The party was just as Rick had pictured it to be. "Same old, same old." He mumbled under his breath, sitting at the bar, nursing his drink. He really didn't want to be here any longer. It was fake, expensive and tasteful, but fake. He needed real after spending his entire day with fictional characters and scenarios.

Then, his eyes locked with the girl's standing across the room. "Or maybe not." He mumbled again. He stood slightly, smiling at her. His stomach flipped when she smiled back and tried to hide the blush rising on her cheeks. They both looked away, but every few seconds, Rick couldn't help but to steal a glance at the wonder in the black dress. "She's so beautiful." was the only thought running through his head.

Kate's group of friends and colleagues who she was talking to excused themselves to dance with their dates, grab a drink, or head out for the evening. And just as they were dispersing, Rick jumped at the opportunity. It would be the perfect moment to talk to her; maybe ask her to dance. He smoothed his hair and re-tucked his shirt before walking over and tapping her lightly on the shoulder. She flashed him a dazzling smile, showing off all her best features; oh those cheekbones.

He smiled back at her and leaned against the wall next to her. "I couldn't help but notice that you had no one to dance with. Would you care to dance with me?" He offered her his hand.

"I would love to." She said placing her hand in his, letting him lead her to the dance floor.

As soon as they stepped foot onto the floor, though, they realized they both lacked any sort of coordination. They giggled as they tried to not step on each other's toes and find the right hand placements. She grabbed his arms and and placed one on her waist. "I think yours go here." She put one hand on his shoulder, and held his extended one with the other. "And mine go here."

After a few moments of silence, Rick spoke. "So, I didn't catch your name."

"I'm Kate, Kate Beckett. But most people just call me Beckett.

"Pretty name for a pretty girl." He smirked at her, pulling her a little closer.

She tried not to blush but failed miserably. She gestured with a flick of her chin, a smile still glued in place. "Alright Romeo, what's yours?"

"Richard Castle. But you can call me Rick.

"So what do you do, Rick?" She asked him, twirling in a circle.

"I'm trying to become a writer."

"That's so interesting. I love reading." She bounced a little with excitement. "So, what's the book about?"

Rick spun her around again, and pulled her close. "Well you see, the thing is." He paused, trying to think of a better way to articulate his thoughts. But the truth was better than a story. "I got nothing."

"Oh." She mock teased him, rolling her eyes.

"Yeah, but, I think I might have got something now." He squinted at her, thinking.

"Oh really? Do share with the class."

"Well it's about this girl; very beautiful, hazel brown hair, green eyes. Maybe works undercover as a model." He raised his eyebrow at her as if asking her what she thought.

She couldn't help, yet again, the blush that rose to her cheeks. "So I'm your muse?"

"Would you do me the honor?" He asked her.

"Well, Mr. Castle." She began, the slightest tinge of an ultimatum in her voice. "If I'm going to be your muse, then you need to buy me a drink."

"Well Miss Beckett, aren't me formal?" He stopped swaying and held out his arm to her. "Let's go get that drink."

They sat at the bar for hours; laughing, talking, sharing. Even though they had just met, it was like they had known each other for their entire lives. Martha couldn't help but to keep sneaking peeks at them. She couldn't help but smile. She had secretly hoped that Rick and Kate would meet. She was so sweet and genuine, and Rick was the perfect gentleman; she had raised him right. They deserved each other. She only hoped it would become something.

Eventually, as the party was dying down, Kate spoke up. "Look, Rick, I really don't want to but I have to go." She hesitated, but pushed her drink back anyway.

"Oh no, that's okay." He finished the last of his own, and stood as she did.

"Yeah, I'm sorry. I have a photo shoot early tomorrow. But I would really love to see you again." She looked him in the eye, placing her hand on his arm.

"I'd really like to see you too, Kate."

They exchanged numbers with the other with promises that he would call her very soon. With a quick hug and a shared smile, the two departed from the party going separate ways. And although they had just met, they both thought of each other that night, and the possibility for greatness.