3rd Case

[not_nikkiheat]

[Remembering what Rise had said about the Four Seasons Room, Kate decided it was time to check out the beach. She'd tracked it down while exploring the castle. She hadn't gotten around to exploring the surrounding village yet, but it was on her to-do list. For now, though, she could use some sun and relaxation.

She slipped into her swimsuit, pulled on a cover-up, then packed a few things in a beach bag and headed to the beach. She spread out her towel and laid down, closing her eyes with a smile. Yep, this could definitely become one of her favorite spots in the castle.]

[ooc: open for action!]

Comments

[pint_sized_carnivore]

[Chie went to the Four Seasons room to do some training, but after seeing the inside of the room, she thought of just having fun and put aside the training for another day. This beach is way better than Shichiri Beach back home too!

So looking for a spot to hang out and place her things at, she saw the spot where Kate was]

Yo! Do you mind if I sit here with you? You found a good spot.

HAD TO

[last_rat_standing]

[Bond had read about the Seasons Room in the journal, himself. And though he was hesitant to visit it (a beach or a snowy tundra what?) he had told M that he would look over every inch of the castle and town and he wasn't going to let a little hocus pocus get in the way of his reconnaissance.

Besides - the allure of a good swim in the ocean was too much to pass up. He'd been out in the water when Kate had arrived. He had noticed her arrival, watching her set herself up and get comfortable as he tread water a ways out from the shore. A short while later (long enough to give her a chance to get settled) he swims for shore coming out of the water and walking the rest of the way in. He gives Kate an appreciative look over as he picks up his towel and casually drapes it around his neck.]

Hello.

[not_nikkiheat]

[Kate shields her eyes as she looks up to see a young girl standing nearby. She gestures around her with a smile.]

I don't mind at all. Make yourself at home.

LOVE IT

[not_nikkiheat]

[Kate watches him leave the water. She's s seen her fair share of gorgeous men, but this guy is right up there with the best. Of course, the expression on his face tells Kate that he's well aware of how good he looks. She gives him a slow smile, her eyebrow lifting.]

Hello. I'm Kate Beckett.

[last_rat_standing]

[he's sexy and he knows it.

His smirk warms a little at the sound of her voice. Ah-ha. Well now he knows she definitely has the looks to go with that lovely voice of hers.]

Ah. A pleasure to meet you in person, Kate. I'm Bond. James Bond.

[He nods his head in greeting.]

[not_nikkiheat]

[Kate's grin widens as she recognizes the voice. She props herself up on her elbows, gesturing to spot next to her.]

The pleasure's mine. Care to join me?

[last_rat_standing]

I'd love to, thank you.

[He doesn't even bother to lay out his towel before lowering himself to the sand. His still wet back and legs get coated with the fine granules but he doesn't seem to mind one bit.]

I'd comment on the weather but that hardly seems appropriate given that it's artificial.

[not_nikkiheat]

[Kate laughs lightly at that.]

Good point. At least we don't have to worry about showing up to a rainy beach one day.

[She turns toward him, propping her head on her hand.]

How have you been settling in?

[last_rat_standing]

Involuntarily. [he chuckles]

I still find it impossible to believe at least half of the things I've been told since I got here.

[He lounges in the sand next to her]

[not_nikkiheat]

I can understand that. I started out with a 'see it to believe it' attitude, but the castle keeps proving itself.

[pint_sized_carnivore]

Thanks! [Chie sets her things on the beach chair right next to Kate's, she took her jacket off to reveal a cute swimsuit underneath. Chie]

I'm Chie Satonaka, by the way. What's your name? [Chie said in her usual friendly tone]

[not_nikkiheat]

My name's Kate Beckett. Nice to meet you.

[Kate extends her hand out to shake.]

Cute swimsuit!

[pint_sized_carnivore]

Oh, this. Someone got it for me, actually. I've only grown to like it. But thanks! It's nice to hear a compliment from a pretty lady such as yourself!

[not_nikkiheat]

Thank you. I'm a fan of compliments from just about anybody.

[pint_sized_carnivore]

Well yeah. I think I would like a compliment from others too. Except for the pervy ones of course.

[not_nikkiheat]

Good point. So how long have you been here at the castle?

[pint_sized_carnivore]

8 days and counting... It still feels like I'm in a sleepover, but you know, in a magical castle. [Chie chuckles a bit]

[not_nikkiheat]

I know what you mean. It's been about a month for me, and I'm still not sure I won't wake up and realize this was all a weird dream.

[last_rat_standing]

[He makes a thoughtful noise, nodding.]

Unfortunately it does. I also had the misfortune of coming across some of the more... unique... things soon after I arrived.

[pint_sized_carnivore]

I still get that feeling too. I already feel homesick... But I guess it's also good that I'm here, I get extra time away from school! Ugh, being a junior is gonna suck...

[not_nikkiheat]

[Kate laughs slightly at that. She remembers how those days were.]

I feel a little homesick too, but it's getting better. So you're going to be a junior?

[not_nikkiheat]

[Well, that definitely piques Kate's interest. She glances over at him.]

What kind of unique things?

[thebestseller]

[Well, this was quite the time to decide to check out the Four Seasons Room. Castle wasn't dressed for the beach, having decided to just scope out the location, but seeing Beckett there made him wish he was. He stood some distance away from her, calling out-]

Why, Detective Beckett! Enjoying yourself?

[not_nikkiheat]

[Kate looks up and grins, gesturing him to approach.]

You know how I love the beach, Castle.

[thebestseller]

[Oh, she wasn't telling him to get lost. This was a good thing. Castle pauses to remove his shoes and socks, enjoying the feeling of sand on his bare feet, before doing so.]

And you never get a chance to go. This time you're not chasing someone down, eh?