"Morning, sleepyheads!" Kate muses with a smile as she watches both Castles stride into the kitchen, one much peppier than the other.
Alexis has a bounce in her step, a smile on her face, while Castle rustles his sleep-ridden hair with one hand, rubs at his eyes with the other.
"Morning, Kate!" Alexis beams, dropping her bag by the stool before she takes a seat.
"I am so not ready for the early morning wake up calls yet." Castle eyes the scene in front of him. "What's all of this?"
She shrugs. "Just a little something," she says as she flips a pancake. "It's Alexis's first day of school, figured I'd help her start off the day right."
"You have class today?" he asks, blinking away the sleep.
Kate shakes her head. "Nope, cancelled."
Last month she'd started back up at NYU, a decision she's been thinking about for a while. She only has two years left of undergrad, and with Castle by her side, she's confident that she can make it work. It's hard, especially with a night class that takes up three hours of her time, but it'll be worth it in the end.
She planned on getting her degree before her mom died, and that's still the goal. It might've taken two years to get it back on track, but she's here and ready to do this.
He nods, giving her a small smile. "More time for us. And more food, it seems."
Looking around, she realizes she may have gone a tad overboard. She's got pancakes, waffles, eggs and bacon, and omelettes all spread out, covering the counter and part of the island. It's a lot, but she woke up early, couldn't fall back asleep, and thought she'd surprise the two of them.
Someone else decides to surprise them all, and she peers down, finds Pepper weaving in and out between her legs. She grins down at the kitten, nudging her body with her toes to keep her from crawling beneath the stove.
"This is incredible," Castle smiles, making his way into the kitchen. He leans up behind her, careful not to step on any small paws, and places a kiss to the corner of her mouth. "You are incredible."
"Guys, please," Alexis moans, but the grin she can't suppress crack's the facade. "I have food to eat here."
"I've seen you eat while watching one of your discovery channel documentaries. And that monkey mating one? So inappropriate," he points out with a shudder. "I think you're fine, pumpkin."
She lets out a dramatic sigh. "I'll send my therapy bills to you," she drones as she hops off the stool, joining them in the kitchen and pulling the two of them into a hug. "I am really happy about you two, though, in case I haven't said so."
"You might've mentioned it before," he teases, exchanging a smile with Kate as they both hug the girl back. She's made it known many times over the past few months just how on board she is with this relationship.
Which is good, because they're pretty fond of it too.
"We're happy too, Alexis."
"Can I have some strawberries for my pancakes?" she asks, looking up at them.
Castle laughs. "Of course, of course," he says. "Go sit. One bowl of strawberries coming your way."
He grabs the desired fruit while Kate finishes up the final pancake and flops it onto the plate, transferring it onto the counter of the island. The rest of the food follows, and within seconds there's a feast laid out before them.
Alexis's eyes widen, darting from pancake to waffle to omelette. "I don't know what to do."
Kate laughs. "How about a little of everything?" she suggests, cutting a waffle in half. "Here, we'll split it."
The girl takes her half of the breakfast food with a smile, shoving it onto the side of her plate. Castle puts the bowl of fresh strawberries beside her, and Kate watches with a laugh as Alexis grabs a handful and throws them haphazardly on top of everything else.
"You want some breakfast with those strawberries, pumpkin?"
She glares. "Be glad I'm eating more fruit and not sweets," she says pointedly. "I'm not the one in this family that eats leftover chocolate chip muffins for breakfast. With extra chocolate on the side."
He feigns innocence. "I have no idea what you mean. I never do that."
"Castle, you had a bowl of ice cream for breakfast yesterday," Kate adds, the hand holding the spatula at her hip.
"Hey, I was up late writing," he defends. "Technically I never went to sleep, so is it really breakfast?"
"Are you trying to tell me that was a late night snack? At 8am?"
He gives a curt nod. "Yes, yes I am."
"Dad."
"Eat your strawberries," he mumbles, sliding the whipped cream across the island to her. "Don't forget the topping."
Kate laughs, shaking her head as she places the now-finished pots and pans in the sink. She wipes off her hands on the towel before putting it back onto the rack, and she grabs the water filter from the fridge. When she turns back around, Castle's grabbing strawberries off of Alexis's plate, much to the girl's dismay.
"Dad, get your own!"
He pops one into his mouth. "They always taste better off of someone else's plate, it's a well-known fact."
"Take your well-known fact and get your own strawberries," she tosses back, small hands covering her plate in protection. "Kate, help me keep him under control. I have to leave soon!"
