An Itch with a British Accent, and Other Sports

While anxious and still confused emotionally, Sarah, for the first time in her life, feels this foreign sense of being…relaxed, clear headed. She nearly smiles to herself, attributing this little calm state to the night before and this morning. Is it truly a good thing? She isn't absolutely sure, but it damn well better be.

There is one small downside though. She's twice as aroused now, as she was before. There have been few moments this morning where she hasn't been aroused. Every moment she has to spend pretending Chuck and her aren't intimate, every moment she has to spend holding back, are both emotional and physical torture. She can deal with him not quite wanting sex whenever she more or less wants it…to a point, but she can't stand it when the government ends up being a direct cause of sexual frustration…which is exactly what will limit them to certain periods of the day, certain places. Well, at least that will probably make it… a little more hot. Although, from what she's experienced so far, sex with Chuck Bartowski and the word "hot" seem inseparable.

…Ugh…Not helping…..

As she walks into the Orange Orange, she takes a breath.

….Game time….You do not have romantic feelings for Chuck…Neither does he for you…

She repeats this over and over again in her head. She hopes that by the time she makes it into Castle, she can convince herself of it just enough to hold up a reliable facade for Casey and any calls from Beckman. She's been wearing a facade for a while now, but that was different. That was before Chuck and her…consummated. It's going to be a greater challenge now. She has to upgrade her mask and put it back on…for Chuck as well— when they're on the job anyway.

The thought makes her grimace internally, thinking of all he's been through with their relationship. He did say he understood, but she hopes he understands to the point that he doesn't act in any way that would compromise them.

Of course she l—….. really, really, really likes him, and trusts him. She can't deny though, that expecting Chuck to be as capable of faking it as she generally is, is a tall order. It's just not who he is. It's one of the things that makes him great, but it won't serve them well down here.

She feels a slight rush of adrenaline as she passes the first camera.

…..We're good…We're good….

She enters the freezer, and does the facial recognition lock. She enters Castle, feeling ready. Speak of the Devil—there's John Casey at the conference table. He looks up at her smirking, clearly ready to jab.

"Well well Walker, how was "sleep over" at the nerd's? Did you two cuddle nicely in your sleep?"

Her eyes narrow, ready to counterattack.

….You wanna play John Casey?…Let's play!…

"It was very nice. You should have him invite you over some time. You could use some cuddling."

…Sugar Bear….

She almost says it. This is just a tiny pointless round of psychological warfare. If she screws up, she doesn't need him to have a fresh memory, of herself throwing in "Sugar Bear" as a means to an end.

He cringes and scowls, darting his eyes away from her.

…Thats what I thought…..

She is very tempted to smile in victory, but she holds it back for the most part, giving a small grin.

She reaches the floor, and he meets her eyes again, all bad feelings from their last round gone from his face.

"Conference call in sec. We're getting an update on Barker."

Another rush of adrenaline sweeps through her. This will be the call that either makes or completely ruins their day. Telling Chuck they have to run is the last thing she wants to do.

She takes a seat. The screen changes. Beckman appears on a split screen, the latest director of the CIA sitting on the other half. She quietly takes a deep breath

…..We've got this….We've got this….

Beckman speaks first.

"Good morning agent Walker. I trust you and the asset have settled in?"

…You have no idea…

"Yes general. Everything is in order."

Her response was perfect as far she can tell. Beckman nods blankly.

"Director Johnson.", she says nodding to the director of the CIA to pick up.

"We've sent out teams to look for agent Barker. They've been at it all night—no luck."

Sarah sinks. This is the call that completely ruins their day.

"It's been twelve hours since he was captured by Fulcrum. It's time to think the worst. We have to operate now on the assumption that agent Barker has broken, and told Fulcrum that Chuck Bartowski is the intersect, or that he very soon will. In that case, the first thing they'll do is come here guns blazing. We already have a location to move your asset to. The details should be in front of you."

Casey slides her one of the two folders sitting next to him.

"That'll be all."

They disappear from the screen. Sarah quickly reads over the plans. Casey stands up and starts running towards the Orange Orange entrance.

