Author's Note: The end of the preview clip where Castle and Beckett talk about Cinderella sat with me and would not leave me. So, you have this. Enjoy, and as always, read and review! Reviews help me to critique myself, and make me feel good inside. It gives me the smiles when I get those emails.

Disclaimer: Castle belongs to ABC; I am not ABC. Only the following content is originally mine.

If The Shoe Fits


They stood facing each other, bouncing around theory.

"Don't patronize me, Castle. This isn't a book of fairytales."

"Why can't it be?"

"A real man or woman is responsible for these deaths, which have doubled in the past three hours. We don't have time for fantasies." She wished she could have taken the words back as soon as they left her mouth.

"Why, detective, I'd never-"

"Neither would I. Now quit playing make-believe, and give me something concrete." Her saucy response made him shiver visibly. He couldn't disguise it…as had been the case, lately. For them both.

"Something you said, about fairytales being horror stories? It's true. Modern-day fairytales are merely the happily-ever-afters that the original stories missed out on. The originals are eerily grotesque." She was aware, but would give him the win for quick recovery, and pointing it out.

"I'll be sure to stop by the library when this case is closed."

"No need, you can borrow from my personal collection. Whoever the killer is, he – or she – is playing in the Land of Make-Believe, with real people. Fake wolf hair? Someone is trying very hard to hide their…scent." Amused with himself. Murder talk did this to him. These were the ways he made her job a little easier.

"Bad pun aside, the best way to deduce who the killer might be is by identifying him within the fairytale realm, who he identifies with, I see."

"Both times, he has portrayed the evil in the stories. Instead of being maimed, the evil has prevailed. Who hindered the Big Bad Wolf's attempt to digest Little Red?"

"Who came between Snow White and the poison apple? Without those pivotal figures taking action, evil overcomes the vics."

"The same holds true for the case. He could be looking for someone to interfere, a challenge to get off on when he wins…or. Hey, remember what Espo said about fairytales being life lessons, and if you do the right thing, you are allowed to live happily ever after? What if the killer is trying to teach his victims lessons by recreating the most basic function of wisdom known to man – fairytales?"

"At this point, the victims seem unrelated to his motive. He must be trying to reach a different audience."

"So our killer is a delusional Messiah sent to govern an equally delusional Storybrook."

"The crime scenes are staged true to form, but not hinting at delusional. We need to wait for Lanie's report on Snow to come in before we consider the possibility of a serial killer."

"Your wish is my command, Princess Katherine."

"Excuse me?"

"I've been thinking…it makes sense. The evil stepmother? Obvs Gates. That makes you the princess in distress, Ryan and Jenny your singing mice friends who help to finish your chores before the Grand Ball, and Espo, Prince Charming. Oh! Lanie would make for a great fairy godmother." His eyes light up the way a little boy's would when presented with frosted cake. Kind of cute. Kind of irritating.

"…Kay." But, ah, he's forgotten to place himself. She shouldn't…but… "Where does that leave you, Castle? Narrator?"

"Nah. Too much monologing for me."

"Are you kidding?"

"I've changed my mind. Espo and Ryan can guide your pumpkin-turned-carriage through the night."

"…to the Ball."

"Precisely. Where Prince Charming waits." He has that way-too-proud-of-himself grin plastered to his face, waiting for her to say what he won't. To please him.

"So what, you're Prince Charming now?"

"Well, if the shoes fits."

End