What if Rick's meal with Ash's parents hadn't gone down well due to him having to leave early, and he offered to redo it, but he decided to bring back up this time.

"Beckett," Rick said, sitting down opposite her, "I need your help."

"What's up Castle?" Kate asked, grabbing the coffee he'd placed on her desk.

"So my dinner with Ash's parents got cut short," Rick said, "With my whole brain wave that solved our case."

"Sure," Kate said, not wanting to burst his bubble, but hiding a smile behind her coffee cup.

"And I promised Alexis I would redo it," Rick continued to say, "And Ashley's parents agreed."

"Ok," Kate said, "So what do you need my help with?"

"I need backup," Rick told her, "Please. I didn't give them the best first impression, and his dad is really hard work." He looked Kate in the eye. "He doesn't read my books, Beckett, he doesn't read popular fiction, he said it's too crass," he whined.

Kate didn't even bother to hide her smirk this time.

"And I'm hoping having someone as interesting as you there would help make the evening flow better," Rick continued, "And you can explain to him that I was working with you on a case which is why our first attempt at a meal got interrupted."

"Castle," Kate said, cutting off his tirade. Rick snapped his mouth shut and looked at her. "As flattered as I am that you find me interesting," she said with a smile, "The whole point of this meal is for the parental figures in Alexis and Ash's life to meet. That means you, Martha and his parents, not me."

"Oh come on Beckett," Rick whined, "Please. Alexis looks up to you and you're a big part of my life." He grabbed her hand and clasped his hands over it. "Please Kate, I'm begging you. If I don't get this to work Alexis will never talk to me again."

Kate looked down at where her hand was currently engulfed in both of his and then back into his open and honest face. She opened her mouth to speak but then snapped it shut as someone cleared their throat behind her.

Her head snapped around and she saw Esposito and Ryan smirking at her. "Something we should know?" Esposito teased, gesturing to their joined hands.

Kate snapped her hand away and glared back at him. "Yeah Esposito," she retorted, "Castle and I decided the hell with it and have been doing it like rabbits."

Rick gasped in a breath in shock even as Esposito and Ryan looked at the two of them with wide-open eyes.

"You really are too easy," Kate then teased, spinning in her chair as she laughed, "Castle wants a favour and he's trying to use his charm to get me to agree."

Esposito glared at her while Ryan smiled. The two then walked past and sat at their own desks.

Kate turned her attention back to Rick, who was watching her hopefully.

"Give me your phone," she instructed, holding her hand out for it.

"Why?" Rick asked.

"Just do it Castle," she told him, "Trust me ok."

Rick handed her his phone. She took it and then pointed the screen towards him. "Unlock it please." When Rick hesitated she shook her head. "I'm not going to look at anything Castle," she assured him, "I wanted to ring Alexis ok."

Rick frowned put tapped in his unlock code and then pulled up Alexis' number.

Before Kate pressed dial however she gave Rick a pointed look. "I'm going to go and ring your daughter," she said, "And you are going to stay sitting right here." Rick opened his mouth to speak but Kate shook her head. "Stay Castle," she told him, "And I promise not to look at anything else. I'm sure I don't want to see any of the photos on here."

"Hey," Rick said, "There's nothing inappropriate on there."

Kate raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything as she got to her feet and headed for the stairwell. Once she was out of earshot of Rick she dialled the number and put the phone to her ear.

"Dad," Alexis greeted.

"Um hi Alexis," Kate said, suddenly not sure on what to say, "It's not your dad, it's Detective Beckett."

"Did something happen to dad?" Alexis asked, panic in her voice.

"No, no," Kate assured her quickly, "Your dad is absolutely fine. I just wanted to talk to you about something."

"Oh, ok," Alexis' voice came back across the line, now confused rather than panicked.

"He told me that the meal between him, Martha, and Ash's parents didn't go entirely to plan, partly due to his involvement with the case."