"You know what to do. I'll go get Chuck.", he calls.

Completely focused, and in her "agent mode", she jumps up and immediately goes to get some boxes. Once they're all on the conference table, she starts taking all the sensitive paperwork laying around, and piling it in the boxes.

A minute later, Casey comes back through the door, Chuck right behind him. He's expectable alarmed by Casey grabbing him. The alarm sounds, and they lock and load heading for the other way out. They watch as the lock suddenly disengages. Cole probably gave them the combination. Torture is of course a horrible thing to go through, but even then Sarah's not sure if she ever can truly forgive him for putting Chuck, his family, and Morgan's lives in danger.

The door opens, and they are all stunned in silence to watch, as the one and only Cole Barker stumbles through.

"Cole?", she calls in question.

He looks like absolute shit, exhausted, bruised, cut, and covered in blood. The man managed to escape from Fulcrum, and crawled all the way back to Castle. He does deserve some recognition, but they'll still have to sort what he may have told. There's also the issue of wether or not he was followed back.

Being the one person with good medical skills of the three, she rushes, with some reluctance, towards the man who's been trying so hard to court her, giving her gun to Casey.

He limps forward a bit as she grabs his arm and places a hand at his lower back. He looks to her, smiling how he can.

"Did you miss me?"

….You mean did I, "I've been secretly fantasizing about fucking you", miss you?….Uh…nope….

She looks at him, only with the concern of a fellow agent and a nurse. She turns to Chuck and Casey, knowing there a number of questions to be answered. Cole tells them in a soft promising tone that he "didn't say a word". She decides that if he took this bad of a beating and didn't talk at all, then he deserves the hospitality of her "friend zone"…assuming he takes a hint at some point.

All things considered, Chuck's happy that Cole is alive and all seems to well…for the most part. He however cannot ignore the that the biggest "cock-block" and confidence killer in his life, since Bryce Larkin, has returned to try and "butter" Sarah's "muffin".

As he watches Sarah on the ground with Cole, he can't help but feel jealously start to come over him.

…Yeah….Lucky me….

Deep down, Chuck thinks it's possible to take nine guys. He's sure Sarah and Casey are capable of it. However, he sees the detail as potentially attractive to a girl like Sarah. He focuses on every way he can discredit him…well, discredit the apparently attractive parts. Casey is completely unsupportive in his "anit-Cole" rants, so he gives up.

"So when they questioned you about the intersect—."

"I didn't tell them anything.", he says firmly, looking up at her from his work with the bandages.

…..Good….Welcome back to the friend zone….

"It's not my first dance Walker. If I talked then Chuck, Casey, you…are all in the crosshairs. Not an option.", he says with a sincere tone.

She believes him, but can't help wondering how much of this is part of his seduction plan.

"Why come back here after you escaped?"

He gives her another sincere look, pausing. Chuck does it much better, and he's always genuine with it. Perhaps that is why he's better at it. She can tell Cole is trying to play the "I have feelings for you, and I think you have them for me" card with his moment of silence

.

"I wanted to make sure you were safe."

….So you didn't want to make sure, that you could have the pleasure, of twirling my panties around your finger too?….

She's certain that's his pickup line. To be honest, with another girl in these circumstances, it could work. Unfortunately for him, she's far from being a damsel in distress at the moment, either physically or emotionally. She nearly smiles as the thought of "damsel in distress" makes her think of the previous night.

…..My nerd in shining armor…I wonder how he would look in actual armor…Probably pretty cute and sexy…

She's quietly grateful she didn't smile at her own thoughts— Cole would have misinterpreted it.

Chuck cringes as he's sure that Cole's last words would make any beautiful woman melt…especially with his good-looking face, 5 O'clock shadow beard, six pack, and British accent. How does a guy like him compete with that combo?

Once they're satisfied that Cole is good-to-go, they end the interrogation. Sarah gets Cole some fresh clothes, and they all sit at the conference table to call Beckman. Cole's information seems to be good. They give Chuck the documents to see if he'll flash.

