Detective Kate Beckett relaxes back in the soft brown recliner, and stares out anxiously at the somewhat sterile room.
"I think I might have waited too long," She states, sighing softly.
"What makes you say that?" Dr Burke replies in his comforting monotone.
"Castle...Rick. He's acting differently. It's almost as if he hasn't changed from the man I met a few years ago." She replies, somewhat confused.
"Kate. From what you've told me, the relationship between the two of you is complex. Sometimes, there are things that can only be addressed if the issue is forced. You're still shying away from a confrontation."
"But, I think I'm ready. I've tried to bring it up –"
"Have you really? Or have you let his actions stop you from going there?
Kate stares on, realisation dawning on her.
"So you're saying –"
Dr Burke cuts her off.
"Kate, I can't tell you what to do. But at some point, and it sounds like you're there – nothing is resolved unless you can communicate. Lay your cards on the table. You never know, you might be surprised."
With conviction, Kate Beckett walks fast paced along the busy Manhattan streets, until at last she reaches a familiar apartment.
Knocking on the well-known door, she awaits the inevitable response.
The door opens, and a stunned Rick Castle composes himself before reacting, his hand still on the cell phone at his ear. Maintaining nonchalance, he waves her in whilst continuing his phone conversation.
"Oh Jacinda, you know I like to use my frequent flyer miles...especailly if that means seeing you again." Castle jokes, flirting right in front of Kate, trying to convey his newfound indifference.
Smirking, and unsurpised, Kate turns on her heel to leave, rolling her eyes. When she reaches the door, hand poised on the knob, she hesitates, "This is what Dr. Burke was talking about." She realises. "I'm hesitating to avoid this confrontation. Not anymore."
With newfound strength Kate swings back and snatches the cell phone from Castle's hand.
"Jacinda, Castle's gonna have to call you back." She states fiercely into the phone, whilst looking at the shocked look on Castle's face.
"What on earth do you think are you doing Beckett?" Castle exclaims.
"Castle, we need to talk." Kate states, feeling stronger now.
"We have no cases at the moment, Beckett, so if you'll excuse me..." Castle replies, trying to brush her off.
"Rick, for God's sake will you just listen to me?" Kate pleads.
Startled at the unusual use of his first name, Castle relents, and takes a few steps backwards and sits on his couch and crosses his legs. He gives a small sarcastic wave of his hand, as if to say, "please, continue."
Running both her hands through her hair, Kate sighs and takes a seat opposite him, their knees almost touching.
"Castle...Rick. We're partners. But you're pulling away from me." She says softly.
Castle softens.
"Kate...look. It's okay. I know you know. And it's okay. We're okay"
Puzzled, Kate looks at him expectedly.
"I know you remember." Castle continues.
"Remember...?" Kate says softly.
Irritated now, Castle loses his patience and stands.
"Beckett. I heard you in the interrogation room. The kid in the Wall Street bombing. You accused him of lying about amnesia." He says angrily.
"Oh." Kate replies quietly, realisation dawning.
She stands and takes a step towards him.
"Castle, I'm sorry I didn't tell you –"
"-No," Castle interrupts. "Kate, it's fine. I get it. I've followed you around like a wounded puppy, hoping one day you'll be ready. But that was never going to happy was it? I was dreaming!" Castle yells uncharacteristically.
As he spins to storm off, Kate grabs his arm and pulls him back to face her.
"Rick, listen to me." She shouts back.
"No, Kate, it's too late!" He yells back, again spinning around, breaking loose of her grasp. He starts to walk away.
"For god's sake Castle. I'm. In. Love. With. You. Too." Kate replies, laying everything out in the open and standing there, arms by her side, completely vulnerable.
Castle stops. His back to her. Both pause for what feels like an eternity. Each can hear the others laboured breathing.
Slowly, Castle turns to face her.
"What?" He replies ever so softly.
"Rick, I love you too." She whispers, tears in her eyes. "I'm sorry it took me so long to tell you, I'm sorry I didn't admit –"
She's cut off as Rick takes a few big strides and has his arms around her. Ever so gently, he takes one hand and pushes some hair behind her ear, drinking in the sight of her, in all her vulnerability.
He presses his forehead to hers, and breathes audibly.
"Kate...I love you. I'm sorry I couldn't say it to your face. I'm sorry I've been acting like –"
Suddenly, he is cut off as she pushes her mouth against his. Her lips opening and her tongue parting his own mouth. He walks her backwards, pushing her fiercely into a wall, unwilling to end this sudden display of passion.
Kate, back against the wall, pulls apart, bites her lip, and says wickedly, "Are you sure you can handle this, Castle?"
"Try me." Castle replies, breathing hard.
Taking his hand, she leads him towards the bedroom. Castle following in amazement.
As they reach the bedroom, Castle takes the lead, standing behind her, his arms around her, he pushes her forwards towards the bed. Gently he spins her around, and lowers her down onto the mattress. He hovers above her, again pushing some hair behind her ear.
"I've waited forever for this...for you." He whispers.
"Always...the writer..." Beckett laughs and leans up to kiss him, and at the same time pulls him down, fully clothed on top of her.
Suddenly, Castle is pushed aside and lands on his back next to her. He looks at Kate, and sees her staring straight ahead.
"What. Is. That!" Kate exclaims angrily, looking at a TV screen that clearly shows her mother, Joanna Beckett's, face.
