Disclaimer: I have no ownership of these characters.
Author's Note:
This is an AU story. Montgomery is still alive, and Beckett has not been shot. Castle is at the precinct for his fourth year.
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The group parks by the town square in Fleischmanns. Martha, Alexis, and Ashley head off to find Father Andrew and Mayor Grant. The others head to the Java Hut, for coffee while they wait. When the others return, Jim and Chell, as well as Jacob and Martha excuse themselves to go catch a movie.
Rick, Kate, Alexis, and Ashley head to the park. The town park has a huge skating rink in the middle of it. The foursome get their skates from the skate center, and sit down to put them on. Alexis and Ashley rush off to skate. Rick looks over at Kate.
"Just so you know, I am not a skater. So be prepared."
"It's ok Castle, I am an excellent skater. Mom and I used to skate every Sunday afternoon. We've got this."
They head out onto the rink. Rick stumbling and Kate puts her arm through his, in an attempt to steady him. They slowly start skating forward.
Rick thinks for a minute. "Beckett, about last night. I'm sorry."
"Castle, last night was wonderful, aside from the throwing up and headache this morning. Don't worry about it."
"You mean you're not mad?" Rick lets out a breath he doesn't realize he was holding.
"No, Castle, I'm not mad. We were both drunk. It happened. No harm done."
They continue to skate around the rink, and around again. Rick is loving spending time alone with Kate. As alone as you can be, in a crowded skating rink. They skate for what seems like hours. A time later, Rick hears his name being shouted. He looks over and sees Martha waving her arms at them. Rick turns his head to look for Alexis and Ashley. At that moment, a boy racing around the rink bumps into Rick, causing him to lose balance. He falls to the ground, pulling Kate down on top of him. Kate looks him in the eyes.
"Tell me that wasn't done on purpose Castle. I hate to think you hit your head; just to get me on top of you."
"Oh, my dear detective, you have no idea of the things I would do, to get you on top of me. Or the things I would do to you, in said position."
Kate blushes, and immediately pushes herself up. How could simple teasing cause her to get so hot so fast? She really needs to get her emotions under better control. She reaches down and gives Rick a hand up. Once he is on his feet, they head back over to the others. Alexis and Ashley skate up behind them. They change shoes, and rejoin the group.
"How about a hot chocolate before heading home?" Chell speaks.
"Sounds like a lovely idea." Martha answers.
Everyone heads back to the Java Hut, for a round of hot chocolates. Rick is glad Chell had spoken up. His toes are frozen, and his jeans are all wet from falling. They give the waitress their order, and all sit down to relax.
"So Richard, when are you all leaving to go skiing tomorrow?" says Martha.
"I figure we should leave out about 7am to get to the resort early enough. Are you coming with us, Mother?"
"My dear, this body does not belong on a pair of skis. And there are other ways I'd rather get an adrenaline rush. Besides, Chell, Jacob, Jim and I are heading into Highmount to do a little shopping." Martha responds. The waitress brings out their order.
Rick looks at Kate, Alexis, and Ashley. "Looks like it's just us four again."
Alexis looks up and smiles. "It's ok Dad, less competition for you."
Kate raises an eyebrow. "What? Don't tell me you excel at skiing too, Castle."
Rick chuckles. "Don't worry I won't. Because I don't."
Martha sighs. "We had a very interesting meeting with Father Andrew and Mayor Grant. They've asked me to head the Christmas pageant. Chell is going to be my assistant. Alexis and Ashley are going to run the children's play."
"That's great, Mother! You'll do an excellent job."
"Don't get too excited Richard, I have a job for you and Kate as well."
Rick cringes. "Me? What do I have to do? And Kate too?"
Martha smiles and winks at Alexis. "Yes Richard. You and Kate will be our Mr. and Mrs. Claus this year!"
Rick sputters as Kate chokes on her hot chocolate.
Jacob yawns. "I thought this hot chocolate might wake me up. But seems it's working hard to make me sleepier."
Martha looks at Rick. "Richard do you have any more activities planned for us tonight?"
"No Mother, I figured we'd had enough excitement today."
"Alright then. Jacob, how about a movie tonight? Chell, Jim, join us?"
