A Valentine Post Script
The title says it all…sort of
A/N: I had some requests to write the "Old Haunt Extension" to my previous Valentine story. I don't want to spoil the effect of that story by adding that clichéd ending. So this is for all those who wanted to see Rick and Kate connect for Valentine's Day.
All standard disclaimers apply.
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Kate chewed on her bottom lip as she fluffed her hair while she checked herself in the bathroom mirror. She was almost dressed for her big date. She had on her favorite deep purple dress with the long leg slit down one side, and a neckline that plunged just enough to be tantalizing without being trashy.
A slight smile tweaked her lips as she turned away from her image. She was ready.
She and Castle were going out on their first Valentine's Day date. She shook her head as over four years as partners and friends flashed through her memories. They hadn't started out too well, but his genial manner and genuine goodness had worn her down. It was hard to keep her walls up against Castle constant barrage of just plain niceness.
She knew that she had strong feelings for the man-child that was Richard Castle, but she wasn't ready to call it love yet. Well, not exactly love, but it was close. He was her best friend. She trusted him more than she ever trusted anyone. She was very close to trusting him with her heart.
The debacle that was created by her own pig headed need to go after the man who shot her at Montgomery's funeral without the proper back up had consequences. An action that almost cost her the job she held and loved for years and her life. A broken Kate Beckett had dragged herself to Rick's door and threw herself at him.
The wonderful man had forgiven her and she was able to climb the ladder of their relationship several more rungs toward the top. She grinned at the thought of the love making they had indulged themselves in recently. It was like nothing she'd ever experienced before.
The only thing that held her back from being able to say that word was her own insecurities. She still hasn't been able to truly believe that someone like Richard Castle would not eventually find someone like her wanting, and the dream would dissolve.
Kate drew a glass of water from the sink. For some reason she found her throat was a bit dry. A quick glance at her phone told her Castle would be here any minute.
No sooner had she thought of him, there was a knock at her door. Her smile grew big as she unlatched her door and saw a smiling Castle in her hall. She backed up and let him enter he apartment.
He was looking very handsome. "My, don't you look very handsome tonight, Castle."
He chuckled. "Next to how spectacular you look tonight, I'm no more than a beggar on the street."
She stepped in close and kissed him. "Flatterer." She grinned again. "So, I put myself in your hands tonight. What has New York's top page six playboy have in mind for tonight?"
Castle chuckled. "I'm afraid that I lost that title a few years ago. And I couldn't be happier about that. What I have planned for tonight won't have been anything that my old publicity hungry carouser would have ever considered."
Kate gave him a raised brow. "So this is going to be a boring evening?"
Castle's smile grew big. "I don't think you'd call it boring. I'm going more for intimate, than showy."
Kate smiled. "I approve. Shall we go?"
He offered his arm, which she took and they left her apartment.
Castle had chosen to use his car service so they didn't have to depend on being able to get a taxi when they needed, and they still were protected against any possible over indulgences which would prohibit driving their own vehicle.
Kate slid into the back seat of the limousine as Rick held the door for her. He slid in beside her as Mark, the driver closed the door behind the boss.
"This is nice." Kate passed her hand over the glove soft leather of the seats and leaned back into the heavily padded seat back. She watched as Castle flipped down a hidden door to a cabinet on the partition between the front and back seat.
"Do you care for a drink?" Castle smirked as he indicated the airline sized bottles of various spirits that were lined up in the cabinet. He reached for one of the glasses sitting there and pulled open a small refrigerated chest and put a couple of ice cubes in the glass.
Kate rolled her eyes. "Showing off, Castle?" He grinned. "Okay, I'll have a Bloody Mary, if you have some tomato juice hidden in there somewhere."
He nodded and opened another chest and pulled out a small can of tomato juice.
She received her drink and leaned back against the comfortable seat, a smile on her face.
They sat in a comfortable silence while they sipped their drinks. Kate glanced out the window and watched the lights of the city as they moved slowly through the perpetual traffic in New York.
"So, I'm assuming we have a reservation somewhere?"
"Yes we do."
"Are you going to tell me where?"
"No."
She gave him a mock glare and finished off her drink. "A refill?" He asked.
Kate shook her head. "Do you have any bottled water? I'd like to clean my palate before we eat."
Rick reach into one of those chests and pulled out a small bottle of water. He poured the water over the ice cubes in her now empty glass.
"That way you'll keep it cool as you sip."
Her eyes smiled at him.
They pulled up to an unassuming building on the corner in a neighborhood that she wasn't familiar with. It was a nice neighborhood. There was no trash on the sidewalks, and the buildings all seemed in good condition. The area was well lit and she saw a good number of people wandering around but not with the more common impatient energy she often saw in the general public when out and about in Big Apple.
