Chapter 10: Little Lion

I don't own Castle

Loft

Its fast approaching, the day EVERYONE has been waiting for will be here sooner than everyone thinks. Kate will be giving birth to their beautiful child any day now. She's been carrying their child for over nine months, nine months of happiness, joy, ache, and misery. The ache and misery was of course the negatives of being pregnant with all the morning sickness, the mood swings, the funky cravings, and the aches and pains in the feet. But Kate always said to herself that this was worth it. She never would've imagined being a mother since she was always dedicated to work. Hell, she didn't even imagine being married to Richard Castle in the first place! She hated the guy at the start of everything! Look how far they have come. She'll think it once and she'll think it a million times…they have come pretty far.

It was a beautiful Saturday morning in the big apple and everything was quite normal. Kate slowly woke up on her side at an angle taking up the top half of Castle's side of the bed and the bottom half of her side of the bed. She raised her head from Castle's pillow and realized he wasn't there. She sat up slowly then called out for him, "Castle?" She rubbed the sleep from her eyes then called out again a little louder, "Castle?" There was no reply. She was worried because the baby might come earlier than the expected so she wanted to make sure Castle was here to drive her to the hospital. Plus she also loves seeing him in the morning too. She slowly got up and stretched her aching back then slowly walked over to the tall mirror in their room. She was wearing a large grey t-shirt and sweats under her robe. Her robe was untied and her belly was protruding outwards, she rubbed it and smiled in the mirror. She rubbed it gently, "Good morning little one." She looked down at her belly with a smile, "Your daddy is out doing something. Probably getting into trouble." She laughed then tied up her robe then tied her hair at the back then walked out of their bedroom.

She slowly walked into the kitchen and saw Alexis drinking a hot cup of coffee at the counter. Alexis turned around and smiled, "Good morning mom!"

Kate smiled, "Morning Alexis."

Alexis had a second cup in front of her. She slid it over the counter to her left, "Made you some tea. It's still hot."

Kate made her way next to Alexis and kissed her cheek, "Thanks." She sat down and took the cup, "Where's dad?"

Alexis laughed, "He took the Ferrari…"

Kate raised an eyebrow, "What?"

Alexis laughed again, "He's mapping different routes to the hospital and he said that you need to get there fast so he took the Ferrari."

Kate laughed and took a sip of her tea, "I appreciate his initiative. But, it's New York." She shook her head; "Regardless of the time…it's going to be hectic in every part of the day."

Alexis laughed, "I'm sure he will figure a way out."

Kate laughed, "But a Ferrari. Really?" They both laughed. Kate leaned back and tried to relax. She might as well enjoy the leave she got, she doesn't have to work and she's pretty much on vacation right now. Only thing she needs to worry about is the baby being born.

Alexis smiled, "So Gram and I are going to go shop today. Want anything while we're out?"

Kate shook her head, "Not a the top of my head." Then she thought of something important. Kate smiled, "Get two new pairs of baby shoes."

Alexis raised her eyebrow this time, "What happened to the other shoes you bought with dad?"

Kate rolled her eyes, "Don't get me started on that." She took a sip of her tea, "Needless to say…they have pretty big holes in them now."

Alexis laughed, "Alright mom. We'll take care of it."

All of a sudden the door opened revealing Castle walking in with a map and a red sharpie pen. Castle smiled, "Good morning my beautiful ladies." Both Kate and Alexis smiled and greeted him. Castle held open the door and said, "Guess who I saw on the way up." Martha walked in smiling the biggest smile.

Martha rushed to Kate. Kate stood up and met her half way and they both hugged tenderly. Martha kissed her cheek, "Ah dear! It's so good to see you."

Kate smiled, "Likewise."

Martha patted her back, "Is it me or did your baby bump get bigger since I saw you two days ago."

Castle closed the door and looked over, "Huh. I don't know. Is that even possible?"

Kate laughed and let Martha feel the baby bump. They both smiled. Kate looked over at Castle, "I'm ready to have this baby now babe."

Martha laughed, "Trust me. It'll be worth the wait." She walked around Kate and kissed her granddaughter good morning. She patted Alexis on the back, "So. Ready to go shopping?" Alexis nodded.

