Hello dearies! :)

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Disclaimer: Castle is not mine :/

[Chapter 17]

The duo had been working on piles and piles of paperwork for hours. The floor was relatively quite with a few phones ringing and uniforms bustling in and it out. It had been a pretty slow and inactive day.

"Detective Beckett, I'm happy to see you putting Mr. Castle to work," Gates approved as she poked her head out of the office to check on everyone.

Kate looked up from a file she was working on. She chuckled lightly, "Yeah, well it's about time he did his share of the paperwork."

Rick just grunted in his seat, scribbling on the paper he had in front of him. Kate could've sworn she saw a small smile on her Captain's lips, a rarity. "Nice work, Mr. Castle," Gates complimented.

He turned to smile at her. He was surprised that the tough as nails woman offered up a compliment to him. "Uh, thank you, Sir."

Gates just nodded in acknowledgment, heading back inside her office without another word. Rick swiveled back around in his seat, a look of shock on his face.

"Did she just compliment me on a job well done?" Rick questioned, a thumb pointed in Gates' direction.

Kate smiled and nodded. "That's a big step there, Castle."

"I think she's starting to warm up to me," he grinned, resting his head in the palm of his hand.

Kate rolled her eyes, "I doubt it." Rick started to gaze off, his focus on the wall across from them. She tapped him on the forearm with her pen, gaining his attention. "Back to work."

Rick let out a groan as he shuffled through piles of papers, a pout on his lips. Kate couldn't help but smirk at him. He was obviously bored and not having a good time. She scratched her head in thought, thinking that he's suffered enough today without having to do paperwork on top of it. And he has actually helped her make a huge dent in the amount that she had to start off with.

"Okay," she began, her pen twirling in her fingers. Rick looked up. "You've been through enough for one afternoon. Finish that folder and you're done for the day."

Rick's mopey attitude lightened as she spoke. "Really?"

"Yes, really."

He had a smile as big as the moon. His sea blue eyes were sparkling with joy. "Thank you!" Kate watched as he scurried over the file, crossing his t's and dotting his i's with lightning fast speed. "Done," Rick sighed, setting the manila envelope in the black bin on her desk. He stretched out his arms, the bones cracking.

"So?" Kate mused, signing her name on the last sheet of the folder.

"So...what?"

Kate glanced at him, placing the envelope in the bin on top of his. "How's it feel doing paperwork?"

"I don't know how you do it," he answered honestly. "It's dull and tedious."

Kate shrugged, "It's part of the job description. It's definitely not the most flattering part of being a cop but we all have to do it."

"Well, I'm not actually a cop," he smirked.

"I wouldn't be so sure of that...I think you are a cop, just without the badge and the gun. You've been such a vital part of this team and we wouldn't solve as many cases as we do if you weren't here."

Rick smiled gratefully. "Wow. I'm flattered."

"You should be," Kate smiled, starting a new folder. "Who would've thought that after four years you'd still be here helping me solve murders..."

"I'm happy I stayed." Rick glanced around real fast before placing his hand on hers and giving it a little squeeze.

Kate couldn't help it and squeezed his hand back. "Me too."

He pulled his hand away before anyone would notice, taking one more glance around just to make sure. "I know you said no public dis-"

"I'll let it slide this one time," she winked, quickly getting back to work.

Rick got up, stretching his back. "I'm going to go make some coffee. Would you like some?"

Kate looked up with a thankful smile. "I'd love some." Rick nodded, walking to the break room but not before he went over to Ryan and Esposito to see if they'd like any coffee. They did and he went straight to work. By the time he returned Kate had almost finished her report, she just had to double check it all and then sign it. Rick set her coffee on her desk, the steam rising from the top.

"Thank you," she smiled, taking a small sip. A little moan coming from the back of her throat.

"How's it coming?" Rick asked as he watched her go back to work.

"It's...coming. I think this will be last one," she indicated to the folder in hand. "I think my eyes are going cross from staring at these things all day."

Raising his wrist to look at his watch, "well, it's going on five o'clock. What do you say to grabbing an early dinner when you're finished?"

"I'd say it's a great idea," Kate grinned, opening a new manila envelope and reading over it. "Where would you like to go?"

