Hey, guys. So, someone asked me to continue, so I did. Since the First chapter didn't have so much angsty, I decided to put some here. And make Josh look like the bad guy.
Please note that this is all happening before season 3 finale, which means is AU. Once again, characters may seem OOC, but it's a fiction.
I had to write something while waiting for 'Always'. I really hope you'll like it. Any mistakes you find are mine (English isn't my first language).
Now what?
After Castle left, Beckett went to put her things away and to call Josh. She wanted to end thing as soon as possible. She knew he would probably get hurt but it was better this way. Deep down she knew Josh was her distraction for Castle. After he left that summer with Gina, she was hurt. So when she met Josh he was perfect. She blamed Castle for hurting her but after a girl talk with Lanie (who always made her see things witch she refused) she knew it wasn't his fault. It was hers as much as his. She couldn't lie to herself anymore. She finally accepted what others have seen and been telling her all this time. She was in love with Castle and was ready to give them a chance.
She took her phone and pressed speed dial #7 (#1 is her voice mail, #2 is her dad, #3 is Castle, #4 is Esposito, #5 is Ryan and #6 is Lanie). After the fifth ring she hung up. She figured he was at the hospital probably on call. So she called the hospital to check. And she was right. He was on call. So she called his cell once more and left a message to meet with him tomorrow for lunch since she has to talk to him. And that he lets her know if he's available. She dropped her phone on her couch and turned her TV. It was Saturday afternoon and she had no plans. So, she decided to relax. She took a long bath and after that, she settled in front of her TV. She looked at her phone and noticed that she had a message. She thought that it was Castle and smiled. But her smile falls slightly when she saw that the message was from Josh. He told her that he was free tomorrow for lunch and that he will meet her at Remy's. Kate placed her phone on the coffee table and continued to watch TV. After a while she decided to call it for the night. She went to bed. As she was beginning to fall into sleep her phone buzzed indicating that she got a text message. She flipped her phone and smiled. It was from Castle. 'Sweet dreams Kate. See you tomorrow :)'. He was so sweet. She typed him a reply. 'Won't be able to see you tomorrow. Meeting Josh for lunch. But, I'l see you Monday morning. Goodnight Rick :)'. She left her phone not expecting an answer from Castle. But she was wrong. Only few second later her phone buzzed again. 'No problem. Hope everything goes alright tomorrow. See you on Monday.' At with him on her thoughts she finally drifted to sleep.
When Beckett woke up the next day it was almost 11 AM She couldn't remember the last time she slept this late. Beckett got up and went to make some breakfast. Even though she's meeting Josh for lunch she's not sure how much will she be able to eat. After an hour and a half, she was ready to meet Josh. As she was about to leave her apartment she got a message from Josh. 'Sorry, babe, I have an emergency. Won't be able to see you today. We could go to lunch tomorrow. Remy's?' To say that Beckett was pissed would be an understatement. She wanted to finish it but apparently the universe was against her. She went back to her couch and sent Josh a message. 'Sure. Lunch at Remy's, tomorrow'. Suddenly she wasn't in the mood for anything. She wanted to see Castle, to hug him, to simply be with him. But she couldn't. She told him she will see him on Monday and if she went to him now, she was scared she wouldn't be able to keep away from him. So, before settling in front of her TV again, she cleaned her apartment. As she was going to bed she couldn't help herself. She texted Castle. Missed you today. Can't wait to see you tomorrow. Goodnight :)'. And as usual she got her reply only seconds later. 'Missed you too, detective. Did everything went alright? Are you a free agent now ;). Can't wait to see you too. Sweet dreams :)'. When she read the message she had to laugh. Leave it to Castle to make her feel better. 'We'll talk tomorrow. I'm too tired now. Until tomorrow :)'. When she finally settled under the sheets she got another message. 'Until tomorrow :)'.
When Castle walked into the bullpen Monday morning, Beckett and the boys were already there. Sitting at their desks doing paperwork. Oh, how he loved that he wasn't actually a cop, simply because of the paperwork. He walked to Ryan and Esposito first, giving them their coffees and then went to Beckett's desk. The boys nodded to him and said their thanks for the coffee and continued to work. Castle sat in his chair and gave Beckett, who was watching him since the moment he stepped out of the elevator, her coffee. She said thanks and continued to look at him. Castle got a little nervous.
