Call me maybe – Castle / Beckett – AU
A/N: I needed this to be perfect, unfortunately, that took some time. I hope you'll enjoy the last chapter of this story.
Disclaimer: Nope, just spent 7 hours sitting behind my laptop trying to write this.
''So you're not breaking up with me?'' She asked him.
''What? No. Definitely not a break up.'' Castle said shaking his head. ''You do realize that we're on a holiday right now, hon? Why on earth would I break up with you on a holiday. I'm not that cruel.''
Kate took another gulp from her wine. ''Castle, you scared the crap out of me.''
He laughed. ''I'm not breaking up with you.''
''You better not!'' He stood up and sat down next to her, wrapping his arm around her in the proces.
Castle's eyes glistened. ''Oh really?''
''Nah, we've invested to much time into this. Finding a new lover would just take too much time.'' He said, staring of in the distance, trying to make it sound more dramatic.
''You hurt me detective.'' He tried to keep a straight face, but failed miserably. ''But, we're still good? I mean a month is a long time...'' She had grabbed his hand and was closely examining his fingers, before intertwining their fingers.
''We survived through my long hours and not seeing each other for weeks. I think we have it covered. We could call each other, skype perhaps.''
His smile faded. ''So you're not going with me?''
''You want me to come with you on tour?''
''Yes, I was kind of hoping that you would...'' He cleared his throat. ''Is that weird to you?''
''No! Not at all, Rick. It's just that-''
He sighed. ''the job.''
She grabbed his hand. ''Yeah.''
''I know.''
''It's not like I don't want to be there with you Rick, I do and I wish I could- But a month is a long time and I could get into real trouble with my boss.''
''I could call the mayor-''
''Don't your dare.''
''You don't even have to go for a month, just two weeks of your company would make me so much less miserable Kate, you have no idea.''
''Miserable? I thought you liked the attention.''
He nodded. ''I did, the first few signings.''
''And then it just- stopped?'' She asked him, wondering how it got so far.
''Too many faces Kate, if felt like they all wanted a piece of me, at some point I didn't even look up when signing. It was embarrassing, really. Till at some point Paula told me that the sales were dropping and we needed some drastic change.''
''And that's how you got the playboy image?''
''And that's how I got the playboy image.''
''Ouch.''
''I'm not saying that signing woman's chests is such a horrible thing to do because really thing about it-''
''Don't finish that sentence.''
''Got it.'' He said, smiling sheepishly. ''But it wasn't very respectful to the person I was dating, as you might understand.''
She nodded and took another sip from her wine. ''One hundred percent.''
''Not that I have dated anyone this serious in years.''
''Really?''
''It wasn't really an option with Alexis. I guess I wanted to protect her...''
''Who was the last serious person you dated?''
''Really, we're going there?'' Kate nodded. ''All right, well, the last person had to be Meredith, Alexis mother. Though I'm going to be really honest here and say that I married her because she was pregnant. It seemed like the right thing to do.''
He sighed and she could see that his thoughts were going a hundred miles per minute.
''You know what, enough with the talking for now. I'm fancying a swim.''
''Right after dinner?'' She asked him. He nodded enthusiastically. ''Castle, you have to wait for at least a hour after eating.''
''But Kaaaaaaaate-'' He said whining, his adorable puppy face not working for her this time.
''Absolutely not.'' She said, picking up their dirty plates and making her way to the kitchen. With Rick, of course, following her every move. ''Now we just have to figure out what to do for the next hour.''
''I can think of some activities.'' Castle said while cornering her against the counter, lowering his lips to her neck.
''And I would be happy to oblige.''
''Lead the way, m'lady.''
''Rick! Have you seen my-'' She looked up to see him smugly dangling her bikini top on his fingertips. ''Guess I'll have to do without it then.''
''You're serious?'' Ha! Not so smug anymore.
''Castle, you've seen me naked before and the last time was about-'' She looked at the clock on their night-stand. ''Ten minutes ago!''
''That doesn't mean it doesn't affect me.'' She rolled her eyes at him. ''I don't think I could ever get bored of you. Ever.''
She reached up and gave him a sweet kiss. ''You better not, because you're stuck with me for a long time mister.''