"I was thinking about ordering take out and hanging out with Alexis at my place. Would that be okay with you? If not, I totally understand."

Kate shook her head, "No, I would love that. It'll give me some time to catch up with her, see how she's doing with the whole college thing."

Rick gazed at her in wonderment. "You're extraordinary," he whispered, adoration shining in his eyes. "Just extraordinary."

"I could say the same about you," she stated, staring at him with all the love she could muster. "I'm a lucky woman."

"And I'm a lucky man."

Kate eventually finished the file, placing it with the others. It was around five-thirty when they started to get ready to head out. She began organizing her things before standing up. "Hey, have a good night you two. And stay out of trouble," she called to Ryan and Esposito.

Esposito turned in his seat. "Trouble is my middle name."

Ryan just smiled, "Good night!"

"Night guys," Rick waved, putting his arm out for Kate to take. She smiled, weaving her arm through his and grasping onto his bicep. The duo made their way to the elevator, waiting for it to arrive on their floor.

They stood extremely close, their arms still connected. Kate was snuggled into Rick's side, loving the warmth that radiated off of him. Rick kissed her on the crown of her head, resting his on top of hers. Even with her high heels on she was still a bit shorter than him, making her the perfect height. They arrived to the lobby, heading out the main doors.

"Night, Ernie. We'll see you bright and early tomorrow morning," Kate waved to the man at the front desk.

"And a good night to you, too, Detective Beckett. Mr. Castle." The elderly man smiling as he waved goodbye to the couple.

Rick hailed a cab and they quickly got in. Kate's hand found Rick's, holding onto it tightly as he gave the driver his address. The driver was nice, making small talk with the couple and telling them his intriguing life story.

Twenty-five minutes later they pulled up to Rick's building. "Thank you very much, Taylor," Rick thanked, paying him. "It was a fun ride."

The gruff man nodded with a smile. "Not a problem. You two have a great evening!"

"You too!"

Rick let Kate out first as he closed the door and the taxi drove off into traffic. "Shall we?" He had his arm out again.

Kate smirked as she moved past his arm and wrapped her arms around his middle, hugging him closely. "We shall."

He laughed, his face lighting up. He lowered his arm so that it rested on her shoulders, holding her tight. Rick and Kate slowly made their way to the elevator, enjoying one another. A few minutes passed and they were on his floor walking down the hallway. Rick fished for his keys in his jeans pocket unable to find them.

"Looking for these?" Rick glanced down at Kate who was dangling his keys in front of him with a mischievous grin on.

"You had your hand in my pocket and I didn't even feel it?" He questioned, totally in awe. "Do it again." She just rolled her eyes and handed him back the keys. He sighed, placing the correct key in and opening the door. "Alexis? We're home!" Rick yelled as he shut the front door.

Kate froze. Did he just say we're home? She didn't know why but it kind of freaked her out. Rick didn't say "I'm home" he said "we're home", meaning that he considers this Kate's home, too. She took a deep breath as she gave it more thought, the idea of this bring her home becoming less and less frightening.

Arms wrapped around her middle and she felt a warm breath on her neck. "You okay?"

Placing her hands on his arms, she nodded in the affirmative. "I am now."

"Good," and he kissed her on the cheek, his lips so soft against her skin.

"Hey, Dad! How'd it go at th-" Alexis was at the top of the stairs looking down, she seemed surprised. "Oh, hey Detective Beckett!"

The teenager quickly ran down the stairs to give each adults a hug, something that surprised both adults. Kate smiled when she pulled away from Alexis' embrace. "Alexis, you can call me Kate, okay?"

Alexis smiled. "Sorry, old habits die hard."

"That's perfectly alright," Kate said as she snuggled back into Rick's side.

Alexis crossed her arms and smirked as she watched her dad and Kate. "I take it the date went well?"

Rick's arms tightened, his chin resting on Kate's shoulder. "You could say that..."

Alexis looked up to the ceiling, her hands clasped. "Thank you." Kate and Rick laughed. Turning her focus back down at the couple she smiled brightly. "It's about time," Alexis declared giving them each another bone crushing hug. "Gram and I were growing impatient."

