Lanie came out of the autopsy room to meet the sharp clip-clip of Beckett's heels.
"Hey girl, the body's right through here," she said, leading Kate into a small side room. "Not you." She glared at Castle.
Castle backed off quickly, looking confused at Lanie's glare.
"Kate here and I need some girl talk time. You go chat up the interns."
As soon as the door shut, Beckett looked up, confused. "Lanie, where's the mystery body? What's with the secrecy?"
"Girl, there is no body… I just had the boys help me get you alone. Castle's been tagging along with you so much lately it's impossible to talk to you in private! So seriously, what's going on? Please don't say you've been sleeping with him and haven't told me yet… because you do not want to be on the receiving end of my anger if that's the case."
"Uhm, well… we couldn't really tell anyone, because of the rules about working together, and…"
Lanie held up her hand, "Stop talking unless you want to get smacked. You realize that everyone knows already, don't you? You two aren't really that subtle, and most of the precinct thought you started years ago."
Kate blushed furiously. "Even Gates?"
"Yeah, that's why it was so urgent I talked to you this morning. I think she's going to assault you with questions this afternoon. But one of my intern's is Gate's neighbor, and from what she's been saying, I don't think you have anything to worry about. Since Castle doesn't technically work for the force, there's nothing stopping him from being able to shadow you."
Castle popped his head in the door. "Look, I know you guys want your girl time or whatever, but I'm bored!"
He shut up immediately when he saw Lanie's glare. "You better treat her right, or you'll have me to answer to, understand?"
"Y-yes…," he stammered.
"C'mon Castle, let's go talk to Gates," Kate said, relief in her voice. Now that she knew the relationship could go public, it was like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders.
"But what about the alien CIA agent?"
"Castle, there is no body. I'll explain on the way up."
As soon as they left, Lanie phoned Ryan and Esposito.
"Everything's good boys, I just talked to Kate."
"Thank goodness! It was pretty funny to watch them try to hide it at first, but then it just got painful."
"Yeah, at least Beckett's subtle, but Castle just can't help himself. You can only ignore "subtle" innuendos so many times."
"Well, you're welcome. Not make sure you tell me how it goes with Gates."
Beckett took a deep breath as the elevator doors opened. "Ready to face Gates?"
"Don't worry, we'll do it together. I'm here with you. Always."
AN: I need to apologize to everyone for this ending. Honestly, I completely ran out of ideas for this story but felt I had to somehow finish it because I hate incomplete stories. I have a good idea for a different fic though, so hopefully I can start over with that soon! Anyway, thanks to everyone who supported me on my first attempt to write fanfiction. Much appreciated! :)