Hey I'm Back!...For Now

So I have finally had time to start posting again and I'm so excited! I hope all of you had a great winter break and have a Happy New Year. So CASTLE has gone on hiatus so that really sucks :( I hope they come back soon. For those who may also watch Rizzoli&Isles, how was that season finale! When Jane shot Maura's Dad I completely had the :O face. Now THAT was a game changer (I hope he's okay I liked him).  Anyway they won't be back until next summer so from now on Rizzoli&Isles has become irrelevant. In the meantime I will try to post more often; also I will most likely end up throwing in a few one-shots in between the Mr&Mrs series. I have midterms coming up soon so I may not be able to post as frequently. But I promise my alter-ego will force me to.  So until next time much love. *Internet hugs and kisses*  

Chapter 39 – Mama Bear

"Babe."

She groaned and turned over, pulling a pillow over her head. "Just five minutes more," Kate mumbled sleepily.

Rick laughed lightly before removing the pillow over her head. "That's what you said five minutes ago." He kissed her. "Now I would love it if you could stay in bed-" he planted a kiss on her jaw while pinning her arms above her head. "-and continue this line of investigation-" She barked out a laugh, a little throaty and breathless. He had the ability to turn her into a horny teenager with a flick of his tongue and a touch of his lips.

A very horny one.

"-because, believe me, there is nothing more rewarding in the morning than you, naked…and moaning…and all kinds of sexy," he said, punctuating every phrase with a lingering kiss. "-underneath or on top of me-" he wiggled his eyebrows. He kissed her again and then was suddenly gone. "But… today is your first day back and you need to get up now so that I have time to feed you before you go chasing down criminals in those ridiculous shoes of-"

Before he could finish, Kate sat up and roughly pulled him towards her, their mouths clashing, her hands traveling. He gasped when she moved a hand down to the waistband of his boxers, easily slipping inside. But before he could enjoy it, she was up and away, leaving her husband breathless and panting and wanting more, so much more.

"That was firstly, for being a tease and secondly, for disrespecting my shoes," Kate said with a satisfied smirk, feeling victorious at the dumbfounded and highly aroused expression on her sexy hubby's face. She stood at the bathroom door and pulled off her shirt, just to torture him some more. He deserved it. "And nobody disrespects my shoes, Castle." She threw her shirt right into his slack-jawed face. "You of all people should know that." With that, she disappeared into the bathroom, locking the door. Her grin widened when she heard his loud groan on the other side. Yeah, she would have enjoyed conserving water with him. So, so much.

But, unfortunately, there was no time for early-morning hanky-panky now.

She was going back to work today.

And leaving her baby girl behind.

[][][]

"Barney is a dinosaur from our imagination..."

Little Lizzy, still sleepy and in her jammies, was sitting on the carpet while watching the purple dinosaur dance around, clutching Snuggles close to her chest and sucking on her pacifier. Usually at 6h30, she was still asleep, but when she heard the commotion downstairs she was wide awake. Small little ears and the things they hear.

Something was definitely going on - she just knew it.

"Hey, Rick, have you seen my keys?"

At the sound of her mother's voice, Lizzy squealed and kicked her little legs before turning around crawling over to Kate on all fours, leaving Snuggles behind.

Mommy trumped Snuggles every time.

"Uh, no. Sorry, Babe."

The little girl made it to her mother and immediately grabbed onto one of Kate's grey dress pant-clad legs, dragging herself into a standing position. Over the last couple of weeks or so, she had started standing on her own and giving small steps, getting closer and closer to actually walking.

Her parents were beyond proud.

"Oh, hi baby girl," Kate said with a beaming smile, bending down and scooping her daughter up. "What are you doing up, Cupcake?" Lizzy answered by tiredly rubbing her eyes and then dropping her head against her mother's collarbone, snuggling closer, a small baby hand instinctively starting to fiddle with a strand of Kate's hair. She always did that when she was sleepy.

Oh, sweet baby girl.

Her heart kinda melted as she watched her daughter, dark hair and delicate face, struggling to keep her eyes open as she clung to her mother. When she looked up, her husband was watching them with a soft, goofy smile, his hair flopping over his forehead, a dry towel draped over his shoulder. One damn fine daddy.

Mmmm. He was simply scrumptious in only his boxers and navy blue NYPD t-shirt.

Yum.

"Was she awake when you came down?" Kate asked, settling onto a chair with her baby girl still clinging to her.

"I think so. I heard her whine on the baby monitor," Rick answered, sliding a cup of coffee in front of her, leaning across the counter to peck her on the cheek. She smiled at him while adjusting Lizzy in her arms, still cradling the little girl against her chest.

"She must still be tired," Kate murmured, tracing a finger over her baby's cheek and cupping her skull tenderly.

"You want me to take her back to bed while you eat?"

Kate continued to watch her daughter, taking in every detail. "Uh, no. I just want... to hold her for few more minutes. Before I have to go," she answered softly, her focus still on her baby girl.

He nodded, understanding all too well. "Sure." He paused for a moment, drinking in the sight of his wife being a mother to his child. His chest always felt tight when he saw her like this; tender and soft and motherly. He loves bad-ass Beckett, being all hot in her high heels and with a gun, but he loves her the most when she loves his kids, his daughters.

When she's being a mother.

And she's a good one. A beautiful one. A complete natural.

[][][]

A week ago...

"Hey Lex," Kate answered with a grin, holding on to a squirming and shrieking Lizzy. She and Mommy were playing on the ground when her big sister called.

There was a moment of silence and then sniffling. The smile immediately dropped from Kate's face. "Lex?"

"Hi," the younger woman answered quietly, morosely.

Uh-oh. That sounded a hellavu lot like heartbreak.

Kate sighed and put her busy-body almost-one-year-old on the ground, immediately letting the little rascal scamper off to the study where her father was busy writing.

She wanted someone to play with. And Daddy was the best to climb on top of.

"Honey, what's wrong?" Kate asked, sitting down and getting comfortable. This was going to be one of those conversations, she feared.

Alexis sniffled again. "Just... everything," she said, tears in her voice. There was a beat. "Craig said that we had to take a break. But of course it means that it's over, right?"

Oh.

"Oh, Alexis," Kate breathed, feeling her chest constricting painfully. Alexis and Craig have been dating for the last ten months and he seemed to be the perfect guy for her. Kate liked him, even though Rick had his doubts. Alexis was his little girl, so no guy would ever really be good enough. But Craig was a good guy - smart, handsome, sweet. And it seemed that they worked.

Guess not.

The tears were flowing freely now. "But, I don't know, Kate. I think there may be someone else."

What now?

Kate immediately sat up, feeling anger swiftly rising because anyone who harmed Alexis Castle would endure the wrath of Detective Kate Beckett-Castle.

Or Mama Bear as she was affectionately dubbed by her husband.

"Why do you say that, Lex?" Calm down, look at the evidence, maybe there has been a mistake-

"There's this girl who's also doing a Masters in Sociology who he has been hanging out with a lot lately," the young woman answered. "They've gone for coffee a few times. And they talk constantly. Messaging each other or e-mailing or calling each other. We actually fought about it a few times."

Oh, hell no.

Kate sighed and pulled her legs up onto the couch, getting comfortable and feeling the urge to eat a whole carton of Ben and Jerry's. "Honey, I'm so sorry."

Alexis was crying again. "I... was really in love with him, you know? I... I thought that maybe he could be, you know, the one." Oh man. "I feel so stupid, Kate," Alexis sobbed.

Sonofabitch.

"Alexis," Kate said, her voice tender, but firm. "Honey, listen to me. You're young... and beautiful... and crazy smart. And if Craig doesn't know that or doesn't appreciate that... then, well, it's his loss, believe me. I know it hurts, Sweetie, but it will get better, okay? I promise you that at least. Not right away. But it will."

