A/n: Yeah, uh, I... yeah, sorry. The muse and I have been having some difficulties and, well, there just hasn't been any time for me to work on my fics. But anyway, here is the second chapter in the first-date-storyline with flashbacks.
Enjoy!
Disclaimer: Andrew Marlowe is the master because he's giving us Caskett. . . against a door. 'Nough said.
Just give a moment to fangirl because 'Always' is LESS THAN A DAY AWAY! Ashslkdjhopjgakhfjfdljflj! Freaking out like a boss!
Alright, carry on with your day like normal people. . .
Chapter 47 - I've got this friend
"What do you mean there's been a mix-up?"
"I'm sorry, Mr. Castle, but there's been a double booking. The other couple has already been seated."
Rick rubbed his forehead and clenched his teeth. "You have got to be kidding me," he muttered. He looked up at the very indifferent concierge. "Isn't there another table open somewhere?" He asked in a lowered tone – he didn't want Kate to know about the mix-up. It was embarrassing enough already.
The man sighed, already bored of the conversation. "No, unfortunately not, Sir."
Rick pursed his lips, turned around without another word and made his way back to Kate. A very beautiful Kate in her black dress and sex-on-legs shoes. All dressed up for nothing it seemed.
Great.
But when Rick caught her eye, her face lit up with a large, beaming smile. His heart jumped a little at the sight. She was just too damn beautiful.
"So, what's going on?"
"Uh, bad news. They mixed up our reservation," he finished with a wince.
"Oh. Well that sucks."
He sighed. "I'm sorry, Kate. I wanted this to be special-"
She quickly pressed a kiss to his mouth to cut him off. When he stared at her in (adorable) dazed confusion, she only shrugged and quirked her lips into a small smile.
"Come on, Castle. I know a little place not far from here."
Folding her small hand into his, she led him out the door.
[][][]
"We should go there again sometime."
She hummed in agreement and moved closer, snuggling into his side. "Maybe we should go for our anniversary," Kate muttered tiredly, her eyelashes brushing against the skin of his neck.
He nodded and pressed a kiss in her hair. "I'll make us a reservation."
Kate huffed out a laugh, her eyes closed. "Hopefully they won't get it mixed up." Her tone grew softer. "And hopefully I won't stand you up next time."
He sighed and pulled his arm tighter around her. "Don't worry, babe, we'll get our date night one way or another." She waited for it. "A man can only go so long without sex."
Of course.
Kate rolled her eyes and lifted her head, lips curving against her will.
"Castle, it's been three days since we've had sex. I think you'll survive."
"Mmm, you'd think so. But no, it doesn't seem possible," he replied casually.
"Oh come one! We've gone way longer without sex."
He groaned. "Don't remind me. Hellish days. Complete and utter torture."
"Shut up, drama queen" she said, resting her head down onto his chest, legs tangling with his.
"Hey!"
She ignored his feigned indignation. "You're not getting any tonight by the way. I'm too tired."
He laughed softly and lowered his head to kiss her forehead awkwardly.
"You're here now and that's all I need. All I want."
She sighed, melting further into him, already drifting to sleep.
"Mm, love you too."
He encased her closer to his body, in his warmth, his hands rubbing soothing circles on her back while his mind drifted back to that first date again.
[][][]
This wasn't what he had planned.
The resturaunt was a small, intimate and plain Italian bistro. Not what Rick Castle had in mind for an impressive first date. But Kate Beckett was giving him that flirty little Mona Lisa smile where she coyly bit her lip.
And it drove him crazy. Made him forget all about the rude, insulting bastard who crashed into him on the sidewalk and the over-friendly Casanova of a waiter who tried to charm his girlfriend.
"So? What do you think?" Her voice was soft, dancing to across to him in a dark, intimate tone.
He smiled and glanced around. "It's. . . nice."
She rose an eyebrow, her mouth twitching in amusement. "But?"
He huffed out a laugh, shaking his head. "But, uh, not what I had planned though," he answered with a shrug. His eyes locked with hers, his expression growing serious. "I... God, Kate, I want this to be unforgettable."
She would have teased him for being a sap if it wasn't for his sincerity, for the way his eyes bored into hers.
She curled her fingers around his hand. "Well, let's make this unforgettable then, Castle."
[][][]
"Rick?" Her rough, sleepy voice snapped him out of the recollection.
He glanced down and smiled, his hand combing through her hair. "Yeah?"
She was adorable while rubbing her eyes sleepily, her brow furrowed and her hair falling messily around her face.
"Can you get the light, please?"
He pressed a kiss against her forehead. "Sure babe."
She growled in annoyance at the moniker and turned on her side, her back to him. He chuckled and flicked the light switch before scooting down to spoon his wife, his arm wrapping her tightly against him. Kate immediately slipped her cold feet beneath his, burrowing further into his enveloping warmth with a drowsy sigh. They laid in silence for a while, drifting in between sleep and consciousness.
"What were you thinking about?"
