A/N: It's nice to see you liked the previous chapter and also noticed the tribute to Wepdiggy's amazing Adorable Psycho. It was also something I'd like to have seen in the actual show instead of the Intersect adversely affecting Sarah: The Giant Blonde She-Male souped-up with the Intersect ass-kicking skills. About the new chapter: It took some serious restraint to keep it within the T rating and not turn it into a full blown smut fest. Still, I hope you will enjoy a fair amount of fluff.

Chapter 22

Bleep. Bleep-beep-bleep…Bang! Pow! Click. Bzzzzt…Bleep! Beep! The sounds were not loud enough to be annoying, but just enough to be noticeable. Sarah opened one eye and focused it on the source of the beeping and bleeping. Chuck was right beside her in bed, resting against the headboard and playing a game on his phone.

"Really, Chuck? You're playing a game? On Valentine's Day? You should have woken me up and we'd play more interesting games together. Or… you could have taken advantage of me as I slept."

He leaned down and kissed her. "You needed to get some rest. So did I, especially after what happened last night. Besides, I like watching you sleep."

"Some people would be seriously creeped out by such a confession."

"Not necessarily," he countered. "We are a couple. Plus, the way your expression changes depending on what you're dreaming is adorable."

"What time is it?" Sarah asked and yawned.

"It's still early enough. In any case, happy Valentine's Day, Sarah."

"Happy Valentine's Day to you too, Chuck."

"Let's take a shower, have breakfast and begin our day," he said, scooping her up. As he did, the sheets fell off of her naked body. Chuck carried her to the bathroom, kicking the door closed behind him.

Later, Chuck and Sarah were enjoying a late breakfast, clad in the fluffy bathrobes they had bought not long ago back in LA. He noticed how her brow furrowed in thought as she took a sip of coffee and smiled.

"Something bothering you, Sarah?"

"It's just… We get to spend our Valentine's Day in what is known across the world as the City of Love, but the others…"

"Allow me to put your mind at ease. Last night, an unmarked CIA aircraft took off from Charles De Gaulle airport. The passengers were the Fulcrum leaders and agents we captured, plus the CIA/NSA teams, including Bryce, Morgan and Casey. They should be arriving at their places as we speak. Bryce will get to spend the day with Jill, Morgan with Alex and Casey with his wife."

"You don't know how glad I am to hear that."

"Believe it or not, I do. Besides, we'll have the Orion jet all to ourselves when we return home." He gave her the suggestive version of the patented Bartowski Eyebrow Dance.

She smiled beguilingly. "So, where does that leave us?"

"Absence makes the heart grow fonder."

"Huh?"

"I'll have to go out and buy some things for later. I want this to be a Valentine's Day you'll never forget."

"Then I'll take the opportunity and go shopping myself. After all, we are in Paris. It's a cardinal sin for a girl not to go shopping while in Paris. I wouldn't hear the end of it from Carina and Ellie if I missed the opportunity."

"Meet you back here, then?"

"Definitely," she replied. "What time?"

"Let's give each other a little leeway… say… around two thirty?"

"Two thirty sounds just about fine. I'll be able to visit all the shops on my list and also hunt around for whatever catches my eye." She hurried and got dressed. "Don't forget the chocolates," she called as he headed out. "And the champagne!"

"Sarah has a sweet tooth for chocolate," Chuck mused. It was time to bring his formidable nerd skills into play in the service of romance. He opened his laptop and browsed online for the best place to buy chocolate in Paris.

Meanwhile, Sarah was driving to one of the places she knew her sister would place high on any shopping list: Galleries Lafayette. She had already decided to splurge on clothes, accessories and lingerie, as she could easily afford it.

Some time later, Chuck walked into their hotel room carrying a bottle of Cristal and a selection of fine chocolates along with a bouquet of gardenias. Knowing how insatiable his girlfriend could be at times, he'd also stocked up on condoms. Since she had taken the car, he had to use public transportation. Fortunately, the shops he'd visited weren't far from their hotel. All that remained was to order a light lunch from room service when she arrived. And then the festivities would begin in earnest. He had something special planned for dinner: He would take her to a Bateau Mouche. The combination of a gourmet meal and seeing Paris by night while cruising on the Seine would be an excellent beginning to a most romantic evening.

