Castle's Loft

Castle slowly wakes up finding the space next to him empty once more. He can tell she must have gotten up just a little while ago; the sheets are still warm and the smell of cherries still lingers in the air. Looking at the clock he finds it is only 8:30… much too early to get up when she doesn't have work. He will definitely have to try and remedy that sometime soon. Getting up he pulls on a pair of shorts and t-shirt and heads in the direction of his kitchen.

Coming out of the office he is stopped in his tracks for a second day in a row to find his girls once again together… this time laughing and joking as the make breakfast. Both have their backs turned to him; Kate looks like she is taking care of the bacon as Alexis is scrambling eggs in a bowl. It is not long before he hears Kate say "So Rick are you just going to stand there staring at us or are you going to come over here and help."

Startled he stutters as he replies "What… how… how did you know I even there?"

"Come on Castle, after two years you think I can't tell when you are staring at me? And let me just remind you that even though we are together… it is still creepy."

Smiling at her as she turns to look at him he responds "Sorry" before he continues "So what do my girls need from me?"

Kate shakes her head at him as Alexis giggles over the conversation the two are having. Kate replies "Your girls huh" then adds "Well mister you can start by coming over here and properly greeting us good morning."

Walking towards them he replies "You're right, where are my manners?" He then kisses Alexis on the head with a "morning pumpkin" and turning to Kate he wraps his arms around her giving her a quick kiss on the lips with a "hello sexy."

"That's better" she responds before adding "you can get the plates, cups, and silverware and set them out it should be ready soon."

Doing as he is told, it isn't long before the three of them are joined by Martha, making her grand entrance down the stairs. The talking leads to laughing as both Martha and Alexis fill Kate in on just some of Castle's cooking mishaps. He pretends to pout over the teasing earning him a kiss from Kate, making him smile.

After breakfast is finished Martha and Alexis make their ways back upstairs to their rooms… one to get some studying done, the other to catch up on her so called beauty sleep after a late night out. Kate starts to help Rick with the cleanup but he stops saying "you cooked; I'll take care of the cleaning." Knowing her can be just as stubborn as her; she relents deciding to head to the bathroom dying to try out his luxurious looking shower.

It's just as wonderful as she thought; she smiles to herself as the water washes over her. She can get used to this. She reminisces over the past day and a half. She hasn't been this happy in a while. She hasn't felt this feeling of belonging to a family in a long time. Out of nowhere it hits her and the feeling of happiness she had just moments ago come crashing down replaced with grief. She realizes the last time she felt like this was over eleven years ago before she lost her mother. She tries to fight it off but she can't… she needs to get out of here, needs to go back home and have some time to herself. She just hopes Castle will understand. She finishes her shower; drying off and quickly getting dressed. She exits the bathroom to find him in his bedroom waiting for her.

As he approaches Kate to wrap his arms around her; he can tell right away that something is off. He stops himself before asking "Hey is everything alright?"

Her focus is on the floor, she can't even look him in the eyes. She is stalling and she knows it… but what is she supposed to say to him. After everything she has put him through, she doesn't want him to think she has changed her mind or running from him. She just needs the day to get through this. She is brought back by him calling her name.

"Kate, please look at me." When she finally lifts her head focusing on him… he can see it; the pain and grief. He can tell she is somewhat freaking out and wants make her understand that it is okay. He knows that she is a strong, independent woman and needs space to work things out on her own. This is one of the things that he loves about her. He continues "it's okay, I can tell right now that you need some space. I'm fine with that… we had two wonderful days and we are taking this slow."

She is surprised by his response, but should have known he can read her well and knows just what she needs. Giving him a small smile she wraps him in a hug relying "I'm so sorry Rick, I'm not sure what happened." She goes on to continue but he stops her placing a finger on her lips.

"There is no apology necessary" he then leans down placing a simple kiss on her lips adding "I love you."

She responds back "Thanks, I love you too."

Smiling down at her he continues "Lets gather you things together and I'll walk you down and have my car service take you home."

"Rick, I'm fine catching a cab home."

"I know you are, but I'll feel better knowing you got home safe and sound."

She pulls him back in for another kiss responding "I don't deserve you." He gives her a small laugh and a shake of his head gripping her hand in his as he leads her out of the loft. Once at the car he helps her in after one last kiss.

Kate looks up to him asking somewhat unsurely "I'll see you tomorrow than?"

Giving her a reassuring smile he replies "Until tomorrow detective."

Back in the loft his daughter comes down stairs finding him by himself. He sees the concern in her eyes as she asks "where's Kate?"

Wanting to be truthful to her, he answers "she went home."

Before he can continue she adds "Dad, you didn't do something wrong… did you?"

"No Alexis, everything is fine between the two of us. She just needed a day to herself."

