A/N: Hey Chucksters, the end of the school year brought my writing to a halt, but I'm back. This chapter has one scene with sexual content. I always mark these in bold and write the next scene so that they can be skipped without missing anything for readers that prefer to skip sex scenes.

Now for the chapter itself, I reworked a detail of cannon to fit my own needs. As I've been writing I realized how useful that can be. Chuck's situation still is not perfect, but I continually write Sarah in such a way that she acts and thinks maturely and aim to keep the relationship that way.

Honestly the sad truth is CHUCK's showrunners and writers were very juvenile and short sighed in how they handled the wt/wt dynamic on the show. They were ruled by angst instead of organic conflict that gets resolved through open and honest communication. Why do I bring this up? Well it's because writing really does make or break a TV couple and as much as I love Chuck and Sarah I like another TV couple even more.

Those familiar with Blue Bloods (starting in season 4) will be familiar with Jamie Regan and Edit "Eddie" Janko. I talk about this because like I said good writing matters. If you've watched the show and these characters, then you know what I mean. They are similar to Chuck and Sarah individually and the people that bring them to life have tremendous chemistry just like Zac and Yvonne, but Chuck's writers spent too much time failing that chemistry, filling the years they weren't together with contrived angst.

I guess I am making the comparison to vent my frustration that Chuck and Sarah were hindered by maddeningly inconsistent writing, but I compare every TV relationship to Chuck and Sarah now, and Jamko is my latest obsession. The difference is night and day or in this case, consistent versus inconsistent writing; I can't say for sure if that will continue into season 9 of Blue Bloods, but I have much more faith in their writers.

Now that I'm through venting, here is the next chapter and of course I don't own anything except the computer I write this story on.

Chuck Versus the Real Undercover Relationship

Chapter 5: Covert Union, Covert Missions

The sun was just visible on the horizon, the top seems to rise from the water itself; which cast a golden light on its surface. The pace of the sunrise seemed purposefully slow this morning. Typical bird activity was silent, waves of the ocean were quiet as if waiting for a cosmic event to begin. Yes, this beach was witness to something, a design of fate that had so many things linked to it was destined to happen. Chuck stood to wait on his spot. He was in his only tux, not nervous, but jittery with anticipation. Sarah was slowly meeting Chuck in a dress, nothing fancy, but certainly elegant, a simple white dress that covered her chest, leaving her back exposed to the sun. It was long, void of straps, and she was mastering it. Sarah's hair has unchanged from its usual state; flowing down on her shoulders. The bright sunlight left her hair gold as she walked, settling in right next to Chuck so that they both occupied the same spots as last time they were on this beach.

Chuck smiled in a boyishly charming way, "Wow, you look amazing."

Sarah returned a rare blushing smile, "Very dapper." She reached up to adjust his tie."

Morgan was standing between, but outside of the two of them. He was in his neatest clothes, a plain black shirt, and grey pants. He'd cleaned up his face so that just a beard remained and shortened his hair and turned it into something longer than a crew cut but shorter and more controlled than the dome-like mop of hair. Just that alone took him from teen to adult in his appearance, he seemed to have done it out of respect for the occasion. Ellie and Devon were there too, informal, but in doctor's attire because they would be cutting it close for their early morning shift. Casey was obscure several yards back, smoking a cigar; both marking and observing the occasion.

Casey whispered to himself, "I feel a change in the air, those two, they can change everything."

Back at the head of the beach Morgan spoke quietly, "We are gathered here on this beach at a pre-dawn hour because apparently, these two kids had to get married less than 12 hours after getting engaged for the second time."

Chuck smiled apologetically, "Sorry buddy."

Morgan shook his head, "Don't worry about it." He fought a yawn and continued, "Let's just cut right to the good stuff; vows?"

Chuck was calm from the moment he found his words. "Sarah, my life changed from the moment you walked into it. I was content to underachieve before I met you, but you make me want to overachieve to be more and do more. You are always there, helping me, teaching me, protecting me and there is no one else I want to spend the rest of my life doing the same things for, except you. Words can't express the depth of my love, or my dreams for our future, that our kids; will be like little superheroes with little capes and stuff like that. Everyone chuckled here, though Morgan had no idea why Chuck said that. Chuck continued, "All I want is to prove everyday for the rest our lives that you can count on me. I love you Sarah Walker, always have and I will love you until the end of time no matter how crazy our lives get!"

Sarah took several seconds to soak in his speech while Morgan made what he though was an obvious observation. "Chuck, we work at the Buy More; things are as far from crazy; unless you count Tang suddenly AWOL, but again I digress." Everyone chuckled again.

Sarah smiled, "I love you, this is just easier to do if we're alone."

Ellie spoke softly, "We can occupy ourselves for a minute?"

Sarah smiled gratefully and only resumed when everyone else was out of ear shot. There was great emotion in her words. "Chuck most of my life has been unstable: my parents marriage was just long enough have me and hear me speak, then once I was school age I mistook my father's con scams for adventures and ran off with him. Then the CIA caught up, arrested my father and saw fit to recruit me. Graham did it himself, claimed he was saving me. Little does he know you saved me in ways he never could. Somehow your life became as unstable as mine once was. She held both his hands tightly as her emotion seemed to fill the air around them. "Today I vow to protect you. I love you Chuck, and I will always be your wall standing in the way of anyone who tries to capture you in the name of those secrets in your head. Someday when things are quiet I will focus on being just your wife and I will do everything in my power to make that happen. I pledge that today with these vows." Sarah motioned for the others to come back over.

