Chuck vs. The Courtyard Bench

Well, in the previous chapter: It's Bash At The Bench where there are two celebrations happening. Sarah's birthday and the crowning of the latest Rockstar Rebel. It would start off with Chuck and Sarah singing together much to the delight of the entire hospital. Unfortunately, when it came the newest Rockstar Rebel isn't able to attend because the 7-month-old premature baby girl named Angel is in the NICU dealing with a rare blood disorder called Maffucci Syndrome. Angel's story emotionally impacted everyone, especially Chuck and Sarah. However, it deeply impacted Chuck after watching and listening to Angel's mom, Evelyn Tyson, express her gratitude to the nerd for all that he's doing or has done. Her words caused Chuck to let the tears flow because he wasn't ready for that and that would lead to an immensely heartfelt song dedicated to Angel. So, what's in store for this chapter? Here are the who, what, where, when, why, and how? Who does Chuck compare Carina as it relates to a particular comic book character? What does Ellie give to Chuck after acknowledging his sister's arrival at Sarah's birthday party. Where is the birthday girl's dirty thirty themed birthday extravaganza happening? Why does a certain guest arriving at Sarah's birthday cause Molly to be concerned? When does the dirty thirty themed birthday bash suddenly take an unfortunate turn? Why does Casey ask to speak to Chuck alone? How does Sarah react when she finds herself the center of attention? Read and find out! I hope you enjoy the read and leave a comment to share your own thoughts on this particular chapters. As always, reviews are awesome.

Again, if you enjoyed reading my stories and left a comment, I truly appreciate it. Please continue to do so as it gives me the incentive to write more chapters.

I don't own Chuck.

Dirty Thirty

XXX

The following evening would be a momentous occasion as its Sarah Walker's birthday and guest gradually arriving. Her 30th birthday to be exact. Since Carina works as a party event planner, she was able to find a venue to house the celebration. Of course, the red headed vixen turned her sexy, flirtatious nature on with not only Brad, but with his business partner and face of the business Colt to have C3 closed for a private party. Unfortunately, as much as they wanted to say yes the restaurant itself has been booked up for months so her efforts to utilize it for just one night was absolutely disappointing. However, the disappointment defeat she experienced after not being able to work her usual magic turned into joyous victory.

Fortunately for her, Colt offered another venue he owns that is actually connected to C3 and it's very spacious to where a large number of people can have fun without any interruption or complaints for that matter because of the noise. According to him, the venue is free of charge since she's considered a close friend with Sarah and because of that she, along with Zondra are most definitely part of his family with added perks as well. After hearing that, Carina couldn't stop smiling and she would most certainly take advantage of the perks one of them being the V.I.P card that she can use in order to get a good table whenever she's in town for a visit.

In any case, after all the preparations were made in regards to supplies, food, entertainment, etc., she was able to work her magic to hopefully give Sarah the most memorable blowout bash. It was the first time Chuck was able to see the serious, professional side of Carina after being introduced to the wild, party girl with no shame who is totally up front with her intentions when it comes to guys. Speaking of Carina, she is talking to a couple of the vendors and pretty much taking charge of making sure there's more than enough supplies for the festivities to where she doesn't end up having to frantically send individuals out to get more.

While standing next to Zondra waiting for the arrival of the birthday girl, Chuck can't help but be amazed by how the woman who just a couple days ago tried to seduce him in a hotel room is running things like a boss.

"It still boggles my mind that she's the same woman who streaked across our college campus for a $20 bet." the professional photographer stated, with absolute astonishment. "Watching her now…" she added, briefly pointing over to her. "…she's focused and not completely distracted by any of the guy vendors."

"She's a regular Harley Quinn…" Chuck amusingly responded. "…minus her puddin', Joker. Although, as insanely crazy as Joker is, I don't think he'd be able to handle the likes of Carina Miller." he added, shaking his head.

