Chapter Ten

Previously…

As the song ended, they stayed like that for a few minutes. Beckett was the first to lift her head up. She looked up as Castle noticed the now warm spot on his neck getting colder. He looked down into her eyes aware that their faces were only inches away from each other. He saw her look down to his lips with hers slightly parted. He leaned his head down at an impossibly slow pace, when they heard the front door open.

Castle heard the front door open. He stopped his forward motion towards Beckett and closed his eyes. Why does everyone have the worst timing ever? He sighed as Beckett took a step back. She saw Alexis walking in, struggling to get her keys out of the door with full shopping bags in each hand.

Beckett turned back to Castle and said in a low voice, "I should probably go, it's getting late."

She saw a hint of sadness in his face. "What? You don't have to go. You can stay as long as you want."

She looked at him, then to the door, and back at him. He can take a hint. "Fine, I'll get your coat."

When he left, Beckett hurried to help Alexis with her bags, "Wow, you bought a lot of stuff."

Alexis looked up not expecting to see her, "Oh, Detective Beckett, I didn't know you were still here. I thought the game ended by now."

"It did, we were just…I was helping your dad clean up."

Castle walked into his room where he kept Beckett's coat. He heard Alexis talking to Beckett about the stores she went to. He closed his eyes and thought about how he almost kissed her. He let out a long breath and grabbed Beckett's coat. There's another thing to add to the long list of stuff they don't talk about. He can make an exception for this though, she did just break up with Josh. She is all about taking her time with things.

He walked back into the living room, "Where's Alexis?"

"She went upstairs." Castle held her coat while she slid her arms through the sleeves. She turned around, "Thank you for tonight."

"Anytime. I will be looking forward to getting some of my money back."

"I think you can afford a few more losses."

"It's funny how there is someone out there, who can whip me at my own game." Beckett raised an eyebrow and had a wicked smile. He straightened his face, "Honestly, Katherine Beckett, that is not what I meant and you know it."

She said innocently, "I don't know what your talking about." She started walking into the hallway.

Castle hung on the door. "See you tomorrow?"

She spun around, "See you tomorrow."

Castle waited until she was in the elevator, when he closed the door and turned to see Alexis standing there. "Hey, sweetie."

Alexis folded her arms, "So?"

"So."

"I see you and Detective Beckett were "cleaning" together."

"Yea, we all made a mess. She wanted to help me clean up a bit." Alexis turned her head slightly and saw the wine glasses on the table. She turned her attention back to him. Castle saw that she was holding something back. "What's wrong?" He asked sincerely.

"How much longer are you going to work with her?" She asked softly, despair in her eyes.

Castle walked up to her, "I like working with everyone at the 12th. I'm not sure I want to stop being apart of their team."

"Apart from the team? Or apart from her?"

He looked at her confused, "Where's this coming from Alexis?"

"Dad, look at yourself. You have been in harms way ever since you started shadowing her. You have been shot at, frozen, almost blown up, stabbed, and then shot. Did i miss anything?"

Castle closed the gap between them and hugged her. He sighed, "When you say it like that…"

"It doesn't matter how I say it, it still isn't good."

"Well, in Beckett's defense, the stabbing wasn't her fault. I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time."

"I don't want your luck to run out. How many more near-death experiences is it gonna take for you to see that you can die doing what you're doing. This isn't one of your books dad. You can't write the outcome to this." Castle could hear the fear in her voice.

He hugged her, "Im so sorry that I put you through that Alexis. But look," he took a step back, "Im fine. This is nothing I can't handle."

"Says the man wearing a sling."

He looked down and flapped his bound arm. "Does it make me look cool?"

"If you keep flapping your arm like that, I'm going to have to take you to a farm."

A moment passed, when she heard it. Buck Buck Buck. She looked at her father, who was making the muffled chicken sounds. "Seriously dad? How old are you?" Even though she wasn't happy with him, she couldn't help but smile. He looked so foolish.

He ceased the chicken sounds and put his hand on her shoulder. "Is it really bothering you that I want to do this?"

Alexis sighed, "I can't ask you to stop, but you have to think about the people that love you. What about Gram? What about me? I don't want to see you get hurt….again."

