Disclaimer: These characters do not belong to me, but they sure are fun to play with.

Secret

Everyone had their own secrets. This is something they were well aware of. So why couldn't they have their own little secret? It's not like everyone needed to know that they took their relationship to the next level. That was something private, something between them, and them alone.

It started months ago after a long and difficult case. After years of working together their walls finally crumbled and he found himself pulling her close and leaning down for a kiss. She let herself relax in his arms and her lips met his. Their kiss took on a live of its own and from that moment on their secret was formed.

Late nights were spent in the comfort of each other's arms as clothes were strewn all over the floor. Time was always made for early morning love making. Sly smiles would be exchanged at crime scenes on those mornings. No one knew their secret and they were intent on keeping it that way.

Confessions of love came early in the relationship. They had already wasted so much time; they vowed not to let that happen again. Within two months, keys were exchange. It was a big step. She had never given the key to her home to any man. He smiled as he took it and promised not to eat all the hidden snacks. She laughed silently and kissed him hard.

Three months in they considered telling their close friends.

"Everyone will be supportive." He said.

"Everyone will know." She said. He let the subject drop after that.

After the fourth month she barely spent any time at her apartment. His closet was already full of her clothes and her shoes were thrown in a pile by the closet door. He laughed one night when she tripped over her black boots. She smiled and threw a pillow at him. Later that night, when the love making was through he took a deep breath and asked her to move in. She sighed and looked at him thoughtfully.

"Not yet, but soon." She said. He nodded in understanding.

Five months had passed and she took his offer of moving in together. Their secret was still intact and it was getting harder and harder to keep this private. Standing in her apartment one night, surrounded by boxes, they both agreed that they would keep paying her rent until they were ready to be public.

"It's a waste of money." He said. "But I'll give you whatever you want." She smiled at his words because she knew they were true.

Their sixth month arrived and they were more in love than ever. Cohabitation came easy to them, probably because they already spent so much time together. She fit in well at his apartment and he fit in well in her heart. With their secret still private they felt like they could take on the world.

One late night at work they were both exhausted. This would be one of the rare nights that they didn't make love, but just fell into bed. They were alone in the morgue, which was a first for them. He could tell she was frustrated and he reached out and ran his hand down her face. She leaned into his touch and for a moment forgot where she was. Their lips met of their own accord and minutes passed with soft caresses.

"Whoa!" Came a man's voice. They broke apart and tired to look innocent. He smiled as he approached them. "Looks like you two are having a fun time while the rest of us work." She felt herself blush.

"We were just taking a break." She squeaked out.

"I can see that." He said. "Listen," he whispered, leaning closer, "whatever is going on with you two is just that: going on with you two. It's not my place to tell secrets." They both let out a sigh of relief. "However, I will say this: You both better tell Ryan and Beckett before they figure out something is up and come after me." He smiled. "This is for you." He handed Esposito a file. "Have fun." He said wiggling his eyebrows.

Once Castle had left the morgue they looked at each other for a long time. Lanie spoke first.

"Can we tell them after this case is finished?"

Esposito smiled at her. "Sounds like a plan."

Their secret had lasted a lot longer than they thought it would and even though they both trusted Castle, he was right. It was time to tell the people that were important to them. Besides, their secret was only ever meant for two people, three people would just ruin it.

End.

A.N.: Surprised? This was written for LittleWeasleyGirl- Kate Castle who asked for Lanie/Esposito, I just put my twist on it. I hope you enjoyed it!

Thanks for reading! Reviews are encouraged, but not required! :0)