Hello gentlemen and ladies
If you are a Kevin Ryan, Javier Esposito, and especially Kate Beckett can do wrong even when screwing up, then move on.
However, this will not be a bash Kate Beckett story either and I avoid season 8 where everybody got ruined.
Just I'm on Team Richard Castle first.
Despite everything the immature haters who go onto pro Castle/Kate stories complaining nonstop about Beckett or the pairing? That's insulting to the writers who write Castle fan fic for free.
I decided to practice using Castle show for having a place to put various one-shots or short story ideas, instead of dispersed all over. Well for some at least.
Wanted to get some of my negativity over these episodes out.
To be fair Castle does hold his ground with Kate during various times in the show like season 3, 4, 5 finales, or 4 opener so he's not completely a pushover. Unlike certain CW Arrowverse shows.
Oh, I want to thank my friend Stand with Ward and Queen for help.
Lobby of the 12th Precinct
Richard Castle moves past a few people only seeing Roselyn Karpowski walking forward who stops.
"Hey Castle, so I heard they screwed you over too, or rather she did," Karpowski says.
Frowning "What are you talking about?" Richard asks.
"Beckett broke up with Demming before you're going away party, and kept her mouth shut," Karpowski says.
"What?" Richard replies in partial shock, wondering how trustworthy this is.
"Don't you think it's weird how they all treat you like garbage? Yet Beckett never bothered to tell anybody the full story" Karpowski says "The only reason I even know is from having been walking around the corner when seeing them break up."
"So, Beckett had already broken up with Demming when… attempting to talk to me before I left," Richard says in partial shock.
"Yeah, they've all been giving you grief over not calling when none of them bothered to pick up the phones either, or I have the feeling mislead information cause goodness knows Beckett never talks like a normal person. It's why I don't talk to her or the rest much, either" Karpowski says.
"Really?" Richard asks.
"Yeah, I might have been friendly with them once, but after the crap they've pulled not anymore. Contrary to what they think there are a lot of us who value what you do" Karpowski says in disgust "I heard, Demming's supervisor raked the sleaze bag over the coals for being that public with Beckett. And constantly up in Homicide when it's not even his department."
"Thanks, I think," Richard says carefully "Also sounds like you don't like the guy? Of course, at the cost of sounding petty glad he got put in place."
Scoffing "The guy flirts with any female he looks at so if you're a woman with any dignity you should know better. Nobody deserves to get shot at all cause a couple of idiots with badges want to act like overprotective jerks" Karpowski replies. "There's a reason why a lot of people refer to Beckett as the ice queen, Montgomery's kid, and those are the nicer things."
"Right…" Richard says uneasily.
"Yeah, I've got to get going. A new case" Karpowski says.
"Understandable, and good luck," Richard says.
"Thanks. Hey if you ever want to pitch in, we're not all like Esposito, you've earned a place here" Karpowski says.
"I have?" Richard asks unsure, dropping any act.
"Yeah, you might be whatever in the papers, but you've spent the past two years showing up at odd hours to crime scenes, never once complaining. Spent who knows how long putting evidence into making sense. All of this when you could be at some loft or beach house staying far away from us normal folks. Put your life in danger to protect fellow officers, like I said earlier I don't know about Beckett's team but means something for the rest of us" Karpowski replies caringly "Asking for nothing in return."
"Thank you, Roselyn, means a lot actually," Richard says.
"Hey, you got us actual good coffee instead of toxic waste, you were in after that," Karpowski says "But not an issue Castle, sometimes somebody just needs to be reminded how they matter."
Castle merely nods before exiting while Karpowski walks off.
Later in the Captain's Office
Roy Montgomery sitting behind his desk having just been down to the Commissioner's Office where he got chewed over by him, the Chief of Detectives, and the Mayor via phone. Once Castle had done investigating into matters after a conversation with Detective Karpowski, well he had put in one phone call. Needless to say, is a mix of guilt, and anger for now needing to start fixing things. Looking over watches as Kevin Ryan, Javier Esposito, and Katherine Beckett enter.