He grinned, his eyes already closed. "Just about how stupid I felt when you had to pay for dinner on our fist date."
She laughed softly, her small hand wrapping around his larger one at her waist.
"Well, it worked out okay, didn't it? I mean, I'm stuck with you for the rest of my life."
He pouted. "Hey! As I can recall, you were a very willing participant in all of this, Mrs. Castle."
She grinned. "Mm, I was," Kate murmured. "I even agreed to a second date despite the fact that the first one was - by any man's standards - a complete and utter disaster."
Rick groaned and dropped his head to her shoulder, nuzzling her neck. "Don't remind me."
She laughed. "You brought it up, Castle."
"Mm," he sighed. The laid in silence, darkness melting them into the mattress. "Remember how we got soaked in the rain?"
[][][]
He felt like an idiot. The biggest idiot on the planet. He was standing by the door like some kicked puppy. Without a wallet.
Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.
He checked his pockets again for about the fifth time. Still nothing. Rick sighed and rubbed a hand over his face. Yeah, he was convinced now that the guy who so rudely crashed into him on the sidewalk had stolen his friggin' wallet. The guy might as well taken his balls for that matter because his date had to pay the bill. On their first date.
Sheesh. It doesn't get any worse than this. But seriously, if he found the guy who stole his wallet, he was going-
A slender hand curling around his elbow interrupted his murderous thoughts. Rick turned towards Kate, apology already sliding off his tongue.
"Kate, I'm so sorry-"
She pressed two fingers against his mouth, smiling softly. "Rick, it isn't your fault. Someone stole your wallet. It happens." She removed her hand from his mouth and hooked her arm through his, a hand at his bicep as they walked out. "Besides, I'm not some some stranger that you need to prove yourself to. It's me."
"Exactly." His expression was solemn, a little defeated. Kate couldn't help but find it utterly adorable. "This was suppose to be. . . the perfect date."
Oh, Castle.
She smiled, biting her lip, eyes sparkling as she stepped closer to him, a hand on his chest.
"Will a kiss make you feel better?"
His lips quirked, despite the pout. "I guess," he mumbled with a shrug.
Her smile grew as she feather her lips across his cheek. "How about two then?"
"Better make it good, Detective. My ego is heavily bruised," he murmured, his mouth lifting into a grin.
Kate cupped the back of his neck and slanted her lips across his, slipping her tongue inside his warm, wet mouth. She took ownership of his every thought, his every sense. Rick gripped her waist, tugging her closer while sucking on her bottom lip, nibbling lightly; his body enclosing hers. After a few moments, they were startled apart by a honking taxi cab.
Kate dropped her head to his shoulder, laughing breathlessly. She lifted her head, a wide smile parting her mouth.
"Feel better, Castle?"
"Infinitely better, Beckett," he replied with a grin before dropping a kiss to her forehead.
"Good, I'm glad." She pressed a kiss to his jaw.
"Come on, I feel like walking." He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her tightly against his body as they made they're way down a Central Park pathway.
The night air was cool and after ten minutes of walking contently, wrapped up in one another, rain drops started to fall. Rick tipped his head upward to look at the sky, now dark with pregnant rain clouds while Kate pulled his jacket tighter around her shoulders.
"Oh, no, no, no. Not good." After a few moments, the rain started to fall steadily.
"Come on, Castle! Let's get out of here," Kate exclaimed with a laugh, dragging him by the hand. They ran laughing hysterically in the midst of getting soaked in order to find some sort of shelter or at least a cab. At one point, Kate twisted her ankle and stumbled before Rick caught her by the arm.
"You okay?"
She laughed breathlessly, her dripping-wet hair clinging to her face. "Yeah, I'm fine."
Eventually they made it to the sidewalk where they were able to (miraculously) wave down a cab almost immediately. Rick was convinced that it was because of the hot woman standing next to him.
"Oh, thank God," Kate breathed once they got inside. Rick got in and squashed in next to her, giving the cab driver her apartment address.
He wrapped an arm around her, pulling her closer. "Remind me next time to never suggest walking again in an impending rain storm."
"Well, it was kinda romantic," Kate murmured, her head on his shoulder.
Rick snorted. "Yeah, just as romantic as our reservation being mixed up and the fact that I couldn't pay for dinner."
She lifted her head. "Castle, shut up and kiss me. You may still be able to salvage something if you do."
He stared at her in suprised amusement before kissing her softly, delicately; her lips cool and moist against his. He brushed a hand over her cheek, her skin chilled and wet.
"Kate, you're freezing."
She smiled softly, brushing a hand through his wet hair. "Says the one with the soaked shirt."
"Wanna warm me up," he muttered with a sly grin.
Her smile widened, her tongue in between her teeth. "Five dates, Castle. Five dates."
He groaned and dropped his head. "Yeah. Remind me again why we are doing that to ourselves?"
After ten minutes of stolen kisses, wandering hands and whispered words, the cab came to a stop in front of her apartment building.
