Hi!
I am back with a new fanfic! This story is loosely based on the film, For Lovers Only. It is kind of my own Castle version of this incredible love story. It will not be exactly like the film. Yes, there will be similarities but it is not going to be 100% the same. I've never done anything like this before, so any feedback is greatly appreciated! Let me know what you think by leaving a review! Enjoy!
Disclaimer: Castle and For Lovers Only are not mine :/
[Arrivals]
Sun filtered in through the window, shining brightly on the passengers in the aircraft.
Slowly coming out of the haze sleep had put him in, he cracked open a crystal blue eye and took in his surroundings. Sitting up straighter in his seat, the man stretched his arms above his head and sighed in relief when the tension in his shoulders was released. A quick glance out the window made him raise a hand over his squinted eyes, blocking the harsh light coming through. Shutting the blind down, he was able to lower his hand and open his eyes. Much better.
Just then, the plane gave a sudden jolt. Turbulence. He took in a shaky breath, his heart pounding when the jostling of the plane ceased.
Oh how he hated flying. Absolutely hated it.
He shifted in his seat. The seats were surprisingly uncomfortable, even in first class. He could never seem to find a proper position, always straining his neck and shoulders from sleeping in an awkward pose for hours on end. His back always killed him afterwards.
But this trip was necessary, so he had to make the strenuous journey. No matter how much he despised it.
Unbuckling his seatbelt, he got out of his seat and stretched again, trying to get all of the kinks out. A sudden hand on his shoulder grabbed his attention, startling him a bit. It was an older woman and she was about a foot shorter than him with a sweet smile on her lips.
"Excuse me, dear." She kindly asked if he could scoot to the side so she could get to her seat a few rows ahead of him.
Smiling, he did as she had asked and watched as she hobbled to her seat before he reached up into the overhead compartment to grab his small carry-on bag and his brown leather jacket. Slipping the jacket on, the intercom system suddenly buzzed to life.
"Ladies and gentleman, if you could please take your seats, we are making our final descent into Charles de Gaulle Airport," the Captain ordered.
Taking his seat, he buckled his seatbelt and shut his eyes, fear coursing through his veins. As much as he despised flying, the worst part was landing. It made his nerves bounce all over the place, and it took him quite a long time to calm down afterwards. It was an adrenaline rush, one he wasn't too keen on having.
His hands gripped tightly onto the arm rests, his knuckles turning as white as his face, the color quickly draining from his features. The massive wheels screeched against the blacktop, the entire plane and its occupants bouncing as it finally slowed down to a controlled speed.
Letting out the breath he didn't know he was holding, he ran a shaking hand through his unruly brown hair. Feeling the gaze of someone watching him, he turned to find a young boy, no older than eight, staring at him with an amused expression on his face. The kid had apparently found his fear of landing amusing, a tiny smirk tugging on the boy's lips as he held in the laughter that was ready to burst out of him at any moment.
Merely shooting the kid a closed mouth smile, he looked away embarrassed as the aircraft approached the gate.
"Thank you for choosing to fly with Air France today. We hope you enjoyed your flight and that you'll be flying with us again soon," the Captain thanked over the intercom. "Welcome to Paris."
Sluggish step by sluggish step, he made his way through the terminal of the Charles de Gaulle Airport. Many passengers walked to and fro with their suitcases trailing behind them, passing him by without a single care as to why he was here, too consumed in their own business.
Walking to Customs, he waited in line for a few minutes before it was eventually his turn. Handing over his passport to the man behind the counter, he checked his watch and noticed the time. It was nearing dinnertime, he'd grab something eat once he got to his hotel.
"Welcome to Paris, Mr. Castle," the gentleman greeted, his French accent thick as he gave him his passport back.
Giving the man a small nod in thanks, he proceeded his way out of the airport. Not needing to go to baggage claim because he had all of his things with him already, he headed straight for the passenger pickup area of the airport and got in the next available taxi. Telling the driver the address of his hotel, he stared blankly out the window and watched as other cars zoomed by, becoming lost in his thoughts.
This trip wasn't going to be very eventful. He was merely here for some much needed inspiration for his next novel, nothing more.
"How long will you be in Paris?" An older taxi driver asked his female passenger.
The woman looked up from her lap, making eye contact with the driver in the rear view mirror. Her hazel brown eyes held sadness and pain but were concealed behind a pair of sunglasses. She gave him her best smile.
"About two weeks," she answered simply. "Just here for a small vacation."
The taxi driver was a very outgoing and polite, always treating his customers with the upmost respect.
"Traveling to Paris alone?" He was surprised that a woman of her beauty was by herself, that no man was here to accompany her, or that one hadn't snatched her up.
He had noticed as soon as she had gotten in the cab she wore no ring on her left hand, so she couldn't have been married. He truly didn't know what her story was, and he was sure she didn't want to share, but he couldn't help but feel curious.
Nodding her head, she ducked her head down into her chest while biting her bottom lip. "Yes. It's just me."
His focus on the road ahead turned to the rear view mirror for a split second before looking back to the road. "This is the city of love, sweetheart. You're bound to come across some when you're here."
She gave him a tiny smile, not believing him but nodding her head in agreement anyways. She doubted she'd find love here, or even joy, especially after everything that has happened to her in the past few months. Hell, in the past three years. It was why she came here, to get away from that part of her life for a bit. Have a fresh start, and to recollect herself after everything that transpired.
Just the thought of it all brought tears to well in her eyes, but they never fell.
The driver's voice brought her back. "Keep your eyes open to the light, to love, and you won't regret it. Trust me."
"I'll keep that in mind. Thank you," she thanked, looking out as they zoomed passed buildings and neighboring vehicles.
About ten minutes later, the taxi pulled up in front of the Meurice hotel. Getting out of the taxi, she stretched her limbs and sighed contentedly. This little vacation was just what she needed.
"Here are your bags," the elderly man huffed, placing the two suitcases down on the sidewalk at her feet. "It was a pleasure driving you today. If you need a ride, here's my number," he handed her his business card.
She took the card, looking over it. "Thank you, André. For everything." She shook his hand warmly.
"Not a problem, Miss...?"
"Beckett," she informed him. "Kate Beckett."
He grinned. "Enjoy your stay in Paris, Miss Beckett. And do not forget– open your eyes and heart to love because you never know what opportunities lie ahead if you do." And with that he gave a final wave before getting in the taxi and driving off, leaving her standing there all alone.
Taking a deep breath, she grabbed her bags and headed inside the hotel.
There was a little sliver of hope in her that was praying she would be able to do so, but she wasn't certain of it.
There you go, folks!
Please let me know what you thought by leaving a review! Your thoughts and comments are greatly appreciated! Next chapter will be posted soon! Until then!
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