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Chapter Text

The alcohol buzzed deliciously through his veins, making everything warm and twinkle. He watched her as her laugh rose, spilling from her lips like music. She twirled her finger around a chestnut curl, while another fingered the rim of her drink.

Everyone had left. It was just the two of them, wrapping up the case, drinking a special liquor from a particular red bottle. It tasted divine.

She laughed again at something he'd said, her hand parting from her hair to lay on his arm as she unconsciously leaned into her laugh. He could smell her breath, laced with $25,000 scotch, a tantalizing treat. He glanced down at her shirt, remembering earlier when she'd popped another button for him.

God, she was sexy...he wanted her. She was so close. Her hair cascaded around her shoulders, framing her face and gleaming eyes. Her forest green eyes, flecked with gold. Gorgeous.

She smiled up at him, her hand still curled around his arm.

His heart pumped faster as her eyes found him. The air sizzled with tension, his want rolling off him in waves. She was close. So close. He kept his eyes locked with hers as he slowly swept some of her curls behind her shoulder, revealing the graceful curve of her neck. Delicious. She didn't move; silent, her eyes dangerous. His fingers slipped up her neck, feathered across her jaw, finally cupping her cheek in a gentle caress. He felt her breath quicken as her pink mouth opened slightly and her eyes dilated, pupils huge and dark. Desire curled in his stomach, arousal tripping across his skin like liquid fire.

"Tell me to stop, Kate." He murmured softly as to not break the spell. "Tell me you don't feel this." He gently maneuvered her hand to cover his chest, his heart coming alive under her electrifying touch.

"God, Castle," she choked, her voice husky.

"When you see him do you feel butterflies in your stomach? Do you feel a spark when your hands touch? Do you tell a stupid joke just to get him to smile?"

"Rick," her voice breaking, his name coating her lips with want and regret. He wasn't hers. She wasn't his.

Her hand dropped from his heart, but grabbed his big, warm, thick hand and placed it on hers instead.

It felt forbidden. This wasn't them; they were crossing a line that couldn't be uncrossed. He felt exhilarated as the beat of her heart raced to meet his fingertips again and again. For him.

"Look at me."

He did, his eyes flickering between her perfect mouth and alluring eyes.

"Don't stop."

He leaned close, his lips hovering over hers, eyes watching.

"Tell me you want me," he breathed.

"No." She growled, impatient. His lips nipped at hers, angry. Dominating. She whimpered, her lips searching his when he broke away.

"Tell me you want me," his voice hoarse.

"Not a chance." She smirked deviously.

Damn, she was hot. Minx.

He surged towards her, his lips crashing onto hers.

It's pure fire. Her tongue hot and wet in his mouth, his skin burning. She twined her hands in his hair, pulling his body flush to hers. She moaned into his mouth as his hips ground into hers. It was like something inside him had snapped. His hands were everywhere, her legs wrapped around his waist, their tongues dueling for dominance. He groaned as he felt her nipples harden and he pushed her shirt aside, his fingers searching. His fingertips kissed the swell of her breast and his mouth followed. She threw her head back, letting him explore and traipse his teeth across her skin, nipping and soothing with a whirl of his tongue. He moved to her neck, finding purchase behind her ear, where she cried out, her throat contracting in a glorious moan.

"Yes," she exhaled in a breathy keen, "Oh god, Castle." His mouth sucked the taut vein rising from her white neck. Her hands pulled at his hair, bringing him back to her mouth; her insistent, clever mouth.

"You're beautiful," he gasped between kisses.

She stopped, taken aback. A blush colored her cheeks a delicious pink and her lips attacked him with a new fervor. Her hands found a new task in untucking his shirt and pushing it off. Her fingers glided over his broad shoulders and teased his abs, leaving a hot trail in their wake.

He lowered her gently on the bar's gleaming surface, the hazy light an ethereal glow. Her perusal of was him intoxicating. He felt alive. Her touch set him aflame, igniting a feeling he'd long been denying, a feeling threatening to burst out. A feeling he clamped down.

"Your shirt is still on," he growled, "No fair."

"Why don't you unbutton it for me?" Her breath uneven and sultry.

"With pleasure." His fingers fumbled with the tiny circles, slipping over their shiny surface. Screw it. He tore her shirt, the damn things popping from the seams and clattering to the floor.

Her shirt slithered from her shoulders as he tugged it away, revealing an expanse of creamy skin and a lacy, black bra, teasing him, beckoning. He kissed her chastely, but she responded hot and frantic. He slowed her down with a strong sweep of his tongue, gentle and tender. The feeling he'd clamped down was burgeoning as he slowly caressed his lips over her skin, mapping the dips and curves of her heaving chest and smooth stomach.

Climbing up her body, a flash of heat uncoiled in his stomach at the sweet friction of skin against skin. She felt amazing. He kissed her soundly, eliciting a keening noise from her that made his blood rush south.

"Oh god, Kate."

Her hands were busy finding his buckle when his hands blocked her.

"Stop."

She looked at him confused and adorably tousled, absolutely stunning.

"What's wrong? Isn't this what you want?"

His brow furrowed, the feeling pushing for release.

"Yes, wait. No."

"No?" She looked hurt.

"No, that's not what I mean."

"What then?" She prodded, curious at his flustered expression.

"I just—I mean, I—"

"A writer at a loss for words, oh the irony."

"Do you know how sexy that is? You're so smart and beautiful and I can't stop thinking about you, Kate."

The words were coming now; fueled by the feeling he felt whenever he saw her. The feeling that made him get coffee for her every morning because he wanted to see her smile, to feel their fingers touch when he gave it to her. The feeling that kept him coming back.

"Kate, I can't. I want this to be right."

She smiled nervously, "I think we threw right out the window when you broke my shirt."

"Kate, I'm serious."

"Castle, I don't know what this is. I thought—"

"What? You thought what?"

She puffed air through her cheeks in frustration. "I don't know. You're not serious, Castle. You crack jokes. You make up nonsensical theories. You like busty blondes and fast cars."

"Is that what you think of me?" Her words sliced through him, cleaving his heart in two.

"Yes. No—maybe? You confuse me, Rick. I don't know what to feel around you." She shivered her unbidden admission. She looked at him, her eyes searching.

"Do you want me?"

She glanced away, nodding slightly.

"Say it."

She nervously smoothed a crease in her pants.

"Say it, Beckett."

She snapped her eyes to his, huge and afraid.

"Castle, I can't. I'm scared."

"It's just me."

"But that's just it. It's you. Wherever I go, I can't think straight. You're there. You get me coffee and somehow it's more than that. You make up a stupid theory and I want to kiss that damn smile off your face, and—"

His lips stopped her, swallowing her words. Her eyes slammed shut and she cupped his face, her lips softly sipping his. This kiss was different. It was slow and careful. It was everything.

It ended all too quickly, her lips leaving his with one last silky swipe.

Her hands left his face, curling in her lap.

"Castle, we can't."

"I know. But I'm not leaving." I'll wait.

She smiled at that, shaking her head. "Okay." She slipped from the counter, picking up her shirt in one smooth motion.

He admired the view as she leaned over. She looked back, catching his heated gaze.

"Castle!"

"Sorry." He smiled, not sorry in the least. She rolled her eyes and threw his shirt at his face.

He chuckled and pushed his arms through his shirt, haphazardly tucking it in.

"Walk you out?"

Her eyes swept over him, taking in his tousled hair and swollen lips. "Uh-" she blinked. "Yeah, sure."

He smirked knowingly.

"Shut up."

"I didn't say anything."

"Uh huh."

He unhooked her jacket from the coat rack and held it open, ready for her to step in. She rose an eyebrow at him, but slipped her arms through the sleeves. His back crowded hers, his lips feathering her ears. He couldn't resist, tracing his mouth down her ear, roving to her tantalizing neck where he peppered kisses.

