Beckett had told the Captain she was headed home early, giving no real reason. Although it was out of character the Captain hadn't questioned the Detective. They had no case and the woman clocked enough hours as it was. Beckett had said her phone would be on as she walked out the door, heading home to change as instructed.

The subway ride had been quiet. The lack of hustle and bustle had given her time to think, consider. What was it Alexis was scheming at? She must need help carrying something, an adult to vouch for her, someone to drive her somewhere, or maybe just some company from someone who knows her Dad too. She supposed she had become a family friend recently, more than just someone Castle worked with, but someone who spent time in his home with his daughter as well as himself.

She wasn't sure when it happened, the dinners to celebrate the successful resolution of a case had moved to their homes and become longer. Increasing amounts of time spent sitting at his table, on her couch, or in his study all just talking while they had another glass of wine. On a few occasions Alexis had called them over to watch a movie with her. It was comfortable, she enjoyed this time with them. It made her feel content and wanted. He always knew when to suggest it to her as well and he always had an excuse prepared, some better than others – a new DVD, a new recipe his mother wanted to try out, Alexis wanted to talk, she needed to talk.

She had stopped fighting him so much. Well that wasn't true, he still pushed her buttons and she always stood up for herself and brought him tumbling back to Earth. She was beginning to let him involve her in his life, in her own life. She had kept him at arm's length for so long that it was nice to have someone there. When had everything changed?

Castle had confided in her late one night that Alexis had been having issues with him working with her again. That Alexis had insisted he wasn't a cop. Beckett had reminded him – you're not. She had hoped he understood why she was on Alexis' side on this one, but that she would never stop him from working with her – he was her partner. She thinks he understands now, but the argument which had ensued had caused Alexis to come downstairs. That hadn't been as awkward as she had expected, especially when Alexis realised Kate was on her side, at least partly. When Alexis had stormed off after her father flatly refused to stop (not a request from Kate), Kate had insisted on following. She knew what Alexis needed to hear, it was what she had been assuring herself ever since she had granted him permission to ride along. She would not get him killed while he played cop, she would not get killed while he played cop and if she ever thought there was a situation he couldn't handle, she would kick him to the curb. Alexis had been shocked by the admission, but they had come to agree her Castle wanted to be there and when he wanted something he got it. So she would look after him, ensure Alexis didn't lose another parent. When had everything changed?

The trained slowed, her stop had arrived. She welcomed the movement, less chance for her brain to dedicate all of its focus to Castle while it coordinated her movements as she wove through the crowds. It worked until she reached her apartment, unlocked the door and dropped her gun and badge on her dining room table and dropped her keys and phone into the bowl. When she got to her room she had already shed her blouse and was in the process of undoing the belt of her pants when she digested Alexis' instructions properly. Just neat casual but just add an extra layer for warmth. That ruled out so many possible scenarios for what this would entail. But it meant it was more than likely the girl hadn't lied about expense and that put Kate at ease at least. After wriggling into a pair of jeans and finding a knitted top and undershirt she bite her lip as she stared her gun down, deciding whether to bring it. Decision made she moved back to her room to grab her bag, she was not going to leave her piece in plain sight in Castle's apartment, but the cop in her won out once the worst case scenarios played across her mind.

She put everything in her bag then slung it over her shoulder. She takes a breath, preparing herself for whatever this is. Maybe she should take a taxi, it isn't that far. If it were summer she would walk, while the winter chill would probably be refreshing and stop her mind working, she would be frozen through by the time she saw Alexis and surely no use to her then.

Her mind had been surprisingly blank once she had given the cab driver the address. She had begun to feel resigned to her involvement in Alexis' plan, whatever it was.

Alexis has been madly running around for the past hour, getting everything out ready so that as soon as Kate arrives they can begin working on it together.

When the doorbell rings Alexis has just put the stepladder back into the spare bedroom. She heads downstairs and opens the door. "Hey," she greets the older woman with a wide smile, "thanks so much for agreeing to come help."

"Alexis I don't even know what I've agreed to here," Kate says honestly, her tone giving away just a hint of her apprehension. She moves her eyes away from Alexis for second, intending to avoid the girl for a moment, but finding her eyes widen involuntarily as she sees what is behind her. There are groceries stacked on the island in Castle's kitchen. What is Alexis planning?

Alexis gives a gruff laugh as she sees the confused look cross Kate's face. "Want to come in and I'll explain?" she offers and she sees how her voice breaks Kate out of her confusion.

Kate meets Alexis' eager gaze and manages a nervous smile as she nods and enters. Alexis holds out her hands for her bag, so Kate can take off her coat. She stares at the girl's hand for a second, hesitating, but then relents, accepting the help the younger Castle is offering her. It seems a family trait. "Thank you," she mutters as she removes her overcoat and Alexis holds open the coat closet for her.

Once her coat is hung, her bag in the closet (her phone removed and put in her pocket, of course) and her shoes off she faces Alexis again, looking to the girl for guidance. But when their eyes meet Kate sees Alexis is nervous. "So what is this plan?" she keeps her tone light, trying to put the girl at ease, which will also make her feel more comfortable.

Alexis bites her lip, obviously a little nervous, as she smiles. "Christmas dinner," she beams, apparently infinitely proud of herself.

Kate nods at the girl, impressed but deep in thought. She finds her voice. "How come you need my help?" she queries, digging her thumbs into her pockets, awkward.

"Well Grams can't cook… And Dad… Well it is a surprise for him, he loves Christmas. But ofcourse you already know that," Alexis pauses, watching as Kate nods in agreement before she continues, "He always cooks us all a feast, but you know… when you are the one doing all the cooking it is less enjoyable."

Kate is nodding again and seems to be in agreement, Although she is not sure why the girl thinks she has the ability to help, she is not someone known for her culinary abilities. "I'm not very… I'm not a cook," she confesses.

Alexis laughs. "Neither am i!" she exclaims. "But I found a heap of recipes online and brought all the ingredients we'll need. I cheated and brought some things... premade. He is out for the afternoon so we have all the time we need."

Kate raises a brow.

"Some publicity lunch," she explains.

Now it is Kate's turn to laugh, the girl has put a lot of planning into this, so who is she to say no to helping her?"Alright Alexis, show me what you've got," she makes herself sound more eager than she is. While she is more than happy to help her pull off this surprise, it will be a lot of work – and a lot of cleaning up! When had everything changed?