A/N: Okay guys! Again, it has been a long time since I've updated. But I finally got this chapter to a place where I'm quite satisfied with it. It's mainly Kate/Castle fluff, which I personally think this story could use a little more of. I think it's a nice change of pace from the way the rest of the story has been written. I'm not quite as good with the fluff as I am with the dramatic stuff, but I hope you really like it. I sat down a while ago, and the words just kind of came pouring out. I guess that's what happens when I keep things bottled up inside me for a long time. Anyhow, I'm finally feeling a little bit better, and have since moved to a new place, so my life is all shiny right now. This chapter probably reflects that a bit. I'm still working on the upcoming chapters, but I have to say I'm really happy with the way this story is turning out. I can't tell you how grateful I am to all of you. I can't even begin to tell you all what an honor it is to get to share my writing with you guys. I don't mean to get too sappy, but I honestly feel as if you guys are the best readers that anyone could ask for. So I just want to say a big thank you to you all for sticking with me! I will always continue to write so long as there is someone to write for!

Title: Ask Me How Much I Love You

Chapter 9: Nothing Better

Disclaimer: Sadly the amazing show that is Castle does not belong to me, nor does Nathan Fillion or Stana Katic (as amazing as they are)!

Spoilers: A play on spoilers from Anatomy of a Murder. Kate tells Castle that she would break him out of prison. Castle sees this as a sign of Love.

Rating: T (just to be on the safe side)


I would really like to dedicate this chapter to a reviewer of mine who has been so kind as to send me a message. Sometimes when I get really sick it's hard to feel like doing anything, but your kind words of encouragement are really what got me writing again. So thank you, WillTCastle! This one is for you! I hope you like it when you get a chance to read it!

"I love you so much, Pumpkin," Castle breathed in Alexis' ear as they shared an embrace just outside of the security checkpoint. Castle held on tightly, never wanting to let go, and Alexis clung back, feeling the same way.

"I love you too, Dad," Alexis sniffled softly. "I can't tell you how much I needed this weekend with you."

"Gosh, I miss you so much already," Castle breathed sadly, kissing the top of Alexis' head.

"I know," Alexis, easily related as she buried her face against Castle's chest, fisting his shirt as she tried to hide her own tears. "Me too."

"I'm going to find a way to see you more often," Castle said with a fresh sense of determination. "Somehow, I'm going to figure this all out," Castle breathed. "I'm going to find a way to clear my name once and for all, and then I promise that I'm going to come back home and we can be a happy family again." Castle gently inhaled Alexis' sweet scent, and kissed the top of her head one last time fleetingly as she finally pulled away. She looked up to him with shimmering eyes and it broke his heart. It really did. He couldn't bear to imagine the sort of pain he'd caused her over the last year. He tried not to think about it too much. But here it was, staring him straight into his eyes. Castle swallowed, feeling the unbearable ache in his chest he knew was bound to take over at some point. He gave Kate a look, and she nodded ever so subtly, giving him the encouragement he needed. Slowly he led Alexis over to somewhere a little more private.

"Dad?" Alexis tried not to look or sound too concerned. She looked slightly bewildered as she sat down in a nearby chair and Castle knelt down in front of her, taking both of her tiny hands in his.

"I'm sorry. I just wanted to take a minute and say that I am so very sorry for putting you through what I have during the last year," Castle's voice broke as he struggled to get the words out. "You've always been wise beyond your years, but no one should have to go through what I've put you through…"

"Dad," Alexis broke down herself, "You know I don't blame you for what happened… There's no way you could have known that this was going to happen."

"You're being too kind, too forgiving," Castle said softly. "I suppose I should have known you wouldn't hold it against me, because no matter what, you always tend to see the best in people."

"Dad," Alexis said in the tone she always used when she disagreed with what he was saying. "I thought you already knew that I didn't hold anything against you. You're innocent. That fact goes without question. It's why I avoided the topic the whole time you were here… I avoided it because I thought you already knew I will always be on your side."