"No guy has been able to, Chuckles." Zondra retorted, expressing soft laughter. "That woman has a track record of racking up a crazy body count of guys that have been mentally and emotionally destroyed by her. Some have never been the same after dating her. If you actually call what she does dating." she added, using air quote in regards to the last word she said.

Chuck's eyes widen after hearing that causing the youngest Bartowski sibling to shake his head in disbelief. "Wow. I'd want to meet the Joker who'd be crazy enough to wrap a straight jacket around her and become Mrs. J. Mind blowing to even think about. He'd see it as a challenge."

"You and me both."

Their attention is suddenly directed to a discussion between their respective besties several feet away by the tables.

"Hey Martin, can I borrow you and your strong arms for a second!"

"It's Morgan!"

"It is? Morgan…Martin…close enough."

"I'm busy doing my own thing right now. Setting up a live and interactive web feed."

"You can set up later. My situation is far more important. I can make it worth your while."

The faint sound of groaning and add to that Morgan's body language in which his shoulders, as well as head are slumped over a bit reveals Carina has been getting on Morgan's nerves for quite some time. In that instance, Zondra knows that her way of doing things can most definitely rub people the wrong way leading her to act quickly before it escalates any further. "I'd better talk to Carina and tell her to behave again. Plus, take some pictures while I'm at it."

Chuck nods then gives a quick wave as Zondra heads over to where her sorority sister is located. While standing there, the nerd can't help but crack a slight grin knowing he was able to get to know a side of Sarah from the people that know her best aside from her mother or younger sister. Although Zondra and Carina aren't considered to be blood related, they're pretty much family to Sarah and they most definitely been through the trenches together when it pertains to the battlefield otherwise known as college. Her ride or die gal pals who hold secrets that not even Emma or Molly know despite how close she is to both of them, he thinks to himself.

It's that particular thought in which he finds himself thinking about the stuff that aren't really considered secrets that his former Stanford roommate and best friend Bryce Larkin knows. Reflecting back, Chuck remembers the time during his sophomore year where he was accused of cheating on a final for subliminal imagery. Plus, the fact he was easily passing Fleming's class with such high marks without any difficulties roused some suspicions. It resulted in a meeting with Professor Fleming. He recalls Fleming sharing that the answer key for the final was in the top drawer of his office desk and it would be a perfect opportunity to memorize or copy it, especially since he doesn't keep his office door locked.

Luckily, the accusations were unfounded as Fleming showed him footage from a hidden camera in his office of the individual who really cheated. Footage that helped exonerate him. The real cheater ended up being a student who attended the same class as Chuck and unbeknownst to him was under tremendous pressure and considered him a rival. His desperate attempt to beat him and be the top student in the class, led him to be kicked out of Stanford. Professor Fleming apologized for putting him through such a difficult and not to mention stressful situation, but it needed to go to the judicial officer to where the case is decided by a six-person panel. A panel of 4 students, 1 staff member, and 1 faculty member.

Thinking back, he wouldn't have been able to make it through that whole ordeal if it weren't for the support of Ellie, Devon, Morgan, his ex, friends he's made on campus, frat brothers, and most of all Bryce. His support truly meant a lot to him because the instant he found out what had happened he became absolutely vocal to the point of putting together a rally to help clear his best friend's good name. That moment still sticks with him and it's one of the awesome memories he has of the man who initially helped him bring back the computer game Zork to life. Unfortunately, that moment was tainted by him cheating with the woman who he thought would spend the rest of his life with.

His thoughts concerning Bryce's unwavering support during a tumultuous time in Stanford and then ultimate betrayal is subsequently broken by the sound of a familiar voice.

"Hey little brother."

"El." he responded, turning his head to face her. "Sarah with you?"

Ellie shakes her head. "She's with Alex. She is meeting up with Sarah, Emma, and Molly."

"What about Devon and Clara?"

"They'll be here." In that instance, the sound of a text alert is heard by both Bartowski siblings. This leads to Ellie retrieving her iPhone from her back pocket and checking it. "Sarah's almost here." she shared, lifting up her phone briefly.

