Author Note:

As always, thank you all so much for the love you're showing this fic. I love seeing the your reviews, alerts and favs etc.. and I'm glad you seem to be enjoying it as much as I am writing it.

This chapter and I had a complete love-hate relationship (as Tatah will testify,) and I'm irrationally nervous about posting it - so I hope you guys like.

Thank you thahcn as always for being my sounding board at 2, 3 and 4am and for working your beta magic on this chapter... And for your input on future chapters ;)

There will be an M-rated additional chapter to this posted as a separate story sometime over the next few days for those of you that are interested, so do look out for that.

-Leigh

Disclaimer:

Clearly not Andrew Marlowe, and I'm just borrowing Castle and Beckett for my own (and their) pleasure. They'll be returned (virtually unharmed) when I'm done playing ;)

Convergence

Chapter Three

Kate moves purposefully across the bullpen and Castle - oblivious to this and still engrossed in his game - jumps when he senses her behind him, "you ready to head out?"

He minimizes his screen, watching as she moves around him and briefly begins to tidy the contents of her desk, "how did it go?"

She's unable to let go of these lingering feelings of guilt but Ryan and Esposito don't appear to have any hard feelings so perhaps it's just another item to add to the list of things she needs to work through, "fine - it was fine." She hears the uncertainty in her own voice, and hastens to add, "they let me off a lot lighter than I would have done."

"And how are you doing?" His hand covers the one that has just reached for the case paperwork and he gives her a gentle squeeze.

Kate closes her eyes briefly; the stress of the past few days hits her with the weight of his simple question and she realizes how emotionally exhausted she is, "I'm okay," she murmurs, because he's still waiting for an answer. "Let's just get out of here."

Castle grabs her jacket from the back of her chair, and she allows him to help her on with it, reveling in the familiarity of the gesture; the comforting way his thumbs brush against the back of her neck under the guise of lifting her hair from beneath the collar. Then he grabs her by the hand, gently tugging her into his side and wrapping an arm around her waist.

Kate doesn't resist the embrace, slipping her arm comfortably around his waist. She even allows the kiss he presses against her temple, feeling some of the stresses and strains physically leave her body. "Night guys," she turns to address Ryan and Esposito, who are hovering in the doorway to the break room and - with great interest - watching the scene unfold.

In the entire time that they've known Beckett and Castle are dating - even after the bomb incident - public displays of affection between the two have been few and far between, to the point where they joke that there was more physical contact in the four years where they weren't together. So this is something of a rarity. "See you tomorrow," the guys chorus as their friends head for the elevator.

"Fifty on them being engaged by Christmas?" Esposito mutters out of the corner of his mouth, but he's unable to prevent his lips from twisting into a grin.

"You really think it's gonna take that long? Did you see the way she looked at him just then?" Ryan snorts, "dude, you're losing your touch but you are so on!" They fist bump to seal the deal.

Beckett waits until the elevator doors have closed behind them, before turning to Castle, "did they really just bet on when we're gonna get married?" she checks, her voice raising incredulously.

"I do believe they did," Castle smirks, "why? You wanna give them something to talk about?"

"Well you still have the ring in your pocket?" Kate jokes, and she doesn't fail to notice the way his eyes widen slightly when she carries on the charade.

"I'm game if you are?"

A laugh tumbles from her lips, and she thinks it surprises them both how easy it is to slip back into being them. She'd expected him not to let the matter drop completely, but not two hours have passed since his initial proposal, "you're gonna have to do better than that, Mr Castle."

"Challenge accepted, Detective Beckett," Kate knows she's just played right into his hands, but she decides that just maybe she's okay with that. She slides her hand into his as the elevator doors open and they step out into the lobby.

When they step outside, they find the rain has stopped and the storm seems to have broken the humidity, leaving a slight chill in the air and an all around fresher atmosphere. "Your place or mine?" Castle asks, when they separate to climb into her vehicle.

Kate bites down on her lip thoughtfully and she concentrates on pulling out into the road before responding, "actually, would you mind if we went out tonight?"

If he's surprised at her request he doesn't let it show, "I'm sure I can call and get us some dinner reservations somewhere."

