Castle: Happy Birthday

Monday 12 November

'Erin, you're gonna be late,' Castle shouted up the stairs. By the front door crowded three bags: one full of textbooks, one a Phys Ed kit with a hockey stick sticking out, and one with a packed lunch that could feed a classroom. Beckett had woken early.

'Just a minute.' Erin had finally decided that she wanted to attend the same school as Alexis partly because it would see her through until she graduated. Despite his regular extra donations during Alexis's tenure, Marlowe Prep had still demanded that she take several exams to ensure she could enter Seventh Grade. Erin's time spent in libraries hadn't been a waste as she passed them all, sailing through some, scraping by in others.

Beckett appeared beside him. 'You don't want to be late on your first day,' she called out. He kneaded her shoulders, the skin protected by a cream turtleneck and dark blazer.

'She's going to be fine.'

Beckett narrowed her eyes. 'She might be, but I'm not. You'll call me if anything happens? It had to be today I'm on a training course. I could phone in sick…'

'Nothing is going to happen, Kate. She hasn't had a panic attack since Halloween. She's started therapy. She's settling in. Everything. Is. Fine.'

Erin bounced down the stairs, pushing them apart as she reached for her boots and jacket. Beckett looked over her shoulder at him before turning back to Erin who wore a smart combination of plain black pants and a thin navy sweater with silver beads like stars. Around her neck was one of Beckett's many scarves: she had been delighted that Erin had taken up her offer and enthusiastically rummaged through her collection. Her eyes were less like a panda's and her fuller cheeks were rosy; her hair was now shorter, an inch past her shoulders.

'Before you go, we just wanted to give you a little something,' said Beckett, her mouth curving into a smile.

Chuckling, Castle pulled a small package from behind his back and handed it to her. Erin accepted it, turned it over, then shook it. She ripped away the patterned wrapping.

'An iphone!'

'It's all charged ready to go and our phone numbers are in the contacts.' Beckett's expression hardened. 'If you need anything, call us. Ri-'

Erin rolled her eyes. 'Honestly, Kate, chill out. I know I didn't want to go at first, but I've seen the school, Alexis has told me all about it. Besides, it was getting boring hanging around here with him.' She waved her thumb and grinned at Castle. 'Gotta go, my ride is waiting.' The school did have a private school bus, but as Castle had always provided Alexis with a car service it was second nature to do the same for Erin. She had protested but once Beckett had joined in listing the advantages, she had acquiesced. Erin waved the phone at them and shouted 'Thanks!' as, loaded with bags, she shut the door behind her.

'Wow, the place is so quiet,' said Beckett as she looked around the loft. His usually immaculate space had become increasingly cluttered over the past few weeks. It had taken several trips to Beckett's apartment to bring over everything she wanted to keep. He had arranged for storage, and they were still in discussion about what they would each put there. Thankfully, she was being patient with him, letting him say goodbye to a few possessions slowly: unpacked boxes littered their room (their room, it sounded good). Erin's possessions too had grown and apparently developed tentacles. When she entered a room, he couldn't understand how a piece of clothing would materialise in the strangest of places: why were there odd socks draped over his Sherlock Holmes collection? People are endlessly fascinating, he thought. How could she be equally so oblivious and so observant – her capacity to remember small details a strength which had impressed them both.

Alexis's visit had proved a turning point for Erin. She had already started to be more comfortable and chattier around them but afterwards she was lighter. Alexis had refused to divulge any of their conversation, swearing sororal allegiance, but perhaps Erin had unburdened something to her? Alexis had returned to college the following morning. He was unhappy that Alexis continued to address his girlfriend as Detective Beckett, but it was only fair that he gave her time. Beckett herself didn't seem to mind, pleased that their girls were getting along. Furthermore, it was that day that Erin agreed to attend Marlowe Prep and they were both so relieved that she had finally made a decision that their overriding feeling towards Alexis was gratitude.

