Aint no mountain high enough

By

Natalie Elizabeth

Beckett stormed over to her desk and slammed the file down on it. She was having a bad day and it was only getting worse. She was tired, irritable and coffee depraved. Sleep had evaded her yet again and she swore she had only just closed her eyes when her cell rang. Castle had things to do and would be in later so she missed out on her delicious morning breakfast of coffee and bear claw. On top of that a twenty one year old woman had been murdered and they had her boyfriend in custody. Beckett now realised he probably wasn't there killer even though he hadn't been all that broken up over the death of his girl friend. The jerk even had the nerve to chat her up as she was leaving interrogation.

"Wow Beckett, that guy sure was a sweet talker."

Beckett groaned.

"Shut it Esposito."

"So Beckett, you going to get his number."

"Whose number" Castle asked walking in, two takeaway coffee cups in his hand.

He handed one over to Beckett who looked worse for wear. For the past two nights he had stayed up late waiting for her to call, but she hadn't. He didn't pry, didn't push even though fibre of his being was telling him to. She was a smart woman, stubborn but smart, she would make the right decision when she was ready.

"We got the victims boyfriend in interrogation and he used one of the worst pick up lines on Beckett I've ever heard."

Castle took his seat next to Beckett. "Care to share?"

Beckett shook her head and skulled her scorching hot coffee. Castle looked over at the two other detectives.

"You want to spill?

"He asked her if it hurt?" Esposito answered with a smirk.

Castles head whipped around to Beckett. Hurt, had she been hurt while trying to take down the suspect while he had been dealing with more crap from Gina.

"Hurt?"

"Yes Castle" Esposito said tapping him on the shoulder trying to reassure the freaked out writer. "When Beckett fell from heaven into his arms"

It took Castle a few seconds to register what Esposito had said. He then looked at Beckett who was rolling her eyes. Castle shook his head and laughed.

"That's almost as bad as, 'Are you tired, because you have been racing through my mind'." Castle rattled off one of the pickup lines he had heard recently.

Beckett sighed. "I once told a guy I was married because he wouldn't back off, his response was, I don't mind. He then asked if I was happily married, when I said yes he asked if I was very married though. The creep"

Castle clicked his fingers. "Oh I heard the most terrible one years ago." He turned to look at Esposito and smiled. "Hey Esposito, you look ethnic, do you have any American in you."

Esposito frowned. "Ahhh well"

"Would you like to" Castle then winked at him.

"I can't believe you just tried to pick me up."

"It was a joke."

Esposito shook his head but then smiled.

"I had this roommate once, always wanted to go out but I hated it because he would always use these cheesy pick up lines on the girls. If I wrote the alphabet, I'd put U and I together."

"Oh I got another one," he rubbed his hands together then looked at Beckett who was focused on her screen. "Do you believe in love at first sight or should I walk past again."

Beckett looked at Castle realising he was addressing her. "Keep walking Castle" she then picked up her coffee and took another long gulp. Before turning back to the screen.

"You use a pick up line on Jenny?" Esposito asked Ryan.

Ryan shook his head. "Nah, she asked me out actually, but she was nervous throughout our whole date. She kept reapplying her lip gloss like a hundred times. So when I went to kiss her I was all like, 'wonder what your lips gloss tastes like'

"Dude you didn't" Esposito shook his head; his partner was such a sap.

Ryan put his head down and smiled as if remembering the date as if it were yesterday.

"She was like, 'I think I have licked it all off' so then I was all like 'I wonder what your lips taste like'

"Seriously" Esposito put his hand up wanting to stop Ryan telling anymore.

"What about you Castle, you ever use a line on a woman" Ryan knew Castle was a ladies man and wanted to know what worked for the writer.

Castle shook his head. "Nah"

"Castle just shows the ladies how many zeros in his bank account" Beckett said finally interjected into the conversation.

Ryan and Esposito looked at each other shocked.

