Author's Note: Depending on the reviews, I might turn this story into s full on Caskett fic. Right now It's my take on one way Castle & Beckett would get to spend some quality time together.

Disclaimer: All Characters and Castle belong to Andrew Marlowe. I own nothing.

Kate Beckett sat quietly working at her desk. She still had paperwork to do, but it was 9 o'clock on a Friday night, and she really just wanted to have her weekend off. So, making an executive (and rather out of character) decision, she put down the pen and tipped the case file shut.

"Castle, I think it's time to call it a night." She said looking over to her plucky sidekick, distracted by the latest app.

"Giving in to my carefree way, are we detective?" he replied stowing the phone in his jacket pocket. Folding his hands onto her desk, "What sort of salacious plans do you have? Comic Con convention? One of Lanie's erotic spa getaways? Moonlighting as a dominatrix?"

The last one earned him an eye roll as she quipped "In your dreams."

"I-" Castle looked up to make a remark, but cut himself off when he saw the seriousness in her gaze. She had something on her mind and she wanted to share it with him.

Replying to his acknowledging expression she added "I actually want to talk to you about something." Seeing his full attention shift at her request, she continued.

"You know how most people go through a phase of friendship before they venture into romantic territory? Not the friendly flirting friendship, but the friendship that's strictly a childish kind of fun and includes deep thoughtful conversations?"

"Yeah." Was all he said, not sure exactly how much he should say till she was finished.

"It's just... I miss having something like that. That friendship. It's a man's world up here in this bullpen and even though I'm surrounded by men, they're either too much like a family member or they're just trying to score. I don't have anyone one to just spend time with, besides Lanie, and we both know what her interpretation of 'fun' can be."

"I could be your man-friend." He said, sitting up a little proudly.

Beckett defeatedly sighed, "Castle..."

He leaned in a little, "I'm serious, just a relaxed, lazy kind of night. We could order some take out and watch some AFV, or play Apples to Apples. We could go play laser tag, or go to a park and swing. Not so much as a hint of romance. No sexual innuendos. Just fun."

Throwing her head back nearly laughing, "Ya right. You can't help yourself and your innuendos."

"Maybe not, but I'm serious. What do you say? Just a comfy Friday night among friends."

Biting her lower lip a little, Beckett could barely stop the smile that was forming. "Ok. But one single leer Castle, and I'm kicking you out." She said as she stood and snagged her coat, throwing it over her shoulder and turning on her heel to head for the elevator.

"Kicking me out? Does that mean were going to your place?" Nearly jumping out of his chair to catch up with Beckett who was half way to the door.

"Chinese and some AFV sounds perfect." And with that the elevator dinged shut, both of them with smiles on their face.

What do you think? Chapter 2 will be up momentarily :)