Disclaimer: I do not own Castle or anything else pertaining to ABC's hit TV show, Castle.

Richard Castle was sitting at his island counter playing around a little with his- now cold- cup of coffee. His mind stuck one topic and one topic only. Her. He sighed, no matter how hard he tried, she wouldn't leave his mind. Every time he closed his eyes an image of her was plastered against his eyelids. Everything she did left him in awe, she made him act stupid at least more than usual. And sometimes it seemed that they were the only two alive. Suddenly now, his fantasies centered around the two of them.

"Hey, kiddo. Why aren't you at the precinct?" Martha asked, a carrot resting against her lips waiting to be eaten.

"I don't know. I... I'm just thinking." He shrugged and sat up, moving his shoulders back.

"About what?" Martha dropped her arms and leaned over the counter to her son.

Rick's answer was hesitated, as he considered whether or not to tell his mom. Sighing, he opened his mouth but waited a second to begin, "Beckett... Ever since the triple killer kept me captive, I don't know, something... changed. That poolside talk, that's what turned it all around."

"I heard about the shooting on the news. Could have been you, you know that don't you?" Martha came around the counter and took a seat next to him.

"Yeah. But I'm fine it wasn't me." Castle sighed through his words.

"Richard, this isn't one of your books. You don't know the ending. You were just lucky yesterday." She scolded.

"You're over reacting mother. Where's this coming from?" Rick sounded a little amused.

Martha looked hurt, and gave a moment's pause before answering, "How the hell can you ask me something like that? Think about how much you love Alexis and that is how much I love you. And don't you dare ask me where this is coming from." Martha was on the verge of tears and Rick could tell that. "You have gotten through most of your life on your wit and charm and no small amount of talent. But that is the real world out there, and you can't charm your way out of a bullet."

"You think I should quit?" He asked. Not like he was considering it, and not like he was shocked, either.

"I think you should be honest with yourself about why you're doing this. You have written twenty two novels before you met her and you didn't need to spend everyday in a police station in order to finish them."

"It's not about the books anymore." Rick admitted quietly, like he had known this for some time.

"I know that, you know that. But, do you really have to put yourself in danger, just to spend time with her? Ask her out, make a move. Do something and then stop following her. You'll be doing both of you a favor."

"That's not Beckett. You don't know her the way I do mother. She doesn't fully trust me yet, it takes a while to get there. I just have to wait. Meanwhile, I fill the void by shadowing her. What do you want me to do? Keep my bullet proof vest on 24/7?"

"I want you to be safe. That is all." Martha whispered, before she stood up and left the room, leaving Rick to think about the situation.

He never meant to be in danger, consciously, unconsciously, though, he knew that this was always a factor but you don't think about danger when you're in love. When your in love all the bad things in the world, just seem to fade away. As long as love was on his side, Rick knew that nothing could possibly happen. And if it did, his beloved, and strong, Detective Beckett would be there to help.

"Love may blind, but it also shines a light on a few never before seen roads." Rick whispered to himself. He wouldn't leave the detective. Not now, not ever. He loved her, and though he may occasionally need time off to clear his thoughts, he would always be her annoying sidekick. He would always be there to talk to, to hug, help, whatever the case may be. He would always be there. If something did happen to him, he would always be there in Kate's heart and memories. He would always be there. This he promised to himself.

Hey! I hope ya'll liked it... he he. I love that word. Anyway. Case you're wondering most of the dialogue came from a spoiler video, just so you know. I thought I'd twist it up a little to make it a little more... me. If you enjoyed this, and even if you didn't, please review!