A/N: I know, I know, I'm the worst. I have not updated in over a year... I can't believe I've published this story In April of 2011! That seems like such an eternity ago. So, for recap, please reread the story, the future chapters will make a lot more sense. I recently reread this story and I realized just how many grammatical and typos there were! Sorry about that...Thank you so much to CrimeGirlmariah2000 for reviewing recently and asking me to continue the story! Also special thanks to BlueTigress, Chkgun93, castlebeckett siempre, phnxgrl, Bella Paige and everyone else who has stayed strong with this story and read and reviewed every chapter! Your continuous support encourages and motivates me to write more every day! Hope you're sticking on with this story.

Updates: Since it's been such a long time, (since early of Season 4) where Caskett was not yet official, I'm fast forwarding to a point to where they're together. I'm still keeping the general setting, emotion, and dynamic of this story. Hope it works, let me know what you think.

Disclaimer: I do not own Castle, the characters, ABC, or anything else. All I own are my brains, my wit, and a computer. Well not literally.

Chapter 11

A year later.

There were two people Kate Beckett absolutely loathed. Jerry Tyson, more commonly known as 3XK, and William Bracken, US Senator. Katherine Beckett's two adversaries had both attempted to annihilate those closest to her, Richard Castle and Johanna Beckett. While one killer had nearly succeeded, the other had, shattering Beckett's heart. Rick Castle, irresistibly charming, sincere, endearing, and adorably narcissistic, had slowly helped her heal and solve the tragic case of Johanna Beckett. When Kate found out that Bracken was behind the hit ordered on her mother, she sought him out, furry embedded in her veins.

Kate Beckett, one of the strongest women alive, sits in her living room, contemplating her next move. Picking up her phone, Kate dialed the only person who could understand her right now, Richard Castle.

"Kate? What's wrong?" answered Rick on the very first ring.

"Castle, we need to talk. How fast can you be here?" Kate replied.

"Give me 10 minutes, I'll be there as soon as possible." said Rick, throwing on a soft and worn dark grey t-shirt and a pair or scruffy jeans.

Twelve minutes later, looking windswept and ruggedly handsome, Richard Castle arrived at Kate Beckett's door, flowers and two coffees in hand. Just as he was about to ring the doorbell, he took a peek in the mirror across the hall and ruffled his hair. Before the sound of the high pitched "ding" ended, Kate Beckett stood in the doorway, looking casual, but as flawless as one could be.

"You're late." stated Kate.

"Hi beautiful." said Rick, throwing her one of his most infamous alluring smiles that warmed even the coldest of hearts.

"Well you're not that bad yourself. Come on in." replied Beckett with a sly grin.

Castle and Beckett shared a brief and enchanting kiss before she ushered him inside and shut the door. Taking one of the coffees from Castle, Kate simultaneously reached for a vase to hold the lovely compilation of fresh flowers.

"Sit." she commanded.

"Ooo, bossy."

"Castle."

"Kate?"

"RICK."

"Beckett?"

"Richard Castle. We are not playing the name game. We have serious matters to discuss."

"Oh, can't a writer have some fun?"

"Castle, I'm serious."

"Seriously serious, or just serious?"

"CASTLEEEEEE..."

"Okay, I'm sorry. In all 'seriousness' what's wrong?" he said, placing an emphasis on seriousness.

"I'd like to discuss our future. About a year ago you supported me through my recovery. I was weak, exhausted all the time, frightened, and pessimistic. You were there for me. I am so grateful for that. Since then, we have figured out that William Bracken was the monster who ordered the hit on my mom. I've dealt with that situation for now, but I'm sure he'll eventually realize we were bluffing with the file. Tyson, well that's an entirely different story. You say he's not dead, I think you shot him. I think he's dead. He got what he deserved and that's all there is to it. But whether he's dead or alive, what's our next move? Castle, what's next for you and me?"

"I've been thinking, what if we went away? Away from all this craziness? Away from New York City? Away from killers, suspects, detectives, Gates, the 12th?

"Where would we go?"

"France. Paris. I've been offered a book deal in which Nikki Heat travels the world. It was actually a long standing offer. Since last year when you were...shot..."

Beckett's heart sank. He wanted to leave New York? For how long? What if she said no? She would be impending his career because he surely wouldn't go without her. Or would he?

"Would we just pack up and go? Forever? You know I can't do that. My job, my father, Lanie, Esposito, Ryan... and what about Alexis and Martha?"

Castle predicted the panic before Kate began to feel it.

"Just for a month. Just to escape. You have sick days don't you? I don't recall you missing more than one or two days of work this entire year. The boys, your dad, Lanie; they can all wait. It's only a month. Alexis is busy with college. Her semester exams are next week and she's been studying 24/7. My mother has recently resumed her "life coaching" and uses the loft as a place to congregate. I'm sure she would be happy for us. Trust me, it's what you need. All expenses paid by the publishing company."

Rick's offer seemed so enticing, but Kate could not thoroughly grasp the idea of leaving the big apple in the middle of January. Conflicting emotions circled through her brain. All the cases at the precinct had become so mainstream. Petty crimes of jealously, poor motives for murder; Ryan and Esposito could handle it. The battling need for a break finally beat her stubbornness.

"Fine. One month."

"Good. We leave next Sunday."

Short but sweet. Mixed emotions everywhere. Dealing with the aftermath of solving two great cases and Beckett's confusion on her purpose as a detective is tough. Hope you liked it. It's something. Hope to update tomorrow or so. Followers from way back when, are you still with me? I hope so. Please review! Any suggestions, ideas, thoughts, anything! Thanks for reading, -M.