Morgan resumed his place between them. He sounded very observant, "You two don't do things traditionally, and I like that, but we've come to the point where we need rings?"

Sarah pulled something from behind her back, "I have that covered." She brandished two wedding rings.

Morgan was impressed, "Are you a magician or something?"

Sarah smiled, "I have ways."

Morgan took the rings and resumed the proceedings, "Alright then, Chuck do you take this woman to be your wife?"

Chuck gave a broad smile, "I do."

Morgan smiled turning to Sarah, "Do you take my best friend to be your husband?"

Sarah smiled brightly, "I do."

Morgan continued with emphasis, "Then by the powers vested in me by the Intergalactic Federation of Planets; I now pronounce you husband and wife." He chocked up a little, "Kiss her already!"

Chuck was overjoyed, "Finally!" He grabbed Sarah and performed a dip with her as they shared a lingering kiss; the rising sun pierced them both now at its peak in the sky, it was clear the universe itself was sealing their union.

From afar Casey muttered silently. He seemed cautiously hopeful, "I hope you two can do what I couldn't. "He smiled, turned and left.

Everyone clapped while they continued kissing. After they returned to an upright position Ellie and Devon joined them hugging both. Devon offered an obvious sentiment as congratulations to Sarah.

The enthusiasm in his words were clear, "Welcome to the family!

Ellie raised her eyebrows, "Hey technically you're not there yet so I'm supposed to say that. Chuck and Sarah's steadiness is making you look bad."

Devon squeezed Ellie, "They surprised all of us, but don't worry I am just waiting for something to fall into place."

Ellie smiled with intrigue, "Noted." She turned to Sarah brightly, "I can offer you some advice with my little brother, but I don't think you will need it. Just know I could not have asked for a better sister in law."

Sarah smiled appreciatively, "I've never had a sister."

Ellie hugged her, "You do now." She looked at Devon and sighed, "We have to get going for our morning shift."

Morgan looked at them, "Could I hitch a ride back?"

Ellie sighed, "If you meet us back at the car."

Morgan nodded turning to Chuck, "Later guys!" He bolted like lightning towards the road and their car."

Ellie's curiosity got the better of her, "The rings?"

Sarah smiled, "I bought them yesterday, their brand new. Took a bit of the CIA cash we have lying around for the operation."

Ellie grinned, "Well we should get going. Are you going on a honeymoon?"

Sarah sighed, "Going out of town would just cause more problems than it's worth. I think we'll stick around here for a few hours; get some time to ourselves."

Ellie grinned wider, "Should I even ask?" Sarah expression was guilty without saying a word.

Once they were left alone Chuck smiled holding his now wife. "You would probably be more comfortable at home."

Sarah squeezed him tightly in a quiet whisper shaking her head, "We won't get a honeymoon, but I have other plans."

Chuck grinned, "I am a lucky man."

II

They kissed deeply and fervently for several minutes. When they separated Sarah walked closer to the shore without turning around. She silently removed her dress from her body and let it drop to the ground before stepping out of it completely. Sarah was stunning no matter which part of her that Chuck was looking at, now though she seemed to radiate sunlight in an angelic way. For a moment Chuck was not sure why she was not turning around, then he noticed something on her back. Two phrases written in script style; one below the other so that they covered the area just below her shoulders coming before the middle of her back. they read: lux aeterna; aeterno salutari nostro

Chuck walked in close behind her looking at the writing in fascination. He was mesmerized, "I never took you for a tattoo type."

Sarah touched Chuck's neck without turning around. She was quiet, "I'm not, but I have always appreciated Latin for its profoundness."

Chuck ran his fingers slowly across the words, "What do they mean?

Sarah turned around, the phrases were also neatly across the top of her upper chest. A perfect spot like on her back. Unseen unless she wanted to show them.

Sarah threw her arms around Chuck, "The first one means eternal light; the second means eternal savior. What you are to me; my light, my savior, it's also what I want to be for you, no matter what and this way I will always have a reminder."

Chuck smiled, "You still think I matter that much? I can barely save myself let alone someone else."

Sarah nodded, she was quiet as she took off his shirt. Her expression as profound as the words on her body. "Chuck, I will always need you more than you need me." She placed a hand on his heart. "Without you I am nobody; nothing but a spy. When I realized that I knew I had to marry you right away."

Chuck ran his hands through Sarah's hair; lost in her blue eyes which seem to shine even more brightly, "Well I'm glad you did, Mrs. Bartowski."

Sarah's eyes snapped shut hearing that. She was his wife and it made her buckle and then he kissed her. Sarah pulled back a few minutes later. They both knew this occasion heat did not fuel them like it had during their first time together. She undid his dress pants and her face brightened when she realized that was all Chuck was wearing. She brought his pants down to the ground and he stepped free of them.

Sarah's words were admiring, "I'd say training does your body well Chuck."

They both seemed determined to admire each other as though Chuck and Sarah overlooked each other to this point when having sex. Sarah's words were not just flattery. Training showed on Chuck's body. His chest was noticeably more toned, and his arms and legs built noticeable muscle. It also helped his groin and its accompanying features making them more impressive.

