Here is a new story for you!

I don't know how long it will be yet, it'll depend on my inspiration and time to write.

I don't own Castle but Christmas is in 4 days so ... if anyone wants to get me something, don't go looking too far ;-)

here is the link to Kate's dress: Shail_

Enjoy!

Just like every year, Rick Castle was hosting a New Year's Eve party. Just like every year, he couldn't sit still for the week before said party. Just like every year, he wished he could kiss Kate Beckett when the clock strike 12. But unlike every previous year, he would actually be able to do it this year. And he couldn't wait. There wasn't any better way to start the year than having the woman of your dreams in your arms and her lips on yours. The party had been planned for a while now, to be sure that all of his close friends and family could attend. It was being held at the Old Haunt this year. He really didn't want to spend the rest of the week cleaning up his loft. And since Kate had managed to get the first week of 2013 off, he would definitely not waste time cleaning up anything, except her, maybe. And since Meredith would be taking Alexis to Europe and Martha would be on tour to promote her acting school, they would be all alone in the loft. Just the two of them. For a whole week. Alone in the loft …

"CASTLE!"

"Uh, what?" he asked, looking around him to see who was talking. He found Kate looking at him, eyebrow raised.

"Are you ready to go? I'm done with the paperwork until next year." She joked. "What were you thinking about?" she asked as they walked to the elevator, "I had to call three times before you reacted."

"I was thinking about you." He simply said.

"Is it a good thing or a bad one?" she laughed.

"Oh, it's a good thing. A very very good thing, believe me." He answered, pushing her against the wall of the elevator and kissing her passionately.

o-O-o-O-o-O-o-O-o-O

"Wow girl! Does he know what you're wearing for his party?" Lanie exclaimed when Kate got out of her bathroom.

"No. Do you think he'll like it?" she asked, looking at herself in the mirror.

"Like it? You're kidding right? The man is already completely crazy about you, after tonight he might need some medical assistance." Lanie said. "When did you buy it and didn't you show it to me before?"

"I bought it when I went Christmas shopping. It was calling my name, I swear! I didn't have any particular event in mind but it's perfect for tonight and …"

"Wait a minute. You bought it before Christmas and it was still in the bag with the shop logo on it?"

"Yeah, I … uh … I wasn't much home the last few days." Kate explained, blushing slightly and avoiding Lanie's eyes.

"Katherine Beckett, when was the last time you slept in your bed?"

"Uh … I may not have come back here since Christmas Eve …" Kate tried to explain.

"Uh, uh, that's what I thought. And I'm not even going to ask where you were, that would be an insult to my own intelligence. Now, sit down and let me do your hair." Lanie instructed.

While Lanie was doing magic on top of her head, Kate couldn't help but think. Yes, she had stayed at Rick's since Christmas so what? Yes, after work, when she said to the guys she was going home, she was actually going to the loft, so what? She was happy there. Even when he was busy writing locked up in his office or in town for a meeting, she felt happier and more comfortable at the loft than in her own apartment. Maybe it was the spirit of the holidays, maybe it was just her growing up but she didn't care one bit. For once, she was happy and she wasn't scared, and it felt very good. And she had decided that tonight, she was not going to hide her love for Richard Castle. She didn't care if half the precinct would be there, she was going to kiss him at midnight. And certainly even before if she had the occasion. And she didn't care if Gates showed up. She would not let her ruin her perfect New Year's eve.

"Here you go girl, what do you think?" Lanie asked, putting her instruments on Kate's bed.

"Lanie that's wonderful!" she said, looking in the mirror at the semi bun that let curly locks fly around her face. "You should have been a hair dresser, you would have made a fortune. And just so you know, you're doing my hair for my wedding." Kate said before she could help herself.

"I'm sorry, what did you just say?"

"Nothing." Kate said rapidly. "Now come on, Rick said the car would pick us up at 8, and that's in five minutes. We have to go downstairs."

"You're planning on coming back here tonight?" Lanie asked.

"No. Why do you ask?"

"Well, don't you need to bring your stuff to Castle's? Oh, wait a second, you have enough stuff at his place already. That's it right?"

"Yes Lanie, I have clothes and everything I need at Rick. Yes I said I wanted to marry him. And I want to have Castle babies too but can we not do this right now? Please. I just want to have fun tonight and we're getting late." Kate said before leaving the bedroom to go get their coats. She laughed when she heard Lanie say "Where is the Dictaphone when you need one?!"

O-o-O-o-O-o-O-o-O

When Kate and Lanie arrived at the Old Haunt, the room was already full with people but there was still space to move around. Kate was looking around for Rick while Lanie had joined Esposito, Ryan and Jenny. She heard a crash and turned her head towards the noise, only to find Rick on all four, an ice bucket spilled around him. Kate couldn't help but laugh as she made her way to him. By the time she got to him, he was back on his feet and trying not to look too shocked when looking at Kate.

"Kate … I … you …uh … wow! You look … wonderful. I … wow!" was all he managed to get out.

"Well, I take it you like the dress Rick." Kate said, smiling at him.

"You look like a sexy goddess. Where did you buy it? I'll buy you the store." Rick continued, looking at her from head to toe. "I so want to kiss you right now!" he whined.

"Then why don't you do it?" she asked.

"Don't tempt me Kate." He all but groaned. "There's half the precinct down here."

"I don't care. I don't want to hide anymore. I just want to live freely and with you. I want everyone to know how much I love you."

She had told him she loved him before. On Christmas morning. It had been the best present he had ever received. So after such a proposition, he didn't hesitate and kissed her passionately, taking her in his arms. When they broke away in desperate need of air, he couldn't help but notice her bare back.

"I think there is a piece missing in your gorgeous dress Miss Beckett." He groaned in her ear, his hands roaming on the skin of her back, making her shiver.

She laughed and moved away from his arms only to notice that the whole bar was looking at them, Victoria Gates frozen on the stairs leading to the bar.