A/N: My second screenplay attempt! I loved Secret Santa and Beckett changing her traditions for Castle, but I also thought it would have been really cute if Castle changed his plans for her. So here's another way the episode could have ended.

Words: 445
Characters: Castle, Beckett
Time: Secret Santa
Genre: Romance

Disclaimer: Everything you recognize belongs to whoever owns Castle. Not me.


INT. NIGHT – PRECINCT

All the lights in the precinct are off, save for the Christmas lights strung around the ceiling and one lamp on BECKETT'S desk. CASTLE strides through the elevator doors. Beckett is working at her desk, a mug of coffee beside her. The scene is so familiar, and yet lonely, almost painfully so. She scribbles on a paper (it's the only sound), bites her lip, looks up at her computer – and catches sight of him watching through the window.

CASTLE

(hurrying to her)

Hey.

BECKETT

What're you doing here? Why aren't you with Alexis and Martha?

Castle sits down in his usual chair. Beckett is torn between confusion and happiness.

CASTLE

Well, I was just thinking. They're off doing their own things. Maybe it's time… for a new tradition. I'm here to keep watch with you.

A slow smile spreads across Beckett's face. She turns away slightly, warming her hands on her coffee mug.

BECKETT

Castle, you don't have to give up your Christmas for me.

CASTLE

I'm not. It wouldn't be Christmas without you, Kate.

BECKETT

Thanks. I mean it.

They gaze at each other, clearly in love. After a moment,

CASTLE

(eagerly)

So. What're you working on? Serial killer? Undercover bounty hunter with a secret identity as a janitor picking off high-profile economists? No – a psychopath killing their family more humanely than they would otherwise die in the impending apocalypse?

BECKETT

Oh, no. This is way bigger than that.

She leans close to whisper in his ear, ever so seductively, as per usual.

BECKETT (CON'T)

(dramatically)

I'm recording the actions of ever officer involved in the Smith case, so no jury can fault us for improper conduct.

CASTLE

Ooh. Thrilling.

Before she can pull away, Castle catches her and brings her in for a brief kiss.

BECKETT

Castle…

CASTLE

Sorry. I know, I know. Work now, play later. Lots of play.

Beckett pecks him on the lips.

BECKETT

I just can't get used to kissing you at work. Otherwise it'll happen sometime when it's not deserted.

CASTLE

Wait. No one else is here, at all? (whispers) Why aren't we in the break room right now?! Or on Gates' desk?! Haven't you ever wanted to do it on your boss's desk?

BECKETT
(exasperated)

Castle.

CASTLE

I can wait.

Her hand is resting on the desk. Castle grabs it and kisses it with all his usual flair.

CASTLE

I'm happy just being here with you.

BECKETT

I know. I'm glad you're here. And… maybe next year I can come to your Christmas.

CASTLE

I'd like that.

They can't help it. They kiss one more time, longer and slower, before Beckett finally pulls away and motions toward her work again. Quiet conversation and laughter fade into the distance as the scene closes with a view of the festive floor.