She's in shock at first. He's still sitting on the couch's arm, his body slightly leaning front, his hands barely touching her hips and his tears soaking her top. When she finally manages to move her body, she gently lands a hand on his back and relaxing her muscles, allows him to wrap his arms around her waist and pull her closer to him. Usually this is his role, he's the one good with words, he's the one who can always come up with a silver lining, that's why their partnership works so well, because they are so different. She sucks at comforting, I mean it's one thing to do it with the victims or their families, but he's someone she cares about, plus she still has no clue what is going on.
Because she can't seem to find the right words she keeps it simple. She lets her chin rest on top of his head as she keeps patting his back and uses her free hand to run her fingers through his hair, simply whispering – Shh, it's okay Castle, it's going to be okay.
Though they have shared their fair amount of drama, she can't remember a time when she saw him broken like this, so she doesn't dare to move until he loosens his grip. When she can finally feel his breath even out and his muscles relaxing around her body, she gently cups his face in hers hands in order to have him facing her and a sudden urge to kiss him takes over her. It's not like she had never felt it before (though she keeps denying it to herself) but this time is stronger, deeper. She considers it for a second, she doesn't think he would complain, especially not today, but she decides it's not the best time. They've been waiting for so long, there's no reason to rush it now.
- Hey – she murmurs with a smile.
- Hey – he repeats a bit embarrassed – I'm sorry, I… - he tries to apologize but is shushed by the touch of her hand on his lips.
- It's okay – she assures him warmly – why don't you just tell me what happened?
He nods and redirects her to the couch where they sit side by side. She gives him a few minutes to collect his thought and then he finally tells her:
- Alexis was attacked.
- What? – she asks surprised as a sudden wave of guilt takes over for her meltdown just a few moments before – What happened?
- Last Sunday, she was coming back from Leslie's and this guy approached her from behind and… - he pauses for a moment and she can see how it hurts him just to remember – he knocked her down and hit her… she fought him, but he was bigger and stronger – his voice fades into a whisper and he takes a deep breath before continuing – she came home crying, her clothes all ripped off…
- Castle – she asks when he stops again – did he do anything else to her? – and she didn't have to clarify, he knows exactly what she means, that had been his fear too.
- No! She fought back and she screamed, eventually this guy showed up and that bastard ran away.
Kate nods – Why didn't you call me? – and she isn't mad anymore or hurt, well maybe a little hurt with the fact that he hadn't trusted her, but mostly she is worried.
- Alexis made me promised I wouldn't – he explains – trust me, you were the first person I wanted to call! – he says sincerely and she can't hide her smile.
- She was probably too scared – Kate acknowledges – so I'm assuming you didn't press charges – she says.
He shakes his head – She wouldn't even let me take her to the doctor – he confesses.
- Castle, pressing charges is an option… though I really think we should try to get him, but if she was beat up she needs to be checked by a doctor – Kate says firmly.
- I know that, but I'm her father… She's terrified, she will barely leave her room and when I ask her what I can do to help, the only thing she asks me is not to call the cops and not to force her to go see a doctor, how can I deny her that?
- Maybe I could talk to her? – Beckett asked hesitantly.
- No! – he says startled – Didn't you hear me? She can't know I told you, she… - he freaks out and the detective as to stop him before it gets worse.
- Castle, Castle! Calm down – she orders him patiently but firmly, she knows him, she knows he needs her to take control of the situation – Listen to me, you're right, you're her dad and that's why you have to help her see what's best for her. Alexis thinks that pretending this didn't happen will make it go away, but he both know that's not true – she tells him looking straight into the eyes as she gets him to nod in agreement.
- She'll hate me – he says in a whisper.
- She won't hate you.
- She will! – Castle insists.
- Maybe for a brief moment – Beckett ends up agreeing – but she'll thank you for the rest of her life - she reassures him reaching for his hand and squeezing it tightly.
Despite not being fully convinced he nods.
- Take me to her – Beckett asks before he changes his mind.