Again, thank you for all the kind words and favorites and follows! They make my day! Hope you enjoy this chapter! Hopefully you'll be laughing at parts-I had fun with the scenes at the pricinct! Stephanie
Once they were seated at the coffee house with two coffees sitting in front of them Rick waited patiently for Kate to start talking. However, she was only looking down at the coffee gripped tightly in her hands so he broke the silence, "So…not really what you were expecting huh?"
Kate let out a slight chuckle, "You could say that." She finally looked up at him, "What am I supposed to do with this Castle? I mean, I thought I was going to be begging him to get help…I thought I was going to be trying to convince him to stop not…not the other way around. Instead he says he wants to get help, and then he throws this at me? Do you…" she took a deep breath, willing herself to ask the question, "Do you think it's the same thing?"
"Is what the same thing?"
"What he said, about his drinking and me investigating this case…do you think it's the same thing?"
He began hesitantly, "Kate...you know how I feel about this. But you also know I understand why you are doing it."
"You aren't answering the question."
He sighed, "I…I see what he's saying…" he said carefully.
"So is that a yes or a no Castle?" she asked, starting to get a little frustrated.
"I don't…Kate…" How did he explain this? If he said yes she was just going to get defensive and shut down. If he said no, he would be lying. He spoke slowly, choosing his words very carefully, "Kate, you said you lay awake at night thinking about this case. You said it's constantly running through your mind. You said you wake up in the middle of the night from nightmares of stabbings and alleyways." She looked back down at her coffee but he continued, "I don't…I don't know exactly what happened with this case the last time Kate—you haven't ever told me how bad it got. You only told me you knew you had to stop. But…I do know what is happening now. I see the dark circles under your eyes. I see the weight you've lost. I see the constant pained expression in your eyes. I see how you've become quieter and more distracted in the last month. Can I say that it is the 'same' as drinking? No. But you tell me Kate…could you stop investigating right now? How bad is it? How bad did it have to get last time before you realized you had to stop? How bad does it have to get this time before you see what it's doing to you?"
Kate finally looked up at him, "I…I don't know." She said softly. "I just have to do this Castle. For so many reasons I...I need to catch them."
"I know you need to get justice but is it worth this Kate?"
"I...it's not just that Castle..."
"Then what is it? What is so important that it's worth what this is doing to you? What is worth more than your happiness; and possibly your life?"
"I...I..." she stuttered and then looked down gripping her coffee cup, not being able to find the words.
"Kate tell me. What is so important?" she just shook her head; still not looking him in the eye. Castle sighed, "Kate please. What is it?"
"Rick it doesn't matter. I just..."
"It DOES matter Kate!"
"Leave it alone Castle! I just need to do it ok?"
"But why? We could be talking about your life here Kate. And we are talking about your health and your well-being. You don't…you don't see it Kate but this is dragging you down. Slowly but surely this is destroying you. What could possibly be worth that?"
"You!" she said in frustration. As soon as she said it she slapped her hand over her mouth. She hadn't meant to say it...she was just getting so damn frustrated because he wouldn't let it go and...
His eyes widened "Me?" he asked softly. He could tell by her reaction it had slipped, and her eyes were glassy from fighting the tears. "Hey why don't we just take a walk ok?" She just nodded and silently followed him outside, the coffee forgotten. She stiffened and tried to pull away when he grabbed her hand but he wouldn't let her. When they came to a bench he sat them down. "What did you mean Kate?"
"Rick..."
"Kate. What did you mean by it?"
She sighed, "I just...if I..." She ran a frustrated hand through her hair, "I want...ugh Rick I can't explain it."
"Try" he encouraged, squeezing her hand.
She took a deep breath, "Ever since my mom was murdered I've been...I've had this wall. And I just...finding the people behind this is the only way I feel like I can break it down and move forward and not be..."
"Not be what Kate?"
"Afraid," she whispered.
"Kate," he took her face in his hands, "What are you afraid of?"
"I told you..."
"No...you told me part of it. I know there's more you aren't telling me."
After what seemed like an eternity she finally spoke up, "I'm not used to needing anyone Rick. After my mom died and my dad starting drinking I just got used to taking care of myself and I didn't need anybody. And then you come along and I...I've always wanted my space and liked being alone but you...I've never wanted to be around someone all the time or..."