Sarah was always beautiful but standing there nude and completely bathed in sunlight she looked angelic from head to toe. Helped most from the sunlight was Sarah's hair and eyes; giving both a charged look. The light in her eyes was shining so brightly the blue in them was even more mesmerizing and her hair seemed to have transformed into sunlight itself. Her body and all its features glowed with the sun too. The words now branded on her skin popped more than ever, it was hard not to see her as mythical the way she looked.

They kissed again, merging into each other's bodies in the process. As the kiss continued they wrapped their arms around each other's necks and let them slide down their backs. Sarah hopped off the sand and Chuck cradled her in his arms while they continued kissing. Soon he lowered her onto the soft sand, laying across her body, as they stayed lip locked.

Chuck was the one to end their lip lock. He smiled at her with his child like grin and she smiled back, lost in him. Chuck resumed kissing Sarah, but this time he focused on her body. Starting at her neck, he made sure to linger so that she felt every moment. Chuck continued, moving on to the words that were at the bridge of her chest and neck.

Sarah's eyes closed, but she could feel everything. She found her words moments later, "I love you Chuck Bartowski… Her breathing slowed down considerably.

Chuck moved down Sarah's body past her breasts to her navel and incorporated his tongue. Sarah's breathing was so slow now that she relaxed completely. Somehow this was more enjoyable than the blistering heat with which they made love the first time. There was not a hair there, or anywhere else on Sarah's body; she'd clearly made sure to prep for the consummation of their marriage. Chuck took extra time to carefully tend to her groin with his lips as he explored it inside and out; there was nothing quick about his pace, it was slow and purposeful.

Sarah felt lost in it. She was so utterly in love with him and breathy by the time Chuck met her face again. She whispered quietly, "I want you to know I never take you for granted. I will love you until the end of time."

Chuck locked eyes with her, "Sarah, you are the best thing that has ever happened to me there is nothing that comes close. I have from the very second that we locked eyes, and you continue to amaze me. I never could get the hang of foreign languages especially Latin."

Sarah switched places with as some sand fell off her back. She smiled broadly, "I also speak fluent Polish."

Chuck suddenly recalled such an occasion, "That's what you were speaking with Carina when we rescued you from the Wookiee?"

Sarah nodded smiling, "You remembered."

Chuck nodded, "I married a super spy that is bilingual, I'm a lucky guy!"

Sarah's next words showed her second language as she spoke with emphasis and seduction, "Pozwól mi pokazać, jak bardzo, jak bardzo cię kocham.

Chuck blinked and grinned," Wow."

Sarah did not offer translation and instead glided her lips steadily down his body. When she arrived at his completely groomed jewels. She took him in, not in an aggressive way, but just as purposeful as he had been with her earlier. Chuck's sounds were low and dazed. Sarah seemed to be warming up his member; it was quite a while until she moved on, eventually joining them both by the waist. Sarah gained a new level of satisfaction as she felt his member occupy her. If these were normal circumstances she would engage him until they conceived a child. Even though Sarah was on the pill she wanted one so badly.

Sarah returned her lips to Chuck's and then whispered longingly." I am on the pill, but I don't have experience trying to get pregnant, so I need the practice."

Chuck smiled, "Whatever you say Mrs. Bartowski, though based on how fast our relationship is going it could be risky." Sarah smiled back, kissing Chuck as he ran his hands through her hair and they started together.

The pace was slow and deliberate like everything up to this point. She felt his member every minute and every time Sarah thought they hit a wall something in her would relax, lost in the pleasure.

Sarah desires escaped her in a quiet whisper, "I swear I will protect you until we can have a child."

Chuck whispered back anxiously as they kept going. "Seems like your trying to make that happen right now."

She knew though she did not know how, that they would not conceive a child anytime soon, even as they tried. Their overall situation was too chaotic for that. Someday, but not now.

Sarah kissed Chuck yet again as they climaxed. Afterward, Sarah collapsed against Chuck's body and whispered sadly. "It won't happen yet, but it's the next thing I want with you; a boy who looks and acts like you."

Chuck smiled, but sighed as he stroked her hair gently, "A daughter with your eyes.

Sarah lifted her head, the emotion on her face was noticeable. "I will make sure that happens no matter what, which brings me to an uncomfortable conversation."

Chuck raised his eyebrows, "What would that be?"

Sarah continued quietly she was shaking somewhat, "Chuck, I said when I told you the reason behind my tattoos that you were my light, my savior; it goes deeper than that, I know myself and I know what I will turn into if something happens to you…I can't face that so I will kill anyone I have to, to protect you and I need to know that you can handle that?"

Chuck smiled at Sarah, "I appreciate your honesty, I had an out when I flashed on that surveillance video or in the dozens of other people you've had to kill, I am still here, and I always will be."

Sarah felt tears sliding down her face, "I don't like killing Chuck, but you need to know that if killing means you stay safe I will do it every time."

Chuck gripped her tightly, "It's okay, what you feel is light that you don't think you have, it's why you protected Molly. You are much more than a spy and I feel safe because of everything else that you are."

Sarah smiled wiping her eyes, "Speaking of the spy world, we should get back; I'll have more thread spinning to do."

Chuck smiled in a melancholy way, "You know, for a few hours I actually forgot that I have government secrets locked in my brain."

