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.

Previously

"What, I get needs just like you do, and hell, if we're both needy why not. We both know the score, but I don't want to embarrass you any more than I have already."

"You didn't embarrass me Gina, shocked but never embarrassed, when you're ready, really ready let's talk. I'm not Richie, could never be, but when it's right you'll know it." He said sweetly as he pulled her into an embrace as the tears fell for the man she still loved, with her heart and soul.

"Thanks, Rick, you know the old Rick would have taken advantage of that, and we would have been on the floor, couch, or maybe the bed, but I know we would be fucking each other's brains out. Soon Rick, if you're still available, it's coming soon. Now, let's get that Kate mess out of your brain." She kissed his cheek and sat across from him as she crossed her long and tanned legs Rick thought God were her legs always that hot?

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A/N Got a few rude comments from guest reviewers, (who else) Hold your powder, Gina is in the fic for a reason, not to replace anyone, so please allow the story to develop.

Chapter 5

San Clemente, California

Via Escorial Drive

Casa Castle Estate

Same Day

Rick looked up and found Gina had caught him checking out her legs, among her other bountiful assets, God she was always hot, at least in his mind.

"See something you like Rick?" she teased, as she hiked her dress to reveal even more of those sleek tanned legs. She knew he was a leg man from the day she met him and was certainly allowing him full disclosure today.

He blushed, something he rarely did, as Gina burst out in laughter, "Gotcha, how does it feel now buster? You see the prize and be so close but know you can't touch."

"When did you feel like that Gina, I mean you were married to Richie, and well Maddie was just one page in the chapters of my life, so when did I make you feel that way?"

"Remember, you spent the week with me right after Richie passed, I wanted to be held so badly, I missed him, I actually thought I was going to have a heart attack. You held me so gently, ever the gentleman, but Rick, we were together 4 years, those old wants and desires snuck back into my mind from time to time every time I remembered, your touch, your smell, you being there for me, but you were with Maddie then.

"I didn't dare even mention it, I know how you are a one-woman man, that's one thing that made me fall in love with you and stay in love all this time. You always put me first, always and men like you, well they don't come around often if ever." She got up and sat next to him, pausing to kiss him short but sweetly, and just whispered, "Soon, Rick, I know I'll be ready soon, so you need to decide, will you?"

It was a good move to have her relocate to sit next to him, God, his thoughts were all over the place, everywhere except Beckett or Maddie at that time.

"So, what aren't you telling me about Kate Beckett, and what's got you feeling like the weight of the world is back on you. I'll remind you; she was the one who left without saying goodbye, or even acknowledging the time you had spent together meant something to her, that is on her Sweetie, not you."

Rick looked at Gina with gratitude in his eyes, she always knew when he was down no matter how good his façade was.

"Thanks, Gina, well it turned out that the nasty letter and cease and desist didn't come from Kate at all, her new, well now ex-husband blocked those efforts since he was aware she was the muse and had some insecurities about the two of us. I'm not sure where that came from, but I received a call from Walt, a few days ago. She also tried to get my number from Lanie, but you know how tough she can be, even with Kate." He smiled,

"How do you know Sweetie, I mean about Lanie?" Gina asked,

Rick took out his phone and handed her the text from Lanie,

"Hey Rick, sorry to bother you, KB was pushing me hard for your number, I won't give unless you let me know it's OK, still miss you WM, let me know when you'll be back in town, you still owe me a dinner, Love ya, Lanes"

Below it typed within 3 minutes of the time stamp of Lanie's text was Rick's reply.

"Thanks for the heads up Lanie, and for keeping my privacy private. DO NOT give her the number, she can go through Walt and the law firm to reach me, she's too dangerous for a one on one if you know what I mean. I don't remember owing you a dinner, but I can be persuaded, perhaps even for a dance as long as you know Gina comes with me when I come back, love you back Dr. Death, Writer Man"

Gina smiled, then blushed, "Rick, you already told Lanie I would be coming back to New York with you, why? I'm sorry that came out wrong, I should have said, why would you want a tag-along when you go back, I mean there must be people you want to see without me, or having anything to do with the publishing business?" She looked down now really wondering what he was thinking

"Well, for one thing, it'll be around Christmas when we go back, that's still a ways away, and there is no way in HELL I am leaving you alone out here during the holidays, that is unless you have someone I know will take care of you. You mean too much to me, hell, I'll just go ahead and say it, you know damn well I love you, probably always will regardless of who we're with. I hope that doesn't bother you or crimp your style, I mea*"

Her lips were on his, "shut up Rick, just kiss me and Rick? Please don't close your eyes, I need to know it's me you're kissing not her, I'm sorry. His lips captured hers, and his eyes never closed, remaining locked on her beautiful eyes, but the kiss intensified like the old days. When they were out of breath, he whispered,

"Genes, are you sure, I mean no one's rushing you, I love you and I know you love me, let's just do this for the right reasons, not because of loneliness or convenience, please? I never want you to look back and regret this, or let it ruin what we have, God don't get me wrong, when you're sure, there will be no going back because you still know how to turn me on, just by sitting down."

