"Just keep smiling."
Kate barely heard Rick's voice over the screaming as they walked down a long red carpet. She clung to his arm, blinded by the flashing lights from the cameras taking pictures of them, walking unsteadily in the strappy heels that matched the dark red gown she wore.
He was a natural at this. He waved, quickly signed books, gave quick blurbs reporters could use about the Heat Wave movie. "We're all very excited," he said to someone she couldn't see as he put his arm around her waist.
Behind them, Martha and Alexis put on a show similar to Rick's. They were both used to this, they knew how to smile and walk and wave. Kate was a fish out of water, she wished she could disappear and leave Rick and his family to flourish in the limelight.
This was her life now though. Since her relationship with Rick had gone public, she was expected to accompany him to galas, book signings, extravagant parties and now movie premieres. She had to go, of course, she wasn't just Richard Castle's girlfriend. She was Nikki Heat.
"Kate, give us a smile!" She heard someone scream, her lips curled into something she hoped resembled a smile.
"Kate, so great to see you again!" She barely had time to react to this voice before a woman was hugging her.
"Natalie?" Kate asked when she was able to make out her face.
"Photo op. Nikki Heat and Nikki Heat. You mind, Castle?" Natalie asked. Rick stepped away from the women as Natalie put her arm around Kate's shoulders, smiling widely for the cameras.
"Ms. Rhodes, over here!" And with that, Natalie disappeared from Kate's side to give a quick interview.
She breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Ryan and Esposito. Finally someone who wasn't used to the flashing lights in their faces. They were wearing dark suits, both clean-shaven. Kate had to laugh at Esposito's face, his eyes darting suspiciously in all directions as if he were on a security detail. She wondered if he had a gun in his jacket. Close behind them, Jenny and Lanie were struggling to keep up with the men's long, unbroken strides.
She laughed again and felt Rick's arm around her. "There you go," he said, happy to see a natural smile on her face for the first time that night. "It's almost over." He signed a few more books.
"Detective Beckett, can I have your autograph?" A small voice said. A little girl, no more than eight held a paper and pad.
"Sure," Kate said, smiling politely as she walked over to the girl. She signed the paper quickly and handed the pad back to her.
"I want to be a cop like you someday."
Kate smiled. "The NYPD would be proud to have you." She touched the girl's arm before she returned to Rick's side. He smiled proudly at her as he put his arm around her once again.
They continued the short distance to the entrance of the theater before turning around and giving a final wave.
"See, that didn't kill you," he said once the roar of the crowd outside drowned out.
"I guess it wasn't completely horrible."
"Except for the serial killer smile, you were perfect." He kissed her cheek quickly. "Want popcorn?"
"Redvines?" she requested.
"You got it." He went to the concession stand and all of a sudden it seemed like a normal movie date. When he returned, he handed her her Redvines and put his arm around her. This time, she moved into his side, putting her arm around him to hug him closer.
"Think we can get away with making out in there?" she whispered against his ear.
He let out a low groan. "Oh we'll find a way." He pulled her towards him and kissed her.
"Oh no you won't," Alexis chirped. "Grams and I are sitting next to you."
He groaned again, this time an annoyed groan. "After?" he asked, looking at Kate.
She smiled and nodded. "After."
"In the limo?"
"Don't press your luck, Castle."
