Kate Beckett is the new nanny for Richard Castle's young daughter, trying to pay back loans and attending Community College as a way to build up credits for her entrance into the Police Academy. She takes the job as delightful Alexis's nanny thinking that it would just be that; a job. But she finds herself falling for her charge's father and finds his affections returned. AU

Season 4. AU. Thoughts of Castle have taken over her dreams, filling both her waking and sleeping hours with an unbearable ache. Will she let her fears hold her back or claim Castle for her own? An alternative path to Casketty goodness. No specific episode spoilers. Rated M for a reason. Be kind. It's my first fanfic and first M rated story, all rolled into one.

"You turned me down. I had to move on, Kate." Castle said softly, as if his words were going to break her. And by the feeling of it, she might; because it was over. {Castle moves on and is a serious-as-a-heart-attack relationship with a woman that isn't Beckett. Kate, on the other hand, is still very madly in love} Spoilers at play. [ENTRY FOR CASTLE FICATHON 2013]

He never thought it could hurt like this. AU for 5x05, "Probable Cause."

"I lied to you. We've hardly spoken in two days. And now..." Her voice wavers, and she shakes her head regretfully, hating that she's doing this to him. "That's not a solid foundation for the future, Castle." Entry for the 2013 Castle Ficathon. Complete.

Beckett is in DC and Castle is in NYC - Post Watershed - with all spoilers inherently in play. Decisions have been made and stands taken, but someone from their past will force them to face one another one more time. Will Caskette conquer all? This is my first fanfiction EVER! Cover art by dtrekker - Castle 2013 Ficathon entry-Rating M for some language and later chapters.