Genre: Drama, Crime, Romance, Family, Humor
Rating: M for sexual situations and language
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters featured on the show Castle, they belong to the creator of the show, ABC, and the others who do own them.
A/N #1: It was great to see the feedback for the last chapter I posted so let me get to my thank yous for them right away! MichelleBell16 (Really nice to read that you think it was great that they took the baby to protect her, I had really wondered what readers would think of that. And not surprised you're hoping the older siblings will get custody of the baby. I'm glad that you thought it was sweet that Julia wanted Beckett to read what she'd written and after she and Castle read it together! Oh and I figure the best person to make costumes for Julia is Martha, so I was pleased to see you mentioning you thought it was fun she was doing that! And so great you're looking forward to reading more, now you don't need wait anymore to do that!),
TORONTOSUN (Nice to read that you liked how the chapter was intense for Beckett. And also that you liked how Castle was there for her) and
vetgirlmx (I was very happy to see that you thought it was a very good chapter! And I wasn't surprised to see you were glad that Rudolph was okay or that you weren't surprised that Beckett was feeling protective with him. Very glad to see that you're curious as to what Beckett's remembering and that you agree with Castle that it must be bad, you'll see what it is though. And not surprised you expecting the hate crime angle with the family and everything but not surprised at your reaction to the murder of the maid who was mute, I agree definitely makes them have no soul. But glad you thought them staying away was the safest thing to do for the time being, figured that would be the best course of action. And great I surprised you with the baby going to Castle and Beckett. You're right, it's been a while since that happened before Eliza was born and not surprised you're wondering if Julia remembers that too. Also wasn't surprised to see you saying the case has gotten more complicated than you were expecting. And really pleased to see you can't wait to see what they do next which you don't have to wait for anymore!).
Thanks so much for the reviews, I loved reading them as usual and am grateful for the time taken to write them out and send them to me!
A/N #2: The title of this chapter is the title of a song written by Bob Dylan, the version I have taken from is sung by George Harrison from his album All Things Must Pass.
If Not For You
Putting her phone back into her pocket Beckett looked over at Eliza who was petting both dogs as she watched her. "Let's keep going sweetie," she told her as she took the leashes in both hands again.
"What happened Mommy?" the little girl asked, going back to her.
"It's nothing, just something your uncle sent to me and your daddy," Beckett answered. "Let's finish the walk or else we'll be late for dinner."
"What's dinner?" Eliza asked.
"Some meatballs with noodles," Beckett answered. "Rita," she called to get the dog back with them.
"Oh good," Eliza said. They made it to the path that would lead them back to the street and she studied her mother until they got to the sidewalk. "Are you sad Mommy?" she then inquired.
Pausing for a moment Beckett shook her head and then whistled to both dogs to bring them back to her. "I'm fine, why?" she then directed to her daughter in surprise.
"You look sad," Eliza said easily.
"I'm not," Beckett assured her. "You're not hungry?"
"Mommy," Eliza protested, stopping and making her mother stop as well.
"You've been learning too much from your sister," Beckett said with a sigh before her daughter nearly threw herself at her, embracing her tightly. "And I am fine it's just this case has been a little hard for me," she said as she tried to hug her the best she could though she had a leash in each hand.
"Then stop," Eliza said, looking up at her as she rested her chin on her stomach.
"I can't but I think we're going to get close to finishing the case," Beckett tried to assure her. "Are you going to worry now?"
"No," Eliza said with a sigh. "But will you and Daddy be careful?"
"We always do our best to," Beckett replied. "Come on, let's keep going or else we'll be very late for dinner." When Eliza grabbed her by the wrist she quickly said, "I promise okay?" She was relieved when her youngest nodded and she watched her hurry ahead of her. Shaking her head as she started to walk after she mentally told herself to try to put what was still bothering her out of her mind as they made their way home.
"Daddy," Julia was calling to her father then. "Mari's here, her parents let her come for dinner."
"Did you let her in?" Castle asked as he'd allowed her to ask Mari over once Beckett and Eliza had left, looking over from the stove where he was still working on dinner.
"Hi Rick," Mari said, waving to him.
"Good, can't leave her in the cold," Castle said, pretending to be nonchalant.
"Yeah, it's cold in May Daddy," Julia replied, rolling her eyes. "We're gonna play Harry Potter."
"Oh yeah? I wish I could join you," Castle told them.
"Are you almost done?" Julia asked, going around the island then to see where her father was with the food.
"I am," Castle replied, covering the pot with the meal and checking to make sure the salad he'd prepared was ready. "Okay, so what're we playing?"
"I'm gonna be Hermione," Julia said. "Mari's going to be Luna and Peter will be Harry."
"So what will I be?" Castle asked. He groaned and said, "Not a dementor again, getting tired of playing that."
Julia giggled and said, "Nope, Death Eater."
