Chapter 13 Lasers

I don't own Castle

It's been five months since the misadventures of the Runaway Brothers and all things seemed to settle back to normality. For what passes as normal around the 12th with Castle involved. In fact, most of the precinct calls the event that Castle, Ryan, and Esposito participated as "runaway criminals" as the "misadventures of the Runaway Brothers". Everyone still has a good laugh about that, and it doesn't seem to go away anytime soon. On a high note, the bond between Castle, Esposito, and Ryan has gotten stronger from the events. Kate and Lanie noticed the difference immediately. Since those misadventures, the team solved numerous cases in the city, and Castle made sure he didn't get volunteered for anything again.

On a personal family level with the Castle family, their baby Kevin Esposito Castle is now a stunning nine months old now, and he is now crawling…everywhere. The little guy is so hard to catch sometimes. One moment he's playing behind Kate as she cleans up and when she turns around, he's gone. Kate always finds him but gives her a mini heart attack each time. Castle always manages to find their son a lot faster than her. Maybe cause Castle thinks like a child…usually. One trait Kate actually really loves about him. Time is really just flying by. New family pictures cover Kate's desk and their home. Life couldn't be better.

Loft

Another beautiful morning in the Castle and it was actually just another perfect morning. It started like any other day, which no one is complaining since this is the dream. Per Kate's request there was no lack of romance what so ever. That's how Kevin Esposito got into the world anyway. Kate woke up naked on Castle's bare chest, she smiled completely satisfied from last nights "workout". She lifted her head and smiled while watching Castle sleep, she kissed his chest happily then laid her head back down on him. She felt Castle's strong arm wrap around her bare back and caress it, she smiled and kissed his chest again. She happily greeted him, "good morning handsome."

Castle slowly opened his eyes and looked down at his beautiful wife, "And good morning to you gorgeous." They shared a passionate kiss that they held for as long as they could. Kate broke off first and laid her head back down comfortably on his chest.

She smiled, "That was great last night babe."

He smiled, "yeah it was." He caressed her back, "can't say we lack romance."

Kate planted a kiss on his chest again, "No we don't." She smiled, "I love you Rick."

"I love you too." They shared a brief but passionate kiss.

Kate smiled, "What do you have to do today?"

Castle shrugged a bit, "got a chapter to finish up and a deadline to make." He smiled, "Just another day. You?"

Kate smiled, "Was going to go shop with the little one for a bit. Get baby food, formula, clothes for me and him, and stuff like that. Since it's my Saturday off."

Castle smiled, "I could join you if you want. Or can take care of the little one while you shop."

She shook her head with a smile, "Babe it's okay. You got a chapter to do and I want you to be focused." She shrugged, "Plus. I feel like you spend more time with the baby than I do."

Castle laughed and leaned as far as he could while lying down to kiss Kate. She met him half way and they shared a brief kiss. He laughed, "you're just afraid because he's a mini me."

Kate laughed and shook her head, "Oh god."

There was a knock on the door, which surprised the loving couple. Castle quickly covered themselves with the blankets and quickly got situated. It was an awkward situation in the making. Castle peeked over the cover and called to the door, "Yes?"

Alexis peeked in and saw her parents in covers and slowly entered. She had a sorry expression on her face, "Sorry to bother you guys, but Kevin Esposito is crying and I think he wants attention from you."

Castle smiled, "It's okay Alexis. I'll be there in a second." Alexis smiled and nodded then closed the door as she left. He looked over at Kate and chuckled, "that could've been awkward…"

Kate rolled over on her side and hugged her husband under the cover again. She kissed his chest then rested her cheek against him. She laughed, "I think that was awkward."

Castle laughed, "Well I'll go take care of the little one. I'm just missing a pair of boxers."

Kate kissed his chest and smiled, "Well you're missing one thing. I'm missing a bra and panties at the moment."

Castle extracted himself from Kate's grip. He stood up then bent over and shared a kiss with Kate before leaving. Kate smiled and turned onto her back and sighed in contentment. Good life.

Alexis was bouncing Kevin Esposito, but still he continued to cry. Castle appeared from the master room, fully dressed in a dark purple dress shirt and black shiny dress pants. He strolled over and kissed Alexis on the cheek then gently extracted his son from his daughters grasp. He smiled, "Sorry took so long. Had to get dressed."

