So I realized that I didn't mark this story complete when I first posted it. (I meant to. Whoops.) And then I was like, well, actually that's okay. I'm continuing it, because I've been thinking about writing a story where they're actually a couple for both seasons 3 and 4 anyways, and this allows me to do just that.
Skipping ahead a few episodes now.
Thank you for not only all the wonderful feedback but for also following along this journey with me!
2x24 - A Deadly Game
"It's kind of like a tradition. Bonfires, roasting marshmallows, telling ghost stories, sleeping late. We've done it since she was five."
"Sounds nice," Kate says, giving him a shy smile. "Kind of magical, actually."
His eyes light up. He considered inviting her, he really did, but he wasn't sure if it was too soon to whisk her away to the Hamptons. Not only that, but she has to work. But with the way she's looking at him now, all coy and hinting, he thinks she might actually want to go. Montgomery wouldn't mind giving her some time off, right?
"You know what? You should come," Castle tells her, nearly bouncing on his toes with excitement. "It's right on the ocean, there's a secluded pool. You could lay out, work on your tan."
"You just want to see me in a swimsuit," she replies easily, quirking an eyebrow up at him.
"If you're not comfortable in a swimsuit you can just skinny dip," he retorts, then lowering his voice as they near the crime scene, "Nothing I haven't seen before."
She bites the inside of her cheek, trying not to smile. Her face is flaming, because the thought of skinny dipping with him under the stars-
Yeah. Okay.
Work now, fantasizing later.
Kate is just getting off the phone when Castle sets down his cell with a picture of the beach and a cup of coffee on her desk.
"Ocean view from my patio," he tells her, dropping down into his chair. "It does not get better than this."
She picks up the phone, admiring the view as she pretends to ponder his offer. She glances at him, has to hold in her grin. He's staring at her, chin in his hand, eyes wide with anticipation. Adorable.
"Okay," she says, sliding the phone back to him.
"Okay? Okay as in yes?"
"Let me talk to Montgomery about getting the weekend off, but yeah."
"Just like that?"
"Just like that."
"I so wish I could kiss you right now," he says in a soft voice so nobody around them can hear.
She bites her lip, takes a deep breath, and gets them back on track with the case. The faster it's solved, the faster they can get to the Hamptons.
It's late by the time the case is closed, but not too late to drive to his house and get a head start on their weekend at the beach. They part ways on the main floor at the precinct, Castle promising to pick her up in half an hour.
When Kate gets home she double checks that she has everything she needs packed into her duffel bag before changing out of her work clothes into something a little more comfortable for the drive.
The boys are suspicious. They've been bothering her all week about where she's going and more importantly who she's going with. They asked if it was Demming multiple times, didn't notice Castle's eye rolls whenever the robbery detective's name was brought up.
Kate wants to tell them, but she also wants to keep things private for now, wants to bask in the newness of she and Castle's relationship before they tell people. After that it's only a matter of time before the media finds out, and they both would like to delay that for as long as possible.
There's a knock on her door and Kate has to tame down her beaming smile when she answers it. He gives her a quick peck on the lips before slipping into her apartment.
"Shall we?" he asks, already hoisting her bag onto his shoulder like a true gentleman, holding out his other arm for her to take.
"We shall." She laces her arm through his after she shuts and locks her door.
"So, Castle," Kate starts when he climbs into the driver's seat after putting her bag in the trunk of his Mercedes, "What do you have planned for me this weekend?"
"You'll just have to wait and see."
"You know, I really don't like surprises."
He just smiles in reply, doesn't give anything away, sliding his hand across the middle console onto her thigh as they weave through the late New York traffic. Kate laces their fingers together atop her leg, relaxing into her seat. He fiddles with the radio station, stopping on an old classics one. Pearl Jam filters through the speakers, lulling her into a peaceful slumber.
Over two hours later they're pulling into his drive. Rick gently untangles their fingers, stepping out of the car. He opens her door and leans down, rubbing his hand up and down her shoulder.
"Kate," he speaks softly, "Hey. We're here."
Her eyes open and find his easily.
"Hi," she whispers, unbuckling her seatbelt. She climbs out of the car, taking in the large house looming over them in the dark. There are some lights left on from when the housekeeper came and stocked it with food today, casting a soft glow across the property, absolutely breathtaking against the starry sky. "Wow, Castle. This is… wow."
He presses a kiss to her temple, rounding the car to grab their bags.
"Just wait until you see the inside."
This is pretty short and sweet. The next chapter will be more, but I wanted to get something up for you guys.