I want to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season, and thank you again for your ongoing support.

Once again I couldn't do what I do without 41319always413419. Thank you for your ongoing support, beta and the person who keeps me on track when I tend to deviate off.

Chapter 12 – The Black Dog

'Girl, what're you doing here!?' Lanie exclaimed. However, from the stern look of disapproval she was receiving from the receptionist, the ME suddenly felt like she was sitting outside the principal's office. 'Sorry,' Lanie apologised sheepishly before rising from the ridiculously comfortable couch she was falling asleep on.

'Well, I can go if you want me too,' Kate teased, allowing her best friend to pull her in for a hug.

'I wasn't expecting to see you today that's all,' Lanie clarified as both women moved to sit on the couch Lanie had just vacated. 'Alexis never mentioned you were meeting her this morning.'

Kate looked guiltily at her best friend before checking the door she knew her daughter was sitting behind. 'Alexis doesn't know I'm here,' she admitted. 'Apart from wanting to surprise her and take her out for breakfast, I wanted to catch up with you to see how she's doing.'

'And you thought the waiting room of her shrink's office was the best place to do that?' Lanie teased. 'How'd you even know I was coming with her this morning?'

'I knew it was the last of her required counselling sessions, and I know you Lanie Parish,' Kate shrugged. 'Even after coming off two straight weeks of nights, you'd still want to be here to make sure Alexis was okay.'

'Girl, are you saying I look like crap because that's what I'm hearing,' Lanie sassed. 'And don't worry, she's still got another fifteen minutes,' Lanie assured when Kate looked towards the closed door again. 'If we keep it down to a dull roar, Alexis won't even know we're out here,' the ME sassed.

Kate just gave her friend a look worthy of Captain Beckett. 'You're just as grumpy and irritable as Alexis when you're tired, you know that?' Kate reached over the armrest of the couch to the water fountain that was just in reach. Filling a disposable cup with water, Kate thrust it at her best friend. 'Here,' she grumbled.

'Thanks, and don't try pulling any of that Captain Beckett ninja crap on me either,' Lanie grumbled before downing the entire cup of water. 'I'm down two interns, one Medical Examiner, and Perlmutter worked nights for three straight weeks, so it was only fair he had days for a while.' Lanie yawned and stretched her arms above her head, sighing heavenly at the audible pops as she stretched her spine. 'Plus, the poor guy copped three nights in a row with a full moon, and you know all too well how crazy-stupid people get at that time of the month.' Kate was surprised at the sympathy her friend had for her cantankerous colleague. 'Speaking of that time of the month?' Lanie asked with a knowing look.

Kate felt the blush creep up her neck at the ME's question. 'I'm supposed to be due in the next couple of days.'

'Well come and see me at the end of next week if you're not,' Lanie yawned.

'Lanie, that's Christmas day,' Kate laughed.

'And?' Lanie questioned. 'Perlmutter and I are sharing it this year.'

'But won't that be too early?'

'Not by then, no. I can have the results of a blood test back within the hour, depending on how busy we are of course,' Lanie shrugged. 'Who knows, maybe you and Writer Boy can finally give Little Castle the brother or sister she's been pestering you guys for. I'll even wrap the vacutainer in a red ribbon and you can present it to her for Christmas.'

'Lanie,' Kate laughed. 'I'll let you know,' she sobered. 'After being disappointed month after month, I don't want to get my hopes up,' Kate admitted. 'Even though we aren't actively trying, every month I get this little glimmer of hope that maybe….'

'I know sweetie, but the way you and Castle go at it like rabbits, Alexis will be complaining about the sheer number of siblings she ends up with.'

'Lanie!' Kate shrieked, earning herself a stern look from the receptionist and a dirty look from the woman sitting across from her.

'What? I think your kid's been grateful being on nights for the past week, and just between you and me Kate, I'm pretty sure Alexis is jealous of your sex life.'

'Lanie!' Kate yelled.

'I'm sorry ladies, but if you can't keep your voices down, I'm going to have to ask you both to leave.' Both Lanie and Kate tittered like little schools girls at the reprimand from the older woman sitting behind the reception desk while the receptionist did her best to keep a straight face.

'I'm sorry Mrs. Woods,' Kate apologised, trying to get her laughter under control. 'We'll be quiet, I promise.'

'I should think so Captain Beckett, this behaviour is very unbecoming,' Mrs. Woods said with a sly smile while Lanie and Kate tried to suppress another round of giggling.

