So much more realistic that Alexis is a little skittish with his romantic involvement with Kate. But they are all trying to get along and learn from their mistakes. Alexis doesn't know everything that happened. But she's trying for her father that is over the moon for Beckett. And that's more than enough.
Liked how the dinner wasn't upscale and they could just relax and be flirty together. Especially loved when Kate said, "I'm crazy about you, Castle." So rare for her to express her feelings and it doubles the wow factor when she finally does.
Never watched New Year's Eve but sorta remember Bon Jovi being in it and that is reason enough for me to run in the other direction lol.
Nice that it wasn't overly dramatic when they realized that the gang already knew about them and of course are happy for them.
Glad he expressed that he was nervous and afraid she wouldn't be able to cope after they crossed that line. Her saying she loved him was all he needed to hear. I'm sure they'll hit some bumps in the road but they will come out stronger each time. They're at their best when their together.
Nice story. Love a happy ending.

Always loved when they hugged on the show and was delighted that you put a very long hug in this chapter.
Oh, to be Kate.. (Insert heart emoji).
Anyway, glad she feels committed and comfortable enough in this relationship to express how helpless and upset she feels over her PTSD. Castle is probably the most patient and nonjudgmental person she knows and he has a way of pulling her out of the darkness time and again.
I know that by now Castle knows she needs to deal with things on her own first sometimes. And I get that, I'm definitely more Beckett than Castle but she needs to at least let him know she'll come around or text him or smoke signals so he isn't left confused and hurt and very, very angry like the last time. I know that she is owning up to her mistakes and is trying to knock down that wall but I don't know if I'd call their relationship 50/50 yet but it's not far off.
She's just a little stunted emotionally but Castle is there for her no matter what. He sees the true person and deep compassion she has even if she can't fully comprehend it yet. Just wish she'd work on not totally leaving him out especially when it was something so important as her inner struggles. It's just going to take time.
Hmm.. What's this about their part two this weekend?
I can definitely get on board with that lol.

Don't mean this to be as an insult or a dig at your writing, but you seem to really excel at writing their struggles and pissy behavior towards each other better then the sweet times they share (not that those times are poorly written just that I feel the characters that connection more.)
Sigh. Beckett wouldn't be Beckett if she didn't need her "me time" but I do understand that she needs time to think and wallow awhile before she talks about her feelings. And Castle isn't an open book either (better than her) but neither way is wrong it's just how they cope. He knows how she deals with things, but I'm glad she is trying to let him in, she just should have expressed that better to him instead of hiding for days than coming to find him. The last thing he needs is to be left in the dark again but she expressed how she wants/needs him in her life and I think they're learning how to approach and handle their struggles through the help of the therapists.
Gotta say I just love how you wrote moody, snippy Castle. He became a bit of a doormat as the show went on. And he lost his edge and ability to sometimes think for himself. Just loved the line to Beckett about her saying she needed time and he said, "What else is new?" I actually started to laugh. Inappropriate? Probably.
But like Burke and Jen mentioned they had a fight and they communicated through it. And Castle realized it's the first heavy fight they've had without one of them storming out.
They aren't running from each other after their session and her wanting to finally talk to him about how the sniper case affected her. He knows she struggles with opening up and he can see she is really wanting this relationship to become everlasting.

Not to sound like a total girl but this chapter was one of my favorites so far. I thought I was going to be disappointed that they didn't go out to eat but Kate making dinner for just the two of them was so much better. And he is just a perfect gentleman with her and so, so patient and doting. And just because Kate doesn't express her feelings as well as Castle at this point doesn't mean he isn't aware of how she feels through her actions and touches and looks she does give him. They are trying very hard to be together and I think they are doing superbly.
Good Lord! Their 'I feel' conversations are rough to get through. To actually have to express your weaknesses and what makes you at unease is very hard to get through. Even if she struggles and stammers through her explanations, that's okay because she is still telling him her thoughts/feelings and fears and no longer leaving him in the dark. Neither one of them are left in the dark.
And so relieved how Castle told Kate he wasn't unhappy and how they are working towards becoming better alone and together for it to work. Loved when he said, "We're not standing still - we're taking steps." He knows how to put her mind at ease and make it clear that she is what he wants and needs.
Hmm... I wish they were alone too.

Yes, they do have a pattern of hurting each other. But I'm glad they didn't get together in the Hamptons, I think they would have crashed and burned. Especially in the beginning, they still had to work out their kinks and they struggled extremely with their communication skills.
I think they did pretty well with their therapy session. It'll be worth it when they can be together without the walls and bitterness and hostility. Unintentional or not, it would never work if they continuously act out or hide from each other.
Funny, even though he asked her out on actual first date. I feel like they're already committed to one another. And they have held hands, kissed and had heavy relationship talks. They just haven't put a label on it but they're together. Can't wait to read how their date pans out for them. Kisses and more?
By the way, thanks for mentioning that "Milkshake" song ;-)
Ugh! God, that song was irritating.