Castle walked up to Kate and kissed her cheek gently. Kate had another idea. She grabbed the collar of his shirt and brought her lips to his and they kissed passionately. Castle broke away smiled, "How is everything?"

Kate nodded, "Great! How did your adventure go?"

Castle placed his hand on the small of her back and escorted her to the counter where he opened up his map and showed everyone his findings. There were three routes on the map each labeled with a letter, A through C. Castle looked at his map victoriously, "With much research I discovered on the average that route B is the fastest way to the hospital. Getting be there a little under twenty minutes."

Kate raised an eyebrow smiling, "What's wrong with the other routes?"

Castle looked at her confused, "It takes longer…duh…"

Kate looked at him with a questioning look, "By how long?"

Castle looked at Alexis then back at Kate, "A minute or two…."

Kate laughed, "Amazing! You saved one minute." Martha and Alexis both laughed.

"Hey! That minute could be make or break!"

Martha chimed in and changed the subject, "Did you guys ever go and find out if it will be a boy or a girl yet?"

Kate shook her head, "We agreed to make it a surprise. The baby room so far is neutral, we can change it in a moments notice."

Castle took Alexis' coffee and took a sip of it then placed it back in front of his daughter. He smiled, "Plus there is a poll on what gender…" He laughed, "It's obviously going to be a boy… I don't know how to explain it to you." Kate rolled her eyes.

Martha laughed, "Alright Alexis ready for a day of shopping?"

Alexis nodded and grabbed her purse, "Lets go." She kissed her mom and dad goodbye before leaving with Martha, "Bye guys."

Kate smiled, "See ya Alexis!" The door shut and then locked. Kate looked at him, "Now that we are alone…"

Castle smiled, "Got anything in mind?" He closed the distance between them and kissed her gently. Kate happily reciprocated the kiss with equal fervor.

She broke the kiss and said softly, "Babe. We need to talk about one of the names we chose."

Castle looked at her confused, "Which one?"

She shook her head, "Hana Serena Castle…" She looked down, "I understand calling her Hanna to honor my mother. But… I'm afraid that…It'll hurt too much on my side because she will remind me too much of m mother just calling her that." She looked down ashamed, "I'm sorry…it's just…We can keep it if you want. I'm just being stupid is all."

Castle brushed her a lock of hair away from her eyes and chuckled softly, "Not stupid. Just human…"

Kate giggled and kissed Castle gently. She smiled, "I love you Rick."

"I love you too Kate." He smiled, "So IF she is a girl, what name…"

Kate interrupted him, "How does Ann Marie Parish Castle sound?"

Castle laughed, "two first names or two middle names?"

Kate laughed, "Ann Marie is her first name."

"Names…Sounds good to me." He kissed her gently, "I see you added a little Lanie in there."

"Come on Castle. We have to since we might have a boy named after Ryan and Espo." She kissed him happily. Kate smiled at him, "We got the whole day and a lot of the week. What do you want to do?"

Castle smiled, "I'd like to go on an adventure…" Kate raised a curious eyebrow. He laughed and said, "Indiana Jones movie marathon all day?"

Kate nodded, "You got me on Indiana Jones." Castle smiled and got up to get the movies ready.

Hours later, it was about late afternoon just before being considered evening and they just finished their last Indiana Jones movie. Alexis and Martha weren't back yet from their shopping expedition yet, so Kate and Castle had the loft all to themselves still. Kate was leaning her back on a few pillows against the armrest of the couch and had her legs draped over Castle's lap during the whole movie marathon. Castle grabbed the remote that was on his right and smiled happily, "So…what now?"

Kate looked at him then back at the TV. She looked down to see his Xbox snugged nicely under the TV and had a wonderful idea. She smiled, "I bet I can beat you in Halo 4."

Castle snapped his neck quickly to look at her, "What?" He raised an eyebrow and with confidence said, "You dare to challenge the Halo master?" He laughed evilly, "Woman, I need you to put you in your place."

Kate laughed, "Prove to me that you beat me babe and we'll see." She raised an eyebrow, "Or are you afraid of being beaten by your wife again."