He felt her sigh, a catch in her throat.

"Ca—" He found a silky spot of skin, sucking on it, soliciting a breathy gasp from her.

"Rick!" He pulled away as she turned to glare at him. She was so cute when she was flustered.

"You good?" she huffed.

He grinned. "Yeah, I'm good now."

"Kay, well, I, uh, bye." She pushed the door open, the cool air blasting through the widening crevice.

He followed her, snatching her arm before she could go further.

"Wait. See you tomorrow?"

She stopped, her eyes glittering and wide, something indescribable flaring in her gaze.

"Tomorrow." She acquiesced, a small smile playing at her lips. "Night, Castle."

"Until tomorrow, Detective."

Chapter Text

She slipped her key into her door and felt the satisfying snick of the lock as it opened for her. After pushing through the door, she dumped her keys into the bowl, shucked off her shoes, and threw her coat on the coach. Sitting on the armrest for a moment, she fell back onto the cushions with a groan of mixed relief and confusion.

What had she done?

Damn him and his seductive gaze. Seductive everything, really.

Oh, god, he was so annoying. But a good annoying, whispered a voice in her head. You like the way he stares at you and makes you feel wanted. You like the way he brings you your favorite coffee every morning without question. You like how he makes you feel safe and—ughh. This had to stop.

She rolled over on the couch, her mutilated shirt exposing her skin to the soft surface. Oh, she almost forgot about that part. Damn. Now, she was thinking about how his lips had felt—how they had reverently traced her face and felt soft and tender. Shit. What had she done?

"Kate?"

She gasped, and sat up straight as if poked by a sharp pin as she quickly pulled her shirt together in an attempt to cover up.

"Josh? What are you doing here?" she exhaled in a quick breath.

He paused, taking in her appearance and lifted an eyebrow questioningly. "I texted you about five times telling you I was coming over after work. Used my key."

"Oh. I turned my phone off, sorry. We were celebrating another case closed at a new bar," she said smoothly.

"A new bar?"

"Well, really an old bar," she mused, "Castle bought it because it was where he wrote his first novel," she explained, smiling at the thought.

"Castle bought a bar? How rich is this guy?"

"You don't want to know," she scoffed.

"No, you're right. But I do want to know why your shirt seems to have lost its buttoning capabilities," he mentioned, sliding next to her on the couch to closely examine her blouse.

Twin circles of blush bloomed on her cheeks as she thought of what or who exactly removed its buttoning capabilities.

"I was tackling with a suspect and it got a little too rough," she delivered evenly.

He looked at her unconvinced. "Why didn't you change before going to the bar? I don't feel comfortable about other guys looking," he murmured as he nudged his nose against her cheek. His hands covered hers and slowly removed them from their grasping hold on the shirt. It fell open, revealing her ivory skin, tinged with a blushing red.

She let his lips slowly drifted down her neck, shivering unconsciously at his cold touch.

He pulled away suddenly, staring at her intently. "Why do you smell like cologne?"

"Do I?" she countered.

"Yeah and—" his eyes went wide as his gaze slid to a spot on her neck. "Is that a hickey?" he asked disbelievingly.

"Wha—" she gasped, her hand automatically rising to feel the raised and puckered skin on her neck. Shit.

"Oh no, that's just a bruise," she replied sleekly.

"Kate, that is not a bruise and you know it," he said, pulling away and crossing his arms. "Is there someone else?" he asked carefully, his eyes burning with a dangerous glare.

"No!" she countered vehemently.

"And I'm supposed to believe you because what? Because you were hanging out with the gang at a new bar?" he countered, almost shouting.

"We were! You can ask any of them. Ryan, Esposito, Montgomery or Castle," she replied, ticking each name off her fingers as if it were further proof.

Josh stood up to pace the floor and suddenly stopped. He looked as if he'd been hit with a sudden realization.

"Castle," he whispered.

"What?"

"It was Castle, wasn't it," he stated coolly, no question in his tone.

"No—"

"Oh, bullshit, Kate. I can see it in your eyes. That's why your shirt is ruined. Because he had his hands all over you. And you let him. Because you're in love with him!" he exclaimed, his chest heaving from his tirade. He ran his hands through his hair in agitation.

"I'm not in love with, Castle," she blurted exasperatedly.

"Oh, sure. It's always Castle this and Castle that. Josh, Castle said the funniest thing or Josh, Castle said the sweetest thing about his daughter," he spewed angrily in a high falsetto.

"How can you even say that?" she volleyed, frustrated. "Castle's my friend and I care about him. Nothing more," she enunciated carefully.

"Oh, you care about him? What about me, Kate?"

"Well, maybe if I saw you more than once in a year, then maybe it would be different," she shouted, her anger sparking at his harsh, demanding tone.

"Oh, yeah, real nice, Kate. Blame my job. It's not like I see you, either. Whenever I'm free, you have a case and I'm just shoved aside," he sneered derisively.

"That's not hypocritical or anything," she responded sarcastically.

Ignoring her, he steamed on, "And Castle is by your side, all the time! I don't feel comfortable about that. He's clearly in love with you and I though you might be in love with him, too. I didn't want to believe it before, but now..." he swept his hand at her shirt in indication and looked at her imploringly. "Where did I go wrong, Kate?"

"I just—" she blew air through her cheeks in frustration, "I can't compete with your job, Josh. You're out there saving lives and I don't want you to put me before someone else's life. I can't ask that of you. I—"

"Did I ever stand a chance?"

"I thought about us, but—"

"But what, Kate? I'm just not good enough?"

"No! It's just—I tell you I love you, but I don't trust you. I don't trust you with personal information, and you don't deserve that because you should have someone who trusts you with your whole heart."

"Damn it, Kate. I love you. You're beautiful, independent and funny as hell, but...I don't want to compete for you, either. I want you all to myself and if Castle is still going to be in your life, then I don't think I can."

"Are you asking me to choose?"

He nodded, crossing his arms defiantly.

Looking away, she sighed, vexed. "Josh, I can't choose. Castle is my friend and you're my—"

"Boyfriend? Fiancé? Husband? Do you see us going anywhere, Kate? Because right now, I think I just lost."

"Josh, I—"

"You know what? I don't even want to hear it. It's done. We're over. Have fun with your Castle," he sneered as he forcefully grabbed his bag. The slam of her door sealed the finality of his statement and left her defeated.

What'd just happened? She felt relieved but wracked with guilt. It seemed as if an accumulation of unspoken frustrations had exploded in a cacophony of misguided hate. She felt terrible for subconsciously stringing him along. She had liked their relationship because it was safe. There was no progress, little communication but mutual agreement. But that wasn't what she needed.

All of Josh's accusations swirled around in a confusing jumble of emotions.

She hated how they had broken up because hadn't meant to hurt him.

She had intended on telling him about Castle...at some point. She hadn't even processed what had happened with Castle before Josh had arrived, and it just blew up in her face.

Ugh, when had this all become such a mess?

She needed some coffee.

Chapter Text

They'd been teasing each other all day with coy remarks about ice cubes, salacious X-ray glasses, thrilling magic tricks, and shy smiles. But she sensed he was troubled and agitated about Gina. She didn't want to pry, fearing she was the source of friction between the two.

Creating Zalman Drake's last honorary trick had made Castle giddy, and she couldn't help but smile at his boyish excitement.

When the suspect confessed, she could almost hear him cheering through the glass.

As they wrapped up the case and chatted about Lanie's not-so-secret boyfriend, his phone rang and she spotted Gina's face flashing on the screen.

An acidic taste filled her mouth as she watched him walk away to talk to his ex-wife/current girlfriend.

She needed water.

"No, no. What I'm saying is…it's over."

She froze by the vending machine as she heard Castle's low voice filter through the door. "'It's over" echoed in her head. She blinked, not processing the words. She shook her head to clear her thoughts. Oh. Oh. He was single. So?

