Soon after I wrote the first chapter I noticed a few reviewed saying that they wanted a second chapter. Even though I've been busy. I wrote this next chapter actually in two sections. First after "Den of Thieves" and the last part of the chapter was written tonight after this week's episode "Food to Die For." I'm not sure where I'm going with this story. I'm just kind of writing things after the episodes come out and by your request. I did enjoy watching "Food To Die For" especially since Kate Beckett said she likes Oatmeal cookies. It made me think of my fanfic and I got excited. I don't even know how I find time to watch the show but I do. Lately I've had a lot of studies to do. I'm in college and finals start this week. Luckily I only have one final and one research paper left to do. Somehow after all the studying, I just feel like writing fanfiction on Castle. I can't wait to see what happens for the finale. I hope you all enjoy this chapter. - Christina
Notice: This chapter is in the editing process. Forgive me at this moment for any errors. Soon they will be corrected.
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended... I still don't own the show Castle or Richard Castle or even Nathan Fillion. Even though I wish I did, but wouldn't we all.
Why did he wait so long to tell Beckett that he had feelings for her? Now she's fancying this new detective, Demming. On the sofa, Castle had woken up from a nightmare of Beckett telling him that Demming would be replacing him and that he could leave. It cause him to start thinking about his feelings that he just realized he had, even more so now that she wants Demming around all the time. It's like she can't get enough of him. What's so special about him anyways, Castle thinks. Just thoughts about Demming causes Castle to crunch up his face with disgust. He's got to do something.
"Hey dad, it's nice to see you up. I would figure you would already be up by now," said Alexis. Then Castle turned to look to her where she was standing by the staircase and doesn't look happy but tried for his daughter.
"Why would that be?" said Castle started to look confused.
"Well, Beckett has already left for work. She seemed to be in a hurry. I asked her if she wanted you to wake up but she said it wasn't necessary," said Alexis worried about her father. "Should have I woken you up?"
"It is okay, pumpkin. It's not your fault," said Castle sweetly and then changed to distaste, "She was probably in a hurry to see Demming."
Alexis looked concerned, and began to worry about him. She wondered if it has anything to do with that moment when her father was trying to teach her poker and mentioned something about having a 'poker face' helping sometimes but not all the time. Already changed to go to school, she goes into the kitchen to get some breakfast. There were some pancakes and bacon made by Beckett for her. She could tell that her pancakes had a letter 'A' with blueberries on a green plate. She guessed the rest of the pancakes were for her father. Since Beckett hadn't created any letter on the other pancakes that were on a blue plate. She took her pancakes and a glass of milk, and just then her father started to walk towards her and grabbed the other pancakes from the stovetop. He also grabbed milk and both of them quietly walked to the kitchen bar. They sat down on the bar stools and started eat their pancakes. Then suddenly Castle broke out of his thoughts.
"Why didn't she want me to come along with her?" said Castle sadly.
Alexis started to give him a sad look on her face. "I shouldn't have told you…"
He interrupted her thought and said, "Don't worry about it." He looked to his pancakes and pushed them away. He noticed that Alexis was still worried about him especially since he stopped eating his pancakes. "Don't worry about me, I'll be fine."
Alexis was going to respond to him but he had already started to up the stairs. He went to his room and changed his clothes so he was ready to go. Then walked back down. During that time, Alexis started to eat more of her pancakes and after she finished them she started to clean her plate as her father came closer to her. She noticed and asked him what she wanted to ask him earlier.
"Are you sure you'll be fine? You know you can always confide in me, right?" said Alexis trying to give him a cheerful smile.
"Yeah, I know," said Castle trying to smile. He grabbed his coat and started opening the door. "I've got to just show Beckett that nothing will stop me, not even Demming."
Just as Alexis was about to ask him what he was going to do, he was already gone.