"Pumpkin," Castle felt even more pain as he held her blue eyes. "Whether I'm innocent or not doesn't matter. My foolish actions are what got us here. If I had just listened then…"

"Then you would still go through every day wondering what kind of man your father was," Alexis argued. "Dad, I'm not going to let you take the blame for it all."

"No," Castle shook his head, completely disagreeing. "See? That's the problem. You should blame me."

"Well that's too bad then, because I don't," Alexis said stubbornly.

"My own need to meet my father cost you far more than it ever should have. It cost you me." Castle continued to struggle to put his own feelings in words. "If I could go back and change it? I would. I just want you to know that I never meant for any of this to happen."

"I know that, Dad," Alexis said in a comprehending manner. "Please don't cry," she pleaded softly. Castle coughed slightly, hoping to suppress his cries so as not to make a scene.

"It's just that I…" Castle swallowed, running a hand frantically over his face to wipe away his own tears. "I made a promise to you that I would always be there for you. No matter what." He forced himself to look away. "And I failed to keep that promise," Castle muttered ashamedly. "What kind of father does that make me? If I can't be there for you when you need me?" Alexis shook her head. It was so hard to see her father in his state. "I just hope you know that I never would have left you, if I'd had a choice. Ever." Alexis nodded, wiping away her own tears. Alexis knew the story. Kate had talked to her about the decision a dozen times. Alexis still stood by Kate, feeling as if the detective had made the right choice in breaking Castle out of police custody. "And finally, I just want you to know that I love you more than anything in this world," he confessed.

"Except for Kate," Alexis interjected with a wide smile and twinkling eyes.

"Except for maybe Kate," Castle amended, "And Mother." Alexis held Castle's eyes. For a long minute, they exchanged another embrace. "Do me a favor and let Ashley take good care of you," Castle pleaded. "He's a good man. I'm just so glad he can be there for you when I can't."

"Dad," there it was, Alexis' reprimanding tone.

"I just mean…" Castle offered in a rebuttal. Alexis silenced him.

"I know what you meant," Alexis smiled. "Thanks, Daddy." Castle nodded. Gently Alexis pulled her father in for another heartfelt embrace. Castle closed his eyes, burying his face in her hair.

Alexis and Castle were ripped out of their own world as Martha came bustling around the corner. "We've got to go, dear. They're already boarding."

"Right," Castle choked out, his chest clenching painfully. He released his daughter with great reluctance, trying to force a smile for her benefit. "Okay, well, do me a favor and call me once you're home safe and sound." Alexis nodded. "And promise me that you'll remember to have fun outside of school. Of course… make sure you study hard too. But I suppose that I don't really have to say that, do I?"

"No," Alexis shook her head. "But I promise I'll try and do both," Alexis smiled as she stood up and Castle did the same. Without pause, Alexis pushed herself up on her tip-toes to plant a kiss on Castle's cheek.

"Take care, pumpkin," Castle whispered in her ear. "And feel free to call me whenever. You have my email address now, so…"

"I promise I'll contact you every chance I get," Alexis said with slight childlike annoyance. But they both knew that she loved him more for being the same father she was used to. He was back to the same father who would message her every morning to wish her a good day.

"Pinky promise?" Castle asked hopefully, causing Alexis to laugh softly.

"Oh for heaven's sake!" Martha commented, but it was all in jest. Castle curled his pinky around Alexis' minute pinky. They shared one final embrace, and then they walked together to the security checkpoint where Kate and Ashley were waiting.

