A.N This was wriiten around the time that Beckett was working to protect Senator Bracken.
All he wanted was to see that million watt smile ,sure she smiled and laughed at the appropriate times. He'd even received a few of those famous "Beckett" eyerolls. But he needed,hell, they both needed was something that would bring back that smile.
So he skipped out early from the precinct, his excuse being that it was just a "boring paperwork day" anyway. She mumbled she would see him at home later continuing to fill out the endless forms cluttering her desk.
When she finally got home the look on her face was definitely worth the amount of shopping he had accomplished in the two hours since leaving her sitting at her desk.
The counter was covered from end to end with every one of her favorite things.
A bouquet of her favorite flowers was displayed in one of her mom's antique vases.
There were dishes filled with white chocolate candies, gummi bears, skittles, and every other type of her favorite candies.
There were toppings for ice cream sundaes in every flavor imaginable,sprinkles in every color of the rainbow.
He'd ordered burgers,fries and her favorite strawberry shakes from Remy's.
She walked over to him wrapping her arms around his waist." What's all this Castle?" she asked. Then she saw a box with a huge purple bow sitting at the end of the counter."What's the occasion?"she said.
Taking her by the hand he led her around to the other side of the counter." I just wanted to do something special for you.I wanted to make you happy, see that gorgeous smile of yours."he replied.
He handed her the gift, his excitement barely contained. Taking the box with one hand she reached up to touch his cheek with the other."You know I'm okay right?" she asked. "Yeah,I know you're okay, now please just open it" he answered, attempting to tug on the bow. Slapping his hand away she pulls on the bow letting the silk fall to the floor. She begins unwrapping the paper torturing him with the amount of time she takes.
Her eyes widen when the gift is finally free from the paper.
Even tho she owned every one of them on CD's, he had gotten her every original copy of John Coltrane's albums.
" How did you get these Rick?" she asked. Her eyes taking in the covers,her fingers tracing over the name featuring her favorite jazz musician."Let's just say I know a guy" he chuckled.
The truth was he scoured flea markets and record shops for weeks, leaving early on some days claiming that Gina and Paula were threatening him with bodily harm if he didn't finish the chapters that were long past due.
Tilting her chin up he said " I just wanted to make you smile".She leaned forward pressing her lips to his, the albums still held reverently in her hands. "Thanks you" she whispered over his lips. Their foreheads touching, smiles on both their faces, he brushed his nose back and forth over hers before taking a stepping back heading around to the other side of the counter.
Reaching into the cabinet getting plates to put the food on "Shall we eat here or in front of the tv? he asks."Kate ? Not getting a response he turns around to see her heading over to the stereo.
He watches as she carefully removes the record from its cardboard cover. Gently she eases the record from the paper sleeve it rests in. Using only her fingertips she places it on the player. Hitting the power button the record begins spinning. She gently lowers the arm down until the diamond needle makes contact with the record.
Sitting back crossed legged on the floor, elbows resting on her knees, eyes closed,she sighs as the first notes drift out from the speakers.
Her glorious smile illuminates the room.