A/N: So, this story is basically based on the assumption or speculation that Esposito has something against Castle after his disappearance. I hope you enjoy it...and please be patient, because I may take a while to update.
It was an average day at the Precinct. There were cases that needed to be worked on, people filling piles of paperwork, the sound of desk phones ringing. An average day, was always a busy day. But in the Homicide floor of the 12th Precinct, things were a little more than just average. There was something special about that place. Maybe the fact that the best crime-solving team resided there, or that one famous mystery novelist shadows one of the detectives there. Whatever it was, the homicide floor is special. Today however, the spark that Richard Castle brought to the bullpen was gone. The place was quiet in a solemn way. Every detective in homicide was concentrated on one single case. Even Captain Gates, who was known for disliking Castle was arguing with the chief of detective and the commissioner, to have more resources and more help.
For detective Beckett, partner in life of Richard Castle, the sight was overwhelming. It felt like those months when he was missing and everyone was trying their best to look for him and support her. Although there was a slight difference this time. Castle's wasn't missing. He was fighting for his life in a hospital, as he tried to save on of their own.
xxxxxxxx Ten Hours earlier xxxxxxxx
The phone woke her with a startle. She was alone in bed.
"Beckett."
"We got a body." said Esposito's all business voice.
"Text me the address, we'll be there in 20 minutes." Beckett replied and hung up before Esposito could say anything else.
She sat on the edge of the bed, fully awake now, and where was Castle anyway? Lately it was becoming more frequent the times she woke up to an empty bed. She was starting to worry about him, because he wouldn't share what was wrong. She didn't even know at what time would Castle leave the bed, but it was definitely hours before her alarm. That was very unlike Castle, because even when he woke up before her, he would always let her know that he was awake, either by kissing and caressing her gently, or by simply go to the kitchen and start making a fresh coffee pot.
However, these past weeks, she'd been awake only the sound of her alarm and no coffee smell or sweet kisses. She wanted to know what was wrong. They just got back on their feet after his mysterious disappearance, and she didn't want to screw things up. But Castle wouldn't talk to her, and that only made her realize that there was more than what Castle was letting show. She stood up and walked to his office. And there he was, with his head resting on the desk and a certainly uncomfortable position, completely out of it. She walked up to him, and noticed a photo album underneath his head. Beckett then put a hand on his shoulder and shook it gently.
"Castle." Beckett said in a quiet voice.
"Mmm..." He groaned.
"We got a case."
"I'm up..." He slurred, but didn't lift his head to look at her.
"Alright, why don't you go and get ready while I make some coffee..."
"Sounds good..." He was a little more awake now, and so Beckett gave him a quick kiss on the top of his head.
xxxxxxxxxx
The ride to the crime scene was silent. As it was most of these past days. Often Castle wouldn't shut up when they were in the car, which was fine, since Beckett would just listen to him ramble. But this time, even though Beckett knew they had to talk about what has been happening lately, neither of them wanted to break the ice on a particularly sensitive topic.
"So, I was thinking..." Beckett started, but felt flat. "Maybe we could do something tonight."
"I was thinking the same thing." Castle answered, and it felt like the pressure that was threatening to swallow them had dissipated. "Maybe we could go to diner, or something."
"Yeah...I'd like that." she said with a smile.
"It's a date then." Castle replied smiling too, and just as he said that, they arrived to the crime scene.
A/N: Please review, that I love to hear what you guys think, how I'm doing and stuff...also, I know it was kind of a short chapter...but I have some things planned out for this story, so bare with me...Thank you for reading :)
