Chapter 34 - Whole Wide World

"Agghh, I'm never drinking again."

A beat of silence.

"Or have hot, wild, fantasy sex when you're plastered?" Rick smirked and waggled his eyebrows. "Thank you, by the way."

She groaned and turned on her back away from him, a hand covering her eyes.

"Shut up, Castle."

"What?" He turned on his side closer to her, a large grin adorning his features. "Really, thank you. You have no idea how long I've had that particular fantasy."

Kate lifted her hand and glanced at him, amusement flickering in her eyes. "Why am I not surprised?" She muttered. After a few moments she started to sit up, clutching the sheet to her chest.

Her husband also sat up, his brow furrowing. "Whoa, where are you going?"

She turned to look at him, her face pale, hair in disarray and eyes a little dull.

Nonetheless, still beautiful.

"Rick, even though I find your body irresistible and even though I love you, I don't have the energy or stamina or desire for round three right now." She slid her feet onto the floor, her legs feeling wobbly from exertion. Orgasmic exertion. "And I really do have a headache."

He chuckled and gently pulled her back into bed. "Castle!"

"I'm flattered, Babe, but I'm not looking for round three. Just – stay here, I'll go make you something to eat and get you some aspirin, okay?"

She sighed, feeling the insistent pounding against the inside of her skull. "'Kay."

He placed a smacking kiss on her cheek and climbed out of bed, pulling on his boxers. Kate laid back down, an arm slung over her eyes.

"Lizzy?" She asked softly, still a concerned mother.

Rick smiled tenderly as he watched her, hung-over and grumpy and naked in his bed. His wife. Wife. Mother of his child. He walked over to her side and sat down, a large hand on her sheet-clad thigh. Drawing soothing, pleasant, distracting patterns.

"I'll go check on her. I'm sure she's fine, though. It's only seven now."

Kate removed her arm and smiled tenderly. "Thanks, Honey."

He leaned down and kissed her softly. "Sure thing... Snookums."

"Castle," she whined, a weary laugh bubbling out.

"Or would you prefer Snooki? You're both pretty good at partying."

Kate started to laugh, but it soon turned into a grimace. "Ow, my head. Stop that." She turned onto her side and dragged a pillow over her pounding head.

He was wearing a shit-eating grin. "Whatever you want, Officer Beckett."

Another groan. "Shut up."

[][][]

He was humming. Well, actually whistling and humming and even singing a little.

I've got you under my skin.

You have no idea, Frank Sinatra. No. Freakin'. Idea.

He made pancakes (thank you so much) and was currently searching for some of the strongest aspirins they had. His mother's experience and pharmaceutical expertise would come in handy right about now. He should call-

And there she was.

In yoga pants and her black uniform shirt she stripteased out of oh-so-slowly last night (or this morning). He's never, ever going to forget Officer Beckett. Now they just needed to get her a sexy nurse outfit...

Hot damn.

Her hair was still in disarray, eyes squinting against the light and brow furrowed adorably. She let out a yawn and rubbed at her eyes.

"Why the hell is it so bright in here?" Kate grumbled.

He pursed his lips to keep from laughing. "Hey. I thought you were gonna stay in bed until I brought you breakfast."

"Mmm, your singing lured me," she shot back, plopping down on the stool and dropping her head in her hands. "Castle, everything huuurrrttsss," Kate whined, sounding oddly like a toddler about to go crazy.

He threw back his head and laughed. When he glanced at her, she was glaring at him with glassy, red eyes.

She looked like an angry little girl. That was what he was reminded of. He imagined a tiny, foot-stomping Kate, brows furrowed, arms crossed and jaw set.

Too cute.

Was Lizzy going to be this adorably cross with him in the future when he teased her? He couldn't wait to find out.

"This isn't funny."

He smiled broadly. "It is."

"You're an ass."

He chuckled again, walking over to her with a plate of pancakes. He slid the plate in front of her and pressed a kiss against her temple. "Am I an ass now?" He whispered into her ear.

Kate's lips quirked. "No. Just annoying." She turned to him, draped her arms over his shoulders and kissed him soundly. "An annoying, wonderful, infuriating, handsome husband."

"And unforgettable sex god," he murmured, his lips against hers.

She chuckled softly. "Yeah. You rock my world, Mr. Castle."

"Such a fan girl, Mrs. Castle."

"Your fan girl," she murmured before kissing him softly again.

"Eat your pancakes. I'll make us some coffee," he whispered before releasing her.

She sighed. "'Kay."

They ate in silence for a few moments before Kate suddenly jerked her head up and looked at him with wide eyes.

He immediately knew that look.

She started to get off the stool. "Shit, I'm so out of it, I didn't even check! Lizzy-"

"-Is fine, Kate. Still sleeping. She got to bed later than usual last night."

She relaxed and returned to her seat, a little deflated. "Oh."

"Don't worry, Mommy, I've got the baby monitor right here."

Kate smiled at him, lifting an eyebrow; heat suddenly in her gaze. "Thanks, Daddy."

Oh hello, look who's back.

"You're such a tease."

She leaned forward, biting her lower lip. "And you're such a stud."

He swallowed hard. "Officer Beckett, if it weren't for your hangover, we'd be having round three on the kitchen counter right about now."

She laughed and then winced. "Damn it, Castle!" She lifted a hand to her head, her eyes shut tightly. "Can I get my pills now?"

Rick stifled a laugh and nodded. "Yes, Dear."

"Remind me to never ever go to a bacholerette again. Ever."

He smirked and handed her two tablets and a glass of water. "Yes, Dear."

She popped the pills in her mouth and gulped down the water, fixing him with another deflated glare.

"You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

"No, of course not." His grin grew wider, belying his statement.

She punched him in the arm. "Liar."

"Ow. Okay, fine. So I find it a little amusing that my always-in-control-by-the-book-type-A detective wife got plastered. It's funny."

"Well, I'm glad to be your source of entertainment."

So sour.

"Babe, at least you weren't caught drunk and totally naked on a police horse... while a group tourists snapped pictures of your family jewels."

Kate rewarded him with a chuckle. "Oh, I'd pay good money to see that."

