Holy crap, it's been too long! Life kind of took over for a while, so all I did was eat, sleep, watch Castle mondays and work.
Anyways, I hope everyone is well, and please be gentle with me because this is the first thing I've written in pretty much a year now!
This story is supposed to take place later on, as if the job offer never happened, they didn't have communication issues, and have been together for a year and a half or so.
DISCLAIMER: If I was remotely as talented as Marlowe, I'd be in Hollywood.
"What about a vacation? Someplace warm and relaxing," he handed the stem of the full wine glass to her as they sank down into his leather couch. The living room was toasty with the fire blazing in the fireplace, the lights dimmed after a long, hard case.
"I have work, Castle," she sipped her red wine and placed it on a coaster located on the side table.
"I have work too, but I still think we deserve some 'us' time. Our jobs can wait," he countered, raising his eyebrows.
"Ah, but mine doesn't come portable on a laptop."
"Beee-ckett," he pouted his best puppy-dog face, "we haven't had a real vacation since the Hamptons, and our actual vacation time ended up being one night. I'm not complaining about that night though. Sex? Incredible. But yeah, I need a getaway and I'm sure you could use the same."
"Castle, it's not that simple. A lot of people count on me to be there to do my job." She let out a puff of air from her cheeks.
"Rysposito can handle it when you're away. And I'm sure Gates wouldn't mind. You haven't had time off in forever."
His voice was on the verge of pleading.
"Fine, I'll ask. But we aren't going back to the Hamptons, and even if someone gets brutally murdered at our hotel, we are ignoring it and enjoying our damn vacation. Deal?"
He jumped up and clapped his hands.
"Yes! I promise. Although murders on both of our vacations? That would be like a sign. Maybe the CIA is watching us and know something about aliens intruding and want to wrap us into the case so that we won't see the signs of alien abductions right under our noses!"
"I don't care if an alien comes up to us personally and tells us they're from Neptune. We aren't solving a murder this time."
She folded her arms across her chest with her hip popped and the telltale 'Beckett glare' on her face.
"Silly Beckett. Neptune is a gaseous planet. An alien that can live on Neptune definitely wouldn't survive our life here on Earth."
"I'm dating a twelve year old."
She shook her head as she headed towards the kitchen.
"A ruggedly handsome, smart, charismatic twelve year old with amazing fashion sense and no bodily odor."
"Alright, I'll give you the charismatic and the lack of body odor…Most of the time."
"Hey now. I always smell good. And after the gym, it's just a bit mustier scented. But come on. Manly scent of labor and sweat turns you on."
"Only when I'm the one causing the sweating."
She grinned at his slacked jaw. His mouth twitched, and a wicked grin painted his facial features.
"Do I smell a challenge?"
"Nah, I think you forgot to put on deodorant."
In one sudden swoop, Beckett was in Castle's arms. She let out a surprised shriek of a laugh as he took bold steps to the bedroom, their full glasses of wine seemingly forgotten for the time being.
"Oh, Richard, darling! It's gorgeous!"
The redhead's delicate fingers touched her mouth in admiration.
"You sure? I don't want it to be too...much; too extravagant," he murmured nervously to his mother.
"Katherine will love it. I do have to say, I taught you quite well. You have good taste. At least in jewelry. The first two wives make me question your judgment otherwise."
Castle mock laughed as he closed the small velvet box which contained a diamond engagement ring.
"Ha ha, mother. Very funny."
Martha glanced up to the ceiling and made a point to shrug, using her whole body to make her point.
"All I'm saying is, you've got it right this time, kiddo. Third time's a charm."
"I hope so."
"So, have you thought about how you're going to pop the big question?"
"I have an idea in mind, but getting her to the location without her objecting is what I'm worried about. And keeping it a surprise from a detective. I mean, it's her job to detect lies and figure out the truth. That woman is like a bloodhound when it comes to uncovering secrets."
His elbow rested on the granite counter of the island with his chin in his hand, as he glanced across the kitchen at his mother, who stood there with a cup of coffee in hand and a decorative silk robe, which flowed behind her as she glided across the room.
"Katherine is good at her job, there's no denying that. But you're equally good at yours, which means you can make stuff up to trick her. And you've got my genes, kiddo. With your acting skills coursing through your veins, you'll be fine."
Despite wanting to object, he chuckled at his mother and her flamboyant ways of finding solutions to his issues.
"Yes, Mother. I suppose you're right."
"Of course I am. Now, where's the big proposal going to happen?" Martha rubbed the palms of her hands together, suddenly excited.
"It's a surprise until I figure everything out. There's something I have to do before I proceed in any way."
And with that, he picked up his thermos with fresh coffee, kissed Martha on the cheek, and ran out the door.
Hope you enjoyed it! Writing the next chapter now.
Please please review with anything you liked, disliked, want to see, etc. It helps me a lot.
x Kat
