A/N: I had this chapter ready since Saturday. But I thought about the season finale today and I knew I would need the reviews after watching it and you guys would need a little pick me up too. So enjoy! And this is 1,000 words more than I usually write so...Happy Season Finale!

P.S.: If you haven't watched the finale, WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

Underneath the Wreckage

Chapter 10

The soft early sunlight shone on her face and her eyes shot open instantly.

"It's Saturday!" Alexis told herself.

Today she had swimming lessons, she would see her friends, and more importantly, Kate was spending the day with her and her father. It was going to be a good day.

And now that she found Kate, she was going to make sure to never lose her again. There was something about Kate that gave her security, like she could keep all her nightmares away. And she was different than to other adults she knew. Kate was sweet and kind with her. Plus, she was a police officer, which was very cool.

Quickly she got out of under her bed, where her makeshift bed was now, and headed to her bathroom. She brushed her teeth quickly and was out the door and running down the stairs in a minute.

"Dad! Dad! Wake up!" she shouted while opening her father's bedroom door. She heard a groan from underneath the covers. "Come on, Dad. It's Saturday!"

He answered her with another unintelligible groan. Alexis climbed to his bed and began poking his forehead and opening his eyelids. Her dad was very difficult to wake up.

"Dad! I have swimming lessons at 10. We're going to be late!"

"What time is it?" he asked slightly disoriented.

"Almost 7" Alexis answered cheerfully.

With another loud grunt, Rick pulled the covers up to his head. "It's too early," he mumbled.

"Dad! You have to make breakfast and take me…"

"Give me an hour…" he murmured while he drifted to sleep.

"Dad!'

"Five more minutes."

With an exasperated groan, Alexis climbed down the bed and pulled the covers off her father. "Breakfast, now!" and she stormed out of his room.

Rick didn't want to think how Alexis would be when all those teenager hormones kicked in. Oh, he really wasn't looking forwards to those years…

He got out of bed and headed to the shower. He loved seeing Alexis like that, but at a more respectable hour. They had three hours to get there…three hours! He could've slept one hour more. Stepping out of the shower he saw his reflection in the bathroom mirror. And then it hit him…he had a dream, one of those "this is so awesome" kind of dreams, but he didn't remember anything. He just had this weird sensation and he couldn't put a name to it. He felt like he was on the brick of something. It was the kind of sensation that was followed by one of his great ideas. He had to make sure to take a small notepad, just in case inspiration decided to visit him today.

He walked toward the kitchen, where a very anxious Alexis was waiting for him sitting on one of the stools.

"What took you so long?"

She was sitting already with her swimsuit on, under a pair of shorts and a purple t-shirt. She had her hair up in a slightly crocked braid, but it was better than the ones he attempted to do.

"Good morning, Pumpkin. Sleep well?"

"Yes, Daddy," she answered rolling her eyes at him.

"Well, I slept well too. Until a little munchkin woke me up very rudely."

"Sorry, Daddy," she giggled.

"Yeah, you better be," he said with a smiled. "I'm going to wake you up tomorrow and I'll have my revenge."

"But I always wake up before you do. Every day!"

"I'll put an alarm clock."

"They never wake you up," Alexis replied while laughing.

"I'll figure something out."

He made her scrambled eggs with toast and bacon. She ate them quickly and stormed back to her room. It was adorable how excited she was. It was clearly because Officer Beckett was spending the afternoon with them. It was all Alexis would talk about since she woke up on Wednesday. He just wanted to make sure she wouldn't get her little heart broken by this young woman. Who I pretty much know nothing about, he mused. Well, he was sure they would know her better at the end of the day.

Around 8:30 Kate was already getting ready. She wanted to get grab some breakfast before heading to Alexis' swimming class. Kate was really looking forward for spending the day with Alexis and her dad. But first, she had to deal with a little situation she had going on her living room.

She walked out of the room and at the kitchen and poured coffee into two cups. She headed with both cups to the living room, where her father was sleeping soundly. She sat on the edge of her coffee table and nudged him lightly.

"Johanna?" he murmured in his sleep.

Kate heart broke into a million pieces. Her dad, this strong and constant figure from her childhood, was now a drunken fool who would stumble into her apartment at least once a week barely keeping himself on his feet. Last night was one of those nights. He knocked around 11 p.m. and stumbled into her couch, where he instantaneously passed out. She took off his shoes and covered him with a blanket. Those were the easy nights. In the morning Kate would make him coffee and they pretended nothing happened.