She's expertly navigating the cruiser through the city's evening traffic until they're forced to come to a standstill because of a red light, "don't worry about it, I've got this." She leans across the passenger seat and lets her lips brush his cheek, "I'm gonna go home and shower now, so shall we say half eight?"

This is her way of taking some time to herself, to think and to put the events of the day in order, without making him feel like he isn't welcome and she knows he gets that. He catches her lips in a quick kiss, before the lights change, "sounds good to me."

They make the rest of the journey in a companionable silence, each caught up in their own individual musings. "Try not to miss me too much while I'm gone," Castle teases, as she approaches his building and pulls up alongside the kerb. She makes an indistinct noise in the back of her throat and gives him a gentle shove in the direction of the door, "okay - okay - I'm going." He kisses her once more before exiting the car.

Kate watches him greet his doorman and head inside, before driving off in the direction of her own apartment.

She's just gotten out of the shower when her phone rings the first time, and she perches herself on the edge of the bath to answer, water dripping all over the floor.

"What are you wearing?" Castle's voice floats over the line, by way of greeting. Whatever happened to hello?

A smirk tugs at the corner of her lips and Kate takes the opportunity to have a little bit of fun at his expense, "currently, just a towel."

"Remind me why I didn't decide to FaceTime you instead?" she can hear the whine in his voice and is torn between amusement and exasperation, "that's just cruel Beckett, but I actually meant tonight."

"Well perhaps if you'd let me go and get ready, you might get to find out sometime in the near future," she puts the phone on loudspeaker and places it on the counter, while she searches for the hairdryer.

She can hear movement at his end of the call before he next speaks, "just tell me the color - I want us to coordinate."

Kate rolls her eyes, despite the fact he obviously can't see her, "God Castle, you honestly are the most metrosexual man I've ever met!"

"Not helping Kate!"

"Wear a white shirt and you'll be fine," Kate concedes finally, distracted and fully aware that she's pressed for time.

The second time he calls, it startles her completely and as a result the gold nail varnish she's applying misses her nails and ends up streaked across her foot. She curses under her breath.

"What do you want now?" Irritation thinly laces her tone, and she concentrates on trying to remove the offending stain.

"I just wondered if you wanted me to bring the Ferrari or if I needed to call my driver," he sounds slightly apprehensive, as if he realizes his second interruption isn't welcomed and despite herself Kate smiles.

"I swear to God if you keep interrupting me the only vehicle you'll be traveling in tonight is the back of the morgue-mobile," she answers back; the humor in her voice letting him know she's joking. "The car service will be fine."

Not twenty minutes have passed since the second phone call and he's standing on her doorstep, despite the fact it's still only just after eight. She's mostly ready now, though he's caught her halfway through applying her make up.

She's wearing a white halter-neck dress which falls midway down her thighs, cinched in at the waist by a gold chain, and a pair of glittery gold stilettos. She's also re-curled her hair, letting it fall in gentle waves across her shoulders.

"You're early," she complains, pulling open the door wider to let him in, at the same time affording him a glimpse of the expanse of skin on display due to the backless nature of the garment.

"Wow," he lets out a low whistle and she feels a surge of pride that she can still render him speechless after a year of being together, and the four prior to that which he spent chasing her. "You look -"

Words fail him and instead he rests his hands respectably on either side of her waist and pulls her to him for a kiss, "I missed you," he mumbles against her mouth.

"Castle, you just saw me an hour ago," Kate points out with a smile, twisting out of his grip and walking back towards her bathroom.

He doesn't reply, following her and hovering in the doorway. She turns back to prompt him for a response when she notes his dazed expression, and where his line of vision is focused. "Hey Ricky, my face is up here," she grins at the noticeable effect her bedroom voice has on him.

Castle has the grace to look slightly guilty as she chastises him, but it doesn't prevent him from protesting his innocence and moving further into the room, undeterred by the look she shoots him. "What? Is it a crime to admire a beautiful woman now?" he makes a deliberate show of letting his eyes roam over her curves, gaze lingering on her legs.