Lanie grabbed Kate's arm to gain her attention again. 'Kate, I know you're worried about your kid, but you don't need to be, she's fine,' the ME assured.

'It's alright for you,' Kate grumbled. 'I've barely seen her in a week, and you've had her all to yourself.'

'Yeah, between me, the cadavers, and Alexis, we've been partying it up all night long,' Lanie teased before realising Kate had gone silent. 'Kate, what is it?'

'Have you had a chance to talk to Alexis about her joining the Academy?' Kate asked hesitantly.

'Kate…'

'I trust you Lanie, and Alexis idolises and respects you.'

'Girl, believe me, I'm not the person Little Castle idolises,' Lanie teased. 'Alexis would walk through a hail of bullets for you.'

'And that's why I want you to talk to her, but only if she brings it up in conversation,' Kate stressed. 'I'm happy to help Alexis if she wants to join the force, but I need to know she's doing it for her, and not out of some misguided need to please me.'

'Kate, when has that girl done anything just to please someone, and that includes her father?' Lanie stated.

'Ashley and Pi come to mind.'

'Oh come on Kate, Alexis' relationship with Ashley was all but over, even before the little dweeb moved to attend Stanford, and with Pi, she was hurt and confused. Her acting out was a normal reaction for someone who's life had just been turned upside down,' Lanie argued.

'Lanie, you're supposed to be my supportive best friend here.'

'And I am Kate, but have you stopped to think that maybe Alexis has finally found the passion she's been looking for?'

'I just don't want her to regret her decision.'

'Do you regret yours?' Lanie questioned.

'No, of course not,' Kate hissed.

'Then trust Alexis, and stop projecting your reason for joining the force onto your kid.'

'Is that what I'm doing?' Kate asked with concern.

'Kate, you probably don't even realise you're doing it, and you guys need to come clean with Writer Boy before this all ends badly….what?'

'You keep calling her my kid,' Kate smiled.

'Yeah, well she refers to you as her mom, so why not?'

Before Kate could reply to her friend's statement, both women were interrupted by a door opening, followed by Alexis laughing at something her therapist had said. 'Honestly Alexis, unless you feel like you need it, I don't need to see you for any further sessions.'

'Thank you so much Doctor Burke,' Alexis smiled. 'Kate!' the young woman squealed with delight when she saw her mom. 'What're you doing here?' Captain Beckett gave the ME a death stare as her best friend burst out laughing. 'What's so funny?' Alexis asked in confusion.

'Nothing,' her mom grumbled. 'Come here kid, I need a hug,' Alexis stepped willingly into her mom's arms and held on tight. 'Missed you,' she whispered.

'Too busy to miss you,' Alexis teased. 'What with Lanie and I partying with the cadavers and all.' Kate's reaction was to squeeze her daughter tightly before stepping back and swatting her on the arm.

'That's it. I want you rostered on with Perlmutter from now on,' Kate grumbled as she heard Lanie laughing behind her.

'No way, Lanie has all the cool stories,' was all Alexis said as she wrapped herself around her mom again, allowing her head to rest on Kate's shoulder.

The ME was saved from the wrath of Captain Beckett by Mrs. Woods advising Doctor Burke's next appointment she could wait in his office. All four watched as the frazzled older woman scampered into the psychiatrist's office, throwing one last disapproving look at Kate and Lanie, before she disappeared from sight.

'Do I want to know what that was about?' the psychiatrist asked with amusement at the two women shaking their heads. This was a side of Kate Beckett Doctor Burke had never witnessed as she giggled with her friend like a teenager.

Doctor Carter Burke watched on with an overwhelming sense of contentment at the three women before him. Even now, the psychiatrist struggled to reconcile the shell of a human who'd walked into his practice just over four years ago, with the stunning woman standing in front of him. 'Kate, it's good to see you again, particularly under different circumstances, and congratulations on making Captain,' Kate had always found comfort in the deep baritone of her therapist's voice.

'Thank you Doctor Burke,' Kate smiled fondly at the older man, who without his help, she wouldn't have the life she had today.

'I take it this is just a social visit?' he queried. 'Not that I mind. I always enjoy seeing the positive developments my patients have made in their lives.'

Kate felt Alexis move out of her arms, and watched as the young woman yawned and stretched in a bid to stay awake. 'Yes, and to make sure everything went okay with Alexis' final session.' Kate watched as Alexis aimlessly wandered around the waiting room, looking at the motivational prints on the wall or being chastised by Mrs. Woods for picking up one of her snow globes and shaking it.

