A/N: My other story, Powers, is being put on hold… But here's a short story for the holidays I wrote and worked on during class because well, class is quite boring…

DISCLAIMER: I write fan fiction in class… so… All character credits to Castle.

xxxxx

Chapter 1: Twinkle

It's been a long night, and frankly Kate was all but tired. She thank the person on the other side of the line and threw her phone onto her desk. They have been chasing down leads all morning and it was nothing but dead ends. Kate rubbed her temples and sighed; she seriously needed to refresh. Take a break from this awful case. The boys, Esposito and Ryan, left not too long ago after being at the precinct since 6 last night, suggesting her to do the same. It was closing near 9 and she was in no mood to head home. In fact, she dreaded it. Kate put on her navy blue trench coat, ran her hand through her dark, brown, now wavy strands, and grabbed her handbag. She slung it onto her shoulder and bided some of her morning shift colleagues' a goodbye.

The winter chill morning air stung her face causing her nose and cheeks to become a rosy pink. Opening her shoulder bag, Kate took out her black woollen scarf to wrap around her neck. Instead of catching a cab like she intended to, she decided to walk around Manhattan. Kate shoved her icy hands into the trench's pockets. The weather was rather lovely; it wasn't such a bad day. Her thoughts drifted off as she gazed at the joyous decorations around the city, only to be interrupted by the growl of her stomach. Oh. She remembered. She hasn't eaten since sometime yesterday.

Walking a bit further she finds a small, cozy café. It wasn't quiet, but it was strangely comfortable. The door opened and Kate slipped inside thanking the man who had brilliant blue eyes walking out balancing two cups in one hand. He actually looked quite adorable doing so, but she pushed the thought aside.

She waited in the short line before ordering a bear claw and a Grande skim latte with 2 pumps of sugar free vanilla. It was her mother's favourite. God, she missed her mother so much. Kate finds a table next to the window that had a pleasant view of the snow covered, Christmas decorated streets.

The snow began to fall gently. A smile curled on Kate's face, but it faded quickly as the memories of Johanna Beckett flooded back. She ate in silence and left with her coffee in hand. She wondered how her father was doing. He's been sober for 6 months. Kate made a mental note to give him a call later. Her walk continued all though Central Park. Christmas was everywhere in the city. Kate, in fact enjoyed it until a tragic event that occurred in her life. She'd never forget.

After a while she rested shortly on a nearby bench watching families enjoy their time. Kids being kids in the flurry white snow and parents chatting in the sidelines. Kate wondered around aimlessly. She stiffened when a snowball hit her backside.

"OH! I'm so sorry!" A little red headed girl said as she ran towards Kate, "I'm so sorry, mam."

Kate relaxed a little, bent down to the girl's height and smiled, "That's okay, no harm done. See?" She wipes off the snow from her shoulder.

A familiar ruggedly handsome man jogged over, "Alexis! What are you doing?" He directs his attention to Kate, "I'm sorry."

Their eyes meet. Wasn't he the one who held the door for her at the café? OH MY GOD! HE'S RICHARD CASTLE!

"Daddy, I was just apologizing for hitting her with a snowball, that's all."

"Oh."

Kate looks at the man and laughs, "She's well mannered. And that's really cute that you guys are having a snowball fight."

He smiles, "Yeah. Uh, you look familiar, have we met?"

"No, I don't believe so."

"Oh. Must be one of those familiar faces." Definitely not.

Kate grinned, "Yeah. Must be."

A snowball hits the man's jacket, "HA! GOTCHA BACK! I'M GONNA WIN DADDY!"

"ALEXIS! YOU'RE GOING DOWN!" He says bending down gathering snow into his gloved hands. He aimed precisely at Alexis, but misses because she's too quick. He glances at Kate, "Care to join?"

"Oh, no that's alright. I'll be heading off soon anyways." Kate replied

Alexis pipes in, "Please don't go! You can help me fight off Daddy!"

The man gave her a smile and waggled his eyebrows like some child. Kate laughs again, "Oh alright, one game."

There was something about this man and his daughter that made Kate feel welcomed and not awkward. It was some kind of light in her dark world. Something that made the situation feel bubbly, happy. Kate Beckett does not do happy. It was rare. And this father and daughter has practically achieve the impossible within 2 minutes, tops. They are going to pull her inner child out that has been locked up for years. Kate, for once, didn't mind and feel like she was carrying the world on her shoulders.

"I'm Rick by the way," the man says to her as she hurried over next to the red head.

Her back is to him as she gathered some snow. In a swift motion, "Kate. AND GOTCHA RICK!"

"HAHA! DADDY'S LOSING NOW, YES!" Alexis says as she and Kate high- fives, "I'm Alexis, and you're a good partner."

"I'm Kate, and so are you Alexis."

Rick pouts, "YOU'RE GOING DOWN TOO KATE!"

The morning passes and by noon Rick was exhausted. The girl team was beating his ass. He had been running around the playground to hide or to catch his breath.