Sarah kissed him lingeringly and her gaze when she stopped was sympathetic, "I suppose I could make you forget a little more, but before too long people will start showing up on what is not designated as a nude beach; yet somehow, your sadness is the hardest thing to resist." Sharing a smile, they stayed there on the beach in the sand making love yet again.

III

Time may have seemed to stand still during Chuck and Sarah's mini-honeymoon on the beach, but the shock of their nuptials was front and center at a surprise meeting on the state of the operation that evening.

Graham's tone was harsh and demanding, "Agent Walker explain the reason for this escalation? You know asset handler relations were only permitted based on the nature of this operation, a marriage is a conflict of interest in every way!"

Sarah wanted to say love but knew better than that. She switched on her tactful agent persona. Her words were harshly blunt, "All due respect sir, you are ignorant of the kind of emotional reciprocation that is required to handle someone like Chuck. I cannot be emotionally false because he will sniff it out on the spot. The truth is he is a welcome distraction no field agent gets, and it was you who said commit to the cover. The marriage is a result of that."

Graham looked shocked at her honesty, unaware that it was a total acting job, but recovered with a vein still showing on his forehead. "You still have not answered my question."

Sarah was plain though she privately enjoyed watching him panic, "He has fallen in love with me, and I could not avoid this because if I did not reciprocate his feelings it would make my job next to impossible; which you seem to have forgotten is keeping him safe." Watching Graham digest information that was true, and yet twisted so it masked the extent of the truth gave Sarah continued satisfaction. Of course, Sarah never let the satisfaction show on her face.

Beckman chimed in now, "Are you compromised?"

Sarah's anger rose, channeled entirely through her persona, fueled by a grain of truth. "I mean no disrespect, but I don't see the distinction! You think trying to fix his psychological scars has been a picnic? All I've learned is why I continue to feed into the cover! His family and friends offer backhanded support that many times is veiled as insults or treat him like a child, he was always overshadowed by Bryce and now Chuck is forced to navigate a world he excelled in, the last person Chuck was in love with smashed his heart to pieces right after he was unfairly expelled from Stanford and has spent years in a dead end job. I am making decisions based on the intel I've gathered. All of that happened before he wound up with our secrets in his head where my superiors treat him like property and my partner gets enjoyment from poking fun at his weaknesses! I have worked for weeks to repair the psychological scars; change his 'I'm pathetic' mindset and keep what is in his head functional. The next time I hear anyone imply I am doing my job the wrong way I will walk away, and you do not want that to happen, you should trust me on that!"

Sarah's anger was real, but the reason behind the anger was false. Still, she enjoyed being able to yell at them all and make it seem like it was because they weren't taking her seriously. Beckman and Graham absorbed the whole thing with a certain level of fear somewhere in their faces, and Casey was glad he was on her side now.

Beckman had a cautious expression as she looked at Casey, who stayed silent to this point, "What do you think Major Casey?"

Casey shrugged, if they were thinking of doing a 49B that was the dumbest idea given the mission. He defended Walker, he wasn't going to help them figure out she was manipulating them. Frankly, it was impressive, and Casey wanted to see how long she could keep up the act. "To me it makes no difference what their relationship is: friends, dating, married; the more I think about it emotional attachment is a boon in this situation. Walker sending mixed signals by towing the company line would make this situation needlessly difficult, something like unnecessary angst in a TV show."

Beckman raised her eyebrows, "That is your unbiased assessment?"

Casey nodded and continued bluntly, "The priority is the protection of this kid, so the deeper Walker is linked the easier this situation becomes. Chuck has a gravity about him, I've spent a lot of time in covert operations and I've never crossed paths with anyone as human as that kid." Casey glanced at Sarah. "He is still coping because of Walker; it's just plain stupid to mess with that unless it is necessary."

Beckman sighed grudgingly, "I notice Chuck is missing from these proceedings?"

Sarah nodded, "He prefers to try to sleep for a few hours in the early evening because the PTSD late at night is problematic."

Graham was curt, "That fragile, maybe I should throw him underground after all."

Beckman turned to Graham with an insulted expression, "While there is much that annoys me about this situation the onset of PTSD is nothing to scoff at and sitting behind a desk your entire career leaves you wholly ignorant to a very real condition." Graham knew he stuck his foot in his mouth.

Beckman addressed Sarah in a regular tone, "How is he holding up agent Walker?"

Sarah responded much closer to herself now, "Holding up, nothing better or worse than that. As I said on day one, he responds to me. I would not call him dependent. Casey's assumption that Chuck has a gravity about him is true, he is entirely selfless."

Beckman sighed, "If this were a typical assignment you would be reassigned. However, since it is anything but typical I agree with throwing out the rulebook. Short of drastic circumstances, we will overlook recent developments. Sarah, I hope your lines do not blur to the point where his needs outweigh the mission. We cannot put anyone citizen above duty; no matter how genuine they may be."

Sarah nodded while scoffing on the inside, "Yes general!"

Graham continued though he looked nauseated as he echoed Beckman, "Sarah there are rumblings of a splinter cell in federal government and I will not hesitate to keep Chuck underground if they get wind of him, so I hope your emotional attachment is for show, because I will not tolerate interference if that becomes necessary."

Sarah nodded while thinking defiantly "try and stop me-I understand sir. I should mention that we have identified the splinter cell as a rogue group called Fulcrum."

Beckman looked flustered, "When and how did you figure this out?"

