A/N 1: A week has gone by and Chuck and Sarah are still in love. No Shaw, no Cole Barker, no Jill. Just 2 couples hanging out and enjoying each other. Sorry, no gunfights or angst.

A/N 2: Don't own Chuck. Hopefully someone will see Spy Kids and realize we need Chuck: The Movie.

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-This section was added to the previous chapter. Read it if you missed that update. This is after Carina drags Casey up to her room.-

Carina's cellphone announcing the arrival of dinner, cut short their post-coital reverie. While Carina throws on a shift and goes to deal with the delivery, Casey lays back, catching his breath and gathering his wits. What the hell was that? He puzzles, before adding, And, how do I get more? I wonder what got into her tonight? Her wanting to be on top is nothing new. She is welcome to drive. But, it was different how she laid herself fully on top of me, pressing herself against me, down our entire length. It's like she was trying to merge us together. Not that I'm complaining, but damn! He involuntarily shudders from the recollection.

I wonder if it has anything to do with that squeal from Walker? That must be the follow up to all the noise that she and the moron were making, which made it through their bedroom walls, all day yesterday. Casey stares at the ceiling, remembering. When I was out on the balcony smoking, on Saturday night, they were definitely dressed up, going out to dinner. Did that seal the deal, somehow? No wonder we didn't ever see them all day, Sunday.

It's about damn time! Talk about contents under pressure. I am surprised either of them are walking, let alone Chuck managing to go to work. Casey smirked. So, them being all hot and bothered, got Carina all hot and bothered. I'll have to thank them, sometime. With that pleasant thought Casey rolls out of bed, throws on some pants and pulls on a shirt. I wonder what's for dinner? I hope it's something filling, because I have a feeling that we will be having dessert again, after dinner.

-On to the current chapter-

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-Saturday-

Chuck holds out his hand for Sarah, living out one of his childhood fantasies. Part of his youth included a fascination with sword and sorcerer stories, so when Sarah approaches him, in her medieval garb, he feels like a character in one of the stories. The luckiest character in the story, since this vibrant, amazing, beautiful woman wants to be with him.

Sarah is wearing a high necked white linen smock with flounced sleeves, covered by a blue sleeveless gown with crossties closing the bodice, while the lower half was split and partially open, providing greater freedom of movement. It flows on her. She also has a garland of blue forget-me-nots as a crown upon her head.

Chuck was dressed for the Renaissance Faire, wearing a dark blue wizards robe. It wasn't exactly fashion forward, but it did have several big pockets, which will be handy on their outing today.

It was the first time in a week that either had left the Villa, for something other than Sarah running errands, while Chuck was working. With Chuck's job filling his days, they didn't want to waste any of their night time together. Preparing dinner was a tactile, intimate process, followed by cuddling time on the couch in front of the TV, which sooner or later, usually sooner, resulted in their retreating to the privacy of a bedroom. His or hers wasn't important; proximity was.

Chuck had asked her to go, a month ago when he first saw a flier at the market, for a quarterly Renaissance Fair held at one of the parks. It was unfamiliar to her, but hey, she enjoyed going anywhere with Chuck. And she had time to pick out and order an appropriate gown. Chuck approved, very, very much, evidenced by the grin on his face.

"You know, this is kind of fun, getting to dress up in a costume. And it's obvious you like it too.", Sarah said with a smile lighting her face. It is fun dressing up for him. I never really enjoyed dressing up in the past. I can appreciate fashion, but I never really liked getting dressed up for the job. Clothes were clothes, whether BDU's or a gown. And, putting something sexy on for Bryce, wasn't the same as this. That was essentially mission oriented as well. But now, knowing I can make his eyes sparkle extra bright, with the right outfit, sexy or not, just adds a joy to dressing up.

"You are a vision." Chuck declared, Love sparkling in his eyes. I can't believe this is real. We really are going to live our lives together, going out and doing stuff. He can't help smiling to himself. Yeah we've been "doing stuff", but this is real life. Going out in the real world, as a committed couple. No more hiding anything. I have been looking forward to this for so long, and knew it was going to be great, but this is amazing. I didn't appreciate what a relief it would be to lose all of that doubt and uncertainty that was weighing me down and keeping my stomach in a knot. I feel so light and free, and so amazingly happy that I think my face will explode from grinning. I am freed to love her with all my heart, and apparently there is more in there than I ever knew. On the one hand I don't want to leave our bubble, but on the other hand I want to experience all the world has to offer, with her by my side.

