Chapter 14 Swings

I don't own Castle

Time just never seems to be on anyone's side. After countless successful resolution of crimes, the Castle duo knows no bounds. Even their son knows none. Kevin Esposito is a stunning one year old and nine month now and he's gotten big. He even know how to walk, not well but he does know. He's officially a toddler. Kevin Esposito has a hybrid form of transportation between walking and crawling. He's the Castle family buddle of joy. He's energetic, playful, and loves to go everywhere. He's like the little baby from the Loony Tunes. Castle would say it time and time again that he and Kate made a beautiful baby. Kate wouldn't deny it. She was very much happy with her life and ever so in love with Castle and her family. Only down side is that everything seems to be going so fast. Including the fair brown hair of Kevin Esposito seemed to grow a lot faster recently and Kate had to cut it many times. And soon he will be saying his first words.

Kevin Esposito isn't the perfect walker but he is learning. It's so adorable watching the little guy walk around and it's even cute when he crawls when he's tired of walking. But when he falls hard he cries loudly causing his mom and or dad to help him like good parents. They kiss him, hug him, and bounce him till he's better, making memories everyday. Kate even has a video of Castle teaching her son how to walk. Martha and Alexis were there helping and being the official cheerleaders with Kate during the video when Castle guided the little Kevin Esposito how to walk. When he took his first unassisted walk to Castle, Castle picked him up and twirled him happily. The entire family did a group hug with him. Life is going perfectly for the Castle family. Kate never imagined it to be so perfect. She had a stable job, hard working and loving husband who cared for her and her child, countless potential opportunities like becoming a senator, a wonderful stepdaughter, and a wonderful mother-in-law. What was not to like?

On the other side of the city was Esposito and Lanie. Their relationship evolved positively every day since Esposito proposed almost nine months ago. They too were on cloud nine, making memories, and having the time of their lives. They were now planning their wedding, a very hard and long process, but they can do it together. They've been through a lot; they were practically like the Castle's no matter how much they tried to deny it.

Loft

It's just another beautiful bright early morning in the big apple and in the Castle household. Another day of activity as they prepared for a little summer trip to the park. Everyone was up including Kevin Esposito and Alexis. Alexis was getting her things ready in her room so she can hang out with her friends later. She's enjoying her summer break before her last extra year of college. She has to take an extra year to finish up classes because she was unable to get in because they were full, typical college. Kate on the other hand was getting ready for the day in the master bathroom; happy that she got time off work from the past intense five months. Castle was already dressed with a blue dress shirt, black dress pants, and black socks, feeding Kevin Esposito on his baby blue high chair near the kitchen table, which was turning out to be more of a mess than usual. He has been able to feed himself with the spoon lately, but carnage and a huge mess usually followed. Like today, Kevin Esposito had a large red orange blob all over his face, over his white bib, and was overall an absolute mess. He giggled and kicked as he ate. Castle drank his coffee and watched over his messy son happily letting him do his own thing. If Kate was out here she'd clean him up in no time. Castle figured that he can go ahead and be mess, he is still a baby after all. He smiled as his son made a mess of his food but still managed to eat all of it. All of a sudden he heard Kate call from the room, "Babe! Are you two ready to go?"

Castle put his coffee down in a hurry and had a mini heart attack. If she's sees Kevin Esposito like this, she might kill them both. He quickly took the bowl and spoon from his son as he was giggling and kicking then went to get a wet paper towel to clean up. He smiled at his son, "Come on little guy you gotta work with me." He cleaned his son's face first; "Don't want to get mom mad. We want to get pampered by her. Not killed." He laughed as he cleaned. The little guy giggled as Castle cleaned up after him. Castle smiled, "That is the plan. Get pampered by mom."

Kate was leaning against the bookshelves near their room and shook her head smiling. She was wearing a grey long sleeve saggy sweater over a plain blue shirt, tight white jeans and her hair tied in a nice ponytail She laughed and called out, "That is so cute babe."

Castle didn't even look up. He had a mock scared face on, "Oh! We're dead now!" Kevin Esposito laughed and placed his hand on his dad's face. Castle leaned forward and kissed the top of his head. Then continued to clean up.

