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!

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Chapter eight: I'd be lost if I lost you.

 

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!

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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 :D

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

SinginPrincess said:

Awwwwwww these last two chapters were soooo sweet!

So glad you got Lanie and Alexis to interfere a bit :D

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

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Thanks! I was trying to fit the actual quote (So much, Castle. So very, very much.) in there, but I couldn't find the right place for it. Plus this way the tables are turned!

 

SinginPrincess said:

Oh and…before I forget, I hope this isnt the end! Although it makes a pretty fair conclusion (the kind they might have on the show)…I would love to see more! Even if you simply wrote a whole new fanfic that was just kind of a sequal… ;)

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I've made a little more progress on the next chapter. But I'm not satisified with it yet. Maybe it'll pop up here in the next few days….

I somehow managed to turn about two hundred words into just under three thousand, so voila – another chapter! A huge thanks to everyone's comments/reviews and alerts! Hope you like this chapter, and as always, please review! It always puts my day off to a great start! :)

Thanks to "Tsurwolf" (from Castletv .net).

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Chapter ten: We can visit Barry from The Love Shackle

When Castle arrived at the precinct the next morning, he was not in the same state as when he left Monday afternoon. Ryan and Esposito watched as Castle greeted Kate with a cup of coffee. The boys couldn't hear their conversation, but they were quick to notice the sudden mood change.

"I see that you two kissed and made up." Ryan said nonchalantly as he and Esposito walked over to Kate's desk. He didn't realize the meaning his words had.

"Castle! You told them!?" She was enraged. "You just came in! What, did you call them as soon as I left last night? You couldn't wait to tell everyone what you accomplished?" Kate was screaming at him.

"I never told them… but thanks to your little outburst, they know now." Castle just looked at the ground.

There was no denying it now. "Oh," was all she could say. She was mortified.

"It's true? Wait, you guys actually… I mean, seriously?" Ryan and Esposito couldn't believe what they were hearing.

"I want my thirty bucks back!" Esposito held his hand out to Ryan.

"You guys actually had a bet?" Kate stared at them causing both detectives to turn ghostly white. "There is paperwork on my desk. Thanks to your bet, it's calling your name." She flashed them a smile. "And it was just a kiss. Is that so hard to believe?" Kate shifted in her seat.

"Well you're… you and Castle's… well, Castle." Shock and confusion were written over Ryan's face.

"Hello, Beckett, you in there? Who are you and what have you done with our boss?" Esposito stared at her in disbelief.

"I'm just irresistible to the ladies. I tell you boys, it's a curse." Castle tried to make a joke as he could tell Kate was uncomfortable.

She was grateful and seen this was her chance to escape. "While you discuss this imaginary charm he," she glared at Castle, "thinks he has over the ladies," she retuned her focus on her detectives, "I'm going to get Lanie to brief me about what she found." Kate knew she could have easily asked one of them for the information, but she needed to get out of there. Plus, this was an excuse for some girl talk. "Don't forget about that paperwork, you two."

"Wait, so let me get this straight. Castle kisses you and you get all ditsy and have visions of hearts and flowers dancing around in your head. Which forces Esposito and I to get stuck doing paperwork?"

Esposito looked at Ryan. "Hey bro, I guess all we have to do in order to get out of paperwork is make out with Beckett here. Worked like a charm for Castle." He focused his attention to Kate. "So, what do you say Becks? Pucker up. I hope you brushed your teeth this morning." He never had any intention of following through, but he loved to push her buttons

just as much as Castle.

"If you take so much as one step in my direction you will be doing paperwork for the next year! And never ever use my name and the word ditsy in the same sentence ever again! Got it?"

Neither had time to respond because she was already on her way to see Lanie. Ryan and Esposito turned and glared at Castle. They were expecting answers.

Castle tried to defend himself. "What? The bet just came up in conversation last night. If I knew she would use it against you, I would never have brought it up."

"This isn't about the bet." There was a different tone in Esposito's voice that Castle couldn't quite recognize.

"The kiss? It was only –"

"Only a kiss? Is that what you were going to say? It's not only a kiss. It's Beckett and a kiss." Ryan and Esposito always teased Kate but they knew she had their back, and they had hers. "What are you intentions towards her?"

"Intentions? What is this, a cross-examination?" Castle flashed back to when he found out about Alexis and Owen and all the questions he had. "Yesterday you two were taking bets on if we slept together, and now you lecturing me on intentions?" Castle was shocked and a little annoyed they didn't trust him.

"Don't hurt her." This time it was Ryan who spoke.