"Okay, okay. You guys win," He finally puffed out, "Happy?"

Kate cheered, "YES! He admits defeat! Girl power, Alexis! Woo!"

"YAY! WE WON!"

"I can't believe you already gotten my daughter to turn on me!" Rick whined.

"Daddy, I still love you don't worry." Alexis said as she runs up to him. Rick catches her in a hug.

Kate smiles watching from a small distance. He's really caring for someone named a playboy in the papers. Well, can't believe everything the paper says. Alexis whispered something into Rick's ear. The corners of his eye crinkled and an adorable smile lit up his face. He nodded, and his daughter was jumping with excitement. Rick heads over to Kate. "Alexis here was wondering if you would join us for lunch."

"Uh. Well…"

"Please Kate! You're super fun!" Alexis begged.

Kate was at loss for words. She hasn't been called fun since freshman year of college. Kate looked at the girl. How in the world could she say no to that face? "Alright."

The three of them walk over to a little restaurant just near the 12th. Rick went in to see if there was a table available. Kate listened to Alexis tell a story about Rick. She was intrigued, to be honest. Firstly, this girl is 10 and her vocabulary is definitely outstanding. Maybe it's because her father is an author. Secondly, Alexis is very kind hearted and not some spoiled brat. It was shocking because her father is so rich. Lastly, Rick was a great, single dad from the looks of it. And Kate was well attracted to him.

Kate laughed just as Rick came out to get them, "Really Alexis?"

"There is a table, let's go in."

The two females replied, "Okay."

Alexis walked in first and the waiter led them to a table. Rick whispered into Kate's ear, "What did my daughter tell you to cause you to laugh so adorably?"

Kate felt butterflies. She hasn't felt butterflies in years. This man and his charm, damn it.

"Oh nothing, just something. It looks like you're more of a child then Alexis, Rick," Kate teased.

He chuckled, "Right, I assure you that I'm no child, in fact a perfect gentlemen. Except my intentions are not pure."

Kate almost tripped, but was caught by the arm with his masculine hands, "Thank you."

"Anytime."

The three looked at their menus in silence before Rick spoke, "Ready to order?"

Kate and Alexis nodded. A waiter came by, "May I take your order?"

"I would like a chicken burger with a medium fry, but a bottle of water though," Alexis politely requested.

"No soda?" Rick asked.

"No. I don't want any."

"Ah, okay. And Kate? What do you want?"

Kate smiled at the waiter, "A steak burger, medium rare, with a large fry, and a chocolate milkshake, please."

Rick jaw dropped at Kate's order. Given her shape and fitness, he would have expected her to have salad. He was definitely attracted to her even more now.

"Same as her, please except I would like a Coke instead, thank you."

The waiter finished scribbling in his notebook before he looked up, "Alright. Your order should be here shortly."

Rick turned his attention to Kate once again, with his mouth wide open.

Kate quirked an eyebrow, "Rick, you are going to start drooling."

"Yeah dad. That would be both embarrassing and gross," Alexis shivered then looked at Kate, "Ugh. See what I have to deal with."

"Just what you ordered was not what I was expecting."

She chuckled, "Oh, I do like salad Rick, but I'm not that type of girl. Sorry."

"Why are you apologizing? That's great you're not like the bimbos I date-"

Alexis coughed interrupted, "Dad. You're going to scare Kate away…"

"Right, back to the point-"

The waiter showed up with the food, "Steak burger, large fries with a coke,"

Rick raised his hand slightly, "That's me"

"And a chicken burger, medium fried and bottle of water,"

Alexis pipes up, "Mine."

"And steak burger, large fries with a chocolate milkshake. Enjoy your meals."

All three replied a thank you and began to dig into their long need meal.

Halfway through the delicious food, Kate's phone rang.

"Excuse, me."

Kate stepped aside to take the phone call, "Espo. What's up?"

"Beckett, we got a lead."

"Yup. Okay. I'll be there in 5."

Kate walks back to their table, "Sorry, but work's calling. I'm going to have to cut this short. It's been great. And don't worry about paying. I got it covered. Bye Alexis, bye Rick."

Alexis managed to wave a goodbye. Rick couldn't even begin to argue and she was at the front, paying for their meal. Then she was out the door. A waiter was at their table taking her food to put into a take away box. Rick figured she knew the place well if they were willing to do such a thing. It all happened so quickly.

Later that night when he and his daughter returned home was when he realized he didn't even know how to contact Kate ever again. He kicked himself mentally.

xxxxx

After solving the case, Kate caught a cab back home. She was worn out. It's been a hellish night. Grabbing a bottle of wine and glass, she ran herself a hot bath. Kate stripped off her work clothes and sank into the relaxing water. A smile formed, but then faded as she realized that she had no way of contacting him unless she wanted to look like some lunatic fan. Kate pinched the bridge of her nose, given her luck, she'll never run into them again.

xxxxx

Reviews are gladly appreciated. Next chapter will be up next week! x

-C