Since then, he had been working with Erin to pass the exams, Beckett being busy at work. She was attentive and bright so why couldn't she seem to remember where she put things down? He wondered about the iphone's fate. He has already had more keys cut just in case.

'Are you sure we shouldn't go with her?' she said linking an arm through his.

'What did the therapist say?' he said as if looking over invisible glasses. Actually, not a lot. For patient confidentiality, there wasn't much that could be discussed. Nonetheless, the therapist had reminded them that although Erin was 12 years old and was in dire need of routine and security, she had also been independent beyond what would be normal for her peers. Beckett had seen Dr Burke just once and he too had warned against cossetting her. 'Erin told us she doesn't want us there today, so we have to respect that.' Beckett's eye twitched, a new tic he had noticed that was only triggered by her daughter.

Erin's decision was understandable. When they had visited schools Beckett the Hard-boiled Detective had been in play. He had sat in those uncomfortable school chairs cringing with Erin while Beckett interrogated head teacher after head teacher.

'It is quiet.' It hadn't been just the two of them in weeks. He snaked an arm around her waist, his hand edging towards the back of her thigh. She kissed him on the cheek and pulled back.

'Babe, I'm sorry. I'd love to spend the day with you. Gates has me on this mental health training course all week. My mental health would be just fine if I could go out there and catch killers,' she huffed.

'I thought the course was about the mental health of those you arrest?' he countered.

'Well, don't kill people and I won't shout at you.' She was tense and he realised if he kept arguing she was going to keep answering back. Maybe a few days not being out in the field with a gun would be a good thing, he wondered.

He changed the subject. 'It's your birthday on Saturday. What do you want to do?'

'Surprise me,' she said as she threw her purse over her shoulder and blew him a kiss from the open door.

'Okay I will. Meanwhile, don't worry about me.' He swept his hand over the loft and Erin's detritus. 'Yeah…I'll be plenty busy today.'

Saturday 17 November

'Are your eyes shut?' Erin called through the bedroom door. They absolutely were as after a long week Beckett was still blessedly in the land of nod. Together they had plotted Beckett's day, Erin leading the way with ideas. They had agreed to make her breakfast together, but it appeared she had beaten him to it. He blinked at the bedside clock. It was only 7.30am. Castle slipped out of bed and tiptoed across the bedroom.

'She's asleep,' he whispered.

'Oh. I got her juice and coffee.' She held up the tray. It also bore a cream cheese and smoked salmon bagel cut into cute quarters. That's strange, he hadn't bought bagels this week.

'Erin, did you go out this morning?'

'The bagels needed to be fresh. It's okay, I used my allowance.'

'You can't just go out alone and not tell us where you're going.'

'I had the phone, what's the problem?' She looked so innocent and bemused. The problem was that Beckett was still adjusting to being responsible for her child and had almost changed her mind about the ethics of GPS apps. It was he who had convinced her to stick to her original argument regarding invasion of privacy. She was going to hit the roof when she found out. Maybe he wouldn't tell her today.

'No problem, but can you please tell us if you want to go somewhere next time.' At 12 he wouldn't have let Alexis walk around Manhattan streets without accompaniment and he was accustomed to Alexis's extreme rule compliance which had made his parenting job so easy at times. As she matured, he had had to encourage her to be more reckless. It was hard to remember that Erin had successfully taken care of herself for several weeks because she had made it a taboo subject. Neither wanted to upset the apple cart when Erin was getting healthier every day.

The first week of school had gone well despite Beckett's misgivings. After the first day, Erin had taken to waking early and making freshly squeezed orange juice from a contraption she had found hidden in the kitchen (Alexis had bought it for him years ago, but he could never be bothered to use it). The first time when she had eagerly handed Kate a glass, she then stuttered with embarrassment when he asked where his glass was. He looked through the office to the kitchen: no second glass nor cup of coffee waiting for him today either.

Castle shooed her away, ignoring her despondent face. He crept back into bed, the room still dark. An hour later Kate stirred.

