So you will be glad to know that this chapter is longer than the others and I believe you deserve it because we have all been waiting patiently. So after a while in this chapter it kind of goes off topic but I hope you like where it goes and I really enjoyed writing this chapter. Enjoy :D
"Castle!" Beckett's bark echoed throughout the precinct getting the attention of two other detectives that were nearby. They had gotten a fresh case three hours ago and she was trying to gain a good start, but lack of coffee wasn't helping. Castle's head popped up from Ryan's desk he had been searching for something that could make Beckett feel better; he remembered Ryan sometimes had tea stored in his desk. As he looked in Beckett's direction he noticed that objects had been moved.
"Please tell me you didn't take my Cherry Ripe." She spoke more quietly not wanting to receive more looks from the other detective that were staying late.
"Your what?"
"My Cherry Ripe bar, I keep one in my draw, so if I run out of m&m's I have something to eat."
"Oh, um... Well I was going to."
"I cannot believe you, seriously Castle why? For that matter why were you snooping around my desk I told you not touch my stuff. It's as bad as when you change my chair to a different height."
Castle was about to speak when she cut in "I'm a detective Castle; I do know when you have been in my chair when I'm not around."
Esposito gave a light chuckle over hearing the argument Beckett and Castle were having. "Man I would not like to be in Castle's shoes right now."
"No way would I go toe to toe with a coffee deprived Beckett!" Ryan chirped as he looked over in his boss's direction.
Their bickering went on for five more minutes when Kate ended it.
"You know what, I'm just gonna go upstairs to the precinct gym for a while." She started walking away, resisting the urge to kill. Castle just stood there as she left. He felt Esposito and Ryan move up from behind him, "So, I think Beckett may need some coffee..."
"If you value you your life Bro you may want to get a new espresso machine within the next 24 hours."
"Good plan," was the only response Castle could come up with.
TRANSITION
Kate quickly changed into her gym clothes and headed for the punching bag. She was letting the stress out of her body each assault to the bag was a mini stress release. Her thoughts were everywhere thinking of all the things that added up into her minor outburst. She was made at Josh for never being around when she needed him. Sure it sounds unreasonable but there were days where she needed someone to be home to welcome her. She hadn't seen her father since the reopening of her mother's case. Sure they called but it wasn't as comforting as his hugs. She hadn't been out since she and Castle went clubbing undercover, so does that even count? She hadn't had a decent meal since god knows when or a good sleep for the matter. She was drained and the coffee was the only thing to keep her going until the machine decided to cark it. The Cherry Ripe incident was straw that broke the camel's back. She stopped hitting the bag and instead clutched onto it for support.
What the hell was I thinking having a go at him because he took my Cherry Ripe? She realized how ridiculous she had been acting all day. She stopped what she was doing and went to shower and change. She had to apologise even if he did snoop around her desk.
She kept her hair dry while she showered so it would take her long to make it look decent again. She put her clothes back on and applied her make up before she exited the bathroom.
TRANSITION
She checked her watch witch read 9:15 she wanted to stay at the precinct at least till nine thirty. Kate did enjoy her nights at home alone but its Friday night and she felt like doing something. Or at least attempt to do something other than work tonight. Her options were limited though, Josh was working late and Lanie just went out with Esposito.
Castle came to sit next to her desk landing with a sigh. Beckett glanced in his direction, then looking back at her paperwork. "You know, you're allowed to go home, Castle."
He seemed cautious not she could blame him, she wouldn't like to be around a coffee deprived Kate either.
"Yeah but no one will be home Alexis is at Ashley's and Mother out of town. Plus it doesn't seem fair to leave when you're still working."
I know how that feels she thought, going home to an empty apartment was something she had endured a lot, but every once and a while she welcomed the idea of having the place to herself.
"Well how about in 15 minutes we get out of here and head over to Remi's, because we won't get much further without coffee" She smiled at the idea.
He gave her a knowing look, she in return rolled her eyes "Fine, I won't get much work done."
"I didn't say anything." He gave a cheeky grin, watching her roll her eyes again. Sounds like an excellent plan to me."
As they sat at the table Castle noticed the anticipation Kate was trying to hide from the coffee she was expecting. She was trying to contain her excitement but her eyes gave it away, lighting up as bright as lights on a Christmas tree. No sooner had the waitress placed her coffee on the table Kate practically lunged on top of it. She surprised him when she only took a sip. Her eyes closed and she let a gentle hum. Rick tried not to let his writer's imagination get away from him after seeing her savour the taste of her coffee.
They talked about the usual cases, books, family and any memories that involved the coffee machine. They continued talking as they walked back to the precinct standing close together as if to keep each other warm against the cold wind.
They sat back down at her desk, passing theories to each other. Montgomery noticed how the atmosphere had changed after they had their coffee. They worked as if it was second nature to them (even better with coffee in there system) it amazed him to see they still hadn't noticed their feelings. Roy glanced at his watch; he needed to get home before it got any later. He looked over at his finest detective's desk and couldn't help but smile at the even brighter one that appeared on her face. Her smile was incredibly infectious and he certainly wasn't the only one to think that as he looked to Rick, whose face was beaming back at her. Roy waited a moment as to not get in the way of their private joke.
