Author's Note: Hey guys! I hope everyone is having a good holiday season so far. So I know a lot of people will be doing these, but I couldn't resist. This idea came to me after "Cuffed", but I have at least one more chapter planned and it's going to go it's own way. I hope you guys will take a chance on this one, and I hope that you like it! Thank you in advance for taking the time to read it ... and maybe even review? Cause that would be like ... happiness with cherries on top. :)

Spoilers: Possibly for Cuffed.

Disclaimer: ... nope, still not mine. Wait ... nope. Nothing.

The sharp rap on the door set Alexis and Martha grinning at each other with a mischievous joy that Rick missed completely in his excitement to answer the door.

"Everybody ready?" A beaming Kate quipped as she handed Rick a warm coffee and then stepped past him

"Oh, I think so, dear," Martha answered with a frivolous flip of one hand, "I've enough food and refreshments here to feed a small army."

"And I've got the camera for photographic evidence!" Alexis added, grinning widely at the Detective

Kate glanced sidelong at her partner, who grinned and waggled his eyebrows at her.

"In years to come, Kate, upstart rookies will be looking to our video for strategy."

Kate outright laughed at that, shaking her head as she ushered the lot of them out of the loft. Martha and Alexis, talking animatedly about what sort of activities the day was most likely to present, preceded the partners into the elevator.

"Ryan and Esposito ever decide on whether or not they were going to participate?" Rick asked as they rode the car down

"Oh, I think so," Kate answered enigmatically

In some sort of automatic (and silent) agreement, Martha and Alexis made an immediate beeline for the back seat. Kate arched an eyebrow in his direction, but he just shrugged and grinned. He was just about to break off and head for the passenger door when Kate wordlessly handed him the car keys and ambled toward the door that he had long ago taken to thinking of his. For just a moment, he thought of making some quick -witted quip, but then decided against it. This was not the first time in the last few months that she had let him drive, but it was still not a regular enough occurrence to warrant no reaction when it did happen.

Even better than the unexpected surprise of being allowed to drive them was the gratification of seeing a perfectly relaxed Kate in the passengers seat, one arm propped on the window ledge as she chatted amiably with his mother and daughter. Although she had hidden it better than he'd expected, Kate had been undeniably tense and uneasy the first time he'd been at the wheel. He'd teased her about it of course, pointing out that there was a reason all the bad driver jokes centered on women, and she'd relaxed a little. Now, however, Kate was nearly a study in unconcerned content.

The park was already awash with activity by the time they'd found a parking spot and unloaded themselves. The mid-June day was remarkably warm and sunny, a perfect combination for the 12th Precinct's Annual Police Picnic. The four of them made their way towards the several blue and white striped awnings that had been set up in the very center of the grassy area; partway there Esposito spotted them and waved them over.

"You know there's food provided, Martha?" Ryan asked lightly as she set about spreading their blanket and emptying the contents of the cooler she'd brought

"Ah, but not wine, dear boy," The actress replied with a grin and a wink, "Anyone care for a glass?"

Lanie and Jenny opted to join her, but Beckett refrained in light of what she knew was to come. She promised to join them for a glass later, however, and then seated herself – quite innocently – rather closely to her partner.

"So you guys gonna compete or what?" Castle prodded the other two men

"Got something to prove, Castle?" Esposito retorted tartly

"You sound awfully worried, Espo," Kate shot back, unable to resist joining in

"And here all this time I've been thinking that you're the mother hen, Kevin," Castle said, tsking

Jenny laughed and tweaked her husband's ear good-naturedly.

"The only thing we're afraid of is embarrassing you," Esposito said smartly

The general ribbing and trash talk continued for a while longer, until a laughing Lanie realized that Alexis had been taping the entire exchange.

Kate's innate hypersensitivity pulled her attention away from the conversation with a subtle warning that she was being watched. When she glanced around, she found Lanie's very pointed gaze on her. The M.E. arched one sassy eyebrow at her in question, but for once Kate had no idea what question it was. Her expression must have betrayed her confusion, because Lanie nodded almost imperceptibly at Kate's shoulder.

The one which had, very naturally, come to rest ever so gently in the crook of Castle's shoulder

Kate's only answer was a mysterious smile.

Rick had stretched both legs out in front of him, ankles crossed, and was leaning back on his left arm in a nearly reclining position. The little part of his brain that was always cataloging details for later recollection or use had registered that Kate was seated in almost the same manner; that same part of his brain registered the increased weight and warmth of her body as Kate rested her shoulder more fully against his own.

To his credit, Rick managed to contain the little pygmy that was currently dancing a jig within his chest.