The hard ones were when he came home yelling and throwing things and passing out in the shower. That was one of the reasons Kate moved out. But it didn't stop him to going to her when he was drunk. And more than once she had to go pick him up in the middle of the night at some bar where he would pass out.

They were both a broken mess. Like someone had taken their soul and left an empty shell of a life behind. A shell that was slowly self-destructing until all it was left was the ruins. At least Kate was now aware of the self destructing path she was and was determined to not walk along it. She was now struggling to keep that shell together while she slowly glued the pieces.

But today was different. Today Kate was sure if she could find hope to live after losing her mother, her father could to.

"Dad?"

"Katie?"

"Yeah, it's me, Dad. Here," she handed him the coffee cup. He slowly sat up, rubbing his eyes and squinting at the daylight coming from the apartment's windows.

"Thanks."

They both sat in silence nursing their cups while staring at the floor.

"Dad, let me help you," she said softly, almost whispering.

"I'm getting help, Katie. I'm going to those meetings."

"Are you really? Because it doesn't seem like its working."

"Well, I haven't been to the last few…"

"Dad…you promised."

"I know, Katie. I know. I promise this time will be different."

Kate sighed. It's been almost a year since she didn't take her father's promises seriously. But she couldn't help thinking that this time would be different; that this time would be the last one.

"Where is she?"

"She must be running late."

"She will come, right? She promised."

Right there was Rick's biggest fear; that this woman would leave his daughter with a broken heart.

"You have to take your class. I'll look out for her."

"Okay."

Defeated, Rick watched Alexis walk towards the pool with the other group of kids and their teachers. He sighed as he ran his hands through his face and hair. If Officer Beckett didn't come today, he had to do something major to cheer Alexis up. And after just a week after the terrorist attacks, he was running out of ideas. He would have to break into the 'For Emergencies Only' repertoire, the ones he was saving for teenage drama and first breakup. But he didn't have a plan for this one.

Or maybe he didn't need one.

From the other side of the pool he saw Kate walking towards him. She looked comfortable and relaxed. She was wearing blue jeans, a loose dark green shirt with a black leather jacket and a pair of black Chucks. Alexis was going to be thrilled that she chose to wear her Chucks today.

"Kate!"

Alexis waved from the pool, a big smile on her face. Rick finally relaxed. He saw Kate point at him and tell something at Alexis. Then the young woman continued to walk towards him.

"Good morning, Mr. Castle," she said while sitting beside him. She had a small red gift bag that she placed between her feet.

"Morning, Officer Beckett."

"Kate, please."

"Rick," he smiled at her.

"Sorry I'm late. I had…a situation to take care off."

"I'm just glad you made it."

That smile. No, it wasn't the flirty smile he gave her when she sat next to him. Sure those made her a little weak in the knees, more than she will ever admit. But the smile he had when he watched his daughter made her heart skip and her hands sweat. It gave her a tingling feeling that ran through her spine. That smile.

And today he looked gorgeous. He was wearing faded jeans and a dark blue button down shirt that made his eyes more beautiful and alluring than normal, if that was even possible. Kate had always been attracted to older men, well, older celebrities; Richard Castle being her top choice for some time now. But never in her wildest dream could she imagine herself sitting beside this handsome creature. Well, in her wildest dreams that Richard Castle was the protagonist but the least she did was sit beside him…

Kate had to remind herself that the reason she was there was because of Alexis. Because Alexis had saved her life and she saved hers. Because now they were linked to each other and this bond was inexplicable strong. Richard Castle being Alexis' father was just a mild distraction that Kate could control…would control.

She had read a lot of newspaper articles about Richard Castle, most of them on page 6. He was known for being a playboy millionaire, with a different bimbo model at each benefit and social event. After his divorce, he had become one of New York's most eligible bachelors and even though Kate did find him very attractive, she had to admit that she couldn't stand the persona portrayed in the papers. But this man that was sitting next to her was very different while watching his daughter. He was nothing like the man from the papers.

Maybe it's all a publicity stunt.

"So, Kate," he turned to face her and smiled while raising suggestively an eyebrow. "Are you single?"

Or maybe not.

"You are here spending the day with me and my daughter. I don't want a jealous boyfriend after my head if he sees you with this ruggedly handsome man."

Oh, he's so full of himself.

"No, Castle. No jealous boyfriend," she answered him, emphasizing his last name. She wanted to keep her distance. Calling him Rick was too personal, and a little surreal is she was going to be honest with herself. This was after all her favorite author...

"Girlfriend?" he asked her. She didn't look at him, but from his tone she knew he had that incredible suggestive and annoying smile on his face. That knee weakening disarming smile.