Rick flashed her a dirty grin, his eyes twinkling mischievously. "I bet you would... perv. But you don't need to though." He stepped closer to her, wrapping his arms around her waist. "For you, it's an all access pass. Anytime - free of charge."

She returned a slow, sly smile. "Mmm, good to know." She kissed him, but broke away before her eager husband got carried away. "But, I think, Kitten, that I'm gonna take a rain check on that free pass for now." She patted his cheek. "I'm going to take a shower and then come and lounge with you and my daughter for the rest of the day while recovering. Sound good, Mr. Castle?"

He was grinning goofily at her. "No complaints here, Mrs. Castle."

[][][]

"Look who's up, Mommy."

When Lizzy saw her more sober and freshly showered mother, she squealed and desperately held out her chubby arms to Kate. The littlest Castle was dressed in her pink Unicorn shirt and baby jeans, wearing a beaming four-tooth grin dimpling her round, rosy cheeks.

An adorable, fat, little cherub.

Kate laughed, feeling her heart flutter a little at her baby's delight in seeing her. She walked over to Rick and scooped up her daughter, squeezed her and gave her a smacking kiss. Lizzy's only response was to burrow into her mother's embrace, her baby hands grasping Kate's shirt tightly.

Oh, how was she ever going to be able to go back to work?

"Hey, beautiful girl. Did you and Daddy have fun last night?"

"Of course we did. We always have fun. Isn't that right, Sweet Pea?" Rick said with a grin, pulling off his shirt and walking to the bathroom. His wife wasn't paying attention to what he was saying as she followed him with her eyes all the way, unable to help herself. She had him twice already, but felt her blood stir again.

"Stop checking me out, perv. Our daughter is present."

Kate blinked and huffed out a laugh; caught with her hand in the cookie jar. A very nice cookie jar. With broad shoulders, strong arms and a gorgeous, gorgeous ass.

Mmmhmm.

She sighed and glanced at her daughter, who's tiny baby hands were still clutching at her shirt; her head nestled in the crook of her mother's neck. A little clingy today, a little subdued. Kate frowned and brushed her fingers across Lizzy's forehead, but finding nothing out of the ordinary.

Huh.

She kissed her daughter's head and hugged her tighter. "Come on Sweetie, let's go get you some breakfast."

Fifteen minutes later Kate was sprawled out on the carpet next to her almost one-year old, watching her baby play happily with Snuggles, as always, close by. The little girl gave occasional shrieks of delight and babbled as she flailed her arms around excitedly, fluffy toys held in each one. Her earlier subdued mood and clinginess apparently gone.

Kate propped up her elbow and rested her head in her hand, her mind starting to wander to images of Lizzy, Little Esplanie and the two Ryans playing like this or running around on the beach in the Hamptons or dressing up for Halloween-

"Oh, what's this? My two girls playing without me?"

Kate turned around and grinned at her husband as he sank down next to her. "Wouldn't dream of it, Daddy," she murmured as he leaned over her. His eyes darkened slightly and his grin grew wolfish; residual arousal still present after their night of fantasy sex.

"Good to know, Mommy." He gave her a slow, lazy kiss befitting of a Sunday morning. "Sweet Pea, get ready for the... tickle monster!"

He leaped over his wife and grabbed his baby girl, tickling her sides and stomach and blowing raspberries in her neck. Lizzy shrieked and giggled, her little hands on her father's cheeks. Rick turned on his back, his shoulder brushing against Kate. She watched them, a large smile blooming over her features. She moved closer to his side, molding into him and laying her head on his shoulder. Rick, with a beaming mega-watt smile, glanced at her as Lizzy bounced excitedly on his stomach. Kate returned a smile and leaned up to kiss his cheek.

She loved watching him being a father. Absolutely adored it. Adored him. Her daughter, her family.

"Oh, I forgot to tell you."

"Mmm?" He responded distractedly, still tickling their squealing little cherub baby.

"Lizzy is getting a playmate."

Rick whipped his head around, his eyes wide and his lips parted in surprise. What now? It couldn't be, could it? Kate was on birth control and they'd been using-

"Not me, you idiot," his wife grumbled, half-annoyed and half-amused.

Oh. Yeah. Duh. She was totally plastered last night. Completely out of it.

He gave her a sheepish smile. "Oh, right. Sorry." He was feeling bizarrely disappointed. He knew there was no chance of another one soon. Absolutely not on the cards. Kate was going back to work soon and Lizzy wasn't even a year old and he had books-

Wait. Lizzy was getting a playmate?

"Lizzy is getting a playmate?"

Kate smiled and rolled her eyes. "Yeah, Castle... Lanie is pregnant. She told me last night. And I had to cover for her-"

"-Hence your state of... cheeriness." He grinned.

She rolled her eyes. "Yeah."

"Took one for the team, huh?"

"Totally. She owes me big time... But providing Lizzy with a playmate makes up for it."

Wow. Lizzy was getting a playmate. He was going to be-

"I'm gonna be an uncle!"

Like a kid in a candy store. Adorable, adorable man.

His wife laughed and gave him a sweet kiss. "Yes, Writer Boy, you are going to be an uncle. Congratulations."

"That's awesome!"

"I know right?"

He let Lizzy crawl over to her toys and turned his attention to Kate.

"They're going to be great parents."

Kate sighed and slowly traced a hand over his chest. "Yeah. I know." She let out a laugh. "Lanie says that Esposito is so excited, he already went out and bought a football."

Rick laughed. "Sounds like something he would do."

"Mmm."

They lay in silence for a few moments, their attention on Lizzy who was playing contently next to her parents. "You remember the first thing I bought after we found out? Even before we knew she was a girl?" His voice was soft, reminiscent.

A smile slowly spread over her features. "Yeah." Kate lifted her head to look at her husband. "That ridiculous little cop outfit."

"Ridiculously cute little cop outfit. It's the perfect costume for Halloween."

Kate rolled her eyes, her smile growing. "You're going to use our daughter as bait to get candy, aren't you?"

"Of course not," he huffed. "I'm using her and my irresistible charms."

"You're only allowed to use those irresistible charms on me, Castle," she murmured before kissing his jaw.

