A/N: Okay so this is a brand new story…and I know that I have two more to finish and believe when I say I will…as soon as I figure out how to continue them. Anyway, this story is an AU that happens during season 6 and is based somewhat on the TV show Nip/Tuck, however there's little reference to the show anyway….as usual please REVIEW and ENJOY because if you enjoy it, I'll most certainly be the happiest person!


He finds very unlike him that he just don't fancy these kind of parties anymore. Probably given the fact that his fiancée was waiting for him at the loft and was the most beautiful, imperfect creature he ever had the pleasure to be with. He still consider himself more than lucky that he found Kate Beckett. Though he had to wait for her for four years, he doesn't regret any of it. He had changed through that time, this is when he notices the most. Before he met her, he loved these parties in which he was the main center of attention, but now…he wanted to leave this shallow environment and go to the woman waiting for him at the loft. Richard Castle was madly in love and wasn't ashamed of it.

He had to admit, Paula really outdid herself this time. Maybe because it's been a long time since he made a public appearance. Either way, it was a memorable evening. He met with new authors, old friends and old "companions". The food was amazing and the drinks were top quality. Girls flirted with him, which would have been fine by him a couple of years back, but now it seemed shallow and opportunistic. But no matter how forced his presence was, he still had a contract and a job to do. Towards the end of the evening, Paula approached him, told her he had to say something, or rather threatened him with a contract cancellation if he didn't say a few words. As Castle stood in front of the podium, every guest went silent.

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen." Castle's deep voice resonated through the room. "I hope you're all enjoying the party as I certainly have." He gave the crowd his most dashing smile. "I feel incredibly grateful to be here with all of you tonight in the official announcement of the sixth installment of the Nikki Heat series." The crowd applauded. "Thank you…" Castle made a gesture with his hands for everyone to be quiet once more. "Thank you very much, for being loyal to Nikki, and me….and let me tell you this: This new Nikki Heat installment will be like nothing you've ever read before." With that Castle retired from the podium as the crowd cheered and applauded him.

"You see Rick, that wasn't that hard." Paula said giving him a small slap on his cheek.

"Oh my dear Paula, you don't know how hard that was." Castle winked at her and she rolled her eyes in annoyance.

"You're impossible Richard Castle." Paula said. "Anyway, I have guests to attend and so do you." She poked him.

"Fine." Castle said.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Back in Castle's loft, Detective Kate Beckett was filling some paperwork in the living room, waiting for her fiancé to come back from that book party Paula has been trying for him to go since three week ago. Not that she ever complain about the other part of his job, but it did make her feel warm inside the fact that Castle didn't fancy those parties anymore. He had asked her to come with him, which she denied categorically, something about him flirting with other women, and although he sworn he wouldn't do such thing, she still said no. She was just about to call him, when her phone rang. She didn't checked the ID.

"Is not even midnight Castle, are you already that bored?" Beckett asked, but she only her a chuckle from the other end of the line.

"Missing Castle much Beckett?" said the amused tone of detective Esposito. Beckett sighed and rolled her eyes.

"What do you want Espo?"

"There's been a murder."

"Oh come on, do killers don't take one night off?" Beckett said in exasperation. "Right, well text me the address I'll be right there."

"As you wish." Esposito answered almost laughing. Beckett hanged up and called Castle.

"Detective Beckett, what a nice surprise." Castle voice said through her phone, making Beckett smile. "Missing me already?" He said seductively.

"I have Rook to keep me company."

"You wound me detective, are you saying you would rather be with a fictional character than the much hotter, realistic version?"

"How long will that party of yours is gonna take?"

"Why Beckett, you have plans?" She could hear Castle's smirk through her phone.

"You wish…Esposito just called, there's been a murder."

"Really? Can I get any more lucky?" Castle said with amusement.

"You want me to pick you up or…?"

"No I'll get there, just text me the address."

"Okay, I'll see you then."

"See you."


A/N: See you on chapter 2...