The sign over the street level windows proclaimed the place as "Rosa's". It seemed moderately busy, but didn't have a line coming out the door.
Before she knew it, Mark the driver, was opening the door for Rick and he quickly came around the car to open the door for Kate. She took his hand as he helped her out of the car.
"I don't think I've heard of this place." She gave it a good look as they approached the door.
"I think you'll like it." He took her arm. "Alexis, Mother, and I have been coming here for years. It's a family run restaurant and their food is excellent."
When they entered the place it was exactly what she expected. It wasn't a local neighborhood type of eatery. It was an elegant restaurant, but without any indication of attitude.
She glanced around a noticed that it looked like the patrons were here to get a pleasant dining experience and not to be seen. The décor was understated but inviting. They were greeted by a maître de and led to a nice table in a back corner of the restaurant.
Castle smiled as he sat down. "This is always my table when I come here. I like to be able to gaze out across the floor and see all the people enjoying themselves." He looked up and shook his head. "And for one other reason."
"Ricky!" Kate followed the outburst and saw an older woman coming toward them. She seemed a sturdy woman who, by the crinkle in her eyes and the laugh lines on her face, liked to smile.
She came up behind Castle and gave him a big hug. She moved back around to face them both. "Ricky Castle, it's been too long since you been in to see us."
Castle looked sheepish. "I know, and I'm sorry Momma Rosa."
"And who is this goddess you brought to my humble establishment?" Kate blushed.
Castle grinned. "Rosa, this is my very good friend, Detective Kate Beckett."
Rosa grabbed Kate's hand and patted it with hers. "I'm so happy to meet you. It's about time Ricky brought someone besides his mother and daughter here. You are very lovely my dear."
Kate blushed again. "Thank you…" Kate wasn't sure how to address the woman whom obviously was well known to Castle.
She laughed. "Oh, you can just call me Rosa. That's what everyone calls me. My given name is Rosalina but that's too long for casual conversation so I just go by Rosa."
Kate nodded. "Well thank you, Rosa. You have a beautiful place here."
Rosa gave Kate a big smile. "Thank you." She turned back to Rick. "It's been so nice to see you again Ricky. Give your mother and your wonderful daughter my regards." She pats him on the shoulder. "I'll send Tony out with your menus, and to take your drink order." She gave both of them a bright smile as she left.
Kate shook her head. "So, how long have the Castles been coming to this beautiful restaurant?"
Rick laughed. "It's been years. I think I came across Rosa's about twelve years ago. It wasn't quite like it is now, but they had a dream and the whole family bought into it." Castle leaned back and let his gaze sweep the room. "I've come to love it because it's exactly what I've always looked for in a dining experience."
Kate raised an eye. "And that is?"
"It's an attractive, inviting room that creates a comfortable environment to enjoy your meal and company without a lot of unnecessary visual distractions that pull your attention away from the reason you came."
Kate laughed. "That was quite a mouthful, but it's definitely that. I love the décor. It calls to me without shouting."
Castle smiled. "Exactly, but the space isn't everything. You also have to have excellent service and exceptional food. And this place has that in spades. The fact that it's a family owned business shows in the actual love they put into running this business."
Kate chuckled. "And I assume over the years the Castle's became part of the extended family."
Rick grinned. "Of course. But for all the amazing externals that are presented here. It still comes down to the menu. Rosa and her husband Anthony are both unbelievable chefs because they understand that food is to be eaten, not admired."
Kate laughed. "Well, now I am hungry. You've built this place up so much, can it possibly live up to your praise?"
"I hate to say it, as I'm a writer by trade, but mere words just can't do justice to this establishment."
Kate was a bit taken aback by Castle's compliment. She would never think that he would feel that words would ever lack the power to express anything, whether it be visual, tactile, sensual, or emotional.
Kate couldn't help herself. "You have money in this place, don't you."
Rick waggled his brows. "Of course I do. But that doesn't change my opinion."
Kate was containing her laughter as a young man dressed in the typical garb of a waiter came up to their table. One look and you'd know that he was part of the family. He laid down menus in front of each of them and set a pitcher of water and a couple of glasses in front of them.
"Mr. Castle, it's so good to see you again. It's been too long."
Rick smiled. "Hey Tony, you've grown at least a foot since I've seen you last. How are things going with your classes?"
The young man smiled. "Very good, I will be graduating with honors at the end of the spring semester."
Kate could see a lot of his mother in the boy. "What are you studying?" She asked.
"I am studying Oceanography. The world's oceans are in trouble and we will have to be the ones to… Oh my gosh!" Tony stopped and stared at Kate. "You're her aren't you? I've seen you in the papers and on the website. You're Nikki Heat!"
Kate reached out and patted the excited young man's hand. "Nikki Heat is a fictional character. My name is Kate Beckett."