"With pleasure, Officer Beckett," he whispered into her ear, placing a kiss high on her cheekbone.

"And I assume you would like to have a repeat performance of Officer Beckett on Hallow's Eve?"

His grin grew devilish. "Not just on Hallow's Eve, my dear Detective."

"On your birthday as well?"

He grinned at her.

"And Thanksgiving."

"Labour Day."

"Independence Day."

"Valentine's Day."

"Anniversary."

She nodded. "Anniversary."

They grinned at each other.

Kate fiddled with the buttons of his shirt, lifting an eyebrow. Sexy, sultry minx of a woman.

"So, Mr. Castle, do you only want Officer Beckett or should I whip out my naughty nurse outfit on occasion?"

His eyes nearly popped out of his head. "You- you have a... a naughty nurse outfit?" Breathless with excitement, his voice pitching higher than usual.

Kate laughed and patted his cheek. "Soooo easy, Castle."

"Tease."

"Stud." She kissed his pout away.

He groaned. "You're killing me."

"You love it."

"I do." He agreed easily, smiling at his wife. "And I love you too."

Just then a baby hand slapped against his face, grabbing a fistful of his cheek. Rick snatched his daughter and lifted her up, little baby giggles bubbling out.

"And you too, Sweet Pea!" He placed a smacking kiss against her round, rosy cheek. "You're getting a playmate, baby girl!"

Kate laughed. "She already has one."

Rick turned to look at her, mischievous glint in his eyes. "And so does Mommy."

She returned a sly grin. "Mmhmm. I really like my playmate."

He leaned brushed a barely-there-kiss against her lips. "Good, because can Kate come out and play?"

[][][]

And I'm in
So totally wrapped up

Emotionally attracted
So physically active

So recklessly I need you
So desperately sure as the sky is blue

Baby I love you
I love you

Title is a cute Wreckless Eric song 'Whole Wide World' and the lyrics at the end from Martina McBride's song 'I love you.'

Chapter 33 - All shook up

"So, where are you guys, or should I say girls, going tonight?" Rick asked. Lizzy was wriggling in his arms, freshly bathed and dressed in her lady-bug jammies.

Kate glanced up at her husband and grinned, pulling on her impossibly high (and ridiculously sexy) pair of Louboutins.

"Oh, wouldn't you like to know, Writer Boy." She stood up and walked to her dresser with Castle following, openly ogling the contours of her ass in the dark form-fitting jeans.

"Ah, come on. I promise I won't tell Esposito anything."

Kate smiled and rolled her eyes, but kept quiet.

"Kaaatteee."

She huffed out an annoyed breath and continued to apply her mascara. "Why is it so important for you to know, Castle?"

He shrugged. "Just… I'm curious."

She stopped applying mascara and watched Rick in the mirror. He was being all domestic (and hot) with his bare feet, ratty jeans and blue NYPD t-shirt while Lizzy clambered all over him.

It was kinda heart-melting.

"Are you worried that we're going to a *ahem* ladies-friendly institution?"

"No," Rick scoffed, his brow furrowing.

She lifted an eyebrow and fought the grin that was threatening. "Oh, really?"

"Yeah, really." He returned a shit-eating grin of his own. "Besides, you don't need other sources of entertainment. You've got me."

She turned around and gave him a heated look which made his grin falter. Kate slowly sauntered up to him; a graceful, feral, predatory beauty. He was helpless against it, against her.

A moth to the flame.

Kate pressed her cheek against his, lining her body with his. A perfect fit. "Believe me, I am well aware of what I've got," she breathed into his ear, tracking a hand low on his stomach. "I am a very lucky woman to have a husband with such a big... heart."

He gulped and tightened his hold on his daughter who was babbling away and bouncing in his arms, completely unaware that her father's brain had just melted.

"Uh... I... uh."

"So easy." Kate laughed and patted his cheek before giving her daughter's chubby one a smacking kiss and running a hand affectionately through her dark hair. "Don't worry, it's just gonna be dinner and drinks at Maddy's place."

"No show?" Rick quipped after recovering.

She flashed him a wide smile and gave him a quick kiss. "No. That I get from you later tonight. So be ready... Stud." She bit her lip and swept a thumb over his mouth, lowering her tone. "And I promise that if you're good, you might be getting one from me."

He groaned. "Oh, don't tease me, Detective."

[][][]

"Kate, what the hell is this?" Lanie exclaimed in surprise amid clapping, laughing and familiar female faces smiling back at them. The petite ME turned to her friend, eyes wide and sparkling.

The dark-haired detective grinned. "Well, just a little get-together with all your girlfriends before the big day." Kate's grin got wider. "And of course, a little payback for what you did to me."

Lanie's face fell. "Oh no."

Kate laughed. "Oh yes."

She ushered her friend towards the large table with all the women - Lanie's younger sister, Michelle, a couple of close cousins, Rhonda, a varsity friend, Esposito's sisters and Jenny and Madison.

There was no Mama Esposito and no Mama Parish in order to ensure the continued existence of humankind.

"Finally! We were almost tempted to send out a search party for you guys!" Madison moved through the group and towards them.

"Hey, Maddy. Long time no see." Kate greeted her friend.

Madison tugged the detective into a tight hug. "Hey Becks. Yeah, too long."

The hostess turned to the woman of the moment, her smile getting wider. "Dr. Parish, good to see you. Another one bites the dust, huh?"

Lanie laughed and embraced the other woman. "Good to see you too, Maddy." The ME grinned mischievously, lifting an eyebrow. "And I'm not biting anything."

The blonde laughed and ushered Lanie towards the group of other women. While Lanie was surrounded by the other women, Madison turned her attention back to Kate, linking her arm with the detective's as the two women made their way to the table with the other guests.

"So, how's baby Castle?"

Kate's grin immediately got wider, brighter. "Great. She's wonderful and beautiful and just perfect," she gushed. "You have to come and visit."

"Aww, I want to so badly. It's just been busy, you know? But don't worry - Aunt Maddy will definitely be at her first birthday party."

"You better be."

"Wouldn't miss it for the world. And how's Daddy doing?" Madison asked, her eyes twinkling knowingly.

Kate bit her lip, feeling a little giddy and proud that Rick was hers. "He's great too."