He emerged from his office after a minute or so. "G'night you two. I suggest you go home and get some sleep Beckett we'll all need fresh eyes in the morning."
She nodded and said good night.
As Roy waited for the elevator doors to close he saw them get up from their seats and grab their possessions, Castle stealing a glance over in Kate's direction. The doors closed but Montgomery's thoughts of the pair continued on. It's so obvious, they can see they care about each other, they can admit that to each other. And surely soon enough they will both admit it's more than that.
TRANSITION
They walked down the stairs to the parking garage in comfortable silence; one of the things Beckett admired about Castle was that he never felt obliged to fill silence with conversation. Kate quickly spotted her car standing alone in the corner of the parking garage.
"Got any plans for tonight?" Castle asked as they made their way over to the car.
"No, I didn't want to go home this early. I doubt I will get much sleep, but you know Montgomery." She spoke in a passive tone.
"Well considering your intake of coffee was limited today I think you will get some rest."
She rolled her eyes trying to hide her smile as she opened the car door. "I think my sleeping pattern is what will keep me awake, on a Friday I normally don't get home till late."
"On any night you don't get home till late. But I can agree with the whole sleep pattern thing, when I'm writing my sleep patterns get rather messy, staying up till god knows when and sleeping till the afternoon."
"Least you can sleep till the afternoon."
"True." Castle paused for a moment and continued on with a different subject "Did I tell you I got a rolling ladder bookshelf made in my office at The Old Haunt?" He smiled brightly.
"Really?" She asked smiling.
He was such a big kid at times she, although she wasn't going to lie, she had used one of them and their pretty cool.
"Yeah I have been fixing a few things there and I thought why not, I always wanted one when I was a kid."
"My grandfather used to have one, every time we visited him he would get me to look the latest books he got by pushing the ladder for me. Then I would pick one out for him to read to me." She smiled at one of the happier memories of her childhood.
Castles eyes studied her expressions as she spoke of the found memory. He liked hearing little pieces of information about her. He couldn't help himself to smile once he noticed the small one playing on her lips. It was a gorgeous smile, incredibly infectious.
Castle was too occupied at looking at Beckett he almost didn't realised were she had stopped. He gave her a puzzled look and then of concern "You should go home and rest Beckett." He didn't hide the concern that was seen so clearly by Beckett.
"Fine, one drink and you can show me this ladder. Then we can head back to our homes." She said as she got out of the car the harsh wind making her tug tighter on her trench coat. As they walked through the door Castle's hand was on the small of her back as if he was guiding her inside. She was about to say something but he had removed his hand and walked over to the bar. She tried to shake the thought of gesture meaning more than it did. That's ridiculous she told herself.
Castle turned around holding two ice cold beers, he nodded his head in the direction to the trap door to his office and she followed. The bar's atmosphere was its usual calm self only a few regulars that Castle had become acquainted to were here. Having practice at walking the down the awkward staircase he'd strode down them with ease. Kate however in her heels was holding onto the railing for good support, and taking her time to keep steady.
She noticed how he looked at her then to her heels, a smirk plastering his face.
"I know, I know, you're gonna break your ankle." She rolled her eyes.
"No I wasn't... I was just going to suggest taking them off."
"Same difference." She mumbled as she leant down to pull her heels off. Rick restrained himself from laughing at how annoyed she sounded.
Rick placed his and Kate's beer on his desk, taking another swig of his own before went over to the ladder. He unhooked the latch that kept it still and turned to see a much smaller Kate beside him.
"Well hello down there." He said teasingly. She looked so adorable when she had to look up to him.
"And you wonder why I were heels." She huffed in a light tone.
Gingerly Kate took a step forward and climbed up to the second step of the ladder. Castle had the top two shelves already filled with books and she was scanning each and every one of them.
Rick stepped back and let her have look and play with his latest investment. Her fingers lightly traced the binds of books delicately. More carefree with herself she pushed her hand on the wall to mover herself over to her right.
"Well there you go Richard Castle likes romance novels." She spoke in a playful tease looking behind her to see him leaning against his desk.
"Only the classics"
"I can tell." As spoke she moved closer to take Pride and Prejudice out from the second row. She tugged on it slightly; Rick noticed her unsteadiness and stood up. He held a hand out from her as she turned to climb down.
She placed her hand on his for better balance, stepping down the two planks slowly her gaze on the floor.
Gently he took the book from her hands he smiled "Very nice choice. I will have you know it a favourite of mine, don't tell Ryan or Esposito."
"Your secret is safe with me."
Arh I know what you are going to say well that ending was lame but do not worry my good people I shall be writing another chapter cause I'm holidays I actually have free time... YAY! I hope you found it to your liking however if you have suggestions I will gladly take them into consideration. :) Thank you for reading if you do have time please review it's appreciated. I'll give you a cookie! :D
P.s the death of "Rosita" Joey's chair from friends .com/watch?v=UNwXd80mvaY
