Lie Detector Truth or Dare

Chuck straightened to his full height, rolling his shoulders to relieve the built up tension. He looked down at the laptop and smiled at his handiwork. "Okay, that should do it," he said. "Now all we need is to test the system responses." He made a quick check of both agents and the polygraph equipment they were connected to before giving a thumbs up.

Looking across the table at Casey, Sarah asked, "Do you like guns?"

"Yes," he responded immediately.

"Ding!" sounded from the speakers nearby.

"That's a good positive response, now for a negative." Chuck glanced over to Sarah. "Can I drive your Porsche this weekend?"

"Yes, of course," Sarah answered.

"Bzzzzt!"

Sighing, Chuck playfully whined, "Another dream killed in it's prime. That was definitely a negative response." After checking the readings on the computer screen, Chuck stated, "Okay, you're all set. What exactly are you doing, anyhow?"

"Part of agent training involves resisting interrogation. Once a year, all agents are required to take a polygraph test and successfully fool the equipment," Casey explained. "If you fail, there is a mandatory refresher course. Something I never want to do again. The instructor and I have a history."

"The verbal cues will make it easier for Casey and I to practice efficiently," Sarah added. "Since that seems to be working, you don't have to hang around Castle anymore, Chuck."

"I can't stay and watch? I promise you won't even know I'm here," Chuck pleaded. "It might be very educational for me as an agent in training."

"Not a chance, Nerd-boy. I'm sure Morgan is missing you terribly by now. Why don't you run on home instead of distracting us. Beating interrogation is not a game, Bartowski. It takes focus and concentration," Casey finished with a warning glare.

Chuck stared pointedly at the large bottles of tequila and two shot glasses. "Yes, I can see that. Very serious business."

"A thorough interrogation can involve chemical inducement as well," Sarah said. "It's an important part of the training regimen."

Rolling his eyes, Chuck held his hands up in surrender. "If that's what you kids are calling it these days, then enjoy your training. I'll leave you hard working agents alone." He gathered up his laptop and trudged from the room.

Sarah and Casey waited a minute, listening. When they were sure he'd actually left the area, Sarah opened the bottle and started pouring. "Standard rules for lie detector truth or dare?" Sarah pushed one of the glasses in front of Casey.

"Yep. Get caught in a lie, do a shot," Casey answered.

"So John, we've all heard the rumors. I'd love to hear what really happened in Prague...That mission with Carina...I've got a few questions for you." Sarah smiled sweetly from across the table.

(An hour and a half and two bottles later)

"...and that's the moment Bryce chose to bust down the door and save me." Sarah made finger quotes around the word "save" before giggling even louder than before.

Red-faced from laughing, Casey asked, "Was the monkey still in the chandelier?"

"Yes, he sure was, swinging back and forth." She wiped at a tear.

Ding!

"I'd have loved to see the look on Larkin's face. Was he worried about the competition from your simian suitor?"

Slapping the table, Sarah needed a few moments before she could speak. "Worried enough that he hadn't taken the time to get dressed. He stood there in a towel and stared at the monkey as water pooled at his feet."

"He was monitoring from the shower?"

"Yep!"

Ding!

"Did he ever catch you and Chuck having one of your moments?" Casey said with a snicker.

"What?" Sarah sobered at the question. Somewhat. The weaving back and forth in her chair didn't really subside at all. "No, nothing like that ever happened."

Ding!

Sensing an opening, Casey made his move. "So, you're saying that Bryce never caught you and Chuck making googly eyes at each other."

"Yes, Casey. That is exactly what I'm saying." Sarah folded her arms across her chest, appearing offended at the notion, squinting at his blurry face.

Ding!

"That's what I thought. The two of you have gotten pretty good at hiding your feelings." Casey leaned back in his chair.

Sarah brightened, " Yes, we have."

Ding!

In his mind, he could hear the jaws of his trap snap shut. "It's true, then. You do feel the warm and fuzzies for Bartowski."

Her mouth moved but no sound came out. It took a few moments for Sarah's tequila addled brain to furnish her with a response. "No. Of course not."

Bzzzzt!

"Gotcha, Walker."

Shooting a dirty look at Casey, Sarah reached for the bottle between them.

Casey snatched it up first, holding the tequila out of reach. "I'm thinking it's time we upped the ante." After quickly scanning the room, Casey pointed at the security camera in the corner. "I dare you to flash the camera."

"What!" Sarah's face somehow got even redder.

"You know, flash the camera. Let the sweater puppies out for a walk. I promise not to look and we can erase it later," Casey cajoled.

She eyed him cautiously. "You won't look? We'll erase it later? What's the point?"

"A dare's a dare Walker. You gonna do it or not?"

Alcohol short-circuited any further contemplation of the odd dare. After all, can't say it was the first time things traveled down this road during lie detector truth or dare. "Fine, on the count of three. No looking, right?" Casey nodded at her and squeezed his eyes shut. Sarah turned to the camera. "One...two...three..." She pulled down her top...

Crash!...Thud! Followed by other noises from somewhere deep in Castle. Weakly, they heard Chuck say, "Sorry, dropped the file I was reading. Nothing to see her...here...nothing to see here."

Casey nearly fell from his chair, laughing until tears were in his eyes.

Sarah's cheeks were really burning now. She sputtered in anger. "John Casey, you knew Chuck was out there, didn't you?"

He wasn't able to answer right away. Taking some deep breaths, Casey said, "Nope, I'm as surprised as you are."

Bzzzzt!

"Ah ha, liar," Sarah shouted.

"Oh crap." Casey's laughter faded quickly. He squared himself in the chair and looked calmly across the table. "Take your best shot, Walker."

(The next day at the Buy More)

Stumbling through the doors, Sarah winced at the loud bass thumping from over in car stereos. She made a beeline to the Nerd Herd desk and leaned over, resting her head on the cool surface.

"I hate yogurt. And I hate noisy yogurt eaters." Sarah mumbled.

"If it makes you feel any better, Casey is still a little green around the gills as well." Chuck cleared his throat. "Umm, Sarah, about yesterday. I'm really sorry..."

She reached up and put a finger on his lips. "Shhhhh...no talking. Especially about yesterday. It's okay if we never bring it up again."

Ducking his head, Chuck whispered, "Why did you come over here, then?"

"To be a witness." Sarah couldn't stop a little smile from forming.

Chuck threw his gaze around the store, curious. "Witness to what?"

"You'll see." Sarah pushed herself upright when Casey walked in to view. As their bloodshot eyes met, she forced herself to stand tall. They nodded and Casey strode purposefully across the main aisle.

Silently, Chuck observed their actions. He looked on as Casey walked up to Lester, pulled him close and kissed him on the lips. The entire store went silent. For a three count, no one moved. Life returned to the Buy More as Casey, looking even greener, fled to the restroom.

Jeff watched him go and said, "Sometimes, I wish I was the pretty one."