CASTLE NEEDS A FAVOR

CHAPTER TWO

Kate Beckett had gone home and done just what she said she would. She thought about what Castle was asking of her and she cried herself to sleep. Two hours of gut wrenching sobs before she finally fell asleep from exhaustion.

Once she managed to drag herself out of bed, into the bathroom, she looked at herself in the mirror and cringed at her image. Her eyes were swollen from crying and she didn't care. Her face was pale and her hair was a tangled mess, and she didn't care. She knew she had to get cleaned up and go to work, but she didn't care.

If she hurt this bad how is Castle even able to get out of bed in the morning.

She had nightmares last night. Her mind kept replaying the undercover kiss they'd used to fool the guard the night they rescued Ryan and Esposito from Lockwood. But every time they got to the part where Castle jumped him to save her, he missed and Lockwood killed Castle. Then it would start all over again. And each time the scenario played to the same horrible ending she hurt worse.

She dragged herself into the precinct, late, to the jibes of her partners.

"Hey Beckett, leave early and come in late. Feeling superior to us lowly detective twos now?"

"Yeah, you someone special now?"

She didn't look at either of them. "Yep."

She sat down and booted up her computer as Espo and Ryan came over to her desk.

"Whoa, chica, you looking pretty rough this morning?"

"Yeah, everything okay?" Ryan's tone was concerned.

Beckett still didn't look at them. "Didn't sleep well. I'll be fine."

"Hey, you can talk to us."

Beckett snapped her head up and glared at her partners. "I said I'll be fine! Now until we get a body drop I suggest you get your butts into those chairs and work on getting your paperwork up to date" There was flame in her gaze. "Do I make myself clear?"

Both thoroughly chastised detectives hurried back to their desks.

Kate stared at her screen pretending she was doing what she just told her partners to do. Instead she was wound up by what Castle had told her yesterday and what he had asked of her.

It was ridiculous, wasn't it? He wanted to marry her so his daughter would have someone to help guide her through the last stages of her transition from child to adult. To be fair, he wanted to leave her with something tangible too.

He claimed that he cared about her and had hoped that someday they would have been able to come together as a true loving couple. Did he really see her that way? Was that something that he actually thought could have happened?

And what about her? Yes, if she was honest with herself, she liked Castle and considered him a friend, a good friend. Maybe her best friend. Lanie was her best girlfriend, but she had opened up to Castle more than she ever had to anyone else. Not her dad, Lanie, Will, or even Josh, who was supposed to be her boyfriend now.

And that was another thing. What about Josh? What would she tell him? Should she even bother to explain? Would he even understand? Does she even really understand?"

She has never imagined having a wedding, or even thinking about getting married yet. There was never anyone if her life that caused her thoughts to turn that way. If she was being honest with herself, even with his annoying childlike behavior at times and his ego stroking tendencies, Richard Castle was the most honest and caring man she'd ever known.

Her thoughts were still doing Olympic tumbling routines when her phone interrupted.

"Beckett." She scribbled the message that dispatch gave to her on her carbon note pad.

"We've got a body." She shouted out as she tore off the top sheet to give to 'the boys' and took the bottom sheet for herself.
The three of them got up from their desks and headed to the elevator. Beckett was texting the information to Castle. She wasn't expecting him to be in any frame of mind to work on a murder, but she'd let him make that decision.

She knew he wanted to have things look normal for as long as possible.

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Kate was approaching the crime scene when Castle bounded up next to her.

"So what have we got?" Kate was surprised to see him.

"I didn't think you'd come out because… well, you know."

Castle gave her a genuine smile and shrugged. "Have to act like everything is normal. No sense in upsetting my friends or family until I have to."

Kate frowned at him. "Well you certainly upset me."

Castle snuck a grab of her hand and a quick squeeze. "I'm sorry, but it was important that you knew the situation. It won't work without you. Are you sorry that I told you?"

Kate wanted to say yes so badly but she couldn't. She dropped her head letting her hair fall in front of her face. She pulled up and looked him in the eyes. "No."

"As horrible as it's been knowing that you're… what you told me. I would have felt worse if I found out that you knew for a long time before you told me. You know me. I have to have the answers, and I take my time to process anything."

Castle gave her hand another squeeze. "I figured as much. And I'm guessing that you haven't come up with an answer to what I've asked of you."

Several slow shakes of her head was his answer. She looked up into his face. His expression was so earnest that she almost broke down right there.

"That's okay. I've got another plan I want to run by you when we get the chance." He pointed to the fact that they were now at the body.

Kate took a breath. "What do we have, Lanie?"

