This is the product of a long layover in an annoying airport called LAX. I wasn't sure if I was going to publish it, but maybe someone else will enjoy it. It takes place immediately after the finale, but it isn't the typical following that one would expect. I will add chapters as time permits.

Disclaimer: I don't own them.

A loud knock at the door startled him out of what had been one of the most peaceful slumbers he could recall having in a long time. He waited for a moment in irritation, noting the hour reflected on his clock, and hoping that the intrusive knocker would simply go away. With another series of rapid bangs he knew that this was not going to be the case.

"Hmmmmm…answer the door Castle. Make it stop." Came the groggy voice of his partner, who was now laying next to him in his bed. They'd only fallen asleep about 2 hours ago, spending most of the evening exhausting themselves in each other's arms.

He was unsure of her when she'd shown up at his door hours ago, soaked to the bone and staring into his soul as if he could single-handedly fix her. The pain of trying to hold back when she kissed him was unbearable, but as he listened to her words and took in the sincerity on her face, he started to let his own wall come down.

Soon he couldn't stop himself, needing to touch her, to affirm her presence and her feelings about him. No more words were spoken as they made their way to his bedroom, falling into bed and expressing their hearts through touch. Soon enough the tenderness gave way to passion, as 4 years of sexual tension came to the forefront and threatened to consume them.

The storm outside seemed to crescendo in the moments he entered her, lightening flashing through the room as she grasped his back desperately. Her uninhibited moans caused him to disconnect from rationality as he became more feral in his movements. Finally, with a loud scream, "Casssttlllee!" she fell apart, taking him with her as she fell.

He collapsed on her, both of their bodies covered in sweat, and feeling completely boneless as they panted; their heart rates slowly coming down. Through the tingles that ran through her body, sending dull waves of pleasure through her fingertips and toes in the after effects of her orgasm, she pulled him tightly to her. "Stay close," she whispered, "I'm not ready to let go."

When it was over they simply fell asleep, he exhausted from the physical exertion and she unsure of how to follow up the intensity of their lovemaking with words. She knew that they were going to have to talk, to have a conversation soon, but they'd come far enough for one night.

Richard Castle stumbled around his bedroom trying to locate his boxer shorts, finally finding them and making his way through the chilly loft as the knocking became more insistent. He finally gave a yell,

"hold on a damn minute. It's 4am." He opened the door and was met with a surprise. There, on the other side of the door were two women he'd never expected to see. One was a very steely Victoria Gates and the other was none other than Special Agent Jordan Shaw. They didn't bother to wait for the surprise to leave his face before they started talking.

"Mr. Castle." Jordan nodded a greeting. He simply opened the door further to allow them in.

"Mr. Castle we're actually looking for Beckett. We tried her apartment and her cell, but to no luck. Special Agent Shaw thought it would be worth checking with you, although I'm not sure why at this hour..." Gates was cut off by the voice of Kate Beckett, as she stumbled out of Rick's bedroom, clad only in the maroon shirt he'd worn the previous day.

"Who the hell is it Castle?" She spoke, still shaking the fog from her sleepy brain.

Both women turned to Beckett, who turned a deep shade of crimson when she realized who their company was. Gates crossed her arms and looked disapprovingly at Beckett, while Jordan just arched an eyebrow and smirked.

"It's good to see you too Beckett," the agent spoke.

"uh…um…what are you doing here?" Kate asked the women, obviously flustered by the current situation. A part of her brain went on the defensive when she saw Gates' glare, It's not your business she thought, I don't work for you anymore.

Gates spoke up then, "I received an interesting call this evening from a man I believe you call Mr. Smith, Castle?" Rick's eyes widened in shock as he started to speak,

"He's only ever contacted me."

"Well, it seems your last conversation left him with some doubts concerning detective Beckett's safety. Therefore, he made the decision to involve me in order to quickly protect detective Beckett. I informed him that she resigned and he is taking that to whoever these people are in attempt to appease them." She explained before continuing.

"I'm glad detective Ryan had the foresight to fill me in, or I would have been completely lost, not to mention much less likely to take what the man had to say seriously." She gave both Castle and Beckett a stern glare.