He can see the worry slide off his daughter as she responds "good… that's good. I like her and think she is good for you. Just don't screw it up."

He has to laugh at this, trying to take offense; he replies "If I didn't know better I would think you like Kate more."

Laughing back at him she continues "Oh come on you know it's no contest; Kate wins."

He tries to grab and tickle her as she squeals, dodging him before making it back up to her room. He knows she is just messing with him but is glad that her relationship with Kate is growing. This is the first woman that he has been involved with that Alexis has taken a liking to.

He sighs, now he just needs to figure out how to spend the rest of today. He was hoping it involved a certain brunette, but like he told her he does understand. Finished with the latest Nikki Heat book and not in the mood to start jotting ideas down for the next… he decides a workout is in order.

Beckett's Apartment

She enters her apartment wondering what to do now? Why did this feeling have to come over her and ruin everything. Before her episode she was planning on spending the day doing whatever with Castle. She really didn't care what it was… just as long as they did it together. Sighing to herself she plops down on the couch. Her hands cover her face as her elbows rest on her knees taking a few relaxing breaths.

She knows she doesn't want to be alone and needs to talk this over with someone. Of course the first person that comes to mind is Castle, but she was the one who asked for space. She saw her father yesterday and as much as she wants their relationship to grow… this is not something she feels comfortable talking to him about. That only leaves one person; Lanie.

Picking up her phone she quickly scans her contacts until coming upon her number. She hits send and waits for the other end to pick up. It isn't long before she hears her best friend's voice (female friend that is).

"Hey Kate, you okay?"

"Yeah Lanie I'm fine. I was just calling to see if you could come over."

"You don't sound fine to me, you sure you're okay?"

Not wanting to get into this over the phone Kate quickly replies "Can you come over?"

"Whoa, Honey did something happen? Is it Castle? Cause if that boy did something else to you… I swear I will skin him."

Attempting to put a stop to Lanies' rant; Kate cuts in "Lanie, I just need to talk to my friend and I don't want it to be over the phone."

"Oh, okay Kate. I'm kind in the middle of something but I can be there around lunch time. I can stop and pick something up on my way."

"That sounds great, I'll see you soon."

Lanie arrives to hours later. Just looking at her friend, she can tell something is off. Kate says little as they make their way over to the kitchen to dish up their plates, grab a glass of wine and head over to the couch to eat.

"So honey, tell me what's going on that has you in this funk."

Taking a deep breath Kate gathers herself as she tells Lanie everything. From finding out about Castle's fight with Demming defending her honor; to going to his place Friday evening to apologize; the declarations of love between the two; spending the night with him; the awkward morning with Alexis and then the acceptance of his family; having lunch with her father and the Castle's; spending the day together just like a family; nearly having sex with him that night; having a family breakfast; and finally the grief and pain that washed over her and her need to leave.

By the time Kate is done, Lanies' head is spinning. She is having a hard time catching up to what Kate has told her. Her silence is starting to unnerve Beckett. Finally she starts "Wow, I did not see that coming."

"Is that all you can say… wow?"

"And what am I supposed to say?"

"I don't know Lanie… what would you do if it was you?"

"I would call writer boy and have him come over a.s.a.p. and then jump him as soon as her entered the door."

"That is not helping" she sighed.

"Kate, really I don't know why you seem so worked up. You didn't do anything wrong. Castle understood that it kind of got to you and you needed space. He wasn't angry. He told you he loved you and what be back at the precinct with you."

"Maybe you're right. Maybe I'm just overthinking what happened this morning. I mean I should be happy right. I have a rich, handsome boyfriend that loves me and his family accepts me."

Shaking her head at Kate, Lanie replies "that's cruel… now you're just rubbing it in my face."

"I know, I'm sorry; after thinking it over… I just couldn't help myself."

Lanie laughs and brings her friend in for a hug. "I'm glad we got it straightened out. When I leave go take a relaxing bath with a glass of wine and a good book."

"I will and thanks again."

As the evening rolls on, Kate does exactly that. She is feeling better and is glad she had Lanie to help her. She decides to get to bed early happy that she will have Rick back at her side. Unfortunately sleep will not come. The last two night wrapped up protectively in his hand were the best sleep she had in a long time. Missing it she tosses and turns thinking what is wrong with her? Giving in she picks up her phone sending a quick text:

Hey are you still awake?

His reply is almost instantaneous:

Yes, is everything okay?

Happy that she didn't wake him she responds:

Yes, I just need you… come over?

She smiles as she reads his reply:

On my way.

AN: Think this is a good place to stop. Needed some more Lanie/Kate time. I plan on the next chapter being the last. Warning it will contain some M rated situations. Thanks again for all the support.