Disclaimer: They're so much fun to hang out with, but no, they're not mine.

A/N: As promised, this chapter is for all the naughty boys and girls out there. You know who you are. LOL. Rated M for a reason. Thanks so much for all the follows and reviews and I hope you enjoy this next chapter. Karen

Miracle at the 12th Precinct

Chapter 4 Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

Henry's laughter drifted through the closed hospital door causing Jordan, Kate, and Castle to take pause. The agents guarding his door remained stoic, however, both Kate and Jordan's brows furrowed. Castle merely shrugged, grinning in response to their questioning looks. Jordan who had seen and heard enough for one night, shook her head, and turned on her heels, starting her descent down the hallway towards the elevator. "Time to go people." She tossed out over her shoulder. "I do believe our patient needs his rest."

Kate, for one, was still trying to process their surreal interview with Henry Jenkins, aka Santa Claus. She didn't know what to make of the man, or how she'd explain any of Henry's claims to Gates while maintaining a straight face, whereas, Rick couldn't wait to call Alexis and his mother to tell them both about meeting Santa. Both Kate and Castle hurried to catch up to Jordan.

"That was so cool." Castle exclaimed when they'd caught up to Jordan. Kate remained silent, rolling her eyes at his nonsense.

"So detective," Jordan asked her. "Tell me, what are your first impressions of jolly Old Saint Nick?"

Kate's first thought was to declare Henry nuts, but instead searched for the appropriate professional response. "He's hiding something." she replied carefully, "What, I'm not sure, and I'm not buying the whole amnesia angle. Half of what he said made no sense, but there may have been some underlying truth to his story." She decided to make it her job to get it sorted out. "He was um… interesting." she added.

"On this we agree Detective." Jordan said, nodding. "He knows more than he's letting on, I'm sure of it, and… interesting is putting it mildly."

"Interesting?" exclaimed Rick, stopping in his tracks. He couldn't believe how jaded they both were. The ladies stopped walking at his comment, turning to stare at him in disbelief. "What is wrong with you two?" He asked, shaking his head at them. "He's completely awesome! How do you not see this?"

"Look Castle, I knew you'd find this case amusing..." Jordan told him. "And I remain hopeful your unique perspective will be of some use, but knock it off. It's obvious the man has issues."

"He's exactly as I imagined him to be." Castle said, shaking his head, choosing to ignore the jibe.

His reaction put Beckett on alert. If he kept this up, Jordan would surely throw him off the case. Her partner sounded crazier than the man they'd just interviewed, and he needed to stop fooling around. The time had come for damage control. "Seriously Castle," Kate said, laughing it off. "You imagined Santa would be a suspect in one of our murder investigations?"

"Suspect?" Castle answered, completely appalled. "Tell me you don't really believe that sweet, wonderful, little old man could actually hurt someone? He's freaking Santa Claus. He can't possibly be a suspect!"

"Everyone's a suspect." both Kate and Jordan, said in unison, causing him to frown.

"Until proven innocent." Jordan added, slowly, as though talking to a child. "By now I would think you would have learned this." She said turning to Kate and gesturing towards Castle with her thumb. "He's a little slower than I remember."

"Yeah." Kate agreed, nodding and sighing before picking up the pace and trailing behind Jordan who'd once again started walking down the corridor. This man would be the death of her.

Castle, duly offended, took a moment in his search for a comeback, then caught up to Kate who was still a step behind Jordan. "I thought you liked it when I went slow." he whispered in Kate's ear. She smacked him in the chest, managing to do so without Jordan noticing, and then shot him a dirty look. He tried not to smirk.

"Your Captain Gates has agreed to let us set up shop in your bullpen." Jordan told them, stopping in front of the elevator, and pushing the button. "By the way," She added. "I was sorry to hear about Roy Montgomery. He was a good man."

"Thank you." Kate and Rick responded automatically.

"He's missed." Rick added solemnly. Both partners eyed each other, finding it difficult to keep their expressions neutral.

