Remember this
A/N Several things I fucked up: Turns out college starts at a later age for you guys in the US - in the Netherlands we start at 17. I used Madison as two different characters, this is now fixed. Caskett might be a bit too attached already, that's because I an entire story in my head and sometimes I forget to write that connecting piece. Whoops. Also when I say pj's - I mean shorts and shirt/tank top, turns out this isn't a universally acknowledged fact, my fault. #nervouslaughter
Disclaimer: This one is for the anonymous New York reviewer, you make me want to write better.
''And on that note... Please remember that your essay on The Declaratory Theory Of Law must be handed in hard-copy next week. No exceptions. Not even for you mister Collins.'' The class chuckled and the young men in the back nodded his head in agreement. ''Have nice weekend.'' A few people said back 'you too' before grabbing their stuff and walking out of the door.
Kate collected her book and notepad before opening her bag. Once they were put away she stood up and was on her way to the exit - on her way to a long weekend. Even the thought of it made her smile. No work.
''Miss Beckett, may I speak to you for a moment?'' She immediately said goodbye to her daydream and looked over to where professor Miller was standing. He smiled at her and motioned to come closer.
''I just wanted to say that I am really looking forward to reading your next essay, it is always a pleasure to grade your work. You truly grasp the idea and you have formed this - unique opinion about it. Keep up the good work. '' He said as he handed her back her previous essay. The rest of the class were still fishing them from the piles stationed on his desk.
She was speechless, mister Miller didn't have the reputation of being the easiest teacher - and she even got a compliment from him! Kate felt immensely proud of herself, the hard work was really paying off. She tried to shake off the idea of her classmates looking at her with a disgusted face. This was what she had been working for. Yes!
''Thank you so much sir, that means a lot to me.'' He nodded and she turned around to leave.
After a short walk she found herself in the library searching for her source book which would be used for her next essay. The little talk with mister Miller had really done her well and she found some motivation to work on her next piece. As she passed the biology section, she saw a familiar face, who was reaching for a book.
''Lanie?''
''Hey girl, how are you doing?'' Lanie stepped away from the bookcase and gave Kate a long hug instead.
''Great! I just need to grow a few inches if I ever want to get the right encyclopaedia and ace my test. Excuse me for a second.'' Lanie held up her finger and suddenly walked away. A few seconds later she was back with a guy who could easily play basketball for the NBA and she told him which book she wanted. He grabbed it for her and handed it back, although not before he had scribbled his phone number down on a small piece of paper though.
''Damn, that's how you do that?'' Lanie tried to look innocent.
''That my friend, is how you get shit done.'' Both laughed. ''Now it was fate that I even saw you in the first place so it must mean that we should probably go for a coffee slash tea run... what do you say?''
''Well, I do need to get my books first. Though after that I am all yours.''
''Yes, no of course! That's why we were here in the first place.'' Lanie held the book to her chest as she walked after Kate to her department. ''So how are you doing in the men's department.''
''I am doing okay.'' Kate dared to admit, she didn't feel like spilling anything to Lanie and decided to subtly change the subject. ''Are you going to call that guy?''
''Nah, I already have a boo. We've been dating for years and my mom won't shut up about us getting married. Married! With children!'' Kate chuckled. ''This woman does not understand that I have different views about my future - I want to finish college first, you know? Have a career and maybe then I can think about getting married.''
''You have so much time! Why the rush?''
''Exactly, you seem to understand.''
''Well, I am on my way to becoming the first female Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.'' Lanie's eyes almost popped out of her skull.
''Thank god you haven't set the bar that high.'' She said sarcastically. ''You know what, I'm pretty sure you will make it.''
''Thank you Lanie, I appreciate it. I am not even sure myself sometimes.''
''You know what you need?'' Kate shook her head. ''A night out - just to relax and maybe even find a nice guy. Hell even if it was just for fun! I'll find some girls to join us if you don't mind.''
''That sounds nice, call me when you set a date.''
''How about we set it right now, Friday 9 pm at your place. I'll make sure you meet the girls before we actually go, otherwise that might be awkward. Let's say coffee on Wednesday so you can see if you like them.''
''That sounds great, I can't wait.'' It might be nice to make some friends here. She thought. Kate fished her book out of the shelves and walked back to the check out with Lanie.