"It's okay dad. I think he wants attention from his parents." Alexis smiled and tickled the baby.

Castle started to calm the baby enough to stop him crying. He kissed his son and said in a very gentle voice, "Why are you crying little one. You're parents are still here. Alexis was just being a good sister." He bounced the baby and the little one calmed, and even looked happy. He turned to his daughter, "Don't worry Alexis, this little one loves you."

Alexis smiled, "I know dad. He just wants attention from you guys."

Castle smiled and brought his son close to his face, "Mom will be out in a moment. But, for now I'll train you how to get pampered by her. Muahahaha." He laughed evilly in a playful way. The baby laughed and put a hand on his cheek. He looked at Alexis who was holding back a loud laugh. Castle gave her a stern grin, "You're a traitor."

Alexis put a hand on her chest, "What? Me? What ever do you mean?" She laughed.

Castle looked at her stern and said in a fake serious tone, "You know. Trading sides to work as Kate's henchmen."

"Oh. You did not." Alexis looked at him sternly, "How about we throw down with laser tag, how about that?"

Castle tickled his baby with a funny expression then looked back at Alexis with a serious look, "So be it. You and me, tonight when you get back from the library."

"So be it." Alexis and her dad shared a stare down until they heard Kate enter the kitchen.

Kate was wearing a robe over a plain grey shirt. She laughed, "Isn't even noon yet and you two are already in a duel."

Castle didn't look at Kate and continued his glare at Alexis, "She needs to be taught a lesson."

Alexis continued her glare, "Things need to be set right."

Kate smiled and slowly and gently extracted her son from Castle's grasp. The baby laughed as his mom hugged her. Neither Castle nor Alexis broke their stare down. Kate laughed and whispered to her son, "We have a very weird, but fun family." She kissed her son.

An alarm beeped on Alexis' phone. She knew exactly what it was for; it was time for her to head to the library. She focused her glare one more time then gathered her things. She took one last glare at her dad and said sternly, "This is far from over." Her expression lightened as she kissed her mom on the cheek, "bye mom."

Kate smiled, "See ya."

Alexis kissed her brother, "Bye kiddo." Then left the loft.

Kate kissed her husband on the cheek then laughed, "I heard the whole thing. You and her are getting into a laser fight tonight?"

Castle glared at the door, "Yeah. We. Are."

She laughed again, "I want in." She walked over to the couches and placed Kevin Esposito on the floor. She then went to go grab a few toys that were scattered on the floor.

Castle turned and looked at her, also admiring her form, "On whose side will you be on?"

Kate caught her son crawling around the floor then she sat down on the floor crossed legged. Picking her son up and placed him on her lap. She gave him a stuffed turtle she picked up and they happily played with each other. As she was playing she called to Castle, "Obviously I'll be fighting on Alexis' side. Girls have to fight together." She laughed, "It's on tonight babe!" She bounced her son on his lap.

Castle laughed, "Oh yeah… I need to get back up."

Kevin Esposito was laughing happily as he played around with his stuffed turtle while Castle finished cleaning up the kitchen from making breakfast. The little one was fed and the day can officially start. Castle kept a vigilant eye on his little boy while he finished up with the kitchen while Kate was busy getting ready for her shopping day with the little.

Soon Kate stepped out of their bedroom wearing a plain light blue shirt with a brown leather jacket, tight form fitting blue jeans, and high heels always with heels. She walked into the kitchen while fixing her watch and gave Castle a kiss. She smiled, "Alright babe. I'm going."

Castle smiled, "Have fun."

Kate smiled, "Try not to procrastinate too much alright? Still got to pay the bills." She laughed and kissed her husband on the lips. She smiled, "I love you."

"I love you too."

Kate walked toward the couches and kneeled and picked up her son, "Alright kiddo, let's go shopping for you." The baby laughed. Kate kissed him on the cheek.

Castle called out to Kate, "Kate. Keys." He tossed his wife the keys to the Mercedes. He smiled, "Go live it up."

Kate opened the door and smiled back at her husband, "Just cause I can kick butt and take down bad guys doesn't mean I don't like girly stuff." She laughed, "Love you!" then she left.

Fifth Avenue New York City

Kate pushed the stroller with Kevin Esposito in it out of the store where she got baby food, formula, diapers, and the essentials she needed to restock. She kneeled down and put the groceries on the bottom of the stroller. When she got up to push the stroller there was a sudden group of four people with cameras in front of her. It was the paparazzi. She had a weird look on her face as cameras started to snap pictures of her. She usually was with Castle when this happened. It was odd for them to randomly take pictures of her.

