Somehow, Beckett managed to keep the Castle women out of town long enough to let him heal. His eyes weren't swollen anymore, and his bruises had faded somewhat. He was still sporting a pair of very vivid shiners, though.

Having gotten most of his stitches out, he was finally allowed to go home. Beckett got him settled just as Martha breezed in the door, tossing her handbag to the side and pointing out to the doorman where to set her luggage.

"Richard, you look awful."

"Thank you, Mother. I missed you too," he said, rolling his eyes. "And how was your trip?"

"Not good. Do you realize that my play opening coincided with some big sporting event? We closed the first week." She looked at Beckett. "And how are you doing?"

"I'm ... fine," she said hesitantly. She choked on a laugh when she saw the faces Castle was making behind his mother's back.

"That flight was horrid. I need a drink. Richard, do you want one?"

He rolled his eyes again and mimed a silent, but dramatic sigh. "Can't now, Mother. They've got me on some awesome painkillers."

Whatever was said next was lost to the shriek that accompanied the red blur from the door. Alexis launched herself at her father, shoulder bag still attached. It bumped him, and he tried to hide the wince. Beckett hid her smile as she watched the women welcome him home.

"Easy! I'm still really sore!" he said, laughing as he hugged her as tight as he could.

The girl turned to Beckett and hugged the startled detective. "Thanks so much for finding him," she said.

"You're welcome."

Collapsing on the sofa next to him, Alexis curled up and laid her head on his shoulder. "I'm never leaving you alone again."

"Oh yes you will. I'm a big boy, and besides, I am your father. I do know how to survive alone," he said, holding her tight.

"Alexis, your father can take care of himself just fine," Beckett said.

The pride in her voice startled the girl, who looked up at her father and the detective. "Is there something going on here I should know about?"

"No, nothing at all," both of them said, over top of one another and much too quickly.

Alexis and Martha exchanged knowing looks.

"Well, since he's home and settled and you ladies are here to take care of him, I'd better get home," Beckett said.

"You don't have to go. Please, stay," Castle said, lifting pleading hands above his daughter's head. "Don't leave me to their mercies! Besides, it's movie night."

"Absolutely. Stay, please." Alexis looked up at her with playfully big eyes. "We owe you that much, at least," she added a little more seriously.

"As if Alexis or I would ever do anything to hinder your recovery," Martha said smoothly as she took a seat. With her legs crossed genteelly and a drink dangling elegantly from her fingers, she was a distinct contrast to her son's battered appearance. "But do feel free to join us."

Hesitantly looking between the three, the detective finally broke. "Okay. So what kind of movie is on for tonight?"

Selections were called out as everyone settled into comfy positions. Somehow Beckett found herself on one side of Castle with Alexis on the other side. After deciding on a comedy, the four settled down to munch the popcorn and watch the silly antics on the big screen TV.

Long after Martha excused herself for the night, Castle realized that he had two sleeping women leaning against him. Deciding that it was safe to return the favor, he kissed the top of Beckett's head before hugging Alexis tighter to him. He let his head fall back against the sofa and joined them in sleep.

*****

And that's it. I hope you enjoyed this plot bunny. I enjoyed writing it immensely. A great big huge thanks to everyone who reviewed and a huge thanks to everyone who enjoyed it.

Since my original fiction will be taking precedence until it's finished, I suspect it will be a while before I post again, but I foresee more fun with Castle and Beckett in the future. Until then.

ashleezak