Author Note: I'm glad I don't own Castle because Andrew Marlowe does a better job than I could! Learn by doing, so here is my 2nd attempt. Huge thanks to BeckettNYPD for beta reading the entire story! Yep- it's complete. I'll have it all posted within a week.

Comic Con

Firemen have it. Soldiers have tons of it. Cops have it, and once in a while, an outsider broke into the club. It was a bond so strong, you gave your life without question. Richard Castle, famous and rich, wanted to be one of the gang, (without understanding the price) and didn't understand why they tried to keep him at arm's length. The bond was hidden beneath a banter that belied the depths of devotion.

"I have to call my publicist. This is wrong!"

Beckett didn't bother to look up from her desk in the 12th precinct. "What's the matter? Did your request for a table at the latest restaurant get turned down, or there is nothing new to read about yourself today?"

"No! Comic Con lists Nikki Heat as a Saturday evening speaker, and I know Natalie Rhodes is in LA and not available." Castle was surfing the web on his smart phone while the detective did paperwork.

"Attention to detail is usually one of your stronger suits, Castle. It says the speaker is the Inspiring Nikki Heat or the inspiration behind the character."

Castle was incredulous. "You hate publicity!"

Beckett still played it cool and never looked up. "I hate useless publicity. I've given interviews when asking the public for help on cases. I also don't hate forums for raising awareness of strong female characters."

Castle wanted to protect Beckett from her limited worldly experiences. "Comic Con is a male dominated audience. They are a tough sell on female issues. In fact, they can be downright hostile in their views."

"You're just jealous because they didn't ask you back this year."

The jest may have hit a little too close because Castle defended himself immediately. "I am already booked as a visiting lecturer of creative writing for the day at NYU."

"You play like you're hard to get, yet Comic Con is on the weekend and the NYU appearance is on a Monday." Beckett smiled at making Castle squirm.

Her comfort was short lived with his reply, "I am flattered you know my schedule so well."

She recovered quickly, "As lead detective, I have to know everyone's schedule. That Monday another unit will cover homicide. Ryan will do shooting qualifications and Esposito's annual review is due."

"Oh, I get it. You can't function without me, so you schedule accordingly!"

"It must be that and has nothing to do with my testimony in court scheduled for that morning!"

Castle gave it one last shot, "It's not too late to cancel. I don't think you realize the difference between arrested development and arrest developments."

Beckett smiled. "We shall see."

When Comic Con arrived, Beckett had worked out the details in advance with the producers. They were excited about having a little spark in the middle of the weekend. When the black shirted security detail began lining the center aisle during the introduction about the character of Nikki Heat, the level of chatter increased. As the introduction ended, an unmistakable sound of a Harley-Davidson Softail roared to life, rode down the aisles and up the ramp onto the stage. When the engine shut off an absolute silence ensued. Beckett, attired in leather pants and a snug fitting, NYPD shirt, swung off the bike, flipped her hair out from under a helmet, and simply said, "HELLO BOYS! Want to spend a little time together?"

The audience erupted into cheers and whistles. Beckett didn't fight to quiet them down. Instead she had the cover for the Naked Heat books displayed as her back drop. Another cheer erupted. Now was her moment to see if she had connected with them enough to control them. She simply put her finger over her lips to shush the crowd, and silence descended. She squared herself to the crowd and gestured over her shoulder, "That is fantasy. Let's talk about real women!"

Castle considered trying to disguise himself and attend but decided Beckett had been forewarned. He enjoyed Sunday brunch with family and then hid in his study to check out the buzz from the convention. He was surprised by the enthusiastic volumes of postings about Beckett's appearance. He found every clip uploaded by fans and watched them. Her presentation showed a real depth of knowledge of female fantasy favorites, and paralleled those traits in famous women with situations from the real world. By the time she finished her presentation, the attendance had swelled to standing room only. When she rode off into the night, every male wanted to sleep with her and every female wanted to be her. Castle wondered how he could ever doubt her, and loved that she still surprised him. No wonder she was his inspiration. No wonder she was so much more.

Author Note: constructive feedback helps (thanks Father V)