Hello!

This chapter is what makes this story AU. And just to clarify, this fic takes place three years after early-season of Season 5. Also, this chapter has a bit more bulk to it than the previous one. Enjoy! Reviews are love.

Disclaimer: Castle and For Lovers Only aren't mine :/

[Wandering Aimlessly]

Strolling around the streets of Paris, Kate took in the beautiful and breathtaking sights. She went on tours, traveled all around, trying to keep her spirits up. It was pointless though.

She couldn't seem to enjoy herself or the beautiful architecture around her. It was like a fog had permanently taken place above her. She couldn't see where she was going or what was around her, and it wasn't letting up anytime soon. She was stuck.

The past few months have been brutal to say the least. With the unexpected passing of her father just three months ago, she became lost and spiraled down into that hole she'd once dug herself all those years ago when she lost her mother. Her dad had been in a car accident while on his way to meet her for lunch. He'd been in a taxicab; the driver had obviously not been paying attention and ran a red light. Jim was hit from the side and had been killed upon impact.

Kate didn't find out until she was called to the scene, where she saw her father's lifeless body. From that moment forward she'd been changed.

She went to his funeral, dressed in black, and had a blank expression on her face as she was offered words of apology and condolences from those who knew her father and their family. It's like she had put on a mask, not wanting others to see her true emotions.

She put on this mask on at work, acting like she was in control- that she was fine. But her friends knew better; they always did, so they tried to comfort her and be a shoulder for her to lean on during this difficult time, yet she wouldn't have any of it. She rejected their invitations to go out to dinner or to get some coffee before work. And soon, they stopped asking all together.

The one person she needed. The one person she wanted had disappeared from her life three years ago.

Kate isolated herself. This became apparent at work, and she'd been given– ordered rather– to take three weeks of paid leave so she could refocus and ultimately grieve. That's why she was here in Paris. What compelled her to come here, she'd never know. It was like everything in her heart and her gut had been telling her that Paris was the place she needed to be, there wasn't a single doubt in her heart that she wasn't supposed to be here. This was where she belonged.

So, here she was, in Paris. All alone.

She had no one.

And it didn't help to see families and couples laughing and smiling all around her; it was as if they were a constant reminder of what she would never have again.

Attempting to ignore everyone else around her, she ducked inside a small bakery that had caught her eye. Well, her nose actually. The enticing smell of freshly baked bread and pastries was calling her name. She couldn't refuse.

Kate waited in a short line, distracting herself by reading the list of items on the chalkboard above the counter. They were many options to choose from, and she soon decided on Tarte au citron, or a Lemon Tart. Step after step she moved forward in the queue, eventually coming to the front. Luckily, the cashier behind the counter spoke some English, making ordering her pastry a bit easier.

Thanking the cashier, Kate moseyed over to a small table situated outside of the bakery and took a seat. She dug into her Lemon Tart, moaning as the sweet pastry danced on her taste buds, quickly becoming a favorite dessert. But all too soon the tart was gone. Kate felt compelled to get another one, fighting an inner battle with herself. She walked away from the bakery, and its all too enticing and tempting Lemon Tarts, only to wander aimlessly.

It was nearing mid-afternoon by the time Kate reached the famous steps in Montmartre. She didn't have a clue as to how she'd arrived here, or why. Then again, her feet did most of the heavy lifting while her brain was off in another world, not paying much attention.

How in the world–?

Focus, she thought. Focus, Kate.

Curving around a bend, she began to climb the cobblestone steps of Montmartre. Her sunglasses concealed her eyes from others, giving her a sense of privacy and security. She reached the twelfth step up when she suddenly stopped, her eye catching on something– actually, someone.

No. It couldn't be.

Kate slowly took off her sunglasses to give her a better view, and sure enough, it was him– the man who she'd pushed out of her life three years ago.

Oh God.

She watched as he stood there on the opposite side of the steps, his once gloomy demeanor turning into something more confused and unbelieving.

They were rooted to the ground beneath their feet, studying one another, seeing if what they were actually seeing was true and not some figment of their imagination. Seconds passed before one of them spoke.

"Castle?"

"Beckett?"

The two stared dumbly at each other, both gradually closing the distance, and before they knew it they were standing face to face. Neither sure of what to do, they gave timid smiles before embracing in an awkward hug over the metal railing of the stairs. As soon as they'd touched, a spark ignited between them and caused each of them to pull back in a flash. The pair let out identical nervous chuckles, eyes cast practically everywhere but each other.

This couldn't be real.

Mustering up the courage, Kate bit her lip before she broke the silence. "How– ah...it's been, uh, what?"

"Three years."

"Three years," she repeated, not fully believing this was happening. "That's a long time."

Rick nodded, solemnly. "Yeah, it is. Very long time."

An uncomfortable quietness washed over them as they stood on the steps, both still in awe. After all of these years– three long, lonely years– to run into one another in Paris of all places.

Was it fate? Destiny? The Universe playing a cruel trick? Neither Rick nor Kate could be sure; but at the moment, neither seemed to care.

"You- you look good. As beautiful as I can remember."

Kate felt her cheeks flush red at his simple compliment, head ducking down into her chest. "Thanks. You look good, too."

Small talk? Really? Had it finally come down to that?

Kate had thought that if she were to ever see him again, then it would have been like old times; she was wrong. This was awkward. Super awkward.

"Listen. Kate–"

"I've got to go," she suddenly said, making eye contact with him. God. Those eyes– those blue eyes were exactly the same.

Rick let out a long sigh, understanding and not wanting to make things more awkward than they already were. "Okay. I– uh, it was great to see you..."

"Castle." Kate hesitated. "Rick." She didn't know why she was doing this, but she desperately wanted to see him again. "We can maybe do lunch one day? That is if you're not busy..."

"No. Not busy at all."

She then proceeded to pull out a small pad of paper from her purse, ripping a piece out only to write her hotel room phone number on it, along with her cell number. "Call me, okay?"

He took the slip of paper with a hopeful glint in his blue eyes, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I'd love to."

Kate went in for another hug, making this one quick and retreating as soon as she pulled back. Rick observed her fleeting form as she climbed the stairs, her figure quickly disappearing in the crowd of people.

Did that just happen? The weight of the torn paper in his hand told him yes, it did.

There you go!

Hope you liked it. Reviews are love. Next chapter will be posted as soon as possible. Until then!

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