"Whoa"

"Go Beckett"

Castle looked at Beckett. She hadn't even drawn her eyes away from her computer screen to deliver the blow and seemed unaffected by him staring at her. Sure he could handle a little ribbing but usually it came from the guys especially when it came to his sex life. He frowned as he watched her take another long gulp of coffee before placing it back on the desk the resounding empty sound disturbing him. She had just sculled the scorching coffee in less than 2 minutes. Something was up. He looked and saw Ryan and Esposito standing there obviously waiting for him to respond.

"I only show 60 % of my dates my bank account." He tried to make light of the situation.

Beckett didn't take her eyes off the screen. "That's because only 60% of your dates can read." Beckett then got up and strode to the break room.

"Score two for the Beckett" Ryan smiled after the detective.

"Dude, what did you do, to piss her off".

Castle looked between Esposito and the break room.

"I don't know?"

Castle got out of his char and walked over to the break room watching as Beckett made herself a coffee. She had just finished the large one he had brought her and now she was having another one.

"Are we ok" he asked her.

Beckett looked up at him and shrugged. "Sure why?"

"Oh I don't know. I usually get that kind of treatment from Ryan and Esposito."

Beckett picked up her coffee and began to walk away.

"If you can't stand the heat Castle, get out of the kitchen."

Castle watched Becketts retreating back.

"I didn't realise we were cooking?"

Beckett rubbed the heel of her hands over her eyes, she was tired and she was getting nowhere fast with this case. The boyfriend alibied out and all there leads were so far heading them to a dead end. It was 6.30 and the guys were taking a dinner break in the break room. Of course they had invited her to join them but she wasn't in the mood. Castle had brought her over a couple of slices and she forced herself to eat one slice. Beckett groaned as she heard her phone ring.

"Beckett."

"Hi, is this Kate."

Beckett frowned. "Umm yeah, who is this?"

"Its Gina hi how are you."

"Gina," she asked, who the heck was Gina?

"Castles wife, publisher, parole officer."

Wife! Did she say wife!

"Look Rick has this real important event I need him to attend tonight. I was wondering if you could let him go early today."

Go early, what like she was a school marm or something.

"Look it really isn't fair, you have been monopolizing his time lately and he has been missing a lot of important events, that I want him to attend."

"Look Gina, I think this is something you really need to discuss with Castle."

Beckett heard the woman sigh.

"I've already tried he answered once this morning but since then he has been ignoring my calls. He informed me that you are in the middle of some really big case and he can't leave right now, you need his help. Look why don't I email you over a schedule of when I need Rick, that way if you have a big case you can, not let him get involved."

Beckett knew Gina was blonde, but was she really that dumb. Like they knew when a case was going to be big or not.

"So could you please let Rick go tonight, he's already late but better late than never right. Thanks I really appreciate it."

Before Beckett could reply the line went dead, good because she was about to murder someone. Beckett got up and stormed towards the break room where laughter could be heard. Yeah, because Ryan and Esposito needed help eating pizza.

"Hey Castle" she practically yelled. "I am not your damn secretary."

Castle turned around and looked at her.

"What?"

"I am not your damn secretary. I don't take messages for you. How dare you give Gina my number? Man up and talk to her yourself instead of ignoring her calls. Dont you have any balls or are they just ornamental. How dare you involve me in your crap. If you don't want to go to some event where people are kissing your ass then tell her that, don't bullshit about us needing your help to solve a case. We have been solving cases long before you came along and we will still be solving cases when you're gone."

Beckett turned and walked back the break room and headed straight for the ladies restroom. Castle stared after her his mouth hanging wide open.

"I..I...I" he then looked at Ryan and Esposito, did they know what was going on.

He stood up and went to chase after Beckett.

"Castle"

He turned to look back at Esposito.

"I hope you're leaving and not going after her"

"But I" he looked between the guys and the direction Beckett had gone in.

