CASTLE
"DUST TO DUST"
An Original Caskett Story
2013 by Patricia L. Givens
DAxilla
Jadzia7627
August 2013
Disclaimer #1: This story is an original work of fiction set in the pre-existing world of the TV show Castle. As such, many of the characters and references used within belong solely to ABC, Andrew Marlowe and TPTB. I didn't gain anything here, so don't sue me. (Unless of course my prosecutor would look like Alex Cabot…)
Disclaimer #2: All original characters and storylines contained herein belong to the author. (Like anyone else would claim them!) This story may be archived upon request with the stipulation that it must be posted exactly as it was written, with all disclaimers intact.
Disclaimer #3: This story does depict a lovingly sexual relationship between a man and a woman. (Who knew I would have a flair for it? Not me…) If this bothers you then you obviously aren't into checking ratings. You must end up in a lot of porno theaters by 'accident'… snort If you are under 18, you've probably already read and done a lot worse than this but I will give you a stern look anyway. If this is illegal where you live… I am glad to hear your village finally got WiFi!
Dedication: For Bunneh. Forever.
Come on in... the door is always open...
DAx =/\=
***
A/N: I swore I wouldn't do this, but as my brain increasingly misfires waiting for the Season 6 premiere, I could not get this out of my mind. Please know, this is NOT what I think happens. (See random speculation below for that.) I just couldn't put the Jordan thing away...(And being obsessed with such a perfect song makes it even harder!)
Random Speculation: I think Kate tells him she turned down the job so he would know the truth: That he doesn't need to propose to keep her there. He does anyway, because it was never about keeping her in NY, and then (after she says yes) he tells her to go to DC and see what she really wants... because he can write anywhere...
A/N #2: I normally only pick a verse or two from a song, but this one... I couldn't decide which fit Caskett more... because the whole song does! If you know it, then you know it.
If you don't, do yourself a favor... Listen!
It's not your eyes
It's not what you say
It's not your laughter
That gives you away
You're just lonely
You've been lonely, too long
Oh, you're acting your thin disguise
All your perfectly delivered lines
They don't fool me
You've been lonely, too long
Let me in the wall
You've built around
We can light a match
And burn it down
Let me hold your hand
And dance 'round and 'round the flames
In front of us
Dust to dust
You've held your head up
You've fought the fight
You bear the scars
You've done your time
Listen to me
You've been lonely, too long
Let me in the walls
You've built around
We can light a match
And burn them down
Let me hold your hand
And dance 'round and 'round the flames
In front of us
Dust to dust
You're like a mirror, reflecting me
Takes one to know one, so take it from me
You've been lonely
You've been lonely, too long
We've been lonely
We've been lonely, too long
"Dust to Dust"
-The Civil Wars
Special Agent Kate Beckett opened her office door; stepping inside and shutting it firmly behind her. Once the sounds of laughter coming from the outer office were blocked out, she leaned against it, finally letting her shoulders sag as she took a deep breath.
She looked down at the plaque she held in her hands.
"In Recognition of Outstanding Service…"
With a sigh, she tossed it onto her desk, glancing at the wall where her other two service plaques hung. She had been there for just a little over a month and she already had three of them. One she had been given the moment she stepped into headquarters; retroactive in regards to the help she had provided in New York.
It was her favorite.
It still said 'Detective Katherine Beckett' on it.
Crossing her arms over her chest, Kate walked around her desk, leaning against the far side so that she could stare out her window. She had an incredible view of the downtown D.C. area…
…but it would never be New York.
For so many reasons.
The view being the least of them.
"What are you doing here, Kate?"
Beckett swung around quickly, startled. She hadn't even heard her door open. She would have been angry except that she'd recognize that voice anywhere.
She nodded fondly at the woman in her doorway. "Special Agent Shaw."
The other woman smiled, coming inside and closing the door behind her. "You saved my life, Kate. I think we're a little beyond titles now, don't you?"
Beckett inclined her head slightly. "Jordan." She blinked. "What are you doing here? They said you were out of the country."
"I was." She sat down in one of the chairs across from her. "Flew into JFK this morning. Went to have a quick cup of coffee with my favorite Detective and her favorite writer during my layover." Shaw pursed her lips. "Imagine my surprise when neither of you were there."
Kate dropped her chin, looking at the floor as she pursed her lips. "Yeah... I sincerely doubt that you were surprised."
The older woman looked at her closely, noting the sadness... the stiffness of her posture. But the most telling evidence... was in her eyes. Sighing, Jordan smoothed her slacks over her thighs. "Last I heard... there was an offer on the table..."
Beckett blinked. "I beg your pardon?"
Agent Shaw smiled. "Don't play dumb, Kate. It doesn't suit you."
The younger woman sighed, running her fingers through her hair. "How did you find out?"
"That he proposed?" She smiled. "I'm a spook, Kate. It's what I do. Did you really think I wouldn't keep tabs on my... friends?"
"Is that what we are?'
"Can you think of a better word for it?"
Beckett smiled, shaking her head sadly. "He only... asked... to keep me in New York."
"You don't believe that... any more than I do." Shaw sighed. "If anything, he had to know that his proposal would piss you off. But he did it anyway."
"Why?"
"Because he loves you, Kate. That was always obvious... to everyone but you, apparently." Jordan looked at the floor. "Don't get me wrong... If you went home, you would be sorely missed. But trust me when I tell you that sometimes... It just can't be all about the job."
"And yet... here you are."
"I made my choice. Do I regret it?" The older woman shook her head. "No. But I do regret everything I have missed. And I am not you. This job..." Jordan was perfectly still. "It has it's rewards... and it's price. You have to be willing to give up a lot and compromise even more. Some of us are built for it, good or bad. Some of us... Just aren't."
"And you think I'm not?"
Shaw barked with laughter. "Oh God no! I think you would be one hell of an agent." She looked at the younger woman fondly. "I just don't think..." She nodded slowly. "I just KNOW... that there is something that means more to you. Those of us that can give up everything for the badge... it is an honorable pursuit. But that doesn't mean it's always right." She stood up and straightened her jacket. "You have options... Detective." She emphasized the title. "You just have to decide which one means more to you."
She walked to the door stopping when Kate whispered. "And what if I already have?"
Shaw smiled over her shoulder at the younger woman. "Then all I can do is ask again... What are you doing here, Kate?"
Beckett watched in silence as the older woman disappeared.
A/N #3: This will be a short 2 shot. Stay tuned. ) Please review if you have time!