Dr. Parish held up the open wallet. "Michael Dumont, 27, while male, GSW to the chest. Looks like a 38 caliber, but I can't be sure yet. Address on his license. TOD I'd put between 2am to 5am, but I can narrow that down when I get him back to the morgue."

Kate nodded. "Where'd the guys go?"

Lanie cocked a brow at her. "They got tired waiting for you and Castle to get over here so they went out to look for any evidence, and canvas the neighbors." She looked at the expression on her face.

"You alright, girl? You don't look so good?"

Kate shrugged. "I didn't sleep so well. If you see them before you leave, tell them I went back to the station to get things started." Beckett turned around and moved back toward her cruiser, knowing Castle would follow along.

They reached the precinct in good time and once they were on the fourth floor Kate immediately began to set up her murder board. She was drawing her time line and writing the victim's name on the top of the board when Castle tapped her on the shoulder.

"Can we take advantage of the boys not being here to talk a bit?" Castle nodded toward the break room.

Kate nodded and followed him. Luckily there was no one in the room at the time. Castle went over and began to make Kate a cup of coffee. Beckett stood near him.

"I'm sorry Castle, my mind is whirling around like an amusement park ride. I'm having trouble grasping onto what you want me to do and if I could justify doing it."

He handed her the coffee which she immediately took a large gulp of.

"I know this is really tough for you, Kate. Me coming at you out of left field. Needing such a significant commitment from you."

She glared at him. "Ya think?" She set the cup down and pushed her hair behind her ears. "Castle I like you. I like you a lot. You are more than just a friend. But I'm not in love with you and I can't imagine going through with this if I wasn't." She walked around in a circle. "And what's worse than that is this whole, you are going to die. I'm barely hanging on knowing your death is the major part of the whole situation. Even if I agreed to this, how am I supposed to convince anyone that it's real?"

Rick nodded his agreement. "I figured that would be the problem so I have an idea that might work to help both of us. It will give you more time to figure out if you can be a part of this, and help sell the idea to everyone else."

She stared at him, clearly confused. "Okay, let's hear what you're thinking."

Castle looked excited. Apparently he thought his idea was good.

"I propose that we start dating. We do it publically so there would be no question that we were becoming a couple. From what I overheard we'd have at least a couple of months before we'd have to decide on the marriage." He grabbed her hand. "Remember Kate, even if you agreed to marry me, I won't be around long after that. A reasonable looking waiting time and you'd be free again to do what you please. Maybe you will be able to explain things to Josh."

She gave him a helpless look. Something he hadn't ever seen from her before. "You don't get it, Rick. I don't think I can handle you dying on me? Especially if I had been playing your wife."

Castle shrugged. "That's the one thing that we can't control, Kate." Rick chuckled. "If I wasn't dying I'd be coming at you for real. This has made me realize what it is that I really want and that I've been wasting too much time letting the months and weeks go by."

"What are you saying?" Her voice had a quaver in it.

"Kate, I know this may be hard for you to hear, but I do love you and if it weren't for Josh I would have been trying to convince you to give me the chance I threw away with the mistake by the beach, Gina."

Kate bit her lower lip. She knew that back then she was interested in exploring things with Castle but she let her fears of who Richard Castle was mess with her head and she hid in a dalliance with Tom Demming. She had realized her mistake too late. She had hurt Castle badly by her actions and he went away, with Gina. By the time he was back, she was with Josh. What a screw up that had been.

Could it be that this was 'the fates' giving her a chance to experience what she might have had if she hadn't messed up so badly. And then punish her more by taking him away as soon as she was able to find out how much she really wanted him?

Just then it hit her. She found her resolve. If this was to be her penance for the way she treated Castle back then, so be it.

"Okay, Rick. I'll go along with the dating idea. But you have to check with Montgomery first to get his take on us dating. It's against the rules for partners to date, but since you aren't actually employed by the NYPD it's a pretty grey area. If Roy agrees I'll go along with it."

Castle had a big grin on his face and impulsively grabbed Kate by the shoulders and planted a big kiss on her lips. She just stood there is shock as he scampered out of the breakroom to have a conversation with Captain Montgomery.

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Castle had never told Kate what he told Montgomery, she just knew that according to Rick, Roy was alright with them being a couple as long as it didn't interfere with their working environment. Which meant, you could come into work together and leave work together, but no obvious PDAs or inappropriate conversations on shift.

Kate thought that wouldn't be a problem since they were mostly playing a role, and not really a loving couple. That wasn't to say that he didn't treat her like she was his one and only because he did. And she was finding it to her liking.

She was at home waiting for him to pick her up for dinner and drinks. She would just as well have an eat-in supper and hang out and have a movie night at the loft. She didn't even mind if Alexis joined them. Actually that put less pressure on her to look the part of the adoring girlfriend. But this evening was going to be public to help sell their relationship.

