AN: At this point, I wasn't sure people would want to keep reading, so, I think it's so cool that there asre still people who want to see more, because I've got plenty, don't worry. The faves are building steadily, which is AWESOME. Thanks so much to everyone who's reviewed so far. I love hearing what you guys think. Well, technically, reading. As I write this, I'm just short of hitting 20000 views, which is causing my head to explode (it's a miracle that I'm still able to type with no head), so, just by clicking on this story, you've made me incredibly happy and I don't expect anything else from you.

I swear I had this outlined before the Tamala Jones interview. All I knew was that Castle and Beckett were gonna try to keep it a secret from everyone and the first thing that occurred to me was: "Well, good luck keeping it from Lanie. The second she sees them together, she's gonna know." Then I thought, "Well, what if she sees Beckett first and is able to tell that she had sex and then Beckett is able to convince Lanie - without telling any actual lies - that she has a secret boyfriend?" So, by the time I began writing it, I only had to add/tweak a few things. The hardest part was figuring out the scenes. We usually only see Lanie at crime scenes and the lab. I think she's been to the precinct... three times? There was also the wedding, and the hospital... and then, um, Beckett's apartment – I guess she was at Montgomery's funeral, too. Oh, the back of the van when they were transporting the body – but it was from the Crime scene to the Lab so I don't really think that counts. I think that's it. I never bought the whole "Lanie randomly going to Castle's apartment" thing. She has a life outside of shipping Caskett, you know. Unlike the rest of us.

Upload Date: 10 September, 2012

Rating: K+ (mentions of violence, murder, very mild sexual references, very mild coarse language)

Chapter Summary: Lanie takes matters in her own hands when Beckett refuses to take her advice and tell Castle that she's moved on.

#12

"Detective Beckett," Lanie said as she looked up from the body, a small smile creeping at her lips. "Good to have you back."

"Well, it's good to be back, Dr. Parish," said Beckett, evidently trying to hold back her own smile.

After filling Beckett in on the incidentals, Esposito and Ryan dispersed to interview eye-witnesses.

Lanie looked up at Beckett. What a sight for sore eyes. Even though they were friend s outside the Precinct, she hadn't really seen or heard much from Beckett. She had been quite worried. But whatever she had been up to during her hiatus, it seemed to have worked. She looked good.

Really good. Too good.

Lanie Narrowed her eyebrows. "Something is... different about you."

"Yeah, I went lighter," said Beckett, running her hand through her hair.

Lanie shook her head slowly. "No, it's not that. Something else."

"So, what have we got?"

"Kate."

"Lanie."

For a moment, they stared each other down.

"Dr. Parish," Beckett pressed.

Lanie sighed and filled her in. But she hoped the Detective knew that this wasn't over. They had some serious Girl Talk to catch up on.

The Lab, the next day...

"Hey, Dr. Parish, can I take my break now?" Alexis inquired.

Lanie stared. "Usually I have to force you to take a break. Oh, wait, I get it. You wanna spend some quality time with Captain Underpants here."

"Oh, it'd be so cool to be Captain Underpants. He has one of the most interesting back-stories because his alter ego doesn't even know he's a super hero. So, theoretically, I could be Captain Underpants. Hey Beckett, have you secretly hypnotised me to think I'm a superhero?"

"Castle, if I was going tho hypnotise you, the first thing I'd do is make you stop talking."

"So, can I?" Alexis pressed.

"Of course," said Lanie.

"Dad, you wanna have lunch with me?"

"Oh, um - "

"It's fine, Castle, I can handle things without you for an hour. Alexis can bring you up to speed."

"Ok," shrugged Castle, turning to Alexis. "Ready when you are."

"Cool,' said Alexis, taking off her coat. "Let's go. See ya, Dr. Parish, Detective Beckett."

"Yeah, see you later," said Lanie.

"Bye," said Beckett. "So, you were saying about the chest cavity - "

"Oh, did you really think you'd get off that easy?"

"What?"

"Oh, don't "what" me. You dangle from a roof, you're suspended, and then you quit; and you come back looking happier than I've seen you in a long time."