Kate snorts. "Come on, Castle." She takes a few steps to join them, scooping Pepper up and holding her against her chest. When she rounds the island, she puts a hand on his back. "What if we get you your very own bowl of strawberries?" she soothes slowly, as if she's talking to a child. "I'll even put some whipped cream on top."
He turns, waggles his eyebrows at her. "Is that a promise?"
She purses her lips. "Of the strawberries."
He lets out a dramatic sigh before stretching up, covering her mouth with his in a soft kiss. "What a shame."
Her blood boils, a blush creeping up to her cheeks, and she just narrows her eyes at him. He's ridiculous, completely incorrigible. Exactly like a nine year old on a sugar rush.
But she loves it. Him.
She deposits Pepper onto his lap, and she immediately curls into the space between his knees and settles down. Watching as he strokes the kitten's back, she reaches around him, grabbing a stray bowl and dropping some strawberries in it. His eyes follow her movements, and so she makes sure he's watching as she grabs the whipped cream, keeping eye contact while she sprays it on top.
"Cruel, cruel woman," he mutters.
Kate just grins. "Here you go, all better."
Alexis lifts her head up then, and Kate gives her a nod, a small thumbs up. The girl smiles, returning the gesture, and makes quick work of finishing off her breakfast before she has to leave. It's only 7:30 right now, but she has to be in school by 8 and she's made it perfectly clear that she is not to be late.
"Okay, I'm done," she announces, hopping off the stool to bring her plate into the kitchen.
Kate takes it from her. "I got it," she says, nudging the girl with her hip. "Go finish getting ready."
"Thanks, Kate!" she calls over her shoulder as she bounces up the stairs, into her room to grab the rest of her things.
"Have I told you lately how incredible you are?" Castle asks, looping his arms around her back and tugging her to him.
She hums. "Maybe once or twice."
"You're so good with her."
"She's easy to be good with," she replies easily.
He smiles, his eyes sparkling and crinkling at the corners. "I got lucky. I can't believe she's in third grade already. It seems like just yesterday she was starting kindergarten."
"She'll knock their socks off, I'm sure. Be the brightest kid there."
Castle laughs at that. "I'd expect nothing less," he says. "Hell, she'd expect nothing less. She prides herself on staying ahead of her work."
"Wonder where she got that from. Surely it wasn't her father," she teases, squirming out of his grasp and effectively dodging the hand trying to tickle at her sides.
"I have a wonderful work ethic, thank you!"
She raises a brow. "Is that why you were up all night writing the chapter you were supposed to have done last week?"
He waves a hand. "Details, details. Not important."
Alexis comes running down the stairs seconds later, dressed in her brand new uniform and matching flats, her hair straight and flowing over her shoulders. She has her bag hanging off her shoulder, the flap open in the back.
"Come here," he laughs, pulling her closer to him by the book bag. "It might help if this is closed."
He zips her bag shut, making sure nothing's fallen out, and then spins her around, puts his hands on his shoulders.
"You ready?"
She nods enthusiastically. "Ready!"
"Excited for third grade?"
"Yeah! I heard my teacher is one of the best. And Paige is in my class again!"
He smiles at his daughter. "I'm glad you'll have your best friend with you," he says. "What do you say we get you off to school now? I know how much you're against being late."
"I can't be late on the first day, dad!"
"I know, I know," he laughs. "That's why we'll get going now. Go say goodbye to Kate."
Alexis's forehead wrinkles. "She's not coming with us to the school?" She looks up at Kate. "You're not coming?"
Kate's mouth opens, unsure of what to say. She just assumed she'd stay at the loft and wait for them to get back, let Castle have this moment with Alexis as he does every year. She didn't know Alexis would want her to go.
She tears her gaze away from Alexis and looks to Castle, who gives her a soft smile and then stands. "One second, pumpkin."
"Castle, I didn't know she'd want me to go," she says. "I planned on letting you guys do it like you always do, you know? Father and daughter. I don't want to take that away or anything."
"I didn't know if you'd want to go," he whispers. "That's the only reason I didn't bring it up. I'm totally fine with you coming, if you want. Alexis is obviously okay with it."
She bites her lip. "This is something you do with Alexis every year, taking her on the first day. I don't want to mess that up."
"You're right, this is something I always do with Alexis every year," he agrees, his face softening as he looks back at her, his hand finding hers. "But this year is different. You're here now."
"Are you sure?"
He laughs. "My kid adores you. I adore you. You should come."
"Then I'll come," she smiles, kissing his cheek before turning to Alexis. "Alright, kid, let's go."
Alexis smiles, bending down until she's settled on her knees, arms outstretched as a ball of fluff runs into them.
