Title: Secrets

Disclaimer: Yeah, still don't own the characters but Linchpin was amazing last night.


It was dark in his room as his eyes opened a tad. All the curtains were drawn, the doors closed, and next to no outside light entering. It was peaceful being able to sleep like this in the morning. A nice contrast to their bustling lives outside this space. The feel of the sheets against his skin, the fact that Kate Beckett fell asleep there the previous night, all of it was exactly what he wanted.

Castle's hands searched for his partner in the vast bed. He could feel the warmth to her side but no body to accompany it or the silky smooth texture of her skin skirting against his fingertips. His head perked up looking for his partner in the dark room. Her side of the bed was empty with the covers pulled aside.

"Kate?" he said looking around the room. It was too dark to see and he was still half asleep.

The detective peaked out of the bathroom with the light glowing behind her. His shirt still hung loosely off her frame and her velvety legs went on for miles under the tails. She looked very awake and much more alert than Castle. Beckett seemed like the type of person to wake up early even if she had a day off.

"Sorry, was brushing my teeth." She said crawling back into the bed. "Hope you don't mind but I found a spare."

Castle didn't even think of that last night. Yesterday he just waited till they got back to his place to brush his teeth.

"Yeah," he murmured in a gruff tone. "Of course it's fine."

She grinned and gave him a kiss. It was soft and tender and completely innocent. Well at first it was. It was nice waking up together in the morning and establishing this new morning ritual. It varied from their separate rituals but it was still nice to see each other in the morning outside of the precinct.

"Mhm, minty." He whispered pulling away. He was raised on his elbows, which dipped into the plush foam mattress.

Beckett smiled again. "I figured you'd like it. Now then, you should probably shower since I need to afterwards. I'm going to run down stairs and get my spare clothes out of the cruiser."

She tried to move off the bed but Castle held his partner in place. His grip was firm but his hands were soft against her skin.

"You don't have to do that. I'll just shower first and then run downstairs when you're in the shower." He gave her a lustful grin. "Plus, I might get to see you naked."

Beckett swatted his chest but couldn't help to smile at him. Castle was such a child but at the same time it was sweet. He was such a good man and sometimes it surprised her. The times when the detective was the most surprised, however, was whenever Castle grew serious like the night before last.

"You already almost saw me in only a bra and underwear." Beckett tossed back inching her way off the bed.

He pouted running a hand under her jaw. "Yes, but almost and being able to are two different things."

"Well," Beckett said in a husky voice and looking down toward the bed. "Maybe tonight you'll see a bit more."

Castle couldn't help but pull her in for a crushing kiss. It was passionate and brought out all the heat. Tempting him was one thing but nearly making it a promise was another. He nipped at her bottom lip begging for access, which she granted. Beckett nipped back and pressed her tongue into his. Their actions spurred on moans that erupted from deep within their throats.

The detective pulled away and gave a breathless laugh. "Okay, you need to go shower. I'll start making food."

"Wow, you tempt me and feed me? I think you're the perfect girlfriend."

There was something about that word falling from his lips that made the detective grin like idiot. It had a different ring to it coming from his lips and being said with his voice. Even for Castle saying it left an electric twinge on his lips.

She grinned back as she went to his dresser. "FYI, I'm borrowing your sweats because I don't think your daughter would appreciate seeing me pant less."

"I thought you had no shame?" he tossed back getting out of bed.

"Not much but it's your teenage daughter and I need Alexis to like me as much as I like her."

He wrapped his arms around her waist and pressed tightly into her back. "My daughter does like you, she's just—"

"Hesitant." She finished and cocked her head slightly to kiss his shoulder. "And I don't blame her. Now shower, Castle."

The writer released her and watched as his detective continued through the door. His clothes on her body looked good though it was just proving the many differences between their bodies.

While Castle showered, Beckett was busy making the coffee. The kitchen was warm with the sun streaming in and glinting softly off the many decorations adorning the loft. The coffee was already drained and waiting in the pot. It was fresh and smelled bitter just like she liked it. The smell could be bitter but the taste had to be just sweet enough for Beckett to truly enjoy the drink.

She could hear the clacking of shoes against the wooden staircase as she drank her morning coffee. Alexis didn't appear to be shocked when she saw Detective Beckett standing in her kitchen but was taken aback by the clothing choice.

"Morning Alexis," Beckett said walking towards the fridge. "You want something to eat?"

Before the teen could answer Beckett's question she needed to pose her own. "You're wearing my dad's clothes."

The detective looked down after retrieving the egg carton, milk, and butter. "Uh yeah, it's not what you think I promise."

Alexis waved it off. "Oh trust me, I've heard nearly all the stories about my dad."

She blushed and went over the pantry to get flour and backing powder. "Seriously Alexis, your dad and I didn't sleep together. I mean, yes I slept in his bed but not like that. I just didn't have any clothes to wear last night."