Castle shared a couple more hugs and watched as Alexis, Ashley and Martha, entered into the line and started to move through the bowels of security. He could vaguely feel Kate's warm hand in his. Every so often he could feel her give it a reassuring squeeze. The gesture was meant to be comforting, and it was. He couldn't have done it alone. He couldn't even begin to imagine how difficult it would be when Kate left him. He could only imagine that the pain would be as unbearable as it had the first time. Perhaps even more so now that he knew what it was like to have her as his other half. Together, they stood, waiting until Castle lost sight of them completely in a massive sea of other people. He stood there for minutes afterwards in a daze, staring numbly at the place where they'd all disappeared from sight. Silently he wondered if they might come back if he wished for it hard enough, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't. Kate stood there with him, observing his state of mind. She could see his brow furrow and his jaw tighten as he combated the pain in an inward struggle that trained his features. It broke her heart and she resolved to do something to cheer him up. If she was counting correctly they only had four more days together, and she needed to make sure that Castle enjoyed every minute of them.


"Come on," Kate's soft and breathy voice in his ear, had him jumping. She gave a tug on his hand, leading him back to the car without so much as a single word. Castle climbed into the passenger seat, and Kate shut him inside. By the time she climbed into the driver's seat, he was already staring despondently out the passenger window. With a sigh, she reversed out of the spot and started to drive. She started to wrack her brain for ideas of what to do. She started driving, heading out West towards the coast. She turned up the music. Clearly Castle wasn't in any mood to talk, and so she resigned to silence.

As she pulled into a small supermarket, she received a pair of raised eyebrows from Castle. She turned off the car, pulled the keys from the ignition, and opened the door. She put a hand on Castle's shoulder as he started to open the door.

"Wait here," she commanded softly, with a quick peck to his cheek. "I'll be right back." Castle nodded and swallowed, watching in keen interest as she fled. A smile tugged at his lips as he watched her white summer dress billow behind her in the wind. She was something truly beautiful to behold. He waited patiently as the minutes ticked by. He couldn't help but wonder what sort of mischief she was up to. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, she came bouncing out of the supermarket with several small bags in hand. With a flourish, she opened the back door and tossed them inside. She batted his curious hands away with a playful smile. "No peaking," she chided as she climbed back into the driver's seat, and leant over the middle console to steal a kiss from her lover.

"You're no fun," Castle pouted, pulling her closer.

"Mmm," Kate smiled back, "Well, someone has to be the adult in this relationship." Castle gave her a playful swat, and she laughed as she turned on the car and sped out of the lot. All the while, a laugh was falling from her lips. Castle watched her with utmost fascination. She was so beautiful when she laughed that it took his breath away. Castle was always amazed by Kate and the way that her presence immediately lifted his spirits.

Kate swallowed thickly as she felt the pressure of his hand on her inner thigh. It was gentle enough that it could hardly be detected, but strong enough that it was nearly maddening. Kate bit down on her lip as she struggled to keep her mind on the task at hand. She nearly lost it when he leant over. She could feel his warm breath on her neck. It was the faintest wisp, and it played with her thoughts, igniting an unrelenting burn for him. She applied more pressure to her lip, struggling not to moan as soft, wet lips replaced the sensation. The intention behind the touch was unmistakable, when the hand resting on the inside of her thigh started to move slowly upwards beneath the skirt of her dress.

"Castle," the name that was meant to be spoken with reprimand, instead, came out breathless and needy. Castle moaned softly as she dropped her hand from the wheel to Castle's slowly retracting hand and held it there on the inside of her upper thigh. "Don't."

"Don't what?" Castle's soft whisper had her thundering heart beating even more wildly. Kate took a quavering breath, her chest raking in breaths with wild recklessness. She couldn't seem to get enough oxygen for her liking and she released his hand, letting him decide what to do. "Kate," he repeated her name in a soft whisper for a second time.

"We're almost there," Kate breathed back. "Just… give me a minute."

"Where?" Castle asked, "Where are you taking me?" His voice was a low rumble in her ear. God, his voice sounded so amazing when he was so completely wrapped up in her. She could hear the want in it, the unrestrained desire. It made her want him more. Castle was not shy when it came to intimacy, and she loved that about him. He was as confident during lovemaking as he was gentle. The two things might seem contradictory, but they were anything but. They made him a force to be reckoned with.