"Don't worry, sweetie." He placed kiss on top of her head. "I'll be extra cautious. Ok?"

"Ok."

"Now, should I be worried about this months credit card bill?"

"I think my phone's ringing." Alexis kissed his cheek and ran upstairs.

…. (Next day)

Castle plopped down in his chair. "Wow. What a long day. I'm beat."

Beckett lifted her head, "What do you mean you're "beat"? You didn't do anything all day."

"Exactly. You'd be surprised at how tired you get from doing nothing."

"Well, now you can go home, and go nuts." She looked back down at the file she was holding.

"What about you?"

"Just finishing this paperwork up and I might grab something to eat." She paused and looked back at him. "Are you hungry?"

His eyes brightened at the invitation, "Yea, I haven't eaten all day."

"Yes, you have."

"Ok, a milkshake and M&Ms is not food."

"Don't forget the three packages of Skittles. It looked like a full course meal."

He looked down, "Are you trying to say I'm fat?" He lifted his head up just in time to see her eyes roll.

"Oh, brother."

Castle laughed, "I would very much like to join you for dinner."

"Was that so hard?" Beckett closed the file. "Let's go."

…(Bistro Vendome)…

It was nice restaurant. Fancy enough that there were no pictures of the food, on the menu. The restaurant had many tables available and they were seated right away. Once they ordered their food Beckett noticed Castle staring at her.

"Castle?"

"Yes?"

"Your staring."

"Oh." He looked down at his folded hands. A few minutes passed when he looked up at her again with a more serious face.

"Castle if you got something to say, please just say it."

"Kate. We have to talk."

Beckett was a little unnerved when he said her first name. "Uh, sure. About what."

He leaned in closer over the table. "I've been thinking a lot lately and I made a decision."

Beckett had a feeling he would want to talk about recent events. She gestured for him to continue.

He let out a breath, "We have to start planning Ryan's surprise party."

Beckett's heart beat a little easier. "Oh. Um, yea that sounds like a great idea."

He had a feeling she was thinking about a more serious topic, just by looking at her facial expressions. "What did you think I was going to talk about?" Castle said innocently.

Beckett shook her head, "Ok so when do you want to plan it for?"

Castle decided to let it go, "I was hoping to make it in a few days, so he doesn't expect it."

"Where do you want to do it?"

"The Old Haunt?"

"Really? Don't you think we go there a lot?"

"No. He likes it there. We should celebrate in a place he enjoys." Castle took a sip of his water.

He was right. Ryan really liked going there. "Ok, it's fine with me. Who should we invite?"

"I don't know any of his friends besides Esposito, Lanie, Jenny, you and me."

Beckett paused to recall him talking about any friends of his. "He doesn't really talk about anyone. I guess just us and people from the precinct?"

"Yea. We're fun enough."

A few minutes later the waiter brought their food. They ate in a comfortable silence. When Castle finished his last bite, he looked up at Beckett.

"So what are you going to wear? Something sexy I hope." He grinned that cunning grin. His eyes staring into hers.

Beckett narrowed her eyes and said in a seductive voice, "Well, Mr. Castle, you'll just have to wait and see now won't you."

His grin disappeared as he saw her sip her wine. "Just remember less is more."

Beckett threw a small bread roll at him. He chuckled as he took the bread and bit into it, "Yummy." She answered him with an eye roll.

...

The next few days went by fast. There was a murder, an investigation, a wild theory by Castle causing Beckett to think of a more tangible theory, and then closing the case.

…

The day of the party arrived and Ryan still had no clue there was a surprise party awaiting him that night. Castle decorated the bar a little bit with streamers and a few NYPD logos on the walls.

Kate got home and was starting to look for an outfit to wear. She wanted to dress up but also wanted to give Castle something to look at. She opened her closet and started pushing clothes around when she saw the perfect dress. Lanie was meeting her at Kate's apartment, so they can go together. When she got there, Kate opened the door and Lanie let out a gasp.

"Damn girl. If I was a guy and not involved with someone…" Lanie said admiring her dress.

Kate laughed, "Lanie, it's just a dress."

"That is not just a dress. That is going to be the death of every man, who will be their tonight. Not to mention a certain writer."

