Birthday Surprise (1/1)
Title: Birthday Surprise
Author: nytel
Fandom: Castle
Rating: PG
Spoilers: Up to and including 205 - When the Bough Breaks
Characters/Pairing: All the regulars plus hints of Castle/Beckett
Word Count: 2,457
Prompt: Castle, Kate and Alexis, Birthday - from i_am_girlfriday
Summary: Kate had seen many looks on Castle’s face before, but never had she seen him shocked and at a complete loss for words.
A/N: For the amazing i_am_girlfriday. I hope today is a great day for you. *hugs*
A/N 2: Again, no beta on this one. I apologize for any mistakes, and if you see any feel free to point them out and I will correct. Also, as far as I remember there has never been an episode covering Castle's birthday. If I'm wrong, consider this AU. Oh, and comments are love. :)
Birthday Surprise
Kate smiled to herself as she filed away a copy of their latest case report in her desk. It had been an exceptionally difficult murder to solve, filled with what had seemed like a million twists and turns, but together the four of them had done it. It had taken nearly three days, but they’d managed to put the murderer behind bars and that was one of the best feelings she knew.
A feeling that followed exceptionally close to that was taking a nice long bubble bath after a hard day’s work while enjoying a glass of red wine and a good book. That was exactly what she had planned for the evening. There was an unopened bottle of pinot noir waiting for her at home, as well as her store bought copy of Heat Wave. She’d finished with the advance copy Castle had given her weeks ago, but she’d gone out and bought her own just the other day. There was just something that felt right about officially buying it… maybe because she’d already bought a copy of every other book that the man had written. Plus there was the unexpectedly flattering dedication inside the front cover.
And although she had already read it, she wanted to again. She secretly loved the book a lot more than she led on. Certainly there were some rather unrealistic additions Castle had made to her character, such as Nikki Heat’s preference for lacy undergarments, but overall she thought it was maybe one of the best novels he’d written, and that was saying something.
Kate closed her desk drawer before reaching over to turn off her desk lamp. Just as she was about to hit the switch, she saw a familiar redhead come around the corner from in the direction of the elevators.
“Alexis,” Kate said as the girl walked towards her desk. “If you’re looking for your father, you missed him. He left about twenty minutes ago.”
Alexis smiled widely as she stopped in front of Kate’s desk. “Oh, I know. He just called me and told me to meet him at home because he was bringing sushi.”
“Okay then…” Kate responded slowly, not knowing where this was headed.
“I came to talk to you,” Alexis replied to the unasked question.
“Me?” Kate’s heart began to race a little, wondering if Castle’s daughter was in some sort of trouble. “Is everything alright?” She began to question.
She was relieved when Alexis laughed and shook her head. “No, nothing like that,” the girl said. “I don’t know if you know this or not, but this Saturday is my dad’s birthday.”
Actually, Kate had known. She’d seen a post someone had made about it on one of the fan sites earlier that week. But playing dumb she replied, “No, I didn’t realize.”
“Yeah, he doesn’t like to make a big deal out of it. Shocking, I know.”
Kate laughed. “You’re right, that is a little out of character for him.”
“Well, anyway. I’m throwing a surprise party for him at our place on Saturday night, and I know he would love it if you came.”
Kate fidgeted a little. “Alexis, I’m flattered, but…”
“Please Detective Beckett?” She pleaded. “Ryan and Esposito are coming, I ran into them in the elevator. And then it’s just going to be me and Gran, that’s it.”
“I don’t know…”
“Awe, come on. It’s going to be a lot of fun. We’re going to have cake, stupid hats, party favours, pin the tail on the donkey… all the good stuff.”
Alexis seemed extremely excited about the whole idea, but Kate couldn’t help but note, “I can’t say that’s exactly how I pictured a birthday party of your dad’s.”
“I know, that’s just it-when he was growing up Gran was always away doing one show or another and he never had a normal birthday party. Plus for as long as I can remember he’s never wanted to make a big deal out of it, so we just let it slide by. But I want this year to be special and give him one of the parties he missed out on as a kid.”
