Hello!

I am super glad y'all liked the last chapter! You guys are awesome! Now, I'm trying not to stretch out the drama too far but I just love writing it so I'll still have a bit here and there. I'm gonna get back into the fluff though :) hopefully it turns out alright! Thank you so much for everything! You guys rock my socks off!

Disclaimer: Castle isn't mine :/

[Chapter 13]

"Are we okay?" Rick mumbled against Kate's hair, his hot breath tickling her.

She looked up at him. "We're better than okay," she reassured, bringing his head down with her hands and kissing him.

He grinned into the kiss, beaming. "No more secrets?" He questioned, his lips ghosting over hers.

"No more secrets," Kate echoed. "Now shut up and kiss me."

"I can do that," and his lips attached to Kate's in a sweet, long kiss. He moaned when she bit his bottom lip. Her hands raked through his hair, her fingers threading through it.

"Does this mean I get to call you my girlfriend now?" Rick asked hopefully with a laugh after they pulled apart, both smiling.

Kate chuckled at him, her hands moving down and roaming his chest. "Only if I get to call you my boyfriend."

He pretended to think about it, teasing Kate. "Deal."

And their lips connected once again, both extremely happy with how much progress they made in such a short period of time. Now that their secrets were out, they could finally be with one another. They were finally whole.

Kate and Rick eventually had to get ready for the day. It was nearing eight-thirty and they had to be in the precinct by nine. And with the trip to Kate's apartment, it would take some time.

Rick put on a different shirt, this one a light blue collared button-down. The one he had on before had tear stains covering the chest and was all crinkled. They grabbed a taxi to Kate's apartment to get her a change of clothes; both feeling like a weight had been lifted from their shoulders. They sat extra close in the cab, not wanting to be too far away from one another. Things were definitely starting to look up.

Kate quickly got dressed, donning a pair of dark jeans that fit nicely to her toned legs. She wore a basic blue button-down with the first buttons undone. Her feet were covered with her signature four inch high heels. She left her hair down in simple curls that framed her face. Her face was, thankfully, no longer red from all of the crying earlier.

The duo had stopped by their usual coffee shop on the way to the precinct. Kate and Rick were on the elevator heading up to the Homicide floor. Their proximity was as close as they could possibly get. Both were relieved and it definitely showed in their attitudes. Kate pressed a quick kiss to Rick's cheek before the double doors opened to reveal the bullpen.

He grinned and followed her to the desk. "Good morning, boys!" Rick greeted when he saw Ryan and Esposito playing catch with a baseball at their desks. They were leaning back in their chairs, looking completely bored.

Kate smiled at them, powering her computer on. She quickly logged in and waited for the desktop to load. "How was your weekend you two?" She asked, taking a sip of her luke warm coffee.

They both shrugged. "Eh, it was okay. Didn't do much," Esposito answered, tossing the ball to Ryan.

Ryan caught it, throwing it up to himself. "Jenny and I painted our apartment the entire weekend. I still have paint all over me; some places I didn't even know paint could get."

Rick laughed at that, trying to cover it up by drinking his coffee. Kate glanced at him and smirked, her eyes shining. She quickly turned back to her computer, needing to focus.

"How was your weekend, Beckett?" Esposito asked, curious.

"It was fine. Just a normal weekend like any other," she responded, not giving away how much fun she actually had. "Got some grocery shopping done." Rick smirked at her, silently applauding her for her calm demeanor.

The boys noticed this little look and gave one another a questioning expression. It was mutually decided to not say anything about it. Yet.

Captain Gates emerged from her office upon hearing Rick and Kate. "Detective Beckett, Mr. Castle. Nice of you two to join us."

"Morning, Sir," Kate greeted, dryly.

"Good Morning, Captain. You're looking lovely today," Rick stated, grinning like a madman.

The Captain merely raised a single eyebrow, shooting daggers at Rick who immediately crouched in his seat. Kate couldn't help but smirk at him, always trying to be a kiss-up.