'Well, as you know Kate,' Kate's attention was suddenly brought back to the older man in front of her. 'I can't divulge the specifics, but I can tell you I'm more than satisfied with the progress Alexis has made over the past few weeks,' Doctor Burke smiled. 'Doctor Parish, I'll have my final report for your records later in the week,' the psychiatrist said, turning to Lanie. 'But as far as I'm concerned, Alexis is fully competent to continue on with her duties at the ME's office.'

'So I'm officially not nuts then?' Kate startled as Alexis suddenly appeared at her side again.

'No more nuts than the rest of us, Alexis,' Doctor Burke laughed.

Kate just shook her head in amusement and wrapped her arms around the young woman again. She'd been struggling with an irrational need to cling to her daughter over the past couple of days, made worse by the fact she'd barely seen Alexis in the past week. Rick had jokingly put it down to hormones and coming up to that time of the month. It was almost embarrassing that her husband knew her cycle as well as she did.

'Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to move onto my next appointment. Alexis, congratulations on what you've achieved, you should be very proud of yourself.' Alexis blushed an adorable shade of red as she shook her therapist's hand. 'And don't hesitate to come and see me if you feel the need to. That goes for you too, Kate.'

'Thank you doctor,' Lanie shook the psychiatrist's hand before he moved away. 'It's good to know I still have at least one fully functioning intern.'

'Thank you for everything Doctor Burke,' Alexis chimed in just as Doctor Burke winked and smiled before closing his office door. 'You'd think, for a psychiatrist's office, he'd have better sound proofing,' Alexis said cryptically.

Both Lanie and Kate just looked at each other, completely mortified. 'And just how much did you eavesdrop on?' Lanie asked.

'It's not eavesdropping when we could clearly hear you guys through the door. No wonder Mrs. Woods' been giving us the evil eye for the past five minutes. I'm surprised she didn't kick you guys out.'

'Not for their lack of trying Ms. Castle,' the receptionist informed without looking up from her computer monitor. 'Don't forget your jacket and bag before you leave either.'

Alexis sheepishly backed away from her boss and her mom. 'I'll just go collect my things and be back,' Alexis announced before turning and walking over to the coat rack located behind the receptionist.

Lanie took the opportunity to study her best friend while Kate was distracted; the way Kate watched Alexis struggling with her red leather jacket with affection. 'I always knew you'd make an incredible mom, Kate.'

Kate felt such warmth flow through her at her friend's compliment. 'Trust me Lanie, Alexis makes it easy,' Kate said as she turned to face the ME.

'You know, Alexis may be the perfect kid, but I've watched the way you two have fought tooth and nail for the relationship you have now, so don't go making light of it,' Lanie chastised softly. 'Because that young woman could've just as easily relegated you to the 'just another wife' status, or even worse the evil stepmother role, and I can't wait to see you with a Little Castle of your own because girl, you are going to be magnificent.'

Kate swallowed heavily on hearing her friend's compliment. 'Thank you,' Kate's voice thick with unshed tears. 'I can't wait either.'

Lanie pulled her best friend into her arms and held on tight. 'I'm so happy and proud of you for the life you've made for yourself Kate,' the ME whispered. 'Now, go and have breakfast with your kid you've barely seen in a week before we both end up a blubbering mess, and Mrs. Woods bans us for life.' Kate laughed as she pulled back from Lanie, wiping away her tears.

'Thanks Lanie,' she sniffed.

'Oh, and just one more thing before you go,' Lanie grabbed Kate's coat sleeve to prevent her friend from moving away. 'What're you guys doing for the holidays? I keep asking Alexis if she wants any days off so Perlmutter and I can finalize the duty roster, but she keeps changing the subject.'

Kate sighed, knowing why her daughter was determined to work right through the holidays. 'That's actually why I wanted to have breakfast with her today,' Kate admitted. 'I know exactly what the problem is. I'll get her to talk to you once I've had a chance to speak with her okay?'

'But Alexis is okay though?' Lanie asked with concern.

'She's fine Lanie,' Kate assured. 'It's just added stress she shouldn't have to be dealing with at the moment.' Kate hugged her friend goodbye. 'Call me when you've resurfaced tonight and I'll explain what's going on.'

'Okay,' Lanie gave her best friend one final hug before moving to the front door.

'Get home safe, oh and Espo's off the duty roster tonight and tomorrow,' Kate smiled cheekily, faintly hearing 'and I'm too freaking exhausted to do anything about it' as the office door closed.

Kate turned back to the receptionist desk in time to watch Alexis signing forms and laughing at something Mrs. Woods had said. Closing her eyes and sighing, Kate mentally prepared herself for the conversation she was about to have with her daughter.

