Running to You chapter 3

I know it took longer than I would like to update this story, I've been busy lately and usually am until the summer. But if you're like me, though you hate not knowing what is going to happen next, the nice surprise of another chapter is refreshing when it finally does appear.

Not sure when I will be able to update again but don't think I'm forgetting about the story.

Disclaimer: I do not own Castle.

Empty coffee mugs sat side by side on Castle's end table mimicking the two people lounging on the bed.

Castle was propped up against the bed board while Beckett was curled in close to him, her head resting on his shoulder and her arms keeping herself anchored to him. Castle had just set their matching coffee mugs onto the end table and was now mindlessly running his fingers through Beckett's hair. Neither Beckett nor Castle had ever appreciated the serenity of a silent morning paired with the comfort of the person you care about until now.

They had enjoyed the peacefulness for thirty minutes before Beckett's phone alarm started to blare, reminding them today was not the best day to do nothing. There was still a dirty bomb somewhere in the city and from what they remember from before they were trapped in the freezer, the bomb had a timer that now, had at most, seven hours to go.

Beckett removed herself from the comfort of Castle's embrace, finding her cell on the end table on her side of the bed and reached over to grab her phone to shut off the alarm.

If only finding the bomb and stopping it from detonating were that simple.

She returned to her place next to Castle and leaned in to say good morning, forgoing words and instead expressing it with a kiss.

Castle returned the sentiment but didn't escalate the kiss, knowing there wasn't time for anything more if they wanted to get to the precinct on schedule. He wasn't normally a stickler for showing up on time or the deadlines made for his books but considering the circumstances of today he was.

Once their lips broke apart Castle used his thumb to outline her jaw in a caress and began to speak.

"I know we should discuss our relationship but I think maybe we should wait until after this case is over, what do you think?"

Beckett and Castle both moved to get out of bed knowing if they stayed in it much longer they may never get out. And as much as they would have loved the idea they had to get going to the precinct.

"I think that's a good idea, we'll just take some time to talk about it after the case. And maybe we should refrain from saying anything about our relationship to anyone until we've talked about it. It's not that I don't want people to know about us, I just think we should talk about us before we tell other people."

Castle had something in mind to answer her with but when she spoke he seemed to have trouble finding the words, and instead a smile formed on his face, his blue eyes gleaming a little bit brighter.

Beckett wasn't too sure what it was Castle was smiling about and she couldn't help but be slightly confused.

"Um Castle, what are you smiling about?"

Castle stood up and made his way over to Beckett where she waiting for an explanation. Through his smile he managed to tell her the reason why the skin around his eyes were crinkled.

"You said us."

She couldn't help but match his smile with her own when she heard the word escape his lips. Us. She seemed to like the sound of that single syllable word as much as Castle.

With the smile still etched on her lips and a wave of happiness adorning her face she answered him and leaned in closer, their grins only inches apart.

"Yeah I did, and now you did too."

Castle wrapped his arms around Beckett's waist as he stated,

"I like how that sounds when you say it."

It was then that Beckett slid her arms past his shoulders, her hands brushing his skin, and then resting clasped together behind his neck.

"Likewise, but I like it better when you say it Castle."

The last syllable of his name was cut off because she couldn't wait until his name left her lips before she gave him another kiss.

Though she was content to continue kissing Castle among other things, she knew she had to get going. She gave him a quick peck and managed to break their lips away from each other long enough to speak.

"I should probably get going Castle."

Castle gave a disapproving groan and muttered,

"Yeah but wouldn't you rather spend the time here instead of trudging all the way to your apartment?"

"I would but I have to stop at my apartment to change my clothes. I'm not going to show up in the same thing as yesterday."

"Well I guess you showing up in yesterday's clothes wouldn't really help our whole not telling people about us yet. Even though I'm pretty sure they wouldn't put two and two together."

"Better safe than sorry I guess Castle. I'll let you know when I'm leaving my house and we can meet up at the precinct."

"Fine, I'll see you at the precinct."

Castle followed Beckett out into the living room and picked her jacket up off of the couch. He held it open for her and she eased herself into it.

They walked to the entrance of the loft and Castle opened the door.

Beckett was on her way out and as she started walking toward the elevator she turned her head back and declared over her shoulder,

"See you in a bit Castle."

He gave her a smile and a wave and then watched until the elevator doors hid her from view.

She had noticed him trying to watch until the door to the elevator closed and she couldn't help but exclaim through a lighthearted laugh,

"You know it's a bit creepy when you stare Castle."

Castle just smirked a bit wider and leaned up against the door frame.

Castle didn't waste much time getting ready to go to the precinct. Although they both had their doses of caffeine for the morning he wanted to leave as soon as he could so he had time to get Beckett a coffee from her favorite coffee shop.

He hoped he would arrive at the precinct before she did so he could greet her with a coffee. Though he did a pretty good job of it last night, he knew that she would need some warming up. And, seeing that they would be at the precinct, the only way he could show his affection was when he handed Beckett her coffee and let their hands touch during the exchange.

He left the coffee shop when Beckett had texted him that she was on her way to the precinct. Castle managed to get to the precinct ten minutes before Beckett. Instead of meeting her at her desk he decided to wait in the lobby.

Beckett opened the door to the precinct and saw Castle waiting by the elevator. She allowed herself a small smile in his direction knowing that she at least, had to act professional. He would have to as well but since it was Castle she knew he had the ability to get away with more shenanigans than most people. In that respect he reminded her of a toddler with a very convincing and innocent face. Though those shenanigans used to drive her crazy, they don't seem to bother her anymore.

"Hey Castle why haven't you gone up yet?"

"I was waiting for you. Here's your coffee Beckett."

"Thanks but normally you just sit in your chair and wait for me by my desk."

"Today I felt like switching it up and you know I am very environmentally conscientious so I figured why waste the electricity when we could just use the elevator at the same time?"

Beckett and Castle were both inside the elevator as they waited for it to close and take them up to the correct floor.

"Castle do even know what day Earth Day falls on?"

"I don't see how me being good with dates is relevant…

(Castle spoke a little quieter for this part while he added,)

…unless we are discussing my ability to pick a place to go on one with you."

Once the doors closed the rest of the way, Castle took the opportunity to take Beckett's free hand and join it with his own.

Beckett didn't pull her hand away because she liked how her hand felt intertwined with his, his hand sending a warming feeling up her fingertips and traveling throughout the rest of her body.

"Castle you know we can't act like we are together when we are working a case. If they find out about us you may not be able to consult with the NYPD anymore."

He turned to look at her so she would know he understood her worries about not getting to work together as he spoke to her.

"Beckett relax, we have about thirty more seconds before the elevator door opens again and you are officially on duty. Until then I want to be able to hold your hand seeing how it's most likely the only time I can do it until your shift ends."

"Okay."

Beckett leaned closer to him and put her head on his shoulder, not moving away until she felt the elevator come to a stop.

Seconds before the door opened she gave his hand a small squeeze and he reciprocated the gesture. When they heard the ding of the elevator they hesitantly let their hands fall to their sides, both of them giving a sigh at the loss of warmth from each other's touch.

As always thanks for reading and following the story.

Reviews are always encouraged and appreciated.

To Be Continued.