Disclaimer: These characters do not belong to me, but they sure are fun to play with.

First Kiss

It wasn't their first kiss, not by a long shot. In their short relationship they've shared thousands of kisses. Sweet pecks in the rain, loving caresses after dark, and heated clashing whenever the moment took them. For some reason though this kiss felt like their first.

Their actual first kiss had taken her by surprise.

After a long night with no leads she was tired. All she wanted to do was go home, order some China Gardens delivery, and decompress on the couch. He had other ideas.

"Come to Remy's with me. We can build theory over burgers and shakes."

"No thanks. I need to go home and relax."

"I could go with you." He waggled his eyebrows. She rolled her eyes.

"No Castle. I said relax, not be annoyed."

"Ah yes. China Gardens and trashy reality shows." He smirked.

"They're not trashy." She blushed. Picking up her coat she made her way to the elevator. "See you tomorrow."

"Yeah." He echoed with a distant look in his eyes.

An hour later she sat on her couch with a glass of red wine, waiting for her food to arrive. She has already changed into her comfy blank pants and a loose fitting top. Suddenly there was a soft knock at the door. Moving toward the door languidly she looked through the peep-hole. She had to do a double-take. She opened the door to a smiling man holding her food.

"Castle! What are you doing here, with my food?" Pushing past her he sat the food down on her small coffee table.

"Well, I know you said you needed to relax, and I thought I could help." She rolled her eyes again. "And on my way in I saw the China Gardens' delivery boy and got your food for you." He smiled impishly.

"Thank you Castle, but I really just want to be alone." Her smile didn't reach her eyes and his faded slightly.

"Alright." He said, sounding dejected.

"Oh don't look so sad. You know how I am when I don't have any leads. I push and push, tonight, I need to take some time to relax and hopefully the answer will come to me." This time when she smiled he could tell that she meant it. He smiled back and moves closer to her.

"I'm always here for anything you need Kate." He placed his hands on her shoulders to show her comfort.

"I know Castle. Thank you." She moved into his embrace and allowed his arms to encircle her. She placed her head on his shoulder and let her body melt into his. They have been moving towards this moment for months now. Every day they got closer to the inevitable.

She pulled back from the hug and looked into his eyes. She could see her reflection in them. She liked the way she looked. A shiver ran up her spine. She was scared. She pulled out of his arms completely.

"Well, thanks for the food Castle." She moved to the front door and opened it. "Good night."

He nodded his understanding and left without another word.

Closing the door behind him, she leaned against it and let out a sigh of relief. One day a line was going to be crossed and she wasn't sure she was ready to cross it.

A knock startled her and again she checked the peep-hole. She sighed seeing Castle again. She opened the door.

"Castle wha-" Her words were lost as his lips crashed against hers. Her eyes widened in shock but her body reacted immediately. Her lips came to life under his as she met him caress for caress. His tongue demanded entrance to her mouth and she was happy to grant it. She moaned and pulled him closer. He kicked the door shut behind him. He spun her and pushed her up against the door. His lips left hers and traveled down her throat. She whimpered in response. She pulled his head back up to hers and resumed her exploration of his mouth. Suddenly, her eyes opened and she pulled away.

"The cousin!" She exclaimed.

"What?" He asked, still dazed from their heated kisses.

"His cousin Amber. She had motive."

"You're right. She also had means."

"I bet if we checked her alibi again we'll find it's not as solid as we thought."

Castle smiled at her. He stilled had her pushed up against the door and her lips were swollen from their kisses. He smirked. "So does that mean we have to go back to the precinct?"

She smiled back. "Yeah, but that doesn't mean we can't continue later." His eyes lit up as he let her leave his arms. "C'mon, let's go catch a killer."

So this wasn't their first kiss, and it hadn't taken her by surprise, but it was one of the best.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I now present Mr. and Mrs. Richard Castle."

End.

A.N.: Sappy, I know, but when things get stuck in your head, you gotta get 'em out!