badfic_manor | case no. 4 ₪ [action] // closed to richard castle

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case no. 4 ₪ [action] // closed to richard castle

[Kate, even in her stubborn Grinch mode, had taken the time to wrap his presents. It wasn't that she wasn't fond of Christmas... On the contrary, she actually really enjoyed it.

At least, she had, before she had to deal with the fact that every year is was just another reminder of things she had lost with her mother's death. And even if things had got better, especially in the last couple years, she still wasn't the biggest fan of the holidays.

But she was clinging to something, anything, that could be like home, and celebrating the holidays always seemed really important to Castle. He was like a big kid and even if it drove Kate crazy sometimes, she couldn't deny the joy he'd brought into her life with his vivid stories and wide-eyed wonder. He made the world fun again and even she wasn't heartless enough to deny him that; more so, she wasn't cold enough to deny herself the vicarious excitement she'd learned to accept.

Gifts in hand, she carried the three packages across the hall and to his door. Pausing outside, she juggled the packages a little and struggled to knock.]

Castle, it's me. [She shifted a took a few steps back, smiling to herself as she stared at the door.] Ho, ho, ho... I have stuff for you. [Then she rolled her eyes at herself. Ho ho ho, really, Kate?]

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[After the disaster that was their expedition out into 'New York', Castle had spent quite a bit of time thinking about something for Beckett. Something that, he hopes, will help her feel a little bit better. When he saw the gift he ended up purchasing for her, he knew immediately it was perfect.

Castle is sitting on his bed, scrutinizing the wrapping job that he'd done and trying to make sure it is absolutely PERFECT. On his dresser is a little tree. It's small, less than 3 feet tall, and it only has a single string of lights, but it's their tree, and he knows none of that will matter.

Christmas has always been important to him, part of that is his childish nature. Part of that is Alexis. And part of it is just the simple wonder of the entire season. So when he hears the knock at the door he smiles, and chuckles to himself. She's making an effort, so he won't be too hard on her, in fact, he may just let the little 'Ho, ho, ho.' comment go by without even mentioning it.]

Come in.

[He calls without moving from his spot on the bed. He's hoping she'll come in and come straight in his direction. That if he's lucky she won't notice the little tree until she's already over there next to him.]

[Kate opens the door and slips in, a smile claiming her face as soon as she sees him. And he's right, her first instinct is to go straight in his direction, toeing the door shut as she moves inside.

She's sees the gift next to him and she gets just a little giddy, even if it doesn't show. It's nice that he remembered to get her something, even if it's something ridiculous.

Which knowing Castle, it probably is.]

Merry Christmas. [She holds up her little bundle of gifts.]

[He pats a spot on the bed next to him for her to grinning, as he takes the little bundle and sets them down next to him.

First things first, once she sits the tree should catch her eye. He doesn't respond just yet.]

[She sits down on the couch, and as expected, her eyes brush across the room and catch the tree. She gasps a little, and then she can't help but smile.

She looks to him again and shakes her head.]

Oh, Castle... Where did you get that?

In Fake New York. Went out for a bit on my own just to find that specifically.

[He smiles back.]

It's not too much?

[She tilts her head and catches a strand of her hair in her fingers, twirling it around absentmindedly as her eyes dance between Castle and the little Christmas tree.]

No. No, it's perfect.

Good. I wasn't sure if you were going to think I was over doing things.

[That is adorable, that thing she does with her hair.

He's smiling, in that soft affectionate way that crinkles the corners of his eyes. For all that they've been through it's the least he can do to try to make things a little easier. A tiny bit more like home.]

[And for a few seconds, at least, Kate can pretend. It's nice, and comfortable, and there's something about Castle that always makes her feel... safe. Maybe safe isn't even the right word, but she isn't sure if there is a word for the way he makes her feel.]

Open your present, Castle. Start with the one on top.

[He picks up the gift, his brow lifted slightly, silly childish excitement twinkling in his eyes. He takes his time unwrapping it carefully, despite the fact that its probably fairly clear that he just wants to tear things open. Yes, Beckett, Castle does have some dignity, besides this is really about her. He sets the paper aside and he opens the box lifting out the item inside.]

Oh! A scarf! [He really loves it. It's so soft. He really wants you to open yours, but he wants to wait, just a bit.]

[Kate just folds her hands together and watches him unwrap the present patiently. This is really about him, and she wants him to enjoy it as much as possible.]

I thought it would be a good idea to get your something you actually need. [She picks up the scarf and drapes it over his neck, smiling as she tucks the soft cashmere around his collar.]

[He chuckles a bit, of course she would be practical.] Thank you.

[Perfect scarf is perfect, but he is DYING to have her open hers. Look at him Beckett, he's fidgeting.]

[She resists the urge to raise her eyebrows because, oh, she knows he's dying for her to open his. But she's enjoying stretching this out almost as much as she's enjoying watching him squirm.]

Ready for the next one?

[He's trying really hard not to be a over excited child about this. So, YES he'll take the next gift THANK YOU!

He opens his next gift, and the grin never leaves his face, but his his eyes drop just slightly.]

Ooo.. A coffee mug.

[No, that wasn't the tiniest hint of disappointment in his tone at all! You know how much he loves his coffee! Who wouldn't be excited about getting a coffee mug?]

[Kate hears that hint of disappointment, Castle. She goes as far as to betray her knowledge, forcing a serious look on her face to hide the fact that she wants to laugh.]

I thought you'd be excited about a coffee mug.

[You are so mean to him. He smiles.]

Of course, you know how I feel about coffee.

I know. [A smile slips through and she puts her head down, shaking her head.] Just open the last one.

[He takes up the last package and opens it. He noticed that little smile Kate, but look at him not making a big deal of it.

What is this?]

Beckett.. [Oh-hoho he's going to have fun with this..] Is this... a toy

[She finally lets that smile slip through.]

I know it's not laser tag...

No, it's not, but it's amazing..

[Yep, he's playing with buttons and making the little car's siren go off.

That and grinning like an idiot.

After a second, he sets it down to hand you yours.]

It's not much, but.. I hope you like it.

I'm sure whatever it is will be enough.

[She smiles so big she just might be glowing. But as she peels off the wrapping, her smile fades, and her eyes well up.

Carefully, she pulls out the snowglobe. She stares at it for a moment, flipping it upside down so she can watch the little flakes fall over the skyline.]

Castle... It's beautiful.

[He waits patiently while she opens her gift. The police car for the moment forgotten at his side. He watches as he expression shifts from a radiant excited glow to something that almost reminds him of Alexis when she just wants her 'Daddy'.

Castle shifts a bit closer his smile is soft and understanding.]

I thought it might be nice, like a reminder of a goal. So that.. no matter what happens you have a piece of home.

[He pauses; suddenly somewhat insecure.] Its alright isn't it? If you don't like it..Or if it upsets you..

Castle, stop... [She sighs and puts her hand on her leg. He's right about that look. In a way, she does want her daddy. But she wants home and things that are familiar and her life back, however small and misled it was. It was her life, and this place took that away from her.]

You're right. I need this. I... I'm glad you're here, looking out for me.

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case no. 4 ₪ [action] // closed to richard castle

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