''Can't argue with that.''
She could almost hear Lanie saying: You're already like a married couple so don't be surprised if he drops to one knee some time soon. The thought made her choke up a little. It wasn't like she hadn't thought about marrying Richard Castle, she had. In fact, she was surprised that he hadn't asked her yet. It made her wonder if he tried to postpone proposing because of his other (failed) marriages. He's only human. It could be that that's a factor, she reasoned.
''Kate?'' He'd wrapped his arms around her waist.
She shook her head. ''Yes, sorry about that, I was a bit out of it. What were you saying?''
''I said that if you are serious about skinny-dipping, I can absolutely guarantee you there will be no one who might disturb us. Mara, the housekeeper, told me that the houses surrounding us are empty and we have a private beach, obviously.''
''Sounds agreeable.''
''Well, we do have to christen the pool. It's yours now too.''
''Um, we're not married yet Castle.''
He shook his head. ''Don't remind me.'' Hm. Maybe he's been thinking about it too then.
''Come on, handsome. Let's go skinny dipping.'' She grabbed his hand and pulled him with her. She could swear she heard him squeal.
The weekend flew by and before she knew it they were standing at the departure hall at Holmes Airport. He leaned down and gave her an almost desperate kiss. After they broke apart for air, he pulled her even closer, his arms tightening around her waist as he gave her a gentle kiss on her neck.
''I'm going to miss you.'' She said quietly, her face pressed against his chest.
He leaned down for another kiss. ''Honey, I'm already missing you.''
Alexis stood aside, giving the couple their alone time. She was checking the flight information display and found that her dad's air plane was already boarding. ''Hey guys, it's time.'' She pointed to the board.
''Alright, this is it. I'll see you in a month.'' He shook his head. ''Ugh, that sounds horrible.''
''Try and have fun Castle, okay? Don't go all moody on the fans.''
He wanted to smile, he really did. ''I'll do my best.''
''Dad, don't do anything stupid.'' He chuckled.
''Right back at ya kid.'' He pulled Alexis in a bear hug and gave her a kiss on her forehead.
''Bye.'' Alexis said softly. Castle gave one long look at them both and then turned around to head to security.
Kate took a few deep breaths and Alexis noticed. Alexis grabbed her arm and pulled her along. ''Let's go home.'' He looked back one more time to see them arm in arm heading towards the exit.
The, all too familiar, ringtone went off again for the tenth time that week. She knew that he was eager to come back home to her and his daughter. It was sort of ironic that his daughter had actually had spent longer times without her father than Kate had been separated from him. Kate quickly grabbed her take out from the coffee table and made her way to the office, where her laptop was stationed. She flopped down on his extremely comfortable chair and replied to the Skype request.
''I'd never thought I would say this but I'm genuinely happy that Skype was invented.''
Her mood brightened immediately. ''And good evening to you too.''
''Actually, I already arrived in Los Angeles. It's after midnight.'' He said, showing her the clock on his cell phone. ''But due to some complications I cannot sleep.''
''What complications?'' She replied as she continued eating her Chinese take out.
''Firstly, you are not with me.'' He mumbled. ''And secondly, you're not here with me and you are eating take out from our favourite restaurant.''
''Thai was an option, but Chinese fit my mood better.'' Reminded me of you.
''I miss you, Kate.'' He sighed and ruffled his hair. ''The days are long and all the same... and it's just not the same without you. You have to promise me to go with me next time.''
She smiled at him. ''I'm considering.''
He seemed relieved. ''That's all I'm asking.''
''However, you have to realize that if I had not been attending your signing in New York we'd never met.''
''Yes, but I have you now so there's no point in me going to those things.'' He dismissed.
''That's a bit shallow, Rick.'' She replied and put her food down. ''You might not realize that there are people out there who find comfort in your writing and it might actually help them pull through whatever they are going through. You helped me with your words and even though we just happened to end up dating doesn't mean that I was the only one that you helped. They are your fans and they want to meet you, which is only fair, you wouldn't be here if it wasn't for your fans. They want to meet the man behind the words.''
