Hello dearies! :)

I am so sorry it has taken me a bit to do updates but real life got a hold on me. BTW I'm going to start to take a different route with this story, so I hope you guys like it! Please leave a review with your thoughts & comments! They are always welcome!

Disclaimer: Castle is not mine :/

[Chapter 8]

"I should go," Rick mumbled against Kate's lips.

The two hadn't moved from their spots in the kitchen, too busy making out like teenagers. Kate let out a sigh, seeing where he was coming from.

"Yeah, okay," she breathed, nodding slightly.

Rick gave her a chaste kiss on her forehead before untangling himself and heading for the front door. Millions of emotions were flooding through them, both confused yet extremely happy. Neither wanted him to leave, but they both knew that if he were to stay any longer then things would happen. Things that they wouldn't want to regret later.

Kate stared at the floor as she followed Rick to the entrance, opening the door for him. Upon seeing her that way, Rick curled a finger and placed it under her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes.

With his voice hardly above a whisper he said, "Thank you for today."

She smiled softly up at him. Unable to resist, she leaned up and gave him a brief kiss on the lips; her lips ghosting over his. "You're welcome," she smiled, pulling back.

Rick's face was lit with joy. He slowly moved past her and into the hallway. Kate leaned against the door, her right hip braced against it. They had on matching smiles, their eyes locked on each other's. Rick gave her a small nod before making his way to the elevator. Kate watched him as he stepped on the lift; he gave her a wave before disappearing.

Acting fast, Kate booked it, barely stopping the double doors from closing.

"Cometodinnerwithmetomorrow?" She yelped, slurring her words together. The doors were now fully open, revealing a confused Rick.

He stood there with a bewildered expression on his face. "I- uh...what?"

Kate took a deep breath, taking her time. "Come to dinner with me, tomorrow night?"

He smiled, not believing what he was hearing. She just asked him out, how could he say no? "I'd love to."

"It's a date then," she grinned, happy that he accepted. "Pick me up at eight?"

Rick nodded, the doors beginning to close once more. "Bye, Kate."

"Until tomorrow, Rick."

The elevator doors completely shut, Rick grinning like a madman. Kate Beckett just asked him out to dinner! He had a dinner date with the beautiful detective. Finally. Rick leaned against the railing, that goofy smile never leaving his face.

Best day ever, he thought, getting off the elevator, a hop in his step as he left the apartment complex.

Kate backed up as the doors closed and leaned against the wall directly across from the elevator. Sliding down, she wrapped her arms around her raised legs and rested her chin on her arms. She had just asked Richard Castle out on a date! Meaning that she would have to get dressed up and go to dinner with the handsome writer. Kate let out a breath of air, slowly standing and heading back to her apartment.

Best day ever, she thought, closing the door behind her and meandering to the couch, sinking into the soft cushions.

"Girl, you need to calm down!" Lanie chided, sitting on Kate's bed as the detective was scrambling through her closet looking for something to wear for her date tonight with Rick. She had taken a shower earlier and was donning a light blue bathrobe. Her long hair was still wet, a few droplets of water cascading down her back.

"I have nothing to wear, Lane!" Kate sighed as she went through her dresses. Taking out two dresses, she lifted them up for the ME to see. She held out an obnoxious pink one first with silver sequins covering it.

"That looks like a flamingo threw up on it," Lanie rolled her eyes.

Kate let out a groan, tossing the dress on the floor. She held up another dress. "What about this one?" It had many different colors to it, looking like a rainbow. Like the previous dress, it had sequins.

"Where did you find these dresses? A clown store? They're obnoxious!"

She shot her an innocent look. "The girl at Sax said that it made my eyes pop..."

Lanie was about to make a smart remark but the door bell rang. Kate sighed, tossing the colorful dress to the floor with the other one. Kate gave Lanie a pleading look. "Fine, I'll answer the door," the ME sighed, standing up. "But you better not be wearing your prom dress when I get back."

Just as quick as Lanie left, she was back carrying a large white box. Kate was in her closet, searching for a dress. "Who was at the door?" Her muffled voice asked.

"Delivery."

Kate popped her head out of the closet. "From who?" She walked over to her bed where Lanie had just placed the box.

Picking up a card, Lanie read, "To one extraordinary KB, here is to a magical and unforgettable evening. -RC"

"Castle," Kate smiled. She bit her lip in thought. "What do you think it is? Flowers?"

Lanie shrugged. "Only one way to find out."

Taking a deep breath before opening the box, Kate's jaw dropped at the sight. "Wow," she gasped, a hand flying up to her mouth.

Lanie was impressed. "It's definitely not flowers..."

"Dad, you seem nervous," Alexis stated, walking into her father's room. He was having trouble picking out a tie; he was stuck between two.

Rick glanced over his shoulder and smiled. "Yeah, a bit," he said sheepishly.

The teenager grinned and walked over to her dad, both looking in the mirror at their reflection. "Need help?"

He nodded. Alexis looked at the two ties he had in mind, with a raise of an eyebrow she gave him a look and went to his closet to grab a different tie. Returning she began to tie it for him.

"I think this will match better with the dress you sent her, don't you think?" Stepping back, Alexis placed a hand on his chest flattening out the tie.

"How do you do that?" He questioned, grinning. Pulling her into a fierce hug, he kissed the crown of her head whispering, "Thank you."

She leaned into her dad's embrace, her arms wrapping around his middle. "You're welcome."

Rick stood back and gave his daughter a little twirl. "So, how do I look?"

"Very handsome. You clean up nice, Dad," she complimented. "How's that eye?"

Rick chuckled, checking it out in the mirror. "A lot better. It's not swollen and the bruising is beginning to go down."

"It's quite macho," Alexis laughed and he laughed along with her, giving her his model look. "So, what time are you picking up Detective Beckett?"

Rick lifted his left wrist, looking at his watch. "I should probably get going. It's almost seven-thirty."

He received a perplexed look. "Dad, you have plenty of time. What's the rush?"

Exiting his bedroom, he snatched his keys and wallet off the kitchen counter. "I wanted to pick her up some flowers on my way over."

"You're such a romantic."

"Don't I know it," Rick winked at his daughter. "Bye, Pumpkin. I'll see you later tonight. Wish me luck."

Alexis followed him to the door, giving him one more hug. "Good luck!"

There you go!

I hope you guys enjoyed it! Please leave a review with your thoughts! Hopefully, I'll be able to update soon! Until next time!

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