To cupcake4ever2012— Thank You, when has Rick Castle ever freaked out? Remember the first time he met Ashley? That was like the only time, he didn't act like an overgrown brat and more like a startled dad. But then that's about it.

To Kate— I know girl, I know this story is long, but then it's a trilogy, shortening it would be a bit difficult. Especially, when I need to finish it...

To vmc— Thank you so Much for your kind words.

To FanofalmostEVERYTHING— There is a plan, the main thing is to finish this story. Hehehe :P


Another chapter which brings forth more relationship issues...

I promise my best.

Thank You for the reviews.

Please Enjoy and Review with any and all comments


DISCLAIMER: NOW THE PLOT IS ALL MINE; EXCEPT FOR THE STARTING-SETTING OF THIS STORY IN EMERALD SPARKS(Chapter one's first scene), AND THE CHARACTERS BELONG TO ABC STUDIOS, BEACON PICTURES, EXPERIMENTAL PICTURES AND ANDREW W. MARLOWE.

THE REST OF THIS STORY AND CHAPTERS BELONG SOLELY TO ME 'SAHIBA'.


Please Note:

This Story Part has shorter chapters but is slightly longer in Context.

In short nothing would make it look like less.

Serpent's Kiss:

Part I — Emerald Sparks (Contained 25 Chapters)

Part II — Sapphire Ice (Will Contain something between 25-30 Chapters)

Part III — Ruby Flames (Will Consist of 25 Chapters more or Less).

Please Enjoy.

This story is rated M. Please Enjoy.

Dear Readers; In case anyone is confused about the Timeline, Alexis and Kevin's meeting, dates are as follows:

31st December – Saturday (New York… Castle's New Years' Party)

1st January - Sunday (Kiss me stupid...)

2nd January – Monday (A little insight on Aaliya and Fatima's life)

6th January – Friday (A Little TLC to go a LONG way)

9th January – Monday (Alexis' Bet)


Chapter Four

Night of The Hunter


Kevin stepped out of the break Room, and looked up as Michael walked over to Kate's desk and handed her a file, he was charming and polite. Laughing at Rick's teasing and Lanie's casual flirtations, he smiled and bowed and saluted them, simultaneously answering Kate's questions.

Kevin loathed to admit, but he needed to apologize to him, and soon.

"You know if you keep glaring at the new intern, one would think you wanted to kill him. Quick question, what did he do to piss you off?" Javier asked.

"I am not glaring", Kevin snapped and glared at Javier.

Javier raised a skeptical brow; "If looks could kill?" he smiled sarcastically.

Kevin growled, "Oh Shut up!" he hissed and stalked off angrily, walking back into the break-room he put down his cup of coffee, and swore as he violently

I am an Idiot!

Oh then we're in consensus…

Welcome back, my egotistical sarcastic counterpart.

You do acknowledge that we're the same person right?

Oh Shut Up!

Javier's whistle echoed through the Bullpen, and he poked his head through the doorway, "I think we know who Kay is", he murmured and Kevin frowned, as he nodded towards the bullpen, "Well get out here, Moroooooon", he drawled

Kevin frowned, as he walked towards the doorway and wondered.

I'm Kay… So what now?

Kevin looked up and growled as he spied the tanned youth talking to Castle as Alexis' grip on his arm flexed, Kabir grinned at something Kate had said. Kevin barely acknowledged Javier's startled voice as white hot stark fury crawled through Kevin, he pulled Kabir towards him collar in his fist, "What the hell are you doing here?" he snapped.

"Kay!" Alexis echoed. "Kevin stop!" she cried out. "Kevin!" she called out only to be pulled back by Javier, "What are you doing?" she asked the Spanish detective.

Javier shrugged, "I—I'm sorry, I hadn't realized I'd even caught your arm", he murmured and let her go, "I just—Kevin, he's well and truly pissed off, I haven't seen him that angry in a very long time. Only in the very beginning, when I was partnered with him", he explained thoroughly confused.

Alexis sighed, "I knew listening to Aaliya was just planning for a bloody disaster", she let her head fall on Javier's chest, as weariness crawled through her.

Rick walked towards the two, "Mind explaining what the hell just happened?" he asked. Kate and Lanie looked up as well, and Michael sort of shrugged as most of the entire force watched on curiously.

Alexis flushed, "Um…" she paused and looked away, "It's sort of an odd friction between the two, which I don't particularly understand myself, and all I know is that, since the two have met, Kabir and Kevin are at war. I barely understand it myself", she answered.

"I can help explain that", a voice in a cultured British accent stated from the entryway. Five heads snapped up as a turquoise eyed beauty stood in the doorway.

"Aaliya!" Alexis identified.

The brunette grinned, "Yo Lex!" she greeted and walked towards the two detectives, the Medical Examiner and The writer looked up, recognition flashed through their minds.

The turquoise eyed brunette wore a stunning brown dress; the wrap around material hugged her curves, and accentuated her breasts, the belt ties that pulled the dress together, knotted at the left side of her waist. She wore a beaded necklace made of Emeralds, as well as gold. Silver beaded high heels, adorned her feet, strapped around her long tan legs, in a Greek criss-cross design.

The redhead glared, "It's about time too… Want to explain what the fuck is wrong with those two idiots?" she waved her hand angrily at the direction Kevin dragged Kabir off to

"Language Alexis", Rick chided but Alexis ignored him.

"Well, ever since my brother's met you and ever since Kevin and I have met there was likely to be some friction. Look at it this way, Kay can't stand the very thought of any man anywhere near you. And well given that you spend most of your days around guys; either at the Precinct or at School; its likely Kay is going to flip out. And when you have highly—in your case— over protective friends, it's best if we assume there will be friction", the explanation was wrought with so much insinuation, and carefully protected names, it confused Kate and Javier, who shot each other a wary look.

Alexis sighed heavily, "Excuse me", she whispers, and walks to the interrogation room. The others pause unsure, till Aaliya regales stories of her brother and family dinners, and they snicker at the oddly charming woman, even if she's protecting three very special people, and the idea is not lost on anyone.

XX


Kevin pulled Kabir with him and threw him into the interrogation room, locking the door, he glared at him, "What are you doing here?" he asked.

Kabir shot Kevin a smirk and pulled himself free from his grasp, "I wouldn't", he warned.

Kevin growled, "I've told you this before, come anywhere near her, and I won't hesitate to kill you!" he hissed.