Sarah was curt, "Last week with help from a hacker who calls themselves the piranha. Whoever they are they are helping us discretely."

Graham agreed, "Perhaps this is the unidentified party that infrequently accessing our servers, we have tried to identify them with no success."

Casey was plain, "Shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth."

Graham was out of sorts, "Maybe not; they have not stolen information. Now to the reason we called this meeting."

Casey gave an irritated response, "Would have gotten here sooner if it weren't for the ridiculous emotional attachment argument. The kid wears his emotions on his sleeve and Walker needs to do the same. You people sit behind desks and think you know more than those of us in the field."

Beckman was blunt, "Mind your irritation Casey."

Casey's face tightened with irritation, "Apologies general, this assignment just shows me that government entities sometimes make things more complicated than they need to be."

Graham continued with a fed-up expression. "Fine, then as long as the secrets remain safe I leave the host to your discretion. I had a soon to be active situation to discuss that is far more important than the emotional flux of Chuck Bartowski!" He gathered himself and resumed in a normal tone, "A timed bomb will deploy in Burbank sometime next week but have no idea who is handling it or where it will appear. We investigated several entities that transport goods on a regular basis; one stuck out as a possible disguise for transporting a bomb."

Beckman continued casually, "Lou Palone 26, she owns a deli across from the Wienerlicious that gets regular shipments of illegal meats." Lou was about two inches shorter than Sarah with long brown hair. She looked like a country girl that the city had rubbed off on.

Sarah folded her arms, "Want us to bring her in for questioning?"

Graham was sharp, "Don't be foolish agent Walker, the CIA is not interested in a deli meet smuggler. We are after her supplier; the Demetrios smuggling family. Especially because Stavros is her ex-boyfriend, we need covert access to the Demetrios family to confirm if one of the things they are smuggling is this bomb. Gathered intelligence says they own a club called Ares, set to open next week. We do not think this a coincidence."

Beckman finished up, detailing the mission. "We don't want to spook the Demetrios family, by putting you or Casey in their orbit so we have a different plan. The asset will get his first authentic experience in covert seduction; courting Lou to gain access to the club and determine if they are transporting what we are after."

Casey chuckled in disbelief, "You want Bartowski to seduce the deli-owner? Just because he is a social butterfly doesn't mean he can seduce women."

Beckman was plain in response to Casey, "I believe you said he has a gravity about him." She lingered on Sarah for a moment before continuing, it's time to find out if that is true and can be put to effective use."

Sarah responded bluntly, "What makes you think he will be ready for a seduction mission?"

Beckman next words were a veiled order, "Simple, he'll have a good teacher; prepare your husband well agent Walker." The screen went dark moments later.

Sarah turned to Casey incredulously, "I have to teach my husband how to seduce another woman? That's got to be the worst offer of congratulations ever."

Casey smiled at the irony, "Even you could not anticipate that one. I'm going to enjoy this!"

IV

Chuck found recently that training late at night was more tolerable than early in the morning so that This occasion was an all out sparring match using everything they went over up to this point. They were both in lose workout clothes at Sarah's insistence, for the session.

Sarah gave reasoning as she finished wrapping his hands in bandages she was already wearing. She was praiseful and yet blunt, "Chuck you've learned everything I've taught you about how to fight one on one, it's time to see if you can win against me when I am not holding back."

Chuck sighed gazing at her uncertainly, "Just because I picked everything up doesn't mean I can best a super spy."

Sarah smiled appreciatively touching his shoulder with one hand. "We're going to find out either way."

Chuck was looking for a reason to stall. His eyes traveled to the mirrored phrases she recently had identically inscribed on the front and back of her upper body; he was looking at the latter now because Sarah turned around. "You know, you never told me when you got those. You told me why but not when." The fact that both sides of her upper body had these tattooed phrases really did make Sarah look even more badass.

lux aeterna; aeterno salutari nostro

Sarah touched the black, script like Latin writing positioned along her upper chest as Chuck stared at its twin on her back. She answered almost absentmindedly, "I got them the morning after I proposed to you the first time. You know, before I did it publicly twice; when I knew I wanted forever with you and for you, so it fits; eternal light, eternal savior."

Chuck sighed, "You were right about Latin it looks better." He kissed the same words on her back; both pairs inscribed from left to right as one would typically read.

Sarah turned around with a small smile, "Would you rather the first person you fight that doesn't pull punches is trying to kill you and you get no practice?"

Chuck smiled and sighed reluctantly, "Good point." They retreated a short distance and nodded to each other.

Sarah wasn't joking about not holding back. She rushed Chuck and threw four punches in a row Chuck narrowly parried them all by leaning away from her each time she followed through. Chuck threw his own series of punches all which Sarah blocked with palm strikes. She snapped her right leg into a quick upward swing which Chuck caught with both hands—his height advantage made this possible—Sarah somehow snapped her free foot up to, connecting with Chuck's wrist and breaking his grip. The result left Sarah low to the ground and narrowly avoiding Chuck's roundhouse, before she bolted upright upper cutting his leg because Chuck was slow on his rest. The blow left him unsteady and defensive as Sarah threw another series of punches that he fended off with palm strikes. He knew he wasn't going to win this way, Sarah was much quicker than him with better reflects. Thinking fast he parried, leading into the equipment. Just as Sarah tried a roundhouse he dropped to the ground and then shot to a stand grabbing two bow staffs. He threw one at Sarah, she kicked it to the floor with another roundhouse and picked it up just as Chuck swung at her; she met with him in a series of strikes. The end of the exchange resulted in Sarah moving swiftly backward and balancing against her bow staff while she left her feet in an acrobatic move where she kicked out vertically. Chuck predicted incorrectly that Sarah would throw the bow staff as she left her feet and land awkwardly on the matt; choosing to rush her. The mistake meant both of her feet connected with his head and he lost his footing, falling on his back on the matt with a thud as his bow staff landed nearby.

