Thank you ponychic0405 and Divamercury for the correct spelling of Paso Doble, I will remember the spelling for future reference. Also thank you to the others who spared a moment to comment on this story.
I have decided that although I don't even know what they look like I will include Josh and maybe Gina in this. They are mentioned as friends, having broken up but kept basic contact. I've not seen Season three so if they are out of character I won't have any idea, so please tell me but they shouldn't be in this much.
Still, I just don't seem to be able to own Castle, but the people that do have it do pretty well. The show is epic brilliant!
Anyway, enjoy!
Three days later and despite some slight bruising, Castle's hand is fine, Kate's back however has her on desk duty until the stitches come out in a week's time. This frustrates her as physically she can work, the captain is just being protective and has persuaded Castle to go along with him.
Kate's been home once since the attack, the first night no one wanted her to be alone, the second night Alexis had appealed for her to stay and last night the trio had fell asleep watching a movie. Today however she is determined to sleep in her own bed, the meeting this morning perhaps putting a dent in that plan.
As Kate enters the kitchen she smiles at the sight before her, Alexis is giggling happily at her father as he makes her breakfast; pancakes. When the pair notice her, she moves into the room and takes the stool beside the girl and conversation turns to the impending meeting.
"So, what is this meeting going to involve, I mean do we have to start dancing straight away or is it just talking?"
"Probably the latter, how? Scared of being caught off guard?"
"No, I was wondering about your back, how is it today?"
"It is fine, I however am in need of coffee and breakfast so hurry up."
"As you command."
Alexis laughs as Kate hits him, the trio become lost in their happiness until Kate's phone goes, and answering it, the voice on the other end surprises her.
"Beckett."
"Hi, Kate it's me Josh."
"Josh, hi. This is unexpected but how are you?"
"Good, I just heard about the other day and thought I'd see if you were ok, since I know you would have refused to go to hospital."
"I'm fine, Lanie was there so she sorted me out. The concern is nice though, but what's your other reason for phoning?"
"I need your advice, I know this is kind of awkward but it's about a girl."
"A girl, tell me more. Have you asked her yet?"
"She asked me to compete in the Services Dance Off with her, she's a paramedic and was allowed to ask me. I want to, she's amazing, I'm just worried about what'll happen. Training is intense and very emotional. What off she only asked me because she thinks I can dance?"
"You can, I'm sure you're going to be quite the competition. Try not to be too disappointed when you come in third."
"Third? Does that mean you are taking part? And why can't I come second? Or even beat you?"
"Lanie will be second, Castle and I will be first. And you know how competitive I can be."
"That's true, we'll see about the rankings. For all you know miss Lanie could beat us both."
"Miss Lanie? Are you still cautious of her?"
"Yes, she is formidable and very protective. I just hope that her partner doesn't have the same determined qualities."
"Ah, yeah. You remember Esposito, they make quite the pair. I think they got caught in the morgue yesterday."
"Right, well you think I should just agree and go along with whatever happens?"
"Yes, that is exactly what you should do, I will look forward to meeting her, and in regards of taking things as they come, Don't let it wait too long. The competition will fly by. Don't miss your chance."
"The same to you Kate. He'll make you happy just let him. I have to go, hopefully to make a woman rather happy and no mind in the gutter. I'll see you around. Bye Kate."
"Bye Josh."
She hangs up and returns to her seat before filling the other two in on the conversation. They were not being curious very loudly.
"That was Josh."
"We heard."
"He wanted some advice, he's been asked to dance in the competition, I told him we'll kick his butt and to actually make a move for the girl."
"Your ex boyfriend asked you for advice about asking a girl out?"
"Yeah, strange but we spit mutually. We realised that friends is as far as we should go. It's nice to know that friendships can survive that sort of thing."
"Yeah, it's nice."
Alexis watches the interaction, her heart desperate for them to act upon their unrealised love. They seem to be the only ones not to know. The past few days however have created more hope that the pair will see sense and take the partnership to the next level. The moment is interrupted by the door and so Alexis, being confident at the person on the other side, goes to answer it.
Kate turns puzzled but Castle laughs at her reaction and while Alexis unlocks the door, he fills her in on the guests.
"It's Lanie and Esposito with the camera crew. They arrived early so the phoned and arranged the meeting here instead."
"I thought the precinct was their focus."
"No their focus is us, and how many more people will watch just to see this place?"
"I get it, it just seems odd, seeing as the competition is about our job."
"I know, but they want to see us too, and they think that meeting us out of work and following us into it will get a better view of everything."
"Ok but how do we explain me being here, dressed like this."
"The truth, Alexis persuaded you to stay. One look at her and the world will understand. She is undeniable."
The squeal of Alexis greeting Esposito and then Lanie distracts them and serving her breakfast her turns and shouts for them to enter the kitchen. The look on their friends' faces when they see them is unforgettable and upon seeing the pancakes Esposito's eyebrows raise themselves further.
"Pancakes? Seriously?"
"Yes, seriously. Alexis loves them. Would you like some, there's plenty."
Laughing at her partner Lanie accepts immediately, taking a seat beside Kate and introducing the two men with them.
"This is Adam and the blonde one is Joel. They'll be following us with the documentary. Although they'll focus more on you because well despite you being famous, you're together more."
"I don't know about that, I've heard a lot about him and the morgue."
The room laughs as they all sit down to eat, almost oblivious to the camera upon the table, recording their joy.
Please review
I will try to update quicker next time; I have the flu and today is the first time I've been able to think straight since Wednesday.