They both break out of the reveries, and Chuck extends a crooked arm, "My Lady." Sarah loops her arm in his, looks up and replies, "My Love." Together they head out for their day's adventure.

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As they drive to the Park, Chuck speaks up. "Ok, I know that you are interested in languages, cultures, and histories, across the world, but be aware that this is different."

Sarah looks at him inquisitively.

"These Renaissance Faires typically have a healthy dollop of fantasy included, hence my Wizard wear. So don't expect completely authentic history. It's more of an idealized past, created for fun."

"So, just for fun. I guess that is a good enough reason." She offers with a friendly smile.

"You know, I want to mention something that I think I have learned about people, and it might be relevant to us. I am sure you studied this kind of stuff in your Psych classes at Harvard."

Sarah nods in confirmation.

"There are many traits that we can use to describe people. Extroverts and Introverts, for example. And just like that, and most things in life, it's not black or white, it's not binary. It is a matter of degree. Everyone is an extrovert and introvert, just to varying degrees."

"So, it seems that there are inner focused people and outer focused people. Outer focused people tend to be body aware and physical. Think athletes and adventurers. They are focused on experiencing the physical world. Carina and Casey tend to lean that way."

"There are also inner focused people, who spend their time in their head, imagining and thinking about things. Think artists and absent minded professors. They are often oblivious to the world as they get lost in thought. I tend to lean that way. You may be still figuring out which you are. And, again it's not either/or. It's some of both."

Sarah pondered what he was saying, thinking back to what she learned in college and at the Farm about personality types.

"So, the reason I mention that, is because a Renaissance Faire is where the people who live in their heads come out and play in the real world. So don't expect historical accuracy. Expect fantasy and whimsy. There may be Dragons and Unicorns there." He adds with a laugh.

"Okay," She replies, "So, I should fully be prepared for the weird. Are we talking about Monty Python levels of weirdness?" She asks with a grin.

That makes Chuck guffaw. He stares at her and says, "I love you so much."

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Chuck fills the pockets of his robe with what they will need for the day, as Sarah double checks the car, before locking it up. He takes her hand and leads her to the park's entrance, with childlike exuberance.

There he is. My Chuck, like he was in Burbank. My favorite thing about our outings is when Chuck gets lost in his Nerd world and all of the spy world and Carmichael fall away. He is so alive when he is like this. And, that sure makes me feel alive. It's crazy how I had to fight it in Burbank. Fighting against experiencing anything and actually living. Over the past few weeks of self discovery and opening up, I was starting to finally feel good and enjoy life. But, now, after this weekend, of allowing myself to feel without reservation and open up completely to him, I think I feel as alive as he does. Everything seems vibrant, and my senses feel enhanced. I learned to make myself more conscious of my senses, but now they seem to be turned on full blast. Is this how he feels? It's incredible!

Craftspeople were grouped near the entrance, so that seemed like a reasonable place to start. They both like learning new things and seeing the different ways people do things.

Chuck cocks his head in that direction, his eyes seeking Sarah's agreement, which she provides with a smile and nod. Chuck drapes his arm around her shoulder, while her arm slides around his waist, and joined together, they step forward to take in the sights.

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"Harumph" was all she said, when Sarah's thrown hand-ax hit low and to the right, on the target. Grabbing the second hand-ax, she takes a moment to reassess its heft. Eyeing the target again, she raises the hand-ax and hurls it at the bullseye. It hits to the lower right of center.

"There we go!" Chuck, calls out in praise. Sarah harrumphs again, but gives him a small smile in appreciation.

Hefting the third hand-ax, Sarah returns her attention to the target. With focused intensity she hurls the last hand-ax and it flies true to the center of the target.

"Whoo hoo!. There is my kickass ninja girl." Sarah hops excitedly, then turns and jumps into Chuck's arms. He spins her around and rewards her with a kiss. Or, she rewards him with a kiss. However it works out, there was lots of kissing involved.

