Chapter Sixteen

[thebestseller]

Ahhh, the joys of youthful folly at school dances. It reminds me of my own teenage years, wild, rambunctious rascal that I was. But some of the stuff I did isn't exactly fit to tell in pleasant company. Nice to see you kids having fun, though, really.

[Filtered away from Kate Beckett- highest security he can manage]

So, it's my dearest Detective Beckett's birthday on the 17th of this month. She'll probably kill me for even thinking of it, but I'd like to throw her a party or do... something for her. She's been through a lot lately and could really use the fun.

Who's with me?

Comments

[Filtered]

[mindoirsurvivor]

Count me in.

[thebestseller]

Sweet.

[Police-level filter]

[librariansheart]

Oh my goodness, it is? I didn't realize that we were so close! I need to go get her some gifts. I'd love to help with the party, too, if you think I'd be of any use, Mr. Castle.

[thebestseller]

Any help would be great- finding a good place to hold it, especially.

[librariansheart]

There's a conference room at the station that the Chief might let us use, but let me check a few other places. I don't know how much she'd want to have her birthday at work. Should I check for bars, or would she rather there be less alcohol? I'm not sure.

[thebestseller]

Less alcohol means less potential embarrassment... hmm, the conference room might be the best place to hold it if I make it a surprise party. Question is, is a surprise party worth the inevitable glares...

[librariansheart]

Ooo, is she likely to be mad at us for it? I wouldn't want to upset her. I mean, birthdays are supposed to be fun!

[thebestseller]

Oh, she'd get over it pretty fast, not to worry.

[librariansheart]

...Mr. Castle, you're not pulling my leg, are you?

[thebestseller]

A little. She may scowl a little, but she'll appreciate it. This is the woman who managed to scare me at my own Halloween party after insisting she didn't want to come, after all.

[librariansheart]

Oh! That's... good, then. I think. Well, then what should we do? Balloons? Cake and ice cream? I could get some of her favorite kinds of snacks, and maybe soda?

[thebestseller]

You're awesome. I'll handle baking cakes; I did enough for my daughter's birthdays and school parties. I want to have some fun, but going over the top isn't really her style either.

[librariansheart]

[There are a few long minutes between his reply and her next one while she flutters and flusters about having been paid a compliment. Finally she decides to just... let that slide by and focus on the rest of what he said.]

What about decorating with little dioramas of gummi bears? Or is that too silly?

[squidissension]

it wwasnt that fun

[thebestseller]

Oh, I don't know, there were plenty of choice moments.

[squidissension]

i dont remember any

[thebestseller]

... did you really have that much punch?

[squidissension]

wwhat no i just didnt havve any fun

[thebestseller]

Oh, of course. The punch was pretty dandy, though.

video;

[themuse]

I dunno, Castle, I wouldn't mind hearing some of those wild child stories.

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[thebestseller]

Bah, it's in the past. I'm all grown up and stuff now.

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[themuse]

"Grown up?" Really? When did that I happen? Because I didn't notice...

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[thebestseller]

I have an apartment of my own and everything!

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[themuse]

Wait, you mean the apartment back home you share with you mother? Or the one here where you don't pay rent and live with a troll?

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[thebestseller]

Oh! Oh, bestill my beating heart.

I feel like I'm making up for Mother living in my place so long rent-free.

video;

[themuse]

Sure, Castle. In the cosmic scheme of things I'm sure it totally evens out.

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[thebestseller]

Some time after two years it will. Maybe more, considering I'm from New York.

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[themuse]

At least if we're wrong and time doesn't stop back home, you have someone looking out for the bills. My super probably sold all my stuff and rented the place out again by now. And I'm pretty sure my insurance doesn't cover "long term abduction into a parallel reality."

/so late to this party, oh yes!

[littledhampir]

I don't know if I should be surprised or disturbed that you are friends with Kate...

Anyway. Count me in on the party.

[thebestseller]

Oh, believe me, we're very close.

The more the merrier.

[littledhampir]

Seriously? What, are you a cop? Cause...you didn't really seem like a cop the other day...

Good. I'd ask if I need to bring anything but I can't cook so it's probably better if I just bring myself.

[thebestseller]

Nah, I'm just a writer. One lucky enough to have a spectacular muse.

I'm making cake and bringing coffee; that's all she'd want.

[littledhampir]

Yeah I'm not sure I even wanna know what that is.

[Rose Hathaway. She who led a very abnormal life so doesn't understand basic things. Like what the hell a muse is.]

But alright, I'll be there, just you know, let me know or whatever if anything changes.

[And by there we mean late because Mun has had a hectic week... and is special. Tagging that now!]

[thebestseller]

An inspiration. Someone who drives my writing and creating of characters.

Absolutely.