Castle spoke up then, turning to Beckett, "You resigned?" He asked her incredulously. She simply stared back at him before replying, "I thought I made it clear to you what I did and didn't want." He shook his head at her reply and began a rebuttal, "yeah, but-"

"Enough!" Agent Shaw yelled at both of them. "Time is of the essence here so I need for the both of you to be quiet, listen and do what you're told." They both turned to her with that, dumbfounded. Gates took in their confused expressions and filled in some of their gaps in knowledge.

"Mr. Smith informed me that whatever arrangement you all had worked out," she motioned with her hands as she spoke the word arrangement, indicating she didn't know the specifics, "whatever you'd agreed upon, is out."

"What?" Castle yelled. "How can it be out? That was the only thing keeping her alive. She backed off." He was starting to panic.

"Well," Shaw interrupted, "we've got to change the plans now if we want to keep her alive." They both turned to Shaw, How the hell does she know? They thought.

"I called Special Agent Shaw in to help get her out of dodge, to hide her somewhere where they can't get to her." Gates explained as she motioned to Beckett.

Meanwhile, Kate observed the interplay between the other three adults in the room, becoming increasingly enraged with every passing moment. "Wait a damn minute!" She finally yelled.

"Would you all just stop talking about me like I'm not in the room. Stop talking about my life as if I have no say in it. I'm not some child that needs protection and I am fully capable of taking care of myself." Castle cringed, recalling the conversation they'd had days ago. However, Shaw wasn't deterred by Kate's outburst in the slightest.

"Beckett they're coming for you and they're coming for you now. You have to leave and we're going to get you to safety. Sure you can take care of yourself, but if you go into hiding for the time being we can take them all down. We've got people on this now and they won't get away with it. Now I need you to trust me. Do you understand?" Shaw put her hands on Kate's arms and urged the woman to understand the importance of her consent to go into hiding.

Kate shook her head, she was clearly pissed about the whole situation, but understood. "Fine," she said. It wasn't like she could argue the point too much, one man had damn near thrown her off a roof less than 12 hours ago. She wouldn't stand a chance against many more like him.

Shaw turned to Gates and nodded, obviously communicating something that they'd discussed earlier. With that Gates turned to Kate and patted her arm, "be safe Beckett." She spoke, before quickly making her way out of the loft.

"The fewer people that accompany us the better," Shaw spoke. Looking out the windows and taking mental inventory of her surroundings. Kate made her way back to Rick's bedroom to get dressed. While she was gone Rick spoke.

"So where are you taking us?" He asked.

"I'm not taking you anywhere Mr. Castle, we have no reason to believe your life is in danger." Shaw replied. "Besides, they know you're out now."

"The hell you're not taking me." He came back at her. "If she goes, I go." He stared at the FBI agent.

She was honestly impressed, there had been obvious changes in the man since the last time she'd seen him. Gone was the man-child with the attention span of a cocker spaniel and in his place was a fiercely loyal protector, and she could tell he would not allow himself to be separated from Kate Beckett.

She must have heard the conversation because as Kate made her way from the bedroom, wearing clothing that was still damp from the previous night, she spoke, "Castle, it's ok. You stay here. I'll be just fine." She tried to convey her confidence, to show him that she would do fine on her own.

He simply stared back at her silently for a moment before softly speaking, "where you go. I go. It's as simple as that." The resolve in his voice was firm and she knew that there was no changing his mind. Secretly, she was happy for his company, as the thought of being separated from him so soon after finally making real progress seemed unthinkable.

"Alright Mr. Castle. If you insist on going you need to get dressed and make it fast. We need to move, now." He obliged her by quickly retreating to his room and slipping back into his clothing from the day before.

When she was satisfied that they were both ready to go she spoke again, "leave your cell phones and all other electronic devices here. You don't have time to pack, but we'll be sure that you have access to the things you may need as we get further away from the city." She turned and headed out of the door, motioning for them to follow suit.

Castle stopped for a moment,

"Alexis." He spoke.

Jordan turned back to him and smiled sympathetically. Captain Gates and I will update your family and we'll also keep an eye on them to make sure that they are safe and well. They will know nothing about where you are, but they will know you're safe and you will be with them again soon."

