Another Auld Lang Syne
by Castlefan6
Authors Note: Based loosely on the song Same Auld Lang Syne by Dan Fogelberg and incorporates scenes from Food to Die For. Beckett meets Brent Edwards at her HS Reunion, delaying Caskett if not derailing it completely. Also, we may take liberties with the events and timeline from Canon and use events to make this a more believable fiction, Warning THIS IS AU, with only brief flashes of Canon.
I don't own Castle; I use the characters for amusement purposes only, except the ones I create.
Chapter 2
A/N Thanks for the outpouring of messages, reads, reviews, follows and favorites. I am especially happy that many of these came from those who have been members of the fandom for over five years, hope the story lives up to your expectations, and Many Thanks to you all, both old and new members.
Kate Beckett Apartment
New York,
Present Day
Captain Kate Beckett had just made it through her front door, after another grueling day at the 12th precinct. She was just beginning to get settled into the apartment, after the divorce, once again kicking herself for being so stupid to do something so out of character for her. She made herself a cup of tea, began to open her mail and sat down on the couch to read and prop her sore feet up, being Captain had its perks but this bullshit of heels with skirts or pantsuits was for the birds.
She accidentally bumped the remote control, and she heard music coming from her stereo, what was that title? Oh yea, Desert Moon, but the group STYX wasn't singing this version it was just Dennis DeYoung solo, beautiful but sad. She paused, looked out the window as she heard the words.
Those summer nights
When we were young
We bragged of things
We'd never done
We were dreamers, only dreamers
And in our haste
To grow up too soon
A tear fell from her eye, was that what happened between her and Brent? Was it all just a dream? A means to go back to a time when Mom was still alive, and everything was full of hope and promise? Was that what she had been feeling instead of love?
Why had she had thoughts of Rick every day whether she was with Brent or alone. The status of alone became permanent after only 11 months of marriage. The remaining 25 months were spent in court trying to first get a disillusionment, then after the petition was denied, and they had to file for a divorce, the civility that both had shown at first went quickly by the wayside and it turned out to be an all-out war in court.
The song continued, and her tears really began to fall when she heard,
They say first love never runs dry
The waiter poured our memories in a tiny cup
We stumbled over words we longed to hear
We talked about the dreams we'd lost, or given up
She had moved into the new apartment after the Townhouse they owned was sold, at a loss, and proceeds divided per the court's instructions. Kate had been involved with the legal system for years, but NEVER as a party in a suit, one especially as dirty as these divorce proceedings had become. She thought back to the night she had first heard his voice in 15 years, she never did figure out how he got her private cell, he would never say.
FLASHBACK
New York 12th Precinct
3 years Earlier
"Damn it, Maddie, this is a murder investigation, not a class reunion." Beckett had become annoyed at her childhood friend,
"Easy Becks, Chill, God, it's no wonder you're still single, but speaking of a high school reunion, are you planning on attending ours?" Maddie bubbled, her breast enhancements clearly showing to anyone who knew them in High School.
"I hadn't thought about it, I know it's coming up in a few weeks, but I stay so busy*" Kate plead,
"You mean you keep yourself busy Becks, hey, what if I told you that a certain boy, well man now that was close to us both will be there, you know who I'm talking about." Maddie interrupted,
"Maddie, I'm seeing someone now, I mean I know who you're talking about, but as my memory serves me, he was with you after you put out, and I wouldn't in 12th grade, so isn't he more important to you than to me?" Kate still had the hurt of betrayal from so many years before in her voice
"Kate are you and Rick dating, because, I admit, I did you wrong back then but if you and Rick are close, then I'll back out," Maddie asked innocently
"WHAT? Castle? ME? Who the hell told you that? There is and never will be anything between Castle and me." Kate spat out
"Then he's a free agent, I mean I can pursue him without you going all ballistic on me?" Maddie asked innocently
"Maddie go fuck his brains out, he's just a colleague I work with, and not by my choice," Kate said disgustedly
"You mentioned you were seeing someone, don't tell me it's that boy toy detective Tom Deming, is it? Katie, he has a reputation all over the city to find them, feel them, well you know the rest, especially the forget them part once he's gotten into your pants and bragged about it." Maddie knew Kate was getting pissed at her, but she also had seen Deming pull his routine on many ladies at her restaurants
"What if it is Maddie, you want to go fuck him too?" Kate knew it was a cheap shot, but Maddie had stolen her boyfriend just when she needed one. She had dated Brent, well as much as 15 and 16-year-old kids could date with your Mom or Dad driving you and often sitting behind you at the movies.