Castle: What?
Beckett: Nothing.
Castle: What? Do I have something on my face?
Beckett: Nothing. You're fine.
Her phone rings. She talks to the person on the other side of the line for a couple of seconds and then hangs up. She turns to Castle, who was watching her now.
Beckett: What?
Castle: Nothing.
Beckett: Anyway, that was Lanie. Since it's a slow morning I'm having breakfast with her. Are you staying here or going out?
Castle: I'll stay. The loft is empty so I'll just see if I can help the boys. If not I'll wait for you here.
Beckett: What do you mean the loft is empty? Where are Martha and Alexis?
Castle: Mother went to Washington with some friends to see some of the best plays according to some critisist, I'm not sure which one. And Alexis is at school right now and after school she is going to the mall with her friends and then to Paige's for a sleepover.
Beckett: Oh, well I won't be too long. See you later.
Castle: OK, see ya.
And with that Beckett was gone. Castle turned to Ryan and Esposito.
Castle: Hey, guys. You need any help?
Ryan: No, man. Thanks.
Esposito: Nah, me neither, but thanks.
Castle was thrilled and sad at the same time. He didn't want to deal with the paperwork but now he's going to have entertain himself until Beckett gets here. And hopefully, she'll be back soon. Castle sat at Beckett's desk and started her computer. He could go online while he waits.
When Lanie walked into Remy's Beckett was already there. Beckett waved to Lanie and waited for her. Lanie sat into the booth.
Lanie: Sorry I'm late. Last minute check up.
Beckett: No problem. How are you?
Lanie: I'm good. And you?
Beckett: Good.
Lanie: OK, spill it. What happened? I want to know everything.
Beckett: I don't know what you're talking about.
Lanie: Oh, no you don't. Something happened. I can see it. You got this smile on your face. So, how was your reunion? Did you have fun? Where you THE person at the reunion?
And so Beckett started to tell Lanie all about her reunion, what happened with her old friends, how Castle reacted to that, then how he was sweet about the sleeping problem, and with Mark. She also told her about the kiss. She told her about Josh and about her feeling for Josh and Castle. Lanie was her best friend and Kate kept so little things from her.
Beckett: And I'm breaking with Josh today, at lunch. I was supposed to yesterday but he had some emergency so we didn't get to see each other.
Lanie: Honestly, I think you're making the right decision. And let me tell you, ABOUT DAMN TIME! Do you know how much money a lost on you two?
Beckett: You were in on it too? Lanie!
Lanie: What? Of course I was. Did you expect anything less from me?
Beckett: No, I guess I wasn't. By the way, I should be really mad at you right now.
Lanie: Why, what did I do?
Beckett: For telling Castle about my dress.
Lanie: I didn't tell him about your dress. I simply told him the color of your dress. Besides, it's a good thing I did, don't you think?
Beckett: I know. That's why I said I should be mad at you, not that I am mad.
They continued their talk for another 10 minutes before Kate looked at her watch. It's been an hour and a half since she left the precinct (more important, since she left Castle there) so she decided to go back.
Beckett: Well, I should head back. I want to work some more on my paperwork before I meet Josh.
Lanie: Sure, girl. But, I want details, you know that.
Beckett: Yes, Lanie. I know. See ya.
And with that she left Remy's and went back to the precinct (and Castle). When she arrived to the bullpen, the boys were at their desks working on their pile of paperwork. But Castle wasn't in his chair or with the boys. For a moment she was disappointed that he left but soon enough she heard coffee being made in the break room. Turning to the break room, she saw him. And a smile found its way on her face. So, she went to get a cup of coffee. When she entered the room, Castle lifted his head and as soon as he saw her, he was smiling.
Castle: Coffee?
Beckett: Yeah, sure.
She leaned on the counter next to him and watched him make her coffee. When he was done, he handed her the cup and went back to making himself a cup. When he finished, he stood in front of her and simply looked at her for a couple of seconds.