"Okay," Castle said. "Now I just need a mask while you get your robes… you got my Halloween mask?" he asked as he saw she was holding up the one he'd worn as Clyde the year before.
"Yep it's not the same but still," Julia said. When her father took it she said, "Thanks Daddy, meet us over at the family room."
"I don't think it's going to take me all that long to prepare," Castle called as he put on the mask.
"Well," Martha said when her son entered the room. "Either we're being robbed or they managed to convince you to play."
"They didn't have to convince me," Castle said firmly though he was smiling. "How's she doing?" he asked his father in law who was holding Sydney.
"Wonderful," Jim said, handing the baby a stuffed lion that had been in her diaper bag. "She's happy," he said as they were all watching how wide she was smiling as she grasped the toy.
"Good to see," Castle said. "Alright, let's get started but you might win," he said to the three who were in robes; Peter in some Gryffindor robes he suspected the boy had taken to school. "Since I have no… wand," he continued before he trailed off as his daughter handed him one. "Cho's?" he asked.
"Yep, sorry," Julia said in amusement.
"Okay ready, set, Expelliarmus!" Castle yelled playfully at them before the three scattered in laughter.
Watching him chasing the kids Martha smiled and said, "There are times I wonder if he's grown up too much. Until I see him doing this."
"Katie's played with them before," Jim commented as he reached up with the bib around the baby's neck to wipe away some drool off her chin.
"Is she at all uncomfortable?" Martha asked.
"If she is she isn't showing it," Jim replied. "Which is the point of course."
"Of course," Martha said with a smile. She then became a little serious and asked him, "I wonder how she's doing."
Jim sighed and said in understanding, "I noticed how your son was watching her, this case must be difficult for her."
"Did something happen to Patrick in the past?" Martha asked.
"I think so," Jim said slowly as he then had to pull Sydney's hand from her mouth. "She never said anything to me but around… I would say two weeks after they'd started patrol she stayed with him for three days, never came to see me which she would do then because I was…"
"Of course," Martha said quickly, aware of his struggle with alcoholism at that time. "Were there ever any… trials or arrests?"
"Nothing that had to do with him in that way," Jim replied, shaking his head. "So I guess they both kept it quiet which… obviously wasn't a good idea."
"Richard will help her," Martha assured him. "He told me he plans to learn what happened."
Jim couldn't help smile as Sydney began to wriggle and he turned her towards him so she could lean against him. "Considering how insistent he is I'm not too surprised he would do that. But just as long as it helps Katie," he said with a nod before Julia was rushing into the room.
"Well Hermione," Martha said with a smile for the girl. "Have you defeated He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named?"
"No Harry did that already," Julia said. "We got the Death Eater though and we're gonna take off his mask now… I think."
"You think?" Jim asked.
"Mari- I mean Luna and I hit him with Petrificus Totalus but we don't know if it worked," Julia said, giggling when her father called to them.
"It didn't!" Castle said. "So I guess I'll just have to-" he started to say, pointing the wand at Peter and Mari who were around him. But before he could continue the door he was in front of hit him and he turned around, seeing that it was the dogs. "Ah, reinforcements," he said jokingly as soon after Eliza and Beckett were coming in.
"No reinforcements," the latter said, giving a look to her husband. "Did they hit you?"
"We did," Mari said quickly. "Me and Julia… I mean Hermione so he's frozen."
"Then you should take off the mask," Beckett said.
"Of course," Castle said as he did so. "Ta-da, who's surprised?"
"Not me," Eliza said, going over to him.
"Can you wash your hands sweetie?" Beckett asked her daughter. When she nodded she watched Eliza go over to the bathroom and she said to her husband, "Are you going to keep playing with them?"
"Sure," Castle replied. "Why?"
"I need to make a call," Beckett said. She placed her hand on her husband's chest and told him, "On my own."
"Sure," Castle said, concerned when her smile to him didn't reach her eyes. Since they were alone then in the foyer he took her hand, kissing her fingertips gently. Instead of asking her to tell him again what was wrong he said, "Dinner's ready so once you come down we'll eat."
"I won't take long," Beckett said with a nod.
"By the way it's alright Mari's here right?" Castle asked her.
"You don't need to ask," Beckett replied before she headed up the stairs there. She went down the hall to the master bedroom and picked up her tablet and took her phone from her pocket, dialing Patrick's number. "Hey," she said when her friend had picked up.
"Kate," the man said in surprise. "Great to hear from you."
"Are you at work?" Beckett asked.
"Oh no, I finished a case earlier so I'm home with Trev and the kids," Patrick said. "Why?"
"Think we can talk on Skype?" Beckett said. She wasn't surprised when he quickly agreed and as soon as she was looking into his face she couldn't stop the tears that slowly formed in her eyes and said, "I'm so glad to see you," in a whisper before he looked at her in concern.