"It wouldn't be a surprise if I told you, now would it?" Kate teased softly.

"You and your surprises," Castle said teasingly. "What am I going to do?"

"Get used to it, I guess," Kate smiled. "You liked the last surprise I had in store for you, didn't you?"

"Yes," Castle replied honestly.

"Then I think you'll like this one," Kate smiled.

"What if I don't want to wait for my surprise?" Castle breathed as he nipped at he hollow behind her ear. God, he was making it hard to concentrate.

"Just hold on," Kate's breathing hitched as his fingers brushed her through the fabric of her dress. Inwardly, Kate muttered a few obscenities, willing herself to use enough restraint in an effort to make it where they were going. Finally, they passed through the gates of the state park. With her hand, she held Castle's head against her as he nuzzled her softly. For those of you who wonder what type of lover Castle was? He definitely nuzzles. It's his way of showing affection, well, besides kissing that is. Kate paid a small fine, accepting the bewildered look of the park attendant without pause, and then pulled into parking near the head of the trail she was looking for. She'd done some research back at the hotel, figuring that maybe they might need this. She wanted something she could share with Castle. Kate pulled into her spot and stopped the car. Her breathing was still labored. Slowly, she forced herself to extract herself from Castle's hungry touches. Castle groaned at the loss, as Kate inwardly did the same. It wasn't easy to do. "Come on," she breathed before she took a long moment to peruse the warm confines of Castle's amazing mouth. Kate couldn't stop the whimper that escaped her lips as Castle ran one of his hands over the swell of her chest. Kate lengthened the kiss, deepening it as far as they could before turning back. Kate stared into Castle's cobalt eyes for a long moment after their lips parted. He stared back, his forehead brushing hers as they both struggled to resist.

"Kate?" he breathed finally.

"Yeah?" Kate hummed softly.

"You were going to take me somewhere," he chuckled softly.

"Oh," Kate stated dumbly. "Right." Kate smiled, giving Castle's nose a playful peck before turning back to the door. She opened it and climbed out, starting to load, everything they needed into the small basket she bought along with the groceries. Castle stood on the other side of the car, watching her over the hood. Finally, Kate secured the contents of their picnic in the basket, and pulled out the map. She hefted the basket in her hands while clumsily unfolding the map of the trail. "This way," she said finally after she got her bearings. Castle relieved her of the basket, took her hand in his, and let her lead him down the trail. They took the trail quite a ways, but finally reached a scenic overlook atop the sea cliff. Castle stood at the overlook, stunned by the beauty of the ocean and its rocks below.

"You planned this?" he asked in pure amazement.

"Sort of," Kate smiled. "I figured that you might be in need of some cheering up, so I got creative."

"It's beautiful," Castle said happily. Kate felt her heart sputter in her chest as the wind ruffled his hair. She took a deep breath, breathing in the sweet scent of the ocean air, moving about them.

"It is," Kate confirmed, giving his hand a squeeze. "You want to eat here? The beach is a little further down the trail."

"Here is good," Castle confirmed with a heart-warming smile. Castle helped Kate spread out the blanket over a table not far from the edge. He watched as Kate pulled out each item one by one. It was nothing fancy, just some sandwiches and some chips, but Castle was deeply touched by the gesture. Kate laughed as Castle eagerly unwrapped his sandwich and took a hungry bite that was much too big, even for him. He chewed hungrily, as he made noises in the back of his throat. Meanwhile, Kate watched, laughing at his childlike tendencies as she took a very conservative bit of her own sandwich. Together they joked back and forth. She gulped down a bite as she felt Castle's foot brush her leg under the table. Slowly, he ran it up her calf until she pulled back. He met her eyes. They were so strikingly blue that it caused something deep inside her to start stirring. There were no words for how he made her feel. It was like she was falling constantly, always falling deeper and deeper into him. He seemed to be feeling the exact same way, because he didn't dare look away. Kate set down her sandwich, feeling clearly hungry for something else.

