Disclaimer: Besides the DVD boxes nobody needs to own anymore today thanks to online streaming I own nothing of Castle.
Just in time for a weekly update here comes Chapter 6. I'm making good progress with this story! My kids started kindergarten again this week and I had the week off so there was a lot of time for writing. I just finished Chapter 14 and I realized my first guess of 30-35 chapters might be a little unrealistic. So I'm thinking about splitting this story into two parts because I fear otherwise it would just get too long and I could struggle to finish it. The second part might follow sometime in the future but for now, I will concentrate on the first part. Since I'm starting an important internship next week I probably won't have any time to write for the next 6 weeks. But updates are safe because I was able to write so much in the past few days.
I hope you'll enjoy this chapter and as always reviews are very appreciated!
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On his drive home, Castle considered stopping at Alexis's favorite cafe to get some cake and a milkshake to maybe ease up the mood before he told her the news. But he brushed that idea aside very quickly. She wasn't a little girl anymore that could be tampered with food. Whether he liked it or not, she was grown up and he needed to talk to her like that. And besides, he wasn't bringing bad news. When he reached his building and took the elevator upstairs he hoped she would be in a good mood and not too hungover. He wondered if in that case, he should maybe delay their talk… „No." He said to himself. Just because he was terribly nervous he couldn't put it off. This was important and he didn't want to give it a bad start by lying to Alexis.
He opened the door and saw her sitting at the counter, turning her head towards him as he walked inside. „There you are." She said smiling. „I almost thought you had gone missing." She smiled and he smiled back. She was in a good mood, thank God. „So, where have you been?" She straightly asked, his heart started to beat a little faster. „Gone the whole night and half the day, is there a new woman in the picture?" She slightly smirked, teasing him. It wasn't the first time they were having a conversation like this. But it was the first time he couldn't just laugh it off.
He didn't answer right away and walked over to her, taking a seat next to her. She gave him a puzzled look. She had been joking and now this seemed to turn into a serious conversation. He looked at her and saw her confused face and struggled to find the courage to answer her question. But there was no chance of backing out now. „No…" He started. „No new woman. But yes, it is about a woman." Alexis's ice-blue eyes widened in surprise and he could literally see how she understood whom he was talking about. This girl was too clever. Good thing he decided to tell her right away, otherwise she probably would've found out what was going on within a day. „I've been with Beckett." He confirmed what she was thinking. „Oh." Was everything she could bring over her lips.
He could see her frowning and her mind starting to work. He didn't interrupt her and simply waited until she had sorted out which question she wanted to ask first. „So the two of you are together now? For real?" He slowly nodded. They hadn't officially declared it like that but it was clear to him that they were and Kate was feeling the same way. Otherwise, he wouldn't be having this conversation now. „Yes, for real. And I know it might come as a surprise for you." A slight laugh slipped from her mouth. „Yeah, you can say so. At any time in the last four years, it wouldn't have been surprising. But now?" She stopped and he could tell she was wondering if she should say what was on her mind.
„You now…" She slowly started, looking for the right words. „I don't exactly know what happened between you and Beckett the last few days. But I know you have been miserable, even though you tried your best to hide it." He couldn't fight a little smile from appearing on his face, once again realizing how well she knew him. But he knew she wasn't done with what she had to say. „So whatever it is that happened with Becket before you... you know... I can't seem to understand how it could lead you to come together. I mean for four years you've been literally chasing after her. And just now when you've seemed to accept it wasn't going to work out she suddenly comes to you? Maybe I get it wrong but to me, that seems kind of weird." Her tone was cautious like she was afraid to say something wrong but he could also hear the honest concern in her words. And again he had to smile.
„Your grandmother said quite the same." Her eyebrows rose up. „Oh, so grandma already knows too?" „Yeah, but that was unintentional. She ran into Kate this morning and well, you know her." He took his daughter's hand in his, hoping he could prove to her that he was sincere. „But it is important to me to tell you personally and right away. I don't want to keep this a secret from you." She took in his words and hesitated again. „So it is really serious? And you are sure she isn't going to hurt you? Even though I'm not the only one having doubts?" He took a second to think about what to say. „Look Alexis, the story about what exactly happened is quite complicated and contains some details I can't tell you for your own safety. But I need you to know that there isn't anything to worry about. There's never a guarantee I won't get hurt. And yes, I already got hurt. Badly. But I decided to leave that behind and give Kate the trust she deserves because she's been hurt too, you can believe me. In most cases, love doesn't come without hurt. And I know it might be hard for you to understand but when it comes to her… Alexis, I can't even put it into words. I simply can't imagine my life without her."