She let his question hand in the air, while she cheered Alexis on. The kids were now swimming in the deeper side of the pool, and some of them were having trouble staying afloat. Of course, Alexis was swimming with much more grace and precision that any 7 year old should have.

"She's really good," Kate told him, hoping to stray him off the topic he had in mind.

"She really is. In everything she does, she excels. Of course, it's expected. She is my daughter after all."

The spent a few minutes in silence, both watching the redheaded girl swim across the pool in different strokes.

"You know she's showing off…for you," Rick stated, a small smile on his lips. "She really likes you."

"I like her too. That's who I'm here for."

"Good."

Kate could handle "Rick, the playboy"; she'd manage to keep off a lot of douchbags since she started wearing training bras. But "Rick, the father full of pride"…he was dangerous for her.

Oh, she was good. Using his daughter to distract him and change the subject. And it worked wonderfully. There was nothing Rick loved more than brag about how wonderful and great Alexis is. He was relieved to hear that Alexis was the reason she was there; that was who she was there for. Not for him, his money or fame, but for that little girl who, in spite of his biggest efforts, was still shaken by the attacks of the week before.

The rest of the class they spent it watching Alexis and the kids swimming like fishes. It was relaxing and uplifting, watching their enthusiasm and innocence. After class Alexis stayed with a small kid practicing him the different techniques they learned that day.

"Hey, I know that kid," Kate said almost to herself.

"Katie!" a woman called from the other side of the pool. She walked towards the pair with a huge smile on her face. Rick recognized her as one of Alexis' friend mother, a sweet woman who made the best brownies for the school's cake sales.

Rick watched as Kate stood up and hugged the woman. He walked towards them.

"Mr. Castle!" the woman exclaimed. "We missed you on our last bake sale."

"Not as much as I missed your brownies, Mrs. Lembert," he said charmingly while shaking her hand. "How do you two know each other?"

"Oh, it's a small world. Katie here grew up across from us. She used to babysit little Michael when he was a baby. She's a great babysitter."

Rick was very amused by now. He saw how Kate's cheek blushed violently and he couldn't help smiling widely.

"What are you doing here, Katie, dear?"

"Umm…just visiting a friend," she answered while waving back at a smiling Alexis.

"Oh, that Alexis is just a wonderful girl. She always stays a few minutes with Michael and helps him. You have a great daughter, Mr. Castle."

"Thank you." Now it was his turn to blush.

Alexis was wrapping herself in her big red towel and began walking towards them with Michael.

"Katie, how's your father doing?"

Rick noticed how uncomfortable Kate suddenly was. Her back was very stiff and straight and she began fidgeting with her hands.

"He's doing better."

"Well, just hang in there, sweetheart," he hugged Kate. "We miss you. Next time you visit your father, stop by and I'll make you some pie."

"Thank you, Rose."

"Michael! Let's go. Your father is waiting for us," she yelled at the boy who was giggling with Alexis. "It was nice to see you both. Mr. Castle, I'll send you a few brownies with Alexis."

"Oh, you are an angel," he said while kissing her hand. The woman giggled like a love struck teenager and walked away with her son.

Well, that was awkward. Kate was not expecting that uncomfortable exchange. Of all people to meet here, she had to run into Rose Lembert, her father's neighbor, who knew her since she wore diapers.

"Kate!"

But all embarrassment was quickly forgotten when Alexis ran into her and hugger her. She kneeled in front of the girl and hugged her tightly.

"You made it!"

"Of course I did. I wouldn't miss it.

"Pumpkin, be careful. You are getting her all wet."

"Sorry," the girl giggled as she let go of Kate.

True enough, she now had her shirt soaked, the fabric clinging into her chest and breasts…Oh, the embarrassment continues…

"It'll dry off." Eventually…

Alexis giggled again. "I'm going to shower. I'll be quick!" she yelled while she ran to the bathrooms with her bag.

Great! Now she was alone again with him with a soaked shirt and the awkwardness from her meeting with Rose still fresh. She glanced Castle and found him balancing on his heels looking up, down…anywhere but her. She suddenly felt very self-conscious and looked down.

Oops. She quickly closed her jacket and blushed even more. The thin fabric of her shirt and the cold water clinging to it didn't leave much to the imagination…

Way to go. 101 ways to embarrass yourself in front of your favorite author, by Katherine Beckett.

He seemed to notice her discomfort and excused himself while he talked to Alexis' teacher. She took this time to go to the bathroom and use the hand dryer to undo the damage.