Sorry I'm behind with reviewing, I've been feeling pretty lousy most of the week.
Ahh.. The therapy sessions have begun. I'm sure it's difficult enough confronting your issues to a stranger (I know licensed therapist) and even more to yourself but to have to open up and acknowledge it to your friends and family is a whole nother level of discomfort. But good for the both of them trying and saying things even if it upsets the other one. Hopefully in the long run they learn to stop repeating the things that tear them apart.
Don't want to backtrack but wonder how Kate really feels about him saying "Well then, she must be as in love with me as you are." Kate stiffened and then they ( as was I) interrupted by the therapist.
She didn't seem to like that he brought up that she blew him off for 3 months. By telling him he sort of did the same thing with Gina in the Hamptons. But like he said she didn't watch him die, and he didn't know she broke up with Demming (Schlemming) to try things out with him.
Oh, boy! He knows now. She liked him for a long time. Nice ego boost for Castle. And she's letting him know how she feels more directly.

Aww... They eased into their first day back quite nicely and without Gates ruining their little "love bubble."
So sweet with the special moment they had with them squeezing each other's hands. You could feel how much they really care.
And he called Jen and she gave the green light for the joint sessions as long as Burke is onboard. Castle (of course) is adorably flustered over it but if they want to be 100% in this, then they have to try to make a go at therapy together if they think it will help them.

Ha! I was sort of right with them slightly oversleeping but totally wrong with Alexis catching them. They were so warm and cozy together but I get it's too soon for any funny business.
The kiss at door will hold me (for now!)
Can't wait till they work together again, that's when they are at their best. A little nervous to read how their joint therapy sessions are going to go. I'm sure they will be uncomfortable and nervous saying certain things to each other but they want to learn and grow from their past mistakes.
Martha is so open-minded and just wants her son to be happy so wasn't totally surprised she's okay he is on good terms with Kate again and is going to be working with her as well.
But Alexis although wary didn't voice her concern, and just let him welcome her back so fast. Maybe he will tell Alexis all the things Kate and him are working on, it might put her at ease.
She saw a very down side to him and I think she has a right to be worried since she doesn't know the whole situation yet and she deserves some consideration and compassion since she basically had to watch him barely keep himself together.
Can't believe I'm sympathizing with Alexis couldn't stand her in the show. Got where she was coming from with her concern and anger but hated her approach to it. She always rubbed me the wrong way and the whole Alexis/Kate bonding was non-existent after that.

What!? You sort-of worked on Castle! I'm officially jealous lol.
So romantic that she stayed for a movie. Lord of the Rings or Dirty Dancing? Hmm.. I'll pick cleaning the bathroom ;-)
They had some nice little flirty action going on too. It's sometimes refreshing to have the characters express how they feel with words or sweet little looks instead of them tearing each other's clothes off (not that I mind that either.)
How sweet she snuggled with him during the movie and felt comfortable enough to fall asleep. Gosh, they can't let go of each other. Hmm... I think they're going to fall asleep for way longer than 5 minutes. Is Alexis going to catch them?
Maybe I should read the next chapter and find out.
The wheels are in motion. I'm excited!

Yes, finally the mention of the soothing Dr. Burke (Loved his voice.) Not only did she tell him about her psychiatrist but she told him that he's trying to help her with her issues and try to work towards having long-lasting relationships, especially with him. SQUEALS!
Kate saying, "I don't want anyone else, Castle. But I can't give everything to you right now, either." Ugh, it made my heart melt for her while feeling sad for her as well .
Therapy sessions. Together!? How is that going to work?
Then she tells him she wants this one to last. Some people might think he's a sucker for taking her back but I think he gets she's not in the right frame of mind either. But they're always better together.
Happy as a clam that he is coming back as her partner. They're both letting their guard down and putting work into their relationship.
Oh, Iron Gates never really grew on me in the show. Always thought it was weird that they called her, Sir. :-)

Awe, they're so anxious they can't even eat (good thing though alfredo sauce is gross). As all Castle fans, their 'swing scenes' were wonderfully done and packed with emotion. And yours is no different.
She has asked him again if he's coming back. And it pains him to keep saying, "I don't know, Kate." Without a doubt I'm sure he's still hurting tremendously but I do also think he is angry as well. But glad she is remorseful and is showing that she is, I think that helps him push forward.
I knew she wouldn't judge him on the therapy, she is more open-minded than she lets on. Not sure if Dr. Burke is in this story or not (if you mentioned it, I cleary forgot. Sorry:-( )
Dear Lord! Him telling her that their partnership may not be the healthiest thing for him was just so hard to read even though I knew something like that would come out of his mouth.
"It kills me that I'll never be good enough for you." Are you trying to kill me? Poor Castle, he has it all wrong but he is just so deeply hurt and scared.
He just told her that he's the school's funniest kid in love with the class president. She wasn't shocked, and that was the first time he told her while she was fully conscious. Does he know or assumed she already knew? Shouldn't he be angry about that too? In this story did he say he loved her when she was shot like in canon? Or just another secret buried?
He is more than enough for her. They just struggle terribly with emotions and they're way overdue for a heart-to-heart talk but it's all about baby steps. They're getting there.
So relieved and grateful she felt so bad for making him feel like he's inferior to her and she quickly rectified that with a kiss. And telling him, "You are what I need." Just perfect.
Great chapter!