"Dude when she is on a mood its better to let her go"

Castle wanted to argue but his phone vibrating in his pocket stopped him. He pulled it out and saw a picture of a dragon on his screen. Gina. Damn. He looked back to where Beckett had disappeared and the screen in his hand, his shoulders dropping Castle headed out of the precinct.

Beckett closed her eyes briefly, she was tired, real tired. It was 1130 and she had gotten away with staying late because the guys had only left an hour ago. Yawning Beckett stood up; she was exhausted maybe her body would let her sleep tonight. Please she practically begged herself please let me sleep. Hearing her phone ring Beckett practically whimpered. No. For once she actually wanted to go home. Seeing that the caller was Lanie, Beckett snatched up her phone.

"Hey Lanie what's up?"

"That's what I wanna know girl. Javi just told me you were pretty mad with Castle today, said you yelled at him in the break room in front of him and Ryan. "

Beckett groaned. "Can you believe that idiot tried to get out of some party Gina organised by saying we needed his help."

"So that's reason enough to hand him his balls on a platter?"

"Lanie it's like he thinks the world can't revolve without him here."

"Ok come on Beckett, you know he just used that excuse with her to get out of going to the party."

"That's even worse using me to avoid his ex wife."

"If Castle were in trouble, would you help him out?"

Where was she going with this? Yes she would help Castle out, well not at this precise moment but under normal circumstances, yes.

"Your point."

"Friends help each other out of sticky situations. How many times have I called you in a panic because my mom has come to visit and I needed an excuse to leave? Esposito has used an excuse that Ryan needs help with a Jenny situation to get out of meeting my mother three times. We bail each other out, it's what we do. I mean come on you've met Castles ex wife, would you really want to spend an evening with her. You heard Castle bitching about her in the morgue the other day. "

Beckett sighed. Lanie was right but she wasn't going to tell her that. Friends helped friends out and she couldn't blame Castle for not wanting to spend time with Gina. Beckett rubbed the space between her eyebrows. Nausea filled Becketts stomach.

"Lanie I gotta go."

Beckett walked to the restroom and splashed cold water over her face. She took a few deep breaths and rubbed more water over her face. The guilt was eating her up; the shocked almost scared look on Castles face haunted her. Sleep would evade her tonight if she didn't ease her guilt; she was going to give herself an ulcer. She had to fix this and she had to fix this now.

Beckett pulled out her cell.

Are you awake?

She pressed send then walked back to her desk. She turned off her computer and began to tidy her desk when her cell went off.

Yeah, u ok

Beckett sighed. No! What was up with her.

I've made an idiot of myself.

Picking up her things Beckett made her way out of the precinct.

What did you do anything I can do to help?

Beckett climbed into her car and started the engine getting the heater going. It was a particularly cold night, especially for this time of year. Once the heater was going Beckett grabbed her phone and sent a text back .

Got the address to this event your father is at tonight?

Beckett pulled up at the private residence that Alexis had given her directions to. It was only a small, but private event. She had intended on staying out side and waiting for Castle to exit but according to Alexis' ongoing reports he was cracking up. Beckett climbed out of the car and began striding towards the man standing guard in front of the door.

"Can I help you mam."

"I'm here to see Richard Castle."

"Do you have an invitation?"