They all agree and finish their drinks. The older foursome loads up into Jacob's Hummer. The younger foursome loads into Rick's SUV. They head toward the cabins.
Once on the road, Rick asks the others in the car. "How does a movie sound for tonight? White Christmas, it's a classic."
"Not for us Dad. Ashley beat me at pool earlier. I've got to win my title back."
"How about you Kate, you up for a little Bing Crosby?"
"I've always loved White Christmas. It's one of my favorite Christmas movies."
They pull up at the cabin. Everyone gets out and heads inside. Rick goes into his room; and changes into a pair of sleep-pants and a t-shirt, then heads back to the den. Kate, in the meantime, has gone upstairs and changed into her own pajamas and then heads back down to the den. When she gets there, Rick is stretched out on the chaise end of the couch. Popcorn and a bottle of wine sit on the table in front of him.
Kate sits down by Rick, curling her legs up to the side. Rick starts the movie. He reaches out and grabs the glasses, handing her one while he keeps the other. The movie starts. They spend the next forty-five minutes in peaceful quiet, watching the movie. Kate leans her head down on Rick's shoulder. They stay that way for a while, until Rick can hear Kate softly sobbing.
"Kate, what's wrong? Are you ok? What can I do?"
"Castle I'm fine, it's just the movie. This part always gets me. When the old man's troop sings to him. I always tear up at this part. I love this show so much."
Rick reaches around and drapes his arm over her shoulders. Kate relaxes her head back on his shoulder. They continue to watch the movie. The movie ends, and Rick notices that Kate has fallen asleep. He lays her head down into his lap, and grabs the throw from the back of the couch. He throws it over Kate, turns off the TV, and relaxes back into the couch. Within minutes he is asleep as well.
During the night, Rick wakes up to Kate calling out. She's having a nightmare. Rick wakes her up, but she's in a panic. Rick doesn't know what to do to calm her. He does the only thing he can think of. He grabs her, and kisses her hard. Kate fights him, and then slowly starts to respond. The kiss increases in passion. Kate can feel a tingle in her stomach, gradually spreading down to her core. She shivers. Rick strengthens his hold on her. The kiss continues to intensify. Kate threads her fingers through Rick's hair. Rick puts his hand on the back of Kate's neck and deepens the kiss. Kate moans into the kiss. She's on fire. God help her. Rick pulls away slightly, but continues to leave butterfly kisses along her lips, cheek, and jaw. Kate catches her breath. Rick finally pulls back.
"Better now?"
After Kate regains her composure, she softly says, "Yeah, better."
"Come on, Kate, let's get you upstairs and into bed." They head up the stairs. At Kate's door, Rick grabs her hand, and kisses the inside of it.
Kate looks up at Rick. "Stay with me. Please. I don't want to be alone."
Rick opens the door. Kate walks in, pulls the covers down and crawls into bed.
Rick walks to the other side, slides under the covers, and lays his head on the pillow.
Kate snuggles up to Rick; he lifts his arm so she can get closer. She lays her head in the crook of his neck. He drops his arm down around her waist. Kate lays her hand on Rick's chest. She sighs and closes her eyes.
"Castle?"
"Hmmm?"
"Thank you."
"Always."
Kate's phone alarm goes off at 5:45am. She slowly opens her eyes. Rick's still asleep, beside her. She leans up, and softly kisses his lips quickly. She rubs her hand down the side of his face and along his jaw. She watches him sleep for a few minutes. Assured that he still sleeps, she gets up and heads to the shower. She takes a quick shower, and begins to quickly dry her hair. She thinks about how she wishes she had the strength to kiss him when he was aware. But she's so terrified of getting hurt.
Rick opens his eyes. He cannot believe that Kate just kissed him. That she initiated it. But she thought he was sleeping. Her moving had woken him up. He smiles. That's ok; she must have feelings for him, if she'd even attempt to kiss him. He gets up and heads to his room to grab a quick shower of his own, smiling the whole way.
Kate exits the bathroom to see Rick is gone. She panics. Oh my goodness, did the kiss wake him up? How is she going to face him now? Kate shakes her head, and gets dressed before heading downstairs. She heads to the kitchen, and begins to make breakfast for the four of them.
