The Heart Won't Lie Chapter 1, a castle fanfic

The Heart Won't Lie

by Castlefan6

Authors Note: This is Totally AU; Beckett has left for D.C and the Feds. This describes the activity of each, during the time away from each other, NO PROPOSAL, before she left, but plenty of ANGST. Can they find their way back to each other, or do they even want to? It blends some Canon dialog, courtesy of Dust Jackets Dot Com, then goes quickly and completely AU. What were each up to during this time, Taking Literary License to fill in the blanks.

A/N: CASKETT ENDING IS NOT GUARANTEED. : CASKETT ENDING IS NOT GUARANTEED.

I don't own Castle; I use the characters for amusement purposes only, except the ones I create.

Also, we take liberties with the timeline from Canon and use events to make this a more believable fiction, thanks.

Thanks to reader pmt0622 for the prompt below:

Still waiting for an AU where Serena comes back into Rick's life once Kate has left Rick. Just a thought for a story, seeing that Rick is newly "single" Serena needs his help to crack another society jewel ring and has him escort her to the NY Christmas Ball.

A CASKETT ENDING IS NOT GURANTEED. **************************************************************************/

Chapter 1

Beckett Apartment

Preparing for Dinner

From SUBSLIKESCRIPT- dot com

What's this?
What's what?

Boarding pass.

- Castle-
- You fly to DC yesterday?

- Yes, I did.
- Why?

I was invited down for an interview.

What kind of interview?

For a position with a federal task force.

I'm sorry.

You interviewed for another job in another city...
and you didn't tell me?

I didn't tell you about it because it was just an interview,
and I knew that you would be upset.

Yeah. Yeah, you're damn right, I'm upset.

Castle, I just wanted to see what was out there. What's wrong with that?

What's wrong with it is that you hid it from me.

In fact, you lied about it. I wouldn't do that to you.

Castle, this isn't about you. This is about me. This is about my life.

So you're seriously considering this?

Yes. This is a wonderful opportunity. It'll be a chance to do more.

Without me.

Castle, please don't do this. Please don't make this about us.

I'm sorry. Tell me how this isn't about us?

You get this job, you move to DC, I'll never see you. That's pretty much the end of our relationship, isn't it?

You don't know that. And I probably won't even get the job.

That's not the point. The point is, you knew what this could mean and it didn't occur to you to include me.

Or worse, it did occur to you... and you chose not to.

Now, what does that say about us? Not much, you ask me.

- Castle-
- I can't be here right now.

XxX

Six Months Later

Castle's Home,

Buena Vista Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93108

The scene kept playing out in his head over and over again, even though it had been six months already since he went to the Hamptons to avoid seeing the moving van take her belongings to her permanent residence in DC. The truck came, packed, and left, and that was the end of the relationship, she was no longer Detective Kate Beckett, now she was Special Agent Beckett, US Attorney General's Office.

To say the move surprised him was the understatement of the year. He had been looking for homes, places he thought she might like to live, she had said, she didn't want to raise her family in the city. She had slipped, it was true, the episode with Eric Vaughn did tear him up, but through his therapy, he had forgiven her.

That should have given him his first hint, she had rejected his therapist's suggestion to meet either privately or jointly with her and Rick together, since it had been such a devastating event for Rick, she refused countless offers.

Rick had decided he needed to get away, from everything, that reminded him of her, not easy when she was his daily life for almost six years. Alexis had chosen Standford University, so he used the excuse he wanted to be on the same coast just in case she needed him.

Now that Martha had passed, there was nothing to keep him in New York. He had completed 4 of the 5 books on his contract, he could complete the last of the Nikki Heat series from anywhere. Hell, he was ready to move to DC, why not the west coast.

So, quietly, without the press coverage or fanfare that seemed to always follow him, Richard Castle moved from the Broome Street in New York to a mansion located in Santa Barbara California. He had the cleaning service come in and cover the furniture, sealing the entire loft as he had sealed his memories, taking only a few precious items with him to the new home, hell, it wouldn't be a fresh start if he brought the memories in physical form.

The home was much too large for him, but he didn't care, the celebrity couple was ready to kill each other going through their divorce so when his VP of Real Estate called him with the figure, he could get it for, he jumped at the chance.

He reviewed the email that he had received describing the home, "Rick, it might be a bit large for your needs, but the price is half of what I can negotiate on similar properties, it would be a great investment, even if you want to go smaller, just let me know. TD"

TD stood for Thad Dworkin, his Real Estate VP of RCE, and one of the best he had ever seen at locating bargains on the open market.