"What? Why would you think I would ever hurt her?" Castle himself felt hurt at the comment.

"Don't hurt her." Esposito's voice echoed Ryan's. Castle could tell he was being serious and not just pulling his leg. "Ryan and I find clues that help us catch killers. Don't think for a second we wouldn't be able to commit a murder and not get away with it. We catch murders on a daily basis. It'd be easy for us to make sure we didn't leave anything that would connect us to the crime."

Castle gulped.

Ryan stepped toward Castle and suddenly he felt like he was being interrogated. "And Lanie would be on board. We wouldn't need to ask her twice. She'd probably be the first one to smack you around a little." The boys knew they were being a little excessive but they wanted to get their point across.

"Whoa, okay guys. I get it. Listen nothing is even official. We haven't even talked about where this is going to go." He now knew he always wanted to be on their side in an interrogation room.

"Good." Both Ryan and Esposito replied in unison.

Castle let out a breath that he didn't realize he was holding.

"Now that we've had our little talk we're off to do paperwork, because you couldn't keep your mouth shut."

Castle cautiously waved.

"Remember what we said."

All Castle could do was nod. He had heard them loud and clear, and was afraid to say anything in fear they would carry out their threat.

As Ryan and Esposito made their way to their desks, Castle saw Esposito casually grabbed a file off of his desk. The two detectives were intently reading its contents but speaking low enough so Castle couldn't hear.

"Damn." Esposito mumbled. "Karpowski had this week in the office pool."

"We don't know if last night was their first kiss." Ryan grabbed the folder from his partner. "And Karpowski had this week for their first date. I had this week for when they slept together."

Ryan skimmed the folder's contents until he found what he was looking for. "Lanie had had this week for the first kiss. We'll have to hit her up for details. She tell us if it means she can collect on the winnings."

"Good plan, bro." Esposito said as he closed to folder and buried it under the mound of paperwork awaiting him. "And who knows, if it was their," raising his eyebrow for emphasis, "first time, you and Lanie get to split the cash prize."

Ryan smirked and made his way to his desk.

____________

"Hey, so what happened to our vic?"

"Kate! You never called me last night. What time did you get home?" Lanie's voice and eyebrows went up simultaneously, and Kate knew exactly what she meant.

"Get your mind out of the gutter. You're almost as bad as Castle! Maybe you two should get together."

"It's not like I haven't thought about it, you know. The man is fine, in every sense of the word."

Before she knew what she was doing, Kate nodded. "Yeah."

"Wow, you two must have had some night! You do realize you just publicly admitted to thinking that Castle's sexy."

"I didn't say that!"

"You don't have too; it's written all over your face."

Kate blushed. "Lanie, I came down here to get the details on how the girl died."

"First, I want details on the wild, hot night you had with writer boy. Then we can talk about the girl."

"It wasn't a hot wild night with Castle." Kate couldn't believe she was even uttering the words hot, wild, and Castle, all in the same sentence.

"You can have Ryan and Esposito brief you. Details, now!"

"Ugh, you're impossible!" Even though Lanie was tough and always pushed Kate, she was glad to have her as a friend. "Well, after I finished talking to you I went over to his place. I stood there for forever trying to get up the courage to knock on the door. Alexis made the choice for me though. She was going to study group, or her friend's house. I can't remember, it was kind of a blur. She called out to Castle leaving me no choice but to stay and face the music. Then she hugged me and said she hoped everything worked out. I was really surprised – "

Lanie started to close her eyes and slowly lean to the left.

"Lanie!"

Lanie stood up straight. "What!? This is boring." Lanie looked down at the corpse in front of her. "Performing an autopsy is more exciting. Can you please skip ahead to the hot and wild part?"

She rolled her eyes. "Anyway, after I came in and we sat on the couch. He –"

"Did you do it on the couch? Please tell me you had hot, wild sex on his couch!" Lanie interrupted, practically whining.

____________

(Meanwhile, in the bullpen…)

It had been about five minutes since Ryan and Esposito had their talk with Castle. He had spent these five minutes thinking about what they said. They wouldn't really kill him. Would they? He was so deep in thought he didn't notice when Ryan's phone rang.

Castle's thoughts were interrupted by Ryan's third attempt to break him from his daze. "Hey,

earth to Castle!" Castle finally awoke from his daze. "Uniforms brought in a suspect. Go get Beckett and we'll meet you outside interrogation."

The word interrogation made Castle feel a little sorry for the suspect they were about to tear apart. He'd just about been through one himself. "Yeah, I'll go get her now."