"Awesome." he replied, briefly turning back to Zondra and Carina talking to each other. He then speaks up briefly glancing at his oldest sibling. "Did you bring it?" he inquired, with keen interest.

"Of course I did." In that instance, the oldest Bartowski sibling lifts up a rather small bag with a drawstring and holds at eye level. She lets it dangle there for a moment then continues on. "I know she'll love it, especially coming from you."

"Thanks sis."

"My pleasure." nodded Ellie. "Sarah's special and she deserves a special gift." she added, handing the small bag over to Chuck.

"You're awesome." he responded, delicately clutching the small bag. "For this and teaming up with Carina in putting this whole bash together." Chuck added, shaking his head.

"I know." smile the eldest Bartowski sibling. Afterwards, she leans over to playful bump her younger brother.

XXX

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"

The immense love Sarah received from everyone in attendance as she stepped through the doors with Alex, Emma, and Molly. For the eldest Walker sibling, it would be considerably overwhelming, but at the same time tremendously heartfelt. After a few seconds, she was able to settle down inevitably having momentary breather and then take in the overall theme for her birthday party…Dirty Thirty. She could most definitely feel the palpable energy being directed towards her like a tidal wave of excitement coming from individuals who aren't just considered her peers, but extended family.

Of course, the pain staking effort, organization, and planning was done by Carina and Ellie who joined forces to create a party atmosphere well suited for someone reaching a whole new level in their life. As the birthday festivities get started and the guest give their well wishes to the birthday girl, Chuck would find himself trying not to bust out laughing after seeing what Sarah is wearing.

"Love the sash and crown birthday girl." Chuck said, with amusement on his part.

"Ha ha. It wasn't my idea." scoffed Sarah, rolling her eyes. The annoyed tone in her voice can clearly be heard by those around her. "It was Carina and Ellie's."

"I know you don't like being the center of attention but just go with it." insisted Alex. "Besides, you'll probably won't remember any of it tomorrow anyway." she reiterated raising her eyebrows. The daughter of John Casey then hands Sarah a glass of champagne.

"Alex is right. It's your night. Live it up, your majesty" encouraged Ellie, taking that moment to give a slight bow.

Chuck quickly chimes in. "I think it's your highness, El." A rolling finger twirl and nod in salute of her.

In that instance, Sarah's right brow arches up. "Are you two making fun of me?" questioned the blonde, pointing at the Bartowski siblings.

"We wouldn't dare." Chuck responded, holding up both hands. "Molly definitely would though." he added, pointing over to the youngest Walker sister. Her sister and mother walking up. A devilish smile expressed by Molly as she locks her eyes on what Sarah is wearing

"You look like a dork." Molly bluntly blurted out. Afterwards, she softly chuckles then snaps a quick pic of her older sister. "What no robe or scepter?"

"I think it's cute." Emma said, with a reassuring nod and smile to her oldest daughter. "Like a contestant in a beauty pageant. You were entered in some remember."

"Don't remind me." she breathed out, with considerable annoyance.

"Awesome. You competed?" responded Chuck. In his mind, its one more thing to cross off his list when it comes to finding something surprising about Sarah involving her past. For him, finding out from her mother she was a singer was one thing, but walking the runway like a supermodel is another. It's that particular thought in which he starts hearing the song "I'm Too Sexy" by Right Said Fred playing in his head. He quickly shakes it out of his of his head and continues on. "Strutted your stuff like Cindy Crawford, Tyra Banks, Heidi Klum, and Ell Macpherson?"

"More like Sandra Bullock in the movie Miss Congeniality. Only for a short time while in college. Hated it actually." she shared, expressing a disgusted, sour look on her face.

In that moment, Zondra walks up and sees the sash and crown Sarah is wearing along with the look on her face. For her, it's a perfect opportunity to snap a candid photo. "Smile!"