She gave him a compassionate smile. „I know. Don't you think I've noticed that in the past four years? I'm just asking whether you are sure she feels the same way about you." „I am." He answered without a shadow of a doubt. „Believe me, I wish I could explain to you everything that happened so you could understand. Maybe I can, someday. But for now, can I just ask you to give her a chance?" His tone was almost pleading. It was so incredibly important to him that Alexis could accept their relationship. „Do I have a choice?" She smirked. „When I say no, would you break up with her?" His face went blank. „N.. No." He stuttered. He hadn't been expecting that. She still smiled at him. „You see? I don't have a choice. Don't get me wrong. I like Beckett, I really do. And I think the two of you could be great together. I simply just don't want you to get hurt."
He squeezed her hand and returned her smile. „I know that. And I appreciate it. But I promise you there is nothing to worry about." Again he could see her contemplating if she should believe him or not, then her features softened. „Okay. But I can't say I'm fully convinced quite yet. She will have to prove she's good for you." A grin spread over his face. „She will." He was so incredibly happy there was no need for secrets around his mother and daughter from now on. „So it's fine for you when I bring Kate here? This is also your home and I don't want you to feel uncomfortable." Alexis laughed. „Believe me, I will probably be more comfortable around Beckett than around any of your ex-girlfriends."
He slightly blushed at that but didn't question it any further. He couldn't wait to call Kate. But that would have to wait. Now that the weight of worrying about Alexis's acceptance had been lifted from his shoulders he wanted to know every detail of her graduation party. He walked into the kitchen and pulled out a bag of mm's from one of the cabinets. Placing it between them he rested his elbows on the counter and his chin on his hands, ready to listen. „Okay. So now it's your turn. Tell me everything about the party. And I mean everything. And what are your plans for the next few weeks?" He grabbed a few of the colorful sweets from the bag and put them into his mouth. Alexis smiled and also picked a few red mm's from the bag as she started talking about visiting colleges, a beaming smile all over her face.
Later that day Martha and Alexis both left the loft. Alexis wanted to meet with a friend and Martha planned to go to a reading about the importance of lightning for dramatic productions with a following discussion. So they both wouldn't be coming home until late in the evening. He didn't hesitate long after they had left and short-dialed Kate whether she wanted to come over. He knew there was no need to wait until his family wasn't at home, now that there weren't any secrets anymore. But for now, it felt more comfortable to have a little privacy. Kate had been a little surprised about his call just a few hours after he had left her place. But when he told her they would have the evening to themselves she agreed to come.
She considered packing a bag with things for the night and the next morning, especially since she planned to go to the precinct and talk to Gates. But she figured it would be better to not stay the night and leave before Castle's family came back. So she just changed into black jeans and a dark grey blouse, freshened up her hair, grabbed her keys and phone, and left. It was still strange for her to not carry her badge and gun with her. But she hoped that she would soon have both of these items back. On the car ride, she wondered if Castle might have already spoken to Alexis.
She hadn't dared to ask him on the phone in case he had bad news. Somehow she feared what Alexis could possibly say might cause damage to their new relationship seeing what a significant influence she had on Castle's life and decisions. But on the phone, he had sounded happy so she pushed back her concerns and tried to just look forward to seeing him again. When she arrived she hurried up the hallway to get to the elevator. As it slowly took her upstairs she had to smile about herself. She behaved like a lovesick teenager who couldn't take a few hours without him. But she was willing to admit she was enjoying it. There had been so many worries and fears in the past and she knew at some point the lightness would start to fade. So she chose to savor it as long as possible.
With a ping, the elevator came to a stop and the doors slid open. She walked the short distance to his door and felt the smile already spreading over her face. She knocked on the door and within a few seconds it flew open and Castle greeted her with a smile just as big as hers. Without saying a word he pulled her inside, wrapped his arms around her waist, and kissed her passionately. With her arms around his neck, she kissed him back while she still couldn't keep her lips from smiling. The butterflies in her stomach took flight again and the warm feeling that felt just like him spread over her body.
He slowed down the kiss and slightly parted his lips from her. „Good news." He whispered. She raised her eyebrows questioningly. „I talked to Alexis." He continued. She breathed a soft „Oh." Being pulled back to reality rather harshly. „And what did she say?" Considering the grin on his face it couldn't be that bad. „She's fine with it." He took a short pause, deciding it would be best to be entirely honest with her. „She has her doubts. But nothing we couldn't overcome I think. She is just a little worried, just like my mother." Kate nodded softly. She guessed that was the best outcome she could expect after everything his family had witnessed between them in the past. „I can understand that." She said. „Me too." Castle returned. „But we will just show them this works. And we will show them that we're happy." He added smiling.
