"I'm bored," Genevieve grumbled as she walked into Castle's office. There was a teacher's workday at her school and Castle volunteered to watch her while her mom was at work.
"How can you be bored? You brought like six books with you and you have only been here for an hour and a half, you couldn't possibly have finished them all already," Castle replied absently. She came around the desk and took a seat on the edge of it. Castle smirked to himself as he noticed just how comfortable Gen was in his loft.
"Well, I haven't, but I just finished one and I don't want to read anymore," she whined. At that, Castle looked up.
"I am sorry, I must be losing my hearing. I swore Genevieve Beckett just told me she didn't want to read anymore," he chuckled.
"That is what I said," Gen groaned. "Can't we go do something?"
"We can, but I have a little work to do so as soon as I am done, we can do whatever you want," he compromised.
"How long is that going to take?" she wondered.
"I don't know, a half hour maybe," he estimated.
"What am I supposed to do until then?" she huffed.
"Snoop around? Oh! I know! There is a closet upstairs that is full of all of Alexis's old things, books, and clothes and things. She said she you could go through it and anything you wanted you could have," he remembered.
"For reals?" Gen gasped. Castle was somewhat surprised by her use of slang. She sounded like a regular twelve year old, something that was very rare for her.
"Yes, it's the second door on the right at the top of the stairs," he instructed. She hopped off his desk and scrambled out of the room.
Castle hadn't seen Gen again by the time he finished his work, so he went to go find her. The closet door was open and there was a rustling coming from inside.
"Everything ok in here?" he asked, leaning against the door frame.
"Yeah, Alexis has some cool stuff," Genevieve mentioned. "Can I have this?" she asked, holding up at Richard Castle promotional t-shirt. Castle couldn't help but laugh out loud. The shirts were never actually sold, but they made a sample. He had completely forgotten he had it, obviously he gave it to Alexis and she buried it in the back of the closet.
"Sure kid, your mom will kill me, but you can have that," he allowed.
"Oh. Well I don't have to…" Gen said, taking another long look at the shirt. It was really cool, but she didn't want to get Castle in trouble with her mom. Again.
"Sweetheart if you want it, take it. I don't mind getting on your mom's nerves every once in awhile," he reassured her. "What else did you find?"
"Some other shirts and a whole bunch of books, but Mom is not going to let me have them," Genevieve frowned at the stack of books in front of her.
"Why not?" Castle couldn't figure out why Beckett wouldn't let Gen have more books, provided they were age appropriate.
"Says I have too many, can't bring anymore home until I donate some," she shrugged.
"Well, then I have an idea. Grab your books and follow me," he urged. Genevieve did as she was told and followed him to a spare bedroom. "I know it hasn't happened yet, but some night you may have to spend the night here and if you do, this will probably be your room. So, you can keep the books here. That way you don't always have to bring books when you visit and your mom doesn't get mad at you for bringing more books home," he explained. Genevieve looked at the empty bookshelves taking up one wall. Then she looked up at Castle in awe.
"I can keep books here?" she checked.
"You can keep as many as those shelves will hold," he confirmed. Gen walked over to the shelves and quickly arranged the books she had in her hands. Once satisfied, she looked back at Castle and smiled. "Ok kid, let's go get some lunch and maybe some ice cream," he suggested.
They went to get and early lunch at a small café and then headed to Central Park for ice cream and an afternoon walk.
"Is Richard Castle your real name?" Genevieve asked as they walked hand in hand through the park.
"No, it's not. What made you ask that?" Castle couldn't help but feel like the question had come out of left field.
"I don't know. I was just thinking about it," she shrugged.
"My real name, well the name on my original birth certificate is Richard Rodgers," he provided, even though she had yet to ask what his name actually was.
"Is Castle your dad's last name or something?" she wondered, knowing Martha's last name was Rodgers.
"Um, I don't think so. That's not where I got it from anyway. I've never met my dad," he replied, bracing himself for the barrage of questions he was sure he would get about his absent father.
"Oh." Castle could practically see the gears in Genevieve's head turning as she processed the information. "Then why Castle?" she went on without missing a beat. She obviously was not interested in the story about his father. For the moment anyway. It would come up eventually, just like it did with Alexis when she had a family tree project for school.
"It sounded cool. And it looked good on a book cover," he teased. To be honest, he wasn't really sure why he had gone with the name Castle. He supposed it was because it sounded noble and strong.
"So you like being called Castle?" he was beginning to wonder where she was headed with all these questions.