Speaking of Sarah, she wasn't prepared for getting her picture taken as she's completely caught off guard to the point where she quite possibly exuded a deer in headlights look. A look that could very well not be flattering at all, which she has experienced plenty during her days in college when Zondra was just starting off as a fledging photographer.

"You better delete that shot!" she called out, watching Zondra walking away. The professional photographer disappearing into the sea of people, but before she does, she glances behind her and answers Sarah.

"Not a chance!" she replied back, expressing a Cheshire cat like grin.

"I like her." Molly stated, clearly amused by what happened to her older sister.

The youngest Bartowski sibling can't help but expresses his trademark toothy grin after Zondra's response. However, it quickly fades leading the nerd to reach out and pull in his beautiful girlfriend by her waist for a hug before causing bodily harm to her dark-haired sorority sister. All this happening while still holding the champagne glass given to her by Alex. Afterwards, he presses his lips against hers for a kiss. The kiss between the couple seemingly last forever but would be broken up by the sound of a clearing throat. The source of the clearing throat…Hannah Lang.

The nerdy business owner's eyes suddenly go wide leading him to release the tight embrace he has on his beautiful girlfriend. "Hannah! Welcome back." happily stated Chuck, moving over to give a quick hug to his friend. "Awesome to see you. It's been a while. I heard you're back in town" he added, with considerable exuberance.

"It's great to be back. Life on the road can be tiring but fulfilling." Her attention on Chuck is then directed to the woman standing right beside her. "Happy Birthday, Chief." Hannah happily greeted, with a hug.

"Not tonight." corrected Sarah, returning Hannah's hug. "Tonight, I'm just Sarah celebrating my birthday." she added, briefly rolling her eyes once again. "Chief Walker is off.

"Yes Chi'…" Westside's physical therapist quickly corrects herself. "…Sarah." She then directs her attention to the gift that she's holding. "Where can I set this down?"

"Oh! Yeah, the gift table. Come on, I'll show you where it is." he excitedly retorted, motioning Hannah to follow him.

As all 5 females watch Chuck escort Hannah to the gift table, it's the 13-year-old who breaks the silence amongst the gaggle of ladies by suddenly blurting out a question.

"Who is that chick and does my sister have to worry about her?"

For Sarah, the moment Chuck saw Hannah she was able to see how very excited he was to see her even going out of his way to show her where the gift table is located at. In her mind, there's possible history there and it's causing her to feel a bit of trepidation and worry as she witnesses the two them happily conversation together at the aforementioned gift table off in the distance. While continuing to watch the two of them she can't help but see the genuine chemistry between the two of them to the point of actually being threatened by it, which she doesn't want to say out loud. She's snapped out thoughts and emotions concerning Chuck and Hannah's friendly relationship are broken by the sound of Ellie's voice.

"Hannah Lang. Westside's leading physical therapist. You don't have to worry…" she answered. "…but they were almost a couple." Ellie shared, causing Sarah's eyes to widen.

XXX

"They met after Chuck graduated Stanford. As a gift to him, Devon and I bought him a ticket to go anywhere he wanted. A trip to just get away mentally and emotionally. He ended up choosing a trip to Paris and as luck would have it he was fortunate enough to be bumped up to first class." shared the eldest Bartowski sibling.

"Let me guess…" chimed in Sarah, thoroughly interested in the story so far. "...he ended up sitting right beside her."

Ellie nods. "I found out about her when I saw the pictures he posted on his Facebook page. Of course, me being me…"

"You went into big sister detective mode." Molly interjected.

Once again, Ellie nods in response. "According to him, the conversation between to the two of them started with her asking about his lucky pen that he took out from his coat pocket before the flight attendant took it."

"Lucky pen? That's weird." Molly chimed in.

"It's Chuck." Ellie responded, quirking her right brow.

Molly doesn't say a word knowing that how awkward he is and could possibly make friends when he starts babbling away. Instead, she just nods in agreement and continues giving her full, as well as undivided attention to Ellie.