He had to do something…ANYTHING. Why he was lusting after a barely 20 year old girl was beyond him. He couldn't stop staring at her now almost see-through shirt. He did find Kate attractive, but the accidental wet t-shirt contest was too much. He barely knew her, she was like 10 years younger than him, and he hadn't been…intimate…with anyone in quite some time. He blamed on the hormones...

As he walked towards the teacher, he made a list of grocery he had to pick up soon just to give him something to think about other than the hot young police officer with the wet shirt.

When did Kate go from attractive to hot…When fate gave you the gift of wet shirt fabric…Way to go Rick, so much for keeping your mind out of the gutter.

He tried to pay attention to the announcement the teacher was making about a tournament that she wanted Alexis to participate. Rick agreed to talk to the girl, but he was sure Alexis will be thrilled to participate. He looked over to Kate, who was now sitting on one of the benches, with that little red gift bag on her hands. She looked…nervous?

Rick walked towards Kate and sat down beside her.

"What do you got there?" he signaled the bag.

"It's just something for Alexis."

"You didn't have to."

"Oh, yes. I did."

Alexis came to them, skipping and humming.

"I'm ready!"

Rick couldn't help but laugh. Her hair was a tangled mess, her shirt was not tucked in and her shoelaces were untied.

"Someone was in a hurry…" he side while he kneeled down to tuck in her shirt.

"I didn't want to make Kate wait."

"You do know she's spending the day with us, right?"

"I know…" she rolled her eyes at him.

"Come here, let me see if we can do something with your hair," Kate told her softly, while patting the seat beside her. "You have a comb?"

Alexis gladly sat beside her and handed her comb. She untangled Alexis' long red hair and braided it while Rick tied her shoes.

"Look Kate! We have the same shoes!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide in amazement.

"Look at that, we do," she told the girl, while trying to tuck and unruly strand of hair into the braid. "All finished."

Rick was struck with this weird feeling in his gut; this moment of strange domesticity was making him uncomfortable. He barely knew the woman and now they were both taking care of his daughter. He had to be careful, because he had a hunch that Kate could worm her way, not only into Alexis' life, but in his too.

"I got something for you," Kate said while picking up the red bag.

Alexis' eyes grew wide and a big smile broke on her face. "For me?"

Kate was a little nervous to give her the present, mainly because she didn't want to part from it. But this was something she had to do.

"Yes, for you, baby girl. Here you go," she handed her the bag.

She quickly took out the tissue paper and let out a squeal.

"MONKEY-BONKEY!" She took out the monkey and hugged him tight. "I thought I lost him. Thank you Kate!" She hugged Kate tightly around her waist.

"You're welcome, baby girl," she said softly while kissing the top of her red hair.

"Hey, look who is back!" Rick said while inspecting the stuffed monkey currently clutched in Alexis' hands. "He looks…clean."

"Oh, yes. He was very dirty, so I washed them."

"You…never…clean…Monkey-Bonkey," Rick told her with wide eyes while taking a few steps back. "You'll unleash the wrath of the Red Hair Possessed Girl."

Kate bit her lower lip as she looked from Rick's warning glances to Alexis' confused ones.

"It's okay, Daddy. He really was very dirty. Thank you, Kate."

Kate couldn't stop the laugh that was threatening to escape when Rick's face fell in disbelieve.

"Sure, when Daddy washes Monkey-Bonkey, he gets the silence treatment for a week. But when Kate does…"

"Daddy, you are such a sour loser."

"You wound me. I can't believe it. My firstborn," he faked being wounded in the chest.

"I'm your…only-born. Leave the theater drama for Grandma, Daddy. Let's go!"

Kate couldn't help but smile at the girl's quick wit.

"Are you ready to have fun, Kate?" Alexis asked her while holding her hand.

"Sure."

"Are you really sure, Miss Beckett? A day with the Castles is an experience like no other," Rick asked her, while holding Alexis' free hand, well he was really holding Monkey-Bonkey's free hand, since the monkey was still clutched to the girl's hand.

"I'm sure I can handle it."

"Then, let us begin. First stop: Pizza."

"Yay!" yelled Alexis.

And so they began their adventure, Kate thought. She had never been more excited, or nervous, about pizza before.

So Part 1 of 'Beckett's Day with the Castles' over, stay tuned for Part 2. I would love to read what you think of the story so far. Of course, Castle writers have outdone themselves...hard to compete with that finale.

Your reviews always make me smile. :) I also need them to help me get through this patch of exams and reports I have coming up. Summer where are you?