Tony's face turned beet red. "Oh, of course. I'm sorry I didn't mean to…" Kate stopped him by squeezing his hand.
"It's alright. It's a correction I have to make with people all the time." She raises her brow at Castle. "Nikki comes from the twisted mind of Richard Castle." Kate chuckles. "I just look like her."
"Of course, I'm sorry. You are actually more beautiful in person than your pictures."
Kate turned a little pink around the edges. "Why thank you."
Castle waved his hand to get Tony's attention. "Hey, Tony, over here. I know looking at Kate is much more enjoyable than talking to me, but I'm the one paying here so how about we get started."
Tony was mortified. "Of course, Mr. Castle. What can I get you?"
Castle just smiled as he shook his head. "We'll have tonight's special."
Kate frowned at him. She hadn't even had a chance to look over the menu. He mouthed 'trust me'. She shrugged and let him have his way.
"And bring us a bottle of the house red."
Tony stepped back. "Very good, Mr. Castle. I shall attend to that immediately." He sped off, but not without sneaking a couple more peeks at Kate.
Kate turned to face Castle. "So, do I get to know what I'm going to be eating?"
Castle shook his head. "Nope, it will be a surprise. But I guarantee that you'll love it."
Kate gave him her soft glare. "And if I don't?"
Rick smirked. "Name it."
Kate lips spread into a cruel smile. "The Ferrari… for a month."
Castle looked unconcerned. "Done."
Kate jerked in surprise at how easily he agreed to her demand. She nodded. He must really be sure of himself on this. She figured she was a winner either way so she leaned back in her chair and met the twinkle in his eye.
The meal had been wonderful just as he said. The wine was perfect for the food they ate, and the atmosphere was relaxed and comfortable.
They talked about the most recent case. They talked about Alexis and Martha. Rick asked how her dad was doing. They chatted like a couple of old school chums. Rick had even complimented her on some of the new furniture pieces she had recently added to her apartment.
Because it was them, there had also been a lot of mild snark and teasing.
Rick escorted Kate out of Rosa's on his arm and guided her to the door of the car that Mark had just pulled up to the curb.
Kate gave Rick brief peck on the cheek as she bent down to enter the luxury sedan. He soon followed after and claimed a more substantial kiss once he was seated beside her.
It took her a couple of seconds to return to the real world. She shook her head, allowing her long waves of hair to swirl around her head.
"So Mr. Castle. That was a spectacular meal. Just how do you plan to top it?"
Castle looked over at the lovely Kate Beckett with a thoughtful look on his face. "I'm not going to try to top our meal, merely enhance the evening." He reached over and caressed her hand. "What would you say to drinks and dancing?"
Her bright smile lit up the back of the car. "I'd say, that's an excellent idea. I assume you have a destination in mind?"
He just smiled, tapped on the partition between him and the driver, and leaned back in his seat. His body twisted partially toward Beckett. He took her hand and kissed it. The car began to move.
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The trip was smooth and short. Soon the car sidled next to another unremarkable building in another neighborhood that Kate wasn't familiar with, but then, New York is a big city.
The unassuming sign over the door read 'Smitty's Lounge' and the window glass was smoked to keep the outside out. Kate almost felt like she was entering roaring twenties speak easy or something.
As they entered Kate gave the place the full sweep of her gaze. It was low lit, but not dark. The furnishings were masculine but classy. Mostly carved wood and red velvet curtaining. There were three types of tables. All were substantial wooden tables as fit the theme, but they came in three configurations. There were a few larger tables that could hold a larger party scattered along the outer edge of the two end walls. The rest were scattered about the main floor. Some were typical square tables that could seat four comfortably, but most were the small round tables designed for couples.
The back wall was occupied by a large, ornately carved wooden bar which looked like it came right out of a gangster movie. Next to the bar was a small stage that Kate could see a combo was setting up to play. A moderately sized dance floor occupied the area in front of the stage.
Castle pointed toward the stage. "They have a great combo that plays here most nights." He grinned as he led her toward one of the smaller round tables. "Because it's Valentine's Day I'd imagine we will be hearing a lot of romantic music tonight."
They hadn't sat down for more than a couple of minutes when a comely young woman costumed in typical waitress attire stopped by and took their drink orders. When their drinks were delivered they weren't accompanied by their waitress, but by a large elderly man in a nice suit.
"Hey, Castle, I thought you had lost the address of my place here." He turned toward Kate. "And who is this vision of beauty, and why is she wasting her time with you?" He took Kate's hand a dropped a chaste kiss on it.
Castle rolled his eyes. "Kate, meet the owner of Smitty's Lounge, Charles Smith Sr."
Kate nodded toward the man. "Very pleased to meet you. Sr.? Should I assume there's a Jr. also?"
