I know the whole launch party and scholarship theme has been done sooo many times, but I couldn't think of a better way to do it, although I'm defeating one cliché by keeping them apart. For this chapter at least. Considering the next chapter is the last, they're obviously gonna be together. I'm too obsessed with Caskett to keep them apart forever.

Disclaimer: i don't own Castle or any of the characters.

Chapter 15 - My One Writer Girl

It had been 9 weeks and 3 days since Kate had been shot. Staying with Castle for all that time, it had gone by quickly. She was well enough to do things on her own now, dress herself, shower, walk. Even still, she was still living with him, Alexis and Martha. She didn't want to leave, and no one asked her to. She'd spent most of her time playing laser tag (we she was well enough), watching movies and even having the occasional food fight, Kate and Alexis vs. Castle. She still got pain every so often, but only if she strained herself immensely, which meant no chasing criminals just yet. She was happy enough on desk duty under the watchful eye of the new Captain. She was strict, but she was nice enough. Castle hadn't been coming in when they had a case, and she could tell that the Captain was impressed, even though she had had to reconsider getting rid of him at first.

She'd read Naked Heat again after being shot as she'd forgotten that as well. She still recalled moments every other day, but they were getting less and less. The main thing she couldn't remember was the actual shooting, and doctors said she may never remember it. It was time for the Heat Rises lauch party, and Castle had booked the same place as the Storm Fall lauch party, the place were they had met for the first time. (Officially, of course. Waiting in line for an hour to get a book signed didn't exactly count in her mind).

She was stood infront of her mirror with Lanie and Jenny at her apartment. They were being picked up in 10 minutes by a driver who had picked Ryan, Esposito and Castle up already. She'd had no dress to wear until two hours ago when she walked into her bedroom to find a box with her name on it, a beautiful dress inside. It was elegant, but covered up her scars. She was sure that wasn't a coincidence, but knowledge on Castle's side.

"You ready, Kate?"

She finished her mascara and turned to walk to the sofa to sit down, awaiting the arrival of the men.

"Yeah. Now we wait."

"I envy you sometimes. We're wearing higher heels that you and you still manage to tower over us."

Kate had been forced to wear flat shoes for the past few weeks. Of course, tonight, she'd managed to sneak on a small pair of heels that shouldn't do her any harm. Being tall naturally also helped give a height advantage.

She chuckled at Lanie's remark and went silent.

"What are you thinking about? Are you okay?" Jenny was concerned about her, and now so was Lanie.

Physically, she felt fine, but inside she was nervous about being at an event in public for the first time since the shooting. But she wasn't the type of person to tell the women that. Castle had thought ahead and ordered the security guard to linger around and keep an eye on her. It wasn't to stop any shooters, but to make her feel safe. All she needed to feel safe was Castle.

"I'm fine. Just wondering about the dedication."

Wrong thing to say.

"Ooooh, girl. I wonder what it'll be. First time you're extraordinary, they next it's nothing too special. After the events of the last few weeks, I wouldn't be surprised if it was a declaration of love."

Kate raised her eyebrows. "He's not that stupid. He knows I'd kill him."

"Yeah, then kiss him."

She turned her head away and smiled, remaining silent. Lanie and Jenny looked at each other knowingly, but didn't press the matter any further. After a few more minutes of idle chatting, she heard a key turn in the door. The only people with a key were her, Lanie, for emergencies, and Castle. She turned the see the last of the list looking at them with a big smile on his face, looking incredibly handsome in his tux.

"My, my, ladies. Your men will be gobsmacked. You all look stunning. They're lucky men."

He kissed Lanie and Jenny on the cheek and they preceded downstairs to the limo awaiting them to see their me dressed up in suits. Kate lingered to make sure the door was locked and the lights were out. Castle waited with her and they took the elevator once it arrived from the bottom floor after Jenny and Lanie. They stood there and Kate looped her arm around his. They'd been touching each other a lot more lately. Light, friendly touches, but it was contact none the less. He turned to her and stared into her emerald eyes.