"Yeah," Alexis said, "But they said they understood so dad's going to try again." She then paused. "So why are you calling me about it?"

"Your dad asked for me to back him up," Kate explained in a rush, "He hoped that I'd be able to explain about the case, and then act as a buffer between your dad and Ash's dad if needs be."

"Ok…" Alexis said, drawing out the word.

"But I don't want to step on any toes, I'm not your mother or any type of parental figure in your life," Kate continued, "But your dad made one of his arguments that you can't find a fault in even though you know you should, but if you don't want me there then I'll find someway of refuting your dad's argument. I've gotten pretty good at that over the years."

When the other end of the phone stayed silent Kate worried that she'd lost the girl. "Alexis?" she asked, "You still there?"

"Um yeah," Alexis said, "If you're not busy then yes I'd really appreciate it if you could be there. I really like Ash and I don't want anything to happen that might change that. Grams is pretty good at keeping him in line but sometimes she needs back up."

"Of course Alexis," Kate said, her voice soft, "But would you mind explaining my partnership to your dad to them beforehand? I don't want there to be any confusion."

"Of course," Alexis rushed. "I've got to go," she then said, "But thanks, Detective."

"You're welcome, Alexis."

They hung up and Kate looked down at the screen. She hadn't expected Alexis to go for it, but then she smiled to herself, Alexis really did like Ashley and she really really wanted his parents to like Rick.

Pressing the lock button she turned off the screen and then headed back over to her desk. Rick was watching her closely and she wordlessly handed him back his phone as she took a seat. She didn't say anything though, just returned her attention to the paperwork she'd been doing. She knew it was cruel but she really did enjoy messing with Rick sometimes, after all, he messed with her and her job on a regular basis.

She ignored him as he stared at her and then started tapping impatiently. When he suddenly exclaimed, "Beckett," in a wounded tone she just started laughing.

Rick glared at her and Kate smiled at him. "So when is this dinner redo?" she asked.

"You'll come?" Rick asked.

"Of course," Kate said, "Alexis wants me there to make sure that you don't say anything stupid."

Rick beamed at her. "If I do say something stupid you're more than welcome to spank me," he said in a low voice, leaning in close.

She slapped him on the arm. "When's the dinner Castle"? she asked again.

"Tonight at seven," he said quickly, "Is that ok with you?"

Kate looked at the pile of paperwork in front of her. "I should be done by then," she assured him.

"Perfect," Rick said, getting to his feet.

"Where you going Castle?" Kate asked him.

"Home," he told her, "I've got a meal to cook."

"Have fun," Kate said with a smile, "Is there anything you want me to bring?"

Rick thought for a moment. "I don't think so," he said, "Just yourself."

"See you later Castle," Kate said with a smile.

He smiled back at her and then walked away. Kate watched him go with a smile on her face. "So what you doing later with Castle, Beckett?" Esposito called across the space once Rick was in the elevator, "Hot date?"

Kate rolled her eyes. "Alexis wants a mediator between her dad and her boyfriend's parents."

"Right," Esposito said, "And that just so happens to be you?"

"Well yeah," Kate said, "I've had lots of practice at keeping Castle in line."

"Bet you have," Esposito said with a smirk.

Kate rolled her eyes at him and then returned her attention to the paperwork in front of her.

-/-

She knocked on the door to the loft at ten past seven. She could hear soft voices coming from the other side and rocked back and forth in her shoes as she waited for the door to open.

"Sorry I'm late," she said as Martha opened the door, "I got stuck in traffic."

"That's fine darling," Martha said, stepping to the side and inviting her in, "We haven't started yet so your timing is perfect."

Martha smiled at her and Kate smiled back as she pulled off her jacket and hung it over the back of the sofa.

"Nice of you to join us, Beckett," Castle called from the kitchen, "And you always make such a point of being on time."