''Thank you for reminding me.'' He took a deep breath. ''It just gets tough sometimes, you know?''
''I know.'' She nodded ''But that's why I'm here, huh? To keep your feet on the ground?''
''I miss you.'' He moved his hand through his hair, messing it up even worse. ''I just- want to hold you right now and I can't. It's quite annoying.''
''Uhuh, just hold me Castle?''
''Among other things'' He chuckled, she knew him too well. ''However holding you would please me immensely at the moment. Or any other time for that matter.''
''I love you.'' His face lit up, but he looked absolutely worn out. ''I'll see you soon, okay? Get some sleep and we'll talk tomorrow, only one week left. You've done great so far.''
''I love you so much, Kate- I can't imagine my life without you-''
''I know Rick.'' He waved at her and formed a heart with his hands, she laughed. At the sound of her laugh he took a deep breath and exited the conversation.
Just as Kate shut down her laptop, Alexis entered the living room. She stood up and wandered over where Alexis was untying her shoes.
''I missed him again, haven't I?''
''Just by a minute, but I'm sure that if you face time him... He'll still be awake. He's stubborn in that way.''
''Don't I know it.'' Alexis said, chuckling. ''However, to cheer us both up, I got us some ice cream.'' Alexis pulled out two cans of Ben & Jerry from her bag.
''Oh! You shouldn't have!''
Alexis looked at her ''I wanted to?''
''I- I uh- just ate half a can of cherry flavoured ice cream.'' Kate confessed looking slightly guilty.
''If your boyfriend or in my case father is away, you are allowed to eat away some feelings. Trust me, I'm pro at this.''
''Thank god I have you.'' Kate felt her chest tighten at her confession, it truly came from her heart.
''We'll have to watch a movie with it though, that's protocol.'' Alexis said putting away her shoes and coat before making herself comfortable on the couch with her feet up on the coffee table. Kate walked to the kitchen and grabbed two spoons.
''Cannot argue against protocol. What are we watching?''
''Pride and Prejudice! You have seen that, right?''
''I might have missed-''
''You haven't?! Kate!''
''I'm sorry!''
Alexis sighed. ''Guess we'll start with the 1994 version, Colin Firth, wet t-shirt. That's all that needs to be said.''
She chuckled. ''Has your dad watched this?''
''He might has.'' Kate laughed and sat down next to Alexis on the comfortable couch. ''So when are you leaving?''
It was three weeks after they'd said goodbye to Rick on the airport that Kate found herself there again, however this time, for her departure. Alexis had told Martha how miserable she was and together they'd made plans for her to visit Castle on tour. What they didn't consider however was that Kate would except.
Everything had been arranged. Transportation. Ticket. Hotel. All she had to do was ask Montgomery for the week off, which he agreed with fairly quick. She had weeks piled up for leave and now was about damn time she'd use it, he'd reasoned.
The flight was relaxing, considering circumstances and she managed to keep herself entertained with one of Rick's first books for the five and a half hour trip. A car was waiting for her by the airport and took her to his hotel, where she refreshed herself before dropping off her bag at the front desk. After this she'd called Alexis to let her know that she'd arrived and again thanked the girl.
Alexis had done the research for everything that Kate needed to know and had handed Kate a list with the location where Castle would be at what time, including what room number he would be staying in. It reminded her that she would have to bring back a souvenir for the girl. She owed her that much.
After a fifteen minute walk Kate had found the bookstore Castle would be signing in. The line for autographs was huge, it went on and on and on! It even went around the corner! Her boyfriend must be more popular then she'd thought. She chuckled.
Might as well get some food and drinks before I get myself into this. She said to herself.
Ten minutes later she found herself at the end of the line, waiting to see her boyfriend.
Crap, I do not have his newest book with me. She searched through her bag and found, much to her relief, her favourite Richard Castle novel in it. It will have to make do.
A short two and a half hours later, she found herself nine people away from him. He looked very tired and even his smile didn't seem genuine anymore. He looked exactly like he did the first time she'd met him. It was weird to stand in line again though, after everything they'd been through she still considered herself one of his biggest fans and it somehow still made her feel giddy. That and she really just saw her boyfriend after three weeks of loneliness.