Kate couldn’t help but smile at the young woman standing in front of her. If one thing was for certain it was that this girl loved her father more than anything in the world. It was entirely too endearing. “Alright,” she relented. “I’ll come.”
Alexis beamed. “Thank you!” She gave Kate a quick hug that was over before the detective even knew what had happened. “Just show up around eight.”
“Do you need me to bring anything?”
Alexis shook her head. “I’m going to go pick up everything on Friday since it’s a day off from school. The only thing I haven’t decided on is a theme. I was thinking maybe Power Rangers, or Ninja Turtles… Those are stupid boy things, right?”
Kate laughed. “They are. But what about…” She paused. “You know what, never mind.”
“No, please tell me,” Alexis said. “I’ve been trying to think of the best theme for days now.”
“What about a certain British secret agent?” Kate suggested, knowing how in love with the idea of writing him Castle had been.
Alexis practically started bouncing. “That’s perfect!”
Suddenly there was a ringing noise and Alexis pulled her cell phone out of her jacket pocket. She made an odd face at it, before silencing the ringer. “It’s my dad, he’s probably wondering where his dinner date is. I have to go, but I’ll see you on Saturday.”
She turned and walked for the elevator, answering the call as she went. “Dad, hi!” There was a slight pause. “Yup, I’m on my way home now.”
Kate grabbed the jacket from the back of her chair and put it on, doing up the buttons and tying the belt at her waist. This could turn out to be an interesting weekend…
***
Come Saturday night at eight o’clock, Kate found herself ringing the doorbell outside of Castle’s apartment while balancing a rather large present under one arm. Alexis answered it promptly and ushered her inside. Kate was glad to see the girl was wearing only jeans and a T-shirt, alleviating her own fear that she would show up underdressed.
As soon as she stepped inside Kate was greeted by the sight of secret agent party decorations. Cardboard pistols were hanging off the banister, a row of martini glasses adorned the island, and on the table there were a stack of 007 party hats and favours. On the kitchen counter she could see a pile of pizza boxes that looked like they had arrived only seconds before her. No one else was around.
“I made Gran take dad shopping with her a few hours ago to keep him out of here while I was getting ready. Ryan called a few minutes ago and told me that he and Esposito would be here soon,” Alexis explained as she took the present from Kate’s hands and added it to the pile next to the staircase.
Kate smiled at Alexis. “Well, it certainly sounds like you have everything all planned out.”
She smiled back. “I hope so; I really want him to like it.”
Kate took another glance around. “You have nothing to worry about-he’s going to love it.”
“You think?”
Kate nodded. “Now, do you need help with anything?”
In less than fifteen minutes everything was ready. The food had been laid out, and Ryan and Esposito had just finished making vodka martinis as per Alexis’ instructions. When Ryan had asked where the beer was she’d told them that there was none allowed because it was a James Bond party. She had also told him and Esposito that since she was a minor, they would have to make the drinks. When Kate had curiously inquired as she where she’d gotten the vodka she’d explained that Martha kept their liquor cabinet well stocked.
“Are you guys almost ready?” Alexis asked as she grabbed four party hats off the table and passed one to each of them before putting one on herself. The three detectives looked at her sceptically. She sighed. “Put them on,” she prompted, and reluctantly they did.
“This feel tight to you?” Ryan asked as he turned to look at Esposito. “It feels tight to me.” He was playing with the thin elastic chinstrap.
Esposito was about to reply when he was interrupted by beeping from Alexis’ phone; she’d left it sitting on the island so that when her Gran sent ‘the signal’ no one would miss it. She grabbed for it quickly and her eyes scanned the screen. “They’re coming! Now everyone be quiet and come hide behind the couch.” The three of them followed Castle’s daughter over to the couch and crouched down behind it, while she used a small remote control to turn off all the lights.
It wasn’t long before they could make out voices in the hallway, and only a few seconds more until they could hear what was being said.
“I saw you mother,” Castle said. His voice was muffled due to the door in between, but the words were clear enough. “You were sending a text message.”
They could hear Martha scoff, as well as the sound of keys jingling. “Don’t be ridiculous, you know I don’t know how to use any of that new technology. It confuses the hell out of me quite frankly.”