Kabir glared, "Alexis called me here, and you have no right", he stated blandly.

Kevin grit his teeth, "Touch her and I will kill you", he threatened a second time.

"You trust her right?" Kabir asked.

"With my life, soul and all the way to my core", Kevin answered promptly.

"I know you do. Then why are you so tense when ever you see me with her. I like her, you and her love each other. I won't, will never come between that. You need to believe me", he begged.

Kevin sighed, exhaling heavily; he looked at Kabir, only to see the boy was angled at a defensive posture, looking up at the mirror he cringed, as he took in his scowling look and the dangerous glint in his eyes….

"Ah Shit", he cursed idly and stepped away from the desk. Pacing agitatedly, he looked at Kabir and slumped weakly, "I know, hell I trust you. I know you'll always take care f her. You and your sisters, but shit… I just, you're so much closer to her in age, and let's face it, Castle would prefer you as a son-in-law rather than the alternative—" he trailed off weakly.

Kabir coughed, "I don't think he'd trust someone, his friends display a furious hatred, for", he joked weakly.

Kevin snorted, and looked away, "You should go. I'm sorry", he whispered.

Kabir nodded, "I am too", he murmured and he stood up. Walking towards the door, he had barely reached the handle of the door, and somehow instinctively managed to jump back, when the door swung open, to reveal a worried redhead on the other side.

Pushing past Kabir she ran towards Kevin, "Kay!" she whispered and fell to her knees, "Why? Are you okay? Trust me when I say there is nothing between me and Kabir, I swear it", she whimpered.

Kevin let out a harsh laugh, and completely missed the flinch that crossed Alexis' features.

"I know", the Irish detective sighed. "I'm sorry", he whispered, "I was out of line", he muttered desperately as he tried to stand, only to let the weakness creep in. "I'm an idiot", he cried.

"Why?" Alexis asked confused.

Kevin smiled, "Because I love you so much, and all I end up doing is hurting you. I reckon I make a pathetic boyfriend", he muttered.

Alexis' breath hitched at the term. Sighing she breathed the word, as she uttered it out-loud, for all its juvenile wording; it suited their relationship just fine.

"Boyfriend?" she asked.

Kevin nodded sheepishly, "Please be my girlfriend?" he asked.

Alexis laughed and nodded, "Yes. I accept", she whispered.

Kevin smiled, and "I love you", he repeated and placed a chaste kiss on the corner of her mouth, "Forgive this idiot?" he enquired.

Alexis sighed, and nodded patiently, "It's what I'm here for", she teased.

"I know I owe you a seriously long explanation, but do you reckon we could give it a temporary Rain-check?" he asked.

Alexis nodded, "Anytime", she whispered.

XXX


"Interesting?" a voice inquired as a door gently opened and closed softly. Kabir looked up, and spotted his sister standing in front of the door of the interrogation's hidden room. A soft smile graced his features as he nodded.

Aaliya smiled, "Have you moved on then?" she asked softly.

"I will", he promised.

Aaliya nodded, "We should fetch them", she said. Kabir nodded and knocked on the glass once, whilst Aaliya opened the door, "We'd require you two to join us, does that mean Alexis won the bet?" she asked.

Alexis snorted, "Well I reckon I did", she laughed.

Kevin snorted, and "That explains a lot", he chuckled weakly.

Alexis turned to, "What?" she shrugged warily.

Kevin struggled to stand, only for him to falter, Aaliya and Alexis rushed to help him. Aaliya being taller managed to carry most of his weight. Alexis bit her lip, "Don't do that", Kevin whispered. Confused Alexis shot Aaliya a questioning glance only for the turquoise eyed beauty to shrug warily.

"Don't nibble on your lip", at Alexis' clearly surprised look, he continued with a very low, "Itsaturnon", he mumbled the last part.

Having heard the last part audibly as she was nearest to Kevin's Mouth, Aaliya snorted at Alexis' truly befuddled look, but before she could explain, Richard Castle stood in the doorway, and "There you are", he called out stepping further into the room.

Kabir stood beside him, a thoroughly aggravated look, across his handsome features, Aaliya instantly recognized defeat, and she shook her head reassuringly, she had maneuvered the detective in such a way, to an outsider it would seem as if The detective was leaning entirely upon her frame, allowing one to think that she was the person he depended upon, allowed to be seen as the one, who had seen the detective at his weakest. Kabir took the hint, and walked to Alexis' side, he remained close but not at an intimate distance, mostly wary of Kevin, rather than out of respect for Alexis' dad.

Kevin hissed as he took a step forward, "Bloody stitches. I hate stitches", he mumbled, his hand clenched around Aaliya's waist. Aaliya nodded, "James can take care of that", turning to Rick she nodded, "Would it be alright if I took, Ryan home with me? I'm sure you lot still have closing to do. I'll um… take care of him", she reassured gently.

Alexis nodded, "Would you, really?" she asked.

"Emerald…." Kevin started, only to trail off as he hissed out in pain, as the pressure increased, contorting his features.

"It's okay; Kay and I will be okay. But, it is in your best interests, if you get that hand looked at", she pointed out, as blood began to seep through the bandages. Kevin winced at the underlying warning clear as daylight.

Richard nodded, and Aaliya with the elder castle's help, walked with Kevin out of the interrogation room, Kabir and Alexis' followed the trio. As they entered hallway, Javier caught Kevin, as he stumbled into the Spanish detective, "Let's get you home buddy", the detective whistled and together with Richard they walked him to his car.

Aaliya paused and hugged Alexis, "That was way too close for comfort, no more stupid dares, eh?" she whispered hurriedly.

Alexis nodded, and agreed silently, her eyes tracked Kevin's movements, until they turned a corner, "I'll take care of him. See you tonight" she whispered, and hugging her one more time, she ran after the trio, at Alexis confused, "Tonight? What's tonight?" she called out.

Aaliya waved her hands, "Kabir knows, he'll explain everything. Take care, bye", she waved and then ran after the others.

Alexis waved once, and put her hand down, "Sugar rush much?" she muttered.

Kabir laughed, "More like Caffeine high", he said.

Alexis sniggered, "Aye. I remember that. Without at least one cup of coffee they don't function well, neither Aali nor Maya", she chuckled. "Aren't you British lot supposed be fans of Tea?" she asked.