Castle through her legs off his lap and stood up confidently and with much bravado yelled to the heavens, "Richard Castle never turns down a challenge!" Kate laughed lovingly at her husband. Castle ran over to his Xbox, grabbed the controllers, turn on the Xbox, switched the TV to display his game, and ran back to Kate within a blink of an eye. One could say it was on like Donkey Kong. He spoke up in a humorously bad Scottish accent, "You may take me on Scrabble and in Nerf but you'll never take me on HALO!" Kate rolled her eyes at his improve Brave Heart impersonation

The stage was set for a battle of the ages. All out 1v1 slayer on Halo best two out of three. They were ready to go. They had snacks, they were comfortable, and nothing can distract them from a chance of victory… But then there was a knock on the door. Kate looked over her shoulder to the door, "hmm. Who could that be?"

Castle stood up and paused the game and said slyly, "This isn't over." He walked over to the door and opened it to see Ryan, Jenny carrying Sarah Grace in her arms, Esposito, and Lanie standing outside his door. He asked curiously, "Guys?"

Jenny was the first to greet Castle, "Hey Rick. We decided to come by to see how you and Kate were doing, since it's almost time isn't it?" She gave him a small one-armed hug

Castle smiled and returned the small hug, "Almost time. I'm ready."

Kate was heard from the far side of the room still on the couch, "Hey guys!"

Lanie waved at Kate then looked at Castle slyly, "We're also here because Kate sent us a message that she's about to give you a catastrophic beat down on Halo."

Castle grinned, "She wishes."

Esposito looked at Lanie, "See Lanie. Our boy got this. Video games is the mans domain."

Lanie just shook her head and put her hands up, "Whatever boys." She walked in and everyone else followed. She continued, "The girls are going to take your domain by force." Kate laughed. Jenny and Lanie made their way to the couch and sat down in front of the couch Kate was laying on. Lanie smiled at Kate, "You got this girl." Jenny handed Sarah Grace over to Kate. Sarah Grace happily laughed and giggled when she saw Kate. She happily played with her over her baby belly.

The boys stood near the counter discussing their game plan. Esposito looked confidently at Castle, "Look here bro, you have to win this or else it's too late for us."

Ryan nodded in agreement, "If she beats you in this, you lost control of your stronghold. You lost control of your castle…so to speak."

Castle nodded in understanding, "Got it. We got this."

Esposito put his hand in the center, followed by Ryan then Castle. Esposito said confidently, "Boys on three…1-2-3!" The trio yelled out, "Boys!"

The trio of women looked over at their over zealous men. Lanie looked at Kate and said sternly, "Win."

Jenny took Sarah Grace for Kate and squinted at the detective, "Kick his ass."

NOW. The stage was set for an all out 1v1 slayer match. Kate Beckett-Castle versus the raining Halo champion Richard Castle. The first match was staged on Ragnarok and the first to reach 100 wins the match. The first match began with intensity as the two opposing sides charged head on against each other. It was a seat clenching first game, with being a tight score till the end. Castle immerged victorious clenching the first game. Castle yelled out victoriously, "Woo! That's right ladies! That's right!" He enthusiastically high fived Ryan and Esposito. The room was clearly divided in two, to the right of the TV was the men and to the left was the women.

Kate rolled her eyes, "got lucky Castle. I was still figuring out the controls."

Esposito looked at her, "that's what every loser says." Both Kate and Lanie looked sternly at him.

Ryan smiled, "Just give up now."

Jenny squinted at her husband, "Keep that us Kevin, and you wont get any from me for a long time." The men fell silent and the women cheered, ready for the next match."

Before the match could start the door opened revealing Alexis and Martha carrying a load of shopping bags. Everyone turned to see. Kate smiled, "Hey Alexis!"

Alexis placed her bags on the ground and took off her boots, "Hey mom. What's going on?" She turned and helped Martha with her bags.

Kate smiled, "Just playing your dad in Halo. Best two out of three."

Alexis looked back up at her mom, "Kick his butt."

Martha laughed, "Bring him down darling. We believe in you." Kate, Lanie, and Jenny all gave each other high fives.