Kate shrugged, "I have no idea what you are talking about." She brushed passed Lanie and let the door close on her way out.

"Mmhm." Lanie followed.

They caught a cab. It took about 15 minutes to get there, no thanks to the traffic lights turning red whenever the cab would move. Everyone would already be there, including the regulars, who always go there at that time. They got out of the cab and straightened their dresses.

Castle was ordering a drink for him and Esposito, when he felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned and saw Esposito staring at the door. Castle followed his eyes and saw Beckett and Lanie walking in. His jaw dropped when he saw the red, very short dress that was hugging every curve. All eyes were on her. He saw her blush, then smile as she greeted familiar faces.

Esposito faced Castle, "Better close your mouth before something flies in there."

Castle grinned at him and put his drink on the table as Beckett and Lanie walked up to them. Beckett looked at Castle's outfit and was impressed at how good he looked. He had his hair slicked back except for a few stray hairs that fell to the side of his forehead. He wore a black dress shirt that had the top few buttons undone, showing a part of his chest.

"Looking good Castle." Lanie commented.

"Thank you Lanie. And might I say you look extravagant tonight." Castle replied.

"Dude, I'm right here." Esposito said wrapping his arms around Lanie's shoulders.

Lanie looked at Esposito, "Settle down. I don't see you complimenting me like that."

"That's different."

"Mmhmm."

Beckett laughed and turned to the bartender to order Lanie and herself a drink. Castle an Esposito led Lanie to where they were sitting. When Castle looked over to Beckett, he saw a guy talking to her. He was tall, tan, and handsome. She was laughing at a joke he must have said to her. Castle was feeling the need to go over there and tell this guy to back off. Josh was finally out of the picture, and all of a sudden a new guy is stepping in to Castle's rightful place.

Lanie saw Castle looking at Becket with a fire in his eyes. "I think I'll go help Kate with our drinks." Lanie got up and walked to her friend.

"Hey, Lanie."

"Do you need any help?" Lanie glanced at the tall man beside Kate.

Kate handed Lanie her drink, "This is Todd. We were in the academy together."

"Nice to meet you Todd."

"Likewise." Todd reached and shook Lanie's hand. He looked at Kate. "Funny how we bumped into each other here tonight."

Lanie glared at Todd, "Why is it funny?"

"Me and Kate dated each other for a while." He took a sip out of his drink.

Lanie heard enough. There was no room for an ex-lover in their group. "Kate and I." She corrected.

"Excuse me?" Todd leaned a few inches forward.

"You said 'me and Kate'. It should be Kate and I." She was so used to Castle correcting people's grammar that she felt it was her turn to do some correcting.

Todd looked at her questioningly. Lanie decided not to get into it now, "Ryan and Jenny should be here any minute so, you two finish catching up and we'll be over there."

"Ok, I'll be right there."

Lanie walked back to Castle and Esposito. She sat down next to her man, while Castle had his eyes fixed on Beckett. "Don't worry Castle, he's got nothing on you."

He faced Lanie, who was sitting across from him, "What are you talking about?"

"Kate will lose interest in him by the time we finish this conversation."

"What makes you say that?" Castle turned his attention back to Todd. "It looks like she's having a great time laughing with Let-Me-Tell-You-Another-Joke guy over there."

"They know each other. They are just catching up on old times."

Castle shook his head and finished off his beer. It wasn't his first, and by the look on Beckett's face while talking to Todd, it definitely won't be his last.

A few minutes later, Beckett hugged Todd,saying their goodbyes, and turned to head to their tables. Castle quickly turned his head when Beckett caught him watching her and Todd.

"Hey guys, is Ryan here yet?"

Esposito just closed his phone, "Jenny texted me. They are five minutes away."

When Ryan walked through the doors, he was greeted by a very loud "SURPRISE". He jumped back but then quickly regained his footing. He grabbed his chest, "Woah, what is all this?" He looked at Jenny.

"Happy Birthday, hon." She kissed him as he hugged her. Everyone clapped, until they released each other. "Let's go have some fun." She whispered.

Ryan took the few steps to his favorite people, "You guys did all this for me? You didn't have to."