'Happy birthday, beautiful,' he said beaming at her as she stretched languidly. He fluffed her pillows and encouraged her to sit up.

'Wait there.'

At the door he motioned to Erin. She had been busy. The tray was now adorned with birthday confetti, a bouquet of balloons (she must have rummaged through his office to find the helium pump) and an envelope. The bagel quarters now each bore a candle. She skidded to the kitchen and quickly made a fresh cup of coffee, adding the foam heart that he had shown her how to make. He admired her work: going over the top was very much his style.

'Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Ka-ate. Happy birthday to you,' they crooned as Erin proudly placed the tray, the candles now lit, across her lap.

'Guys, this is wonderful,' gushed Kate. 'You did this?' she said to Erin once she had blown out the candles.

Erin shrugged. Kate stretched for her hand, but she sat down at the foot of the bed before she could reach it. Laughing, Kate pushed away the balloons. They bounced back undeterred, so he helped her untie them and retied them to the bedside lamp.

'So, we know that you never get to hang out at home with no demands, and it's been so busy recently that today you get to do just that.'

'Heaven,' she smiled.

'Well, until later on.'

'What's happening later?'

'Oh, that is for us to know and you to find out,' he said, tapping the side of his nose and sitting down beside Erin.

'Wait what? What have you done, Castle?' she replied sitting up straighter.

'Moi?' He looked sideways at his accomplice. 'You said to surprise you.'

'Yeah, we've been planning it aaaaall week,' Erin smirked. He reciprocated her exaggerated wink. Oh, it was going to be fun torturing Beckett for the next few hours. Beckett scowled then she noticed the envelope and opened it. Glitter poured out. He had his card and presents wrapped to give her later in private. He watched as her eyes glistened while she read the card.

Throughout the week he had considered and discarded a number of ideas for Beckett's birthday. It was their first as a couple as well as her first with Erin, so the pressure was on. It should be big: a large party at the Hamptons; hire a private plane to visit Niagara Falls; a weekend in Paris. In the end, the more he thought about it the more he realised that it's not what Kate would want. It was her birthday, not his and he wanted to get it right.

Despite their protestations that she could stay in bed as long as she liked Beckett joined them. Doing nothing didn't come easily to her. She coaxed them into a walk in Central Park where Erin bought them all ice creams. It was getting too cold for ice creams in November, but they all wore gloves. He convinced them to do the touristy thing, shocked that neither had done it before, and they took a whirl around the park in the famous horse and carriage, Erin squeezed between them.

In the late afternoon, after several hours of Kate guessing at their plans – Erin's tight-lipped expression never faltered – he instructed her to put on a gown. How did she do that thing with her hair that stopped him in his tracks? Partially clipped up behind her, waves fell from a clip, or a band, and shorter tendrils framed her inimitable face. She chose a backless burgundy floor-length dress. And of course, those killer heels. Even Erin, somehow younger having been conscripted into buying a stiff black knee length A-line dress by Martha, looked stunned.

Beckett quirked an eyebrow. 'Is this what you had in mind, Castle?'

'You'll, er, do,' he croaked eventually.

The black limo pulled up along a Midtown street. He grinned inwardly as Beckett peered out.

'Lazertag, Castle! Lazertag!' She gawped at him in horror. He returned her stare with innocence.

Holding up his hands, he protested: 'You love to shoot things!'

'But…but…you said to wear a dress!'

Castle whispered to the driver: 'One more block, please,' and handed him a rolled-up note.

This time when she looked out, she grabbed his arm. 'James Zhang's! How did you know?'

'You don't always shut your computer screen down. I've seen you browsing the menu more than once.' Inside, he brimmed with relief.

'I haven't looked at it in a while,' she said, incredulous.

Of course, he remembered. The fact that she had never suggested he take her to the exclusive fine dining Chinese restaurant (the Tasting Menu price made even his eyes water) convinced him she wouldn't suspect a thing.