"Anything Chuck?"

He shakes his head, suddenly feeling useless and inferior compared to Cole. Sarah grimaces internally, recognizing his expression. She is well aware that Chuck is probably still a bit sore when comes to Cole. Cole takes over again.

"I spent the past year undercover trying to get close to him, but only the inner circle is ever allowed contact with the man."

Sarah and Casey look down at the documents, sensing the oncoming mission, wondering how they would get close if Cole couldn't, and how getting to Perseus could help them. Beckman lays it down— Swiss Consulate, party, two invitations.

Chuck, hoping this means partying alone with Sarah, or just anything to keep her from Cole, asks.

"Um, the two, the two of who?"

"Agent Walker and Agent Casey."

…Thank you Beckman…Thank you….

Sarah feels a sense of relief, knowing this means she won't have to deal as much with the urges of making it very clear to Cole that she isn't interested…not to mention her already being taken. It'll be much easier to only deal with his voice. It's too bad though she can't do it with Chuck, having always wanted to wear a nice dress for him and only for him, sharing the experience of a high-end party on a mission. For his own safety though, that's probably a good thing.

Casey makes a mocking humming noise at Chuck, showing off the invitations with his right hand. Cole says the most irritating thing he can possibly say.

"Are you sure General? I'd be happy to accompany Agent Walker."

"I bet you would.", says Chuck with a sarcastic grin, his jealously beginning to spike.

"I'd be happy to go too.", he says to level the playing field.

Sarah looks to Chuck, on the verge of widening her eyes in urgency and irritation.

…..Shut up Chuck!…Do you want to have a 49B come down here?!…..

"Oh aren't you popular.", Casey quips.

"I mean, you know, I am, I am the Intersect and everything."

"Neither of you will be going on this mission. Fulcrum is still looking for you. Both of you will stay in Castle and monitor by remote feed. If you recognize anyone anyone, you'll have radios.", Beckman says firmly.

Chuck sags, not wanting to be stuck in Castle.

"Well, at least no one's telling us to—."

Casey interrupts him.

"You heard the General. You stay in the bunker."

Chuck cocks his head, and looks absently ahead with a cynical grin.

"And there it is."

"That will be all."

Beckman cuts the feed.

Casey goes off to get ready. Cole waits for an opportunity to "move the game forward". Sarah slides off the desk and turns to Chuck.

"Chuck, can I talk to you for a sec?"

Cole eyes them, looking to see where they are in their relationship— are they just friends, handler and asset, him wanting her, or is there by chance anything more? Cole kissed her, and she didn't really stop him, so it seems she's available for the taking. He would find it very hard to believe, that there's something more between Chuck and her. From what he's seen, Chuck is a good man, but he's clumsy, lacking in confidence, and not taking any sort of initiative. He very much likes his chances so far.

Chuck, while happy to talk with Sarah, has a bad feeling about their approaching conversation.

"Yeah, sure."

He follows her to a farther corner in Castle. She spins around, her hands on her hips, and waits for Chuck to close the distance.

"So..uh..what did you want to talk about?", he asks nervously.

She simply grabs his head, pulling him down into a passionate kiss, taking him completely by surprise. She immediately forces her tongue past his lips. Like child being spoon fed candy, he rapidly gives her full access. He plays back, his tongue sliding across hers. They both smile and moan slightly, as their tongues compete for control. After about four seconds she breaks the kiss. She slowly and sensuously lets her fingers feather their way down the sides of his face, the front of his chest, and back to her sides. The sensation gives him goosebumps. They're both a little hazy, both not too far from panting, both not a long distance from wanting desperately to go at it.

She knows this specific spot doesn't have any proper surveillance. She also knows she had to do something to make Chuck feel a little better with Cole around. She feels like a school girl, secretly kissing the boy in a hidden corner on the campus. Perhaps this can become their secret. They'd have to be very careful though— someone might see a pattern.

Suddenly, she has an idea that should bring them both some comfort for the time being. While Chuck can't go on this mission, they can certainly pretend she's dressing for him, and only him. Well, technically, she's just about always dressed with him secretly on her mind. This time however, he will be very much aware of that, and enjoy it for all the right reasons. She'll be sure to avoid anything red.

