Chapter eighteen

[thebestseller]

Oh, dear me, so many new faces around the island lately! To introduce myself to all of you, I'm Richard Castle, mystery author. Yes, the island felt it appropriate to bring me here and tell me YO MR. CASTLE, WE HEARD YOU WRITE FICTION SO WE PUT SOME FICTION IN YOUR FICTION SO YOU CAN WRITE ABOUT THINGS THAT AREN'T REAL BECAUSE YOU ALLEGEDLY AREN'T REAL.

I work at the book store, so please, do stop by. You'll at least find pleasant conversation if nothing else, and I'd appreciate the company.

[Text to Kate Beckett]

Poke. Poke. Poke poke poke. Hey. I just texted to say "I love you". And "poke".

Comments

[animator]

Truly a meta-meta moment, when you think about it.

Nice to meet you, Mr. Castle. Anita Blake.

[thebestseller]

Layer upon layer, like a meta sandwich. Or perhaps a lasagna.

Likewise. Settling in fine, I hope?

[animator]

I like the lasagna imagery, myself. Let's run with that one.

Well enough. I've been spending a lot of time down at the station with the chief and Detective Beckett, which has made it easier. They both have their heads on pretty straight.

[thebestseller]

Delicious meta noodles topped with meta sauce, cheese, and meat. Hey. Meta meat.

Oh, you know Detective Beckett? She and I come from the same place.

[animator]

That's some potentially delicious almost-alliteration, there.

She and I have been assigned together a few times. She was one of the people who made sure I had a decently warm welcome when I arrived.

[brotimaeus]

whoa.
they really aint holding back on the meta here are they.
i might think of taking up that offer for pleasant conversation.
provided you can answer a couple of questions.
the first is are you a fucking adult because am up to my waist in fucking anklebiters.
the second is do i get a glass of whiskey with said pleasant conversation.

[thebestseller]

Meta wrapped in meta on top of- WE NEED TO GO DEEPER.

To answer your first question, yes, I am. Grown up with my own house and kid and everything, at least back where I came from.

Sadly, the whiskey can't happen while I'm on the job, but afterwards, who knows?

[brotimaeus]

great.
some of these kids give me the creeps not gonna lie man.
you try keeping a straight face while someone who ain't far of being knee high to a cricket talks ectobiology at you or some shit.
i mean jesus.

hell.
i aint got the option to be picky.
this is my sanity on the line.
conversation trumps alcohol at this point.
at least i got that who knows to tide me over.

[thebestseller]

I live with a teenage troll. Believe me, I know all about that feeling.

Hopefully you can meet some of the other adults here, especially at the "after work" part. I don't mind kids a whole lot, but sometimes you just need a grown up conversation, you know?

[brotimaeus]

no shit bro.
ive met a couple.
more weird than i could shake a motherfucking stick at.
friendly enough i guess.
mostly been acclimating to the place.
getting reacquainted with my bro.
little shit had the nerve to gain two years while i aint been around.
rude.
but what can i say.
grown up conversation is where its at.

[text]

[themuse]

[Cheater. He shouldn't be allowed to make her heart get all mushy like that with a stupid text.]

I bet you text all the girls to tell them that.

[text]

[thebestseller]

They just get the "poke" part.

[private audio] - because he gets a phone call for that

[themuse]

You need some company at the bookstore? I'm thinking about slipping out of here early.

[private audio]

[thebestseller]

Well, how could I ever say no to such a request?

[private audio]

[themuse]

I didn't think you would. Especially if I offered to throw in lunch.

[video]

[thatsawiggle]

Hello hello Castle! Me name's Jin!

I ain't much one fer books, but I could go fer some shooting the breeze - 's just an expression, obviously, though I did know one boyo what did try to actually shoot the breeze once! Well, actually, he was aiming for me, but seeing as how I was flyin' way over his head it weren't like he weren't also shooting the breeze! Course, that didn't work out too well for him, 'cause the breeze listens to me when I be telling it to do stuff!

[video]

[thebestseller]

Hey there, Jin! I've never seen you before- must be one of the new faces.

... Really? I mean, I can easily get the idea of someone literally shooting the breeze on purpose, but... what do you mean by "the breeze listens to what you tell it"?

[video]

[thatsawiggle]

Aye, I just got here m'self yesterday.

Oh! What I mean is I'm a wind master! Been training me whole life just so that the wind'll have an affinity fer me. I'd say I was the top o' me class, 'cept I never actually sat in a class 'bout it or nothing, everything I learned I taught m'self! I got all sorts o' windy moves up my sleeve, like summoning tornadoes an' flyin' around all free as I please!

[He laughs.]

The wind 'round these parts be pretty nice 'n friendly. Reckon it's used to all sorts comin' round in and out and all over the place.

[video]

[thebestseller]

[Castle raises an eyebrow at that. He's long accepted the existence of strange powers, but he still loves to hear about them.]

A noble profession, I'd say! Teaching yourself must have been hard, but it sounds like it was worth it. I only wish I was that awesome.

[He then grins in reply.]

Sounds like you'll be able to keep your skills sharp, then.

[video]

[thatsawiggle]

Hehehehe well if yer curious, I'd be willing ta give you a firsthand demonstration! Haven't gotten the opportunity ta do much more than a few laps 'round the island. Didja know that barrier's a right pain ta be smackin' inta headfirst? Whoo-ee, ain't had a rattler like that in a while! Like runnin full force into a wall o' pure energy, it is.

[Behind him, there's nothing but blue sky. He's floating a fair height up in the air.]

[you_have_heart]

Hello, Mr. Castle, I am Loki. I think I will stop by your shop sometime, books are something I have enjoyed since childhood.

[thebestseller]

A person after my own heart. I would be happy to have you.

[you_have_heart]

What kinds of books do you have?

[thebestseller]

All kinds, fiction and non.

[you_have_heart]

Do you have any of these 'source materials' I have heard of?