"Close the door," Roy says standing up.
"You wanted to see us?" Kevin asks, shutting the door.
"A few things are going to be changing. Detective Ryan, you are now on a three-week suspension without pay and need to requalify upon returning for using a firearm. Plus, mandatory classes on police conduct" Roy says.
"Why are you" Kate begins but gets cut off.
"Detective Ryan can ask for himself. You have forced me to be on thin ice for recent actions. Regardless of whatever personal problems he might have with Castle that is not a reason to nearly kill a man who was not a present, lethal danger" Roy says icily.
All three of them glance elsewhere awkwardly for a moment until Captain Montgomery speaks again.
"Even I'm at fault here for this. We all treated a man who has made sufficient contributions to the NYPD, in particular our precinct. Beyond just a needed coffee machine, has helped make sure our vehicles work on repairs, fix the homes of people whose doors we've kicked in, silently pay for victim's entire funerals etc. Sadly, our crime-solving rate will be going down since Castle did help us solve cases. His methods may be abnormal, but they work" Roy says "And contrary to what you may think Castle might not have a badge, but the man has a cop's mind. The facts back themselves up."
"Sir… is Castle leaving us?" Kate asks unsure.
"Now you're worried? It appears Detective Beckett when you break up with your boyfriend after blatant unprofessional PDA conduct for rubbing it into Castle's face strictly from jealousy of Ellie Monroe despite never giving any indication otherwise. Then let us believe Castle left with his ex-wife following you told him how you felt. Only you didn't, did you? No, first lied about having no plans when Castle asked about taking much-needed rest that I think you do need. Lie of omission are still lies" Roy replies "Never mind we all have acted unprofessional jerks."
"How so?" Javier inquires.
"You don't listen, do you? We are very lucky Castle's not suing our department" Roy replies.
"Didn't he sign waivers?" Javier asks.
"For being hurt out there by somebody else. Not to get unjustly shot at by NYPD officers. We all acted like he was guilty, and hardly were impartial. You went overboard in interrogation treating Castle as being guilty because of personal feelings. These actions will go down in your files and a week of unpaid suspension" Roy replies icily "Do not even think about taking this out on Castle. The man doesn't know, besides suggesting you Detective Ryan should relearn proper firearm qualifications mostly because not wanting you to kill a civilian. This is at the mayor's request since treating a taxpaying citizen like you have has consequences. Now leave, Detective Beckett stay a moment."
Once Ryan and Esposito exit while Beckett looks unsure.
"You remember what I told you after the first case you guys worked together why I didn't kick him out? After all, not the first time I've made the upper bosses unhappy" Roy says.
Nodding "Yes, you mentioned how my little pit bull move for confronting him in the middle of a book signing and throwing Castle into an interrogation room like some street thug could backfire, especially when having zero evidence he even was involved" Kate reveals.
"Yes, I did and I'm not completely wrong either. But I had another reason, a hunch I was playing" Roy replies.
"A hunch?" Kate asks curiously.
"One reason I kept him around is the man is good for you. Don't throw that away, alright? Now back to work Detective Beckett" Roy replies.
The three detectives leave as Montgomery sits back down exhaling.
Loft - Study Area
Placing a few items in a bag, mostly a couple of books and such having packed everything else up in a suitcase by the door, Richard Castle looks over seeing Martha alongside Alexis. Both redhead women share an anxious glance.
"You leaving town? You just got back?" Alexis inquiries.
"I got some book signing to do up in Washington DC and already begun the process for the third Niki Heat. I need a light break upon a not-so-happy reaction from people I thought were friends" Richard says.
"What happened darling?" Martha asks in concern.
