It's Friday night, and "The Team" from the 12th has just wrapped up another case - bringing the solved rates up to more than satisfactory levels and…

"Did I see Gates smile?" Richard Castle asks as he and Detective Kate Beckett head for the elevator to leave the precinct – one home for dinner and a movie, and the other for dinner, wine and a good book to read. "She always scowls, or tightens her lips, or-"

"I think she probably does it when you're around to bother you." Kate answers, her tone slightly teasing.

"Are you saying she might actually like me?" Castle's shudders at the thought. He's gotten used to the new captain and her general annoyance at his presence. He has no regrets about using his friend, the Mayor, to get his foot back in the door – even if it means Gate's temperature gauge mostly registers at just below freezing when he's around. Captain Permafrost indeed. "Because that is so creepy…"

They've reached the elevator now, and Castle looks to Kate to punch the button. She looks back at him and shrugs. His eyes narrow slightly in suspicion, but he leans forward anyone and does the deed. A few seconds later, the doors whoosh open to reveal their journey downstairs will give them at least one floor's worth of alone time.

Again, Kate remains still. Castle's eyes narrow further, but the doors start to close – drawing his attention momentarily away from whatever might be motivating Kate's sudden change of heart. He moved quickly to hold them open.

Kate doesn't move until one foot of his is firmly planted on the elevator floor. Then she follows after him and gets on, but waits for him to punch the button that will take them down to the ground floor of the building.

"What is going on?" Castle asks when the doors close in front of them.

"Oh, just letting you get on the elevator first."

Kate says it like it's some tiny gesture, but Castle knows better. The narrowness leaves his eyes, and he lets out a little laugh. Message received, Kate. "So, where were we? Oh, yes…"

Author's Note:

I've had this one-shot bouncing around in my head ever since I saw Cuffed, and just had to get it out of my system before finals (and final paper deadlines) hit. You should see the next installment of "The Eighteen Inch Journey" sometime next week – once the chaos has ceased.