"Anyways, they managed to hit off it by trying to figure out what the other first-class passengers due for a living." Ellie continued to share. "What made matters worse was Morgan doing a victory dance and proclaiming his mojo is returning."

Speaking of the Chuck's hetero life partner, he hears his name as he approaches the table. "What about me. I heard my name."

"Chuck meeting Hannah." Alex shared, catching her bearded boyfriend on what's going on.

"Oh yeah." grinned Chuck's bearded best friend. His smile suddenly falls flat after noticing Sarah's face nearly morph into The Wildcard Enforcer. In his mind, when it comes to Hannah, she could of very well be the woman who he'd spend the rest of his life with. Hell, he caught the two of them making out once and the two of them seemed to be very into each other. It's a piece of information that he won't bring up right now because he doesn't want to end up beaten up by Sarah, Ellie, or Molly for that matter. "He's much happier with you now. Trust me." he quickly stammered out. "You look awesome by the way."

The gaggle of ladies can't help but be tickled by how uncomfortable Morgan is, especially Molly who is cherishing every second of it. Her attention on the man she deems the bearded man child is averted back to Chuck's older sister.

"After sending texts and leaving voicemails on his phone, he finally contacted me back assuring me that she's just a friend." she said, doing air quotes pertaining to the last three words.

"You didn't believe him." Emma retorted, shaking her head.

"I'm his older sister. I practically raised him. I know Chuck better than he knows himself. What he's saying is far different than what he's actually thinking deep down inside." she shared, shaking her head. "You can actually hear Chuck thinking out loud whenever he has something on his mind." Alex amusingly stated.

"That's stating the obvious." Sarah nodded, in wholehearted agreement. "And she ended up working at Westside?"

"Turns out, Chief Beckman was looking to fill the lead physical therapist position that became open after the previous one retired." Ellie shared. "Chuck, passed the word along to Hannah since her medical background is in physical therapy and the rest is history. I had my concerns back then and so did Chief Beckman. She gave her the benefit of the doubt." she added, shaking her head.

"Maybe Chuck was fooling himself into thinking he could have a purely plutonic friendship with Hannah?" questioned the matriarch of the Walker women.

In that instance, Morgan chimes in. "You're right, Emma"

"Morgan? What it is?" Sarah inquired, with concern looking at his expression.

"Everybody at the hospital could clearly see there was heat between Hannah and Chuck. Well, as usual the only person that ended up getting in the way of Chuck was himself. You don't know about this Ellie, but he confided in me…his best friend…about his worries and doubts he was having when it came to her."

"Like what?" wondered Ellie, with Sarah intently listening on.

Morgan is briefly silent, but then continues on. "It wouldn't be fair to her in not giving 100% to the relationship if they got together. How that who shall never be named really did a number on him mentally and emotionally. How he'd always be dishonest with himself if they became a serious couple. So, he ended it before it could ever really start for the two of them. Much to his surprise, she was understanding about it and realized both of them are better off as friends."

After hearing that, her attention on Morgan would avert to Chuck still having a happy interaction with Hannah. As for the two aforementioned individuals, there's a momentary lull in the conversation leading the woman who nearly became the nerd's girlfriend to briefly glance over to where Sarah is.

"I like Chief Walker…" Hannah quickly corrects herself. "…I mean Sarah. I'm so happy for you, Chuck. Is she the one?"

"Yeah, I think so."

"You think so?" Hannah immediately furrows her eyebrows peering up at the nerd standing in front of her.

"All right…" Chuck holds up his hands in front of him in a playful manner. "…I know so."

"Right answer, Mr. Bartowski." While standing there, with her arms crossed and her attention briefly on Sarah she brings up something to Chuck. "I'm actually glad we didn't end up together. You and Sarah make more sense than you and I being a couple."

"Really?"

Hannah is momentarily silent then speaks up. "You were doing your best to move on, while my relationship fell apart. Back when we first met on that plane to Paris."

"I didn't know."

"How could you. We were complete strangers at the time." Hannah shrugs her shoulders. "I just didn't want to be..."