"Too much influence from you Americans, can't do much about it now", he tossed back, his English Accent ripe with amusement.

Alexis shoved him playfully, "Bugger off", she teased putting on a fake British voice.

Kabir snorted, "Oh that's Rich, I should put that up on Face-book, 'Alexis Castle the Converted'", he pitched back.

They laughed for awhile, sniggering over each other as Lanie and Kate walked to them. "Oops Damage Control", Alexis hissed. Kabir snorted, "Fast Talking is a part of the Family business", he assured amidst his sniggers.

"So, um… is everything okay between you and detective Ryan?" Lanie broached the topic a bit warily.

Kate watched carefully as Kabir straightened up, helping Alexis to stand straight, "Everything's great", he said. The detective narrowed her eyes, but smiled at the familiarity the two shared.

"I reckon that means everything is sorted between you and Kevin?" she clarified. Lanie shot a confused look. Alexis nodded, "They reached an understanding", she said. Kabir nodded, "We talked—", he began only to pause as; "Talked?" Kate interjected, and Alexis sobered, there was an underlying edge to The Senior detective's words. Kabir grit his teeth, well aware of the pressure, "Yes talked", he agreed.

Kate laughed, "No one has ever calmed Ryan down simply by talking to him, so how is, a complete stranger like you could do that?" she asked.

Kabir grabbed Alexis' hand, "My sister is a very special person", he said, "When it comes to loving Kevin and taking care of him, she is incredibly gifted. I trust her, and because of it, he trusts her. So when there exists no problems between us, there exists, no problems with Kevin and I. Now, the question is what are you insinuating?" he asked.

Alexis stepped in front of Kabir, "Whatever it is, we're not interested. Come on Kabir", she said and pulled him away towards the exit.

"Thank You", she whispered and squeezed his hand, as she stressed the pronoun.

Kabir grinned, "So Glad you caught on, that whole sentence structure was awkward", he muttered.

"Because you had a crush on me?" she asked stopping suddenly.

Kabir walked in front of her and faced her, "I did, but I can move on now", he agreed and explained.

"What changed?" she asked.

Kabir smirked, "Why… Are you enjoying the attention?" he teased, poking her playfully.

"A lot", she bat her eyes carelessly.

"Greedy Fish", he teased. They sniggered at the odd nickname, but sobered as the question still lay unanswered, "I like you Alexis, and I may have had a huge crush on you. But my mother explained this a very long time ago, that forcing your feelings upon a person, never gets you anything, except heart break", he smiled.

Alexis nodded and then looked out towards the parking lot, "This may not seem like much, but someday you'll find someone who'll be the one you actually have destined for you", she muttered, "Who knows she might be really close by", she assured.

"You're very sweet", Kabir stepped forward and placed a soft kiss on Alexis' brow, "I can see why he loves you", and as he said stepped back. "Speaking of which, if Ryan is well enough, I reckon you both will be coming to Phoenix Tears. The night club, that allows all ages to enter. Uh… your dad, invited Aaliya and I along, and well seeing as I am older and well according to half the precinct dating you, as a cover story, he urged us to both come along. The thing is, tonight's Tango Night, and well Aaliya has been dying to go, and that Spanish detective agreed, and well bottom line is, the two of you have inadvertently been roped in so we'll all be going tonight. That is if you're interested", he finished in one breath.

"Wow", Alexis breathed, "That — must have been the most you've said to me — ever", she blinked owlishly.

Kabir stared at her and she stared right back. They continued looking at each other until Kabir's lips twitched and he burst out laughing, Alexis joined him a second later. They giggled over each other, their laughter bubbling over each other, sliding down the wall they were leaning against, they laughed harder, as they recalled their friendship and snorted over the absolute truth of that statement.

Kabir looked over at her and she snorted at his absolutely pathetic attempt to try and say something.

"Hey—ha ha—no poking fun, ha-ha, you'll come right?" he asked.

Alexis nodded, "It won't be much of a date", she muttered.

"Hey, cheer up, like I said its Tango night, and well, there's a rule Aaliya left out, you aren't allowed to dance with the person you came with", he smirked.

Alexis looked up in shock, "Why that little— sneak", she exulted.

"That's my sister", he agreed.

"So, if I'm say with you", she rolled her eyes, Kabir shoved her in retaliation, Alexis smiled, "I can still dance with Kevin, I can spend time with him", she whispered.

Kabir nodded, "Yes", he smiled, reveling in her joy, feeling his heart heal, he grinned abashedly, "And don't worry. Trace, and James, Fatima and all of us really we'll all be there to take care of the others. I promise", he said.

Alexis grinned, and throwing her arms around Kabir hugged him hard. The Indian youth sniggered at her exuberance but allowed the hug, he shot Kate a cheeky wink, as he caught them spying and smirked as they ducked behind the corner.

"We have company", he said and pulled back.

Alexis nodded and stood up, she walked Kabir to his car, and the youth placed a chaste kiss on the corner of her mouth, "Thank you", he said.

Alexis nodded, "I'm the one is debt", she sorted.

Kabir shook his head, "No, no you aren't, My sisters were incredibly lonely when they moved to this city, but you took care of them, you were kind to them, I can't thank you enough for that. I'll always be in your debt, the truth is, and I'll never ever be able to repay you of this debt. I cherish Aaliya, she's very important to me, and I can't stand tears in her eyes, it kills me", he paused and swallowed.

Alexis waited as he gathered himself, "A very long time, my father hurt her, and she lost hope of family and barely restrains herself around him. Their relationship is—" he paused and then bit out the word, "—difficult. I guess you could call it that, it's not a good relationship, it's not a good anything, and quite frankly, it's a terrible connection. She hates him, and there's no love lost between my father and my sister. I want to help her, but she never accepts it, and it's always a struggle. But you've given her a family, and friends that care. I thank you for it, I always will be thankful. Please understand this", he smiled and before she could say anything, he ducked into his car, "Take care, and see you tonight", he closed the door, and drove off, and waving once he drifted into the traffic.

Alexis smiled, "It's not like she hasn't given me her friendship either, she saved my life in a small way too", she said.

Debts or not, I still am thankful…

Angels watching over us

Yes… Angels…

XXX


Lanie sighed, "What in God's name was that all about?" the medical expert asked.

Kate shrugged, "Something feels just wrong", moving forward Kate pulled Lanie and followed the two, "Come on, they're getting away", she pursued the two.