Castle looked at him, then everyone else, "Oh really? All that planning and i didn't even have to do it? Why didn't you tell me!"

Beckett elbowed him. "Ouch, he knows I'm joking."

Ryan laughed, "What are we doing standing around for? Let's party!"

The music was loud, and everyone was having a great time. They ordered round after round, drink after drink. Beckett went t the bar a few times. Whenever she did a guy would go up to her and hit on her. Castle didn't miss any of those encounters. She would smile at the charming men, making Castle want to drink more. He wasn't one to get drunk, but watching her laugh at what were probably idiotic jokes, made him want to take away that pain.

The night was starting to wind down. The girls were standing next to the jukebox, while the guys were sitting down at the booth.

Castle was as far from sober they have ever seen. "Ya know, I like 'dis bar. Iza great bar. Lotta people havin' fun."

Esposito and Ryan looked at each other and laughed at the slurred words coming from Castle. They didn't have as many drinks as Castle but they were getting there.

"Ry, I hope you're havin' fun zoo." He looked at the girls and saw them laughing. "Beckett loo's she'z havin fun. 'Specially when those guys tell her jokes. My jokes are waaaaay funnier. Lotta guys talk to her tonight."

Esposito chuckled, "C'mon Castle, they just see a beautiful woman and they can't help themselves. Its in our nature to talk to chicks who look like that."

"She iz beautiful, izn't she?" He held up three fingers, "Three years, you'd think I'd get tired of zeein' her, but I don't. I can watch her all day."

The two detectives looked at each other. "You do watch her all day." Ryan said.

Castle was still looking at Beckett, "She doesn't even know."

"Know what?" They asked in unison.

"How much I love her." He said it softly with a small smile creeping on his face. The guys almost didn't hear him.

Their eyes widened at the confession. They didn't expect that at all. They knew there were feelings there, but to hear it was a complete different thing.

"You'd think jumping in front of a bullet for her would do it, but no." There was a pause. "So you guys workin' tomorrow? Iz getting late."

"Uh. We can go in late tomorrow. Cap'n said it was ok." Esposito answered.

"Awezum, we can keep drinkin'." Castle said reaching for Esposito's full bottle of beer.

"Uh-uh, you're done for the night." Esposito said grabbing his beer before Castle could get his fingers around it.

"Heyy." He whined.

Beckett, Lanie, and Jenny were done with the jukebox. They decided to sit down with the guys.

"Did you boys have fun without us?" Jenny asked leaning on Ryan.

"Boys? Seriously what makes everyone call us boys?" Esposito asked.

"Yes, c'mon hon. You know how much of a man I am." He said nibbling her ear.

"Get a room." Castle said jokingly. He turned his head to see Beckett sitting next to him. Ryan and Esposito looked at each other, then back to Castle. They watched his facial expression turn serious.

Thinking he would profess his love for her in front of everyone, Esposito quickly said, "Oh, look at the time. It is really late." He looked at his wrist, which didn't have a watch on it.

Ryan caught on, "Yea, I think its time to call it a night." There were a few groans. "Hey, it's my party and we had too much fun for one night. Plus we always have my real birthday." He said with a sly grin. He got a nice fist bump from Esposito.

"Anyone need a ride?" Castle asked patin his pockets, looking for his keys.

"You didn't drive here, remember." Esposito said.

"Oh."

Beckett got up from her seat, "C'mon let's go get you a cab."

Castle stood up a little wobbly from the sudden movement. "After you."

Ryan turned to Esposito, "You think that's a good idea? Him. Alone. With her."

"Very bad idea." He said standing up. "But then again, this is probably just a little push for them to come to their senses."

When Castle and Beckett reached the sidewalk, she hailed him a cab. She opened the door for him and he almost bumped his head getting inside.

He stuck his head back out, "You're not coming with me?"

"No, I have a home to get to."

"But I'm not there." He pouted.

"Goodnight Castle."

A/N: Sorry for the late update .. .. umm .. .. beyond late update. This is one of the most inconsistent fanfics. Follow us on Twitter Sandriiful ItzCynthiie

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Hope you liked the quotes from The Talk .. if you caught that. if you didnt read it AGAIN! (another quote form the lovely Beckett)