AN: The John Woo arc continues. I couldn't not write their morning together. You readers deserved it.

In this chapter there is some texting, and I wanted it to look different from the words expressing their thoughts. I didn't want anyone reading to get confused. The italics are thoughts, and the underlined italics are texts. I didn't do bold because that would stand out too much.

Kate stirs first…around 8 in the morning. The sun is up, and she instantly remembers she doesn't have to work today. Fortunate coincidence there's no work the day after her late-night date with Rick. He would say it was fate; she was meant to sleep over. She had forgotten how amazingly comfortable his guest room bed was, but wait… She opens her eyes and realizes this is not the guest room. Her mind flashes back to waking up in the middle of the night and them talking. Actually talking about their relationship. She recalls asking to sleep in his bed with him and smiles. She feels him firm against her back and hears him breathing. At some point while sleeping, they changed positions. He's spooning her, an arm lying loosely around her and his face in her hair.

She feels like she needs a little more sleep, but she's also use to being up early. She doesn't think she can fall back to sleep, especially not when the bolts of excitement are rushing through her. She and Rick made so much progress, and they are finally together now. She didn't expect it to happen in one night, but after all this time making him wait and everything they've been through as partners and friends, she can't be surprised. She feels him stirring and hopes he's waking up. She considers leaving him to make coffee, but she wants this time with him more than she wants coffee.

"Rick," she murmurs to rouse him, "Riiick."

"Mmmhmm," he moans, not fully awake yet. He nuzzles her hair and tightens his hold on her. "Kate? I must still be dreaming."

"Mm no, you're not dreaming. Cause then we'd be having the exact same dream." Her voice sounds clearer to him as he's coming to his full senses. "Kate, you're here." He lifts his head away from her hair and opens his eyes. She sees this as an opportunity to roll onto her back to see him. He looks bewildered. "You're here in my bed. With me. And you're not aiming a gun at me."

"Castle." She shakes her head, laughing softly. "You're so adorable when you act confused like this." Now he's speechless. Kate Beckett just complimented him. "I wouldn't aim my gun at my boyfriend whom I'm so crazy about."

"Boyfriend?" His mind gradually comprehends the situation and how things between them have changed.

"Get your head straightened out. I'm trying to have a beautiful moment with you, and you're sabotaging it."

He remembers finding her in the kitchen a couple hours after their movie date ended. Her confession that she heard his "I love you" had stunned him, but it led them here. She opened up and put an end to his wait and longing. They kissed more than once, and he suddenly feels eager to do more of that.

Instead, he scoots away from her to give her more room, lying on his side. She turns to face him, wondering what's going through his mind now. Her hand finds one of his, and their fingers interlock. "Now that I've woken up with you like this, I'm never going to want to wake up alone again," he admits with a smile.

She matches his smile and leans in to kiss him tenderly. "Good morning, Rick," she whispers before kissing him again.

"Mmm, good morning, Kate." They kiss some more, their mouths moving together lazily, keeping the pace steady and not pushing for more. They each release some soft moans, feeling content to lounge in bed kissing. He eases a hand around her and pulls her closer, rolling her onto him without breaking the kiss. Her tongue swipes across his lips, and then she's lightly sucking on his bottom one. He moans deeper as his hands trail up and down her back over her shirt. Her arms find their way around his neck just before her mouth relinquishes his. She smiles, looking happier than he's ever seen her. "This is the best morning I've ever had."

"Me too," he replies, brushing a few strands of hair off her face. His smile matches hers.

"Yeah?" She pecks another kiss to his lips.

"Definitely. They say Disney is the happiest place on Earth, but they're wrong." They share a soft chuckle before kissing some more. They can't get enough of kissing.

A few moments later she's laying her head on him and planting a gentle kiss on his neck. They stay quiet for a few minutes, soaking it up and feeling content as their hands lightly caress each other.

Naturally it's Rick who disturbs the peace. "So, you have the day off?"

"Yes. I do. Not even on call," she answers.

"Hmm. I do too." His fingers dip under the hem of her t-shirt gliding over her bare skin.

"Mm that's good," she says in response to his remark and also to him touching her like that.

"What would you, uhm, like to do today?" He brings a hand to her hair, petting her tenderly.

"Hmm, I don't know… We can start with coffee. Some breakfast," she answers softly.