Captain Gates, more relaxed than anyone had perhaps ever seen her, called the games to a start not long after that. Javier and Kevin had somehow managed to let Martha talk them into participating in the burlap sack races; Kevin could be heard crowing with laughter when he managed one giant leap across the finish the line that simultaneously took out his partner and gave him the win.

Alexis was laughing so hard she was crying as she replayed the video for the rest of them to watch again, even slowing down the last few seconds so they could all catch a play by play of the exact moment Kevin and Javier had collided.

When the announcer gave the five minute warning for the piggyback races, Kate startled everyone by leaping fluidly to her feet.

"C'mon, Castle!" She said gleefully, holding out one hand to him

Castle would have run barefoot across the Iraqi desert in high summer if meant keeping that look on her face.

Castle was up, one hand grasped warmly in Kate's, and they were nearly running from their group without so much as a backward glance.

"Think you've got what it takes to get us across that line first, Castle?" She teased

"Is that a challenge, Kate?" He retorted, grinning

"What do you think?"

"You just worry about holding on, Detective."

"Oh, I won't let go."

Something in her tone and the way her hazel eyes sparkled at him made him grin like an idiot. She had chosen a comfortable (but no less flattering) gray NYPD tee shirt and jeans that day, and he didn't know if it was the weather or something else that made her look so positively radiant in the bright sunshine.

"Are we still talking about the race?" He asked in a tone that was only half joking

Kate's smaller hand squeezed his and she cocked her head ever so slightly as she gazed up at him.

"C'mon, Castle, let's win a race."

On the blanket across the grass, Martha was grinning to herself as she took another sip of her wine.

"Beckett's in a good mood today," Ryan said with a conspiratorial grin

"She's not the only one," Alexis piped up

"And they really aren't a couple?" Jenny asked, glancing from her companions to the two in question

"Nope," Javier answered with a headshake

"I wouldn't be so sure of that, baby," Lanie corrected

Javier had just turned to question his girlfriend when a loud shriek, followed by two distinct peals of laughter cut him off. On the open field, Kate was laughing and loudly chiding Castle for failing to grab her legs.

"Not sure at all," Martha muttered into her glass

In the field, Castle's breath hitched ever so slightly as Kate managed to wrap her legs around his waist. Her thighs were taut and warm against his sides, and without meaning to his brain took a sudden dive into inconvenient but pleasant territory.

"Am I hurting you?" Kate asked softly, and the nearness of her mouth to his ear gave him a start

"What?" He asked stupidly

"You're holding your breath."

"You have strong legs," Was the only answer he could come up with

Kate's chuckle was throaty and almost sent a shiver up his spine. He felt the vibration of it against his back as it rumbled through her chest; he was having a rather hard time walking a straight line to the starting line.

"If you keep that up we're going to lose," He taunted

"I have no idea what you're talking about, Castle," She replied, shifting slightly against him

Captain Gates gave them an indiscernible look as they finally lined up with the others, but Kate just grinned widely at her boss. To her surprise, Gates smiled back.

"Racers, get ready!" She called

Underneath her, Kate felt Castle's body tense as he prepared to take off. The feel of his muscles tightening under her thighs had her heart skipping a few beats and her thoughts trying to throw her into the gutter.

"Ready."

Rick took a deep breath.

"Set."

Kate made sure her arms were locked and in position just under his neck.

"GO!"

Kate tried not to squeal in Rick's ear as he gave a great heave of effort and shot them forward. Her partner was a tank of a man, all broad shoulders and thick arms, but he was propelling them across the grass as if he had small wings strapped to his feet.

Out of the corner of her, Kate caught motion. She chanced a glance to their right and felt a swell of uncontrollable laughter bubble its way out her. Esposito had his head down in concentration, Ryan with a hilariously comical expression on his face as the two raced to catch them.

"Go Richard!" Martha was screaming

"Go Javi!"

"Go Kevin!"

"Run faster, Dad!"

Kate's whole body was shaking with wild laughter as Rick virtually threw them over the finish line just a hair's breadth in front of the other two. He slowed to a halt, and Kate could feel the vibration of his own laughter as he turned to face their counterparts.

"We had you!" Ryan yelled

"You look ridiculous!" Rick crowed at the same moment, his eyes crinkling in his joy

"You had nothing!" Kate countered

"I thought you said you could beat him!" Ryan chided

"Oh no, Bro, this is all your fault!" Javier yelled back, "And you're not exactly a sack of feathers!"