"Kate, they aren't suspects fleeing the scene of a crime, Relax", Lanie tried to stall her.

Kate sighed, "They look less boyfriend and girlfriend and more brotherly-sisterly", she said.

Lanie snorted, "Mmmm", she snorted, "Are those even meant to be put together?" she asked.

Kate refused to answer and pointed at the two, "Look they're not even standing too close to each other", she said.

"Oooh Call the police, oh wait we are at a police station", Lanie mocked, "heaven forbid common decency be allowed", she said.

Kate glared at Lanie.

"What?" she asked, and rolled her eyes, "Kate, there is nothing wrong about them, they look like a normal decent couple, joking and laughing, playing with each other, what are you looking for?" she asked.

Kate turned away and started recalling the day's events. "There's something weird going on, trust me", she urged.

Lanie shook her head and sighed, "What is wrong? Shouldn't you be relieved? I thought you and Javier thought there was something fishy about Kevin and Alexis' friendship, now you have a problem with Kabir and Alexis' friendship, what is wrong with you?" the Medic asked a second time.

"I don't know", Kate whispered.

"Speaking of, Alexis and Kevin, they make a super cute couple, and in a year she'd be legal anyway, so even if they are secretly dating, isn't that a good thing?" she asked.

Kate sighed, "Yeah it is, and it's not like Kevin would ever hurt her. That's why, the sudden entry of Kabir into the mix, it's just, I don't know it gives off a weird vibe", she said. Looking up she caught Kabir's wink and flushed, pulling Lanie behind the wall, she sighed.

"Well, anyway if there's anything between the two, we can always find out tonight?" Lanie said.

"How", Kate almost whined.

"Tonight is Tango night, There's a rule in Phoenix Tears, the person who came with you cannot dance with you when it's announced. The stipulation requires you to dance with another, and it's closely monitored, so even if you somehow snuck in and tried to dance with the one you came off, you'll be washed off of the stage", she said.

"Washed off?" Kate raised a sardonic brow.

Lanie grinned, "There's this hose, and it comes out of nowhere, it has the power of a fireman's pressurized hose, it sort of forces the couple right off the stage", she explained.

Kate nodded, "Well okay, but if the stage is wet, how would anyone else dance?" she asked.

Lanie sighed, "Look, it's hard to explain but the layout isn't really easy to explain, the building was constructed in an old burned to the ground firehouse station. Ironically", shaking her head, she continued, "The building was bought by a couple who changed it into a Night-club, the building's the same on the outside, but it's sort of shaped like a star on the interior, and it's got three levels. A restaurant of sorts on the top, and it caters to large groups, and or smaller broken off groups, I reckon even if we ended up going together, Kevin and Aaliya would sit separately and Kabir and Alexis with them, and now that you mention it there is something odd there. Anyway, we'll find out tonight, the second level, is a bar and a small dance area, the music is tamped down, the third level, is well, it's hard to explain, you'll just have to see for yourself", she gulped down a bottle of water, she'd found on Kate's desk, as she finish explaining everything in detail.

Kate sighed, "How do you even know all that?" she asked.

Lanie looked at her in derision, "I have a social life after the morgue, it's not my fault you eat, sleep, and drink Murder stories. Although if you ask me, sleeping is the one thing you don't do with the creator of such epic scenes of Murder. Imagine if he writes with such detail, he'd be able to perform with equal the luster", she said.

"Ugh! I so did not need to hear that", Kate looked up and squeaked and Lanie burst out laughing, at Alexis' green pallor.

The redhead shuddered, "I may never be able to read dad's books again. Thank you for that", she looked revolted and walked away, muttering along the lines of 'dad and fantasies', 'oh why couldn't I have had magical blocking abilities'. 'Yeuck!'

Lanie snorted, "I think we broke her", she laughed.

Kate threw a pen at her, "Oh Shut up"; she bit out, still red in the face.

Lanie snorted and walked off, "No one said spying was easy, no one likes to actually know the truth", she said and waved once, as she left the precinct.

Kate sighed, and closed her eyes, her chair rocked backwards.

That's probably true, but I'd still prefer Kevin and Alexis to be together as opposed to Kabir and Alexis

And I can't believe I just thought that.

Kate smirked, and sighed, as she prayed for a memory of a good night.

Oh Castle's in for a murder of a night.

XXX


"Well this is different", Sam looked up and grinned, James smiled, "I'll say", he agreed. Kevin and Aaliya whistled and they stood in the foray of the third floor, and looked down at the Sea of bodies dancing or well grinding against each other.

"Aaliya!" a voice called, and Kevin accidentally lurched forward.

"Talk about voice modulations", Sam teased, "You hear her voice, and automatically move forward", she said.

"Must be a Siren she must be", James interjected. The doctor wore a complete ensemble of Black, a Black sweatshirt over Black Trousers, although a complete picture of a cat burglar, he carried himself model-esque and maintained a wink, allowing may to fall in love with his boyish charm, Trace rolled his eyes, standing besides James wearing a three-piece, the blue tie he wore clashed with the green hue of his own eyes, but still looked dashing with his blonde hair curling over his brow.

"Oh shut up", Kevin bit out flushing as he turned away.

"Must be the wonders of loooourve", Kabir hissed the word, as he popped out of the woodwork.

Kevin almost yelped, "Kabir!" he bit out. "Where the hell did you come from?" he asked.

The Indian stood before them dressed in simple Black jeans and a blue button down un-tucked, his eyes twinkled and his eyebrows waggled playfully.

"I walked over the moment you pitched over", he pointed out sniggering. Kevin glared at him, "Oh your Harsh looks don't do much for me, I moved on, no longer am in love with the gem of your life. By the way, if hearing her voice compels one to fall, I wonder, Dr. James is it?" at the Irishman's nod, he continued, "What do you reckon will happen if he sees what she's wearing. I mean I may have moved on, but I'm still a man, have you any idea, how I managed to keep my libido in check?" whistling he ducked Kevin's attack.

"Whoo boy! Danger, Danger!" he teased and ducked behind Sam, "Control your brother love, he might just kill me", he tossed out.

Sam giggled, and pulled Kabir away from her cousin's pseudo rage, "Oh calm down, Kevin, he's only teasing", the girl admonished.

"I know that. It's you lot all teasing me, that's raising my hackles", Kevin yelled, and Sam and Kabir took a simultaneous step back.

