Disclaimer: I do not own Castle and any of its content. The people who do are geniuses.

A/N: Hello dear fanfic enthusiasts. I've only been one myself since about December of 2011. Since then however, I've read several stories which I have loved. I find it incredible that there are so many imaginative, intelligent writers out there who weave such wonderful stories. This is my first time writing one myself, and I'll try my best to update as often as possible. I'd love reviews and advice on my story, but please don't be too harsh. Without further ado, happy reading and I hope you enjoy it.

Chapter 1

She was cozying up with Castle on his couch on a rather lazy and uneventful afternoon. The curtains were drawn to make his living room dark as they watched 'Inception' on his massive television with surround sound. The couch was at a fair distance from it but given the size of the screen, the clarity of the noise that now filled the loft and the darkness that stretched across the ceiling, Kate felt like she was at a private screening in a small theatre. She looked over at Rick who was blatantly staring at her instead of the brilliant and slightly confusing movie that had her just about ready to chew her fingernails off – no worries though, she loved her nails.

"You know, this is even creepier than having you stare at me while I finish paperwork at the precinct", Kate said. "-not to mention the extra-creepy feel when it's so dark around us."

Richard Castle merely shrugged, like it was no big deal. "I've seen this movie before. Right now I'm having much more fun enjoying my favorite view."

"Yes, well, be more subtle about it won't you?" Kate replied nonchalantly as she was more focused on people chasing Leo around on the screen. When she didn't hear a retort, she looked over at him only to find a smug grin appear on his face. 'What did I just say? Why is he grinning - the big dope.' She thought to herself, but asked him aloud "What Castle? Why are you so happy?"

"You gave me permission to stare at you. This is great! You're finally warming up to me detective. Oooooh! I give you *my* permission to stare back. We can even have stare-offs when you're bored." Rick said, with a huge smile on his face. It's that special grin of his that both infuriates her and makes the hidden affection which she tries to bury deep in her heart bubble over just a little.

"I didn't just give you permission, and I don't need *your* permission." Kate replied. How he draws her into these absurd discussions is beyond her. She tries to focus on the screen again. Just a few minutes of looking away and she's already confused about what's going on.

"So you're saying you want to stare at me, and you don't need my permission to do it. I've always loved the bold side to your personality Miss Beckett, but this is just … so delicious." Rick said, that infuriating grin still anchored to his face.

Kate reluctantly turned back to him. "Rick, shut up! I'm trying to watch a movie, which YOU convinced me that I 'totally needed to see if I want to call myself a normal member of the society'." She finished off in air quotes as she settled back into his side, turning her attention to the screen.

He finally did keep quiet. She thought for a moment that she might've hurt him – it was that unusual to have him silent – and she glanced at him to make sure. They were alright because after all his attempts to distract her, he was still blatantly staring at Kate, now with a soft smile on his face.

Rick seemed more than happy to comply. Through their entire argument, she somehow had moved closer to him, at one point she had playfully slapped his chest but she forgot to take her hand away, instead letting it fall into his lap. Yes, Rick was more than happy to comply with the gorgeous woman now snuggling with him on his couch.

She can't remember how the time went by, it felt like they just blacked-out like a TV show or something, and the credits were rolling on screen. She straightened up only to notice that Rick had his arm around her.' When did they get so comfortable?' she wondered. But she lov—she liked this feeling, she felt protected in his embrace.

"So- was I right or was I right? Huh? Huh? Wasn't that just the Best. Movie. Ever?" Rick asked her.

"It was pretty good. Okay – it was awesome. Thanks for making me watch it Rick. It was a good way to spend my day off." Kate replied.

"Of course it was. You were watching the best movie ever, while eating the best popcorn ever, whilst snuggled up with the most ruggedly handsome author ever. What's not to like?." Rick said confidently, although he was not so confident about what condition his ears might be in very soon.

She swatted him lightly on his arm, but as he noticed, she did not deny anything he just said. She got up of the couch and made her way to the door, with him following close behind.

"Well, this was a great day" Kate repeated, "I'll see you at the precinct tomorrow. Thanks again Rick, for the movie, food and company." She smiled at him and reached over to take her coat but he stopped her by capturing her wrist. Kate had to look up a fair bit to see his face since she was left shorter without her killer heels. She looked at his face and saw a most determined expression as he kept coming closer and close. This time she didn't want to stop him, this time she didn't want him to stop. She parted her lips and looked one last time into his twinkling blue eyes just before closing hers and-

The alarm rang loudly at five thirty in the morning to wake up a confused and slightly angry detective Katherine Beckett. That was a vivid dream she thought, as she turned off the alarm and ran her hand over her face. A really wonderful vivid dream that was interrupted. Stupid clock. Stupid time. She got out of her warm comfy bed and set off to get ready for the day. Just as she finished her morning rituals, which brought her back to reality, she heard her phone go off.

"Beckett", she answered.

"Morning boss, we've got a new one." Esposito told her over the phone, and continued on to give her the address.

"Okay Espo, I'll be there in twenty minutes" said Kate as she hung up and started another call.

"Castle", said a groggy sounding voice on the other side.

"Wake up sleeping beauty. We've got a body-drop and it might be right up your alley."

"Oooh" he said, quite like in her dream, which she pushed outside her mind hastily. "Aliens? Cowboys? Space cowboys?"

"No Castle. Clearly I'm mistaken about what alley you live in. But come see for yourself. I've gotta go." Kate said and then rattled off the address Esposito had given her.