AN: Prompt from: /XplodingUnicorn/status/725665294912479233 Thanks to adorbskatic for the idea.
Rick types on his laptop, the glow of the screen surrounding him as words form on the document in front of him. Everything else is silent, save for the tapping of his fingers on the keys. His wife is asleep in the next room and he dare not wake her. Unfortunately, his bout of insomnia got the best of him, so he's writing until he can find sleep once again.
As he types, he swears he can hear movement coming from the kitchen. Glancing up, he sees a shadow cross the doorway, making him smile, but also internally groan.
"Daddy?" a small voice whispers in the darkness.
"What's up, buddy?" Rick asks, holding his arms out as his son waddles over to him.
"I can't sleep," James states simply, climbing onto his father's lap, albeit clumsily. Rick grips his waist, hoisting him up and settling the boy on his lap.
"And why is that?" It's a familiar game between the two. James comes downstairs in the middle of the night to snuggle, claiming lack of sleep. Rick indulges him, even though he shouldn't. Kate would kill him if she knew he allowed their kid up this late. Hell, she probably already does know.
"There's a scary monster under my bed," he replies, his blue eyes wide, innocent.
"A scary monster, huh?" Rick bites back a smile. "Why do you think there's a monster under your bed?"
"Cause I head a thump." To illustrate his point, James hits his fist against his father's thigh.
Rick raises his eyebrows, holding back a chuckle. "A thump? Hmm. I see." Pretending to think, he glances into the bedroom, feeling relief he when sees Kate is still fast asleep.
"So, a scary monster?" The response is a nod. "How scary is this monster, do you think?"
"Really, really scary!" James exclaims, waving his hands for emphasis. "I think I need to stay with you and Mommy."
Rick struggles to keep a straight face at his son's antics. However, he knows he needs to put his foot down.
"Okay, but," he pauses for dramatic affect. "Is the monster scarier than a grouchy mommy?"
He can see his son stop, thinking over his answer. He's sure the boy his imagining the gentle glare Kate gives their son when she disapproves of his mischievous activities.
While it may not scare a suspect, that glare could frighten any toddler within a fifty foot radius.
James pouts adorably. "No," he sulks.
"That's what I thought." Rick laughs, lifting him up into one of his arms, while closing his laptop with the other. "Come on, let's get you to bed."
His son sighs begrudgingly, leaning his head on the older Castle's shoulder.
Once in bed, James settles in, puling the comforter up to his chin, his tiny fingers peeking out from under the cloth.
"Good night, Buddy. See you in the morning," Rick says, giving the boy a quick, tender kiss on the forehead.
"Night, night, Daddy."
Rick smiles softly, shutting the door behind him.
When he slides into bed, Kate lets out a soft snort, but otherwise remains unmoved. He stares for a moment, admiring how beautiful she looks when she sleeps. Hair in disarray, lips parted, and soft snores coming from her mouth. To him, she's picture perfect.
He lays his head on the pillow, and goes to wrap his arms around her when the silence is broken.
"So, scarier than the monster under the bed, huh?" She turns around, patented glare aimed at him. He smiles weakly.
Looks like he won't be getting any sleep tonight.