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Come on Chuck, you can do this. She stepped up and kicked ass with the axes. Now, it's your turn to step up. You know she will love it, so you have to do it. Despite all the odds against you, you have to try. Chuck turns to Sarah, who is mesmerized watching the dancers move to the period music, "Would you like to dance?"

Sarah turns and looks at him with wide eyes, her mouth open in surprise, knowing of Chuck's aversion to dancing in public. "Really?" she asks through a widening smile. "You know how to dance like this?"

Chuck shrugs his shoulders, and simply replies, "No." Capturing her eyes with his, his words filled with love. "But, I want to dance with you. I am sure you will be terrific and then you can teach me."

How did I find a guy like this? He wants so much for me to be happy. Which makes me want him to be happy, and somehow we get in this happiness loop. I feel like I could explode with love. Her thoughts are more than could be easily expressed with words, so she takes him in her arms and gives him a deep kiss. "Thank you." Then with a giggle and a skip in her step, she leads him onto the dance floor.

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After the dancing and some meat pies for lunch, Sarah finds herself with some time to reflect. Chuck was watching a group playing some card game that had to do with Magic, and she was snuggled up to his side. Sarah tries to open herself up to experiencing everything. Seeing the greenery of the park, in the bright sunshine. Smelling the competing aromas of nature and the food stands. Hearing the sounds of people laughing against the backdrop of the musicians playing their traditional tunes. And, most importantly, feeling Chuck's presence by her side.

This is wonderful. I never appreciated the beauty of the world, because I wasn't open to experiencing it. Now it infuses me and makes me feel like I am more. I never imagined life could be like this. It just doesn't get any better than this. Chuck shifts against her, catching her attention. It also causes a shift in her thoughts, as she is reminded of something better than this. Her mind is filled with the activities of the weekend and the passion that filled their bedroom. The ways he touched her that electrified her center warms and her cheeks flush at the thought.

"Chuck?" she prompts.

"Hmm?" is his semi-attentive response.

Sarah stretches up to whisper in his ear, in a seductive manner, "Chuck?"

Feeling her breath on his ear, snaps his full attention to her, but before he can respond, she informs him, "I am ready to go home." She punctuates her statement with a lick and nip of his earlobe.

Chuck's whole body stiffens and flushes, and he can only manage "Eeep!" as his response.

Looking down and seeing the passion in her eyes, he does the only sensible thing. He assents with a simple, "Yes, My Love." and allows her to pull him through the crowds and back to their car.

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-The same day.-

Carina pops a grape in Casey's mouth, from her position reclined against his chest. Casey is reclined against a tree, under which they had spread their picnic blanket. The basket was empty, as was their wine bottle; the grapes on her stomach the final remnants of their lunch. The tree offered respite from the afternoon's heat. The only sounds were the surrounding wildlife, and the grazing of the horses provided by the livery company. The company had set up several rest stops like this, along the riding trails, each stocked with hay and water for the horses.

Horseback riding was a shared interest, Casey and Carina discovered they had. Like surfing, it combines athleticism with nature, and they were both active people. It was the 2nd time that they had arranged for a day ride, so they could get away from everything and unwind.

Carina pops a grape in her own mouth, then offers another to Casey. After chewing her's, she breaks the silence. "So, what do you think about them?"

"Hmm?" Casey responds, then after a moment's consideration, adds "Walker and the kid?"

"Yeah, her and that kid that rocked her world. That kid, who has apparently helped her recover herself and her humanity." She snarks at him, as she lightly slaps his chest.

Casey's chest rumbles with his subdued laugh. "What do I think? What do I think?" He repeats, with his voice slightly rising in pitch and volume. "I think it is about damn time!" He exclaims, adding a hearty laugh. "Babe, you gotta understand. I had to put up with both of them for all that time in Burbank. Chuck was gone from the start, and would fluctuate between excited and mopey, depending on what Sarah said or did that day. Then you had Sarah, who may have been as gone as she could be, from day one, but apparently didn't know what she was doing and she would open up, then pull back, in a see-saw ride that was making me ill. All the while we are trying to do our jobs." He squeezes Carina and kisses the top of her head. "And somehow, amid all that drama, we got the job done. You've seen Bartowski, or Carmichael, whatever, in action. He has skills. And, then he gets under your skin and somehow makes you want to be a better person. He did change her." He paused, for emphasis. "He changed me. And, I would bet he changed you, at least a little."