The teen wasn't phased and poured herself a cup of coffee. "It's fine, I assumed as much. My dad has had a lot of failed relationships but honestly the one he has with you has probably lasted the longest."

Beckett looked up from mixing the batter and turned on the burner. "How long were he and your mom together?"

Alexis shrugged taking a sip. "Probably three years. They got divorced because my mom cheated on him. Then he and Gina were together for six months before getting married. I actually thought they had a chance until Gina moved out."

The detective made a face and flipped the first pancake. It was perfectly golden and smelled like reminiscent Sunday mornings to her. Though her mother was no longer alive perhaps mornings at the Castle household would fill that hole.

"Sounds like you've been through a lot. And I hope pancakes are fine."

"Yeah, they smell great." Alexis responded and stared into the cup. "I guess it's kind of understandable though. My dad made a lot of sacrifices being a single parent. I went with him on some tours, others he had to sit out because he felt bad leaving me in New York."

Beckett listened along as Alexis spoke. This brief conversation gave the detective a new way to look at Castle. She always knew he was a fantastic father and there was no doubt about it. But the fact that he really had to do this alone wasn't a simple feat. She was a teenage girl once, and they were not easy to handle.

"Your dad did a good job with you. I know what it's like only having your dad around. It sucks at times but then you always have the good times to look back on." Beckett's tone was no longer as cheery as it was when she first woke. It was sullen and tired with the reminder that she didn't have her mother to turn to at times, but this talk helped in a way.

The detective plated up four pancakes for Alexis and handed the plate and fork to the girl.

"Can you promise me something?" Alexis asked taking the plate and drenching the golden cakes in syrup.

"Yeah, go for it." Beckett responded finishing off the batter and stacking the pancakes on a separate plate.

Alexis took her time and sipped her coffee. It was a weighted question that needed deep thought. She chewed the first bite of pancake, which nearly melted along with the syrup.

"Please don't leave my dad."

Beckett stared back at the girl and saw that serious undertone lying deep within Alexis' eyes. It was the same look her father had at times but it wasn't surprising to see it in another person's eyes. After all, Castle was her father and she had to inherit some of his traits. His knack for telling stories, his humor, and even his worry of being hurt. It true though and brought the detective back to her brief conversation with Castle. Alexis was just hesitant, that's all. She was a teenager who had been through one to many broken and failed relationships and wanted to see her father finally have what he deserved, happiness.

Beckett leaned forward on the counter and clamped her hands together. "Alexis, I promised you yesterday that I would always protect your family. I don't plan on leaving your dad regardless of how childish and infuriating he can be at times. It took me a long time to admit my feelings for him but it's getting easier." The detective looked away from her hands and into Alexis' eyes. "I love your father and I don't want to leave him. What I do is dangerous and I risk my life everyday. You saw that with the sniper, and I can't make promises that I'll come back unscathed, but what I can promise is that no matter what I will never leave your father."

Alexis understood fully and could see the compassion and love within Detective Beckett's eyes. It was one of those serious conversations that should be saved for later in the evening but was necessary to be said in the morning. It wasn't odd, Beckett saw this coming since she and Castle told his daughter. This was just another necessary thing for their relationship to reach the next level. But before the two had a chance to discuss things further, Beckett's cell rang pleading for attention.

"It's your boss," she said dangling the phone. "Beckett." Within seconds her entire demeanor had changed again. That was the thing about Kate Beckett, one second she could be hurting but the next she would be back to the serious detective that she was.

"Hey, meet me at the morgue. Tox report is back and so are prints. Also, Jane Doe's got a name."

Beckett listened diligently as Castle wandered towards the kitchen. Beckett drew her index finger over her lips signaling towards her partner not to make a sound. He nodded back and kissed her cheek and gave his daughter a whispered hello.

"Mind sharing the vic's name?" she asked grabbing a pancake from the stack.

"Lucy Hopewell is our JD so hurry up and get your skinny ass down here."

Beckett snickered, "I'll call Castle and we'll be there in 40."

"Hold up," she said before Beckett could hang up. "You and Castle are showing up together again?"

The detective chewed the flavorful pancake carefully planning out her words. "We showed up yesterday because he stayed the night making sure I didn't die in my sleep."

"Uh huh, sure. I am not dropping this."

"Shut up, Lanie." Beckett said and hung up the phone. She looked at Castle and his daughter who both seemed overjoyed and entertained.

"You going to shower?" he asked stacking his own plate.

She glared at him and back at her half finished pancake. "Yes, my keys are your nightstand and the clothes are in the trunk."

"Okay, you can use my shampoo." He responded giving her a chaste kiss.

Beckett left her empty mug on the counter and walked off towards his office. Alexis couldn't help but clear her throat as Castle's eyes continued to stare in Beckett's direction.

"So, you seem happy."