"Bye, Pepper," she says, cradling the kitten to her chest gently. "I'll play with you after school, okay?"
"Mrow!"
Letting go, they watch as Pepper stands around for a few seconds before padding into the living room, disappearing behind the couch. When they look up again, Alexis is waiting patiently in the entryway for the two adults. As they walk up, she inserts herself in the middle, taking both of their hands in hers and leading them quickly out the door.
"Hurry, hurry, guys!"
They get to the school on time, with a little over five minutes to spare, and walk Alexis up to her classroom.
"Okay, this is it," he announces, stopping outside of room 311. "You have everything you need?"
Alexis nods. "Yup, everything's accounted for."
"Good. Now, if you need anything at all you have them call me, okay?"
"I know," Alexis says. "I'll be fine, dad. Will you be okay?"
Both adults laugh at that. "I'm sure I'll be okay," he promises. "I've got Kate to keep me company, right?"
"Right!" Alexis grins, turning towards Kate. "Make sure he doesn't get into any trouble while I'm away."
Kate gives a swift nod. "I'll do my very best."
The rest of the kids begin to file into the classroom and Castle makes eye contact with the teacher just as she walks into the hallway to join them. She's a petite woman, probably in her early 30s, with blonde hair and black rimmed glasses.
"Hi, I'm Ms. Bishop," she says, extending her hand to Castle and then Kate. "This is my class."
"I'm Richard Castle, Alexis's father," he greets with a nod, one hand on the girl's shoulder. "And this is Alexis."
"It's very nice to meet you, Alexis."
Alexis smiles. "Thank you, it's nice to meet you too."
Ms. Bishop looks to Kate, then back at the girl. "This your sister?"
Kate's about to reply, though she's not sure to say what, when Alexis answers for her. "Something like that," she says, a wide smile on her face. "Kate's one of my best friends."
Her heart almost bursts right there, and she feels Castle's hand land on the small of her back, a comforting weight.
It's 8:00 when Castle suggests Alexis start heading in. "All right, pumpkin, we'll see you after school," he says, giving her a tight squeeze.
"Okay, bye, daddy!"
The girl moves to Kate next, wrapping her arms around her neck when she bends to Alexis's level. "Love you, Kate."
She smiles, tightening her hold before releasing her. "Love you too, kid," she whispers, standing up. "Learn something for us!"
Alexis laughs with a nod, tossing one last wave behind her as she disappears into the classroom, Ms. Bishop following.
"So," Castle breathes once the door is closed and they make their way back down the hall. "Walk through the park or coffee?"
"Both," she nods. "Definitely both."
The warm breeze is comforting as they walk through Central Park, coffees in hand and little space between their bodies. Kate's summer shirt flows in the wind and she has to wrap an arm around her torso to keep it down, avoid flashing all of the other park goers.
Bright green leaves on the trees match the grass, vibrant colors mixing with the pastels of the flowers at the bases. They're beautiful, remind her of the flowers she used to pick every summer; a bouquet for both parents each year, messes of pinks and purples all blending together, tied together with a rubber band.
"Hard to believe it's almost been a year."
She turns to face him. "I know," she agrees. "Sometimes it feels like so much longer, but other days it feels like I just came back to the city yesterday, you know?"
One of the last times they were in this park was the day she scared Alexis with her nightmares and ran out here, hid away. He'd found her, of course, made her promise not to run and brought her back to the loft.
It looks prettier this time; she appreciates it so much more now, under better circumstances.
He hums. "I know what you mean. I feel like I've known you forever, and yet there's so much to learn. I'm uncovering more and more about you every day, and that's what I love about it."
"You think?"
"Absolutely. I love peeling back the layers, finding out little things about you, about what you love, what makes you you." Grabbing her hand, he intertwines their fingers. "Peeling the Beckett onion."
She snorts. "The Beckett onion? Seriously?"
"It's perfect!"
"Whatever you say." She laughs, rolling her eyes. "It still feels so new. This." Her arms gesture around them. "Us," she adds, swinging their hands.
He smiles. "It is new. Us, at least."
"I know," she nods. "I love that it feels so new, but I agree with what you said. It feels like I've known you for so much longer." She shrugs. "It's just... nice."
It's crazy to think about how drastically her life has changed in the span of a year. She's back in New York, living with Richard Castle and his daughter, and she's back in school. She has someone looking up to her, she has weekly lunch dates with her father.
It's a lot, but she wouldn't change a thing.
She's back on her feet, simple as that.