"Mmhmm, I bet he is." Madison grinned, turning her attention back to the other women. "Ladies, are we ready?"

"Hell yeah!" Michelle Parish exclaimed enthusiastically, already on her second glass of wine. "Crack the champagne so that we can get this party started!"

[][][]

"Goodnight stars, goodnight air, goodnight noises everywhere." His voice was a soft, deep rumble; lulling the baby warm against his chest to sleep. Rick glanced down at his daughter and smiled tenderly as he studied her little face. Her eyes were closed, her small mouth open and her features relaxed, deep in slumber.

She looked like her mother. Like his wife. Like their Kate.

"Goodnight, baby girl," he said quietly, closing the story book. He bent down and pressed a lingering kiss against her forehead, still rocking rhythmically in the rocking chair. After a few moments, he stood up and carefully placed Lizzy in her crib, running a large hand affectionately over her skull.

"You're growing up too fast, baby bird. Remember, you and your old man have an agreement," he murmured, before bending down and placing another kiss on top of his daughter's head.

Rick stood up and sighed, catching sight of a framed picture on the small bedside table next to her crib. It was a photo of his whole family - Alexis, Lizzy, Kate and himself; one taken at the zoo the last time Alexis was in town. His three girls were in a close embrace, his eldest daughter and Kate wrapped around each other, with eye-crinkling smiles while Lizzy was in between them, babbling happily in her mother's arms. He was standing behind them, his arms slung over Alexis and Kate's shoulders, grinning like a fool.

Ah, good times.

'Maybe Nikki needs to get pregnant.'

[][][]

"Lanie, where are you going? They're waiting-"

Her friend was acting weird, darting up and grabbing her hand and dragging her along before they could toast her upcoming nuptials. Yeah, so not Lanie Parish.

"Girl, just... listen. You gotta help me out," the M.E. said, pushing the tall detective into the ladies' restroom.

Kate's brow furrowed. "What are you talking about?"

Lanie locked the door before turning back to face her friend, wringing her hands nervously.

Locking the door? Okay, now she was seriously concerned. Help her out with what? Was she getting cold-

"Kate, I... I'm pregnant."

Oh.

Oh. Wow.

The dark-haired beauty gaped at her friend, mouth open, eyes wide and large. And then she smiled, her whole face alight and beaming. Lanie let out a shaky breath and returned a broad smile.

Kate moved forward, one, two steps and enveloped the petite woman in a fierce hug, both women feeling emotions bubbling out.

"You're pregnant," Kate said softly, reverently, stepping back a few paces.

Lanie wiped at her eyes and let out a watery chuckle. "Guess you got your wish, Detective. Lizzy will be having a playmate soon."

"When did you find out?"

"Uh, about two days ago."

"How far?"

"Not sure yet, but I'm guessing about five to six weeks."

"And Esposito? Does he know?"

The M.E. ducked her head and smiled softly. "Yeah. He is the only one, besides me and you, who knows." She looked back at the detective. "Oh, Kate, he's so excited. I had to stop him from going out and buying a football."

Kate grinned and shook her head. "I bet he his. He's gonna be great, you're gonna be great. Oh my word, an Esplanie baby!" She squealed, literally squealed.

The other women laughed. "Seriously? An Esplanie baby? Writer Boy has definitely rubbed off on you."

"Oh, believe me, you have no idea how much he has," Kate murmured with a slow, sly smile.

"Definitely did not need to know that."

Kate chuckled quietly before embracing her friend again. "Lanie, I'm so happy for you. And Espo. You two are going to be fantastic parents."

"Thanks, girl," Lanie replied before breaking the embrace.

"Wait. What did you mean when you said that you needed my help?"

Lanie bit her lip. "Look I don't want anyone else to know about this yet. And this being my bachelorette and all, if I'm not throwing back tequila shots-"

Of course. Duh.

"-people will start getting suspicious and start asking questions."

"Exactly... So I'm gonna need someone to take care of my drinks."

Take care of her drinks?

Kate's eyes grew wider. "Oh. O-okay." She was already dreading the hangover that would follow her act of kindness. "But you owe me, Dr. Parish."

Lanie smiled, teasing. "Dr. Esposito, Detective Castle."

Kate snorted. "Detective Beckett, Mrs. Castle. Get your titles right, Mrs. Esposito."

[][][]

It was past midnight and Nikki was in the middle of cracking a serial killer case with Rook by her side, of course. Nikki getting pregnant was not on the cards... yet. He was just finishing the scene where she had been lured to the maniac's lair when Rick heard the sound of the door opening and feet stumbling into the foyer.

Stumbling? Huh. That was... strange. Kate never-

Wait, was that giggling? She definitely did not giggle. Unless...

Before he could get up, his slightly intoxicated and giggling (giggling!) wife came through his office door. She spotted him and unfurled a slow, teasing, sexy smile while watching him from under her lashes.

"Hiiii, Baby."

Oh wow.

He cleared his throat, watching her strut (so hot!) towards him. A lioness, a tigress stalking her prey.

Holy shit.

"Uh, hey Honey."

She slowly, a little shakily, made her way towards him. "Sooo? What're you doin'?" His lips flickered at her slurring, but resisted the amused smile that wanted to escape.

She slid her arms up his chest and around his neck, stepping closer, her chest pressing against him. "Just- just writing. And waiting for you," he managed.

"You wait'd f'r me?" She asked all too innocently, pouting her lips and batting (batting!) her eyelashes at him.

Rick returned a smile. "Of course, Babe."

Kate stepped closer, her hair tickling his cheek. "Don't call me 'Babe'," she murmured, nuzzling her nose with his, squeezing his neck.

He chuckled softly. "Whatever you say, Beckett." Before she could respond, his mouth was on hers - demanding, insistent, hungry. He could taste the champagne, the vodka, tequila on her tongue. But she's intoxicating. He's drunk with her, because of her. His head, his world was spinning by the time she hooked a long leg around his and pressed her hips against his insistently.

His legs were jelly, knees giving in.

They're both breathless, thrumming with need when they broke apart.

