Love's Journey
Originally by The Muse of Apollo, now carried forward from Chapter 8 by Castlefan6 with permission from author
Authors Note This is set before the end of season 2, but after Tick Tick/Boom. Chapters 1-7 are the work of the original author The Muse of Apollo, following chapters are work of Castlefan6
I don't own Castle, I only use the characters for amusement purposes only
Once again, I appreciate the reviews from most, some have been deleted, and this is not to be a Kate Bashing story, but rather a journey to Love by some of our old and perhaps new characters. If you bash, expect to get deleted, any positive or constructive criticisms are appreciated
Chapter 28
Previously
Lanie stands draws Jess in an embrace, "How can I help, if nothing else they can at least be good friends. I am so happy you aren't the jealous possessive type, I can tell no one better mess with your man, but you Love and Trust Rick, that makes me happy. Yes, Kate is my friend, but so is Rick, and he deserves happiness" I'll help in any way I can Jess, and Thanks for trusting me to share this, Rick is lucky to have you"
Sunday 10:00 AM
Beckett's Apartment
Lanie has struggled all night since Javi left, hating herself for being a traitor on one hand, and on the other, thinking Jess was right, she didn't steal Rick, and God knows how many time she had had the talk with Kate without any results. She finally resolved she would Have to speak with Kate and let her know just where things were BEFORE she heard about it from someone else and formed one of her patented Beckett realisms around the situation.
Kate had gone for her morning run, pleased with her progress, a few more weeks she would be back to where she started not only in distance but time as well, all before she had the mental lapse that cost her one of the most important people in her life. As she comes out of the shower, her phone rings with that special tone for Lanie, and Kate smile as she retrieves her phone. "Hey Lanie, what's got you up and going so early on a Sunday Morning" with a voice that had started to show just a bit of cheer in it.
"Kate, we need to talk, and I didn't want it to wait too long, can you meet me for coffee at the Perk Central Coffee House a couple of blocks from you in about 30 minutes?
"Lanes you could just come the extra few blocks to my apartment and we can catch up here" Kate replies still in her cheerful mood.
"Kate, what we need to talk about needs to be done on neutral ground, and I wouldn't feel comfortable discussing this in your home. Please meet me and no more questions, OK?"
Kate has a frown on her brow now, and replies "Lanie, is there anything I need to prepare for, or be concerned about?"
"No Kate, I just need to update you on some developments and I don't want to do it at your place, just meet me, and no more questions, see you in 30 minutes" as the line goes dead.
Beckett finished dressing while playing 50 questions in her brain about what Lanie wants to discuss. She thought it was about her relationship with Javi, but the fact she didn't want to come to the apartment put that theory to rest, finally deciding on just letting it go till they meet.
Kate arrived at Central Perk surprised to find Lanie already there and in a semi private booth in the back. She holds up a finger meaning she will be back in a minute as she waits for her coffee order to complete, Lanie just acknowledged with a nod of her head. Kate retrieves her order and heads back to greet her friend, "Hey Lanes what's up that you can't even come to the apartment, it's been a while since we shared some "girl time" and for once I was all caught up on my chores?"
Kate sees the brow furrow on Lanie's head and immediately knows this is not going to be a pleasant conversation. "Kate you know we have all tried, I mean the boys and me, to keep you from being in the middle of anything to do with Rick, but something has come up, you need to know before you get blindsided ."
Kate's forehead has the same furrow that Lanie's has as she replies, "Yes and I appreciate that, but I haven't had any contact with Rick since Demmng was at the precinct, he refused all my calls and texts and even told Alexis and Martha not to tell me what he was up to, so I'm not sure how this affects me?"
"Well before you get all riled I am just going to tell you straight up, he and Jess invited Javi, Keven, Jenny and I to a party this last Saturday, it was a working party for the boys as the consulted on legal procedures for the case content of Final Heat. Kate, we tried to find something to dislike her for, anything, but damn it we just couldn't, she was charming. I'm sorry if your feelings are hurt, we never meant to, but Rick is our friend as well, and we really wanted to see him, it's been almost 8 months already, and we did owe him a visit."
Lanie looks over at her best friend, who is trying like hell to stifle what she really feels, but hears Kate say" Of course Lanie, I understand, I mean it wasn't that Rick screwed our relationship up, that's all on me, and if he is happy, I have to find a way to be happy for him as well, even if it is with Jess, and they choose to exclude me."