Castle walked into the precinct determined to do something. Actually he didn't know what to do but it would be better than doing nothing. While he was walking, Ryan and Esposito were watching him come in and also Beckett with Demming in one of the rooms. They didn't know how he would react to Beckett spending more time this morning around Demming but they knew something was up. They almost wanted to bet on it but decided against it until they found more information or something better to bet on. Then they started to hear laughing, they both looked to Castle and noticed his face looked hurt. Beckett was laughing really loudly that everyone could hear her, and it seemed like Demming was the cause of it. Castle then started to walk faster to the door of the room Beckett and Demming were in. He got there before Ryan and Esposito could stop him. He opened the door and went inside the room.
As he walked into the glass room that looked out to the city, Beckett suddenly moved away from Demming and crossed her arms. Demming was just smiling and started to look at Beckett and Castle who were staring at each other. Castle could see that Beckett's smile that she had when she was laughing was beginning to fade. He couldn't determine what her emotion was from looking at her face.
"So what was that funny joke? It might be useful to add to my new book of Nikki Heat," Castle said then turned to Demming, "You know the one I based off, Detective Beckett."
Beckett was still looking at Castle and then to Demming to see how he would respond to that. Why does she feel like she's doing something wrong every time she's around Demming and Castle comes in? It's not like they were dating, but it did seem to bring her a feeling that she hasn't figured what it could be. Castle has been acting odd to her lately, she couldn't figure out.
"Oh, I know of your books. I actually read 'Heat Wave' before coming to this precinct," said Demming. "But it was mostly out of curiosity."
"So what did you think of it? For a writer, it's always good to know people's opinion on their work," said Castle.
Demming looked to Beckett and she smiled to him. Then Beckett waved her hand so he would continue. She wanted to know his opinion on the book as well. Beckett began to lean back on the desk in the room while Demming stood up, away from it.
"It was okay. But it really didn't show much fighting. Beckett here is a fighter," Demming said He looked to Beckett with a happy face, which made her smile because she thought of the moments they had of "working out." Castle looked between them and he lost his hope. No way he could compete with Demming, thought Castle. As Beckett broke off from the moment with Demming, she looked at Castle and noticed that he has a sad look on his face. She didn't know where it's coming from.
"Castle, what's going on?" Beckett said sounding a bit angrier than she meant to. "I mean. Do you need something?"
"No, I was just wondering why you left my place so early," replied Castle.
Soon as he said that, Beckett realized what he said could be interpreted differently to Demming.
"Demming, it's not what you think," she said strongly.
"Really? I already told you that I wanted to go out with you, and you agreed. Did you forget?" said Demming. He looked hurt.
"No, I didn't forget. You just don't understand," said Beckett.
Castle started to look happy and then changed because it might not be a good thing for him to look happy. Beckett got worried and wondered why Castle wasn't saying anything to help her.
"I understand completely. I've seen how you two work together and even though it's different than the book. It shows me that you two have finally realized that you two have feelings for each other. Someone did mention to me that they had a pool for both of you to see when you guys get together. I guess, someone is going to be getting some money today," said Demming.
"Lanie, told me about that pool but we really don't have anything going on. I promise. I just lost my apartment several weeks ago because of a fire, and Castle has been helping me by letting me stay at his place with him and his daughter, Alexis," said Beckett. She looked away from Demming to Castle for help again.
"Yeah, I've been sleeping on the sofa but I don't mine. I would help Beckett no matter what, and my daughter loves having her around," said Castle trying to smile but not too much, "Beckett is like a role model for her, and Alexis hasn't really had a mother in her life so I'm glad that Beckett can be there for her too."
Demming just nodded. "I'll let both of you talk to each other, " he said.
"No," said Beckett, "We need to talk, Demming." She almost felt like she was begging him to stay and talk to her.
"There really isn't anything to talk about. You might be interested to me, but it's him you want. Plus he's seems like he needs you," said Demming seriously.
Beckett didn't know what to say.
"Don't worry, I'll be going back to my precinct soon. I was planning to ask to stay here longer, but I don't see that as necessary anymore," said Demming.
As Demming opened the door and started to walk out of the room, Beckett said in a rush, "I don't know why everyone keeps saying it but I don't want Castle. He's just shadowing me for his novels that's it."
