Disclaimer: I own nothing.
He tries to think of something to say, some way to start a conversation with her and not sound like a bumbling idiot, for some reason he wants to impress her. She's interesting, she has a story, some depth to her and he wants to get to know her, dig into her life a little - it's what he does. But thinking about it seems to be doing him no good; a string of um's and er's fall from his lips. He groans, frustrated with himself and he sees her smirk at his embarrassment. He's normally so eloquent, he has no problem with women. But she's not just some woman, she's- well, who is she?
Deciding actual introductions are probably the best way to start a conversation, he takes a deep breath and wipes his slightly sweaty hand on his pants (what is he, sixteen?!) and thrusts it awkwardly toward her for a handshake.
"Rick," he blurts, he leaves his last name out, for now, because he doesn't really want her knowing who he is. He has a reputation, he knows, and he doesn't want her thinking differently of him because of it, he just wants to be normal for once.
"I know who you are, Castle," she smiles at his shocked expression, blushing slightly. "Kate," she adds quickly, hoping he'll ignore her little remark, but judging by the smile blooming on his face, she doesn't think he will.
Placing her smaller palm in his, she's surprised at the clichéd shock she feels along the length of her arm, and just from that small touch, she hasn't felt anything like that in, well, ever. He squeezes her hand softly as he shakes it, drawing her attention back to the present.
"So, Kate, does that mean you're a fan?" He inquires, letting go of her hand. He's shocked that she knows who he is, as much as he doesn't like to admit it, he realises he's not that famous, and he's glad she's not some awfully shallow fangirl who's going to fawn over him, they've become a little tedious recently.
"Of the genre," she rebukes, trying to look at nonchalant as possible, she doesn't need him judging her, thinking she's going to be some swooning fan, she already gets enough grief from the boys.
"Oh, the genre, that's why you're blushing," she narrows her eyes a little and he knows not to push. Well, not right now, anyway.
"So, where am I taking you?" He questions, because even though he has offered her a lift, he has no idea where they're going.
"Taking me?" What is he on about? Is this some sort of date now?
"Yeah, you know, dropping you off. I did offer you a lift home," he says, thoroughly confused as to why she sounds so surprised.
"Oh," she finally gets it, but now she's thinking about a date with Richard Castle and she's finding it hard to stop. Get it together, Katie. She rattles off her address to the driver, trying to ignore his questioning gaze as they speed through the streets.
Honestly, she's a little abashed, her apartment isn't that far from where he picked her up, she could've walked yet she's here, in a car, with her favourite author. Wow.
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"So, here we are," she starts awkwardly as the car pulls up to the curb, she doesn't want this to be the end; he's nice, funny - if not a little awkward - and there's no denying he's handsome. She's intrigued by him, by the fact that he's so different to how she pictured him, different to how the papers portray him. It's strange, but she wants to find out more about him, put the pieces of the puzzle together. But, if he's not going to make the first move then nor is she, she doesn't want to make a fool of herself.
"Seems so," he replies, regret lacing his voice. He tries to find something to say, some way to ask for her number or if he can see her again, because she's captured his attention, drawn him in, but he can't, his mind is totally blank. Of all the times that words could fail him, it would have to be now.
"Well, it was nice to meet you, Castle," she says as she moves to exit the car, taking off his jacket as she goes. She gets most of the way out before he grabs her wrist, tugging her to face him.
She turns willingly, a look of hope in her eyes that she just can't suppress, she knows he can probably see it, but if it gives her another chance to see him then she doesn't care.
"Goodbye, Kate," he sighs as he lets her wrist go, wishing he could come up with some way to ask the question. But before he can she's stepped out onto the street.
Out of the car, out of his life.
He expels a long breath and lets his head fall back onto the head rest, staring at the roof of the car as the driver pulls away with a jolt.
Kate pauses to turn and watch the car leave, a rueful smile adorning her face.
It never would've worked, anyway.
A/N: I was so surprised at the response to this, thank you all for your tweets, favs, follows and reviews, they really mean a lot. I hope this lives up to your expectations. May be OOC, but it's AU, so meh.
Un-beta'd, all mistakes are mine.
Thoughts? Ideas?