"'Tis Officer Beckett to you, Misstterrr," she pants, still slurring, but alert now. A little bit more sober. He was about to capture her lips again when she disappeared from his arms. Her eyes were wide, dark, sparkling with mischief and something.. dare he say? naughty.

"Kate?" He queried as she slowly retreated out of his office.

She was grinning at him, dangerously, a femme fatale. Like she had a secret that he had to discover. A delicious secret.

"Give me ten minutes." He is instructed in a low, throaty voice. A voice dripping with liquid heat, with sex.

Ten minutes.

It shocks his system. A bolt of lighting, a lick of fire. Jolting him, leaving him breathless with anticipation. Because when Kate gets adventurous, his world usually explodes.

Among other things. . .

[][][]

Officer Beckett.

His jaw was probably somewhere on the floor. Along with all coherent thought. How was he supposed to think with his brain when she was prancing around in her cop (cop!) uniform; just the black shirt and hat? And while she was wearing his favourite pair of black lace panties and a pair of sexy heels, showing off her toned legs? Way too sexy for her own good.

He was going to die. Rick Castle was going to die due to an overdose of arousal.

She smirked at him, her eyes filled with equal measures of mirth and heat. "See somethin' ya like, Castle?" She was more sober, more in control now than a few minutes before.

He couldn't move. Literally couldn't move. His pants were too tight, his mouth dry, his legs heavy. "Uh..."

She walked towards him, torturing him with the seductive sway of her hips. He gulped. "Cat caught your tongue?"

"Nice outfit," Rick quipped, proud to be able to put together a string of words. Her smile only grew more devious as she reached back and pulled out a pair of fluffy handcuffs.

He was going to faint.

She stepped into his personal space, in between his parted legs, the handcuffs dangling teasingly from her fingers.

"I promised you a show, didn't I?" She breathed into his ear, hot and eager and spine-tingling.

He could only nod dumbly, clenching his fists; feeling the blood race through his veins. Uninhibited, scorching, primal lust.

Kate molded her lithe body further into his, a hand trailing up his chest, playing teasingly with the buttons of his shirt.

"Well, Mr. Castle, is there something you want to confess before I take you... downtown?"

She was going to kill him.

[][][]

I'm a natural ma'am
Doin' all I can
My temperature is runnin' high

Talking's fine
If you got the time
But I ain't got the time to spare
Yeah

Do you wanna touch (Yeah)
Do you wanna touch (Yeah)
Do you wanna touch me there, where
Do you wanna touch (Yeah)
Do you wanna touch (Yeah)

Title of the chapter is an Elvis song and lyrics at the end from 'Do you want to touch me.'

Chapter 32 - Punch drunk love

"So, Castle, how's that foxy wife of yours doing? She still got that smokin' bod after being preggers?"
Rick gritted his teeth and kept his focus on a spot on the ground.
Don't let him get to you. Don't let him get to you. Don't let him get to you.
His lungs were burning, sweat was dripping into his eyes, his shoulder ached, his knee had a nasty grass burn and Joey Asshat was playing mind-games, making risqué comments about Kate.
His wife and mother of his child. Well, children. She was a mother to Alexis-
"You're a lucky man, Writer Boy. She's hot. Long legs, nice ass. Very nice ass," his direct opposition continued to taunt.
He dug his hand further into the patch of grass, feeling the dirt under his fingernails.
The bulky, bald-headed man was treading lightly, very lightly.
Ryan had warned him about this. He had shrugged and grinned – he could take friendly hazing and a few jibes. He was a guys' guy. He could do the shoulder clap, laugh at crass jokes and take things on the chin. Apparently, a friendly game of football didn't exist between the rival cops. Win at all cost.
But this? Targeting Kate to get under his skin? For a lousy little football game?
That was crossing a line. A major one. It had started out as a joke about him being the obedient puppy-dog tag-along, the fumbling writer, the plucky sidekick. He laughed it off; they were just trying to get to him. Somehow, however, it had become more biting. More inappropriate. More about Kate.
And if it didn't stop soon, he was going to do something stupid to wipe that grin off Officer Dipshit's face.
"Forty-two! Ninety-nine! Seventy-five!" Esposito shouted the play, his face contorting in concentration. He was sporting a busted lip and a few scrapes and bruises.
Lanie was going to kill him.
Yeah, Rick thought, definitely not just a friendly football game. He glanced at Joey Asshat/Officer Dipshit, who was still grinning at him, and felt his jaw clench involuntarily.
Yep, he was so going to do something stupid soon.
Very soon.
But if the dumbass just kept his mouth shut, then maybe, maybe he could stay cal-
"I bet she's great in the sack."
Oh.
Oh, hell no.
"Hut! Hut!"
So much for staying calm.

[][][]

