Chapter 9

Pairing: R. Castle and K. Beckett

Summary: Will they finally get together?

Disclaimer: I don't own Castle

Words: 1738

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RC POV:

The ringing of her phone brought us out of our little bubble; I wanted to toss it out of the window but I knew that she wouldn't appreciate that kind of behaviour.

I watched as she pulled away from me, a tinge of red staining her cheeks that honestly just made her even more appealing to me. Everything about this woman was attractive to me, drew me in and held me firmly in a state of admiration.

She pulled her phone out of her pocket, the screen displaying a photo of Lanie. I was normally fond of the sassy ME, she was bold and intelligent as well as a loyal and caring friend to Kate that didn't put up with her nonsense. In this particular moment though I found that I didn't even have one single pleasant feeling towards her.

She was interrupting my time with Kate.

I had been holding her in my arms and now I wasn't.

It was all that damn piece of plastics fault and Lanie's for calling.

My arms felt empty, letting out a breath I decided to give Kate some privacy. Before I done something stupid like snatch her phone and throw it to the floor before jumping on it, she would not be happy with me if I done something like that. Walking away from the kitchen I made my way over to the lounge, flopping down onto the couch.

I wanted to give her privacy but I also didn't want to be too far away from her, I felt a burning need in my heart to be near her. In the stillness of the loft, something which hardly ever happened, I could hear her talking to Lanie clearly. She was trying to convince her friend that she was in fact still sane and not suffering from any sort of head trauma.

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KB POV

After almost ten minutes I finally managed to convince Lanie that I was perfectly fine and that I would explain everything to her in the morning. She had been relentless, wanting to know every detail about what was going on. Apparently there had been a lot of talk from the 12th about Castle and me, specifically our fight in the break room.

Placing my phone down on the counter so that it wouldn't interrupt us again I made my way to the lounge, having spied Rick's head flopped onto the armrest of the couch.

A smile tugged at the corners of my mouth once I was standing in front him, he was fast asleep. Well, maybe passed out. It had been hard not to notice the fact that he was beyond drunk. Sitting down on the armchair close by, I watched him closely as he slept on, he looked so innocent. Free from any sort of burdens and strain.

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RC POV

I had a pounding headache, my mouth was terribly dry and every part of my body ached. With a groan I attempted to force my eyes open, the harsh light that was flooding the lounge immediately caused them to snap shut again.

Forcing myself into a sitting position I felt my stomach start churning as the scent of frying bacon evaded my nostrils. Sleeping on the couch had not agreed with me in the slightest and neither had the alcohol, anything over 10 watts was blinding right now and even food was unappealing.

This was hardly my first hangover but it was the most serve one that I had had in a very long time. I hadn't just had a drink or indulged a bit, I had over indulged because of desperation.

Recalling the reason for my consumption made me feel even worse.

The clattering of movement forced my eyes open yet again, staring blearily eyed at the kitchen I was more than a little bit surprised to see Katherine Beckett.

She was puttering around the kitchen, moving with ease and easily navigating her way around as she pulled out ingredients and utensils. She seemed to know exactly where everything was, so very familiar.

Getting to my feet I slowly made my way to the kitchen, trying to remember everything that had happened last night. Something must have clearly happened but for the life of me I couldn't remember. She looked over at me as I got closer and a warm smile was directed at me that was all it took to remember what had happened last night.

"Hi." I said softly staring into her beautiful and expressive eyes.

"Hey." She greeted quietly the smile still firmly in place.

We stayed like that, just staring into each other's eyes as numerous emotions and thoughts passed between us wordlessly. I couldn't take my eyes off of hers, I didn't want to and I had honestly lost the desire to ever attempt to do so.

"You made breakfast?" I asked after several long moments.

"Yeah." She answered with a small shrug of her slim shoulders. "I hope you hungry."

"A bit." I replied still unable to take my eyes off of her.

"Sit down and grab a plate." She instructed gently.

I followed her orders, the first mouthful was delicious as was the second and third. She definitely knew how to cook. My stomach that had felt so queasy before started to settle down as I wolfed down my breakfast. Everything was delicious.

"Good?" She asked teasingly sitting down and dishing up a plate for herself.

"Yes." I groaned out in bliss.

She watched me for a moment, amusement clear in her eyes before turning to her own breakfast. If I couldn't steal her recipes then I would have to simply marry her.

"So um…" She started hesitantly some minutes later as she took a sip from her coffee having already finished her small helping of breakfast. "What are you doing today?"

I wanted to make some sort of witty remark but when I looked up at her from my plate, it died on the tip of my tongue. The look on her face clearly said that she was apprehensive. Now wasn't the time for jokes.

"Hopefully, having a long overdue conversation." I answered looking into her eyes.

She gave a small nod as she took another sip, a light blush on her cheeks. We had been putting this off for far too long it was time that we either did this properly or just moved on. It wasn't even an option for me anymore, it hadn't been in a long time if I was being completely honest with myself, and I wanted her.

I wanted this.

Putting my knife and fork down, I pushed my plate aside. It was now or never, I had tried the slow and steady approach once before this time I would dive straight in instead. It was time to be bold, to make it clear just what it was that I wanted.

"I want you." I said simply.

She choked on her coffee, spluttering slightly as she put the cup down her eyes were wide as she stared at me. Clearly she hadn't expected me to be so straight forward.

The days of playing games and beating around the bush were over for me, I wanted her and for me it was just that simple.

"No flowery words Castle?" She asked sarcastically, her eyes still a bit wide.

"No." I answered honestly. "I don't want to play any more games, Kate. I am in love with you."

I could have knocked her over with a feather at this stage, I knew that she wasn't big on emotions and bold declarations like these weren't her style. It didn't matter though, I wanted to spend the rest of my life with this woman and for that to happen she had to know how my intentions first.

"Rick?" She questioned looking bewildered.

"I want to be with you, either that happens or it doesn't. I need to know what it is going to be Kate, you the only one who can answer that question." I said softly, not wanting to startle her anymore.

She liked having control, working with her all these years had taught me a thing or two about her. She didn't like surprises or being overwhelmed, she was also the type of person who had to think things through. Analyse something from all its angles and consider everything before making any sort of decision.

Which is why I was surprised when she spoke only moments later, finally giving me the answer I needed.

"It's happening Rick." She said softly, smiling at me as she placed her hand over mine.

"Good." I breathed quietly, manoeuvring my hand so that I could lace our fingers together.

"I want this too." She spoke quietly a few minutes later, smiling at me.

I squeezed her hand gently, not been able to think of anything to say in reply to her words. I was so happy that it felt like every part of my body was practically tingling from it.

We had had our fair share of fights, some tame and others brutal in their nature, there had been obstacles in our way as well and our sometimes clashing personalities. So much had happened since that night she came sauntering into my life with her badge and bold attitude, we had put each other through so much but we had also faced a lot together.

It wasn't all bad though over the years she had managed to become my best friend, the person who I went to for advice and trusted fully, who I had fallen in love with.

She was my inspiration, not just a muse for my writing; she made me want to be the best that I could be. She made me want to be a better person, a better person and friend, a better writer even, as well as a better son to my mother and a better father to Alexis.

She made me want to be a better man.

"Then let's just do it, no more games and subtext." I breathed out pleadingly, our hands still tangled together.

"Okay, okay." She replied, a bright smile on her face.

I could feel an answering smile forming on my face, this was what I wanted. It was a start to my everything, I would marry this woman one day she was all I have ever wanted and more.

The end.

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AN: And this is the end, I just want to say thank you to everyone who has read this story. I hope you guys have enjoyed it.

Until next time, happy reading fellow fans.