Note: None of these characters (or Weebles) are mine
The Yawn-and-Stretch
As to how Castle had ended up at the theater with Kate, he entirely wasn't sure. He had invited her to come see Peter Pan with him on their night off, assuming she'd say no. He'd been geared up for a long afternoon of pestering and cajoling. But much to his surprise, she'd said yes. No whining necessary. So here they were, shoulder to shoulder in the dark crowded theater. He had her to himself for the next two hours, and he wasn't about to waste the opportunity.
Since the sixth grade, Rick Castle had been an expert at the yawn-and-stretch. A yawn and then a stretch of the arms, casually landing one arm along a girl's shoulders. It was a maneuver best executed on the bus, at the movies, and conveniently, at the theater.
Midway through Act 1, Castle made his move. Without taking his eyes off the stage, he gave a casual yawn, then a small stretch, his left arm touching down on the back of the chair next to him. Over the next ten minutes he proceeded to inch his arm closer and closer until it was lying across narrow shoulders and soft hair. He gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze. He had expected her to hit him. Maybe step on his foot with her stilettos. But nothing. He could have sworn she actually leaned into his side a little.
During the momentary silence that accompanied a scene change, Castle became aware of the person to his right, who seemed to be convulsing slightly. He turned to the right, finding Beckett shaking in a silent but hysterical fit of laughter, giggling like a little school girl.
Castle cocked his head a little at her and smiled, not quite getting the joke. Slowly, comprehension crept across his features and his face fell.
Castle turned in horror to his left to find himself snuggled up with a complete and total stranger – the unintentional recipient of his yawn-and-stretch maneuver.
The woman who was currently cuddled up against his side smiled up at him and winked. "Hey there, Handsome. I'm – "
In an instant Castle's arm was back by his side, hands gripped safely in his lap, where they stayed for the remainder of the act. He stared at the stage, mortified, trying to ignore Kate who was now laughing so hard she was having trouble breathing.
Like they say, Weebles wobble but they don't fall down. And Rick Castle was a Weeble.
A small case of mistaken identity wasn't about to ruin his evening. As the lights began to go down for the start of Act 2, Castle gave another yawn. Like a flash Kate's hand had his wrist pinned to the armrest.
"Not a chance, Handsome."
Thanks for reading!