At the same time that Beckett was talking to Patrick, Castle was going back into the family room to find that Julia was helping her little sister with her robe while Mari and Peter were waving their wands around Sydney and making her laugh and coo. He sat down on an armchair then, not able to focus yet as he couldn't forget his wife. Finally when Eliza was ready the two came over to him and he shook himself to focus his attention on the four kids as they begged him to 'duel' with him.
After watching them doing that for some time Martha was going to speak when she suddenly got a text.
"Is it 'lexis?" Eliza asked eagerly, running from her 'duel' with Peter to see.
"Yes it is," Martha said. "And she says here whenever we finish with dinner then she'll talk with us. We just need to let her know."
"Julia," Castle said as he saw her suddenly run out of the room. He was startled when she didn't stop and he followed her to see her with Beckett at the bottom of the stairs. "Kate-" he said in concern at the sight of her slightly reddened eyes.
"I'm fine," Beckett assured them both. "Things were a little emotional but I'm alright now." She shook her head when she saw her husband wasn't buying that and then ran her hand over the back of Julia's head before kissing the top of her head. "Want to have all your friends help you set the table?" she asked her.
"Yeah we can do that now?" Julia said in response. When her mother nodded she smiled and then raced into the family room to tell the others. She was still uneasy but when she saw the way Beckett took Sydney; once in the family room; and was smiling genuinely she felt better and got her friends to follow her over to the kitchen where they got the cutlery to take to the dining room since there were so many of them. They set things out, talking about their play with their robes and wands until they were gathering with the adults, Eliza and Sydney in the kitchen to get their plates and food so they could sit down to eat together.
"Did you get enough practice in?" Beckett asked Julia and Peter once they'd started to eat.
"We decided to play," Julia said slowly, smiling at her partner before they both laughed.
"I don't blame you for doing that," Castle told them. "But you should do a little more."
"After dinner?" Julia asked.
"Yes," Beckett said simply. "Though I'm not sure what Mari and Eliza are going to do."
"I can play with the baby," the latter said, looking at Sydney as she was sitting on her mother's lap next to her.
"You could," Martha said. "But what about Mari?"
"I can watch them," the little girl replied. "I should 'cause I have to learn these steps too… or dance them I mean."
"Will we be able to play any games?" Julia then asked.
"It depends on how long you practice," Jim pointed out.
Peter shrugged as Julia looked at him and he said, "We should try the Waltz, we have that one already."
"When did you get that set?" Castle asked in slight surprise.
Julia couldn't help giggle softly and said, "Before you got to the class, Ms. Grey wanted to work on that so we could practice it."
"Is it that simple?" Beckett asked.
"No but it's the easier dance we have," Julia replied. "If you see us practice you'll see why."
"Alright," Beckett said with a slight laugh. "So now we're eating…" she started to say.
"Well for me and Peter our day at school was almost the same," Julia replied.
"Except for recess; I went to play with some boys in our class but Dawn came with me too," he said to the others with a slight smile as it wasn't the first time he'd eaten dinner there.
"Okay then sweetie why don't you start?" Beckett asked.
Eliza ate some noodles before she started to talk about what she'd learned in class that day and Mari followed at Julia's insistence. She herself spoke last with Peter helping her and by the time they reached that point they were clearing the table.
"Go ahead and practice you two," Beckett said to her oldest and Peter. "But can I make a suggestion?"
"Yeah I was going to say the hall so we have more space," Julia told her partner. When he nodded she followed him over to it and after her grandfather played the song they were going to use the two of them began to dance.
Though she had planned to help her husband with the dishes Beckett couldn't help watch her daughter dance the Waltz before the two stopped.
"Hey," Castle said, touching her shoulder. When she looked at him he smiled and said, "They'll do really well."
"I agree," Beckett said, a smile on her face as Julia was talking with both Peter and Mari. Something made her turn to her husband and said, "You don't mind?"
"No," Castle said firmly. "What are you guys going to do now?" he called ahead to them.
"Um…" Peter began, looking at his partner.
"Maybe try the Paso?" Julia asked though she didn't really look sure.
Thinking about that for a moment Peter said, "Maybe we should try the Jive now?"
"That won't make you sick?" Mari asked them.
"I don't think so," Julia said. "Should we start?"
"Yep," Peter replied before they laughed together. He waited for her to get the song they were going to be dancing to started before they began their kicks and flicks.
"We're finished," Martha said to the two parents who jumped at her words.
"Aren't we going to talk to 'lexis?" Eliza asked them.
"Oh, right," Castle said. He then told his wife, "She said for us to let her know when we were finished."
"It's getting late," Beckett told him.
"I know we needed to hurry before it gets too late for her," Castle said, texting his daughter hurriedly. "Okay she's ready," he told the others, looking over at the three in the hall.
"Oh, my sister," Julia said then to Peter.
"Come on," Beckett said as she was reading a text that she had herself. "Peter your mother's going to be here in a half hour."
"Okay," the boy said as he was watching the others go into the family room.
"Let's go," Julia said, taking his hand. "You can say hi to her."