'You okay, Kate?' Kate startled, opening her eyes to see a concerned Alexis in front her.

The older woman smiled and reached out to squeeze her daughter's hand. 'I'm good sweetheart. You ready for breakfast?'

'Sure, if you're paying,' the young woman said cheekily. 'You sure you're okay?' Alexis asked again when she didn't get the rise out of her mom she expected.

'Baby, I promise you I'm good. Now, let's go get coffee.'

'And food,' Alexis sighed dramatically, wrapping her arm around her mom's and leading her to the door. 'Bye Mrs. Woods,' Alexis waved and smiled as she held the door open for her mom.

'Goodbye Ms. Castle, Captain Beckett,' Mrs Woods said as she peered over the top of her glasses at the two women exiting the office. 'Be good, and that means both of you,' the older woman teased. Mrs. Woods faintly heard the laughter of the younger woman as the door closed. Smiling, the receptionist went back to transcribing the notes from Doctor Burke's session with Alexis that morning. 'You did good kid,' she thought to herself.

'So, why are you not at work this morning,' Alexis yawned and slumped against the wall next to the lift.

'Alexis, stabbing the button isn't going to get the lift here any quicker,' Kate grumbled as she stilled her daughter's hand; she'd learnt very quickly, the only difference between a drunken Alexis, and a fatigued Alexis was the blood alcohol content.

'Didn't answer my question,' the younger woman complained, shoving herself off the wall and walking around in an aimless circle in the hallway.

'I have a meeting down at 1PP later this morning.'

'And?'

'And I decided to go in late so I could have breakfast with you.'

'And?'

Kate was saved from watching her daughter fidget by the bell announcing the lift arriving. 'Do I need to have reason to have breakfast with you?' Kate asked, pushing the button for the ground floor. Alexis just shrugged before yawning, just managing to cover her mouth.

'Are we just going into the Black Dog?' Alexis asked.

'Or we could go down to Remy's,' Kate suggested.

Alexis made of show of thinking about the answer. 'Black Dog's just off the elevator….who names their café after depression anyway….welcome to the Black Dog, would you like an anti-depressant with your espresso,' Alexis laughed at her own joke, and Kate worried if this morning was the best time to talk to her daughter after all.

'Alexis,' Captain Beckett warned.

'Sorry,' Alexis had the good grace to look thoroughly chastised. 'I'm just so tired,' the young woman sighed dramatically.

Kate pulled her daughter next to her as the bell announced the lift car's arrival on the ground floor. Thankful people in the corporate world seemed to have more manners than the Twelfth, the three men waiting to enter the lift moved to the side to allow the women to exit. Kate smiled her thanks to the men as she tugged Alexis along with her.

The smell of freshly brewed coffee hit both women's nostrils as they entered the Black Dog Café. Kate had been coming here on and off for as long as she'd been having sessions with Doctor Burke. The coffee was good, the French pastries to die for, and the staff friendly, even by New York's standards.

'Morning Alexis,' the young waitress greeted as Alexis dragged her mom through the small crowd of people waiting for their coffee orders. 'We're a bit busy this morning, so it's pot luck on where you sit today; chocolate milkshake as unusual?' Neither woman had the chance to thank the young woman before she was scampering off to tend to another table.

'And coffee,' Alexis yelled in hopes the waitress heard her.

'If we're lucky, there'll be an empty booth in the back,' Kate suggested as she followed her daughter to the rear of the café. As it happened, luck was on their side this morning as two expensively dressed women were just leaving a corner booth. Alexis waited until both women collected their bags before pouncing on the table. 'Victory is mine,' she gloated.

Kate just smiled and shook her head as she moved to sit on the opposite side of the table. The two women gathered the plates and coffee cups and placed them on the edge of the table for the waitress to collect.

'Morning guys, sorry it's been bedlam in here this morning….oh hey Detective Beckett, I didn't recognise you when you came in.'

'Morning Beth,' Kate greeted.

'And its Captain Beckett now,' Alexis stated proudly, while Kate tried to not to look too embarrassed from the praise her daughter was giving her.

'No way, that is so cool,' Beth gushed. 'Congratulations,' the young woman said as she continued to clear their table. 'I didn't realise you two knew each other.' Beth finished wiping down the table and collected the dirty plates. 'I'll be back in a minute with your drinks.' Neither Kate nor Alexis even had a chance to respond to the young waitress as she scurried off.

