Here you go, enjoy chapter 11!

When Rick opened his eyes, he could swear he had never slept so well in his entire life. As he was trying to open his eyes against the sun shining through the window, he felt Kate sat on the bed and place something between them.

"Hey." He said, turning on his side, finally being able to open his eyes.

"Good morning." She said, kissing him lovingly. "Did you sleep well?"

"Best night ever! I didn't know you could give massages like that."

"Well, I keep them for special occasions." She laughed, handing him a cup of coffee for the breakfast tray.

"You're the best, you know that?"

"Yes I know." She said, winking at him.

"So, what do you have planned for this weekend of taking care of me?"

"Well, there's some private fun that involves you, me, this bed, and no clothing." Kate smirked, kissing him quickly. "This afternoon we'll go and see Alexis on campus, she said she would give us a tour. And then for tomorrow, I planned a day at the park. If you're a good boy, we'll even go to the zoo." Kate said, happy with herself when she felt Rick's hands move under her T-shirt.

They quickly ate the rest of their breakfast and discarded the tray, finally free to enjoy each other as much as they wanted.

O-o-O-o-O-o-O-o-O

It was almost three in the afternoon when Kate and Rick arrived at Alexis's dorm. After a quick lunch at the cafeteria, Alexis started giving them the tour of campus she had prepared. Rick was walking behind Kate and Alexis, watching them talk and laugh together. He was happy that they got along so well. Alexis had never particularly disliked any of his 'girlfriends' but she was much more open with Kate. She was completely herself when she was with her and Rick couldn't be happier.

On their tour, they met several of Alexis's friends and they all marveled in front of Kate and Rick. As they were going back to Alexis's dorm room, they met Max again. He was waiting in front of her door. He didn't look surprised to see Rick and Kate and they all talked for a while. When the couple decided to leave, Kate heard him say to Alexis "Your parents are the best." To which the young woman answered "yeah, they're great aren't they?" with pride in her voice. This was the moment when Kate realized that she really considered Alexis as her daughter.

O-o-O-o-O-o-O-o-O

On the Monday morning, Rick was really surprised not to be stressed out. He had really expected it to be one of the worse days of his life but thanks to Kate and her relaxing weekend, he felt confident. When he got into the kitchen, Kate was cooking pancakes. A plate was set on the counter for him, along with a big glass of orange juice. Kate was humming with the radio, smiling.

"Is everything for me?" Rick asked, coming behind her, sliding his arms around her waist.

"Well. I had hoped you would share." Kate laughed, kissing him quickly before putting the pancakes on the plate.

"After all you did for me this weekend, the least I can do is share my pancakes. You made them after all." He said, sitting on the bar stool and looking at her.

"What?" Kate asked when she noticed he was staring.

"You're the best. I don't know how I would have spent this weekend if it hadn't been for you."

"I know. You would have buried yourself in your books and you would be dead on your feet." Kate said, smiling.

O-o-O-o-O-o-O-o-O

During lunch, Kate found herself eating alone in the break room, Esposito and Ryan being out on a lead.

"Detective Beckett. Do you mind if I join you?" Gates asked, entering the room with her lunch box.

"No, of course not, take a seat." Kate answered. It was weird. Victoria Gates had been nicer to her since Rick had accepted to join the Academy. She still acted like the boss – she was the boss after all – but she seemed more human.

"So, Mr. Castle is taking his exams today?"

"Yes he is. I'm waiting for his text actually. He had one this morning and the essay this afternoon." Kate said.

"Don't worry about him detective. He's going to do just fine. With everything he has done here, even if it was not always by the book, I have no doubt he will pass."

"I know." Kate sighed. "I just … I really want him to get it. I …"

"You don't want to work without him anymore?" Gates finished for her.

"Yeah." Kate said, blushing. "It's just that I …"

"You don't have to justify yourself Kate." Gates said nicely. "What you two have seems to be really special. I'm sorry it had to come to such a situation but I couldn't do anything. This was the only situation he was willing to accept. I was ready to play dumb as long as possible but you and Mister Castle clearly had other plans."

"Why … why didn't you say anything? When you knew I mean?" Kate asked.

"Well, it was none of my business. And I have to admit I liked how you tried to hide it, not very successfully I might add. I'm really surprised nobody got onto you in a place full of police officers. But rest assured that if it had become a problem, or if a case had involved one of the two of you, I would have been obliged to take measures."

"Of course. Well … thank you. For fighting for us. I'm really not sure I know how to work without him anymore. I mean, of course I know how to do my job but I feel better when he's here. Even if it's just for a few minutes. He usually has very good ideas." Kate explained, smiling.

Just as Gates was about to talk, Kate's phone went off, a picture of a smiling Richard Castle flashing on the screen.

"Take it detective. I have to get back to work. You do too, after that call." Gates said, getting up.

"Yes sir." Kate answered, picking up as soon as Gates had left.

so ... what did you think?