Nice! Loving this.

I understand not having Kate find out the novel's title… although I'm sure your take would be very entertaining too.

So here’s chapter five, and I beat the Monday deadline! I LOVE Martha’s ‘Pretty People’ remark – it reminds me of ‘MyFace’. Hahaha, enjoy and please review!

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Chapter five: Care to join me?

Kate entered, trying to ignore Castle’s last statement. Martha came out from the kitchen and greeted them both.

“Hi, detective, this is a surprise. I didn’t know we were expecting company. Richard, you could have informed us you know.”

“Please, call me Kate.” She looked uncomfortable until Martha made her feel at ease. “Well you’re here now and that’s lovely.” Martha put an arm on Kate’s shoulder, just as her mother used to do. “So, I guess you’ve heard it’s family night… Monopoly is tonight’s game of choice.”

“I have, yes. He invited me to join you guys, I hope that’s okay.”

“Yes dear, of course it’s fine. We’re glad you’re here!”

“We also watch a movie too.” Alexis chimed in as she descended the stairs. “You’re welcome to stay if you like, although it’s dad’s turn to pick out the movie.” She frowned.

“I thought you and your grandmother went to the movie store earlier?”

“We did. But we got the movie he wanted.” She frowned again.

“Well, I’ll work on changing that!” She said with a smile.

Castle spoke up. “That’s not the rules Beckett. And here I thought you always followed the rules. I’ll let it go just this one time, so we can eat.” He glanced at Kate, “unless you want to break the meal before dessert rule, too?”

She shot him a look before walking to get a slice of pizza.

____________

They had just finished eating when Castle was eager to get the game started. “Alright, let’s get this going. I need to show detective Beckett over here, a thing or two about Monopoly.”

She turned on her heel. “Keep dreaming! You’re going down, Castle.”

“Care to place a bet, Beckett?”

“What’d you have in mind?” She regretted the words soon as they left her mouth.

“If I win,” he paused, “We are playing laser tag!”

“You know I will beat you at laser tag, right?”

“We’ll see, but that’s not all I have in mind. If I win, I get to take you out on a date. Like a real date. Flowers, dinner, the whole nine yards, and I’m paying.”

She thought about it. She could already hear Lanie screaming and jumping for joy. She knew that Ryan and Esposito would never let her live it down, even Montgomery would tease her but it’d only be one night, with a free meal. And that’s only if she lost, which she had no intention of doing.

Castle was utterly shocked that she hadn’t turned him down right there on the spot. “It’s not like we’re getting married or anything, it’s just dinner.”

“We are most definitely not getting married. Men should never marry their muse, it ruins the illusion.“

“Well in that case, how about it? You’re not afraid of a little… action are you, detective?” He knew how to push her buttons.

With that she made up her mind. “Deal. But if I win,” Castle now looked terrified. He hadn’t thought of that. But there was no way little Detective Kate Beckett could beat him. Could she? “I’m picking the movie, and you have to tell me the new Nikki Heat title.”

“Fine.” He relaxed a bit.

“And you are never, ever to call me Katie ever again, or I will shoot you. No number of custom ordered bullet proof ‘WRITER’ vests will protect you from the pain I will inflict!”

“That seems kind of extreme!” He tensed again.

“And,” her eyes narrowing, “You are not allowed to make any kind of jokes or innuendos while we’re at a crime scene. Not relating to the murder, the victims, the suspects, absolutely nothing and no one!” She paused, “for the next five murders.”

“Five! That’s not fair! Three.” He stood there with his arms folded. “Three. Take it or leave it.”

She knew there was no use arguing. “Fine, three.”

“Deal.”

“Deal.”

They both looked like they would turn on each other any second. Martha and Alexis looked from Castle to Kate then to each other. They were in shock that one, Castle tried to ask her out on a date, and two, Kate actually agreed – well, sort of. Both girls marvelled at the idea of how this night would turn out.

“Do you have Pretty Woman, Castle?” Kate asked curiously.

“Actually, I have many pretty women. Why, are you jealous?”

“I meant the movie, Castle.” Shaking her head, “because, when I win that’s the movie we’re going to watch. It’s a classic.”

“That’s not happening. We’ll be watching what I picked out.”

“I agree with you, Kate. I could watch Pretty Woman any day… that Richard Gere… yummm!” Martha licked her lips.

“Mother! Ew!” Castle plugged his ears.

This time it was Kate who spoke. “He is so handsome. He can climb up to my window any day.” She rested her hand on her hip.