“Say what you will, but I know what I saw.” Someone inserted a key into the door, but they didn’t turn it. “But the question is: who was it? A secret lover perhaps? If not, then maybe-”
“Give me that,” Martha said, interrupting him. Suddenly the key turned and the deadbolt slid open. “Now can we go inside and get some dinner? All that shopping has worked up an appetite.”
“Now that, I believe,” Castle said.
The four behind the couch could hear the handle of the door begin to turn and Alexis held up her hand with three fingers raised. She mouthed a silent count down, which the three detectives could barely make out in the dim light. The door swung open. Three… They could hear footsteps and the rustle of bags. Two… The door closed again. One… Following Alexis’ lead they all jumped to their feet and yelled “Surprise!” at the same time Alexis turned the lights back on.
Kate had seen many looks on Castle’s face before, but never had she seen him shocked and at a complete loss for words. He was looking around and taking in the party set up while his mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water. Martha gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, “Happy Birthday, Kiddo,” she told him before heading for the row of martinis on the island. Alexis bounced over and threw her arms around her father who hugged her back and lifted her off her feet.
“Happy birthday, Dad,” she said happily, and Kate thought she might have detected a glistening in Castle’s eyes.
“You did all this?” He asked her and she nodded. “Sweetheart, I would have been okay with a card.”
Alexis laughed. “But a card’s not as much fun.”
***
The party turned out to be an even bigger success than Kate had expected it would be. She didn’t know if she’d ever seen Castle this happy before. They’d managed to cover most of the traditional birthday activities, including mainly the copious consumption of junk food. In fact the only thing they had yet to really do was open presents. And although it was getting late now, they had just put in From Russia with Love, a continuation on their 007 marathon of Castle’s favourites. Kate quietly excused herself for a trip to the washroom while Castle, Ryan and Esposito discussed which of the Bond women was the most attractive. When she returned she found Castle in the kitchen pouring himself a martini.
“Another Detective?” He asked her holding up the cocktail shaker in question.
Kate smiled. “Sure, why not.”
Castle grinned and poured some into the glass she’d left on the counter earlier. “Pour vous,” he said as he passed it to her.
“Merci.”
Neither of them headed back to the living room right away. Castle was preoccupied watching Alexis and he was smiling broadly.
“You know, you’re lucky Castle. There aren’t many people who have that kind of relationship with their children,” Kate commented quietly.
He nodded and turned to meet her eyes, his own completely serious. “I know. She’s absolutely amazing.”
“That she is,” Kate agreed.
Castle held up his glass in her direction and she smiled, clinking her martini glass against his gracefully. It was certainly something she could drink too. As they both took sips from their drinks, Kate remembered again about the presents.
She placed her glass back on the island and said, “Hang on a second…” She quickly went over and grabbed her present off the pile and brought it back to the kitchen. “With all the rest of the excitement we seem to have forgotten about the presents, but I want you to open this.”
Castle looked at her in surprise. “You really didn’t have to…”
Kate shrugged. “I know, but I wanted to.” It had taken her a while to figure out what her gift would be. After all, what do you get the man who already has everything? Then it had dawned on her.
Castle lifted the lid off the pre-wrapped box and set it on the floor at his feet. His face broke out into a large grin as he pulled off the tissue paper to reveal his gift. He pulled the police vest from its box and held it up proudly in front of his chest. “How does it look?” He asked seriously.
“It looks…” Kate laughed and shook her head. “It looks great, Castle.”
“So what made you change your mind?”
Kate sighed, “I hate to admit it, but you’re a valuable member of the team. You deserve it.” He opened his mouth to reply, and she could tell from the look on his face it was going to be a smart ass comment, so she beat him too it. “Plus your other one just makes us look bad.”
He grinned at her. “Well, thank you. It’s a perfect birthday present.” He placed it back in the box and put the lid back on. “Now…” he said, looking towards the television in the living room. “Shall we?”
Kate picked up her martini glass-there was a smile on her face as well. “We shall.”
Castle gestured for her to precede him. “After you Detective.”