"You're afraid of needing someone?" he asked softly. "You're afraid of needing me?" She just nodded, "Oh Kate..."
"If I need you and get more attached and then something happens to you, or you figure out that there are easier girls out there and...but if I solve this damn thing I won't be so screwed up and then..."
"Ok wait, stop right there." he interrupted, "You think I'm gonna go find some other girl? That, what? I'll just bail because things get tough sometimes?"
"I...well come on Rick, there are easier girls out there to date and I..."
"Am the only one I want" he finished her sentence and she looked at him, shocked. "I don't want another girl. I don't want a quote on quote 'easier' girl'. I don't want you only if this thing is behind you. I don't want you only if you have no issues. Kate everyone has issues-hell I have two failed marriages. I don't want any of that. I just want you." Tears were now streaming down her cheeks from his words. 'Now or never,' he thought. So, he took a deep breath and threw caution to the wind, "I. Love. You." Her eyes widened at his words. That was so not what she was expecting. More tears feel as he continued. "I love you Kate—your laugh, your smile, your passion for your job. You are the most remarkable, stubborn, extraordinary, frustrating woman I've ever met and I'm...God...I'm so in love with you." He finished, wiping the tears off her face and leaning his forehead against hers, "I love you," he whispered again.
"Rick...I...I..."
"If you didn't mean what you said this morning when you thought I was asleep, tell me to stop," he whispered, leaning closer so their lips were almost touching.
"Don't stop," she said softly before closing the distance and touching her lips to his.
When they finally broke apart he rested his forehead against hers, "So, you wanna to do this?" he asked quietly. She slowly nodded yes, biting her bottom lip. "We're gonna give it a shot?" Again, she nodded. "You're sure?"
Kate shook her head in exasperation, "Yes I'm sure." She said softly, "Now, are you gonna sit and ask questions or are you gonna kiss me again?" Rick laughed before quickly bringing his lips to hers in another kiss.
"You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that," he said after they broke apart a few minutes later, his thumbs stroking her cheeks. She smiled and laughed softly.
They walked to the park and spent the rest of the afternoon there, walking around, talking about everything and anything. He bought her another coffee because they left theirs at the coffee shop, and he couldn't have an un-caffeinated Kate on his hands. Kate thought it would be scary but she was shocked at how natural it felt, holding his hand, having his arm around her...it just felt normal and...and right?
When they finally made it home it was close to 4:00. "Lex?" he called out, wondering if she was home from school yet. When there was no answer he shrugged, "Guess she'll be home any minute." He said to Kate, helping her out of her jacket and hanging their jackets up.
They went and sat on the couch and she turned to him, "Rick, thank you for today."
His jaw dropped, "Wh…what?" What was she thanking him for?
"That was…it was just the perfect afternoon and after this morning it was just what I needed."
He smiled and grabbed her hand, "I agree. Getting to kiss you and hold your hand and put an arm around you without having to fear getting shot? The perfect afternoon." She laughed. A full Kate Beckett laugh. The laugh that made him fall even more in love with her every time he heard it, "You're so beautiful when you laugh and smile like that." he whispered. She blushed and quickly turned her head down. "Hey! Don't hide it woman! Jeez!" he exclaimed bringing a finger under her chin to make her look at him. He rested his forehead against hers and they stared into each other's eyes. "God, I want to kiss you right now."
Kate smirked, "Well, what's stopping you?" she said flirtatiously.
He laughed softly, "I guess I just…I can't believe I'm aloud to do that now. This doesn't seem real. I just want to make sure I don't…"
Kate shook her head and moved closer to him, wrapping her arms around his neck, "Rick!" she interrupted him, "Just kiss me." He smiled and brought his hand to the back of her head, bringing her to him for a kiss.
A few minutes later things were starting to get a little heated and they were so distracted they didn't notice Alexis coming in. "Hey dad, I'm…..Kate!" she said, obviously surprised to see her on the couch kissing her father. They quickly pulled apart like two teenagers caught making out by one of their parents, "I didn't …I just wanted to let you, umm…I'm home. I'll uh, go…I have…upstairs…homework," Alexis stammered. She quickly ran up to her room before either adult could say anything.
"Well that was great." Kate sighed.
Rick chuckled, "Kate, it'll be fine. Let me just go talk to her," he said, starting to get up.
"No, wait!" she stopped him.