"Well if the look on your face is anything to go by, I'd say that whatever is going on in your head is a little past admiration," she bites down on her lip, taking a step back out of his personal space. As much as she knows affecting him, the feeling is most certainly mutual and if they're ever going to make it out of her apartment the physical distance is necessary.

"Well you can hardly blame me," Castle weakly defends himself, his own voice dropping a further octave with his next words, "do you have any idea how incredible you look standing there like that...my God Kate." He stops talking and for a second she thinks he might be lost for words but then he's closing the distance between them and silencing her protests by crashing his lips against hers. Then she stops thinking altogether.

As much as Kate tries to tell herself to push him away, the message must have gotten lost in translation on it's way from her brain to her arms, because she physically can't seem to collect herself enough to do so. She groans as his teeth sink into her lip, feeling his hands roughly tangle in her hair. Her mouth opens in silent protest but that's as far as it goes, because he deepens the kiss, working her up further.

"Castle, you're making this so hard," she sighs, trying halfheartedly to free herself from the embrace he's created. She could easily take him; but a trip to the ER isn't high on the evening's agenda and she doesn't really want to have to explain this at the precinct tomorrow either. The boys would never let them live this down.

"Isn't that supposed to be my line?" he deliberately lets his arms snake around her waist, cupping her ass and pulling her flush against him, curves melding against his sturdy frame. Castle grins smugly, hearing the soft moan that leaves her mouth even as Kate does her utmost to prevent it from escaping.

"You need to stop," she gasps finally, pulling away when their dependence on oxygen becomes an issue. The sensations his fingers are creating when they trail down her spine are quickly becoming unbearable and her skin erupts into goosebumps at each point his digits depart. "We've got reservations for dinner in half an hour," she points out, turning her head to glance at the clock.

Castle is quick to take advantage of this and dips his head, pressing open-mouthed kisses against her neck. "We could always cancel," he whispers, pushing her up against the counter and pinning her there with his thigh, "stay in like we planned."

His teeth graze her pulse point, and his name comes out a breathy whisper on her lips, "Rick please."

Kate is thankful that he takes her seriously just then, because if he keeps that up she knows she won't have the willpower necessary to push him away. He moves away from her and she lets out a shallow breath, trying to recover. "Hold that thought, yeah?" she manages finally, leaning heavily on the counter for support.

"You wanna tell me what tonight is really all about?" Castle prompts her gently, "not that I'll ever complain about going on a date with a beautiful woman - especially when that beautiful woman is you-"

She silences him by pressing a finger against his lips and when she catches his eye, there's almost shyness reflected in her expression. She reaches for him, letting her fingers lace through his, "I know we've got a long way to go and that there's still a hell of a lot to talk about," she starts hesitantly, "and I know dinner isn't the answer to all of our problems, but I think it would be good for us to just... go out and do some of the things normal couples do."

Kate's not speaking loudly, but her voice reverberates around the room and she can see him hanging onto every word, "we kinda skipped the whole dating stage and - don't get me wrong Castle, being with you is always amazing - but it's been a year, we could use a little normality and I guess I just want all of that with you."

She is blushing furiously now, a soft smile adorning her face and when Castle glances back at her, his expression borders on amazement and she vows there and then that the next time she puts that look on his face, he'll be putting a ring on her finger.

"Whatever the lady wants," He says seriously, unlinking their hands but not letting go, bringing it up to brush his lips against inside of her wrist. "I love you, and you know I have no problem showing the world you're mine."

A shiver runs down her spine at the gentle caress of his fingers and she reluctantly lets go of his hand, consciously aware that they're going to be late if he doesn't let her finish getting ready. "Thank you for humoring me," She leans up, pressing a chaste kiss against his lips, and pulls away letting her hands wander the expanse of his chest at the same time, pushing him gently in the direction of the door.

"Understood, Detective," Castle murmurs, unable to resist pulling her to him for one more kiss. Then, sensing she's about to reprimand him, he quickly lets go of her and nonchalantly wanders away. Listening intently Kate smiles, letting the bathroom door shut behind her and turning back to retouch her lips and finish applying the rest of her make up.