Jordan caught the interaction, but decided to leave it alone. There was obviously more to the story, but she was tired and now was not the time. The doors opened and they got in the elevator." So Gates..." Jordan said as the doors closed. "Is she as much of a hardass as she comes off?"

"Yes." They answered. It was unanimous.

"Fabulous." Jordan remarked, sarcasm evident.

"So, the War Room!" Rick said, happy for an excuse to change the subject. "I can't wait to see what cool new toys you've brought this time Jordan." Her toys almost made him want to become an FBI agent.

"Actually, we're not calling it the War Room this time around. In the spirit of the season, and for obvious reasons, for the duration of this case my team has dubbed it…Santa's Workshop." Jordan said, rolling her eyes. "Who says the FBI doesn't have a sense of humor? Oh, and keep your hands off my stuff Castle!" she yelled at him, effectively shutting him up. Beckett clamped her lips tightly to stifle her amusement.

"So, boys and girls," Jordan told them, figuring they had nowhere to run. "We'll be starting early tomorrow morning. I strongly suggest you two go home, and I do mean to … sleep...," she added, heavy emphasis on sleep. "I'll need you both bright-eyed and bushy-tailed in the morning." Jordan fought off her smirk, feigning interest in the changing of the elevator floor numbers, but if she'd had a pin with her, she'd have dropped it, tested out the theory.

Both Kate and Rick mutely nodded, suddenly fascinated by their shoes, not daring to look at one other, let alone respond, but her message was received loud and clear; without a doubt, they'd been totally busted by Agent Jordie Shaw.

Xxxxxxxx

Richard Castle really loved Christmas. How much so, was a fact Kate would only truly come to realize on the car ride home. The return trip to the loft seemed much longer in comparison to the drive over to the hospital earlier. All this talk about Christmas was driving her crazy. Since meeting "Santa", Castle's inner twelve year old had been reduced to nine, the world was his playground, and she wasn't sure how much more she could stand before she'd snap and yell at him to stop. He talked endlessly about meeting Kris Kringle; how amazing he was, and how we had to protect him – you know, for the good of the children. Did Rick actually think she believed Henry Jenkins was Santa Claus, and that he was for real? Sure, Kris had the Santa routine down pat, and he was great at feeding her boyfriend's overactive imagination, but the rest was pure make-believe. She suspected Castle was just being Castle; he loved making her crazy, toying with her, and while she usually lets him have his fun, Jordan won't put up with his nonsense for much longer so he needed to start taking this case seriously.

She sat back quietly, tried to focus on her driving, and let him ramble in the hope he'd get it out of his system. Just when it seemed he was finally settling down, he brought up his invitation to spend the holiday with his family.

The truth was Kate dreaded Christmas; each one reminding her too much of holidays spent with her mom before she died. The day simply didn't have the same meaning to everyone as it did to Castle, and she had to tell him this. She always volunteered to work, allowing someone with a real family to take off. For so many years now, it had just been she and her dad, with her father preferring the solitude of his cabin during Christmas. She doubts whether either of them will ever love the holidays again.

She had to tell him how she felt, but was afraid to hurt his feelings. She needed a little more time to get it straight in her head, to choose the right words, but promised herself she would be honest, and make him understand. With Christmas only a couple of weeks away, and given the subject matter of their current case, it would only get worse, the longer she put the discussion off.

He'd been so excited to spend their first Christmas together as an official couple and told her as much when he'd extended the invitation. She'd agreed, not wanting to put a damper on his happiness, and because he'd looked so damn cute when he'd asked her. Truth be told, part of her wanted to share the day with him, celebrate, be merry, it's what normal couples did, but she worried once the actual day arrived she won't be up to it. In the past, she'd always managed to blow off spending the holidays with boyfriends, but with Castle, it was different somehow. Call her a coward, but that particular conversation would have to wait until she was able to explain herself properly. What her man needed right now was a distraction… and she was just the woman to give it to him.

