Thanks Nev!

I will finish it… eventually!  I have about a quarter of the next chapter done. I just need to find some time – I'm so busy with University!

Nev827 said:

I know what you mean.  I feel like it took me forever to get The Funeral done and I'm not in college anymore.  I could only imagine how much homework I wouldn't have gotten done if I'd come up with the idea while in school.

Thanks for your understanding!  But I promise I will finish it. And to everyone telling me to hurry up (mainly directed towards fanfiction), please be patient!

Tsurwolf said:

Wow what a great story.

Castle and Beckett at their best, both in banter and personal thought's.

Teriffic one liners through out the story, and i agree that pretty Woman is probably what "Kate " would like to watch since it's compleatly differant to what she has to deal with everyday at work.

How will "Rick" get back in the good graces of "Kate"

Thats easy the twelve year old will do the traditional thing, BUT over the top, like sky writing [sorry Kate] and having roses delivered by truck loads all in a candy/chocalate base.

Mind the adult could surface and a simple card saying the same might have a better result.

I am sure you will think of some way that fit's into the characters persona, and have us all happy in the end.

Please keep writing more of this story.

Cheers TBBW 

 

Thanks! I love BOTH of your ideas, and I just thought of a happy medium! Thanks again

Here's chapter eight! This chapter and the next were originally one extremely long chapter, but I decided to break it up. So, chapter nine will be up soon! I hope you enjoy, and as always, please review!

A special thanks to those who gave me ideas: "I'm Widget" (from Fanfiction) along with "SinginPrincess" & "Tsurwolf" (from Castletv.net). Also to "Jethro25" (from Fanfiction) for a dialogue consultation. Thanks guys!

After Castle left the precinct, he wondered aimlessly around the street of New York. He met a few fan girls who asked for his autograph. He granted them their wish, but just going through the motions, not paying attention.

When Castle finally arrived home he sat on the couch, lost in his thoughts.

"Hey kiddo, why so down?" Martha had come in and Castle hadn't noticed.

"Beckett."

"What did you do now?"

"Hey! Why do you assume that it was me who did something?"

"Richard, dear, I've met you both. And although I've only known detective Beckett for a short time, I know that it would be you who would screw it up."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence, mother."

"So tell me what you did. I am a life coach remember. I'll tell you what to do."

"Yes, I do. And I also remember that last time you had one of your sessions, three of my best bottles of champagne mysteriously disappeared."

"Well, how about I take the price off the session we're about to have?"

Castle was just about to say something when Alexis arrived home from school. "Gram, I'm home."

"We're in here, darling."

"We?" Alexis bounded the corner. "Dad? What are you doing home so early? Why aren't you off saving the city from killers?"

"Girl troubles." Martha piped up.

"I knew something was up. You've been sulking around here since Kate stayed for the movie. What's up?"

"I did something that I probably shouldn't have. Now she won't even talk to me about it."

"You could send her flowers and a card. It's simple, but a nice gesture. I think she'd like it."

"Yeah? Maybe." He thought flowers and a card were too cheesy. Not what she would be expecting from him.

"You won't know until you try." She gave her dad a hug. "I have to do my math assignment and then I have study group."

"Okay. Thanks sweetie. I'll think about it."

"Flowers are nice. Whatever the situation is, flowers won't make it worse." Martha put her two cents in before she went out to rehearse a play with some friends.

Castle picked up his phone and called the only person he thought that could help him.

"Parish"

"Lanie, hi. It's Castle."

"Hi. I'm still working on the autopsy. I'll call you guys when I'm done."

"No, Lanie, wait. I'm not calling about the murder. It's more of a personal call."

"I am in the middle of doing an autopsy on the vic, this had better be good or you will soon be joining her."

"It's about Kate." He hesitated, but he needed answers.

"Go on." She was intrigued he had called her.

"Tell me what to do."

"Excuse me?"

"She hasn't spoken to me since Saturday. I'm sure she's told you all about it."

"She did."

"Well, I talked to her at the crime scene this morning… she pretty much ignored me."

"Yes."

"Well, how do I fix it? You're her best friend. You know her better than anyone. If anybody knows how I can fix this, it's you. So…?"