When everyone was gathered in front of the TV Castle went onto Skype and Alexis soon appeared on the screen.
"Oh… looks like a very full house tonight," Alexis said, noticing everyone. Her eyes went to the baby that her grandmother was holding though her attention was soon taken by her sisters.
Castle glanced at his wife, seeing that she'd noticed the surprised look his daughter had given to the baby. But he knew they couldn't really talk about the case at the moment so he looked on with her as the girls and even Peter began to talk to Alexis.
"So you're going to have everything finished in time?" Julia asked as her big sister had finished speaking about how her day had gone.
"Oh of course," Alexis replied with a smile. "I've got time in the morning to finish up and there isn't much left."
"I'm a little hurt," Castle said jokingly.
Not surprised when her stepmother rolled her eyes at that Alexis said, "I don't know how much you could really help me with my thesis Dad."
"No… but still," Castle said, trailing off when he thought of Julia's writing.
"Will we be able to talk to you tomorrow?" Beckett asked her.
"I don't know since I have class I'll see what happens that day," Alexis answered. "I'll let you know. So there's one person I didn't say hi to," she said, looking at the baby again.
"This is Sydney Radcliff," Castle said, glancing back at her.
"She's our guest for tonight," Beckett then said before her husband could say anything else.
"She's sweet," Alexis said, knowing her father would text her the story. "Okay so I better go and finish things up here. Tomorrow I'll text whatever happens but if I don't talk to you I love you… everyone in the family," she trailed off before saying the rest with a laugh. "And Mari, Peter I hope you have fun the rest of the night you're there," she told the two.
"Thanks," Mari said, Peter echoing her quickly before they waved with the others saying goodbye. When the screen went black she said to her friend, "Now what?"
"Games!" Eliza cried out excitedly.
"Is she tired yet?" Beckett asked her mother in law while the kids were going to the cabinet to pick one game out.
"I think she's alright but she's sure to be hungry soon," Martha said, looking down at the baby with a smile.
"And then she'll want to go to bed," Castle replied. He then turned back to see that Julia was carrying their Clue game and he asked, "Are you sure?"
"Yep this one Daddy," Julia said.
"There aren't enough game pieces for us," Beckett told them.
"I don't play by myself," Eliza said.
"So that leaves only room for two more," Castle said, looking at his mother and father in law.
"I'm sitting this one out," Martha said, waving her hand simply.
"Then we're fine," Castle said before they turned their attention to the board and after getting the pieces they wanted to play with they began.
The game went on until Peter was able to guess the solution and once he had the chime for the gate rang almost instantly. He laughed with the others and then said, "I guess it's my mom."
"We'll have to see," Castle said jokingly as he was following them over to the front door.
After pressing the button to open the gate Beckett opened the front door and stepped out, surprised to see Rebecca walking in before the car Peter's mother was driving. "Time for her to go too?" she called to her friend.
"It is, there's school tomorrow of course," Rebecca said before she trailed off, seeing that Martha was carrying a baby having not been home when Castle had borrowed the baby items from her home.
"That's Sydney," Mari said as she went over to her mother. "She's spending the night."
"How nice," Rebecca replied, looking over at Beckett who held up her hand.
Once Peter was leaving with his mother Beckett went to her friend and explained softly and quickly in Rebecca's ear why a baby was there with them.
"Really nice of you to do that," the woman said once Beckett had finished. "If you need any help…"
"We'll call," Beckett assured her with a smile.
Julia hugged her friend as tightly as she could before she watched her go with her mother out the gate. When they were all back in the house after that she said to her parents, "One more game?"
"No time," Castle replied.
"Not just for you sweetie," Beckett said as Eliza started to pout. "I need to feed Sydney and put her to bed."
"I'll get the bottle ready love," Castle said quickly, heading down the hall with Macca trailing.
"Can you two help the girls with their bath?" Beckett asked, looking at the two in question though she was talking to her father and Castle's mother.
"Oh of course," Martha replied. "Go on and I'll go into my room once you let me know I can."
"Whenever you'd like," Beckett said simply before she took Sydney from her and carried her upstairs with the others following.
Watching her mother go over to their grandmother's bedroom Eliza whispered to her sister, "Is it like when I was a baby?"
"A little bit, yeah," Julia whispered back to her with a smile. "Come on let's take a bath so we can maybe see her put Sydney to bed."
While the girls were bathing and Castle was coming up the stairs Beckett was finishing changing the baby into the pajamas that they'd gotten from the Fosters' old ones of Dani's that just fit. "Better?" she asked with a smile as the baby cooed slightly.
"Are you expecting an answer?" Castle said, coming into the room then.
"She needed changing," Beckett said, picking Sydney up from the bed. She went over to the armchair in the room and took the bottle from her husband. She watched him sit on the bed and smiled as she fed the baby, soon looking down at Sydney as she was looking back at her.
