Disclaimer: *signs* Nope, don't own Castle. That would be ABC and Andrew. But that doesn't mean I can't toy with them.

A/N: HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! I HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT AND SAFE ONE.

Beta-d by Teelduo

Crest Hollow Country Club, Long Island

Ballroom - 19:03pm – Dance floor

Kevin was the happiest man on earth, the smile on his face proved that. He had the woman he loved in his arms, dancing to their song. And even though it was a happy occasion, Kate couldn't help but feel a little sad. Sure, today was her a happy occasion, but the date also held another anniversary.

"Hey, you okay?" Came a whispered concerned from her partner. They were seated at the same table, along with Javier, Alexis, Lanie and her date. She had been worried at first because of Javier and Lanie, especially with Lanie bringing a date. Kate was relieved when she saw who Lanie had brung as the date. It was Chaise, her gay male friend.

Kate turned her eyes on the writer, who was seated right beside her. Tonight he looked extremely breathtaking in his suit and deep blue shirt, making his eyes pop. He was wearing a silver tie that matched his date's dress, Alexis looked beautiful. She was off to the side at the moment, talking to one of Jenny's younger brothers, around her age.

Rick and Kate were the only two at their table at the moment.

"Kate?" Rick's voice heightening with concern, she hadn't answered him yet.

He knew today was going to be hard on her. Even though at the moment she looked breathtakingly exquisite, he could see the sadness in her eyes. Tonight, she was in a long deep purple silk gown, with a sweetheart neckline and halter top. It clung to her body like a second skin, outlining her curves. She had her hair down, with a few ringlets framing her face, a silver bracelet on her right arm. Her neck was bare, begging to be kissed.

A sad smile touched her lips. "Sorry," she apologized. "This place is amazing," Kate added, changing the subject.

Rick's expression donned seriousness. "Kate, you don't have to pretend for me, I will always be here for you." He promised her, placing his hand over hers and giving it a gentle squeeze.

Kate locked eyes with him, softly smiling back.

Kate's Apartment - 09:01am

Kate didn't want any visitors today. She was tempted to ignore the knocking at the door but knew it could be her father, even though they planned to meet later. She had spent the last hour going through photo albums and letting tears flow. She hopped up from her couch, wiping her eyes, so glad that she hadn't bothered with make-up this morning. She was dressed in only black yoga pants and white tee shirt.

She reached the door, taking a deep breath before opening the door. She was greeted with a beautiful bouquet of colourful Geraniums, and a man holding them.

"I thought I would bring you some comfort," Rick spoke up.

Kate wasn't sure if she had the strength to stay strong in front of her partner. She was on the verge of tears at the moment because of his presence. "And what better way than to bring the flowers that mean it," she answered, her voice crackly.

Rick raised an eyebrow. "How did you know that?" he questioned, curiously.

Kate gave him a sad smile. "Mom loved flowers, she could tell you the name and meaning of anyone you showed her."

She opened the door wider, standing to the side. "Come in," she invited him in.

Rick hesitated for a moment. "You sure?" he asked, concerned.

She nodded. "I could really use a friend at the moment," she confessed.

Rick entered her apartment, handing her the flowers and placing a kiss to her cheek as he walked passed her.

The song had changed and other couples were now on the floor. The happy couple was still dancing, lost in one another's eyes.

Rick stood up, placing his hand out. "Dance with me?" he asked, humbly.

Kate turned her gaze on him, looking into his eyes and she was instantly lost. She lifted her hand to his and gave it a gentle squeeze. Rick helped her to her feet, leading her onto the floor as soft guitar music filled the room.

A female voice filled the air.

"Don't tell me love is something you won't try again. That's just not true. But baby right now maybe what you need's a friend? Well, I'm here for you. I will be by your side, if ever you fall deep in the dead of the night. Whenever you call and I won't change my mind, No, I'll see you through. And I won't give up, No, I won't give up. I won't give up on you."

Kate and Rick swayed to the music. He was holding her close, one hand resting on her mid back and the other on her shoulder. She was resting her chin on his shoulder, letting the music drift through her mind. She listened to the words of the song, intently.

She was aware of her friends' eyes on them, but she didn't care. She needed this right now, she need him.

"Thank you for today, Rick. It meant a lot to me," she whispered, softly.

"Always," he replied, sincerely, his hand gently rubbing her back.