"I mean come on, so you lot know, I mean I'm a weak minded idiot, get over yourselves and quit being so so – Ugh! Soooo—", he faltered as he heard his name being called.

"Kay!"

Kevin turned around and felt his knees go weak. "Oh…" Kabir clapped him on the back, "Easy", the Indian whispered and caught him.

"Hey guys", Alexis walked forward and hugged James and Trace. She stepped forward and hugged Sam, "Looking sexy Sam", she whistled and dragged her over to her dad.

"Ookay, yeah that would be illegal", James murmured.

"I think he's gone into shock", Trace nudged James and pointed to Kevin who now sat at an empty table, with Kabir absentmindedly patting his shoulder.

"What?" the youth shrugged, "It's not my fault, what was I supposed to do he just went into shock", he muttered.

"Kevin?" James knelt in front of his cousin, "You still in there?" he teased waving his hand in front of Kevin's face.

"Shut up", Kevin groaned, and then slumped all over the table, "How did Castle even let her out of the house?" he muttered almost painfully.

"That wasn't my fault", someone pointed out.

Trace and James looked up and Kabir smirked, "It's Papa Castle!" he chirruped.

Kevin looked up, and almost glared at Richard only to end up pouting, "Aren't you supposed to keep her wardrobe in check?" he asked.

Richard laughed, "Have a daughter and let me know how that works for you, eh?" he sniggered, and shook James' hand, "Good to see you again", "Hi I'm Richard Castle, Trace, special forces eh, hmm, you could help me with some novel stuff, ideas?" he asked. The writer wore a simple tuxedo, sans the bowtie, collar open at the neck. Black dress shoes similar to the others, stood next to them.

"I'm too young to die", Kevin hissed into the table.

Kabir snorted, "Quit exaggerating", he said.

"I am not exaggerating", he mumbled back.

"Oh calm down, so she looks hot, she did it for you", Kabir whispered.

"Yeah, I guess I should go say 'hi' then", he stood on wobbly legs.

"Do you think you'll be able to string two words together?" Kabir asked mockingly.

Kevin sighed, and "This is going to be a murder of a night", he unconsciously echoed his Senior Detective's words. Kevin shoved Kabir aside and swallowed. "I wish I was Popeye", he muttered.

"Say what now?" Javier asked as he stepped forward and clapped him on his back.

"Nothing", Kevin mumbled. "So hang on, just a second. I came with Aaliya, you with Lanie, Alexis with Kabir, Trace and James, Kate and Rick and my cousin Sam came with um… no one", he shook his head, "So that means we're all sitting together?" he asked.

"Well Rick thinks it's the best way to keep track of all the bill movements, and it's easier to break up the bill, if we all know where who's sitting. Even if we broke off, you Aaliya, Kabir and Alexis that would still leave out your family and well I mean no one likes putting your family separate", Javier explained.

Kevin nodded, "That still leaves Sam out of the um… the whole couple thing", he trailed off incoherently.

Kabir shrugged, "What's the deal, it's not like there's a serious lack of good looking blokes around, I'm sure she won't be alone", he reassured.

Kevin nodded, "Hang on Fatima's not here?" he asked.

"Ah… no she's got an exam coming up, she can't miss, so she's at home preparing", Kabir answered.

"Right, well takes care of that", he bit his lip. "Hey why aren't you freaking out over Alexis' dress?" he turned to Javier.

"Whaaaat", the Spanish Detective whined, "Why does everyone think I'm going to blow up when they think I'll see what she's wearing? I think she looks cute", he shrugged.

Kabir and Kevin turned to stare at him, and the detective cringed, "What? What was it something I said?" at their continuous looks he caved, "Oh Kevin look at her", he cried out and proceeded to slobber all over the Irish detective, "O-oi!" Kevin struggled against the detective's grip. "My little sister looks like Satan's Fiancé the whole thing makes her look lethal. Oh whyyyyy", he whined low and painfully.

Kevin snorted, and Kabir simply shook his head, "You two are impossible", he muttered.

"This coming from a guy who has libido problems?"

Kevin whispered, careful of the blubbering Spanish detective on his shoulder and Richard's wary looks.

"I wasn't the one who almost fainted", he pointed out.

"Oh put a cork in it", the detective muttered flushing, and "It's not like you can blame me", he answered.

"No can't really do that can I. can't complain with that view", Kabir muttered. They both looked up and took in the five ladies chatting amicably as if they'd known each other for a long time.

Although dressed in simple clothes, the dresses highlighted their body amazingly well, shaping their bodies perfectly. Kevin nodded as Kate turned to him, he smiled softly.

The Senior Detective wore a simple, black wrap-around dress, which fell till her knees, her black high-heeled pumps, accentuated her long legs, the sleeves were cut off. A dainty rope circled her waist, and tied behind her back, her pale shoulders were covered with the tips of her hair, as they fell from her loose bun. Eye-lashes highlighted with a dusty sprinkling of gold.

Lanie stood off to one side sipping a glass of something murky, and was talking to James and when had that happened? The Medic was dresses in a figure tight, dress with a gorgeous plunging neckline, although with fuller coverage shockingly, provided adequate support. The ironic thing however was it fell to her knees, and the edge of the dress was bedazzled with a splattering of beads that twinkled as the light fell on them, seemingly drawing attention away from her bust. Her feet were adorned in silver ballet flats.

Sam stood next to her, and in the middle of Javier and James, she wore a striking Sapphire Blue pear-shaped halter dress that fell to the floor, held up with a thin strap of blue daisies, diagonally stretching over her left shoulder and under the right-hand-side of her waist. Her earrings were long and dangled in three levels to her shoulders, hair pulled back all the way in a high ponytail.

Aaliya he was used to he had come with her, she was dressed in a simple sea-green A-line ball gown, the length fell to her knees, and accentuated her figure perfectly. It gave her a sultry, hot look that added a shroud of mystery to the ensemble. A crown of black beads, sat upon her brow, and her highlighted bronze eye shadow, brought out the actual color of her unique eyes on full display. The smoky look, gave off an allure that would spell bind anyone into believing she was an enchantress.

Kevin swallowed as he watched Alexis walk towards him. The young redhead was a vision in itself.

Alexis, she wore a flowing light green halter dress knee-length dress, the flowing skirt accentuated her hips, and her hair tumbled in soft curls around her shoulders. The Dragon-pendant sat above her heart, her green eyes glittered as she smiled at him.