"Just, they all treated me like I was the bad guy on a story they wanted to believe and Ryan shot at me pointlessly. Never mind if they wanted to pick up the phone to call, they easily could have. So, I don't get why they made such a huge deal" Richard says, "Giving myself time for things to settle before I make any major plans."
"Detective Ryan nearly shot you?" Alexis replies angrily "Yeah screw them. Oh, sorry if my earlier comments about my boyfriend calling influenced you to feel guilty about how you got treated. Enormously different situations."
Smiling "Thank you both," Richard says.
"Ah pish posh, we're your family, we will have your back," Martha says "Eventually."
"Nice to know I will eventually get your help" Richard replies teasingly.
"So, where you going, dad?" Alexis asks.
"Oh, heading out of town for a small book signing" Richard replies "See you guys' next week."
Martha and Alexis share quick hugs with their father, and kisses on the cheek with plans for staying in touch before Richard leaves.
Apartment
Hearing knocking on the door Kate goes over, looks through the peephole sighs upon opening it to reveal Lanie Parish standing on the other side, looking unhappy. Letting the ME in the suspended detective closes it behind before uneasily meeting the other woman's eyes.
"So, you couldn't even tell me that you've been suspended? I had to hear it from LT" Lanie says.
"Montgomery was pretty ticked," Kate says.
"And you couldn't call me because?" Lanie inquiries.
"Honestly, I was ashamed and frankly it's my fault," Kate says.
"You decided to sit around feeling pity for yourself instead? Good plan" Lanie says bluntly.
"Well, Castle might be leaving for good, after what I did," Kate says.
"Back up, what you did?" Lanie inquiries.
"Yeah, I never exactly got around to telling him about my feelings" Kate reveals.
Nodding "I know" Lanie replies.
"Wait… you do?" Kate inquiries in confusion.
"Yeah, I called Castle once or twice over the summer, to see how he was doing, and to pick that brain regarding a few corpses. And likewise, from Castle needing murder advice on his book" Lanie says.
"Hang on you've been in touch with him, and never told any of us?" Kate asks.
"If you guys didn't call mystery man, that's your problem. I think it might be easier for you to make this all one-sided" Lanie says.
"I wonder how Gina took to that," Kate says.
"She left after the first weekend anyway. Gina loves her work more than actually caring about him. You're dodging the question" Lanie says.
"What do you want me to say? I screwed up by not telling Castle anything, then I just let everybody blame him cause it was easier than facing my mistakes? Fine, because I did" Kate says angrily and self-loathing.
"Okay now, what are you going to do to fix it?" Lanie asks.
"I'm not sure if I can, or I should," Kate says.
Rolling her eyes "Girl, no wonder you two are perfect for each other. You both would rather run than face anything. Castle has brought you coffee for two years, opens his home, which he doesn't do to just some page-six girl. Let you stay after your home blew up, paid money to help you catch your mother's killer? But in the end, a man with any self-respect will get tired of playing tag along sweetie. Now I think you should be doing the chasing" Lanie says, "Before you lose him for good."
"Okay, I will," Kate says.
"Good. Remember Castle's got his reasons to run, not just you" Lanie says.
"His ex-girlfriend from college," Kate says.
"Yeah, the reason why Castle never was willing to do real again until you. Plus, Meredith cheating on him among other reasons" Lanie says.
Nodding "I know," Kate replies.
"Is that all?" Lanie asks.
"What do you" Kate begins then flinches at the ME's raised eyebrow "You're right. I am sorry I didn't tell you what happened with Castle and me."
"Good, and you know you need to apologize to the boys as well. Your actions have affected them too" Lanie says.
"I know, I will. And I am sorry Lanie, I am" Kate says.
Nodding "See you soon," Lanie says.
As the ME exits Kate exhales in emotional tiredness before heading over towards her couch sitting down. Removing her cell phone the detective waits until an answer comes through on the other end.
"Beckett? Is everything okay? It's not my mom or Alexis?" Richard asks in worry.