Demming doesn't respond back to her and keeps walking through the precinct to leave. Beckett watched him go, as Castle looked hurt.
"Is that what you still think of me? I'm just someone that is "shadowing" you? I thought by now we would be more than that," said Castle.
Beckett was just about to respond when Castle started leaving too and didn't wait to see what she would say.
Castle walked out of the precinct and decided to go home. He didn't care if there a murder case today to solve, he was going to stay home. While this was happening, Beckett kept standing unsure what to do.
Maybe Madison was right. She has feelings for Castle. He's had been acting differently, almost like changing a new leaf. This last murder case of Balthazar Wolf was getting to Beckett. Something that Castle and her talked about with Cecily Burkett. Could there be some similarities? Was she actually talking about her, Castle and Tom? There's nothing she could do about it now. Both Demming and Castle have already left.
Beckett walked over to her desk and started to look at her computer. She checked her e-mails, worked on some paper work, and then there wasn't anything more to do.
"Beckett, there has been a murder. Esposito and I are just going out to check on it? Are you coming?" said Ryan.
She started to get out of her chair and pushed the chair back to the desk. "Sure, let me call Castle," responded Beckett. She hesitated for a second to call him because of what happened earlier. While she was thinking about it, her hands were working on their own and speed dialing number three to call him. Beckett let the phone ring for a bit and when he didn't answer, she put it away. Normally Castle answers right away. Frustrated about Castle, Beckett followed Ryan and Esposito out of the precinct.
Castle arrived at his empty apartment. His mother had been visiting a lot lately since she's moved out. So it seemed odd that she wasn't there. Alexis wouldn't be here for a while, she was still in classes till 4 pm and then he would have to go pick her up at her high school. Unless Alexis plans to go to a friend's house to hang out, which Castle isn't too sure if he would be happy about that or not. She could help him feel better from what ever he was feeling right now about Beckett. He needed to write. Castle started to place his coat onto the sofa. Then he walked to his office and sat down at his desk, he opened up his laptop and turned it on.
He opened a Word document to try to write another chapter of his book. He knew that he needed to start working on it. Gina had already gotten annoyed with him for not giving her some of his progress. Castle started to stare at the screen, the page is still white and he couldn't understand why the words weren't coming to him. He knew what the plan was for the story but it seemed not to work with him anymore. How could Nikki Heat have a relationship with Rook? Why did he create another character that was quiet annoying that was fancying Heat too? His feelings for Beckett were beginning to affect his writing. Something he never had a problem with before. He looked at the blank white document again and slammed the computer screen down.
Agitated Castle in his chair turned away from his desk, leaned back on the chair and placed his hands on his face. He started to close his eyes and move his hands away from his face. After a second with his eyes closed, his phone started to ring. He quickly opened up his eyes and looked at his desk where his cell phone was. He grabbed it to answer the phone and noticed that Beckett was call him. He thought about answering her and then decided not to. He wasn't ready to talk to her. What if it was about a murder? No, he didn't need to be there around her right now. Since he was already holding his cell phone, he starts speed dialing number two, Castle without realizing was calling his daughter while she was at school.
"Dad, is everything okay? Usually you don't call me during the day," said Alexis.
Castle sitting up at the sound of her voice. "Oh, I'm sorry Alexis. I shouldn't be bothering you at school. I just wanted to talk to you."
"It's okay, Dad. I'm having lunch. I'm able to chat for a few minutes. What's up?" said Alexis.
"Beckett. It seems like she's the reason why I can't get any words written for the book," said Castle.
Alexis concerned said, "You haven't told me that you've been having any trouble writing your next book. How long has this been going on?"
He started to rub his head with his hand and moved his hand through his hair. "It's been a week or two, actually longer than that," said Castle.
"What? Dad, you told me you were writing, and that's why you've been going early to see Beckett at work. Wait, you've been going early for another reason. Does this have anything to do with her going out with this new detective you've been mentioning about?" said Alexis.
"Tom…" said Castle in disgust. "Yeah, I had hoped that if I went early I would be able to interact with Beckett before Demming would."
"You're really got it bad for her, don't you?" said Alexis.