Kate smiled in amusement as she looked back towards Alexis. The poor girl was struggling to stay awake as she rested her head in her hand.

'Here you go, Captain Beckett.' Kate startled and sat back as she allowed the young woman to pour her coffee. 'And a chocolate milkshake for Alexis.'

Kate looked at her daughter about to fall asleep in her seat. 'Alexis?' Alexis startled as she felt her mom kick her under the table.

'Thank you,' she mumbled.

'Do you guys need menus, or do you know what you want?' the waitress asked.

'I'll just have fruit and cereal,' Kate replied. 'Alexis?'

'Same please,' Alexis yawned.

'Are you sure,' Kate asked with concern.

'I'm sure. I don't want to go to bed on a stomach full of food.'

Beth stifled a laugh watching Alexis try to stay awake. 'Okay I'll bring out a fruit platter with some yoghurt for your cereal,' she suggested.

'Sounds perfect, thanks Beth.' Kate smiled and shook her head as she watched the young waitress smile and rush off again.

Captain Beckett looked across the table to her daughter, and mentally prepared herself for the conversation they were about to have. 'So how's your week been?' Kate asked. 'Your dad and I have barely seen you; it's hard to believe we all live under the same roof at times.'

'Same old, same old,' was all the reply Kate received.

'Have you asked for any days off over the holidays?' Kate hedged.

'What're you and dad doing over Christmas and New Year?' Alexis questioned. Kate didn't miss the way her daughter was trying be nonchalant in the way she asked.

'Well, one of the benefits of being Captain is that I chose to have Christmas day off this year,' Kate smiled. 'But I'm working right through to New Year,' Kate informed before taking a mouthful of coffee. 'Your father and I are planning on heading up to my dad's cabin the weekend of New Year at this stage.' Kate took in her daughter's worried demeanour.

'Good,' Alexis murmured while absently nodding at nothing in particular. 'That's good. You guys haven't had a chance to get away for a while.'

'What've you got planned besides Christmas day?' the older woman asked casually. 'Please make sure you're taking time out for your friends. They need you as much as you need them, particularly after Andie,' Kate encouraged; she was concerned about the number of hours Alexis had been working due to the shortage of staff at the ME's office, wanting to ensure her daughter was having enough down time outside of work, taking time to look after herself.

Alexis blushed. 'Even when I ring you at three in the morning because I'm too drunk to get home?'

'Especially then,' Kate smiled, her voice warm and loving, but with a hint of warning. 'Have you had a chance to call Henry? I hope you're seriously considering going out with him,' Kate encouraged.

'I am, 'Alexis shrugged, feigning indifference as she tortured her milkshake with her straw. The young woman didn't want to deal with the fuss she knew her parents would make, when they found out she'd been talking with Henry the past couple of weeks. They were both waiting until after the holidays before going on an official date.

'You're a grown woman, you don't need anyone's permission to see him,' Kate teased despite her growing concern at her daughter's silence. Alexis startled when she felt Kate place a gentle hand on hers, stopping the young woman from tormenting her drink. 'Baby, you know you can talk to me about anything, don't you?' Kate asked, clearly troubled at her daughter's nervousness.

Alexis looked at her mom with trepidation. This was so much easier an hour ago talking with Doctor Burke. 'Meredith invited me out to LA for the week after New Year,' she blurted out. 'She's got some downtime before post production on her current film, and she wants me to come out and visit.'

'Yeah, your mom was telling me about her latest movie last week, some retro seventies style horror film. She did tell me the title, I know your dad was totally jealous when I told him,' Kate giggled, remembering her husband's boyish enthusiasm as she described the movie plot to him.

'You talked to Meredith?'

'Honey, you can call her mom, you know? Meredith's still your mother regardless of yours and my relationship,' Kate assured the young woman. 'And you can stop worrying about whether you think you're betraying me or hurting my feelings,' Kate assured. 'I'm as secure with my relationship with you as I am in my relationship with your dad. And I want you to keep in contact with your mom.'

'I don't understand why she called you?' Alexis asked, clearly confused.

Kate sat back and studied her daughter. 'She wanted to check to see if you had any plans over the holidays before she called you,' Kate said. 'I think your mom's as worried about treading on people's toes as much as you are.' Kate took another mouthful of coffee, allowing Alexis time to think about her statement. 'It can't be easy for her. Meredith's seen how much your life has changed, the new relationships you've built, the beautiful young woman you've matured into, and I think your mom's just worried about where she fits into your life now.'

'She's never worried about that in the past, and it's never stopped her from barging in and out of my life when she feels like it.' Alexis said like the petulant child she could be.