"Well, I took your advice. I blew off steam, I spent more time out, I got some perspective - "

"Perspective is one thing. You're not just good-tempered, you're luminous, you're radiant, you're - " her eyes widened, "having sex!"

Beckett's face froze. "What?" she said meekly.

"You know, there are other words in the English language. Don't even try to deny it, Beckett. You're getting some."

Beckett went over to the door, checked the hallway from left to right and closed it before finally whispering, "Ok, fine."

"Ha!" said Lanie triumphantly.

"Not so loud," said Beckett.

"There's nobody around. At least, none that are gonna tell anyone. Unless you believe Castle's Zombie theories. Which, as I've already explained to him, are seriously flawed."

"Lanie, this is not appropriate."

"Don't play dodge with me. You know I hate that game. Who is it?"

"It's... just a guy I met at the book-store."

Lanie narrowed her eyebrows. "The book-store?"

"He's... very well-read."

"Ok, ok, that can be sexy. What's his name?"

Beckett paused. "Ed," she said finally.

"Ed?"

"What, you're gonna hold his name against him?"

"Well, no, of course not. So what does... Ed do?"

"Uh... he's an artist."

"An artist. Ooh, how bohemian."

"Actually, some of his pieces have sold really well."

"Well enough to make a living form?"

Beckett shrugged. "He's not a struggling artist, if that's what you're asking. But even if he was, you know that stuff doesn't matter to me."

"I know. So, he's creative and successful - oh, speaking of which, does Castle know?"

Beckett nearly choked on her own saliva. "He knows I'm dating and he respects it," she said, recovering.

"Is he ok with it?"

"You'd have to ask him but he seems pretty ok with it to me."

"Really? Because I have a hard time believing he's over you when he keeps shadowing you."

"I think he likes helping; think it gives him a feeling of accomplishment, like he's giving back."

"The guy's a millionaire. There are plenty of other ways he could give back that don't involve following sexy detectives around."

"I think he's still getting inspired by the work we do."

"Oh, I'm sure you're giving him plenty of inspiration. I'm just not sure it's healthy."

"Well, maybe you should take that up with him."

"Maybe you should. Make it absolutely clear that nothing is ever gonna happen between you. The boy needs closure."

"And I need to know what you found in that chest cavity."

"Kate..."

"Dr. Parish."

She sighed and gave her the findings.

Despite Lanie's best efforts, it was clear Beckett wasn't taking her advice. While Castle continued to follow her around like a lovesick puppy, Beckett seemed to be getting in deeper and deeper with this Ed guy. She appeared happier every time she saw her. She had this glow about her. It went further than sexual satisfaction; it was more like this overall happiness. She would also get the occasional mysterious text or phone-call.

She would try to cover it up but Lanie seriously doubted tat Captain Gates was the one making her giggle like a schoolgirl.

"So, how are things with Ed?" Lanie asked a couple months later over a bottle of wine at Beckett's place.

Beckett looked momentarily confused. "Ed. Oh. Uh, good." she smiled sheepishly.

"Good as in, ok; or good as in... good?"

"To be honest, things are...pretty damn great," she said, unable to contain a bigger smile.

"So, when am I gonna meet this guy who's turned the Great Detective Beckett to Jelly?"

"I'm not sure. It's still pretty... new."

"It's not that new. You've been walking around with stars in your eyes for months now."

"I do not have stars in my eyes."

"Oh, yeah, you do. Planets, asteroids, moons, a couple comets, a meteor - "

"Lanie."

"Hey, I think it's great you're so happy. Do I wish Castle was the reason?"

Beckett suddenly looked very uncomfortable.

"Yeah," Lanie continued, "but I can be graceful in defeat. Sometimes things just don't work out the way you think they should. I mean, relationships are complex."

"Well, you seem to be handling this in a very mature manner. I'm impressed."

"Don't patronise me. I'm still in mourning."

Beckett stifled a laugh. "Mourning? For a relationship that - " She stopped herself.

"Never happened?" said Lanie.

"Um," was all Beckett said.

"It's ok, I can handle it," said Lanie. " If you can move on, so can I. So tell me more about this guy. I know so little.

"What's he like?"