"It just doesn't feel like it will. This is even worse than Ashley."

"I know, I know." There was a moment of silence. "You want me and your dad and Lizzy to come over, do something fun? Like laugh at your dad on ice skates. I swear there is nothing more ridiculous than that man trying to walk on ice. He has the grace of an elephant."

That got a watery laugh out of Alexis, making Kate smile. "Uh, no. Thanks for the offer, though. I feel better now after I've talked with you. I always do... Thanks Kate," she said. "I love you."

Kate's breath hitched, her throat burning and her eyes feeling suspiciously moist. "Love you too, Lex. So, so much," she replied softly, not caring that her voice cracked. "And hey, if you need me to come over there with my gun and scare-"

Alexis laughed again and the painful pressure on Kate's heart lifted even more. "No thanks. Dad is bad enough... and he's not even the one with the gun."

"Well, I could always let Ryan and Esposito drive out there and take Craig in for questioning."

Asshole.

"I'll keep that in mind," Alexis answered softly, her voice lighter and little brighter.

Kate swallowed again. "I'm always here, you know that right?"

"Yeah, I know... Look, I have to go meet some people-"

"-For post-break-up-therapy?" Kate questioned knowingly, her lips quirking.

Alexis grinned, her tears dried up. "Yeah, something like that. Good thing I'm over twenty-one."

Kate laughed lightly. Ah, varsity. Good times. "Be careful, okay? And Lex?

"Yeah?"

"We love you."

"I know. Love you too, Mom... Bye."

"Bye," Kate greeted, slightly startled.

Holy-

Mom? Oh wow.

She was still staring at the phone when a small head of curly dark hair popped up just above the couch, a little smiling face looking up at her with twinkling blue eyes.

So much like Daddy.

Kate smiled and lifted her daughter into her arms. "Hey there, Cupcake." She spotted her husband leaning, arms folded, against the door frame. He was wearing that tender expression whenever he was watching her being motherly.

Her brow furrowed. "What?"

He pushed off the door frame and walked towards them. "Nothing." He sat down beside her, immediately pulling his wife against him with Lizzy in between them. He rubbed a hand down her arm, his eyes on their daughter who was snuggled against her mother's chest. "Just... that with Alexis. What you did... was just...," he trailed off, his throat constricting as he combed his hand through her hair.

Her frown deepened. "What?"

He looked at her, eyes brilliant and blue and adoring. "You are an amazing mother, Kate, and my daughters are the luckiest girls to have you." He kissed her, thankful and sweet and just because he couldn't stop himself any longer. He pulled back, his hand still at her cheek, rubbing a thumb over her cheekbone. After a few moments, he leaned forward again, his grinning mouth now against her ear.

"And I'm the luckiest bastard on the planet to have you to make babies with."

[][][]

"Okay, I really need to go," Kate said, checking her watch. A few moments went by with her still rooted at her spot on the stool, watching Rick feed their daughter. Both daughter and daddy had food stains all over them already.

Go figure.

Kate's shoulders sagged as she thought about all the things she was going to miss out on. She was completely torn - one the one hand, each time her baby girl smiled or giggled or just looked at her, she wanted to call Montgomery and just quit on the spot. On the other hand, however, she was excited about going back to work, to feel the rush of the chase, the thrill of putting the pieces together, the satisfaction of giving loved-ones closure and putting murderers behind bars.

It was gonna take some juggling to find a balance.

Rick glanced at her, puzzled. "I thought you were leaving," he said, his lips quirking as he lifted Lizzy out of her booster seat.

Kate sighed. "Yeah, I am. I just..."

"The first day is the hardest. It will get better, Babe."

She just nodded, keeping her eyes on the car keys in her hands.

He stepped closer and lifted her chin so that she could meet his eyes. "We'll still be here when you get back, Detective. I promise." Kate laughed, her eyes a little wetter than usual.

Finally she stood up and took a breath. She kissed her baby girl, who was still blissfully ignorant about what was going on. "Bye baby, Mommy loves you so much. I'll see you later," Kate said brushing a hand over her daughter's head and over her soft cheek. She then turned to her husband and leaned in for a goodbye kiss, tongue and heat; she would have to get used to those kisses again. Not her favourite by a long shot.

"Bye. I love you."

He smiled at her. "Love you too. Now go catch some bad guys, Detective."

[][][]

If we never found this love

If we never took that road

If we hadn't had the heart

We wouldn't have this home

Love, love will take you

Love, love will take you there

The lyrics at the end is from Angus and Julia Stone's lovely song, "Love will take you".

Chapter 38 - Your Love is My Turning Page

"Well, we will probably be there in thirty or forty minutes…" Rick grinned upon hearing his mother's animated gushing about how adorable her granddaughter was. "Is she asleep?" He laughed lightly at his mother relieved answer. The flamboyant Martha Rodgers trying to get a baby to sleep? That should be interesting to witness. She probably sang show tunes. "Yes, well, that ought to put her out…" Show tunes it was then. He paused to listen to her question, leaning against the bar and spotting his wife on the dance floor with an awkward-looking teenage boy.

Ah, another fan. Go figure.

"No, she's dancing with a young admirer right now who's completely in awe of course," Rick answered with a soft smile, watching his wife dance with one of Esposito's nephews. A fourteen year-old boy who's been in love with Kate ever since she first smiled at him when he was about six years old and visiting Uncle Javi at the precinct. Judging by the dreamy expression on the boy's face and the fact that Kate had to make sure that his hands did not stray from her waist, the teenager was clearly still smitten.

Who could blame him?

Especially when she was smiling at him like that. Like he was the only person in the world. Yeah, it was official: Ruben Esposito was ruined for all other women.

His mother's inquiry about the wedding dragged him out of his thoughts. "Beautiful, it was really beautiful… Esposito teared up a bit during his speech. And there was nearly a cat-fight about the bouquet which was quite entertaining." He caught sight of Kate again who was still busy charming the lovesick teenager.

Rick paused to listen to his mother and laughed, shaking his head. "No, Mother, there was no repeat performance. That was a once in a lifetime event."

Elvis was definitely not in this building...

[][][]

He had been planning this for a long time and of course Ryan and Esposito were obligated to assist him on this mission. They lost a bet, after all. His bride would either be amused and charmed or annoyed and embarrassed.

He was going with amused and charmed. He was her amusing, charming and ruggedly handsome husband after all.

And it was their wedding day.

"Okay guys, Pete has everything set up. You ready?" He could barely contain his excitement, bouncing on his toes.

The other two looked completely miserable. And a little pissed off. But whatever, he didn't care. It was his wedding day and they lost a bet.

That would teach them not to challenge the king of Madden.

"Castle, do we really have to do this?" Ryan whined, frowning furiously.

Esposito nodded, his face grim. "Yeah, Bro. C'mon, can't we settle this bet any other-"

Rick grinned. "No. A win is a win, Espo. Ryan, turn that frown upside down. And smile gentlemen, we're almost up."

Ryan glared at him, wishing he had his gun with him. "I hate you, man. You're gonna pay for this."

The frown on Esposito's face got deeper, cursing in Spanish as he led Ryan away.

Like lambs to the slaughter.

Rick grinned and went back to the wedding table. Back to his wife. He stood there and (creepily) watched her for a moment. Kate Castle was beautiful in the soft, romantic glow of the fairy lights, completely unaware of how captivating she really was. And tomorrow he would be waking up next to her for the rest of his life, this ethereal creature, his mortal muse.

A mystery he had a lifetime to solve.

He wanted to kiss the soft skin of her exposed back, the ridges of her spine, the hard edges of her shoulder blades. He wanted to so badly. Only a little while before he could undress her with whispered words, caress her with gently spoken pledges and make her come undone with breathless sighs. But for now he'd settle on telling her the truth. And the truth was that-

"You're beautiful," Rick whispered into her ear before kissing her cheek.