"Then we could watch TV or another movie."

"We could read," she suggests.

"We could stay in bed all day," he says, knowing it's wishful thinking.

"Hmm, yeah." She can't argue because she doesn't want this to end.

"Did you have anything planned for today," he asks since she never seems to have days off often.

"Was going to get some cleaning and laundry done." One of her hands now rests on his chest.

"Oh, how domestic." One of his hands trails the side of her hip. "And boring."

"You're trying to get me to stay here with you," she states, knowing his ulterior motive.

"I plead the fifth, Detective," he claims, making her laugh. "But at the risk of incriminating myself… We could go to your place. I can even help you clean, if you want. No chance of a red-headed disruption there. Unless you don't care…"

"Now that you mention it… I'm not sure I want anyone knowing…yet. I mean…" She maneuvers herself so she's sitting up and straddling him. "If anyone at the precinct finds out, we probably won't be able to work together anymore. There's a no-dating coworkers policy. Even though our situation is different, we're still partners. You're part of the team, and I believe Captain Gates views you as a team member now."

"So, we need to keep this a secret for now. Even from family."

"Yes. Though, I completely understand if you want to tell Alexis. She's the most important person in your life. She has always come first. You're both adults now – you to a lesser extent – but her feelings still matter. Because we're an item, and she and I haven't gotten along this past year. I don't know why, but I sense it from her. Plus…with her trip coming up, she'll be gone a while, and you and I will be, uhm, getting closer. I assume. So you have permission to tell her about us, but it would be best if she didn't find out today from me being here. Sometimes I don't think we're as subtle as we think we are."

Kate's concern and consideration for Alexis has him falling more in love with her – something he didn't believe possible. She has such a big heart and has always understood the bond he has with Alexis. He's smiling like an idiot at her. "What," she wonders.

"You're just extraordinary is all," he tells her, making her smile warmly. Her hands find his, their fingers interlocking. "Yeah?"

He nods a yes and explains, "The way you care about Alexis." He brings one of her hands to his lips, kissing it lightly. "Gina never showed that much concern."

"You can't bring up your ex-wives while we're in bed." She gives him a look, though it's not as stern as her tone.

"We're making rules now," he asks with amusement.

"No talk of exes when we're making happy memories in our bedrooms. How's that sound?"

"Agreed. That's a rule I will gladly follow."

"Good, cause I really don't want to have to kick you out of my bed," she teases. She's leaning down as he responds, "I would hate it if you did that." "Mmhmm," she murmurs before locking her lips with his once more.

"But right now we're in my bed," he says, "And I don't want you to leave."

"I don't want to leave either," she replies, kissing him once more.

As she pulls back, he starts, "So…"

"So," she repeats, and the next thing they hear is the rumbling of his stomach. "We can't stay here and starve ourselves." She moves off of him. "Come on. Let's go make breakfast."

He can't help but stare as she fixes herself a plate of eggs, bacon, and potatoes. He sits at the island with his own plate full, but he's in awe of her. They worked together to brew their coffee and cook their food, and neither had any clue they would be so in sync in the kitchen. Now he has the chance to aim all his attention to her. He can't believe that not only she's having breakfast with him the morning after their date but also she's doing so as his girlfriend. His girlfriend! They crossed that threshold. Without even having sex, which surprises him. He feels stupid for being so cautious during their date, but they finally made it here. They're together, and he notices how happier and freer she is because of it. Because of him. Though, he still detects some shyness, which he finds adorable.

Being out of the bubble that was his bed has her in a different mode. Despite discovering their cooking groove, they haven't said much to each other. She's well aware that he's watching her, and she's trying to hide her blush. "You're making me nervous," she mumbles while spooning potatoes onto her plate.

"I've made staring at you into a favorite hobby, and now it's making you nervous?" He appears puzzled as she walks around the island to sit beside him.

"Yeah, cause it's different this time," she murmurs softly, bringing a forkful of eggs to her mouth.

"Different because our relationship has changed."

"Yes," she replies bashfully. "I can't explain it, but it just feels different." She glances at him and eyes his un-touched food. "Eat before that gets cold." He does as he's told and remains silent. He's smiling on the inside at this aspect of her.

They take delight in the peaceful quiet as they eat. They don't think it's awkward at all. At some point, his hand finds one of hers under the island, clutching it and making circles with his thumb. She smiles softly and sneaks a glance at him.