Maddie had developed boobs, while Kate was still waiting, and it was apparent to all the hormone-filled young men which girls did and which didn't go the extra mile on dates. Things had changed now that they were 17 and allowed out on their own. Brent was like the rest of the boys, horny and searching and when Kate turned him down, he didn't have to look far to find Maddie, ready, willing and able with larger, natural boobs. It was a crushing blow to Kate; one she had carried with her the rest of her life and had taken her over ten years to forgive Maddie for stealing Brent Edwards from her.
"Becks, I'm just looking out for you, you have to believe me" Maddie pleaded just as Kate's phone rang.
"Sure, you are Maddie, sure you are," she said with a sneer as she walked away and answered her phone,
"Beckett"
That is how it all started, it had been Bret Edwards asking to meet her privately to apologize for a stupid High School act, one of betrayal that he knew had hurt her tremendously. He had hoped to see her at the prom, but she ditched it at the last minute to go to some poetry slam with a grunge rocker she was hanging with now.
"Kate, please don't hang up, this is Brent, Brent Edwards, and if you would meet me for coffee, your choice of location, I just want to apologize and ask you to come to the reunion. A lot of our classmates are looking forward to seeing you, there has never been a prom queen attendant who ditched the prom before you or since, so if you would allow me to please apologize. Please?"
"Brent, that was a long time ago, but I'll admit the betrayal by you and Maddie really hurt bad" Kate said softly, the pain rushing back to her as if it had been yesterday
"I know Kate, and I'm sorry, I know Maddie was sorry right after it happened because she kicked me out and cried. She was your friend Kate, she made a mistake, a big one, that I'm mostly to blame for, so please can we get this resolved and let us all enjoy the reunion."
Xx
She had met him for coffee, and one thing led to another, they spent the entire night dancing at the reunion, the only pang she had felt was seeing Maddie in Rick's arms holding her tight. Perhaps it was the old urge to make Rick jealous or show Maddie she knew how to hold on to her man, whatever reason or reasons, things just burst out in a flood of emotions and memories. The whirlwind romance concluded three months later with her saying I do in a small private ceremony.
She wasn't even sure how the Chef's Murder case got solved, one moment she was leading the investigation, the next she was head over heels in love, and the boys had closed the case with minimum input from her, at least that's what she thought. Roy and Evelyn Montgomery were one of the few guests at her wedding, and it was Roy who told her Rick had sent an email to him telling him his guess of who had killed the chef, turned out he was correct and the clues fell into place once they did the investigation.
Shortly after returning from her honeymoon, she learned that Rick had purchased Black Pawn, and formed GAR Productions and relocated to Los Angeles. Only a remote office of Black Pawn remained in New York, and Gina was now the Managing Editor of the entire operation and had relocated to Los Angeles with Rick and Alexis who was now attending Stanford.
GAR Productions she learned stood for Gina, Alexis, Rick Production Company and would now bankroll and make motion pictures out of Rick's works as he chose. She was getting coffee on a Saturday morning when she bumped into Martha at the coffee shop, shortly after returning and settling in her new love nest with her husband.
"Martha? How are you? I heard Rick had relocated to the West Coast, I didn't know that you stayed here."