The three moved to the kitchen, Alexis and Kate taking the bar stools while Rick leaned against the counter.

"Speaking of Gram, is she back yet?" Rick wondered, not seeing or hearing from his mother in a while.

Alexis shook her head no. "Nope. She and what's his face are still gone. I have no idea when they'll be back."

"Knowing your Gram, it'll be days," he winked at his daughter. "So, what sounds good for dinner to you ladies?"

Kate and Alexis looked at one another before turning to Rick. "Chinese," they said simultaneously, causing Rick to stare at them like they each had two heads.

"That was creepy but awesome!" Rick exclaimed, staring at his daughter and girlfriend in awe. Kate and Alexis giggled as Rick pulled out his phone to order their food. He moved over to the living room area to give the girls their privacy.

"How's the college hunt going, Alexis? You hear from schools yet?" Kate asked once they calmed down.

Alexis turned on the stool so she was facing Kate. She had on a huge smile. "I have. I actually got my acceptance letters from Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Harvard, Princeton, Yale, and NYU. I applied there to make my dad happy."

"Congratulations," Kate grinned. "That's very impressive, Alexis."

"Thanks, Det- Kate. Now, I just have to make a decision."

"Can I give you some advice?" The teenager eagerly nodded. "Follow your heart, go where you want to go not where your dad wants you to go. Go to a school that you believe you'll be the most successful at. And don't shy away from any opportunities that come knocking on your door. College can be frightening but if you meet the right group of people then you'll be set. And Alexis?" The teen nodded. "Have fun. Yes, you want to stay on top of your academics, but college isn't just about getting the best grades or the highest marks. Take a break from the work and go hang out with your friends! It's all about discovering yourself and having a great time."

Alexis smiled, giving Kate another hug. "Thank you. And I will!"

"Just don't slack off too much with your school work, I don't want your dad to get mad at me for-"

"Why would I get mad at you?" Rick wondered, coming back into the kitchen. "I could never be mad at you."

Kate almost said something but Alexis cut her off. "Dad, Kate was just giving me some advice about college and making the right choice. It's really nothing to worry about." She gave Rick an innocent look, making him smile.

"Oh, okay," he shrugged off. "Our food should be here in about twenty minutes or so. Now, what shall we do to kill the time?" Rick waggled his eyebrows and gave Alexis a look.

She just smiled mischievously as she jumped down from the stool and went into her father's office. Kate was perplexed. "Rick, what's going on?"

He escorted her out of the kitchen and into his office where Alexis had just disappeared to. "It'll be fun, I promise."

"Come on, Kate! I thought you were a police officer. Show us your stuff!" Alexis taunted from across the room.

The lights were off and the entire loft was blanketed in darkness. The only light coming from the glowing outfits the three of them were wearing. Yes, Rick, Kate, and Alexis were playing laser tag. It was the two Castles versus one Beckett.

Kate was crouched down by the kitchen counter, hiding from them. She was surprised at how good the two of them were; they had plays and maneuvers that exceeded her expectations. When Rick and Alexis presented her the challenge of laser tag, she accepted thinking that it would be an easy fight.

She was so wrong...

"Oh, Kaatte!" Rick called out in a sing-song tune. "You can't hide forever! We will find you!"

"Not if I find you first, Ricky!" Kate yelled. She braced the large gun up in ready position. Crawling over to her left, she took a risky glance over to the couch where she heard Rick. She didn't see or hear anything. Where were they?

A small, barely noticeable noise caught her attention. Sneaking over to the back of the couch, she knelt down. Taking a deep breath, she smiled evilly to herself. Gotcha. Jumping up, she stood ready to fire but there was no one there. As she turned around her vest lit up red. Game over.

Rick and Alexis came out of their hiding spots. Rick behind the piano on Kate's right and Alexis from behind a pillar on Kate's left.

"And that is how we Castles roll!" Rick cheered, holding his hand up for a high-five from his daughter.

Kate shook her head, biting the inside of her cheek. "Nicely played, you two. Nicely played."

"Care for another round, Kate?" Alexis wondered, raising her goggles up.

The doorbell rang. "Food's here!" Rick smiled, raising his own goggles so that they rested on top of his head.