Castle made his way down to the morgue. He was almost at the door when he heard muffled voices. He got closer and Lanie's voice was no longer muffled: "Did you do it on the couch? Please tell me you had hot, wild sex on his couch!"

Castle stopped dead in his tracks. Any gentlemen would leave and give them their privacy. Although Castle had a kind and considerate side, there was no possible way he would miss out on this conversation. Ever so slowly he tiptoed to the door and hung onto every word that was said.

"No! You said you wanted details. Are you going to let me finish this story or not?" Kate stood resting her hand on her hip.

Lanie nodded indicating for Kate to continue.

"After I came in we sat on the couch, which we did not have sex on." Kate glared at her friend for the latter part of that statement. "He started going on about how he wouldn't leave me, cheat on me or anything. He brought up Will too. The details are a little fuzzy but I've never seen that side of him before. It was like he was a whole different person. He kept calling me Kate. What the hell is that?"

"I don't know, but what I do know is that so far this story is rated G. Don't make me resort to begging you. Is there an R rated scene coming up sometime soon?"

Kate ignored her comment and continued with the nights events. "After a while he said that…" She paused.

"What? What did he say?"

"He said that he wouldn't leave me like my mom left. That he would do everything he could to stay here with me."

"He said that." Lanie was in disbelief. "He actually said that?"

"Yes.I expected some long romantic speech. Instead he made me feel safe and… and loved." Kate looked down at her feet. "I feel foolish telling you this. Here I am blabbing on like a teenager who just had her first kiss."

"No, it's fine. There's obviously something there. I really hope everything works out. And if not, I'll kill him."

Kate laughed. "I know you will."

"Continue…" Lanie could barely contain herself.

"Well, after that I kissed him."

"You kissed him! You made the first move?" Lanie was almost squealing.

"Well, technically the second." Kate flashed back to when she had run off on Saturday.

"And?"

"That's about all. We curled up on the couch and watched some TV, and talked. There was an infomercial for a Snuggie. He ordered two, one for him and one for me. It was actually kind of cute. He got all excited over it."

"Wait. Hold up. Did I just hear the word cute, come from you mouth?"

"Huh?" Kate was confused.

"I didn't think the word was even in your vocabulary. Don't go getting all soft on me now that you're in love."

"Now you hold up! I am not in love!"

"Maybe if you keep telling yourself that you might actually believe it."

Kate shot Lanie an I'm-not-impressed look.

"So you really only kissed once, and then ordered stuff from infomercials? Doesn't sound like such a fun night. You had me all worked up for nothing."

"Well – "

"Dad! Dad! Dad!" Alexis' voice rung through the air and Castle darted for his phone and hit the ignore button.

"Castle!?" Lanie shouted and both women turned towards the door.

Castle knew he was caught. He swung the door open to reveal Kate and Lanie staring at him. He could tell be their expressions they were not impressed.

"How long have you been standing there?" Kate demanded.

"Long enough to know Lanie really wants us to take part in some extra curricular activities which involve my couch. And quite frankly, I'm game."

Kate was frustrated. "Why are you here?"

"Ryan said a suspect was brought in. He told me to come get you." He looked at Lanie. "You two can finish your girl talk later. I'll bring the wine."

"Get out!" Lanie barked at him.

Castle swung his arms in front of his body and extended them in the direction of the door, "Ladies first." He smiled sweetly.

"And here I thought chivalry was dead." She replied sarcastically and proceeded towards the door.

"It is. And women killed it." He teased her.

Kate pushed him out the door. "Let's go!"

"Ow! Apples!"

The door swung closed and Kate and Castle made their way down the hallway. Castle's pace suddenly slowed down. "Beckett, I need to ask you a question." He couldn't get Ryan and Esposito's speech off his mind.

"Okay…" She noticed his sudden serious tone of voice.

"Hypothetically, if a bunch of cops got together and planned a murder… would they get away with it?"

"Well, I suppose. If they were careful and knew the right people. We're like a brotherhood; we'd do pretty much anything for each other." She giggled, "Castle, where is this coming from?"

"No reason." He could feel his heart race.

Kate gave him an odd look. "Okay…" She wasn't sure where the idea came from but she chose to ignore it.

"One more question." He reached his arm around her and playfully bumped her hip. "When were you planning on telling Lanie that our hot, wild night got interrupted by Alexis returning from study group?"

She shruged. "Not sure." Effortlessly Kate wrapped her arm around him and the pair walked down the hall together.

"I think we should give you a story to tell Lanie. We can visit Barry from The Love Shackle! We could get a pair of the fussy handcuffs he showed you. I wouldn't want to disappoint Lanie. I only have her best interest at heart." He paused for a moment, "Or do you know what else we could do?" He didn't give her time to answer. "We could play naked laser tag! We'd just have to hold our guns strategically." A grin danced across his face.