"You wore the pendant", he murmured softly.

"I always do", she whispered, putting her hand over the dragon, "And you wore the watch?" she asked equally soft.

"I never take it off", he promised.

Alexis grinned, "You look amazing", she praised.

Kevin looked down at himself, slightly confused, he was wearing a simple Black Sweater-jacket coat, made of stretchable sort-of rubber feel to it, Sam had called it something like 85 percent cashmere, with some cotton, wool and something that allowed it to hug his body highlighting his lean body, but the same time keeping him warm (and well protected in the painful harsh winter, that would have otherwise caused his wounds significant damage). It had a hood that drew attention to his head as if it were a large cape, cut off, or something. An oblique zipper ran from his collar to his hem from right to left.

His hands were covered with Biker black gloves, the fingers cut off, so his slender pale fingers showed. The bandage well concealed under the thick leather. His Dark Blue Jeans hugged his frame well, accentuating his hips, and emphasizing his height as they tapered down his long legs. Legs tucked into Black Biker Boots, that bunched the jeans till his mid-calf. They had strange buckles, almost similar to roller blades, except without wheels, and laced tight enough to cut off circulation. Technically by his opinion he looked pretty darn normal.

"Protection gloves?" Alexis asked. Kevin nodded abashedly, "Yeah, James' orders", he muttered in embarrassment. Alexis nodded, "Good, it'll keep you safe, take care of that okay", she said. Kevin nodded once. And then seemed to recall her last statement and he flushed for a completely different reason.

"Me? You look stunning", he breathed. "Takes my breath away, you do", he said.

"Charming as all hell, aren't you?" Richard stated as he stepped between them, Alexis rolled her eyes heavenward.

"Dad!" Alexis cried out.

Kevin smirked, and cupped Richard's cheek, Alexis' stifled a giggle, as Kevin leant in, "Would you like me to test that theory Rick, I can give you all the charm you need", he whispered, voice war and husky.

Richard swallowed, and looked away, "Um… can I take a pass", he muttered.

Kevin snorted; "Can dish it but can't take it?" he laughed as Rick pulled away and kept a reasonable distance, and nodded towards Alexis and hastily made his escape.

Alexis giggled, "That was classic. Dad's not really a homophobe, but it's just you doing it that puts him off kilter. Its epic!" she laughed. Kevin snorted and they laughed together as

"Enough dilly dallying everyone, we're here to dance, are we not?" Lanie called out.

Alexis looked up to see the medic gesturing and ushering the others down to the dance floor below them.

"We should go", Alexis whispered, "Save the last dance for me", she said.

Kevin smirked, "They are all for you", he said.

Aaliya glomped Alexis, "Careful lovebirds, the two of you are under scrutiny from all sides", she warned. Kevin looked up just in time to see Rick's wary glance, Lanie's all knows smirk, Javier's suspicious glance, and Kate's questioning looks.

"This is going to be a nightmare", Alexis hissed.

Aaliya and Kabir took their places besides the two, squishing Alexis and Kevin together and standing on their outside, "We're all here to protect your secrets. Trace is planning on capturing your dad's interest in all things spy related, with his knowledge he'll be able to keep him occupied long enough. James will keep Lanie busy, and Aaliya plans on spending a good deal of time teasing Javier, if she can keep his attention on her, it will take a while for Lanie to notice—", Kabir took a breath and Aaliya picked up on the edge of the sentence.

"—And what are best friends for, and partners, Kate will keep his hooks out of Aaliya, and even if we can't manage all that, Sam and Kabir will come up with various distracting ways. Trust us, we'll make sure you guys, are somehow put together for the Tango—", she took a breath and Kabir picked up, sort of looking away and voicing the words in such a whisper it wouldn't get out over the four of them.

"—Just, try not to make it too hot. I mean according to cousin, if The Waltz, is painfully sizzling, I reckon the tango would be well dangerous", he managed to hiss before they were accosted by Javier and Rick.

"What's with all the gossiping, we came here together, and now that we're all friends, no secrets okay?" Javier alleged.

Alexis and Kevin winced but Kabir managed to deflect their attention as he started talking about his new car, Rick and James inserting words in between.

"See, piece of cake", Aaliya said and walked off towards the bar, "I think I'm going to need a really good drink for luck", she muttered.

Kevin chuckled weakly and exchanged a wary glance with Alexis who shrugged awkwardly before she was whisked away by Sam, who chirruped, "Come on the night's young let's dance", she said.

Alexis managed to squeeze Kevin's hand just barely before she was whisked off into the sea of bodies.

Kevin sighed, "I think I'm going to go find Aaliya, I'm going to need all the luck I can get", he winked at Kate and disappeared before she could say anything. Ducking behind a few dancing people he walked off.

It's going to be one helluva night, I can feel it.

XXX


Trace whistled as he looked around them, spotting Sam talking to Lanie about something or the other as she waved her hands madly, almost knocking a tray of glasses out of a passing waiter's hands.

Rick had managed to keep Alexis off of the dance floor, after she had successfully mortified him as she had grinded against Aaliya on the dance floor, the two girls had caused quite a stir. As they had danced with abandon, Kevin had barely managed to keep his libido and snickers intact, when faced with the dancing and then the force of Rick practically picking up Alexis and depositing her in a seat beside him.

The Irish detective had kept her seat beside her, and had entertained her with jokes, although she still glared at her father.

Aaliya had stayed on the dance floor, occasionally dancing with either James or Rick, or some random bloke, her eyes sharp and calculating as she accessed her situation and everyone else's. Trace slipped in between two stranger's and placed his arm around her waist, "What time does the Bloody Tango begin? It's been two hours and well, things look grim!" he managed to yell over the music into her ear.

"Five more minutes, Time to partner off", she yelled back.

Trace nodded and went towards Sam, "May I have the next dance?" he asked the young Irish woman, "I reckon you're my safest bet", he said.

Sam nodded, they quickly saw the other's partner off, Aaliya had managed to rope Javier to dance with her, Rick had moved to Lanie, James had cordoned Kate off, and Kabir had managed to find a young blonde he nodded towards Kevin and Alexis and Rick acknowledged the nod.

"Thank God!" Sam cheered, "That was a smart move", she gushed admirably.