"You need someone who knows you from the inside out, the way I do. I seen you walk the wire never looking down, I believe in you. I will be by your side, if ever you fall deep in the dead of the night. Whenever you call and I won't change my mind, No, I'll see you through. And I won't give up, No, I won't give up. I won't give up on you."

Softly the music played on.

Rick never wanted this dance to end. He loved her being in his arms. He loved the way that her hair smelt like cherries. And he loved her. Today she had let him further in, taking him to her mother's grave site and letting him be there for her.

Gravesite – 11:11am

Rick stood in front of the gravestone of Johanna Beckett for the first time, his partner standing beside him on his right. She was clutching a bouquet of her mother's favourite flowers, bouquet of Gladiolus. There meaning was strength of character, which was Johanna. He never met her, but from the stories Kate and Jim had told him this morning, it described her all right.

Rick felt her hand slip into his, followed by a gentle squeeze. He turned his blue eyes onto her. She was staring at the gravestone, her mother's picture staring back. Rick gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

Jim stood on his left, his eyes fixed on his wife's grave, his blue eyes filled with pain and heartache.

Rick had never met the woman but felt a twinge in his own heart. The three of them just stood there for several minutes, just staring at the grave in complete silence.

It had been 13 years, today.

"She would be so proud of you," he whispered into her ear.

Kate felt her heart skip a beat. She was speechless.

They moved with the music, the bodies practically glued together.

"I will be by your side, if ever you fall deep in the dead of the night and I won't give up. No, I won't give up, I won't give up, you can call it love? But I won't give up on you."

The music softly played before coming to an end. But the two didn't part. They just continued to dance as the next song changed. It was a little more upbeat, but still the two danced slow to it.

The young singer on stage belted out 'Miracles Happen'.

The ballroom was beautiful, purely stunning. It was quite large, the tables were placed around the dance floor. On stage a live band was playing. The room was bathed in a warm light, not too bright but not to dim. The bar ran along the far wall.

Bar

Seated at the bar was a certain Medical Examiner sipping her drink, her date was on the dance floor with another guy. That didn't really bother her. She only bought Chaise so she wouldn't be dateless to the wedding.

"Do you see them out there?" a familiar voice asked behind her.

Lanie swirled her bar stool around to face her ex. She missed him. He looked drop dead gorgeous in the black tux he was sporting, tonight. Her eyes ran up and down him, for the hundredth time since the ceremony.

"Yeah," she answered. "They look perfect," she told him.

Javier drank Lanie in. She was in a strapless deep red gown, with diamond trimming around the top. The dress clung to her like a second skin and flare out past her hips. She wore her hair down, framing her face.

"Perfectus es... I miss you, Cariño." Javier confessed, half in his native tongue.

Lanie felt her breath catch in her throat. She always melted when he spoke Spanish to her, it was just something about that language that turned her to goo.

"Can we go somewhere and talk?" he asked her.

She nodded, immediately, holding out her hand. He laced his fingers with hers, leading her across the floor.

Dance floor

Rick smiled. "Looks like our favourite couple might be getting back together," he whispered.

Kate pulled back and looked at him, intrigued. She followed his eyes, spotting her best friend and co-worker heading towards one of the side doors. A smile filled her features.

The woman in her early twenties on the stage was belting out the song.

"When you believe, the soul is a shining light. When you believe, the heart has the will to fight. You can do anything, don't be afraid. We're gonna find our way."

Rick couldn't help but smile at the looked on Kate's face, the room lit up when she smiled. The two moved together to the music, this was when he realized that the song wasn't exactly a slow dace song. And they were the only couple dancing slow to it.

He looked passed Kate and threw the crowd, his eyes scanning for his daughter. Rick spotted her a moment later. She was on dance floor on the other side of the room with a blonde haired, blue eyed boy that looked around her age, maybe a little older. She had the biggest smile on her face, which made Rick smile more.

Both of his girls were happy.

"You showed me faith is not blind, I don't need wings to help me fly. Miracles happen, once in a while, when you believe (Miracles happen) You showed me dreams come to life. That taking a chance on us was right. All things will come with a little time ...When you believe."

Kate turned her eyes on her partner. He was looking passed her. Kate turned her head and saw Alexis dancing, which explained the smile on Rick's face. Kate couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle herself, especially at the kids moves.

Rick spinned Kate out and back in, causing her to release a roar of laughter as the song came to an end.

The two finally parted.