Castle looked sternly at his wife, "All restraints are off. It's on…"

The second match was on Exile. It started off like before, with speed and intensity. But this time this match was more seat clenching for the men, because Castle was behind Kate by ten kills at the middle of the game. Castle could not recover effectively from this deficit. He lost by three kills. It was a major blow to the men's ego.

Ryan patted Castle's shoulder, "It's okay. We'll get them next round."

Esposito said softly, "Let them get over confident and we'll take them on this last match." He spoke softly making sure the women couldn't hear him, "She's catching on to your place style. You got to throw something at her she's not ready for."

Castle nodded. He looked over at Kate, "You ready?"

Kate smiled back, "Ready to de-thrown you."

"Ha in your dreams…"

It was now evening and the sun is now low over the New York City skyline. The Castle loft was illuminated with its interior lights and the flashes of gunfire and explosions from Halo 4. The sound of intense competition ringed through the loft as the intense gameplay reached its peak. Kate and Beckett were practically tied the entire game. It was close this time on the map Impact. This last game had infinite time but the score cap was 100. Kate had a score of 99 and Castle also had a score of 99. Each traded shots but never was able to kill each other for the longest time. Since neither them were able to kill each other with guns and vehicles they decided on the next best thing… an Energy sword duel. They met in the middle of the field, and for the most intense 60 seconds of video game history they swung and stabbed to try to score a kill. But when Castle over extended his reach Kate was able to dodge him and was able to stab Castle in the back. Killing him and winning the hard match up…

The boys were speechless. Castle dropped his controller along with his mouth. He could not believe what just happened. Esposito rubbed his face not understanding the results that had happened. Ryan had a blank stare plastered across his face and the look of utter disbelief. They couldn't believe it. At that moment of defeat for the men the women shot up from their seats screaming victoriously.

Kate threw her controller on the couch and cheered, "WOOHOO!" She high fived Lanie, Jenny, Alexis, Martha and even gently high fived Sarah Grace. Kate started to do a little victory dance in front of everyone. The large group of ladies cheered her on as the gentlemen sat silent with disdain.

Lanie got up and patted Kate's back, "Looks like we got a new QUEEN around here."

Jenny laughed, "Sorry men, looks like Kate is the new champion around here." Lanie and Jenny cheered. Jenny slowly danced with her daughter in her arms.

Martha hugged Kate and laughed victoriously, "Three cheers for the new champion of the Castle house hold!" The ladies cheered.

Alexis laughed, "Congrats mom!" Kate smiled and sat bag down on the couch victoriously.

Castle covered his face with his hands and shook his head. Ryan patted his back gently. Esposito looked angrily at the ladies, "Just you wait! We'll be back with a vengeance."

Ryan looked up at Jenny, "We'll be back. Just you wait."

Castle's muffled voice came through his hands, "I'm sorry guys…it's my fault."

Ryan patted his back again, "Don't worry Castle it's not your fault. I'm sure there was foul play involved." Esposito laughed. Ryan calmed down and looked over at Kate who had a blank expression plastered across her face. She was holding her belly and breathing steadily. He asked cautiously, "Kate?" Castle slowly looked up from his hands to look at Kate.

Kate slowly made eye contact with Castle. She couldn't speak. Castle shot up from the couch, forgetting everything about his Halo downfall fully realizing what is about to happen. He softly spoke, "Kate…"

Kate rubbed her belly, "It's happening…" She spoke louder, "Oh my God, babe, it's happening!"

Jenny, Lanie, Esposito, Ryan, Alexis, and Martha all had blank stares plastered across their faces. Sarah Grace was being Sarah Grace with her go happy smile. Castle leaped over the couch to grab his keys, "Ladies time is of the essence!" He pointed to the door, "TO THE HOSPITAL!" He grabbed his Ferrari keys and ran for the door.

Jenny and Lanie helped Kate slowly to the door. Kate softly spoke, "Are we seriously taking the Ferrari?"

Castle held open the door for everyone and responded urgently, "Yeah we are! Got to get there fast!"

Esposito and Ryan looked at each other briefly. Espo spoke up, "We'll cut a path open for you Castle." He patted Ryan on the shoulder, "Lets go! Castle and the ladies will follow us to the hospital."