Ignoring her nagging thoughts, she went back to her desk and started to gather her things. This was not good.

"Heading out?"

Shit. His warm, jovial tone sent a rush of warmth through her.

"Yeah, it's late." She flashed him a quick smile, not quite making eye-contact.

"Motorcycle Boy?" he probed.

"I really wish you would stop calling him that." She didn't want to tell him about Josh yet.

"Dr. Motorcycle Boy?" he tried, raising his eyebrows.

She shook her head, smiling. Cute.

"He's probably on shift tonight. I haven't talked to him in a while," she replied. She paused for a moment. Wait. Why couldn't she tell him now?

"Actually, I was gonna see if I could catch the comfort food truck….. You wanna come?" she suggested slyly, her heart fluttering in anticipation.

"Macaroni and cheese, warm biscuits, and hot chocolate? How could I say no?" he drawled dramatically.

Relief seeped through her, but her stomach clenched with sudden nerves.

She walked towards the elevator as he caught up to her.

"Hey I wanted to say thanks for, um, not mentioning that article or asking what was going on," he said warmly.

She grinned and brandished the flowers she'd been concealing in her sleeve.

"Not a problem," she murmured.

"Wow, you're just full of surprises aren't you?" he asked softly, a shy grin flitting at the edges of his mouth as he accepted the bouquet.

"Gotta keep you on your toes," she replied, smirking playfully.

"Dis ish derlishus," muffled Castle as he chewed a soft, buttery biscuit.

"What?" she laughed, smiling as she daintily speared a piece of macaroni with her fork.

He swallowed, his throat bobbing. "This is delicious," he repeated, a grin breaking across his face.

"Mhhm," she hummed in agreement, "Much better than leftover takeout."

"Yeah, much better," he murmured, suddenly looking at her with a soft expression. "Hey, Kate?"

"Hmm?" she mumbled contentedly.

"I broke up with Gina."

She stopped and choked on her macaroni.

"What?" She spluttered, gasping for air.

He patted her back in an attempt to help her clear her airways.

"Sorry. Shouldn't have just blurted it out like that," he said, self-deprecatingly.

She nodded her head in agreement, wiping her mouth.

"Why?" she managed.

"You know why," he returned softly. Suddenly shy, he stuffed his hands in his pockets and stared at the ground.

Catching his drift, a sigh puffed through her lips. "Castle, last week shouldn't have happened. It was a mis—"

"Don't say mistake," he interrupted vehemently.

"Well, what do you want to call it?" she asked, sarcasm dripping from her tone.

"Something that should've happened years ago," he stated matter-of-factly as he carefully took her half-finished food and tipped it into the trash can.

She arched an eyebrow at him, waiting for an explanation.

But then he was right in front of her and his hand was reaching for her face.

Her heart was hammering and stomach was fluttering as his fingers feathered across her jaw and his hot breath washed over face.

"Cas—"she breathed before he smoothed his lips over hers in a careful glide.

Her eyes slipped shut as she melted against him, opening her mouth to grant his searching tongue access. Her arms involuntarily wound around his neck, pulling him closer as his soft mouth moved sinfully against hers. Sliding his mouth across her cheekbones and neck, he left her kissed lips and explored the spot behind her ear with a skilled sweep of his tongue.

With a gasp, she clutched his biceps and pushed him away.

"Castle," she exhaled on a breath, her eyes shining and lips swollen.

"Does that mean anything?" He asked, pupils dark and breath heaving.

"I—Castle, you can't just—" she stumbled, losing her train of thought as he crowded her against the wall.

"Can't what?" He challenged huskily, pushing his thigh between her legs.

"Uh," she gasped, eyes widening in arousal. Her lashes swept her cheekbones as his lips traced over her nose and hovered tantalizingly close to her mouth.

Her skin was on fire and she wanted him closer. Much closer.

Before he could kiss her again, she slanted her mouth against his, electricity sparking when their lips met. In a hot glide, their tongues clashed and she circled her hips against his thigh, a fiery heat pooling in the pit of her stomach.

Moaning, she bit his lip and soothingly sucked it into her mouth.

"God, Kate," he whimpered, cradling her face in his palms.

A piercing wolf-whistle suddenly broke them apart.

"Shit," she whispered, pushing Castle back and finding purchase on the ground.

"Um." She bit her lip and looked at him, pupils wide and dark.

"We should go," she muttered, turning away.

"Kate, wait. I'm sorry. Well, not really because that was amazing, but I forgot you had a boyfriend for a second. I—"

"Castle, stop apologizing, Josh is gone," she interrupted, blurting out the truth she'd been bottling up for the past week.

"What?" His face changed and his eyes lit with an indescribable flame. "You broke up? When?" He spluttered.

"Why does that matter?" She asked evenly, nervous about the sudden fierceness in his gaze.

"Because Kate, it means something to me."

She opened her mouth to respond but nothing came out. She tilted her head at him and pursed her lips in a tight line.

"Last Friday," she decided, walking down the sidewalk away from him.

"Last Friday..." he murmured, his eyebrows scrunching together in thought. "But, but that's when we—" His eyes snapped wide and he scrambled after her.

"Kate, Kate, stop."

She spun around, hair whipping across her face. "Why Castle? So you can kiss me again? So you can expect everything of me? Expect me to fall at your feet?" She shot at him, eyes glittering with tears.

"Hey, hey there's no need to get so riled up," he said softly.

"Damn it, Castle" she said, swiping angrily at the water pooled in the corner of her eye.

"I don't expect anything of you," he murmured, gently sweeping his thumb across her cheek. "You already surpass all my expectations. Plus, I just want to talk to you. And if you want to kiss me then I'm totally okay with that, too."

She smiled, a watery chuckle breaking through.

"There it is," he grinned.

She looked away, suddenly embarrassed.

"Castle, what are we doing?" she asked, emotion lacing her tone.

"We don't have to be doing anything. We could take it slow or just wait. But Kate, this is it for me," he explained seriously.

She snapped her head up, her eyes wide and scared.

"Castle, I'm not ready," she whispered, her voice breaking as she backed away and shook her head.

"Beckett, wait," he pleaded.

"I'm a mess, Rick," she countered weakly.

"I'm no picnic, either," he responded quietly.

It was too much. She couldn't do this. She wanted to run. But—maybe she didn't have to. He didn't leave. He came back no matter what.

"Slow," she said carefully.

"Take it slow?" He clarified, a smile breaking across his face.

"Very, very slow," she emphasized.

He nodded vigorously, his lips sealed shut, as if he didn't want to ruin the moment with something more profound.

Her features softened in relief and a small smile formed at the corner of her mouth.

"Um, I'll see you tomorrow then?" She asked tentatively.

"Yup," he affirmed, his eyes shining with mirth.

"Stop looking so happy," she ordered, playfully slapping his arm.

"Ow," he responded, rubbing his arm with an exaggerated pout.

She shook her head at him, grinning.

"Good night, Castle, "she finished, walking away with a sway in her hips.

"It certainly was, Detective!" he shouted after her.

She bit her lip to suppress the smile threatening to burst and quickly looked back to see him hopelessly grinning.

Dork.

But a hot dork at that she thought.

She shivered suddenly from a burst of cold air on her collarbone. Looking down, she spotted her coat hanging loose at the top. It had slipped open because a button had come undone. She smirked, knowing exactly how that had happened.

Castle really needed to stop messing with her buttons.

Chapter Text

An incessant ringing woke him up. Bleary-eyed and rumpled, he reached blindly for his phone which flashed with Nikki Heat cover art.

"Hullo," he rasped, not quite awake.

"Hey Castle, it's Beckett. We got a body."

He brightened instantly at the sound of her voice.

"Good morning to you, too, Detective," he returned, chuckling at her curt and tired tone.

"Sorry," she huffed, "I was up late signing nondisclosure agreements."

"Nondisclosure? Do tell."