"That was fun," Kate spoke up, honestly. She did feel a lot better than earlier.

"How about we get a drink?" Rick suggested.

Kate smiled, softly. "I would love that," she replied.

The two began making their way towards the bar, not touching but close enough for the back of their hands to brush ever so slightly.

Kate felt chills shoot up her spine when his hand brushed against hers. She felt like a huge weight had lifted off her chest today. She hadn't expected to share it with Rick, but nevertheless he was there for her.

Castle's Loft - 12:31pm – Kitchen

Kate was sitting behind his breakfast bar, a cup of coffee in front of her. They had only been back for a few minutes, and she wasn't in the mood to head back to her apartment just yet. Rick had invited her back to his loft. She had changed from this morning, now wearing black bootleg jeans and a deep red v neck sweater. Her hair was down; a few strands pulled back and out of her eyes. She had only applied the basic in make-up, not in the mood to impress.

"Where's Alexis?" Kate asked.

The loft was quiet, so it was clear that they were the only ones here.

"At a friend's until three, Holly is coming back with her to help her get ready for the wedding. Mother has gone for the weekend, visiting friends." Rick told his partner.

Kate hadn't forgotten about the wedding, it was the one reason she was trying to get out all of her emotions now. She didn't want to ruin Kevin and Jenny's special day.

"Do you need a lift to the wedding?" he asked her. "Alexis and I are staying the night at a nearby hotel. I hired a driver for the night," he shared.

Kate fixed her eyes on her partner, his blue orbs staring into her soul. She shook her head. "I'm driving back that night," she told him.

Rick raised a curious eyebrow. "You have to work, I thought the Captain gave the team tomorrow off."

Kate nodded. "She did, I just don't really have a reason to stay the night." She told him.

Rick's face fell.

"Well if you change your mind, you can bunk with Alexis and me. The suit is big enough for the three of us," he told her, compassionately.

Kate softly smiled at him. "Thanks, I'll keep that in mind."

"What can I get you," the barman asked, pulling Kate back to the present.

Kate turned her eyes on the barman that looked to be in his thirties. He was looking her up and down, which made her feel a little uncomfortable. He was an attractive man but for some reason it felt wrong.

She felt Rick slide his arm around her waist, pulling her into a side hug and the feeling slowly melted away as she melted into him. Rick ordered their drinks for them. The barman nodded, getting the message and retrieving their drinks.

"You okay?" he whispered. "You looked kinda worried for a moment," he added.

Kate turned her eyes on him. "I'm fine," she answered. "Thanks," she added.

The barman returned with their drinks. Rick moved his arm from around her and scooped them up, gesturing back to their table. Kate missed his touch almost instantly, which kinda scared her.

There was now a man's voice pouring through the speakers as 'Bon Jovi's –I'll be there for you' played. Whoever they hired, they were good. Kate loved Bon Jovi and the guy on stage did a great job on the song.

"The bride looks beautiful," Kate commented, changing the subject.

Rick's eyes were only on her.

21:01pm

Alexis wrapped her arms around her father's neck. "Hey dad," she greeted him, before standing back beside the boy that she had been dancing with all night. He was tall. He was a good looking boy

"Ethan O'Mally," he introduced himself.

"How old are you?" Rick questioned, standing up. Rick was taller than the boy, just.

Ethan smiled at the older man. "19, Mr Castle, I go to Columbia University. I'm studying literature," he informed him.

Alexis beamed. "He wants to be a writer," she informed her father.

Rick raised an eyebrow. Kate let out a chuckle.

"What genre?" she asked, turning her eyes on her partner.

Ethan knew who Richard Castle was. He actually read his novels. The boy's face redden when he answered. "Romance."

Kate placed her hand on Rick's shoulder, giving it a squeeze. "See, you don't have to worry about him stealing your job," she told him, laughing.

Rick turned his eyes on his partner, removing her wine from in front of her. "I'm cutting you off," he informed her.

She poked her tongue out at him. It was only her forth glass. She had been having such a good time, talking to Rick and fellow co workers that stopped at their table. They had even had another dance. Javier and Lanie had still not returned to the table, not even when dinner had been served.

Alexis looked at the detective, curious. "Havin a good time?" she asked.

Kate nodded, chuckling again.

The band was taking a break and the stereo was now playing. A familiar song played over the speakers and Kate's face let up.

"Woo Hoo Hooooo! Woo hoo hooooo!"