"Yeah, that's true," she thoughtfully replies. "And I have to confess, watching Sarah find herself, and almost become a new person, has been eye opening. We get used to the grind of the spy life, and don't notice how it changes us. Then, bam, to see Sarah flip that switch, so quickly, is kind of shocking. It makes me think about me, the job, and everything." She meaningfully looks in his eyes, with that confession.

Casey just lets that sink in. He is not sure how to respond to it, so he just gives her space.

Laying her head on his chest, she continues with her thoughts. "Especially watching them this last week."

Chuckling, Casey can't help interjecting, "Yeah, the dam has burst! They can't keep their hands off of each other. Considering how much time they are spending in bed, I am amazed they can walk, let alone Bartowski managing to go into work. So, overall, I am damn happy for them. Aren't you?" he inquires, while tilting his head to look down at her.

"Sure! Of course. They are both my friends. Sure, I am happy for them.", she defends. Then, she looks up at him, and in a softer voice, adds, "And I am kind of jealous. You know, it isn't just that they are going at it like bunnies, now that they are committed to each other. There's something deeper there. They are blissfully lost in each other, and Walker is glowing in a way that I have never seen, in all the years I have known her. I don't think I have seen anyone glow like that in my life."

"Ellie." Casey softly interjects.

"What?" Carina queries.

"Ellie. Chuck's sister." He clarifies, "When she was getting married, she also glowed. I noticed but didn't think too deeply about it, because we were neck deep in the Fulcrum crap. But, yeah, that is the only person I have seen with that glow."

Carina lays her head back down on Casey's chest and stares off into the distance. After a moment of contemplative silence, she softly asks. "Could we have that?"

"Huh?" Casey draws out, pondering. He is not completely surprised by the question. His thoughts had also touched upon relationships, being witness to Chuck and Sarah's courting. "I truthfully don't know. It seems to require a deeper commitment than we can do. You are job focused, I am job focused, and we are both willing to drop everything, when the job requires. Can that provide enough commitment?"

"I don't know." Carina sadly admits. "I never have thought about anything other than the mission, or the job. Or, back in the day, the adrenaline rush. But, now? Now, I am thinking about things, and wondering if they could be better?" Then she huffs, "But, I don't want to throw my career away."

"Yeah, I get it." Casey agrees. "I have sacrificed so much for the job, that I can't imagine abandoning all of that, so close to the finish line. I plan to go 40 years, and I still think I have ranks to climb. Good that I can still do."

"Exactly!" Carina passionately exclaims, energetically lifting herself off of his chest. "We've both worked so hard, it's not fair to give it up."

"So," Casey prompts, "what is the solution? How do we have it all?"

Carina gazes down into his eyes, as a smile slowly spreads across her face. "So you want this too? With me?"

Casey's eyes soften, and he grows a small smile of his own. "Nobody but you, Red. Nobody but you."

At that, the smile on Carina's face explodes with a grin, and she dives in to kiss Casey within an inch of his life.

When she finally breaks away, breathing heavily, she murmurs, "Me too Johnny. Me too."

"So, more than priority? We're going exclusive?", Casey asked with a raised brow.

"Yep." Carina saucily replied, popping the p. "You sure you can handle it?"

"I think I have proven that I can handle it." Casey teases, and squeezes her bottom.

"I mean, giving up all of your lonely sales ladies. Are you sure you can do that?" Her eyes asking the same question.

Casey, returns her gaze, looking deeply into her eyes. "Not going to be missing anything."

Casey voices his own concerns. "What about you? Can you give up the party lifestyle?"

Carina throws back her head in laughter. "You know Johnny, I can truly say that I have looked high and low,"she stares back into his eyes, "and I can say that I can't find better." She quickly kisses his lips. "Not going to be missing anything."

They seal their commitment with a kiss, which then becomes a much deeper kiss. A slow, meaningful kiss, full of exclusive commitment.

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A/N 3: A few more chapters and then we get to Thanksgiving with Ellie. Earplugs recommended. The Fanfiction Facebook page is a great place to get a peek into the minds of the authors here. On second thought, maybe you don't want to see that. (Shudders)