She laughed. "I don't think you know what nondisclosure means, Castle."

"C'mon Beckett, I thought we were friends," he whined.

"Hmmm, last time I checked friends didn't accost each other on the street."

"Accosting? Why, I thought we were mutually making out," he quipped indignantly.

"Was that what that was?" she mocked playfully.

"If you forgot, I'd be more than happy to remind you," he challenged, his lips quirking into a smile.

"You better not "remind" me at the precinct," she warned.

"You're no fun," he pouted.

"You're incorrigible," she returned.

"Too bad you like me then, huh?"

" 'Like' might be too strong of a word."

"You wound me, Detective."

"Oh, shoot," she cursed suddenly, "I should be there already."

"I'll meet you there?"

She reels off the address as she rustled for her keys and slammed the door behind her.

"See you there," he said, but she'd already hung up.

The crime scene was a blur with Ryan showing him the engagement ring and Beckett purposefully avoiding his innocent, mock proposal. And Natalie Rhodes—she didn't even know who he was! He couldn't believe Beckett agreed to let Natalie shadow her. If Natalie's audition tape were any indication of her skills, then he had serious doubts about the studio's casting abilities. She was nothing like Nikki Heat.

Or so he thought. As suspects surfaced and they followed leads, her perceptiveness and confident demeanor began to illuminate qualities of the Nikki Heat he had in mind. He began to respect her methodical strategy in understanding Beckett's mimics and gestures. Plus, her slim figure and expressive features were easy on the eyes.

Beckett seemed to be flustered by the whole ordeal and overly perturbed by Natalie's presence. She was so cute when she was angry—especially when Natalie preemptively took her coffee. She had dragged him in the other room, spilling her feelings to him in an agitated rush. He winced as he remembered defending Natalie's case rather than supporting Beckett's concerns—not his proudest moment.

He was watching Beckett write another case note on the board when Natalie returned from the bathroom toting new hair.

Oh. Wow.

It was uncanny. And hot.

He noticed Kate's discomfort as he glanced appreciatively at a brunette Natalie, his mouth practically agape.

Shoot. It was just that they looked so much alike. It was hard for him to keep his eyes off of either of them.

As Natalie left, he willingly followed, offering to carry her box.

"Look at me, all dressed up and no crime to solve," Natalie pouted.

He stared at her dumbly. She looked so different.

"I had my heart set on doing research tonight," she dropped, her voice laced with suggestion.

"Yeah..." he sighed, his eyes roving her body.

"So what do you think? Am I everything you imagined Nikki would be?"

Sexy, fierce, and confident. "Uh, huh," he blubbered.

"You know, I read Heat Wave last night," she exclaimed suddenly.

"Really?" he asked, snapping out of his trance.

"You're right, it was so much better than the screenplay. I went right out and read Naked Heat."

Impressed and flattered, he flashed her an appreciative grin.

"You know I realized the character of Jameson Rook is based off you." Her eyebrows rose in suggestion, her mouth curving delightfully around her teeth.

"Yeah, I guess I drew on my relationship with Detective Beckett."

"Even the sex scenes?" she asked playfully, her eyes flickering down to his groin.

His throat contracted and he blinked nervously as unbidden images of Kate filtered through his thoughts. "No, that was uh…"

"Fantasy," she finished, raising her eyebrow seductively, "Like me. Now," she breathed.

"Uh, well, you want to give the audience what they want," he mentioned as an afterthought, his attention caught between her lustful gaze and striking resemblance to Beckett.

"You know you describe so much of the passion between Nikki and Rook. If I want to play Nikki right, I gotta feel that heat." She pushed him into the elevator with the press of her finger against his chest.

"Natalie," he scoffed deprecatingly, "I'm..."

"Not now," she interrupted forcefully, "I'm Nikki," she whispered, closing in on him, her mouth slanting across his own. Oh shit.

He dropped the box he was holding in surprise as Fantasy Beckett kissed him, forcing his mouth open to accept hers.

The elevator doors closed before he was able to push her away.

"What? Not enough, Rook?" her voice emphasizing the hard "k" of his fictional counterpart as she slipped her hand over his shoulder seductively.

"Natalie, I can't," he responded, quickly peeling her hand away.

"Are you sure you don't want to take this back to my hotel?" she tried, sultriness dripping from her tone.

"No. I mean, yes, I'm sure," he rushed nervously, feeling trapped by her penetrating gaze.

"You don't sound so sure," she mewled, pushing him further back into the wall of the elevator.

"I'm a hundred percent sure. More sure than I've ever been. My answer is no," he emphasized, his head reeling at her tenacity.

She stepped back, eyeing him suspiciously. "Okay, my offer still stands if you change your mind," she replied, sauntering off the elevator into the lobby.

He rubbed his face, suddenly exhausted. What had just happened?

He needed a drink.

"Everything okay?" he asked, spotting Beckett staring intently at Natalie through the blinds in the break room.

"Do I really do that?" she asked, watching Natalie stare intently at the murder board with a hand tucked under her chin in consternation.

"Yes, and it's adorable."

"If it's so adorable then why didn't you sleep with me?" she asked, peering out of the blinds at Natalie.

"What?" he responded flabbergasted, a blush blooming on his cheeks as he suddenly thought of her underneath him and shuddering as she broke apart around him. No. Not now. Precinct.

"Her, me. Not me, me," she explained, nodding her head at Natalie in indication.

"Why would I do that?" he asked, utterly confused.

"I don't know. Maybe because you kissed," she spat, spinning around to face him.

"Kissed?" And then it clicked. "Oh, no," he said, dread seeping through him as he remembered. He saw the hurt flash across her face before she schooled her features.

"Oh no is right," she huffed, crossing her arms defiantly.

"Kate. That was nothing. She came onto me and I wasn't expecting it. I didn't want it to happen, I promise," he pressed emphatically.

She looked away, her arms falling to her sides as she leaned back on the counter.

"Kate, please believe me," he pleaded softly.

"I want to," she said,"But I don't get it."

"Get what?"

"Why didn't you sleep with her? She was clearly willing and not to mention gorgeous," she muttered, the quiet challenge in her voice echoing her insecurity.

Puzzled, he rubbed a hand behind his neck.

"Because I'm with you," he stated, as if it were the most obvious answer.

Her eyes widened in shock, a shy smile flitting at the edges of her mouth.

She was surprised. Why was she so surprised? He thought they talked about this.

"Kate, Kate. Look at me."

She did, her gaze hesitant.

"I am in this. I don't want anyone else. I want you. I don't know why you still doubt this."

Her features softened and she suddenly shook her head, a wry laugh spilling from her lips.

"What?" he asked, a grin playing at the corner of his mouth, though he wasn't quite sure what was so funny.

"I'm no good at this," she clarified. "It's just that this—us—is so new, and…." She ran a hand through her hair in exasperation. "I'm sorry. I'm just being silly."

"Hey," he whispered softly, tipping her chin up with his finger, "You're not being silly. What is it?"

Her eyes searched his, wide and afraid. "I—I just—the way you look at her…you seem so smitten…it's…" she trailed off, ducking her head in embarrassment.

Wait. It couldn't be. No way.

"Kate, are you jealous?" he asked, a grin spreading across his face at the ridiculousness of it all.

"No," she said too quickly, her eyes demure as a blush crept over her cheeks.

No freaking way. Kate Beckett was jealous. This was the best day ever.

"Does this mean you like me?" he teased.

"Oh, I wouldn't count on it," she replied, a playful twinkle sparking in her eyes.

"Ouch, you're killing me," he pouted, clutching at his heart.

"Well, don't bank on dying. I still have plans for you," she whispered into his ear.

His eyes widened as he watched her walk from the break room. She really was going to be the death of him.

He pulled Beckett aside when they finished congratulating Ryan and Jenny.

"Hey, I just—I want to say I'm sorry, Kate."

"What for?"