Xxxxxxx

As soon as they got home, he tossed off his jacket and darted towards the kitchen intent on making her something to eat. She'd been quiet in the car and hadn't eaten much earlier; he figured she was either starving or tired. "How do some eggs sound Kate?" he asked, over his shoulder, already in the kitchen, not awaiting a response.

She removed her jacket and watched him from the doorway. They were finally off the clock, there would be no interruptions. He'd mentioned earlier they had the place all to themselves for the evening, and for what she had planned, this was a fact for which she was grateful. Like a lioness, she observed her prey from afar.

His back was towards her as he bent over, rummaging through the fridge, then he asked what she was in the mood for.

"What do you have?" She answered on autopilot, although she was already quite familiar with his um, assets. She suppressed a moan, but couldn't help but lick her lips at the view; she was hungry all right, but not for his cooking.

The material of his shirt strained across the taught muscles of his back causing them to flex with his every movement, bringing to mind the last time she'd spent grasping them, hanging on for dear life, as his gloriously naked body hovered atop hers and he pounded into her, his face filled with rapture.

The memory, mingled with the tight blue jeans currently hugging his ass made her fingers twitch. Emboldened, she found herself moving closer to her target. Sliding up behind him, she ran her fingers gently over the expanse of his back, and up to his neck. Unfortunately, she'd startled him, and he jumped to attention, hitting his head on the refrigerator shelf.

"Hey." He yelped, backing up, then laughing at himself. He rubbed his head and winced, hoping to garner some sympathy. She shook her head at herself for scaring him. Real smooth Kate. She'd wanted to surprise him, not injure him.

He'd left her by the doorway a moment ago, so he marveled over how she'd silently snuck up on him. "Jeeze Kate, you're like a ninja."

"Are you okay Castle? I'm so sorry." She said, worried she'd given him a concussion. The fingers itching to touch him earlier instinctively went to his head, examining the sore spot he'd been rubbing. Luckily there wasn't even a bump, so it appeared her man would live another day, maybe, after she was done with him tonight, that was.

Wavy locks, so soft beneath her fingertips, sent tingles down her arms. His eyes shut over her delicate ministrations and he sighed, making her smile. Leaning in closer she brought a hand down, and gently ran her fingers over his cheek, the harsh friction of stubble against flesh making her shiver. She needed to get him horizontal.

"I'm fine Kate." He murmured, torn between not wanting her to worry over his injury, and not wanting her to stop.

He reopened his eyes, and nearly stopped breathing she was so beautiful, and wearing a look he recognized, one he'd seen before, but with her hair fanning his pillow. His mouth began to water. Darkened hazel eyes, wet, luscious, pink lips, parted and taunting, screamed at him to be kissed. He involuntarily let out a moan. His member sparked to life as she reached for him, threw her arms around his neck, and pulled him closer. The hottest woman he'd ever seen was asking him silently, with those sexy eyes of hers, to make love to her.

Their eyes locked; blue bore down onto hazel. Satisfied she finally had his full attention, she glanced purposely over at the granite countertop, raising both brows. He followed her line of vision and smiled.

"Seriously?" he asked, sounding hopeful, and praying she wasn't teasing him. Sure, she'd promised him later, but he assumed she'd meant someday, not tonight. He was unable to hold back a wolfish grin, especially since she was wearing one of her own.

"Don't I look serious Rick?" she answered, trying to convey with her eyes, touch and voice how much she wanted him at the moment, on various furnishings, and that fast and furious would be lovely.

He needed no further encouragement. Like magnets, their mouths collided, soft plains converging with hard ones, his arms latching firmly around the small of her back, pulling her tightly up against him, practically lifting her off the floor. They moaned into each other's mouths, tongues merged, explored, and her arms went instinctively over his shoulders, landing behind his neck. She couldn't help but squeeze the firm muscles she'd fantasized about earlier through the fabric of his shirt, and although she loved the way he dressed, his clothes had to go; she would settle for nothing less than flesh against flesh. She broke free from his hold, quickly grabbing for his shirt, pulling it up, in an attempt to remove it from his body, but he reached for her again, the primal need to touch her too strong.