Kate laughed lightly, sounding like a ray of light, tilting her head back to look at him. Her husband. "You're not so bad yourself," she replied softly, leaning in to kiss him. "So, Mr. Castle, when are we going to get out of here?" She murmured close to his lips, her dark eyes full of carnal promises.

Rick smiled. "Why, Mrs. Castle? So you can have your wicked way with me?"

Her lips curled into a sly, sexy grin. "Something like that, yeah."

A mouth like that had to be kissed over and over and over again. To infinity and beyond.

He wrapped a large hand around the back of her neck and crashed his mouth onto hers, stealing her breath. He grinned against her mouth before breaking away completely to look at her dazed expression. "We'll be getting out of here soon enough. I just have a surprise for you before we go."

Kate sobered and eyed him skeptically. "A surprise? Rick, you know I don't like surprises."

He shrugged and grinned like a little boy. "Yeah, but you're gonna like this one. I promise, Babe."

She sighed and rolled her eyes. "Stop calling me that... Castle, this better be a good surprise. Or I swear I'm gonna-"

Rick silenced her with another quick kiss before getting up. "You'll love it. I promise."

Everybody loved Elvis.

[][][]

"May I cut in?"

Ruben Esposito glanced at Kate and then back at Rick. He shrugged, his shoulders sagging slightly. "Sure." The fourteen year-old let go of her hand rather reluctantly. "Thank you, Detective-"

"-Kate. We've been over this now. It's Kate." She smiled brightly at him before leaning in to kiss his cheek. The boy froze, his knees feeling suspiciously weak. "Thank you for dancing with me, Mr. Esposito." The brunette beauty winked at him before taking her husband's hand. Ruben only nodded dumbly, feeling a little dazed as he placed a hand to his kissed cheek. Slowly a wide smile spread across his face.

Someday he was gonna marry a girl like that.

Rick grinned as he pulled his wife closer. "You just made his year."

Kate laughed softly, wrapping her arms around his neck. "He's a good kid. I like him."

"Yeah well, he more than likes you. Look at him." He nodded towards the teenager still staring dreamily at Kate. "Poor kid. He's completely in love with you and I don't blame him. I mean look at you. How could he not be?"

Ah, a writer and his words.

She rolled her eyes and shook her head, flushing slightly. "Did you call your mother?"

His lips quirked. She always changed the subject when the focus was on her. "Yeah, everything is under control. Lizzy is asleep even though it was a bit of a struggle according to my mother."

Kate's brow furrowed briefly. "Well, she's always a little restless when we're not there." They swayed quietly for a few a moments, her head nestled in the hollow of his neck. "Should we get going?"

He kissed the side of her head. "Almost. Just... another few minutes, okay?" He murmured into her dark hair, not willing to break the gentle swaying just yet.

"Don't tell me you have to participate in a surprise for Lanie," she said, her lips twitching.

Rick chuckled lightly. "No, thank the gods for that. I wasn't stupid enough to make any bets with the groom."

She allowed the grin to blossom fully. "I still can't believe you did that."

"What?"

"That surprise. At our wedding."

"Oh right, how could I forget?" He chuckled. "I still can't believe I got Ryan and Esposito to participate... You liked it, though. I could tell from the huge grin on you face that you loved it."

She shrugged, her head on his shoulder. "Mmm, it was... sweet. In a completely embarrassing way."

"Lucky for me that you love Elvis."

"And you," she muttered without missing a beat.

He grinned. "And me."

[][][]

What the-

Kate burst out laughing, immediately clamping a hand over her mouth. She was completely taken aback and utterly amused. Along with the rest of the crowd of friends and family.

In the center of the dance floor stood three very different and comical-looking Elvises. Rick being the main one of course, smiling like the idiot that he was. The other two just looked utterly miserable and uncomfortable in their Elvis outfits, complete with the wigs and sunglasses. The crowd of friends and family were whistling and clapping their hands like crazy. Kate could hear Lanie laugh somewhere in the cacophony of sounds. She saw Alexis grinning and shaking her head in amusement. Her father clapped and laughed while Martha just shook her head, trying, but failing, to suppress the upward quirk of her lips.

Kate just stared at them in disbelief, thoroughly amused.

"Well, thank you... thank you very much," Rick said to the cheering audience in his best Elvis impersonation. He turned to look at Kate, grinning widely. "I would like to dedicate this to my beautiful wife. I love you, Honey."

She flushed bright red, but failed to keep the huge smile off her face. It was embarrassing, but sweet... in a Castle sort of way.

Life with this man was never going to be boring, was it?

"Well bless my soul. What's wrong with me?" He was singing it. He was singing this song to her. And dancing for her. Mmm, he was a pretty good dancer. All kinds of hot when thrusting like that...

What a ridiculous, adorable, infuriating, sexy man.

The other two nuts were dancing in the background and also provided back-up vocals. Who would have thought? Detective Javier Esposito and Detective Kevin Ryan singing and dancing in the background dressed in ridiculous Elvis-outfits.

Yeah, somebody definitely lost a bet.

"My hands are shaky and my knees are weak. I can't seem to stand on my own two feet." The audience was going absolutely wild. Yep, Rick Castle sure knew how to work a crowd. "Who do you thank when you have such luck?" He approached the wedding table, eyes on Kate. Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dumb were flanking him. "I'm in love... I'm all shook up. Mm mmm, ooh huh, yeah, yeah." He held out his hand to her, but Kate refused to take it, staring him down with mirth-filled eyes.

Martha was nudging her and laughing, her father was only smiling in amusement and nodded in encouragement.

"Come on, Kate!" Alexis yelled over the noise.

"When I'm near that girl I love best. My heart beats so it scares me to death!"

"Yeah, come on! Don't leave him hangin' girl!" Lanie piped up.

"My tongue gets tied when I try to speak. My insides shake like a leaf on a tree."

Someone let out a piercing whistle when Rick imitated shaking 'like a leaf on a tree'. His wife only shook her head and bit her lower lip to try and suppress the wide smile that was fighting to escape.

"There's only one cure for this body of mine. That's to have the girl I love so fine." Not waiting a moment longer, Rick snagged her hand and pulled her up.

He led her to the dance floor and let her stand right in the middle. "She touched my hand, what a chill I got." He mimicked shivering. Right up against her. Ridiculous man.

Ridiculously sexy man.

"Her lips are like a volcano that's hot." He traced her jaw as he sang the lyrics, his thumb touching her lower lip for a moment. "I'm proud to say you're my buttercup." He beamed at her, eyes sparkling. "I'm in love... I'm all shook up."

Before he could finish his performance, Kate had her arms wrapped around him and kissing him amid loud cheering, cat-calls and clapping.

She was smiling when they broke apart. "You are ridiculous, Rick Castle," she said on a laugh, toying with his wig.

He grinned and removed his sunglasses. "And you are absolutely gorgeous, Kate Castle." Rick kissed her again, once, twice. "Come on, let's get out of here."

Her lips quirked. "Elvis... is leaving the building."

[][][]

"Ugh, my feet are killing me," Kate whined, kicking off her shoes.

Rick grinned, hanging up their coats. "Well you always say that beauty is pain, Babe." He stepped in behind her, wrapping his arms around her. They stood in silence for a while. "Hey, how about a glass of wine," he murmured, sweeping the hair away from her shoulders and exposing her neck. "And a nice, warm bubble bath? With me joining you of course." He placed a few kisses on her exposed skin, opening his mouth to taste her.

"Mmm, sounds nice," Kate hummed, her eyes fluttering closed. She quickly sobered and stepped away from his embrace. "But first I want to say goodnight to our baby girl." She took his hand and started leading him towards the stairs. "Come on, Daddy."