He stopped and narrowed his eyes at her, "You want to talk to her, don't you?" Kate just nodded her head. "You sure?" he asked.
"Yes. I mean, we know what she is thinking…this is about me. I need…I have to talk to her."
"Ok." He pulled her into a hug, "It'll be fine Kate. She loves you. It was just a shock."
Kate held him as tight as she could, "As much as I would like to think that…you know that isn't all this is."
Rick sighed, "I know but…I thought you talked about that."
She pulled away to look at him, still in his arms, "I did, we did, but…I'm sure it's still in the back of her mind. I mean, can you blame her?"
"No." he let out a frustrated breath, "Damn it. You know…next time I see Meredith I just…God that woman."
Kate chuckled, "Oh I know, trust me. I have a few choice words for her myself."
He raised an eyebrow, "You didn't get enough in before?"
"Oh that was nothing." She mumbled, obviously still furious at Meredith. "She made that girl question whether or not I care about her. Furious doesn't even begin to describe…nothing I can say will ever…I just…that was nothing," she ended lamely. She was so mad at her she couldn't think straight.
Now it was Rick who chuckled. He hugged her again, "I know. We'll deal with Meredith later."
"You're right, you're right. Right now I need to make sure Alexis is ok." Rick nodded and she squeezed her arms around him before pulling away.
"I'll be good and stay down here." He assured her.
"Suuuuure you will" she called behind her as she started walking away.
When she got to Alexis' room the door was cracked. Peeking through, she could see Alexis sitting on her bed leaning over her book. She had a pencil in her hand but she wasn't working. Kate could tell; she was just staring of into space thinking. "Lex?" She said as she quietly knocked on the door before pushing it open the rest of the way and peeking her head in, "Can we talk?"
Alexis nodded her head, "Yeah, sure," she replied softly, putting the pencil in her textbook and shutting it.
Kate walked over at sat at the edge of the bed, nervously wringing her hands together. Well damn…this was weird. What was she supposed to say here—'Yeah I'm kind of making out with your dad now…?' She took a breath, "So, I uh…I bet that was kind of awkward for you huh?"
Alexis let out a nervous chuckle, "Ha…yeah, just a little."
Ok, so at least she wasn't the only one that was nervous here, "Alexis, you remember what we talked about right?" Alexis nodded, "Ok, so….so you're ok with this? You know it doesn't change anything?"
"I do." Alexis answered, "I do know. But…" Alexis suddenly stopped and looked down.
"But what honey?" Kate encouraged.
They sat in silence for a few moments until Alexis blurted it out, "What happens if you guys break up or get divorced? What if that happens and it's ugly?"
Ohhh…so that's what she was scared of? Her mother had left after she and Rick broke up; Alexis thought she would do the same thing. "Alexis you are getting way ahead of yourself," she soothed, "First of all, we've only been together for," Kate looked at her watch, "about 4 hours. No one is getting married any time soon ok?" Alexis nodded, "Second, IF we do get married, it'll be for keeps. I told your dad once that I was a 'one and done' type and I meant it. And finally," she continued, running a hand over Alexis's hair, "if we DO break up, I don't think it will be ugly. I am pretty sure that your dad would agree with me that, if that ever happened, it would be amicable and we would always be friends. But even if it was horrible, that has nothing to do with you. That is between me and your dad it won't…nothing will change my relationship with you. But…can I tell you a secret?" Alexis nodded and Kate smiled, "I really don't see me and your father ever breaking up."
Alexis looked up at her with wide eyes, "What?"
"I don't….Alexis I think…one and done remember? Well, I think your dad is my one."
That brought a smile out of the girl, "Really?" she asked excitedly.
Kate nodded and smiled back, "Yeah, really."
"But…but even if?"
"Even if. I would still be there for him Alexis. I would still be there for you. Always. Okay?"
Alexis smiled even bigger, "Yeah…yeah okay." She pulled Kate into a hug, "Thank you." She whispered.
Kate smiled as she held her tight, "You have nothing to thank me for sweetheart."
"Kate, you said I could ask you anything right?"
"Of course." She answered, pulling back to look at the girl, "What's up?"
"How did the visit with your dad go?"
"Oh umm…"
Alexis could tell Kate was uncomfortable talking about it. "You don't have to answer that, I'm sorry. I just…I just wanted to make sure you were ok..."