"I already told you. He's smart - when he wants to be – funny, handsome, kind, generous, creative, caring, loyal - "

"No, I mean... what's he like?"

Beckett blushed. "He knows what he''s doing."

Lanie laughed. "Good to know, but that's not what I meant. Smart, funny, handsome – those are generic terms that could apply to any guy, including Castle."

Beckett's eyes raised slightly and she took a surreptitious sip.

"What I mean is, what do you like about him that's specific to him? Y'know, the little things that make you all warm and fuzzy."

Beckett smiled bashfully. "Oh, uh..." she paused, deep in thought.

"Well, if you have to think about it - "

"The way he cooks," said Beckett. "He makes up these really weird recipes, forms odd combos that should be disgusting but are actually really delicious.
"His enthusiasm for everything. Yesterday, he hugged me for a full minute after I brought him the cereal he likes.
"He's got the greatest taste in movies. Every week, we have a scary movie night in his living room. Highlight of my week.
"He's a cuddler. I'm used to just,.. being held; but he likes top snuggle up all tight. I pretend it annoys me, but he knows how much I – well, he knows I don't really mind at all that much."
"He can afford Lobster and Caviar but he prefers burgers and pizza. And not gourmet, either. Take-out. On my living room floor. His suggestion.
"He'll threaten to beat up random jerks hat try to hit on me, but won't actually go through with it because he's afraid of getting hurt and then I have to deal with it. But I don't really mind because it's adorable, he likes me being the hero and I always get a reward.
"He'll treat me to a romantic candlelit dinner, and nearly set the apartment on fire with his clumsiness.
"I could go on, but I think you get the idea," she finished quietly.

Lanie stared, awestruck, for a few moments. "Wow, Kate. You've got it bad. Do you think you might be falling in love with this guy?"

"Falling? Oh, uh, yeah, maybe. Who knows?"

Lanie' s eyes widened. "You're already there?"

Beckett sighed. "Yeah. I am."

"What happened to, 'it's still new?"

"Well, we're still figuring things out, but you know, the heart wants what it wants."

Lanie shook her head. "You have got to tell Castle."

"I told you, he already knows."

"Does he know you're in love?"

"Well...I'm pretty sure."

"Pretty sure. You didn't tell him?"

"Not in so many words but but he can read me pretty well."

"Maybe not as well as you think. Look, I know he acted like a jerk with that bimbo flight attendant but he still deserves your honesty. It's not fair to lead him on.."

"I'm not leading him on."

'You're letting him think he still has a chance with you."

'"Do we have to talk about Castle?"

"I don't get it. Just a few months ago you were mooning over Castle and now all of a sudden you don't care?"

"Of course I still care, but after a while, that whole game we used to play was exhausting. I'm over it."

"Really? 'Cause it seems like you're still playing – with his heart."

"Trust me, Lanie, I've moved on. I'm done messing around with Castle."

The Following Night (Kevin and Jenny's Wedding Anniversary)

It was a simple dinner party with just close family and friends at a low-key restaurant. Esposito was noticeably absent. He still hadn't forgiven Ryan, who, with the help of Jenny, was trying not to let it ruin their evening.

Lanie and Beckett were seated next to each other, with Castle sitting across from them, his hands in his lap. While waiting to be served, Lanie heard a vibrating noise nest her, and turned to see Beckett checking her phone, unsuccessfully suppressing a warm smile and texting something back, looking everywhere but at Castle, who was stealing "subtle" adoring glances at her. This continued throughout the evening, with Beckett getting more and more giggly, until, Lanie couldn't take it any more.

She had tried repeatedly to speak to Beckett about it but she'd refused to listen to reason, so, at the end of the night, when Beckett had left, she apprehended Castle just as he was about to get into his car, not far from where Ryan and Jenny had parked.

"Hey, Lanie. Great night, huh? I guess I'll see you - "

"Castle, I need to talk to you about something."

"Uh, can it wait? I kind of have plans."

"No."

"This sounds serious."

"It is."

"Is is Alexis?"

"No, she's fine. It's Kate."

"Kate? Well, she seemed pretty good tonight."

"I know, that's the problem."