Hospital

Ryan and Esposito blew a hole in New York's nighttime traffic and escorted the Castle's and friends to the hospital to deliver the much-anticipated baby. Once being admitted to the delivery room Kate still had a long way to go before delivering the baby. It's been hours of painful labor and Kate is doing her absolute best to stay cool and collected. But, that is way harder than it sounds. Both Martha and Castle were both in the room with her and were attempting to comfort and calm her down.

Kate was breathing heavily and was trying her best to breathe steadily. Castle was holding her right hand while Martha was holding her left. Castle kissed her hand gently, "You're doing great Kate."

Kate responded in pain and in between breaths, "Yeah? You think so?" She laughed weakly while in pain.

Castle laughed, "We just need Tim Tebow here. You know, from the commercial."

Kate shook her head and responded weakly, "Shut up Castle…" She breathed heavier and clenched his hand tighter, "If you ever want sex from me again then you better just shut up in this moment and let me work!" Castle shut his mouth quick. Martha smiled slyly and Castle.

Martha patted Kate's shoulder with her free hand and said gently, "Don't respond to me darling. Just breathe. Okay?" Kate nodded and did what she was told.

Kate's breathing started to be heavier and heavier as time passed. The pain increased and it became clear that this long battle was finally reaching its conclusion. The doctor looked at Kate and nodded, "Alright Mrs. Castle this is it. I need you to push!" Kate pushed. The doctor nodded, "Push! Keep pushing!" Kate screamed as she used all of her energy to push. Castle felt Kate crush his hand but he didn't phase, he never lost his cool as he continued to support his wife.

Waiting Room

In the waiting room was a large group of Castle's and Kate's family and friends. Alexis, Ryan, Jenny, Sarah Grace, Esposito, Lanie, Tory, Jim Beckett, and even Captain Gates were waiting with great anticipation for news. The big group of family killed time with conversations and small talk. Lanie busied herself bouncing Sarah Grace on her lap as she was in a deep conversation with Ryan, Esposito, and Jenny. Tory told Jim Beckett funny stories about Kate and Castle as she watched them work from the sidelines.

Alexis sat bouncing her knee impatiently next to Captain Gates as she waited for news. Captain Gates patted Alexis' active knee and said calmly, "It'll be okay Alexis. Kate will be fine. She's very strong."

Alexis smiled, "That she is…" She laughed, "She keeps my dad in line. That takes a strong person to do so. Probably why he's so afraid of you."

Captain Gates laughed, "Didn't ever think he was. He always seems to push my buttons."

"Are you kidding me? When he first met you, he'd talk about how scary you were." Alexis shrugged, "Then, when he started dating mom, he would talk about how scared he was about you finding out."

Captain Gates laughed, "That's good then. I still got it on Castle then." She patted Alexis' leg, "But he has his good moments."

Alexis nodded, "that he does." She put her head back, "He even told me that time when three men couldn't stop a suspect on PCP but it only took Kate to take him down."

Esposito quickly dropped his conversation and looked at Alexis, "Got to let that go." Ryan hid his face in his hands ashamed.

Jenny laughed, "What happened Kev?"

Ryan's muffled voice came through his hands, "bad things happened." Everyone laughed.

Lanie looked at Esposito, "You mean to tell me that Kate took him down but you, Castle, and Ryan couldn't?"

Esposito looked at her with surprise, "you know this already!"

Lanie shrugged, "But hearing it from Alexis makes me look at you differently."

Esposito shook his head, "Uncool baby."

Lanie grabs Esposito and kisses him tenderly. She smiles at him, "it's okay to admit you're a baby. You'll be my baby."

Jim laughed quietly. Tory laughed, "That is incredibly strange."

Ryan nodded, "Yeah it is." Alexis and Gates laughed.

A doctor wearing a white lab coat walks out with a smile, "Well, Mrs. Castle is awake, healthy, and happy." He raised his eyebrow, "We welcome a boy to the world." Everyone's jaw dropped and smiles slowly appeared on everyone's face. The doctor smiled, "Let the parents get settled and I will come out again and let you see the baby."

Martha stood near the wall silently with her hands covering her tremendous smile as Castle handled her new grandson.

