We always see Castle and Beckett solving crimes, surrounded by other people.  I like to explore their lives outside of work, where stuff happens.  Like in this story.  I am an eternal optimist and a hopeless romantic, and I like to get up close and personal with these two lovely characters. 

watch for the Fireflt & Waitress tie-in nuggets

This is rated SS for Saucy and Sexy

I hope you enjoy reading as much as I have enjoyed writing.  

 

Nikki peeled off her clothing and wrapped herself in the fluffy white towel.  She smiled a greeting to Rook, who was waiting for her in the massage room.  He was securely wrapped but appeared uncomfortable as he eyed Tanya, his pretty masseuse.  Nikki reassured him with a quick, hard kiss, and guided him to the table.  Jameson loosened his towel, stretched his body face down and allowed Tanya to unwrap him.  Nikki did the same with her masseuse – an impossibly handsome man name Serge.  It had taken Nikki a lot of bedroom energy to finally convince Rook that couples massage could be fun.   

 “Damn!  Rook, you’re such a big sissy!  This is total garbage!”

Richard Castle slammed his fist onto his desk hard enough to make the coffee cup rattle.  His frustrations were a direct result of a strange inability to fathom the complexities of the female psyche.   On occasion, this knowledge gap resulted in Jameson Rook bumbling like a fool.  Castle sighed in resignation and heaved his tired body up to stretch.   “It’s been a long day.  I need a woman’s intuition, I need Kate.” He smiled at the very pleasant vision of the two of them dancing, but his smile quickly faded when every muscle and bone in his body suddenly screamed in protest while he limped around the room. “Ouch, ouch, ouch!  What the hell?” 

“Who are you talking to, Richard?” Martha called out from the kitchen, where she was reviewing a new script.

 “I’m talking to myself.  I seem to be doing a lot of that lately, so just ignore me.” He winced when his neck twisted painfully.

 “All right dear.  That should be easy enough to do.”

 Castle made it into the kitchen and gave his mother a quick kiss before retrieving a beer from the fridge.  He topped up her empty wine glass and sat down gingerly on the chair beside her.  His throat was dry but the beer was unusually harsh going down.  He rubbed his weary eyes and felt the first tingling of a headache.

 “Are you having trouble with Nikki again, dear?”

“She’s a spirited woman and needs a firm hand.  Rook can’t handle her right now because her witching powers turned him into man-mush.  Rook needs a rest and I need fresh ideas.  A muse-consultation with Kate would be perfect.”  He shifted carefully in the chair, determined to finish the beer.

 Martha sipped her wine and studied her son intently over the rim of the glass before asking her next question. “Richard, what exactly are your intentions towards detective Beckett?”

“Mother, that’s a creepy question!  My intentions are my own business.  Why do you ask anyway?”

 “Because, dear boy, if you don’t kiss her soon you will miss the proverbial boat.  I know you are attracted to her, but does she reciprocate?  I’ll bet she’s dating some handsome police officer or fireman while you wait around.   Just take her in your arms and show her how you feel.  Kiss her so she knows what she’s missing, kiddo.  Richard?  Richard, what's wrong?  You look awfully pale, dear.  I’m sorry to have upset you.”

“I know you just want to help, mother.  My relationship with Kate is complex, and I’m so crazy for that woman it’s driving me insane!   I love her, but Kate’s not ready for me.  I’m at the end of my rope and I just don’t know what to do.” Castle’s eyes closed and he weaved dangerously on the chair.  Beads of sweat had appeared on his forehead.  “I feel terrible. Help.”

 Martha wasted no time with further questions.  She caught him just as he slid off the chair, grabbing his arm and offering what support she could as he limped to his bedroom. 

 “I’ll be ok, just let me sleep for a while.  I need to see Kate tomorrow.  I’m desperate for her. I want to kiss her, I will kiss her.”  Martha murmured in concern as Richard moaned in pain.  As he undressed she scurried to the kitchen to grab a bottle of water and some pain tablets, but he was already asleep by the time she returned.  All Martha could do now was mentally prepare for the possibility of a long night ahead and an uncertain Monday.   