A few hours later Kate found herself sitting at the bar in their restaurant - correction: her parent's restaurant. She wasn't entirely surprised when she felt someone sitting down next to her and say: ''You want to go grab something to eat?''
''You just keep suggesting we go out for dinner, you realise that I work in a restaurant right? In fact you are here right now.'' She put on her coat and followed him back outside he had promised to drop by before he left for the week.
''Yes and I've just remembered what an ass I was not to think of that in the first place'' He waved a hand through his hair. ''And I'm pretty sure that you mentioned it in most of our earlier meetings so I should really stop mentioning food for a date suggesting. Should I stop talking about food in the whole? Or can I only talk about chocolate or strawberry's or...''
She moved her hand in front of his mouth. ''Maybe you should just stop talking all together.''
He grinned. ''Now where's the fun in that.''
''Did you just lick my hand? I think you just licked my hand.''
''Well, I didn't bite.''
''Only if I ask you to.''
He grinned. ''Absolutely.''
''Goof.''
Rick checked his phone. ''Ah shit, shit, shit! It looks like I have to go already. There goes my entire plan, I shouldn't have been at that meeting anyway - they didn't need me to make decisions. Kate, I am leaving in an hour. I am so sorry'' She nodded. ''I guess I'll see you in a week? I should be back on Monday.'' Again, she nodded, trying not to let the disappointment show. He did notice it, of course he would, and gave her an almost bone crushing hug. Then with a kiss on her cheek he said goodbye and left in a cab, in the hope to make it to his flight on time.
She went back inside and helped her dad clean the dishes.
A few hours later she got a text from him and as she had predicted - he had already been late when he'd left her.
Just landed safely, almost didn't make it - turns out I should've left earlier! x
Good to hear, but then why didn't you silly?! x
Was having too much fun. Next time - remind me I can make the airport in 30. x
Five days later, Rick found himself standing in front Kate's house. With hesitance he pressed the bell and waited for someone to appear at the door. He was only slightly disappointed when he found Johanna on the other side.
''Good evening Rick, what can I do for you?''
''Hey Johanna. I am so sorry to disturb you so late, but Kate wasn't answering her phone and I wanted to drop this off.'' He held the box up for her to see. ''I only just landed from my book signing in Massachusetts and I was hoping that she was still up.''
''Oh it's no problem, we are way behind schedule when it comes to the paperwork so we are trying to catch up. Since we've had your 'New York Times' boost, we are a few weeks behind on pretty much everything. Especially sleep.'' She mumbled, Castle wasn't sure to laugh or show sympathy so instead he didn't say a word and just showed her a charming smile. '' Do you want to come in?'' He nodded and she started walking after closing the door. He simply followed.
''Is she here?'' He said, looking around the hallway, still haven't taken the time to investigate the place.
''Yes, yes of course.'' Johanna motioned for him to come in, as he followed her into the hallway she said: ''Though I should probably mention that she and some other girls are getting ready for a 'girls night'.'' Oh.
''Then it might be better for me to just hand this to you. Since it is for you actually, however, I didn't want to give it directly because it would show what a screw up I was in the first place, but - '' Johanna gave him a funny look. ''Please just open it. You'll see!''
Johanna opened the box and found an identical dinner set to the one she already had. Unfortunately she had lost several pieces over the year and therefore didn't use them any more, afraid that she might lose more. She stood there with her mouth open, staring at the dishes, cups and bowls, all in perfect condition.
''That's amazing. Why did you?'' Johanna now had her hand clasped over her mouth. ''Oh, it was you who broke the plate, wasn't it?'' Rick nervously answered 'yes'. She shook her head. ''Jim had taken the blame for it, he said he was craving a midnight snack and dropped it. I didn't believe a word he said, because the whole deal probably would have disrupted my sleep - but he was covering for you!''
''I am so sorry. The only way I thought I could make it up to you - was to find the same set.''
''How did you -''
Castle shrugged. ''I know a guy.''
''I can not thank you enough, this is so - I love it - My parents bought it for us for our engagement and even though it might not be the original, it will feel like it. I just - It is complete!'' Johanna broke down crying, though he was pretty sure that it was a good cry. She hugged him tightly and well, didn't let go for a while.
Jim walked into the room almost immediately after he heard his wife cry with Kate following closely behind him - it looked pretty close to running and Castle had to contain his laughter since Jim's look was enough to make him shut up.