She laughed softly as she laid her head on his shoulder, listening to his heart,

"Rick, why do you think I picked today to push forward with you physically, I mean it's not a holiday or nationally made up fuck your ex-wife day, is it? No, I chose today because, for the first time since Richie passed, you actually saw me for a woman, and I saw the desire in your eyes, God Rick, I've waited for that for almost a year now, and well if you're not ready I*"

Once again, their lips were crushed together as Rick picked her up bridal style, kicked open the door, and headed to his bedroom, still lips locked. He pulled back once to grab a much-needed breath, and whispered, "Genes, please, be sure, please I don't, I can't ruin what we have, you're really all I have and I can't lose you" tears sounded in his voice,

"Rick, I'm sure, make love to me, I'm not saying we're married or even exclusive, but when I make love, I want it to be with someone I really love, and you know I love you. Please be gentle, sweetie, it's been a long while,"

"I know doll, for me as well, God I had forgotten how beautiful you were, as he began to undress her slowly,"

"Rick, Sweetie, shut up and make love to me, I need you now" as she rippled her blouse the remaining way off, and had her bra off with one motion,

Several hours later, they were still laying in each other's arms, Rick holding her tightly, both very quiet, with their own thoughts. Rick was still so frightened that things had changed forever, but she reached up and pulled his head down, kissed him sweetly.

"You know this beats the hell out of working out, what do you say we do this a few times a week to make up for all the times I held out on you when we were married," she laughed, and Rick couldn't help but laugh with her, God she was great in bed, beautiful, and no one could doubt she loved him.

"You know that sounds wonderful to me, but Genes, if things change, I mean if you find someone, eh"

"I know what you mean Rick, but you know what, I'm not looking, not anymore. I have Richie's memory and his blessing to get back with you before he died, so what could I ask for more"

"I'm sorry what did you say about his blessing Gina?" Rick was shocked,

She took his head between her two petite hands as she said, "One day, out of the blue, I guess it was about two weeks before the accident we were sitting on the couch watching a movie, and he asked me what I wanted him to do if I ever went first. I told him, I wanted him to get out as soon as possible and find someone new to love, I knew he would never forget me" tears came to her eyes,

Rick gently pulled her closer, and wiped her tears away, then she continued, "Then he asked me what I would do should he go first, I stumbled around about not wanting anyone, he stopped me, and said Gina, go back with Rick, he loves you and he's the one man I would bless you being with. I don't want you to be lonely, and I know Rick would take care of you, in every way. He still loves you, more than you know," then he just stopped, and wouldn't tell me how he knew, but he was right.

Rick was fighting back his own tears now, they knew that love didn't mean successful marriage, but if they could love each other, perhaps the world and all the ugliness wouldn't seem as bad for either of them.

"Rick, if you're able to work things out with Kate, or if you find someone, remember I love you, I love making love to you, but we both know we need our own space and there's no way we can be anything more than this, it's more than friends with benefits. I like to think of it as, two people furnishing the physical needs of someone they love, hell of a lot deeper than just a quick fuck between shifts." She laughed, and crawled on top of him, it may have been a while for both before, but that was all that was needed to start the next round, much to the delight of both.

Xx

Hours later she slipped out of bed, showered, and dressed in a sundress. Hell, she kept some clothes at the house, it was just natural to her and Rick for her to spend time there on nights she didn't want to or couldn't be alone. Rick had made it so comfortable for her, the key, her room, her clothes and beauty supplies, and most of all his arms to hold her and listen to her. She thought had he acted this way when they were married, they probably still would be, BUT she knew that only one woman ever really stole his heart, and it was a New York Cop, not her, even as much as he did love her.

She was sitting on the large porch, overlooking the majestic mountains sipping her coffee when she felt two arms snake around from behind.

"Good Morning Rick, sleep well I know I did, and before you say anything let me get this out. I DON'T regret yesterday, I'm glad we finally realized that we are both adults with needs and when that need is physical touch, it's wonderful that we have someone who loves us for who we are, no judgments. I loved being in your bed, and I want more if you do, and I promise you, when you find your way back to Kate, I'll be out of your life to let you try to win your love back."