"I guess. It's not a stuffy as Mr. Castle. My mother is really the only one who calls me Richard, but I don't mind being called Rick either. Especially by my friends. It's just more personal, makes me feel more normal and less like a celebrity when I am out of the lime light," he answered thoroughly. As he thought back on it, he wasn't sure he had ever said that to anyone before. He usually just introduced himself as Rick Castle and people took it from there.
"So, like now?" and just like that, Castle figured out Genevieve's motive.
"Well, sorta," he answered vaguely, not sure if he should encourage this line of thought or not.
"I could call you Rick," she said nonchalantly.
"You could, but I am not sure what your mother would think of that," he started slowly, not really wanting to make Beckett the bad guy, but knowing if Beckett heard her daughter call him by his first name when she herself didn't even do that, it might send her back into a panic.
"You say that a lot. Does my mom not like you or something?" Gen asked.
"She is just very protective of you and only wants what's best for you," he tried to explain.
"But that doesn't make any sense. How can me calling you by your first name be bad for me?" she challenged.
"It's not bad for you, angel. It's just complicated," this girl was too smart for her own good.
"That just means you don't want to talk about it," she called him out.
"No, that just means it's complicated," he laughed, knowing she had caught him.
"Let me guess, it's 'grown up stuff'," she got him again. He shook his head in disbelief.
"You've heard them all, haven't you?" he assumed.
"I'm a cop's daughter with a deadbeat dad, so yeah, pretty much," she retorted.
"All I can say is your mom loves you very much and she just wants to surround you with good people who all have your best interests in mind," he explained again, his reasoning still sounding lame to his ears. He couldn't just tell her out right that her mother was afraid she was going to get too attached to him and that she feared somewhere down the line he would walk out of their lives just like everyone else had. He couldn't burden a twelve year old with her mother's fears, especially with all the things Gen had to deal with already.
"Well, you are a good person. You're super nice and you help me with my homework. That has to count for something," she whined.
"Thank you, and it does count for something, sweetheart. Your mom thinks I'm a good person too, she just wants to get to know me a little bit better first. So that is what we are doing now, you, me, and your mom. We are getting to know each other," he replied.
"So can I call you Rick?" she asked impatiently.
"After all of that, that's what we come back to?" he said on an exasperated laugh.
"I'm twelve. I have a one track mind," she stated matter of factly. Again seeming so much like a normal twelve year old that it took him back for a moment. He had really broken her out of her shell.
"I don't think it's a good idea, kid. Not yet," he tried to dissuade her.
"Or not in front of my mom," her dark eyes took on a mischievous glint he had never seen before. "It could be our little secret."
"You want to call me Rick that bad?" he checked.
"Well, you said your friends call you Rick, and I'm your friend right?" her eyes went round and pleading. How could he say no to that? A familiar befuddled feeling overcame him. It was the same feeling he got the night she ran away. She was willing to push the limits for him.
"O-of course," he stammered.
"So then I should get to call you Rick," she reasoned as if were as simple as all that. He chuckled as he watched mischief fill her expression once again. He never pegged Genevieve for being manipulative and man, was he sorely mistaken.
"Before I keep a secret for you, not saying I am going to, but if I am going to you, I have to lay down a rule. A secret rule," he started.
"How can a rule be a secret? How would you know if you were breaking it or not?" Gen was confused.
"Aren't you quick!" he laughed. "The rule is secret between you and me. It's not a secret, but it is about secrets. And if you tell anyone else the rule, you break the rule. Understand?"
"Well I would if you told me the rule," she sighed, irritated. Castle couldn't believe how much she sounded like her mother in that moment.
"Ok, ok. I will keep a secret as long as I don't think it is something your mom needs to know about," he explained.
"Same goes for me too, right?" Genevieve was making sure she understood. "So just little secrets."
"Exactly, then we won't get in trouble," Castle nodded.
"So does this mean I can call you Rick when Mom's not around?" she asked eagerly.
"If you really want to," he allowed, still not sure he should.
"Thanks Rick," she grinned. Castle just shook his head. "So Rick," she started, her eyes sparkling as she said his name. "You mentioned ice cream."
"You're a handful, you know that," he teased. Her smile only widened. He couldn't help but wonder if this was what Beckett was like as a little girl. "Alright, ice cream it is," he decided. She reached over and slid her hand into his. He gave her a gentle squeeze as he led her to the ice cream cart.