They stood silently side-by-side watching their daughter's sleeping form. Watching how her small chest rose and fell with every quiet breath, how the soft, dark curly hair flopped over her forehead, how her small, open mouth rounded to form an O, how her fat little cheeks were coloured pink.

Kate brushed a hand over her daughter's skull and leaned down to kiss her head, making Lizzy stir for a moment. Her mother whispered a soft goodnight and kissed her again on each cheek. Rick stepped closer, trailing a finger over his little girl's face, not willing to accept the fact that was she was already turning one year closer to 18. He sighed and bent down to place a kiss in her hair, her temple and finally her forehead.

"Goodnight, Sweet Pea."

Kate led him out the room and as soon as she closed the door, he was crowding her against it, his arms on either side of her head and trapping her with his body.

"So..."

She grinned, her hands on his hips. "So?"

"You still up for that bubble bath?" He hummed, his mouth next to her ear, his stubbly cheek against hers.

"Yeah, definitely," she said softly, her voice dark and rich. "You up for it, Mr. Castle?"

A slow, sly smile curved his lips. "Oh, you have no idea, Mrs. Castle."

[][][]

Sunlight painted the room in day, bright and warm. Rick woke slowly, his eyes opening and closing as he became aware of his surroundings. He heard water running, coming to the conclusion that she was in there. He turned to lie on his back, throwing an arm over his face. He felt tired and sated and happy, getting used to feeling the wedding band on his left-hand ring finger. He drifted off again before feeling the bed dip with his lover. His partner. His wife.

Suddenly Kate was straddling him, only wearing a robe and a smile. Rick removed his arm to look at her, smiling at him like that. Like he was the only being in existence, the only person in her world, the keeper of heart.

"Kiss me, Kate," Rick said with a grin, his hands gripping her waist and tugging her down towards him.

She laughed, going willingly towards him. "Morning, husband," she greeted before kissing him sweetly, softly like dew on a flower.

"Morning, wife."

She rolled her eyes, still grinning. "We are disgustingly cute, aren't we?"

He shrugged, rubbing his hands up and down her sides. "So? We've been married for like twelve hours-" He grinned at her, suddenly feeling drunk with happiness. "-Mrs. Castle."

She returned a wide, beaming smile. "Mmm, Mrs. Castle. I like that. A lot."

"Me too."

"Mr. and Mrs. Castle. Wow. For the rest of our lives, huh?"

A writer and his muse. Friends, lovers, partners.

Husband and wife.

He slowly undid the tie of her robe. "Until eternity began and forever ended."

[][][]

Your love is my turning page

Where only the sweetest words remain

Every kiss a cursive line

Every touch is a redefining phrase

Title of this chapter and lyrics at the end is from Sleep at last's breathtaking song "Turning page". 
Do yourself a favour and listen to it; it's gorgeous.

Hey Just a Fanvid to Hold You Over

I hope these were some of your favorite moments as well!

Chapter 37 – I've got you

"Oh man, look at him go!" Kevin Ryan exclaimed, laughing as he watched his partner dance it out with his wife. "Gmmf... he's not too bad."

"Yeah, it doesn't look like he's stepping on her toes. Unlike other people I know," Jenny commented with a wry smile, poking her husband in the ribs.

"Hey, I wasn't that bad!" Ryan responded in indignation.

"Oh come on, Ryan, you almost fell flat on your face at your wedding. We were there, remember?" Kate said, grinning before taking a sip of her drink.

"Well, in his defense, by the time he lost his river dancin' shoes, he was kinda out of it. And by out of it, I do mean plastered," Rick commented, draping his arm around the back of his wife's chair.

"Thank you," Ryan responded with a nod of his head and a smile. "But I do also recall that it was you and Javier's fault that I got plastered."

"What?" Jenny asked surprised, looking between her husband and Rick, who was wearing a sheepish smile. Kate only shook her head and folded her arms, wearing a 'Why I am not surprised'-expression. Her husband was such a little boy sometimes.

Well, only sometimes…

"It's true, Sweetie. They spiked my drinks. That's why I was a little out of it."

"And also passed out before we could enjoy our wedding night," Jenny hit back dryly, Kevin's eyes growing wide and his face flushing.

"Whoa. Sorry man. It wasn't our intention to spoil the party," Rick said, struggling to stop from laughing. "And my apologies to you too, Mrs. Ryan."

Jenny smiled and linked her arm with her husband's. "Apology accepted."

Kate turned to her husband, lifting an eyebrow, her lips quirking in amusement. "Are you guys ever going to grow up?"

Both men said in unison: "No."

The two women just rolled their eyes and shared a smile. A squealing laugh on the dance floor grabbed the small group's attention. Mr. Esposito was currently spinning Mrs. Esposito around, both laughing. He finally put her down, still grinning even as she playfully slapped his arm. The small audience watched as Javier said something to his wife before thoroughly kissing her; Lanie winding her arms around her husband's neck. Both of them completely engrossed and happily unaware of the setting of their impromptu make-out session.

Of course, their friends would not let them live it down.

Rick cupped both hands around his mouth and yelled: "Hey, get a room!" while Ryan let out a piercing whistle. The two newlyweds broke away, startled, eyes darting around to search out the culprits. When Esposito spotted them he shook his head with a grin while Lanie glared at them playfully and a little amused. The two Espositos went back to making out on the dance floor like two horny teenagers.

Not long before they rush off to their hotel room...

"Well, not much has changed, has it?" Ryan said with a grin, wrapping an arm around his wife's shoulders.

Jenny frowned at him. "What do you mean?"

"Remember how they were all over each other at our wedding?"

The petite blonde returned a grin. "Oh yeah. How could I forget?" She sent a teasing gaze towards the other couple. "But they weren't the only interesting event of the night as I recall."

Rick sat back and grinned while Kate ducked her head and smiled, her hand falling to her husband's leg.

That was a very good night.

Rick covered her hand, weaving his fingers with hers. "Ah, yes, good times."

[][][]

"Well, I guess that means that Esplanie is back on."

Kate chuckled and shook her head. She wasn't surprised. "Yeah, I guess so." She glanced at her partner. Currently her dancing partner. "Castle?"

"Mmm?" He was still staring at Lanie and Esposito who were busy making out a few feet away from them on the dance floor.

Truth be told, he was a little jealous.

"Can we get back to dancing?" She grinned at him, an eyebrow raised.

His eyes snapped back to hers. "Uh, yeah." He gave her a crooked smile and started moving again.

They danced quietly for a few moments before he spoke again.

"So, Detective Beckett, does this count as a date?" His tone was teasing, but he was kinda praying that it did count as one. They made a deal after Rome - five dates before sleeping together again. Of course, during their week in Rome they resembled a couple on honeymoon.

He happily agreed to it, thinking that five proper dates could be done in two weeks. Tops.

Alas, murder and the real world got in the way. The deal had dragged on for a month and a week already. It was killing him. Well, them both actually, but Kate was better at hiding it.

Kate smirked. "Yes." He smiled widely. "But not as an official one." His smile fell.

Damn.

"What? Oh come on," Rick whined, his shoulders sagging in disappointment. Kate wanted to burst out laughing.

He was just so easy.

"You know our deal, Castle. Five dates. Proper ones, with dinner and a show. Only after the fifth one do-"

They were on four now.

"-I get to see you naked again," he mumbled morosely, staring daggers into Esposito's back while he practically ravished Lanie right in front of them.

Lucky bastard.

A feral, predatory smile bloomed over her features. She leaned up and breathed into his ear: "Oh, but Writer Boy, when that time comes, it will be worth it. Believe me."

He closed his eyes and clenched his jaw; memories - naked memories - of Rome swirling around in his mind. Not fantasies or dreams, but memories. And he was holding that woman who made that memories with him right now. He remembered how soft her skin had felt to his mouth, the suppleness of her breasts, how she tasted and smelled, how the sharp bones of her hips felt under his hands, the arch of her body, the sexy, throaty moans she emitted when she-

Lord have mercy.

