AN/ I'm so sorry I havn't updated in forever! I moved all the way across coutnry and I have been trying to get settled and immersed. Let's just say it being hard would be an understatement on top of the fact that I have had two family emergencies every time I feel like things are going smoothly. So here is the next chapter. Trust me it will start to pick up soon. This was more of a peace offering chapter. Lots of Caskett!

Ashliz

While watching the interactions between his past and present Castle catches Zoe's eyes. She nods toward the back of the room and he acknowledges before joining.

"Capn' as fun as this little reunion is we need jobs."

"I know Zoe, I know. I'm sure we can come up with something. They can all be really helpful. I'm sure my friends wouldn't mind helping, but on one condition."

Zoe eyes him warily, "What?"

"Alexis is left out of anything and everything dangerous and illegal. I don't want her near any of this."

"Gorram, Capn' never thought I be seein the day when you grew a heart." Castle laughs along with Zoe. They return to the small group huddled in the dining room.

"So how about some introductions?" Castle asks after he realizes he didn't introduce everyone properly.

"Well this here is Zoe my second in command, Kaylee over there is the best mechanic in the entire 'verse. Little Albatross is named River. Jayne, Simon, and Inara will be around shortly. Guys this is Javier Esposito, Lanie Parish, Kate Beckett, and my daughter Alexis. Of course you know my mother."

Everyone now sort of stares at each other not quite sure what to do or how to approach the situation. That was until Alexis let out a jaw cracking yawn. Shortly after Lanie followed who tried to cover hers up.

"How bout we get y'all settled for the night." Zoe offers. Castle nods in agreement. Zoe leads them toward the guest rooms.

Castle splits the rooms up between them all before he begins to retreat to one of the guest rooms.

"Capn' your quarters are still here. We didn't want to touch them." Kaylee says peering around Zoe.

Castle didn't really know what to say. He rubs the back of his neck before replying, "Uh, thanks you guys. I can take it from here." Kaylee and Zoe nod understanding what he means and they leave.

River stays planted to where she is looking him up and down. She tilts her head to the side, "Sometimes we stray from the path so we can find our true path." With that said she turns on her heels and skips away laughing the entire way.

Castle shivers, River still creeps him out when gets in his head.

"Bro, what the hell is up with her? She's a basket case." Espo says.

"Another story for another time." He sighs.

Alexis yaws again before looking sheepish as all eyes turn toward her. "Sorry" she supplies.

Rick walks over and wraps his arms around his daughter, "There is nothing to be sorry for pumpkin." He says. His words replying to more than just a yawn. He kisses the top of her head. With his arm still wrapped around her he turns toward the rest of the group, "How about we all head to bed. I know you are all sort of mad at me at varying degrees. How about we sleep on it all before we have any fights or discussions." They all nod in agreement. Lanie falling asleep in Esposito's arms.

Castle shows Espo a room for him and Lanie. He has his mother and Alexis in another room so they can have each other during the night. Even though his quarters are still there he didn't want to be far from Alexis in case she got scared. Even though she is 17.

"Pumpkin, if you need anything. Anything at all I'm right here all night. You know you're more than welcome to come talk to me or grams" he says in his father voice that makes Kate love him even more.

Alexis nods before following her grams into the room shutting it quietly behind her.

Castle looks toward Kate. His Kate. "Well good night." He says simply.

Kate rolls her eyes at his attitude, "Castle, I'm tired. I'm not in the mood for you to play martyr. Now get your ass in here and keep me warm tonight."

Castle gives her one of his patented lop sided grins that makes her heart melt. He turns around and grabs her hand dragging her into the room.

Kate sets her purse down on the floor before removing her heels that are silently killing her feet. She rubs them as she sits down on the bed.

Castle slowly undresses to just his boxers while Kate strips to her underwear and bra. They don't have any other clothe to change into.

As they lay down Castle wraps his arms around Kate's waist pulling her closer to him.

"Castle, no funny business tonight. I 'm tired. If you try anything tonight I swear I will shoot you."

"Of course Detective." He says while letting out a small chuckle.

Kate snuggles closer to Castle letting his warmth spread over her, "I love you Rick." She says simply. The words slip from her tongue easily after months of dating. Even though they are dating she doesn't approve of PDA still especially at the precinct. She reserves these small moments for when they are alone and it makes them that much more special. Deep down Kate knows he's her one and done.

"I love you too, always." He says. She smiles before closing her eyes attempting to rest. Castle breathes in her intoxicating cherry scent before drifting off as well.

They were awoken only a few hours later to the sound of quick knocking on the door. Castle begrudgingly rolls out of bed to answer the door. Alexis is there with unshed tears in her eyes.

She looks up at her dad and breathes the word, "Daddy" before collapsing into his arms in a fit of tears. He just rubs her back reassuringly. Whispering soft words of encouragement. Kate witnesses the whole interaction and attempts to quietly slip out of the small room so they can have their small family moment.

Kate is stopped suddenly by Alexis' hand reaching out for her arm. With those puppy dog eyes Kate's a sucker for Alexis asks, "Kate, can you stay. Please?"

Kate just nods and wraps her arms around Alexis, running her hand through her hair. "Shhh, sweetie you're ok." Kate kept repeating over and over again. Castle had his arms wrapped around two of the most important people to him.

God he loved Kate. She completed him and she is so good with Alexis. None of his ex-wives or past girlfriends ever took the time to get to know Alexis or care for her like Kate does.

Before they even know what's going on Alexis is asleep in their arms. Kate glances over at Rick across the top of Alexis' head.

Ricks whispers to her, "Let me just carry her back to her bed." Kate nods after him and slowly she lets go of Alexis who looks just like a little girl again.

By the time Castle gets back Kate is already asleep on the bed again. He sinks right in next to her before slowly drifting off into a light slumber, knowing that tomorrow will bring even more challenges so he needs to rest while he can.