Gates peered over at Ryan and Esposito as they played catch. "You may not have an on-going case at the moment but there is still paperwork that needs to be finished. Play times over, Detectives. Back to work."

Ryan and Esposito solemnly nodded, putting the baseball away and getting to work. They each had massive piles of manila envelopes in bins on their desks that needed to be completed. Gates gazed on for a minute before retreating into her office. She slammed the door closed, the blinds smacking against the windows.

Rick thumbed back at Gates. "Wonder what's going on with her," he mused. "She seems cranky."

Kate shrugged, whispering, "When is she never not cranky?"

"True," he smiled, winking at Kate. She returned the smile before going back to her work.

Rick watched her, a satisfied grin appearing on his lips. He was still in shock at what had been discovered this morning. Everything did go down hill at first but once they talked and had the chance to explain their actions, it could only get better from here forward.

He, if he was being completely honest with himself, was still in awe that Kate feels the same way. Kate Beckett loves him! She actually loves him. And he loves her. He had on that signature goofy grin, unable to wipe it off. He was floating on air.

"Rick," Kate whispered her eyes on the paper in front of her.

"Hmm?"

"Get that silly grin off your face. Espo and Ryan might get suspicious."

Too late. The duo in question would peek over at the couple with seeking eyes. They knew something was different, they just didn't know what. But they were going to find out.

Rick tried to school his features. "Sorry. I can't help it. I'm just so happy."

Kate couldn't resist. "Me too. But we have to be careful, okay? I kind of want this to be our little secret."

An eyebrow rose. More secrets? "Interesting...our little secret. Our dirty little secret." He paused for a moment, "Okay, I'm in."

Kate shot him a quick wink. "Good. Now behave."

Rick leaned in closer. "Ordering me around there, Beckett?"

"Maybe," she teased. Her tone was completely different from her body language. Her voice was sexy and haughty but her body was calm and unsuspecting. Damn she's good.

"Mmm," he bit back a groan. "It's quite...the turn on."

A few hours had passed and before they knew it, it was noon. And that meant time for lunch. Kate's cell phone rang not a minute later. Picking it up without seeing who it was, she answered, "Beckett."

"Hey, girl. You ready for lunch?" Lanie asked on the other line.

Kate grinned. "Hey. I sure am. Where would you like to go?"

Rick watched her as she spoke on the phone. Where is she going? And with who? he wondered, a hint of jealousy creeping up on him.

"Okay, sounds good. I'm leaving now."

"Hurry up! I'm starving!" Lanie complained.

Kate rolled her eyes and hung up with a quick "Bye". Grabbing her keys and her wallet, she stood up. "I'll be back later. I'm having lunch with Lanie."

Rick sighed, relieved. Lanie. She was going to lunch with Lanie. "Oh, okay. I guess it's just me and the boys then," he whined, sinking in his seat.

Kate whispered, "I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I was going to let you know earlier but with everything this morning..."

The writer raised hand, stopping her. "I understand," he reassured. "So where are you two lovely ladies going...without me?"

"Remy's. I should be back in about an hour." Kate turned to the boys. "Hey, I'll see you guys later. I'm going to lunch with Lanie."

She received a joint reply. "Bye, Beckett."

"I'll walk you out," Rick offered, standing up.

The two made the short trip from Kate's desk to the elevator. He pressed the button for her, neither speaking. A ding came and so did the elevator; the doors opened and she stepped inside.

"I'll see you in an hour," she smiled, hitting the button that took her to the main lobby.

"Bye, Kate," Rick said, a little down that she was going to be gone.

"Perk up, Ricky. I'll be back," Kate stated with a smoky look. "I promise." The doors closed.

He ran a hand through his hair and headed back to the boys. Pulling up a chair he smiled at them. "Looks like it's just me and you fellas."

And there you go folks! :)

I hope you guys liked it! Lanie and Kate's lunch date will be in the next chapter! I'll try to update when I can! Thank you all for your love and support! Until next time!

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