Bedrooms and bathrooms

Bedrooms: 14

Bathrooms: 10

Full bathrooms: 8

1/2 bathrooms: 2

Dining Room

Features: Breakfast Area, Dining Area

Flooring

Flooring: Hardwood

Heating

Heating Features: Forced Air

Cooling

Cooling features: Central Air

Appliances

Appliances included: Dishwasher, Disposal, Double Oven, Dryer, Electric Cooktop, Gas Range/Cooktop, Gas Cooktop, Built-In Oven/Range, Washer

Laundry Features: Gas Dryer Hookup, Laundry Room

Interior Features

Window features: Skylight(s)

Interior Features: Butler's Pantry, Cathedral Ceiling(s), Modern Chief's Kitchen, Wet Bar

Other interior features

Total structure area: 12,168

Total interior livable area: 12,168 square feet

Fireplace Features: 2+, Living Room, Master Bedroom, Other, Outside

Property details

Parking

Total spaces: 16

Parking Features: Attached, Boat, Detached, Gar #6, RV Access/Parking

Garage spaces: 6

Covered spaces: 6

Uncovered spaces: 10

Attached garage: Yes

Accessibility

Accessibility features: Accessible Doors

Property

Levels: Two

Stories: 2

Pool Features: Pool

Spa included: Yes

Spa features: Outside

Exterior Features: Lawn

Patio and porch details: Deck, Enclosed

Fencing: Fenced

View description: City, Harbor, Mountain(s), Ocean, Panoramic, Trees/Woods

Topography of land: Combo

Has water view: Yes

Waterview: Harbor, Ocean

Lot

Lot size: 2.12 Acres

Lot Features: Level, Near Park(s), Near School(s), Near Shopping

Other property information

Additional structures included: Workshop, Pool House, Guest House

Zoning: Other

Other equipment: Home Theater

Construction details

Type and style

Home type: Single-family

Rick had met with Gina, the only living soul, outside of RCE employees who had the slightest hint, including Paula to discuss his plans of relocating. He knew she had been concerned about Alexis so close to the She Beast as she called Meredeth. She would still be five hours away by car, but reachable if she needed him, much better than 3,000 from New York. He recalled the discussion with Gina,

FLASHBACK

He dialed her office number knowing she had to remain cool, no matter how much she wanted to scream at him.

"Hi, Melanie, it's Rick Castle, is she in? I'm not on her calendar but I need to speak to her, please"

"Sure, thing Rick, let me check to see where she wants to take the call"

A few seconds later, he heard, "Hang on Rick, she's moving to her private office, she'll be right with you, then a frantic "Hello, Rick what's wrong? Is Alexis all right?" You're not hurt are you, I mean"

"Gina, Gina, stop, Alexis is fine, and well I'm doing OK, thanks for asking," he said, as his voice tried to calm her,

"Liar, I know you, Rick. I know you are hurting and well, I'm sorry. Are you sure our girl is, OK?" She ended

"I promise Gina, there's just something I want you to know about, well before Paula gets the joy of rubbing it in your face, so are you free for lunch or dinner today?" Rick asked,

"Wait, you're inviting me to lunch or dinner, and you don't want Paula to have information to rub in my face, are you sure you're OK Rick? I'm sorry, it's just a surprise is all, hey how about we grab a quick burger, say Remy's in an hour?" Gina asked,

"Sure, that's perfect, see you there."

They had enjoyed the meal, Gina wasn't totally shocked by his news, but she was shocked by the pictures of the house. "My God Rick, I've stayed at motels that weren't this big. Why do you need all of this room?" She asked as they bantered back and forth as they finished their milkshakes,

"I don't. It came on the market, and Thad snatched it up, I guess two celebrities were fighting pretty badly and they both wanted a quick sale of the home so they could move on. It fits within the geographic boundary that Alexis set for me, can't be closer than a 4-hour drive to her university, and well, since Mother's gone, it's just not the same in New York." He said,

"I understand Rick, have you talked to her yet?" Gina asked?

"Talked to who?" Rick played dumb,

"You know damn well who, Kate, and I don't mean the three words you said to her at Martha's wake, Thanks for Coming doesn't make a conversation Rick. You know you're going to have to talk to her sooner or later, don't you?

"Why would I have to talk to her Gina? She flew in the morning, attended the service, and flew out that afternoon, typical Beckett. She's got her life to live, and well, as you and many others told me it's time for me to live mine. She's already moved on, I know her, she can't be without a man long, even if she is playing a role." He said,

"Rick, you don't know that she's single and if she dates, well isn't that you told me to do, to put myself out there. What's the difference, I mean"?

