, but I couldn't. Even after what we had done, I didn't want to seem desperate, or needy, even if I really was.

"Tonight was just tonight," I said softly, but knowing it wasn't. He made a noise, knowing I was lying.

"Was it?" he asked, looking at me. Not just looking at me, but peering into my eyes like he was searching for his soul. I wanted to tell him it meant more, but before I could summon the courage, he spoke. "Because I found something in me that I thought was dead. I found life again. I didn't know that living was a possibility anymore. Just existing to right some wrongs." My heart nearly broke and leapt out of my chest all at once. I moved closer to him, which I didn't know was possible. I didn't like where this was going, and I asked what was on my mind.

"And what would have happened to you after you righted those wrongs?" I paused, summoning the courage to ask what I had to know. "I mean, if you hadn't have met me?" I asked softly. His eyes softened for a minute and he gently moved a stray strand of hair out of my face.

"I don't know," he answered. I didn't want to ask the next question, but I had to know. I don't know how this was happening, but he had me under his spell, and the jerk didn't even have the good sense to know it.

"Now that you've met me, what will happen when you do right those wrongs?" I asked, feeling as vulnerable as I ever have. His eyes, those brown orbs, continued to look into mine, searching for something, and I hoped what he needed was there. He grinned, kissed me softly, and spoke.

"Don't know that either, I'd like to find out, but I'm not sure it's entirely up to me." I smiled, and kissed him. I felt a weight lift off me that I didn't know existed. I don't know what it was about him, but I was planning on finding out, but first, I was gonna have some fun.

"You're not sure?" I asked, with the sultriest smile I could muster.

"Well, I think there are some things I'd like to do, but I'd have to have permission." I leaned in and kissed his chin, then his cheek, and stopped right beside his ear, and spoke just above a whisper.

"I don't know who you need to ask, but I'm sure if you ask whoever it is as politely as you asked me earlier, you'll get the results you want." I smiled to myself thinking about what happened next. I pulled myself out of the memory, looked over and saw Chuck watching me, his eyebrow raised. I met his glance, and held it, raising my own eyebrow. He slowly started turning red, as I kept his gaze. This guy wasn't some Casanova. He wasn't some player, but he had me in his thralls. I still think I could have left. I still think I could have gotten away. I still think I'm lying to myself. I had it bad, and he had my fix, and I was willing to do whatever it took.

"I'd ask you what you were thinking about, but if I'm wrong I'd feel like a fool, and have my feelings hurt," he said, finally breaking my gaze, looking down at his glass of water, and running his finger around the lip. He looked back up, and I still had the impish grin on my face.

"You're no fool," I said simply. He smiled for a second and then it fell from his face. He looked back down at his tea.

"I'm sorry about bringing up my dead girlfriend last night," he said quietly. "It's just been me for a long time and I've really had no one to talk to. I know people don't want to hear that."

"It's part of what makes you what you are," I replied, shrugging. See, right there. Right there, I knew, but I ignored all my training. Because of him. I don't chase men, especially clients, and I certainly don't sleep with them, but this guy…Chuck…he touched something inside of me that I didn't know longed for his touch.

"I wouldn't even bring it up now, but it kinda affects the case, if you are still willing to go forward with it." I raised an eyebrow as he raised his head to look at me.

"While I admit, our business relationship got a little complicated after what transpired last night," I began with a smile. He returned a knowing one. "I am a professional and I have a job to do. If I was a male detective and you were a female, you know no one would say boo about us sleeping together." He actually blushed. "So, as much as I enjoy your company, let's get down to business."


A/N: Reviews and PMs are always welcomed!

DC