When he eventually opened his eyes again, he caught sight of Ryan and Jenny dancing closely and being all lovely dovey. It was their wedding night, so obviously Ryan was going to get-

Lucky bastard.

Oh, it was tragic. He felt like the only kid who didn't get a present on Christmas.

"Oh cheer up, Writer Boy-"

"Writer Man," he corrected automatically, still a little deflated.

"-we're here now. Together. And happy," Kate said with a small smile, looking up at him. Her eyes revealed everything; all of her secrets, all of the things unsaid. He saw it - clear as day.

She loved him. Kate Beckett loved him.

His heart twisted at the knowledge. "I love you," he breathed, not able to stop the words, the truth from tumbling out of his mouth. He tenderly cupped her cheek and she placed her smaller hand on his larger one. She smiled again, full and blooming - the sun rising in the East.

(I carry your heart)

"I love you too, Rick."

(I carry it in my heart)

He cracked the largest, most adorable smile and kissed her. Softly, delicately, beautifully. When they broke apart, she grinned and let her forehead fall to his collarbone, placing an open-mouthed kiss against the skin of his neck. He smiled and planted one, two kisses in her hair; content and relaxed. But when she started to lightly suck and nip at his skin, blood started to rush south.

"Kate," he said tightly.

"Yeah?" She breathed, deviously darting her tongue out against his skin. He groaned and gripped her waist.

"Uh- uh... you, you gotta stop t-that." She was kissing and nipping at his jaw, one of her hands spread out against his chest, feeling the pounding of his heart.

"Why, Castle?" Kate purred into his ear, her bedroom voice the personification of sex.

She was killing him.

His hips jerked involuntarily when she started to suck on his earlobe. "Because, Detective, I'm going to lose it right here on this dance floor with Father O'Brien and Nanna O'Malley watching on," he all but hissed, gritting his teeth against the sudden, pulsing arousal.

She laughed, low and throaty. "Well then, Writer-" She glanced down pointedly. "-Man, let's take this party somewhere more private."

He gaped at her. "But w-what about f-five dates?"

She grinned again and started to back away from him. "Oh Castle, you are just too easy." He was watching her, dumb-founded. She took his hand and started to lead him off the dance floor, teasing him with the swing of her hips.

He wanted to do an air punch and shout score! but didn't. He was too busy watching her ass and grinning like an idiot.

Lucky bastard.

[][][]

"I will never, ever forget that linen closet," Rick said with a large smile, twirling his wife around and drawing her back into him.

She laughed and wound her arm around his shoulders, her slender hand splayed across his neck. "Yeah, because it was sooo romantic."

He grinned. "Babe, I didn't need romance with all your teasing." He paused for a moment, his crooked smile growing. "And apparently neither did you. As I remember, you practically jumped me when we got in that closet."

She smiled, slowly and widely, recalling the linen closet-incident.

So hot.

"Yeah, well I just couldn't help myself." She leaned up and brushed a kiss against his still-smiling mouth. Before she could retreat, he pulled her back and captured her mouth in a hungry, consuming kiss.

Kate was breathless, a little weak in the knees after that kiss and even more so when her husband started to nip at the soft skin of her neck.

If there was a linen closet nearby...

"Honey, they're playing our song," he said suddenly, his mouth against her ear.

She smiled, pressing her forehead against his cheek; the velvety, crooning voice of Frank Sinatra wrapping around them like a spell. She looked up at him, lifting an eyebrow. "May I have this dance, Mr. Castle?"

They technically never stopped dancing, but she was asking with those eyes, that mouth, that voice, that heart. He smiled at her, his wife, and traced a thumb along her jaw and over her soft,soft lips.

"I thought you'd never ask, Mrs. Castle."

Rick drew her closer, his arm tight and possessive around her waist while Kate wrapped an arm around his neck and pressed her cheek against his cheek, secure in his warmth.

Happy and in love.

For richer or poorer, in sickness or in health, 'till death do us part.

They moved to the music, familiar to the steps and the rhythm and the lyrics. It was home, they were home.

Kate pressed a kiss against her husband's cheek. "Do you remember our first dance as a married couple?"

[][][]

"Ladies and gentlemen, the happy couple will now have their first dance as Mr. and Mrs. Richard Castle."

Rick smiled and stood up, holding out his hand. "Mrs. Castle, may I have this dance?"

Kate returned a smile and took her husband's hand. "You may, Mr. Castle."

He led his wife to the dance floor, reveling in the feel of the cool wedding band on her ring finger. Rick and Kate Castle - friends, partners, lovers.

Husband and wife.

Wow.

They were friggin' married. Married!

Her head spun a little, a smile permanently stuck on her mouth. Kate was struggling to absorb it all - Rick Castle was her husband, her one and done. She felt giddy and giggly and girly. And completely, stupidly, head-over-heels in love with the man-child currently drawing her closer for their first dance.

He was beautiful. Especially when he was looking at her like that, his blue eyes gentle and adoring.

"No one says it as well as Ol' Blue Eyes," Rick said softly, slowly guiding his wife along to the music.

Kate smiled, wrapping her arm around his shoulders. "Weelllll... I know this writer who's also pretty good with words," she said quietly, like sharing a secret.

He grinned, pressing a kiss against her temple. "Like I love you, Mrs. Castle?"

"Yeah, exactly like that." She smiled and kissed him tenderly, her hand cradling his jaw. "I love you too."

They swayed to the music, lost in their little bubble, their little world. That place where it was only them, candlelight and Frankie Sinatra's voice.

Kate leaned up and whispered the lyrics into her husband's ear. "I tried so not to give in. I said to myself this affair ain't gonna go so well-"

He grinned and took over, pressing a kiss against her temple still swaying to the music, her small hand warm in his, her lean body molded perfectly into his larger frame.

"-But why should I try to resist when, baby, I know so well... I've got you under my skin."

Always.

[][][]

"Because I've got you under my skin." He cupped her cheek. "And I love you under my skin," Rick whispered, nudging his nose with hers and placing a feathery kiss against her mouth. The song ended, but they were still swaying.

It was their song, creating a world, a place with only them in it.

(I am never without it)

Kate covered his large hand on her cheek with her smaller one. "I love you." She rested her mouth against his jaw and brushed her lips over his skin, delicate and tender.

(Anywhere I go my dear and whatever is done by only me is your doing, my darling)

He kissed her again and again and again. "I love you to infinity and beyond."

[][][]

I've got you under my skin

I've got you deep in the heart of me

So deep in my heart that you're really a part of me

I've got you under my skin

Chapter 36 – Love & Marriage

"I now pronounce you husband and wife… You may kiss the bride." A grinning Javier Esposito pulled his wife closer and kissed her soundly amid loud cheering and clapping. The two newlyweds wore matching, beaming smiles when they eventually broke apart.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Esposito," the preacher announced; Lanie leaned in to brush a kiss against her husband's cheek. He took her hand and placed a kiss on her wedding band, smiling widely.

"That was beautiful," a teary-eyed Kate commented as she watched her two friends making their way back down the aisle. She caught Lanie's eye, sharing a knowing smile with the glowing bride.

"Yeah, it was," Rick replied, turning his attention from watching the newlyweds to his wife; taking her in, absorbing every detail. The hair curling softly around her face, the sharpness of her cheekbones, her mysterious, sparkling eyes, the strong lines of her jaw, the elegant profile of her nose, the graceful slope of her neck and her soft, soft (now smiling) mouth. He wanted to kiss her, brush his lips over that smile. To drink in her joy, consume her beauty, make love to her with a whispered caress of his lips.

So he did.

He leaned down and pressed a gentle, intimate kiss on the corner of her open and smiling mouth. He pressed another one, two kisses to the same spot before kissing her cheek delicately.