"Hey Lex," Kate interrupted, "I told you that you could ask me anything…and I meant it. It's just…it's kind of early to tell what's gonna happen you know?"
Alexis nodded her understanding. "Are you ok?" she asked softly.
Kate gave her a soft smile, "I will be sweetie."
"You sure?"
"I'm sure. It's…it'll just take some time to see how everything pans out." Kate wasn't about to tell her everything that happened. Man, she had a lot to think about; and she had no clue what to do. But Alexis didn't need any more to worry about right now. Alexis suddenly wrapped her arms around Kate. Kate rested her head on top of hers, "Thank you for asking Alexis."
"You're welcome. Just remember we're here ok?"
Kate nodded, "I will. I love you honey. I love you so much."
"I love you too."
Kate pulled back to look at her, "Now, why don't we get back down there so your dad knows you're ok. You are ok right? We're ok?" She asked, gesturing between them. She had to ask… had to make sure…
Alexis smiled, "Yeah Kate, we're ok. And I'm ok."
"And if you're not…"
"You'll be one of the first to know." Alexis finished for her.
"Good girl." Kate said, standing up and holding out a hand to help Alexis off the bed.
When Rick saw them walk down the stairs he immediately jumped up to walk toward them, "Is everything ok you two?"
Alexis smiled and gave her dad a huge hug, "Everything is fine. And I'm really happy about this dad. Really really happy."
Rick gave Kate a questioning look and she just shrugged her shoulder and smiled. He shook his head and gave his daughter a kiss on her head, "I'm glad Alexis. That means a lot to me."
"Well," Alexis said when her dad finally released her, "I really do have a lot of homework to do." She said as they all laughed, "So…call me for dinner?"
"You got it pumpkin." Rick said. When they heard Alexis' door shut he immediately turned to Kate, "Is she really ok?"
"Yeah Rick, she's ok. She uh… she was just kinda worried about what would happen if we broke up. She was afraid if that ever happened I would just up and leave."
"You wouldn't."
Kate smiled at his confidence in her. She was glad he knew that she would never do that, "I wouldn't." she agreed.
"But then again…that is what her mother did so I can see why she was worried. I hate that she worries about this stuff."
"I know…"
"It's not fair to her."
Kate grabbed his hand to try and comfort him, "I know."
"But…she's really ok?" he asked again.
"She's fine, I promise."
Rick pulled her into a hug, "Thank you Kate."
"Always," she whispered, leaning her head on his shoulder. As they were standing there she realized…he had told her he loved her—when he knew she was awake. He said it more than once and…she didn't say it back did she? She said she loved him when she thought he was asleep, but has she told him after he said it? She hadn't, had she? Oh no… "Castle," she said urgently, pulling back and gently taking his face in her hands, "I love you. I'm so sorry I didn't say it earlier, I can't… I didn't even realize I didn't say it and I can't believe…I'm so sorry Castle, I'm so…" He cut her off with his mouth on hers, kissing her lovingly. When they broke apart she smiled, "I take it you forgive me."
He chuckled and his face broke out in the biggest grin she had ever seen, "I love you, Kate."
Her smile got even bigger, "I love you too." She wrapped her arms around his neck and peppered his cheek with kisses, "I love you, I love you, I love you, I…" she squeaked as he lifted her off the ground and spun her around, both of them laughing, "Rick, put me down!"
He complied and they just looked at each other, smiling, "You don't know how happy you make me." He said softly.
"Well if it's half as happy as you make me, I think I have an idea."
"We need to go out, on a date. A real date; where I pick you up and bring you flowers and take you to a fancy restaurant."
Kate laughed, "I think that can be arranged."
He took her hand and let her to the couch, "I'm assuming you want to keep this quiet at the precinct?"
"Well I…I mean, I'm not ashamed of being with you. I don't want you to think that at all. Its just..."
"Kate I understand, it's ok. We can tell, or not tell, whoever you want. And we'll keep it out of the papers."
"How long can we keep that up?"
"However long you want."
"Paula won't be happy about that will she?"
"I really don't care if Paula's happy."
"Thank you. I just want to share this with our family and friends right now."
"So you want to tell Lanie and the boys?"
She nodded, "They're our friends. Besides, the boys would figure it out anyway and I…I really couldn't handle the wining from Lanie if she found out I didn't tell her."