"Castle, listen. I'm going to tell you something, and if she ever finds out I told you, I will kill you. Kate threatens you about shooting you, but I dare you to try and call my bluff."

Castle gulped. "I'm listening."

"Ever since her mother died, and Will left, she's never let anyone in. She talks to me every now and again, but I can tell she holds back. I don't push her, but you do. I'm not saying that's a bad thing, it's just that she's not used to it. She's always in control of her emotions and follows her head, not her heart. She's changed since you've been shadowing her. She laughs more, and she just seems… happier." Hearing Lanie say he made her happier couldn't keep the smile off his face. "She doesn't need someone who is going to let her down, or try to overshadow her. She needs someone who is going to make her laugh, challenge herself, and just let her have fun. And… and I think you're that guy. She's let you in to her life, and her past. She  doesn't do that. It took me a lot longer to get where you are now." She paused, waiting for him to say something.

"Castle?"

"Yeah, I'm here."

"Talk to her, and be direct. Don't make jokes; this isn't a joke to her. She needs to know that you'll be there."

Castle nodded.

"Try something simple. Maybe, flowers."

"Alexis mentioned that too. You think she'd like it?"

"I don't remember the last time she got flowers, but she's a girl. I'm sure she'd like them."

"Okay, thanks for the talk."

"White Orchids."

"Huh?"

"That's her favourite."

"Thanks Lanie, I mean it. And I promise that she won't know we ever talked."

"You had better keep your word, Castle."

"I will. Thanks again."

"One more thing."

"Yeah?"

"Good luck. You're going to need it. She's stubborn as hell."

"I know. Thanks." He hung up the phone and decided on flowers and a card.

_____________________

There was nothing to be done at the precinct. They were waiting for Lanie to finish with the autopsy, so Kate for once, decided to go home. She was in the middle of a relaxing bath when her doorbell rang. She thought it could be Castle, and that he couldn't possibly see her in a towel. But it could also be something important. She got out, wrapped a towel around her self, and proceeded to her door. If Castle stood there when she opened it she would not be pleased. When she opened the door she was glad it wasn't him… well, not in the flesh.

"I have a delivery for a…" the young man paused as he read the card. "Detective Kate Beckett. Is that you?"

"That's me."

"Then these are for you."

"Me?" Kate was shocked. She stood holding a beautiful bouquet of White Orchids. "Thanks?" It was more of a question because she was still stunned. Kate closed the door and found there was a card attached to the flowers. She opened it and read:

I'd be lost if I lost you.

- RC

She instantly recognized the lyrics from the song Castle made fun of her for only a few days ago. She immediately picked up her phone and hit the number three on her speed dial.

"Parish."

"He sent me flowers, and a card."

"Kate?" Lanie was surprised to hear her best friend at the end of the line. "Who sent you flowers? Castle?" She tried to sound surprised.

"Yeah."

"And?"

"And what? What am I supposed to do? He sent me White Orchids. How'd he know?"

"He has a way of finding things out." She quickly changed the subject. "What does the card say?"

"I'd be lost if I lost you. Signed RC."

This time it was Lanie who was stunned. She had told Castle to be simple. She didn't expect he'd come up with this. "Wait, isn't that a lyric from – "

"Yeah, it is."

"Does he know that song was your mother's favourite, that it was the song your parents danced to at their wedding? I mean, how'd he know?" This time Lanie wasn't trying to act surprised – she was shocked as hell.

"No, he didn't know. Well, I never told him, if that's what you mean. It was playing in the car on Saturday. I just told him I liked the station, not the song in particular."

"Girl, wow! He's a lot different then I thought."

"Yeah." Kate already knew what Lanie's next question was going to be.

"So, are you going to go over and see him?"

"I have to right? I mean, nobody has ever…" She trailed off. "I can't just ignore him."

"Call me whenever you sort it out, or well, just call me after."

"I will. Did you get the results for our vic yet?"

"Yes. But that can wait. I'll get Ryan and Esposito on it, and I will give them strict instructions to not disturb you unless it's a matter of life and death."

"It just might be, I'm not at his place yet."

Lanie laughed. "Remember what I said about natural causes."

"I remember. I'll talk to you later."

Reading that just made me go "ahhh" (Hmm.. that's a good ahhh).