Kate closed her eyes and sighed. It didn't matter how many times she and Alexis spoke about the subject, the younger woman just couldn't seem to let go of the anger towards her mother. 'No, it hasn't, and at some point in your life, you're going to have to make peace with that.' Alexis looked up sharply at her mom's terse tone, taken aback by the rebuke. 'What that peace looks like is up to you. You can choose to have a relationship with her on your terms, or you can choose to shut her out of your life completely. Only you can make that choice.'

Alexis sat up straight and placed her hands in her lap. Martha Rodgers, if nothing else, had always instilled impeccable table manners into her granddaughter. 'Doctor Burke said the same thing to me this morning.'

'And yet he gets paid the big bucks,' Kate sassed.

'You're the one who made me go back and see him,' Alexis grumbled.

'Your Grams is right you know, you really are grumpy when you're sleep deprived,' Kate laughed. 'And if I remember correctly, I didn't make you do anything. You chose him as your city appointed therapist,' Kate clarified. 'If I could get you to do anything I wanted, I'd use my powers of persuasion for mischief instead of good.'

'That was so lame.'

'And you're tired and grumpy.'

'So why'd you want to have breakfast with me, knowing I've just come off four nights in a row?' Alexis asked as she hunched over her milkshake, proceeding to stab it with her straw.

'I've barely seen you this past week,' Kate exclaimed. 'Can't I just miss you and want to catch up with you?' Alexis looked sceptically at her mom. 'And I knew you'd be worrying yourself silly about your conversation with your mom.'

'Meredith,' Alexis sulked as she let her head drop into her left hand. If her Grams were here, the older woman would be chastising her granddaughter for resting her elbows on the table. 'You're my mom, she's my….mother….there's clearly a difference.'

Kate took a calming breath as she tried to keep Captain Beckett at bay. 'Alexis, have you ever noticed that when I want to have a serious conversation with you, I deliberately wait until I can catch you off guard?' Uh oh, Captain Beckett was in the house.

'No?' the young woman yawned and sat up straight again. 'But I'm sure it's some secret Beckett police interrogation mindreading thingy,' Alexis giggled. 'Will they teach me that in the Academy?'

Kate was desperately trying not to laugh at her daughter, the resemblance to the drunken redhead she'd collected from the Old Haunt the week before was uncanny. 'Yeah, they'll teach you that in the Academy,' Kate replied drolly. 'Right after they teach you how to chase down a perp in four inch heels.'

'Really? They teach you how to do that?' Kate barely got her napkin to her mouth before spitting out the mouthful of coffee she'd just taken. Trying to give her giggling daughter a glare worthy of Captain Beckett, Kate couldn't help but smile as she wiped the warm liquid off her chin.

'Good thing you didn't make me ruin this suit, you'd have been answering to your father,' Kate grumbled as she threw her soiled napkin on her plate.

'Why? It's your suit.'

'And it's your dad's favourite. He picked it out for me this morning after an impromptu, and very imaginative, session of baby making.' Kate felt a wicked sense of satisfaction at the sound of her daughter choking on her milkshake.

'Is everything ok here?' Kate looked towards the young waitress. Beth was looking at Alexis in concern as she placed their meals on the table.

'You're okay, aren't you pumpkin?' Kate teased.

'Yes mom,' Alexis choked out as she took a gulp of water.

'Thanks for your concern Beth,' Kate smiled. 'You may want to leave her a few more napkins before you go.'

'Sure thing, Captain Beckett,' Beth replied. 'Here you go.' Beth grabbed a couple of clean napkins from her apron and handed them to Alexis before rushing off to another table.

'You suck,' Alexis rasped, wiping the tears from her eyes before blowing her nose.

'And you're punchy and snotty,' Kate complained as she poured milk on both her and Alexis' cereal, allowing her daughter to compose herself after her coughing fit. 'And unlike your dad, who's an amateur when it comes to the mind games you love playing with him, I'm a quick leaner, so you're going to need to step your game up,' Kate warned.

'And evil,' Alexis grumbled.

'When I catch you off guard,' Kate waited until she knew she had her daughter's attention before resuming their conversation. 'I get the truth out of you, not the truth you think I want to hear.' Kate gestured to the fruit and yoghurt; Alexis nodding yes to both. 'And I want you to be honest with me about your mom, not what you think will spare either your mom's or my feelings.' Kate pushed her daughter's bowl towards her after she finished loading it up with a healthy selection of fruit and yoghurt.