Rick laughed, "You're right, she'd be insufferable."
"Oh you have no idea…"
"So just mother and Alexis, your dad, the boys and Lanie, and the Captain." She nodded her agreement. "You know," he smirked, "Before we tell Lanie and the boys…we could totally have some fun messing with them. The whole 'are they' or 'aren't they' thing? It could get quite entertaining…"
"I like the way you think, Mr. Castle."
They had decided they wouldn't torture their friends for too too long…only for the morning. Which, judging by the looks on their faces by lunchtime, was a good idea. Between the wink Kate gave Castle when he gave her her morning coffee, the way Castle rested his hand on her knee when they were reviewing a case file, and them holding hands when Kate was finishing up some paper work, it seemed that both the boys and Lanie were going crazy wondering what was going on. Around noon Kate and Rick announced they were going to grab some lunch. As they were walking toward the elevator she whispered to him, "Ready?"
"Oh, I am ALWAYS ready for this." He whispered suggestively as they stepped into the elevator. She rolled her eyes but couldn't help but smile. Rick pressed the button to the lobby and as the doors were closing, he gently grabbed Kate's face and kissed her. Before the doors closed they heard their friends yelling in surprise.
As soon as it closed they both burst out laughing, "Oh we so have it coming to us after lunch." Kate said once she calmed down enough to talk. Before Rick could respond her phone buzzed, "Or maybe before," she laughed reading her text from Lanie.
'You—Me. As SOON as you get back! You better hurry your skinny ass up!'
She showed her phone to Rick who read it and started laughing again, "You have fun with that conversation." Just then Rick's phone buzzed; two messages—one from Ryan and one from Esposito, both saying the same thing.
'Be prepared…'
"Be prepared? That sounds like a threat! You get the excited friend and I get threatened? What's that about?!" Rick exclaimed.
Kate just laughed at his affronted look and shrugged her shoulders, "They're like my brothers…"
"I know…but they're supposed to be my friends…" he mumbled as they walked out of the building to Remy's.
"Sorry, sister trumps friend…"
"Hmph," he pouted
Kate laughed and took his hand, "Come on, I'll buy you a burger before you have to deal with the talk from the boys."
"Ohh! Can I get a shake too?!" Rick asked hopefully when they walked into the restaurant. Kate just rolled her eyes.
Rick was fidgeting as they got into the elevator to ride back up to the homicide floor, "Rick, calm down. It'll be fine."
"Easy for you to say! You aren't about to be threatened by two guys who know how to make your murder look like an accident!"
"Oh they aren't going to kill you," Kate said. After Castle let out a relieved sigh she added, "They'll only rough you up a little bit." His eyes got wide and she winked at him.
"Now that was just mean!"
Kate laughed and the elevator opened. They were immediately met with their three friends, who appeared to have not moved an inch.
Lanie jumped up and grabbed Kate's arm, "You come with me Beckett," she said as she dragged Kate to the ladies room and locked the door before anyone could say anything.
Lanie just stared Kate down, arms folded across her chest, "Talk!"
"About what?" Kate asked innocently, but had to bite her bottom lip to keep from laughing.
"Oohh girl!" Lanie said getting frustrated, "Do NOT make me hurt you!" Kate didn't say anything, only laughed. "Katherine Beckett I'm warning you!"
"Ok, ok. Yes." She said simply.
"Yes!? Yes?! That's all I get?! I don't think so! I want details! How? When? You've been keeping this a secret?"
"Woah Lanie, slow down," Kate laughed, "It just happened yesterday and it…it's a really long story. Trust me, I can't get into it all here but we'll have a girls night soon, I promise.
Lanie sighed, "Ok, but you are committing to a day and time before we leave for the day. Why didn't I get a call yesterday? Or at least a text!?"
Kate shrugged and smiled, "We wanted to mess with you guys a little."
Lanie's jaw hit the ground, "I can't believe…this has Castle written all over it."
"It may have been his idea," she smirked, "but come on…the look on your faces were priceless." Kate laughed.
Lanie shook her head but smiled, unable to hide being happy for her friend, "I will get you back Beckett."
"Yeah, yeah," Kate smiled, obviously not concerned. Lanie gave her a weird look, "What?" Kate asked self-consciously.