It had only been a little over two weeks and they had been out three times and had gone on a one day outing at the museum. The museum trip was more just for the fun of it, than it was part of their charade.

Kate didn't mind being wined and dined, but she really enjoyed the simple things they did together. They lunched at Remy's whenever the case they were working allowed them. They walked in the Park and dodged the paparazzi. They even went to the zoo on a day that she had off.

She wondered if she was beginning to enjoy this too much. She didn't allow herself to think too far ahead. She took each date as it came and enjoyed the moment. If she allowed herself to think ahead, then the black wall of Castle's impending death would send her into depression.

She was constantly having mood swings. While they were together she was able to forget "the plan" and just take pleasure in what they were doing. They had fun together. The making out was very enjoyable, but they hadn't yet slept together. She wasn't sure that would be a good idea, even though her urges often tried to talk her into it.

Her staged actions and feelings were being subsumed by her true feelings. The more they were 'together' the more she was coming to think that she might love him, but she fought it because if she finally admitted that she actually loved him, losing him would just be that much more devastating.

She heard a knock on her door. She couldn't control the smile that came over her face. He was here. She grabbed her jacket and opened the door.

"Believe it or not, I'm ready this time." She twirled for him.

"And looking magnificent as always." He leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. "Doesn't it get tiring being perfect?" He took her hand.

She rolled her eyes and shook her head. Then gave him a coquettish look. "Nope."

With both laughing, he led her down the hallway.

The food had been exquisite as always, and the wait staff sufficiently fawning. It was a pleasant evening, but it wasn't so because of the delicious food, or the attentive service. No it was because she was with Rick and he made the evening magic for her.

They were finally away from the restaurant and were now just drinking at a very nice club with a darkened atmosphere. The drinks were large and the music was romantic. They had danced several times but now they had to rest their aching feet. After all they had been on their feet most of the day tracking down evidence.

Castle reached out and took Kate's hand. "I hope you won't mind, but I went behind your back and got Roy to agree to give you guys Friday off if we can wrap this case up tomorrow."

Kate's face brightened. "That would mean three days off in a row since we aren't on call Saturday or Sunday." She raised her brow. "If you can get me days off I certainly won't mind how you get them." She grinned.

He guided her face toward him with his finger under her chin. Once close enough he plundered her lips in a searing kiss that caused them to finally part due to oxygen deprecation. She grinned again.

"Do that again," she asked.

He smiled but shook his head softly. "In a moment. I'd like to run something by you."

She nodded. "When we get that three day weekend, which I know we will, I want to take you out to the Hampton's with me. Make up for that Memorial Day weekend we lost out on back last summer."

Kate drew circles on the back of his hand. "Will we be alone?" Her eyes held a twinkle of mischief.

Castle dropped his head. "Not on Friday. Mother and Alexis have been up there all week, but they plan to leave first thing Saturday morning. Both have other plans for the weekend."

Kate grinned. "Do you have any nefarious plans for the week end yourself?"

Rick matched her grin. "I have some ideas, but I'm also open to suggestions."

"Good." Kate's head perked up when the band struck up a favorite popular ballad. She reached out and took his hand. "One more slow dance." She stood up. He quickly rose from his seat.

"It would be my pleasure." He smiled as he led her out to the dance floor.

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Friday at the Hampton's had been more fun than Kate had expected. Martha was Martha as she fluttered around the house in full diva mode. She consistently complimented Kate about her clothes, her hair, and her beauty. But mostly she kept telling her how great it was the she and Castle had finally gotten together. So much so that Kate asked Rick if he'd told his mother about his illness. He hadn't. Martha had always just liked Kate. Much more than either Meredith or Gina.

The thing that surprised her the most was how well she got along with Alexis. The time that Alexis had come to the precinct to help organize and file the items in the evidence room had been a pleasant experience for both. Kate had come to appreciate her dedication to any task she took on, but mostly Kate saw a caring young woman.

All four had spent time together, but Kate also found herself alone with Alexis and had very interesting and fun conversations several times with the high schooler. Alexis, somewhat nervously, had even sought some advice about boys from Kate. It did make Kate feel closer to the young woman.

For all the fun and pleasant times they'd spent together on that Friday, both Rick and Kate had really been looking forward to the weekend, alone, together. And now it was here.

Beckett was the first one to wake up, the second time. Both she and Castle had gotten up to bid Martha and Alexis a morning good bye. But rather than stay up and make breakfast, they chose to go back to sleep.

After the redheads had left Kate went directly up to the room she had gone to sleep in and grabbed her suitcase, personals bag and immediately marched over to Rick's bedroom and installed herself in the room with him. Castle sat on the bed with a big grin on his face and watched her put her stuff away in his dresser and bathroom.