Beckett pulled back her jacket to reveal her badge, an unofficial invitation but it got her into so many places. The man opened the door and allowed her to enter. Glancing around the residence Beckett made her way to where she heard classical music playing. She walked into a large room and saw the source of the music, an older gentleman sat at a gleaming piano his fingers dancing across the keys. About 30 to 40 people stood around quietly mingling ignoring the music too wrapped up in themselves it seemed. Looking around she saw Castle standing next to Gina, well standing wasn't quite correct; he was leaning against a large pillar. He would occasionally look up at the people Gina was talking to but then returned his eyes to the amber liquid he was swirling around in a short glass. A muscle in Becketts jaw twitched when she saw Gina wrap her arm around Castles elbow. Sure she often hung onto his elbow and it didn't mean anything but it was the fact that Gina started stroking his upper arm that had her blood boiling. She took a step forward but stopped when she saw Castle straighten and pick Ginas arm up and drop it with distaste he should have had when touching the dead sea creature in the Hamptons. A smiled tugged to her lips when she saw Castle send Gina a glare, she'd bet it wasn't the first one of the night. She felt guilty that she had put him in this situation especially when she saw him swirl his drink before downing it. It wasn't an 'I'm thirsty' kind of gulp; it was a 'I really need this' kind. Beckett had seen her father do it too often and vowed to stop anyone else from doing it if she could help it. Beckett took a deep breath, phase one of making up for being an ass was about to take place. Head up, chest out, Beckett strode towards her target.

"Richard Castle" she said mimicking there first 'official' meeting.

"Beckett."

The look on his face was almost comical. Beckett realised she had to look for a bikini when she went shopping with Alexis. It was sure going to be hot in hell and that's where she was going to be heading for the lies she was about to tell.

"We have a break in the case and we really need your assistance to help us figure this one out."

"But we are in the middle of something" Gina protested.

Beckett looked towards Gina then at the people she was trying to smooze.

"I am really sorry about this but a young girls killer is on the loose and we really have to stop him before he kills another."

Liar, liar, pants on fire; they had no evidence to suggest this was a serial killing. She watched as Castle frowned at her, obviously confused by her statement, but it didn't stop him from handing Gina his empty glass and walking towards the exit. Beckett smiled at Gina sweetly before giving her a little wave and followed Castle out. When the pair got outside Beckett pointed to where her vehicle was parked and silently walked over to it. She climbed in and watched as Castle did the same, buckling himself in then almost hunched as if he expected her to start the car and go speeding out of there. When the car didn't move he turned to look at her.

"So, what's the big break?"

Beckett hung her head down and looked anywhere but at him.

"There is no big break."

"What?"

"There is no big break, we are no further along than when you left, we have hit a wall."

Beckett stole a quick glance at him and noticed his brow furrow.

"I don't understand, why did you walk in there and drag me out."

Drag him out?

"Well I was going to wait until you were done but Alexis told me you were about to strangle Gina. I didn't really want to arrest you again; you enjoy being in handcuffs way too much."

Castle was confused.

"Why were you talking to Alexis, why were you waiting for me?"

"Texting not talking and I was waiting for you because" Beckett took a deep breath, she could do this, this was why she was here. "To apologize."

When Castle stayed silent Beckett looked over at him to make sure he was still alive.

"I shouldn't have yelled at you, especially in front of the guys. If I wanted to talk to you I should have taken you into a free interrogation room or something. The point is I really shouldn't have yelled at you at all, I'm just having a bad day and I know that's not an excuse but. I really am sorry. Next time just give me a bit of a heads up if you're using me for a cover ok. She caught m off guard and it rattled me."

She watched as Castle nodded. Was that an acceptance of her apology, was he agreeing with what she said. Getting no other response Beckett started the car, she was sure he didn't want to go back in there

"Ok would you like me to take you home?"

He nodded again. This was bad, Castle wasn't talking. Beckett drove away in silence.

"Look I realise you're probably going to be angry at me for awhile and that's fine but I want you to know if there is anything I can do to make it up to you just let me know. Gina was going to email me some dates of when she needs you if I can swing it maybe I could go with you next time, stop you from killing her."

Wow Beckett must really be feeling guilty if she was not only willing to attend an event with him, but also to face Gina, who by now was probably fuming with the detective. The fact was she shouldn't be apologizing, it wasn't completely her fault, Gina had provoked her. Well ok so it was his fault that Gina had provoked her.

"It's not necessary Beckett. I won't be attending any more of these little events."

"But isn't it part of your contract to do publicity."