"You're…you look happy Kate. I can't…I don't think I've ever seen you smile this much." Lanie said softly
Kate's smile got bigger, "I…I am. I'm really happy Lanie."
Lanie pulled Kate into a hug, "It's so great to see you laughing."
"Aww Lanie…thank you." Kate said squeezing her friend back.
"I think we should go rescue your boy," Lanie said pulling back.
Kate laughed, "Good idea."
As soon as Lanie dragged Kate away the boys had motioned for Rick to come sit down. Rick stuttered as he walked over to them, "N…now just remember guys I…we're friends!" Rick swallowed hard when he saw the look on their faces, "Aren't we?" he asked hesitantly as he sat down.
"Not for the next two minutes," Ryan said.
Ryan and Esposito stood up and stared Rick down, "You know we like you Bro," Javi started.
"But we feel it's only fair to warn you…" Ryan continued.
Javier got in Castles face, "If you do ANYTHING to hurt her…if you break her heart…"
Now Ryan got in his face, "we will make you hurt."
Rick gulped, "Understood."
Smiles broke out on both Esposito and Ryan's faces and they backed up, "It's about damn time bro." Javier said and Ryan nodded.
"Ok, so we're friends again?" Rick asked sarcastically.
Ryan shrugged, "We just needed to make sure you got the message."
"Yeah well…message received," Rick mumbled. Javier and Kevin exchanged a high five and Rick gave a hurt look, "Ok definitely not feeling the love here guys."
Both the boys laughed, "Honestly Castle, we're really happy for you guys." Javier confirmed, "We're just looking out for our girl. Kind of our job."
"I know, and I'm glad you guys look out for her. But really, you don't have to worry. You know I would never do anything to intentionally hurt her." The boys nodded. Kate and Lanie had left the bathroom and at this time were walking up to them. When they heard Castle talking they stopped, still unseen. "I mean, I've been waiting for this chance for years. I'm not about to do anything to mess it up." Again, the boys nodded.
Kate's eyes widened and she looked at Lanie, "Years?" she whispered. Before Lanie could reply Kate quickly walked over to Castle, "Years?" she asked him in a whisper.
Rick stood up, shocked; obviously not expecting her to hear that. "I…well…yeah I just…I'm sorry If I shouldn't have…" Before he could finish Kate grabbed his face and kissed him.
When they broke apart she rested her forehead against his, "I'm so sorry Castle."
"Don't be, you're worth the wait," he said softly.
An 'awww' was heard from both Lanie and Ryan. Esposito gave Ryan a slap on the shoulder, "Dude, really?"
"Oh come on man! That was sweet!" Ryan defended himself.
Esposito shook his head and Kate and Rick finally broke their gaze, "So," Rick said looking at their friends and then back to Kate, "I guess our plan worked."
"Plan?" Javier asked.
"Apparently," Lanie jumped in, "Instead of calling us yesterday when all of this happened, writer-boy decided to have some fun messing with us first."
"Hey, it wasn't just me! It took two!" Rick defended.
"It was your idea." Lanie shot back.
Rick looked at Kate, affronted. "You told her?"
"She guessed!" Kate said quickly, "I just…told her she was right. Besides…it was your idea…"
"Yeah but you jumped on board right away!"
Kate just shrugged her shoulders, "Still wasn't my idea."
"Ok, it doesn't matter who's idea it was…it was still mean!" Ryan said, trying unsuccessfully to look hurt.
"Oh admit it, it was brilliant and hilarious," Rick laughed.
They all smiled, "Well, regardless…we are just really happy for you guys." Lanie said, "You guys are good for each other."
Kate and Rick smiled at each other and he took her hand, lacing his fingers with hers.
Later that night Alexis walked in to see Kate making dinner, "Kate! Hey!"
"Hey Kiddo!" Kate said smiling. She looked at her watch…it was after 6:00. "Why home so late?"
Alexis dropped her backpack and sat at one of the bar stools, stealing a piece of the cucumber Kate was cutting for the salad, "Oh, study group for math."
"Fun," Kate smiled, handing her another piece of cucumber. Alexis quickly ate it and Kate laughed, "Hungry?"
"Starving!" Alexis replied, "Whatcha making for dinner?"
"Stir fry and salad. That sound ok?"
"Sounds amazing! Where's dad?"
"Oh, Paula kind of hijacked him. She was waiting at the door when we got back here. They're in his office."