"Don't stop on my account," Castle said softly. "I don't want you to be hungry later because of me."

"I'm fine," Kate punctuated as she wrapped up her sandwich. "You ready to head down to the beach?"

"Sounds good," Castle said, peeking over his shoulder.

They packed up the remnants of their lunch and loaded it into the basket. Castle offered Kate his hand and helped her step over the bench. They continued down the pathway, slowing a little as they reached a fairly rocky portion of the trail. Castle kept his arm wrapped around Kate's waist. She could feel the pressure of his touch through the fabric of her dress. She was so aware of the touch that in some ways it felt like her skin was kindling under his fingers. When they finally reached the beach, Kate slipped off her shoes and started to run through the sand barefoot. There is no feeling like that of warm sand between your toes on a hot summer's day. Kate relished it since she didn't get to feel it very often. She rarely took vacations, and though there were beaches to the north of the city, she rarely visited them. Castle kept a close proximity to Kate, but gave her freedom. He couldn't help but watch her with great endearment. He loved how she could be such a free spirit. He watched the wind whip her hair about as she twirled around. His heart leapt as he watched her stumble and fall to the sand. She laughed as she rolled over and plopped down onto the sand. Castle, worried that she may be hurt, rushed over, kicking up sand with his feet. He slowed, and bent over her, his blue eyes shining like that of the bright sky above her. Kate's heart was beating wildly as Castle's face swam into her vision. She was still laughing, her chest bobbing up and down.

"You okay?" Castle asked with amusement. He spoke loudly, trying to be heard over the sound of the crashing waves.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Kate smiled, her luminescent white teeth exposed in a wide smile. Castle dropped to his knees at Kate's side, setting down the basket, and then dropped the rest of the way so that he was lying next to her in the warm sand. He turned his neck so as to give him a better view of the woman next to him.

"God, you're so beautiful," Castle said with a deep sigh, simply memorizing everything about her and the way she looked in that moment.

"You're not so bad to look at yourself, Castle," Kate reciprocated as she turned her neck to look at him, twining their fingers together.

"Is that your way of saying I'm handsome?" Castle asked hopefully. Kate smiled softly.

"Hah! As if you really need me to boost your ego," Kate replied in a rebuttal. But secretly she knew that she loved him more for it.

"Mmhmm," Castle's voice inflected. His smile was a mile wide as he stated happily. "Aww… You do! You think I'm handsome!"

"I do," Kate confirmed softly. "Except for…"

"Except for what?" Castle asked quickly, his brow furrowing. This wasn't how he planned for the conversation to go.

"Well, it's not a problem really, but you've got some gray in your hair," Kate spoke with a completely straight face. She made a point of running her hand through it. "Personally, I kind of like it but…"

"No!" Castle protested, looking slightly horrified. Kate, however, held her deadpanned expression. "That's ridiculous! I do not have…!" Castle's voice trailed off as Kate snorted and burst out into laughter, while in the meantime, Castle turned a deep shade of scarlet. "That's not funny," Castle muttered with a pouting expression on his face as Kate burst into a fresh bout of laughter.

"I don't know," Kate replied between laughs, "I'm pretty sure it was. You should have seen the look on your face." Kate grabbed for her ribs. "Goodness! I don't think I've never met a man who is so incredibly vain."

"Well, I'm glad I could entertain you, even if it was at my own expense." Castle replied sincerely with a smile on his face. "But sadly, you've only scratched the surface of what I can do."

"Is that so?" Kate replied. "Because if it is, then I'd like to see more," Kate goaded.

"Is that a challenge, Katherine Beckett?" Castle asked rather competitively.

"Why, I believe it is," Kate replied with a mischievous gleam in her eyes. "But I think you're forgetting that you're going to have to catch me before you ever get the chance to do anything, old man."