''Castle, what have you done? Why are you here?'' Jim only stared, still unsure what to make of the situation.
Johanna sobbed. ''The box.''
''This is not what it looks like - she is actually happy. Right?'' Johanna just nodded, but she was pressed tightly against his chest. This isn't helping! ''Remember the plate that I broke?'' He said to Kate.
Kate looked inside the box and finally saw the subject of the confusion. ''You actually got her an identical dinner set.'' He nodded, disbelieve was shown on her face. ''From Tunisia?'' He nodded again. ''How?''
Jo was drying her eyes with a tissue Jim had handed her, which meant that she had finally let him go. ''He knows a guy.''
''I didn't think you would.'' Kate softly said that only he could hear.
A small smile formed on his face. ''I tend to keep my promises.''
''I've noticed.'' She said, agreeing. It felt amazing to see her mom smile like that. Though she had to admit that she thought that he had brought her bad news or even worse - hurt her, but now that thought was thrown back into the back of her mind. He had done something nice for her and her mother had become so overwhelmed that she was crying. She hadn't seen that since she had walked on stage to pick up her diploma from high school. ''I thought you were away this weekend?''
''I am, just got back from Massachusetts and I am flying to Los Angeles tomorrow evening. It should have been one flight but I had to come back once I heard that Peter had dropped of the package at my place.''
''You flew here just to give her this?''
''Yes?'' Kate watched him carefully. ''And to see you, obviously.'' He said as he waggled his eye brows suggestively.
She laughed. ''Ah, you see there it is.''
Jim walked up to Rick and he didn't quite know what to expect. Instead of saying 'thank you' or even elaborating his opinion on the gift-giving part, he patted Rick on the shoulder and nodded. Johanna rolled her eyes at the 'man to man' exchanging and you could softly head Kate mutter 'men.' under her breath. They all laughed and her parents left the room with the announcement that they had work to do.
What Kate and Rick had both failed to realise was that there were three girls standing in the doorway, who had seen the entire interaction. Kate wanted to speak with him, talk about his day, ask him how he was doing - they hadn't seen each other properly in two weeks and just the sight of him made her heart flutter. Rick was the first one to notice when he saw a young female standing at the other side of the room with her arms crossed. He believed, by description, that she was named 'Lanie' as Kate had mentioned.
Lanie stepped in front of the girls. ''And who is this hotty?'' Yes, this had to be Lanie.
''This - uh - hotty.'' Kate said, blushing. ''Is Richard Castle.''
She practically saw the girls attitude chance from 'ready to dance with the girls' to 'I'm gonna climb him like a tree''.
''I prefer the term ruggedly handsome, actually.'' The girls laughed.
''You are dating Richard Castle and you didn't tell me? What is wrong with you!'' Lanie said laughing. Kate was too flustered to answer back. Rick, however, had already walked over to the girls and started to introduce himself.
''We aren't dating?'' Kate said, she wasn't even sure herself if she was trying to sell that answer.
''Of course you aren't, sweety. That's why he is standing in your living room at 10.30 pm. I got you, don't worry.'' Lanie whispered, the other girls didn't have to know anything - though judging by things this was probably already quickly going down south. ''Well we are almost done, do you want to join us mister Castle?''
''Please, call me Rick.'' He said, charming as ever. ''And I'm not sure I should, I have a plane to catch tomorrow.''
''I thought you just said that it was leaving in the evening.'' Damn Lanie. He wanted to go with them, except without the other three girls whose names he had already forgotten.
''That is true -''
''Then why not?'' He looked at Kate to search for permission which he found a small nod followed by a smile. ''You will not ruin our 'girls night' I promise. I might even call my boy when we get there.'' The other girls nodded as well. Phew.
The decision was easy. ''I see no reason not to go.'' Kate chuckled. ''May I ask where this party shall take place?''
''There is new club called 'Passie', where the party doesn't start until we arrive, obviously.'' Everyone laughed. ''And it might be tough to get in but I think -''
''That he might know a guy.'' Kate finished for her. Rick nodded, shouldn't be a problem.
If you don't believe that your mom would cry from such a gift - my mom did. You can get in a club here at 18 - even 16 if you find the right club. Passie= Dutch for Passion. Also I feel a date night coming up... clubs... motorcycles... what do you think? Thank you for reading and even more for your support. I'd love to hear from you guys.