Rick felt his heart breaking a bit as he walked away from his loft, knowing the confusion and hurt that Alexis would feel when she returned at lunchtime tomorrow to find him gone. He knew he had to do this though, if they finally had a shot at ending this and keeping Kate safe, he had to try.

They entered a car that was parked across the street. Surprisingly, it was not a standard issue black suburban, but a rental car. There were several agents around, wearing plain clothing and awaiting the signal to depart. Shaw explained to them that there would be decoys as a safety precaution, on the off-chance that they were followed.

They drove in silence through the dead of night. Both partners were seated in the back, as supplies had been piled in the driver's seat. Further, the shading of the back provided more privacy and less likelihood of anyone being recognized. They asked where they were going, but Shaw simply replied, "out of the city", and would give no further clue.

Thoughts of their sudden flight from the city ran through her head. She wondered how long she would have to be away. She wondered who would watch over her dad. She felt absolutely horrible that Castle was leaving his family for her, and felt even guiltier because she was happy he was there. It was all overwhelming and she had nothing but the cloths on her back. They'd even been forced to leave their wallets behind, which would be planted elsewhere to act as a red herring of sorts.

Kate's eyes became heavy as the continuous stream of thoughts occupied her mind and soon she was asleep. When she opened her eyes she'd noticed three things. First, she noticed that it was light outside. Second, she'd noticed that they were no longer moving, and third she'd noticed that she'd somehow managed to navigate her way to Richard Castle, who had been acting as her pillow.

She straightened herself out as she looked forward to see Jordan stretching her arms.

"Where are we?" Kate asked.

"We're in Albany." The agent replied. "This is a pit stop. We'll be picking up a few things and then we'll be on the road again."

She looked around them and noticed that they were in a car rental lot. As they waited together in the parking lot, Jordan entered, managed the paperwork, returned to the car and directed the couple that they were moving. Once settled in the new car they were off again. She'd explained to them that the maneuver was simply to change their appearance and to be safe in case tracking devices had been planted on the old vehicle.

Once they were on the road again she finally began to talk. "I trust my men, but didn't want to take any chances. Everyone in my unit thinks that I'm taking you to Albany and that I'm going to stay to help you settle in for awhile." They gathered that this was not the plan as she removed the battery from her phone, merged back onto the interstate and continued further north.

"Nobody is going to know where you are except for me. Should something happen, Gates knows where I've hidden coordinates." Both Castle and Beckett nodded at her.

"So where are we actually going?" Rick asked.

"We're going someplace that's not technically on a map. It is a place that I discovered quite some time ago. You'll have adequate shelter and a source of fresh water, but you'll be roughing it." She explained.

"I also only expect you to see very few, if any people. Truth be told, you can live up here for months at a time and not see another living soul." Soon they got off at another exit and pulled into a department store.

"You both pick up clothing and other essentials while I get more supplies. You should plan for several weeks so that you can survive for an extended period of time." She directed them before heading in the other direction.

They made their way around the store, a cart shared by Castle and Beckett as they added items that they needed. Pants, shirts, sweaters, jackets, socks, sneakers, boots, undergarments and night cloths were all picked up. Castle made a bee line for razors and deodorant as Beckett grabbed similar supplies and additional essential products.

They spotted Jordan as they neared the front of the store. She'd filled a cart with additional supplies, ranging from cooking utensils to blankets and pillows, to detergent and lighters. Also selected were several boxes of various non-perishable food items. They couldn't really see what else was in the over-filled cart. As they walked toward the checkout line she asked,

"So how are you guys with hunting and fishing?" She asked them.

"My dad used to take me when I was younger. I wasn't very good, but I've got the basics down. I'm more confidant in my abilities to fish than I am in my ability to hunt though." She explained.

For his part, Castle simply stated, "I took a class in bush craft while researching for my 3rd Derrick Storm novel, when he was stranded in the arctic tundra." Kate just looked at him, her sarcastic expression clearly communicating, are you serious?, he hesitated when he saw her.

"but I never actually tried any of it." He finally admitted.