Castle sighed. Alexis picked up on it. "What happened today? Something must have happened? Lately you've been coming home late. I'm worried about you, Dad."
"Oh, pumpkin. I shouldn't have called you. I don't want you to be worried about me. I'll be okay. I'm just going to stay home today and work on the book. Maybe I'll write something. I'll let you go," said Castle.
"Alright, but it would help you to talk to Beckett. Only resolving this will help you write. But it's up to you, Dad. I'll see you in a few hours," said Alexis.
They both said their goodbyes and finished the call. Castle sat in his chair and started to hear the silence again. He couldn't stand it. He stood up and went to his radio on a table by his bookshelf in his office. He turned it on and raised up the volume of the music up. It was an upbeat song, "Just Say Yes," from the Snow Patrol. He wouldn't normally dance in this mood but he felt like dancing. It was something that didn't make him have to think at all.
"Beckett…Beckett! What do you want to do?" said Esposito.
Soon as she heard him say her name, she got out of her daze she was in. It seemed odd not to have Castle around adding commentary, looking into the scene, and just being Castle. Why? Was she getting use to him being around? She couldn't think anymore. She just had to go away and figure this out before she got into this case.
"How about you and Ryan find all that you can and let me know what you find. I've got to go. There's something I've got to go figure out," said Kate Beckett.
"Does this have something to do with Castle?" said Esposito. Just as he said that, Ryan came over.
"What about Castle? Why isn't he here already?" said Ryan.
"Something happened between Beckett and Castle. That's why he isn't here," said Esposito looking at Ryan.
"No way! Why didn't he tell us?" said Ryan.
Beckett moved her hand up and waved it in the air. "Boys, come on. He doesn't have to tell you both everything."
"But he usually does. This is big. What happened?" said Ryan. Esposito and him leaned in to hear what she was going to say.
Beckett responded, "It has to do with Demming and him having misunderstandings about what I said."
"Ah…" said both Esposito and Ryan.
"What? Is there something you two aren't telling me?" said Beckett.
"This is just something that Castle should tell you," said Ryan.
Esposito nods. "Yeah, I agree with Ryan."
"Fine, I'm going. Keep me updated," said Beckett.
"Will do," said Ryan.
Beckett walked off while Ryan and Esposito watched her leave.
She drove in her car to Castle's. When she arrives at his door, she planned to knock but suddenly heard music coming from inside. Also noticed that the door seemed to be a bit open.
"You shouldn't leave your door open, Castle. You know that…" said Beckett walking into his place. She got to the living room and the music is getting louder. The song sounded familiar. Beckett realized it was a song she heard in the car a while back while Castle was coming along. She began to smile. She remembered that he had tried to sing along to this song. As she arrived at his office.
She saw him dancing in his office, using his cell phone as a microphone as he was singing.
"I'm running out of ways to make you see /I want you to stay here beside me/ I won't be ok and I won't pretend I am…"
He had this song repeated over and over after he heard it the first time on the radio earlier, and also because it reminded him of Beckett. It was most like when he was singing, she was coming to him. This eyes were closed but it felt like she was there in the room.
Beckett kept watching him wondering if he has noticed her already.
"It's so simple and you know it is /You know it is, yeah /We can't be to and fro like this/ All our lives /You're the only way to me /The path is clear /What do I have to say to you…"
As the song kept playing, he kept singing along and as it got almost to the end he started to dance with the music.
This made Beckett smile, and then she remembered why she was there.
"Castle…" she said loudly in hope that he would hear her over the music.
Her voice broke him out of the spell of the music had him under. It stopped him from dancing and started to look at her. The song ended and there's just silence.
"I came to see if we could talk," said Beckett.
He just stood there looking at her amazed that she was there standing in front of him.
Thanks for reading!
Extra Author's note: I noticed here and on some reviewers already want a third chapter. It likely won't be written until Wednesday or Thursday. When it does, I'll post it right away. My last final is on Wednesday. That's mostly the reason why but also want to see if the new episode of Castle will inspire me. Which I think it will.