"Uh oh"
"What uh oh?"
"Paula and an impromptu meeting…never a good thing. Did she say what she wanted?"
"No, only that she needed to talk to your dad…"
"Well I guess we'll find out soon enough. So, you need any help."
"Sure, but don't you have homework?"
Alexis scrunched her nose, "Yes…" she answered reluctantly "Man, how do you do that?"
Kate shrugged, "Dunno," She laughed. "Why don't you sit here and work on it; then you can keep me company and I can help you if you need it." Alexis tried to hid it but she still got a shocked expression on her face, "Lex, what is it?"
Alexis shook off the shock. "Nothing, nothing," she said grabbing her backpack and getting out her science homework which she quickly began working on.
Kate sighed, having an idea of what it was. "Alexis, your mom never helped you with your homework did she?" Alexis just shook her head without looking up. Kate frowned and stopped cutting the veggies. She wiped her hands on the dishtowel and walked across the counter to sit on the barstool next to Alexis. Kate put a hand on her back, "Well, I'm here to help—with everything."
Alexis finally looked up from her homework and gave Kate a shy smile, "You any good at science?"
"Not one of my best subjects, but we can wrestle through it together."
"Ok," Alexis smiled. Kate squeezed her shoulder and got up to continue chopping the veggies.
"Did your mom help you with homework?"
Kate looked up and smiled at Alexis. Her smile got bigger as she realized what she was doing with Alexis was exactly what she would do with her mom, "You know what, she would. Every day after school we would sit in the kitchen just like this. I would sit at the kitchen counter and read out my questions to her while she cooked dinner; and she always gave me a little of whatever she was making to snack on," Kate laughed softly at the memory.
Alexis smiled as Kate put some veggies on a little plate and handed them to her. "Ok," she started after she took a bite of carrot stick, "first question…"
That's how Rick found them when he walked out of his office 30 minutes later. Paula quickly left and he made his way to the kitchen. He was officially in a bad mood now, but when he saw Kate at the stove, stir frying chicken and glancing over her shoulder at his daughter to help her with her homework, he smiled and his bad mood all but evaporated. He walked over to his daughter to give her a hug, "Hey pumpkin, how was your day?"
"Dad! It was good, but I should be asking you. Impromptu Paula?"
Castle waived her off, needing to figure some things out before he told his daughter what Paula wanted, "It was nothing big, just Paula being Paula." Alexis eyed him suspiciously but let it go and went back to her homework. He walked up behind Kate and kissed her cheek, "You didn't have to cook you know."
Kate shrugged, "I like cooking, when I have the time. It's almost done, wanna grab some plates?" Kate smiled as he kissed her cheek again. He then went about getting plates and silverware.
After they were done eating dinner Alexis announced she was going to go upstairs to finish homework and then read before bed. When they finished cleaning up Kate and Rick went and sat on the couch. When Rick wrapped his arms around her Kate leaned back into him and put her arms on top of his that were lying on her stomach, "I could get used to this," she said, so softly he could barely hear her.
"And that scares you, doesn't it?" he asked just as softly.
She sighed, "A…a little, yeah."
"Why?"
"Because I need you."
"But why is that a bad thing?" he asked gently.
"I…it's not. It's just if…it's when you lose someone you need that it's bad. I needed my mom and I lost her. I needed my dad and I lost him…and now I'm losing him again and…"
"Your never gonna lose me," he whispered in her ear, "Never." He held her tighter and she laced her fingers with his. He squeezed her hand, "And you aren't losing your dad Kate, he's getting help."
"That's what he said but…"
"You don't believe him?" He finished when she didn't continued. She just shrugged her shoulders. He sighed, "Have…have you thought about what he said?" He asked cautiously.
"Rick…"
"Have you?" he asked again.
"Its…I…"
"You aren't gonna back off are you?"
She sighed, "Can we please not talk about it tonight." She practically begged. "The last couple days have been a whirlwind and I…I really don't know what to do."
He nodded. Well, at least that meant she was going to think about it. Or, at least she hadn't decided she wasn't letting it go. So, there was still the possibility. "Fair enough. I understand."
Kate breathed a sigh of relief, "Thank you." After they had sat there in silence for a few minutes she asked, "So, what did Paula want tonight?" She felt Rick stiffen. She turned around in his arms to look at him, "Rick?"
