Sorry this took so long. I have been working more than normal. Also my dad injured his shoulder really bad. He is going to have surgery on July 2nd so it might be a while before I can get another chapter out. I have a lot of ideas for what is to come in the next few chapters so if I get the time it shouldn't be too hard to write. I hope you enjoy:)

The First Morning

Kate lay in bed that night, listening to Castle type in his office, right outside the bedroom door. Why was Meredith acting like this towards her? Sure, Castle had never spoken all that highly of her, but this seemed below her.

Kate had a feeling Meredith wanted her out of the way. That was likely what she was going to tell her before Martha showed up. If that was the case, Kate was going to be the bigger person. She knew Alexis loved her mother and didn't want to do anything that would hurt that sweet little girl. She also knew that Castle had a special place in his heart for Meredith as well because she had given him Alexis.

Kate was the new addition to the dynamic and she didn't want to cause trouble. After all, she wasn't going to be staying in the loft for long, and, if history were any indication, neither would Meredith, so what was wrong with a few harmless pranks. There was also the possibility that Meredith was just trying to feel her out and see what she was made of. Either way, Kate wasn't going to stir up any trouble if she could help it.

With those thoughts, Kate turned over. She really needed to get some sleep. Everything would be better in the morning, right?

When Kate woke up the next morning she found her back pressed to Castle's chest. His arm was around her stomach and his face was buried in her hair. Kate reached over to the nightstand to grab her phone, careful not to disturb Castle. She quickly shut off her alarm. She had two hours to get ready before she needed to wake Kaylie up for school. Kate carefully detached herself from Castle and went into the attached bathroom and turned on the shower so the water would be warm when she returned. She then went to check on Kaylie as she usually did first thing in the morning.

She made her way quietly through the loft to Alexis' bedroom. As she neared the door she could hear a muffled noise. She quietly pushed the door open and peeked inside. Kaylie, ever the sound sleeper, was sleeping on an air mattress on the floor. Alexis on the other hand, was curled up in the corner on her bed, sniffling.

"Alexis? Are you ok?" Kate asked softly, trying not to startle the obviously distressed girl.

"Kate!" Alexis squeaked. "I had a bad dream."

"Do you want me to go get your dad, Sweetie?"

"No! Don't leave me!"

"I can take you to him then, would that be better?"

"But we can't leave Kaylie all alone!" Alexis whispered looking down at said girl.

"Then how about I sit with you for a bit. Would that be ok?"

"I'd like that if it isn't too much trouble."

"It's no problem," Kate replied, carefully stepping over Kaylie to sit on Alexis' bed. "Come here," she said, opening her arms to offer her a hug. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Alexis moved out of the corner and leaned into Kate's side. "I don't want to wake Kaylie up."

"She's a deep sleeper. I tripped in her room one time and made a loud noise, I sort of screamed a little, and she didn't even move. The second you touch her, however, she wakes right up. So don't worry."

"Ok, but you have to promise not to tell Daddy or Mommy."

"I promise I won't tell them anything they don't need to know, ok? If they need to know for your safety or something I will have to tell them. I can't keep something like that from them."

"Ok… Well you and Kaylie left, like for good left. You said you never wanted to see me or Daddy again and walked out. It made Daddy really, really sad so he said he couldn't take care of me anymore. Grams was doing a play and had a new boyfriend so she didn't want me. So Daddy sent me to live with Mommy in California 'cause she was the only one left that was willing to take me. I love her, but I love living with Daddy and Grams and I like school here and I have all my friends and this loft and… and… I don't want you and Kaylie to go away forever!"

"I promise I will never leave you. Even if your dad and I don't work out, you can still visit Kaylie and I and she can come visit you. And your daddy loves you so much. He would do anything to make you happy. He would do anything he possibly could to keep you safe and with him. We all just want what's best for you."

"Thank you, Kate. Please don't tell Mommy. I don't want her to be mad. I really do love her, and I wanna spend more time with her, I just don't wanna leave Daddy, Grams, or my friends."

"I won't tell. Now why don't you try to get some more sleep, it's still pretty early."