-o-

He had apparently developed a sixth sense on all things Sarah, for he had the door open just as she was looking for her keycard in her handbag while balancing the bags containing a selection of her purchases, having left several items in the trunk of the car.

"Hey," he said smiling. "You're back. Need any help with these?"

"No, I've got it. Thanks anyway." *kiss*

"I thought you'd be gone longer."

"And leave you unsupervised? The last time I did that you ended up getting a lap dance from a brunette skank," Sarah teased. She then noticed how the way was looking at her. "What?"

"Nothing. I just expected to see you with more stuff."

"These are only the essentials for today. The rest is in the car."

"I see. Well, I should order lunch. Any preferences?"

"Surprise me."

"Can do," he said.

"Good. I'll go change."

"Why change? You look amazing as always."

"You'll see," she said with a sultry smile.

He just picked up the phone and called room service. Sarah soon emerged from their suite's bedroom wearing tight jeans, boots and a frilly white blouse. She looked casual but elegant.

"Wow…"

"You like them?" She pirouetted. "I bought this outfit today."

"All I can say is… it's you. And it's perfect for what I have planned for later. It's almost like you can read my mind."

"Trust me on this, Chuck. I'm a woman of many talents, but mind reading is not one of them."

"You could have fooled me."

"Did you order lunch? I'm starving."

"It will be up in a few minutes. So, are you going to tell me what else you bought?"

"No."

"No?" Chuck echoed.

"I'll show you."

"Hmmm, I think I'll like it better that way. I also took advantage of your absence to make some plans."

"Are you going to tell me now, or are you keeping them as a surprise?"

"I can give you a hint."

"Go on."

"You'll need a nice dress."

"Good thing I bought some, then."

"I can't wait to see it. You also promised to tell me how you acquired your latest moniker."

"Yes, I remember. I'll tell you over lunch."

They were kissing when a knock on the door announced the arrival of the lunch Chuck had ordered for them. He took the delivery, tipping generously and pushed the cart into the main room.

"Ta-da!" Chuck exclaimed and revealed the contents of the cart with a dramatic flourish.

"Smells delicious," Sarah said and licked her lips. How on earth did he know what her favorite French dishes were? She certainly hadn't told him. He must be really good at reading her, for this was exactly what she was craving at the moment.

"This hotel is kind of famous for it." He poured her a glass of Lorina pink lemonade.

"What, no wine?"

"Considering what I have planned for later, this is better."

"I think I'm going to take your word for it." They clinked glasses and drank. "Mmmm… It's certainly good. I usually drink Perrier or Orangina when in France, but this… I think I'm hooked. Thank you."

"You are welcome. By the way, I really liked the jealous psychotic girlfriend trick you pulled on Lizzie yesterday. You made her underestimate you and she was the one that made mistakes."

Sarah huffed. "Must we talk about her?"

"Don't congratulations give a nice little boost to your ego?"

"They do, but I'd rather not be reminded of witnessing another woman putting her hands on my man."

"OK. Then you can tell me all about the whole Giant Blonde She-Male deal."

"I can do that."

"I'm listening."

"After they took you away, I decided to go a little medieval on Kourpasiri's henchmen and maybe find out where the meeting with Fulcrum would be taking place."

"So, you basically kicked ass."

"One of them apparently got away, but not before seeing what I did to his friends."

"Let me guess: He was the one that did a Superman out the window."

"I think you're right. Anyway, I got a little carried away and, by the time I was done, no one was in any shape to talk. Fortunately, you activated your locator shortly afterwards."

"No wonder he was so afraid of you. From what I heard, all the interrogators had to do was threaten to leave him alone in a room with you. It was enough to have him spilling his guts about his boss' business."

"Enough talking about work," she decreed.

He looked a little disappointed. "And I had such great news…"

"About work?"