"Did you?" Castle's voice cracked and so he was forced to try again. "Did you just call me an old man?" Castle's asked in a voice an octave higher than normal.

"I believe I just did," Kate eyes flashed. "So, the question is, what are you going to do about it?"

"Oh, I bet that I could think of a few things," Castle replied thoughtfully.

"Yeah?" Kate asked softly. "And what are they?"

"Well," Castle swallowed, "Most of them involve me asserting my manhood, but I have a feeling that you would enjoy that just a little too much." Kate's skin flushed as her thoughts wandered to things she knew that Castle wanted her think about. Then he took away those thoughts as soon as they came. "I don't know… I was thinking that the water looked all too inviting. Maybe you need to cool off a little with all of this trash talking you're doing…"

"Mmm," Kate replied, her mind still hung up on Castle, and all of the things that she wanted him to do to her. Kate swallowed, catching the look in Castle's eyes. Maybe if she played along and enticed him, he would fulfill all of her desires in the end. "Again, I think you're forgetting something…"

"What's that?" Castle asked softly.

"You're going to have to catch me first," Kate teased.

"I think I can do that," Castle offered in a rebuttal, "Even if I am decrepit." Kate let out a squeal as Castle lunged for her. With her wrestling skills, she managed to writhe out of his grasp and quickly pushed herself up off the sand with Castle nipping at her heels. With the wind pulling at her, Kate took off, sprinting down the shoreline. The gale roared loudly in her ears. She looked over her shoulder to try and discern Castle's whereabouts. As it turned out, she could barely hear him over the white noise. She jumped a little as Castle yelled after her from behind. Kate looked straight ahead and fixed her eyes on her new goal, a small hill of boulders a fair distance down the shoreline. She sprinted, her erratic breathing rasping in her throat as her body started to pull in more oxygen for her working muscles. She pushed herself harder, knowing that she'd never live it down if Castle caught her. In a moment of hesitation, she glanced over her shoulder to find that he was gaining. She tried to dig her feet deeper into the sand to get a better push off with her legs, but stumbled in the process, costing her some precious time. She let out a shriek as one of Castle's hands wrapped around her from behind, and together, the two of them went down in the sand. Kate couldn't manage to get away before Castle tossed her over his shoulder in a fireman's carry and pulled her kicking and screaming form into the water with him. She resisted, but it only did more to spur him on. Kate stopped as the water reached Castle's midsection. All he had to do was let her go, and she was going inevitably into the water.

"Apples!" Kate cried loudly, upon realizing the gravity of the position she was in. "Apples! Apples! Apples!" she called again.

"Little one, you seem to be mistaken... You see? Apples is my safe word," Castle husked in her ear. He let her drop an inch and then caught her. She let out another scream as she held onto Castle's midsection with a vice grip frantically tried to come up with a safe word. Surprisingly, she'd never had to use one before.

"Then…Cherries?" Kate's voice inflected hopefully.

"You want cherries to be your safe word?" Castle mocked, while clicking his tongue in disappointment. "Come on, Kate. Surely, you can do better than that."

"Hey!" Kate protested, trying to keep her body out of the water. "It's the best I can come up with at the moment!"

"Doesn't matter," Castle shook his head. "That's not going to get you out of this. Not this time."

"Please, Rick!" Kate begged. "You wouldn't!"

"Oh you know I would," Castle replied. "You called me old. I think I need to put things straight."

"I'm sorry, okay?" Kate rambled. "Is that what you want me to say?" Kate decided to try and sweet talk her way out of it. "You're young and spritely and handsome and..."

"Nice try," Castle laughed, the low rumble in his chest could be felt through Kate's midsection. "But you can't sweet talk your way out of this one."

"Fine," Kate pouted. "But if you drop me, you should know that I'm planning on taking you down with me," Kate threatened.