Much to Kate's surprise, they arrive at the restaurant on time and Castle looks on in astonishment as she greets one of the hosts - clearly familiar with him - and they are led straight to their table. It is in a dimly lit alcove right at the back of the room, easily obscured from public view. "How did you-?"

Her lip twitches and she's mildly amused as she notes the look on his face, "I know people too," she teases before he can finish his comment, and she likes that even though it's been five years, he still doesn't know everything about her.

Castle has never been here before, but as he looks around taking in the ambience and instantly approving of the place, he can see why it would appeal to Kate. It's quite a cosy establishment and the manner in which the tables are arranged creates enough just enough intimacy for people not to feel like they're intruding on the other patrons.

Ever the gentleman, he pulls out the chair for her to sit and she flashes him an appreciative smile. He deliberately lets his touch linger on her upper back for a second longer than necessary, before moving around the table and seating himself opposite her.

No sooner have they both sat down, then a waiter is instantly at Kate's side, "my name is Pablo, I'll be attending to you this evening. Can I offer you something to drink while you peruse the dinner menu Miss Beckett?"

"It's just Kate," she answers firmly, "and yes -" her eyes briefly scan the drinks menu, "I'll have a glass of the Brunello di Montalcino," she glances up at Castle, "Rick?"

"Make it a bottle," he answers, impressed with her choice and greatly looking forward to the chance to peel away yet another layer of the Beckett onion later.

"Ahh good choice," Pablo smiles, scribbling on his pad, "Antonio says you can't leave before he's seen you tonight," the young waiter passes along the message. "It's been too long."

The sparkle in her eye seems to dim briefly, but she acknowledges the message with a smile. "It has," she replies softly, "but i'm glad i'm here."

Their waiter disappears with the drinks order, and for a second there is silence between them. Castle's silence is a measure of how obviously his curiosity is eating at him, but he's known her long enough to know she'll tell him when she's good and ready. "So what would you recommend eating Detective?" the subtle change of subject lets her know that he knows but not pushing her for anything.

For what feels like the millionth time that day she finds herself exceptionally grateful that he's become so attuned to her, so adept at reading her body language and she even manages a small grin, "well as you obviously just heard it's been a while, but as far as I remember you can pretty much have anything off their menu and I guarantee it'll be the best meal you've ever tasted."

Castle arches his eyebrow slightly at her words, "that's quite a statement." He leans in closer across the table and she can hear the challenge in his voice, "in fact you're so confident, why don't you surprise me?"

"You want me to choose?" he's momentarily thrown her off her game and - judging by the smug smirk he wears - he knows it.

"You know what I like."

They're barely inches apart now and there's a different kind of tension growing by the second, "you're on," she breathes, eyes landing on the dinner menu.

Castle reaches across the table and begins to trace lazy circles on the back of her hand, distracting her from the task. His motions still at the same time she flicks her eyes back up to him, his movements having captivated her when he started toying with her ring finger. She can tell his imagination has ran away with him, but finds herself picturing what she'll look like wearing his ring. Oh hell, it hasn't even been a day.

She feels herself beginning to blush, sees Castle presumably opening his mouth to tease her and has never been more relieved at being interrupted when Pablo reappears with their wine.

He uncorks the bottle and pours a generous measure into each of their glasses before replacing it on the table, and turning to address Kate with a megawatt smile - oblivious to the scene he's intruding on, "are you ready to order?"

"Yes, thank you," Beckett glances quickly at Castle who is frowning slightly at how attentive Pablo is being.

"We'd like the Mozzarela in Carrozza and the Bruschetta for our starters and then I think I'll have the Perciatelli with Meat Sauce and Fontina," she hesitates, glancing back down at the menu, "and my boyfriend would like the Carne Piccante Calzone." She places an emphasis on the word inwardly laughing as Castle's face visibly brightens. So predictable.

Pablo finishes scribbling down their order and he's unable to miss the looks that pass between the couple, or the one which Castle directs at him before he disappears back into the kitchen.

"CASTLE," she admonishes him, shooting him the glare he knows so well.

"What?" he answers innocently, and she can see the muscles in his face twitching as he fights to prevent his face from breaking out into a boyish grin.