Shaw simply ignored him and turned to Beckett. You've got enough food here to make it last, especially if you can supplement with fish. Kate nodded to her in understanding. It certainly seemed that they were going to be in this for the long haul.

With the trunk packed they were back on the road. They drove in silence for what seemed like hours, the area becoming more and more isolated the further north they drove. It became apparent soon that they were entering the mountains, as their altitude increased and the roads became narrow and curved.

Long after leaving the highway, Shaw took a left turn and headed down a bumpy road, immersed completely in the wooded area of the mountain they were on. They continued to wind around until they finally found themselves in a small open field.

There, in the center of the field, was an old log cabin. To say that it was in disrepair would have been a kind assessment, while Rick silently wondered if the structure had been condemned. Of course not, he thought to himself, to condemn it someone would need to know it existed.

She pulled to a stop and the three adults got out of the car. "I know it needs a lot of work, but you've got nothing but time, and I've included cleaning supplies." She spoke bluntly.

"It might not be much to look at, but you've got a well with a manual pump, a water line to the cabin, and a wooden stove. The outhouse is around back. You'll also find a woodshed, but you'll have to create your own privacy area to shower." She looked back at them to find their mouths open with shock. Rolling her eyes she simply stated, "Trust me, it could be a lot worse."

They walked towards the structure, which had a full front porch and railings surrounding it. Kate thought that if it weren't so old and unkempt, it would have been a very attractive home. Obviously on her wavelength, Castle spoke,

"Once upon a time, I'll bet this house was very nice. How did you know it was here Jordan?" He asked her.

"When I was a little girl I would visit my cousins over on Lake George. One of their aunts, on the other side of the family, had this place passed down to her. We would come up here and spend weeks at a time here." She spoke somewhat wistfully, as if she were trying to grasp long-lost memories. .

"Anyhow," she spoke with a more neutral tone, "I figured that this would be a good place. It's in my family, but not my direct line of the family. I have no claim to it, but know that it's been abandoned for some time. Nobody will bother you here."

She walked onto the wooden porch and opened the old screen, pushing the door behind it open. Stepping in she simply spoke to them over her shoulder, "well, come on. We're home."

They stepped inside, hit with a dusty old smell that somewhat resembled old papers and dirt. She moved to the sink and tested it. "The waterline should still be good." She spoke as if she had authority or that she knew something of the place that they didn't.

"How could things still be functioning if they've been abandoned for so long?" Beckett asked her.

"Last year, my husband and I were going to bring our daughter up here. I checked on the status of the place and arranged with my cousin for the water line to be checked and plumbing to be fixed if needed. We never did get up here though, work got in the way as it always does." She spoke sardonically.

"You have water to the sink, and it drains into a 10 gallon bucket. You'll want to keep an eye on it to drain before they overfill and flood your floor when you're doing dishes." She warned them.

"Obviously there is no power, but the fireplace and the wooden stove should keep you warm at night."

Castle and Beckett took in the small cabin as Jordan moved about, pulling open the curtains and allowing the light in. Once the windows were opened and the door was propped, it was much easier to for them see. They were silent as they took in their surroundings.

As they stood at the entrance they saw that the cabin featured one small room, with a somewhat secure looking staircase leading up to a small loft area. To their right was the kitchen area, complete with a small sink, an old table with chairs, and a wood stove. There was a large window over the sink that looked out onto the back area of the cabin, which led to a small spring.

Jordan stepped beside Kate, who had made her way to the kitchen and spoke, "That spring also taps into the same aquifer that feeds your well. It is safe and wonderful to swim in when it is warm enough. Get closer and you'll see it feed into a small stream. Follow it a bit and you'll find several good fishing spots." Kate nodded to her and looked back outside, she saw the outhouse and the woodshed, but also noticed another structure, or what was left of it.
"What is that supposed to be?" Kate pointed to the small, square frame.

"That is where we used to shower, as you can see it needs some work. However, I got some tarp and a solar shower bag. You could hang it there if you really wanted to." Kate cringed, not liking the idea of showering out in the open. Perhaps she and castle could rig something a little closer to the cabin.

Aside from the small structures and the springs, their clearing was soon enveloped back in heavily wooded acreage. "It really would be impossible to find this place." Kate reflected out loud and Jordan nodded her agreement.