With that, Castle was listening intently. “Is that what you like detective?”

Before Kate could respond Alexis put in her two cents. “He is kind of cute you know dad.”

“Alexis!? The man is like sixty! No matter how famous he is, that’s illegal!” His face was flustered. “I know people now, I’ll have him arrested!”

“Relax dad, I’m just saying.” She smiled at the two women before her.

“You know Castle, if he was like forty-five years younger, he could date Alexis, you could even be his father in-law!” Kate teased.

“Not funny!”

Kate and Castle stared at each other until Martha broke the silence. “Alright, enough of this, I’m getting all hot and bothered.” Kate and Alexis giggled while Castle pretended to vomit. “Let’s play! Alexis I think the game is in the closet upstairs. I’ll get the wine!”

Kate giggled again as Castle whispered in her ear “I told you so.. wine to her is as murder is to me.”

They made their way towards the living room. “I call being the banker!” Castle hollered as he started setting up the board.

“No way, I don’t trust you.”

“I’ll be the banker.” Alexis said, trying to settle the argument about to ensue.

All three adults looked at each other and nodded in agreement. With that they started the game.

____________

They’d been playing for almost an hour and Martha was no doubt in last. It was tough to tell if Kate or Castle was winning. Castle had more properties with a few houses on them, but there was a hefty pile of cash sitting before Kate. Alexis was closing up the gap. She owned Park Place, but Boardwalk was still unclaimed. Both Kate and Castle were determined to land on it and make some sort of deal with Alexis. However, it was too late for both of them.

“.. seven, eight,” Alexis had a smile that lit up her whole face, “nine! I want it, it’s mine!” She let out a squeal of excitement as all three adults watched as she landed on Boardwalk, put $400 of her money into the bank, and frantically searched through the pile of unowned properties. “There is no way I am giving either of you these, so don’t even try it!” She said it to everyone, though she was glaring directly at her father.

“I’m going to get another drink.” Martha stated as she tried to get to her feet. “Anyone want anything?”

“No mother, you’re cut off!” He shot her a look. “It’s your turn, Beckett.”

She was about to roll the die when she glanced down at North Carolina Avenue and Pacific Avenue in front of her and then at Pennsylvania Avenue in front of Martha. She looked at Castle and smiled slyly, then focused her gaze on Martha. “Tell you what; I’ll get you a glass of wine if you give me Pennsylvania.”

Castle’s smile was soon replaced with a look of disbelief. “Hey, that’s mine – that’s not fair!”

“Why Castle? Not afraid of a little action, are you? I can make trades before I roll – that’s the rules, and since you’re so intent on following rules…” She sipped her coffee, very pleased with her accomplishment.

“Mother, don’t do it! She stole my thunder!”

“Thunder, Castle? Isn’t that a little excessive? I think you mean line… You know, for a writer I figured you’d have better word choice. You’re murdering the English language.” She shot him a look.

“Hey! What… I… that’s not…” He was speechless. First, she stole his wine gimmick and now she was spitting his jokes back in his face.

“Oh calm down Rick.” Martha was starting to slur her words. “I’m on K-Kate’s side. I’d rather watch Pretty People over some movie with g-guns and b-blood.”

“It’s Pretty Woman, mother… Pretty Woman.” Castle now turned to his daughter for support. “Alexis?”

“Sorry dad, I’m with them.”

“So, do we have a deal?” Kate looked at Martha sweetly.

“We do indeed.” She said as she handed her glass to Kate. “This game reminds me of Mousetrap, I still don’t understand either of them.” Everyone exchanged comical looks as Kate went to refill the woman’s glass.

____________

Another two hours had passed and the game had changed drastically. Nothing had changed on Martha’s behalf though; she was still in dead last. She had somehow managed to get hotels on the light blue properties and own two railroads, which shocked everyone including herself. Kate and Castle each had two sets of hotels on the board. The dark green and orange belonged to Kate, while Castle owned the yellow and pink. Alexis was dominating, owning the dark blue, red, purple, both utilities, and the remaining two railroads.

It was Castle’s turn. He looked at his playing piece resting on Atlantic Avenue, picked up the die, and counted the spaces. At that moment, the only thing standing between him and going on a date with Kate Beckett was rolling a five, six or eight. If he landed on any of her green properties he’d be done for. If he rolled anything else he would be safe for another round – maybe three rounds if he could roll a four and go to jail.

