Moments in Starlight

Disclaimer: I'm happy to say the characters aren't mine. I just play with them for a bit, then put them back in the box when I'm done.

Summary: Another moment in time, albeit a little longer than the last.

A/N: Okay, so I decided that one moment in time wasn't enough. I suppose now it will be a collection of moments in time. (and actually fits the title better) ;)

Once again, many thanks to Li. She has to keep reminding me that the entire world isn't *exactly* like my home. ((But it really would be awesome if it was.))

Rick loved the look on Kate gave him as she opened the door and stepped outside. She locked it, then took his arm and followed him downstairs to his car. He opened the door for her, then got into the driver's seat.

He didn't really know where they were going, or where she wanted to go, for that matter. He only looked forward to the time spent together. As he turned onto the street, he asked, "Any place in particular you'd like to go?"

Kate shrugged, "I don't know, really. Why don't we drive around for awhile and see where the streets take us?"

"Sounds good to me," he said, and drove on through the brightly lit streets of New York. Traffic was beginning to get a little heavy, so he decided to head out of the city, maybe find a place where there wasn't so much noise and light.

Most of the drive was made in silence, the two just enjoying being together, or so Castle hoped. He wasn't sure how long he'd been driving, but it seemed so sudden when he realized they were far from the city lights and could actually see the stars above.

"It's a beautiful night," he said, looking at the sparkling orbs in the night sky.

"It really is," Kate agreed, "Castle, where are we going?"

The question didn't really catch him off guard, but it still took him a moment to find the answer. "Not sure... Like you said, wherever the road takes us?"

She laughed, "No, you don't get to use my words!"

"And yet, you can use mine?" He reached over and took her hand, "Have you noticed this is the first time we've actually been alone since you've gone back to work?"

He watched the realization wash over her features, "You're right, it is kind of strange, isn't it?"

"Yeah, no one to interrupt or call one of us to the side... no distractions at all." He turned the car down a long and winding road, and eventually came out into an area open to the sky. He found a clear spot and pulled to the side of the road. With a punch of a button, the top of the car folded down, and the entire sky was open to them.

He smiled at her, "In fact, the only distraction we could have out here would be an attack by vampires, or maybe aliens."

Kate laughed again, that beautiful sound Castle loved hearing so much. Her laughter filled his heart with happiness, and hit him right then, that he couldn't imagine himself living without her at his side.

"Kate..." he began, not entirely sure where he was going, or what he would say, but he had hopes his writer's wit would come in at some point. "I'm so glad you're in this. It's so amazing... I've never felt this way about anyone before."

"I know what you mean." Castle could see the tears forming in her eyes as she took a breath and continued, "You have no idea how long I've waited to feel this way... for someone to dive in this life with me. It's kinda awesome."

"It is," he answered, and hoped she understood how important she was to him. "And you know I will always, always, be there for you, no matter what."

For a moment, he watched her, taking in her presence, then he chuckled a little and pulled her toward him, quietly placing gentle kisses on her forehead and cheek. Her eyes met his and his breath was taken away when she playfully brought her lips to his. Castle reveled in the soft satin of her kiss and held her so close, wishing she could be closer.

Eventually, Kate pulled away and laid her head against his shoulder. His arm was over her shoulders and he gently leaned his head against hers, enjoying the feel of her body next to his.

Nothing in his life had felt so natural, so real. For the first time that he could remember, he could look up at the stars and really, truly, enjoy their beauty.

Kate scooted a little closer to Rick. He loved the fact that he could touch her and be so close to her now, and not forbidden. It was pretty awesome.

She looked up at him, and he realized he'd been caught staring again. Seeing the enchanting swirl of green within her hazel eyes, and that smile... he couldn't help but smile back.

For the longest time, they basked in the twinkling starlight, listening to the crickets and the other night insects not normally heard inside the city limits.

"Would you be interested in getting some ice cream?" he asked, really just to see what her reaction would be.

Kate burst into laughter, "Really? This late at night? No, I think we're just fine here. Together."

"That's fine," he answered, and breathed in deeply as he squeezed her close again, "I just wanted to know."

If it was possible, he could live in this moment for a lifetime, here, right by Kate's side.