A large smile split the man's face as he nodded. "Yes you should. Junior runs the place now, so the old man can spend his time schmoozing with the customers." Smith turned to Castle. "You haven't been by in a while Rick, but if this gorgeous lady has been taking up most of your time and can certainly understand."
Kate was used to older men's flattery, but it was still nice to hear. Before she could respond Rick spoke up.
"That she has, Charley. This is my good friend, Detective Kate Beckett. I'm her partner at the 12th, and she certainly keeps me busy."
Kate shook her head. "Mr. Smith, if you know Castle at all, you certainly know that 'busy' is not one of his character faults."
Smith laughed. "So how did you get stuck with Castle, Detective?"
Kate rolled her eyes. "My captain made the mistake of allowing him shadow me for book research. That was nearly five years ago. He never left." She leaned closer to Smith. "I think he must be a slow learner."
That really had Smith laughing. Castle just sat there shaking his head.
"Well, you two have a wonderful time. The band will be starting shortly." He gave Kate a half bow. "It's been a pleasure meeting you Detective, I hope your evening will be enjoyable…even if it's with Castle."
Kate was shaking her head as she looked back at Castle. "Do you know everybody in New York?"
Castle put his fist to his chin. "Not everyone. I try to avoid the boring ones."
"I'm going to go out on a limb here." Kate stared into Castle's eyes. "I'm going to say that you have money in this place also."
Castle's huge smile was answer enough.
Their time at the club was magical. The drinks were large and always available, but Castle and Kate didn't spend a lot of time in their chairs.
The band was great and they played to their audience. It was Valentine's Day and the dance floor was well used by Rick and Kate as well as much of the rest of the patrons did also.
Truthfully, they didn't really have time to savor too many drinks since they spent most of their time dancing. It had been wonderfully intimate. And the music just kept the mood alive the entire evening.
Kate couldn't remember a time when she'd had such an incredible evening. She just had to figure out how much she would tell Lanie about the night. Her noisy best friend would be all over her tomorrow for the details.
Even though the night was waning, who knew what details still to experience were yet to come?
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It was a tired Kate Beckett who was escorted to her apartment door in the late hours of the most enjoyable evening she'd ever spent with a man. And they hadn't even been intimate.
Castle brought her to her door, and placed his hands on her shoulders and pulled her in for a toe-curling kiss that lasted longer than the breath that she had taken. She was gasping for air when they broke.
She quickly opened her door and took his hand in hers. "Would you like to come in for a nightcap… or something?"
Rick drew a finger down her cheek. "Just let me excuse the car service. I'll call for a cab when I need one." He stepped into the hall for a few seconds and called down to his driver.
Kate was standing in her foyer waiting for Castle to return. She knew what she wanted, but wasn't sure how to broach the subject. She'd had a most amazing evening and she wasn't in a hurry to have it end.
Castle came back into the apartment and let her lead him over to the couch. She had grabbed a couple bottles of water from the fridge while he was in the hallway. Opting for some water rather than more alcohol. They stared at each other, similar grins on their faces.
Castle took a quick swig from the water bottle, to break the staring contest. He smirked as he recaptured her gaze.
"I have a, sort of, secret to confess to you."
Kate's eyes widened. "Oh, really?"
He nodded. "Yes, you see, about three years ago we'd had a pleasant conversation on a Valentine's Day. We'd said our goodbyes at the precinct, and I went home."
Kate nodded. "I remember. You had asked me if I had plans for the evening, but I told you I had work to finish up, but I did wish you a good time for whatever plans you had for the evening."
He chuckled. "That right, only I didn't have any plans. Instead I went home to an empty loft and fantasized what my perfect Valentine's Day date would be." He placed his hand on her cheek. She leaned into it. "It was exactly the night we just had."
Kate pulled back, her eyes wide with a quick inhale of surprise. She gathered herself and found that not only was she smiling, but she was chuckling too.
"I can't believe you said that!" She pulled herself back together and pushed a stray lock of her brunette hair back behind her ear. "After I got home late that night, I sat in this couch and did the exact same thing. I didn't have any particular places in mind, but the whole evening I envisioned was exactly as it went tonight."
She bit down on her lip. "It was the most romantic evening I could ever have imagined… except for the one we had tonight."
Castle leaned in for another kiss.
They broke and Kate stood up and reached out her hand to him. "I can think of only one way this night could be any better."
She pulled him to his feet and led him compliantly into her bedroom.
FIN
A/N: This is for those who wanted a second act. I originally planned to post this on Valentine's Day, but since it would be on a Monday, I figured that most people would do their celebrating on the weekend. So here it is. You may use it as your guide for whatever plans you might have if you wish.
All Readers are appreciated, Review if you wish