Castle was quiet as he watched his wife hum to Sydney who stared up at her as she drank and he wanted to speak but held back. When she was finished he took the empty bottle and finally said to her, "I'll be back."
"I know," Beckett replied with a smile though it was for the baby. When her husband had left she looked up as her mother in law entered the room and she smiled saying, "Can my dad handle them?"
"Of course," Martha said, smiling as right after she spoke Sydney let out a quiet burp. "It brings back memories."
"It does," Beckett said with a brief nod. She held the baby to her for a moment and then pulled her away saying to Martha, "At least I know from you that you never forget."
"Oh no, it's impossible," Castle's mother replied as she took the towel that Beckett had had over her shoulder as her daughter in law began to walk around the room rocking the baby. "I can see you don't mind caring for her."
"She needs a mother right now," Beckett replied firmly. She looked over at the door to see her husband was walking into the room and she smiled saying, "I think we're all going to say goodnight to her."
Castle was a little surprised before he turned and saw that the girls and Jim were behind him. "Right, hurry she needs to get her sleep," he told Julia and Eliza.
Rushing into the room the two girls took the baby's hands, saying goodnight to her and waving before their parents ushered them to Jim who'd said goodnight to Sydney in the same way. When they were gone Beckett murmured a good night against the baby's temple and after Castle had done the same she said goodnight with him to Martha.
"Go, we'll be fine," Castle's mother said, beginning to do what Beckett had with Sydney to get her to sleep.
"So bedtime for Eliza at least," Castle said to his wife when they were in the hall and he'd closed the door to his mother's room.
"We'll see how much time we have left until Julia goes to bed," Beckett told him simply. She took his hand then, pulling him after her down the hall as they entwined their fingers to hold onto one another tightly before they stepped into their youngest's bedroom.
"They're ready Katie," Jim told his daughter as she was hugging Julia after saying goodnight to the two. He went over to her then and hugged her tightly saying, "Will you be okay?"
"I will, don't worry Dad," Beckett replied with a smile when they let go of each other. She watched him go after saying goodnight to her father and then turned to the girls. "He must be tired," she commented after Julia had hugged her little sister tightly.
"He said he was gonna read," Julia replied.
"Yeah and then sleep," Eliza told them.
"Speaking of which…" Castle began to say before the little girl was groaning.
"He's right," Beckett said while Julia was climbing down off the bed. "Go Rick," she said as he glanced to her.
"I tried," Castle said jokingly to Eliza as he stepped up to the bed. "But your mom says it's time to get into bed."
"I know," Eliza said with a sigh. She then wrapped her arms tightly around her father's neck after he was sitting on the edge next to her and then said, "I love you Daddy."
"I love you too sweetheart, sleep tight tonight okay?" Castle told her.
"You too," Eliza told him seriously before they exchanged a kiss.
"I agree with him too," Beckett said as she sat where Castle had been. "And I love you too sweetie."
"Love you Mommy," Eliza said climbing out from under the sheet her father had covered her with to sit on her mother's lap.
"Sweet dreams okay?" Beckett told her, holding her close. She pressed her lips to her youngest's temple before she turned her head and they shared a kiss. "Tomorrow morning…"
"You could still go for a ride," Julia said quickly. "Gram and Grandpapa can watch the baby."
"And we can help too," Eliza said though she spoke slightly slowly.
"We'll see in the morning," Castle said to his wife as she glanced at him.
"Come on," Beckett said, standing up then. "In the morning you'll be able to play with Sydney for a while."
"Kay," Eliza said. As her mother was tucking her in she then said, "Mommy? Can she stay?"
"I'm afraid not," Beckett said, not surprised at the question. "She does have brothers and a sister that want her to stay with them. But you'll see her before you go to school." When she'd finished tucking her in she took Julia's hand in passing and they walked together with Castle to the doorway where they turned to see the little girl was asleep already, Rita watching them. "I guess she was tired," she commented as Castle turned off the lights and they went to Julia's room.
"So when do I have to go to bed?" the girl asked her parents as she leaned against her bed.
"Soon," Beckett said, looking at her watch quickly.
"Kate," Castle said as he was looking at the longest desk drawer their daughter's had.
"What?" Beckett asked, looking over at him. When she saw what he was holding she glanced over at their oldest and said, "Were you going to watch it?"
"I wanted to," Julia replied, looking a little sheepish.
"I think she caught us once watching it," Castle commented, setting his and Beckett's DVD set of the first season of The X-Files down on the desk. "It interested you?"
"Yeah," Julia replied. "I… Scully was interesting," she finished slowly.
Smiling Beckett said, "I'm guessing that from what you saw you wonder why she was still a skeptic."
"Sorta," Julia said, shrugging. She then thought of something and said, "Can I write in my diary really fast?"
"Sure," Beckett said, nodding to her husband. "We'll come back once we're finished changing but we'll go to your bed."
"Thanks," Julia said. When they were leaving she then said, "Will you tell me about the case today?"
