Right. This one is based on the announcement at my own (British) school, so apologies for any inaccuracies.

Kate is quite shy and withdrawn in this chapter - might be OOC except for the fact that we only know she had a wild child phase during high school, the exact age not being specified. I was pondering doing a few chapters of said wild child phase, so if that tickles your fancy, holler!

For Harry, my own Castle

I don't own anything you recognise :)

"This year, the school dance will be held on June 22nd," the principal announced, holding his hands up to quieten the cheers. "Tickets will be on sale soon. Watch this space!" Chatter filled the hall as the students filed out.

"Kate. Kate!" Madison Queller waved her hand in front of her friend's face. Kate Beckett looked up with a start, eyes wild and searching for the threat.

"What? Where?" she mumbled, confused. Standing up, she stretched, closing her book and shoving it in her bag. "Maddie? What did I miss this time?"

Maddie sighed. "Just the school dance announcement. Nothing important – for you, anyway."

Kate cast a look at her friend. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Maddie shrugged. "Well, everyone knows you don't want to go. It's not like you need to know the details." Kate didn't reply, simply walking off to her next lesson, leaving the other girl to follow.

Just as she began walking to the canteen for lunch, Kate felt someone tap her shoulder. She turned around and gulped. Less than a foot away from her was the most sought after person of the entire male species in the senior school: with his chiselled features, twinkling eyes and deep voice, he was the subject of many conversations each day. There had been rumours recently that he was going to ask someone to the dance – part of the attraction was that he had never dated since arriving at the high school, despite the number of times he had been asked out by giggling gaggles of girls.

Kate closed her mouth, aware that she had been openly gawking at him. He appeared amused. Leaning against the wall as people flooded between them, she could only notice the toned arms that peeked out from his shirt.

"Yes?" she called across to him. "Can I help you?" His eyes sparkled back at her.

"I don't know – can you?" he smirked. Kate felt her cheeks flush as she turned away.

"Look, if you don't have anything to say, I've got somewhere to be." As she slipped past, he reached out a hand to stop her.

"Wait – will you go to the dance with me, Beckett?" She stopped again, sure she had misheard.

"What?"

"Will you do me the honour of accompanying me to this year's dance?" The cool and sophisticated demeanour had vanished, leaving in its place a nervous boy chewing his lip and refusing to meet her gaze. "It's just – I see you in classes a lot and you're smart, smarter than anyone knows. You're beautiful, but you don't flaunt it. I've seen you defend your friends even when you're scared. I'd like to spend more time with you, if you'll let me." Kate shook her head. His face fell disappointedly. "You don't want to?"

"I – can I think on it?" A few hours ago she wasn't even considering going! He gave a relieved smile.

"Yeah. Yeah, sure. Take as much time as you want."

"Ok."

"Right."

"I'll let you know, then." And she walked off without a backwards glance.

"Beckett! Where have you been?" Maddie scolded. Grinning, Kate related what had happened amid gasps of surprise and delight from the group as she tucked into her lunch.

"So I told him I'd think about it," she finished. There was a stunned silence.

"You what?" Maddie shrieked. "Gabriel Montage – the Aztec god, might I remind you – asks you to the dance and you say 'I'll think about it'? Girl, what kind of – of – of-"

"Ok, I get it," Kate laughed, elbowing her friend in the side. "Should I say yes, then?"

A raised eyebrow was all the answer she needed.

"Gabriel! Hey, Gabriel, wait up!" Beckett darted in and out of the other students as she chased after the retreating blonde. "Hey," she panted as she caught up with him. His eyes flitted over her, taking in the light sheen of sweat on her skin, and the rise and fall of her chest as she regained her breath.

"Hey, Kate," he beamed at her. "How are you?" She ignored his question.

"Is the offer still open?" His smile got wider.

"Yeah – it is. You made your decision?" She nodded, a slight blush travelling up her neck.

"I'd love to," she whispered shyly, peeking up through her eyelashes to gauge his reaction. To her surprise, she felt his lips touch her cheek in a chaste kiss.

"I'll see you on the 22nd," he said softly. As he left, it was all Kate could do to not let out a whoop of joy, instead raising her fingertips to the place he had kissed her, allowing a tiny smile to creep across her face.

As I said up there ^^, Kate may be OOC.

If you like the sound of some wild child chapters, let me know (along with some suggestions, please!)

Thanks to everyone who reviewed the last chapter, it is very much appreciated, and I'm glad you enjoyed it!

I am co-writing a fic with A . Pseudonimo on her account, called Queen of Thieves. It's basically Castle a la Robin Hood. Check it out!

Laters

~wolfergirl