He shook the die and released them on the board. He closed his eyes, he couldn’t look. His dream come true could be ruined by rolling one of three numbers. The squeal from Kate that shot through the air cut through him like a knife. He opened his eyes, revealing a pair of fours staring back at him.

“You owe me $1400.” Kate pronounced each syllable ever so slowly.

The look on his face was of pure sadness. Not because he lost the game, that didn’t matter to him. It was because that was his only chance to go out with Kate. He knew that under normal circumstances she’d never agree.

He hoped he’d still have a chance. He sold his hotels, mortgaged his properties, and counted every last dollar before him, but it only came to $1364. He was defeated.

“I think you’ve lost, writer boy.” Kate now resembled the Cheshire cat she had seen only hours ago.

“Bam, said the lady!” Castle replied jokingly, trying to conceal how upset he really was.

____________

After Castle was bankrupt, he sat observing the game unfolding before him. Martha was out next, landing on Illinois Avenue. She forfeited her remaining money, and the light blue properties to Alexis, as she couldn’t cover the $1100 rent. After Martha was out, it was obvious that it would take hours for Kate to win, and that’s only if she didn’t land on any of Alexis’ properties. Since that posibility was highly unlikely, both ladies declared it a tie.

By the time everything was cleaned up it was closing in on 10:30 PM and Alexis was getting tired. “I think I’m going to go read for a bit and then go to sleep, so, if you’ll excuse me, detective. See you next time you come over!”

“Night, Alexis.”

“You’re not going to stay up to watch the movie sweetie?” Castle was surprised.

“Nah, Owen and I are planning on getting up early tomorrow to go for a walk in the park, and I don’t want to have bags under my eyes!”

He chucked. “You’d look beautiful anyway.”

“Thanks.” She hugged her dad, “Night guys.”

As Alexis made her way upstairs, Martha headed towards the living room. “So are we going to watch this movie or what?” She had already grabbed a blanket and sprawled out on the bigger couch. This meant the only vacant spot was the love seat – coincidently the perfect size for two people. Kate made her way over to the seat and realized her predicament.

Castle spread out the blanket that was already on the arm of the couch. “So,” he sat down and patted the empty spot to his left, “care to join me?” He was thrilled.

Sweet chapter I like how you used "not afraid of a little action are you?" oh and it was awesome that Kate won and now castle has to watch pretty woman lol.

Nice continuation! As usual, you have a really great way with the dialogue. I like the "Men should never marry their muse…" and "No number of custom ordered bullet proof ‘WRITER’ vests…" and "I have many pretty women…" and "This game reminds me of mousetrap…" comments especially.

You also really nicely created interactions among Alexis, Martha, Castle, and Beckett, and the teasing among them flowed great too.

I had the same thought as Nalissa initially about Beckett's movie choice, but it fit nicely into the story.

Looking forward to the next part!

Omg they kissed yay but I hope things don't become weird between them.

Nice chapter. Looking forward to see what happens next.

Chapter seven: It was nice knowin' ya

Since murderers decided to take Sunday off, it was Monday morning and Castle had still not spoken to Kate. Numerous times he had dialled her number but didn't press send. He had sent her countless texts but she hadn't responded. He thought of going into the precinct, since he knew she would be there doing paperwork, but he didn't want to push to hard. He thought she might actually be in danger, but if that were true somebody from the station would have contacted him already. He knew she needed time so that's what he gave her.

Castle was in his office trying to write when his cell rang. He sprinted to the phone that he had left in the kitchen. His heart dropped when Esposito's name flashed before him. Esposito never called, it was always Kate.

"Esposito. What is it? Is Beckett okay?"

"Well, aren't you just a ray of sunshine in the morning? What's up with you? Beckett's fine." He was confused.

"Sorry. It's just that… never mind. Why are you calling me?"

"We got ourselves a body. Beckett said she phoned you but you didn't answer…?"

Castle knew that Kate hadn't called him. He'd had his phone attached to him for the past 24 hours, and this meant she was angry. "Oh yeah, sorry about that. I … I left my phone on silent by accident."

"No prob bro, do you want a squad car to pick you up."

He thought about making up some excuse as to why he couldn't go. He knew that Kate would be there and it was obvious she didn't want to see him. But it wasn't like Castle to not show up a crime scene. He knew if he didn't go the boys would know something was up. The last think he wanted was for everyone to know what he did; Kate would definitely kill him then. "Yeah sure. Thanks."