One of the camera men shouted out, "Mrs. Castle! Mrs. Castle!" She turned to look at the man with a questioning look. He continued, "You hear the news? They are making a movie of the first Nikki Heat book! What do you think of that?" Cameras continued to snap photos of her.

Kate had a shocked expression. She looked at her baby who seemed to be taking this paparazzi rush well, he was sucking on his thumb, and really it was his hand. She looked up at the reporter and shrugged, "That's news to me. I have no idea." She smiled, "But I'm proud of my husbands accomplishments. In my opinion he's the best writer." She chuckled, "Even better than Stephen King in my honest opinion." The paparazzi continued their storm of photos as Kate tried to walk off with her son. Before one of them could say anything, Kate turned around and said respectfully with a hint of seriousness, "Now. Excuse me, while I spend some time with my baby boy." Saying things like that to the paparazzi didn't really work, but it worked for Kate because she's a cop and she carries a gun with her. Plus her presence is larger than life.

As she walked away the group of paparazzi turned around and went to go hunt for someone else to annoy. Kate rolled her eyes and looked down at her baby, "Paparazzi. We are only known for our affiliation with your father." She laughed, "I'm not complaining about the life we have, just complaining about some of the people in it." Kevin Esposito let out his little giggle. She smiled, "They are very bothersome." Her son kicked his feet and giggled.

She crossed the street happily pushing the stroller to her next destination on Fifth Avenue. She obtained everything she needed for her little one, and now she's going to shop for herself. She plans to go shop in one of those fancy luxury department stores to try and find that new leather jacket she has been keeping an eye on. To be honest, most of the clothes she buys nowadays are not just to make her look pretty, but to make Castle impressed. Though, Castle is always impressed, she plans to keep it that way. Plus she always seeks the best. After walking for quite a while she reached her destination, a nice luxury department store, Gucci…

If she weren't married to Castle she wouldn't ever be able to afford anything from this store. But, now she combines her income with his and they make way more than she did by herself. Even without her income with his, he could afford everything in the store. When she first got married to him, she felt strange shopping in expensive stores, she felt strange shopping for anything expensive. She doesn't want to be one of those wives who spend their husband's money on a regular basis. Though she doesn't shop regularly; it's actually really rare if she shops alone. She usually shops with Martha and Alexis. Castle trusts her so much that he doesn't mind if she shops. He keeps her honest.

She walked into the store and an employee greeted her. The employee was a young well-dressed man in a suit with black hair and a light beard, and spoke gently, "Good afternoon miss. Is there anything I can help you with?"

Kate smiled, "No. I'm okay thank you." The store was bright with lights and shinny white walls and floors. Very expensive, fancy, and luxurious atmosphere.

The man bowed his head gently, "Any time miss."

Kate walked deeper into the store pushing her stroller to the leather jackets she's been looking at. But as she was getting closer she spotted a familiar couple. It was Lanie and Esposito shopping together in this expensive store. She smiled and approached them, "Hey guys!"

Lanie and Esposito both turned around at the sound of the familiar voice and power walked over to Kate and met her half way. Lanie hugged Kate and they kissed each other on the cheek. Kate then hugged Esposito. Kate laughed, "What are you guys doing here on your day off?"

Lanie shrugged, "You know shopping. Using this Gucci gift card you guys gave me for my birthday." Kate remembered they both got her Gucci gift cards, since this is her favorite store of all time. She used to complain regularly about how expensive everything is, but with the gift cards she got on her birthday a few weeks back she can shop here once or twice.

Esposito laughed, "Yeah. Normally she wouldn't be able to afford shopping here."

Kate laughed understandably, "Yeah. Before I got married… Never would've shopped in here." Esposito and Lanie nodded with smiles.

Lanie bend down and tickled her little nephew godson combo, "How is this little one doing."

Kate laughed, "Oh! He's doing perfect. He's getting so big and he's crawling everywhere!"

Lanie laughed and didn't look up, "I know I can tell." She tickled him and kissed his cheek, "Such an angel."