"All you need to know," Castle began as he looked at his wife to make sure that she wouldn't stop him. "Is that we're narrowing in on some people, more than one, who could have been involved."
"It was her dad," Julia said simply, her tone of voice soft.
"We think it may have been," Castle said carefully as he then looked at his wife, willing her to say something.
"Or someone close to him," Beckett answered.
"Her mom?" Julia suggested.
"We've cleared her," Beckett replied. "But we're close."
"Thanks for telling me," Julia said. She watched her parents go and then went over to her desk, taking her diary out of her drawer. She took her pen from the holder on the top and wrote down the date before she paused to think out what she wanted to write before she finally began.
Today I finally let Mommy and Daddy read what I wrote and they were really nice about it even though I know that I'm not as good as they are. I don't know why I didn't tell them that I read a little bit about Moor and Green but I feel like it's private; like I shouldn't have. They're my mom and dad so me reading just felt… weird. But they do know how to write and I felt a little jealous of that, but Daddy kept saying that he didn't write this good either when he was little and Mommy saw his writing so I know she'd tell me the truth.
Julia smiled a little and then tapped the end of her pen against her lips as she thought of what else she could write. She nearly started to do so about the case when she stopped herself and instead began to write about something else.
When they came to my class Mommy and Daddy had a baby with them, the little sister of the victim of their case. They still don't know who did it but they're getting close they just told me. But the baby is so cute, it reminds me of when Eliza was born though it's different 'cause she's not my sister. I didn't tell Mommy; neither did Eliza or Gram or Grandpapa; but while we were taking a bath Eliza asked if we could have another sister. So I guess she didn't forget about it though our mom and dad never said if we would or not. But... I kinda want one too
Hearing the sound of footsteps coming down the hall Julia stopped writing abruptly as she knew that she'd need to go to bed soon so she turned back to the diary and started to write again, trying to get it finished in time.
But besides that Peter and I are doing our best to get ready for the competition and now we have the acts that we need for the dances. And we've also got costumes too but I have to wonder about the dresses I'm going to dance in.
Julia rolled her eyes at her own mistake and then turned back to the page to scribble the last of the entry as her parents walked in.
I meant the one that's going to look like the one my mom wore last year, I know how it looks but I'm not a grown up lady. So would I really look that nice in it… But I'm not thinking of who's making it; Gram will know what to do so I look like a dancer.
"Did you finish?" Beckett asked before Julia then tucked the diary into the drawer again.
"Yeah it didn't take me that long," the girl replied before she went over to the bed. "What are you going to do tomorrow?"
Since she knew that her daughter was referencing the case; and the fact that Castle was looking at her; Beckett said, "We have a number of names we'll need to look through."
"Will you help with that?" Julia asked, climbing up and letting her father cover her lap.
"If Brad needs us to then yes," Castle said. "But we won't know until tomorrow," he told her as he sat next to her.
"You will go on your ride right?" Julia said, looking at both her parents.
"We will," Beckett assured her. "As long as your grandparents don't mind watching Sydney."
"They don't," Julia replied rapidly.
"I think it's time for you to go to bed," Castle said when he saw the way his wife motioned to him.
"I wasn't delaying," Julia told her.
"I know but unless one of us says you won't go to bed," Beckett said.
"I don't mind," Julia quipped before smiling. She then laughed when her mother shook her head; while she smiled; and turned her attention to Castle reaching out and hugging him tightly around the neck. "I love you Daddy."
"I love you too Julia, sweet dreams tonight," Castle told her then. He shared a kiss with her before he pressed his lips to her forehead and got up, standing where his wife had as he watched her take his place.
"I love you too Mommy; thanks for letting me write in my diary," Julia told her.
"Oh sure, she's the only one who gives you permission," Castle said though he spoke while he crossed his arms over his chest in a mock whining tone.
"Don't pout love," Beckett told him as their oldest giggled. "It's really unattractive."
"Okay," Castle said simply, smiling at Julia as she laughed again.
"Goodnight sweetie," Beckett said, turning her attention to their daughter as she ran her hand down the back of her head.
"I hope you sleep alright tonight," Julia said to her mother seriously.
"Don't worry I will," Beckett assured her. She shared a kiss with her and was going to stand up when her daughter spoke.
"Were there… anymore people hurt?" Julia asked softly.
Pausing Beckett said, "You mean besides Rudy?"
Julia nodded and said, "Or were there more people murdered? There were weren't there?" coming to that realization quickly.
"There were but they're all connected with the vic," Castle said. When Beckett nearly glared at him he said quickly as he blanched, "I mean-"
"No I understand," Julia said. "Why would they hurt me? I didn't see that much anyways."
"She's right," Castle said quickly as he looked over at his wife.
"True," Beckett said with a sigh. She then turned to Julia and told her, "Get some sleep okay?" She was relieved when the girl nodded and she stood to tuck her in, kissing her on the forehead before going with her husband to the doorway. After they'd watched their oldest for a bit she closed the lights and they left together for their bedroom before he stopped her at the top of the stairs.