Castle brought the calm and aware young baby boy to a very fatigued Kate. Her hair was messy and she had the look of fatigue plastered across her face, but even through all this she still smiled. Kate took the baby boy, smiled widely, and then kissed the little boy on the head. The baby responded with a giggle sound. Kate laughed and looked at a smiling Castle who was sitting next to her. He stuck his finger out and tickled the stomach of the baby. He laughed, "Welcome to the world Kevin Esposito Castle." He looked at Kate, who smiled and nodded. Kate kissed the baby again.

Kate looked up at Castle and looked deeply into his eyes, "I love you Rick." Castle smiled. She continued, "I love you so completely."

"I love you too." He leaned forward and captured her lips and after a long moment they broke apart when the baby gently slapped Kate on the chin. Kate laughed. Castle tickled Kevin Esposito again and said, "You made a great baby." He laughed, "I know every parent says that but I mean…he's a great looking baby."

Kate rolled her eyes, "We made a great baby." She kissed him gently.

Castle laughed, "I'm going to say that Alexis is the most beautiful baby I ever seen, but Kevin Esposito Castle is the most handsome!" Kate laughed.

Kate softly spoke, "He's very reserved and very calm." She started to rock him, "He's going to look a lot like you."

Castle looked at Kate slyly, "I'm not going to say I told you so but…I told you so."

Kate rolled her eyes, "Shut up." She laughed, "Next time I'll be right."

Castle raised his eyebrows with happiness, "next time?"

Martha finally stepped forward, "I'm so happy for you darlings." She tickled the little baby, "He's so handsome. Such a beautiful boy."

Kate smiled, "Thank you Martha." Martha hugged both of them and kissed the baby.

Then their whole family walked into the room with huge smiles. They all formed a half circle in front of the bed, adoring the tender moment. Alexis spoke up first, "Mom…Dad…he's…a beautiful baby." Everyone nodded in agreement silently. She continued, "What's his name?"

Kate looked at Castle. Castle nodded at her. She smiled, "His name is… Kevin Esposito Castle. After his uncles who has done so much for his parents."

Esposito and Ryan smiled and looked at each other then back at Kate and Castle. They both nodded at the both. Neither them said a word. They just smiled widely. Esposito looked at Lanie who was next to him and he slowly took her hand and interlaced his fingers with hers. Ryan put his arm around Jenny and kissed her head happily.

Kate's father laughed happily, "That's a great name."

Captain Gates smiled too, "A great name…"

Tory looked at Esposito and laughed, "So Detective Esposito, no smart comment?"

Esposito shook his head, "I can't… not now… not in this moment…" Lanie smiled at him.

Lanie opened up her arms and said softly, "Lets hug the little boy." She smiled, "Say hello to Auntie Lanie sweetie." She rushed over and stretched to hug both Castle and Kate.

Ryan laughed, "Don't forget Uncle Kevin!" He copied Lanie and rushed in.

Esposito shook his head. He looked over at Tory who also ran into the group softly saying, "And Auntie Tory."

Jenny carried Sarah Grace with her to the hug, "Sarah Grace and your Auntie Jenny."

Esposito stayed still and looked at Jim Beckett who made his way to the hug. He softly spoke, "Is there room for a grandpa in there?"

Martha laughed and hugged the group too, "And a grandma too?"

Alexis looked at Esposito and smiled. She softly spoke, "Don't forget the baby's older sister." She joined the big tender hug.

Captain Gates laughed, "There is always room for her Auntie Gates!"

Esposito smiled. He didn't move. He started to think to himself. Kevin Esposito Castle huh? Has a nice ring to it. He laughed softly. I should start looking into the next step… He looked at Lanie in the hug who had her eyes closed and had a wide smile across her face. Doesn't seem so scary as I thought it might be… He looked down at his feet and slowly walked toward the group hug.

Castle laughed, "Get in here Espo." Esposito finally hugged the group in a complete lovely family moment.

Oh, you're in my veins

And I cannot get you out

Oh, you're all I taste

At night inside of my mouth

Oh, you run away

'Cause I am not what you found

Oh, you're in my veins

And I cannot get you out

WELCOME KEVIN ESPOSITO CASTLE TO THE WORLD!

Now this isn't it. There is still more on the way. Got a quota to fill per Doyle's predictions of the future...