Esposito was uncharacteristically quiet around them. Kate gave him a strange look; Esposito noticed and just shook his head. Lanie stood up and saw a pair of shoes behind Kate that she instantly fell in love with. She shot past Kate and called out, "Look at these shoes guys! Aren't they pretty?" Another pair of expensive black high heels with fancy straps.

Esposito and Kate nodded in agreement. Kate looked at Esposito, "Everything alright?"

Esposito shrugged, "Yeah…I'm good…"

Kate gave him a serious look, "Seriously?" Esposito shook his head. Kate laughed and said softly so Lanie can't hear, "You know? You look like Castle when he was proposing to me." Esposito looked at her with a shock. She shook her head, "You look exactly like that."

Esposito shook his head defeated, "I want too…I have it planned. I'm just…"

"Worried she will say no?" Esposito nodded to the statement. Kate chuckled as she watched Lanie talk to one of the employees about her new favorite product. Kevin Esposito giggled and Kate immediately leaned forward to tickle him. Kate spoke up softly while playing with her son, "Espo. You and her been dating forever. Been on and off before, but now you two are really serious now." She stood up, "I'm her best friend, and I can tell you that she's crazy for you."

Esposito smiled nervously, "Sure hope so."

Kate chuckled, "I know so. But, you wont find out unless you do it." Esposito nodded. She smiled, "got a ring and everything?"

Esposito nodded then laughed, "Yeah. Got a nice one actually. Loaned a few from Castle actually."

Kate raised her eyebrows, "Really?" She said shocked.

"Yeah. I told him my plan and told him the type of ring I was going to get." He laughed, "He said that the ring was expensive and gave me a little loan to help me out." He shook his head, "As much as I like to give him crap, he always helps out."

Kate smiled lovingly. No matter what, she always finds her self-falling deeper in love with Castle. She laughed, "That seems like him."

Lanie called over to Esposito, "Baby! Come here!" Esposito smiled and happily made his way to her.

Kate watched happily as her friends got together. They are a good couple in her opinion. Her baby giggled again. She bent down and gave him attention. Funniest thing, he only seems to cry when they are in the loft. The baby must know that since he's home he should get attention, and when he's outside he knows his parents are busy. She didn't really know, it was just a curious thing to think about. She got up and turned her stroller around and looked at the leather jackets. She picked one out, checked it out then put it back not satisfied with what it looked like. She was still-hunting for the one she saw a while back. Then she spotted the leather jacked she was looking for on a mannequin deeper into the store, she turned to her friends and saw they were busy with each other, so she decided to leave them be. She made her way to the mannequin with a little spring, happy with life, and the fact that she found the jacket.

She reached the mannequin and felt the material of the jacket. She smiled satisfied what it felt like and what it looked like. It was super expensive though…of course it is, its Gucci. She didn't want to pay for it solely because how expensive it is. But, this was a rare thing so she was going buy it anyway. Castle keeps her honest. She was about to an employee but then she heard a familiar male voice behind her. Kind of a pretentious voice but very familiar.

The man said coolly behind her, "You look good Ms. Beckett. Really good even after having a baby." Kate turned around and saw a very familiar face. It was the billionaire entrepreneur Erik Vaughn. Her jaw dropped. He smiled coolly, "What? You don't recognize me."

Kate shook her head, "No I do. What are you doing here?"

He smiled, "Met with the owner of the store, he's an old friend." He stepped closer to her, and Kate took a step back. He scanned her body and smiled, "Looking good Beckett."

Kate shook her head, "It's Mrs. Castle now. I got married." She looked at her son who was close to falling asleep, "And had a son with Castle."

Erik Vaughn smiled, "I see. So he did it huh. Hope he's treating you alright."

Kate was feeling pretty aggravated at the moment, but she tried to calm down. She smiled a disarming smile; "He treats me better than alright. He's the best thing that ever happened to me."

Lanie got her shoes in a box from the employee and now she is set for now until she spots something else. They stepped out of the shoe area to where Kate used to be standing and they looked around to find her. Esposito spotted her stroller and pointed telling Lanie, "Found her." The couple took a step and stopped. Esposito recognized the man she was speaking with… Erik Vaughn. Castle told him very well who this dirt bag was.

Erik continued his escapades to flirt with Kate. He smiled, "You know, that time you were assigned to protect me. That was one of those magical life-threatening situations of my life. I got to be with you." He stepped forward even closer to Kate. She continued to avoid him and backed into her stroller. He smiled, "I got to say it again. You look good. You're really beautiful Kate."

