Survival Days - Epilogue

"Everything that doesn't kill you, makes you stronger."

xxxx

Finally, Rick and Kate managed to start all over again, and everything went like usual, except for one thing. This morning, they went to the precinct together. There were reasons behind this. For Kate's health, in case if she went by herself and then passed out in the middle of the road, and one more thing.

As the elevator beeps to indicate they're on the right floor, they were ready to step out of it, together.

"Morning, everyone!" Castle greeted every officers and every detectives in the 12th.

"Yo, the duo is back!"Esposito shouted to the whole precinct.

"Whoa Castle, what's with your arms? You got a super glue accident with her?"

They walked along arm in arm, tightly, and lovely, which was really shocking to everyone, especially the trio.

"Calm down everyone. Me and Castle,... I'm his girlfriend now." said her as a wide and sweet smile appeared on her face. This smile was meant for him.

They looked at each other, and he smiled back.

The whole precinct were clapping, and cheering, showing their happiness. The whole precinct just stopped what they were doing earlier and they congratulated them. Still, no one was as happy as the new couple right now. 3 long years, seems really worth it. Risking each others lives to safe their partner, everything paid off.

"Congrats, guys!" said Ryan and Esposito as they hugged the new couple.

"Katie? Are you kidding me!" said Lanie.

"Uh-oh, we're not undercover right now." Kate answered.

"Kate, can we talk for a second?" he whispered in her ear, as low as possible.

"Sure."

They both walked to the break room, to have some privacy. The whole precinct was full of detective, who detect, there were so many over-curious people out there.

"Rick, what is it about?"

"Kate, I have been waiting for 3 years, for this special moment."

She felt her mouth was gaping so big as he knelt down. He tried to take something in his pocket, she knew what was in it before he managed to pull it out. His trouser was so tight so it became a pretty hard work to do just to take it out. He was sweating so hard, and getting even more nervous, afraid to look so clumsy in front of her.

"Finally, gosh. Am I that fat?" said Castle as he wiped his sweat, as he pulled a joke to ease the tense.

"Katherine Beckett, are you willing to be my-"

He was cut by someone who opened the break room door harshly. Uh, it was the new captain. The Iron Gates, who had a really really bad timing. Can't you see someone was proposing here?

"Beckett, in my office-"

The new captain didn't see someone was kneeling down in front of her. Although she's kinda mean, but she knew she was interrupting a wonderful, once in a lifetime moment.

"Oh, forget it. Continue, Castle. I'm sorry." she apologized for what she did just now, and quickly got out of the door.

They both chuckled, before getting back into a serious mode.

"So, Beckett, are you willing to be my wife?"

Her face seems happy, at least that's what he thought. Her eyes became watery, full of joyful tears.

"Wait, I'm going to tell you something, Kate. I came here with full preparation. I already asked your dad's blessing, and guess what. He said that he'll give anything for me as long as you're happy, and not Josh! Hahahaha!" he laughed so hard. A triumphant laugh.

"How did you bribe my father, Rick?" she teased him as she put a mischevous grin on her face.

"Is it a crime, Kate? That's my secret. By the way, if you don't mind, could you please answer my question a little bit faster? My knees are hurting here."

"I do, Castle. I do."

Tears of joy burst out from their sparkling eyes. This marriage wasn't based on lust. This was based on true love, like a small seed that was planted on her heart 3 years ago, treated carefully every single day. Each memory they have, made the seed grew stronger. Their first case, Nikki Heat novels, cup of coffee, apples, smells like cherry, magic trick with ice cube, the undercover kiss, holding each other's hands before saving the whole New York from a bomb, traveling to LA together, and the 3 words he said after she was shot. And now, they're ready to take the next step.

xxxxxxxxxx

THE END :)

A/N : Finally! This is my first non-one-shot fanfic, and it's done. Review, please, and you can give me some honest feedback.