I own Nothing!
Kate Beckett sat on her couch, wine glass in hand, as Lanie continued to rant about Esposito's idiocity. He had done something, she couldnt remeber exactly what, and Lanie had asked for a girl's night so she could vent. Kate nodded along while falling into a daydream, eyes glazing over. She imagined Castle, in all of his nine year old glory, being the one across from her. She imagined that he would refill her glass and brush a hand over her cheek. He would say something really sweet or amazingly funny and make her laugh. It was a simple daydream, one she had had for days, ever since she had finally admitted to herself...
"Girl, are you even listening to me?" Lanie said, ulling her from her thoughts. Kate blinked before giving her friend a sheepish smile.
"Sorry Lanie, i got distracted", She said. Lanie gave her a knowing look.
"Uh Huh, Girl i know that man has captured your imagination?" She asked, taking a long sip of her wine. Kate struggled internally for a long moment. Tell her or not? Be told i told you so or scramble for a weak excuse off the top of her head? Sigh, yeah better tell her.
"Castle", she said softly, knowing she wouldnt need to say anything else. At that small exclamation Lanie spit her wine in surprise, eyes going wide. Kate patted her on the back as she chocked.
"Did you just say what i think you said?" She finally gasped out, looking up at her friend. Kate gave a small smile and nodded. She was then tackled in a hug by the excited M.E.
"When did you all finally get together?" She asked when she pulled away. Thats when Kate rolled her eyes.
"We didnt, and we wont", she said, leaning forward to grab the bottle of wine to refill her glass. Lanie's face fell.
"Then he finally told you how he felt and you all are planning the first date now?" SHe asked, crossing her arms. Again Kate shook her head. "Then what in the world has you so distracted?" Lanie asked now annoyed. Kate gave her another sheepish look.
"I admitted to myself how i felt", she said with a shrug.
"And your going to tell him", Lanie said, it was almost a question. Again Kate shook her head as she took a long draw of her drink. "And why not?"
"I thought we were here so you could vent about Javi", Kate said weakly, avoiding her friend's piercing gaze. Now she got a Lanie Look, one that always said, stop BSing me and get to the point. Kate sighed. "Because i dont want to ruin a frienship by saying something and him not feeling the same way. Because i dont want to be just another conquest. Bcause of a alot of things", she said, twirling the stem of her glass between her fingers, eyes on the carpet. She felt rediculous, childish. She felt like she was back in middle school cruching on the football player that was way out of her league. She surprised herself by having to hold back tears. She gave a small jump when she felt Lanie lean over and hug her.
"Now you listen to me. He loves you. He has from he beginning. He would never hurt you like that, not when he has already almost lost you once. He even told you he loved you. He has stuck by you for almost four years, through thick and thin. After all of that, dont you think its worth taking the chance?" Lanie ranted softly, giving her friend s shoulder a squeeze, but Kate shook her head.
"Thats the point Lanie. He has always been there. I dont want to loose him by trying for something more", Kate said with a shake of her head. She pulled away and stood, downing the last of her wine in one go.
"Kate, you need to take this chance before its to late. Ive told you before and was almost proven right. He isnt going to wait forever", Lanie said, but Kate just shook her head, Making her friend sigh.
"Are you staying over tonight?" Kate asked, changing the subject. Lanie shook her head.
"No, i need to get home and get some real sleep. Gotta be in early tomorrow", Lanie said as she stood. Kate nodded as she went to take the glasses and the last of the Wine into her kitchen. "ill see you tomorrow", Lanie called, getting a similar awnser back before she grabbed her bag and jacket and left. The moment she was out the door, Lanie pulled her phone from her pocket and sent out a mesage to a group of people.
This has gone on to long. Time to stage an intervention. She hit send knowing they would understand. With tthat done she walked off, mind reeling with plans for the next day.