Kate walked over to her family. She straightened Castle then kissed him gently and full of love. Then leaned forward before her son and kissed him happily. He giggled in response. She smiled, "How is my little guy doing." He giggled and clapped. She smiled, "Good to hear." She kissed the top of his head again. While Kate was leaning forward playing with her son; Castle walked over and gave her butt a playful slap. Kate gasped in surprise. Castle laughed and went to throw away the dirty towels. Kate gave him a playful grin then emphasized the sway in her hips as she approached him. He smiled at her as she approached him. Before she did anything he extended his reach and wrapped his arm around the small of her back and brought her very close, chest-to-chest. Castle smiled and gave her a passionate kiss, which they held for a long time.

Alexis walked down the stairs with her purse and laughed as she saw her parents in a fluffy moment with each other. They were busy kissing with intensity that they didn't see or hear her until she decided to have a little fun with them. Alexis cleared her throat and said loudly, "Guys! Not in front of the baby!"

Kate and Castle gasped as Alexis scared them to bits causing Castle to almost drop Kate on her back. They released each other a little flustered from the moment. Kate fixed her self and cleared her throat then smiled, "Good morning Alexis."

Alexis laughed. She chuckled, "Morning guys."

Castle nodded, "So what are you up to today? Want to hang out with us in the park?"

Alexis smiled and shook her head apologetically, "No sorry guys. Going to meet up with friends later."

Castle smiled, "No problem, have fun!"

Kate ran a hand through her hair then walked to her son, "Babe can you go ahead and get the baby bag, I'll take care of this little guy." Castle nodded then went to his wife and kissed her cheek before walking to their room.

Alexis smiled at her dad as he left, "I'm going, see ya dad!"

Castle laughed and waved, "See ya sweetie!"

Alexis walked over to her mom and gave her a kiss on the cheek. Kate smiled, "Have fun Alexis." Alexis smiled then bent down to kiss her little brother goodbye. She turned and walked to the door, before she left she waved then left out the door.

It's turning out to be just another go happy day. Kate took off the bib from her son and tossed it on the counter then picked up her son and bounced him as he laughed. Kevin Esposito wore a bright blue shirt that had Pac man chopping on a row of baby bottles, and little blue jean shorts. She tickled him happily, "Guess who's going to the park today!" Baby laughed as Kate spoke, "You are! Yes you are!" She said in a playful tone. She gently put her son down on the floor then grabbed his first pair of little baby shoes that were behind his high chair. Kevin Esposito being the Castle he is, tried to get up but Kate was able to stop him so she can put his shoes on. She happily bent down and put his shoes on, Kevin Esposito didn't fight her but clapped happily. There was a clicking sound from a camera phone behind her.

Castle stood a few feet away from her and took a couple pictures with his Iphone of Kate putting on Kevin Esposito's little shoes. He smiled, "Making memories everyday." He had the baby bag slung over his shoulder cross body.

Kate finished tying Kevin Esposito's shoes then turned to look at her husband, "All the time. Got to cherish these because it's going so fast!" She stood up and picked up her son then kissed Castle on the lips tenderly. She smiled, "So you ready to go?"

Castle nodded, "Yup. I'll hold him so you can put your heels on." He laughed.

She smiled, "No I got him while YOU put your shoes on. While I get the food bag." They both laughed. Castle complied diligently and got his black dress shoes on. Kate tickled and played with her son as Castle got finished. She strolled to the kitchen and slung a black bag full of food over her free shoulder. In no time he was done.

He walked over and obtained his son, "You're turn." He said with a funny grin. Kate shook her head smiling and got her high heels on. Castle pointed to Kate as she put one heel on at a time, and Kevin Esposito just giggled and said things in his own little baby language.

Kate was done and walked over and retrieved her son, "Alright lets go."

Castle got his keys out and opened the door for Kate, "Hey, I want to hold the little guy."

Kate walked out carrying her son and laughed, "Babe, you're always holding the little guy. Let the mother be the mother."

Castle closed the door behind him and locked it, "Fine." They laughed and Kate turned around quickly flicking her ponytail back at him. She turned her head and smiled at Castle and walked away accenting the sway in her hips. Castle groaned and bit his fist then followed, this woman will be the death of me….

Park

The Castle's were at the park they knew so very well. This park was where they go when they need a quiet place to thing, where Castle and Kate settled their differences, and where they got engaged. This park was an iconic landmark of how far the married couple has come. This park and the Castle's hold so much history. This is the first time they are bringing the little Kevin Esposito to this historic park.