"I am not fat!" Ryan cried indignantly

"Fight nice, ladies," Kate chided

The two men dissolved into bickering then. Rick turned his head to the side so that he could at least see part of his partner, who was still grinning at her boys.

"Down?" He asked

"Yeah." She unlocked her legs and had to hide a smile at the expression on her partner's face as the front of her body slid down the back of his.

"What I want to know is how Kevin ever talked Javier into this."

"How ridiculous do you think they looked?" She asked with a suggestive sidelong glance

"Let's go see for ourselves."

Kevin and Javier were still arguing by the time they reached the group, all of whom were to busy laughing at the video of the race to pay them any mind. Castle made a mental note to thank his daughter later that night for having the wonderful idea of bringing the camera; this day already ranked pretty high on his list of "perfect days". These were the types of family videos that he wanted to surround himself with: days like today, warm and sunny and surrounded by those he loved.

"How about some food?" Martha suggested as the laughter died down, "I know I'm hungry."

To Rick's quiet surprise, Kate once again sat herself close enough to touch him. True, they'd always had a rather loose definition of personal space, but this felt … different, somehow. This felt … intimate, even – dare he say – territorial. This felt like his girlfriend not so subtly telling the world that he was spoken for.

Except that Kate wasn't his girlfriend.

Well, Rick wasn't one to complain. Any physical contact with Kate – especially contact initiated by her – was certainly fine with him.

If Kate noticed his surprise, she did not let on.

Most of the day passed in the same manner. Captain Gates paid them a surprise visit; Kate smiled in genuine pleasure as her Captain greeted Castle without so much as a smidgen of displeasure or censure. She smiled and shook hands as Rick introduced her to his mother and daughter, and then again when Kevin introduced her to Jenny. In fact, Gates was so relaxed and affable that Kate briefly wondered if this was the same woman.

Even then, in the presence of her boss, Kate did not bother to move away from or disguise her proximity to Rick. She thought she may have caught a questioning glance shot her way, but when she looked away Gates was conversing politely with Jenny. Kate dismissed both the suspicion and the fleeting thought that maybe she should have moved. She was not on duty; she was not violating any rules.

"You smell good."

His voice was soft and deliciously intimate so close to her ear.

"Cherries?" She queried playfully, meeting his twinkling eyes

"Mmm, and sunshine," He answered, smiling

"Sunshine is not a smell, Rick."

She liked the sound of his name as it rolled off her tongue, and by the look on his face he liked hearing it.

"Of course it is, Kate," He countered, "Trust me, I'm a writer."

She laughed at both his statement and the way he waggled his eyebrows at her.

"You don't smell so bad yourself, Rick."

"Sunshine?" He asked

"Happiness," She answered

"Okay, now that is not a smell!"

"Says who?" She argued, "If sunshine can be a smell then so can happiness. You're the writer, Rick, you should know these things."

"You just made that up!" He insisted

"Isn't that what writers do? Make stuff up? I think I should become a writer."

"Now you're just being mean. Besides, that would never work."

"You're right. One of us has to be the logical one in this relationship," She shot back

Castle faltered. Relationship. She had said relationship, not partnership.

"What are you two bickering about now?" Lanie interrupted then

Castle was about to hedge when Kate turned a smile on her friend and surprised him, saying, "Whether or not I should become a writer."

"That would never work," Kevin said immediately

"Why not?" Castle asked, interest piqued

"One of you has to be logical," Esposito answered

"Hey, I'm logical!" Rick scoffed indignantly

"Oh please, Richard," Martha jumped in, "Your logic is having ice cream for breakfast because it's an alternative source for your daily dairy intake."

"I'll have you know that Alexis loves having ice cream for breakfast," He retorted

"I think you just proved her point, Dad," Alexis informed him, grinning

Kate laughed at the genuine consternation on his face and nudged him conspiratorially with her shoulder.

"It's okay, Rick. Ying needs Yang, remember?"

"One of these days I'm going to talk you into having ice cream for breakfast," He told her adamantly

"One of these days I might just let you," She retorted, and laughed at the way he was caught off guard

"Alright you two," Javier cut in, "That was the call for the three legged race. We gonna do this or what?"

"Oh, so you are competing?" Rick challenged

"Oh we're competing," Javier responded with a grin, "And we're gonna win."

"I wouldn't bet on that," Kate goaded

"I would," Kevin fired off, "Twenty bucks says Javier and I take you."

"Forty," Javier amended

"We got forty and a round at the Old Haunt that says we win," Kate said, leaning forward

"Three rounds," Castle corrected, "Forty bucks and three rounds."