Castle: So, did you enjoy your breakfast with Lanie?
Beckett: Yes, I did.
Castle: What did you girls talk about? If it's not a secret?
Beckett: Hahaha, wouldn't you like to know?...Anyway, what did you do while I was with Lanie? Did you do anything productive?
Castle: Well...
Beckett: What did you do Castle?
Castle: I kind of organized your desk.
Beckett: WHAT?
Castle: Don't worry. I just sort out your case files on your desk. I didn't open any drawers, if that is your concern.
Beckett: You're not lying to me, are you?
Castle: What? No, of course not. But, you should know I ate all of M&M's in your bowl. And I'll buy you some more as soon as I get out.
Beckett: You better.
They were both smiling by now. Their coffee's were forgotten in their hands. Their gazes met and Castle couldn't hold himself anymore. He lifted his left hand and lightly caressed her cheek. Kate closed her eyes at the touch and leaned into it.
In that moment elevator door opened and Josh stepped out. He looked around and saw that Kate wasn't at her desk. He turned his head to the right and saw them. In the break room. When he saw that Castle was so close to Kate, his jealousy took over him. He strode swiftly into the break room and tackled Castle. Beckett and Castle were so caught up that they didn't notice Josh until he tackled Castle. Castle's cup landed on the floor and shattered. Josh was on top of Castle, giving him blow after blow. Beckett was so stunned that she didn't react right away. Luckily for her, Ryan and Esposito heard the noise when Castle and Josh landed on the floor and they were in the break room in a flash.
Beckett: Josh, get off of him. Stop it, now!
When he didn't react, she looked at Ryan and Esposito who immediately understood her. They grabbed Josh and got him away from Castle. Beckett helped Castle to get on his feet and in the same time she told Ryan to take Josh to Interrogation room and then to come back. Ryan nods and with Esposito they took Josh away. Beckett turned to Castle again and saw that his nose was bleeding.
Beckett: God, Castle, are you OK?
Castle: Yeah, it's just a nose bleed. I'll be fine.
At that moment Captain Montgomery came to the break room. He saw Ryan and Esposito as they took Josh away and when he saw Castle, he quickly put two and two together and didn't say anything to Beckett. He gave her a nod and left for his office. As he was leaving Ryan and Esposito got back.
Beckett: Where did you put him?
Ryan: Interrogation 1.
Beckett: OK. You guys help Castle while I talk with Josh.
Esposito: Sure thing.
Beckett turned and looked at Castle who was sitting in a chair holding his nose closed with two fingers. She knew she had to talk to Josh, but she wanted to take care of Castle. Esposito noticed her struggle and went to Castle, and Ryan went to the counter to get the First Aid kit.
Esposito: Go, we'll take care of Castle.
Beckett: Yeah...
She turned around and went to Interrogation 1. She had to get this over with.
Beckett walked into the room and closed the door behind her. When she looked at Josh he had a small smile on his face. He was proud of himself for what he just did. And that made Beckett even more furious. She noticed that Ryan and Esposito left him cuffed to the chair. She slowly went to the chair opposite from him and sat down.
Josh: Are you going to take these off?
Beckett: Why should I? You just attacked my PARTNER without any probable cause.
Josh: Oh, come on.
Beckett: No, Josh! What you did was wrong. You had no right. What were you thinking?
Josh: Had no right? You're my girlfriend Kate. He had no right to touch you. Now, he'll think twice before he does something like that again.
Beckett: You...! You know what, I'm not even going to argue with you about this. You know why? Because WE ARE OVER.
Josh: What? Did you just break up with me? Because I hit... writer boy?
Beckett: Yes, I just broke up with you. And he's my partner. You say I'm your girlfriend but you don't trust me. You didn't even stop to ask yourself what reason did Castle have to 'touch' me. For all you know, something could have happened to my dad and I needed a friend. And instead of talking to me first, you react like some animal. He has a daughter, for God sake. Do you think she needs to see her father like that?
Josh: Something happened to your dad?
Beckett: Uuuurrrgghgh, NO. That's not the point.
Josh: Then what is?
Beckett: It doesn't matter. We're over, I mean it Josh.
