The Good and The Bad (A Caskett Story)

Chapter 18

"So, what were you girls talking about?" Castle asked and smiled.

"You," Kate told him, taking a sip of her water.

"Oh, really? What about?" he winked at her.

"About how annoying and utterly stupid you are," she smirked and winked at her mom.

"Last time I checked, you liked that about me," he looked straight into her eyes.

"Yeah, you're right," she admitted.

"You two are adorable, I'm glad Katie has found someone in her life that loves and cares for her. And from what I hear, you stayed with her for all those years even though she was the most stubborn woman on the planet. Thank you, Richard," Johanna looked at the two of them. Happy and so entirely in love with one another.

"No problem, I don't know what I would do without my Kate," they looked at each other and smiled. "So, Johanna, where have you been staying? And I'm sorry about what I said at the precinct. I was just mad and thought this was all a scam and then seeing Kate like that again, I just lost it I guess," Kate looked at him confused. What? What did he say? And when?

"No, don't worry about it. I get it, you were sticking up for Katie and I should've known what her reaction would be," Johanna assured him. He smiled at her and Kate still looked at the two confused. "And I've been in Florida. I'm- or was a school teacher for a while."

Kate's eyes grew, "Really? I didn't know that you were that type of person."

"What? Are you saying I don't like kids?" Johanna kidded, winking at her.

"You know what I mean," Kate said.

"Yeah, I decided on not being the mean, bad, one. I don't know. I guess I just missed seeing you and having you around I wanted to be around kids," she smiled.

"What grade do you teach?" Castle asked.

"9-12, I'm the law person. The one who teaches about law and stuff."

"See, I knew you would stick with something having to do with law," Kate smiled.

"What can I say? Law is a fun subject for me and I'm not really smart with the other subjects so hey, why not law?" They all three shared smiles.

"Alright, here are your cheeseburgers and enjoy! Just call me over if you need anything," the waitress informed them and walked off.

A little while later, Castle was just finishing up his burger while the girls were only half done with theirs. "And done." Castle announced. Kate looked up from her burger and down at his basket.

"Did you taste that burger?" Johanna and him laughed.

"Yes, I did and it was delicious. I could go for another one but I shouldn't. Or I will be too fat to do things later on tonight," he waggled his eyebrows over at Kate. Her gaze snapped to his, eyes open, giving him her 'look'.

"Castle!" She whispered loudly, cheeks beginning to turn a bright red. He smiled proudly and looked over at his mother-in-law. She was trying her hardest not to laugh and smiling huge. "You are unbelievable." she muttered and took another bite of her burger.

"It's alright, Katie. I was young and totally in love once too," Johanna smirked at her and her cheeks became even more red.

"Can we change the subject please?" Kate asked, annoyed.

"Hey, May?" Castle called over to the bar. "Can I get the bill, please?"

"Oh, Richard. No, you don't have to pay. I can pay for myself," Johanna told him.

"Nonsense, you're part of this family now. I pay for all of my family," he smiled at her. Johanna looked over and Kate, who shrugged her shoulders and nodded her head smiling, then looked back to him.

"Are you sure?" Johanna asked, unsure.

"Yep," the bill came and Caste took out his credit card, giving it to the lady.

"Alright, how about you play for this and I pay for some ice cream. My treat," Johanna said.

"Ice cream does sound really good right now," Kate smiled.

"Oh, yeah, definitely! Ice cream sounds good anytime of the day!" and here come the 9 year old on a sugar rush. "But are you sure? I mean I can pay-"

"Richard, you are going to let me pay for ice cream or you don't get any. Ever. I will make sure Katie never gives you any," Castle face went dead serious and he nodded.

"Okay, okay, you win," he backed out. Standing up as the lady came back with his card and they headed out.
{771 words}

A/N: Well, I highly doubt Castle would say that in front of Johanna. But he might. I don't know. It's Richard Castle, so maybe.