 Early Monday morning, Martha looked in on Richard and frowned at what she saw.  His fever had worsened overnight and now his face glistened with a sheen of perspiration.  Martha hurried to the telephone and used the speed-dial.  The answer was immediate.

 “Homicide,  Esposito.”    

 “Good morning Javier, this is Martha Rogers.  How are you dear?”      

 “Hey, Mrs. R!  Nice to hear from you, what can I do for you?”

 “I need to speak to Detective Beckett please, I hope she’s there.”

 “Hold up, Mrs. R. I’ll go get her.”

 “Beckett.”

 “Good morning Kate, this is Martha.  I have a bit of an emergency on my hands this morning, dear.  I am calling to beg for your assistance.”

 “What happened, are you ok?”

 “I am, Alexis is, but Richard is not, I’m afraid.  He’s come down with a case of the flu.”

 “Oh, oh, but why do you need my help?”

 “Well, you see, I am scheduled for a full day of rehearsals, and Alexis has major school work for today, so neither of us can stay home and look after him.  I’m reluctant to leave him alone all day, so I wondered…..”

 “Ok Martha,  I’d be happy to help out.  I can be there within the hour; just give me time to plan the day here.”

“Oh, thank you so much, Kate.  I knew I could count on you, dear.  See you soon.”

 Martha hung up the phone and immediately began her preparations for the day.  She smiled and wondered how Beckett’s colleagues would react to this unusual mission of mercy.  The smile quickly faded, however, at the memory of Richard’s outpouring yesterday evening.  “I hope I don’t make matters worse.”  She frowned.

 

 

 The offices of the 12^th Precinct Homicide division were buzzing with early morning activity.  Detective Beckett clicked off the phone absently, her mind on overdrive with this bit of news from Martha.  Castle, sick.  He never gets sick.  Martha wants me to play nurse to Castle.  Wow, this might actually be interesting.

 “Hey guys, change of plans.   I’ll be babysitting Castle today; turns out he might have the flu.  Cross your fingers no bodies turn up today because that stack of paperwork is way overdue.  I’ll take some files to do while I’m over there.  I want to be out of here before the Captain arrives.   Are you guys feeling OK these days?  We got our flu shots, but…”

 “I’m good boss.  How about you bro?” asked Ryan.

 “I had some bad days last week for sure, but nothing like the flu. We’re all worn out, winter is hard on everybody.”

 “Gee, I hope I don’t catch whatever Castle has.  He was here every day last week.  He must have been tired too, but I was too busy to notice.  Maybe I shouldn’t go over there….but I did promise Martha.  What do you think…?”

“Beckett, if you promised to help, then you should go and help.  We want Castle back again soon, cause it’s going to be way too quiet around here without him and his crazy stories.”

 “Yeah, Kevin’s right.  Tell him we miss him.  Yo, and Beckett, my advice?”  He moved in closer to Kate to make his point, “Don’t get too close to him.” he smiled devilishly at his own humor. 

 “Very funny, you are such a comedian Esposito. You guys obviously have everything under control here. You have the phone numbers, so call me if anything comes up, OK?”

 “You got it boss.  Try chicken soup, I hear that always works.” he snickered again.

 She threw him a look as she packed up her stuff and trudged out, missing the sly comments exchanged between her two partners behind her back.

 “Fireworks are coming for those two.  Mark my words. About time, too, he needs to kiss her before we all get old.”

 "You have a smutty mind my friend, but I totally agree with your assessment.”  Ryan smiled at this partner as he sat down and picked up the top file.

 

 

Kate paused outside Castle’s apartment door, doubts still plaguing her about the whole situation.  Her knock was answered almost immediately by Martha, who appeared decidedly flustered.

 “Hello Kate dear, please do come in.”  Martha closed the door behind Kate and kissed her cheek fondly.  “This may seem awkward, but I really didn’t know who else to call on such short notice.  Heavens, you look tired dear, are YOU feeling sick too?”

 “Truthfully, I’m exhausted.  Too many cases and too much paperwork.  Overloaded. I could go on all day about my problems.” Kate dropped her bag and coat in the kitchen and looked at Martha.  “When did Richard get sick?  What are his symptoms?”

