I'm trying to make myself write more fluff. So this plot bunny is the result. :) Many thanks to kuryakingirl for the quick beta. :)

Title: Operation: Fiesta
Author: Cindy Ryan
Pairings: Charah, Alex and Morgan, Devon/Ellie
timeline: season four after Chuck vs the first bank of evil
summary: Morgan decides the gang needs a night off

Morgan Grimes slid across the kitchen floor in bare feet. It was a Tuesday night about five o'clock and he didn't have to think about the Buy More for two whole days.
Tonight was going to be party night
Taco bar party night.
Margaritas, Salsa music and hot women.
Nothing could be closer to paradise.

The chicken in his special blend of spices was simmering in the crock pot on the far counter by the window. The ground beef sizzling on the stove.
Now it was time to do a double check on the condiments.
Morgan opened the fridge and mentally began checking off items: Cheese three kinds, sour cream, tomatoes, onions, lettuce.
Four kinds of tortilla chips were in the pantry.

Can't have chips without salsa. He'd bought in bulk so there'd be plenty.
Slapping himself on the forehead Morgan realized the salsa was still in the trunk of his car.
Turning the burner on the stove off Grimes headed for the parking lot of the apartment complex.

He got the large case of individual bottles of salsa out of the trunk without an incident. Morgan shifted the large plastic encased cardboard box to his left arm so he could lock the car.
It took less than ten minutes and was nearly incident free. In fact the whole afternoon had gone smoothly. Which should've sent off red flags.
As soon as Morgan entered the kitchen through the back door all hell broke loose. He went to set the keys on the counter and the precariously perched case of salsa slipped from his hands.

It hit the tiled floor and salsa and bits of glass spewed forth covering the distance to the hall in record time.

"Great."Morgan said with a sigh. "Just great. I don't have time to clean up and go back to the store to replace the salsa."

Footsteps coming from the bedrooms drew Morgan's attention. He saw his best friend Chuck just in the nick of time. The Intersect had been just about to step into the kitchen and hence the sea of salsa.

"Whoa, buddy….watch the glass."

The lanky spy jumped back onto the carpet and knelt down. "Wow. I came home early thought you'd need some party prep help. Looks like you do unless you want the party guests to bathe in salsa."

Morgan rolled his eyes. "As fun as that would be no this party will not include salsa bathing. I can get this if you can do me a huge favor and run to the store?"

"Not a problem."Bartowski replied with a smile as he turned and headed back to the bedroom to get his shoes.

Half an hour later Chuck stood in the bulk food store wishing he could use the Intersect for this. He knew there was a lot of varieties of salsa out there. This was more than he had expected.
Hot,spicy,mild. Garden style, chunky, picante.

Chuck looked up and down the isle and then at his watch. Time was evaporating and he needed to make a decision.

However when you threw in queso options the possibilities for this mission were endless.
Shaking his head Chuck knew if he just grabbed any brand he'd be in trouble. When Morgan had a plan it had to be followed down to the last detail or his friend wouldn't be happy.
With all that had happened in the last few months the last thing Chuck wanted to do was disappoint his best friend.
Even with something as simple as salsa.

Pulling out his cell phone Chuck hit a familiar speed dial. He needed more intel if he was going to succeed on this mission.

After telling Chuck exactly what types of salsa to buy Morgan set his cell phone on the counter. Humming Morgan began the finishing touches. The weather was cooperating so the courtyard was set up with tables and chairs. Ellie had helped with the decorations. Everything from huge sombreros to stuffed donkeys. Colorful mini lanterns criss crossed the courtyard. Fake colored flowers combined with waterproof LED lights floated in the fountain.
Large seashells staggered down the stairs and were also placed by the entrance. In addition they dotted the landscape amongst the apartment doors.
Everything was so close to a Mexican resort it almost felt real. A tropical retreat for the night without a passport.

Morgan had almost booked Jeffster for the party. However the thought of their version of Tex-Mex made his stomach hurt. Not to mention his head. Instead his Ipod was in a speaker dock sitting on one of the tables. The playlist held every variation of Mexican music he could find.
Though Morgan was sure at some point tonight Jeff and Lester would commandeer the party.

"Hey, Morgan."Sarah greeted as she entered the apartment and crossed to the kitchen. "Something smells wonderful."

Morgan grinned. "Tonight is Fiesta night. Everything we need to experience Mexico without the passports."

Sarah returned his smile. "Chuck told me. It's a great idea; just what we need. Let me shower and change and I'll give you a hand."

"Nope, you're a guest."Grimes replied with a shake of his head. "Besides everything's almost done. We can sit back enjoy the margaritas."

"Can't wait. See you in a few."Walker stated as she turned and disappeared down the hall towards the bedroom.

John Casey let out an amused grunt as he entered the courtyard of Echo Park and walked towards his apartment. Or he attempted too. He nearly tripped over a large stuffed donkey that was situated just outside of the parking lot.
He stared at the toy for half a minute before straightening the stuffed animal's sombrero and continuing on his way.

Mariachi music blared from an Ipod on a table located outside Chuck's apartment. Casey ducked under a string of colored mini-lanterns before reaching his home. He looked at the courtyard once more before turning the key and stepping inside.
Even with the door and windows shut Casey could still hear the Mexican music. The sun had just set and he was debating about sitting this one out. He was sure he could find some inventory to do at the Buy More.
Ellie's parties were always a success; Grimes's on the other hand were usually a disaster. He could tell Ellie had a hand in the decorations so this could be a combo event. Still the odds weren't good for a pleasant evening.