"What..What was that for? I thought..I thought we couldn't do this."

Her tone is low and a little saucy— not too saucy. She can't have Cole and Casey picking up on his arousal if she can help it. They share their "number three"— their look of love, admiration, and lust.

"I know. We can't. This was a….unique opportunity. I just wanted to remind you what's waiting for you, whenever we find some time…alone. I wouldn't be too worried about Cole Barker. He's not the one I'll be dressing for tonight."

….That should do it…..

Chuck is certainly aroused. She walks off to get ready, running through her mental exercises to hide her feelings, quietly frustrated that she can't take the risk of ripping his clothes off at the moment. Chuck, breathes in and out, remembering he can't look like he's been getting laid if he can help it.

Sarah adjusts the American flag pin on Casey's suit, the one doubling as a camera, sending its remote feed to Castle.

"Video check. Do we have a signal?"

She knows that Chuck…and Cole…can see her through Casey's flag pin. She hopes that Chuck likes the dress she picked out, for his viewing pleasure. She'll probably find out later tonight, in the privacy of Chuck's bedroom.

"Yep we got you, and you look fantastic. Sarah is that dress CIA issue, or do you make everything look good?"

It's Cole…she's once again glad his only presence is through the two-way bug in her ear. She grins a bit, loving how what Cole just described is all for Chuck, and the attempting seducer doesn't even know.

She hears the sound of a throat clearing— Chuck

"Let's stay focused here people, huh? You do look gorgeous by the way the Sarah. This is Chuck speaking by the way."

…..goddamn it…..

Her grin disseminates, realizing several things. One, Cole may have caught her grin, and interpreted it the way she doesn't want him to. Two, Chuck may have seen that. What he probably saw was her grinning at Cole's compliment. Three, her attempt at comforting Chuck may not work all well as she hoped to lessen his rivalry with Cole— that will likely not end well. Four, as long as someone like Cole is around, there is a better chance that Chuck will say or do things that give a 49B potential reason to worry…like what he just said.

Being stuck in Castle is one thing for Chuck. Being stuck in Castle alone with a man trying really hard to get in his girlfriend's pants, is something else. At the very least, he can enjoy that Cole Barker isn't anywhere near her, and that she is looking stunning as always, and for his pleasure.

Cole can tell Chuck is getting territorial. It's too bad for Chuck that nine times out ten, he loses the girl in this scenario. She doesn't seem to be really attracted to him anyway. All he's doing is trying to control things, without any charm or subtlety. That doesn't really work with women, not in his experience.

"Ok too many cooks in the kitchen."

He steps over to the seat next to Chuck, and sits down.

"Chuck you get in Casey's ear, I'll get in Sarah's."

Chuck breathes irritably and dejectedly, looking over at him.

…..Oh OF COURSE you will!…

Sarah is not particularly pleased either. She could have at least had Chuck guiding her. Then again, it really shouldn't come as this much of a surprise. Cole is convinced he still has a chance, and he is going to take it aggressively.

"Ok you two split up."

"Sarah you've got an unsecured exit at two o'clock— the guy in the bad suit standing in front of the Swiss flag is packing."

Sarah eyes it, and makes a mental note. While he is irritatingly persistent, he does provide useful tactical information.

Chuck feels the need to compete with him.

"Casey you got a bogey."

Cole is alarmed. Casey is confused, knowing Chuck well enough to know that isn't his tone of urgency. Sarah can easily tell, he's trying to compete with Cole…again. At least it's more subtle this time.

"A tray of crab cakes coming in on your ten."

Casey is annoyed, but he wouldn't mind a good crab cake. Sarah grins freely, nibbling on her lip, very tempted to giggle at his alert. Cole looks over at him strangely, his brows furrowed, putting Chuck on the defensive.

"I'm just trying to be helpful, okay? The guy works up an appetite on missions. Yeah grab that little..that actually looks very tasty."

