All characters belong to ABC and AWM.

The inside track is at the Hester Y is deserted except for a single male running the inside lane with a less than elegant glide. Pleasantly surprised to find the facility so empty on a Monday afternoon, Beckett slips her ear buds in place, taps the Spotify app on her phone, pulling up her Imagine Dragons play list.

The scar in her chest pulls today, a constant reminder of her shooting a few short months ago and the reason she is determined to begin running again. As the music fill her ears, she begins to stretch. Her body warm and loose she waits for the lone jogger on the track to pass before she slips in behind him and begins with an even, slow pace.

She watches the man's stride in front of her, not out of curiosity but because there is really no other place to look as he's only a few paces ahead of her. Her tempo increasing she gracefully pulls alongside him for a couple of strides. Aware that he is watching her, she looks over and sees his mouth moving. She smiles, points to the buds in her ears and swiftly passes him.

Her body is protesting, sweat pooling inside her bra and making her t-shirt damp. Increasing her strides she quickly comes up behind the other runner. He's tall, over 6 feet, broad…and familiar. He appears to be athletic, certainly in shape but definitely not a runner as his gait is uneven and he occasionally misses a step when rounding the turns. As she passes him once more, he again looks over, giving her a devastating smile that she returns briefly before carrying on. She's aware that he is attempting to pick up his pace and she intensifies her steps as she looks over her shoulder at him. His face is determined, blue eyes sparkling and his mouth is moving again. She smiles. Chuckles even and begins to run faster.

Cresting the last curve stride for stride he taps her shoulder and points to her headphones, indicating with frantic gestures he wants her to take them off.

Eyebrows raised, a heavy sigh escaping her, she pulls out the left bud and slows down to hear him speak.

"Hey, um," He stumbles trying to find the right words, "I'm Rick."

Snapping her bud back in place, she begins to run full on again "I know who you are Mr. Castle and I'm not interested." She's too far ahead now to see his face fall in disappointment and then light again in curiosity.

On the next turn through she spies him off to the side stretching, sipping occasionally from a water bottle and watching her. He waves.

She can't hide the blush that stains her cheeks and only hopes he'll chock it up to the flush of endorphins from the exercise. She continues on, trying to ignore the fact that she was running with Richard freaking Castle.

He's still sitting off to the side staring at her as she completes the run and walks over to retrieve her towel and water bottle.

"I feel like I'm at a disadvantage here," she hears as he approaches.

Eyes wary, water clenched tight in her hand, she cocks her head, "Excuse me?"

Ignoring all rules about personal space he steps right in to her inner circle, "You know my name but I didn't catch yours."

Rolling her eyes at the maddening, yet handsome author in front of her, she tosses out, "You didn't catch it because I didn't give it," before grabbing her bag from the ground and heading toward the exit.

His legs carry him quickly after her and he grasps her elbow, "Can I buy you a cup of coffee…"

"It's Kate." She interrupts.

Smiling wide he begins again, "Can I buy you a cup of coffee, Kate?"

She dislodges his fingers from her arm before answering, "I like your books, Mr. Castle but I do not like your reputation and I have no interest in being featured on page 6."

The light leaves his eyes at her response but he lets her go, "Well, maybe one day I'll get the chance to change your mind, Kate," he can't help calling out as she leaves.

She can feel his eyes on her as she walks away, but she is determined not to give in and turn around, 'doubtful Mr. Castle' she thinks.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Walking into the morgue four days later she spies her best friend and resident M.E. reading the paper and snacking out of a container of apples and cheese.

Waving away the offered fruit her friend extends Kate grimaces, "Ugh, Lanie, how are you able to eat in here?"

Grabbing another apple slice, the M.E. looks affronted, "Girlfriend, I have you know this is the cleanest place in this city."

"Maybe so, but I thought we were going out to lunch and were meeting at the restaurant, Kate questions, "Why'd you call me down here first?"

The M.E. doesn't even try to hide the smirk as she slowly lifts the paper and thumbs through the pages, "I think you might have made quite the impression on your running partner from the other day."

Kate hesitates a beat, "My running part…Oh, you mean that cocky author that tried to pick me up at the Y?"

Eyes sliding across the page, the M.E.'s smile overtakes her face, "Mmm, hmm, you know, the one you told you weren't interested in page 6? Seems he heard you loud and clear, however, how do you feel about other pages?"

Quickly snatching the paper from Lanie's hand, Kate scans the pages in question eyeing the typical page 6 garbage about who wore what and who was seen with who. Transferring her gaze to the next page, her heart jumps an extra beat as she reads the full page ad.

Runner Kate,

You don't always get the chance to make a second, first impression

However, I'd like that chance

I understand not wanting to be featured on page 6

Perhaps page 7 will better my chances

I'd still like to buy you that coffee

Hoping you won't continue to run

RC

(I can be reached through Black Pawn)

Her hands are shaking as she quickly crumbles the paper, tossing it in the trash can behind Lanie, "Of all the arrogant, immature, cocky…"

"Katherine Beckett, don't you even go there. The man is original and is obviously interested in you." the exasperated M.E. interrupts.

"Lanie," Kate hisses, "the man is a millionaire playboy who goes through women like they're candy."

Lanie sighs heavily, glaring at her friend, "Girlfriend, when was the last time you saw Richard Castle featured in anything? He hasn't published a book in a couple of years, and hasn't been seen much since his last divorce over two years ago. Which coincidentally was also the last time you dated anyone."

"Thanks." Kate mutters.

The M.E. continues, "The point is, Kate, maybe he's changed. Maybe it's worth contacting him and finding out. What have you got to lose?"

"Besides my self-respect," Kate retorts.

Lanie reaches for the paper, "Honey, no respect has ever been lost with a cup of coffee. Just call the guy already or at least Black Pawn. Now, how bout we go get that lunch."

Standing and heading towards the exit, Kate shakes her head, "I think I've lost my appetite for today, but I'll take a rain check."

Pushing the heavy door open, Kate replays Lanie's words in her head. It has been a long while since she's dated anyone and she can't remember the last time anyone went to such extreme measures to get her attention. She was honest when she told him she likes his books so maybe the author deserved a second change after all.

Reaching in her pocket and pulling out her phone, she quickly searches for Black Pawn Publishing. As she steps out in to the sunlight, her finger hovers over the "call" button. Sucking in a deep breath, Kate presses the handset icon before she can change her mind.

It's ringing.

The voice on the other end is brisk and professional, "Black Pawn Publishing, how may I direct your call?"

Gathering all the nerve she has, Kate replies, "This is Detective Kate Beckett with the NYPD, I'm trying to get in touch with Mr. Castle."

fin

A/N - not sure where this came from but it wanted out. Thanks to GM for the look through. Even with help, things get missed. All mistakes are mine.