Kate happily sat down on a bench, grabbed a homemade sandwich, and watched her husband play with their son on the playground. She smiled as she watched her son slide down the slide to Castle who happily picked him up and twirled him in the air. Kate smiled at her husband and her son's smiling face. She could hear her son giggle and laugh as they played. Castle rubbed his hand over Kevin Esposito's brown hair then pointed over to Kate and smiled. The little boy waved both his hands up and down. Kate laughed and took a bite of her sandwich. She smiled and looked around the park reflecting.

Castle carried his son to Kate who was zoning out on the bench, "Hey Kate." Kate looked at him with a smile and swallowed the last part of her sandwich. Castle chuckled, "Care to join us on the swings?"

Kate smiled and clapped, "Oh yeah! Most definitely." She saw a pair of women looking at them, well particularly at Castle. One blonde and one brunette, Kate identified them as preppy rich girls with daddy's money. She shook her head, "First babe, you have a fan club over there." She nodded in the direction of the women.

Castle didn't need to look, "I saw them a while ago." He laughed, "If they don't approach me, I won't approach them because it's my time with my beautiful wife and my handsome son." Kate stood up and laughed. She kissed him on the lips then took her son in her arms.

She smiled, "Can you grab the bags while I put Kevin Esposito in the swings." Castle smiled, Kate kissed him on the lips then made her way to the swings.

Castle grabbed the food bag and his wife's purse and slung them over his shoulder. At that moment he felt a tap on his shoulder, he turned around and saw the pair of girls Kate was talking about standing in front of him. He raised an eyebrow, "What can I do for you ladies?"

Both the women reached into their big purses and took out different Nikki Heat books. They simultaneously said in high pitch preppy tones, "We would like an autograph!"

Castle smiled and shook his head, "No problem." He reached into his pocket and took out a black sharpie. As a world famous author he had to carry a sharpie. He took the blonde's book and started to sign it.

The blonde smiled and bounced on her toes excitedly and said, "I read all your books. You're such a good writer. This such an honor to meet you." Castle nodded and smiled then handed her the book then taking the brunettes.

The brunette clasped her hands together, "Thank you Mr. Castle! We are big fans!"

Castle smiled, "Anything for a fan." He finished signing the book and handed it back to the brunette.

The brunette held the book tightly to her chest and smiled, "We even saw the news coverage of your heroics after that ware house incident last year." She bounced excitedly, "A famous writer and a hero!"

The blonde chimed in happily, "Yeah! The news and talk shows talked about you for days! Calling you a hero! And we met him!" She looked up and smiled swaying her hips, "We heard you even got a medal from the mayor and governor."

Castle's smile faded. He remembered the whole thing, the firefight, the hospital, the aftermath, and the pain. The pain in fact never went away. He still feels it sometimes, but mostly he feels the pain of almost dying on Kate. She wasn't mad at him but merely scared for him. Castle felt extremely bad for causing so much pain on Kate over the years and he swore to himself to make it up to her everyday of their lives. He hasn't even told her the pain he has buried in him. The ladies looked at each other curiously as they saw Castle's warm smile fade. The brunette leaned forward and asked worriedly, "Mr. Castle?"

Castle snapped back to reality, "Yes? Sorry?" He nodded, "Oh yeah. I was offered a medal…but I refused it."

Blonde looked at him curiously, "Wait why?"

Castle locked his eyes on the ground behind the ladies, "I didn't want it. I didn't need it."

"How come?"

Castle turned around to see Kate pushing her son on the child swing happily, seeing both their smiling and laughing faces. He smiled and didn't turn away from looking at them, "Because, I have them." He turned back and smiled and said softly, "That's all I need."

The ladies smiled happily at the moment. The brunette placed a hand on his shoulder, "They are lucky to have you Mr. Castle." She nodded, "Thank you so much." The blonde said the same thing and they both smiled.

Castle nodded, "Anytime." They both turned around and headed in opposite directions. Castle put his hands in his pockets, smiling to himself, and made his way slowly to Kate.

Kate pushed the swing and cherished the sound of her son's laugh as he swung. She looked to her left and saw Castle walking slowly toward them with his head down and his hands in his pockets. She looked at him curiously with some concern, wondering what could be bothering him all of a sudden. She turned back to her son on the swing and continued to push him happily.