"For making you think I wasn't serious about this. Paying too much attention to Natalie. I—"

She covered his mouth with her hand as the other smoothed over his shoulder.

"Shh, stop. Castle, you're fine," she whispered. She looked around quickly as if to check if anyone was watching them and grabbed his hand, tugging him after her.

"Kate, where are we going?"

"You'll see," she replied impishly, urging him along faster.

They rounded the corner into lockup. She veered suddenly and opened a door he'd never seen before.

"Kate? What—"

"Will you shut up?" she demanded, pulling him into the room behind the door. He stood in darkness for a moment before he found himself being pushed against the wall.

"Kate?"

And suddenly her mouth was on his. Oh. Shit.

Her hands raked through his hair possessively as she pulled herself tightly against him, tangling her tongue with his in a sinful twist. Oh, god. She felt amazing.

He needed to feel more. His burning fingers searched fervently for skin, pressing his thumbs against her hips.

"Shit, Castle," she moaned as he spun them around, pressing her against the door.

"I think I like jealous Beckett," he growled, hastily removing her shirt. Damn turtleneck.

"Not jealous, Castle," she gasped as he attacked the newly exposed skin on her neck with his mouth.

"She has nothing on you," he grunted, hiking her legs around his waist and hoisting her lithe body in one smooth motion.

"Castle—", she keened, twining her fingers in his hair and pulling him to her to utterly devastate his mouth. Her soft and pliable lips felt so good. She tasted like coffee and vanilla and something altogether Kate. He kissed her back soundly, delving his tongue into her hot, perfect mouth.

They broke apart when they absolutely needed air, their chests heaving and breaths mingling.

Resting his forehead against hers, he chuckled lightly.

"What?" she hummed, nestling her head in the crook of his neck as if suddenly exhausted.

"I think I like you "reminding" me at the Precinct. A lot."

She snorted into his neck, pressing her lips lightly against his jugular. "Me, too," she whispered, roving her lips around the shell of his ear, breathing unevenly.

He shivered.

"Kate."

"Yeah?"

"Wait; is there a light in here? I need to see you."

He heard a click and a bare bulb filled with light, shining dimly in what he now saw was the supply closet.

"What is it, Castle?" She looked at him concerned, her swollen lips and mussed hair throwing him off track for a second.

"I—uh," he glanced down at her chest, covered with nothing but a lace bra.

"Castle," she hissed, reaching for her shirt which lay rumpled on the ground.

"Sorry, where was I?"

"I don't know, you were going to tell me something?"

"Right. Um, well, wow, how do I put this—"

"Castle, just spit it out."

"Willyougoonadatewithme?" he rushed, finally pushing the out the words he wanted to say.

"I'm sorry, a what now?"

"A date—with me," he repeated dumbly, a cold dread trickling through his veins. This was not how he planned on asking.

"A date?" She bit her lip, looking stunned.

"Yeah, you know, two people, dinner at a restaurant."

Rolling her eyes, she smacked him lightly on his chest. "I know what a date is, you moron."

He grinned deviously.

"Is that a yes?"

"No, I mean, not a no, um."

"You do know how this works, right?"

"Geez, Castle. You surprised me, okay. Are you—" she blew a sigh through her lips, "Are you sure?"

"Yes," he responded immediately.

"It's not too soon?"

"If you think we haven't "accosted" each other enough, then I'd be more than happy to do some more, but Kate, I want us," he explained seriously.

She ran her hands through her hair and looked down at the ground. "Okay."

"Okay?" he repeated excitedly.

"Yeah." She looked at him, a shy smile breaking across her face. "Okay."

He kissed her then. Soft and slow and deliberate.

"Friday at eight?" He pressed another kiss to her lips before she could answer.

"If we don't have a case, yes," she exhaled, her eyes fluttering.

"Perfect," he murmured huskily.

"Castle, we have to go now," she whispered quietly.

He nodded his head, a permanent smile etched on his face. Kate Beckett was going on a date with him.

"I'll go first," she murmured, turning to leave.

"Wait five minutes, okay?" she ordered, taking one last look at him, a grin flitting across her lips.

When she left, he leaned back against the wall, sighing contentedly.

Kate Beckett was going on a date with him.

Best. Day. Ever.

Chapter Text

Sitting in his chair, Castle was once again, annoying her spectacularly while she was trying to finish her paperwork.

He kept talking about their date, and while it was kind of sweet, his incessant rambling was grating on her nerves.

"We've already done the casual dinner, the dinner at my house, the breakfast at my house, the bar." He raised his eyes suggestively at that.

She rolled her eyes at him, ignoring his low whisper as she tried to remember the name of a witness.

"We've already dressed up fancy and…"

She pinched her nose and sighed forcefully, "Castle, if you don't shut up right now, I will cancel our date. Then you won't have to decide."

"Sorry," he grumbled, pouting slightly.

"Why did I ever agree to this?" she muttered.

"Because of my good looks and charming personality," he quipped.

"Don't forget inflated sense of self," she muttered.

"Don't forget my place tomorrow at eight," he said suddenly, "Something casual and bring a sweater."

"Oh, has the Great Decider finally decided?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact, I did." Excited, he sprang out of his chair.

"Care to share?" she asked, curious as to what caused his sudden shift in energy.

"Nope. Surprise." He smiled mischievously. "I have to go arrange something. See you later."

She watched him practically run to the elevator.

"What's wrong with him?" Esposito asked, crossing his arms as he leaned against her desk.

"I told him his shirt didn't match his pants. I think he went to go change," she said dryly.

He chuckled at that.

"You done with paperwork?" she probed, raising an eyebrow at him knowingly as guilt flicked across his face.

"Goodbye," she said, waving him away with her pen. "Go work."

She sighed and signed her name at the bottom of a document. Picking up the next sheet to fill out, she almost expected Castle to say something when she remembered he'd left.

Damn him.

Now, it was too quiet.

"Lanie," she whined, "He said casual. Stop trying to squeeze me into a dress."

She already regretted telling Lanie about the night at the Old Haunt and how it had resulted in several more make-out sessions and a date.

"Fine, but as long as you climb that man like a tree, I'll be happy."

"Still not helping. Just pick out a damn shirt," she growled.

"Someone's riled up."

"Sorry, it's just that this is so stupid. I don't care what I wear."

"Yes, you do. You have the hots for Writer Boy and you definitely want to look good for him."

"No, I don't."

"Honey, you can't lie to me. You broke up with Josh for him, didn't you?"

"Ugh, you're making way more complicated than it is, Lanie."

"Surrrree," she drawled, entirely unconvinced. "Here, wear this one." She handed her a cute silk shirt. "It'll bring out your eyes."

"Purple?"

"It's a known fact that purple and green go well together, get with it."

"Sorry I questioned your fashion sense," she said, rolling her eyes.

Slipping on the shirt and squirming into a pair of jeans, she turned around to let Lanie inspect her.

"Satisfied?"

"Very. Castle will want to eat you up." She raised her eyebrows suggestively. "Don't forget to tell me the dirty details when it's over."

"There won't be any dirty details to talk about."

"Rigghhhhht. Well, you should head out. Clock's ticking," she tutted, grabbing her purse for her and practically shoving her out the door.

Flustered, she turned around to thank Lanie for her help, but found a closed door in front of her.

Yeesh. Her own home, too. "Don't drink all the wine," she shouted through the wood and left shaking her head.

"Just walk forward," he murmured.

"Castle this is ridiculous," she said exasperatedly.

"C'mon Beckett don't you trust me?" He asked jokingly.

She hesitated, pondering for a moment. They were partners. She trusted him with her life, but her heart was a whole other question.

"Shut up and just get it over with. This blindfold is scratchy."

His warm hand squeezed her shoulder and gently pushed her forward.

"Watch your step," he said softly.

As she climbed the stairs, he held her elbow to guide her along, his strong support sending a frission of heat through her.