Kate shook her head, "I'm married Erik. I'm married to the perfect man and I'm more than happy. Stop trying to get me with you. ALSO you never were with me."

Erik shook his head, "Happy with a man who left you for two months on your wedding. Really? He could've been out partying for all you know."

Kate shook her head, "We got married and we made it the perfect wedding, and he wasn't out partying. I assure you."

He laughed, "Kate… I feel strongly for you still. Hear me out. There is nothing I won't deny you." He caressed her arm, "It'll be perfect. You and I and even the little guy." He looked at the jacket, "I can pay that for you no problem."

Kate forcefully slapped his hand, "So can I." She looked sternly at him, "Step away now Mr. Vaughn. Leave me alone."

Erik shook his head and was about to speak when Esposito spoke out, "The lady told you to step back Mr. Vaughn."

Erik turned around and asked curiously, "And who are you?"

Lanie caught up to Esposito and observed what was going on. Esposito spoke sternly, "Detective Javier Esposito with the 12th Precinct. I'm a friend of the Castle's." He stepped closer to Erik and resonated a presence of authority, "Now. She told you to step back. So I advise you to do that." Erik Vaughn stepped out of the group. Esposito continued his assault, "That's a married woman you were trying to get with. A married woman who is married to a superstar who is friends with 98% of the police in the city. Did I mention he's a hero too? You can't compare." For the first time Erik Vaughn was denied and was speechless. Esposito continued, "Get stepping rich boy. Trying to get with a married individual is not right. So leave." Erik turned and left.

Lanie shook her head, "Tsk. Some men. What an ass hole."

Kate nodded, "Seriously. Back then he tried to seduce me a couple times."

Esposito shook his head, "Dirt bag. Castle told me." He looked at her, "That guy is a real shit bag."

Kate laughed and nodded in agreement, "Thanks for helping me out."

Esposito nodded, "No problem." Lanie smiled at him and rubbed his back lovingly. That was an extremely honorable thing he did for Kate.

Kate smiled, "Now I got to pay for this jacket."

Time Square

The sun was below the horizon and the nightlife of New York City was in full swing. The lights and sounds of New York were everywhere. The billboards of Time Square lit up with life and animation. Kate already left Esposito and Lanie for home, now the couple are taking a nice stroll through Time Square together. Lanie smiling and conversing sweet nothings with Esposito.

Esposito led Lanie across the street and stopped just in front of the red TKTS bleachers on the south rear side of the plaza. Lanie smiled, "I love the night life here. It's so beautiful and full of life."

Esposito looked down and smiled, "Yeah." He looked up and stared at Lanie. Lanie was looking away from him but then turned her head and their eyes met. They stared lovingly at each other. Esposito gripped her hand lovingly then slowly but surely made it down to one knee. Lanie's jaw dropped, she gasped and put a hand on her chest. Esposito reached into his pocket and took out a little black box; he opened the box and revealed a brilliant diamond ring that shined from the nightlife of New York. He smiled, "Lanie Parish. We were on and off and now we finally found each other." Lanie laughed and didn't hold back her smile. He continued with a warm smile, "We may fight like cats, but you are the best thing that has ever happened to me." He shook his head and smiled, "As Castle says to Kate. I will love you always. Lanie Parish. Will you marry me?"

Lanie laughed and couldn't hold back and she knelt down to Esposito's level and kissed him passionately. Once they broke she regained her composure to giver her answer, "Yes. Yes. Yes. Javie, I will marry you." The couple stood up and they shared a kiss. Esposito finally did it. He hasn't felt this strongly about anyone else before. Yes, they were on and off, but he had to figure out what he wanted. Now he knows, and he will go through heaven and hell with and for her.

Lanie of course was extremely happy. Their relationship took another unexpected turn but this time for the better. She couldn't think of anyone better to be with. Life is good.

Loft

The baby was asleep in his crib and tucked in nicely. It was rather calm and serene in the baby room, but not for the dark underbelly of the loft. All the lights were out and the only things visible were glow vests and laser guns. Simulated gun noises echoed through out the loft followed by laughs and giggles of the Castles.