The End
Author: nytel
Fandom: Castle
Rating: PG
Spoilers: Up to and including 205 - When the Bough Breaks
Characters/Pairing: All the regulars plus hints of Castle/Beckett
Word Count: 2,457
Prompt: Castle, Kate and Alexis, Birthday - from i_am_girlfriday
Summary: Kate had seen many looks on Castle’s face before, but never had she seen him shocked and at a complete loss for words.
A/N: For the amazing i_am_girlfriday. I hope today is a great day for you. *hugs*
A/N 2: Again, no beta on this one. I apologize for any mistakes, and if you see any feel free to point them out and I will correct. Also, as far as I remember there has never been an episode covering Castle's birthday. If I'm wrong, consider this AU. Oh, and comments are love. :)
Birthday Surprise
Kate smiled to herself as she filed away a copy of their latest case report in her desk. It had been an exceptionally difficult murder to solve, filled with what had seemed like a million twists and turns, but together the four of them had done it. It had taken nearly three days, but they’d managed to put the murderer behind bars and that was one of the best feelings she knew.
A feeling that followed exceptionally close to that was taking a nice long bubble bath after a hard day’s work while enjoying a glass of red wine and a good book. That was exactly what she had planned for the evening. There was an unopened bottle of pinot noir waiting for her at home, as well as her store bought copy of Heat Wave. She’d finished with the advance copy Castle had given her weeks ago, but she’d gone out and bought her own just the other day. There was just something that felt right about officially buying it… maybe because she’d already bought a copy of every other book that the man had written. Plus there was the unexpectedly flattering dedication inside the front cover.
And although she had already read it, she wanted to again. She secretly loved the book a lot more than she led on. Certainly there were some rather unrealistic additions Castle had made to her character, such as Nikki Heat’s preference for lacy undergarments, but overall she thought it was maybe one of the best novels he’d written, and that was saying something.
Kate closed her desk drawer before reaching over to turn off her desk lamp. Just as she was about to hit the switch, she saw a familiar redhead come around the corner from in the direction of the elevators.
“Alexis,” Kate said as the girl walked towards her desk. “If you’re looking for your father, you missed him. He left about twenty minutes ago.”
Alexis smiled widely as she stopped in front of Kate’s desk. “Oh, I know. He just called me and told me to meet him at home because he was bringing sushi.”
“Okay then…” Kate responded slowly, not knowing where this was headed.
“I came to talk to you,” Alexis replied to the unasked question.
“Me?” Kate’s heart began to race a little, wondering if Castle’s daughter was in some sort of trouble. “Is everything alright?” She began to question.
She was relieved when Alexis laughed and shook her head. “No, nothing like that,” the girl said. “I don’t know if you know this or not, but this Saturday is my dad’s birthday.”
Actually, Kate had known. She’d seen a post someone had made about it on one of the fan sites earlier that week. But playing dumb she replied, “No, I didn’t realize.”
“Yeah, he doesn’t like to make a big deal out of it. Shocking, I know.”
Kate laughed. “You’re right, that is a little out of character for him.”
“Well, anyway. I’m throwing a surprise party for him at our place on Saturday night, and I know he would love it if you came.”
Kate fidgeted a little. “Alexis, I’m flattered, but…”
“Please Detective Beckett?” She pleaded. “Ryan and Esposito are coming, I ran into them in the elevator. And then it’s just going to be me and Gran, that’s it.”
“I don’t know…”
“Awe, come on. It’s going to be a lot of fun. We’re going to have cake, stupid hats, party favours, pin the tail on the donkey… all the good stuff.”
Alexis seemed extremely excited about the whole idea, but Kate couldn’t help but note, “I can’t say that’s exactly how I pictured a birthday party of your dad’s.”
“I know, that’s just it-when he was growing up Gran was always away doing one show or another and he never had a normal birthday party. Plus for as long as I can remember he’s never wanted to make a big deal out of it, so we just let it slide by. But I want this year to be special and give him one of the parties he missed out on as a kid.”