However with Morgan in the mix it was an opportunity to for Casey to spend time with his daughter.
With how busy the team had been those opportunities had been rare.

The decision made Casey glanced at the clock once more. He had just enough time to shower and change.

Sarah could feel the tension ebb from her body as she left the apartment. The warm night breeze and the mix of food smells and music gave way to the festive atmosphere. The simple sun dress Sarah had chosen with a fun tropical print had been an easy wardrobe choice. Her right sandal covered foot tapped along to the fast paced song.
As Sarah scanned the familiar courtyard for Chuck she was still amazed at her life.
Amazed that it was settled and half way normal.

She had wonderful fiancé.
A group of people she loved like family.
Sarah was happier than she'd been in a long time.
It felt good.

"Do we want to make a bet?"

"On what?"Walker asked as she glanced at her partner as Casey came to stand at her left.

"When the fire department or EMS is going to show up."

Sarah laughed. "Casey…."

"I'm letting you in on easy money, Walker."

"What's easy money?"Chuck asked as he kissed Sarah lightly on the cheek.

"Casey thinks Morgan's party is going to follow tradition."Sarah explained as she leaned back into her fiancé's embrace.

Bartowski shook his head as he laced his hands around Sarah's waist. "I think the disaster quota's been met already."

Casey grunted in disbelief and walked over to the taco bar.

Ellie sat on the edge of the fountain margarita in one hand. One of the nurses had offered to baby-sit Clara. Tonight Ellie had finally taken Marilyn up on her offer. She already missed her daughter but as she watched Devon scroll through the Ipod's playlist she knew how much they needed a date night.

After picking a song choice Devon returned to his wife.

"You think I should check in on Clara?"Ellie asked as they drew apart from a kiss.

The cardiologist smiled as he squeezed Ellie's free hand. "Babe, she's fine. Marilyn's one of the best ER nurses in the country."

Ellie grinned as she replied. "You already called, didn't you?"

Devon looked sheepish. "Ten minutes ago. She's fine."

"We are stereo typical new parents."The eldest Bartowski commented with a shake of her head.

Devon placed a soft kiss on her forehead. "It's normal, babe. You hungry?"

"Starved."

"I'll get you a plate."Woodcomb replied as he stood."Want your usual toppings?"

"Yes, thanks. Love you."

"Love you too."Devon acknowledged with a grin. "Be right back."

Ellie watched as Devon maneuvered his way through the crowd. Despite the hard times they'd endured she was very lucky.

The young doctor glanced over at her brother and Sarah. She smiled at how much in love they were. She'd never seen her brother so happy and content. As scary and unnerving as the spy world was Chuck had melded into it and made it his own.

He'd built a life with Sarah.
A good one.
Chuck's safety and happiness had always been paramount. She was glad to see that she could trust Sarah with that duty now.

Devon approached balancing two plates of food and a drink for himself. He handed a plate to Ellie before sitting down.

"What were you thinking about?"

Ellie smiled and nodded toward Chuck and Sarah. "Just that things are as they should be."

Devon followed his wife's gaze and grinned. "Chuck's going to be just fine, babe."

"I know."

"You're still going to worry, aren't you?"

"Part of being a big sister."Ellie commented.

Woodcomb reached over and swiped a handful of tortilla chips off Ellie's plate. He received a mock glare in return.

"Hey, you have your own."Ellie admonished.

"Marriage is about sharing."Devon stated as he scooted out of hitting range.

Ellie smiled and reached over and snagged a taco off her husband's plate and took a bite.

Devon laughed and shook his head.

Morgan took a last look in the mirror before exiting his apartment. The dark gold sombrero and matching poncho were perfect. Right down to the tassels.
The khaki's he wore blended nicely.
He could tell from the laughter that the early guests were having a good time.
That was all that mattered.

Stepping out into the courtyard Morgan closed and locked the door behind him. He reached his Ipod and plugged in a small microphone. That action instantly paused the music gaining everyone's attention.

"Welcome."Morgan began after clearing his throat. "Thank you for coming. Tonight you are no longer in Burbank. You have been transported to a Mexican resort somewhere on the coast. Relax, have fun and enjoy the Fiesta."

Releasing the button on the microphone the music came blaring back full force. Morgan jumped slightly dropping the mic and covered his ears briefly. It was then that he spotted Alex entering the courtyard. She looked stunning in a strapless red dress. Morgan quickly closed the space between them. He kissed his girlfriend deeply not caring who saw.
Morgan knew how fortunate he was that she was even talking to him let alone forgave him.

Alex grinned as they broke the kiss and she bumped her head on his sombrero. "Hi."

"Hi."

"Nice hat."

"Thanks."Morgan replied as he swallowed hard. "You….you look beautiful."

"Thought red might be too much."

Morgan shook his head. "No….no definitely not too much."

"Thanks."Alex replied blushing. "Everything looks and smells wonderful.

Grimes gallantly offered his hand with a flourish. "Taco bar awaits, my lady.

Alex captured his hand in hers and squeezed it. Morgan gently pulled her through the crowd. Not being able to keep the silly grin off his face Morgan spun Alex in an impromptu twirl.

The night had just started and it was already perfect.