"Want something to drink?" Castle asked her. "I was going to make some coffee," he said before she could answer.
"That sounds fine," Beckett said simply. She then went to their bedroom and turned on the fire before she went to stand at the windows. She was contemplating something and then took her phone out of her pocket, texting Patrick. As soon as the message was sent she nearly jumped when her phone rang. "Patrick?" she asked.
"Don't back out Kate," the man said on the other end. "I told Trev."
"What did he say?" Beckett asked, her voice nearly a whisper.
"He wept for me," Darnley said. "And thanked whatever it was that brought you there when you found me."
Beckett bit at her lower lip as hard as she could before she whispered, "I don't want to relive that, how could you?"
"Because continuing after what happened makes us stronger… as corny as that might sound," Darnley replied easily. "Tell him Kate, you said you could tell he was worried about you, I bet you anything he still is."
"He is," Beckett said softly, thoughtfully.
"We'll talk again," Darnley then told her. "I want to go see where Trevor is… where's Rick?"
"Here," Beckett said, seeing him at the doorway.
"Great, tell him I said hi and I'll leave you to it," Darnley said.
"Patrick," Beckett groaned.
"What? It's inevitable for us both," Darnley said in mock protest.
"Go, we'll talk soon," Beckett said with a smile.
"Definitely," Darnley said. Neither of them hung up and he said, "Still love me?"
"Still," Beckett replied though they hadn't spoken like that for a long time.
"Great, I love you too, night Kate," Darnley replied.
"Night Patrick," Beckett said with a smile. She hung up her phone then and took the mug of coffee that Castle held out to her, murmuring a thank you and wondering what he'd say to her.
"Hopefully this isn't too hot," Castle said as she looked down at the cup.
Beckett smiled for a moment at the sight of the rose in the foam and she looked up at him saying, "He told me to tell you."
"He suggested it I think," Castle replied. "Didn't he?" he asked when his wife looked startled.
"He did," Beckett replied simply, not sure what else to say since he was right.
"No one can really make you talk love," Castle said, taking her free hand with his own free one.
"I'm aware of that but I should tell you why I reacted the way I did to Rudy being attacked," Beckett said. She knew her husband was waiting for her to speak but she still found she couldn't and she closed her eyes, whispering her apology before he was taking her by the hand.
"Here," Castle said, stopping her at one of the armchairs in front of the fire. He sat down first and helped her onto his lap before he held her with one arm. Kissing her temple he murmured, "Whenever you want to tell me, just say."
"What if I didn't want to tonight?" Beckett asked him.
"Tell me on your own time," Castle replied, rubbing her arm with his hand. He felt her lean against him further before he kissed her lips very gently and when she pulled away first he added, "If you just want to get some rest that's fine with me."
"No," Beckett said, sipping the last of her coffee. She set down the cup on the table before she took his and did the same with it before she said, "It was very shortly after we had graduated and were just starting on patrol. We had the weekend off so we decided to meet for lunch that Saturday at an Irish pub; he loved the food at those. So I made it there first and I waited… and waited until it became forty five minutes after we were supposed to meet."
"You went to look for him," Castle stated.
"I did…" Beckett began before she trailed off. She wasn't surprised when her husband held her tighter and when he started to say she didn't have to tell him she shook her head and began relating the story from when she'd decided to leave the bar.
With a sigh Beckett stood up from her table and left money for her largely full pint of Guinness before she left the bar. Since she had the time she decided to grab some hot dogs and see if Darnley was at his place, hungover from the night before as she knew he'd gone to one of his favorite gay nightclubs. Turning to her left she walked down the sidewalk, coming to a building that was being built when she heard the meaty thud of a punch to the face and looked over at the construction site. She froze when she saw her friend in the shadows of the wall-less interior of the building, being kicked by one of the three men that were surrounding him.
She was going to take off and run to help him when she paused, knowing that if she did she was facing three men on her own. But suddenly; inexplicably; something came to mind and she ran to her friend then. "What are you doing?" she yelled as one man raised his foot to pound it into Darnley's stomach.
"What you want to join in?" one of the men asked with a harsh laugh.
"Better get out of here bitch," a second man said, tossing the knife in his hand around. "Not really any place for you."
"This q-" the third man started to say before Beckett was shoving past him and kneeling next to Darnley. "You know this guy?"
"He's my boyfriend," Beckett said roughly, aghast at the condition of her friend's face. She had no idea how long the three had been beating him but it was long enough for his skin to be completely covered in blood to the point there was almost no space clear of it.
"You're lying- she's lying," the tallest of the men; who was deferring to the other two; told them.
"Kate," Darnley murmured, his hand coming up to brush against her jaw. He grunted slightly when she grabbed it and then kissed his fingers, hoping that was enough to fool the men.