Kate couldn’t help but smile at the young woman standing in front of her. If one thing was for certain it was that this girl loved her father more than anything in the world. It was entirely too endearing. “Alright,” she relented. “I’ll come.”
Alexis beamed. “Thank you!” She gave Kate a quick hug that was over before the detective even knew what had happened. “Just show up around eight.”
“Do you need me to bring anything?”
Alexis shook her head. “I’m going to go pick up everything on Friday since it’s a day off from school. The only thing I haven’t decided on is a theme. I was thinking maybe Power Rangers, or Ninja Turtles… Those are stupid boy things, right?”
Kate laughed. “They are. But what about…” She paused. “You know what, never mind.”
“No, please tell me,” Alexis said. “I’ve been trying to think of the best theme for days now.”
“What about a certain British secret agent?” Kate suggested, knowing how in love with the idea of writing him Castle had been.
Alexis practically started bouncing. “That’s perfect!”
Suddenly there was a ringing noise and Alexis pulled her cell phone out of her jacket pocket. She made an odd face at it, before silencing the ringer. “It’s my dad, he’s probably wondering where his dinner date is. I have to go, but I’ll see you on Saturday.”
She turned and walked for the elevator, answering the call as she went. “Dad, hi!” There was a slight pause. “Yup, I’m on my way home now.”
Kate grabbed the jacket from the back of her chair and put it on, doing up the buttons and tying the belt at her waist. This could turn out to be an interesting weekend…
***
Come Saturday night at eight o’clock, Kate found herself ringing the doorbell outside of Castle’s apartment while balancing a rather large present under one arm. Alexis answered it promptly and ushered her inside. Kate was glad to see the girl was wearing only jeans and a T-shirt, alleviating her own fear that she would show up underdressed.
As soon as she stepped inside Kate was greeted by the sight of secret agent party decorations. Cardboard pistols were hanging off the banister, a row of martini glasses adorned the island, and on the table there were a stack of 007 party hats and favours. On the kitchen counter she could see a pile of pizza boxes that looked like they had arrived only seconds before her. No one else was around.
“I made Gran take dad shopping with her a few hours ago to keep him out of here while I was getting ready. Ryan called a few minutes ago and told me that he and Esposito would be here soon,” Alexis explained as she took the present from Kate’s hands and added it to the pile next to the staircase.
Kate smiled at Alexis. “Well, it certainly sounds like you have everything all planned out.”
She smiled back. “I hope so; I really want him to like it.”
Kate took another glance around. “You have nothing to worry about-he’s going to love it.”
“You think?”
Kate nodded. “Now, do you need help with anything?”
In less than fifteen minutes everything was ready. The food had been laid out, and Ryan and Esposito had just finished making vodka martinis as per Alexis’ instructions. When Ryan had asked where the beer was she’d told them that there was none allowed because it was a James Bond party. She had also told him and Esposito that since she was a minor, they would have to make the drinks. When Kate had curiously inquired as she where she’d gotten the vodka she’d explained that Martha kept their liquor cabinet well stocked.
“Are you guys almost ready?” Alexis asked as she grabbed four party hats off the table and passed one to each of them before putting one on herself. The three detectives looked at her sceptically. She sighed. “Put them on,” she prompted, and reluctantly they did.
“This feel tight to you?” Ryan asked as he turned to look at Esposito. “It feels tight to me.” He was playing with the thin elastic chinstrap.
Esposito was about to reply when he was interrupted by beeping from Alexis’ phone; she’d left it sitting on the island so that when her Gran sent ‘the signal’ no one would miss it. She grabbed for it quickly and her eyes scanned the screen. “They’re coming! Now everyone be quiet and come hide behind the couch.” The three of them followed Castle’s daughter over to the couch and crouched down behind it, while she used a small remote control to turn off all the lights.
It wasn’t long before they could make out voices in the hallway, and only a few seconds more until they could hear what was being said.
“I saw you mother,” Castle said. His voice was muffled due to the door in between, but the words were clear enough. “You were sending a text message.”
They could hear Martha scoff, as well as the sound of keys jingling. “Don’t be ridiculous, you know I don’t know how to use any of that new technology. It confuses the hell out of me quite frankly.”