Josh: It's because of HIM, isn't it? He took you from me.
Beckett: I'm not a thing you can possess, Josh. And he didn't take me from you...I was already his, I just didn't see it.
With that Beckett stood up and went to the door. Josh called after her.
Josh: No, Kate. Don't do this. You're making a mistake.
Beckett: Josh, don't make things harder than they are. You and I both know that this isn't working. I really thought we could make it work, but it didn't. Everytime we had an argument you would tell me how you didn't go to Haiti because of me. Well, now you can.
Josh: So, what? Now it's my fault?
Beckett: God, it doesn't matter who's fault it is. It's not working. We both know it. We barely see each other, Josh. And before you attacked Castle, maybe, just maybe I would have thought about not giving up.
Josh: Fine. I see that you made up your mind. Obviously, my opinion doesn't matter. Do whatever you want.
He bent his head and looked at the table. Beckett opened the door and left. There is somewhere she needed to be, someone to take care of.
While Beckett was talking to Josh, Ryan and Esposito took care of Castle, more specifically, his bleeding nose.
Esposito: Bro, how much blood do you have in you? We've changed 3 pieces of gauzes already.
Castle: Sorry, guys.
Ryan: Why are you apologizing Castle? It's not your fault.
Before Castle could answer, Beckett walked in.
Beckett: Hey guys, how's it going?
Esposito: We're still trying to stop his nose bleeding. Man, it's like we turned the faucet. But I think it's finally coming to stop.
Beckett: Okay, I'll take it from here. You guys go release Josh and make sure he doesn't make any more problems on his way out of the precinct. It's bad enough that Captain saw what happened earlier.
Ryan: Got it. Don't worry. We'll escort him all the way down.
Beckett gave them a nod and they left. She took Esposito's place in front of Castle, keeping a pressure on his nose. They looked at each other for a while. Beckett kept thinking how everything went wrong. That it wasn't suppose to be like this, wasn't suppose to end like this. Josh being escorted like some criminal and Castle sitting in front of her, possibly with a broken nose. Oh, please God, don't let it be broken, Beckett thought. Castle was blaming himself. He should have known better then to be that near Beckett when they were in the precinct. If he kept his distance, none of this would have happened.
Castle: Are you okay?
Beckett: I should be the one asking you that Castle. I'm not the one with a bleeding nose.
Castle: I'm sorry.
Beckett: For what? Are you seriously blaming yourself for what Josh did?
Castle: I shouldn't have...If I kept my distance none of this would have happened. I should have...
Beckett: Stop it Rick. This wasn't your fault. This is all on Josh. No matter what was going on he shouldn't have reacted like that. He should have trusted me, talk to me. And I told him that. So, don't you dare blame yourself, do you understand me?
Castle: Kate...
Beckett: I mean it.
Castle: But what about Montgomery? He saw everything. And now he'll probably give you hell over this...
Beckett: Let me worry about Montgomery, okay?...God, Rick, you're going to have a bruise under your left eye, and I hope your nose isn't broken and you worry about what Montgomery is going to tell me? What about Alexis, Rick? What is she going to say when she sees you?
Castle: Don't worry about Alexis. It wouldn't be the first time she sees me like this.
Beckett: That's not the point Castle. What are we going to tell her? How you got beat up by my ex-boyfriend?
Castle: Let's not think about that now, okay?...Do we have to stay here? Can we go grab something to eat, I'm kind of hungry.
Beckett: Yeah, I think we can go but I have to check with Montgomery first. And let's see if the bleeding finally stopped...OK, you're good. Go wash up while I talk to Montgomery.
Castle: Are you sure? Maybe I should be there with you when you...
Beckett: It'll be fine Rick. Go. I'll see you at my desk.
Castle: OK.
With that Castle went to the men's room and Beckett went to Montgomery. When she left his office, Castle was sitting in his chair looking all nervous. He was still worried about what Montgomery was going to tell her. If he was going to give her a hard time because of this. She knew that. She smiled and tapped his shoulder and went to grab her things.
Beckett: Come on, we're clear to go.
Castle: Is everything OK? What did Montgomery tell you?
