Christmas at the 12th
Post Series

The Precinct was always hectic this time of year. When the holiday season hit the city's level of crazy seemed to go off the scales but his family at the 12th were always determined to celebrate the light, especially at this time of year. He'd always loved seeing how the holidays swept through the place. First Halloween, then Thanksgiving and now Christmas. From his early days shadowing he'd been amazed at how the bullpen would transform with hope and wonder. When things can get tough, it's nice to see the homicide floor celebrating the good that they keep watch over.

It also provided ample distraction when Beckett was bogged down with paperwork. He was always the first to volunteer his decorating expertise. He spent the day putting up lights, streamers, hanging snowflakes and anything else the officers he was helping out would let him get away with. He made a run to stock the break room with Christmas treats, making sure a few treats made it to the desks of those at the 12th who celebrate Hanukkah or Kwanzaa. He liked being able to do something to say thank you to them all at this time of year. Thank you for never giving up on him, thank you for having his and Beckett's back. Thank you for taking him in.

He busied himself all day with little touches here and there and he thought the place looked good, even if he was a little bias. He'd find Beckett soon for her opinion, see the smile on her face she wore when he worked shoulder to shoulder with her fellow cops and the gratitude for helping out the 12th. The way she'd roll her eyes while he showed off all his handiwork.

He was in the middle of hanging the mistletoe in its usual spot near the elevator doors, LT steadying the step ladders for him.

"Looks good Castle," he heard the soft voice of his wife approaching as climbed down from the ladder. He felt her stop at his side, as he looked up to inspect his handiwork.
He reached for her hand, pulling her towards him as he turned to pull her under the mistletoe. "Shall we test it out?"
"Mr Castle!" stopped him dead as he ended up face to face with an irate Captain Gates. "I don't care if it is Christmas and that's mistletoe, there is no scenario where this would happen." She informed him with a gesture between the mistletoe and Castle. Beckett stood to her mentors side, trying desperately not to laugh at the look of horror on her husbands face as he spluttered and stuttered over his apologies.
"Captain… Sir… I thought…. Thought you were Beckett… I'm sorry… I." He looked to Kate for help.
Gates shut him down with a glare, turning to Beckett as she tried to keep her composure. "I don't know how you deal with him Kate." She looked back at Castle, a man trying desperately to figure out how to get himself out of the situation. She had missed messing with the writer, she could admit to herself that much at least. Side-stepping around Castle,she made her way into the elevator and wished them goodnight.

He looked at his wife, amusement spreading across her face the instance the elevator door closed. "You've really got to stop hitting on Gates, Castle. Should I be concerned?" she teased as she wrapped her arms around him. "Guess you should look more carefully next time."
He sulked a little bit. "I didn't know Gates was even here."
Kate took pity on him, looking around the bullpen and up at the lights and streamers hanging over them. "The place does look great," she tried to console him. "Thank you."
She pushed him back a little so they were now standing together under the mistletoe. "But just so you know, I'm the only woman you're allowed to drag under here."
She brushed her lips against his, feeling the smile return to his face. "As you command, Captain."

A/N Thank you for all the beautiful reviews! Happy holidays to all of you