They walked in the door of the diner, hand in hand and giggling. Rick was whispering in Kate's ear and she was smiling. Only one other table was occupied at this hour, so they seated themselves in a corner booth. Rick sat down first, pulling Kate to sit beside him. She let out a squeal as she almost landed in his lap.
"What are you doing to me, Castle?" She exclaimed.
"Are you complaining, Detective?" He said, smiling.
"No, just wondering what you are up to?"
"This" He said, taking her hand and kissing it. "And this," He said as he kissed her cheek, "and this," he said, nuzzling her neck.
She playfully elbowed him as she reached past him to get the menu that was tucked behind the napkin dispenser. She slid in close to him and he put his arm around her. Nestled together, they looked at the menu. They talked quietly while they decided on what they wanted to eat. He nuzzled her ear, and smiled, hugging her close to him. She blushed as he whispered, "Have I told you lately how extraordinary you are?" She kissed him lightly as the waitress came over to take their order.
They ordered burgers, fries, and chocolate milkshakes. They talked about the last couple of months and how everything had changed. After a few minutes, they sat in comfortable silence waiting for their food to arrive. When the waitress came with their order, they dove right in. They chuckled as they realized how hungry they really were. They barely talked because they were too busy eating. Castle tried to take a fry from Kate and she slapped his hand away.
"Just because we're sleeping together doesn't mean I'll share my food with you." She said, laughing. "You have to pay."
"Well, technically, since I'm paying for this meal, they are my fries anyway. Maybe you should pay me." He replied, with a serious look on his face.
"Will this do?" She asked, reaching out to him and giving him a soft, slow kiss.
"That will do as a down payment." He said as he kissed her.
The waitress brought their check and Rick paid. Kate leaned over to kiss his cheek before getting up to leave. They walked out of the diner and into the waiting limo. They were both relaxed after their evening together.
Castle gave the driver Kate's address. They snuggled together on the seat during the ride.
"Thank you." He said, kissing the top of her head.
"For what?" she asked, looking into his eyes.
"For sticking it out with me during this whole mess. I know it wasn't easy for you."
"No, it wasn't, but it was definitely worth the wait." She said, with a smile on her lips and in her eyes. They felt the car stop and Peter opened the door for Kate.
"Sweet dreams, Rick." She said, kissing him softly.
"Good night, sweet Kate. See you at 9?"
"I'll be ready and waiting."
With that comment, she closed the door and walked into her building. She rode the elevator to her floor and let herself into her apartment. It didn't take long for her to get ready for bed and climb in. Her dreams would definitely be sweet tonight.