I know it's been forever, I could easily make excuses but really I kinda hit a wall with this so after writing my first crossover story, which I should finish soon, I'm back.
Oh and I'm on deviantArt now, my own drawings, photographs and writing alongside some edited Caskett images. I'm thinking of doing some to go along with my stories. My name over there Angel-Dressed-In-Red.
Enjoy!
The conversation continues for some time until the pair have decided upon a dance, the Rumba. Satisfied everyone leaves for work, the camera man following Kate and Castle as they drop Alexis off at school on their way to the precinct.
Waving a bit of toast at her, Castle tells Kate just why they have to win while having a snack.
"You're his boss, if he beats you at this he'll never forget it."
"You mean, if he beats us he will never let you forget it"
"Oh and Lanie is going to let you off the hook, I don't think so."
"Castle, lets talk about something other than the possibility of them winning."
"Ok, fine."
His silence doesn't last long and when he does break it both women in the car roll their eyes at the same time.
"So, what's the game plan? Oh I know, you wear a skimpy dress and everyone will forget about the other contestants."
Before Kate can reply, Alexis jumps in. She can't resist the urge to tease her dad.
"But dad you do realise that Javier won't have a top on. One look at his body and you'll be forgotten."
"Castle, she's right. Esposito is hot. There is no denying it."
"I'm telling Lanie, you're eyeing up her guy. And You"
He points at Alexis, faking a sad face.
"You are supposed to humour me, and please never refer to anyone as hot in my prescence. Especially not one of my friends or rivals. Or in this case both."
"Jeeze dad, Kate's right. You are such an easy target."
At her words, he turns back to Kate as she pulls up outside Alexis' school.
"Remind me why she gets to use your first name."
Kate ignores him and turns to Alexis, a smile on her face as she watches the young woman make sure she has everything. Alexis gracefully gets out the car before leaning through the window to hug her friend. Castle's jaw drops.
"I'll call later, I want to know everything ok? I won't tell him anything."
"I know, oh I'm so excited. I'll call as soon as I can. Make him buy you lunch and ice cream."
"OK, I'll do that, you best be off before you miss too much."
"Oh you're right. Bye Kate."
She turns to go but spins back round a moment later and calls to her dad.
"Oh dad, bye. I'll see you later, don't get into trouble, ok?"
"Yes sweetie, I love you too."
"Yeah dad, Bye!"
With that Alexis bounces off and practically speedwalks to her class. This leaves Castle staring at Kate with utter disbelief.
"You've turned her to the dark side. Now what is it you won't tell me about? I can keep a secret."
"Castle relax, it's nothing bad. Just some girly fun. Which reminds me, can I borrow Alexis on Saturday?"
"Why? To compare notes on torturing me?"
"No, shopping but if that topic does come up..."
"No, that topic is not allowed."
"Isn't it better than discussing hot males."
"Hot males?"
"Yes Castle, males. See Alexis is into boys while I tend to go for men. Therefore it's easier to say males. Now find your jaw because we'll be there soon and we need to make Ryan choose a side."
"He'll choose Esposito, they're practically brothers. Can we get the captain then?"
"The captain won't choose sides and anyway we have Alexis, she trumps Ryan."
"Yeah. Wait. You know that no one, besides perhaps my mother is, in my opinion, better than my little girl but how does she beat Ryan?"
"Alexis is Alexis. Who doesn't she beat?"
"Me, at loads of stuff, including fencing."
"Not what I mean and you know it besides. For all you know I could have asked you to dance just to get to Alexis."
"Did you?"
"No, we make a pretty good team, and getting close to Alexis is just an amazing extra."
"But you prefer her now."
They have reached the precinct and exited the car, Castle is all but pouting as he speaks. Behind them Joel follows Camera recording their every word. He smiles at their interactions, the rumours are true, they do make quite the pair.
"Castle, I don't have preferences between the two of you, and if you proceed to try make me pick a favourite I swear I will choose Martha."
"My mother, you're threatening to choose my mother over your partner and favourite teenager?"
"You're right, I can't do that. In all honesty I really have no choice but to admit it."
"Admit what? That I am actually your favourite?"
"No, don't be silly. I can't choose between the two of you. She's sweet and brilliant while you bring me coffee and do stupid things that make me laugh."
"I'm not going to win this am I?"
"No."
"Right, I'm on Esposito's side now."
"So you don't want to see me in the dress?"
"What dress?"
"The one your daughter will help me choose when we reach the competition. I'm thinking backless."
He stops, frozen halfway towards her desk, his mind filled with fantasies as she leaves him there. She smiles happily as he stands there looking like an idiot before snapping out of it and following her.
I'll try to not take forever to post again, I've got a fair idea of what'll happen in the next chapter so if I can I'll have it done and up by Monday.