Author: iDefy Gravity
Rating: K+
Summary: After a particularly tough case, Castle goes home to see his little girl.
Disclaimer: I do not own Castle.
Author's Note: I have no idea where this came from. I really don't. I planned to write Caskett angst but this little fic came out instead. That said, I dedicate this to my Daddy, the most wonderful man on Earth. Anyhoo, read and review please.
The precinct was uncharacteristically quiet as the three detectives, plus Castle, sat at their respective desks. Every murder was bad but it somehow became worse when your only witness was a four year old girl.
"So," Castle said, finally breaking the stifling silence. "What do you think will happen to the kid?" The question had been on his mind since they had found her hiding in the bedroom closet.
"She'll probably end up in foster care," Kate said sadly. "Her father's in jail for killing her mother. Neither one had clothes relatives." That was the answer that he had been dreading. He had heard horror stories of foster homes. He sent a silent prayer to God that she would find parents that would love and protect her.
"She's only four. She shouldn't have had to witness that," Castle said, staring at the floor.
No one had a response. It was the truth. Four year old babies should not have to witness their mother's murder. They should be tucked into bed with a teddy bear and a bedtime story.
"I'm gonna go," Castle said, feeling the overwhelming need to see his daughter. "I need to go make sure Alexis is okay."
Kate smiled at him and nodded. "See you tomorrow."
"Alexis," Castle called as he walked into his apartment.
"Yeah, Dad?" Alexis bounced down the stairs and he immediately enveloped her into a hug. Planting a kiss on top of her head, he murmured, "I love you."
"Love you too," Alexis said, concerned. "Bad case?"
"Yeah." He blinked back the tears that threatened his eyes.
"You wanna talk about it?"
"No. I just want to see my little girl and make sure she's okay."
"I'm fine Dad." She smiled at him and, just like that, his mood brightened. "Wanna watch a movie?"
"Sounds good. I'll get the popcorn." Nothing about the day would be okay to him but at least his daughter was alive and safe and, in that moment, he truly understood how blessed he was to have Alexis in his life and he vowed to do everything in his power to keep her that way.