"You look absolutely beautiful, Kate. And don't be scared about tonight, I've got you whether you want me or not." He leant over and kissed her on the forehead. He'd been doing that more as well, though it never went any further.

"Thank you, Rick. You look pretty handsome yourself."

"That's old news, Detective. Come on." They walked through the open doors. It didn't escape his attention that she called him Rick. She seemed to do it every so often without thinking and he liked it, very much.

Arriving out front, they climbed into limo and Kate greeted the other men.

"So, Castle? Do we get a big announcement and introduction. We are Roach after all." Esposito pointed between him and Ryan with a grin on his face.

"If you want I can drive you to the Precinct to pick up your normal car and have them say 'The Roach Coach is here!'. What about that?"

"That would be sooo cool, but there's a problem with the seat so everytime Espo's driving too fast, my legs are almost broken against the dashboard. Plus, I like it in here. The seats are cushy, oh, and they have champagne." Ryan picked a glass up and chugged it while the others laughed at him.

"It'd be safe if Raley, I mean Ryan, got out first with Jenny, followed by Ochoa and Lauren..." He received a punch from Lanie at the use of her alter ego's name. "And then I'll get out with Kate. Crap, I forgot my sunglasses. They keep the camera flash out of my eyes and I look cool as an added bonus."

"I'm not being seen with you and sunglasses when the sun isn't even out. You're lucky I agreed to accompany you."

"You mean be my date."

"I'm not your date, I'm your muse."

"Hah! I told you that you liked me calling you that. And you called me yours."

She rolled her eyes. "I'm not you-"

"Nuh uh, no take backs. And I have witnesses that this conversation happened."

She narrowed her eyes at him and turned her head away to talk to Lanie some more. Even though they openly had feelings about each other, loving feelings, they still bantered and argued. They wouldn't be Castle and Beckett, or Kate and Rick without it.

After another ten minutes, they arrived at the venue. The windows were blacked out, which meant they could see the waiting reporters, but they couldn't see them, which gave Kate time to compose herself. She was even more nervous now and was scared that it'd show, but her worries were forgotten when she felt a hand on her knee, the thumb rubbing circles on the material of the dress.

"This is so exciting!" Jenny and Ryan were preparing to leave the limo together, fans outside yelling for them to get out of the car. As the door was opened by the chauffeur, they both stepped out, and within seconds the door was closed again. They could see the couple holding hands and walking down the red carpet, Ryan waving enthusiastically while people chanted 'Raley, Raley, Raley'. Very few people outside the precinct knew that Ryan was meant to be Raley, but the fans were guessing correctly. As they got to the doors, they turned back and stood waiting for the others.

This time when the door opened, Esposito and Lanie stepped out and people were chanting yet again. Back in the limo, Kate was twiddling her thumbs and trying to breathe normally. Castle wasn't one to overlook her actions.

"Are you okay, Kate? We can go back if you want."

"No, Rick, it's your launch party and I'm Nikki Heat. I have to be here with you. It's unfair for me to ask you to leave."

"It was also unfair for you to get shot. It's fine to be scared, and I know you won't admit it easily, but I promise you, I won't let anything happen to you. None of us should have to go through that again. I almost lost you and I won't lose you again."

His hand was on her cheek, the thumb preparing to wipe away any tears may shed, but they never came. She took in a deep breath, looked at him and nodded with a smile.

When the door opened for the third and final time, Castle got out first and turned to hold his hand out for Kate. He helped her out of the car and they turned to look at the red carpet ahead of them, fans either side, screaming and cameras flashing in their faces. They started walking and Castle stopped every so often to talk to a few journalists of sign the odd book. Kate noticed how he refused to sign any chests which made her smile, even though she tried to hide it. When they got to the end of the carpeet and joined the others, she realised Castle still had hold of her hand, even though he'd let go to sign his books. They turned and more cameras flashed.

He leant forwards between Ryan and Esposito's heads and whispered to them, "You know, I bet the fans would love a picture of Roach." He retracted his head and pushed both boys back on to the carpet. They looked at each and shrugged, posing for photos with each other, holding their hands and guns.

