I was sitting outside by a campfire the other night, enjoying the quiet and watching the fireflies. I wondered what Castle would be thinking while alone in the Hamptons and decided to put a few thoughts down. The story is basically his thoughts at night over a drink or three.

Thanks to Tanya Reed for being a supportive and generous "beta". I have some thoughts about continuing this and now that I have some time, will expand the story. Hope you enjoy this first effort. I'd love a review, if you'd care to do so. Thanks.

Blink. Flash.

It's quiet and dark here with nothing but the stars and some fireflies to keep me company. Did you know that you could tell the gender of fireflies by their flashes? Another useless fact gained researching one of my novels? Males flit and blink their lights in the air while females sit, watch and flash if interested. I wonder what wiseass remark Beckett would make if she were sitting here on the veranda next to me.

Mmmm, Beckett. All right, where's my drink and my penlight?

This being alone is driving me crazy!

Blink.

Mother is enjoying herself in the Berkshires performing. Chet surprised her by driving up and just sitting in the audience.

Hey, fireflies, blink goes the penlight. Come on down!

It was fun to "tweet" about Alexis, but I miss her too. This social networking stuff is fun but can be a lot of work. Maybe I can hire someone to be the "online Rick Castle". Wonder what I would have to pay someone for that? How would he sign a woman's "electronic" chest? God, i need someone to talk to.

Blink.. Blink.. Hmmm maybe longer flashes will get more attention from the females.

Gina's gone as well, which is a good thing. So much for staying "on top of me", harrumph! More like annoying and distracting me from my real work. All I wanted to do is just replay those last few minutes in the precinct with Beckett. Talk about flitting around. It was so hard watching her and Schlem... er Demming. I just had to get out of there but not being there around her and the guys is harder than I thought it would be.

Time for another drink. Blink... blink...

Beckett.

What I would give to hear her voice. Even if she were chewing me out. She is always direct, specific with just a touch of sass, just enough to keep me on my toes. And I like that, being around her. Being pushed, not allowed to get away with being "Castle".

I could see something was up when I was leaving to take Alexis to Princeton. Did I ask? No. Just being "Castle, writer and goofball."

The "I don't need to drink to take him." remark. Her stuttering in the hall. And something that has been nagging at me when I am falling asleep., that plaintive "See you in the fall."

That wasn't Kate Beckett.

The extraordinary Kate Beckett.

My Kate Beckett.

And me being me again just being oblivious to what was there in front of me. Something wasn't right and I let her down not seeing it.

I let us down.

Blink...blink... Blink...blink... Blink...blink...

Flash!

Hey, here she comes. Blink...blink... Flash! Hmmm. Longer light, more attention from the female. Hmmm. Longer conversations, more attention from Beckett? More depth, more Beckett?

But she's with Demming.

Beckett.

What did she say to me? Oh, yeah.

"Butch up, Castle."

That's really what I need to do. Man up. Talk to her. Openly. Honestly. Win her back. Yeah, that's Rick Castle. Right. That's so not me, not the public me.

She wanted me to "butch up". Stop waiting, flitting.

I can do that. I have to do that! I know just what I need!

Another drink and some fireworks! I'll show those fireflies how to attract some attention.