2.
Watching TV after a particularly rough case, Castle is lost to slumber while Beckett sways between the realm of sleep and wakefulness. Interrupting the peaceful setting they have surrounded themselves with Rick murmurs, "Love me, Kate" in the midst of his repose. In her relaxed state the words "I do" slip from her lips without thought. In an instant, oceans of blue meet fields of green as they stare dumbfounded into each other's eyes. Concurrently they find themselves leaning forward until their lips are as close as they can get without meeting. As their breaths mingle, all thought process dissipates and their mouths hungrily crash together. Lips that have neglected one another for far too long are as soft and pliable as remembered and feel so perfect touching once again. The frolicking of their tongues creates a blissful state of passion that surrounds them as the rest of the world falls away, causing neither of them to notice the sound of the loft door as it swings open then closes. Instantaneously discerning what she's walked in on, Alexis tactically pads up the stairs leaving the two lovebirds on the couch, none the wiser.
Having waited what seems an obligatory amount of time, her thirst brings her down the stairs with kitten-like dexterity, using all of her senses to determine if the coast is clear. Seeing the couple sitting close, but no longer engaging in any acts of love, she quietly points herself towards the kitchen.
Identifying the flash of red that passes silently by, Rick's eyes widen as he says, "when did you get home sweetie?" Freezing in her tracks and knowing she's not been as stealthy as she thought she mumbles, "Ah…well…a while ago, when you two were…you know," she says while waving a hand between the two of them. Rick with a look of shock on his face turns to Kate who's wearing both a look horror and embarrassment. Together they swivel to meet Alexis' eyes as Rick fumbles out, "Uh…sorry daughter."
Snagging a bottle of water with nimble fingers then turning back towards the stairs, "Oh, don't mind me. It's about time you two saw what was right in front of you. Now carry on." As she retreats they overhear a faint mumbling sounding something like, "I thought I was going to have write out instructions for those two."
They flop themselves back down on the couch in unison, silence stretching between them for…who knows how long until Beckett breaks it with, "Well, that happened" followed by a quick "yep" from Castle.
Turning towards one another, both faces emotionless until the corner of Beckett's lip twitches almost imperceptibly, mirrored shortly after by Castle's until they are both grinning like lovesick teenagers and leaning in for another eager kiss.
She did say carry on after all and she is a very smart girl.