"Okay. See you in a few."

With that he hung up, grabbed his coat and made his way to the door. He wasn't sure what he would do, or say when he got there, but he knew he couldn't just sit by and not try to fix it.

When Castle arrived on the scene CSU were already busy at work and Ryan and Esposito were interviewing what he assumed to be a family member. Kate was nowhere to be found. Castle looked over at the body and the look he received from Lanie told him that Kate had already told her about Saturday night. He knew he had his work cut out for him.

Just then Ryan walked over. "That was the neighbour. She's a real piece of work. Says she was at work when our vic was killed, even though we don't even know time of death yet. When I pointed that fun little fact out, she said she sensed I would say that. Apparently she thinks she's psychic."

"Have fun with that one." He said jokingly. "Where's Beckett?"

"In the living room, that way." He pointed his finger to the back of the house.

Castle walked in the direction Ryan pointed to, and found Kate sitting across from a middle aged woman.

Kate was already scribbling notes in her notepad. "When did you last see your daughter?"

In between tears the lady was able to put together sentences. "Yesterday. Said she was going to her friend's house… Rachel Wilson. They were going clubbing. I went out to a movie with my girlfriends and when I got home I found…" She trailed off and began to cry uncontrollably.

"Did your daughter have any enemies?"

"Not that I know of. Rachel might be able to tell you more."

"Okay. Thank-you. I promise you, we'll find out what happened to your daughter."

The woman continued to weep as Kate began to walk out of the room. She turned and seen Castle standing in the doorway.

He figured he might as well just jump in. "I texted you, you didn't answer." She stood there just looking at him. "Can you at least talk to me?" She brushed past him and started walking down the hall.

"You lied to Esposito. You never called me this morning. I checked my phone." There was a hint of anger in his voice. If she heard it she ignored it.

"You kissed me back." His voice was firm and it got her attention. She halted, turned around and walked toward him.

"Just drop it."

"No, I'm not going to drop it. You kissed me back."

"Listen Castle, I'm at work. I don't have time to play these games with you."

"This isn't a game to me, Kate."

She was taken-a-back. He never called her Kate before; it was always Beckett, Detective and most recently Katie. "I'm working. Now is not the time to discuss this. So, just drop it!" This time it was Kate who spoke with anger. She turned around and proceeded to walk down the hallway, again. He wanted to stop her and tell her how he felt but it was no use. He obeyed her wishes and kept to himself. About an hour after, Esposito announced that they had what they needed here, and headed to the precinct.

The car ride back to the precinct was, to say the least, very awkward. Twenty minutes of complete and utter silence. Castle didn't ask if he could play with the siren or ask inappropriate questions that usually made Kate roll her eyes. He didn't try to apologize because he didn't know when the best time to bring it up was, without Kate yelling at him again.

When they got up to the precinct Castle went to the break room for some coffee and Kate sat at her desk. They had still not spoken a word since Kate yelled at him in the hallway.

Ryan and Esposito shared a look that they knew something was up. At the crime scene there were no witty remarks from Castle. Beckett didn't threaten him, not even once. Castle didn't bounce theories around which usually annoyed Kate.

"You think it's the morning after for the two of them?" Esposito piped up. The emphasis on 'morning after' caused Ryan to burst out laughing.

"Really?

Common, there is no way in hell that they slept together last night. If they did, Castle would be one of two things. One, he'd either be overjoyed and jumping around, or two, he'd be dead because Beckett killed him. He wouldn't be moping around here like a lost puppy."

"I dunno' bro; she has been different since he's been shadowing her."

Ryan just gave him a no-way-in-hell look.

"Thirty bucks says they slept together last night."

Ryan thought about it. It's true, their boss had changed since Castle's been working on cases with them. But there was still no way. "You're on!" He said, just as Montgomery came up to them. "Find out what's up with those two. We can't afford to have unsolved cases because something has got their panties in a bunch."

"Yes sir." The boys said in unison and Montgomery returned to his office.

Ryan and Esposito made their way to Castle. He was sitting down drinking his coffee, going over every detail of last night in his head. Trying to figure out what he had done wrong. He knew he shouldn't have put his hand on her, but he had to try something. He thought that maybe it was because he was that he was a bad kisser. However, after thinking about it more he came to the logical conclusion that possibly couldn't be the reason. Maybe he had been too forceful, moved to fast. He knew she was hurt and maybe he pushed her, trapped her, and caught her off guard. He knew that Kate Beckett was not a woman who liked to be caught off guard. He wanted something that Kate obviously wasn't ready for. He wanted to fix it but didn't know how.

