Anonymous prompt from tumblr: I saw this GIF floating around on tumble with a fix request and knew it'd be perfect for you. Castle and Kate's daughter comes home from school crying because the kids are teasing her about still believing in Santa. Kate explains that it's important to still believe in magic
Kate is busy fixing a snack for her daughter when she hears the front door open and close.
"Hey Taryn," she calls out, "I'm in the kitchen."
A few moments later she hears the shuffling of small feet and looks up with a smile. The smile disappears instantly when she sees tears tears streaming down Taryn's cheeks.
"Sweetie," Kate sets down the knife she's using and rushes over to her. "what's wrong?"
"The kids at school said I was stupid because I think Santa Claus is real," Taryn sniffles loudly. "They called me a baby and a dummy."
"Oh, honey," Kate helps her take her backpack off, then her scarf, hat, mittens, and coat. "Come sit with me," she takes her by the hand and leads her in to the living room, where they sit down on the couch, Taryn in Kate's lap.
"Mommy," Taryn turns her tear stained face up to look at Kate. "I don't care about the names they called me, because I told the teacher they were being bullies like you and Daddy taught me to and she helped me."
"That's good, Taryn," Kate kisses her forehead, "so then tell me why you're crying, my love."
"They said Santa isn't real, Mommy," she sniffles again. "Is that true?"
"What do you think?" Kate asks after a few moments hesitation.
"You and Daddy told me he is."
"So, do you believe us?"
"Yes, I want to, but why do all the other kids say he's not?"
"Well," Kate sighs and hugs Taryn closer, "some people find it hard to believe in magical things like Santa."
"Why do we believe them? Our family, I mean."
"You have your Daddy to thank for that," Kate answers with a smile. "See, I used to have trouble believing in magical things, too."
"You didn't believe in Santa Claus?" Taryn's eyes grow wide.
"For a while I didn't, but Daddy helped me remember how to believe."
"How did he do that?"
"He told me that if I didn't even believe in the possibility of magic, then I would never find it. Then, because he loved me so much, he kept showing me all the magical things that life has to offer."
"And then you started to believe in Santa again?"
"That, and so much more, Taryn."
Taryn sniffles again, but she's no longer crying. Kate lifts one hand and wipes away the remnants left behind on her cheeks, then kisses her forehead again.
"So, as long as I believe Santa is real, then he will be?"
"Exactly, sweetheart. Magic is as real as you let it be, no matter what kind of magic it is."
Taryn shifts so she can wrap her arms around Kate's sides.
"I love you, Mommy."
"And I love you," Kate tightens her hold. After a few moments of silence pass, Kate pulls back and meets Taryn's eyes with her own. "Are you hungry? I've got some celery with peanut butter ready for you."
"Can I put raisins on them?"
"Of course you can."
" Daddy taught me that. He calls it ants on a log," Taryn giggles. "He's silly."
"Yes he is," Kate grins, then glances at her watch. "Speaking of your silly Daddy, he should be home from his meeting soon. Do you want to help me make some extra ants on a log for him to eat when he gets here?"
"Yes I do!" Taryn shimmies out of Kate's lap. "Race you to the kitchen, Mommy!" she squeals excitedly.