They both turned when they heard Castle speak from the other side of the dusty cabin, "Is the fireplace safe to use?" He questioned.

Jordan responded, "I don't see why not. It could use some cleaning, but there is plenty of wood in the shed. Do you know how to light a fire Mr. Castle?" He nodded to her, ignoring the snarky nature of her comment.

"Yes, that I can do. We used to vacation in a cabin when Alexis was little. It had many more…amenities than this, but I get the idea of the fireplace and the wood-burning stove, thanks."

"Great", she spoke as she moved towards where he stood. There was an old dusty couch and another chair by the fireplace. There was also an old bookcase against one of the walls, filled with various books. Both Castle and Beckett made a mental note to look further into the titles that were available to them later.

Shaw moved up the stairs, a creaking noise as she moved indicating that they had not been used in some time. "Follow me, I promise they're safe." She spoke as she made her way to the overhead loft.

When all three were standing they saw that the room was fairly small, room only for the large bed and a dresser. From the ledge, which was guarded with the same wooden railings as adorned the staircase, the entirety of the cabin below could be seen. "Um," Kate spoke, "there's only one bed here."

Shaw just turned and looked at her, Castle saying nothing, but feeling somewhat slapped in the face by her comment. Afterall, weren't they together now? He didn't know what to believe, but hearing her objection hurt him.

"Well," Jordan began, "this is what we've got, so you're going to have to make due." She turned to look at Castle and then back at Beckett before adding,

"Besides, you didn't seem to mind it when we found you this morning."

Kate blushed furiously; it didn't even occur to her that they were actually together now, if they actually were together. They hadn't talked about it. Hell, it was just last night. She shivered internally as the thought crossed her mind, bringing with it flashes and memories of the intense pleasure they'd brought eachother the night before.

Kate didn't speak about it again, feeling foolish for objecting and afraid to make eye contact with Rick. It hit her again, Holy hell we actually had sex last night! She wasn't sure what was more overwhelming, the fact that they'd finally done it and she'd expressed her feelings and desires, or the fact that she desperately wanted to do it again.

Jordan interrupted her thoughts again, and she was happy for the distraction. "It's early May and it will be cold at night, but not freezing hopefully. I've got new blankets and bed sheets among your supplies. If it does get too cold the stove or the fireplace should heat the whole place. Plus, heat rises." She pointed to the fireplace and motioned her hands upward to demonstrate her point about the heat. She smiled to both of them before turning around and heading back down the stairs.

They looked at eachother for a moment and Kate gave him a somewhat apologetic look for her earlier comment, adding "a habit I suppose." He nodded, but let it go. They were going to have plenty of time to talk, considering they were about to be left to their own devices for an unspecified amount of time.

Before he descended to join the other women, who were back in the kitchen talking, he simply looked at the small living space that the two would be sharing. It was going to be rough, especially considering they were going to do it without power or indoor plumbing.

Finally he looked at Kate. He watched her as she stood, her hair pulled back into a loose ponytail and her arms folded across her midsection as she nodded at whatever Shaw was telling her. She'd removed her jacket and stood in the dark jeans and white button-up shirt she'd worn the day before.

God, she's gorgeous, he thought to himself. He knew that there was no hope for him where she was concerned. This was especially the case after last night, after he'd touched every inch of her body and tasted her. Now he knew how she smelled and what her moans sounded like, and he knew how her fingers grasped and her toes curled when she fell apart beneath him. He knew how it sounded when she spoke his name in desperation and there was no going back.

No, for him it was hopeless, there was no way of getting her out of his system now. The best he could do now was use however much time they had together in this place to make things the same for her. He was going to invade her the way she did him; he'd show her how great they were and how much better they could still be.

Although he didn't know how long they would be left in this place, or how they would co-exist in this isolated world; He did know that things were going to become very interesting between them. She turned back, as if sensing his gaze on her.

When they locked eyes there was intensity there. It was one that nearly stole her breath and made her knees weak. Oh yes, she thought to herself, as if the two were sharing the same line of consciousness, things are about to get interesting.

AN: I'm very curious to know what people think of the premise. Continue or no? Review with opinions please :)