Chapter Two:
As Beckett circled the body, peppering the crouching Lanie with questions, Castle stood quietly off to the side, trying his best to look nonchalant but failing miserably. He hadn't felt this excited in a long time, and he was never good at hiding his emotions. He already had to stop himself from humming the tune for "Tonight's the Night" and he couldn't quit grinning!
Esposito and Ryan noticed Castle's funky demeanor. Ryan leaned in to his partner and whispered," What's with Castle? He hasn't said a word. And I swear he was just humming!"
Esposito chucked. "I know, he's usually spouted a dozen corny ideas by now. One thing's for sure, if something's going on with Castle, chances are it has something to do with Beckett."
"Roger that," Ryan smiled. "Let's see if I can get him going." Ryan strolled casually over to where Castle was standing, gently poked him in the ribs and quipped, "What's up, big guy? You're awfully quiet. Trouble with a lady, perhaps?"
Castle's grin got even wider as he retorted, "Far from that, my friend. Things couldn't be better. In fact, if you must know, I have just been told…." He glanced over to the body and caught Beckett glaring menacingly at him. "Never mind".
Lanie, Esposito and Ryan all caught the exchange, and Lanie quickly jumped into the banter.
"Come on, Castle, you're smiling like you just hit the Powerball, and we know you don't need the money. And not a single CIA conspiracy theory has crossed those lips today. Let us in on what's got you so darn perky!"
"Well, err, um, I just got some good news; well it's not really news. Let's just say that I'm very happy. Down right dandy. In fact, I'm fantastic!"
Beckett saw the intrigued looks on all of their faces and realized that Castle's 'news' would continue to be the topic of their questioning. She also knew Castle; he wouldn't be able keep quiet about their date much longer.
She decided the best course of action was to tackle things head on. "Actually class, our little Ricky is excited because I've just agreed to go on one date with him. To shut him up, of course."
The reaction was decisive: Ryan promptly dropped his pen and notebook in astonishment; Esposito slapped Castle so hard on the back he almost fell over; and Lanie yelled, "You go, girl! About time!"
As Castle regained his footing and began accepting high fives from the boys, Beckett tried to regain control of the group's mood, stating calmly, "Look guys, its only one date. Trust me that will probably be the end of it. And I have rules."
"Rules?" Esposito chuckled. "Our man Castle can't handle any rules."
Lanie stood up, looking confused. "You finally decide to give this poor, lovesick puppy a chance and you impose rules? Who are you, Judge Judy? What the hell do you mean by rules?"
"Simple rules," Beckett said calmly, staring at the body and trying not to blush over Lanie's use of the term lovesick puppy. "One date. He has to behave. First base only. Things like that."
"And you think those things are simple to Castle?" Ryan smirked. He and Esposito exchanged a quick fist bump.
Castle couldn't contain himself. "Gentleman please, the lady has agreed to go out on a date with me. Let's just leave it at that." But of course, he couldn't.
"The fact that Katherine Beckett will be amazed by my charisma and mesmerized by my rugged good looks will be her little secret to share with all of you only as she wishes."
Beckett glared at him. "We'll see about that, Castle, since you're close to violating the rules before we even go out!" She turned to Lanie and said coolly. "I'm done here. Let me know what you find at the lab."
"Come on, Kate," Lanie pleaded. "We're waited a long time for this. Let us have a little fun. And poor Castle's just excited because you're finally giving him a chance!" Castle nodded appreciatively at Lanie.
Kate turned back towards the group. "OK, fine. You've had your laughs and Castle got to brag a little, but that's enough. I don't want this to be a distraction. We need to focus on the case."
"Can you at least tell us when you guys are going to go out on this date?" Lanie begged.
Beckett shrugged. "Oh, that's not going to happen until after we solve this murder."
It was Castle's turn to be shocked. "What? But that could be days…weeks! Beckett, come on, that's not fair!"
"Who said life was fair, Castle? Let's go. We have work do to!" She began walking back toward the car.
Esposito looked dourly at Castle. "That's rough bro'. First probation and now a waiting period. I know some felons that have it better than that."
Ryan also sensed his opportunity to tease the suddenly distraught Castle, commenting dryly as he surveyed the crime scene, "Yea, and we sure don't have much here to go on around here." He looked toward the retreating detective and yelled, "Hey Beckett, what happens to Castle's date if this ends up a cold case?"
Richard Castle visibly winced. So far his much-anticipated date with Kate Beckett was not unfolding the way he would have written it.