After Lanie and Jenny's laughter had died down, they went inside away from the rabid fans. Of course now they were faced with more fans, although more mentally stable. Castle squeezed her hand and excused himself to mingle with people to promote his book, but after several minutes he came back with a question.

"Do you fancy doing an interview with me? It's just one and I know the reporter. She's one of the nicer ones and she won't put you under pressure or anything. You don't have to, but you were looking a little lost over here by yourself."

She nodded, obviously unsure about answering a strangers questions.

"Miss Beckett, it's nice to finally meet you. I've a heard a lot about you from Richard here."

She turned to look at him, seeing his cheeks turn read as she raised her eyebrows in question. He simply shrugged.

"If you don't want to answer any of the questions, just say so and I'll skip it. How long have you been a member of NYPD?"

She cleared her throat. "I've been working with them for about nine of ten years, but I've only been a homicide detective for four or five years."

"And how long have you been working together?"

"Three, nearly four years."

Had it really been that long? It felt as if they'd known each other forever.

"There's been a lot of talk about a civilian helping on cases. Some people think it's dangerous and that a properly trained police officer would be better for the job."

"Well technically I'm not employed by the NYPD, but-"

"He may be a civilian, but he'd make a damn good detective. He's my partner and I wouldn't have it any other way. He makes my job easier and catches killers quickly, even if he comes up with annoying theories."

She didn't have to turn to look at him to know that he was smiling at her answer.

"I've told you, Beckett, the law of averages states that one day I will be right and an alien will have infiltrated the CIA and constucted a massive nuclear device to blow up the sun. Can't wait to tell you 'I told you so.'"

The reporter was watching their interaction as she asked more questions about their work and what it entailed.

"The next few questions are of a more personal nature, so feel free not to answer. Miss Beckett, you were shot a few months ago. How has that time been for you."

"Uhhh, no comm-" Rick started, but Kate finished.

"Hell. No pain like being hit a bullet, but I've been blessed by friends and family and they've helped me through it and supported me, and I wouldn't actually be alive today if Castle hadn't seen it coming."

Kate was stood infront of Castle, slightly to the left. Her position meant that Castle could put his hand on her lower back to comfort her. She leant back into his hand, trying to convey her appreciation of his actions.

"And also I'd just like to ask, there's been a lot of speculation and I'm sure you're bored of people of asking, but are you two in a relationship."

"No."

"Not yet."

It was like the case a few years ago when they'd been asked the question by a suspect, but this time their answers were reversed leaving the reporter and Castle confused. She winked at him and walked away after saying her thanks to the reporter.

After an hour or so, it was time for the speeches. Gina was on stage first ready to introduce Castle, luckily for Kate, tonight she was just publisher and ex-wife, not current girlfriend. After Castle walked on to the stage and the applauding stopped he started to speak.

"Thank you, thank you everybody for all our support of my novel. I know it's a few weeks later than what you may be used to, but I've had plenty to think about in the last few weeks. As I'm sure you've heard in the press, Kate Beckett, my muse was shot, which meant writing came second for a while.

"This is my third novel of the Nikki Heat series, and I have a contract to write one more, but as I see it, that's not nearly long enough to tell her story, so hopefully my next one won't be the last. As I'm sure you've noticed, there are no books out on display for you to look at. They will be coming out soon for you to look at, but right now, the first copy goes to Nikki Heat herself."

Everyone applauded as he got of the stage with a copy of Heat Rises in his handa and started to walk towards Kate who was stood with Lanie, Jenny and their men. She was sat on a stool at the bar, regretting her earlier choice of high heels, even if they couldn't exactly be called high.

"You know, you're sat exactly where I was when I first met you. Except your hair was red and short and you had the grumpiest face I'd ever seen."

She tryed to act annoyed at him, but she couldn't hide her smile. "Yeah, and you offered to sign my chest. Look how far we've come."

"Well, to be honest, I'd still sign your boobs if you wanted me to. I have a pen actually." He held it up and moved his eyebrows suggestively.

"Maybe later, Castle. Now give me the book." She held her hands out and received the book. She flicked through the first few pages and moved so Lanie couldn't continue looking over her shoulder. She read the dedication and a memory sprang to mind.

