So, I guess i still haven't made it clear enough. Each chapter is its own separate story. Each story shares a theme - something that keeps Castle and Beckett apart on Christmas - but other than that they are completely unrelated, alternate scenarios. I may write a companion piece in the future that continues each story, but for now you can consider each story complete.
Thanks again for all the passionate reviews; and for your honesty. Look, I think you would have hated me more if he hadn't chosen Beckett, and this series is about things that keep them apart so it's not all going to be sunshine and roses. Did some people really cry? Wow.
I mean, sorry... but wow, I really caused that sort of reaction? Wow.
These were written in reverse order, so, this one was finished first, weeks ago. Enjoy the final chapter.
Beckett arrived at the loft to find a magnificent Christmas feast awaiting her.
"Wow, Castle, did you do all of this yourself?" she asked in amazement as she sat down next to him.
"I had some help from my Christmas Elves," he said, indicating Martha and Alexis.
"It looks fantastic, guys."
"Let's just hope it tastes just as fantastic. I wanted everything to be perfect for our first Christmas together."
"It already is," she smiled warmly as she squeezed his hand.
"Ok, ok," said Martha. "We get it, love-birds. You're adorable. Now, everyone, dig in."
They were doing exactly that when Beckett got a call from the precinct.
"I'm sorry, I have to go."
Castle stood up.
"No, Castle, you stay. It's Christmas Eve. Be with your family. I'll be back as soon as I can," she said, getting up and grabbing her jacket.
"Are you sure?"
"Positive," she assured him as she kissed him on the cheek.
"Merry Christmas," she farewelled them.
"Merry Christmas, Kate" said Martha.
"Merry Christmas, Detective Beckett," said Alexis.
"Yeah," said Castle as he heard the door shut, staring at the empty seat next to him, "merry Christmas."
Five Hours Later
She was holding two coffees when he answered the door.
"I'm so sorry."
He smiled warmly down at her, taking one of the cups, kissing her gently on the temple, moving aside to allow her entry and closing the door behind her.
"I really didn't think it would take that long."
"It's ok," said Castle, and though he was still smiling and she knew he wasn't angry, she still had the feeling everything wasn't completely ok.
"I warmed up your dinner in the oven when you called. Alexis left a couple of hours ago and Mother's... sleeping off the Eggnog."
They sat down at the table and she began to eat.
"This is delicious, Castle," she said between bites.
"Hey, I said I wanted everything to be perfect.
She sighed. "I'm sorry. I know this isn't what you had planned for our first Christmas as a couple."
"You don't have to apologise. It's not your fault. It's your job. I get it."
"Well, next year, I will make sure I have Christmas Eve off so we can spend it together."
He smiled. "That sounds great."
"But...?"
"No 'but's."
She narrowed her eyebrows.
He sighed.
"Ok, Kate, ok. You want me to be honest? Next year won't be our first Christmas together. You only get one shot at that."
"We missed our shot at Christmas Eve, but I have all of Christmas Day off."
"That is true. In fact, it'll be Christmas Day in - " He checked his watch. " - about a minute."
"Ok, see? We've got the whole day together. Alexis will be back, right?"
He nodded.
"And your Mom will be up by... noon, presumably."
He chuckled.
She smiled.
"So... we haven't missed our chance to make some great first Christmas memories."
"Since when did you become so optimistic?"
"I don't know. I guess I just caught the holiday spirit."
"Oh," said Castle, standing up abruptly and backing away. "Then, I guess I should stay away from you. Wouldn't want to get infected."
Beckett smirked coyly, following him as she rose from her own chair.
"I'll have you know, Mr. Castle," she said as she wrapped her arms around him, "that it was you who infected me in the first place."
He grinned slyly, before checking his watch again. "Oh, not long now. Four... three... two... one. Midnight." He looked up at her.
"Merry Christmas, Castle."
His smile broadened.
"Merry Christmas, Kate."
I have now seen the sneak peeks and read some spoilers and... wow, wow wow, it looks awesome. Thank you so much for reading, reviewing, favouriting and following. The reaction to this little series has totally blown me away. Have a great Christmas/Chanukah/Kwanza/secular holiday break and a happy new year. To those of you who follow How Many Ways to Say I Love You, don't worry, I haven't forgotten about it.
So, what did you think? What was your favourite/least favourite? How would you feel about a (smutty) companion piece? Did you like the last chapter or do you think I should have ended with "tory" instead?