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 29
Previously
"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?"
One Week Later
Lanie's Apartment
The team had just closed a gruesome murder, involving a Love Triangle. Ex-Girlfriend suddenly realizes what she lost and wants Boyfriend back, but he has moved on, so seeking revenge, the old girlfriend stabbed the new girlfriend, and as the boyfriend was discovering the body she came out of wait to drug, torture and eventually bludgeon the man to death, then went home took a shower and went to work.
Lanie spotted the signs on Kate's face as each new detail was added, and it was really praying on her subconscious. Ryan scoured enough video tape from surveillance cameras to secure a warrant and from there it was a slam dunk case. Lanie rescued Kate from the boys who were oblivious to the connection to Castle, for a girl's night out. They wound up at Lanie's to drink a good bottle of wine and watch something streaming on Netflix.
Lanie is still on her first glass while Kate has pretty well polished off her second when Lanie raises the issue. "Kate, I got a conference call yesterday from Rick and Jess, inviting you and I to lunch on Saturday. I told them I would check with you for your schedule and Rick said don't bother, he took Montgomery to the cleaners in Poker and already knew you were off." "Jess was pretty excited to arrange the late lunch, so what do you say, are we on for 2:30 PM Saturday at Cerrito's Grill and Pub? Rick promised it would be discrete and no pictures of anyone on page six so you can't use that as an excuse." Lanie watches the panic flood her friends face,
"Really, this SATURDAY? Why so quick, and no offense but why are there four of us meeting?" Kate puzzles
"It was Rick's idea to allow you some comfort with me, and Jess for him, plus he does want you to get to know her, and Kate, if you want to be friends with Rick, you are gonna have to accept Jess as being part of him"
"I know Lanes, I'm just not sure I am ready to see them all kissy face ** Lanie Interrupts
"You mean like you and Demming did to Rick at the Station? Jess spoke to me and told me they would be respectful of the past, BUT don't go after him or it's on !"
"I guess if I truly want his forgiveness, I have to be vulnerable to accept this so OK Lanie, but any sign of PDA between them and I am gone."
Saturday
1:00 PM
Rick is trying on the 12th shirt of the morning when Jess walks in places her arms around his neck and hands him a pull over, "It's lunch Sweetie, and I'm sure that they are as nervous as we are" "Don't worry, everything will be fine, I know you love Kate in that special way, and as long as that means no lips, long embraces, or hands venturing where they shouldn't, I will be fine, "Jess giggles. "I want you to feel comfortable enough to allow you to spend ONE, and I mean ONE time alone with her for hashing out the past, I'm understanding, but deep inside I am a raving jealous bitch who will not share you" Jess huffs, and catches Rick's look of pure love, and a big grin on his face.
"Jess, that's just about the most romantic thing you have said to me in a while" Rick Grins,
"Well I mean it, I love you and just remember, this is to remove ALL negative vibes from our lives, while allowing Kate to accept your friendship is that is what you want, that is entirely up to you".
Cerrito's Grill and Pub
2:20 PM
Rick and Jess have settled into the back private room, where the patrons cannot see, and the wait staff have been advised if they value their tips they would keep a very low profile, when Lannie appears with Kate behind her being escorted by the owner. Rick stands as he always does, says something to the owner, as the briefly embrace in a man hug, then laughs and returns to hold the chair out for first Lanie, then Kate as Jess beams with pride. Rick then introduces Kate and Jess, although there had been quite a bit of sizing up each other silently as Rick was occupied with Lannie's chair.
Rick decides to break the awkward silence by saying "Kate you look good, growing your hair long again?"
"Thanks Rick, that is kind, but no it is about the same length as always"
Jess interjects, "Well you look lovelier than the way Rick has described you Kate, and I hope we can get past this introduction period to allow real issues to be addressed. I have no interest in hearing about that, or inputting anything else other than to say, I am a Big believer of Forgiveness, without, it we cheat ourselves out of happiness, and I want the 4 of us to go forward, truly happy" now I will just be quiet for a change, which gets a laugh out of all but Kate,.
"Jess, that is so interesting what you just said, I have been examining the book Guide to Forgiveness, and following the ground rules laid out and I have to agree, I get lighter with each letter that I deliver to those I have wronged" Kate says in almost a whisper.
"Really, you are actually following the steps in the book to write your letters Kate. That is fantastic" Jess encourages.
Some of the tension has gone now that Jess and Kate have had an exchange of dialogue, and meaningful about something Jess feels so strongly about. Lanie is smiling ever so quietly towards Rick, who can't hide the delight in his eyes about the first exchange.
"Kate have you set a time table for yours, it took me almost 6 years to complete mine, and that's when I realized, I had just spent all that time when I could have been happier, hanging on to dead wood that just brought me down." "Oh, I'm sorry I shouldn't have butted in with that, but seriously, one of the reasons I really want you and Rick to go back to friends, is this hurt, anger, and wonder what the heck did I do is hurting us all, you Kate, me, and definitely Rick. He has far too much love in his heart to let anything distract from that,"
Lannie picks this opportunity to say, "Wow Jess, you went through something similar, no wonder you are so adamant to get these two back as friends". Rick is blushing, and Kate is not sure what to do but out of her character she opens up. "Jess is completely correct, Rick I hurt you more than I ever realized, and I am working on asking for your forgiveness, I'm not there yet since I need to forgive myself and accept what went on, but I promise you, I will soon, and I would really like to be friends again. I know you have a new project going on, but I would like to run something by you via phone from time to time, that is if Jess is OK with it"
Jess smiled and replied "Rick and I have already discussed you returning to our lives as a friend so yes, Kate I think it would be great if you felt comfortable enough to call Rick or I at anytime you needed a friend, or if Rick could help on your case, as long as Lost Innocence doesn't suffer"
Rick wraps his arm around Jess, and gives her a gently squeeze, and replied to Kate and the table, "That would be great Kate, and like Jess says, please call either of us if you need a friend, and if I can help on a case, I would be happy to, BUT my priority is now the Lost Innocence Project.
The wait staff picked the perfect time to bring the menus, drinks and begin the lunch. After almost 90 minutes Kate is relieved enough to address Rick with direct questions, and has stopped staring towards Jess awaiting answers, Jess looked up and whispered to Rick,
"Good First Step, I'm sure it will work out".
Kate and Lanie stayed longer than Rick had thought they would, and promised another follow up in the near future, the only awkward time came when saying Good Bye, Rick pulled Lanie in for a hug, so Jess just followed suite with Kate, and then the partners were exchanged, the first time Rick had touched Kate in almost 9 months, but to his surprise, it was the same feeling as Lanie's hug, there was no spark there anymore.
On the other side, the feelings went quite deeper, but Kate showed respect to Jess to hold her feelings inside, or perhaps a debrief with Lanie later, yes she had to work on that if she wanted to keep Rick in her life in any capacity
TBC