"Yes. But not about the CIA. About what we normally do."

"Fine, tell me."

"I had the development section make prototypes of the new computer line we were discussing before the Intersect business came along."

"You told them to assemble the prototypes using existing components," she deduced, remembering their discussion at the Orion cafeteria.

"Not exactly. You see, I had them build a series of production prototypes."

"I don't understand."

"Well, you see… I looked into your computer and found the designs you were making on your free time."

"And you sent them to be used for the prototypes… So, you liked them?"

"I most certainly did."

"Your Dad also wants us to meet with customers while we're here."

"Forget about them for now. The appointments are for tomorrow. I called Mom and Dad and told them that the mission is over."

"Okay… so, what do we do now?"

"First, we finish lunch. And then we'll go for a walk."

-o-

Chuck was as good as his word. They took a romantic walk along the banks of the Seine, down the Champs-Élysées and even visited the Eiffel Tower, in the process taking hundreds of pictures.

"I'm really glad I dressed warmly," Sarah said, leaning into Chuck after they left the Eiffel Tower. "It was really cold up there."

He wrapped an arm around her, smiled and gave her a kiss. "Now, we go to the next part of the schedule." He took her to a Vélib bicycle rental spot, where they rented two bicycles. It was faster than walking and more convenient than driving a car. Soon, the baskets of both bicycles were filled with souvenirs purchased for themselves and their friends and relatives back home. By the time they returned the bicycles and got back to their hotel room, it was getting dark outside.

"Chuck, I had a lot of fun. The exercise was good, too."

"The best part has yet to come, Sarah."

"Should I go change again?"

He opened the closet and pulled out a suit. "Yes. I'll change now."

"Nice suit. I think I'll need to choose a dress."

"You brought dresses with you for the mission?"

"Don't be silly, Chuck. I bought some today, when I went shopping." She went to the bathroom carrying several of her new purchases. She needed to decide what to wear. For a moment, she entertained the notion of wearing absolutely nothing under whatever dress she chose. The look on Chuck's face when they returned and got down to business would be priceless. But then again, she hadn't bought all that sexy lingerie for nothing. No, in this case, less wasn't more. Either scenario was equally acceptable to her, but she quickly made up her mind. She undressed and put on the lace trim midnight blue cheekies and matching bra first, followed by a garter belt and sheer silk stockings. Then she took a few minutes to put on makeup, do her hair and decide what jewelry to wear. Next came the long electric blue dress that hugged her form perfectly and showed just the right amount of cleavage. A pair of stiletto heels and a brand new clutch completed the outfit. She also had the perfect coat to wear over the dress.

Chuck was ready by the time she rejoined him and allowed her eyes to rove all over him. He had a very nice suit on and carried a trench coat draped over one arm. She was pretty sure that he was checking her out, too. But he couldn't tell what she was wearing underneath her coat. Let him find out wherever they were going.

"You clean up nice, Ms. Walker."

"You look dapper yourself, Mr. Bartowski."

He hastily put on his coat and offered her his arm. "Shall we?"

She looped her arm through his. "By all means."

The valet brought their car and Chuck held the door open for her. She had no idea what he had planned, but she was sure it would be, in one word, awesome. They both thoroughly enjoyed the drive and she was very pleasantly surprised when she realized what the destination was. He had evidently pulled out all stops in making it a memorable evening for both of them.

Sarah would rarely admit it openly, but she liked a take charge man on a date. Chuck, for his part, seemed to instinctively know what she wanted and when. The atmosphere on the boat, with the lights dimmed and the candles, was also very romantic. Add an excellent meal and the wine to match and the result thus far was the perfect Valentine's Day.

"More wine?" Chuck asked.

"Thanks, I'm good," she replied and took another sip. "Did Morgan tell you about this place?"

"No, actually it was my Dad. He took Mom here last year, while on vacation."

"It's perfect."

"I know." He then thought for a moment. "Would you like to dance?"

"I'd love to, but I'm afraid I'm a little rusty. I used to be good, but it's been years since I last danced with someone."