"Hey." Ryan decided to break the ice. Castle just kept starring at his coffee mug.

"Tell us your troubles my good man." Esposito said. Still nothing from the guy who usually had some wiseass reply to verything. "Snap out of Castle!" Castle's head jerked up and found the two boys staring down at him.

"Oh, sorry." he muttered. Looking at them for just a second before he returned fixated on the mug.

Esposito, eager to get his thirty bucks started in on Castle. "Its obvious there's something bothering you. Now normally I'm not the type to talk about feeling or anything, but what's up with you this morning?" He looked at Castle waiting for some kind of indication he was listening.

Castle didn't reply.

Esposito continued. "The captain said that he needs you and Beckett to pull it together. I'd rather ask you then her – you won't shoot me."

Ryan who noticed the forceful tone shot Esposito a glare telling him he was onto his little game.

Just as he was about to ask Castle something else, Kate walked into the room. She made eye contact with her two detectives but not even glancing at the lump of a man hunched over in the chair. She grabbed a mug and walked toward the espresso machine.

Esposito figured the best way to collect his winnings was to corner them, when they couldn't escape. "So, did you two sleep together last night or what?"

At the moment Ryan's mouth dropped open as he looked at his partner trying to figure out if he had heard him correctly.

Esposito just shrugged. "Well someone had to say something."

No faster then the words had left his mouth Kate dropped the mug, shattering it. "Esposito I swear to God I will you shoot you if you do not get out of my way!" Even though her tone was harsh he did not budge.

"It was nice knowin' ya." Ryan whispered to his partner.

"Listen," Esposito said "everyone can tell that something happened between you two of you sometime between the time we wrapped up the Smith case Saturday afternoon and when Castle arrived at the crime scene this morning. Montgomery said that you need to work this out. So take a personal day or something, just figure it out."

Kate cursed under her breath, walked out of the break room and returned to her desk.

Esposito looked at Ryan. "Well, she didn't deny it. Pay up." He held his hand, expecting his money.

"Yes, but she didn't say they did, either." Ryan shot back.

For the first time this leaving the crime scene, Castle spoke. "Save your money boys, nothing happened."

Esposito reached into his wallet and gave Ryan his cash. Ryan collected his winnings and they watched as Castle left the break room and headed for the elevator. He figured that he wouldn't be able to talk to Kate anywhere at work, and it was obvious she didn't want him around. He decided to go home and think about how he would fix the mistake he had ade.

_____________________

I hope you've enjoyed the story so far. But, I need your help. I have a bits and pieces already started for chapter eight but I seem to be having writers block. The ending isn't coming as easy as the previous chapters. I need some ideas! I don't want anything drastic like one of them gets shot. So, if you have any storylines that you like, please review or send me a PM. If I use your idea in anyway I will definitely credit you. Thanks in advance! :)

WOW! I LOVE THIS CHAPTER!

"So, did you two sleep together last
night or what?"

Hahaha love it! Im glad it was esposito who said that, dont see ryan sayin it (he cud but, more likely esposito)

Well, there are many ways you could go from here…I say you get Lanie to interfere a bit more, knock a little sense into Beckett's head! And you don't neccessarily have to end it with them 'together'…as long as they make-up it'll be good. On Castle's side I'd say you get Alexis to do something…maybe Alexis talks to Beckett…could be interesting..

I'd really like to see more scenes of Beckett and Alexis talking or whatever in the show…

Keep up the good work!

ShutTheFrontDoor. said:

SinginPrincess said:

WOW! I LOVE THIS CHAPTER!

"So, did you two sleep together last

night or what?"

Hahaha love it! Im glad it was esposito who said that, dont see ryan sayin it (he cud but, more likely esposito)

Well, there are many ways you could go from here…I say you get Lanie to interfere a bit more, knock a little sense into Beckett's head! And you don't neccessarily have to end it with them 'together'…as long as they make-up it'll be good. On Castle's side I'd say you get Alexis to do something…maybe Alexis talks to Beckett…could be interesting..

 

I'd really like to see more scenes of Beckett and Alexis talking or whatever in the show…

 

Keep up the good work!

---

 

Thanks for your ideas, I'll definitely keep them in mind! :)

 

You are very welcome! I can hardly wait to see what you write next!

Good chapter poor Beckett the guys betting over her and castle :(

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.

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