'Thanks,' Alexis whispered voice still hoarse. 'I'm going to call Mer..mom tonight,' Alexis said before taking a mouthful of cereal. 'I'll admit, she caught me off guard when she called me. It's not like Meredith to take other people's lives into consideration when she decides to do something,' Kate was pleased with Alexis' honesty and lack of malice. 'I wanted to wait until I spoke with Doctor Burke this morning just so I could wrap my head around what I wanted to say to her.' Alexis moved her cereal around with her spoon until her bowl resembled a lumpy slop. 'I want to go.'

'But,' Kate asked as she plucked a strawberry off the plate and popped it in her mouth.

'Not so much a but,' Alexis explained. 'I want a relationship with Meredith, just not the same type of relationship I think she wants from me.'

'Alexis…'

'Kate, I know what you're going to say, and regardless of whether you and dad had gotten together, let alone gotten married, I'd already come to this conclusion,' Alexis explained. 'I just needed to be in the right head space to have the discussion with her because she can't just walk back into my life after all these years and expect a mother-daughter relationship from me. That's yours and mine now.' Alexis pushed her bowl to the side and started picking at the fresh berries on the fruit platter. 'She gave up any right to that when she left me,' Alexis whispered, deliberately avoiding eye contact with Kate as she played with the fruit she'd just placed on her plate.

Kate felt the sudden sting of unshed tears as she looked towards Alexis, and once again couldn't believe how much her life had changed over the past eight years. On the rare occasions she'd thought about motherhood in the past, Kate never imagined her first child would be a fully grown adult.

Reaching over the table, Kate stilled her daughter's hands. 'Alexis,' Kate soothed. 'Baby, please look at me.' Alexis hesitantly made eye contact with her mom, almost like she was waiting for the rejection. 'I'm honoured you want that relationship with me.' Kate smiled softly as she chose her next words carefully. 'But don't you think it's best to wait until you speak with your mom before making any foregone conclusions? Meredith could want the same type of relationship from you that you want from her.'

'Did she say that to you?' Alexis asked.

'In a round-about way, your mom knows she can't make up for missing time or for the hurt she's caused you, but she also still wants to be part of your life in whatever capacity you'll allow her to be.' Kate watched as Alexis visibly relaxed in front of her, like a weight had been lifted from her shoulders.

'Thank you,' Alexis sighed.

'Honey you…'

'Please Kate, just, thank you,' Alexis implored, begging her mom to understand that she needed to do this. 'For putting up with all my crap lately, I haven't been the easiest person to be around the past month,' Alexis apologised. 'And for not making me feel guilty about Meredith, and for looking out for dad. I know he's worried about me.'

'Sweetheart, you don't have to thank me. You went through a traumatic experience, and everyone handles their grief differently,' Kate soothed. 'And your dad's gonna worry about you right up until he takes his last breath. Then, he'll probably haunt you from the grave because that's just who he is.' Kate was glad she was able to put a smile on her daughter's face. 'Speaking of your dad, you need to decide when you want to talk to him about joining the academy.'

'Can I wait until you tell him you're pregnant?' Alexis asked hopefully. 'That way he'll be too excited about a new baby to be worried about my career choice.'

'No, Alexis,' Kate sighed. 'How do you function at work when you're this sleep deprived?' Kate asked in frustration.

'Lanie keeps me away from sharp instruments,' Alexis giggled and flopped back against the back of the booth. 'I hate nightshift,' she said randomly. 'I'll talk to dad when I get back from LA,' Kate could easily read the hesitation in her daughter's body language.

'Honey, it's okay to have second thoughts,' Kate assured. 'Nothings set in stone, and if you've decided you don't want to apply to the NYPD, that's fine too; nobody's going to judge you,' Kate watched as Alexis sat up straight again and began stacking up their breakfast dishes. 'You know, you and your dad make a brilliant team, and you'd have not trouble getting your PI licence,'

'Kate, I'm not having second thoughts,' Alexis assured her mom. 'I'm just worried about dad being angry at you for helping me,'

Kate reached over and squeezed her daughter's hand. 'Sweetheart, let me worry about your dad, you just concentrate on getting through Christmas, New Year and a week in LA with your mom okay?'

'Promise me you'll let me take the heat if he gets really angry,' Alexis begged.

'Not gonna happen.' Kate stated.

'But that's not fair.'

'It's what parents do for their kids okay? Deal with it.' Kate said with finality.

'Are you guys finished here?' both women started as Beth suddenly appeared and began clearing the table.