 “It was late last night before bed.  He’s got a raging fever now, and I was awake half the night listening to his nightmares.  Poor boy, maybe it’s that HN thingy going around.  He’s been having trouble with Nikki, too.”

 “H1N1 is the common flu bug this season.  All of us at the station received the vaccine, but Castle probably didn’t get a shot.”

 “Well if that’s what it is, then at least you won’t catch it from him, dear.  My doctor gave me that shot too; at least I think it was the H thingy.  I’m so sorry to rush you but I really must be on my way soon.  I’m sure you’ll find everything you might need for today.  I left some Tylenol and water on the kitchen counter.  That over there,” she pointed, “is Richard’s room, but you probably already know that.”  Martha pulled on her shoes and coat, picked up her purse but then stood rooted at the door, uncertainty and worry reflected on her face. 

“Martha, please don’t worry about a thing.  I’ll take good care of Richard.

 I can get extra help in an instant, being a cop and all.  I have some great connections.” She smiled, hoping to put Martha at ease.

 “Oh, you are a sly one, dear.  I can see why he adores you.”  Still, Martha just stared at Kate, judging.   Finally, she took Kate’s hands firmly into her own and spoke.

 “Richard is precious to me, Kate.  He is the world to me.  I should not interfere in his life, but I’m getting old, and I need to know he’s going to be happy.  Richard loves you.  He’s in emotional and physical crisis and needs you.  Search your heart, Kate, and don’t hurt him.  Please, don’t hurt him.” With those parting words, Martha slipped out to leave Kate standing at the door, thunderstruck and paralyzed with the wonder of it all.

 Slowly, Kate turned to face the empty room, shoulders drooping in dismay.  Her legs finally obeyed their walk signal and took her to the kitchen.  Cold orange juice felt good on her dry throat, and for good measure she swallowed a Tylenol to intercept the headache that had creeped in uninvited. She sat with her head in her hands and tried to make sense of Martha’s shocking words.  Richard loves me?  That was impossible.  Had she missed the subtle signs? Why had he not spoken to her?  What was it about that man, anyway?  He was everywhere all the time – infiltrating her life, her work and even her subconscious.  Kate laid her head on the cool counter and closed her tired eyes.  Annoyed at the situation here today, she  wanted only to doze and shut down her overactive brain.  Instead of turning calm, however, her mind totally betrayed her by releasing a waterfall of intoxicating images and sounds.  She moaned softly and felt her body heat rising as the cascade of thoughts flowed on and on. This was not subtle at all.  He was part of her being, part of her soul, interwoven into the very synapses of her brain.  Kate raised her head quickly and snatched up a gulp of air.   She breathed deeply, panic stricken and overwhelmed at the power this one man could have.  Love indeed, this was more like an invasion. 

“Richard Castle, you have turned my life upside down!”  The answering reply came from the bedroom and was so unexpected that Kate nearly fell off the chair in surprise.  She crossed the room in a few quick strides.

 “Castle, what on earth…” she gasped at the sight of Castle’s pale face on the pillow and his limbs tangled up in the bed sheets.  Another nightmare had him in its grip.  His contorted features could only hint at the horrors his imagination must be summoning, but it would be impossible to wake him. Instead, she found a towel and gently wiped away the sweat that covered his face and neck.  Kate cried out in sudden pain as Castle’s hand shot out and captured her wrist in a vice-like clench.  “Castle, let go, you’re hurting me!  Are you awake?”  He released her arm and flopped back on the pillow, troubled sleep overtaking him again.  Tears of frustration and pain burst from Kate’s eyes as she massaged her wrist.  Never had she felt as helpless and uncertain as she did now, with fatigue and despair threatening to drag her down.  “Castle, I don't know what to do!  It breaks my heart to see you like this.  I'm too weak, too tired.”

Kate staggered into the bathroom, trying to calm the turmoil with cold water and a towel.  She winced at the wild-eyed woman in the mirror. This was unknown territory – she had no colorful map to guide her through this labyrinth of emotions.  She sniffled and paced the bedroom in a daze, obsessively watching his feverish sleep.  Search your heart, don't hurt him.  Richard loves you.  Crisis.  Love. Scattered thoughts buzzed and spun around in dizzying circles but somehow they always ended up where they had started – with the man in the bed.  

