Empty Space

This is first multi-chapter fanfic and entry for the 2014 ficathon.

All mistakes are mine but the characters are not.

Many thanks to honeyandvodka for the beta and gorgeous cover art.

The day dawns bright, summer sun streaming through the windows of the loft. Kate Beckett groans as she leans over to the bedside table to switch the alarm off on her iPhone. She lays back down, taking a few extra moments to snuggle against her still-sleeping partner, enjoying his warmth whilst beginning to mentally organize the day ahead.

She feels Castle begin to stir beside her. He squints at Beckett as he opens his eyes and props himself up on one elbow and mumbles, "Wha' time is it? Can't be morn'g already?"

"I hate to be the bearer of bad news, Castle, but its seven am and you have a busy day planned with a bunch of other authors and a few hundred especially generous and dedicated fans on a charity cruise around Ellis Island."

Now it's Castle's turn to groan. "Is that today?"

Beckett nods.

"I don't suppose I can convince you to go back to sleep with me? I'm sure they won't miss me if I'm a little bit late." He looks up at Beckett and raises an eyebrow. "And I'll be sure to make it worth your while."

"As much as I'd truly love that, I have an equally busy day ahead. I need to attend court for the Walters' trial," Beckett replies. "So how did you wind up getting roped into attending this charity cruise anyway?"

"It's something that Patterson has been organizing on behalf of his charity, the 'National Literacy Trust'. Get a bunch of well-known authors, throw them on a catamaran cruising around Ellis Island with a bunch of people willing to make a rather large donation for the cause. Something to do with literacy and cultural diversity, what with Ellis Island being the gateway for millions of immigrants to the United States. Sounded like a good cause and Paula was keen for me to be a part of it as it's sure to get lots of media attention."

"Okay, so in order for you to go and raise tons of money and stay in both Patterson's and Paula's good books you need to get up. And besides, it looks like it will be a beautiful day to be out on the water. "

Castle doesn't budge. "But Kate, why would I even want to get out of bed when I already have the most beautiful person on earth laying here beside me?"

Kate stifles her laugh at the cheesiness of her fiancé but is unable to stop her eyes from rolling.

"Although, upon contemplation, I do think you'd look incredibly hot in nautical wear," Castle continues.

"Mmm… Now, that's a mental image that might just help me survive the courtroom today… You in your short shorts." Kate muses.

"Haha, no. I'm not wearing them. Could you imagine what some of the fans would do to me if I turned up in shorts? All the groping, all the pinching… And the inappropriate photographs?" Castle shudders. "No, I'll just be wearing jeans with a nice shirt and jacket today. Layers, thank you." At that, Kate is unable to contain her laughter.

"Believe me Castle, I would much rather be out on the water, sipping champagne with you, rather than stuck in a courtroom all day. I mean, I can't even text you unless I have a break… But I guess I'm glad that there will finally be some closure for this case".

"So this is the case about the young guy who murdered his girlfriend?"

"Yes, James Walters. He's just turned eighteen. He thought that his girlfriend Sarah was cheating on him so he confronted her. When she wouldn't confess to having an affair he killed her. The worst part is that Sarah wasn't having an affair. The reason that she'd been a little sneaky was that she was trying to arrange a surprise party for James' eighteenth birthday. It's really pretty tragic. They were both so young and had their whole lives ahead of them."

"And he confessed. So it's open and shut. So how come there's a trial?"

"Because the family has managed to hire some expert witness who claims that because of James' age and the volatile nature of his upbringing, coupled with Sarah not being entirely honest with him at the time of the murder that he shouldn't be held responsible." Beckett shakes her head, "I mean, I get it. If I was James' parent I'd want to do anything I could to keep him out of jail. But the cop in me knows that he needs to take responsibility for his actions. He committed a very serious crime and needs to be held accountable for that. And Sarah's parents deserve justice and closure. From all accounts she was a very sweet and loving girl."

Kate stands up, reaching forward and clasps onto Castle's hand in order to pull him out of bed.

"So come on, let's not put this off any longer."

Castle groans but allows himself to be propelled out of bed. "Okay," he concedes, "I guess I'll just have to go be a social butterfly for a while. It might not be so bad.

Seeing Castle's grimace Kate laughs, "I'm sure it will be terrible to have hordes of women fawning all over you." She turns serious. "But no signing any chests… We've talked about that. And remember who you're coming home to so you don't end up in any trouble"

"You have nothing to worry about Kate. Besides, what could possibly go wrong on a catamaran on the Hudson?"

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