He narrowed his eyebrows. "I don't understand."

"Kate's new boyfriend."

"Uh... what – what's that got to do with me?"

"I don't mean to make you uncomfortable but I think you need to understand that it's serious."

"First of all: I don't see how that's any of my business. Secondly, Beckett and I have already talked about that. Everything is cool."

"No, everything is most certainly not coo. I don't think she's explained exactly how serious it is."

"I think I have a pretty good idea."

"You don't understand. She's really into this guy, more so than any guy I've seen her with. Things are going well."

"And I'm happy for her."

The odd thing was he looked it. He must still not be getting it.

"What about you? Are you gonna stand there and tell me you don't feel anything for her?"

"Of course not. But Beckett and I are both moving on."

"Oh, I know Beckett is. I'm not so sure about you."

"I don't know what you mean."

"Oh, come on; it's obvious you're still in love with her."

"Whoa, love? Uh..."

"Richard Castle, don't even try to deny it. I've been watching you for four years. I was with you in that ambulance. I was standing right next to you in that hospital when they carted her off. I see the way you still look at her. You can't just turn off those kinds of feelings like a switch. It's not something you really get much of a say in."

"I know that. Of course I still love her. She's moved on and I accept that. I'm glad, even."

"See, I don't think you have accepted it, otherwise you wouldn't still be shadowing her."

"I like playing cop."

"Oh, Beckett already tried that on me, too. I think she really wants to believe it, too. I don't think she wants to hurt you. I know it's not that – and if you try to tell me it's about the research, I'm 'o smack you so hard - "

"Look, Lanie, I promise you, I've accepted it. Have you?"

"Yes, I have. Because I know how into this guy she is. This isn't just another Josh or Demming, ok? You and Beckett missed your chance. You need to move on. I don't see her breaking up with this guy any time soon. You haven't heard the way she talks about him. She just lights up . I think he's the real deal.

"Last night, we were talking and... the way she described what they had...it sounded like more than just a casual fling. It sounded like a real relationship. She seems really invested. I've never seen her this happy."

Castle was avoiding her gaze now. She knew this was hard for him to hear, but he had to.

"I can see the love shining through her – 'cause that's what it is, Castle. She even admitted it to me."

"She did? She actually said it to you?"

"I asked her point-blank and she confessed. She loves him."

"I know," his voice cracked.

Oh, poor Castle. Why wasn't Beckett the one doing this?

"Really?"

"Yeah," he said steadily, "but knowing and actually hearing it being said out loud are two different things."

"So, you think you can move on?"

"I already have. Thanks for telling me this, though."

"Hey, Castle, look at me."

"I'll see you tomorrow, Lanie."

She turned him around to face her. "It's gonna be - " The look on his face stunned her into silence. Because even in the fading blue light, she could see the look of pure joy on his face that he was doing a terrible job of trying to hold back.

Wait a minute.

"Oh, my god, it's you."

Castle took a deep breath. "Lanie - "

"Oh, my God!"

"Shh, keep it down! Someone might hear you!"

"You and Kate! You and Beckett. I – uh - AGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

"Shh!"

"Who else knows?"

"Just immediate family."

"Alexis? My girl Alexis knows and she didn't tell me?!"

"She was sworn to secrecy."

"How long has this been going on?"

"Look, we can't have this conversation here. Why don't you follow me to Kate's place and we'll all sit down -"

"Kate's place?! Those were your plans!""

"Lanie, Calm down."

She took a deep breath. "Ok, but you better tell me everything."

"Well, Kate will probably kill me if I tell you everything - "

"Well, then, she'd better tell me everything."

Later, just outside Beckett's apartment...

"You have a key."

"Lanie, you can't freak out at every little thing," he said as he unlocked the door.

Before she could respond, Beckett had opened the door and lunged at him, attacking his lips – well, his whole body, really.

Lanie would have screamed if she wasn't frozen in shock. They were kissing. With their lips. It was actually happening.

Castle gently pushed Beckett away.

She looked confused. "What's - " Her eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets when she saw Lanie.

"What the – I thought she wasn't allowed to know! That's not fair!"

