A/N: This chapter was...a struggle to say the least. First, I was on vacation so that meant no writing opportunities. Next, I seriously considered having Kate get into a horrible car accident on her way to Castle's that had him rushing to the nearest hospital although he was still furious. Let me know what you think of that because I may give this an alternate ending. Finally, I decided to split this chapter in half in order to give you guys a sooner update. Happy Reading!

Previously in Turning Tables:

"Thank God. I really didn't know what to expect. And thank you. It was wrong of me and I seriously doubt your dad will ever forgive me but I'm glad you understand." Before Alexis knew what was happening Kate pulled her in for a fierce hug.

"It was wrong of all of us," Alexis stated as Kate let go. "But it's nice of you to try to make him understand. He sent me a text that he's going to be gone for a few days to process everything but he won't return my phone calls. Now, go talk to him before I'm late for school."

Kate smiled and walked with Alexis out of the loft, bracing herself for what was to come.

The television was on. Some show Castle couldn't remember the name of played on in the background as he sat on his couch failing miserably at some app on his phone. A bottle of scotch was sitting on the table to his right and every so often he's take a few sips. That managed to dull his senses but did nothing for the ache in his heart. His vision was blurred but every time he closed his eyes he could see Kate's image clearly. She was always smiling and it hurt him even more so he'd take another drink. He just wanted the thought of her to be gone, pushed out of his mind and alcohol was the only way he could think to do it…but it wasn't working.

There was a knock on the door.

Maybe pizza would help, Rick thought. It's delicious, cheesy, and doesn't lie.

He hauled himself from the comfort of his couch and slowly stumbled to the door. Reaching into the pocket of his robe and grabbed a bill from his wallet without bothering to look at the amount. Throwing open the door, all Rick was focused on was the box of pizza in from of him. He grabbed the box, thrust the cash at the pizza guy, slurred "keep the change" before retreating back into the darkness of his house.

It was the "Castle" that was shouted just as he was closing the door that stopped him.

It was Kate's voice.

Before Castle actually knew what he was thinking the door flew open and his eyes on Kate Beckett who was standing in front of him, her face free of makeup, her wild hair tied up in a bun on the top of her head, clad in sweatpants but with a tinge of fear behind her eyes.

"Stunning," Rick exhaled, his mouth saying the first word that came to his mind despite his better judgment. Quickly realizing his mouth let his thought slip against his brain's protests, Rick mentally scolded himself before putting on an icy exterior.

Kate ignored his slip, her eyes roaming Castle's figure. His robe was hanging open, revealing his bare chest and boxer shorts. Kate did her best not to ogle so she turned her eyes to look at his face instead. She couldn't help but notice his bloodshot eyes or the stench of alcohol that loomed around him.

"Castle," she said again.

"I have nothing to say to you," Castle slurred.

"You always have something to say Castle," Kate prodded.

"Well not today. Goodbye Kate." Castle moved to shut the door but Kate moved too quickly for him.

"Oh no you don't Rick," Kate said, shoving her leg in the door before it closed. Castle had already turned around and was walking away when Kate pushed the door open and let herself inside.

"Castle, you're going to have to talk to me."

"I wouldn't bet on it," Castle's speech grew more and more incomprehensible. He stumbled towards his bedroom. Kate let out a sigh as she trailed behind Castle but not too closely.

He made it to his bedroom before Kate and by the time she got there he was sprawled on top of his bed asleep.

"Probably for the best," Kate sighed as she headed into the living room.

It was a mess. Pillows and blankets were strewn across the floor. Unwashed plates, bottles of beer and take out containers cluttered the counters. Kate's eyes scanned the room and she realized she couldn't just stand there. She knew she needed to show Castle she cared. It was a small act but Kate started in the kitchen.

She threw away all of the beer bottles and the empty takeout containers. Kate loaded the dishwasher and set it to run before heading to Castle's room.

He was still asleep when she snuck into his room. First, she put a cool cloth on his forehead, hoping it would ease the headache she knew he would have when he woke up. Next, she set two aspirin and a glass of water on his bedside table and picked up the box of pizza lying next to him before sneaking out again.

When she got into the living room, Kate cleared all the trash, fluffed all the pillows, and folded all the blankets. Kate changed the channel to something more interesting.

After heading back into the kitchen, Kate took the uneaten and now cold pizza, boxed it up and put it in the refrigerator.

In the pantry, Kate found all of the ingredients she'd need to make lasagna. Kate figured a home-cooked meal would do Castle some good. So she pulled out all the necessities and started cooking.

Rick awoke with water droplets slowly falling down his face and a massive headache. He removed the cloth from his forehead with confusion and laid it on his bedside table. He eyed the aspirin and glass of water for a few moments before throwing the pills back.

He lay back down, his back propped against the pillows and the pounding in pounding in his head slowly being reduced to a dull throb. Then it hit him.

"Kate," he exhaled, jumping from bed a little too quickly. Castle held onto the edge of the bed steadying himself before rushing out to his living room.

He saw her curls lying over the back of the couch before he saw anything else. Castle could feel the rage and hurt bubbling up inside of him.

"I thought I told you to leave," he said, his tone icy and filled with anger. Kate jumped at the sound of his voice before swiftly turning around.

"Nope, you never did. You only said you have nothing to say to me," Kate responded.

"That hasn't changed." The oven timer went off but Castle held his gaze.

"And that's why I'm not asking you to talk," Kate said, rising from the couch and passing Rick to enter the kitchen. "I am asking you to listen."

Kate pulled the lasagna from the oven and set it on the counter. Castle watched in awe as she got two plates and glasses from the cabinets setting them on the table. Kate pulled a chair out for Castle before sitting down herself.

He made no move towards her.

Kate turned around so she was looking at him, her hazel eyes shining with regret.

"Please," she whispered. It was the tone of her voice, the level of desperation that reached Castle's ears that drew him to the table. Silently he sat down.

Kate put a piece of the lasagna on his plate before serving herself. Immediately she started eating without saying another word. Castle joined in.

The scraping of their forks against plates was the only noise made and Rick, even in all his anger and hurt, could not take it.

"It's good," he muttered, shoving another forkful into his mouth.

Kate met his eyes and smiled. It was a smile so genuine, so full of hope Rick couldn't help the corner of his mouth turning up. It turned back down just as quickly and the scraping of forks continued.

It was her closeness that did him in. The level of intimacy he felt with having her cook in his kitchen, her sharing a meal with him, her taking care of him.

Despite his anger, his hurt, that feeling of betrayal that tore at his gut he wanted to talk to her.

"I'm listening."

Kate's fork clattered against the table and she let out a long sigh.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry and I know that doesn't even begin to cover the pain I've put you through over the past few months but I…I…" she trailed off. Kate let out a chuckle and Rick's gaze flew to her, anger clouding behind his eyes.

"I've practiced this in the mirror at least twenty times and in front of you I just can't…"

Kate ran her hand through her hair before setting it back down on the table. Rick reached out and grasped it gently.

"Try."

And that was all Kate needed to hear.

Did you guys catch my Once Upon A Time quote? :)