OneDay

cas-i-said-legs:

“Clara started off as Sophia, but… she ended up being more like you, you know? Smart, fierce, kind. I think that’s one of the reasons I was drawn to you…”

This started out so perfectly. I love how clear it is that he understands her at her core. He knows both the tough exterior as well as the kind heart underneath it, and it is abundantly clear that the combination of those traits is what has captivated him from the start. He loves her for things much deeper than her appearance, and I really applaud the writers for not including a nod to her “hotness” like they did in “To Love and Die in L.A.” It was another small moment of real character growth for Castle to admit to her that he is drawn to her - and always has been - for who she is as a person. 

I just really wish they hadn’t added the caveat of “…as a muse.” It wasn’t necessary; they’ve come too far for him to have to hide behind the “writer/muse” relationship anymore. It took away a little bit from the depth of that moment for the two of them. It just feels like they should be past having to backtrack when it comes to any discussion of real emotions. I understand that Castle was probably hoping that Beckett knows that he means more than just “as a muse,” but I really wish they could have left this moment as one of actual, concrete progress rather than a step forward and then a return to the same place in terms of their openness with each other. 

^ While I agree with you, I think AWM added the the “and your hotness” and “as a muse” lines to give it a little space from becoming too intimate, and possibly accidentally scaring her off… I dunno, either way would have been fine with me.