Hey guys! I'm sorry; this chapter is shorter than I wanted it to be – again. But it's May, the time of year where teachers start going crazy with assignments and homework and I spend most of my time after school at dance so I don't get a lot of time to work on this right now, but I'm doing my best. Around mid June things should start to settle down again, I'm sorry! Anyways, enjoy the chapter.
Castle spent the better part of the next hour recounting the story of what had happened between him and Beckett over the last few months –though he did leave out some of the more private details. It probably would have only taken him 30 minutes or so to tell the entire story, but he was continually interrupted by questions and comments from Lanie, Esposito, and Ryan.
"Wait, you've been together since MAY?"
"You had the meet the parents dinner? No way. Ok, I want details."
"No. No no no. Seriously?
"She was with you when we called you in the Hamptons? Really? Oh my gosh, how did she not end up murdering us?"
"When did that happen?"
"WHAT?"
Eventually though, Castle managed to finish his summary of what had happened between him and Beckett over the past few months, and turned to Esposito, Ryan, and Lanie.
"Alright. I've told my story." He paused. "How the hell did you two find out?" He said, glaring at the two detectives. Esposito suddenly seemed rather fascinated by his shoes. Ryan cleared his throat.
"Well, I kind of figured it out after talking to that guy during the Hamptons case. He told me about telling everything to you and your "girlfriend." And that got me suspicious, you bringing your girlfriend into the interrogation so I asked him what your girlfriend's name was… and… yeah." Castle sighed.
"Yeah, I kind of guessed that's when you figured it out. So then you told Esposito?"
"NO. Ryan didn't tell me a thing. I found out for myself." Esposito said. This had Castle interested.
"Really? You didn't tell Esposito?" Castle asked. Ryan shrugged.
"It was your business. I figured I'd let you and Beckett tell us when you wanted to." Lanie and Esposito both shifted rather guiltily.
"Well, thanks Ryan. Anyways – Esposito, when did you find out?" Castle turned to look at Esposito, who was blushing.
"Well – um – you remember a week or so ago, when you and Beckett went down to the photocopier room?" Castle nodded, remembering the day. Having not being able to spent time alone together for a few days, and seeing his chance, he had given Beckett a surprise kiss while she was refilling the paper. That had let to… well, things. Remembering this, Castle stared at Esposito.
"You SAW THAT?" He yelled – or tried to yell, it came out as more of a squeak, and slapped himself on the forehead. "Ok. Beckett really can't find out. She will actually murder me." Lanie, who had now taken over the role of Esposito and had been giggling like an idiot throughout this entire conversation, managed to pull herself together and nod.
"Don't worry Castle. Just act like everything is normal, and it'll be fine." She glanced at Ryan and Esposito. "And if something does happen, leave me to handle it. You three really are terrible secret keepers." Esposito pretended to look offended by Lanie's comment. Castle pulled out his phone, and checked the time. It was getting late. Standing up, he excused himself and opened the door, getting ready to leave. Ryan, wanting to get back to Jenny, followed him. Lanie held the door open for them, thanking them for coming. Ryan turned to Esposito.
"Yo Espo, aren't you coming with us?" He said. Esposito, who was trying to look perfectly casual, was standing, leaning on a table that was suspiciously close to Lanie's bedroom.
"Oh um – no, see I –" Esposito stammered, looking at Lanie for help in coming up with an excuse. Ryan snorted.
"About time you guys got back together. Have a good night." And with that, Ryan pulled the door closed himself, walking with Castle to leave Esposito and Lanie alone for the night.