A/N- This is my first multi chapter so I am really nervous about posting this. It will be short, at least 3 chapters so I hope you guys enjoy it. Thanks goes to my amazing Beta Dmarx

Disclaimer- I Do Not Own Castle

I'll do whatever it takes
To turn this around
I know what's at stake
I know that I've let you down
And if you give me a chance
Believe that I can change
I'll keep us together whatever it takes

Whatever It Takes by Lifehouse

Kate pulls the Mercedes onto the familiar tree lined- dirt road. The drive up here had been quiet-a little too quiet, but then again things have not exactly been the same since he found out she had lied to him about the job offer. She couldn't fault him for being angry though. Even though she had never wanted the job, the opportunity had come at a time when things were really getting serious and comfortable with Castle, and it scared the hell out of her. And this job gave her a way out, a means to run, and she almost destroyed the best thing in her life in the process. And turning down his proposal had not helped things either. She had wanted to say yes, had almost said yes, but realized it was not the right time. They both were nowhere near ready for it. There were still issues they need to work on, things they needed to talk about first- things both of them have long avoided- and that's why they are here at her father's cabin for the weekend. She knows one weekend up here won't fix everything, but they have to start somewhere. As she continues to drive, the cabin comes into view. It's in a serene location sits facing a lake, shaded by a large oak tree on the far end.

As Kate parks the car, Castle is the first to get out. "Nice place." he states nonchalantly, taking off his sunglasses and taking a closer look at the cabin. It's a simple one- story rustic cabin and not at all what he had pictured. Four small steps lead up to the front porch, which runs the length of the cabin, covered by an overhanging roof that shields it from the summer rain and winter snow. A swing is located at the right end of the porch and two rocking chairs sit idly on the opposite end.

"So would you like the grand tour?" she asks.

He turns to her, lips curved into a small smile. "I would love that."

She goes over to him grabs his right hand, and tugs him toward the cabin. They step up to the front porch and she pulls out her key from her jeans pocket and unlocks the door. Castle follows her inside, and looking around he notices the interior matches the outside. It's simple and homey. The living room consists of a stone fireplace, a couch that has seen better days, a leather recliner, and a TV sits in the corner. The living room opens to a small kitchen, with a dining area to the right that's complete with a small round table and two chairs. Next they head down a small hallway that leads to a bathroom slash laundry room, and next to that is the master bedroom, which is where Castle assumes Jim sleeps when he comes up here. And across from the master suite is the other bedroom, where they will be sleeping. As Kate opens the door, Castle goes in first. It's a nice, cozy bedroom. The bed sits against the wall, facing a window that looks out over the lake.

"Nice view," he states while walking over and looking out the window.

"Yeah," she says with a smile.

Silence falls between them then and she studies him, notices how his muscles are tense, posture rigid as he fidgets with his sunglasses.

"Are we okay?" the words suddenly slip through her mouth before she can stop herself.

He looks up at her, lips for a tight lipped smile, "Yeah. Why?"

She shrugs, "I just get the feeling that we're not. I mean if this is about me saying no to your proposal, I want you to know that even though I said no doesn't mean I don't want to marry you. Because I do. It's just that we're both not ready now, and I want you to do it for the right reasons, not because you're afraid of losing me."

He sighs heavily, runs his hand through his hair, then sits on the edge of the bed that faces the window, "It's not that Kate. It's just…" he trails off.

"What?" she waits, but he doesn't say anything, "Castle?"

When he finally speaks his voice is calm but anger laces every word, "What you did, hurt and I'm sorry but I just can't go on and pretend like it didn't happen."

"I'm not asking you to."

She crosses the room to stand in front of him, but he still won't look at her. She can see the hurt etched on his face and it sends her heart shattering into a million pieces, steals the air from her lungs.

"Look you have every right to be angry with me. What I did was inexcusable, and I am sorry."

He gazes up at her then and this time when he speaks his voice calm and even, "I just don't think you get it Kate. We're in this relationship now and it's not just about you anymore. It's about the both of us. I want this this relationship to work but-"his voice trails off.

"I want it to work too. And I'll do whatever it takes to make it work."

Their eyes meet, and his eyes once so blue and full of nothing but love for her, are now full of hurt and betrayal, and she hates herself for doing this to him. She leans in, her mouth hovers over his, her warm breath washing over his lips. Her eyes slip close as her lips brush against his but almost immediately he turns away.

"I need to go unpack the car," he says simply as he pushes up off the bed and heads for the door.

"Castle!" She calls out after him, but he ignores her and she watches him disappear leaving her alone in the room.

She heaves a sigh, and collapses onto the bed. She runs her fingers through her hair, and leans forward, hands resting on her knees. She silently wonders to herself if she will be able to fix this mess she's made.