Kate and Rick heard the sound of the phone line disconnecting and he pulled her into a desperate hug. Beckett let him hold her for a minute but then gently pulled away.
"Not a bad performance there, Barrymore."
"Well, I am the bastard son of world famous actress, Martha Rogers."
Beckett was stopped by the trace of anger and bitterness she heard in his voice. Kate and every other Richard Castle fan knew that there was no father listed on his birth certificate. Was he still bothered by that fact after all these years? Kate wanted to ask him about that and had so many other questions but she knew right now his emotions were all churned up. He had already told her more about himself in the last half hour than he had in the last six months. She decided to change the subject. "How long do you think it will take for the food to get here? I'm starving!"
"Remy's is about ten minutes from my place. It takes about 20-30 minutes to get an order to go and then another ten to drive here...If I know Michael, and after ten years as my driver I do, he'll probably be here in 30 minutes or less. What do you want to do until dinner arrives?" Rick Castle wiggled his eyebrows at her suggestively.
Kate rolled her eyes at his usual antics but was glad that his somber mood had improved or perhaps he felt that he had revealed too much of the "Real Rick". He had put back on the mask of his public persona to protect himself.
"Just remember this is a glass box and there are people outside watching us. "
"Wow, that sounds kinky! Let's give them a show they'll never forget. What do you say?"
"I say, forget it! Besides, I desperately need a shower."
"I'd be happy to wash your back or anything else….."
"I'm sure you would but I think I can handle it. First, we need to get some towels and soap."
"And work out the sleeping arrangements?"
"Oh, I've already worked them out. This is mine and that is yours." She pointed to the bed furthest from hers.
"Why Detective Beckett, you wound me. Do you actually think I would take advantage of this distressing situation to have my way with you?"
"Yeah, I do, in a New York minute, Castle! Just remember, I may not have my gun but I am also trained in weaponless defense, so back off."
Just then the intercom crackled back into life. "Your supplies are here."
Kate opened the panel to find some clean scrubs, towels, shampoo, soap and toilet paper. There were also two small plastic bags with a trial size deodorant, toothpaste and a toothbrush.
Rick reached over her shoulder and took one of the plastic bags. "Blue is for boys."
"Fine, since you got first pick on colors, I have dibs on the shower...no peeking Castle!"
"You're no fun at all."
"That's right!" Beckett gathered her things and walked back to the curtained area. She shot him a warning glare and pulled the curtains closed with more force than necessary. Kate turned on the ancient shower and let the water run for a few minutes to get some warmer water. She was tempted to check that Castle wasn't lurking just outside the curtain but with a shrug she quickly undressed and gratefully washed away the horrid smell of the decontamination spray. Kate stayed under the hot water a lot longer than usual. It felt so good to be clean again and the hot water slowly relaxed the tense muscles in her neck and shoulder.
"Food is here!" Castle's call snapped Kate back to reality. She had been thinking about the many side of the man in the other room. Author, Son, Father, Poker Player, Playboy...and her Partner. His usual cocky banter so different from the man she watched earlier during his call to Alexis. He was like two entirely different people. Reluctantly she put away the puzzle of who the real Rick Castle was for now. Kate dried off and quickly dressed. She smiled as her stomach growled happily at the smell of good food. She had been to Remy's with him once before and knew that dinner would be great. Castle had pushed two hospital tables together to make a table of sorts and spread out both meals on them between two beds.
Rick was devouring one of his two hamburger smothered in cheese, mushrooms and onions. He also had a large shake and a box of onion rings in front of him.
"No, please don't wait for me, you must be hungry, Castle."
"I waited for a bit but you took too long."
"Onions on the burger and onion rings?"
"Don't worry I'll brush my teeth before our goodnight kiss."
"Gee, thanks! Slow down or you'll get sick."
"Yes, mom!"
"Oh, bite me, Rick!"
"Maybe after dinner, I'll start at that luscious neck of yours, Kate and nibble all the way down to your toes."
Beckett was just about to bite into her burger but his comment stopped her momentarily. Damn that man! He was always doing that. He made the most inappropriate comments and always at the wrong time. Kate was starving but just now she couldn't remember how to swallow. She also knew that she was blushing furiously and could feel her heart racing as she thought about his words. A small but growing part of her wanted him to do just that. Kate quickly pushed that idea far down in her mind because she couldn't let him get in the last word.
"Aren't you afraid that you might catch the plague if you nibble on me?"
"I don't get sick…well, except for that one time I got mono."
Kate forced herself to look at him, as if daring Rick to try it but he was totally engrossed with his meal. She felt the color slowly leave her face as she was finally able to take a bite.
The meal was wonderful and silent from that point, until they both had finished. Castle gathered the trash from both their meals and brought it over to the panel by the intercom.
"Mother and Alexis sent us a care package. You can unpack all the goodies, while I jump into the shower…..oh, and Kate, no peeking!
She threw the used napkin still in her hand at him, "In your dreams, Castle."
Rick opened his mouth as if to respond to her quip with another X-rated scenario or similarly suggestive comment. "Don't"! At Kate's one word command, he just nodded and walked to the shower.