Great stuff.

Thanks for the great comments everyone! I previously said you wouldn't have to wait long for the next chapter, so here it is! Enjoy and please review.

A special thanks to "Tsurwolf" (from Castletv .net) for one of the two ideas you gave me!

____________

Chapter nine: Don't make promises you can't keep.

Castle was sitting in his office thinking. He had already sent the flowers with a card and expected Kate to be getting them any second. Castle pictured Kate taking one look at the card and flowers and throwing them out. There was no way she'd like that. He'd known her for a while and didn't think she was a flower person. He thought of ways to impress her – to make sure she knew he cared. Then he thought of getting her jewellery. After further consideration he realized that she would most likely think he was trying to buy her. He knew that Kate Beckett was not a woman who could be bought with expensive gifts. A light bulb went off and he knew what he was going to do. It was completely Castle – he opened up the yellow pages and found the number he was looking for.

"Hi, you've reached Catbird Creative, speciality in aerial advertising. This is Bill speaking."

"Hi Bill, this is Rick Castle and I would like to place a request for a skywriting message." Sure, he knew Kate might kill him, but this way she would know what she meant to him. Castle gave the receptionist his name, information, Visa number, and the location he wanted it to be seen – right above the twelfth precient.

"When do you want this delivered?"

"Tomorrow morning, around seven o'clock."

"Well since it's on such short notice there will be an extra fee. And if you for any reason decided to cancel it that's a second, additional fee."

"That's fine. Thank you."

As soon as he hung up Alexis came down the stairs. "Who was that on the phone?"

"Oh nobody, just a telemarketer." Castle tried to sound casual.

"I see. Well, I'm off to study group. Bye."

"Do you promise to stay out late and wreak havoc on the city?"

"Dad, it's a Monday – I'll be home by nine." Alexis headed towards the door.

_____________

Kate stood at Castle's door. Raising her hand to knock, but she dropped it to her side, for the sixth time in the past minute. She wanted to knock but she couldn't bring her body to do what her heart wanted. In a few seconds the choice was made for her.

The door opened to reveal a youthful red-headed teenager. "Alexis?"

"Kate?" She was shocked to see the detective standing before her. "I assume you want to talk to my dad?"

"Yeah, how'd you know?"

"Let's just say, my dad has been moping around here for the past few days. I just put two and two together."

Kate gave Alexis an inquisitive look.

"Well, I'm off to a study group… and you have your own place to be." Alexis hollered in the direction of Castle's office. "Dad, there's someone at the door for you."

"Alexis! Wait. I don't –" Kate interjected, but almost instantly Alexis stepped foreword and hugged Kate. "I hope you two work this out. I've never seen him so… so sad."

"Thanks." She said awkwardly. "I hope so too."

Kate was so stunned all she could do was hug the girl back. Alexis pulled away and headed for the elevator. Kate stood awaiting the unknown. She thought of turning back and bolting towards the door, but she was more afraid of what would happen if she left. She didn't have to wait long as Castle soon came out of his office.

"Hey. I didn't think I'd ever see you again. I'm glad you came." He walked towards her.

"I got the flowers and the card. They were lovely. Thanks." She gave a half-hearted smile.

"Alexis gave me the idea. I didn't really take you as a flower or sappy card person, but it got you here, so, I'll definitely have to thank her."

Kate was surprised. He could have easily made some cocky remark about how many times he'd sent flowers to women and it worked. But instead he told the truth, and she was thankful.

"So, do you want anything?" He motioned towards the couch.

"No thanks." She walked over and sat down.

"Sure you don't want a lime, some salt, and a certain liquid of choice?" He tried to break the ice. Don't make jokes; this isn't a joke to her. Lanie's voice rung loud and clear in his head, and he cursed under his breath.

She nervously laughed. "Again, I think I'll pass."

Since she was sitting on the loveseat, he figured it best to sit on the other couch. "Sorry, I'm just nervous. I don't know what to say. I want to fix this, but I don't know how. Tell me what to do."

Kate didn't say anything. His voice sounded unsure of himself. She wasn't used to this side of the mystery writer.

"Please. Tell me how to fix it."

There was no reaction from Kate.