"Yes, he made it look like he entrusted Alexis to Kevin, and made sure Rick saw the gesture", he murmured.

"Aye, although don't you reckon its odd, that Aaliya and us all managed to partner off so smoothly?" Sam asked.

"I'm just counting shooting stars", Trace grinned weakly.

Sam snorted, "Yeah, I guess Lady Luck Blesses Their Romance", she giggled.

Trace chuckled, "Whatever it is, I'm just glad all that drama is finally over, how many disasters did we evade?" he asked.

Sam giggled, "Too many brother-in-law, too many!" Trace smiled at her choice of words and placed a gentle kiss on her brow, "Thank you Sam", he said.

"Just don't hurt him, okay?" Sam mumbled.

"I'd just as soon die", he promised.

They were interrupted by the announcer's voice calling over the speakers, they stepped back in awe as he announced the beginning of The Tango Night.

"Ladies and Gents; Welcome all to The Night that Brings Passion to Burn This Floor with Fire, May those couples who have not entered with their dates, step forward with their chosen partner of the Night. Let's Tango!"

Trace grinned, "This is wicked!" he said. Sam nodded as they moved to the end of the

The Stage had been cut off into a Five Major Layers, shaped like a pentagon. The Highest point, at North, The other's placed at North West and North East, each level a step beneath the other. The ones opposite North West and North East sat at Vertical slants joining the South Horizontal Plane.

"Now May each couple step forward and We shall Begin!"

"I reckon we should stay on the bottom rung my Tango is ridiculous", Trace muttered. "Agreed, I'm two left feet, besides Kevin's the dancer in the family, I'd just as sooner pass", Sam answered.

James and Kate stepped on the second step, South West to them. Rick and Lanie stood on the South East Stage. Aaliya and Javier stepped on the North East Step, whilst Kabir and the nameless Blond stepped on the North West rung.

Kevin and Alexis automatically stepped on the last stage. The highest and somehow the one splashed brightest with light.

"Alright Couples! Now there is only one simple rule?! If one of you so much as falters, you'll be swept off of the stage, and I mean that swept right off, you will be! Also to make sure no one cheats, you will each go turn by turn, and we start from Lowest to Highest Stage! Have no worries, the stage is covered by a glass barrier, so no one will actually fall off, when we wash out your act!"

Trace shuddered, "This is a nightmare", he stated. Sam snickered hollowly, echoing his statement through nervous laughter. The stage was large and spacious, easily allowing each dancing couple, credible space to perform the dance without falling off of the platform.

"Good Luck Alexis", Sam muttered as she knocked on the glass barrier, "Seems Sturdy enough", she said.

"Man, I hope this is really worth all the trouble", Trace said.

They nodded to each other as they listened to the music and began to dance, they barely lasted a minute, before they were quite literally swept off the stage with a blast of water. Sam shrieked in shock, and Traced whooped as they fell to the floor, some girls giggled as their feet ended up wet. With the water leaking from the edges, as they rained down on the spectators, two bouncers ran up to Sam and Trace and handed them smoking drinks of Hot Chocolate and Two Towels, they were large Fluffy and Very white.

Sam laughed, and "It was fun, even if it was a — pathetic performance", she cheered into the microphone that appeared before her, waving at the others and were walked off to the restaurant on the First Floor, to get warm.

Trace followed her slightly abashedly. "Well at least now I know what he meant by swept away", the ex-cop muttered.

The public roared their approval and watched as Lanie and Kate soon joined them. Javier and Aaliya giggled and snickered at each other as they followed a good ten minutes later, discussing something about aborting all lifts. Rick tossed Javier a towel, as they waited patiently, cheering the other two madly.

Kabir and the blonde last a good five minutes, before they too were swept off of the stage (figuratively seeing as they were quite high, they'd crashed into the glass barrier without relative damage), Kabir stretched, winced but quickly schooled his features, bowed to his partner and walked her back to her friends, smiled politely and jogged back up the steps.

"Well I will never question Mother again", he said. Aaliya handed him a towel, "If it weren't for those lessons, that girl would have knocked your teeth out brother, we owe mother a towering bouquet of roses", she teased.

"Hush you two its Alexis' and Kevin's turn, God I seriously hope they don't crash into that glass. It ain't a pleasant feeling", Javier muttered.

Kabir and Rick winced in empathy, as they rubbed their shoulders, each having shielded their partner from getting knocked into the glass. "Yeah", they mumbled in unison.

"Out of the three of us siblings, if anyone knows how to dance its Kevin", Sam assured.

"Hopefully Alexis knows how to Tango. Frankly speaking I haven't a clue", Rick muttered.

Kate whistled for their attention and they all paused as the music registered, "Shakira's?" she muttered. Lanie nodded, "Objection", she answered.

The others concentrated on the two. Her attention lasted all of three seconds before Sam's eyes widened and she flushed at the dance.

Holy Hell, Talk about Eroticism!

Trace gulped and almost crushed James' hand, as he acknowledged what Fatima and Aaliya had been saying.

Bloody Hell!

Looking at the others he took in their gaping maws and large eyes, it was official, Alexis and Kevin dancing, is now illegal.

God, Please make sure nothing weird happens, now! Keep Rick CALM!

XXX


Alexis turned to Kevin, "I suppose it's our turn, I honestly haven't Tangoed before, you'll have to be the main act here", she said. Kevin grinned, "It'll be great I promise. Everything will be alright. I swear", he said.

As the beat began Alexis tripped, "This isn't music for the Tango", she mumbled apprehensively. Kevin grinned, "Ain't that the tooth", he joked. Alexis swallowed, "This is a bad idea", she murmured anxiously. "Relax, just feel the music", he whispered, voice falling a few octaves husky.

Alexis smiled, "I trust you".

Kevin placed his hand on Alexis' waist, "Let's not waste good music, you're an extraordinary dancer, surprise me", he purred smirking wickedly.

Alexis smirked, "Oh you're evil", she said.

Pulling her close to him, Kevin allowed her body to melt into his, "Interesting Song to Tango to", she shook her head in amusement.

Kevin grinned, "I thought so too", he agreed.

"You do realize it's half in Spanish right?" Alexis asked as he began the eight-step combinational dance.

Kevin nodded, "Hmmm… Alexis shut up….Just feel" he ordered softly.

Alexis shivered, she knew she was stalling, there wasn't any other word for it, and it wasn't the reluctance to dance with him it was the apprehension. The desire coursing through them would be a dangerous thing to ignite.