She couldn't help but laugh. "We are not playing naked laser tag! And we are not going to The Love Shackle!"

Castle's disappointment didn't last long. Kate used her strength to manoeuvre the two so Castle was trapped between the wall behind him and her body. "We don't need to go see Barry," resting a hand on his chest, "I already have a pair;" she leaned into him and whispered in his ear, 'they're pink… and sparkly."

His facial expression made her giggle and she released him. For once, the writer was speechless. After running about a million different scenarios through his mind, he briefly thought of Ryan and Esposito's warning. He knew there was no way he could ever hurt her. And if he did, he would rather be dead. He could never forgive himself if he put her through any more pain then she'd already been through.

He watched as she turned and walked down the hall. It was the same saunter she had when she turned him down after their first case. This time everything was different. He wasn't trying to chase her; he had her, they were together, and he couldn't be happier.

Kate reached the end of the hallway and turned around only to see Castle in the same place she had left him. She noted his back was still to the wall. "We have a murderer to catch. Are you coming or are you going to just stare at my ass?"

Although he found the latter question to be quite enjoyable, he didn't have to be asked twice.

"Right behind you, Mistress Beckett." He teased as he ran to catch up with her.

____________

Okay, so this is the end. I am positive this is the last chapter for When you play with fire, you get burned. Anything beyond this would have to include the murder, and I'm not very good at writing the procedural part of the show. Plus, I like this ending better than the previous chapter.

Again, thanks for the lovely reviews, favorites and story alerts! They make my day. A lot of people said they would like me to do another story. So, who knows, maybe I'll do a sequel? I'm taking ideas/plots! I'll be sure to credit you. :) If I do a sequel, I'll most likely post a teaser as a next chapter (including the title, summary, etc.), just so you'll know!

Yay! You write the best dialog. If you write more, I'll be here.

Seriously you did great. Loved it and could actually see it playing out in my mind as I read your words.

So, I just had a brainwave of Castle awesomeness! There will most definitely be a sequel! I promise! I've already got the premise down, and a few one-liners that will be in there. I don't want to sound conceited, but if they were on the show I would die laughing. They’re actually really, really funny, and I could definitely see Castle doing/saying certain lines. All I’ll say is the story will be called, God bless us, every one! I’m sure you are able to gather from the title that it will be Christmas related. It will be a while before the first chapter up because I’m nearing the end of final exams, and professors just love to pile on the work at the end. I will give more details in a couple of weeks! Stay tuned! :)

This was a really, really great read.  You have such a wonderful way with dialogue and banter…and I loved that you ended it here rather than the last chapter.  This was an amazing first piece!

Really funny that you had Beckett be the one to give away that they kissed when she misinterpreted a comment.  Nice part with Castle up against the wall at the end!  And I definitely read the whole thing imagining them and laughing or smiling with the dialogue.  It was nice to see Lanie so much in the story since we don't see nearly enough of her on the show.

I can't wait to read more of your work…so glad there will be more! 

ShutTheFrontDoor! said:

So, I just had a brainwave of Castle awesomeness! There will most definitely be a sequel! I promise! I've already got the premise down, and a few one-liners that will be in there. I don't want to sound conceited, but if they were on the show I would die laughing. They’re actually really, really funny, and I could definitely see Castle doing/saying certain lines. All I’ll say is the story will be called, God bless us, every one! I’m sure you are able to gather from the title that it will be Christmas related. It will be a while before the first chapter up because I’m nearing the end of final exams, and professors just love to pile on the work at the end. I will give more details in a couple of weeks! Stay tuned! :)

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YES! SO THERE WILL BE A SEQUEL FOR SURE!!!

Oh don't worry, you don't sound conceited to me…Besides, you've got the right to brag and be proud of your work! You're really good!

Christmas related too? Now you just love your Castle buddies don't you?? I was dissapointed there wasn't a christmas episode yet…so a Castle Christmas FanFic is PERFECT! Can't wait!!!

Oh, and good luck with your exams ;)

Already getting excited for this! lol

- Castle & Beckett – a Kiss – Need I say more?

-a gift idea from Esposito to Lanie….

A coupon….not just any coupon but a ahem coupon….basically he asks her out or something lol I mean that would work too haha

-Jenny would probably give Ryan something wacky (remember the tie?) so maybe something equally crazy ;)

haha I dont know, just some random ideas, I have a hard enough time choosing gifts for my friends/family