Rick comes out of his room downstairs, and can hear someone cooking in the kitchen. He heads up the stairs to see if the kids are up. He knocks on Alexis's door. He has to knock twice, but finally she answers the door. He tells her to get ready and come down for breakfast. He then moves to Ashley's door and knocks. He answers the door right away. Rick tells him to get ready and to come down for breakfast as well.
Rick heads back downstairs and to the kitchen. Kate looks up.
"Morning detective, did you sleep well?"
"Yes Castle, I slept great. Thank you again."
"My pleasure. What's for breakfast?"
"It's something my mother used to make. It's called a breakfast scramble."
"What's in it?"
"It has bacon, sausage, diced potatoes, red and green peppers, cheese and eggs. You can eat it as is, or wrapped in a flour tortilla."
"It sounds delightful. I'm starving."
"It's almost ready. Just a minute or so more."
The kids come rushing into the kitchen. Alexis sets the table for them, as Rick and Ashley sit down. Kate brings the plate of breakfast over, and they all dig in.
The foursome exits the SUV and heads to the resort center. They get to the counter to purchase their ski and lift passes. Ashley informs the attendant that he's never skied before. The attendant informs him that they have beginners ski classes starting at noon. The four discuss this, and decide to go tubing until it is time for Ashley's class. The attendant comes out with four black inner-tubes. They each grab one, and head to the lift.
Once they reach the top, they begin to discuss how they are going down. Ashley lets them know he's never done this before either. Rick can tell Ashley is a little nervous, so he makes a quick decision.
"Ok gang, this first time down, we'll go down in a train."
Ashley quickly asks, "What exactly is a train?"
Rick smiles and says, "It's simple. Alexis will sit first on her tube, Indian style. Then you Ashley will sit on your tube, and wrap your legs around Alexis crossing your feet, and lean your arms on the back of your tube. Alexis will hold your feet Kate will do the same behind you, and I will end the train behind her. We all go down together."
They all agree and sit down to get situated for their ride down the mountain. Once they are situated, Rick gets someone to push them off. He wraps his arms around Kate. Off they go racing down the mountain.
About halfway down the mountain, they hit a bump. Rick's tube goes flying out from under him. No-one in front of him knows, and everyone is yelling so no-one hears him yell about the tube. He's being drug behind the train, with his ass acting as the tube. They quickly get to the bottom of the mountain.
Everyone gets up from their tubes, and turns to look at the others. All of a sudden Kate bursts out laughing. Rick just sits there with his head in his hands. The kids start laughing as well.
"When did you lose your tube Castle?" Beckett asks.
"It's not funny you guys. I don't think I can feel my backside."
Kate laughs some more, and reaches down to help him up. He grimaces as he stands. Kate helps walk him around a bit; to loosen him back up. Once he is able to move around well, they go over to get him a new tube. Back up the lift they go.
This time, they all come down separately. Once back down, they hit the lift once again. They keep going and going, until it is time for Ashley's class. They all go back to the ski-shop and get their boots, skis, and poles. Once they have their gear, Ashley heads to his class. The remaining three, get their gear on, and head to the lift.
They take the main trail. Kate is the first to go, followed by Alexis, and then Rick. Once they are at the bottom, they head for the lift once again. They continue using the main trail repeatedly, until they see that Ashley's class is over.
Once Ashley wanders over to them, they head to the lift once again. At the top, Alexis decides she was going to go down the easy trail with Ashley.
Kate looks at Rick. "So, Mr. Castle, care to take a ride on the wild side? Want to take the hard trail?"
"Sure thing Beckett. I'm game for anything you want to dish out."
"Anything?"
"Anything."
With that Rick takes off down the trail. Kate follows behind. She notices that he's actually pretty good at skiing. She thinks about the "anything" comment. His teasing was really starting to get to her. She knew she was going to need to be on guard.
Back up and back down they keep going.
Later on, they meet up with the kids, and decide to grab something to eat at the resort. The four sit down at their table, and look at their menus. The waitress comes and they place their orders.
Rick groans. "I don't think I'm going to be able to walk tomorrow. I hurt all over."
