There was a definite spring in Kate's step as she walked in the 12th precinct. Today was Castle's first day back. He'd said: See you in the fall and, as far as work was concerned, he had held to that. He'd finished the book, much to Gina's eternal relief, he'd edited and proof read while spending some time with Alexis after the Princeton summer program and he was now mostly done with his book tour. All that was left was New York and he'd made sure to keep that for last. The avowed goal had been to be able to come home to Kate and not leave again until the next book. She was grateful.

Over the summer their relationship had blossomed, for a lack of less clichéd word. She'd called him when she'd arrived in NYC, as he had requested, and he'd started texting her twice a day or so, then progressively more often until they'd spent his breaks chatting. Soon after, they had started their 'goodnight' calls, which turned into long conversation and Kate discovered much about her writer. It had been a one of those quiet interludes in their relationship that allowed Kate to let go and trust him. When she had gone to see him next, Gina had deserted the house for the weekend and Kate couldn't have been gladder.

The memory of that weekend could still make her blush, less than at first morning at Tamara's, but it had been a very, very good thing.

Castle had been the first one to cave and say 'I miss you' about a week after and Kate felt it had been a huge step in their relationship if only because of the soft gooey feeling she'd gotten when he'd said it.

She'd only been able to go back to the Hamptons twice after, once alone and then with Alexis, but she could honestly say she had never been happier. Of course, they were still finding their way and with him back at work, it might just tip the balance into insanity, but she was more than willing to give it a try.

Smiling, Kate picked up some reports she had to finish and walked to her toward her desk. An egg fell at her feet. Kate turned at Ryan's expression of dismay and she frowned at the egg and his disgruntled face. "Are you guys recreating the humpty dumpty crime scene?"

He looked at her, mildly disgusted as he reached for another egg. "It's the autumnal equinox today."

"According to Mr. Wizard there, it's the time of the year you can balance an egg on its tip." Esposito didn't even sound like he believed it, his magazine taking most of his attention.

Kate looked at her two detectives and frowned. "Don't you guys have work to do?"

When they answered in the negative, Kate dropped a file on Ryan's desk. "Well, now you do."

She snapped her fingers and pointed toward the egg before walking to her desk, informing Ryan. "By the way, that whole thing with the egg is just urban legend."

"Not true, I've seen Castle do it last year."

Kate stopped before sitting, allowing herself a smile, thinking that the thing had probably been fake and weighted. She took her seat as Esposito walked up to her, asking: "Where is Castle anyway? Wasn't he due back today?"

"Awwww, did you miss me Esposito?" Castle walked close, two Princeton travelling mugs in hand. Alexis had brought them back with her and had instructed them to use the mugs with a stern look. The life of a world changing undergrad had already started at Casa Castle. Kate took the offered coffee, taking her first sip with a smile.

"Detective, I trust you had a good night."

She was glad he didn't sound smug. Kate had left his bed only hours before, their first night together in the city, the first night after she'd finally managed to tell Castle how much she loved him. "I did Castle, thank you."

The phone randg and she reached for it automatically. A new homicide. Castle's eyes lit up and Kate smiled, pleased to have her partner back.

"Let's go."

The end