She is the first to finish, and she gulps down the last of her coffee before letting go of his hand to lean against him. She may be feeling the anxious butterflies, but little affections like these she can do. She squishes her cheek against his bicep and caresses his arm below his shirtsleeve, gently gliding her fingers up and down through his hairs. He feels goosebumps on his arms from her touch.

Once he's finished eating, he murmurs, "Now what?"

"I should go," she says sadly, "So Alexis doesn't see me."

"I suppose so," he responds, understanding why she doesn't feel comfortable staying but also feeling disappointed.

"This morning was so great," she whispers, lifting her head to kiss his cheek.

"Yes. It was." He turns to her and pulls her in to a long, slow kiss. Her fingers tangle in his hair, holding him to her as she pours all her love into the kiss.

Still kissing him, she eases off her stool. His hands try to drag her body closer, but she breaks away. "I better collect my stuff," she says.

"Yeah." He steals another kiss from her. "Can I come over later?"

She can't stop herself from smiling. "Yeah. Text me once you leave. And even if you're not leaving yet." She gives him one final kiss before trekking upstairs to the guest room. He watches her with adoration until she disappears from sight and then distracts himself with cleaning up the kitchen.

Just as he's nearly finished cleaning and wondering what could be taking her so long, the front door clicks open and is closed gently as two redheads waltz through the loft. "Mother?" He eyes Alexis hugged to Martha and appearing in a daze. "Alexis, what happened?" He rushes to her and helps her to a seat at the island.

"Ohh, kiddo, can't you recognize your daughter's first hangover? You know what it feels like."

"You're first…" His eyes widen with shock. "Alexis! You finally have a wild story to tell your future children. Up top!" He holds up his hand for a high-five.

"Dad…please," she groans, "Lower the volume and the energy."

"Ohh…yeah… I'm sorry." He lowers his hand and regrets reacting with such enthusiasm. "You feel horrible now, but you'll get through it." At this moment, he spots movement on the stairs and deters their attention so that they can't spot his new girlfriend attempting a discreet exit.

"I'm never drinking again," Alexis says, laying her head on her arms on the island.

"That's what they all say, pumpkin." He reaches a hand out to rub her back gently.

Kate has never felt more anxious in her life as she tiptoes down the steps with her bag and shoes in hand, trying her earnest not to make a sound. It wouldn't be too odd for Martha and Alexis to see her coming down the stairs as compared to her coming from his bedroom or them being caught kissing, but right now isn't the time for her interference. She can hear the conversation and feels much empathy for Alexis. She remembers guiding her friend Maddie through her first hangover and experiencing it herself.

"So, how come you called Gram instead of me," Rick inquires, still confounded by the fact that both his redheads have returned home.

Alexis lifts her head to say, "I tried reaching you. You didn't pick up."

Kate risks a glance over at Rick, and he catches her gaze. He realizes his phone wasn't with him all night and neither of them had heard it. "Ohh… Right," he says, not providing an explanation.

He's surprised to see Kate in different clothes. He gasps mentally. She packed spare clothes in case she slept over. She basically planned to sleep over. She reaches the door and gives him a little wave.

Martha nearly turns in Kate's direction as she says, "We need to get her some aspirin."

"Wait! No," Rick shouts, making Alexis groan again. "Sorry," he whispers. "Just…uhh…stay put." Kate is opening the door. "I'll go get it."

"Might want to put some pants on over those boxers while you're at it," Martha chimes in, "Or a robe. Something."

Rick's eyes widen, and he glances down, having forgotten how exposed he is. "Yes…I'll do that too. Thanks." He hurries off to his bedroom.

Martha leans over the island with an arm around Alexis, and she thinks she spots movement out of the corner of her eye when Kate slips out and closes the door behind her. She scans the front door with suspicion. She looks away when she hears Richard returning and keeps quiet, not wanting to cause any more distress for her granddaughter.

Rick serves his daughter a couple aspirin tablets and a small glass of water. "Thanks, Dad," Alexis mumbles. He now holds his phone, and it soon vibrates with a text – something else that alerts Martha. "Who would be contacting you this early on a weekend," she voices aloud.