"This is nice," Alexis sighed as they sat down. After a number of hours shopping, the three Castle women ended up at the small, intimate street café that Kate had discovered a few months ago while being out with Lizzy.
"Yeah, it is," Kate replied with a smile, taking Lizzy out of her pram. The 10 month-old whined and wriggled in her mother's arms. She was tired, hungry and, as a result, cranky.
"Okay, okay. Calm down. Mommy's gonna give you something now," Kate placated, rummaging through the baby bag. "You're just as impatient as your father."
Alexis chuckled, got up and took Lizzy from Kate.
"Hey Kiddo, you giving your mom a hard time?" Lizzy watched her big sister with rapt attention, her small mouth slightly agape. She was standing in Alexis' lap, bouncing up and down, babbling and groping at her sister's red hair. She was totally entranced by the colour.
Lizzy let out an excited squeal and giggled. Both Kate and Alexis laughed. A few minutes passed with each of the adult women placing their respective drink orders and the miniature one (finally) enjoying a little bit of yoghurty delight. Of course, not without getting it smeared all over her chubby cheeks.
"Oh baby girl, you're making such a mess," Kate complained with a laugh as she wiped down her daughter's face, who promptly squirmed away from her mother.
Alexis chuckled and shook her head. "Oh, you are so totally like Dad. It's kinda scary," the young red-head commented with a smile.
"Tell me about it," Kate responded with a lopsided grin.
"He's already bought her a laser tag outfit, hasn't he?"
The older woman threw her head back and laughed.
"No, not yet. But he has made her sit with him and watch Star Wars." She paused for a moment, an amused and sentimental smile blooming over her features. "They were both asleep thirty minutes into the movie." Kate had walked in on them - Lizzy on top of her father's chest, drooling all over his shirt and Rick on his back on the couch, holding his daughter in place with a large hand on her body, also drooling.
Ridiculously adorable.
Alexis shook her head and smiled. She hugged the little body in her lap and planted a smacking kiss on Lizzy's cheek, causing the 10 month-old to laugh in delight.
"Oh lil' sis, you're doomed to becoming a Star-Wars-fencing-laser-tag-playing-geek like me." Alexis placed another kiss on top of Lizzy's head. "But believe me, you'll never have more fun." Kate picked up the longing, the wistful tone in Alexis' voice. She reached out and squeezed the younger woman's arm. Their eyes met and Alexis, with Lizzy still bouncing in her lap, offered her stepmother a small smile.
"I remember when I was about ten or eleven, I begged him for Star Wars light-sabers for weeks. I was completely obsessed, just like him of course."
"Of course," Kate said with a smile.
Alexis grinned while Lizzy grabbed the necklace around her neck and tried to feed herself with it. "Anyway, on my birthday Dad woke me up at like five or six in the morning, absolutely giddy with excitement. He proceeded to drag me downstairs and into his office. I was still half-asleep, but when he pulled out the light-sabers, I totally freaked. I was so excited. We ended up playing for hours, running all over the place. He called himself the Jedi Master and me his student."
Kate laughed. "I can only imagine the two of you." She paused for a moment. "He made the light-saber noises didn't he?"
Alexis smiled sheepishly. "We both did. But in my defense, I was only ten or eleven."
Kate grinned. "You know, I still catch him sometimes - fighting off some unseen forces, complete with the noises. He still thinks he is a Jedi Master. Ridiculous man. He's even tried to get me to do battle with him. I refused, obviously."
Alexis looked down at her adorable, blue-eyed baby sister. "Well, now he has a new playmate to play with."
Kate groaned. "I'm doomed, aren't I?"
The younger woman glanced back at her stepmother. Her friend. Her confidant. "Yeah, 'fraid so, Kate. You don't stand a chance." They grew quiet for a few moments, sipping their drinks and watching Lizzy making friends with a butterfly. She was giving little shrieks of delight as the colourful insect flapped away slowly. Of course she had tried to grab the small animal to inspect it with her mouth. Everything still went to her mouth, much to her parents amusement and alarm. Just the previous week she almost sucked on a bar of soap.
The three of them sat and watched the world go by before Alexis checked her watch and glanced at Kate again. Her expression growing slightly serious.
"Hey, do you think Dad survived the game?"

[][][]

"Bro, Beckett is so going to have your ass," Esposito commented with a wry smile, his own lips busted and his cheek sporting a bruise. They were at the Old Haunt, enjoying a few beers with some of the boys in the aftermath of the game/fist-fight.
Rick glared at him with his still normal-looking eye. His was nursing his left one with his cold beer. It was probably going to black by the next day.
But it was cool and manly.
And, hopefully, his wife would find it incredibly irresistible... Nah, that was wishful thinking on his part.
"Yeah well, Lanie is going to skin you alive. At least I'm already married. You're the one getting married in a month's time and looking like that." The smirking detective's face instantly fell.
Ryan nodded. "That's true, man. I'm glad I'm not you." A large grin appeared on his uninjured face. "In fact, I'm glad I'm not either one of you." He only had a few scrapes and grass burns.
"Oh come on, I was defending my woman's honour!" Rick protested.
"I don't think Beckett would like you referring to her as your woman, Castle," Ryan replied with a grin.
"Well, she is, isn't she, Honey Milk?" The grin fell off Ryan's face. "And I made sure that Officer Dipshit knows that nobody talks about my woman like that," Rick replied with a hint of indignation.
The other man, next to the mystery writer, laughed and shook his head. "Officer Dipshit. Very appropriate, Castle," the fair-haired, 40-something John Carter commented. He paused before continuing. "Listen man, I'm sorry about him. He's a real douche. Nobody at the 34th really likes the guy."
Rick waved him off. "It's not your fault the guy is an asshole with little-man-syndrome."
The other man grinned. "No probably not. But I should have done something."
"Wasn't necessary - I jumped you to it," Rick said with a small smile. He took a sip of his beer before continuing. "Besides, I think I should be the one apologizing for starting a brawl."
John laughed. "It's not a brawl if it only involves two guys throwing punches and the other guys trying to get them off each other."
"Well, Esposito did get a punch for his troubles," Ryan pointed out.
"Just, please, make sure that Lanie knows I got into a fight to save your ass, Castle."
"Hey, I was doing perfectly fine before you intervened."
"I gotta say Castle, your not too bad for a writer," John said with a grin.
"Thank you," Rick replied with a satisfied smiled.
"Your wife taught you well."
The writer's face fell comically.
"Oh burn!" Ryan laughed.
Rick only returned a lopsided grin. "Yeah well, what can I say, she's a good teacher."
"A good boss," Esposito commented.
"A very good detective," Ryan added.
Rick smiled softly. "An even better woman." He raised his glass. "Well, gentlemen, I propose a toast. To the women in our lives."
The other three men raised their glasses. "Hear, hear!"

