AN: Wow, over two hundred reviews! Thank you so much you guys, it means a lot that you take the time to review. Also, thank you to those who follow and favorite this story. As always, constructive criticism is welcome.

Disclaimer: I don't own Castle.

Chapter 24

The next day, Kate called her mother after returning home from work. She could barely contain her excitement as her mother picked up on the first ring.

"Hello, Dear," Johanna answered.

"Hi Mom," Kate returned cheerfully.

Johanna chuckled. "Someone's awfully cheerful today. What's got you in such a good mood?"

"I need to tell you something."

"What?" her mother inquired.

"Well, yesterday I went to Rick's for his birthday," Kate started.

"You went to Rick's? I thought you told me that you two were trying to keep your relationship a secret?" Johanna asked, confused. Kate sighed, remembering telling her mother of her and Rick's situation. Johanna had just told Kate to be careful and to not get caught.

"Yes, but it was his birthday and Alexis invited me," Kate explained. "Anyway, when he was getting gifts, I realized that I had nothing to give him. However, I decided to show him my scar," Kate said quietly, but proudly.

"I'm guessing it went well?" Johanna surmised.

A grin spread across Kate's face. "It went better than well. Rick acted so much differently than I expected. He was so attentive and understanding."

If Kate was honest with herself, she thought that the reaction would be worse. When she fully revealed her scar to Rick, she had looked for the signs of impending rejection. The tightening of the smile, and the dimming of the light in his eyes. However, the brunette was pleasantly surprised when he acted the exact opposite. He had been so loving, so caring. When the ordeal was over, Kate wondered why she had been worried in the first place.

"I'm so happy for you Katie!" her mother exclaimed. "So, when do I get meet Rick?"

"Mom," Kate groaned. Her mother and father had the tendency to embarrass her or give her boyfriends a hard time when they met.

"Relax, Dear; I won't embarrass you, much," Johanna teased.

"I just don't want you interrogating him like he's a witness in cross-examination," the brunette grumbled.

"I think you should be more concerned with your father on that end," the elder Beckett joked. "Seriously though, when can we meet him? I'd like to have him over for dinner."

"I have to ask Rick and see what his schedule is like. I know spring break is in two weeks, so maybe we can do it then."

"Good, just tell me what day so I know when to cook."

"Okay," Kate answered. They chatted for a few more minutes, talking about unimportant before Johanna said she had to answer a client's call. After saying goodbye and hanging up, Kate settled herself into the couch. A smile was still on her face from the conversation and memories of the day before.

She had to admit that the decision to show Rick her scar had been a spur of the moment thing. She had been in the bathroom, feeling guilty for not getting Rick a present. It was when she was looking in the mirror that had thought of the idea. She knew that Rick wanted to know her, all of her, even if he did not press the issue. So, Kate figured that showing him her scar would be the best thing she could give him. After asking Martha for her cold cream, Kate removed the make up and gave herself a little pep talk in the mirror. When she arrived downstairs, she waited a few moments to calm her nerves before opening the door to Rick's office. After that, Kate had planned to just accept whatever happened to happen.

So, as she stood there in his office, she waited for his reaction, her self-consciousness building as he just stood there. Then, he was in front of her and kissing her. Kate was surprised, but pleased. She was thrilled when Rick touched the scar, especially the way he had done it. His touch had been so loving and reverent it was almost as if he was worshiping the scar. Then, when she told him her story, he placed various kisses on her face and held her. At that moment, Kate felt the most wanted she had in years. Rick was a stark contrast to the other men she had dated, and Kate planned to not take that for granted.

Also, Alexis and Martha were angels afterwards. When Rick and Kate walked out of the office, hands intertwined, the two females Castles acted normal. Neither of them stared at Kate's face as they washed the dishes and carried on a normal conversation. They made her feel like she was a part of the family.

Now, all they had to do was survive meeting her parents.

Rick grinned as he hung up the phone, finishing a conversation with the head of the parent committee at Marlowe Prep. He was now set to chaperone the spring fling on Friday. It was Wednesday, a week after his birthday, and Rick had been meaning to call the school about volunteering. He knew and that he and Kate would need to be careful of prying eyes when they were chaperoning, but he was hoping to get some alone time with her. He would not mind getting to feel those fantastic lips again.

Rick immediately texted Kate, grinning like a fool as he did so.

Operation Spring Fling is a go!

A few seconds later, his phone beeped.

Operation Spring Fling? What is this, a spy movie?

Well, we are sneaking around, aren't we? :)

True. Do we have code names?

Rick chuckled at Kate's playing along.

Sparrow and Eagle I think are good.

Well, good job then, Sparrow. ;)

Rick narrowed his eyes. So that's how she was playing it?

I prefer Eagle, I am the man, after all.

Really? I didn't know that! ;)

Trust me, I am all man, Miss Beckett.

Really, all I see is all bark and no bite.

Rick smirked. Oh what little Kate knew.

I bite plenty, I shall have you know. ;)

Mmm, so do I. That's how I claim what's mine.

Rick's jaw dropped in shock. Claim what was hers? So, she considered him hers? Rick felt giddy at the thought.

That is also how I claim too, Kate. And when the time comes, I plan on leaving you with plenty of marks.

Rick frowned when Kate did not respond after a few moments. He grew nervous that maybe he had pushed too far, but was relieved when she responded.

I bet mine will outnumber yours. ;)

Rick then swallowed as he imagined Kate's lips on his skin, and then her teeth nipping, biting-

So, I'll see you Friday?

Tease, Rick thought.

Yes. Do you want me to pick you up?

No, too risky. I'll just meet you there with the rest of the chaperones.

Okay, then. I'll see you there, Sparrow. :)

Right back at you. Oh, and you're still Sparrow.

Rick chuckled as he put away his phone. He liked the fact that Kate was being open and playful with him, especially after her reveal a week before. She had seemed fine after they left his office, but he was not sure if she would regret. However, her text that she sent him later stating that she had gotten home safely had alleviated his fears. She actually seemed more care-free and less guarded than before. Rick was hoping that her confidence was building. He would do anything to help reassure her if she ever needed it.

As he sat there, Rick remembered that the spring fling was a dressy occasion. Most of the students dressed themselves in more formal clothing. So, Rick planned to get a little dressed up for the dance to make it seem a little more like a date. He doubted that anyone would think it was odd. However, Rick could not wait until they had a real second date. He had thought of the perfect place. It was quiet, intimate, romantic, and free from prying eyes. He planned on surprising Kate whenever they planned on going. He was sure she would love it.

Rick then sighed when realized that he needed to get writing. So, he turned on his laptop and prayed that he would finish the book by the end of the week.

AN: Not totally satisfied with this chapter. It's mainly a filler, but the spring fling is next. So, that means some Caskett moments! Oh, and I did not forget about Kate asking Rick about dinner with her parents. that will be in the next chapter. As always, constructive criticism is welcome.