If anyone has any ideas for Rick to come up with for Kate, don't be afraid to let me know!

Writer

"See Kate, aren't you glad you came out with me tonight?" Lanie pushed, grinning at her friend.

Kate surveyed the club, taking in the perfect balance between elegance and a party-like atmosphere. "All right, yes," she finally conceded, taking another sip of her drink. "But how did you manage to get us on the VIP list?" The exclusive club had only been open for a week, and there was already a waiting list to just get in the door, never mind getting upstairs to the VIP level.

"Girl, I know people," Lanie said with a wink. "Unlike you, I actually have a life outside of work."

As always, Kate opened her mouth to deny that accusation, but Lanie's raised brow and her finger pointing to the small notebook Kate had brought with her in case she had any epiphanies about the case she was working stopped her from wasting her breath. That and catching sight of a familiar face heading their way. "Oh no, Lanie look we need to –" But it was too late.

"Fancy seeing you here," Rick greeted, flashing his most charming smile. His gaze slid over to Lanie, and his smile brightened further, though Kate didn't see how that was even possible. "And you're here with a friend. Hi, Rick Castle," he said unnecessarily, holding out his hand.

Lanie stared at him and Kate in shock for a few moments before finally taking his hand, the most dazed expression on her face. "Yeah. Yeah, I know," she said hoarsely.

Rick glanced at Kate, asking, "So do I have to write her a story too, or do I get to know her name?"

"Hold up," Lanie ordered, sliding her hand from Rick's to hold it up in the universal stop gesture. "You two know each other?!" The look she gave Kate promised revenge for not being informed of this sooner, but also promised begging for every single minute detail later.

"I'm certainly trying to," Rick said, winking at Kate. "So, last time I was wrong about Brittany, so how about…" he trailed off, eyes flickering between Kate and Lanie. Kate didn't miss the appraising look he gave her (he probably didn't mean for her to miss it) and was suddenly thankful for the strapless purple dress Lanie had talked her into wearing.

"I know!" Rick exclaimed, snapping his fingers. "You're both here to write a review on this place for a paper or magazine, because you're the best lifestyle writer they have…Felicity?"

Kate actually snorted. "Felicity? You're losing your touch, Castle."

"What? You're not a Brittany, so I'm going with uncommon names to match your uncommon beauty." He winked again.

Kate just rolled her eyes, though she was glad for the dim lighting so he and Lanie couldn't see her blush. If she was blushing, that is. Because she wasn't.

"Mind explaining what's going on?" Lanie interjected, bringing the focus back to her. "Her name definitely isn't Felicity, it's –"

"No, don't!" Kate and Rick cried out simultaneously, Kate going so far as to reach out and grab Lanie by the wrist. All the ME could do was stare at them, raising an eyebrow so high it threatened to disappear under her bangs.

"It's a thing we do," Rick explained, his grin turning a bit sheepish. "Or I do. I try to guess her story."

"Hasn't even come close yet," Kate teased. "But he has come up with some intriguing ideas."

"It's how my mind works," Rick said, tapping the side of his head. He turned his head when his name was shouted across the room, waving back at whoever was calling for him. "Ladies, it was a pleasure. I'll figure it out next time, I'm sure."

"We'll see," was all Kate said, watching him walk away, wondering…

Wondering what, she wasn't sure. Lanie wouldn't let her follow that line of thought through to the end.

"Katherine Houghton Beckett," Lanie said in that tone voice, eyes gleaming. "Explain. Now!"

Her excited squeal a few minutes later actually turned a lot of heads in the club.