Hey there! So some of you might know me from the NCIS section of this glorious website but here I am- my first Castle fic! Anyways, hope you'll give me a shot, I'm always open to advice/critiques, suggestions for the story, of course support, and pretty much anything else you guys can think of. I love to hear from my readers! Now for the story!

Meredith

Disclaimer: They aren't mine, they're just on loan.

Detective Kate Beckett slipped the key into the slot of her New York apartment door and pushed it open. Her head was swimming in thoughts. She was drowning in them and the only thing she could think to do was change into something more comfortable, pour a glass of wine and try to settle herself.

She pulled off her jacket and draped it over a chair in her room. walking towards the dresser, she removed her mother's ring and father's watch, and put them into their places in her jewelry box. Her slender fingers began threading buttons out of their holes until her nails gently scratched the surface of her scar. The marred skin was new and occasionally it would surprise her with it's presence. She stole a glance in the mirror but pushed those thoughts away and pulled on a soft, oversized shirt- too much had happened today. Cops for suspects always made for a rough day and Officer Hastings was especially hard. Beckett could only hope the the young officer would take a turn for the better, to not get sucked in by her father's murder as Kate once had with her mother's. Beckett dropped a few inches lower when she removed her staggering heels and replaced her dress pants with yoga pants before walking into the kitchen.

The deep red liquid swirled in the glass on her countertop. Once her glass was sufficiently filled Kate went to her couch and tucked one of her legs underneath herself. The ringing of her phone pulled her from her thoughts and she gently set her glass on the table in front of her to answer the text. It was Castle. She knew what he was going to ask about. What she didn't know was whether she wanted to talk about it. Hesitantly she opened the text, knowing she couldn't avoid him forever.

Are you okay?

What a simple question. What a stupidly simple question- with a stupidly simple answer. It was so hard for her to be honest. Honesty wasn't what troubled Kate but allowing herself to open up was an issue ever since her mother's murder- maybe even before that- she had lost track.

Not really.

Let me come over.

She exhaled and ran her fingers through her hair. He was just trying to help, but he thought he could fix everything. She figured it couldn't hurt, she needed to clear her head, the case was rough, her day was rough and Castle was more than her partner, he was her friend. But somehow she couldn't do it, she couldn't bring herself to call for help.

I'm fine.

I never said you weren't. I said Let me come over.

Before she could even think what to say to that her phone lit up again.

Open the door.

Kate slowly untucked her legs and her bare feet padded against the hardwood floor until she reached the door and turned the knob. She didn't know whether to throw herself at him, slam the door or run and hide. Her mind flew through countless options before she could manage a word.

"Hey."

"Hey."

His voice was deep, rich and soothing and it was what she needed right then. When Castle could tell she wasn't going to say anything he continued, "Well you opened the door without a gun and you haven't drawn your weapon, so I'm assuming I can come in."

Beckett gathered her thoughts quickly, "Uh yeah of course."

"I brought wine" he offered cautiously. Beckett could tell he was on his toes. She was always grateful for that because she knew she was a handful. She knew exactly how much trouble she caused him and still he came back day after day, week after week and not only that but he pulled things like this. He watched out for her.

"I already have some open." Beckett took down another glass from the rack and began to fill it before handing it to him and walking towards the couch. They both took a seat and Castle waited patiently to see if she would start before he began talking.

"Are you worried about Officer Hastings?"

"Uh, I was, but a little less now. I think now that she knows that she has some who truly loves and cares for her she might be able to put aside Lone Vengeance and move on. I know she'll never move on from her father's death but maybe she'll stop risking her life every other minute trying to make up for it."

"Hopefully... I really do wish them the best." he scanned her face looking for answers before continuing, "But that isn't what's bothering you, is it?"

"It is. But there's just been something else on my mind. It's stupid." She looked down, hoping it would pass. He took two fingers under her chin until their eyes met, "I will not think anything you say is stupid, Kate."

She took a sip of wine and a deep breath, " It's just, super heroes are the world's way of symbolizing good and just people. People who overcome obstacles and work for the better of society. They're everywhere; comics, movies, action figures. They're the role models for six year old boys. I just- What are you supposed to do when there isn't even that?" she set her glass down and ran her hands through her hair. "It's just a dumb thought."

Castle paused for a moment and retook her eyes "It isn't stupid, you just aren't looking at the right heroes. Tony the Butcher was never a superhero, he was selfish and an imposter. But the image of a superhero will remain because there are so many true heros. They are the imaginary, the created- and Kate, there are people like you, like everyone at the 12th. There are everyday heroes and there are fantasy heros but they're still here. They don't always have to do something but they support and inspire- they seek out the best in others and that is something incredible. They drive that fourteen year old girl who bought her first comic, they amaze that six year old boy, they inspire that senior who decides to apply to the naval academy. They are superheroes."

He watched a sad smile cross her face as she sighed, "You really do amaze me sometimes, Castle."

"Well it's obviously because I'm a superhero." He had his goofy grin on and Beckett couldn't help but laugh a little.

"And ever so humble", she added. They sat in a comfortable silence, smiling, just long enough for Beckett to watch Castle's brain churn with trouble.

He tucked his fingers gently into her hair, and moving it behind her ear, said, "You know I could be your superhero." A million things were flashing through Beckett's head before she noticed she was moving slowly towards him. He was leaning in and Beckett somehow let her eyes shut before allowing his lips to softly touch hers. He kissed her with enough purpose so that she knew he meant it, but not to push her either. Kate had to admit to herself, even in its brevity, that kiss was magical. Castle pulled back far enough until Beckett could look into his boyish blue eyes.

"I think I'd let you." she whispered. Even in that moment she was unsure of herself, but she was willing to try it. The smile that lit up Castle's face was not only unexpected but it brought out a gorgeous part of him. It was genuine and quite possibly contagious. Beckett could feel the blush rush to her cheeks as she smiled into another kiss. And right then Kate decided that there was definitely a chance for this superhero.

So? Any ideas? There's a first time for everything and I honestly can't wait to hear from you all on this! Anyways I've seen people do this so here's my tumblr URL if you're interested: meredithkerrick. tumblr .com

Meredith