'Yes thanks.' Kate answered. 'How are your studies going? You'd be just about finished pre-med now wouldn't you?' Kate asked with interest.

'Good, I finished this year; and I start my residency at NYP in the spring,' the young woman said proudly.

'Wow, congratulations,' Kate looked over at the daughter to find out why she was so silent, only to find her asleep with her head resting in her hand.

'Thanks Captain Beckett.' Beth smiled. 'Well it was great to catch up with you both today; I'm just about to finish my shift, but wanted wish you all the best for the holidays.'

'Thankyou honey, you too…Alexis,'

'I'm here.' the young woman startled.

Kate just smiled and shook her head. 'Alexis has just come off four nights in a row, so you'll need to forgive her,'

'No need to explain, I know what it's like.' Beth sympathised as she picked up the pile of dirty dishes from the table. 'I'll let you guys go, again it was great to see both of you.' and with that, the young woman disappeared into the kitchen.

'You ready to go?' Kate asked as she grabbed her bag.

'Yep,' Alexis sighed and stretched.

'How about I drop you home,' Kate suggested, she was concerned about her daughter getting home on her own in her current state.

'I can just catch the subway Kate,' Alexis assured her mom. 'You'll be late for your meeting,'

'I still have another forty minutes, and the loft is on the way. My cars just up the street,'

'Well I'm not going to pass up a free ride home,' Alexis smiled.

Kate just rolled her eyes as she got up out of the booth. 'Of course you wouldn't, you're just like your dad,' Kate grumbled.

Alexis stood up and groaned as she straightened her back out. She could feel the bliss of her spine popping back into place. 'I just want a long bath and bed,' the young woman groaned as she and her mom moved towards the front counter of the café.

Handing over her credit card, Kate watched in amusement as her daughter became fixated on the selection of pastries in the front display cabinet. 'Did you want something for later on?' Kate asked. Alexis nodded her head and pointed to a decedent chocolate creation. 'And I'll grab three of those to go as well, please,'

'I can't eat three,' Alexis complained.

'They're not all for you.' Kate warned. 'There'd better be one left me when I get home tonight.' Thanking the older woman behind the counter, Kate handed the box of pastries to her daughter, before putting her credit card back in her purse.

'What about dad?'

'He's fair game,' her mom teased.

Alexis laughed as she held the door open for her mom. Putting the pastries under one arm, she wrapped her other arm around her mom's as the two women made their way down the street.

'What?' Kate asked when she felt Alexis squeeze her arm.

'Thank you, for whatever it is you do to make me feel better,' Alexis smiled. 'Every time I think it's the end of the world, you make it better,'

'That's just another of my superpowers.' her mom teased. Grabbing her keys from her pocket, Kate unlocked her car as they approached where it was parked.

Alexis opened the back door and placed her bag and pastries on the back seat and closed the door before turning back to her mom. 'I mean it Kate, thank you, for everything you do for me,'

Kate pulled her daughter in for a hug, holding the young woman tightly. 'It's my pleasure baby girl,' she whispered before moving back. 'Now let's get you home so you can go to bed,' Kate said as she moved around to the driver's side.

Alexis yawned and settled herself in the passenger side, ensuring to fasten her seatbelt. 'You gonna be awake when we get to the loft?' Kate asked as she buckled herself in.

'Maybe, maybe not,' Alexis smiled.

'Hedging your bets, smart.' the older woman laughed as she merged into traffic.

'Thank you for dropping me home.'

'You don't have to keep thanking me,' Kate laughed. 'I do things for you because I want to, and nothing more, okay?'

'Perfectly okay,' Alexis replied.

The young woman reached over to turn the radio on, only to have her hand slapped away by her mom. 'I was only going to turn it on,' Alexis complained.

'No changing stations.' Kate warned.

Alexis again reached over and turned to the radio on, and the sultry sounds of Adele filled the car. The young woman settled back in her seat, occasionally looking over to her mom. Every now and then, Kate would sing along with the radio. Alexis had no idea her mom could sing, as she listed to the delicate tone of the older woman's voice.

As Alexis thought back over everything she'd had to deal with over the past month, from the death of one her best friends, to Meredith barging her way back into her daughter's life; her parents had been there supporting her unconditionally. Whether it was a shoulder to cry on, someone to sit and listen as she screamed her frustrations about nothing in particular, or picking her up after a drunken night with friends. Alexis looked at the extraordinary woman sitting next to her, and once again thanked who ever sent Kate into her life.

'Kate?'

'Yes sweetie.'

'I love you.'

'Love you to.'