You may kiss the bride.

"What was that for?" Kate asked softly, her eyes light and affectionate.

Rick shrugged and grinned. "Just because I can. You are my wife after all. And that means I can kiss you whenever I feel like it."

Kate rolled her eyes and smiled. "Because I just witnessed two of my best friends getting married and feeling really happy as a result, I'm letting your sappiness slide, Mr. Castle. Just this once."

"Oh, you love it when I'm sappy, Mrs. Castle. I know you do." He smiled at his wife, lacing his fingers with hers and absently rubbing his thumb over her wedding ring; memories rushing back, every detail of that day engraved in his mind.

I now pronounce you husband and wife.

Every detail of their wedding day.

[][][]

His mouth was open, jaw somewhere on the floor most probably. Yeah, well, he didn't really care. She was here. On her father's arm. Walking towards him. In a wedding dress. A long, flowing, elegant white, beaded gown. Her tall, lean body moving gracefully, almost gliding in the white dress; her dark hair pulled up, soft strands curling around at the base of her neck, around her face. Her eyes were locked on his, emerald and shining and captivating; windows to her soul. Her smile - his heart stuttered at the sight - was wide and untamed, her whole being radiant with it. Her joy and affection were revealed without hesitation. He would later declare it to have been a glimpse into her 'transcendent soul' while she playfully rolled her eyes at him.

Rick could feel himself smiling, a little baffled, a little in awe. A stupid, grinning fool in love. And by the way she was beaming at him, two stupid, grinning fools in love. He had to stop himself from running to meet her. He clasped his hands together, bounced on the balls of his feet; excited and a little nervous, feeling butterflies dancing around in his chest. Finally, finally, they reached him.

Jim turned to his daughter, her hand grasped tightly in his, and smiled at her; reminded of his own wedding day. He pressed a kiss against her cheek and whispered "I love you, Katie" into her ear. Kate smiled at her father, her throat constricting, her vision a little blurry. He squeezed her hand before letting her go, sensing the impatience of the younger man in front of him. Jim glanced at his beaming soon-to-be son in law and handed his daughter, his Katie, over to him. Rick smiled at the older man, the 'I'll take care of her' left unsaid, before his eyes migrated back to her, his soon-to-be wife. Kate smiled at him - that Mona Lisa smile - and slid her small, slender hand into his while turning her attention to the preacher.

"Dearly beloved..."

He was still staring at her, slowly dragging his eyes over her; a Greek goddess, a mortal muse, his bride. His exquisite, exquisite bride. The profile of her beautifully sculptured face, her long, elegant neck, her sinuous shoulders, the hard lines of her collarbone, the smooth path to her chest and into the valley between her-

The preacher cleared his throat and Rick snapped his head up to meet the older man's mirth-filled eyes while the audience laughed quietly. He mumbled an apology and gave Kate an adorable, goofy smile. She rolled her eyes fondly and felt her lips twitch, her hand squeezing his bicep and her shoulder brushing his arm.

The rest of it was a blur, a little hazy. He barely heard the sermon, she barely registered the vows; both nervous, excited, stupidly grinning wrecks by the time the rings were exchanged. They just wanted to hear-

"By the power vested in me by the state of New York... I now pronounce you husband and wife," the preacher finally (finally!) announced to the impatient couple. "You may kiss the bride."

Rick wasted no time in doing so, tugging his wife (wife!) closer and kissing her. Thoroughly. Slowly. Deliciously. Kate broke away, smiling, amid the loud cheering from their friends and family and buried her slightly flushed face in her husband's (husband's!) neck. He chuckled and rubbed a hand down her smooth, sun-kissed back.

She pulled back, unable to stop smiling. "Hi there, Mr. Castle," Kate said quietly, a hand trailing up and down his chest.

He grinned at her before brushing a sweet kiss against her lips. "Hi there, Mrs. Castle."

[][][]

Love and marriage, love and marriage

Go together like a horse and carriage

This I tell ya, brother, you can't have one without the other

Sorry You Guys

So with papers and tests and such I've had zero time to post anything. So I hope you weren't too upset about my absence. CASTLE is tonight so I hope you're all excited. How has season four been for you guys so far? Is it good, bad, funny, suspenseful? How about Cops and Robbers? I swear when that bomb went off and I saw Kate's face my heart stopped. Does anyone actually know how many times they've saved each other.

P.S For those who are fans of Rizzoli&Isles as well, it returns on Monday 10/9c on TNT. This is the same time slot as CASTLE! Decisions, decisions, decisions.

Chapter 35 - Hey Jealousy

That vein in her forehead was standing out, she was grinding her teeth and her knuckles were turning white as her grip tightened on Lizzy's pram. If she had a dollar for every time she heard-

"Oh Mr. Castle, I'm your biggest fan. Would you mind signing my-"

She better not say chest.

"-book."

Ah. Good.

Rick smiled tightly, yet still charming and nodded. "Sure, no problem." He placed their coffees on the counter and briefly glanced in her direction where she stood a few feet away, apology evident in his eyes.

It wasn't Rick's fault. It really wasn't.

Kate sighed. No point of getting a table here now, they will have to-

"I've been a fan of your work for such a long time. I can't believe I'm meeting you." She heard the over-eager fan say.

Oh. Brother.

Kate rolled her eyes and huffed out an annoyed breath. Rick only smiled tightly and asked the woman her name. It was a 'Lucy' or 'Lisa' or something.

"You're even more handsome in real life than on the book covers," the woman continued with an irritating little grin.

Kate narrowed her eyes. Really? That's her line?

Oh. Brother.

Rick forced out a laugh. "Thank you. My wife tends to agree." The smile dropped from the woman's face. "Well, here you go, Linda. Have a nice day."

"Uh, thank- thank you," Linda stuttered.

Rick grabbed their coffees and made his way over to his two girls; a large, beaming smile splitting his handsome features.

"Grand skim latte, two pumps, sugar-free vanilla." She slowly shook her head and smiled at him; softly, affectionately.

He got that adorably confused look on his face. "Wh-what?"

She took the cup and her smile widened. "Nothing, Castle. Just... thank you for the coffee." Kate leaned up and kissed his cheek. "C'mon, let's go."

"You don't want to sit here?"

"Nah, I want to take our daughter for a stroll." She glanced at him as they made their way to the exit; side by side, both with a hand on Lizzy's pram. "Besides, we might be mobbed by your fans."

She was only teasing. Really, no hard feelings.

He cringed. "Sorry about that."

"Not your fault, Castle. You can't help it that you're irresistible and that women tend to flock to you."

Okay, maybe a bit of teasing with a hint of possessive jealousy. Just maybe.

He watched her, carefully trying to gauge his wife's mood. She seemed relatively relaxed despite the thinly veiled annoyance in her tone. His lips quirked. "Do I detect a hint of jealousy, Mrs. Castle?"

Kate rolled her eyes. "Oh puhlease, Writer Boy. We've had this conversation many times before. I don't get jealous."

Liar, liar pants on fire.

His grin got wider. "Yeah, sure. Whatever you say, Kate." He bumped his hip with hers. "Remember Serena Kaye?"

[][][]

"Well, Mr. Castle. Detective Beckett. It has been a delightful pleasure," Serena Kaye said, smiling broadly, bearing her teeth; all the while keeping her eyes on Rick.

Kate stuck out her hand, grabbing the woman's attention. "Thank you for your assistance Ms. Kaye. Goodbye and all the best." The 'Now get the hell out of here' left unsaid.

"Thank you." The blonde bombshell turned her attention back to an oblivious Rick. "Mr. Castle, keep in touch."

What the-

Rick laughed and shook her hand. "Only if I need some advice on a piece of art. Goodbye, Ms. Kaye."

Kate crossed her arms and resisted the urge to roll her eyes.