"She uh…she wants me to do some promotional work."
Kate gave him a confused look, "Ok…you always do that don't you? Why are you acting weird about it?"
He took a deep breath, "She wants me to do a book tour."
"Oh, ok…I mean a week or so won't be too bad Castle. It is your job and all…"
"A month Kate."
"A month?" she asked surprised.
He sighed, "She wants me to go for a month, says I haven't really been doing any publicity and I need to make up for it."
"Well…maybe you could schedule it in a couple months when Alexis is out of school, that way she can go with you and you could make a father-daughter…"
He interrupted her before she could finish, "She wants me to leave next week."
"What!?" she said shocked, "Next week! How can she expect you to leave for that long with such short notice?"
"That's Paula," he said dejectedly, "and she already has it all planned…I have to go."
Kate nodded. Sure, she was disappointed because she would miss him, but this was his job after all. She couldn't be upset that he had to do it. "Ok Rick, it'll be fine. It'll work out; it's just a month."
"I know its just…we just got together and I don't even get to have you for a week and I have to go across the country for a month. It's not fair! And then Alexis…I don't know what I'm going to do."
"What about Alexis? Won't Martha be here to stay with her?" Now that Kate asked it, she realized she hadn't seen Martha around. Where was she?
"Mother is gone on some traveling production of a play she's doing…she won't be back for two weeks."
"Oh…"
"Yeah. It's not like Alexis needs adult supervision, but I don't really like leaving her alone for that long…"
Kate nodded and then a thought came to her. Could she really be considering this? I mean, Alexis basically took care of herself…it's not like it would be any work. "You know what Rick, why don't I just stay here with her?"
"Seriously?"
She shrugged, "Yeah. Like you said, Alexis pretty much takes care of herself, and it won't be any problem. Besides, it'll be fun—we'll have some girl time."
Suddenly she found herself in a bone crushing hug, "You are incredible Kate, thank you."
Kate laughed, "It's really no big deal. I love being with her. Like I said, we'll have fun."
Rick pulled back from the hug and kissed her. "I love you," he said when they finally pulled back from the kiss.
Kate smiled, "I love you too. Why don't we go tell Alexis before she falls asleep reading."
Turns out they were just in time because when they walked in they found Alexis almost asleep in her book.
"Hey Lex, can we talk to you for a sec?" Rick asked softly as they went in and sat at the foot of her bed.
"Sure" Alexis said, sitting up a little and rubbing her tired eyes.
"Well, Paula did want something when she came here earlier." Rick started
"I knew it." Alexis said, "What does she want now?"
"She scheduled a book tour."
"Oh…ok. When do you leave?"
"Umm, next week."
"Next week? For how long?"
Kate and Rick looked at each other, then back at Alexis, "A month." He said hesitantly.
"Oh…ok, wow. Usually you schedule those over the summer when I can go with you. I don't know about missing a month of school dad…"
"I know pumpkin, and Paula did this all without talking to me about it first. But, now that she has it all planned out I kind of have to go…"
"Ok…well…I don't...do I have to go with you? What are we…"
"No you don't have to come. Kate is going to stay here with you until Grams gets back."
Alexis suddenly perked up. So much for being tired. "Really?" she shrieked. She threw back the covers and practically jumped on Kate giving her a big hug that almost knocked her over, "This is going to be so awesome!" Kate laughed as she hugged her and Rick had to put a hand on her back to keep her from falling over.
"Gee, so much for missing me! Be gone for a month but does my daughter care…nnnooooo…" Rick pouted. Alexis pulled back from Kate and rolled her eyes at her father. He turned to look at Kate, "I'm telling you! The eye-rolling—this is your fault Kate!"
Alexis and Kate laughed and Alexis hugged her dad, "Of course I'm going to miss you daddy."
"Good, cause I'll miss you. This is the first time you haven't gone with me."
Alexis pulled back and looked at Rick, "I know, but I'll be fine. Kate and I will have so much fun, and I promise I'll keep Grams in line after she gets back."
Both adults laughed at that, "I know you will pumpkin." Rick said.
"Oh Kate, this is gonna be so fun," Alexis said excitedly, "we can try out some new recipes, and make peanut butter chocolate chip cookies, and watch chic flics..."
Kate smiled at the girl's excitement, "It sounds great Alexis."
And the verdict is...?