[][][]

An hour later...
His eye was already starting to turn to a darkish purple shade. He touched it and winced. Well, at least it was rugged and kinda roguish. Yeah, Kate would dig it.
Eventually.
He rolled his shoulder; it still felt sore and stiff. He lifted the towel that was tied around his waist to check the nasty grass burn on his knee. It was not pretty.
Rick sighed as he looked at his reflection in the bathroom mirror again.
He was getting old. The extra lines on his face, the few gray hairs sticking out - which Kate said made him look more distinguished - and the fact that his eldest daughter was finishing varsity just confirmed it.
Okay, so maybe that was a little dramatic, but still. He had to keep up with a baby girl and a young, hot, fit, extremely flexible-
Rick heard the sudden cacophony of noise and chatter, a smile automatically tilting his lips upward. He winced again and touched his eye. He idly wondered if Lizzy was going to start crying once she saw her horribly disfigured father-
Okay, so Kate was right - melodrama was his middle name.
Just as he stepped out the bathroom, he heard Kate's voice at the other side of their bedroom door. "Yeah, Lex, you can give her some of that. Thanks," she said opening the door. Rick quickly turned around and pretended to be searching for a shirt in the drawer.
"Oh, hey," Kate greeted, surprised.
"Hey," he returned without turning around to face her.
There were a few beats of silence before he felt her lanky arms snake around his bare waist. "You know, if you just waited a little longer, I could have joined you, Stud." Her voice was low, throaty and just too damn sexy. He needed a cold shower now. She placed a kiss on his injured shoulder and felt him stiffen in response.
"Hey, you okay?" From sex-goddess to concerned wife in five seconds flat - it made his head spin.
Finally, Rick turned around and smiled sheepishly at her. "Just a few scrapes and bruises, Honey."
Her eyes widened and she stepped away from him, taking in the bruised jaw, busted lip and swollen, black eye. "Holy shit! Rick, what the hell happened to you?" The tone of her voice was a combination of shock, concern and anger.
"Just a little bit of football. No big deal." He shrugged his injured shoulder and winced.
Her jaw clenched. "Castle," he heard the warning in her tone and sighed, walking over to the bed.
"It was just a misunderstanding between me and another guy. No big deal, I promise." He didn't want Kate to know about the snide and inappropriate remarks Asshat had made about her.
She watched her husband for a long moment before sitting down next to him. "Yeah, this looks like no big deal," Kate said softly, gently tracing a finger over his eye and down to his busted lip. She placed a soft kiss on his mouth. "Damn it, Rick. This is why I didn't want you to do this."
"Don't worry, Babe, football season is over for me. I was only picked for one game anyway. Besides, I can't afford to injure these babies," he held up his hands and grinned.
Kate sighed. "Too late, Rick. And, by the way, this isn't funny." She took his right hand and rubbed a finger over his bruised knuckles.
"Oh." Her brow was furrowed as she looked at his hand. He decided to lighten the mood. "But hey, you can't deny the fact that you find my injuries sexy. And irresistible. It's kinda roguish, don't you think?" She glanced back up and raised an eyebrow, amusement flickering in her eyes for a moment.
Only for a moment.
"No, Castle, I prefer your boyish, uninjured face. It's kinda difficult to recognize my husband beneath all the bruises." She paused for a moment, her face etched in concern as a hand traced along his jaw. "Maybe we should get you to a doctor."
He shook his head and proceeded to leer at her, inching nearer until he felt her breath wafting over his cheek. "I only need you to nurse it better. Please, nurse it better, Beckett," he whispered leaning in to kiss the corner of her mouth. But before he could ravish her, Kate got up and walked towards the door.
Rick blinked and watched her in bewilderment. She didn't want him to kiss her.
Huh.
"Rick, if you hadn't noticed, I'm kind of upset with you right now."
His face fell and he stood up. "Kate-"
She sighed and dragged a hand through her hair. "Just get dressed, okay? We'll put an ice-pack on that eye downstairs." She paused before opening the door. "And so help me, Castle, if Lizzy starts crying once she sees you."

[][][]

Alexis scolded her father and Lizzy did cry when she saw him. After being convinced that he was indeed her father and not some hideous monster, she did calm down and became fascinated with his purple/darkish eye. So after a few minutes of relaying and watering down the tale of how he got his injuries, normalcy returned to the Castle household. He and Alexis played a few intense rounds of chess while Kate was bathing Lizzy. Later, after apologizing to his wife while she iced his eye, Rick and his women ended up in their bed, watching the Wizard of Oz. Kate and Rick were lying on each end with Alexis in between them and Lizzy snuggled on top of her mother's chest, sound asleep thirty minutes into Dorothy's adventure. A few minutes later, Alexis was also dozing off.
"They have no stamina," Rick said, brushing a strand of hair away from his eldest's face. "I'm a little disappointed. I mean this is a classic and my offspring just... fell asleep."
Kate laughed softly, rubbing her baby girl's back. "Well, knowing you, I'm sure Alexis has already seen this about a million times and as for this one-" she planted a kiss against her daughter's head. "-I'm sure there will be other opportunities to introduce her to the wonderful world of Oz."
"And Star Wars... again," Rick added and Kate rolled her eyes.
She glanced at him again and smirked. "Of course Gone with the Wind is also a necessary addition."
He groaned softly. "No."
Kate grinned at him. "Oh, absolutely. And of course, every Barbra Streisand movie."
"Don't you dare."
She shrugged and lifted an eyebrow. "What are you going to do to stop me, Kitten?"
He playfully narrowed his eyes at her. "Well, if it weren't for my injuries and for the fact that both my daughters were present, I would be tempted to tackle and pin you to the bed... And then proceed to thoroughly punish you."
She smiled and rolled her eyes.
"Of course. But how's that going to stop me from exposing our daughter to Barbra Streisand?"
"It's probably not going to stop you, but I might get a son out of the deal to do manly stuff with," he shot back casually.
Kate's eyes widened and she huffed out an incredulous laugh. "W-what?" She all but sputtered. Rick grinned in glorious victory.
She was so cute being all flustered.
"You know by pinning and punishing I actually meant-"
"-Yeah, I got that. Your mind always goes to the gutter. But how the hell did you go from that to you having a son?"
He was still grinning and she was still adorably ruffled about the bizarre turn of their conversation. It was made even more bizarre by the presence of the two daughters in their bed.
Rick sat up. "Honey, when a man and a woman love each other-"
"-Shut up, Castle," she grumbled quietly. "FYI, that is not happening anytime soon."
"What? The baby-part or the sex-"
"Okay, seriously," Alexis suddenly said, sitting up. "Please, Dad, do not finish that sentence. I've been scarred enough already."
Rick's face fell in horror and Kate burst out laughing, the sound waking Lizzy. Before she could say anything or be properly embarrassed, her phone rang. Her 10-month started to whine and whimper at being so rudely awakened.
Kate grabbed her phone. "Lex, would you?"
The young red-head smiled and took a sleepy Lizzy from her mother.
"Hey, Lanie," Kate greeted, stepping out of the room.
The three remaining Castles continued to sit on the bed. "So, a baby brother, huh?" Alexis said after a while, an amusing glint in her eyes.
"Uh, not- not yet. I was just joking. Ruffling Kate's feathers."
"I know, Dad. But that would be great. Imagine a little Rick Castle running around. That would be so adorable. Oh man, I'd pay to see you and Kate chasing after him!"
Rick chuckled softly. "I'd love that. Although, I don't know if my old legs would be able to run after another one." He grinned at his daughter. "Remember how I used to chase after you?"
A large smile erupted over the young red-head's face. "Yeah. Good times."
"Good times," her father echoed. The grew silent for a few moments. "You grew up too fast," he said sadly, tucking a strand of hair in behind her ear.
Alexis rolled her eyes. "Oh come on, don't get mushy on me now."
"What? It's true. You did grow up too fast. If I had my way, you and baby bird here would both stay little and not grow up and get to know boys and want to leave your father to go off to college and someday marry some guy-"
"Dad, you're still my number one guy. You'll always be," Alexis said before giving her father a peck on his (uninjured) cheek.
He smiled at her. "Good answer." Lizzy yawned and rubbed her eyes.
"I think it's time for someone to go to bed," Rick said, rubbing a hand over Lizzy's back. "Come Sweet Pea, let's get you to bed." He took her from Alexis and turned to the red-head. "You wanna read her a bed-time story with me?"
"I'd love to."