Sarah was panting quite a bit. "That…was really…great Chuck."

Chuck groaned sorely, "Can't be that great if I'm on the floor. If I tried what you tried I would touch the ceiling."

Sarah switched her disposition at once, checking him over. Her voice was sympathetic as she touched the bruise on his head. "Chuck, the last time I sweat this much I was rescuing Molly from crime lords that killed her family and overtook the house. Trust me, you did great."

Chuck gave a sharp exhale of exhaustion, "I can't move."

Sarah smiled kindly, "Don't worry about that." She took off his drenched shirt and touched his body with concern, "How do you feel?"

Chuck whispered, "Sore, can I just stay in this spot?"

Sarah laid down at his side, "Yeah, but listen there is a reason I pushed you so hard tonight. I wanted to see if you could think on your feet in a fight if you need to because your first covert mission is next week and if things get problematic you'll need to fight until we can get to you."

Chuck raised his eyebrows, "What kind of covert mission?"

Sarah answered with a blunt expression, "Seduction."

Chuck scoffed, "Come again? Sarah explained the surprise meeting and the aftermath.

Chuck sighed, "Do you think they know?"

Sarah thought for a moment, "I think Beckman might suspect something; seems like she is testing me as much as she is your ability, but Graham is just annoyed that he can't refute anything I present about how I'm handling this situation."

Chuck sighed, "Alright, but I doubt Chuck Bartowski is going to be charming anyone."

Sarah touched his face she found his doubt silly, "Why not? It worked on me."

Chuck shrugged this off, "it's different when you think it is happening under normal circumstances. Finding this bomb is dependent me seeking out and seducing another woman, what if I blow it."

Sarah was encouraging, "I will train you, but for now let's sleep."

Chuck nodded, "I think I can move now." Sarah smiled helping him to his feet and walk to her room.

V

The next day Sarah began teaching Chuck the art of seduction She purposely stayed in her room with him and Chuck got off work by using the honeymoon excuse because Morgan predicted and supplied it to Big Mike, which meant they could practice as much as needed.

Sarah began casually as they sat at the end of her bed, "Okay Chuck, I want you to listen because I have seen you since day one and talking is only half the art of seduction and Lou is not going to walk into the Buy More and ask you to come to the rescue you'll have to pursue her yourself."

Chuck nodded, "What is the other half?"

Sarah leaned in, "Nonverbal communication: body language, gestures; everything you do without saying anything."

Chuck smiled uncertainly, "That won't go well, I'm a talker and very fidgety with my hands."

Sarah acknowledged this with a smile, "I know, but because you will be courting a typical asset you will need to hone your nonverbal skills because that is what pulls someone in when the person they notice is attractive and you might need to use this in combination with words to entice her."

Chuck smiled modestly at Sarah, "Frist, I'm flattered you think I am attractive, but how do I entice someone?"

Sarah continued calmly, "This where both skills come in, enticing someone is about making them feel wanted; sometimes a look is all it takes." She grinned with a guilty expression. "It was difficult to entice you to take me out because you did not think you were worth the time. Even after I made it clear I was interested it took Morgan's assist before you agreed."

Chuck shrugged, "Well you're you and I'm me; so, can you blame me?"

Sarah sighed shaking her head, "Chuck your lack of confidence is maddening to me sometimes. Do you think we would be where we are now if you were unattractive and boring? I think you let your job at Buy More dampen who you are. Do you even realize that you seduced me into falling in love with you, just by being yourself?"

Chuck was dismissive, "It's not that big a deal."

Sarah was getting frustrated now, "Yes, it is, I will say it until it sinks in; you MADE me fall in love with you and you can charm this deli-owner because you charmed a spy." Sarah grabbed the intelligence file gathered on Lou Palone and continued, "Where your personality will make things easier is empathizing with her. The bomb we are trying to find seems connected to the Demetrios smuggling family; their club Ares is set to open next week, and Stavros is Lou's ex-boyfriend. Use this information to connect with her."

Chuck combed through the file, "is this how you prepped for me?"

Sarah sighed guiltily, "You were more complicated than that. Graham made notes in your file; bright, but an underachiever and had your heart broken recently, all he flushed out were weaknesses to exploit, at least that's what he thought. Easy to see now that your life has been unfair."

Chuck gave a passive smile, "Sounds about right."

Sarah returned a subdued smile, "Like I said earlier when I confirmed you were gun shy I made sure to let you know I was hitting on you. I figured if I showed clear interest you would get over the shock. Luckily, I knew a more relaxed disposition was underneath the surface because of how you interacted with that little girl and her father, and sure enough, you calmed down on our first date."

Chuck made an embarrassing confession, "I thought I stumbled on a date with the most amazing woman. Once the shock wore of I started to realize that you calm me down."

Sarah was surprised, "I calm you down?"