The line moved again and the security became heavier. She could hear what he was saying from where she stood.
''Next.'' Ugh. Gina.
''Hello angel, what's your name?'' He kept looking at the woman as she said her name and he thanked her for buying his book. He never took one look at what he was writing. Must be carved into his brain.
''Nex-'' After Gina did not get to finish her word, Castle got confused at her sudden shyness and looked up to see Kate standing there. Kate!
''You're here?!'' He stood up so quickly that he bumped his knee and let a ton of books fall from the table he was signing at. The smile on his face was worth everything. He quickly walked around the table, though he would've jumped over it. If he could've.
He crushed her in a hug. ''I can not believe you are here.'' She'd lost her ability to speak and had to choke back some tears. ''You're here.'' She nodded. ''I missed you.''
''Three weeks Castle, never again.''
''Not without you, at least.''
''Not without me.'' She confirmed.
He seemed perfectly happen standing there with her in his arms, while dozens of people were watching them and actually taking photographs of them. Gina her face was priceless, damage control was not even possible any more.
He gave her a chaste kiss that left her longing for more, but he was working and she'd only just realized that. She detached herself from him and went to stand in front of the table, he seemed to understand and sat back behind the table himself.
She handed him her old, worn, copy of Flowers for your grave.
''I'm not supposed to sign older books, you know? But I might just make an exception.'' He winked at her and happily wrote something in her book. She wanted to watch straight away, but his hand prevented her from doing so. Later, he mouthed.
The entire crowd had gone silent, everyone was watching the exchange between the couple. Some with happy faces and some- well- looked as if Santa forgot to give them their present.
He handed her his key to his room. ''I'll be there as soon as I'm done.''
''Relax, I'll see you later.'' He kissed her hand and waited with signing again until she had actually left the building. She could still see him though as he happily went on with signing, the famous Richard Castle grin plastered on his face.
She woke up to a knock on her door, she'd opened her eyes and took in her surroundings. This wasn't the loft- Oh, right! She was in Los Angeles with Rick.
She grabbed her sweatshirt and quickly pulled it on before opening the door. Room service. She hadn't ordered that, had she? The servant immediately rolled the tray into the room and she handed him a tip.
''Thank you.'' Oh, there is a card on there!
Meet me at the rooftop, bring your book. xx
She grabbed her book and took one last look in the mirror before she locked of the room and made her way to the elevator. The door opened and she was not disappointed.
He was casually leaning against the wall, obviously waiting for her arrival. His eyes lit up as he saw her and he kissed her, slowly, like he'd wanted to do that afternoon.
''Sorry it took me so long.'' He said before kissing her again, Kate ran her fingers through his hair and moaned softly. ''God, I've missed that sound.'' He mumbled, making them both chuckle. She had forgotten that she was holding the book until she heard it drop. They both jumped apart at the sound.
''Why did you make me bring the book?''
''Have you read what I wrote you?'' She shook her head. ''Read it.'' He encouraged her.
Third time is a charm, meeting you was a blessing.
I love you, Kate.
Marry me, maybe?
She looked up, with tears in her eyes, only to find him sitting on one knee.
''Katherine Houghton Beckett, I'm proposing because I can't imagine my life without you. That means that when things get difficult, like a month away on a book tour-'' She chuckled. ''We have to figure them out.''
''We'll figure it out together.''
''So that's a yes then?''
''Always.''
''Still no yes.'' He said in a sing-song voice.
''Okay! Fine! Yes, I'll marry you.'' He picked her up and spun her around, before settling her down and peppering her with light kisses.
''We've got to call Alexis saying that I just got her the best souvenir ever.'' She laughed and wiped away her happy tears. Those three hours she spent in line last year to meet her favourite author? Best idea ever.
And this was it people. I want to thank everyone who took the time to read it, even after my sudden disappearances. Trust me, I had my reasons including sickness of family members (even switching colleges... and I'm now studying to become an English teacher which was something I'd never imagined doing when I started writing this story), but this story is wrapped up now and I'm proud of it. It has been a marvellous ride and I hope that you enjoyed it as much as I did.
Yours truly, Lesley