"Well, you didn't move on within weeks of leaving my bed Genes, but well she did," Rick said softly,

"You don't know that Rick, so don't drive yourself crazy, putting silly thoughts in your head." Gina tried to calm him.

"Gina, use your compact mirror and look who's standing at the register, and who she's with?" Rick said softly, turning his head so whoever she was he would be out of eyesight.

Gina fumbled in her purse and found her compact, opened it, and glanced in the mirror at the line at the cash register, there stood Kate with an attractive gentleman, Latino or of some race where his skin was olive, and in an expensive suit. They were laughing and kidding as they waited to pay their bill, as Gina put the compact down.

"Who is he, Rick? I mean he could be a business associate; you have to be fair; I mean don't jump to conclusions, isn't that what you always tell me and Alexis?"

"He's a business associate all right, he's head of the Washington Bureau and her boss, Chief Carl Villante, and he wouldn't be in New York for any case, not as a bureau chief. Jordan Shaw called me, she didn't want me to be blindsided, she didn't confirm it, just said she had heard rumors they were an item. I guess the proof is in seeing for yourself." He said softly, then asked, "You ready?"

"Rick we can wait, I mean I don't want to subject you to"

"Genes, we're here on business, so she can't hurt me anymore than she has already. It's just proof positive I need to be more than two hours away from her home station. Let's get you back to your office," as he slid out of their booth, and took her hand like a gentleman.

They walked to the register, Kate and Carl were so caught up with each other they were oblivious to anyone around them until Emily, their server called out, "It was nice seeing you both again Rick and Gina, don't be strangers" as she passed by.

The look of horror on Beckett's face as she turned to find herself face to face with Rick Castle, her, well, ex-boyfriend, and his publisher and ex-wife. She was speechless, so Gina took the lead,

"It's nice to see you again Kate, how have you been? We didn't get to talk the last time you were in for Martha's service." She smiled, Gina knew how to turn the knife,

"Nice to see you too Gina, how have you been, we're down for a case for a few days then back to DC, so I'm good," Carl had paid the check and was standing to the side, as Rick just handed the cashier the check and a large bill, and said, "Put the change in the tip jar, have a good time tonight on me" as he took Gina's hand and started to walk out the door.

"Hi Rick, how have you been? I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to talk to you after the service, it was lovely by the way, but I had to get back to a case" Kate said, trying to be polite and keep the emotion out of her voice,

"As I told you then Beckett, thanks for coming, Mother always liked you and I'm sure would have appreciated you being there. She understood how important your work always was to you. I'm fine," he said over his shoulder as he was already over halfway out the door, holding Gina's hand as they entered his limo. He knew she saw them enter and drive away, but at this point, his memory turned to all the lies, all of the deceit, all of the years and effort he had put into trying to win her over, well, it was gone now.

"Rick, I'm sorry, I mean, I didn't know," Gina said, half in tears half with the hatred that only one woman can feel for another.

"Hey, it's OK, it just makes ending this chapter a lot easier, in fact, it make me look forward to my new life," he said, as he kissed her hand,

"Rick, do you think that maybe when Alexis gets a break from school, that"

"Genes you're her Mom, you'll have a key to the house, and you're always welcome, with or without Alexis being there. It sounds like a little bit of heaven on earth, I'm trying to keep my expectations within reason" he smiled,

Gina sniffled, "You jackass, how do you always know what I'm thinking, even before I can get the words out?" she said, as she laid her head on his shoulder, "Seriously Rick, I am truly sorry, I know she hurt you and to see her out, well, I'm sorry" she reached up and kissed his lips as Rick began to step out of the limo to assist her to her building.

"Call me, Genes, I'll let you know the dates as soon as we finalize," he said, gave her a sad smile, half-wave, and drove off.

CURRENT TIME

This was Rick's second full week in his new home, he was still finding his way around the place. He loved the fact that he had views of the city, he could see the harbor, mountain(s), ocean, panoramic, trees/woods, depending upon his mood. All he had to do was go to a different room, each of the major living areas faced one of the above views. His office was facing the ocean, even though he couldn't hear the waves unless he had his windows open, he still took solace, watching each wave kiss the shore and return back to the water.

He was close enough to the beach, well, there was a walkway down the mountain leading to his private beach, that he decided to completely end his New York affiliation. He sold the Hamptons in a private deal to Gina, she was the one who always loved the home the most, next to Alexis.