Beckett knocked on the door of the loft only to hear Castle's voice from the other side saying it was open. She let herself in finding Castle, Gen and Alexis on the couch. Genevieve was sideways in Castle's lap with her back against the arm of the couch. She couldn't tell exactly what they were up to, but both girls' were staring intently at Castle.
"My turn?" he checked. They both nodded. "What did Alexis say?"
"Nicaragua," Alexis repeated.
"So you're 'A'," Gen added.
"Thanks, kid," Castle deadpanned, eliciting a giggle from Genevieve. Beckett figured they were playing some type of game and she was almost certain she understood the rules. "Alberta," Castle finally answered. "That makes you an "A" too," he said with a pointed look to Gen.
"Easy, Allen," she replied quickly.
"New Brunswick," Beckett chimed in, figuring out that you had to name a place that started with the last letter of the location the previous person named.
"Good one, Beckett," Castle praised, tipping his head back to meet her eyes.
"Hey Mom, Gen greeted finally, snaking an arm behind Castle's head to wave.
"Hello Detective Beckett," Alexis added with a small wave of her own.
"You ready to go, girlie?" Beckett asked. Genevieve exchanged a look with Castle. To be honest, she wasn't ready to go.
"Uh, Beckett, would you and Genevieve like to stay for dinner?" Castle invited, sensing the girl's hesitation to leave. Beckett could tell they were in cahoots and she realized that should probably bother her more than it did and it might at a later moment when she wasn't so tired but as she watched her daughter wriggle and laugh as Castle assaulted her with a round of fierce tickling, she found herself considering the idea of staying for dinner.
"Well, we don't want to impose…" she started.
"No imposition at all, in fact I haven't even decided what we're having yet," he replied, not turning his attention from Genevieve. Beckett thought for a moment.
"Ok then, we will stay for dinner if we can get pizza, my treat," she bargained.
"Pizza it is, but my treat," Castle corrected.
"Castle," Beckett warned, using a tone he was all too familiar with. Gen shot Castle a look telling him she was familiar with that tone too.
"We had taco night at your place, it's my turn," he argued, despite the fact he knew he shouldn't.
"Yes, but then you hosted Gen's birthday party, it's my turn," she countered sounding somewhat exasperated.
"You better listen to her," Genevieve chimed in.
"What's she going to do?" he asked seriously.
"Probably make us go home," the girl replied, her tone the same as his.
"Well, we don't want that so, ok Beckett, you can pay. Just this once," he allowed finally. Beckett smiled victoriously. Castle's breath caught in his chest. He almost vowed to let her pay more often if he could see that smile. Almost.
"Can we keep playing our game while we wait for dinner?" Gen asked.
"Sure thing, but let me up so I can help your mom order. Then we'll start up a new round," he decided. Genevieve scrambled out of his lap and onto the arm of the couch.
"We'll keep playing until they're done," Alexis announced, pulling a wide smile from Gen. "I guess I am a "k" so Kenya," she started.
As Castle rounded the couch, he looked back at the two girls and smiled. He loved that Alexis and Genevieve were comfortable around each other and not only that, but that they actually got along.
"It looks like you guys had fun today," Beckett noted, removing her gun and badge and stowing them in her purse. Castle reached out and took the bag, hanging it in the closet.
"It was a good day. We went to the park and got a little fresh air. Gen is quite the character once you get her going," he chuckled.
"She must really like you if she is willing to be silly around you," Beckett mentioned.
"All part of my charm," Castle boasted. Beckett rolled her eyes. "Did I miss anything good at the station?" he wondered.
"Only if paperwork counts," she shrugged. Castle pulled a face. "Thank you for watching her, usually my dad takes her, but he had jury duty of all things," she added.
"You know I don't mind. Anytime," he responded. Beckett studied his face for a moment, noticing his honest but somewhat sheepish expression.
"You really are too kind. I hope you don't feel like you have to prove something to me, ya know since…" she trailed off assuming he vividly remembered her "episode". Castle reached out and set his hand on Beckett's shoulder hoping to relieve some of the anxiety that suddenly flooded her stance and features.
"Beckett, I don't feel that way at all. I truly enjoy watching Genevieve. She brings life back to this loft," he smiled.
"Well, it looks like you have a lot of life here today. I didn't expect to see Alexis," Beckett gestured to the couch.
"She had laundry to do, then Gen asked her to stay and play a game," he stated.