Kate turned to the red head. "How about after dinner? Then it can be me and you against your dad."

Alexis beamed at the idea. "I like it!" She gave the older woman a high-five. "He doesn't stand a chance."

Rick stopped right in front of the door, wallet in hand. "You're on, ladies."

Kate and Alexis smirked as they began to take off the laser tag gear. "Let's go set the table while your dad pays for the food," Kate suggested, leading Alexis toward the kitchen.

Rick returned moments later to find his girls laughing and talking while placing cups and plates on the table. He halted his movements and merely observed. They got along really well, something he was extremely thankful for. Alexis looked up to Kate, she was her role model. And Rick knows that Kate looks at Alexis like she was her own. His heart threatened to beat out of his chest he was so happy.

Kate looked so at home here and he had hoped that he hadn't freaked her out before by saying "we're home!" He was just so excited and he couldn't help it. She didn't seem too shocked by it and he was grateful for that.

"Rick?" He shook his head, coming back to earth. "You're going to catch flies if you keep your mouth open like that."

He moved to the counter, setting the plastic bags down. "Wouldn't want that to happen because then I couldn't do this," and he shifted over to Kate and kissed her on the lips.

"Eww. If you're gonna do that, at least warn me ahead of time," Alexis whined, covering her eyes.

The couple pulled back with smiles. "Sorry, Alexis," Kate apologized, hitting Rick on the chest playfully; he still had the laser tag gear on. "You answered the door like this?"

Rick nodded. "Yeah. Why?"

That made her laugh, Kate's entire body shaking. "You're such a little kid!"

Rick began to take off the gear, placing it on the couch by the girls'. "That I am!" He grinned as he came into the kitchen.

Alexis was sorting through the bags, taking out Styrofoam carton after Styrofoam carton. "Gosh, dad. How much do you get? We could feed an entire army with all of this!"

Rick peered over the counter looking at everything he ordered. "I just got one container of egg rolls, two containers of white rice, three containers of Mongolian beef, three containers of Sesame chicken, three containers of Kung Pao chicken, and a handful of fortune cookies."

Kate gave him an exasperated look. "Is that all?" He shrugged. "Rick, how are we possibly going to eat all of this?"

"If we don't finish it then we'll save it for another time. Maybe we can bring some into the station tomorrow," he explained, moving to the refrigerator. He received a slow nod from the detective. "What would you like to drink? We have water, milk, apple juice, orange juice, wine."

"I'll have a glass of wine, please."

"Coming right up! Alexis, sweetheart. What would you like?"

The teenager took a moment to think. "Water's fine. Thanks, dad."

"Sure thing, Pumpkin." Rick grabbed two wine glasses and a regular glass from the cabinet, filling them up with the desired drinks.

Kate and Alexis were already at the table waiting for Rick. He handed them each their glasses before grabbing himself a plate and serving himself food. Soon, the three of them were digging in.

"Did you have any cases today?" Alexis wondered, breaking the silence with her curiosity.

Kate finished chewing her chicken before answering. "Uh, no, we didn't. Just boring old paperwork. Your dad actually helped out a bit with it, too."

"You did?"

"Why so surprised?" Rick wondered, his eyebrows knit in confusion.

"Because you've never done paperwork like...ever," his daughter supplied.

Rick shook his head. "That is completely-"

"True," Kate cut him off.

Rick looked between Kate and Alexis, both of whom had identical smirks. "You just love to gain up on me, don't you?"

"Yes," came the chorus reply.

"My daughter and my girlfriend teaming up against me...how humiliating. And in my own home, too!"

"Oh grow up, dad!" Alexis smiled, winking at Kate.

Kate joined in. "Yeah, stop acting like a little kid and eat your dinner so we can go play some more laser tag!" She was bouncing a bit in her seat.

Rick leaned closer to Kate, his forearm bracing himself on the table. "Who's the little kid now?"

"Still you!"

And there we go! :)

I hope y'all enjoyed this chapter! I had a blast writing it! I wanted to have some Kate/Alexis moments in there so I hoped they turned out alright. Please leave a review with your thoughts and comments! Thanks for reading! Until next time!

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