Lightbulbs flashed as Castle held open the door. Through a gritted smile Beckett hissed: 'Cameras, Rick? What if Gates sees this?'

'Don't worry she won't think it's a date.' He cocked his head to the entrance of the restaurant famed for its popularity amongst the glitterati. As Erin stepped out after Kate, he heard a yelp and found himself being pinched in the arm.

'You didn't!'

Through the throng, waiting beneath the purple and blue canopy by the entrance and dolled up to the max, were her father, Martha, Alexis, Javier and Lanie, and Kevin and Jenny. Before she thrust her way to them, she treated him to a Hollywood grin and mouthed 'thank you'. A flashing bulb blinded them. Erin stayed shyly beside him. She had been keen on the idea, eager to surprise Kate with something glamorous. She had reassured him that she was fine meeting new people and that actually it would be less pressure to meet her grandfather in a group setting.

All week he had worried if Kate would be okay with this? She hated publicity but ultimately, he surmised that she would accept that the paparazzi were a small price to pay to visit this long-admired restaurant with family and friends. Jim, Martha and Lanie had each encouraged him to go for it – though he suspected Lanie was more than a little thrilled to get in front of the cameras herself if the cleavage on her deep mauve satin dress was anything to go by. Javier too puffed and preened beside her.

A burly bouncer who wouldn't look lost in a Bruce Lee film ushered them past the six-foot high red and gold dragon. Inside, away from the cacophony of the street, the lighting was a cool crisp blue. White tablecloths on round tables were overlooked by pictures of delicate black calligraphy and intricate golden embroidery. Along one wall stretched an epic depiction of a long-ago war. The décor was modern and sleek with perfectly judged splashes of ornate tradition.

They were led to a secluded table in the far corner as per his request. Kate sat in pride of place flanked by Castle and Erin with Jim on Erin's other side then Alexis, Jenny, Kevin, Javier, Lanie then Martha completing the circle next to him.

'Are you happy with the Tasting Menu for the table?' he asked her.

'How mu-'

He waved her away. 'It's your birthday. It's been an…intense few weeks. Let me spoil you, this once. I got this.' Kate wavered. He leaned across to whisper in her ear: 'You don't have to be embarrassed. Martha and Alexis are used to my wallet, your father is thrilled to see you get treated and Espo, Ryan, Lanie and Jenny just want to make a fuss of you and don't have a problem letting me pay, I promise. It's not about the money, it's about you.'

'Okay,' she said softly, squeezing his hand beneath the table. The black and white waiter explained that menus would be handed out at the end and to let the house take them on a journey though Chinese culinary history.

As small plate after small plate of sensually delicious umami perfection graced their palates, and glasses of beer and wine were refreshed, Castle basked in the glow of familial chatter and banter. Kate shone; any discomfort melted away. Jim and Erin sat almost head-to-head examining something Jim was drawing on a napkin. Kate laughed at something Javier had said across the table and Lanie and Martha appeared to be doing a twisted seated form of the Macarena which incited uncontrollable giggles from Alexis and Jenny. It was as if Erin had always been with them, and this picture of normality made his heart sing.

'Are you having fun?' he said as an array of brightly coloured dumplings replaced small bowls of soup.

She leaned so close to him that her hair tickled his forehead. 'I know I can be difficult and find it hard to relax but thank you. If you had suggested this, I wouldn't have let you, but you were right, this is perfect.' It took everything not to kiss her there and then.

'Erin!' came a sharp cry. The table looked up as one, following the object of Lanie's voice. 'Are you okay, honey?'

Erin's cheeks were crimson with centimetre-length white circles breaking out across one side of her face like a whip-mark.

'Does this have…scallops in it?' Erin stuttered, pointing at a half-eaten beetroot pink sui mai. She scratched her throat and rubbed one ear.

Without hesitation, Alexis and Lanie jumped to their feet and rushed round. Lanie knelt beside Erin. Kate was speechless.