"My god, Castle, I can't believe the size of your bathtub!"

His grin got bigger. "You like that?"

She gave him a smirk. "I'll let you know."

Castle waved his hand at her as she scurried by toward the bathroom with her personals bag. "I take it you are planning to move into this bedroom for the rest of the weekend?"

Kate stopped her travels and gave him a coquettish look. "I hope you don't mind? I'm sure you can find one of the other bedrooms to your taste."

She burst out laughing at the look on his face. She thought his eyes were going to pop out of his sockets. She sauntered over and sat next to him on the bed. She drew her finger down his cheek and then kissed him just under his eye.

"Or... we could share? If you don't mind."

"I think that would be a great idea." He grabbed her around the shoulders and dragged her into the bed with him. She giggled on the way down. Castle was shocked. He'd never heard Kate Beckett giggle before. He liked it.

Some energetic making out occupied them for a while until they fell back to sleep.

Castle was a bit disappointed that it was almost one o clock when they finally dragged themselves out of bed and went downstairs, almost dressed. He was bummed because they missed breakfast. It had passed into lunch time.

Kate didn't understand. "There's nothing that says we can't have breakfast food for lunch?"

Castle shook his head. "No, that just wouldn't be right. I'll be sure to make you a breakfast fit for a queen tomorrow. It will have anything you could possibly want for your morning meal."

Kate gave him one of her looks. Rick had informally catalogued all of Kate's looks. This one was number 24, the 'that doesn't make any sense' look. She followed up with a head shake. "You do know that I rarely eat breakfast. A long as I have my coffee and some sort of sweet pastry I'm good."

Castle shook his head in horror. "Well my dear Detective, that's going to change. But unfortunately, we're going to have to start with a pool side lunch."

Kate answered with an overly dramatic sigh. "Oh I guess I'll be able to suck it up… just for you Rick." She had gotten into the habit of calling him Rick more often.

They quickly put on their swim suites, which she'd been warned to bring, and went down stairs to see what they could whip up for lunch.

Since they'd been 'seeing' each other, Kate was finding out a lot of things about Rick that she hadn't known before. One thing that had been a pleasant surprise was how good a cook he was. Kate chastised herself for being surprised that he was. After all he raised a kid pretty much by himself, and he often let it be known that Martha was not well versed around the kitchen. She probably just assumed that he ordered in all the time.

He prepared a lot of finger foods along with some iced coffee, and a large pitcher of Sangria. Everything was delicious.

Kate was very content laying on the comfy webbed lounger just soaking up the early summer sun. She was getting a bit drowsy when suddenly a wave of cool water splashed over her. She bolted upright and turned to see a grinning Rick Castle staring at her from the middle of the pool.

"I'm an expert cannonballer, but I have to say that was one of my best. The direction of the spray was perfect."

Kate wasn't really upset. She was in a swimsuit, so being wet wasn't a big deal, and it was plenty warm out. But she couldn't let Castle get away with it. So with a feral grin of her own, she walked over to the edge of the pool and executed her own cannonball right in front of him.

The two then began to grab and dunk, and pull under each other amidst their laughter. The horseplay lasted for about 20 minutes then fatigue caused them to hold onto each other in the pool. Which led to some touches, then some kisses, then some kisses along with some touching.

Things ramped up until they had to stop or drown. Gasping to catch their breath they both moved over to the edge of the pool and got out. Castle, as it turned out, had a two person lounger. So that called to them and they quickly arranged themselves next to each other to lie in the sun.

The warmth of the sun and the energy they expended while in the pool led to an inevitable outcome. They both feel asleep.

When they woke up, Castle suggested that they go out for dinner and then come back to a moonlight walk along the beach. Kate thought it was a great idea. So they went back in and up the stairs to their shared bedroom.

Kate worried that she might not have a dress to wear, but Rick assured her that they wouldn't be going to a cufflinks and tie restaurant. Any nice sundress would be good. Rick was going with a pair of black denim slacks, a blue button down shirt with no tie, and a navy sports jacket.

The place was a seafood place that had been a favorite of Castle's for years. The atmosphere was more festive than stuffy. The wait staff were friendly and helpful and the food was excellent. Kate enjoyed her sea bass with scallops. Rick had something that Kate couldn't pronounce, but it tasted really good when she stole a small sample from him.

The meal had been excellent and now they found themselves walking along the street that represented the entertainment district of town. They strolled up then down the long block, but just weren't interested in any sort of club scene. At least not that night, so they decided to go back to Castle's mansion, because that's what it was. Beach house? Yeah, right!

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