Sorry I took so long with chapter 2! The big reveal is coming up soon. As always, I would love to hear your feedback/reviews and I hope I do not disappoint. Thank you!

Beckett giggles.

"I missed you."

" I…I…Uh"

"You gonna be ok Castle?"

He's honestly not sure. After the day he's had, he can barely think straight. He hides his distress by flashing one of his classic, ruggedly handsome smiles and kisses her again. She's buys it, for now.

They drive to the precinct holding hands the entire time.

"So take that NikkiHeatFan19." Castle thinks to himself. "We're good!"

But deep down he knows there's more to prove. They need to be working together. Theorizing.

Things don't end up going as planned. The circumstances surrounding the case had been weirder than usual. For starters, Esposito and Ryan could barely find any information on the victim. They were forced to classify her as a Jane Doe.

Beckett begged for a wild theory from Castle but he was stumped. Was he losing his touch? Beckett seemed disappointed. Oh boy. Endless thoughts were running through his head again.

He managed to throw a story together but even he didn't believe it. Beckett rolled her eyes. The boys chuckled. It was a complete failure.

They all pace the bullpen a few times before Lanie calls. She found a tattoo of someone's name on the victim's shoulder. Beckett got excited and started coming up with a few theories of her own. This was Castle's big chance. He had to join in.

Lanie adds some info about the tattoo.

"There are three, horizontal lines scratched into her skin, directly under the tattoo."

"Could be the name of our killer" Ryan chimes in.

"No, that's too easy. They're being framed, either by our Jane Doe or the real killer," Beckett adds.

"I agree. What kind of killer is named Claude Clauderson anyway?" Esposito questions.

"Lanie were there any more tattoos on the victim's body?" Beckett questions.

"Yeah, a compass on her left shoulder and a tree on her right calf."

"What if…" Beckett began.

"What if…" Castle whispered.

"Her body is a map. If we figure out what each tattoo means, we might be able to find her killer!" Beckett adds

"Her body… map…. each tattoo…we might be able to find her killer!" Castle mumbles.

"Did you just try to copy what Beckett said?" Esposito asks.

Great. Busted. Thanks Espo.

Beckett gives them both a puzzled look but turns and continues talking to Ryan. She suggests they all break for the day and get a fresh start tomorrow. Everyone agrees.

Castle waits for Beckett at the elevator while she collects her things from her desk. He tries to look casual but ends up fidgeting the entire time. Ryan and Esposito pass him on the way to the elevator.

"Better get some rest Castle." They say in unison.

"I will. See you tomorrow"

Now they're in sync? Could this day possibly get any worse?

Beckett finally walks over. Castle rapidly hits the elevator button and smiles at her as they wait for the doors to open.

The car ride is quiet. Beckett mentions something about her morning but Castle only nods his head in response.

Once they enter the loft, Castle kicks off his shoes and heads towards the bedroom.

"I'm going to lie down for a bit."

"Are you sure? I thought we could polish off the rest of the wine we opened last night. The one that makes me feel all…"

"Uh. Sure. Maybe later?"

Castle disappears into the bedroom. Beckett pours herself a glass of wine and takes a few sips before making her way towards the bedroom.

She finds Castle lying on his back with his eyes closed. She carefully slides onto her side and lays her head on his shoulder. She looks up at him as he sighs and pulls her closer to him.

"What's the matter Rick?"