Her foot reached for another step that wasn't there—panic rushed through her as she fell blindly but Castle steadied her in time.

"Sorry, should've warned you." His lips brushed her cheek as he settled his hands around her waist, propelling her a few more feet.

A cool breeze fanned across her face.

"We're outside," she commented.

"Good thing you're a Detective," he teased, "You're observation skills are top notch."

"You suck."

"Ouch, lancing words to the heart."

"Can I take this off now?" She moved to untie the blindfold.

"Good to go."

She uncovered her eyes and the scene that greeted her was stunning.

"Oh, Castle. Wow."

They were on his rooftop. And it was an absolute fairy tale. Lights had been strung across the potted plants and trees, creating a warm glow and gorgeous complement to the velvety night sky.

She slipped her hand into his; the gentle press of her palm against his a silent thank you.

A soft blanket had been laid out with pillows and she spotted a bottle of wine cooling in an ice bucket.

A warm feeling curled in her chest as she breathed in the comforting ambiance and quiet moment.

He sat down on a cushion, tugging her after him. She fell next to him, a breathless laugh tumbling from her lips as she landed haphazardly.

"You okay?" He asked, concern flashing across his face.

"Yeah, 'm good." She brushed a strand of hair from her face, tucking it behind her ear.

"Is this too much?" He grimaced, a nervous edge in his voice.

"No...it's perfect."

And it really was. She thought maybe he'd take her to a fancy restaurant, but this-this was so much better. The tension coiled in her chest unraveled.

He smiled, dimples creasing the corners of his mouth.

"Did I tell you that you look beautiful?"

"You might've mentioned it once or twice already," she smirked, a thrill spiking through her veins.

Nervous butterflies swarmed in her stomach as he reached behind him and pulled out a pizza box.

"Pizza?" she scoffed

"Ah, ah, ah, not just any pizza my dear Detective. It's from mine and Alexis's favorite place down in Brooklyn."

"You went across the bridge to get us pizza?"

"Now, I couldn't just bring any pizza on our first date." His smile crinkled up around his eyes, his whole face alight with boyish excitement.

"You shouldn't have gone to so much trouble."

"You won't be saying that when you taste it. Because you know you'll just want it again and again."

She raised an eyebrow, eyeing him skeptically. "Oh yeah? Hand it over."

"Woah, and steal my move? Geez, Beckett, give a guy a chance."

"I'm sorry, what move?"

"It's coming."

Sliding his fingers into the cracks of the pizza box, he carefully lifted the lid. The enticing aroma of steamed vegetables and tomato sauce hit her nostrils, eliciting a slight groan of appreciation from the back of her throat.

His eyes suddenly raked over her, a wolfish gleam in his gaze.

A blush tinged her cheeks as a heat licked in her veins. Oh god, one look and he already had her humming with arousal. When did this happen?

Edging out a slice, Castle lifted a masterpiece of a gourmet, veggie pizza and presented it to her.

She was about to take it with her hands when he shook his head.

"What?"

"Take a bite."

"You want me to eat out of your hands?"

"This is the move, Beckett. C'mon, you know you want to." He wiggled his eyebrows at her.

She rolled her eyes, but leaned in to take a bite.

"Mhhhmmm," she moaned, chewing the crispy roasted vegetable and gooey cheese. "Totally worth the trip across the bridge," she conceded, licking her lips in satisfaction.

She looked over at him only to find him staring at her hungrily.

She held up a finger. "No ravaging, Castle. First date rules dictate you need to tell me something about yourself. But since we've already covered all the basics, you have to tell me a story," she stated coolly.

The lust in his eyes dimmed, but a winning smile curled against his mouth in challenge.

"Any particular story?"

"Actually, I've always wondered about how you ended up on a police horse naked," she mused, and immediately regretted the admission when she saw a predatory glance in his eye.

"Thinking about me naked, Detective?"

"You wish." A heat filled her cheeks as his gaze raked over her.

"Most definitely," he replied deviously.

"Just tell me the damn story."

"Since you asked so nicely."

She rolled her eyes at him for what seemed the hundredth time that night.

"As I've said before, it was spring. And I was out with my poker buddies. You know, Patterson and such."

"So this was when you had already written a few best-sellers I presume."

"Right again, Detective. Right before I had Alexis." He smiled at her, his eyes glinting with merriment. "Anyways, we had had a few to drink and somehow found our way to the park. Near the boathouse."

He paused, looking as if taken away by the memory. "The others were always teasing me for being younger, and dared me to 'flaunt my youth' if you will, so off came the clothes."

"Flaunt your youth?" She sputtered, her laughter bubbling out of her mouth.

"Wish you'd been there." He winked and continued. "Of course, the place wasn't exactly empty, it being only early evening."

"No!" She gasped, picturing couples strolling through the park and spotting a very naked Richard Castle. "Oh, that is too good," she laughed.

"It gets better," he chuckled, "Someone told the nearest park ranger, and a whole fleet of horses rained upon us."

"Central Park Rangers are scary that way."

"Don't I know it? The others scattered, completely abandoning me. They also thoughtfully took my clothes with them."

"How nice of them," she said, barely concealing her laughter.

"One of the rangers dismounted and I was totally freaked. I started running, and the guy started chasing me. Somehow, I managed to double back and I saw his horse just standing there."

"It was fate," she filled in for him, caught up in his story.

"I thought you didn't believe in fate," he said, suddenly looking at her with a fierce gleam in his eye.

She shrugged. "Go on, what happened next?"

Shaking his head as if to gather his thoughts he started again, "I thought it was the perfect way to escape punishment. Run away on the horse. So I took a running leap and got on. Though it wasn't the smartest way to do it considering my nudity didn't provide so much comfort. Let's just say my 'youth' got hurt that night."

"And then you got arrested?"

"Oh, no, this is the best part," he said gleefully, "I managed to get the horse moving and took it for a ride through the park. I totally zipped by Connelly. You should've seen his face—absolutely priceless," he snickered.

"Castle, you didn't," she crowed.

"And then I got arrested," he finished, "Horse was damn well trained and returned back to the ranger."

"Foiled by a horse," she teased.

"If only you'd been my arresting officer," he tittered.

"Too bad," she said sardonically.

"Your turn," he said, rubbing his hands together.

"Nuh uh, nice try, Castle. We switch off. Next time."

"Next time. So there will be a next time?" He asked hopefully.

"Yeah, of course," she said softly, "Like I said, I kind of like you."

"Well, that settles it," he said, a wide grin breaking across his face.

She blushed, a shy smile skirting across her lips.

"How about I tell you a little secret in exchange?" she suggested.

"I love me a good secret," he exulted. "Is it a good one?"

"Espo did a stint with the Central Park Rangers after his tour. He secretly loves riding horses."

His jaw dropped open. "Best. Secret. Ever."

"Don't even think about teasing him," she warned.

He pouted. "But then what was the point? I have to blackmail him. It's code."

"We'll see," she said decidedly, finishing her slice of pizza. She groaned again as the food hit her mouth.

She barely finished chewing when his lips were on hers.

Gasping, she fell against the pillows and instinctively wound her arms around his neck.

His tongue delved into her mouth, hot and pulsing, making her feel weak in the knees.

She kissed him back, thoroughly enjoying the feel of his chest pressed against hers.

As he smoothed kisses over neck, his hand slipped under her shirt. It burned against her skin, his touch setting her on fire.

"Castle," she panted, "Stop."

Growling, he nipped at her ear before pulling away.

"Sorry," he said, "It's not my fault you're incredibly sexy eating pizza."

She closed her eyes, trying to settle the heat curling in her stomach.

"No, it's just, I didn't want to do this right here," she said quietly and completely flustered. Damn him and his mouth and his hands.

"Oh, well that's different," he smiled swiftly, a warm glow in his gaze.

"Yeah," she murmured. Shifting away from him on the blanket, she took a deep breath before looking at him.