"Deal," Javier and Kevin answered simultaneously

"I finally know what to call them!" Rick exclaimed, looking excitedly at Kate, "Rysposito!"

"Whoa, what?" Javier demanded

"No way!" Kevin spat

"It does have a certain ring to it," She said, pretending to mull it over, "And it'd be a lot quicker than trying to say their names separately."

"You are not calling us Rysposito," Javier insisted

"Why not?" Castle inquired

"I will pay you to call them that," Jenny said on the end of a chuckle

"I think it's got a nice ring to it," Lanie agreed

"If you're calling us that, we're calling you … baskett!" Ryan pronounced

"Baskett?" Esposito said before they could answer, "That's terrible, bro."

"It's the first thing that came to mind!" His partner defended

"Well it's weak, man."

"You got something better?"

"A monkey could come up with something better."

"Let's hear it then, monkey boy."

Esposito paused long enough to shoot a dirty glare at his partner, who just glared right back.

"Caskett," He said, finally looking away from his partner

"Caskett?" Rick repeated, "As in, the thing they bury dead people in? Isn't that a bit morbid?"

He glanced at Kate, but she just smirked and shrugged her shoulders.

"You're all right with this?" He asked, stunned

"It's better than 'Baskett'. Sorry, Kev."

"So, let me get this straight," Martha said, waving her wine glass through the air between the two teams, "You just had an entire conversation on how best to make up a nickname by mashing your names together?

"Pretty much," Rick answered unapologetically

"Are they always like this?" The actress asked of the M.E.

"Usually they're worse."

"Enough shenanigans," Castle said then, sweeping to his feet, "We have a race to win."

"No way, bro," Javier argued

Castle just arched an eyebrow and helped Kate to her feet. She didn't really need help, he knew, but he was loath to break the contact that he had spent all day enjoying. The four of them walked to the mock starting line together, trash talking and laughing the entire way.

The rope to secure their ankles together had been provided for them; Castle took one and bent to tie them together.

"You ready to win forty bucks, Ms. Beckett?"

"Team Caskett for the win," She answered with a grin

He laughed. Maybe he didn't mind that name after all.

"Racers, take your positions!"

They centered themselves on the white line that had been painted in the grass, turning to watch as Ryan and Esposito took up the spot next to them.

"I'm looking forward to these three free rounds tonight," Esposito said glibly

"Who said anything about tonight?" Rick asked

"Oh, didn't we tell you? That's the other part of the deal," Ryan retorted, grinning

"Works for us," Kate responded, "Better get your wallets ready."

"Alright everyone. Ready!"

"Hold my hand!" Kate whispered to Rick, extending hers

"Get set!"

Castle reached out and took the offered hand.

"Go!"

Kate was a tall woman, but in regular tennis shoes she barely reached Castle's shoulder. Her legs were long, however, and her stride was well matched to his. With an ease that made it seem like they had spent most of their lives tethered to one another, they stepped off without so much as a hitch.

Ryan and Esposito were close on their heels; they seemed to be struggling, however, if their choppy, uneven stride was anything to go by.

"They're gaining on us!"

"We're almost to the finish!" He replied

Ryan and Esposito pulled even with them. A quick flick of her eyes told her they were smiling.

"Not a chance!" Castle exclaimed

As one they put on a surge of speed. Kate stumbled at the very last second, the foot that was tied to her partners suffering a misstep as she tried to match his stride. They catapulted over the finish line in a tangle, crashing first into one another and then into the grass. They were laughing when they finally came to a stop, ankles still tied and hands still clasped.

"We crashed and burned and we still won!" Rick crowed as the other two stopped in front of them

"What do you think, Castle? Nine, at the Haunt?" Kate asked, although she was looking at the other two

"Sounds good."

"Oh, stop gloating already, Caskett," Esposito snapped

"Whatever you say, Rysposito," Castle returned

"We almost had you," Ryan said as they moved away

Castle chuckled as they untangled themselves, leaning forward to work the knot out of the rope that bound them together. When he'd untied them he glanced back at Kate, who was leaning back on both hands and watching him intently, that private little smile that he liked to think she saved for him on her face.

"What?" He queried

"Are you gonna ask me out or what?"

"Ask you … on a date?" He sputtered in surprise

"I think that's what the kids are calling them these days," She teased, her smile widening

Rick felt his own answering grin spread across his face and knew that it was his goofy, foolish one and he didn't care one bit. Kate Beckett wanted to go on a date – with him.Finally.

"Kate, would you like to go on a date with me?"

"Why, Rick, I thought you'd never ask."

Their laughter followed them all the way back to their family.