Love's Journey Chapter 36, a castle fanfic

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

Chapter 36

Previously

Kate, I'm sorry seems I took out anger on you today instead of trying to reach a solution. I was deeply hurt and let my emotions show through my manners, I apologize, I think we need to meet again, BUT I want Jess with me, up to you if you want Lanie or come alone, but Jess must be included. Let me know if you are still interested in talking, or you care to leave things as we parted. No matter what, I do truly wish you a great life, Rick

Castle's Loft

After Dinner Same Day

Rick and Jess are returning to the loft after having one of the most relaxing dinners in a long while. Rick was elated that Jess understood how much he hated hurting Kate, or anyone for that matter, but especially those he had considered friends. Jess was so very proud of Rick that he showed his vulnerability to open up to her about his pain, she had been around far too many Macho Men, who would never connect on an emotional level like Rick did.

Only a few more steps to pave the road for Jess and Rick to start something more serious, Rick had to truly forgive Kate, which might take longer than expected. Kate had to acknowledge that her role in their lives would always be what Rick decided, and that she (Jess) as his partner would never stand in his way but was not giving her man up without a war.

Rick began feeling in his jacket pocket as they entered, "Oh Heck, I left my phone at the restaurant Jess, can I use yours to call and see if anyone has turned it in?" Rick is in a panic now since his calendar and several contact information he would not want the general public to see was housed there.

"No need for that, you left it on the charger when we went out to eat, or I should say finally made it out the door: Jess smiles as she handed it to him.

"What can I say, you have a spell on me that I just can't, no I just don't ever WANT to break," as he smiles the one reserved for Jess.

Checking the phone, he sees some missed calls from Black Pawn, which he can delete, the completed final draft of "Final Heat" was emailed to Gina last week and since he held editorial control he was not going to change the story one bit. A few more from Paula, probably trying to get him to reconsider, a voice mail from Paula and a new text from Kate's number. "Jess, can you come here for a second, I got a text from Kate and want you here when I open it, OK?"

"Sure, but Rick you don't have to include me on every detail, I'm not that possessive or jealous, well not until you or someone gives me reason to be" she laughs

They open the text to read Ricks original message, and then Kate's reply.

Rick, Thanks so much, let me know what time works for you and Jess and we will make it work, I can't tell you how happy this made me, Kate

Jess slips an arm around Rick and whispers, "No time like the present, do you want to see her Tuesday here at the loft? Martha has a late class and Lexi is sleeping over at Paige's, so we will have the loft to ourselves"

"Yea, that will work, I'll invite her for beer and pizza and then we can talk this out, I really was an Ass to her" Rick almost whispers,

"Well you were hurt Sweetie, we all do things when we have been hurt that we never would do normally, the main thing is that you recognize it and you don't want a vile or hateful relationship with her. That's what makes me so proud that you can overcome this and be the man I know you are," as Jess gently kisses him in a reassuring way.

Rick pulls his phone from his side, first adding Kate back to his contacts, and then brings up her text.

Kate,

Are you still off on Tuesdays? If so how does Pizza and Beer sound here at the loft this coming Tuesday say 6:00 PM? Jess will be here, Lanie is welcome if you want her to be, but I promise no more hateful messages, I am truly sorry for the tone of that letter, we can talk then, let me know, Rick

Jess reads the text as Rick holds the phone up and says "Perfect, Rick, I know she is feeling awful already, and feeling like you are hated by a friend is probably one of the worst nightmares she could have. "

Rick hits send, and in a matter of minutes her tone and precinct picture arrives back on the phone,

See you then, what can I bring, and Rick, Jess Thank You Both, Oh and it will be just me, we need to figure out how I can earn your friendship back without upsetting Jess, so we might as well start this dynamic off this Tuesday, can't wait. KB

Rick is smiling but Jess has a grin on her face like the cat that ate the canary, so Rick calls her out, "What's that grin for Jess, it couldn't get any wider"

"Did you read her message carefully Rick? She already has acknowledged that I am the woman in your life, and she wants to earn your Friendship back. It seems your letter, although really rough has woke her up and perhaps she can go on and be a better person. That's my goal Sweetie, not to hurt her or rub it into her face that hey I got you, although I am thankful everyday she threw you my way. I think we woman know the unwritten rules about messing with other's men, she just acknowledged that to me"

Castle's Loft

Tuesday 5:50 PM

Jess is busy stocking the portable bar with beer and Ice as the doorbell rings, "I got it, probably the pizzas" Rick yells as he slips past her. Rick opens the door as he is fishing his wallet out his slacks but on the other side is not a delivery person, but rather Kate Beckett, in a cream sweater, and dark slacks with loafers on.

"Hey, Jess our company is here" Rick booms, as Kate begins to apologize for being early. Jess is at the door and pulling Kate into an embrace "Kate, it's good to see you, I hope pizza and beer is OK," always the gracious host

"I'm sorry I'm early but you can never judge cabs in New York, she smiles," and Jess reassures her with a smile, "No it's fine Kate, we're glad you are here as she hands her a beer. "The pizzas are on the way sorry, they should be here soon," Jess apologizes, and Rick now joins her and smiles at Kate, "Yea I just checked, and they are on the way, still take yours the same way I hope Kate?"

"Yes, same old way not much changes" she replies with a sad smile on her face. "Why don't we head to the dining room if that's OK, I know I always get sauce everywhere and I don't want to imagine the cost of that sofa" Jess laughs"

"Something is different about you Kate, not sure yet but I know something is not the same as the last time I saw you", Jess smiles, Kate is about to say something when Rick says, "She's not wearing those 5 inch heels that I could never figure out how the heck she could walk in, much less run" as laughter breaks out, and a slight blush lands on Kate's face. Of course, he noticed, but with a height difference now of over 6 inches anyone would Kate thinks to herself.

