She's late getting home and if she didn't know any better, she'd just slip in through the front door soundlessly and go to bed. But she does know better and because of that, she makes as much noise as possible when she gets home, waking him up on purpose.

"You're late," he grumbles, rolling off the couch, dark circles present once again under his eyes.

Alexis Castle smiles at her father as she pulls her coat off and hangs it by the door. He crosses the living room and kisses her forehead, mumbling something about food while she takes a seat in the kitchen.

"You're drunk," she says, taking a sip from water he sets in front her. He quirks an eyebrow upwards before shrugging and turning the oven on. She spies a familiar handbag hanging on the chair next to her and grins. "So will Kate be coming back for her purse or is she still here?"

Castle tenses visibly, his hand slipping off the freezer door. Alexis is quite pleased with herself for noticing and even more pleased when Beckett walks in and, without stopping, turns on her heel and walks back out.

"Hi, Kate!" Alexis calls after her, attempting (and failing) to stifle a giggle. Castle rolls his eyes as he places cookie dough on the pan and washes his hands. He leans against the counter, crosses his arms, and surveys his daughter.

"You look entirely too pleased with yourself," he yawns, shuddering. She winks at him and swipes for some cookie dough before padding off towards her room.

"At least she was clothed this time!" she calls back and Castle can't help but agree.

At least she was clothed this time.