It was the nighttime laser firefight that was highly expected among the family. First to 50 wins and each hit was five points. The moment Kate put Kevin Esposito to bed; she geared for the fight of the century. Like Castle and Alexis, she was covered in black and wore a bright laser tag jacket. Great way to spend the evening if you ask her. The laser fight had been going on for about an hour now and so far the two sides were even. Impressively so, Castle was able to hold his own against two of three of the most important women in his life. The score is now 25 to 25.

In this close quarters battlefield the struggle to clear out the enemy becomes extremely onerous. Kate and Alexis try to force Castle to expose himself, but Castle knows them all too well, and flips their strategy against them. As the fight reached it's climax of 40 to 40 points, Kevin Esposito's cry echoed through out the loft.

Kate held up her hand, "Cease fire! Cease fire!" Alexis put her laser gun down and raised her hands.

Castle appeared from his loft and turned on the lights. He put his weapon down and put his hands up, "We have a cease fire until I put the baby back to bed." He smiled and looked at Kate, "I got this one." Kate smiled at him. He was about to kiss her and she was expecting it, but he stopped just short of her lips and said evilly, "Not until this fight is over." He laughed evilly. Kate spanked him in the rear as he trotted toward the stairs.

Alexis laughed. She signaled her mom to come closer and started to whisper a battle plan to Kate, "He knows all of our moves. We need to throw something he's not expecting."

Kate raised an eyebrow, "Like what?" Alexis laughed evilly and whispered into Kate's ear. Kate laughed evilly as well. But, a knock on the door interrupted their battle plan. Kate stood up and jogged to the door and opened it revealing Esposito and Lanie in each other's arms.

Esposito and Lanie had something to say but lost it when they saw Kate. Esposito pointed at her glow vest, "What is that?" He asked cautiously.

Kate laughed, "Laser tag. Got assert lady dominance in this house." Alexis raised her gun and waved. The couple at the door waved happily. Kate smiled, "So, what are you guys doing here so late?"

Lanie held out her left hand and showed Kate a ring. Kate's jaw dropped. Lanie smiled happily, "Javie proposed!" Kate cheered and jumped up and down then rushed her friends embracing them happily.

"Oh my god! I'm so happy for you two!" She laughed, "This is so great!"

Alexis jogged to the door and greeted the couple and offered her congratulations, and like mom, she hugged them both. Lanie and Esposito shared a brief kiss and cheered happily. Esposito looked around the loft from the door, "Where's Castle?"

Kate smiled, "Putting our son back to bed. He was crying."

Suddenly there was Castle's voice echoing through the loft, "I hear guests!" He rushed down the stairs and to the front door and saw the couple. He smiled confidently and raised a brow to Esposito, "Well?"

Esposito smiled, "She said yes." Castle nodded and fist bumped Esposito confidently. "I knew she would say yes." Everyone laughed happily and offered congratulations.

Lanie smiled, "Well. I think I should leave you guys back to your gun fight." Everyone said their last comments and congratulations as Kate closed the door.

Kate smiled, "That was beautiful."

Alexis nodded, "Yeah it was."

Castle ran back to his loft, flicked off the lights, and called, "Thirty seconds to start!" Kate and Alexis looked at each other in the dark then dived behind the couches.

The fight continued again. But this time Alexis and Kate had a plan. Kate started to sweet talk Castle while she took cover behind the couch as Alexis slowly infiltrated the office. Both Kate and Alexis know that Castle can't resist the sexy voice of Kate. Kate said in a very sweet and seductive tone, "Hey handsome. How about we solve this problem in a little more quieter place." Alexis chuckled quietly to herself as she got into the office. Kate continued, "Just you and me. Together. Alone. Nothing but the bed and some quiet music."

At that time Alexis believed she got Castle who she thinks is hiding behind the desk. She rolled around the desk and pointed her laser gun at the spot she thought he was. Instead there was just a laser gun and a laser vest on the ground. She paused and tilted her head confused then suddenly she felt a laser gun press against her back and a hand covering her mouth as the vest made the sound when it indicates a hit on the person.

Kate heard the sound and stood up fully exposing herself. She waited for what seemed like an eternity. She called to Alexis, "Got him?" There was no reply. Kate took a step around the couch and saw a silhouette and a laser vest at the entrance to the office. Kate felt odd as she slowly raised her laser gun, "Alexis?" Kate's vest sounded off indicating a hit.

Castle laughed evilly, "There goes your master plan!" He flicked on the lights, "50 to 40! I win!"