Chuck immediately chimes in. "In a rebound relationship?"

A nod is given by Hannah then is momentary silent. A second later, she continues on. "My relationship at the time...we both grew apart. We were destined for different paths in life." She then expresses a grateful smile. "I'm thankful you didn't take advantage of that. Most guys would."

"I'm not most guys."

"That's what makes you special."

There's a momentary awkward silence between the two of them leads Chuck to break it. "The guy…" he said, clearing his throat. "…what's his name?"

"Jason Teague. A high school football coach back at my hometown."

"Smallville, Kansas. Origin story for Clark Kent. Real name Kal-El of Krypton. He'll eventually become one of Earth's greatest superheroes, Superman."

"You and my newest client should meet. He practically said the same thing. He injured his knee and waiting for surgery. Then it's rehab, which is where I come in. Recommended by Chief Beckman herself."

Chuck instantly quirks his right brow. "By any chance, is your newest client named Bryce Larkin?" he stated, with an agitated tone to his voice.

"I take it by the way you said his name, you two have history."

"Unfortunately. It's a long story. Actually, I can make it short…"

Hannah instantly cuts him off knowing full well he'll ending up babbling. "Then I'll drop it. Anyways…as for Jason, the last I heard, he's still coaching there." It's at the point, Hannah decides to direct the topic of conversation back to the matter of utmost importance. "That's all in the past. So…" she said, intently eyeing the nerd standing in front of her. "…are you going to pop the question?"

"Seriously!?"

"As a heart attack, Chuck." she firmly replied back. "Have you at least thought about it?"

Instantly, Chuck expressed a look towards her that gave her the answer as. It's a look that read he'd been thinking about relentlessly knowing who he is. The over thinker and the type of guy who rehearses what he's going to say and do, she thinks to herself. As for him, he finds himself thinking about how he;s actually formulated his proposal plan when he was a young nerd with help from his best friend by his side. Essentially, it's been revamped over the years since puberty and the scrapped after the whole ex fiasco at Stanford. Now, that Sarah's in his life he's revamped it again with a combination of things that are important to the both of them. Granted, driving up in DeLorean isn't going to happen, but her nerdy girlfriend riding in on wild stallion dressed in her Harry Potter House Gryffindor robe driving down the coast in a Lamborghini is still a possibility, he thinks to himself. His thoughts concerning his proposal are broken up when he feels a sudden hit on his chest snapping him in back into focus.

"Listen to me, even though I've been gone from the hospital it doesn't mean I'm not totally out of the loop. I catch your YouTube shows, especially when Sarah is on. I get the CHARAH alerts on my phone from Alex. Plus, the way you look at each other, especially after yesterday's show. What are you waiting for man? Put a ring on that finger."

Chuck's eyes widen after hearing that coming from Hannah. After letting what she said sink in for a bit, he gives her his response. "I'm just waiting for the right time. The perfect moment."

"Don't be a moron, Bartowski."

The nerdy business owner nearly jumps into Hannah's arms with Casey's sudden and seemingly out of nowhere appearance. After standing there for a moment beside Hannah and collecting himself, he acknowledges the proud marine. "Hey, big guy."

He ignores Chuck and gives Hannah a firm nod. "Lang." grunted Westside's hulking Head of Security.

"Colonel. Talk some sense into this guy. I'm going to enjoy myself, grab a drink, and probably have some girl talk with Sarah." she shared, in a mischievous manner.

After Hannah disappears out of sight, a nervous Chuck is left standing there with Casey's immense and not to mention intimidating presence a few feet away from him. It's then the big guy closes the distance between the two of them to where he's standing right in front of him. His eyes locked on Chuck's. What happens next is the nerd hears the following 3 words being grunted by Casey: Let's talk, Bartowski.

