I don't own Castle etc, thought I better say it.
Hope everyone likes this chapter I've looked at it twice and am happy with
Beckett and Castle took their time to get into the elevator at his loft, Castle had offered to carry her just to the elevator but of course she said she was ok.
"No I'm fine Rick, remember i need to keep moving to get stronger again."
"I'd just like to offer you a little help here and there."
"And thank you but I will be fine." she smiled.
They stood side by side as they rode up, she looked at him and he looked at her they smiled at eachother when they locked eyes and hooked their little fingers together.
The elevator opened and they headed for the loft.
Castle opened the door, Beckett walked in behind him.
"WELCOME BACK KATE!" said a chorus line of people in the loft.
She definatley got a surprise. "Oh wow...and you managed to keep this a secret from me Rick...well done." she smiled at him.
"I'm so relieved it's over though, I was sure you would have figured something was up."
"Hmmm I must not be up to 100% just yet."
"Hey girl how are you feeling?" Lanie came up and gave her a hug.
Castle moved over to Alexis and Martha.
"I'm glad she is better dad, I'm going to go over and say hi." she hopped off her seat.
"So, do you think you will be off to the Hamptons tonight?" asked Martha
"I don't know yet Mother, see what happens for the rest of the day...we may have to head off in the morning."
"Thought as much, that's why I've made up the guest room for Kate."
"Why thank you, that's very thoughtful of you...although i would have come up with the same idea myself."
"I know but i don't mind helping you out here and there." she smiled putting a hand on his chest as she walked over to see Kate also.
Kate was surrounded by everyone and talking with them all, eventhough everyone had the same person on their mind nobody really spoke about him.
Captain Montgomery...he was the one missing, he was the one that wouldn't be there, he wouldn't turn up late as he sometimes would, everyone knew it, Kate was a little sad thinking about it.
Kate kept up a brave front because that's what she was meant to do right? But she was there when it happened, she was there when the shots ran out and when she went into the hanger to see the Captain lying lifeless on the ground. The thought consumed her so much she had to excuse herself and go to the bathroom...she remembered from last time at Castle's where it was.
Once there she shut the door and leaned on it with her back, letting out a deep breath and looking up at the ceiling tears in her eyes. She slid down the door putting her head in her hands she started to cry...really cry. For the first time since seeing Montgomery on that concrete floor back in the hanger.
Castle spotted her head off to the bathroom and when she wasn't back after a while he decided to go find her. He knocked on the bathroom door.
"Kate are you in there?" he said softly but loud enough for her to stop crying and open her eyes. She sniffed and wiped her eyes.
"Yeh."
"Are you ok?"
"Yeh, I'm fine." she stood up and opened the door, "Just needed a moment that's all." she smiled at him but he could tell she had been crying.
"If you would like to have a rest Kate it's ok Mother has made up the guest room, I think everyone will be here for another hour or so yet."
"No, I am fine, you guys did this for me and I want to enjoy it, I can sleep later, I think I have done enough sleeping anyway latley, let's go." she re-assured him with a touch on the arm.
Lanie saw them both come out of the hallway together back to the party. She moved to grab her friend for a chat.
"My turn now Castle," she said taking Kate away to another part of the room. "So girl, care to tell me about you and this Hamptons trip? Then while you are at it can you tell me what's going on between you both?"
Kate smiled...maybe she could mention something to Lanie, not let on too much but keep her happy for a while.
"Well Lanie, I can tell you this, the last thing i remember before closing my eyes and being in some far off place for three days, Castle said something to me and I remembered it when I woke up, I remember him leaning over me and telling me that he loved me."
Lanie smiled and put her hand over her mouth. "Really!" she almost squeeled.
"Yes, but please keep this one to yourself for now, I, we have a long way to go on this."
"And what about you how do you feel about it Kate."
"Well he has always been there for me, saved me a few times too, been around when the important things are happening been a real support to me through this case with my mother."
"Yeh Kate we all know that we all see that...but how do you feel about him now?"
Kate looked over at Castle and smiled looking back at her friend..."well i guess you could say the feeling is mutual."
"Well I'm glad that both of you have finally seen the light. You better enjoy the Hamptons and not think about work too much there is a whole different ball game to think of now." she gave her a hug.
"I'll do my best, thanks Lanie...and remember keep this to yourself for now."
"Sure, I like keeping things from the guys...makes life a little more interesting for me."
"You are an evil woman Lanie." Kate said and they both giggled.
Meanwhile on the other side of town a torch light flicked on and moved from room to room. A gloved hand picked up papers and went through draws and cupboards, leaving a mess in it's wake.
It was Kate Becketts appartment.