Hey guys, after all your worried messages and reviews I thought I had better update very quickly. I'm sorry if you find any mistakes, I'm hurriedly writing this because I have an achievement standard to do. Hope you like this!
Enjoy and please do review
Kate stood there in the middle of Rick's office still clutching the wad of documents in her hand. "I can explain, Kate." Rick said, with a look Kate had never seen before. The look was desperate and pained.
"You had better Richard Castle, because I honestly don't know what the hell to think right now. Who gave you these?" Kate fumed.
"Montgomery sent these to me, he sent them just before he was shot. It's those documents that he had altered. These are the originals." Rick replied.
"And you didn't think to tell me? This is my Mother, Rick. Not your personal jungle gym to play Detective on. "
"Montgomery wrote saying he didn't want you to get your hands on these. We wanted to lead you away from the case, give you the wrong leads. I didn't want to lose you, Kate. I mean how could you put everyone through that again, you being shot and almost dying was bad enough. We thought it would be best to protect you."
"I am not a little child Castle. I am a grown woman and can take responsibility for myself." Kate shot back, her hand gripping all the documents, causing the top of her knuckles to turn a shade of white.
"Geez, you don't think I already know that?" Rick hissed.
"Did you only think of yourself, as usual? Do you have any clue who you're putting in danger? Your Mother, Alexis."
"Yes I do realise." Rick shot back."
"And they were totally okay with it?"
"They, they don't know." Rick trailed off.
"Jesus, Castle. Just how long has this been going on for?"
Rick didn't reply, he just stared down at his feet. "Richard Castle, how long have you been doing this?" Kate spat out.
Rick drew in a breath, "A while…. I started not long after I saw the murder board you set up in your apartment."
"How can you lie to me, everyday? This is important, my life. I trusted you, I can't believe it." Kate said beginning to cry.
"I did not want to lose you to this case, Kate. I wanted to solve it for you, so we could have the relationship you've always wanted. I didn't choose to keep this from you on purpose. I had to, I did this out of love. Did you not realise how much I was falling for you? I had to be with you, I did this for us. Do you not think it has been easy for me? Lying to the woman I love? Being around her every day, holding the information that could solve her Mother's murder. How do you think I felt?" Rick finished, also crying.
"Rick, you have to realise. This is my life, solving my Mum's case is all I wanted. That was why I became a cop. But everything changed when I met you, I learnt how to have fun. You made me realise that I didn't need to solve my Mum's case to be happy. But all that time you were going behind my back." Kate finished.
"I had to Kate, I couldn't let you throw yourself back into this. Get back into danger, or get your hopes up. I can't lose you again, I just can't. Think about your Dad, Lanie, the boys. Come on Kate."
"I'm sorry." Kate said tears streaming down her face as she dropped the files, grabbed her crutches and bolted out of the room.
"Kate?"
Kate hobbled all the way up the stairs, through Rick's bedroom and into the bathroom, where she locked the door and let out all her tears. She cried for her Mum, Montgomery, Royce and for her relationship with Rick. She crumpled down onto the tiles, leading her head against the cool bath tub. She needed time to cool down and process what had just happened. There were three things Kate was certain about one: Rick really did love her if he went to great lengths to do this. Two: He could be close to solving her Mum's murder and three: She could've just wrecked their relationship. Kate put her head in her hands, she felt like screaming but she couldn't. She heard Rick banging on the door. "Kate, please open up. Please?"
Kate knew what she had to do, she reached up from the ground and unlocked the door. Rick nearly fell into the room. "I'm sorry." He started.
"No Rick, I'm sorry for reacting like that." Kate said. "I just was in shock and couldn't think straight and when I get angry I just start to say things I regret. I'm sorry."
"I'm truly sorry too. I know I overstepped doing this. If it means the end of our relationship then so be it, I understand. It will be the biggest mistake of my life, but I will have to live with it. They were my actions."
"Rick, I will never leave you, not in one million years. Just face it you can't get rid of me, no matter how much you annoy me and get on my nerves. But never ever go behind my back like that again." Kate finished.
Rick suddenly pulled her into a huge bear hug, "Oh Kate. I promise, I love you so much." He whispered.
"I love you too." Kate replied, nestling into his warm shoulder.
"I suppose you want to know then…" Rick started, breaking the hug.
"Know what?" Kate asked, playing dumb.
"About those files. The key to solving your Mum's murder." Rick replied.
"I do, but then again I don't… This has been a part of me for so long, I just don't know…"
"What do you mean Kate? I thought this was your dream."
"It is, I just didn't think it would come true this quickly. I don't know who I will be after I solve it…" Kate trailed off, her voice barely audible.
"Oh Katie. You will be the person you've always wanted to be."
"I just, I don't know who that person is. I don't know Rick… I don't know who I am."
"Kate, look at me." Rick said, placing his hands on Kate's checks, lifting her head up. "You're you, the amazing, strong, independent woman, who helps people's families. You are the extraordinary Kate."
"I don't know…. I've dreamed about this day but now it is here. After this is solved I don't know what I'll do. I'm worried." Kate cried, she felt small and vulnerable in Rick's huge bathroom.
"Kate, listen to me. You will still be New Yorks most amazing detective, you will continue being the same person, bringing peace to those people's families. Except you will have a weight off your shoulders. I will be there with you, every step of the way. We don't have to solve the case tonight, this week, this month. We have time, you will be in shock now. We can solve it when you're ready."
"Okay, is it true? You did this because you love me? And wanted to have an us?" Kate asked.
"Yes, that's the only reason."
Kate found herself in Rick's arms again. She let out a huge yawn. "It's been a huge day for someone. Let's get you to bed." Rick said, helping Kate up.
Kate grimaced as she reached for her crutches. "Looks like the painkillers have worn off. I'll get you some more." Rick said as he opened the door for Kate.
Kate suddenly felt exhausted, it certainly had been a long, tiring, painful, and physically and emotionally draining. Rick helped her get changed into her jammies and helped her climb into the big bed. It felt fluffy and comforting, just like a marshmallow. Rick kissed Kate's head as he went to get her a panadol.
"Are you sure you want me to sleep in here with you tonight?" Rick asked as he crawled into bed.
"I'm sure." Kate smiled.
"Okay, night Kate. Sweet dreams. I love you. And I'm sorry once again." Rick said.
"Night Rick, love you too." Kate let out a huge yawn as she snuggled into Rick.
Even after the day's events Kate had a peaceful night and for the first time in a while no nightmares.
Hope you all enjoyed this. Don't know when I will update next. Please review!
Emma