"Mr. Castle, didn't I see a hot-tub on the back deck of the cabin? You should relax in the hot-tub when we get back. It will help loosen up those muscles." Ashley asked.
"That's an excellent idea Ashley. But I'm not sure if I'll be able to get in and out. Beckett, would you come too, just in case?"
"Well Castle, since your health is at risk, I guess I have no choice." Kate remarks.
"Dad, Ashley and I will close the partitions when we get back. That way it will be semi-warm in the tub area."
"Thanks pumpkin, what would I do without you?"
"Suffer." Alexis smirks.
The waitress delivers their food, and they quickly dig in. Rick thinks about their plans for tomorrow.
"How about we all head back up to Fleischmanns tomorrow for some Christmas shopping? What do you think?"
The remaining three nod in agreement. The rest of the meal is finished quietly. Soon they are finished, and load into the SUV to head home.
Rick changes into his trunks. He really does hurt all over. He bets if he bent, he'd snap in half. He swears, he'll never train tube again. He can handle the strain from skiing, that he had expected. But the tubing incident had his back and his posterior aching all over.
He heads out to the hot-tub. Kate walks in right behind him. She has some sort of towel wrap with straps on over her suit. It is cute; perhaps Alexis would like one of those. He'll have to ask her where she got it.
Kate takes Rick's arm with a firm grip. He slowly enter the tub. Oh, that feels really nice. When he is finally in, he moves over and lies on the reclining seat of the tub. He looks up to notice that Kate has not gotten in yet.
Kate slowly removes her wrap. Rick sucks in his breath. Would that be considered a one-piece or a two-piece? The top started like a bikini-top, and the bottom looked like a bikini-bottom, but the in-between curved in an hourglass from beneath her breast down to her hips. He doesn't care one way or the other. All he knows is that she looks beautiful. Alexis definitely could not have one of those.
Kate slowly enters the tub. She reclines back and relaxes. She stretches out her legs and points her toes. She closes her eyes, relishing in how good the bubbling water feels.
"Castle, this is wonderful" she drags out."
"I'm glad. Beckett, I need to talk to about something."
"What, Castle? Are you hurting?"
"No, Beckett, I'm feeling a little better. But I wanted to ask you if you'd like to help me tomorrow, after we do our shopping in Fleischmanns. When we're done, I need to go down to Highmount. I have to deliver something, and I'd like you to help me."
"Of course Castle, I'd love to help you, but what do you have to deliver?"
"What I am fixing to tell you, only one other person knows. Jacob is the only other one. You have to understand Highmount is a very small town, and the people there take care of each other. Every year, for the past twelve years, I've given one gift to someone in need. One year it was a down payment on a home for a young couple that had lost their home in a fire. Another year, it was a new stove for one of the little old widows in town, when hers went out. The year before that, it was new bleachers for the local little league field. Before that, it was a new heating/cooling system for the rest home in town. There were several others before that. None of the recipients know that the gifts are from me. They are simply given, with a card that reads, Merry Christmas from Secret Santa. It's a secret I've kept all these years. It's become a great story the locals love to tell. Luckily I've been able to maintain my anonymity."
Kate slowly wipes a tear from her cheek. "Castle, that's the most wonderful Christmas story I've ever heard." She moves to his side of the hot-tub, and motions for him to move forward. Once he has scooted forward, she begins to massage his shoulder and neck. She doesn't want him to see how touched she is by what he was telling her.
"This year, the gift is for a little boy. His name is Peter, and his parents died three years ago in a car-wreck, which also left him paralyzed from the waist down. After the accident, he came to Highmount to live with his older brother Cory. Cory works hard to support them both, but Peter's wheelchair is run-down, and he needs a new one. That's where Secret Santa comes in. A new motorized one; should arrive in a crate tomorrow in Fleischmanns. We have to pick it up, then drive down to Highmount and secretly deliver it."
"Castle, I would be extremely honored to help Secret Santa tomorrow." Kate is so choked up. She is seeing a side of Rick she's never seen before. She puts her hand on his jaw, and turns his face to her. Her lips meet his in a soft but short kiss. Slowly she pulls back.
"Castle, you are truly a man on many wonders."
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