Chuck nodded with a small smile, "Through all the chaos, and gunfire, and my PTSD you definitely calm me down."

Sarah smiled grabbing Chuck's hand, "Are you calm now?"

Chuck nodded, "Yeah."

Sarah teasingly met his face with hers, "What about now?"

Chuck responded quietly, "Yeah."

Sarah kissed Chuck momentarily. Afterward, he looked at Lou's file again, no less discouragingly. "Alright looks aside, I don't have the personality to knowingly manipulate someone."

Sarah squeezed his hand gently, "I can be in your ear if you need it, but I really think you should just be yourself. Most of what I brought up is in case she doesn't respond to you or is closed off at any point after you win her over."

Chuck asked with a puzzled expression, "Which version of myself; nerd herder Chuck Bartowski or charming Charles Carmichael?"

Sarah simplified it for him, "The guy I fell for." She rested her head on his chest.

Chuck sighed, "The bigger challenge is faking attraction; she's not ugly, but it is no contest. I will do what I can."

Sarah smiled appreciatively, "You just made this easier to handle. Now, don't you have work?"

Chuck grinned, "About that, turns out Morgan really can assist pretty well. I have the day off."

Sarah perked up, "it's still early and Lou's deli doesn't open for a few hours, I could calm you down for a while?"

Chuck grinned, "That would make this mission easier to handle."

Sarah smiled, removed the sports bra she slept in tossing it to the floor and kissed her husband. His hands rested on the Latin tattoos on the high point of her chest as she laid across his body; the same tattoos also on the high point of her back were momentarily visible until she pulled the covers over both herself and Chuck. His only thought as they made love was that he was the luckiest man in the world.

VI

Two months in the spy world meant Chuck went through many different things. The last thing he ever thought he would be doing was courting an asset, nonetheless, Chuck entered Lou's deli and looked around, it was not overly large, but people packed the place.

Chuck sighed and spoke in an unheard whisper. "Morgan loves sandwiches, I think he could do this better."

Sarah's voice was less than sure through the commlink, "Morgan comes on too strong, Lou strikes me as laid back, though she gets panicky when under stress."

Chuck smiled, "I knew sending you to scout ahead was a clever idea. Where are you anyway?"

Sarah continued, "Line furthest, from Lou, in the back." Chuck swept the place and spotted Sarah; her eyes fixed in Lou's direction.

Chuck followed where Sarah was looking. Lou was behind the middle of the counter prepping an order, the magnitude of this task struck Chuck as Lou spotted and smiled at him. Suddenly aware his ring finger was bare he forced a return smile, it troubled him that it felt effortless, like watching Sarah conduct herself around targets somehow became part of his muscle memory.

Sarah nudged Chuck along, "Chuck she lingered on you, get in her line."

Chuck joined Lou's line in a whisper, "Can I just say how weird it is that my wife is acting as a wingman, or I guess technically that would be wing woman." He pulled a number.

Sarah continued with an amused inflection, "When the line gets to you ask for a recommendation, she puts care into prepping these sandwiches and it's a safe way to break the ice." Chuck's number came up a little while later. He actively scanned the menu and let time pass.

"Trouble deciding?" Lou smiled gently at him.

Chuck sighed looking convincingly overwhelmed, "So much to pick from I don't know where to start."

Lou continued sizing him up, "Something tells me you don't usually have this much freedom of choice."

Chuck laughed at the irony. "No, do you have a recommendation?"

Lou seemed flattered, " Since you are new, grilled cheese on rye topped with bologna; I will make it and bring it to you before I go on break."

Sarah was in Chuck's ear as he was passive, "Chuck, loosen up. Ask her if she does that for everyone. Flattery is never excessive."

Chuck smiled appreciatively, changing his inflection as Sarah suggested. "So, do you do this for everyone?"

Lou's interest peaked as she made his sandwich, "No I just like to take care of new customers, what is your name?"

Chuck dropped his name with a relaxed smile, "Chuck, Chuck Bartowski. I work at the Buy More not far from here."

Lou returned his smile as she continued to prep, "Sit tight Chuck, my sandwiches are always worth the wait."

Chuck nodded with a grin sitting down at a nearby table. He whispered anxiously touching his ear as if scratching an itch. "Okay I realize the U.S government wants to make me miserable, but this is the worst congratulations ever."

Sarah was downcast on the other end. "I know, but she's the connection to Stavros so look at it as a free pass that most husbands would kill for. Besides they still think I am acting solely in the best interest of the mission and we need to keep it that way."

Chuck had an amused look but reminded Sarah passively, "I appreciate that, but I'm not most husbands."

Sarah smiled though he could not see it; her voice was full of acknowledgment. "Lucky for me. Now, she's coming over."

Casey finally chimed in, sounding bored, "Put that flapper of yours to beneficial use Bartowski, insert yourself into the asset's life. Casey was silent for several seconds. "Wow, it's weird to be calling someone else that…" Chuck was a reluctant de-facto undercover agent as Lou returned.

Lou handed him the sandwich and sat down, "Let me know what you think?" She waited for his opinion with an eager smile.

Chuck took a bite of the sandwich, he expected it to be good, but it was great. That must have shown on his face because Lou's smile grew. Chuck swallowed and was glad he could tell the truth. "Wow, no wonder you do this for a living."

Lou's smile continued, "Sandwiches are my passion. I've worked to own a deli for years."