Even though sweet and it shows he's really trying, I wish that Kate would seek him out or at least call him or send him something to let him know she is thinking of him. That would mean the world to him. He bottles his feelings just like Kate, just expresses it differently.
Some people are so forthcoming with private information. But Kate and even Castle (he talks a lot but not about any thing deep or personal.) Kate sharing her stories about her parents with Castle just spoke volumes for how much she respects and loves him.
Mmm... They fell asleep on the couch together (fully clothed) but I'll take it. And her walking him to the door, so sweet. And the KISS on the cheek. I swear my heart fluttered. Like it was 1890 in my mind for a minute.
Some might say he's a sucker for coming back but I don't believe they're bad for each other. They just need to learn how to openly express their thoughts and issues without subtext. I know, I know, easier said than done. But there are some people in your life that you always bend more for, they lean on you and you lean on them and that's okay. As long as you don't feel used.
Wonder how him telling her about his therapy will affect her? And more importantly their relationship down the line.

Love how I leave a review, and then you address my thoughts/issues in the next chapter lol. I'm glad that they at least the night before, dropped the subtext and talked to each other. He really needs to hear something out of her mouth, even if it's disappointing. But they were actually on the same page.
I'm really enjoying this therapist. Glad she told Castle she thinks Kate cares for him and she reiterated what Kate said, and told him that Kate's is also working through things. And maybe, possibly he should tell Kate he's been seeking help. And to not distance himself from her and it's okay to be upset but maybe they can learn and grow together.

Since this story is almost two years old, I was planning on doing a review every 3 chapters but I'm like a chatty Cathy doll. As much as I love Kate, I'm so glad he is ignoring her, and also glad she isn't giving him space, I think it shows she really does care for him and knows he's upset. Make sense?
Leave it to Esposito to blab about Josh and her breaking up. But I think they're not ready for that, no matter how much they care for each other. It's time to try to repair the damage done.
Castle has no backbone back and told her directly he's ignoring her calls. Loved the line about space, "I gave you three months of it, Beckett. You can't give me a week?" Yeah, good for you Castle! Wasn't expecting her to think it was over Josh but she doesn't seem to grasp what she has done!? Why? Didn't think she was that shutoff from others feelings and discomfort.
Quite frankly the part where he tells her he's angry with her, Kate finally realizing it's over her not calling, and she laughs. ACTUALLY LAUGHS! Made me want to slap her.
I don't think she is that inconsiderate and most definitely would be more sympathetic to him struggling with her lack of coping mechanisms. But he twisted that knife in when he told her it is important to him and he watched her die.
I mean she knows what she has done but she has never had or wanted to open up before. And she is learning just like he is learning because what they've been doing isn't going to work anymore.
But she slightly redeemed herself before she left, with telling him, "I'd never forgive myself for driving you away." And her telling him she also has issues and for him not to turn his back on her. Really spoke volumes (especially for Kate) she's not incapable of loving or being loved, she just doesn't know how.

As we all know Kate & Castle struggle with admitting their thoughts/feelings or anything that is remotely uncomfortable. And Castle trying to change, I think is always for the better. Him saying she's real and compassionate and I think he is just so captivated by that, he is surrounded by phonies and "important people." And she doesn't like him by who he knows or his wealth and he had to actually work to gain her friendship. She would never want him to pretend to be some thing he's not and I'm glad that the therapist is trying to lightly put that seed in his mind. She made him better, and I believe he made her better.
So glad that she mentioned about how everyone makes mistakes. And he's wondering if he idolized her or put her on a pedestal. I think he knows she has flaws but he always excuses it or laughs it off, I think it's just his way. But he's working on it. Relieved that she told him to at least keep the lines of communication open.
Christ! Christ! Wasn't expecting him to literally run into her. It was awkward. How can it not be? I'm glad he was short with her and distant and that she caught that. She deserves that, and more. And the nerve to say she called, ( big deal, ONCE!) Loved his line, "After your dad convinced you to." 10 points for Castle!
And even bigger nerve to ask him to go back to precinct with her. Nice she appreciates his work and company. But a little late...
He gave her a taste of her own medicine. Hmm. Don't think she liked that. As much as it hurt him to walk away, he did the right thing. But so like him to at least end it with, "I'm really glad you're okay." It showed growth for him, even if he can't see it.