344. Chapter 344

After Law & Murder

Episode 3.19

By

UCSBdad

Disclaimer: Not even monsters from the Id could make me claim to own Castle. Rating: K Time: See above.

Kate Beckett walked down the street giving a brief and surprisingly spoiler free introduction to Forbidden Planet. "One thing, Forbidden Planet was the first movie to show humans travelling to other stars on their own ships. Most previous science fiction movies were about invaders from other planets coming to Earth."

"Like The Thing." Castle said absentmindedly.

Kate laughed. "Very good, Castle. The Thing was made about five years before Forbidden Planet. Now, for bonus points, who played the thing?"

"James Arness, who later played Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke for about a gazillion years." Castle answered.

"Right." Kate said no more. As they turned the corner, Castle could see the bright neon lights of the theater ahead of them. I lied to Beckett about the movie. I practically know the dialogue of Forbidden Planet by heart. I know enough trivia to write a book. Maybe I could write a book of Forbidden Planet trivia. Sure, when Beckett finds out I lied to her, and kicks me to curb, I'll have lots of time for that. Why the hell did I lie to her? Stupid question. My whole relationship with Beckett is based on a lie. I tell her I'm doing research for the Nikki Heat books, or that I enjoy solving real murders. The truth is that I'm with her because I've fallen in love with her. Take away Kate Beckett, or take me away from her, and I have no interest in research or solving crimes. Even if she doesn't find out how I feel about her, sooner or later she's going to find someone, Josh or someone else, and I'll be history. Could I possibly continue to solve crimes with Detective Mrs. Kate Motorcycle Boy? No! I couldn't stand that. But what can I do? Go back to being spoiled playboy Rick Castle? Have a new supermodel or starlet on my arm and in my bed every night? Castle smiled to himself. Kate's changed me. That life holds no interest for me anymore. Once you've known Kate Beckett, nothing else is as good. Worse luck. Maybe I could find someone almost as good as Kate. God! What kind of living hell would that be? To have someone who was almost a Kate Beckett. Being alone would be better. I think.

"Castle? We're here."

Rick looked up and saw they were at the theater. Beckett paid for the tickets and they went into the lobby. "We have about fifteen minutes before the next showing starts. We don't want to go in and see the end, do we?" She said.

"No. Of course not." I have to tell her. Lying to Beckett almost makes me sick. Crap! When has any other woman made me feel that way? I used to be able to lie to any woman about anything. For some reason I can no longer fathom, I used to be proud of that ability. Castle took the sleeve of her coat and drew her off to the side of the lobby. "Beckett. I have to tell you something. I've seen Forbidden Planet before. Lots of times." Castle braced himself for the explosion he knew was coming his way,

"I know." Kate said.

Castle waited for more. Then it hit him. I know? She said I know! "You knew?"

Beckett smiled. "Of course I knew. Castle, you're the biggest sci fi geek in all of Manhattan. You have a life sized statue of Bobba Fett in your bathroom. You gave Alexis a matched pair of Star Wars light sabers for a present. You knew James Arnett played the thing. How could you not have seem one of the seminal science fiction movies of all time? Everyone from Gene Roddenberry to George Lucas and beyond was inspired by Forbidden Planet in some way."

Beckett gave Castle a searching look. "I'm glad that you told me the truth, but why did you lie to me to begin with?"

Castle shrugged. "I wanted to see it again, but I hate going to movies alone. I asked Alexis and my mother, but they had other plans. When you asked me, I was afraid that if I said I'd seen it loads of times before, you wouldn't want to go with me." And another half truth to Beckett. I could hardly say, Beckett, I love you and any time I have with you is precious to me because I know that one day we'll be over. You'll go off with Doctor Motorcycle Boy, or someone else, and then where would I be?

Beckett rolled her eyes. "Castle, I've seen the movie loads of times before. I wouldn't mind taking you no matter how many times you've seen it. Really, we're partners and friends. So don't lie to me in the future, okay? I hate being lied to."

"Okay. No lies." I just won't tell you the whole truth. "So, you're really a big sci fi geek as well?"

"You bet. I don't really like the dystopian sci fi. You know, where the future is miserable because of wars, or global warming, self aware computers, or alien invasions."

"So that's why you don't ever want a murder suspect to be a zombie or a vampire. You're hoping the vic is really a red shirt done in by the Klingons or Khan Noonien Singh."

Kate smiled slightly. "That's one reason I suppose. And the fact that there are no zombies or vampires out there to be a murderer would be an even better reason."

"I prefer to say we haven't found any yet." Castle said.

They noticed that the theater doors were opening and the patrons were leaving the previous showing of Forbidden Planet. "Come on, Castle. I'll buy you candy and popcorn."

"And burgers at Remy's?" He boldly said.

Kate looked at him. "Okay. But it's on you."

Later, Kate sat next to Castle as the film began. She slid her hand over and took his without hardly noticing it. Why did I do that? I know why, of course. The more I'm with Josh, the more I know he's not for me. The more I'm with Castle, the more I want him. Seeing him with Alexis just reinforces what I know about him. He's a good man. A very good man. If only we could talk. Kate almost laughed out loud. Sure. I'll just say, Castle, ignore the fact that I have a boyfriend for a moment and tell me if you feel anything for me? What kind of stupid question would that be? I need to make up my mind about Josh. I'm sure our relationship is going nowhere, but it's something. Would something with Castle be better? In the short term, I'm sure it would be, but in the long term? But if a short term relationship with Josh is okay, then why not one with Castle? Because I want more from Castle. I want…Always with Castle. Is that even possible?

Kate looked up and saw that the spaceship was landing. The film was beginning. First think about Josh, then Castle. And in the meantime, enjoy the movie.