Beckett: Relax Castle, everything is fine. Come on, we'll talk about it later.
While Beckett was taking care of Castle, Ryan and Esposito took Josh out of the interrogation room and walked with him to the elevator, and Josh had cuffs on him the whole time. He noticed that some of the uniform where looking strangely at him, but he dismissed it. As he was standing in front of the elevator, Karpowski came and asked Ryan:
Karpowski: This the guy?
Ryan: Yup.
Karpowski: Well, I wouldn't be in his shoes right now.
Ryan simply laughed, Esposito as well. When they entered the elevator and the moment the doors were closed, Josh turned a little to Ryan.
Josh: What was that about?
Ryan: I'm sure you'll find out soon enough.
Esposito: What did you expect? You attacked one of us.
Josh: One of you?...Hah, you crazy just like Kate is.
The moment he said those words Esposito pushed the STOP button. He and Ryan pinned Josh against the wall.
Esposito: First, don't you ever talk about Beckett like that.
Ryan: Second, Castle might not be a real cop, but he saved Beckett's life many times.
Esposito: Ours as well.
Ryan: He even saved the entire city from a dirty bomb.
Esposito: So, yeah. He is one of us. You mess with one of us, you mess with all of us.
Ryan: And he's THE BEST partner Beckett ever had.
Josh simply watched from one man to another.
Esposito: Do you have any problems or questions?
Josh: No.
Ryan: Good. And Karpowski was right. I wouldn't want to be in your shoes right now, either.
Josh: Why?
Esposito: Because, from now on, you'll be marked as the guy who attacked one of us.
Josh: But, no one pressed any charges and I wasn't processed.
Ryan: You don't have to be in our system to be marked.
Esposito: And you haven't been charged yet. Castle could be pressing charges.
Josh: No, no, no. He can't do that.
Esposito: Of course he can. And he has every right.
Josh: But that could ruin my career.
Ryan: Not to mention that you could end up in jail.
Esposito: And trust me, you don't want to know what they do to people who attack police officers.
Josh: They should be grateful, right?
Ryan: You'ld be surprised. Besides, you should've thought about it before you jumped on Castle.
Josh: OK, I get it know. I see what are you doing. You're trying to scare me.
Esposito: Scare you? Dude, everything we said is true.
Ryan: Now we're going to scare you. Since we are cops, just remember that we can kill you and clean every evidence, not to mention that we know how to hide a body.
Esposito: And IF your body ever got discovered remember Beckett's best friend is an ME. She would make sure your death looks like natural cause.
With that both Ryan and Esposito turned from Josh and regain their previous positions. Esposito pressed the STOP button again and the elevator continued its descending.
Josh: You know, I can charge you for police intimidation.
Ryan: With what proof? Your word?
Esposito: It won't hold against a cop's word
The doors opened and they stepped out. When they got outside the precinct, Esposito turned Josh and took his cuffs off. Ryan stepped in front of Josh.
Ryan: The bottom line is stay away from Beckett, Castle, his family and us, generally.
Esposito: And you should be just fine.
Josh nodded and left, saying how everyone are crazy. Ryan and Esposito looked after him until he got in a cab and disappeared, for good hopefully. They turned around and saw that Beckett and Castle were coming out. They went to them at the entrance.
Beckett: Hey, everything OK?
Ryan: Yup. Got nothing to worry about.
Esposito: You OK, Castle?
Castle: Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks guys. And I'm sorry, for the mess...
Esposito: Don't...So, you gonna press charges?
Castle: UUUhhhh...I don't know. I haven't really thought about that.
Ryan: Well, think about it. And let us know if you're going thru it, so we could get the paperwork.
Castle: Sure thing.
Beckett: OK, we're heading out. Captain gave me the afternoon off, but I'm on call. So, if a body drops you know what to do.
Esposito: You got it, boss.
They said their goodbyes and left their ways. On the elevator Ryan turned to Esposito and smiled.
Ryan: You think something's finally going to happen between them?
Esposito: Sure hope so...Lanie! I have to let her know and see if she could get some information out of Beckett.