[][][]

Fifteen minutes later...
"What did Lanie have to say?" Rick asked when his wife returned. He was already in bed, once again nursing his eye with a pack of frozen peas.
She smiled at him, her expression soft. His brow furrowed for a moment. "What do you think?" She replied climbing under covers. "Let's just say that Javier Esposito is lucky to come away unscathed. She was furious."
Rick chuckled. "Oh man, I can only imagine. We warned him."
Kate lifted his arm and tucked herself against his side, her head coming to rest on his chest. Rick smiled and kissed her temple. "Is Lizzy asleep?"
"Yeah, Alexis and I read her a bed-time story and tucked her in."
"Okay, good. Thanks." Kate smiled as she absently traced patterns on his chest. "I love you," she said quietly, meeting his gaze.
He smiled at her. "I love you too." He pressed a kiss against her forehead. "I take it I'm forgiven?" He ventured after a few silent moments.
Kate shifted to look at him and smiled. "Yes." She leaned up and kissed him gently before returning to her original position. When she started fiddling with the hem of his shirt, he knew something was on her mind.
He always knew.
"Hey, what's up?" Rick tilted her face upwards.
Kate took a breath. "Lanie told me Esposito had gotten involved in the fight because he had to physically pull you off the other guy," she said softly. "He told her that he had never seen you that angry." Rick's eyes shifted away from hers.
"Kate, I-"
"-He told her that the other guy was saying things about me and that you snapped," she interrupted and his eyes snapped back to hers. They watched each other for a few moments. "You defended my honour, Castle." Slowly a grin bloomed over her features.
He gave her a shy, lopsided grin. "Yeah well, nobody talks about my woman like that."
Kate lifted an eyebrow. "Your woman? Excuse me, Mr. Castle, but-"
He silenced her with a hard, hot and possessive kiss; plunging his tongue into her mouth without warning.
Richard Castle the Adorable Goofball and Sweet Husband was wonderful, but Richard Castle the Commanding Man and Demanding Lover was erotic and intoxicating and, oh, just so damn hot.
"My woman," he informed her breathlessly, his lips still hovering over hers.
Kate laughed breathlessly, dropping her head to his shoulder. "Caveman."
He grinned and squeezed her. "Your caveman."
She looked at him again, trailing a hand over his cheek and up to his injured eye. "Yeah, my caveman." Kate kissed him softly. "But no more football for you, Honey. Even though I find this-" she touched his eye. "-incredibly sexy-"
"I knew it!"
"-I prefer you without the disfiguration." She patted his cheek.
He smiled at her. "Noted."
After giving her husband one more lingering, sweet kiss, Kate settled against him once more. They lay in content silence before Rick started fiddling; he had something on his mind.
She always knew.
"Something you wanna share with the class?"
He paused for a moment. "Just one question, Kate."
"Mmmm?" she responded lazily.
"After enduring such a trying day and suffering injury in order to defend your honour-" She smiled, already knowing where this was heading. "-don't I get a reward or something?"
She sighed and turned to look at him. "What do you want, Castle?"
He leaned down and pressed a kiss just below her ear, her skin tingling at the sensation. "Oh, you know what I want, Beckett." His voice was low and husky; Kate bit her lip to suppress a whimper as he sucked on her earlobe.
He pressed another kiss in her neck. "I want you to wear a golden Princess Leia bikini for Halloween."
Kate burst out laughing, slapping a hand against his chest. "You are ridiculous."
He smirked. "And you're hot and bothered right now, aren't you?"
"Shut up, Castle."
"I want you too, Babe."
"Don't call me Babe. And you're not getting lucky tonight."
"Aww, come on Snookums. I defended your honour today and got beaten to a pulp because of it."
"If you call me Snookums again, I'm going to hurt you."
"Promise?"
"Yes."
"Can we use the cuffs this time? Remember my safe word is apples."
"Get the light, Castle."
He flashed her a dirty grin. "Snookums, if you wanted to see my light-saber, you only had to ask."
Kate flashed him an equally dirty grin filled with carnal promises. Suddenly, she was leaning over him, her chest pressing against his and her knee strategically placed between his legs.
"Rick," she moaned into his ear. His mouth went dry, his pants tightened. "I warned you." She took his earlobe into her mouth. "To not call me that ever again. But you don't listen, do you? Do you know what happens to boys who do not listen?"
His breathing was ragged. "Th-they get punished."
"Yes," she breathed, her hand sneaking up to his ear.
"Apples! Apples! Apples!"

[][][]

Go on, go on, come on leave me breathless

Tempt me, tease me until I can't deny this

loving feeling, make me long for your kiss

Go on, go on

Yeah, come on...

Lyrics at the end are from the Corrs' song "Breathless".