"I heard you guys were pretty hard on Conrad last night." Castle was stood by the murder board looking like a guilty child who had been caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

"Hard on him? No, it's just a little... friendly hazing." He wasn't sounding to sure of himself and she could tell. He sometimes thought that she could smell his fear.

"To hear him describe it, it sounds like someone was trying to teach him a lesson." She had her eyebrows slightly raised which triggered Castle's internal alarm bell.

"What! Why would I wanna do that?" He was chuckling nervously, trying to act normally, which had always been difficult for him around Beckett in the first place.

"Because you didn't want him to spend time with me?" He had a nerve. She had the right to see and speak to whoever she damn well pleased. But right now, she was trying not to laugh at his attempt to prevent tripping over his own two feet.

"That is completely..."

"...True?" As soon as the words left her mouth, his face dropped. He'd be caught. Snared by the hunter. He looked scared and worried at the same time, and she didn't see him like that often, and when she did, it was normally something to do with Alexis.

"Yes. Fine. It's true. I'm jealous. There... I said it. I want you all to myself, and to have you spending time with another writer, that upsets me. And it...If that makes me petty. So be it. Guilty as charged."

She couldn't believe he'd just said that. She knew that spending time with Conrad annoyed him, but she hadn't realised how deeply it affected him. To know that the famous mystery author, Richard Castle, had some kind of claim over her excited her a little. He was her annoying shadow at first... And now he's one of her best friends. And as much as she hates to admit it, she liked to be called his muse. His face relaxed when he caught sight of the nervous smile taking over her face.

"Actually, I kind of think it's sweet."

He paused before replying, thinking about what she'd just said. "You do?"

"I do. And that's why you don't have to worry about me hanging around with Conrad from now on. I'm a one writer-girl."

When Conrad and the boys left, Castle turned to her and tried to be sincere as possible, which wasn't hard after what they'd just talked about.

"Thank you."

She didn't even have to think about her response.

"Always."

To KB

My muse, my inspiration, my best friend.

My One Writer Girl

She looked up and saw him fidgeting awkwardly, awaiting her response. She ran her finger over the words, closed the book and place it on the bar.

"Meh, it'll do." He looked seriously disappointed. "I'm kidding, Rick. It's perfect. Thank you."

She stood infront of him, aware of their close proximity.

"I'm going to hug you now, and there's no running away."

With those words, he crept forwards and put his arms around her waist. She countered his movements by wrapping her arms around his neck and letting him pull her close. The last time they hugged had been outside the hospital when she'd finally been discharged.

They heard a chorus of 'Awwwws' behind them and saw Jenny and Lanie leafing through the book, peering at the dedication.

Lanie looked up and peered at Kate who had her hands placed on Castle's arms which were still wrapped around her.

"Wait a minute, Katherine Beckett, I thought I was your best friend."

She rolled her eyes and stepped over to the ME to hug her as well. "You're by best girlfriend. He's my best boyfriend." She pulled back and bit her lip. "That came out wrong."

"Sure, sure. All in good time. C'mon Javi, I wanna dance."

Esposito lead his girlfriend onto the dance floor, followed by Jenny and Ryan.

Castle held out his hand for the second time that night. "C'mon Kate. Wouldn't want you to feel left out now, would we?"

She placed her hand in his and they joined their friends on the floor. Their hands went to the same places as they had been during their earlier hug, they swayed to the music, chatting amicably.

"So, Castle. Did you invite your protégé to come?"

"Who's my protégé?"

She was teasing him. "You know, the next Richard Castle."

She felt him tense and held in her laughter.

"Him? Conrad? Ugh. He was a nice guy. Up until he tried to steal you of course. You should have seen it when Patterson was telling him that you never, EVER, under any circumstances, make the girlfriend or the boyfriend the killer. He didn't know what hit him."

"You were mean to him. Seeing a jealous Castle does make a change, though."

"Is it manly?"

"No."

"Does it turn you on?"

"No."

"Does it make you want me?"

"No."

"Damn it."