Chapter 38. Vampire Weekend

[thebestseller]

[This entry is forward-dated slightly to midday tomorrow. The writing is still recognizable as Castle's, but the hand trembles a little.]

Promise ----> Alexis
Nikki ----> Detective Kate Beckett


I'm a mystery writer. Nikki- Kate- wasn't isn't my wife, but she's a homicide detective, and we're partners. I shadow her and help her solve cases because she's the inspiration for my new series of books. I live in a loft apartment with my daugher, Alexis, and my mom, Martha. I'm famous, too. REALLY famous.

Alexis is waiting for me. I [There's a long pause here, and the writing becomes steadier, but slower as he carefully considers each word and phrase.]

I've made a lot of friends here. All of you have helped me through some tough times and been the best friends... and everything else... a guy could ask for. "Thank you" doesn't seem like enough at this point, not nearly. I'm never going to forget any of you.

But my daughter is back home. She needs me. And I'll keep having adventures. Not without saying goodbye in person, not without making arrangements first, but... I'm going home.

Comments

[live_ringer]

That's quite the 'About the Author', Rick.

It's good to know you'll get to be with your daughter again. I know she missed you.

[bloody-pens.livejournal.com]

I'm rather surprised my own self- though it explains why my childrens' books weren't big hits.

I missed her, too. A lot. I just- hope I haven't REALLY been gone for almost two years. I know Beckett and my mother would have taken care of her, but still...

[live_ringer]

They certainly had a... special quality to them.

Here's hoping. Though if it has been that long, who knows, maybe she'd remember some of her time here.

Oh, and can I ask you a favour? Writer that you are, would you mind trying to give us an update when you do make it back? I'd like to get a sense of how this whole thing works before making any travel plans.

[bloody-pens.livejournal.com]

True. I'll just have to hope for the best, I guess.

Definitely. Someone's gotta be the guinea pig, right? If nobody else wants to, I will- I just have some things I need to take care of first.

[weaver-girl.livejournal.com]

Some day I'll come by to get copies of your books, Mr. Castle. Stay safe!

[bloody-pens.livejournal.com]

You, too, sweetheart. I hope you'll enjoy them, whenever you can get them.

[weaver-girl.livejournal.com]

Thank you.

[She draws a snaking arrow up to this comment (http://bloody-pens.livejournal.com/13162.html?thread=633450#t633450).]

I was going to bring my journal with me, find out if it could still deliver messages in the other worlds.

[bloody-pens.livejournal.com]

Good idea- let's cross our fingers that it works.

[spandexisyouth]

I am glad to know that she was your daughter, and that you will see her again soon! She needs a father.

Be well, my friend. I hope that our paths cross again, and if there is a way to make it so I shall!

[bloody-pens.livejournal.com]

I can't wait. Especially because her mother... well, let's just say of the two of us, I was judged to be the more responsible parent, believe it or not.

Anything is possible after two years spent inside a fishbowl.

[spandexisyouth]

I understand. I would want to get back to my child if I had one as well. And I believe it. You showed yourself to be a splendid father.

It is! Especially when one has youthful determination!

[grinninggrifter.livejournal.com]

Best of luck, Rick. I cannot say I am surprised that Nikki is, in fact, a detective. If she remembers this place, will you give her my greetings? She was uncommonly kind.

[bloody-pens.livejournal.com]

Yeah, that was my first guess as to her occupation.

I most definitely will- and if I can come back here somehow and bring her, we may run into each other. You never know.

this lack of icons will kill me

[man-genius.livejournal.com]

Hey. Can we talk?

[bloody-pens.livejournal.com]

Was just going to ask you the same thing.

[man-genius.livejournal.com]

Sorry about running off like that.

Where are you?

[awokentospring.livejournal.com]

You are a dedicated father, Rick-san. And you have much to live for back home, I think. I am grateful to have gotten to know you a bit here, and I will miss you and everyone else that is leaving.

Do try to be safe after you have returned home. If I am able I

[bloody-pens.livejournal.com]

I'll miss you, too, little buddy. Thanks for the kind words- it was good knowing you.

You and your sensei are tough guys- you'll be fine in your world. But I wouldn't mind visiting if I could.

[awokentospring.livejournal.com]

You are welcome, Rick-san!

Perhaps, once things have become less dangerous for my village, you can come and visit? And... if you do not mind, I would like to visit you again someday, too.

[blindedmewith.livejournal.com]

You got to work with a real investigator?

...I'm really happy for you, Mr. Castle. I'd like to read your books.

[bloody-pens.livejournal.com]

I do. It started out as a fluke- I helped solve a case where someone copied the murders I wrote in my books. Then, like a burr, I stuck around.

Thanks, sweetie. If I can get some copies back here, I will.

[blindedmewith.livejournal.com]

They must have been really good murders if someone wanted to copy them!

[That would sound far, far too chipper in person.]

Do you think you'll be able to? What if we can go home, but we can't come back? I don't know how this is supposed to work. Science really can't explain it.

…yet..

[crimsonmischief]

Will you be bringing Pony-san back for them~?

[bloody-pens.livejournal.com]

Eventually- especially since we can apparently come back here. I need to get them used to the whole suddenly-brother concept first. And Tribble.

[crimsonmischief]

Then perhaps Genius-san should refrain from bringing Eliot with him the first time...