She couldn't stop a little insecurity from finding its way to her mind and he noticed her smile was fading. „What is it?" He asked carefully. „Do you really think this will work? I mean I really want it to. But with the job and everything…" He wasn't surprised by this. He had been expecting these doubts. „I can't tell you exactly how it all will work out. But I can promise you we will always find a way. As long as we want to." He tried to give her a reassuring smile and was relieved to see her face light up a little again. She nodded and again pushed her worries back into her mind. „I want to." With everything concerning her job, she would deal tomorrow. He smiled back at her and pulled her into his arms again.
They decided to have dinner at the loft and Castle tried his best to show her his cooking skills and nominated her as his assistant. They had fun teasing each other and stealing some kisses and touches while they were busy in the kitchen. Kate slowly started to regret she had decided to not stay the night but still was convinced for now it was the better choice. As they were eating, talking, and laughing she realized she could get used to this very fast. Maybe that was an advance when having a history like they did. Nothing about the other one was unfamiliar and it was easy for her to feel like she was at home.
After dinner, Kate looked at her watch while he started cleaning up and realized it was already close to 9 p.m. Her heart sank at the thought of having to leave soon. „When do you think your mother and Alexis will be back?" She asked him. „Oh I think not about one or two hours, maybe even a little later." He answered while once again walking back into the kitchen, carrying the empty plates with him. „I think I should be leaving soon." She said, even though she didn't feel like leaving at all. He looked up and gave her a shocked stare. „What? Aren't you staying the night?" She slightly shook her head. „I don't think that's a good idea. I think we should take things a little bit slower when it comes to your family."
He walked around the counter and slowly pulled her body against his. „But I don't want you to leave." He whispered even though he understood what she meant and knew she was right. „And I don't want to go either." She replied and softly kissed him. „But it's better. Also because I want to talk to Gates tomorrow as early as possible. I should be getting a good night's sleep and be there on time." He pulled her even closer and let his hands wander down her hips. „Are you accusing me of keeping you from sleeping?" He breathed against her neck and then started to caress it with soft kisses. She couldn't keep her eyes from closing at the feeling of his lips on her skin started to send little waves of electricity throughout her body. His touches intensified and she knew it was a losing game to try to stop when every cell in her body was screaming for him to keep going. But just as he was trying to open the top button of her blouse she got torn out of the consuming feeling of his touch by the sound of a door cracking open.
Within a matter of a second, she pushed him away and got a frustrated and confused look from him, just as he realized what was happening. „Alexis!" He hoarsely called out, hiding the arousal in his voice. Clearing his throat he added, „You're back early." Alexis eyed both of them carefully as she stepped into the apartment. „Yeah.. Anna wasn't feeling well so we went home early." She paused, her eyes coming to rest on Kate. „Hello, Detective Beckett."
„Hi Alexis." Kate answered while trying to bring her brain to function again. „I.. I'm sorry, I already wanted to be gone by the time you came back." The tension was almost palpable. The women of this family really had a sense of timing. „Oh you don't need to." Alexis answered and a soft smile appeared on her lips. „My dad already told me you would come here more often now." Kate was relieved to see Alexis was trying her best to handle the situation like it wasn't uncomfortable. But she still saw that the young woman was very insecure about how she should act. So Kate decided it was best to end the situation now. „Thank you." She said and gave Alexis a smile. „But I still better be going now."
She grabbed her phone and keys from the dinner table and started to walk towards the door. „Wait, let me bring you outside." Castle said and stepped to her side. As she reached Alexis she once again brought up the courage to smile and the red-haired girl. „If you'd like to, I'd be happy if you call me Kate." Alexis returned her smile and she could see it was insecure but sincere. „Yeah, of course." A weight lifted from Kate's chest. „It was nice to meet you, Alexis." „You too." The girl replied as Castle walked her out of the door and closed it behind them. Kate let out a deep breath. Castle came to a stand beside her and rested a hand on her side. „You see" he smiled „She's fine with it." She nodded and looked up at him. „I think you're right. But we should still give her some time." „I know…" he muttered. „Even though it means I'll be spending the night in a cold and empty bed." She slightly smirked at him and touched his cheek. „I think you'll survive." Then she leaned forward and whispered in his ear. „Because when you do I promise you tomorrow night your bed will be anything but cold." Pressing a last quick kiss to his lips she turned around and walked to the elevator, leaving him open-mouthed by the door.