Kate stomped her foot and smiled, "Dang! I thought we had you!" She laughed, "What happened to Alexis?" Castle smiled as Alexis walked around the corner with a strip of silver duct tape across her mouth and tape binding her hands together. Kate's jaw dropped.

Castle laughed evilly, "I knew you two were going to play dirty. You forget there are four vests. You walked right into my trap." Alexis glared at him. Castle stopped laughing evilly then succumbed to her glare and stared to remover her tape from her hands. He finally got to her mouth and asked, "Fast or slow?" There was a mumble from Alexis and Castle shrugged, "I'm going to assume that was fast." He quickly ripped the tape off her face. Alexis yelled out a loud yell in pain as Kate looked at her with horror. Alexis had a red tape mark across her mouth. Castle chuckled.

Alexis rubbed her face, "Yeah…. I said fast." She shook her head, "Can't believe I fell for that."

Kate walked up to Alexis and patted her back, "Don't worry Alexis it happens to the best of us." She looked at Castle, "We'll get him next time." Castle leaned his back happily against the wall.

Alexis yawned and shook her head, "I need sleep. One long laser fight." She laughed as she kissed her parents on the cheek.

Kate smiled, "Good night Alexis." Alexis waved.

Castle waved back, "Good night darling. Forgive me for that tape thing." Alexis laughed as she climbed the stairs. Castle dropped his head down, "I'm going to pay for this victory I know it."

Kate nodded, "Yes you are babe."

Everything settled down again. Alexis and Kevin Esposito were in their respective rooms sleeping soundly, while their parents cleaned up and relaxed on the couches. The laser tag gear were put away and the loft was back in order. Kate and Castle cuddled together while drinking glasses of wine and enjoying their moment together. Castle kissed Kate on the lips and said, "That was fun."

Kate smiled, "Yeah it was."

"Oh hey. I saw that new leather jacket you bought. Looks nice" Castle had his arm over her shoulder and caressed her upper arm.

Kate smiled, "Thanks." She laughed, "You know. Something funny happened today."

Castle smiled, "Oh?" Then brought his glass to his lips.

"Remember that billionaire guy, Erik Vaughn from a couple years ago?"

Castle lowered his glass and gave a curious look, "How could I forget… what happened? Should I be worried?"

Kate finds it hilarious that Castle gets jealous. He stole her heart for God sakes and he's worried. She laughed, "Babe. You are the first in my heart and nothing is ever going to change that." Castle smiled and they shared a kiss. She laughed to herself then continued, "He was at Gucci earlier today for some reason and he approached me." Castle sat and listened with a confident smile. She continued, "He tried flirting with me and tried to convince me that he was better than you."

Castle chuckled, "Oh boy…"

"That's not the best part. He was DESPERATE. Holy crap, a billionaire desperate!" She shook her head, "He was way too forward and was rushing it. What an idiot." She laughed again, "Best part was that Lanie and Esposito were there too and Espo stood up against him. He called him out." She patted Castle on the shoulder while laughing, "Vaughn was scared of Esposito! It was the funniest thing. I doubt I'll hear from him any time soon."

Castle laughed hysterically, "That was pretty funny. Esposito is pretty intimidating."

Kate caressed his hand, "Hey, I also heard that you helped out Espo with buying a ring for Lanie."

Castle looked down and stuttered, "Yeah… uh…. I could…"

Kate laughed and kissed his cheek, "Babe I'm not mad. I thought that was a very generous thing to do for Espo. Just look at them, they are happy together. It was worth it."

Castle smiled gently, "I still owed him."

They sat together in silence for a moment. Kate leaned forward and kissed Castle on the lips. She smiled, "Babe. I'm married to you and you had my heart for years and it wont change. I'll be here with you forever so I hope you're used to it by now." She laughed and kissed him again.

Castle smiled, "I've been used to it." They kissed again.

Kate smiled, "Oh hey. Did you know they are making a movie on the first Nikki Heat book?" She laughed, "A bunch of paparazzi approached us earlier today. You might be called to help the production."

Castle gave her a look, "Haven't heard yet… probably should check my email."

Im not going to lie, I absolutely hate Erik Vaughn from "Squab and the Quail" the guy was a real tool. So it was time for a throw down in my opinion lol. Wanted a little tension in the story.

Also, in case you haven't noticed...I'm a HUGE Lanie and Esposito shipper. Wheew.