"Hello Katherine, why on earth would a stage actress march across the country when Broadway, the biggest stage in the world is in my backyard. Of course, I stayed here. I understand congratulations are in order for you, I must say I was surprised when I heard the news, but Richard told me it was an old love you reunited with. That made sense to me, like my Chet and I" Martha said kindly,
"Yes, well things moved quickly, I'm sorry if the news was a shock, but I was with Brent for three years in middle and high school, then we broke up and when we reunited the spark was still there. How are Rick and Alexis doing?"
"Well Alexis is on the Dean's list, no surprise there, and Maddie and Rick seem to be doing just fine, although I don't ask, and they don't tell much. She's a sweet girl Katherine, but, well she's not you and I don't think we will ever be as close as we are. "Martha said with sadness in her voice
"I'm sorry Martha, did you say Maddie? Maddison Queller the owner of Q3, is with Rick in Los Angeles?" Kate asked with her mouth open,
"Why yes Dear, she sold the restaurant as soon as she knew Rick was leaving and insisted on going with him. They started dating, oh gosh it must have been when that poor chef was killed at her restaurant, such a shame that family would do that to each other," Martha looked so sad,
"Yes, it is, that was such a sad case wasn't it. Well, it was great seeing you Martha, I hope to catch your next play just let me know." Kate recovered,
"Thank You, Darling, and the best of luck to you and Bert," Martha said waving her arms,
"It's Brent, Martha, my husband's name is Brent" Kate gently corrected her,
"Of course, it is Dear, well I must run, Goodbye Darling" and the older lady turned and walked out of her sight.
Old feelings of betrayal, hurt, even anger came rushing to Kate before she remembered the words, she had said to Maddy. She had given her the green light to go after him, stating in no uncertain terms that there would never be anything more than working with him for her. Why the hell was she upset, she was married now, happily married to Brent, her one and done. Castle was a great guy and more Maddie's type anyway.
Present Day
She didn't know when she had compiled this playlist, but it was one sad song after another. Damn stupid sad songs, making her cry she thought. She hadn't realized it, but during her trip down memory lane her floodgates opened when she thought about Rick and Maddie at the reunion, then burst when she remembered the day, she learned from Martha that they were together in Los Angeles.
She worked her way through the stack of mail, conveniently throwing away anything with the last name Edwards, whether it was addressed to him or her. She had even formally dropped the hyphenated last name and now was just Captain Beckett once again. She saw a letter from a law firm she knew that Rick had used when he lived in New York and was shocked when she opened it to read.
Dear Mrs. Beckett-Edwards,
On behalf of law firm and my client, Mr. Castle personally, please accept this letter of apology for attempting to establish the Johanna Beckett Memorial Scholarship fund in memory of your late mother. Mr. Castle was only attempting to share some of the wealth he had earned from the Nikki Heat series of books and movies with you and workmates at the 12th precinct which made the series so successful. At no time did he intend, nor did he ever imagine such an act through his legal representatives would cause a hardship to your marriage, and deeply regrets any misunderstandings his actions may have placed upon you, your husband, or your relationship.
Enclosed is the copy of the letter from the Dean of your Mother's alma mater confirming the scholarship which had already been targeted for a worthy recipient has been withdrawn, and they also offer their apology for any problems they may have been a part of. We trust this meets your demands, and once again apologize for any wrongdoing on our part,
Respectfully,
Walter A Austin, Attorney at Law
For the estate of, Richard A Rogers, ANA Richard A Castle.
At first, she was confused, scholarship in memory of her Mother, apology, withdrawn, what the Hell, then the lightbulb went on, that son of a bitch, it was Brent. She had been deeply hurt when every one of the team members had received something when the last Heat Novel closed, and the movie earned a great return at the box office. She had just assumed that Rick had been so pissed at her, he had excluded her.
Ryan and Jenny had been struggling with Sara Grace and another on the way, and suddenly the house of their dreams was theirs, Roy's fishing boat and twin outboards, Lanie and her parents gifted airfare unlimited, and even LT got Rick's red Ferrari, she was shocked but not surprised when there was no word from him for her.
