Read My Lips
A short look into the Witch Kate Universe. Kate and Rick have differing ideas as to how to spend a lazy afternoon. Another little tale for the Halloween season.
A/N: It's not my fault, really.
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Kate Beckett-Castle had been waiting for this day off for what seems like forever. The last case had been a grinder, and everyone was pushed to the limits of their patience. She wasn't sure they would solve the dang thing in time so she would be able to take her much needed day for herself.
Kate had found a copy of an old book she had read back in college and she was really looking forward to being able to just kick back and dive into the pleasant memory.
She was thankful that Castle had deadlines to meet so he would be working on his latest in his office. Another lucky break for Kate. Rick would be buried in his own work so he wouldn't be bothering her incessantly.
She fluffed the large throw pillow behind her back as she settled herself in the window seat. She smiled because she not only was able to sit comfortably and read her book undisturbed, but she'd be able to read it in natural sunlight.
She loved reading in natural sunlight because it provided a softer light to read by. Lamps too often gave out a harsher light with more annoying shadows from the various pieces of furniture and such in a room. The window seat reminded her of being a young child and the pleasant afternoons she'd spend on the nearby park benches reading. Her mother was usually on the other end of the bench, also reading a book. It was something that she and her mother shared. Their love of reading.
She'd only been reading for less than an hour when a large shadow engulfed her. She glanced up to see her husband standing over her with a pitiful look on his face.
"What are you doing?"
She raised a brow. "Really, I told you not even an hour ago that I was going to sit in the sun and read." She looked around her. "So, what would your guess be what I'm doing?"
"I'm bored. Let's do something fun." He gave her his best little boy pout.
Kate held her book up. "I am doing something fun."
He rocked back and forth on his heels. "I mean let's do something fun together."
Kate glared at the annoying little boy masquerading as her husband. "I thought you had some writing to do. Something about Gina on the warpath about several chapters' worth of edits that you hadn't done yet."
Castle frowned and stared at his feet. "I'm not in the mood. The edits were boring. Let's do something exciting." He sat on the other end of the window seat. "Come on, Kate. We could go for a walk, it's a nice day. Or we could take in the matinee at the Rialto. Or we can stay in and do despicable things to each other… naked." He waggled his brows.
"Rick, I've been looking forward to a nice relaxing afternoon to read this book for a long time, and I'm going to read this book." She refocused her glare at him. "Go and do what you are supposed to do so Gina doesn't threaten to neuter you again." Kate smirked. "That would make me unhappy."
"Oh come on, Kate." He shuffled his feet. "You can read that old book anytime, but how often can we do something together?"
Kate drew in a deep breath to calm herself. "I'd say we do stuff together most of our waking hours." She smirked again. "And some of those when we should be sleeping."
Kate held the book up in front of her so he could see it. "I have planned to read this book this afternoon, so please let me do it. You're a grown man. I'm sure you can find something to do for a few more hours."
He frowned. "Kaaate!" He whined.
Kate looked up at him. Her brow was creased and her lips were drawn in a hard line. Suddenly her eyes turned a bright emerald in color.
Rick's expression changed radically. "Oh, oh."
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Alexis Castle used her key to enter the loft. "Hello, it's just me. Anyone home?"
Kate came out of the bedroom and smiled at her step daughter. "Hi Lex, what brings you over this evening?
The red head waved her hand toward her bedroom at the loft. "I've got to pick up a few things that I want to bring over to the dorms. I'll be in and out in a few minutes, so I won't bother you and dad."
Kate held back her smile. "Your father is currently indisposed so there's no problem there." Kate moved over and draped her arm around the young woman's shoulder. "How's school?"
Alexis shook her head. "It's getting crazy."
"You interested in staying for some dinner?" Kate smiled at her.
"As much as I'd like to, I've got a big test tomorrow that I have to study for. I just used coming over here as a short break. I have to get back."
Kate chuckled. "Well, I understand, but I don't want you spreading around that we don't ever offer to feed you."
Alexis smiled. "No, I would never do that." Suddenly the young woman's interest is captured by something she sees on the island counter top. "What's that?" She walks over."
Kate grinned as Alexis noticed what was in the smallish covered pail. "That's my apartment sized pet. I call him Ricky."
Alexis laughed. "You named your pet frog after dad?"
"He's a toad." Kate reached down and ran her finger down the large toad's back. "They are cleaner and smarter than frogs. You're a smart toad aren't you Ricky. I'm sure you'll be able to learn a lot of things. And I'm going to be the one to teach you." She smiled. "You'll like that won't you."
Alexis threw up her hands. "Whatever, I think you and dad have been cooped up in this loft too long. You need to get out. Take a real vacation."
"Not a bad idea there Lex. Maybe we'll have to do that." Kate smiled as Alexis ran up the stairs to get whatever she needed from her room. Within a few minutes she came bursting down the stairs and grabbing the front door.
"Got to go, love you Kate. Tell dad I love him too."
"Love you too, Lex. Don't study too hard. You need to live your life too."
Alexis just rolled her eyes and was gone.
Kate stared down at the toad, then reached out and stroked its back again. "Maybe your daughter has a good idea there. What do you think? Should I check with Gates and see if I have some vacation time coming?"
Kate lifted the small covered pail and carried it with her. "Well, I don't know about you Ricky, but I'm heading for bed. And do you know I'm going to do?" She gave the toad an evil looking grin. "I'm going to read my book."
FIN
A/N: I would make some comment on this, but I have no explanation for it.
Readers are always Appreciated, Review if you wish.