"Castle, I-"

"Yeah?" He prompted, his gaze softening.

"I like you. I mean, like really like you. Maybe even…" she trailed off, her heart pounding.

Oh my god. She'd almost just said she'd loved him. Did she? When the hell did that happen?

His hand moved under her chin and gently tipped her face to his. "Kate, I feel exactly the same way. You don't have to be scared."

His eyes were so blue, she noted. She loved his eyes. They were endless and so warm.

When had she become such a sap?

She wanted to run, but he was looking at her like everything was going to be okay—like he'd chase her even if she did.

"Okay," she whispered.

"Okay." He smiled warmly and gently pressed his lips against hers. It was so achingly sweet. It cracked something open in her chest—a yearning for something more.

Pulling away, she rested her forehead against his, his breath fanning across her face.

"You're breath smells like pizza," she said when the silence lingered, and he broke away with a low chuckle.

"Well, we can't have that. Wine?"

"The man has manners," she smirked. "Is it red?"

"What kind of stalker would I be if I didn't have your favorite?"

"You're my stalker now?" She laughed.

"Shadow, observer, or researcher are some nicer euphemisms if you prefer," he said smoothly, tipping some wine into her glass.

His fingers brushed against hers when he handed it to her, sending a tingle up her arm. She took a sip to resist the urge to take Lanie's advice and climb him like a tree.

But then he was talking, acting as the perfect gentleman, pointing out constellations and absentmindedly playing with her hair. Though the last one was very distracting, and she couldn't concentrate much on the sky.

Instead, she said to hell with it and snuggled down in the pillows and put her head against his chest.

And when he put her arm around her, it just felt right.

"Has it been four hours already?" she asked amazed.

He smiled at her sheepishly. "Guess that's a good sign, right?"

She grinned at him shyly.

"Take you home?" He offered.

Ruefully, she shook her head. "No, it's fine. I'll take a cab. Lanie's waiting up. Wants to pounce me immediately for dirty details."

"Got any dirty details?"

"Oh, plenty," she smirked playfully.

"Glad to be of service," he chuckled.

"I might need one more though," she said, pouting her lips and winding her arms around his chest.

"With pleasure," he said pleasantly and caressed her mouth with a smoldering kiss.

Reluctantly, she pulled away.

"I'll call you," she said, taking a step towards the stairs sweeping down from the rooftop.

"And as your personal stalker, I await your call eagerly."

She left laughing, a warm feeling sparking in her chest.

Chapter Text

When he opened the door and saw her twisting her hands and looking distracted, he knew something was wrong.

She told him about Raglan. She wanted him with her for the meet.

She trusted him.

The harsh shatter of glass and the crashing clink of the coffee cup made him instinctively grab for her. The only thing in his mind was her. She needed to be safe.

Blood. Beckett. His heart stopped. When she brushed him away to check Raglan, he crowded at her back. He thought he'd lost her.

The hard look in her eye as she scanned the scene and listened attentively triggered an uneasy feeling in his gut. She was already spiraling, soaking up everything she could, looking for hidden clues—letting her mother's case swallow her.

He just wanted to curl up with her and know that she was never going to get hurt again. But it was only a foolish thought. She was never going to stop and he wasn't going to be enough for her.

He couldn't blame her for being driven. It was one of the things that made her extraordinary.

Maybe this could be her breakthrough.

He couldn't stop thinking about her. Or Johanna Beckett's case. Because it wasn't just her mother anymore. It was the mother of the woman he loved.

He didn't know when he'd fallen in love with her, maybe the first time he looked into her golden-flecked hazel eyes. Maybe it was the 11th time he handed her coffee and she wore that smile that was just for him.

And their first date. Their first official date and he wished he could've told her how he felt with her looking soft and beautiful—like Kate.

But she was scared and wanted slow. He didn't mind. He would wait.

He glanced over at her crouched at her desk, eyes scanning files, her fingers linking names, and her forehead scrunched in confusion.

The make-up under her eyes didn't hide the purple bruises of restless nights.

He'd already made sure she ate lunch, but he wondered if she remembered to eat at night when he wasn't there to nudge her.

When Montgomery called her into his office, he thought of the Jack Coonan case. She was too close.

And when he saw her slap her jacket over her shoulder, he knew she wasn't going to let it go. She wouldn't stop.

"Kate," he tried, wanting with every ounce of his being to follow her but instead, was met with stone-faced silence.

This time he wasn't going to let it go.

He was too close.

He brought flowers—bright, colorful ones, something that would distract her.

His heart knocked in his chest as he rapped against her door, his other hand gripping the flowers tightly.

When she opened the door with eyes wet, hands in pockets, and a heart-breaking smile, he wanted to wrap his arms around her, but he handed her the flowers instead.

"That's really sweet, Castle. Thanks," she managed, a small smile flicking at her lips.

Shrugging, he stood in her kitchen as she hunted for a vase.

"So I was thinking on the way over here, all best cops, Dirty Harry, Cobra, guy from police academy who makes the helicopter noises. They all have one thing in common."

"Plucky sidekick?"

"That and they do their very best work once they've been booted off a case."

"That's what you came all the way over here for?"

"Montgomery may have kicked us off of Raglan's case, but not your mother's."

She threw him a wry smile as she motioned him towards her living room.

"Come on, Castle I gotta show you something."

When she opened the window shades, his heart stopped. Pictures, dates, and names neatly placed but scattered with the mass of questions lining each note.

"I forget sometimes that you live with this every day."

"Yeah."

"When did you start?"

"Over the summer, when you were in the Hamptons."

He watched her eyes scan the information in a well-practiced sweep. His heart clenched. She was splintering inside.

"Kate, you don't have to do this alone."

She glanced at him, eyes unreadable.

"Castle, this isn't your fight. I signed up for this," she finally said, closing the shutters.

"I may not have a badge, Kate, but I'm not letting you fall down the rabbit hole."

She turned away from him, running a hand through her hair.

"I don't need you to babysit me, Castle," she sighed.

"I just don't want you getting hurt," he said softly, running a hand across the back of her shoulder.

She turned back to face him, her eyes wide.

"Castle, this is my life."

"And I don't want to see you throwing it away," he shot back. He just wanted to protect her. Her eyes flickered.

"I can't ask you to do that."

"It's not asking if I'm offering. Let me do this."

"Plucky sidekick always get killed."

"Partner, then."

He held his hand out to her but she ignored it, instead reaching for his collar and pulling him to her, her mouth catching his in a bruising kiss. Her hands twisted in his hair, her body pressing tightly against him.

"Jesus, Kate," he choked out between breaths. Her mouth was hard and biting.

He tasted salt.

"Kate," he said, breathing heavily, "Slow down."

"Castle, please," she said as she unbuttoned his shirt. He caught her wrists, circling his hands around them.

"I'm not letting you do this."

"Do what?" she asked, breaking from his grasp. She didn't meet his gaze.

"Use me as a distraction," he said softly, gently thumbing her tears away.

"Castle, no." She feathered her hands around his jaw, one of her palms slipping to cup his cheek. He unconsciously leaned into her touch, his breath shuddering. "You're not a distraction," she whispered.

He found her eyes, his heart suddenly beating loud in his ears.

"What am I, then?"

She slipped her arms around his neck in a slow glide and skimmed his earlobe with her mouth.

"Everything."

She led him to her bedroom and he followed, ready to take anything she wanted to give. But she was vulnerable, so he stopped the hot stroke of her fingers under his shirt.

"Are you sure?"

She looked up at him. "I don't want to wait anymore," she said, her eyes like molten. Before he could respond, her mouth slanted over his and any words of protest died on his lips.

Her legs wound around his waist and he stumbled back into her bed. She laughed as they fell and became a tangle of limbs. He grinned, his heart brimming as he took her in, at the sight of her face lighting up just for him.

