Ch 21: Sixteen Going On Seventeen

A/N: Since I feel bad about the last chapter, I decided to write this. I hope you guys like this one better :)

Sixteen Going On Seventeen: Sound of Music Cast

You are sixteen going on seventeen

It was mid November, and the couple was happier than ever. He was leaning against Kate's locker watching her grab her books. "So what are we going to do tomorrow?" She asked.

"You don't want to ruin your surprise do you?" He grinned.

Tomorrow was Kate's 17th birthday. Luckily, it landed on a Friday and they could stay out late.

She pursed her lips and crossed her arms. "I don't really like surprises." She stared.

He grabbed her by the waist and pulled her closer. "Don't worry I don't have a big party planned. Just you and me." He grinned and gave her a quick kiss. 'Oh she's defiantly going love it.'

"Oh my god!"

"Shhhhh!" Mr Perlmutter interjected.

"Sorry" they said in unison.

"So you think she'll like it?" Castle whispered to Lanie. He was seeking consolation about his plans for Kate's birthday. Truth is, he didn't know how she felt about surprises or presents. He didn't want to overdo it and he certainly didn't want to under do it either.

"Yes. She will love it!" Lanie encouraged.

He sighed in relief.

Lunch

"What are we doing for Kate's birthday tomorrow?" Javier asked.

"You guys don't have to do anything." Kate insisted.

"No, no, no, you guys can just come to my house and we will- just hang out." Jenny replied.

Everyone nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, but on Saturday. Kate and I have plans tomorrow, remember?." He reminded everyone.

"About that, can you just give me a hint as to what it is?" She persisted.

He smiled. "No way. I'm enjoying this way too much."

"Lanie?"

"Nope, I was sworn to secrecy. I will tell you however, you'll like it."

Kate huffed. That didn't help.

Friday night

He picked her up in his SUV and drove her into the city. She was wearing a grey long sleeve shirt and a white scarf with black pants (a jacket just in case). It was a chilly November day, and it was supposed to snow later that night so she wanted to be prepared.

He was wearing a plaid blue and white button down shirt which really made his eyes stand out. (Kate liked this. His khaki pants also accented his assets. She noticed when he walked in front of her to open the car door like the gentleman he is).

When they arrived in front of Al Di La, Kate's favorite Italian restaurant. She couldn't believe they were actually going to eat here. You have to have a reservation weeks, sometimes even months, in advance. Also, it was pretty expensive. Not to mention that he remembered. They only had that conversation once and it was before they were even dating.

"Your last meal?"

She looked at him in confusion "Huh?"

They were playing the 20 questions game and he choose that question?

"If you were to get the death penalty, what would your last meal be?" He clarified.

"Hm..." She thought long and hard. "Basically anything from Al Di La" she paused. "Their food is amazing!" She said dramatically.

"Castle? How did you-"

"I know a guy." He said smugly.

They walked into the restaurant as he placed his hand on the small of her back. She loved the feel of his hands, gentle yet firm. Always the perfect combination.

Their romantic dinner went according to plan. They enjoyed their meal and their conversation. Sharing a laugh every now and then, holding hands and playing footsie, their night was going great!

"So... do you want your presents now? Or..."

"Mhmm" she said with a mouthful of fettuccine alfredo.

He dug into a bag and pulled out a small box.

"What's this?"

"Open it."

She took a deep breath. Obviously it was jewelry, but she didn't want him paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars on her. 'How could he even afford this.' She opened it. Inside was a necklace.

Her mouth hung open. "Oh."

She pulled it out and held it. The necklace read 'ALWAYS' on a silver heart.

He was waiting in anticipation. 'Does she like it? Oh god she hates it. It was stupid. I knew it. I should have just stuck with the Itunes gift card'

"I love it. Thank you." She finally said batting her eyes. She reached across the table and took his hand.

He smiled like an idiot. Very proud of himself. 'I knew she'd love it.'

"And..." He went back into the bag. A medium size box came out this time. She furrowed her eyebrows. 'What could this be?'

When she lifted the cover off, a stack of papers was revealed. "Wha-"

Then she read 'Derrick Storm by Richard Castle' She looked up at him. "You finished it!" The excitment in her voice made his heart skip a few beats. 'Shes so happy'.

"Yeah... I finished it." He said shyly. "I wanted you to be the first one to read it. Now it's just a rough draft so-"

"No. It's awesome! I love it! I love- you! C'mere" he didn't hesitate, he got up and kissed his girlfriend.

Once the couple came up for air, Kate placed her forehead on his. Then she rubbed her nose with his.

"Happy birthday, Kate."

Eh?

Don't worry I'll continue Kate's B-day or should I not?