"I'm kind of counting on that," Castle replied. "and I'm fine with that." Then he added, "Frankly, all of that running has left me a little winded. I think a nice swim would do me some good." Kate had no warning before Castle let go of her and let gravity take over. She shrieked in surprise, but immediately set out to accomplish what she had promised a second ago. Sure enough, Kate's arm caught Castle's shoulder as she dropped and pulled him over backwards. With a splash, he sank into the crisp, cold water of the Pacific. He hit the hard sand covered bottom and bounced off of it slightly, bobbing towards the surface. He surfaced just a moment after Kate. His feet pushed off of the bottom, and then kept traction beneath the water as he sank back down a couple of inches. He ran his hand over his face, trying to wipe away the water so that he could see her.

"Oh! Now you're going to get it," Kate threatened as she lunged for him. Castle tried to side step her, but knew it was no good. He felt her arms close around his upper torso. In an instant Kate's body was weighing him down. His muscles strained as he fought against the new weight that was pushing him down. By the time he sucked in a breath, Castle's feet were dislodged from the bottom and he was going under. Castle found slight victory in the thought that Kate had been pulled under with him. Castle's arms and legs flailed in the water at the surprise assault. It only lasted a moment or two before he was able to surface again. Castle opened his eyes, expelling a shaky breath. The taste of salt was heavy on his lips and he tried to keep the water out of his nose and mouth. He met Kate's eyes. He wasn't surprised to see a smile on her face. He knew she could take anything he threw at her. He took a step closer.

"Hey," he breathed softly, his eyes never leaving hers. The feelings being conveyed at that moment were completely different than the flirtation of only a moment before. They were both able to convey their desires without words.

"Hey," Kate breathed back, her voice thick. Castle tried to keep his breathing even as she waded a step or two closer, closing the distance between them. Castle reached up slowly, running the fingers of his right hand along the contours of her jaw line. She had such a beautiful face with delicate features. And yet, her jaw was so well defined. It was strong and he felt as if it reflected her personality perfectly. Kate bit down softly on her lip, feeling slightly insecure. The way Castle looked at her with such adoration, made her wonder what on earth it was he saw in her. Kate closed her eyes, nuzzling the hand that was caressing her face with such gentleness. When she opened them, Castle was closer. She stared into his eyes as he ran his thumb ever so gently along her bottom lip. Kate stopped breathing. The anticipation seemed to be killing her. As Castle leaned in for the kiss Kate pulled away shyly, dodging him. Castle pulled back with a pouting expression on his face.

"I'm sorry. Did I do something wrong?" Castle asked finally, letting out a sigh of frustration.

"Have you already forgotten? You just dunked me in the water less than a minute ago when I was practically begging you not to," Kate replied, crossing her arms over her chest.

"You just paid me back for that," Castle argued with his eyes twinkling. He looked entertained to say the least.

"I'm still mad at you," Kate shot back just as playfully.

"Mmm," Castle hummed in return. "I bet I can fix that!"

"I beg to differ," Kate replied in earnest.

"Hey," Castle said softly, "You're the one who insisted on wounding my pride by calling me old. Then, you challenged me to do it!"

"You know I was just kidding, Castle," Kate replied. "As if you could ever be old. I swear… You're practically twelve years old." Castle sighed and looked away. "What did I do wrong now?"

"Oh nothing," Castle smiled. Kate shrieked as Castle splashed her without warning. "But it would be wrong if I didn't try to live up to my reputation."

She sent a splash back his way, as he lunged for her. She let out another squeal as he pulled her under the surface. When she surfaced she smacked him lightly on the chest. Castle's hands seized hers with surprising force. She couldn't pull away as Castle's lips pressed against hers. He finally released them when she started fighting to get closer to him, rather than further away. Castle moaned as her arms wrapped around his neck.