Lanie looks over at Kate, almost in tears but still fighting like she always does, "That's just it Kate, Jess is pushing Rick to meet with you to forgive you, he's not ready just yet, Girl you did a number on that boy, and I know you said he said we could all be friends, but then he found out the extent of your involvement with Demming, and as Jess put it, it hurt him too bad to come back to the precinct." "Kate, Jess is not a phony, or a page six bimbo, Girl I think you screwed up royal this time and chased him into the arms of a woman who gives him everything he wanted with you."
Kate is still fighting her emotions, "Lanie don't you think I know just how much I have lost, not only my partner at work, but possibly my partner in life. I know what I did was unforgivable and now you tell me his new LOVE in his life wants to sponsor Rick and I getting back together?"
"Hold on Missy, WHAT I said was that Jess wants Rick to forgive you, she also made it very clear that she would fight you or anyone else who tried to take him away from her, and Kate, I believe her".
"Then why is it so important to her that Rick and I are back on friendly terms, isn't she afraid of our history and her possible winding up out the door? I mean if the situation were reversed I wouldn't want Rick anywhere near her."
Lanie smiles sadly, "She said the same thing you just said when we talked, and I asked her what she thought your reaction would be. She also then added, I love him enough to walk away, IF Kate can make his as happy as I do or more, but I know she can't, and it's not her fault."
"She has loved before I am sure, but I don't think Kate has ever been on the receiving end of a Dump like she did to Rick, or what happened to me, so she has no idea just how much pain it causes or for how long you go through life doubting yourself, everything you are and have ever been. From what I have heard, she excelled in all most everything both before and after her Mother's tragic death, so she is used to being the one calling the shots of where a relationship can or will go."
Kate looks to interrupt Lanie, clearly upset, but Lanie keeps steam rolling along, "She also said that, and Kate this is going to hurt, but I think she is right, and I am your best friend, you are emotionally selfish, only thinking about pleasing yourself, rather truly putting your partner before all others"
This last comment clearly has hit deep, and Kate let's a tear slide down her cheek, mumbling, "She's right you know, everything she said is exactly how my life has been. I'm not sure how I got this way, or even if I could change if I wanted to, but I do want whatever part of Rick will give me of his life." "How do you fit into all this Lanie, and when did you become president of Jess's Fan Club?"
"I'm not the president of Jess's fan club, but Kate, I tried, I really tried to find anything I could hate her for, then she pulls me aside and wants me to help you and Rick at least be friends, tell me Kate, what was I supposed to do? I love you and Rick both, but girl, he deserves to be happy, even if it's not with you" "Just tell me that if he or Jess reaches out, you will accept the olive branch, they can explain everything else since it is really none of my business"
Kate silently nods her head in acceptance, thinking friendship is the only thing Rick is going to offer and if that's all there is, it is still better than the way it's been the last 8 months.
Castle's Loft
Same Morning
"Rick, I did something last night when you were with the boys, and I hope I didn't overstep, you'll probably be mad at me, but I had to do it." Jess mumble along his neck as she kisses him hello, hoping the kisses will soften any anger.
"Jess did you do what I think you Did? Involve Lanie to get to Kate so we could meet for an apology lunch or dinner?" His answers come before the words are completely out of his mouth as Jess lays her head on his chest and purrs,
"Rick, this is important for you, even more important for us. I'm sorry but I want you to be able to enjoy every moment, every particle of the love we have, you can't do that if you still haven't forgiven Kate." She is miserable, making your friends miserable, and inside you hold hurt, Sweetie, PLEASE let it out, you will be so glad when you do, I promise you."
Rick begins to kiss her head and gently rub her back, "You know if I didn't know how much you loved me, I would swear you were trying to get me back with Beckett." Which earns him a sharp elbow to the ribs, and
"OVER my DEAD BODY RICHARD CASTLE, you are MINE, but I want you happy, and I know you will be even happier if you do this for me, OK?"
"I've been thinking about the Forgiveness issue since you brought it up and I think, no make that I know that you're right. Can we meet as a group first, do you mind, I mean I need you there with me, and I am sure this is going to be tough for Kate, if she will even accept the invitation." "Maybe she could bring Lanie to make it less strained and then we could move off from there, Jess, are you Really Really Sure about this? I wouldn't hurt you for the world, and if this is too hurtful it is off, OK?"
Jess lifts her head and brings Rick in for a sweet long slow kiss, "Sweetie, Lanie will handle Kate, you and I are a team and will meet them to get things back on track, is that OK? Lanie and I will schedule everything since I have your shared calendar, and Rick, I love You, thank for trusting this process, I know it is hard,
"Angel is there anything I have ever refused you, and if you say this is the key to you and I being happier, then I trust you, oh yeah I Love You too Jess" as he seals it with a kiss.
TBC