As the minutes passed, Kate's composure gradually returned.  The spinning had halted and her mind was now at peace with the undeniable truth that had surfaced. She stopped pacing and sat on the edge of the bed, gazing at his sleeping form and actually seeing him for the first time.  Exquisite details unfolded before her bewildered eyes – the sensual curve of his lips, thick long lashes, strong jaw, shadow of a beard.  Pulled by an unseen force, her gentle hands reached out and began to journey along a new and exciting landscape.  Her fingers explored and encountered the scars, muscles and flesh of life.  A gasp escaped her lips when her hands felt the burning heat of his bare chest.  This body was so strong, so beautiful and powerful.  Here lay the raw man – here lay her future.  She pulled the sheet up and softly kissed his lips. “You are a masterpiece.”

 Kate’s eyes stung and her legs shook when she finally closed the bedroom door behind her.  The outpouring of emotions had drained her body but her mind was cleansed and sharp enough to taunt her with more visions.  She flopped into the closest chair and pondered her options for the rest of this endless day.   “This is so surreal. What is happening to me?” she looked at the bedroom door once more, perplexed and yet excited.

Both paperwork and sleep were out of the question, so Kate got up and decided to explore the apartment. She wandered into rooms, fingered his possessions and eventually ended up in his library.  Richard’s presence was strong in this room where knickknacks covered the desk and photos hung from every space on the walls.  Well worn James Bond novels sat neatly alongside his Derek Storm collection.  She admired the cover art on a few Storm novels and couldn't help but think about her alter ego Nikki Heat.  “Hmm, Martha said that Castle is having trouble with Nikki.  She can be a handful at the best of times, but I could help him because I AM Nikki.”  She licked her lips at the thought of another page 105 and wondered if he had already written a new love scene.   ‘A Rose for Everafter’ caught her eye so she pulled it off the shelf and carried it back to the kitchen.  She dialed Ryan's cell phone for an update.

 “Hey Beckett, everything is cool here.  No worries.  We’re just doing catch-up paperwork, like you asked.  No bodies yet.  The captain is having a fit today, good thing you're not here.  How’s our man?”

 “He’s out cold, Kevin.  Who would have thought Castle could get sick?  It could be any one of us.  We go full speed every day like robots, so caught up in work we forget we're human.  We’re fragile and vulnerable just like every other human on the planet.”

“Whoa, Beckett, don't get sentimental on me. What’s going on over there?  Are you ok? We catch murderers, remember? Bad guys. Fragile is not part of our vocabulary.  Vulnerable is for wimps.  We’re not human, we’re homicide cops.  Just get Castle back on his feet OK? Do you want me to come over?”

 “No, no.  I’ll have to deal with this on my own.  I’m just overtired and not thinking straight.  I'm so lucky to have you guys.  Take care, see you tomorrow.”

 “Yes boss, have fun. Don’t worry; we’ve got your back. Ryan out.”

 She could hear the smile on Ryan’s face – he was probably joking with Esposito right now about her silly fragility speech.  Well, vulnerable or not, she needed some down time here today.  Kate grabbed the book and promptly buried herself into the soft cushions of the couch.  How nice it would be to sit here enveloped in Richard’s strong arms.  They could talk about his latest novel, drink some wine, watch the fire.  She opened the book and began to read, smiling at the memories his clever stories brought back to her.  Derek Storm sure had a way with women – too bad he was history.

The bedroom door opened but she did not hear it, for Kate was asleep on the sofa and the book had fallen to the floor.  She was unaware that Richard was standing nearby, watching her sleep.  Castle let his gaze drift boldly over every inch of her slumbering body.  His eye lingered for a time over the gentle rise and fall of her breasts and her shapely, softly parted lips.  For countless minutes he stood swaying until his tired body forced him to sit down on the couch beside her, head in hands.

 “Castle, what….? Why are you up?” Kate felt his movement and was awake in seconds, instincts on alert. 