"Funny Castle," Kate said as she strode towards him. She saw as Rick looked her up and down and smiled at him. She'd chosen an outfit that she knew he would like, but she didn't want to look too much into why that had been her first thought when she'd been picking what she was going to wear. She had on a knee-length black dress and she'd paired it with her favourite heels, and she knew she looked good. One look at Rick's face told her that she thought that too.

When Kate reached Rick he turned to the other two people who were sitting at the breakfast bar. "This is Bob Linden and his wife Sophie," he introduced, "And this is Kate Beckett."

"Nice to meet you," Kate said, offering Bob and then Sophie her hand to shake.

"And you," Bob replied, "Alexis said you were an NYPD Detective?"

"Yes," Kate answered, accepting a glass of wine from Rick as she spoke, "Castle and I work together."

"Yes," Bob said, "Alexis explained some of your partnership to us."

Kate smiled and searched around for a topic and then landed on what Rick had told her earlier. "So I understand you're an economics professor?"

-/-

Between the good wine and the excellent food, which Kate hadn't expected Rick to be capable of making, the conversation flowed easily all night. Every so often she'd catch Rick staring at her with something on his face that she couldn't quite place, but she ignored it and pressed onwards.

At the end of the evening Bob and Sophie both seemed to have had a great evening.

"Well it was a pleasure to meet you, detective," Bob said, "I never expected to be having such an in-depth conversation about economics tonight." He looked at Rick. "Thank you again for cooking again Rick," he said, "We both had a lovely time. I can see where Alexis gets it from."

Rick smiled at him and then shook his head. "Sure I can't interest you in a doggy bag?" he offered again, "There's plenty left over."

"No thank you, Rick," Bob said, even as Sophie shook her head.

"Bring it to the precinct," Kate told him, "Esposito and Ryan would do anything for you if you feed them some of this."

"Does the same apply to you, Beckett?" Rick then teased.

"Sorry to burst your bubble there Castle," Kate teased back, "But as much as I enjoyed the food, food is the way to a man's heart." She froze then turned to Bob and Sophie. "Do you mind if I walk out with you?" she asked.

"Of course not," Sophie said, "Although I thought you'd be staying here."

"No," Kate said, grabbing her jacket from the back of the sofa, "Why would you think that?"

"I just assumed you'd stay slightly longer with your boyfriend."

Over Sophie's shoulder, Kate saw as Rick's eyes went wide. She kept her own face carefully neutral. "Oh we're not dating Sophie," Kate told her, "We're just friends. I felt bad as it was partly my fault that your last meal got cut short so I just wanted to help Castle make this one as good as it could be."

"Oh I apologise," Sophie said in a rush, "When Alexis said you were partners I thought she meant more than just as police."

"It's fine," Kate assured her.

Next to Rick, she could see that Martha had a wide smile on her face and looked like she was about to start laughing, but Kate ignored her.

"Shall we?" she then said, gesturing to the door.

"Of course," Bob said. "Thanks again, Rick." He offered Rick his hand, which Rick gladly shook.

"Night Castle, Martha," Kate said as she led the way out of the door.

"Night all," Martha called after her.

"It was lovely to see you again Bob and Sophie," Rick said as he walked them all to the door, "Until tomorrow Detective."

Kate smiled at him and then the three of them headed for the elevator. Behind them, Kate heard the door shut.

"Well goodnight," Kate said after an awkward elevator ride down to the lobby, "It was lovely to meet you."

"And you," Sophie said, "And I'm sorry if I embarrassed you before."

"It's fine," Kate told her, waving it off.

"It's just you seemed so close I just assumed," Sophie continued.

"Really, it's fine," Kate told her, "We work well together and sometimes forget to turn off the banter outside of work."

Bob shook her hand and then he and his wife walked away. Kate watched as they got into their car and drove off. Then she shook her head and headed for her own car.

