reminds me of why I hated Beckett at times lol... but alas it all works out :)

"Castle?"
"Castle."
Castle.

:)

I don't know how I managed to miss this one. It was beautiful. I am in tears at that ending. Your Dash universe is already so vibrant and rich that I didn't think it needed the extra stories in between the epics...but i was so wrong. These are amazing.

Excellent prequel. Very interesting to read how it all started. I better understood Kate's attitude at the beginning of Dash Away.

Incredible story! I really enjoyed it!

I love that you put all of this in one chapter. It feels finished and polished, at least for this part of the story. And whatever I missed after this will just accompany this beautifully.
I'm glad you showed it like this, like a little preview of what we already read in first epic Dash. Like Dash's name and the living arrangements.
You have no idea how glad I am that Alexis is incorporated in your story as a grown up adult and that Castle shares things with her. Things about Kate specifically. I know I loved that in Dash epics and it really starts here too, just with less Kate in the mix.
The moment with the baby was beautiful.
And I loved and laughed at the way Castle presented his pregnant theory to Kate. Hahahahahaha
When Kate flinched at him using the phrase 'this is not working', it broke my heart a bit, but also kind of made me happy. I'm a weirdo, I know.
Looooove this.
but you already know that.

I have NO idea how I missed chapter two and three of this!
My tooth is inflamed and I can barely think so I decided to ditch work for today and try to read at least something of Dash series I missed. Third story and I'm already there! Man, I'm a bad bad fangirl.
I remember reading a first chapter of this. I think I even remember reading this one.
But anyways, I loved it. Really really did. Especially now when I know how they will get later, how good they will become together.
It's so nice to see all those stitches go away, see them hurting less and wanting more from each other.
And i loved how you described her when she woke up and he wasn't there. This IS just the beginning.
When she said he was the only reason she fought to stay alive in that warehouse, just because it meant he would get hurt later, I almost started crying. Because that is so beckett and so kate, even more so today, and it was so evident even back then.
Oh, and might I add - ending of Always and this - it almost feels like Marlowe is your fangirl too.

Aw, as soon as you showed the morning after I started to wonder if we would get to see their relationship blossom and the first moments of Dash's presence. You were able to deliver everything, even beyond my expectations.

It was so beautiful to see them come together, despite Kate's reservation and her fear to dive into the relationship, or the pregnancy. The whole scene where she realizes she's pregnant was beautifully written and so touching, especially the moment when Castle sees the love in her eyes, a love that it's there for a second, before her rational mind starts to build an even thicker wall around herself. That was probably my favorite part in this, almost more than the moment when she realizes that she has to raise Dashiell with Castle, there's no other way around it.

This one was precious, thank you so much for writing this little addition!

Awwww, great story! I love the ending :)

This was incredible.

It was interesting to see that something bad turned into something good.

Rick and Kate's relationship came about because of what happened to them. It solidified because of them being their for each other coping with what happened and by testifying at the Butcher's trial.

The best thing was Dash and how he came to be. Kate really didn't want a kid but you had her accept it and want to be the primary care giver. But seeing Rick with their boy, all her plans changed.

The end showed that Kate wanted something permanent between them. Can't say that Kate made a bad decision there.

For some reason I felt the need to re read this one again and I'm so glad I did. It gets me every single time. Beautiful words, beautiful story. I will be forever grateful that you created the Dash universe for these incredible characters.

Awwwwww! I have freaking tears in my eyes right now!

Going back to the start of the chapter though... that Little Mermaid meme cracked me up! LOL And I had a serious 'uh oh' moment when I thought Castle was just going to come right out and ask if she was pregnant because she looked... well, more 'rounded' lol But of course he's too smart for that and kept his mouth shut. But the throwing of the pill into the toilet kind of blew his cover hahaha Too funny!

Would have loved to have gotten more of the 'in between' stuff - like Kate's pregnancy and the reaction of everyone at the precinct and what not but I spose that's what we'll be getting in 'Sleep Alone' huh? So no need for me to worry over that!

But yes, that ending! Kate waking up to see Castle holding their son and everything is ok between them and the name and him being a little Castle - ugh! :')

Loved how Castle got the, what did you call it? 'Wall of Blue' treatment and he just doesn't seem to get what he did that was so amazing.

And the hearing! Wow - I kinda wish that you'd included some of what was spoken at the hearing but then again it would have been too painful so I’m glad you didn’t lol

“I saw my whole life in you. He sees his whole life in her every day. And has since the day he met her.” – Ugh! My shipper heart!

And all the stitches are out... and their knowing 'you know what that means' looks haha Mmm.. just the beginning indeed! :D

“He's just not sure which part didn't happen. The butchering of her body or the worship” – wow, just... wow :’(

Oh my gosh – loved this: "Instant Human: Just Add Coffee" LOL

So their ‘morning after’ was kind of awkward but it felt right and like they’d been doing it forever – with the coffee, him making them breakfast, her cleaning up while he showers, stealing quick little kisses here and there – just so natural despite the new-ness :) Can't believe he and well, Ryan & Espo, actually let her go back to work after what they'd just gone through - but there is no arguing with Kate Beckett so I guess it was true to her character.

You have nooo idea how many times I got shivers while reading no light and this one. This is super. You have something really special with telling stories and I am very grateful that you decided to spend sometime writing, for all of us. Thank you, for sharing this wonderful talent of yours. It blessed me, and I hope to other people as well. Keep writing. God bless :)