Castle lingered on the border of his apartment and the hallway, fiddling with his keys. After a moment, he was crossed into the empty, dark apartment. The silence of rooms around him forced a disappointed sigh from the writer. Occasionally he enjoyed the luxury of a quiet home. It was nice to write in. But tonight he yearned for the comfort of his mother and daughter. After yet another near death experience, he desired nothing more than some human contact with people he loved.

He walked to his bathroom and undressed. A hot bubble bath is always necessary after a near death experience. Though, he would never admit to taking bubble baths. There would most definitely be a major deduction of manhood points.

After about a 20 minute soak, he put on some boxers and looked at the clock. It was only 9:30. He fell onto his bed. His mind was too busy to allow him any sleep. Castle reached for his phone and dialed.

It rang once. Twice. Three times. Four. Five, and finally six. The familiar message chimed in his ear.

"Hi, this is Alexis, sorry I missed your call! Leave a message! Have a great day!"

As disappointed as he was that the machine answered, Castle couldn't help but smile. He loved the sound of her voice.

The message tone beeped.

"Hi sweetie. I just called in to see how things are going. You and gram haven't gotten lost yet have you? Call me back. I love you. Bye."

He pressed end and looked at the time again. 9:32. An idea popped into Castle's mind and his fingers began clicking a quick text message to Beckett.

You awake?

After a few moments he got a reply.

Sure am. It's hard to sleep after battling a tiger.

Castle smirked and started to type a reply.

Battling? More like running away and screaming.

True. But I'm honestly trying to figure out what's haunting me more: the tiger or that crazy old lady!

That's a good point. Both will be keeping me awake tonight...unless...

What are you getting at Castle?

Well, you see, I'm all alone. Alexis and mother are gone. And I can't sleep; we almost died today. I was thinking, you're all alone right now too…you should invite me over? Or you could come over here? And we could keep each other company…

Castle hit send, crossed his fingers, and anxiously awaited a reply.

Huh. So you're inviting yourself over, but you want my permission first? I'm impressed. Usually you just show up. Little Castle's learning some manners… ;)

Aren't you proud of me? I think this deserves a celebration. I'll bring the wine and movies…and my jammies. I'll be there in 20.

Wait? What the hell? Your Jammies? I never even gave you official permission to come over in the first place…let alone invite you over for a slumber party!

The winky face implied it. And yes, we're having a slumber party. Don't argue, it's a done deal

NO FUNNY BUSINESS CASTLE! You can come over, but DON'T MAKE ME MAD AT YOU!

I pinky promise Beckett! And psh, like you could ever be mad at me. ;)

Dear god. You better get a ton of wine.

:D seeya soon, detective!


AN: So I'll do my very best to get this updated asap! The next few chapters should be longer too. Leave me some reviews please! Thanks for reading, you lovely human being you! :)