He knows whom it could be from but lies, "I have no idea, Mother." He sees it's from Kate and is puzzled that she would be texting him so soon. Her text reads: I left my jacket. Walked right past it. She also includes the facepalm emoji. He lets out a light chuckle and composes himself once he notices his mother eyeing him. He says nothing more about the text and turns the focus back on Alexis. "Why don't we get Alexis settled upstairs in bed," he suggests. "You probably don't want to eat yet, but when you do, I will make you something comforting."

"Just as long as it's not a smorelette," Alexis replies, moving off the stool and heading to the stairs with her grandmother by her side. She's oblivious to everything except her aches and discomfort, but her gram spots the jacket that was left behind.

"Don't worry. That would only be comforting to me," Rick calls out. Before following them, he responds to Kate's text: Funny! I will bring it when I come over later.

Her response is almost immediate: Thanks! Think you can sneak away without arousing suspicion?

He grins, wanting to laugh at her doubt. I can and I will. You used the word 'arousing'. Do you know how hot that is?

She rolls her eyes with a smile while blushing. Save the flirting for later, Casanova. How's Alexis doing?

He can't stop smiling. She will be alright. Just needs to rest this off. I gave her some aspirin.

Her response: Good. Hangovers are a bitch.

Indeed, they are.

He doesn't wait for a reply and hurries across the room to grab Kate's jacket, placing it on his bed before making his way upstairs to be sure his daughter has everything she needs. He isn't sure how he will sneak out later, but he will come up with something. He has an extra bounce in his step as he remembers his morning with Kate and imagines spending time with her at her place. Martha, of course, picks up on his joyful mood but only makes one remark about it: "You are quite cheery today. What's got into your skin?"

His response is vague but truthful: "I slept well and ate well. A good start to the day is important."

"Mmhmm, I see," she quips. The wheels keep spinning in her head on what he isn't telling her. She suspects he's entertained someone of the female variety and that she was here this morning. She hopes his attitude was caused by Kate Beckett because usually only she could make him this happy. "You'll tell me how well eventually, right?"

His brain is rattled. She knows, doesn't she? Can't hide anything from her. Instead of leaving her hanging, he admits, "I will."

Once home, Kate leans against her closed front door with the biggest grin on her face. She's replaying the morning in her head and can't believe where she and Castle are now. Plus, she successfully snuck out without being seen by his mother and daughter – such a relief. She doesn't know what she would have said to them if she were caught.

She gazes around her apartment as she walks further in and makes her way to her bedroom, where she lets her mind wander. There's no doubt in her mind the possibility of Castle sleeping over and them crossing another line in their relationship. She spots a pile of clutter and recalls seeing dirty dishes stacked in the sink. Normally, she is a tidy person, but she isn't immune to letting things pile up from time to time. She gets to work straightening up her place, wanting it to be clean for the man she adores. She knows she doesn't have to impress him, but the little butterflies are stirring again, driving her to clean.

After fixing up the kitchen, she opens her fridge to discover a lack of nourishments. She does find some pasta, sauce, soups, and other foods in a couple cupboards, but there's nothing fresh for the two of them. I'll see what Castle says when he gets here.

The last thing she cleans is the floor, running a vacuum and mop over it before relaxing on the couch with her phone in hand. She waits for him to text her, but wonders if she should contact him first to say something about him sleeping over. It was natural last night how it came up for her to spend the night. They were up late watching movies. It made sense for her to stay, which is why she planned ahead and packed the outfit she's currently wearing. Today, Castle is coming over as her boyfriend and they have nothing planned. She should just invite him to spend the night.

As she's lost in her thoughts, her phone pings with a text from the man himself. It reads: Getting myself ready to come over. Anything you want me to bring?

She instantly smiles and replies: No. Just you. And whatever you need for sleeping over. Her smile grows, feeling clever about her sleepover comment. It was bold of her, but on the inside she's feeling the butterflies fluttering over how he'll respond.

He's smiling as he reads her text and feels good about the small bag he's in the middle of packing. He didn't want to assume he could spend the night with her, but after last night and this morning, why would she refuse? He texts her back with: Perfect.

His one word makes her feel excited all over. She responds with a smiley emoji and a reminder: Don't forget my jacket. It's a favorite.

Don't worry. It's a favorite of mine too. Looks so good on you.

She's blushing now, and another text comes through before she can type a reply: I can't wait to see you and kiss you again. Instead of hiding her feelings, she's honest with him: I can't wait either.