Kate hides her own smile behind the rim of her wine glass, "you know what," she stares him down sternly across the table, "Pablo was nothing but nice."

"To you maybe, he completely ignored me," Castle mutters, and he looks so indignant that a giggle bubbles up in her throat at the sight. There's a moment of silence as he drinks from his own glass, "but I have to admit, he has good taste," he concedes eventually, flashing her a winning smile.

Kate can't help it, and she finally gives into her desire to laugh. This was so completely him, and it's one of the things she loves about him, not that she'll ever admit to it. She reaches over and caresses his cheek, "don't worry hotshot, I'm with you aren't I?"

"You are," the pride in his voice spills over and Castle covers her hand with his own bringing it to his lips and letting them brush against her palm. They make eye contact and for a second she's taken aback by the tenderness in his expression, "I love you."

"I know," how could she have even considered giving this up? "And I love you too."

They talk about everything and nothing for a while at the same time as consuming the majority of the bottle of wine and verging on the edge of a serious discussion only once. That particular moment of awkwardness passes with the arrival of their starters.

"Beckett?" Castle catches her attention a while later, "aren't I a little too distinguished to be considered your boyfriend?" He smirks, and she shakes her head, swatting him on the arm.

"I wouldn't go that far-"

Their main courses arrive then, temporarily stemming any further conversation as they focus their attention on the steaming dishes in front of them. Kate takes a mouthful of her pasta, and she is unable to suppress the sigh that escapes because the flavors and the texture instantly please her tastebuds. She notices Castle watching her with a look of barely concealed amusement and shoots him a look which says quite plainly, well what are you waiting for?

Castle takes the hint, picks up his cutlery and slices into his calzone, the filling oozing out across the plate. He lifts the fork to his lips and chews silently for a minute, "this is good," he says grudgingly, biting back a laugh at the incredulous look on her face. He takes another bite, "okay, this is really good."

"Here, try this," she expertly twirls the pasta on her plate around her fork and leans across the table to feed it to him.

"Hmmm," He murmurs around his mouthful, "that's good too... now you?" Castle cuts up another piece of his meal and offers it to her, as she had him. She wraps her mouth around his fork, and he shakes his head to clear it of the sudden mental imagery that simple gesture conjures up. He's pretty sure she's the only woman in the world who could make simply eating a meal so damn sexy.

Judging by the smoldering look Kate gives him as she swallows, she's fully aware of the effect she's having, and where his thoughts have descended to. Because she's right there with him. Her gaze moves down to his lips and she watches his mouth open and close for a second, "what's up Writer Boy - lost for words?"

Castle seems to regain some of his equilibrium, "only when it comes to you, Detective," he quips, but the underlying honesty there touches her and Kate looks at him, giving him a shy smile, covering his hands with hers and squeezing.

They return their attention to their half finished meals - occasionally pausing to feed each other and Castle feels something brush against his leg. Although he ignores it at first, his eyes widen when he feels it again with slightly more pressure and Kate struggles not to choke on her mouthful at his reaction.

He glances up at her and sees that the teasing look is back. She deliberately lets the toes of one foot trail up his shin, her lips curving up into a smirk. He tries to move his leg out of her range but only ends up giving her more space and she continues to tease him, to the point where her foot is resting on his lap.

Kate raises her drink to her mouth, and an idea quickly forms in the back of Castle's mind. He casually slides his hand along the length of her calf, shifting in his seat to allow him better access. She's unable to prevent herself from reacting and abruptly inhales the contents of her glass, coughing slightly and glaring at Castle when he gives her a shit-eating grin.

Unable to control himself for much longer he removes his hand from her leg, and occupies it by pouring the remainder of the bottle of wine into his glass. She instantly misses the contact, but she knows there's only so much self control either of them possess, "hey Castle, you wanna get out of here?"

Castle looks up at her, signaling for the waiter to bring them the bill. "Why, detective Beckett, I thought you would never ask."

"Kate Beckett," she turns her head at the sound of her name being called and her face splits into a wide grin. She gets up from her seat and finds herself wrapped in a fierce hug, "let me look at you."

