AN:

Since it has been a few weeks since this story was posted, and readers were still finding it 'down-thread', I wanted to express my appreciation to those of you that have taken the time to review this story and to those whom have placed it in your 'favorite author', 'favorite story' and 'story alert' notifications. Those individuals that reviewed requested that I continue this story, as opposed to classifying it as 'complete'. I thought that it was incumbent upon me to provide my thought process in writing this short piece so as to make my intentions more clear.

I created this story after learning that the February 14th episode was to have somewhat of a Valentine's Day tone to it. Not a 'theme episode', but something with a slight nod. Realizing that by that episode Rick's pseudo-relationship with Gina would have been over, it became apparent that the Castle character would be in a position of being the odd man out during the day of amour. Kate would still be with Josh; Javier and Lanie would be together; Kevin and Jenny would be together; Roy and his wife would be together; Alexis and Ashley would be together and Martha would have her theatre friends. I wanted to write something that would lightly touch on Rick's thoughts and actions while allowing the reader to take the different aspects of the story in whatever direction they wanted. 'Angst' was certainly the overall 'feel' of the story, but the depth of it was going to be left to the reader.

The thoughts in my mind while I wrote had Rick dealing with his unabashed love for Kate, and facing the prospect that he was not in a position to do anything demonstrative toward sharing those feelings with her. The romantic in me wanted the realizations that these two characters are recognizing lead to something deeper. Alas, that is not to be for the near future, so I wanted the reader to take that aspect to whatever level they chose.

The Castle character's love for his daughter permeates this entire series. Always wanting to be there for her and make sure that she is cared for. He is not perfect in this role, but as I said in another author's note for another story, this character is the best father figure to be depicted on television in a very, very long time. I have read that Ms. Katic would like the opportunity to show the 'softer side' of the Kate character. It makes me wish that they had made the Alexis character one year younger, so that she would still be around the loft full time when Rick and Kate may begin to develop their relationship. I think the Kate character would demonstrate a magnificent mother figure. Perhaps we can hope that they have Alexis choose to go to NYU, Columbia or The New School, enabling her to still be in the city, thus more accessible.

While still addressing the Rick/Alexis relationship, the ruminating scene toward the end of this story is a reflection of the scene toward the end of S1/E02 (I'm fairly sure that is the episode). The picture that Rick pulls from his desk is one of the most poignant moments of this entire series. The picture captures a moment that any parent can utterly wrap their heart around, especially a single parent. She is the love of his life, but as I note, that is a father's love.

To me, when expressing love in a sentimental fashion, 'less is more'. The single rose outshines the massive bouquet every time. The simple words replace the monologues. I got lucky with Rick using one of the words in his simple reply to Kate in the ambulance scene during 'Knockdown'. Even though the Kate character may still be conflicted, and is obviously still with Josh in some fashion, I do feel that she would most certainly experience the emotional impact of the meaning behind Rick's gift and words.

Finally, with regard to Jim Beckett. It is a shame that his scenes had to be cut from 'Knockdown', but I interpreted the still photographs of the episode to show a kinship, if not an actual friendship being initiated by the Rick/Jim pair. His inviting Jim to dinner was not based on the motives that were behind Rick's acceptance of the dinner invitation by Maddie (when Kate had to turn her down because she had a date with Tom). Rick had no intention of pumping Jim for information about the 'young Kate' (as that was his intention with Maddie; as well as not missing out on a fine dining experience), his only mindset was furthering the development of a friendship with an older man whose company he had come to enjoy. Because of Rick's plans for the Nikki Heat royalties, my mindset had Mr. James Beckett being one of the new board members of the Castle Foundation that was introduced at that afternoon's meeting. I wanted to leave it up to the reader to interpret it that way, if they so chose.

Hell, it has taken me about half as many words as the story itself to explain my rationale. 'Less is more'. I should have just said the premise was 'Angst', both in content and brevity. Sorry about that. Thank you again for your interest and thoughts.

P.S.

There was a response on Twitter from Terry Edda Miller (Exec. Producer of Castle) that noted that for the purpose of Season 3 of Castle, Alexis is a junior in high school. This is an encouraging note. It will provide Kate the opportunity to have even more contact with Alexis during Season 4.