"This is just the start," he murmurs, grabbing her wrist to still their footsteps. His eyes bore into hers, so much being said with no words. "There's so much to come."
Her eyes sparkle as she meets his gaze, her mouth twisting up into a joyous smile.
"We're just getting starting."
He brings one hand up to cradle her jaw, his thumb caressing her skin before he dips down, capturing her mouth with his in a gentle kiss. It's full of promises.
"Just getting started, Kate."
"I'm happy to see the two of you so happy, Richard," Martha smiles as she gathers her coat.
"I am too," he says, glancing back at Kate. "Very happy."
The older woman's eyes soften as she moves over towards Kate. "And you, Katherine," she starts, putting an arm around her shoulder as she pulls her into a fierce hug. "You've grown so much. You look marvelous, and I'm thrilled to see you in high spirits like this."
She smiles as they pull apart, Martha's hands still clasped around her own. "Thank you, Martha."
"I'll see you three again next week for dinner?" she confirms, shooting a wink over to Alexis, who walks up to give her a hug.
Castle raises a brow. "More like in two days when you don't feel like cooking, or tomorrow morning when you want some free breakfast."
Kate stifles her laughter, but Martha just grins. "At least we're no longer fooling ourselves, kiddo," she drawls, tossing a wave behind her as she heads out the door. "Bye, darlings."
Pulling her against him, Castle throws an arm around her shoulders. She rests against his chest, letting her eyes fall closed as she takes a deep breath.
It's been a good day, unexpected dinner with his mother and all.
Alexis has been telling them about her first day of school since she got home, beaming about how she's been put in the smarter of the math classes. She's not surprised, the kid is smart, but she's proud of her nonetheless.
"Tired?" he murmurs against the top of her head.
She hums. "A little."
"Want to go to bed early?"
Her head shakes against the fabric of his shirt. "Not yet," she breathes. "Little later."
"Movie, then?"
She pulls back just enough to look up at him, a smile on her face. "Sounds perfect."
"Alexis, want to go pick out a movie to watch before bed?" he calls, and they watch as the girl nods, bouncing into the other room to pilfer through the different options.
He figures they have at least fifteen minutes before she actually decides on one, and so he ushers Kate into the office, guiding her over to the couch. He sits first and she plops down after, resting her back against his chest once more, legs curled in front of her. He runs his fingers through her hair, gently toying with the silky tresses. Her hair's longer now, more for him to play with.
"Castle?" she murmurs quietly after a few minutes of silence.
"Hmm?"
She takes a breath. "I think I want to join the academy."
His fingers pause where they're stuck in her hair. "The academy? Police academy?"
"Yeah," she nods. "Get justice for those families, you know? And hopefully, if I can, my mother." When his silence goes on a beat too long, she twists, uncurling from his arms to look at him. "You think it's stupid."
He shakes his head. "What? No, absolutely not stupid," he promises, gently pulling her back down. "Never stupid. I'm just shocked. Have you been thinking about this long?"
"For a while," she admits. "I don't know, I just... I feel like it's something I have to do."
"If that's what you want to do, then I'm here."
"Really? You'd be okay with it?"
He exhales. "With the very real possibility of you being shot? With you being in danger every day? No. Of course I'll never like that. But if this is something you feel strongly about doing, then I'll support you. No matter what."
Her breathing evens out, her heart hammering just a little quieter in her chest. "Thank you, Castle," she breathes, so much wrapped up into three simple words. "For everything."
He gives her a soft smile, continues running a hand through her hair just as Alexis comes in the room, three DVDs clutched in her hands. Kate laughs; they should've known there wouldn't be just one choice.
"Choose one," Castle instructs, nodding to his daughter. "Whichever one you want to watch."
Alexis looks at Kate. "Kate? Preference?"
She shakes her head. "Nope, take your pick."
The girl grins, tongue peeking out between her teeth as she eyes her three options. Eventually, she decides on Monsters, Inc., and puts the DVD on before grabbing a blanket and joining them on the couch. She slides in beside Kate, side by side, her head resting against Kate's upper arm.
Kate's arm wraps around her shoulders as she snuggles in closer to Castle, pulling her with.
"Anything you need, I'm here," he whispers, and she looks up at him, knows he's talking about the conversation they were just having. But she just smiles, eyes on him before she trails her gaze down to the small, warm body that's currently cuddled into her side.
Her eyes are soft, smile even softer, when she lifts her head back to him.
"I've already got everything I need."
This is the last chapter before the epilogue, so I'll save the (most likely) sappy author's note for the end of that. All of your continued support and love for this story has been incredible and I can't thank you enough.