The pizzas arrive, and small talk remains comfortable to both Kate and Rick's surprise, but Jess was a master at directing conversations into neutral avenues and even causing some heartfelt laughter. The first time Kate opened up and laughed, Rick's memories came flooding back to how he loved that laugh, he so seldom heard from her, and how hard he tried to encourage her to laugh more. He was very surprised that the memory made him smile, rather than long for days gone by, and Jess just discreetly reached down and squeezed his hand in support, while smiling at him.

Jess stands and asks "Anyone care for coffee? I'll be over here and let you two talk in private for a while then I'll rejoin you if that's OK?" Rick smiles, and Kate stammers "Jess you don't have to leave, I'm sure you know the story and by now there is really nothing I can hide, it's been through the precinct, review boards, and even the attorney who tried to sue me".

"Oh Kate, I'm truly sorry, NO woman should have to endure the load you have had to carry, I'm truly thankful that Rick was able to help you. Are you OK Now? Is there anything we can do to help?" Jess asks sincerely.

"Jess, you and especially Rick have been a God send, I don't think I would have a career now without your kindness. I truly hope that this didn't put a strain on your relationship with Rick, I really mean that so please believe me" Kate is almost in tears now.

Jess reaches over, pulls her into a friendly embrace "Kate, we're glad that things worked out and there was never an ounce of strain on our relationship," Rick chooses the opportune time to add "Kate Jess and I have no secrets, its honesty first always with us, and Jess knew everything that was going on with me helping out behind the scenes. She was one of your biggest fans and wanted me to pull some strings to have Demming castrated while he was in the hospital, but I thought that was a bit excessive" this draws a laugh from them all, and a sigh of relief from Kate.

Rick and Kate sit, and talk about his letter first, Rick apologizing for making her feel cheap and admitted he wanted her to feel a little of the humility he had felt. Kate opened up that she had no clue of just how good a friend Rick had been, and even was oblivious to his growing feelings for her, it seemed her Mom's case clouded all but physical need.

"I know the question you want to ask Rick and are too much of a gentleman to do so, What was it about Demming that made me act like a 16 year old on a hormone rush, I've asked myself that a thousand times, it seems he knew the buttons to push, and I thought he was safe, not some rich famous author" "Well we all know how that played out," she sadly states as Jess returns to sit next to Rick and gently holds his hand.

"I know the feeling Kate" Jess offers, "I was working for Richard Castle Enterprises for over a month before I even met Rick, but Powwow, one look at our first lunch and I was gone" Rick blushes and looks into Jess's eyes, "You never told me that Jess,"

"Well maybe not in words, but I have never moved so fast in any relationship as in this one Rick, it's been almost 11 months and feels like day one"

Kate smiles sadly. "You're right Jess, everyday with Rick is like a kid in a candy store, I just hope I didn't destroy that little boy that sees happiness and joy in almost everything in life. I had an agenda that was much darker and was able to choke out any good times I managed to have, lessons learned, Live for those here, not for those already gone."

"Rick, I think we have talked about everything that I and you covered, I accept your apology for the hurt of your letter, NOW will you accept my apology for the terrible way I treated you? I promise to honor not only our friendship but also respect the love you and Jess so clearly have. I don't need an answer tonight, just please think about it, please."

Jess slides next to Rick as they all stand and slowly reaches down for his hand to take into hers, "Kate, one thing I have learned over the last several months is that holding on to anger and hurt, only damage us, it does nothing to the party who inflicted the pain. I'm willing to accept your friendship and apology, PROVIDED, you never do anything to hurt Jess or anyone else I love, and the next time you need a friend, don't try to go it alone, Call Jess or me, we're here for you."

Kate can't stop the tears from falling and grabs Jess, then Rick into a group hug, all the time mumbling, "Thank You Thank You I'm so sorry, "Jess reaches up with a tissue and wipes the tears from Kate's eyes. "Kate, guess you can add me to your friends list now," as she laughs and pulls Kate into a hug.

Rick called the car service not trusting Kate's nerves to take a cab or subway home, and as she left, Jess hugged her and whispered, "Text us when you get home safely, OK?" Kate hugged her back and said "Of Course" The car ride home was one of the most peaceful times Kate had enjoyed in almost a year. She still couldn't believe just how sweet Jess was, not only to Rick, but everyone including her. God knows had the situation been reversed, the claws and traps would have been set at every chance she got.

Jess's phone chirps with a new tone, letting her know of a new text, as she looks down, she see's Kate's number she just added

"Home Safe, can't believe what a great nite it was, Thanks to you both, xxooKate

Rick turns to Jess and just kisses her long, deep and passionately as he reads the text over her shoulder, she turns into him taking full advantage of the empty loft and the love she felt for this big-hearted man. Kate was correct, it was a Great Night!

A/N I am going to split this story into segments, and we are nearing the end of Part 1, Kate and Rick are friends again, Jess is in the picture and NOT going anywhere, I am open to your suggestions where you would like to see it go, and remember they are suggestions not directions I have had a lot of fun writing the end of Part 1 and Special Thanks to Matt, the original author who graciously allowed me to take the story and run with it. And Huge thanks to all the readers I have met along the way, I hope I made your time invested in the read worth it, few more chapters then take a short break as I outline Love's Journey 2. As always thanks for reading and reviewing