"Is this one of those little things I'm not supposed to freak out at?" Lanie squeaked.

"I didn't tell her; she figured it out," said Castle.

"I should've known. Those Damn texts," Beckett said, punching him half-heartedly.

"Those were from you? But you barely looked down all night. I was watching!"

"Maybe we should take this inside," he suggested.

"I can text without looking," he explained as they sat down. "I read her responses when you weren't watching."

"How long have you been keeping this from me?" Lanie demanded of Beckett.

"Uh, well, I guess it started just after the whole Maddox thing."

"What, you hung off a building and just decided to come over and hook up with Castle afterwards?"

"Actually, that's pretty much what happened," Beckett admitted.

"Well, it was a little more romantic than that," said Castle.

"Well, we can go over the details later," said Beckett.

"Why didn't you tell me?" asked Lanie.

"Why didn't you tell me abut Esposito?"

Lanie opened her mouth, then closed it.

"Good one, sweetheart."

"Did you just call her sweetheart?"

He shrugged. "Maybe."

"I wanted to tell you but he wouldn't let me."

Lanie almost laughed. There was no way anyone, even Castle, could stop Beckett from doing what she wanted to do. If she had done something he asked, it was for him, not because she had to. How sweet.

"I didn't want Gates finding out," said Castle.

"I wouldn't tell. I don't even technically work for her."

"I know but we didn't want you to have to lie for us," said Castle. "The less people who know, the better."

"Well, you don't have to worry about me; my lips are sealed."

"So, if it wasn't the texts, what tipped you off?" asked Beckett.

"Well... I confronted Castle tonight after dinner. I wanted to get him to move on. I told him how crazy in love you obviously were with your new boyfriend -"

"What?!"

Castle was beaming from ear to ear.

"And he was – well, pretty much looking like that. It was sort of obvious. Now that I think about it I don't know how I didn't see it sooner." Looking back, she felt like a real dummy. The way they were with each other now, still flirtatious, but with none of the angst. The way she had talked about her "Secret boyfriend" - of course, she had been describing Castle. Duh.

"You didn't have to lie to me," she said to Beckett.

"I didn't. Not in so many words. Everything I said was technically true."

"An artist named Ed?"

"Ed?" Castle arched an eyebrow.

"Writing's a kind of art. Edgar is his middle name. Edgar. Ed."

"Why didn't you just say Alexander?" Castle asked.

"That would have technically been lying, since you legally changed your name – I can't believe you told him I love him!" she suddenly rounded on Lanie.

"Well... don't you?" said Lanie.

Beckett looked away.

"It's ok, Kate," her said softly as he stroked her left knee, "you don't have to say it."

She turned back to face him. "I do, though," she said earnestly.

"I know," he smiled, squeezing her hand.

"Oh, you guys are so adorable. I think I'm gonna cry."

"What I don't get, though," said Castle, "is how easily you believed that she wasn't in love with me; but you couldn't believe that I wasn't in love with her."

"Well, when she was talking about this guy that she was obviously in love with, I thought she was talking about someone else because... after all this time, I guess I kind of lost faith that anything would happen."

Castle nodded slowly. "So did I, at one point," he admitted.

"Hey, Castle," said Beckett, "if you already knew how much I loved you, why did you break when Lanie told you?"

Castle beamed again, slowly this time, starting with a small smile that gradually lit up every corner of his face until he was grinning broadly, blue eyes sparkling with happiness as hetried to keep his breathing steady. "What was that?"

She smiled. "I love you, Castle."

His grin got even wider as he silently traced the lines of her face.

"I think he just likes hearing those words," said Lanie.

"Well, if this is how you're gonna react every time you hear them," she sighed in mock exasperation, "I guess I'll just have to tell you as often as possible."

He bent down to give her a soft, chaste kiss. "I love you, too," he said against her forehead.

"Aww, you guys are so freaking sweet, I think I'm gonna pass out," said Lanie.

This is the first in a miniseries-within-a-series of Castle hearing about Beckett's love from other people and then sort of confronting her/discussing it with her. Hope that's not too confusing. This instalment is a stand-alone due to it's length, but I envision more multi-scenario chapters somewhere down the line.