'Are you allergic?'

'I only had them once. I forgot.' Erin's eyes welled up as she looked at them both, mortified.

Kate found her voice. 'Is she going into anaphylaxis?'

'I don't think so, but she needs antihistamines right away. Is your throat itching?' Erin nodded, trying to fight back tears. Alexis nudged her to her feet.

'There's a pharmacy right across the street.' Kate moved to stand up, but Lanie stopped her with a hand to her shoulder.

'We got this, you stay and enjoy the meal.' Kate tried to resist but Erin choked: 'I'm so sorry. I didn't want anything to ruin your day. I'll be fine with Alexis and Lanie.' Unwillingly, Kate sat back down, her nails digging into his thigh as they bundled Erin away. He knew exactly what she was feeling. Any threat to Erin's health would induce a fight-or-flight response in her. Furthermore, the day had been idyllic and with a bump back to earth they had been reminded of how much they still didn't know.

While they waited the mood was sombre and awkward. Javier started to tell a story of a cousin with a severe peanut allergy, but he stopped when he jolted, presumably kicked in the legs by Kevin who glared at him. Upon their return, Erin slipped into her chair while Lanie quietly reassured him and Kate that she would be fine although possibly drowsy from the medication. Antihistamines had quickly reduced the itching symptoms, and the hives were less angry but despite a manufactured smile her face remained red – from the allergic reaction or embarrassment was unclear - and she claimed to be too full to eat any more.

The table soldiered on for two more rounds, Martha doing her best to re-enliven the atmosphere. The menu which had been so seductive and enticing now felt endless; all subtly of flavour and texture had disappeared.

It was clear that Kate was no longer able to enjoy herself; he knew that her mind would be racing a mile a minute, ruminating on how she should have noticed and should have reacted more quickly. She couldn't focus on the food instead she threw Erin repeated sideways glances. He wanted to get her home so he could talk to her in private. In her ear, he said: 'Let's call it a night.' She nodded gratefully and prodded Erin who, as Lanie had foreseen, had become droopy eyed.

'Thank you so much everyone for coming,' Kate held her hands to her chest as she stood up.

Everyone pushed their chairs back in acknowledgement.

'Stay, stay, the tab's all paid up. Enjoy the night, go to the bar, it's on me,' said Castle, gesturing with both arms that they sit down. Martha led the reluctant group back to sitting. Kate hugged her father who gave her a further pat on the shoulder and an encouraging smile which she mirrored weakly.

He bent down to kiss his mother. 'Don't worry darling, you take care of them, and I'll entertain the troops.' He knew she would be true to her word.

When they arrived home, Erin kicked off her shoes and headed for the stairs.

'Erin, thank you so much for today, I had a wonderful time.' Erin paused and turned back.

'But. I ruined it. I should have told you about the allergy and... I just wanted everything to be 'normal' today.'

'What are you talking about?' interjected Castle. 'You didn't ruin anything.' Kate shook her head vigorously. 'What is more 'normal' for a parent than having to cut an evening short because their kid is sick?' It was Kate's eyes that now shimmered. He looked at them both in turn. 'Right? Right? We had a great day together and we came home a little earlier than planned, that's all.'

Until he spoke the words, he didn't realise they were true. What had seemed so dramatic at the restaurant in the heat of the crisis didn't seem nearly so urgent now they were home. They knew there was a wealth of unknowns and really, what harm had been done? Now there was one less thing to learn.

A/N Thank you for your patience. I have been busy editing the prose - printed it's over 100 pages so you can appreciate how long that takes! I haven't yet uploaded all the edited chapters, I think I'm up to 6. Editing is purely stylistic - literally no dialogue or plot changes - which makes it hopefully better to read. Overwriting is the bane of all writers' lives and I have had to look my own in the eye.

I also needed to stop at this point and plan out the shape of the next few chapters before I sat down to write this one.

Thank you as ever for your reviews and encouragement.