Brent must have hidden the attempt by Rick to gift her something he knew would mean the world to her. That petty jackass ex-husband, he was so full of himself and too busy getting his strange on the side to even bother to think just how hurtful this action would be to her, he knew her mother, which even made it worse.
That Bastard. She was fuming, and of course, the stereo was blaring out the song that had meant so much to her and Rick at one time, Try to Love Again after he had explained how badly Kyra Blaine had hurt him in one of the rare talks about himself. It was a question he struggled with just as much as she did, only he didn't construct walls for those who tried to love him.
Should I stay or go?
I really want to know
Would I lose or win
If I try and love again?
Oh oh oh gonna try and love again
Oh oh oh I'm gonna try and love again
Oh oh oh gonna try and love
Right or wrong, what's done is done
It's only moments that you borrow
But the thoughts will linger on
Of the lady and her song
When the sun comes up tomorrow
Well, it might take years
To see through all these tears
Don't let go
When you find it you will know
Oh, oh-oh, gonna try and love again
Her tears fell even harder now, what did Rick think of her now? God, he must hate me, I know I would if I was him. Maddie, well she didn't want to deal with that mess just yet, there would be time enough after she got word to Rick that it wasn't her and she was sorry for what her ex-husband had done. Now the only problem, how did she reach him, he was in Los Angeles.
She knew one person who loved him and had stayed in touch, regardless of all that had happened. Lanie Parrish was her best friend, but she would always love Rick for the gift of time with her parents, providing lifetime airfare for any of them whenever they had the need or urge to visit.
She grabbed her cell phone and called her best friend and wasn't surprised when she reached her voice mail. She hadn't been a good friend after she and Brent returned from their honeymoon, she often canceled plans with her last minute, just trying to be with her husband. His job as Vice President of Operations for a beverage company took him all over the US and Canada so she tried, too hard as she looked back now, to be with him as much as she could, Lanie had warned her, but as always, she knew best.
"You've reached the voice mail of Lanie Parish, if this is an emergency please contact Dr. Sydney Perlmutter who is on call, if it is a personal call, please leave your message after the beep."
Kate had just poured her glass of wine, another thing that made her remember her writer, what the hell Kate, he never was yours, she mentally chided herself, but everywhere she looked his influence was all around her, when her phone rang.
"Captain Beckett, how can I help you," came the icy response from Lanie,
"Hey Lanes, come on, I know things haven't been the best between us, hell all of us, but can we please work on being friends again?"
"Kate what do you need?" came the same icy voice over the phone,
"Can't I just call you Lanes, I mean you're my best friend." Kate tried to soften the request,
"Yes, you could, but you don't, you never have, probably never will, so I ask again Kate, what do you want? That's the only time you call me." The voice never changed, Lanie wasn't making it easy on her.
"Lanie, I need to talk to Castle, eh Rick, and I know you have kept in touch with him, so can you give me his number please?" Kate never had Lanie refuse to help her before, so she fully thought she would get a lecture then the phone number,
"You called me for Rick's phone number after three years Kate, is that correct?" Lanie's voice was even colder than before
"Yeah, Lanes, I just found out something and I need to explain things to him, so please, please, can you just give me his number?" Kate was almost begging
"I can't Kate," Lanie said with no change in her voice
"What, why Lanie, you know I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important, so do I have to beg, Please?" Kate is begging now,
"I can't Kate, he asked me not to and that was over two years ago, so I guess if your important news waited this long it can wait till I talk to him and ask him to either call you or give you his number. I won't betray his trust Kate, not for you, or anyone"
"Well, when do you plan on talking to him Lanes?" Kate was in shock and hurt her friend had information she needed and wouldn't share it
"I don't know Kate, I'll have to think about this, I got to go, laundry is buzzing, talk to you later" the line went dead, as did Kate's hope for a quick resolution to just one more fuck up the ex-spouse had caused her to have to attempt to correct.
TBC