 "Kate.” he croaked.  “Why are you here?”

 “I'm babysitting you, silly.  What do you need?”

 “I woke up feeling hungry.  I thought I smelled food. I hate to ask, but could you make me something to eat…”

 “Of course I will. That’s why I’m here, and I could use a snack myself.  I was reading one of your books, but it put me to sleep, sorry to say.”  Kate hurried to the kitchen, leaving him sitting on the couch quietly fingering the bent pages of the book.  Just as the microwave beeped, Castle arrived at the table and sat heavily in a chair, sighing.  He tasted the food tentatively, and then smiled appreciatively.  His mood improved immediately

“This is so amazing, thank you.  Chicken soup and tea have never tasted so good, but I still feel like I’m in the twilight zone. So weird.  How long have you been here, Kate?  What day is it? What time is it?” his tired eyes stared at her across the table.

 “Well, let’s see,” she teased. “You want that information in Stardate, moon phases, Gregorian calendar or Rolex?”

 “Woman, you’re making my head ache again!”

 “Ok, Ok! It's Monday.  Noonish.  Seems like I’ve been here forever. You've been having nightmares.”

 “Yeah, I remember the last one.  It involved Reavers, the President and a long drop.  I also remember the good dreams.  The last one was simple – you and me. I do hope you've been taking shameless advantage of me in my helpless state.” his eyebrow raised.

 “The thought crossed my mind.”  Kate got up suddenly and pretended to fuss with the medicine bottles.  “The boys in the office say they miss your sunny personality and wish you a quick recovery.  We're up to our eyeballs in work, as you know, but they've got everything under control.  Probably having a pizza lunch right now.  You know the saying, while the cat's away….  ”

 “You've got good men there Kate.”  He stretched out his arms and suddenly grinned wickedly.  “Hey, I love it – the amazing detective Beckett making me soup.  Better keep this our little secret, eh? You know what? That must have been magic soup, because I feel pretty good now,  just a bit on the weak side.  Wow, I can move again and the fever is gone.” He stood up and happily stretched out all of his joints.

 “Actually, you do look a lot better.  I suspect you had a mild case of the flu along with exhaustion.  I’m happy to see you on the mend so quickly, and I’ll expect you to report for duty first thing in the morning, detective Castle.”

 “My darling Kate, what would I do without you?  You’re my solid rock, my very own Florence Nightingale.   I’m so happy you’re here because only you have the magic to help me.  I'm going to hug you now.”  He enveloped her in his arms, and through his robe she could feel the heat pouring from his body in waves. 

 “Hey Castle, a little help here.  Know what? You smell bad, my friend.  A hot shower would go a long way.”

“That sounds wonderful.  Want to join me?” he asked, releasing her at last.

 “Maybe another time when we’re both feeling better.”

 “Really, hmm.”  He lumbered off towards the bedroom but still managed to throw her a wink and a smile over his shoulder.  The ring of her cell phone interrupted Kate’s interesting train of thought.

 “Beckett.”

“Kate dear, its Martha.  How are you coping?  How is Richard?”       

“Everything is fine, Martha.  He's up right now taking a shower and we both had a bite for lunch.  He had another nightmare, but it looks like worst is over.  He’s a strong man.”

“Oh, that's wonderful news.  I'll be just a couple of more hours here, and Alexis should be home by 6:00.  Please think about staying for dinner tonight, because I'm going to stop at the market for fish. I hope Richard will have an appetite.”

“Thanks for the invite.  I’ll consider it.  How are the rehearsals going, Martha?”

“Just peachy dear, thank you.  Oh, yes, and I’ll also pick up his favourite pie from that little place that he loves.  Some strange name like Marshmallow Mermaid Pie, something like that.  Please give Richard a kiss for me, and I’ll see you both later.”

The line clicked and Kate disconnected, thinking that dinner and pie sounded kind of nice.  If only she could get a bit more rest before the day ran out of hours. The unexpected nap on the couch had been nice but way too short.  She sighed and headed for the bedroom. “Whew! Yuk!”  The ripe odour of sweat hit her hard.  Kate proceeded to strip the sheets off the bed, exchanging them for a fresh set.  She fluffed up the pillows and brought a new bottle of water for the nightstand.  Hell, here I am playing nurse and housekeeper to a grown man. I should be interrogating murder suspects, not changing bed sheets.  She stretched out her aching back muscles.  Oh well, there’s always tomorrow.  The bad guys were plentiful.

