A.N. Please forgive me for no chapter yesterday, it was the last day of my old job and I went to watch the new Harry Potter film before then looking after my nephews today so was really busy but managed to find a little time to write this. It is mainly a filler chapter but I hope you all like it anyways ;)

Chapter Seven – These Moments

After a few more minutes they headed back into the living room. Castle noticed that Lanie was still in the kitchen and figured that this was going to be the best chance he had to talk to Kate's best friend.

"I'm just getting a drink." He called to the rest. They barely acknowledged him as the girls were currently having a spirited rendition of "Picture to Burn" on Band Hero. He laughed as he walked over to Lanie as Kate and Alexis were on the guitar and bass and Martha was on the drums and they were all singing loudly. "Hey." He greeted Lanie as he entered the kitchen.

"Hey Castle, everything ok?" she asked, her eyes twinkling like she knew Castle was up to something particularly special.

"Yes, everything's great." He told her and then he decided a straight up approach would work best with Lanie. "Do you think she'll say yes?" he asked quietly as he discreetly pulled the ring from his pocket again and showed her. Lanie gasped and quickly brought her hands up to cover her mouth but when she brought them back down Castle could see a huge smile on her face.

"Castle, that ring is amazing, that's just her style not too ostentatious but still absolutely gorgeous." She said quietly as she examined the ring and then whispered, "When are you asking her?"

"Tonight," he told her, "I have to do something special ... I'm just not sure what yet but it'll be when we're alone, later."

Lanie looked like she was about to protest and demand a proper answer until she realised he was right. He needed to do this alone and privately ... it was the way Kate would want it. She smiled at him and winked before heading back into the living room to take back the drum set from Martha. Castle watched everyone as they continued playing for a few moment until the song (No Doubts 'Just a Girl') finished and Kate quickly handed the guitar to Martha, who had thought she was safe now that Lanie was back and apologised before saying she need to check on the turkey. She walked into the kitchen and smiled as she saw Castle still stood there.

"Hey you," she greeted and placed her hands on his chest before leaning up to place a quick kiss on his mouth but Castle wrapped his arms around her waist and kept her close to him.

"Hey back," he smiled, "Is everyone having a good time?" he asked as his forehead dropped down to rest on hers. She sighed in contentment as she started to relax under his touch, they both closed their eyes at the closeness and she wrapped her arms around his neck.

"I think everyone is having a great time," she told him, not opening her eyes, "But I'd be able to get a better idea if you didn't keep disappearing with the guys." She half scolded and half questioned. Castle just smiled and opened his eyes as he kissed her again, this time the kiss was leisurely as they both sank into the feelings the kiss stirred up. After a few seconds, Kate pulled away and dropped her arms so she could break the contact between them. "Save it for later?" she asked. Castle just grinned and grabbed the lager he had pulled on the fridge before joining everyone else in the living room.

Dinner was absolutely fabulous. Alexis was gushing over how well the food was cooked and asking for Kate to teach her how to cook whilst all the men were just piling their plates with food and eating as much as they can. At one point Jenny looked at Ryan who had that much food in his mouth that he looked like a chipmunk and she burst out laughing. It took her a few minutes to calm down enough to explain to everyone what she was thinking and then, of course, all the rest of them also burst out laughing, except Ryan who looked slightly put out at this turn of events.

Once everyone had eaten enough (or too much in practically everyone's case), Castle, Ryan and Esposito all volunteered to do the cleaning whilst the women all watched 'The Night Before Christmas'. After they had filled the dishwasher and left the pans soaking, the men joined them and before long Esposito was clearing his throat.

"We have a last minute present for you two." He smiled at Kate and Castle. Kate was instantly on her guard ... she knew that smile. Ryan grinned and handed them a gift. Castle raised his eyebrow at them but looked to Kate who nodded and looked at the tag, 'To Beckett and Castle, We hope you never lose this feeling, love from Esposito, Lanie, Ryan and Jenny'. Kate raised her eyebrow but allowed Castle to rip off the wrapping paper. As the picture in the frame was revealed, Kate started to blush She realised just how much she must trust the people in this room if she had felt comfortable enough to fall asleep in this position with Castle the night before.

Jim looked at the picture still in Castle's hand and grinned, he had made the right choice after all.

Kate looked up at Ryan and Esposito, who were stood with similar expressions of mischief on their faces, but she wasn't angry, she wasn't even slightly upset that they had taken the picture. She stood up and walked quickly towards them, both of them edging back slightly, a little bit scared she might hit them, but Kate just flung her arms around the two of them in a tight hug. This was just their way of approving of her and Castle and she was so happy that they did.

"Thank you." She whispered. After a few seconds of shocked silence, the two men returned her hug before they all broke apart blushing slightly. After a few uncomfortable coughs, they all grinned at each other and moved to sit down. Alexis had watched this scene, extremely bemused.

"And I thought it was just boys that acted like that," she smirked at Kate, "Maybe it's boys and all cops in general." Before ducking as a cushion flew at her from Kate's direction amidst gales of laughter from Martha and Jenny.

A.N. Like I say mainly filler but I need a talk between Lanie and Castle but knew it would be tiny because Lanie will mainly want to talk to Kate once Castle has actually proposed ... which hopefully will be soon ;) please review.