Thanks so much for all the reviews! You've all got me smiling like an idiot after I read them :P.
I know this is a really short chapter, but i couldn't think of a way to make it longer without it dragging on. I'm hoping this will be the last short chapter I write for awhile *fingers crossed*. Enjoy!
"Why Detective Beckett, aren't you happy to see me?" Castle Joked. "I just thought I'd drop by with some Chinese since you weren't able to eat earlier."
Beckett felt her cheeks turn red so she turned her head back towards the papers on her desk in hopes that he hadn't seen her blush. "Oh. Thank you," she smiled as she spoke. From the corner of her eye she saw her partner sit down in his usual seat next to hers and put the bag of take-out on her desk. She turned to face him again hoping that the redness had faded from her cheeks. She reached for the bag that he'd just got her and while she opened it she was just about to speak but Castle beat her to it. "Are you okay? You seemed kind of upset. It's not often that I hear you talking to yourself about something other than a case."
Beckett's head shot in his direction as quick as a lightning bolt. "What?" Oh god. He heard. And he's smiling, well smirking actually. What's funny? Why is it funny? I can't believe I said that aloud. I don't understand how anything I said is funny in any way? If anything it's pretty pathetic. Oh god, maybe he's laughing because I'm pathetic. No, that can't be it. He's not smiling anymore. He's giving me that sympathetic look. Why do I need sympathy? Maybe I really am pathetic. These were just some of the thoughts running through her mind.
"You said something about a partner. Don't worry though, I didn't hear much. It's just, I don't mean to pry but you just looked so..." Castle's voice trailed off as he searched Beckett's face for an answer. She was conveying so many emotions; it was hard to keep up. He could tell that she was trying her best to stay composed but he knew better. A rush of confusion, disbelief, and shock snuck through her composed facade. There was one other emotion that he couldn't quite get a read on. It almost looked like fear. Whatever was bothering her was something that she wanted to keep secret; he could see it in all over her face and from the way she'd reacted when he'd told her he'd heard some of what she said. He also could tell that it was something of great importance to her. Let me in Kate, let me in. But he knew that from the look in her eyes that he would have no such luck.
"You... What?" No matter how hard she tried, Beckett couldn't seem to think of anything else to say.
"I didn't mean to eavesdrop or anything. Like I said I didn't hear much so you have nothing to worry about. I just want to make sure you're okay." Although it killed Castle that he couldn't comfort Kate, he didn't pry. He'd learnt that the hard way when he interfered with her mom's case a couple of years ago. There was no way he was going to make that mistake again. Kate was his friend, and if she needed anything he was there for her and Castle was sure she knew that. So he had to conclude that whatever was going on or whoever this 'partner' was there was nothing to be worried about, at least that's what he was trying so very hard to convince himself of. But that last flash of emotion on her face was making it ever so hard.
Beckett only realized that she was holding her breath when she ex-haled. "I'm fine." And that was that. She'd answered his question and he'd answered the many questions she had floating around in her head. He hadn't heard his name, and it seemed as though he had no idea what her words had meant. His concern for her was touching and meant a great deal but Beckett didn't have time to dwell on that; there was a murder to solve, actually there were two.
Sorry about the ending guys, but I promise that the next chapter will make up for that. I have a lot of ideas floating around in my head right now and they all involve Castle. Hint: there's going to be a nice talk between mother and son. I don't want to say too much, but hopefully that'll keep you coming back to read the next chapter!
Let me know you're thoughts on this chapter! Hearing from you all makes my day