"Yes a certain amount, but this is ridicoulos. I'm going to talk to my agent, she's been MIA lately. I think she is getting me back for not returning her calls. I'm suspecting Gina is creating these events as an excuse to spend time with me. I made it clear it was over between us but she acts all innocent and says she is just doing her job. She needs reminding that she is my ex wife and she can't keep ordering me around anymore."

Beckett winched.

"She did introduce herself as your wife when I asked who Gina was."

Castle shook his head.

"I am really sorry about that. I swear I didn't give her your number. The only people I have given it to are Mother and Alexis, oh and it's also down as my emergency contact in case I end up in hospital."

Beckett looked at him surprised.

"I'm down as your emergency contact."

Castle shrugged.

"Yeah, I hope that's ok. I probably should have asked you first. it's just my mother is all over the place in mind and in body. I wouldn't want the hospital calling Alexis and scaring her when all that's happed is that I have tripped over my feet and knocked myself unconscious."

Beckett laughed; it wouldn't surprise her if he was talking from previous experience.

"It's fine Castle. I owe you one anyway."

"No you don't."

Beckett pulled up close to Castles place.

"Yeah I do, according to Lanie I handed you your balls on a platter today and in front of Ryan and Esposito. That's not cool"

Castle laughed. "Yeah you did and I honestly don't want to relive that experience ever again. That was scary very scary, I almost feel sorry for the suspects. However you were my knight in shining armour tonight, you saved me from the evil dragon. I think that makes us even ok."

Beckett looked at the amazing man in front of her. She kept tearing him down and he kept building himself back up.

"Do you want to come in?"

Yes. Yes. Yes.

"No I shouldn't it's late."

"Which is exactly why you should? We both know you're tired and you won't be getting any sleep at your place so come on."

Before she could respond Castle had jumped out of the car and had run around to her side opening the door. Beckett feigned resistance as Castle proceeded to pull her from the vehicle. He wrapped her arm around his elbow much like Gina had earlier, except Castle held her hand there rather than attempting to discard it. He only let go when he got to the door of his place and that was only so he could retrieve his keys. She watched as he stuck his head inside and looked left and right. He then looked back at her and placed a finger to his lips, he then motioned for her to enter. She watched as he quietly hummed the theme to mission impossible as he darted around the hallway leading to his room. Once they were inside with the door shut Castle put a hand to his chest and took a deep unneeded breath.

"Phew, that was close"

Beckett rolled her eyes; a smile twitching to her lips. She was too tired to laugh but appreciated the effort he took to silently enter the loft so his family wouldn't know she was there.

"Excuse me I had a few too many drinks tonight."

Beckett watched as he awkwardly ran to his en suite and shut the door. He opened it again and stuck his head out.

"Your things are in the bottom drawer over there."

Beckett didn't have a chance to respond because he shut the door again. Things what things? She made sure she always took everything with her. She crossed to the drawers and opened the one he indicated. Spying the shorts and t shirt she had worn the last two times Beckett was almost disappointed. Castle was known for grand gestures and surprises sometimes welcomed sometimes not. Grabbing the clothes Beckett went to kick the drawer shut when she noticed there were still a few items in the bottom. Hearing the door to the en suite open Beckett turned to face Castle.

"What this?" she asked pointing to the drawer.

"Just a few things I thought you could use."

"Like a towel and body wash."

Castle held his hands up to surrender. "It's not what you think; I just thought I'd get you a few things in case you ever needed to stay here again. Sometimes when I can't sleep I find a shower helps, now you're more than welcome to use my stuff but thought you might not want to go into work smelling like me. Might raise too many questions with Ryan and Esposito. If you never use it than it's no big deal but if you need to, you know it's there. There is a wash cloth and a toothbrush; I figured at the very least you would appreciate that."

Beckett turned back to the drawer; she hadn't noticed the toothbrush still in the packet or the smaller towel. All she had seen was a big, thick, fluffy towel and bottles of cherry scented body wash and lotion. At first she had thought the products were left over from his last woman to warm his bed, but there was no way it was a coincidence, the stuff was cherry scented after all.