"Yeah," he said with a dopey grin slapped on his face.

Alexis rolled her eyes and finished off her pancakes. "You might want to wipe that grin off your face before Dr. Parish sees you." She said taking her plate to the sink.

He grinned sipping his coffee feeling satisfied. Smile or not Castle was a happy man.

(~)

"Okay, you come in after me in a few minutes." Beckett said chewing her bottom lip as they sat in her cruiser. They parked in front of morgue discussing how they were going in. Together, separate, trying to avoid Lanie's nagging words? It was difficult but this was only proving how strained hiding their relationship could be.

"Deal, but won't Lanie bombard you with questions till I get in?"

Beckett shook her head and opened her car door. "Not if I go in alone. Now hold my coffee."

He took the coffee and gripped the hard plastic in his left hand. Castle counted the seconds on his watch waiting till two minutes had passed. Though he wasn't allowed inside yet, the writer stood outside the car in the biting February air. He waited and decided enough ribbing had occurred within the morgue for one day. The writer entered the cold building holding onto the cups. It was dead silent within the building but his heart was pounding too hard for him to notice. A sigh fluttered past his lips as he shouldered against the door and opened it.

Beckett and Lanie turned instantly stopping whatever conversation they were having. It was gone now and Beckett controlled her facial expressions.

Lanie crossed her arms and eyed him. "We were just talking about you."

Castle smirked and passed Beckett her already drunken coffee. "There's enough of me to go around ladies."

Beckett glared at him and turned back to her friend. "Alright, mind telling me about my victim now?"

Dr. Parish made a face and turned to the victim. "Lucy Hopewell died from bleeding out but her neck was broken too. She was still conscious and I estimate she was alive for about ten minutes before passing."

Beckett shook her head and walked down the table a bit. She examined the young girl and couldn't help but feel responsible. It was one her quirks and one of the many things Castle loved about her. No matter who the victim was Kate Beckett felt related to the person regardless.

"Next of kin?"

Lanie flipped through her notes, "According to Javi, Lucy was an only child and her parents died three years ago."

"So she's got no one." Castle stated standing next to Beckett.

"Then who are the men in that locket?"

Lanie shrugged, "You've got to ask the boys. I can help narrow down Lucy's occupation, however." She said moving towards the sample tray. "Those black smudges were ink from books."

"She's a librarian?" Castle questioned stuffing a hand in his pocket.

"Gold star for, Castle."

He grinned like a fool but Beckett found it adorable.

"But," Lanie butted into the happy moment. "I also found chemicals typically used at a hospital. So not only does Lucy work with books all day but she's around a hospital or someone that works there."

Beckett nodded taking all the information in. At times she didn't need to take the notes and kept everything mental. Besides, if Beckett forgot she always had Castle's mind to help her. He would always help her.

Her phone dinged within her pocket and she palmed the white iPhone. It was Esposito on the line most likely wondering where she was.

"Yeah, Espo?" she said answering the phone.

"Hey, you might want to call up Castle and stop by Lenox Hill to see Dr. Thomas Simpson. He's one of our guys in the locket."

Beckett sighed brushing her hair back. "He seriously works at Lenox Hill?"

Castle and Lanie both turned their attention toward Beckett. Lenox Hill was where she was taken after the sniper.

Esposito sighed on the phone. "Shit, I forgot. Do you want Ryan and me to—"

"No it's fine, hopefully Josh isn't there."

Castle looked away when his name was mentioned. He still had so many pent up feelings towards that man and secretly wanted to shove his happiness in Dr. Motorcycle Boy's face. Though it was petty and immature Castle wanted to have that one moment of bliss and admit to someone other than his mother and daughter that he and Beckett began seeing each other.

"We'll see you after the hospital." The detective hung up and turned to Dr. Parish and Castle. They were both waiting to hear the cliff notes.

"Come on Castle, we're headed to Lenox Hill."

"Yeah, I heard. Who are seeing?"

Beckett put on her gloves, "Dr. Thomas Simpson, he was the other guy in the locket. Apparently the other man is Owen Knight and he's not in New York. Call me if you find anything else out, Lanie."

"Will do girl." The ME responded as the partners left.

Finally, Castle had a name to the face. Surely the mystery man knew soon he and Beckett would visit the hospital. Soon most of their questions would be answered.


Author's Notes: Okay, so my apologies for posting this so late. The time literally flew and things continued to pile up as the day progressed. I'm hoping to get the next chapter out much earlier tomorrow but fingers crossed.

So not a whole lot happened in this chapter and again, my apologies. I had more planned and as I was writing I realized that it would be awkward to add in Castle and Beckett meeting Simpson (yes I named him and no I have zero clue what his actual name is. He's literally listed as 'mystery man' on imDb). I'm holding off till the next chapter and a bit more stuff will happen in that one too. Just wait and thank you guys for being patient.

KP, aka Ashley