-/-

The next morning Kate sat at her desk, debating on whether it was worth getting up to go and make a cup of coffee for herself when the elevator dinged. She looked up and saw Rick walking towards her. He deposited a cup of coffee and her desk, which she grabbed and drank from greedily, but then carried on past her into the breakroom.

Once she'd swallowed a few mouthfuls of her drink she followed after him and saw that he was sticking some boxes in the fridge.

"I took your advice," Rick told her, "I would hate for it to go to waste, and I like the idea of Esposito and Ryan wrapped around my little finger."

"Thought you would," Kate replied.

She headed back to her desk but Rick snagged her wrist and stopped her. She turned to him, her eyebrows raised in question. "Thanks for last night," Rick said to her, "I really appreciate it. I'm just sorry that Sophie got the wrong idea about us, with you dating Josh and all."

"It's fine Castle," Kate assured him, "I had a good time."

Rick dropped her hand and then they both headed back to their desks. Kate sat down while Rick carried on to where the boys were sitting. "There's something in the fridge for the pair of you if you want it," Rick told them.

"Oh?" Ryan asked.

"Leftovers from last night," Rick explained, "Beckett thought you might enjoy them."

"Cool," Esposito said getting to his feet and making a beeline for the breakroom, Ryan close on his heels.

"Might be a bit early guys," Rick called after them but they just shrugged in response and carried on walking.

Rick also shrugged and then sat in his chair. "So what are you going to do Castle?" Kate asked him, "We don't have a case."

"I thought I'd help with paperwork," Rick told her, "You did after all really help me last night."

Kate smiled and pushed the pile towards him. "Dig in," she said, "And if it means you'll help with paperwork then I'll happily be your back up again."

Rick smiled at her and snagged the file on the pile and opened it.

A few hours later the four of them were all working. Kate had been right and the boys had loved Rick's cooking, having scoffed the lot so quickly Rick was sure they were going to get indigestion, and then they'd gone back to their piles of paperwork.

The quiet that had descended over them was shattered when a redhaired streak came rushing out of the elevator and wrapped her arms around Rick's neck.

"Hello pumpkin," Rick greeted, once he realised who it was, "And to what do we owe the pleasure?"

"They loved you last night dad," Alexis gushed. She then let go of her dad and wrapped her arms around a surprised Kate's shoulders. "And they want to come on the camping trip with us if that's ok with you."

Kate awkwardly patted Alexis on the shoulder until the girl let her go. "They loved you too Detective," Alexis told her quietly, "They said that the two of you were so funny and it really made the evening." She then lent in really close and whispered, her voice so quiet that Rick couldn't hear. "Really, thank you."

Kate smiled back at her. "You're welcome Alexis, I was happy to help."

Alexis beamed at her and then turned her attention to her dad. "So, can they come?"

"Of course sweetie," Rick said.

Alexis squealed in delight and then turned back to Kate. "How about you detective?" she asked, "Do you want to come?"

"Oh I'm sure Beckett is really busy," Rick said quickly, "She has her own life Alexis and I've already ruined one night for her this week."

Kate saw as Alexis' face fell. "Tell you what Alexis," she said, "I'll check my schedule and get back to you ok?"

Alexis nodded happily and then looked at her watch. "I've got to go," she said, "My study period is nearly over so I need to get back to school."

"I'll walk you out," Rick said, getting up.

He and Alexis headed towards the elevator but before they reached it Rick looked back over his shoulder and mouthed Thank you to Kate. She smiled back and then watched as the two of them got into the elevator and the closing door hid them from sight.

"Looks like Little Castle has a soft spot for you Beckett," Ryan teased.

"Oh shush," Kate told them, "Do some work."

She turned her attention back to her own paperwork and smiled softly at the warm feeling in her chest, she was glad that Alexis liked her well enough to invite her camping, she got her dad into some dangerous situations and she was always worried that Alexis would hate her for it, but it seemed the girl didn't. With a smile firmly on her face, she carried on with her work.