Title: Consequential Encounter

Disclaimer: I do not own CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Anthony Zuiker and CBS do. Nor do I own Castle, Andrew W. Marlowe and ABC do.

Author's Note: Slightly AU in terms of the storyline. Got a jolt of inspiration after having much needed caffeine, the details kept coming.

A/N 2: Prior to start of both shows; Took a guess on what Richard Castle was like before he became famous. He and a buddy are in Vegas celebrating and were at the Paradise Lounge was the same night Catherine was working? For the prologue and first chapter Rick will be known as Alexander Roger Richards.

Genre: Drama/Romance

Rating: T

Beta'd by: Beckett NYPD

Prologue: The Meeting

-Story starts in summer 1984-

It was the one meeting that changed their lives.

It started out as an ordinary night for Catherine Flynn. Her job at the Paradise Lounge paid well and she knew she was a favorite amongst the patrons.

Richard Alexander Rodgers was visiting his life long best friend, Cory Robeson. Cory had moved out to Vegas after high school graduation to live a life of seeing where it would lead him.

Cory invited Rick out for a few days of fun and a belated birthday celebration. Cory also knew that Rick was getting over being dumped by Kyra Blaine; and knew where to bring him to celebrate and cheer him up.

When they had arrived at the Paradise Lounge where he worked as a bouncer, Rick looked at Cory and said, "I don't know about this."

"Oh come on Rick, live a little. I know you do not want the media to pick up on this and have your mother dragged into this so we will use another name, say our childhood dream name."

Rick still hesitant nodded.

"You never know you might find someone who catches your eye."

Rick shuddered at the thought. Nevertheless, Rick knew Cory was looking out for him.

Cory paid for their admittance and they found a seat close to the stage.

Rick was a bit nervous at first; he never did something like this before. Sure he had partied from time to time at frat parties his friends back home took him to, but his mother had instilled in him to treat all women with respect.

Right when Rick wanted to make an excuse to try and get away, a particular dancer caught his eye and when their gazes met briefly he became spellbound.

As they continued to watch the performance, Cory noticed Rick eyeing Catherine.

He had an idea; after making sure Rick was still entranced Cory went to find the owner to make a request.

"Mr. Beaton sir?" spoke up Cory over the loud music.

Ted Beaton, owner of Paradise Lounge looked up when he heard Cory. He had taken Cory in and given him a job.

"I was wondering if I could request to have Catherine give a friend of mine a private lap dance."

Ted nodded and asked, "Okay, what is your friend's name?"

"Alexander Roger Richards," said Cory pointing to where his friend was sitting. He apparently was still out of it.

"Okay, but this would mean that you owe me a favor. Get your friend to the VIP room 1, and I will go get Catherine."

Cory nodded, thanked Ted and went to get Rick.

"Hey man, come on I have a surprise for you."

"Where am I going to go?"

"VIP room 1. You my friend are getting a private lap dance."

Rick's eyes bugged out and tried to protest but before he knew it his friend had told him to calm down and he was on his own.

A few minutes later the curtain opened and the same beautiful dancer that caught his attention earlier came in.

"Alexander?"

Rick at this point assumed his pseudo name and said, "Yeah, that is me."

"I have been instructed to give you a lap dance. So sit back and relax and enjoy the show, because it will be one you won't forget anytime soon," said Catherine with a salacious grin.

For the next half hour Rick as Alex once again became captivated.

At the end of the routine Catherine had become intrigued by the guest and decided to take it once step further.

"Say handsome, this is something I don't do normally but I would like to see you again so would it be okay if we…"

"…exchanged numbers?" Rick finished without thinking.

After exchanging numbers, Catherine said, "Call me later Alexander and maybe we can pick a day for our date. Before she fully exited, she swayed her hips at him a little causing him to a little light headed.

"Hey Rick, how did it go?" asked Cory when he saw Rick stepped out of the VIP room.

"It was…wow."

"I sense there is something more, might as well spill buddy. "

"We exchanged numbers?" eked out Rick.

"Nice, see I told you someone might catch your eye."

A/N 3: Thanks for reading "Consequential Encounter". Reviews are appreciated, but please no flames.