The refrigerator door slammed shut when she forcefully backed him up against it as he continued to plunder her mouth, the heat pulsing through his jeans leaving her no doubt as to his level of interest. She arched her back, pressing her belly firmly into the evidence bulging through the confines of his pants, and he let out a low, soft growl that literally dampened her panties. She tore her lips away, pulled the offensive garment up and over his head, and threw it across the room.

Reaching for her again, he kissed her urgently before setting out to explore her body. Holding her securely, he kissed, licked, and nipped his way along the expanse of her neck, and she flung back her head, granting him easier access. Her knees weakened at the thought of him marking her. She wanted him to mark her, hell, she wanted to scream to the world they were together. She nearly cried when his mouth suddenly stopped its sweet torture, until she realized his intentions. He took hold of the back of her shirt, and pulled it up and over her head, before tossing it on the floor.

She grabbed him, pulling him back to her, his heat searing against her own, drawing moans from both parties as they continued to devour each other with frantic kisses. He undid the clasp of her bra and she tore it off, flinging it on the ground. He flipped them around, her back now up against the cold metal, effectively pinning her wrists together over her head with one hand as his mouth swarmed upon her breasts. Air glided over her moistened skin awakening every nerve ending; she ached to feel him inside her, but there were still too many clothes in the way.

Forcing her hands free, she dropped them to his waist, undid the button of his jeans, found his zipper, and tugged it down forcefully. He helped push his pants down to the ground, along with his underwear then ungracefully tried to step out of them, which would have been easier had he taken off his shoes first.

While he struggled with his wardrobe change, and in the essence of time, she pulled off her own pants and panties. He kicked them aside, and she licked her lips at the sight of his manhood, already wet with desire for her, calling to her.

Finally satisfied with their current state of undress, she lunged at him, her hands grasping both sides of his head as their lips fused together once more. She moaned into his mouth before moving downward to his neck and collarbone, showering kisses along the way. His cock twitched at her belly as if knocking for entrance, and she dropped to her knees taking his engorged cock in her hands, licking at the moisture pooled on the tip as he watched.

He needed to slow things down, to pleasure her, but she was driving him insane with desire. He mustered what little control he had left, pulled her to her feet, and then grabbed her ass, lifting her off the ground with ease, feeling twenty years younger, and then sat her down on the granite counter top.

"God, Kate, what you do to me." He muttered, with a slow, disbelieving shake of his head, his voice filled with wonder. The granite was hard and cold beneath her bottom, a sharp contrast to the blazing heat running rampant through her loins from the way he was looking at her. Adding fuel to the fire, she leaned back on her elbows and shot him a saucy look, nearly doing him in. He knew he'd explode if he wasn't inside her soon, but there was no way he was going to skip the fun stuff. He would never be satisfied until he made her lose control.

He made sure she was watching as he licked his finger slowly, seductively, purely for her benefit. She couldn't wait to see what he'd do with it. His cock grew harder as her reddened, well-kissed lips formed a perfect "O."

"Lay back." He demanded, his tone sending shivers along her spine. She nearly swooned at the sound of his voice - strong, dominate, and so fucking hot she worried she'd melt all over his expensive countertop. She laid back, hands at her sides, and forced her eyes shut. If he wasn't so turned on he would have been amused at how easily she acquiesced; he can't remember ever having seen her so agreeable.

Painstakingly slow, his moistened digit mapped out her body, from her chin to the holy land, traveling lower, and lower, grazing her soft curves, clearing the path for his mouth to follow.

He licked and kissed his way downward, lingering here and there, fascinated by the silkiness of her skin in contrast to the firmness of her pert rose-tipped breasts, mesmerized by the way her flat belly clenched from his kisses. The sounds she made combined with her womanly smell drove him wild; he longed to taste her.