She turned to him with a small, shy smile. "Come up for coffee," she offered before gesturing to his wet shirt and pants. "And to dry off."
He nodded. "Yeah. Sure."
They paid the cab driver and stepped out, but once Kate hit the floor of the sidewalk she grimaced in pain and grabbed onto Rick's arm.
"What's wrong?"
"My ankle. I must have twisted it earlier."
Rick sighed and wrapped an arm around her as they made their way into the apartment building. "Come on, let's get you home."
[][][]
He felt a pair of lips against the back of his neck, the rush of air tickling his skin.
"Castle." Her voice was soft in his ear.
"Mm," he murmured, his eyes still closed, completely unwilling to wake up yet.
Kate kissed his cheek, half of her body draped over his back. "Honey, wake up."
"Nah-uh. 'S not time yet."
Ugh. She was always up way too early for his liking.
"It's nine, Rick."
"So?" He mumbled petulantly, clutching the pillow closer.
She laughed lightly, musically; the sound hitting him in the guts. "Come on. I've got a surprise for you," she whispered in his ear, her hands skimming over his sides ready to tickle him into consciousness if needed.
He turned his head slightly, one eye popping open. "A surprise?"
Such a child.
Kate kissed his cheek again and got off him. "Yeah, come on. Sit up."
He sat up and rubbed his eyes, still adorably sleepy. "Wait. It's not hot morning sex?"
She barked out a laugh. "Get your mind out of the gutter, Castle," she threw over her shoulder as she disappeared out the room for a moment.
"I would have liked hot morning sex by the way!" He called after her before throwing off the covers and getting up. His knees and back popped audibly. It wasn't age, just the cool morning air. Of course.
She reappeared with a large tray filled with coffee, muffins, pancakes, bacon and scrambled eggs. He looked at her in amazement, stepping to take the tray from his wife and placing it on the bed.
"Kate, what's the occasion?" His face grew pale. "Oh shit, please don't tell me I forgot our anniversary or-"
She laughed, sitting down on the bed. "No, no. Don't worry, nothing like that."
He let out a relieved breath. "Okay." His brow furrowed. "So, what-"
"Jeez, Castle, can't a wife just make her husband breakfast in bed if she feels like it?" She snapped in mild irritation.
"Uh, sorry. It's just a nice surprise," he replied, sitting down next to her. He caught her eye and grinned.
Her mouth lifted into a smile. "As nice as hot morning sex?"
He chuckled and shook his head. "Can't compare the two, but this is great. Thank you, babe." He pressed a swift kiss against her mouth, a hand cradling her jaw. Before he could let go, Kate wrapped her hand around his wrist, her eyes tender and her features bathed in gentleness.
"Thank you."
He tilted his head, brow furrowing in confusion. "For what, Kate?"
She shifted closer and bit her lip, her knee pressing against his thigh. Her eyes found his again, painted with seas of affection.
"For loving me. For taking care of me."
He cupped her face and kissed her, pouring his heart into the press of his lips and the slide of his tongue against hers.
"Oh, God. Kate, always. Always."
[][][]
"How's that?"
She pressed her lips together in an effort not to smile. Sweet, sweet man. Infuriatingly sweet.
"Castle, I'm fine. It's just a sprained ankle." He adjusted the cushion her injured foot was resting on and placed the ice pack on her swollen ankle.
"Yeah, but it's really swollen-"
Oh, seriously.
"Rick, come here," she commanded softly, holding out a hand.
He got up from the coffee table and sank down next to her, enfolding his large hand around her smaller one. Kate snuggled into his side, her head on his shoulder. He dropped a kiss on top of her head.
"You warm enough?"
"Mm-hmm," she replied, fiddling with the hem of the white undershirt he had on. His button-down was in the tumble dryer. She lifted her head. "You?"
"I'm hot," he replied with a grin. Kate rolled her eyes, trying, but failed to keep the smile pulling at her lips. There was no denying his hotness. They sat in content silence for a few moments before Rick spoke again.
"So, I guess inviting me up for coffee and snuggling and making out means there's gonna be a second date, right?"
Kate turned her head to look at him. "Yeah, I guess so. . . Casanova."
He grinned. "Even though this one was a disaster."
She nodded and smiled. "Even though this one was a disaster."
He leaned in, nudging his nose with hers. "Well then, here's to the worst first date ever."
She let out a giggle, her lips a whisper away from his. "The best one I've ever had."
[][][]
Slowly counting down the days
Till I finally know your name
Ooh, the way your hand feels round my waist
The way you laugh
The way your kisses taste
A/N: I really struggled to get this chapter out, but it's here now - finally! And I hope it's enjoyable. The semester is coming to an end, so hopefully I will have more time to write and fill the harrowing hiatus with some Castkett-family fluff.
Please review! And thank you for everyone who already have - I means a lot.
Title: 'I've got this friend' (The Civil Wars)
Lyrics at the end: 'To whom it may concern' (The Civil Wars)