XXX

Chuck and Casey are standing outside atrium of venue in order to speak privately. The sound of hearty, jovial exuberance is heard inside behind the two men as a conversation is about to take place. However, before that happens, the grizzled veteran flicks his lighter and lights up a cigar. After taking a few puffs and momentarily savoring it, he slowly exhales letting the smoke escape out of his nose and mouth inevitably dissipating up into the night air. A few seconds later, the Colonel he shares something that totally takes Chuck by surprise.

"You know I proposed once."

Chuck turns his face to look at him. "Kathleen."

In response, Casey expresses a soft grunt then takes another puff of his cigar. Afterwards, he continues on. "We had plans to go to Niagara Falls. I was about to ship out." He pauses for a second as if he's reflecting back on that moment. He then turns to lock eyes with the nerd standing beside him. "We were young. I was stupid and things got screwed up. So, I ended up proposing at a Buffalo bus station." he added, shaking his head in disappointment. "Not exactly the romantic spot in the world." he softly grunted.

For Chuck, as long as he's known Casey, he's never been the type to open up, which is why he's referred to his inability to share lady feelings as being emotionally constipated. On the outside, he's a tough, no nonsense outside exterior with an angry center, but when it comes to his softer side, he doesn't show all too often it can most definitely be like experiencing a UFO sighting or catching a glimpse of bigfoot. Of course, he has a soft spot when it comes to certain women in his life such as his girlfriend Gertrude, his daughter Alex, Ellie, and not to mention his little buddy, Clara. In his mind, even though his reputation for being such a hard ass, he has a heart of gold, which the big guy will completely deny.

"But…I'll always have that day. I'll always have that look on her face." He pauses briefly to take another puff of his cigar and savor it. It's not long before he speaks up again. "The truth is, there's no such thing as a perfect moment or perfect spot. Forget about that, Bartowski. All you need is the girl." he firmly grunted, in a softer tone of voice.

The latter part of what Casey shared with him made a definite and significant impact to the point where he was going to express his thankful. However, he would be interrupted by a commotion inside that would lead him and the man who just awesomely provided insightful, as well as sage wisdom to quickly head inside.

"Excuse me! May I have your attention please!" announced the individual into a mic. "Turn the music off!" he ordered. The individual in question is standing in the middle of the dance floor that was previously packed with people dancing and having a good time. An individual decked out in tactical S.W.A.T like gear with at least 5 more backing him up. "Who's in charge here!?" he added, causing a stir amongst the birthday attendees.

It doesn't take long before he gets an answer. "I am!" bellowed an angry Carina, emerging from out of the crowd. She then steps onto the dance floor and walks right up to the individual in question. "What's the meaning of this?"

"We both are. What's going on, Officer…?" chimed in Ellie. The look of questionable concern and worry on her face as she joins Carina.

"Sanchez. Someone reported massive trespassing on private property." he answered, taking off his helmet.

"I assure you Officer Sanchez…" Ellie pauses for a moment trying to make sense of what's happening right now. "…nobody here is trespassing. We're all approved to be here. I know the owner, Mr. Colt. I could contact him right now and we'll have all this squared away. He should be next door." she added, taking out her iPhone.

"There's no need Ellie. I'll take care of this."

Upon saying that, Chuck and Casey find themselves standing right next to Zondra. Chief Beckman is standing beside her. She arrived way before Officer Sanchez and his tactical crew. The professional photographer expresses her thoughts on the situation. "We're all screwed." she breathed out, hanging her head.

It's at the point, Chuck and Casey look at Zondra then at each other. Afterwards turn back their attention to the dance floor where Carina may or may not causes further problems. It leads Chuck to instantly turn to Westside's hulking head of security.

"What gives! Aren't you going to do anything? You sort of speak their language."

"Negative. Let's see how this plays out. Besides, these guys have a distinctive look." he shared, intently eyeing Sanchez and his tactical crew.

Chuck quirks his right brow. "Ok, Elliot Spencer."

"Who?" grunted the Colonel.

"Character from the series Leverage. Christian Kane. The hitter of the team." he shared. Chuck shakes his head, knowing Casey doesn't get the tv reference. "Never mind." He's about to continue on when his attention is directed back to the dance floor.

