A/N Sorry about the wait i was back at work these last few weeks. I would like to thank my two muses for helping me... Ana & Erika. So on with the story...

The evening draws in before they know it. The sun begins its descent, casting a shadow over the city as day turns to night. They've had a relaxing afternoon watching movies and pigging out on popcorn and other unhealthy snacks. Alexis had hung around for a couple of hours, she had wedged herself between the two as they slummed out on the couch. Alexis' way of reassuring herself that they were both okay, well that is what she had surmised. Alexis had rested her head on her shoulder while she draped her legs over her father's lap. She hadn't minded one bit, it seemed to be a real family moment. Something she had missed since her mother's cruel death. Alexis had left only when persuaded that she should meet her friend who kept texting her during the day. Alexis had wanted to stay still needing conformation that they were okay especially after her second coughing fit of the day. She had reassured Alexis that it was normal to cough following a dip in the sea and she had eventually gone. Castle had refilled the snack pots, then settled back in behind her. Pulling her into his lap so that her back rested against his chest, and that her hips where lined within his. They had fallen asleep while watching the 3rd film of the day. This is where they still lay embraced in each others arms.

She was awoken by the sound of the entry buzzer. She squirmed out of Castle's strong but loving grip and headed for the video door system. She pushed the receive button and was welcomed by the sound and sight of Espo. He was telling her to hurry up and open the door to let them up because it was fucking cold down there. She chuckled and buzzed them up. She woke Castle with a firm kiss on his mouth. It did the trick, as he quickly responded and deepened the kiss.

" Down Boy, we have guests on the way up."

She told him as she pushed him off. She does admit that she was enjoying it. Castle stood up, ran his fingers through his hair and straighten out his shirt. She also smartened her self up before a knock on the door alerted her that the boys where here. Castle opens it and is greeted by a laugh instead of a hello from both guys.

" Beckett been beating you again Castle."

" Ha-ha very funny guys."

Castle says to them with pout on his adorable face. Espo just walks pass him into the loft, Ryan however waits to be invited in. Castle ushers him in before closing the door and heading towards the kitchen. He grabs a couple of beers out of the fridge and distributes them out to the guys. She is not allowed due to the antibiotics course she has to finish. She really craves a nice cold beer with her boys but she settles for a coke cola instead. They're all standing around the breakfast bar, Ryan makes a toast.

" To Beckett, even water won't keep her down."

Everyone clinks their glasses together at this and chuckles resound out. However she sees a wave of emotion across Espo's face for a second before it is gone. She decides she will pull him away from the others later for a chat. She knows he is as stubborn as she is when it comes to revealing emotions, but she can see the last two days have left a impression on him. She's determined to discover what that mark is but for now she will just revel in their company.

They make their way over to the living room, Castle, Beckett and Ryan squeeze on to the sofa while Espo takes the armchair. They spend the next hour just talking about everything and anything. She begins to feel hungry, her stomach rumbling. Castle seems to pick up on this and suggests they go grab some Thai food and bring it back. She realizes this is her chance, to get Javi alone.

" Hey Castle why don't you & Ryan go pick it up? I don't feel like going out and Espo can keep me entertained till you both get back."

Castle goes to argue but she gives him her classic look and he seems to understand.

"Okay come on Ryan let's go get some Thai food."

Ryan glances at her and gets the look to which he has been privy too before. He is soon following Castle out of the front door. He knows not to argue with "Mum".

She sits there in silence, neither of them wanting to speak first. She is not sure how to approach the subject at hand. She thinks back to the sniper case after her shooting and how Javi was the one to bring her out of her head. He gave her perspective, told her she wasn't alone and that he understood. She knew in her heart that Castle had instrumented that talk but he was the one to pull her aside. For that she would be forever grateful, it helped lead her to Castle's loving arms. Now it was her turn to repay the favor.

She took in deep breath and comes straight out with it.

" Javi thank you for helping me the other night."

He looks at her but at the same time right through her.

" No worries I would do it for anyone, it was nothing."

Why is he so blasé about it, Castle has told her how he wrapped her in his arms and tried to warm her up. His face at the hospital told a different story as well, he looked so scared when she had a coughing fit.

" No really Castle told me what you did at the docks, you didn't have to do that. I was fine. "

At this finally comment she sees a fury flicker in his eyes, like she has hit a raw nerve. She is not quite ready for the next conversation.

" Seriously you were fine were you. Fucking fine my ass. I saw you drown Kate, I saw Castle pull your limp body from the water. All I could do was hope that you would take a breath on your own. As I pulled you up, I could see how pale you were and it scared me. You were breathing on your own by the time me and Ryan got you on to the dock side. I pulled you into my arms to warm you up. You were so cold, your lips had a blue tint & your eyes had lost their spark. We nearly lost you once to that bastard madden. I thought we losing you again, why did you follow that guy on your own? You're always saying we should never split up and you ran off on your fucking own and look what happened. Then in the hospital you started coughing, you couldn't catch your breath & I felt so helpless. We have been partners for 7 years, all that time I have had your back but I didn't on that day. That is what upset me I wasn't there for you. The day of your shooting I had a purpose to find the killer, to keep everyone else safe but that night I felt useless. You're like a sister to me I couldn't bear to lose you. Okay?"

She is speechless not sure how to respond she never expected this reaction from him. The fury in his eyes has dissipated now she can just see a tear waiting to fall. She can feel the moisture on her face as she brushes away her own tears. She thinks of him as a brother, someone who has her back what ever happens.

"Okay I promise to never do something so reckless again or if I do I'll take you with me."

This gets her a smile and a chuckle. The subject is over they have both said their pieces. The air between them is breathable again. They both reach for a swig of beer when she hears the front door open. She gets up to help them bring the food in. Castle catches her gaze and he mouths the unanswered question and she just nods. He smiles before he and Ryan set everything up on the coffee table.

They eat, drink and chat for a while longer before the guys take their leave. They have to be up early for a case, She wishes to be with them. Gates has told her to take a week off, to heal. She didn't want to but she knew she had to, she feels breathless after a walking a small distance at the moment. She would just be a burden right now.

Castle has many questions about her conversation with Esposito but he leaves them for another day. She seems happy and he doesn't want to ruin that. Instead he takes her hand and leads her towards the bedroom. The cleaning up can wait till tomorrow right now he just wants to snuggle up with his girlfriend.

A/N so what you think ? should i continue or leave this as the last chapter?