Sarah bites the inside of her cheek to keep herself from giggling at Chuck. It just so happens he can be cute when he's jealous.

Casey's eyes widen a bit, and he nods as he chews the cake. It's actually pretty good…not that he'll ever admit to Chuck his appreciation.

….mmm…On second thought, not a bad find Bartowski…..

"Sarah, the Italian minister for trade is headed your way."

She looks up ahead of her, and sees a tall man probably in his fifties, his right hand in his pocket, his left hanging high at his side. There's something unattractively arrogant about him to her.

"Now he can get a little handsy".

…Well there you have it….

"I'm Paolo Giordano. I saw you arrive and couldn't help but admire your beauty."

…Here we go…..

Chuck crinkles his nose in irritation and disgust. The day he can stand watching Sarah do this will be a day to mark on the calendar.

Cole takes the opportunity to rescue her and score a point or two.

"His wife's name is Isabella, and he has three little bambinos."

Sarah feels a sense of relief at the intel, and disgust at the Italian minister of trade. It seems that Paolo is inclined to cheat. If he cares about reputation at the very least, her use of this new information should deter him.

He kisses her hand, her skin desiring to crawl.

"Thank you.", she says with a small smile, feigning interest.

"How are Isabella and the children?"

He slowly and somewhat awkwardly returns to his upright position, his lips spread in surprise.

….That's right you sleaze…I know….

"Senorina.", he says smoothly releasing her hand with a uneasy smile.

"Nicely done.", says Cole, with a flirtatious note in his voice.

Chuck breathes somewhat tensely, and Sarah smile falls a bit.

"Not so bad yourself", she says casually.

Cole smirks a bit, thinking he's on track. Chuck, recognizing the subtle lack of warmth in her voice, smiles to himself.

Casey stands in the middle of the room, quietly scanning people back and forth, getting tired of the party.

"Who else haven't we seen?"

"I don't know, look at the people by that ice goose thing."

Casey starts walking towards that room. As Chuck watches the monitor, carefully eyeing those on screen, he sees a relatively short balding older man, standing in front of the goose. The involuntary trance takes over as Chuck flashes on him.

Howard Busang

Department of Defense head researcher

"Oh, okay, I just flashed."

Cole looks over at him.

"The shorter balding guy in the sweater, wearing the glasses has got to be Perseus.

"I have a visual. Moving in.", responds Casey, walking casually towards the goose.

"His name is Howard Busgang. He's a research scientist with the Department of Defense."

"Good job Chuck.", says Sarah with subtle sauciness in her voice. Of course there's reassurance to it, but she always does find Chuck's sudden focus and engagement after flashing attractive.

"I have a few skills of mine now don't I, humph?", he says flaunting.

The remark is directed at both Cole and Sarah. Cole doesn't feel any worry or threat.

Sarah smiles wearily, as Chuck is teetering on the "compromised asset" scale.
….Yes Chuck…If only you understood just how skilled….

Chuck feeling little more confident and cocky turns to Cole,

"So nine guys, huh? Really, you're not fudging that number? Not even a little bit?"

Cole looks at the monitor briefly, thinking to answer his question.

"Sounds a bit harder than it is. Always go for the knee."

Chuck furrows his eyebrows in confusion.

"You mean like sweep the leg?"

Back at the party, Sarah puts her arm around Casey's with a polite smile as they enter the room. A man bumps into them.

"Oh I'm sorry. Excuse me."

Cole tenses in alert.

"That's him."

"Yeah that's him. I just flashed. You're a little late to the party.", says Chuck, feeling like he has the social upper hand on Cole, and somewhat determined to remain there.

"No, not Busgang. Him."

He points at the man filling up the sight on Sarah's camera.

"He was the guy who was torturing me. He's Fulcrum."

The Fulcrum agent starts to walk away.

"You two have a nice evening."

As he turns, he discreetly reaches into his jacket, and pulls out a small black electronic. He presses a button on it. A small red light blinks twice.

Back at Castle, the screens go static. Cole and Chuck jump in their seats alarmed.

"Where'd they go?"