All the cross over talk recently has brought up this niggle in the back of my mind again.


I know, in general, crossover fics aren't not all that popular. I myself am not all that fond of them because I usually don't have any investment in the cross over universe. But in this case I think there are several folc out there who are familiar with this particular other duo.

So check this out if you will, and let me know if there is any interest in such a story.


Vacation in Metropolis
By Tank


New York City homicide detective Kate Beckett leaned back in her chair and studied the 'murder board'. The large, white, porcelain marker board displayed several photographs with colored marker lines connecting them in a crisscross pattern that looked like a road map from hell. Each photograph was labeled with notes, questions, and answers pertaining to each individual and their relationships to each other.

The FBI had their fancy computers with all the touch screens and virtual displays, but there was something about doing it the old fashioned way that seemed so much more satisfying to her.

Her latest case had been one of the most challenging yet. There had been so many twists and turns, blind leads, red-herrings, and just plain old confusion that it was just short of a miracle that she and her team had been able to solve the murder and prevent a second.

She shook her head slowly as her gaze drifted across the colorful scribbles on the nicked and scratched whiteboard. Against all odds they'd busted the case and once again, Castle's contributions and assistance had proved essential to their being able to catch the killer and close the case.

Her Captain had just gotten finished giving her a pat on the back for a job well done and was now talking to Castle. If she knew the Captain and Castle it probably had nothing to do with the case and most likely about tickets to the Knicks game tomorrow night.

One would think that the life of a homicide detective, though never dull or mundane, would generally be more stable and routine. Every murder was different, but each was approached in the same way. There were procedures to follow and legwork that needed to be done that were essentially the same for every case.

Yet, when Castle had entered her world, even the routine seemed to take on a life of its own and she was consistently finding herself needing to re-evaluate her expectations. In her business results were what counted and she grudgingly had to admit that he helped her get results.

Richard Castle was a best selling crime novelist who'd first crossed her path a couple of years ago when he was foisted off on her as a 'ride-along'. He was friends with the mayor, as well as her captain, so he had little trouble getting permission to accompany her and her team on several cases. It was all in the name of research for his next book. The higher ups thought it would be good public relations. She thought it would be a pain in the neck.

Of course, that didn't really prepare her for what came next. As it turned out, he was looking to create a new character for his next book. A character that unfortunately was supposedly based on her.

The heroine of his novel was a sexed-up, super model with a badge who went by the name of Nicki Heat. It had caused her no little amount of grief and embarrassment when the first book "Heat Wave" hit the stands and became an immediate best seller. Kate sighed as she remembered those awkward days after the book came out. At least he got most of the police work part of it right.

The public reaction was such that the powers that be were more than receptive to the idea of a second book. Castle was back in the fold, and even though "Naked Heat" had been released a few months ago, it didn't seem that he would be leaving her team anytime soon. Apparently Nicki Heat was here to stay.

She glanced up when she heard the laughter coming from her captain's office. They were probably swapping dirty jokes now.

Her relationship with Castle was... complicated. Early on his constant hovering and unsolicited input had been annoying, but over time he sort of 'grew' on her. There was no doubt that he was a good looking guy, and could be very charming when he wanted to be.
He seemed to know everybody who was anybody in the city of New York, and on more than one occasion his contacts had been very helpful on cases.

They'd had their ups and downs in the past. Every time it seemed like one of them was ready to make a move toward something a little more daring in their relationship the other would do something to put distance between them again. It was an age old problem and truthfully she didn't have any idea where her and Castle would end up, but she did know that he would always have her back, and she would always have his. They were friends.

She watched as Castle shook her captain's hand and left his office. He approached her desk, a big smile on his face. "Well, I hear you've got some vacation time coming up."

Kate frowned. "It wasn't my idea. Captain is forcing me to take some time off. It seems that H.R. pointed out that I've got eight weeks of vacation time built up and if I don't take some time off the union is going to file a complaint."

"Can they do that if it's your choice?"

Kate shook her head. "It's a union, what do you think?"

Castle laughed. "I see what you mean. So, any big plans?"

Beckett emitted a very unladylike snort. "Oh yeah, big plans. First I'm going to take a luxurious bath, then I'm going to paint my toes. After all that I think I'll fall asleep on my couch reading a book."

Castle perked up. "Oh, going to check out "Naked Heat"?"

"I was thinking more along the lines of actual literature."

Castle placed his hand over his heart. "You wound me." Kate laughed. "Tell you what," he continued. "It sounds like you don't really have any definite plans. Let me offer you an alternative."

Kate eyed the cocky novelist warily. "What, prey tell, has that dirty little mind of yours concocted?"

"Have you ever been to Metropolis?"

"The Big Apricot?"

Castle smiled at that city's sobriquet. "One in the same. My agent has me scheduled to do some book signings and press junkets there this weekend. Why don't you come with me? We could do some sight seeing." Castle cocked his brow. "Who knows, we might even get to meet Superman."

Beckett shook her head in amused denial. "I know you seem to know everyone who is anyone in New York, but I hope you aren't trying to tell me that you actually know Superman."

Castle shrugged. "Well, no I don't know Superman, but I do know someone who does know Superman. She knows him quite well, in fact."

Beckett couldn't hold back her laughter. "Of course she does. What is she, his secret girlfriend? Or perhaps they're just buddies who hang out and watch old videos at her place." Beckett's tone turned more accusatory. "And why is it that your 'friend' in Metropolis just happens to be a woman? Not another ex-wife?"

It was Castle's turn to laugh. "Not hardly. Perhaps you've even heard of her. She and her husband are pretty well known." He paused, knowing that it bugged when he played at the dramatic.

"Enough with the games just tell me who this mystery woman is."

Castle smiled. "None other than... Lois Lane."

to be continued...?