"No, everything's fine," Kate says "Just… can we talk, please?"
"I'm listening" Richard replies eventually.
"I truly am sorry about everything. I was unprofessional. After everything you've done for me, all of us, no… me especially, treated you worse than I do murder suscepts. I just am sorry" Kate says.
"Okay, I believe you. Doesn't mean I trust you like I used to, but I believe you" Richard says.
"It's… more than I deserve. You've always been more than I" Kate says but gets cut off.
"Don't, just don't. Do you think the only reason I was able to follow you around is from the Mayor's or Montgomery's favor? Work cases to the extent I have, far more than any ride-along?" Richard inquiries.
"Yes," Kate says knowing honesty is the only path left.
"I followed the CIA for about a year so I could write Derrick Storm, and despite being unable to discuss, it was like now for working cases. When I do research it's not just mere internet searches, but hands on as I've done autopsies long before meeting Lanie or other things. I know I'm no cop, and I will never insult the profession by thinking I am one, all joking aside. But I figured having earned some respect. Not to have you parade Demming around who insults me while you did nothing, regarding me like a scum bag in the recent case and being shot at" Richard says icily "What did I even do, Kate? I don't understand, I just don't."
"I'm not sure any answer I could give would be the right one. I'd like to blame Ellie Monroe for it being something you did, and just a reminder of your page six self. But that's an excuse, my walls, the fact you scare me… I just don't" Kate says in frustration and loathing.
"Okay a mystery, fine. But what about the future? I mean there's a part of me who wants nothing more than to leave forever. Only despite you guys are my friends and you… just I care for you guys" Richard says purposely being vague "But I'm not letting myself be treated like that."
"I know, and you shouldn't. You deserve" Kate begins yet gets interrupted once more.
"Don't, listen whatever issues we might have, you put yourself down enough. I wouldn't be surprised if your self-hated, guilt issues are behind some of your recent actions. And no, I'm not excusing them, I'm just explaining" Richard says.
"No different than profiling a murder case, huh?" Kate jokes weakly.
"Force of habit" Richard replies "I see the story everywhere I go, in everything. I can't ever turn off my brain."
"You see the truth in everything, everybody's a suspect. It sucks" Kate says in understanding.
"Listen, I'm glad you called," Richard says.
"You can't do all the pursuing or waiting, it's time I returned the same," Kate says.
"I appreciate and well let's meet at Remeny's when I get back. The problem is telling my agent and publisher I had a spur-of-the-moment book signing, and now they really want me to be gone even more weeks. Which I of course declined" Richard says.
"Yeah, given I've got some time off do you want some company?" Kate asks suddenly then placing a hand over her mouth once realization sets in.
"Um, if you want too sure. But I thought you hated the whole publicity? Wait you actually took vacation?" Richard inquiries in shock.
"Part of me making an effort, and well I got suspended for a while" Kate admits quietly.
"I swear to you besides mentioning Ryan should probably retrained firearm-wise, I never," Richard says.
"I know Castle, and it's on us," Kate says.
"Until tomorrow detective," Richard says.
"Until then" Kate replies.
Hope you all enjoyed this or if not at least try to act like a decent person.
Yeah, how Castle got treated from season 2's final episodes then his return in 3x01 including being shot at by Ryan was very appalling.
Having Richard Castle give donations to the NYPD, quietly help keep the vehicles running better, paying for various homes which get broken into, covering families for funerals if they can't afford it is my ideas, but I could easily see him doing this.
Also, Castle's knowledge from hands on research to connections of knowing people in varying fields, or shadowing the CIA shows there are legitimate reasons why Castle was a consultant. Why Gates had to eventually suck it up given Richard got results.
So further explaining of Mayor Bob and Montgomery knew Castle beyond just the playboy writer with how could legitimately help.
Oh, Castle and Lanie keeping in touch over the summer is I enjoy their friendship.
Until next time