A/N: I don't know if I like it or not… I'm having some trouble deciding where to go with this. So if you hate the chapter just think of it as a little divergent …. I'll get on track I promise!

Chapter 11

Together we stand

Kate found it odd that the delivery man basically shoved the flowers into her hands and bolted, but she just shrugged off as he was in a hurry. She held the vase in her hands , and smelled the abundant roses that were piled into it. They were beautiful, not like any flowers she has ever seen. Red roses with a hint of yellow and orange on the tips… they were gorgeous. The vase had a big red ribbon tied around it , and a card stuck in the middle of all the blooms. She found herself in front of Castles door, unable to knock due to her hands being full. She kicked the door with her toe hoping someone would hear her.

Hearing a thump at the door Castle rose to check and see who was there. "Its someone with flowers " he opened the door "Hello?"

"Hey Castle it's me . Can I come in?" a face peered around the massive bouquet and smiled at them.

"Kate ! What are you doing here so late? And why do you have flowers ?" Castle ushered her in and took the vase from her to set on the counter top.

"Sorry to barge in. The flowers were being delivered downstairs so I told the delivery guy I would be happy to take them up. I thought I would stop by and give an update on what we have found out so far. And Castle, I kind of need to talk to you about something " she said in a quieter tone.

Kat knew what that meant… "You guys talk, I need to get some air. I'll be back in a little bit. " she grabbed her coat and was out the door before either of them could argue with her. She got downstairs and decided she needed to just walk. Lost in her own thoughts she didn't even see the car pull up next to her, or the man get out and start to follow her. When she felt the hand on her arm was when she finally realized someone was saying her name. "Kevin! I'm so sorry I didn't see or hear you. What are you doing here?"

"Following you." Laughing he explained "I was coming to talk to you and Castle when I saw you walking . I yelled but you were in a zone. Where are you headed ? "

She smiled "I needed some air. Kate came over to talk to Rick and I kind of felt like a third wheel. Figured they needed to sort some stuff out … is that a park ? " she pointed to the equipment across the street. "Come swing with me?" She didn't give him a chance to say no, grabbing his hand and leading him to the swings . "I haven't been on a set of swings in ages…." She sat on one , kicking her feet slightly to start her momentum. Kevin sat in the one next to her and did the same thing. They swung in silence for a few minutes, taking in the crystal clear sky and the sparkling stars… until Kevin stopped and looked at her.

"Hey Kat, can I ask you something?" he ran his hand through his hair, like he did when he was nervous.

"Anything detective. What can I do for you?" she slowed down her swinging to look back at him.

"well, I was wondering… What's the deal with you and Castle? And if it's too personal just tell me to leave you alone…in fact , never mind I shouldn't have asked …" he looked down at the ground, kicking the dirt with the tip of his shoe… why did he ask her that?? That wasn't how he wanted to approach this subject. Dang it if she didn't make him all jittery, but in a good way.

Kat just giggled and reached over to lay her hand on Kevin's arm. "That's a story for another day. I'll just tell you this – I love the man. I have for a long time… and I am happy to know he's found his soulmate. "

Kevin did a double take "Soulmate? Who??"

"Really detective? I thought you were better than that." She was teasing him… the heat rose in his face. "Detective Beckett of course. He loves her. I think he's finally met his match after all these years. I can't wait to see how happy he is. I can already tell she's a great influence on him. It'll be as nice change from Meredith, and especially Gina. " her nose scrunched up at the name.

"I take it you two don't get along ? "

"Gina and myself? Ha! No not even a little bit." Kat made a noise of disgust. "But tell me detective, why were you asking about me and Rick?

"Well, I…" Kevin took a deep breath and let it out. "I would really like to take you out. If that would be okay with you." He looked down at his hands praying she said yes.

"Detective Ryan I would be honored. Thank you ." Kat felt safe with this man, and she didn't want that feeling to go away. "So do you like coffee? I need caffeine, and I have a feeling Kate and Rick will be busy for awhile." She got up off the swing and stood in front of Kevin, smiling at him, she held out her hand.

He grinned back, taking it and stood up. "That sounds great. I know a place right around the corner. " The two of them walked side by side down the street.

FlashbackKat sat at a table, nervous for her date. She felt out of place in this fancy Greek restaurant, but this was where her date suggested… now if he would just show up! She checked her watch again, thinking maybe she should just forget the whole thing."Why does this always happen to me? What's wrong with me " she wondered to herself, when a man approached her.""Katherin? I'm John, so sorry to have kept you waiting! I was busy at work and couldn't get away. " he took her hand and shook it gently. "Please forgive me". He handed her one red flower, but not just any plain rose. This one looked like a sunburst, beautiful and vibrant .Kat smiled brightly at the flower, and then at the man handing it to her."Thank you it's gorgeous!".He was pleasant enough, they chatted about their lives and jobs. But Kat got the eerie sense that someone was watching them the entire time. She tried to check around the restaurant several times during dinner, but never saw anyone out of place. She decided to just put the feeling out of her mind, and try to enjoy the dinner.In another section of the restaurant, a man sat alone at a table. He kept stealing glances towards Kat and John, grinning like he had just heard a joke… but this wasn't a joke at all. He pulled out his phone and shot off a quick text : Congrats , you are doing well. He placed the phone back in his pocket and took a sip of wine, thinking about how much more fun he was going to have with this one.End flashback

Across town

Why was she not on his screen?? Instead there was the detective, and the writer… they appeared to be having a deep conversation. John realized she must have slipped out before he started watching … now all he could do was wait for her to come back. Hopefully that would be soon, or he would have to go find another KB to keep him entertained .