After enjoying their hot chocolate immensely and having a good time listening to Alexis tell them all about her night, Rick and Kate felt exhausted. The past couple of days had been tough on everyone. Alexis sensing their weariness, politely excused herself and headed up to her room, but not before placing a kiss on her dad's cheek and giving Kate a quick hug. Kate had a surprised look on her face as Alexis took made her way upstairs. She looked towards Castle who was looking at her adoringly.
Once Rick heard his daughter's door click shut he opened his mouth to ask her about their conversation when he saw fully just how tired she was. Her eyelids were drooping and she couldn't prevent a yawn from escaping. The conversation could wait. The events of the past couple of days were clearly catching up with her as she struggled to keep her eyes open.
'Kate, why don't you take a nap, just for a couple of hours,' Castle suggested, walking over to her and running his hand down her arm, soothingly.
'No Castle, we're meant to be going to brunch,' she replies, mid yawn.
'Alexis won't mind, we'll go for dinner instead and then we'll have the pleasure of my mother joining us,' he said grimacing slightly. Beckett smirked up at him.
'No, really it's fine. I'm just going to go and sit down for a little while and build up my energy,' She replied, pushing herself off the stool and unsteadily walking towards the sofa.
Castle frowned at her stubbornness and sighed slightly before turning to wash up the mugs. He walked over to the sofa a couple of minutes later to find the detective fast asleep, sprawled out. He looked down at her adoringly. It probably wasn't good for her to sleep like this, especially if she was recovering from all those injuries she sustained in the fight. He quietly bent down and gently scooped her up. Beckett didn't even wake, she simply snuggled her head into his neck as he transported her into his bedroom. After tucking her in and placing a small kiss on her forehead, he returned to the sofa and began to write.
Almost an hour later he heard footsteps approaching and looked up to find Alexis standing over him.
'Dad, what are you doing for lunch?' she asked plopping herself down next to him.
'Well, I was going to ask if you wanted to come to brunch with us but Beckett is wiped out and is sleeping at the moment. Why don't I make my chicken pasta special for you and we can head out for dinner this evening?' He asked.
Alexis let out a grin and reached forward to hug her dad.
'I'm sorry about earlier-' She started to say but Castle cut her off.
'Pumpkin, forget about it. I understand.' He smiled warmly at her, placing a small kiss to her forehead. They both rose and headed towards the kitchen. Alexis jumped up on one of the stools and watched as her dad meandered about the kitchen, getting out ingredients.
'So, is Kate ok?' Alexis asked, with a look of concern etched upon her face.
'Don't worry sweetheart. She's just exhausted. She's had a pretty rough couple of days and I think they've all caught up with her,' he replied, smiling up at her. 'It's good that she's resting and actually allowing herself to take some time out for once and I know she is looking forward to dinner tonight.'
'Good. Me too dad,' Alexis smiled back.
They ate together and chatted about Alexis's plans for the week ahead. Castle put some leftovers in a Tupperware pot for Kate.
'Alright, Alexis, I'm going to go wake Kate now. She had some things she wanted to do this afternoon,' He said coming round the island to embrace his daughter. She squeezed him back tightly.
'Ok Dad. I'm gonna pop out and meet Cassie for some coffee but I'll see you guys later,' she said, hopping down and walking over to the front door. She grabbed her coat and swung out the door merrily.
He strolled into his bedroom, pausing in awe to look upon her sleeping body. In her sleep she had somehow managed to almost completely remove the covers and was lying on her back, spread across the bed with her mouth slightly open. Small snores were coming from her mouth making Castle laugh silently. He walked over to her and gently perched on the edge of the bed. The movement stirred her slightly as she rolled towards him and grabbed hold of his shirt. She fisted it as a small child would and murmured softly. Castle reached out and stroked a loose curl out of her face, leaning down to place a soft kiss on her parted lips. God he could get used to this. Watching her wake up everyday.
Castle pulled back to watch her slowly awake and come to her senses. She blinked up at him, removing her hand from his shirt to rub her eyes.
'Mm Castle what time is it?' she slurred.
'Almost three,' he replied. 'You've been out for a good couple of hours.' He watched as her brain caught up with what he was saying.
Castle watched as she yawned and stretched, frowning when he saw her wince at certain movements. He turned and reached into the drawer beside the bed and pulled out the bottle of painkillers. He handed her two and she gratefully sat up slowly and took them quickly.
'Thanks Castle,' she smiled sleepily at him. 'I really needed that.' She sighed deeply and let herself flop back onto the soft pillows behind her.
'What's wrong?' He asked her concerned.
'I should really go and talk to Gates now, I'm just not looking forward to it,' She mumbled, picking at some fluff on the covers.
'Do you want me to come?' He asked sweetly, pulling her face towards him so he could look into her eyes.
'I thought you already did?' She said with a smirk, pulling her lip between her teeth seductively. Castle let out a breathy laugh and raised an eyebrow at her.
'My, my detective, get your mind out the gutter,' He laughed at her. She sat up and placed a searing kiss upon his lips. She hummed against him and pulled away slightly.
'You're sweet. But I think this is something I should do on my own,' She told him kindly.
He smiled at her understandingly.
'No problem. I've got some of my famous chicken pasta for you if you're hungry before you head out?' He asked, moving to stand in the doorway.
'Thanks Rick. Let me just freshen up and I'll be right out,' She beamed at him from her seated position on the bed. Castle exited swiftly to go and prepare her food as Beckett flopped back down onto the bed. It was going to be a long day.
I'm so so sorry for not updating sooner but life has been pretty crazy recently. Had some ups and downs and I've been away but I'm going to try and update before I go away again next week. I know this chapter is short but next up expect a chat with Gates and a family dinner.