Once when they danced…

To feel that again, made her slightly apprehensive, what she would feel if he held her close, once again?

But as the music coursed through her, she noted briefly at the introduction was slightly longer. "Remix?" she wondered.


She felt Kevin nod, once in acknowledgement, looking up, she instinctively lost herself in his eyes.

They held a deep rooted sense of apprehension, as if aware of Alexis's fears.

Swallowing she closed her eyes, and then opening them, she nodded slightly.

Kevin smiled in acknowledgement, Alexis grinned.

Alexis wrapped her arm around Kevin's back, the heat she felt through the material of his sweatshirt, abruptly curbed all thought processes, the dance was beginning.

The music began at a moderate pace (A/N: Shakira's Objection-remix version or whatever suits you Dear Reader).

The two stood close to each other, the people dancing and shrieking, the surrounding area fell through in silence except for the music that reverberated through the speakers, and they stood with baited breath watching the dance that began, with passion.

Bodies not quite touching, yet at the same time, almost too close for even air to pass, Kevin began to move them across the floor, in a comfortable eight-step walk, gradually the tempo of the music increased.

Kevin pulled her closer and quickened his movements, slipping his leg between hers as they danced.

Alexis' temperature rose, a few degrees, feeling the beginnings of a hot pool of desire curling in her abdomen, and she moved closer to Kevin, enjoying the feel of the other man's body, against hers.

As they continued to move to the ever increasing beat, the movements of their dance became quick, intense and suggestive, and much to her surprise Kevin felt no discomfort or embarrassment, rubbing his body against Alexis's so sensually.

The swift intoxication of lust that burned through her pushed away all inhibitions from her mind. Right now there was nowhere she'd rather be than in Kevin's arms, and no intention of leaving now that she was here.

Kevin smirked, as it reached her eyes, filling them.

Alexis noted that for once his eyes were not guarded or filled with sarcastic humor, or a smirk, he was honestly enjoying herself.

Kevin had longed to feel the heat of two bodies moving together, and though he had thought of a different kind of dance, this was far more intense, her cheeks flushed, in reaction to the warmth echoing through him.

He was having problems controlling his body's reactions, to their dance.

A certain part of him was enjoying the dance too much, every time Alexis' hips moved against him, startlingly close in a quick, short grind, he fought not to pull the woman closer and arouse more of the hot, delicious friction.

Kevin sent a silent prayer to whichever Deity was paying attention to him, to put Alexis in that dress, he could feel the heat of her skin. Kevin found himself drawn to the intensity of the dance, as he countered the woman's actions with his own body.

The two moved together almost effortlessly—with that same surety which they had danced in the three-step earlier.

Their movements bled seamlessly—shamelessly—into each other's, and Alexis was struck by how natural their dance felt, as if they had done this before, each step exactly as it should be and each warm breath as she felt against her neck, as Kevin tried to breathe, despite the exertion was collected inside him, each hot wind, captured to join the other small vestiges of heat as he inwardly stoked them, allowing them to become something more demanding.

As a general, Kevin had never given himself up to anyone. He would date girls, take them to bed with him — perhaps he'd even cared about them, but he had never felt so fulfilled—in every aspect as he felt now, just by dancing with a woman who had stumbled into his life so unexpectedly, like a spark of glittering falling emeralds, and he liked it.

He was happy to be consumed by the redhead and her green eyes.

Alexis' hips ground against Kevin's groin again—and just like that— his thoughts immediately flew away, allowing his body's natural responses to take full control.

Alexis panted slightly as Kevin's grip tightened on her waist.

As it was, the aura of bright, heavy, passion the two of them had created was quickly consuming them both and she felt the weight of it pressing down on her. Kevin's hands no longer felt hot on her, they burned, and sparks of heat licked her skin wherever he touched her.

Kevin tried to hold back a shudder of pleasure.

To say it felt good would be a lie, it felt like liquid electricity flowed through their veins.

The elder, moved them in a position for a dip, and Alexis wrapped her leg around his thigh, causing a lance of heat to carve through both of them, rushing to the point of contact as the cradle of their hips met—again.

Both closed their eyes, in pleasure as they executed the move perfectly before straightening and allowing themselves a short gasp of reprieve before they continued to move against each other, as sensually as they could.

The hand at her waist, urged her impossibly closer, as if all he wanted was to force their bodies so close that neither could tell where one of them ended and the other began, and Alexis found she was more than happy to oblige.

A low growl escaped Kevin's lips, in the form of Alexis' name and the teen let her hands wander Kevin's chest in the hope of eliciting more uncontrolled sounds from the older man's throat.

She should have felt embarrassed at being so open about her feelings, but her lust was driving her. She turned her back to Kevin as they walked an eight-count and Kevin dipped her a second time, though with less body contact.

Alexis' head spun and her body seemed weightless as Kevin led her through the steps. Both knew the dance was ending and Alexis tried to pull herself back—to exercise some restraint over her want, but her subconscious refused to be controlled. She pulled Kevin close as his lower body moved to the girl's motions.

Their movements were fluid, intense, and existed solely for this moment.

Those watching could not help but be caught up in the aura of passion the two created, passer bys had stopped to witness the meeting of two strangers in a dance filled with so much heat it could melt ice, couples felt the craving, individual dancers felt the heat ignite within them a workout so much more powerful, the teenagers stood in awe, and the staff watched pure magic unfold.

The dance was unique—fuelled by their suppressed desires. Even the best dancers in the world would not have been able to replicate the emotion their dance exhumed because theirs was real.

Their eyes met and Kevin felt the pull on those dark orbs, nearly certain his own had darkened in a desire he could not help but return.

The onlookers waited with baited breath as the beautiful dance began to draw to a close.

They had been enveloped by the ardor of the two and now all expected some sort of display of affection to conclude it. The couple danced closely, their bodies in constant contact their lips, a few inches from each other's, and the crowd began to whisper of a kiss. They watched as the girl spun away from the dark-haired boy. He pulled her in close to him, and they posed together as the last note died off.

Alexis and Kevin panted heavily, their faces were scant few inches from each other, and Alexis so badly wanted to kiss him, they moved together and were almost, when they were attacked by two people, crashing into them. Sound louder than anything she had ever heard, filtered through and she blinked, as she took in everything.

Oh…

XXX