"Thanks Castle."

Beckett leaned down and pulled out the tooth brush and the wash cloth, at least she could get a little clean. She was almost tempted to use the bigger towel and have a shower but she was simply too tired. Quickly ducking into the en suite and changing and freshening up Beckett exited to find a pyjama clad Castle waiting. The bed was turned down but he wasn't in it, instead he simply stood at the end of his be.

"Are you coming to bed or are you going to stay up for awhile."

It was a bit too early and normally he would stay up and write a bit but there was no way he was missing an opportunity to be in bed with Beckett. Even if they did sleep as far away from each other as possible. She would still be there in his bed. Warming his bed and his heart.

"Bed. I just didn't want to assume."

Beckett smiled, how could she ever be angry with this man. Together they climbed into bed like an old married couple and settled in for the night. Beckett shivered at the unusually cold night.

"Are you ok?"

"Yeah, just a bit cold, but I am sure ill warm up soon."

"We could do what I suggested in the freezer."

Beckett rolled onto her back and slammed her hands on the bed.

"I am not stripping down naked to conserve body heat Castle."

He had the nerve to laugh.

"I meant hold each other."

Beckett bit her lip. It seemed like forever since she had felt his arms warp around her body. Since she felt the heat consume her body. Hell yes she wanted to experience that again, but could she. She said she was cold and he was offering to warm her up, what Beckett was worried about was burning the place down. Whenever he touched her recently it felt like she was on fire, maybe it was because she felt so cold inside. Maybe it was like when you hold ice for too long your hands start to burn.

"Please Beckett, I am worried that I'll have bad dreams about dragons called Gina."

Beckett smiled and rolled over facing him, he reached out his arm and pulled her forward assuming she agreed to his invitation. She placed her head on his chest and rested her hand over his heart. Castle used one arm to keep her close to him while the other came up to wrap around her hand on his body.

"If you have a nightmare, wake me" she told him comically. She was doing this for him that was the only reason why she allowed herself to be held. Well she wouldn't have to be worried about being cold in hell.

Castle laid there with Beckett in his arms, he felt her body weight shift as she was lulled into the land of nod. There would be no sleep for him especially while another part of his body was up. Castle was thankful Beckett hadn't seen it in the dim light that was emitted by the nightlight in the en suite.

Since the night of there almost deaths Beckett seemed to be in topsy turvy land. He thought spending time in the Hamptons would be good for Beckett and it seemed like it had been, but once they got back something had changed. She wasn't sleeping or eating much and she was getting more and more irritable. When she had come storming into the break room earlier that night he thought for sure she found out he had been spiking her coffee with an energy supplement. He was in so much trouble if she got sick on it but he was assured it was all natural and shouldn't conflict with any kind of medication. Still spiking the coffee of a cop wasn't one of his smartest ideas but what could he do. He knew she wouldn't see a doctor, gp or a psychologist to see if there was anything wrong, not that he thought there was something serious. She was just going through things in her mind, the terrorist case had been very traumatic. He hope time and care from him would make things clearer to her.

Castle gave the woman in his arms a tight squeeze before inhaling deeply, god she was addictive, and beautiful, and stunning and in his bed. The last thing had Castle grinning until his face hurt, she was in his bed. Ahhhhhhhhh. Never had one woman got him so worked up and in a good way. He knew she was only there because she was so desperate for sleep but he would take any crumb he could get. He wouldn't push or try and take advantage of the situation, he would just show her the real him, and hope that was enough, for both of them.

Authors Note: Thanks to Stanafan, Merry-Merry-Me, Lv2bnsb1 for allowing me to use the bad pick up lines used on them in this story.

Those who asked what was the deal with the photo shoot, don't worry all will be revealed soon.

I hope you liked this chapter, please review either way, it makes me write afters and here is proof as you got a chapter on Friday instead of Saturday or Sunday

Thanks