Rick turned her gently around, and looked into her eyes,

"Gina, my biggest fear was you would have regrets and I would have lost my best friend, well a pretty hot friend who I want more of as well. Are you sure, I mean I don't ever remember sex like that when we were married or was it me?"

"It wasn't you Rick, we didn't have sex, we made love, and Sweetie, it was the best feeling I have had since, well"

"Hey I know, but can we set some ground rules up please, when we are in the bedroom, neither of us mention our other partners, it's lovemaking to me as well sweetie, and believe me, when I kiss you, it's my Genes that I'm kissing, I know you well enough that you would never pretend you were with anyone but the person you share your bed, your heart with. Thanks for that," he said gently,

"Agreed, and Rick, I knew last night it was me in your arms and mind, you brought out a trick from our honeymoon days that drove me crazy, so once I could accept that, you sent me over the moon. NOW we need to talk so let me get your coffee, I'll be right back, I need to refresh mine as well." She smiled and blew him a kiss as she turned to walk away

Rick watched the sexy blonde with a killer bod walk away, wondering why the hell did he have to stay hung up on the past, she was right there in front of him, beautiful, sexual, sensuous, and she loved him dearly, why did the heart always want what the heart wanted?

"So, Kate sent a letter to Walt, asking him to forward it to you, I'm sure there was more, so share as much or little as you want Rick, I'm here for you," Gina said as she placed his coffee in front of him and kissed his temple. It was something she had done every morning when they were married, regardless of how bad the fight was the night before, she always started the next day fresh.

"Well, I told you the gist of it yesterday, so why don't you read the letter and you tell me your thoughts?" He said, hesitation in his eyes

"You sure Rick, I mean it's to you, do you want me to read that?"

"It's not a love letter, it's an explanation and apology so yes please read and let me know what you think." He said smiling at her as he took a drink of his coffee, "Ahh, thanks sweetie, it always tasted better when you made it for me"

"You just said that so I would keep doing it, but you're welcome, I'm glad you think so." She read the letter quickly, then turned to Rick,

"What do you want to do Rick, I mean you have options, she is aware of the carnage she left, that's apparent with her statement of, "any arrangement that would suit him I will welcome". Do you still want to award the scholarship, I know her denying you authority to do that really was the most hurtful to you? The two don't have to be linked, if Kate approves of it, you could still do that, and keep the emotional or physical distance from her, if that's what you want. Gina's eyes told him how much love she felt for him and she would support him no matter what he chose

"Yeah, that makes sense, so that's option one, what other options do you see Gina?" Rick asked sincerely,

"Well, she's requested 15 minutes to apologize, from my perspective, you can't hold her accountable for something she had no knowledge, but that's up to you, I mean three years is a long time Rick, but you were the one that told me it's never too late to make things right" She moved to his lap and put her arms around his neck. "I know what you're thinking, so let me stop you there, "

"What, Genes, what am I thinking?" Rick replied looking like a little boy who had been caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

"You're thinking that now since we made love that you won't hurt me, but sweetie, remember what I said before we fell, well ran to the bed, I want you to seek your happiness with Kate. This won't hurt me, I promise you. All I want is for you to be happy, and well if you can keep stoking the engine like you did last night, that's an added benefit" she laughed and kissed him on the cheek

"You're something else, you always did bust me, even with my most elaborate schemes to deceive you, and yes I was, hell am, afraid that any contact with her will bring back bad memories, for me and you, I still don't know what I want to do."

"Well, why don't you think about it, just you Rick, I have a special place in your heart, but picking out your next girlfriend is not part of my job description," she laughed and her eyes were happy, for the first time in a long time she felt like a woman again.

"Does that mean I don't get a say in your choice of boyfriends either?" he asked kiddingly,

"I was serious last night Rick, I have everything I need, now, as long as we have our, well whatever you want to call it, but"

"I call it heart therapy Genes, and your therapist offers 24/7 service, just keep that in mind." He smiled,

"I like that, well I should get home, at least for a while, does my therapist have an opening for later tonight?" she asked in a sexy voice, showing enough of those legs to turn him on again, just with a flash.

"Glad you asked, I had already planned on ordering in from Karros, breaking open a bottle of good wine and asking you if you cared to join me, say around 7:00?" His eyes traveled up to see Gina smiling knowing full well she had accomplished her mission, well she could feel it as well.

She stood up, pulled him into a tight embrace and just held him for a few minutes, then leaned back and captured his lips in a soft sweet kiss, "7 it is and be sure the therapist is here, I know I will need another session."

She went to pull back, but Rick pulled her back, kissed her deeper, and longer, and said, "He's yours 24/7 like I said, see you later, and thanks for everything Genes,"

TBC