"Ok. Thank you for listening," Alexis said laying down and snuggling into the blankets.

"Anytime Sweetie. Get some sleep." Kate stepped over Kaylie again before quietly leaving the room. She glanced back in as she closed the door and smiled. Kaylie was curled up on the air mattress hugging Billy. Alexis had offered Kaylie her bed, but Kaylie said she was fine with the air mattress. She was very similar to Kate as she didn't want to inconvenience anyone. Also, she thought the air mattress was cool.

Kate quietly made her way back to Castle's room. Quickly grabbing her clothes and rushing into the bathroom. She didn't have as much time as usual, and the shower had been running the entire time so Kate wanted to be quick.

Castle woke up to find the bed beside him empty. He felt Kate's side of the bed and it was still warm. He then became aware of the sound of the shower running. He heard the bathroom door open and rolled over. He saw Meredith leaving his room. He must have been dreaming. Meredith had no reason to be in his room. And if she was in his room, the only thing he could think she would want to do would be get in bed with him. She wasn't doing that so Castle shrugged his shoulder and turned back over, falling asleep once more.

Kate took a quick shower. When she got out, she put her hair up in a towel. She got dressed and did her makeup, leaving her hair in the towel to do last. Glancing at the clock, she saw that she had just enough time to blowdry and style her hair before making breakfast and lunch for Kaylie. Since she was staying with the Castles she may as well make breakfast for everyone else as well. She couldn't forget about Martha either, if she woke up before Kate left that was. There was also Meredith to consider.

Kate plugged the blow dryer in. As she held it up to her hair a white cloud came out and covered her hair. She quickly shut it off, looking at the front of the barrel. Kate found it was covered in what appeared to be baby powder.

She sighed, this wasn't going to be easy to get out. She ruffled her hair to dislodge as much as she could. Since she was already dressed and had done her makeup, Kate decided to try using the sink to get the rest of the baby powder out.

It was actually easier than she thought it would be, but she still didn't have time to dry her hair again. She put her hair up in a bun before cleaning the nozzle of the blow dryer so Castle would be able to use it if he wanted to or for herself the next day.

As Kate left the bathroom, a realization hit her, this was likely only the beginning. This had Meredith's name written all over it. Kate had hoped the previous night would be the end of it, but it appeared that Meredith wasn't ready to stop.

Kate kissed Castle on the cheek, grabbed her phone, and made her way to Alexis' room. She needed Kaylie to start getting ready, and probably Alexis as well. Kate opened the door and peeked in. Alexis was sitting at her desk reading a book. Kaylie was still passed out.

"Hey Alexis. I was just coming in to wake Kaylie up."

"Good morning, Kate," Alexis replied, smiling as though she hadn't been crying and scared two hours before.

Kate smiled back and walked over to Kaylie. "Sweetie, it's time to wake up," she said, lightly shaking her shoulder.

Kaylie's eyes blinked open. "Mommy?"

"It's time to get up. You have to get ready for school. I'll be downstairs making breakfast. Come down when you are ready, both of you," Kate said glancing at Alexis so she knew she was invited as well.

Kate went back downstairs to the kitchen and started making breakfast. Scrambled eggs and bacon was quick and easy, plus everyone should like it. As she began to plate it, Alexis and Kaylie appeared in the kitchen. She dished up three plates, serving Kaylie, Alexis, and herself.

"I'm going to see if Castle wants to get up for breakfast, you guys sit down and eat.

Kate returned to Castle's bedroom once again. "Time to wake up," she said, leaning down to kiss him on the cheek.

"Five more minutes," Castle mumbled.

"If you want any bacon you better get up now."

"Ok, I'm up." Castle quickly sat up and threw off the covers.

"Good now get dressed. Kaylie and Alexis are already eating."

"I'll be there soon," he replied, leaning towards Kate and gently kissing her.

There you have it. Meredith strikes again. Sorry there wasn't a lot of Caskett. There should be more in the next few chapters as well as Kate/Alexis and Meredith/Alexis. I hope you are enjoying this. Please leave a review letting me know what you thought, any mistakes you find, and any requests/questions/suggestions. Thanks and love you all:)