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It was a good thing Remy's was open 24 hours as the poker game between Castle and Beckett was still going on 3 hours into their meeting. Neither was willing to concede defeat nor were either of them willing to put an end to the night just yet. For the first time in a long time, they both felt like everything fit again. Maybe not exactly but things were getting back on track, they were getting back on track with each other.

"One more game? Winner take all? Unless of course you are afraid to lose." looking straight into her eyes with a challenge on his face.

"Sure, I'll be glad to take everything you have." with a smirk on her face and a glint in her eye.

"Are you sure about that? I don't think you have what it takes."

"Oh I can handle myself, Castle. It's you that needs the backup if I recall. How many times have I saved your life?"

"About as many times as I have saved yours Detective. You can back me up any time though. You just might enjoy the view" knowing he was pushing his luck, he wiggled his eyebrows at her.

Castle thought for sure he would get a remark back but instead Beckett decided to throw him off his game and give him a smirk while letting her eyes travel his entire body. She could give it back just as much and besides, his reaction would be worth it.

"Call"

Castle looks at his cards and then back at Beckett but decides to fold his cards with a hint of a smile on his face.

"A and K of spades" Maybe someone should change their middle name to loser." Beckett immediately says with a huge smile. Wait, you didn't let me win did you?"

"Now why would I do something like that" as he quickly gathers the cards to cover his hand.

"You tell me. You are not denying it so it must be the truth. You owe me a rematch"

"Instead of a rematch, how about a movie night at my place? No competition, no pressure unless of course you count Alexis and mother grilling you about your summer pressure?"

"I think I can handle that, may be tough though. I seem to remember Alexis doing quite well interrogating you once. " Beckett smiling at the memory of cases past. It seemed like such a long time ago in their history with each other yet was still so present in her mind.

Looking at the time, they both start to slide out of the booth with their eyes locked on each other. Each seeking in the other's eyes the truth behind what may come and all that is being left unsaid. To an outsider it would have appeared a silent conversation was going on between them until Castle reaches out his arm and says "Walk you home? Not that you need the protecting but I thought you would like the company."

Linking her arm with his, "Why not." Walking in comfortable silence as there seemed to be no words to quite fit the situation. For the moment, it was just a boy walking a girl home from a night out.

As they reach the front of her building, Beckett was tempted to ask him inside but knew that was a line neither she nor he was quite ready to cross. Instead she said " See you at the precinct tomorrow? The chair next to me has been empty for far too long and it might be nice to have the team back together again "

Castle smiled shaking his head "Until tomorrow Detective."

As she walked into her building, Castle took a moment longer to watch and wonder just what the future might hold for him, for her and for the team. Seeing that she was inside safely, he strolls towards his own home deep in thought but with a satisfied smile on his face. It was a start.