Oh. I wrote this at 2 am in the freaking morning. Well, inspiration struck. :) HAHAHA.

Disclaimer: DON'T OWN ANYTHING. :)

Chapter One – Late Night

Kate's POV

The sound of my pen meeting the paper when I write, the buzzing of the lights, the ticker of every keypad pressed on the keyboard, and the occasional ring of the telephone is what fills the bullpen this time of night. It is surprisingly quiet around here. It is not usually like this, but I am kind of thankful that no deaths have happened. I cannot possibly be handling another case right now. I will totally go insane without a bit of rest.

I voluntarily stayed for paperwork today, as usual. I just thought of finishing this now and not having pile of stuff to do later. We just closed a case of a double homicide. We thought it would be easy cause all the markers are placed quite relatively but apparently we were wrong.

My head is killing me. I have been up for what? 30 hours right now? The only thing that is keeping me running is my extremely short power naps and cups of coffee. My butt hurts too, sitting here for so long is no good. Thank God I am almost done with this and be ready on my feet for a good hour or so. In no time, I will be out of here. I will settle myself for a nice, long, and wonderful night in the Castle home. That would be comforting.

I am alone here. Well, not totally alone, people who have the graveyard shifts are here. I gave Javi and Kevin the night off. You know to spend and enjoy with their significant others. Like I said, it is been a tough week for all of them, so this will be a simple reward for those two. And they deserved this little pampering. And not only that, Lanie have been begging me for weeks to give Javi the night off. Apparently, she has planned something fun for them, if you know what I mean.

Castle was here earlier. He's been here with me the whole case. No sleep, no rest, no everything. Seriously, I thank God he's here. He is the only person that can keep me sane in this time. He brings food, brings coffee, jokes from time to time. Having him keeps everything light and honestly, he really does help in solving the case. He left about three hours ago, he said something about making dinner and spending time with Alexis. And she will just see him at home.

I placed the final dot on the last paragraph and signed that magnificent paper that kept me from lying on a nice comfortable bed with my love. I filed the papers and placed my pen on the holder. Placed everything back where they should be. I stacked all the files in the bottom drawer and decided to place them in storage when I come back. Apparently, I have the day off tomorrow. Yay me!

I stood up, stretched my body. Ohh, I can feel every inch of it coming back. I have been sitting for good four whole hours already. Jumping and stretching would make it all better, I think. While grabbing my coat and my purse I bid my goodbyes to my fellow cops and get my butt out of there. I so cannot wait to get home. I just miss Castle so much. Oh, did I just admit that? Nahh, yeah I miss him so bad. Plus I want to have a nice, long bath and maybe read a good book.

As soon as the elevator door opened she went in and grabbed her phone from her pocket. She pressed on the home button, slid to unlock, and pressed her password. She went to open her inbox and saw two messages from Castle and one from Alexis. Oh wow, how she love's this family so much. She immediately opened the messages which made her face light up.

From Rick Castle:

Hey, Honey. How are you doing there? Just checking. Love you.

Ohh, you're doing paperwork aren't you? Okay. I know you're staying there late. But get home soon, please. I made dinner for you.

From Alexis Castle:

Hey, Mom. I thought we could go out tomorrow. Go to an amusement park or watch a movie. If you're free. Lemme know. Thanks.

She sent her approval to Alexis and thought of calling Rick. She pressed the speed dial and waited.

Rick's POV

I just finished cooking the pasta carbonara. And it looked perfectly great. I went home early to cook for everybody and to spend a little time with Alexis. She is going to leave for college in a few months and I see to it that we spend time together before that happens. We go to malls, have movie nights more often, go to museums, and everything. I am glad that she got that internship at the morgue. I know, I was not supportive before but I really think it was a great idea. At least now, we have the same understanding to crime, death, and justice.

"Hey, Dad. I thought if you and Kate are free tomorrow we could go to an amusement park or we could watch a movie. The avengers is out. I'm sure you haven't had the time to go and watch." Her sweet daughter suggested.

"Yes, Pumpkin. That would be great. I think Kate has the day off tomorrow. But ask her still, she would like that. It'll be respectful and sweet. Okay?" I replied, with a little hint of excitement glowing on my face. I'm so thrilled to watch the Avengers. I've been waiting for it for ages.

"Of course. Thank you so much, Dad. This would be so much fun! Okay. I'm texting her right now. And when she approves, I'm gonna head on and plan our super awesome day!" she said, now with full bliss.

"Okay. I'm sure it will. Can you help me clean up, Dear? So we could eat." I suggested, as I stared putting away the dishes.

"Aren't we gonna wait for Mom?" She replied.

"I'm sure she's coming home late. I think it's best if we go eat ahead. I'll just wait for her later and join her while she eats, you can join too if you want." I explained. I'm so happy that Alexis thought of Kate. I'm glad they're going well.

"Ohokay. But I think I'm going to bed early or just resting early. It's been a long day. I had to go to the morgue early to file something up for Dr. Parish. Sorry, Dad." Her little girl said.

"That's okay. I understand. Let's go eat." I said, while prepared their plates and drinks.

"Yummy. My favourite indeed!" she said with a wide grin.

"You're too sweet!" I joked back.

I really am going to miss her when she is gone. But Kate is right, I just have to practice and learn that she is growing up and it is the cycle of life. And I am happy that my attitude towards her leaving us changed. Yeah, I am melancholic from time to time but most of the times, I am just happy that Alexis has grown. Not just an ordinary human being but a responsible and remarkable young lady which makes me so proud.

After finishing their meals, they cleaned up and Alexis retreated up to her bedroom. She kissed him goodnight and reminded him about the day out tomorrow.

Then his phone rang. A grin plastered to my face unconsciously upon seeing who it was.

"Hi, Honey! Alexis and I just finished dinner. Where are you, my fair lady?" He opened the conversation with full of excitement.

"Hmm. Your highness is currently hailing a cab to journey to the most wonderful home she has."

"Oh, why that's extraordinary. Have a safe trip, my lady." He replied.

"Indeed, I will. Our princess phoned me about a little trip tomorrow? I'm honoured to join you and be a part of this said trip."

"Oh. Why thank you for agreeing to the request. The princess would feel amused with this." He said, with a surprised thought that she is still playing with her.

"Castle, as much as I want to continue this play we are having, I can't. I'm on my way home, by the way."

"Sad. I'm quite enjoying the royal talks." He said. Oh he was expecting that to come.

"I'll see you soon."

"Yes. You take care. Okay? Promise? Love you. See you." He said with full love and honesty.

"Yes, Sir! Love you too."

A/N: I hope you like it. :) Review please. :)