#lightning flashes

@mage-thunder

Woah, hey, what’s wrong?

*Osprey is mildly startled, but quickly scoops Hatchetfall into his arms- she chirps in surprise- and follows Wattson.*

Troublemakers (A Lightning Flashes ficlet)

"Well, aren't the two of you just adorable?"

Normally, she would blush and tug herself away from Rick at the tease, but she doesn't this time. There's no reason to hide anymore, not from Martha, not even from herself.

They're new to this, at least in some ways. In others, though, it's like they've been doing this forever.

"Mother," Rick whines. There's no bite behind it, though. Just good natured childish embarrassment. And Rick can always use a little bit of embarrassment. It keeps him honest, humble even.

"What?" Martha scoffs. "I'm simply saying that the two of you are delightful as a couple and I am so glad you finally got your heads out of your a-"

"Hey, hey, hey," Rick says quickly, glancing down at the baby sprawled across their laps. Alexis is finally settling down, which means her eagle ears are definitely listening to everything they're saying. The last thing they need is for her to parrot what she hears.

Though, Kate muses, it would be nice to be able to blame someone other than herself for Alexis learning a new curse word. The last one had been a little bit mortifying - less so because of the word itself and more because of when the kid had decided to demonstrate her new favorite four letters; Kate's fairly sure they'll be allowed back in the restaurant, but she's going to wait a little longer to be sure.

Martha holds up her hands. "Oh, relax, Richard. I'm not going to corrupt your one year old. Especially not by giving you and Katherine a compliment."

Kate snickers at that, pressing her cheek to her fiance's shoulder. It is still hard to believe that they made it here, after so many years, so much hiding from each other, all the back and forth. It's nice, though. So nice.

And the getting married part isn't so bad, either.

"Thank you, Martha," she says, brushing a hand over Alexis's back. They need to put her to bed soon, but they're all so comfortable the way they are. "We appreciate that, even if Rick is bad at admitting it."

Her fiance feigns offense.

"Then say thank you, Ricky, and we can enjoy the rest of our evening in peace." She makes a show of rolling her eyes, winking at Martha playfully.

Rick's mother grins, lifting her glass in response. 

"Traitor."

Kate laughs, careful not to startle Alexis. The girl squirms, rolling closer to her belly and sighing.

"I'm sorry, honey," she murmurs. "Daddy's causing trouble again."

Rick scoffs, ducking his head to kiss Alexis's hair. "Yeah, because your mommy is so much better," he says, loud enough for everyone in the room to hear. "She's never caused a bit of trouble in her life."

Her heart stutters in her chest. It's not the first time the name - title? Honorific? - has been directed toward her, but somehow it feels different than when it's said in the middle of the night or when it comes from Alexis's lips. It's never been said in front of others, not even at Alexis's birthday, when the girl had been happily babbling away about anything under the sun.

Sucking in a deep breath, Kate swallows hard. She reaches out for her drink, curling her fingers around the curve of her wine glass and bringing the rim to her lips.

"Nope," she says a moment later, allowing the air to escape her lungs. "Mommy's never done a thing wrong ever. She doesn't know a thing about making trouble."

She shifts, pulling Alexis closer. 

"You won't either, will you, Alexis?"

The baby snuggles closer. She's oblivious to the conversation around her, to the warmth she's providing.

"Yeah," Kate exhales, bringing Alexis's fingers to her lips. "S'what I thought."

"With the two of you for parents? I will believe that when I see it," Martha chuckles, taking another sip of her wine.

My name’s Osprey? Like the bird. Last name Swift.

I’m a corruption mage. No use trying to hide it when I look like… this.

Anyways. Talk to me, or don’t. I don’t actually care.

Lightning Flashes

Words: 1,511 Genre: Family/Drama Rated: T Character: Rick C., Kate B.

Summary: Richard Castle gets the surprise of his life and looks to his longtime friend, Kate Beckett, for support. Will she be able to step up and help him with his newest challenge? - Caskett, AU. For Castle Ficathon 2020. NOW COMPLETE.

Lightning Flashes

Words: 2,577 Genre: Family/Drama Rated: T Character: Rick C., Kate B.

Summary: Richard Castle gets the surprise of his life and looks to his longtime friend, Kate Beckett, for support. Will she be able to step up and help him with his newest challenge? - Caskett, AU. For Castle Ficathon 2020.

Lightning Flashes

Words: 2,246 Genre: Family/Drama Rated: T Character: Rick C., Kate B.

Summary: Richard Castle gets the surprise of his life and looks to his longtime friend, Kate Beckett, for support. Will she be able to step up and help him with his newest challenge? - Caskett, AU. For Castle Ficathon 2020.

Lightning Flashes

Words: 2,293 Genre: Family/Drama Rated: T Character: Rick C., Kate B.

Summary: Richard Castle gets the surprise of his life and looks to his longtime friend, Kate Beckett, for support. Will she be able to step up and help him with his newest challenge? - Caskett, AU. For Castle Ficathon 2020.