"I love this song," she proclaimed, grabbing Rick's hand and dragging him to the floor.

Alexis and Ethan chuckled, before following them out onto the floor.

The four began dancing to the music, other people on the floor busting moves. It was a sight to see.

"Debbie just hit the wall. She never had it all. One Prozac a day. Husband's a CPA. Her dreams went out the door, when she turned 24. Only been with one man. What happened to her plan?"

Kate grabbed Alexis hand and the two started dancing together, both singing along to the words.

"She was gonna be an actress. She was gonna be a star. She was gonna shake her ass, on the hood of White Snake's car. Her yellow SUV is now the enemy. Looks at her average life and nothing, has been... all right since."

Rick pulled his phone from his pocket and started videoing his daughter and beautiful partner dancing together.

"Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, way before Nirvana. There was U2 and Blondie and music still on MTV. Her two kids in high school, they tell her that she's uncool. Cuz she's still preoccupied with 19, 19, 1985."

The music played on.

Lanie and Javier finally returned to the dance floor and started dancing. The male detective's shirt was crumbled and Lanie's make up was slightly smudged. Rick turned the camera on them for a moment before taking in everyone in the room.

The bride and groom had join them on the floor. The entire gang was now dancing to '1985'.

21:23pm - Table

Rick had traded Kate her car keys for another drink. She had agreed to spend the night with him and Alexis in their suite. She could collect her car in the morning from here. Their hotel was only five minutes down the road.

Kate, Alexis Rick, Lanie, Javier and Ethan were now seated at the table. Ethan had traded his spot with Chaise, who was now happily seated beside Ethan's cousin.

"Okay, it's {is} now time for all the single ladies to come up on the floor for the bouquet toss," the MC announced over the speakers.

A swarm of single ladies piled on the floor, Lanie among them.

Rick turned to Kate. "Why aren't you headin up?" he inquired.

Kate shook her head. "Not my thing," she simply told him.

All eyes turned towards the dance floor as Jenny turned her back to the women. Kate's eyes locked on the flowers as they left the bride's hand and flew through the air. A group of woman jumped and the flowers disappeared in the crowd.

The room was completely silent for a long moment, all eyes on the pile of women. It played out like slow motion as they started standing up, Lanie emerged from the group with the flowers in hand.

Kate hopped up and walked over towards her friend, congratulating her.

Rick turned and looked at the Hispanic detective. He looked really nervous for a minute before he broke out into a grin. The writer turned his eyes on Lanie. She was looking at him, glowing.

He hopped up and walked over towards her as Kate walked back.

"They're back together," Kate whispered into Rick's ear as she passed him, taking a seat beside him.

Rick felt a chill run through his body when he felt her breath on his ear. His eyes followed her as she took a seat. Her gaze caught his and their eyes locked. Everything around them faded away. It was like they were the only two in the room.

"Miracles Happen," he told her.

Kate bit down on her lips, a smile stealing her lips. "If you believe," she quoted.

A/N: And that's the first chapter to Admitting Defeat, let me know what you think. Reviews are appreciated.

.com/imgres?hl=en&client=opera&hs=LVc&sa=X&rls=en&channel=suggest&tbm=isch&tbnid=1sG67ccv0XR7dM:&imgrefurl=.com/&docid=lpBhBu_AnWOENM&imgurl=.&w=400&h=567&ei=r-L-Tt6zOcvymAXx8pTXBg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=888&vpy=183&dur=315&hovh=267&hovw=188&tx=114&ty=296&sig=114097429014517434809&page=3&tbnh=162&tbnw=100&start=49&ndsp=17&ved=1t:429,r:14,s:49&biw=1332&bih=563 – Kate's dress but in deep purple.

.com/imgres?hl=en&client=opera&hs=blJ&rls=en&channel=suggest&tbm=isch&tbnid=EO6SuPF8UeUjzM:&imgrefurl=./long-strapless-beaded-sweetheart-open-back-red-prom-dress-red012&docid=lVMjYqDgqiq9-M&imgurl=.&w=320&h=533&ei=pP_-TtfxNKeWiQff6_GMAg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=651&vpy=124&dur=5&hovh=290&hovw=174&tx=98&ty=171&sig=114097429014517434809&page=11&tbnh=159&tbnw=103&start=160&ndsp=16&ved=1t:429,r:3,s:160&biw=1332&bih=563 – Lanie's dress

Perfectus es – You're perfect – Spanish google translate