"Goodbye." With that the sexy insurance investigator walked off.

Kate sat down at her desk, a little sour and irritated.

"Well, another murderer behind bars. Another victory for justice," Rick said with a large grin, plopping down in his chair beside his girlfriend's (girlfriend!) desk while she did the dreaded paperwork.

"Mm."

'Mm' was her only response? Maybe just tired.

He waited a few moments, watching her; the way she nibbled on her lip, the way her hair fell over her cheekbone and curled around her jaw, the hollow of her throat where he marked her the other night-

His lips quirked. "So… dinner at my place or your place?"

He wanted to mark her again. Yum.

Kate only returned a shrug, brow furrowed and eyes boring into the file in front of her.

Silence.

"Kate?"

"What, Castle?" Biting. Annoyed. Pissed.

Huh?

Okay. Let's try this again.

"Dinner. My place or your place?"

Finally, she looked up at him. "Actually… I just wanna go home, take a bubble bath, drink a glass of wine and go to bed."

Ah. He grinned. Rick Castle could do that. So very, very well. "Want me to join you, Detective?"

She avoided his eyes and sighed. "Not tonight."

His brow furrowed as well as he regarded her. Not tonight? What the hell did that mean?

He leaned towards her, his voice low. "Kate, what's wrong?"

Immediately: "Nothing."

"This doesn't sound like nothing."

She sighed again, threading a hand through her hair and looked up at him. "I'm just tired, okay?" That sounded like a lie.

He set his jaw, not expecting her rejection to sting quite so much. "Of what? Me?" He tried to joke feebly.

She glared at him. "God, Castle. What's with the insecurity?" Kate said, getting up from her chair.

He shot up and followed her to the break room; anger swiftly rising. "What has gotten into you?" He asked once inside.

She glanced at him, suddenly weary. "Nothing. I told you that I'm tired."

He softened, moving towards where she was at the espresso machine. "Then let me take you home." He brushed a hand against her waist, stepping in behind her; his chest touching her back. "Eat something, relax-"

"And also help you to scratch an itch? Thanks, but no thanks. You can take care of that yourself, Rick."

She was irritated. Irritated about how long her paperwork was taking. Irritated about how little sleep she had gotten the last few days. Irritated by the sexy, leggy blonde who had zoomed in on her man.

The nerve of that woman... Being all flirty and sexy with her guy. Her, Kate Beckett's, guy. Man. Writer Man.

He immediately retreated, stung. "Excuse me?"

But she was on a roll. "Or better yet - why don't you invite your new fan, Serena, over? I'm sure she will be more than willing to assist. You two seemed to get along just fine."

Wait. What? Wait a minute-

She was jealous? Kate Smokin' Hot Beckett was jealous? Sure Serena Kay, art insurance investigator a.k.a former art thief, was sexy. But seriously?

No competition.

He laughed, literally burst out laughing. His heart eased with relief and sudden amusement. She glared at him and Rick couldn't help but find her scowl and the way she folded her arms around herself adorable.

"What's so funny, Castle?"

He stepped closer again, making sure to trap her against the counter. "Babe, c'mon. Really? You're jealous?"

Her frown deepened and her fury just got more endearing. "Don't call me babe," she grumbled sourly. He chuckled and tugged her closer. "And I'm not jealous."

"Sure. Keeping telling yourself that, Detective." He grinned and kissed her cheek while she continued to wear a glower; more annoyed now at being caught out than jealous.

"Yeah, well I saw the way she was looking at you. The way she was acting around you."

"So?"

Kate glared at him. "She was practically throwing herself at you. And undressing you with her eyes."

He hugged her and planted a few kisses in her hair, still grinning. "Maybe so, but I kept my eyes on you the whole time."

She rolled her eyes. "Smooth... and cheesy, Mr. Castle."

He grinned and kissed her. "Of course I was imagining you naked. In the shower. All soapy and-"

She punched his arm.

"Ow!"

"You're so full of it."

"What?" He responded, rubbing his arm. "It's true."

"Rick," she admonished in a longsuffering tone.

"Naturally, in my frequent daytime fantasies - where you are in the shower, naked and wet - I'm there with you and we-"

She silenced him with a kiss, hot and fast. "Shut up and take me home, Castle."

He grinned like the Cheshire cat. "It would be my pleasure, Detective."

[][][]

"See? You were totally jealous." They were walking arm-in-arm through Central Park, the late afternoon sun warm and soothing. Their daughter sound asleep, her head lolling against the seat.

Adorable cherub baby.

Kate ducked her head, her lips tilting. "Yeah, okay. Fine, I was. Could you blame me though?"

Her husband grinned and kissed her temple. "Babe-"

"-Don't call me that."

"-c'mon. No competition. You won hands down." He turned to look at her; his expression suddenly tender. "You always win hands down."

She leaned up and kissed him; a barely-there brush of her lips. It made his knees weak, his heart skipping a beat. His gorgeous, gorgeous wife did that.

Kate did that.

"Good to know, Mr. Castle." She smiled, alight with beauty.

His Kate.

They walked in silence for a while, Kate checking a few times to see if Lizzy was still asleep. After a few minutes they found a park bench and sat down, arms still linked and watching the people passing by.

"You do too, you know."

Rick turned to his wife, confused. "What?"

"Win hands down."

He grinned and kissed her. "I know," he responded with a shrug. "I've had you from the get-go."

Kate sat up and raised an eyebrow. "Oh really?"

His crooked smile widened. So infuriatingly sexy. "Yeah."

"Awfully confident there, Mr. Castle."

"So? I always knew we'd get together. And now look at us." He gestured between them. "We're married with a kid." He leaned in and brushed a kiss against her cheek. "Look like I was right," her murmured into her ear.

"Touché, Castle, touché," Kate conceded softly, nodding her head. "But that still doesn't mean you didn't have your doubts. Your moments of uncertainty. Your fits of jealousy."

He sat back, brow furrowing. "Fits of jealousy?"

She grinned knowingly. "Oh yeah. You think I didn't notice?"

He sighed, placing an arm around her and pulling her closer. "Fine. Yes, there were times - brief instances - where I got jealous. I admit it."

I'm jealous. There - I said it. I want you all to myself.

She smiled and leaned in to him, kissing his cheek. "Remember Special Agent Jones?"

[][][]

"Alright people, you know the drill. Our informant said that Calzone will be there at nine. Agent Jones and Detective Beckett will stake out the bar. The plan is to..."

Rick wasn't listening anymore. He didn't want to listen anymore. He wanted to go with her. On an undercover mission. While she was wearing that red dress. But the Feebs were on point on this mission and, well, everything the NYPD suggested was overruled. Except for Detective Beckett's 'special involvement' - a.k.a playing the role of Agent Jones' sexy, leggy arm candy.

Ugh. Not cool.

He could feel himself pouting like a petulant five-year old.

"...The rest of us will be monitoring the situation. When we have everything we need, we'll move in on Calzone." Rick glanced towards where Kate, being all hot in her tight red dress, was standing next to Montgomery and Agent Douche Bag, a tall, dark and handsome fella. "Let's make this a clean, quick operation people." She caught his eye for a moment before turning her attention back to Jones who was saying something to her. Leaning a little too close for the writer's liking. But whatever. He was a jealous guy. He really wasn't.

Rick sighed, pushed off the desk, his eyes never leaving Kate, and walked to the break room. A minute or two later, he saw her out of the corner of his eye; high heels, endless legs, tight dress that hugged all of her curves. Except, this time he wasn't enjoying it so much.

"Hey," she greeted softly.

"Hey." He turned to her with a small smile. "You ready to go?"

"Mmhmm." She walked up to him, biting her lip enticingly. "Well... how do I look?"