"Gen asked?" that surprised Beckett. Castle nodded. "Wow," Beckett mused. She knew Genevieve had responded well to Alexis at the party, but this was even a step further. Gen's anxiety was more controlled than it had ever been. Beckett had begun to wonder if they would ever reach this point without medication, it appeared it was possible.
"So, what do you want on your pizza? Since you're paying, I'll order," Castle's voice broke through Beckett's thoughts.
"Pepperoni and green olive, for both me and Gen," she provided easily.
As they waited for the pizza, they started a new round of the Geography game, this time including Beckett. The game continued through dinner, and as the choices of locations diminished, they reached for more creative options such Gallifrey, Serenity Valley, Krypton, and Alderaan from a few of their favorite Sci-fi universes. By the time Castle started to use the moons of Saturn, Beckett decided it was time for them to head home.
"Ok girlie, you have school tomorrow. It's time to get home for a shower and bed," she instructed.
"But Mom…"Genevieve whined.
"But Genevieve…" Beckett mocked, earning her a face from her daughter. "Say goodbye to Castle and Alexis, and thank you."
"I know," Gen grumbled. She moved from where she sat on the floor and threw herself into Castle's lap. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her face against his shoulder. Castle's arms wound around her waist, squeezing her tight. "Thank you for letting my come over today, it was so much fun," she said before dropping her voice and adding a barely audible "Rick."
Castle let out a low chuckle, "No problem, sweetheart. It was fun. I'll see you again soon, I promise." He stood and eased her back onto her feet. She turned and hugged Alexis.
"Thanks for playing with us and thanks for the shirts and stuff," she mentioned.
"Of course, Gen. I am just glad to have someone to give my hand me downs to," Alexis grinned.
"Alright kid, grab your things so you and your mom can get home," Castle interjected.
"Things? As in more than the books she came with?" Beckett clarified.
"Alexis had some old clothes and things she thought Gen would like," Castle explained. Beckett had a notion to be irritated, but Gen was growing like a weed and any little bit helped. Plus it wasn't like Alexis ever wore anything inappropriate so she didn't have to worry about that.
Castle walked them to the door and gave Gen one more hug and left Beckett with the promise of seeing her the next day before letting them leave. He turned around to see his daughter leaning against the counter, smirking.
"What?" he asked.
"Nothing," she lied.
"Seriously, what?" he repeated, her smirk driving him crazy.
"Just you being all domestic with the Becketts," she laughed.
"What do you mean?" he wasn't sure how he felt about the words "domestic" and "Becketts" in the same sentence. They were nowhere near there. Yet.
"Gen sitting on your lap, you helping Beckett get dinner, it's just so cute seeing you act like an adult," Alexis continued.
"Well don't let word get around, it will ruin my reputation," he replied with mock seriousness.
"Your secret is safe with me," she promised. "But seriously, I think they are good for you," she decided. She knew she couldn't always be there for her dad like she had been in the past, so it was good to see he was making room for other people in his life. Good people. Not some of the toxic ones he used to surround himself with. He just smiled and padded towards her, wrapping her in a fierce hug and kissing her hair.
"I love you, pumpkin," he whispered.
He groaned as the phone rang for the third time. He popped his head out of the warm cocoon of cover to try and located the annoying device. He groped for it on the nightstand, briefly checking the caller ID before pressing it to his ear.
"Beckett, it's early," he whined.
"I'm going to kill you," That woke him up.
"What did I do?! It's too early for me to have done anything! I was asleep!" he defended himself.
"Before you went to sleep," she growled.
"You're mad at me for brushing my teeth?" he may have been awake, but his brain wasn't functioning enough to figure out what she was so upset about.
"Castle, you gave my daughter a Richard Castle t-shirt!" she shouted. He pulled the phone away from his ear not only because she was yelling, but because he was laughing out loud.
"Oh, that. I didn't give it to her. She found it. I just said she could keep it," he chuckled.
"Why on earth would you think that was a good idea? You knew it would annoy me," she continued.
"I just like to pull your pigtails," he mentioned, practically able to see her rolling her eyes through the phone. "Just let her wear it to school, she loves it. And let me get back to sleep. You can yell at me all you want later."
"Don't think this is over," she warned.
"I'm sure it's not. I'll see you later, Beckett," he finished, still laughed.
"I hate you," she mumbled, ending the call. Castle continued laughing for a few moments as he pictured the look on Beckett's face when Gen came out of her room that morning wearing the Richard Castle t-shirt. He looked forward to teasing her about this for some time.