Ryan: Or if she already knows something that we don't...You know, it's a little bit weird.
Esposito: What is?
Ryan: It's like talking to your aunt about Mom and Dad...You think we shouldn't do it?
Couple of seconds pass in silence and then they both say at the same time.
Ryan and Esposito: Nnnaahhhh!
Castle and Beckett chose the takeout option. They picked their food and went to Castle's place, since it was closer. They settled in front of Castle's huge TV, Castle lets Beckett to choose a movie. Then they got settled on the couch. Beckett was leaning on Castle while they ate their food. When they finished, Kate snuggled to Castle more as they finished their movie. At the end of the movie, Castle looked at Beckett, who turned her head to look at him.
Castle: You think I should press charges?
Beckett: It's your decision, Castle.
Castle: I know, but what do you think?
Beckett: I don't know. Do whatever you think you should.
Castle: I want to and I don't want to. I don't know. I've been thinking this whole time if I should or shouldn't and I still don't know. I mean, he was your boyfriend Kate. I understand why he did it. I should have respected that. I'm not defending him. I just say I understand. But if I press charges than it could take forever and it could involve you more than it should and it could end up in the papers...Oh, God, what if this ends in the papers? I'm sorry Kate, I'm so sorry...I...
Beckett: Castle, I think you're over reacting...
Castle: No, it could end up in the papers. I have to call Paula. I have to tell her to look out for...
He started to get up but Beckett stopped him. She kissed him. Tenderly because she was afraid she would hurt him. He responded quickly, just like she hoped he would. They kissed for a couple of seconds. Kate broke the kiss and took his face in her hands.
Beckett: Castle, breathe. Calm down, everything will be okay. We'll figure it out. Whatever decision you make, I'll support you. No matter what. And as to what happened today, I doubt it'll end in the papers. Every cop at the 12th thinks of you as one of us. So, I think you're safe for now.
Castle: Yeah, you're right. I'm sorry...
Beckett: Stop apologizing. It's okay.
Castle: So, uuhhhmmm...We're keeping this on the low profile or...
Beckett: Yeah, I think it's for the best. I mean I want us to be just US for a while, you know! Is that OK with you?
Castle: Yeah, it's fine. Whatever you want. What about Alexis and my Mother?
Beckett: Well, did you tell them anything about what happened at the reunion?
Castle: No, I didn't know if you wanted me to.
Beckett: I think they should know. But, you mind if we tell them together?
Castle: No, of course not. Although, I think they might figure it out before we get the chance to tell them anything...What about Lanie and Ryan and Esposito and Montgomery?
Beckett: Let's not tell them right away. I'ld like to see if they could figure it out. Of course, I have to tell Lanie. I think she'll know the moment she sees me. But, there are some rules.
Castle: Of course there are.
Beckett: I'm serious Castle. When we're at the precinct or at the crime scene, we keep it professional. Got it? I don't want anyone to tell me how we can't separate professional from private. It'll be bad enough when the press gets the wind of us being together.
Castle: I agree...So, now what?
Beckett: Now we kiss. To seal the deal.
Castle: With pleasure.
And then they kissed. It was slow and tender at first. They were exploring each other. But soon, it wasn't enough. They wanted more, needed more. After three and a half years of pent up feelings, they were finally free. The kisses became more heated and demanding. Beckett shifted herself so now she was sitting in his lap, straddling him. Castle's hands found their way under her shirt, going all over her back. Beckett started to work on his shirt buttons. She was half way through when her phone started to ring. Groaning, they pulled apart and little without breath, Beckett answered her phone. It was Esposito. They got a body. She tells him they'll be there soon and hangs up.
Castle: A body?
Beckett: Yeah, sorry.
Castle: Hey, it's OK. Raincheck?
Beckett: Absolutly.
They got up from the couch and walked to the door. Smiling at each other. Turning the knob Castle turned to Beckett.
Castle: Just so you know, it's going to be great.
Beckett: Ooohhh, you have no idea.
Smiling at his stunned face, Beckett closed the door and walked toward the elevator with Castle right behind her. Just like always.
So, any thougths?
A review would be great, but please don't be too hursh. English isn't my first language.