His little girl would be graduating from college in less than three years, and probably move to who knows where. It really was his time. He had been the good son, taking care of Martha, until she passed peacefully after she suffered a stroke the day before. He was thankful he didn't have to see her suffer or lose any of her energy, even at her age, she would have given him a run for his money.

Beckett's sudden decision was a sore subject to everyone but Martha, she thought and even said that she should be looking for bigger things. She shouldn't be pinning away just waiting on Rick to decide if he wanted to make her Mrs. Castle. Kate had called her a few times, she thought Rick didn't know, but he paid the phone bills showing the incoming calls and Beckett's was one he couldn't forget, he had tried.

Enough! Time to start LWKB Phase one, or Like Without Kate Beckett. He knew from past relationships; you could never move forward unless you cleared the hurdles from your past. Everyone tells you to move on, but no one tells you how he thought. He was pleased to find the cell phone number of his old therapist from New York, Dr. Abby Kassel, who had moved to Los Angeles three years ago to be close to her husband.

He had never deleted her number and pressed it just to hear the recording that it was disconnected. He was surprised when it started to ring. He prepared to tell the person who answered that the number used to belong to a friend and apologize for interrupting their day, when he heard, "Rick? Rick Castle? Is this you?"

"Abby, Yes it's Rick, I thought you would have disconnected your phone or at least changed it by now. I mean I'm sure I'm not the only client you had in New York that missed you like crazy." He said,

"That's why I didn't remember I told you, Rick, I was still available for you day and night. I couldn't drive out to the Hamptons but I could send a colleague, how are you, love?

"I'm well, actually doing very well. I just moved to California, and" he was interrupted by a shriek and yell, "WHATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT"

He gave her a few minutes to calm down and then repeated, "Well things didn't work out between Beckett and me, she actually left New York to become a Federal Agent, so after Mother passed away, I talked to Gina, and well, here I am in Santa Barbara, four hours away from Alexis at Standford." He said, trying to keep the sadness out of his voice, "How about you, how have you been? I kept waiting for your wedding invitation, and, well, I just figured you did something in private" he said,

"Yeah, about that, I guess you could say we did something in private. I took your advice Rick and had your firm do a background check on him, turned out, he was already married. He had kids as well, so when I approached him about it, he just got up and left, not saying a word. I thought about sending the photo's to his wife, but I didn't have to, she knew.

"He called me cussing me out about how a vengeful and spiteful bitch I was, until his wife presented him with pictures of the two girls before me, no wonder he was so smooth, he had experience. I was such a fool, but hey, let's talk about you. Where in California are you at Rick?" she asked, clearly embarrassed and not wanting to talk about it further,

"I bought a little place up here on Buena Vista Ave, within Santa Barbara city limits, I'm just getting settled in,"

"Rick, we've talked about misrepresentations of the truth, and there are no such things as little places unless you're living in someone's guest house on your street. I have my office and condo about twenty minutes from you," she said,

"Abby, I can have a driver there in about a half-hour, if you would like to catch up, I know you must have appoint"

"I'd love to Rick, God, even shrinks need someone to talk to from time to time, who better than my grade school crush for three years" she laughed, she gave him her address as he had patched in his car service, on his way to the showers.

"We have it, Mr. C, our ETA is approximately 34 minutes Dr., see you soon." David, Rick's trusted driver for years, had even made the move to California with him.

"Great, See you soon, Rick"

TBC

A/N A couple of notes, I don't know if this will end up Caskett or not, if that bothers you wait until I mark it complete. Tank, you don't like blondes or Sereena, so if you choose to read, be careful with your comments. This is based on a prompt, from a loyal reader pmt0622, please be respectful with your comments as I try to honor the request.

Based Loosely on the song lyrics from Reba and Vince Gill, The Heart Won't Lie

Lyrics

Looking back over the years
Of all the things I've always meant to say
But the words didn't come easily
So many times through empty fears
Of all the nights I tried to pick up the phone
So scared of who might be answering

You try to live your life from day to day
But seeing you across the room tonight
Just gives me away

'Cause the heart won't lie
Sometimes life gets in the way
But there's one thing that won't change
I know I've tried
The heart won't lie
You can live your alibi
Who can see you're lost inside a foolish disguise
The heart won't lie

Long after tonight
Will you still hear my voice through the radio?
Old desires make us act carelessly
Long after tonight, after the fire
After the scattered ashes fly
Through the four winds blown and gone
Will you come back to me?

You try to live your life from day to day
But seeing you across the room tonight
Just gives me away

The heart won't lie