"Then use it." He tapped the side of his head for emphasis. "I will."

Her grin turned wicked. Somewhat surprisingly, to her at least, dancing skills were included in the Intersect. "Wow. Do you think your Dad can find a way to let us keep the skills?"

"I wouldn't put it beyond him. In any case, we can always ask."

"Fantastic. Let's dance." She downed the rest of her wine and got up.

"Have I told you how amazing you look tonight?"

"Only about a hundred times," she replied. Her ego had gotten a massive boost out of Chuck's reaction to her outfit.

The band played a slow piece, so she was content to hold on to him as he led. Like every time she was close to Chuck, she felt warm, safe and loved. When the piece ended, all the couples on the dance floor applauded and many headed back to their tables, while others took their place as the band prepared to play the next piece. Chuck and Sarah looked at each other and silently agreed to return to their table. They ordered the house special dessert, savored it and afterwards headed back to the hotel.

The moment Sarah stepped through the door, what she saw took her breath away. Most of the lights were off, those remaining casting a soft glow, candles were lit, a bottle of fine champagne was chilling in an ice bucket and a mix of chocolates and strawberries were arranged around a dish full of whipped cream.

"How…?"

"You'll be amazed what a few well-placed and generous tips can do," he replied, smiling widely.

"All this trouble… you went to all this trouble just for me?"

"First of all, it was no trouble at all. And, second, you deserve all that and more, a whole lot more."

"I love you Chuck." She was almost on the verge of happy tears.

"I love you too. More than you will ever know."

"Somehow, I doubt that. I mean, who else would plan such an evening for his girlfriend?"

"Would you like a list?"

"Oh, shut up!" She lightly punched him in the shoulder. "In addition, who else would want to design a computer game with the virtual version of his girl as one of the leading characters?"

"A nerd," he offered.

"A very special Nerd," she corrected and kissed him.

"The champagne will be getting warm."

"Open it, then."

"With pleasure." He ripped the foil off the top of the bottle, but could not undo the wire cage securing the cork, as the loop handle was too small to get a proper grip with his fingers. He gave up and looked at Sarah. "Do you see a champagne bottle wire cutter anywhere? It can't be done any other way."

"No, but I think I can help." She reached under her dress and drew a throwing knife from a sheath on her thigh, handing it to him.

"You were armed?"

"Weren't you?"

He pulled his jacket aside to reveal a gun holster clipped to his belt. "I'm a spy, Sarah. At least for a little while longer."

"I'd drink to that."

He obligingly filled a flute for her and another for him. "I'd like to propose a toast: To our life together after we're finally done with the CIA."

"And to our love," she added.

They drank a little and Chuck fed her a strawberry after dipping it in the whipped cream, then offering her a liqueur filled chocolate.

"I think I have died and gone to heaven," she sighed.

"Nope. You're stuck with me."

"I wouldn't have it any other way."

It didn't take long for them to finish off the champagne, the chocolates, the strawberries and the whipped cream. As far as they were concerned, this was the best Valentine's Day ever. In the end, they were a little tipsy, but nothing serious. They wouldn't even have a hangover the following day.

"It's official," he said. "We're out of champagne. Should I order more?"

"Nah, just take me to bed, Chuck."

"As you wish." He scooped her up and carried her to the king size bed. After gently depositing her on it, he gave her a quick kiss on the lips.

"Undress me," she commanded. "But be careful. I'm still wearing three knives."

"Don't worry about me."

-o-

As usual, Chuck was the first to wake up in the morning. She was snuggled up against him, still fast asleep. He checked the time. It was early enough and he could afford to snooze a little more. A big smile split his face as he recalled last night's events. Sarah had definitely been in one of the horniest moods ever. His back bore the red marks from her fingernails to prove it, while her neck and shoulder had unmistakable teeth marks on them – from his teeth.

"It was not a dream," he mused. "Damn, I'm the luckiest man in the world." He placed a kiss on the top of her head before relaxing and falling back asleep, until they were both rudely awakened by a blaring alarm clock.