All My Dreams
Summary: An alternate ending to Knockdown.
A/N: I've been out of the loop for a while, and not beta-ed, so all mistakes are mine.
Happy (early) Birthday, Li! I hope you enjoy!
Castle watched Kate's interaction with Josh as the paramedic bandaged his hand. The medic gave directions to the writer about wound care and something about pain, but Rick didn't hear. His mind was on Kate, and the kiss they shared not so long ago.
Things appeared to be great between her and the doctor as she walked away from him.
"Josh doing all right?" he asked, as she approached, "I thought you said he was out of the country again."
She avoided his eyes as she adjusted the bandage, finally stroking the top of his hand. "He rescheduled, thinking there was a reason to stay and work things out."
The slight undertone in her voice caught his attention, but he was probably reading too much. "I don't think I understand."
"Had he told me this morning, there might have been a reason," Kate answered, "But this evening - especially in the last couple of hours - I've had a lot to think about."
"And?"
She smiled - it was beautiful - and rolled her eyes. "After all this time, I thought you were better at reading me."
"Well, maybe not so good right now. I am in some pain here, Beckett," he joked.
She covered his injured hand with both of hers, setting them down gently on her leg. "I told Josh it was time for us part ways. I'm ready to dive in with someone, without having one foot out the door. I'm ready for something real."
"Oh," he understood and nodded. His head must still be spinning from their kiss - it made him hopeful. "So, on the hunt for someone new?
"No, not hunting for someone new. In fact, he's been with me for a while, and I've been too stubborn to see it." The corner of her mouth quirked upward, and she leaned toward him, placing a kiss on his cheek.
Stars lit up his vision and Castle thought he might fall out of the chair. Kate caught him, "You okay? Do I need to call the paramedic back?"
"No, I'm fine, just wasn't expecting to hear your answer." He smiled and kissed the back of her hand. "I think all of my dreams have finally come true."