"You're ruining a perfectly planned birthday event, Officer Sanchez."

"Not my problem."

"Well, it is your problem." she reiterated, poking her finger on the chest area of Sanchez's tactical vest. "It's my best friend Sarah Walker's birthday." In that instance, she turns head and starts scanning the room for the aforementioned birthday girl. "Hey Blondie, where are you!?" she hollered out.

"Carina, I don't think…"

Ellie doesn't get to finish her sentence as Carina's finger is placed in front of her lips. Afterwards, the red headed event/party planner finally spots Sarah trying to hide behind Hannah. Unfortunately, she's finds herself pulled on to the dance floor and then introduced to Officer Sanchez.

"Here she is…" Carina then motions to her blonde best friend standing beside her. "…Sarah Walker."

"So, you're the reason why everybody is trespassing on private property."

Again, Ellie chimes in holding up her iPhone. "I can call…"

"Ellie, don't worry. I got this all under control." Her attention on the eldest Bartowski sibling is directed back to Officer Sanchez. "Time to pony up."

After saying those 4 words, Carina turns around expressing a wide devilish grin at Sarah. She then reaches up placing her hands on her side of Sarah's arms to move her back a bit. As for Sarah, she completely and utter confused because she has no idea what's going on as she finds herself suddenly sitting down in a chair. It's while sitting down she then notices one of Officer Sanchez's tactical crew hand Carina a boom box. The aforementioned red head then presses a button and the song Pony by Genuine starts playing just loud enough for everyone to here. This would cue "Officer Sanchez" and his tactical crew to rip of their uniforms to show that they aren't actual Officers. They're actually male strippers.

"Happy birthday, Blondie! I hired them just for you." screamed Carina, pointing to Sarah. The red head twirling "Officer Sanchez's" vest he was wearing wildly over her head. This would lead to the sound of a mixture of shock and wild screams within the venue.

One of those sounds of shock is from Ellie evident by the expression on her face clearly showing she didn't know Carina hired strippers, specifically for Sarah. It's that sudden realization in which her eyes widen and then frantically turns her attention to the exact whereabouts of her husbands. She spots him standing next to Emma and the two of them are covering the eyes of Clara and Molly. Unfortunately, Emma is failing miserably in trying to shield her 13-year-old daughter's eyes from half naked men currently straddling her older sister.

Speaking of Molly's older sister, she is clearly uncomfortable as she swarmed by a number of male strippers thrusting themselves for her pleasure and enjoyment. Suddenly, someone shoots across the dance floor in a frantic manner in front of then passed Sarah who catches her attention.

"Morgan?" she breathed out. A look of bewildered confusion expressed on her face. The words live stream are the only thing that can audibly make out by her as he reaches the other side of the dance inevitably disappearing out of sight.

Afterwards, her mindset is a bit clearer once she was able to break free of her shocked haze thank to Morgan's frantic mad dash.

"Chuck me" she breathed out. Her attention then directed to the male strippers surrounding her like the guys from the Saturday Night Live "What Is Love" skit. "Do you know my boyfriend? He's…" She briefly stops because it's getting too close for comfort for her in more ways than one with the male strippers. Sarah added, completely thrown off. "Oh…is that a gun? No…it…isn't." Sarah stammered out, completely wide-eyed. Her attention is directed on Ellie who is repeatedly mouthing the words I'm sorry to her. Her attention on Ellie is then focused on the person responsible for this and she is currently being grinded on by two male strippers. The following three words repeating over in her head as her face and overall demeanor morphs into the Wildcard Enforcer: you're so dead.

XXX


NOTED: This chapter wasn't an enjoyable read for my beta NEVR. Whether it's enjoyable or not for everyone else remains to be seen. Trust me, I'll make it up in the next chapter. Promise. In any case leave your thoughts and comment below. What did you enjoy or dislike about this chapter? As always, thanks to NEVR for doing the beta. You still rock dude!