There was a long silence until Castle finally spoke. "You're afraid. Aren't you?" He looked at her, but she sat there, lifeless.

Kate was silent. She didn't move, and didn't dare look at Castle.

"I'm not going to leave you." He moved from where he was sitting and sat down next to her waiting for her to respond, to say something, to just acknowledge he was there. "I won't leave like Will, or any of your past boyfriends. I won't cheat on you, or leave you high and dry. I'm here. Trust me Kate. Please. I'm all yours. I'm here now, and I always will be."

She wanted him to stop calling her Kate. She preferred Beckett or detective. They were more professional. Kate sounded friendly, and it was easier for her to keep her emotions in tact in a professional setting. She finally spoke. "I know." She still couldn't look at him and therefore just stared straight ahead.

There was silence. Lanie was right; she was closed off. He didn't know how to get through. He tried flattery, giving her space and time, but he couldn't knock down the wall she created. He tried to figure out what she meant. I know. He kept repeating those words over and over to himself. If she knew he'd never leave then why wouldn't she just take the chance on him? Why couldn't she trust him? Sure she'd had past boyfriends who left, but it was a break-up. Everyone goes through them; you cry over it and then overcome it. He'd been through two divorces and lenty of failed relationships; you deal with it and get past it. So why couldn't she get past whatever was holding her back? And finally his brain clicked and he understood. It had nothing to do with him, Will, or any of her past boyfriends. It had something to do with someone much more important.

"I'll never leave…" he paused. He didn't want to upset her but he knew it needed to be said, "not like your mother did." He did it, he figured it out.

She shifted uncomfortably. She wanted to leave and forget the whole thing happened. But something kept her grounded and stuck to the chair. It was Castle. No person had ever made her feel the way he had.

By her facial expression he knew he had struck a cord. "Kate, please say something."

There it was. The way he said her name made her knees weaken. She was sure that if she had been standing she would have collapsed. Pausing for a moment she got up enough courage to speak. "You don't know that. You can't promise something like that." She finally looked at him, and made eye contact. "You don't know what's going to happen tomorrow, next week, next month, next year, or even in the next five minutes. We're here one second, and then gone the next." It took everything Kate had to not burst into tears. "My mother told me she would never leave and that she'd always be here for me. So, please Castle, don't make promises you can't keep."

Castle looked into her eyes and didn't break eye contact. He finally understood. It wasn't that she didn't trust him. She'd already proven that she had. She'd let him into her life, her past, and slowly into her heart. He finally realized that what scared her wasn't letting him into her life; it was if she was ever forced to let him go.

He reached for her hand and held it. She tried to pull away but his grip only got stronger. "Okay, I can't promise that nothing will ever happen to me. But what I can promise is that I will fight like hell to prevent it. I'll fight for Alexis, mother, and you."

She couldn't hold back any longer. She let a few tears roll down her cheek. Keeping one hand gripping Kate's, he lifted the other and slowly wiped her tears away. Finally she smiled; something Castle thought he would never see again. "I will do everything in my power to stay on this Earth with you." He lowered his hand down and now both hands were holding hers. "I promise to wear my vest everywhere I go, and if you tell me to stay in the car I will. I'll do anything you want me to. I'll do whatever I can to make sure I'm always here. I promise."

"Promise?" She looked hopeful, scared, worried, sad, and a million other emotions all at once.

"Promise." He smiled reassuring her.

"I trust you." She looked at him, "just don't screw it up!" She said jokingly and playfully punched his arm.

"I won't." He hesitantly leaned down and planted a kiss on her cheek. He pulled back, and just to be safe he said the only thing that came to mind: "Apples."

She laughed. "I'm not going to hurt you, Castle." She slipped into a serious tone. "But…"

He tensed.

"You missed." She smiled.

"What?" He was confused.

She pulled him closer, and found his lips. The only thing running through her mind now was that she couldn't believe she was foolish enough to push him away the first time.

At last she pulled away and leaned into him. He wrapped his arm around her and together they shifted comfortably on the couch.

"Thanks." She smiled.

"For…?"

"Everything. I expected some huge over the top gesture, but I'm glad you never went there. It was very un-Castle like of you. It was nice."