“Say what you will, but I know what I saw.” Someone inserted a key into the door, but they didn’t turn it. “But the question is: who was it? A secret lover perhaps? If not, then maybe-”
“Give me that,” Martha said, interrupting him. Suddenly the key turned and the deadbolt slid open. “Now can we go inside and get some dinner? All that shopping has worked up an appetite.”
“Now that, I believe,” Castle said.
The four behind the couch could hear the handle of the door begin to turn and Alexis held up her hand with three fingers raised. She mouthed a silent count down, which the three detectives could barely make out in the dim light. The door swung open. Three… They could hear footsteps and the rustle of bags. Two… The door closed again. One… Following Alexis’ lead they all jumped to their feet and yelled “Surprise!” at the same time Alexis turned the lights back on.
Kate had seen many looks on Castle’s face before, but never had she seen him shocked and at a complete loss for words. He was looking around and taking in the party set up while his mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water. Martha gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, “Happy Birthday, Kiddo,” she told him before heading for the row of martinis on the island. Alexis bounced over and threw her arms around her father who hugged her back and lifted her off her feet.
“Happy birthday, Dad,” she said happily, and Kate thought she might have detected a glistening in Castle’s eyes.
“You did all this?” He asked her and she nodded. “Sweetheart, I would have been okay with a card.”
Alexis laughed. “But a card’s not as much fun.”
***
The party turned out to be an even bigger success than Kate had expected it would be. She didn’t know if she’d ever seen Castle this happy before. They’d managed to cover most of the traditional birthday activities, including mainly the copious consumption of junk food. In fact the only thing they had yet to really do was open presents. And although it was getting late now, they had just put in From Russia with Love, a continuation on their 007 marathon of Castle’s favourites. Kate quietly excused herself for a trip to the washroom while Castle, Ryan and Esposito discussed which of the Bond women was the most attractive. When she returned she found Castle in the kitchen pouring himself a martini.
“Another Detective?” He asked her holding up the cocktail shaker in question.
Kate smiled. “Sure, why not.”
Castle grinned and poured some into the glass she’d left on the counter earlier. “Pour vous,” he said as he passed it to her.
“Merci.”
Neither of them headed back to the living room right away. Castle was preoccupied watching Alexis and he was smiling broadly.
“You know, you’re lucky Castle. There aren’t many people who have that kind of relationship with their children,” Kate commented quietly.
He nodded and turned to meet her eyes, his own completely serious. “I know. She’s absolutely amazing.”
“That she is,” Kate agreed.
Castle held up his glass in her direction and she smiled, clinking her martini glass against his gracefully. It was certainly something she could drink too. As they both took sips from their drinks, Kate remembered again about the presents.
She placed her glass back on the island and said, “Hang on a second…” She quickly went over and grabbed her present off the pile and brought it back to the kitchen. “With all the rest of the excitement we seem to have forgotten about the presents, but I want you to open this.”
Castle looked at her in surprise. “You really didn’t have to…”
Kate shrugged. “I know, but I wanted to.” It had taken her a while to figure out what her gift would be. After all, what do you get the man who already has everything? Then it had dawned on her.
Castle lifted the lid off the pre-wrapped box and set it on the floor at his feet. His face broke out into a large grin as he pulled off the tissue paper to reveal his gift. He pulled the police vest from its box and held it up proudly in front of his chest. “How does it look?” He asked seriously.
“It looks…” Kate laughed and shook her head. “It looks great, Castle.”
“So what made you change your mind?”
Kate sighed, “I hate to admit it, but you’re a valuable member of the team. You deserve it.” He opened his mouth to reply, and she could tell from the look on his face it was going to be a smart ass comment, so she beat him too it. “Plus your other one just makes us look bad.”
He grinned at her. “Well, thank you. It’s a perfect birthday present.” He placed it back in the box and put the lid back on. “Now…” he said, looking towards the television in the living room. “Shall we?”
Kate picked up her martini glass-there was a smile on her face as well. “We shall.”
Castle gestured for her to precede him. “After you Detective.”
The End