Looking up from Darnley to the men Beckett glared at them and said, "We haven't seen your faces, leave him alone and I won't call for help."
Watching the woman cradle the man they'd been beating up to her front they looked at one another and then took off towards the back of the construction site, soon disappearing completely into an alley.
"Can you get up or should I call an ambulance?" Beckett asked as soon as she was sure Darnley was safe.
"I can get up," the man said in complete fatigue. "Just… we won't be able to find them," he said as he let Beckett help him up.
"You don't want to try," she said simply as he stood and she put her arm around him then in case he needed her help to walk.
"I can't Kate," Darnley said desperately.
"I know," Beckett murmured to him as they made their way carefully to the sidewalk to attempt to get a cab. "I know," she whispered as she raised her hand to call a cab, trying to remember at the same time what hospital they were closest to so she could tell the driver by name.
Falling onto his bed face first Darnley groaned and said, "I hurt all over."
"I can imagine," Beckett replied, going over to the kitchen. She got a glass of water and then took it over to her friend with the pain medication he'd been given and handed the glass over while she opened the bottle.
"Thank you," Darnley said, taking the pill. He swallowed it quickly and then turned around onto his back saying, "Could have just left me."
"What are you talking about?" Beckett asked, sitting on the edge of the bed next to him. "I couldn't fight them; I knew that; but Patrick I love you. I couldn't just leave you there to be beaten because they think you're…"
"A fag?" Darnley replied, trying to sit up before Beckett helped him. "They're right I'm just not… evil or whatever they thought." He then paused and said, "You love me?"
"I never had a brother but… I feel like you're it," Beckett said, slightly embarrassed but being honest. When he grabbed her hand she said, "Though I hope I don't have to be that romantic with you again."
Darnley laughed, just catching the beaming smile on her face when he stopped, and he said, "Yeah that was awkward 'cause you know I feel the same about you. I love you Kate… sis'er I never had." He then paused and shook his head before saying, "Slurring."
"They work quickly," Beckett said with a tender smile for him.
"Yeah," Darnley sighed. "So I guess if I sleep," he said before pausing on the s in sleep since he'd slurred that as well. "You can head out or whatever."
"I'm staying," Beckett said. "Keeping my eye on you."
"Now you're my mom," Darnley replied. "Thanks."
"Not a problem," Beckett replied. She then thought of something with that and said, "Are we telling anyone about this?"
Grunting with a shrug Darnley then said, "I don't want to think about this anymore." He saw his friend was studying him so he said, "I'll say I got in a bar fight," since he knew his face was covered in bruises; also on some parts of his body where they'd kicked him; along with stitches from some deeper cuts. "I don't want to think about this Kate I… that's never happened to me before."
Beckett nodded; as her friend had told her how the men had trailed him from the nightclub the night before; and said, "But if you ever recognize them-"
"Then I can kiss my career with the NYPD goodbye," Darnley said.
"You don't know-" Beckett tried to say.
"I can't risk it… you don't know Kate," he said, raising himself up with a grunt of pain. "Every fucking day I have to be someone else because I'm scared I'll lose my job or someone will hurt me like they just did or… kill me even for something I can't control." He landed back on the bed with a groan and said, "I hate being scared." When he realized his friend was holding his hand tightly he said, "I wasn't directing that to you."
"I know," Beckett assured him.
Studying her Darnley became concerned and said, "I'm okay Kate, I'm still here…" He trailed off then as he pushed himself up, pulling her hand to bring her to him for a hug. "I was just stupid."
"When I saw all the blood," Beckett whispered before a sob tore out of her throat. "I saw my mom all over again when I saw you just laying there…"
"I'm okay though," Darnley whispered, trying to embrace her tighter. "You came and saved me and I'm so grateful to you. I owe you."
Pulling back and then trying to dry her cheeks of the tears that had fallen Beckett shook her head saying, "You've done enough for me."
"That's what friends are for… or siblings; either or," Darnley said, wanting to get her to smile.
Beckett laughed softly and said, "Get some sleep, you're slurring like crazy."
"Sure," Darnley replied, looking at his bed.
"Here," Beckett said, reaching to the sheets at the bottom of the bed and pulling them over her friend as he settled down on his pillow.
"You'll be an aw'me mom," Darnley said wearily.
"Skipping on the s completely now?" Beckett asked with a smile once she was sure he'd be warm.
"Yep… when I wake up we start over," Darnley said, not wanting to say the s but knowing he had to.
"Okay," Beckett replied. She sat next to him on the edge of the bed, watching him closely as he soon after fell asleep she began to cry, covering her face with her hands as the emotions she'd felt during the attack finally hit her and she let her tears fall. They were a mixture of that and relief as she had been terrified she'd lose the best friend she could have at that point in her life, startled that she'd become so close to him though she couldn't help it. She didn't try to stop those tears then as she felt once they'd finished falling she could try to forget what had almost happened with her friend.