He had forgotten – the skywriting. Oh *****! "Yeah… you're welcome. But… I'll be right back. I have to make a phone call." He tried to stand and Kate knew something was up.

"Castle! What did you do!? So help me if you – "

"Nothing, I swear!" his voice was noticeably higher "I just have to make a quick phone call. That's all." He searched his brain for an excuse. "My book agent wanted to me call her, and I forgot until now. She wanted to discuss some signing event." He hoped she bought it, got up, and practically sprinted to his phone. He made sure he was out of Kate's ear range and called the skywriting company.

"Hi, you've reached Catbird Creative, speciality in aerial advertising. This is Todd speaking."

"Hi Todd, this is Rick Castle. I was speaking to Bill earlier. I had a booking for tomorrow morning." He was eager.

"Let me just have a look. Ah, yes, there you are."

"I need to cancel it!"

"Are you sure Mr. Castle?"

"Yes one hundred percent sure!"

"If you wish, but since it's less than twenty-four hours notice, there will be a small fee."

"That's fine, I'll pay double, I'll buy you a pony! Anything, as long as that plane does not leave the ground tomorrow!"

"Okay sir. I don't need a pony." He chuckled. "I'll be sure to cancel it, and the charge should show up on your bill in a couple days."

"That's fine. Thank you very much." Castle hung up and proceeded back to the couch. "Sorry about that. She doesn't know when to stop talking."

"Mhm." Kate's tone of voice told Castle that she didn't buy it.

He ignored it and since that ordeal was avoided, he returned to his position on the couch. They stayed there lost in the moment, just cuddled up for what seemed like hours. Everything was quiet and perfect – until Castle decided to be, well, Castle.

"You know, Ryan and Esposito had a bet that we slept together."

"Is that so?" She raised her eyebrow.

"Yeah. After you left the break room I found out. I told them nothing happened, so Ryan won."

"I see." All she was thinking about was how Ryan and Esposito would be doing paperwork for the next month.

"But personally, between you and me, I'd prefer it if Esposito won."

"Would you now?"

"Yes. We could fix it you know." He raised his eyebrow.

"Only on one condition."

He was bewildered. He expected to be hit, yelled at, but of all the things he expected, that response was most definitely not one of them.

"You tell me the new Nikki Heat title."

"Oh, detective Beckett, you're really going to make me work for it aren't you?"

"You have no idea." She looked up and gave him the same smile when she turned him down after their first case.

"I'll tell you the title on one condition."

"So now you want to see me work for it do you?"

"So much, Beckett. So very, very much."

And there it was – that signature Beckett eye roll. "Fine, Castle. What's your condition?"

"If you beat me in laser tag!"

"Oh, you're on! You don't stand a chance!"

"We'll see. And after that, how about some strip poker?" He teased.

"In your dreams, Castle."

"Always."

____________

I never indented this to be a long story, just something to get me through the hiatus, so I think this might be the last chapter. I have a little over two hundred words started for a next chapter, but I don't know if I'll be able to strech it out to make a chapter (or more). So, if I think of something else (or people give me ideas) I just might have to add more.

If this turns out to be the end, I hope you all enjoyed the story and please continue to review. I love checking my email and seeing that someone commented on my story. It's so nice to know that people are actually enjoying it. Thanks so much to each and every one of you!

If I happen to have another spur-of-the-moment idea and decide to write it, I'd love to know what you guys liked and didn't like, what I could have done better and what I did well. Thanks for all your wonderful comments (and constructive criticism) so far!

 ShutTheFrontDoor.

Hey i am famous by proxy now

Ripper yarn so far, heck you cant end it there.

Castle and Beckett in the cot. never happen ( best laid plans etc ) there will be something, just gotabe ( Alexis home early, Martha stopping to pick up some thing she forgot, another murder, Will asking for help from Rick.

These two are the original "star crossed lovers"  heck short circut the laser tag equipment, that will put a crimp in any naughty intentions

Cheers TBBW

ps: please keep writing even if it's a new story u good at it 

Awwwwwww these last two chapters were soooo sweet!

So glad you got Lanie and Alexis to interfere a bit

And the song quote in the note…Too cute!

 and I like how you added the "So very, very much" made me laugh so hard