“Hey beautiful.”

“Hey yourself.  What a miracle, you look positively shiny.”

“I see an Angel of Mercy from Heaven in my bedroom.” Castle stood by the bed, wrapped in a robe and drying his hair with a towel.  His fresh gaze took in Kate's sagging shoulders, the dark circles under her eyes.  His lovely angel would need his help before she collapsed.  He threw the towel on the bed and gathered her up in his arms.    

“Sweetheart, I'm a big boy, I can look after myself.  You should get some rest.”  He gently massaged the muscle knots in her shoulders until the tension eased and her body relaxed against him.  This felt so right, so good.  “Kate, you’re so beautiful, I love holding you.”  A moment later, Castle sucked in his breath sharply when Kate’s arms slid inside his robe.  Her gentle, agile fingers danced on his body, wreaking havoc with everything.  Her lips began to chart a trail of tender kisses, soft as feathers on his hot skin.  His breath came in ragged gasps as he tried to resist.

“Masterpiece,” was the only word he heard as Kate’s bold hands drove him close to the edge and her lips worked their magic.  He covered her neck and face with urgent kisses, longing to feel her pressed against him. 

 “Kate, I…”

 “Ssshhh” 

 Their lips met in a flaming kiss, consuming them instantly with no mercy, no doubts.  The moment of touch seared their bond and nothing would ever break it.   He pressed her onto his heaving chest and willed his heart to start beating again.  She was all he could see, all he could feel.  He fell completely under the spell of her liquid eyes, and there was no second thought as he claimed her soft lips in another kiss that lingered until his strength was reduced to nothing.  All he could do was wrap her in his arms and wait for his body to float back to reality. 

 “You’re so incredible, Kate.  Now I’ve tasted you and I can’t get enough of you.  We waited so long.”

 “Yes, too long.”  She stroked his face and kissed him softly.  “You’re not nearly well enough for what I have in mind, but you leave me no choice.   Don’t go anywhere, I’ll be right back.”

 Bewildered and weak with desire, Castle could only stand and stare as Kate backed out the door.  He dropped his robe and crawled under the sweet smelling sheets, sighing contently.  He felt quite certain that Florence Nightingale had never displayed such brazen bedside manners to her patients.  Something wonderful had just happened, but this was not the time to puzzle about it.  The answers would all come in time, in their own sweet way.  Kate returned a moment later with her bag and shut the door behind her.

“I need sleep, you need sleep.  This bed is plenty big enough for the two of us.”

Castle's eyes widened in glee as he watched her strip naked and slip under the covers.  “My lovely Kate, you don't do anything halfway, do you?” He pulled her against him and delighted in the soft body heat.

“It’s all or nothing, partner.  I've been meaning to talk to you about your new book.  I would like to offer my services as the official consultant for any sex scenes between Rook and Nikki.  It should be authentic, right?”

“Kate, you realize this is it.  No power in the verse can stop us.”

 “That sounds very serious.” she yawned and snuggled against his shoulder.

 

 A few hours later, Martha Rogers entered the silent apartment.  After stowing away the fish, she tiptoed to Richard’s room, opened the door and peered in. 

 “Aww, look at them.  Poor dears, they must have been exhausted.”

 She touched Richard’s forehead, satisfied with his cool temperature.  At her touch his eyes opened and locked upon his mother’s face.  Yesterday, Castle would have cringed at the very thought of his mother invading his bedroom.  Today he didn’t care.

 “Hello Mother,” he whispered. “We’ll be out soon to help you with dinner.  We took your good advice to heart.”

 Martha could only nod and smile.  As she left the room, her eyes threatened to spill over with tears of joy.

 

 The end

Beckett playing nurse?

Haha nice! Very Creative.

I wonder if Beckett actually cooks….

You portrayed Martha's character very nicely