A/N: Originally, this was just going to be a cute Castle/Alexis moment but it felt a bit short so I added another short storyline I've had sitting for a while now... set any time pre-relationship. The story stands alone and doesn't really rely on any canon storylines so place this wherever you think it fits best.

Birthday Boy

Caterers carried out the black and gold tiered cake, sparklers hissing as they burned behind the 'Happy Birthday' cake topper.

He looked around the room, taking in the faces of those who had taken the time out of their weekend to show up for him - to celebrate with him - as they sang.

Happy birthday to you...

Happy birthday dear Rick, happy birthday to you...

"Make a wish, Dad." The sweet voice chimed from beside him. He focussed on his daughter, the flicker of light from the sparklers adding an extra twinkle to her eyes.

He wished for many things. For all the best things, for her. He wished she would live a long, happy, fulfilling life. That she would one day - not too soon, though - find someone who loved her unconditionally. Someone who would support her ambition and encourage her to remain the curious minded person that she is. That she would thrive in a career she was passionate about. And that she would always, even when she was a grown woman, look up at him with the adoration in her eyes that he had grown to cherish.

"What would I wish for? I have everything I could ever possibly need." He draped his arm across her shoulders, squeezing her against him and placing a kiss on the top of her head. "A wonderful family, a thriving career and amazing friends."

"Come on, Ricky." Lehane heckled from the back of the small crowd surrounding the cake stand. "Surely there's something you want."

His eyes drifted before he had a chance to stop himself. Kate stood to the side of the gathering, with the rest of the twelfth precinct family. A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth, blood rushing to her cheeks as their eyes met. She bit her lip, eyes darting to the ground and he realised he had been too obvious, his desire written all over his face. He may not have said the words, but they both knew that she was the answer... the something that he wanted.

He looked back to his daughter. "What can I say? I guess I'm just feeling very blessed this year." He smiled. "I already have everything I've ever wanted."

As the sparklers burned out, he leant forward and blew out the candles that decorated the cake, mentally reciting the mantra manifesting a great life for his kin.

The echo of applause and cheers roared through the room, followed by the chanting of for he's a jolly good fellow, which nobody can deny!

He looked back to Kate, who was laughing and cheering along with the rest of his friends and associates. She was here, having fun, blending perfectly into his world. Everything he's ever wanted.

He sliced into the beautifully decorated cake, handing out slivers of sweet, chocolaty goodness to his party guests. The people gathered before him dispersed, taking their seats to enjoy their desserts and continue their conversations.

She lingered toward the back, hoping to steal a moment of privacy once most of the guests were seated again. As she finally approached, he held up a small plate holding the last slice.

"Cake?" He offered.

She waved her hand, "No thank you."

"Your loss." He stabbed a fork into it, breaking off a small piece and popping it into his mouth. His eyes fluttered shut as he moaned theatrically.

"That good, hey?" She asked. If he didn't know her better, he could have sworn she... giggled.

He stepped from behind the cake table, moving closer to her. She stood her ground, embracing the new closeness. "You sure you don't want some?"

She looked up at him, through thick eyelashes, shaking her head. She held his gaze for several silent seconds before asking, "So, did you make a wish?"

"Well, if I tell you then it won't come true." He teased. "You know the rules."

She shrugged, feigning a nonchalance in spite of her pounding heart. "I just thought maybe it was something I could help with."

"Yeah?" He cocked an eyebrow. She was... flirting? And not the kinda-mean but still sexy, full of innuendo banter they usually indulged in. This was rosy cheeks, batting of eyelashes flirting.

"Uh-huh." She nervously bit at her bottom lip, watching as he brought another piece of cake to his mouth. "So... what did you wish for?"

He scanned his surroundings, ensuring no one was in earshot, but lowered his voice to be safe. "Incredible birthday sex. You still volunteering?"

She clenched her teeth, sharply sucking in air. "What a shame. You told me, and now no incredible sex for you."

"Hmm, that is a shame. That's okay, though. I can settle for mediocre."

She gasped, bringing a hand to her chest. "I assure you, Castle..." she brought her hand back down, dragging a finger down his arm as she did. "Nothing I do is mediocre."

Her smile beamed as he stood slack jawed and speechless. Laughter erupted from one of the tables, momentarily stealing her attention. But when she looked back to him, his eyes were still on her.

"I'm giving the guys a lift home."

A convenient interruption and quick change in conversation. She was leaving. Too early, in his opinion, but he wouldn't ask her to stay no matter how much he wanted her to.

"Thanks for coming." He smiled. He looked to the cake in his hand, it suddenly seeming all the more interesting.

She didn't say anything, just watched as he tried to subtly hide his face from her. She knew he would be disappointed that she was leaving, but she had no intention of this being the end of their night.

"Maybe you could stop by when you're all done here?" She braved.

He let out a soft laugh, barely more than a puff of air. He waited for her to laugh, too... but, nothing. "Wait, seriously?"

She nodded. This had to be a dream.

"Uh, y-yeah."

A victorious pride flashed behind her eyes. A confidence that radiated from within. "I can give you your present." She added with a smirk.

"Mm-hmm." He squeaked, still trying to reassure himself he wasn't dreaming. He cleared his throat, deepening it to play it 'cool'. "Sounds- sounds good."

"Good." She stepped forward and pressed her lips to his cheek. "See you later, Castle."

She sauntered away, knowing too well that Castle would be watching as she did so. The sway in her hips exaggerated for his benefit.

This party couldn't end sooner.