Castle made it to the swings then placed the bags down on the grass. Then made his way to Kate quietly. Kate stopped her son's swing and looked over at Castle with concern. Kevin Esposito on the other hand was smiling and laughing still, enjoying the swing happily. Castle stopped next to Kate and looked at his son. Kate looked at him with concern and wrapped an arm around his back, "Babe, you okay?"

Castle wrapped an arm around her shoulder then looked into her eyes, "I love you Kate."

Kate smiled warmly, "I love you too Rick." Castle kissed her lovingly and they held the kiss and embrace for a long moment.

But as usual, an outside party had to interrupt the fluffy moment. But this time it was a more of a surprise. Kevin Esposito slapped the swing seat happily and roughly said in his high-pitched voice, "dada!" Kate and Castle looked at each other in shock at what their son just said. They both rushed in front of their son, smiled and bent down, forgetting the hesitation Castle had earlier.

Kate leaned forward and gently touched her son on the arm, "Can you sat it again Kevin Esposito? Come on you can do it!" She said encouragingly. The little one smiled and tilted his head trying to say it again. Castle took out his phone and video taped the moment.

Kevin Esposito spat out, "Dada!" Then clapped and laughed happily. Kate laughed as well then kissed her son happily.

Kate stood up next to Castle and kissed him, "He said his first word!" She kissed him again excitedly.

Castle smiled, "Boom! He said 'Dada'" Kate shook her head with a smile, linking her arm with his. She leaned her head against his shoulder happily, deciding that she would ask Castle about what was with him later.

The family spent hours in the park together then walked around the city, taking pictures of the sites as a family. Multiple family pictures minus Alexis and Martha were taken today. After adventuring around the city, they ate dinner in a nice family restaurant. Before they knew, it was evening and they had to go back home. It was an outstanding day.

Loft

Castle laid the sleeping Kevin Esposito down in his crib and tucked him in with a blanket. He watched his son sleeping soundly, it was a calm and happy scene. Castle smiled to himself as he unbuttoned the first few buttons of his blue dress shirt. With all this happiness, Castle couldn't help but remember the events in the warehouse.

He shook his head, he could've died and lost Kate, a situation he never wanted to be in. Then the press blew up the whole warehouse situation, made him a hero. The press didn't stop talking about that event for days. Then when that was all said and done, the governor and mayor offered him a medal. Castle refused it, which surprised everyone including himself. Castle was just happy his wife and friends were alright. He didn't want to be called a hero, he didn't want it nor did he believe he deserved it. He just wanted his wife and friends to be alive.

He felt a pair of arms wrap around his torso and caress his stomach lovingly. He turned his head and saw Kate smiling and resting her head on his shoulder dressed in only her robe. He placed his hands over hers and smiled. Kate kissed his shoulder, "babe. You okay?"

"Yeah. Everything is perfect." He said smiling at his sleeping son.

Kate smiled and tugged at his shirt, "Come on. Let's leave our little one alone." She then took Castle's hand and led the way back to their bedroom.

When they got into the room, Kate stopped at the foot of the bed and gently touched Castle's face and looked into his eyes, "What's going on up there." Castle took her hand and kissed it. Kate smiled, "You looked like you saw a ghost earlier. What's wrong?"

Castle nodded then slowly spoke, "Those ladies you saw earlier…" Kate raised an eyebrow but Castle kept going, "They called me a hero…they talked about the warehouse incident last year."

Kate nodded in understanding, "Ah." She caressed his cheek again, "Is that what's bothering you?"

Castle nodded, "Yeah…" He looked down, "I almost lost you…and I almost died on you…" he shook his head, "Again…"

Kate cupped his face and directed him to look at her. She said gently, "Babe. You saved my life. You saved the guys' lives."

Castle shook his head, "I just can't take people calling me a hero…"

Kate smiled gently, "Hey. You're my hero." She caressed his cheek, "And I love you and all of you, and will forever." She kissed him gently.

Castle smiled, "You asked me once… why I didn't accept the medal from the mayor and the governor." He paused and ran a hand through her hair, "I didn't accept it because I have you."

Kate smiled and kissed him gently. They held the kiss for a long while…

HE SAID HIS FIRST WORD!

Also had to put in how much press and attention the situation at the warehouse got. Since there was a time gap, I decided to put the media storm and medal ceremony in the tie gap. Hope you enjoyed this update!

Castle-On Ladies and Gents!