"I don't want this to be a one-time thing," he said.

She nudged her nose with his, her mouth flirting with his.

"Me, neither."

He brought his palms to cup her face, gentling her. He couldn't hold it in anymore.

"I love you."

He felt her tense.

"Rick—"

"You don't have to say anything back, I—"

Her lips interrupted him.

"Shut up."

She climbed on top of him, straddling his waist. Her fingers reached down and tugged at his shirt, pulling it up over his head.

"I'm not going anywhere," she said.

She shed her own shirt and lowered herself to him.

"Say it again."

He woke up before she did. He watched the even rise and fall of her chest as she slept, completely socked out. She looked so peaceful, so he let her rest. He brushed a kiss over her forehead as he slipped out of the bed, throwing on his silk boxers and button-up T-shirt.

About an hour later, he scrounged enough in Kate's kitchen to make pasta and a pretty decent tomato and basil sauce. He even found some old, dry baguette bread, fried it in a pan with olive oil and rubbed fresh garlic on it. He wasn't sure if it was the smell or his clanking around that woke her but she shuffled into the kitchen while he was finishing up in a ratty NYPD sweater and a pair of leggings, rubbing at her eyes, and her hair stuck up in the back. He grinned at the sight of her.

"Hey, Sleepyhead."

She smoothed her hands through her hair, untangling the rat's nest in the back. "What are you doing?"

"Making dinner," he said, pinching some salt into his bubbling sauce. "Here, taste," he urged, holding a wooden spoon out to her. She arched a brow, but she leaned forward and swiped her tongue out, slowly licking from the spoon and groaning as the sauce hits her taste buds.

"That's amazing," she said, her eyes flicking down to his boxers. She smirked, "I think I like you in my kitchen like this."

He smiled.

"Just a couple more minutes until the pasta's done. Would you mind setting the table?" he asked.

"Bossy, too," she said, eyeing him impishly before she reached up into the cabinet for plates and wine glasses. Her sweater hiked up, exposing the small of her back and he swallowed, arousal curling in his belly again. He almost reached out to start round four, but he resisted, wanting to enjoy this quiet moment.

She slid past him and soundlessly set the table. He glanced over at her, the domesticity of the scene filling him with an ache.

The pasta timer beeped and she poured the water out. He stirred it together with the sauce in a bowl and put the garlic bread on a serving plate. He heard Beckett uncork a bottle of wine and joined her at the table, setting the food down. She'd dimmed the dining room lights and lit some candles. He thought he would have to bully her into eating dinner with him, to take a break from solving her mother's case. But she's surprising him and he basked in the easy dance they've established.

"Castle?"

"Hmm?" he hummed, breaking from his thoughts.

She set down the bottle of wine and looked at him. "Thank you."

"It's not a prob—"

"No, I mean it. I needed this, and you… " she paused, inhaling, "I really appreciate it."

He approached her. Her eyes are glistening. "It's nothing, Kate."

"I'm sorry, Castle. It's just—I've pushed so many people away with my mom's case. And you always stay. You take care of me," she said gesturing to dinner, "And no one's ever done that for me before."

"Kate."

She looked fragile.

He cupped her cheek in his hands and feathered his lips against hers. She raised herself on her toes, sealing her mouth to his, and they kissed. Slow and gentle.

"Rick, I...I want to be someone more for you, someone who you can..." she looked away, letting the unsaid hang in the hair. Someone who can love you back.

"Shh, later," he murmured, pressing a kiss against her cheek.

He placed a wine glass into her hand and took a seat at the table. She followed, sitting across from him, a grateful look on her face. He took a sip from his wine as she doled out pasta onto both of their plates. He passed her some garlic bread and they ate in comfortable silence for a little. And then she told him a story about her dad, about a ballgame they went to and how her dad caught a foul ball in the stands but a determined little boy punched him in the leg and he dropped it into the boy's mitt out of surprise.

They're laughing one moment and the next, her eyes landed on his, something dark and hungry brewing in her gaze. Her foot flirted with his, and soon, it was traveling further up his leg and thigh. He grinned knowingly at her.

They barely made it to the couch.

He woke in the morning to sun filtering through the blinds. Stretching his arms in a yawn, the night before rushed back to him and he glanced over to the other side of the bed. It was empty. He ran a hand over the spot, the sheets still warm and rumpled.

He rose out of bed and trekked into the living room. He found her by the window, wearing his T-shirt, her mother's case open on the shades. Her head was bent, looking at pictures. The floor creaked as he took another step and her head whipped up. A smile broke across her face.

"Morning, Sleepyhead."

"Hey," he said, smiling back at her.

"I made coffee," she said, nodding at two steaming cups on her desk. God, he loved her. He took a sip before joining her. She kissed him hello, and he slipped the photos from her hand.

"Hey!" she cried out, "I was looking at those."

"What are these?" he asked, his eyes widening as he found a young Kate Beckett looking back at him.

"Oh, no," she moaned, covering a hand over her face in embarrassment.

He gasped at the sight of her in braids and skates.

"You were adorable!"

"No, stop it," she begged, trying to grab for the photos, but he kept them out of her reach.

"I need to see more," he laughed. She tried to distract him by hugging his back and sliding her hands down his bare chest.

"You're evil," he growled as she trailed kisses down his neck. "I just want to see you in action."

She pressed her smile into him. "Trust me, it wasn't pretty."

He flipped through more of the photos, but there aren't any of her skating in the rink. "Do you have the negatives?"

She shook her head at him, amused, and passed him the original sheet of photos. She propped her chin on his shoulder as he held it up to the light. His brow creased when he noticed something strange.

"Kate?"

"Hmm."

"Where're the rest of the photos?"

"What do you mean?"

"There are twenty-four exposures on here, but only twenty printed photos."

"What?" she said, grabbing the negatives from him and bringing them to her desk. She pulled up the digitized files on her computer, confusion clouding her face.

"This is the alley where she was killed. But these were taken a week before it happened," she said, looking at him in scared excitement. "How is that possible?"

Everything spun out of control from there and now they were outside a warehouse and she was open to dumb ideas.

They stumbled out of her cruiser, pretending to be drunk. When she said, "It's not working," to him, he tugged her to him for a searing kiss. He almost forgot about their plan, his mind going blissfully blank as he lost herself in the embrace. They both did. But a moment later, she remembered and managed to pistol-whip the guard in time.

"That was amazing," Castle said, breathless.

"Later," she said, nodding at the entrance. He sobered and followed her inside where she took down Lockwood's henchman before they could hurt Ryan and Esposito.

Castle took cover as a shoot-out unfolded. His blood ran cold when he spotted Lockwood aiming his sniper-rifle at Kate. His heart dropped into his stomach and then all he saw was red. Before he knew it, people were pulling him off of Lockwood and his hand was sore.

Kate found him later in the back of an ambulance, and her fingers started gingerly reworking his bandages.

"Thank you for having my back in there," she said, smoothing her hand over his.

"Always," he replied easily, catching her jaw with his uninjured hand.

She leaned into it, her eyes slipping shut.

"Castle," she whispered hoarsely. "You know...you need to know, I—"

"Kate, it's okay," he said.

She opened her eyes and took his hand from her face and cradled it in her palm between them.

"No," she said fiercely, "It's not." She let her forehead fall against his and locked her gaze with him. "I love you, too," she whispered like it was a secret; like it was something precious.

He smiled softly, his heart overflowing, and pulled her to him, their lips meeting for a tender moment.

"You're everything," he murmured.

She slid onto the spot next to him and nudged him a little so that he raised his arm and she settled into the crook, and her head found a spot on his shoulder. He kissed the top of her head and she hummed noncommittally. Castle knew how rare it was for her to be this open, so he stayed quiet, reveling in the sweetness of having her tucked into his side. Reveling in her love.

Her mother's case wasn't over, but he knew that he would be with her every step of the way.

Because they were just beginning.