As they exchanged a fresh series of kisses, they slowly made their way for shore. When they finally reached it, they sank onto the wet sand on the shoreline. Castle gulped as he laid Kate down on the sand. Her white dress had become slightly transparent over the course of their adventures in the water. He could seemingly see everything through the fabric. He could feel Kate's hands start to tug at his clothes. Castle hiked up the fabric of her skirt, running his hands over the warm flesh underneath. He nibbled at her neck, eliciting gasps and moans that spoke of want and need.

Castle closed his eyes as Kate's lips pressed against the pulse point of his neck and his mind went fuzzy. He pulled back slightly and opened his eyes.

"Castle," Kate breathed as she ran her hands up his neck and began to play with the hair at the nape of his neck, "Don't stop…" The way she ran her fingers through it was soothing. Castle moaned, lowering himself over her. He propped himself on his elbows while he started to play with Kate's hair. His face was only a mere couple inches from Kate's own. He could see her eyes darken as she raked her fingers through his hair. He swallowed thickly, his throat suddenly dry as the desert. He kissed her softly, his lips barely brushing hers. He could feel her warm breath on his face as her lips opened a fraction. Hungrily, Kate applied more pressure to the back of his head, deepening the next kiss. He moaned as she accepted his tongue, and nipped at his lip. As the kiss dragged on, Castle ran his hands over Kate's lithe form. She was so warm. When oxygen finally became an issue, the kiss broke.

"How's that?" Castle asked breathlessly, his voice a low rumble.

"As if you have to ask," Kate replied, arching her back in an attempt up to press her body against Castle's in any way she could manage.

"I think… I finally get it," Castle spoke finally as he figured out where all of the flirtation and affection were coming from. "I see what you're doing," Castle said dolefully.

"Oh yeah?" Kate husked. "And just what is it I'm doing?"

"Trying to distract me," Castle swallowed, as his thoughts briefly strayed to the ache in his chest, and then to what was causing it. Castle felt his heart begin to pound as he felt Kate's warm breath on his ear.

"Is it working?" Kate's voice had a shiver rocketing its way up his spine. The tone, coupled with the tongue that darted out to taste him, had him suppressing a moan. Before he could recover, Kate did something she'd never done before. His body came alive as teeth scraped along his earlobe and a tongue soothed the sting away.

"Maybe," Castle's voice cracked as he was overcome with feeling. Kate could instill the most powerful feelings in him. The way she touched him, looked at him, and talked to him, left him powerless.

"Only maybe?" Kate clicked her tongue in slight displeasure. "Oh no, that just won't do." Kate slowly raked her hands down Castle's chest, letting her nails drag along the fabric of his shirt. When she reached the hem of his shirt, she ran her hands under the fabric, encountering bare skin. Concurrently, she planted a fresh array of kisses to Castle's neck and jaw. "How about now?" she asked again. If the sharp intake of breath that Castle took was any indication, she knew she had him.

"Y-Yes," Castle breathed, closing his eyes. There was no way he was going to fight her. Not when she was the only one he wanted. And he knew that if anyone could ease the pain, that it would be her.

"Good," Kate replied in a low alto.

"Kate, honey," Castle's slightly breathless voice asked. "Do… Do you really mean to do this here?"

"Why?" Kate asked, pulling back so that she was flying flat along the sand. "Is that a problem? I mean… I don't see anyone around, do you?"

"No, but…" Castle began to protest. Kate pointedly swallowed his next words, and Castle stopped fighting, spurred on by Kate's hungry moans and frantic touches. He knew he was playing right into her hands, but he couldn't bring himself to fight her any longer. So he surrendered, and left all of his thoughts and worries behind in exchange for something so much more wonderful. Love. God, he loved her. And he knew that so long as he had her that things would work out somehow. She made everything better, simply by being there. He thanked his lucky stars that he was fortunate enough to have her, whether it was just for the next week or forever. He could only hope in his heart that it was forever, but he would take every piece of her that he could get.

A/N: So that's it for now! Please read and review! I'm still working on the next update, but most of it is written. I will have the update up soon! Thanks again for reading!