He sighed, turning his attention back to the espresso machine. He wanted to grab and kiss her senseless, but he couldn't because they were at the precinct filled with officers, detectives and, of course, FBI agents. And that irritated him. Immensely.

"Why don't you ask Agent Jones? It matters to him, doesn't it?"

Bitter, bitter boy.

Kate pursed her lips to stop from laughing. "Maybe. But I want your opinion. Besides, he already said that I looked really, really hot."

Rick's head snapped up and he stared at her, eyes blazing and nostrils flaring; his inner caveman rising.

She stepped closer and grinned. "I'm kidding, Castle. My, aren't we jealous?"

"I'm not," he mumbled, frowning.

"Mm, sure." Suddenly she grew serious. "Look, Rick, I know that you want to go with the team, but I don't think it's such a good idea-"

"What?" He immediately shook his head. "No. I'm going, Kate."

She sighed and rubbed her forehead. "Castle, this is going to be dangerous, okay? Just let..."

He was already a little pissed at the fact that another guy was all over his girl. "Just let what? The real cops handle this?"

"Please, you know that is not what I meant."

"Then what did you mean, Detective?"

They stared at each other for a few moments before Special Agent Jones stepped into the break room. "Beckett, you ready? We need to go." He glanced between the two lovers, picking up on the tension.

"Uh, yeah. I'll be there in a minute," Kate responded, turning to face the other man. Jones smiled, nodded and walked away. She turned back to Rick. "Listen, I'll see you later, okay?"

He sighed and dragged a hand through his hair. "Yeah, I'll be here. Waiting." He sighed. "Doesn't mean I want to though."

"I know. But do this for me. Please." Kate stepped closer and intertwined their hands loosely.

He nodded, rubbing a thumb over the back of her hand.

Kate lifted a hand to his face, gently stroking his jaw. "I love you."

He smiled. "I love you too, Babe."

"Don't call me that," she grumbled before claiming his mouth in a searing kiss.

"Go catch some bad guys, Detective."

Two and a half hours later...

It was late and he was dozing off on the break room couch. Never really falling asleep; he couldn't. His partner was in a dangerous, undercover mission, but luckily Ryan and Esposito were giving him regular updates. In fact, about twenty minutes ago they informed him that the mission had been-

Suddenly, there were footsteps and voices. Rick started to get up, but stopped when he heard Agent Douche Bag speak.

"Well, Detective Beckett, it has been a pleasure working with you."

Rick stood and moved to the window, watching the interaction at her desk curiously.

Kate glanced at Jones and smiled. "Yeah. I'd say mission accomplished and a job well done. Everyone got what they wanted." She put her hand out towards the agent. He took it and smiled.

"Yeah, maybe," Jones responded, watching their intertwined hands for a moment before looking at her again.

A certain writer did not like the way he was holding her hand. Or the way he was looking at her. In that dress.

Sex-on-legs.

"You know, if you ever get tired of that writer of yours." She had to resist the urge to roll her eyes. "Give me a call."

Seriously? Oh. Brother.

Kate removed her hand. "I'm flattered, Agent Jones, but-" A large smile spread out and enveloped her features "-I'm very happy with that writer of mine."

He wanted to break out and do the happy dance.

Jones nodded and smiled lopsidedly. "Worth a try, though. Well, it was a pleasure... Goodnight, Detective."

"Goodnight Agent Jones."

Kate watched him walk away before turning back to her desk. "You can come out now, Castle."

How did she-

Rick stepped out and smiled sheepishly. "Hey."

She was fighting a grin. "You were listening, weren't you?"

He scratched his head and walked towards her. "Uh, um. Yeah, a little bit."

"Mmm," she responded, lips quirking.

He cleared his throat. "So I take it you got the guy."

"Yeah. Ryan and Esposito are booking him now. The rest of the team is busy wrapping things up at the location."

"Oh, good. That's... good." He pushed his hands into his pockets, swaying slightly; Kate watched him closely. He was burning to make a comment.

She rolled her eyes. "Just spit it out, Castle."

He grinned. "I make you very happy, huh?"

She softened, smiled and stepped closer. "Yeah. Yeah, you do, Rick." His smile faltered at her sincerity, her affection. Kate placed a hand on his chest. "You make me very happy."

Before he could reply, her mouth enclosed his. Soft and sure, leaving no doubt where her loyalties lie. Where her heart would always be.

"Ditto, by the way," he responded after they broke apart. He wrapped his arms around her, drawing her close and kissing the side of her head. They stood like that for a few quiet moments. "I can't believe Agent Douche Bag asked you out." Kate laughed and stepped out of his embrace. "I knew he was hitting on from the start, but jeez. What an idiot. Just another reason not to like the Feds."

She smiled at his jealous tirade. It was kinda cute.

"Not even Mulder and Scully?"

He frowned. "Well... they don't count. They're fictional characters."

She raised an eyebrow. "Oh. What about the lovely Agent Shaw?"

He grinned. "Okay, yeah. Fine, I like some of them. Especially if they have awesome toys."

She rolled her eyes, not able to stop the smile. "I'm dating a twelve year-old."

He grinned. "Let me take you home and disprove that statement."

She ignored him, grabbed her phone and clicked off her desk light.

"C'mon, Writer Boy. I wanna kick off my shoes and get out of this dress."

His grin grew devilish, a twinkle in his eyes. "Need help with that, Detective?"

Kate bit her lower lip, watching him from beneath her lashes. She leaned up, putting her mouth next to his ear. "I might need... a hand."

[][][]

"I never told you-"

"Mmm?" Mommy and Daddy were giving their little girl a bath with her giggling and splashing around in the water.

"-that guy, Agent Jones or whatever his name was... he kissed me."

Rick whipped his head to her. "He what? When?"

Lizzy bounced around, making waves and splashing water on both her parents. "Come on, baby girl, sit still. I gotta rinse the shampoo out." Kate swiped a rogue strand of hair behind her ear and turned her attention back to her husband. "Yeah. While we were undercover."

Rick's brow furrowed. "You never told me that." He wiped the washcloth over Lizzy face, her chest and fat little stomach.

"Well, you already didn't like the guy," Kate responded with a shrug. She placed a hand over her daughter's face and tipped a cup of water over Lizzy's head. "I didn't want to give you any more reason to hate the Feds."

"Ass-"

She slapped his arm. "Castle! Not in front of our daughter. I don't want her first word to be that."

"He's still one," Rick grumbled. "So, how did it happen?" He inquired, wiping excess water off Lizzy's sputtering little face; his other hand holding onto her chubby arm.

"What? The kiss?" He nodded.

Kate sighed and tipped another cup of water over her baby's head, making Lizzy whimper in response. "It's okay, baby girl. Almost done... Uh, well, I can't really remember. He just sort of grabbed and kissed me. As a diversion or cover or something."

"Mm. Sure," Rick snorted.

She turned and grinned at him, blowing a strand of hair out off her cheek. "If it's any consolation, Writer Boy, I was thinking about you the whole time."

He glanced at her, face serious, but eyes twinkling in amusement. "Flattery won't get you very far, Detective."

She raised an eyebrow, shuffling over to him on her knees; damp shirt clinging to her chest, cheeks flushed from exertion and eyes sparkling.

Utterly beautiful.

"Well then, Mr. Castle," Kate started, pressing herself against him; her mouth against his ear. "How about a whole night of... cuddling with me and your daughter in bed? How does that sound?"

He turned and smiled softly at her; his wife, mother of his child. Rick caressed her cheek and kissed her once, twice, three times.

"That sounds like a plan, Mrs. Castle."

[][][]

'Cause it's you and me and all other people

With nothing to do and nothing to do

And it's you and me and all other people

And I don't know why but I can't keep my eyes off of you

Title of this chapter is a Goo Goo Dolls' song, 'Hey Jealousy' and lyrics at the end is from Lifehouse's great song, 'You and me'.