The guy draws back and she feels herself blush as he gives her a quick once over, "well the years have certainly been good to you. Whatever happened to little Katie Beckett?"

If she was blushing before, her face is practically scarlet now, "she grew up and joined the police academy," her voice almost wavers, and when she looks back at Antonio she can tell their thoughts have reached the same conclusion.

"You on the other hand haven't changed at all. You're exactly like I remember." Kate tries to inject some enthusiasm into her words, to dispel the sense of loss she suddenly feels.

Turning to Castle - still sat at the table watching their exchange with interest - she gestures to him with one hand, "Antonio, allow me to introduce you to Richard Castle, my-." There's a pause and Castle's eyes are twinkling as they both remember the evening's earlier exchange and just like that she's okay again, "my partner."

"Rick this is Antonio Ricardo, a long time friend of my family and the owner of this incredible eatery."

Castle stands up from his seat and reaches out to grasp the other man's hand, "it's a pleasure to meet you. Kate's right, the food here is incredible."

"The pleasure is all mine, my wife and daughters all love your books."

Castle flashes him the look which Kate recognises as his best selling author grin "They have terrific taste." He really is shameless she thinks.

"I'll tell them you think so," Antonio laughs and turns back to address Kate. "So, how's that old dad of yours doing, anyway?"

Kate smiles, and she knows it's only Castle who notices her moment of hesitation before speaking, "He's doing well, thanks. I'll tell him you asked after him."

"You do that. And tell him he needs to come in and have a decent meal. It's been too long." Twenty years too long.

"I will - tell Maria I say hey."

"You can tell her yourself when you come for dinner sometime soon." He pulls a pen and pad out and scribbles a number down, "call us."

Pablo returns with their bill just then, slapping it down on the table and Kate is already reaching for her purse, ignoring Castle's noises of protest. It turns out that he doesn't need to worry though, because Antonio places his hand over hers.

"Put your money away," he says firmly, refusing to take the payment from her. "Your parents didn't pay here, and neither do you."

When they step out of the restaurant, Castle's driver is already parked at the kerb, "Good evening Mr Castle - Miss Beckett," he says acknowledging them with a nod of his head, and opening the door so they're able to climb into the back of the town car - Castle instructing him to drive them back to the loft.

An easy silence lingers between them, and her head rests on his shoulder, the lights outside give her an almost ethereal glow and he's not sure he's ever seen her look quite this beautiful.

His hand rests comfortably on her knee but the journey progresses, and his touch stops being quite so innocent. She too is beginning to have difficulty keeping her hands to herself. The alcohol in their systems isn't enough to get them drunk but is enough to leave them feeling sufficiently buzzed. Kate shifts awkwardly in her seat, her dress riding further up her thighs, and she's even more acutely aware of where Castle's gaze is focused. But then, he hasn't been able to take his eyes off her all evening.

She closes her eyes, just reveling in the feel of his hands tracing patterns on her bare skin, leaving her feeling feverish. Her breath catches in her throat when his touch skims the place where she's felt an increasing need for him ever since he set foot in her apartment. "Castle, don't start something you can't finish right now-" she warns, not opening her eyes - but he knows if she did, she'd be glaring at him.

She feels him reluctantly retract his hand, feels his chest contract beneath her, and grins, "don't look so disappointed Ricky. We waited for four years - I'm sure another twenty minutes won't kill you." She leans up to let her lips brush his, skimming them over the stubble beneath his chin, because she secretly likes it when he hasn't shaved for a couple of days.

When her lips find his again he's on her instantly, his kiss demanding more of her, hands tangling in her hair and pulling her as close as they possibly can get, due to the restriction created by their seatbelts. Despite what she has just said, she relents kissing him back with every bit as much passion and longing, leaving him in no doubt as to what her intentions are when they make it home. Her tongue slides across his lips, and his mouth drops open slightly, willingly allowing her entrance. They're engaged in a furious battle for dominance but are both consciously aware that it doesn't matter who wins or loses.

He moves his lips away from hers, pressing hot kisses along her jawline, "why take that risk?" he breathes the words against the column of her throat.

And she can't help it; she gives in.