Separating her folds with his thumbs, his mouth easily sought out her clit, alternating between nipping and licking as his tongue swirled frantically over its target again and again making her squirm beneath him.

"God Castle…," she cried, as her hands found their way into his hair and she pulled his mouth down harder; still, it wasn't enough. In her current position, with her long legs dangling off the counter, she had no leverage to pull herself up.

"Castle?" she yelped, shaking him by the shoulders until he stopped, and looked up at her, confused. "Not that I don't appreciate seeing you focused, because I really do, but I need you inside me – now!"

He had no reservations about her request, thanked God for being tall, and then asked her to scoot up a bit towards the edge. She happily obliged, spreading her legs wide and then wrapping them around his waist. She kissed him passionately, the taste of herself on his lips turning her on even more. He lifted up her bottom with both hands, and she reached for his hot, hard length, crying out as she guided him firmly into her body, filling her. He couldn't go slowly if he'd wanted to, but she insisted he move faster and harder, so he pounded into her again and again, with everything he had, their bodies slick with sweat from the workout they were getting. She grabbed at his rock hard globes, squeezing them as he moved in and out, the friction of his cock rubbing against her clit, amazing. He found her one perfect spot, hitting it repeatedly until stars flashed behind her closed lids. Overwhelmed with pleasure, her body shuddered and she came undone. Her quaking muscles gripped him tightly, pushing him closer and closer towards the edge as he filled her to the hilt, ramming into her once, twice, then a third time before finally joining her, calling out her name in ecstasy.

They stayed that way, taking a minute to catch their breath before he helped her down off the counter top. Suddenly feeling his age, he was anxious to get to a proper bed before his knees gave out, but then she leaned into him, resting her head over his heart, and looked up at him from under her long, dark lashes. She drew him down for one sweet, gentle kiss. "Kate?" he asked, as they basked in the aftermath.

"Yes, Rick?" she replied softly, her words vibrating into his chest as they held each other. He'd worn her out, and she couldn't wait to lie down, but he was so damn comfortable her eyes began to shut.

"You were right." He whispered, kissing the top of her head.

"How so?" She murmured.

"You are better in the kitchen than I thought." He said, making her chuckle.

"Wait until you see what I can do with your washer and dryer." She said with a raised eyebrow and quick peck to his cheek, ignoring his incredulous stare. She released him, and they hunted and gathered up their clothes.

She took his hand and led him to his bedroom where they crawled into bed, kissed goodnight and curled themselves around each other spent, but content.

She'd nearly drifted off when she heard him.

"Kate?"

"Mmm."

"Tell me the truth…do you think we'll really be able to get Kris back to the North Pole in time for Christmas Eve?"

Oh, my God, this again? And how is he not tired? If she'd had any energy left, she'd be inclined to debate the facts with him, but as it was, sleep called her name.

"Castle, everything will work out, you'll see." She assured him. "Now you heard what Jordie, I mean Jordan, said earlier. We need our sleep."

"Okay Kate. You're probably right. Goodnight." He murmured into her hair, before his breathing leveled off indicating he'd succumbed to sleep.

She nestled in closer, and let out a heavy sigh, for despite her best efforts, the fate of Christmas and Kris Kringle still weighed heavily on his mind. She recanted Kris' interview in her head, and still not much of his story seemed plausible, however, she agreed with Castle that he needed their protection.

Sleep did not come easy for Kate, but in the end there was some consolation. When she did finally doze off, her dreams starred a surprisingly familiar, blue-eyed, forty-something hunk, with soft wavy hair, dressed head to toe in a red Santa suit. He called himself "Naughty Nick"…and he was.

Maybe she was wrong, maybe Christmas wasn't so bad after all.

A/N: If you don't mind reviewing...I wouldnt mind dancing with joy over them like an idiot. Just sayin' ;-) Thanks for reading! Karen