Chuck recalled info in Lou's file, he used a casual approach. "I'm guessing you have a culinary degree?"

Lou nodded, "A master's in culinary arts from UCLA. Even after I graduated it took a few years to open this place. What about you, Chuck?"

Chuck was again thankful he could say something legitimate, "I have a bachelor's in electrical engineering."

Lou raised her eyebrows. "Why are you working at the Buy More if you have a second level degree?"

Chuck gave a half-hearted laugh, "That is a long story that I won't get through before your break ends." His words hung in the air with convincing disappointment. Sarah was barely audible in his ear. She gave reluctant encouragement. "You can do this Chuck, use your shyness to your advantage." Chuck became passively active in the use of his face while he continued, "Uh would you like to go out with me later and I can tell you about the craziness of my college days?" The inflection was shy as Sarah suggested.

Lou nodded, "Sure Chuck, I'm free later tonight. They exchanged numbers. Lou smiled brightly, "Now, I have to get back behind the counter, but enjoy the rest of that sandwich."

Chuck gave a parting complement, "I will, something tells me you will give Subway a healthy competition; sorry about the pun."

Lou's smile was no less bright, "That's okay Chuck." She walked away.

Casey's voice came through first. He was pleasantly surprised, "You did it. Not bad Bartowski."

Chuck sighed, "I wish you could just go after Stavros yourself."

Casey was blunt, "He would sniff us out we need to play a long game."

Chuck was anxious, "How am I supposed to create that kind of emotional attachment in a week without being pushy?"

Sarah sighed empathetically, "Just be yourself, like your sister and Casey have said; you affect people. This is the hardest part of the job because your disposition is conducive to developing an asset connected to a target to prevent a crisis and we need to get on top of the bomb."

Casey was blunt, "Nice way of saying that you've got a bachelorette and one week to win her over or a bomb will probably explode."

Chuck was sarcastic, "Real motivational speaker there Casey, but I get it. I will do it. For the record, I would love to know why your superiors insist on raining on my parade and where are you anyway?"

Casey was blunt, "Got here early too, I'm a building inspector and I'm looking over the kitchen now."

Sarah sighed continued blunt, "They are still not pleased with what I've done and even though I've managed to keep the broader truth hidden, it is there way of taking control on some level."

Chuck headed out of the deli after finishing his sandwich. Something was on his mind, "You know, we should see if being together is written anywhere."

Sarah answered bluntly, "Chuck I've told you before, an asset and their handler openly being together is forbidden."

Chuck thought further, "What about two married spies?"

Sarah reminded him sadly, "Chuck you are not a spy."

He continued with hopeful insinuation, "What if I was?"

Sarah considered this, she sounded intrigued. "I don't know, I've never looked it up."

Chuck continued renewed, "Then we should do some digging and find out what is on the books."

Sarah was surprised, "Your saying you would become a spy and work for the CIA?"

Chuck continued casually, "I'm basically already doing that, so we might as well see if its worth changing my label."

VII

Sarah always thought that getting involved with anyone on the job in a public compacity by agency rules was, forbidden. Superiors hammered this home and she accepted it without question because she did not have reason to challenge it until now. No man had ever stirred her like Chuck. They returned home going over agency regulations with a fine-tooth comb.

Sarah looked at Chuck with gratification, "There is nothing, not one bit of regulation that prevents spouses from working together in any compacity. It's just the personal stance some commanding officers take, which is a little ridiculous considering you'd want someone you have complete faith in watching your back."

Chuck nodded, "So if I prove to them I can be a spy do you think we could have a shot at having it all."

Sarah tempered his excitement, "I don't want you becoming a spy just to be with me Chuck, it's not just stopping the bad guy, sometimes you have to make the difficult choice and I don't want you to be in that position."

Chuck nodded again, "It isn't just about being with you, I make a difference and I underestimated how much that matters to me."

Sarah smiled in acknowledgment, "If you are serious then completing the current mission will go a long way toward showing Beckman and Graham that you have the capabilities."

Chuck nodded determinedly, "Become Lou's serious boyfriend by the time club Ares opens next week so we can get to Stavros and this bomb before it shows up and goes boom, piece of cake."

Sarah tempered Chuck again. "You should know, that is what I said right before I met you, you'll want to be careful Chuck, we can't always do these kinds of jobs without creating an inadvertent emotional attachment."

Chuck nodded, "I know, and it might be an issue if I was missing something in my life, but I have nothing to look for with anyone else so, as difficult as it might be I can do this."

Sarah grabbed his hand and smiled, "Then you should prep to work your charm on Lou, just maybe use my advice about non-verbal communication so you don't have to sleep with her."

Chuck smiled back, "Popular opinion is my charm is enough to keep anyone around. Not that I knew I had it."

Sarah closed her eyes with her head on his chest, "Your lack of confidence might actually be the solution to our whole problem. If I can keep up that you're showing steady improvement even though you are stuck in this situation then it will help when you are ready to join."

Chuck was still smiling, "Looks like we have our own covert mission then, I mean on top of the one I've got already."

Sarah smiled, "Sounds good to me."

A/N: That's it, I didn't think Beckman would be completely clueless, so I liked the idea that my version of Lou is to see if Chuck and Sarah can remain professional on the job. Jamie and Eddie win in a landslide in this category FYI but I digress, I just really like those two. My updates will be more frequent since I am on summer vacation.