A/N: Hello, all! This is the first fanfic I have ever written. It was actually originally written for a contest, and I decided that I liked it enough to post it! Thank you so much for reading, I hope you enjoy it. Also, please feel free to leave reviews letting me know what you like, don't like, things I need to work on, things I do well, requests, etc.! I'm very grateful for any pointers you give me! If you have any requests for future stories you'd like me to write, let me know! Thanks, again!
Summary: After a tiring day of work at the 12th Precinct, Castle takes Beckett out on a romantic date.
Timing: During S7, probably toward the beginning of the season when the characters aren't married (yet!). As of the time that this story is being posted, S7 has not yet aired... so, sorry if you're reading this at a later date and they got married in 7x01, haha!
Castle stood in the entryway of the 12th Precinct's break room, admiring his wife as she examined files at her desk. A smirk slowly grew on his face as he reflected on how lucky he was. After seven years, she was finally all his, through better or through worse. Hell, if they could escape death far too many times for their own good, they could survive anything.
A fresh cup of coffee in each hand, Castle walked over to Beckett's desk. "Hey," he said, placing both cups on the side of her desktop and taking a seat in his chair beside her.
Beckett glanced up from her work. "Oh, hey. Thanks," she replied, indicating the cup of coffee. Castle watched Beckett's eyebrows furrow, completely immersed in her work. That's what he admired most about Kate, her dedication. She put everyone and everything before herself in the name of justice. Of course, that wasn't always such a good thing.
After a few moments of contemplation and glances around the precinct, Castle reached over and touched Beckett's stomach. "How is she?"
Beckett's head darted up. In response to the look of complete shock and disapproval on her face, Castle pulled his hand away. "What the hell are you thinking?" Beckett whispered, scanning the bullpen to make sure nobody had seen.
"Calm down, nobody's even paying attention!"
"Yeah, well, I don't want anybody finding out until I," she paused, "until we are ready."
"There's only so much longer we can keep this a secret. Sooner or later, people are going to," his eyes glanced down to her belly and then back to her eyes, "notice." The silence was broken with Beckett's sigh, a mixture of realization and irritation. "Okay, fine. Fine. But, you're going to owe me." Castle's signature smirk appeared. Shaking her head, Beckett bit her lower lip as she returned the smile, and then went back to her work. "A date. You, me, and the most romantic night of your life." Beckett tried her best to hide the smile that was threatening to emerge as she stared back at him. Her eyes squinted at Castle, as if he were a near impossible puzzle she felt determined to solve. "I'm sorry, Kate, but you have no choice," he teased.
Hand in hand, the ravishing couple walked out of their loft and to the street where the valet had parked their car. Beckett wore a simple, yet elegant black v-neck dress which cut off just above her knees. She was surprised she could still wear the skin tight dress; 19 weeks pregnant, and she hardly showed. Her look was topped off with her favorite pair of high heels. Castle complemented her perfectly in a sharp, black tuxedo.
"So, where are you taking me?" Beckett asked, knowing there was no way he'd tell.
"It's a surprise." Just as she had suspected. Walking out of the door, Kate was surprised when she spotted the car that awaited them.
"The Ferrari?" Castle smiled at her, and then opened the passenger door.
"My lady," he said, in a cheesy British accent with an accompanying bow.
Flattered, Beckett decided to play along. "Why, thank you, good sir." Trying not to burst out in laughter, she curtsied and then slid into her seat.
The red sports car pulled into the New York City traffic. When they finally arrived at their destination, Beckett couldn't believe her eyes when she looked up and read the sign in glowing bright red letters.
"Remmy's," she turned to Castle, "really? I thought this was supposed to be a romantic dinner." The duo walked inside, far too overdressed for the small burger joint.
"Oh, Beckett. You know better than to underestimate me," he smiled. Linking his arm with hers, Castle led Beckett through the restaurant. Slowly pushing open the door at the top of a staircase, Castle revealed the surprise, and he couldn't hide his excitement. A rooftop picnic. Beckett's eyes sparkled with delight. There was a red and white checkered blanket with a picnic basket placed in the center of the roof, which overlooked the breathtaking sunset over New York City. The edges of the roof were lined with white string lights that reflected into their eyes like stars in the midnight sky.
After taking the whole scene in, Beckett stepped toward the blanket. "Wow, Castle. This is… it's just," speechless, she simply smiled at her husband, and he got the message. The two of them sat down. "So, what do we have here?" Beckett teased, poking at the picnic basket.
"Let's see," Castle opened the basket and began pulling items out. "We have spaghetti with marinara sauce, insanely amazing garlic bread, your favorite red wine-"
"Castle, you know I can't-"
"Relax, relax. I'm just messing with you," Castle leaned in and kissed Beckett's cheek. He gazed into her mesmerizing hazel eyes. Although it only lasted a moment, it felt like an eternity. Breaking the eye contact, he bent over to kiss her belly, bringing a smile to Kate's face. Castle continued revealing items from their picnic basket, "incredibly delicious lemonade to keep you and this little one," he rubbed Beckett's belly, "as healthy and hydrated as humanly possible. And, lastly, chocolate chip cheesecake for dessert," he smiled.
"Well, Mr. Castle," the two raised their lemonade glasses, "let's eat," and they clinked.
Beckett drew in a deep breath and stretched her arms up above her head. Slowly letting the air out of her lungs, her body relaxed. She lay there for a moment, completely still and content in the warmth of her bed. A smile grew on her face as she recalled the events of the night before.
Her eyes blinked open, and a wave of confusion rushed through her. She was in her bed. In her room. In her apartment. Beckett slowly sat herself up, returning to reality. She brought her hand up to her forehead as her mouth hung open in shock. It had only been a dream.
A/N: What!? Haha! Thanks again for taking the time to read my fanfic! What do you guys think, should I continue with this story or begin a new one? Let me know! Have a great day, and don't forget to leave a review! :)