Hi everyone,

This is my first story of fanfiction that I've written in at least ten years and the first one I've ever posted on . I would really appreciate any criticism or support, I've been inspired to write again after reading so many amazing pieces in Castle fanfiction land (go read my favorite stories/authors, seriously) and I would love to know what everyone thinks. The idea for this story came to me as I was re-watching season two, and it would not leave me alone until I put it down on paper. Thank you to demuredemeanor, my awesome Aussie friend (and AMAZING ffn author, go check out her stories) who encouraged me to write in the first place and offered to be my beta.

Disclaimer: I do not own Castle. If I did, there would have been at least one kiss scene in Linchpin with the car rescue. Oh, who am I kidding, there would be kiss scenes in every episode and maybe a baby Castle on the way.

The heart wants what the heart wants. Castle's words haunt Beckett, repeating over and over; a mantra in her head. Breaking up with Tom was difficult, disappointment evident in his features, but he turned and walked away without a single glance back.I want you, Castle, she thought, turning back towards the window. She looked on at the scene of him with her captain and coworkers, a smile forming on her face. She paused, taking advantage of the rare opportunity to watch him with abandon; noting his easy smile, memorizing his features, and agonizing over his aforementioned absence with the close of their 'last case'. Beckett's smile turned into a grimace as her stomach filled with dread at the thought of not seeing him every day, and her body felt weighed down by the fear of admitting her feelings. Montgomery's words about their solved case pierced through her, and she realized that she could no longer hide behind how she felt. She was Kate, the woman who stared down the darkness as a child and dared the monsters to come get her.

I can do this. I'm going to do this.

Kate straightened her shoulders and took a shaky step towards the break room. With each step, she became more certain of her admission to Castle. She walked through the door, and spouted off a comment back to Lanie that alluded to her confidence in her next step; her next move in the dance that was her and Castle.

"I don't need to drink to take him."

His eyebrows raised and his eyes portrayed the shock of her statement that he tried quickly to mask, arranging his features into his signature poker face. Castle followed her out of the room at her request, taking his jacket and preparing to leave.

Beckett fumbled over her words, her breath quickened as her confidence began to slip. She took a deep breath, collected her thoughts, and prepared to spill her heart.

"This past year, working with you. I've had a really good time"

Castle smiles softly and says, "Yeah, me too."

His words encourage Beckett, boosting her confidence once more to continue.

"So, I'm just going to say this…"

High heels click, announcing another presence moving in the room. "Richard?" The voice of Castle's ex-wife floats towards them, getting louder as she walks towards them.

Castle turns his head towards his publisher, watching her approach. Gina, having rounded the corner, was still a few paces away and Castle smiled for her, opening his mouth to extend a greeting across the room.

Beckett watches the scene unfold, horrified as her dwindling opportunity to tell Castle everything slipped through her fingers with each click of heels meeting hardwood.

Too scared to say what they really felt.

Montgomery's words echo in her mind, sharpening her resolve to continue; to say something, anything to get him to stay and hear her. Know her. Gina is five steps away, and Kate is running out of time. Almost of its own accord, her hand shoots out to grasp Castle's wrist, causing his head to turn back towards her, eyebrows once again raised in question. She steps towards him discretely and speaks, trying to keep the desperation out of her tone at the remaining seconds while conveying her emotion towards Castle with a single phrase.

"I broke up with Demming."

Continue? Don't continue? Let me know. Thank you SO much for reading!