So, since I had a day off of work due to the blizzard that hit last night you guys get this chapter earlier than expected. This is the official 'Meet the Parents' chapter. This was supposed to happen in the last chapter, but it ran away with itself.

For all of you that noticed so far, I know his eyes are blue and I wrote brown...my bad. Don't know where my head was.

Reviews are always, always appreciated.

Disclaimer: not mine, no profit, just for fun.

"Kate, I don't think you've officially met Ashley's mom and dad." Alexis introduce Ashley's parents to the person she hoped would be the much needed buffer between her dad and the potential end of her relationship with Ashley. Who ever thought the group of them going camping together was a good idea? "Mr. and Mrs. Robinson, this is Detective Kate Beckett, my dad's partner at work."

"More like my boss," Castle interjected.

"I thought you were a famous writer." Ashley's mother asked shyly and looked almost confused as she tried to piece together the enigma that was her son's girlfriend's father.

"He is," said Kate. "A couple years ago he joined my team to do some research for his books…and never left."

"I imagine that his...crime novels might make him somewhat useful," Mr. Robinson said doubtfully.

"You'd think so wouldn't you?" asked Kate. "I just think he's developed a taste for cop work. It is much more rewarding than sitting around writing all day." It was clear that she joking, but Ashley's economist father rushed to agree with her, not an advocate of popular culture in general.

"I couldn't agree more, Detective. Novels, like television shows and modern music, are signs of our declining culture. It wasn't only fifty years ago that children were forced to make better use of their time." Before the man could continue to hold forth on what was apparently one of his favourite topics, Kate cut him off.

"I do have a lot of respect for what Rick does. The horrors and the tragedy that I witness on the job almost daily force me to realize how necessary novels are, and movies and television. We need to be reminded that there's love in the world, light, and that good can triumph over evil. Books like Rick's accomplish that very important task."

Castle watched with pride as the woman he'd come to love defended his, admittedly somewhat childish, career.

Ashley's dad paused and considered. "I do see what you mean Detective."

"Don't get me wrong. I do think Castle is a child most of the time."

Everyone laughed and Castle pretended to look offended.

"How come those arguments didn't come up when I was defending the cultural relativity of Star Wars?"

"Because we can't let Ryan and Esposito see us getting along, nothing would make sense to them after that."

"Good point."

Dinner passed in friendly conversation. Kate charmed Ashley's mom, working to draw the introverted woman out as Castle politely asked Mr. Robinson about his work.

After an hour had passed, and the two teenagers had disappeared on a walk, Kate stood up and began collecting the plates.

"I'll help you, Kate," Ashley's mom volunteered, standing up and reaching for a couple empty soda cans.

"That's really alright. There's not much to do. Rick will help me."

"Please let me give you a hand." The woman's look was almost timid as she offered Beckett her services.

"Thank you very much…I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name before."

"I'm Shari."

'Well, Shari. Let's clean up the remains of this less than stellar meal and put them to rest."

They began collecting the garbage after sending the men into the woods to find some more firewood.

"I take it you're not much of a camper then," said Shari, struggling to open one of the industrial size garbage bags that Rick had insisted they'd need.

"I'm not. I haven't camped in a very long time, but Castle was adamant that I come, so here I am."

"I know. I really wasn't all that sold on the idea, but Tom wanted to come so badly. As much as he pretends that he doesn't particularly like Richard, he really is very intrigued by him."

Kate smirked."Castle has that affect on a lot of people."

Shari looked away from Kate before asking.

"Are you together?"

For the first time Kate had to think about her answer. Until she made her decision, she was going to represent their relationship as entirely platonic.

"No, we're not. We're just friends."

Instantly flustered, Shari stammered: "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pry. You two just seem so close."

Kate took pity on the woman.

"We are close and don't worry, most people are much more blunt in their inquiry."

Sherry managed a smile as they continued working.

. . .

Castle pushed a branch out of his face as he and his companion navigated the dark woods in search of firewood. He may have been conversing with Tom over dinner, but he had kept his eye on Kate, dazzled as he watched her include Ashley's mom. Tom hadn't seemed all that worried that his wife had spent the earlier part of the night looking as though she were on the verge of a panic attack. Kate had worked her magic though and the poor woman now appeared to be enjoying herself a little bit. He knew how grateful his daughter was as well. It was so important to her that this weekend went well and Castle knew that Kate had probably accompanied them this weekend for her sake as much as his.

God, she was amazing. He wished she'd hurry up and make a decision, but he didn't want to push her. This weekend was the perfect opportunity though and he wasn't going to hold back.

"Remind me to thank Kate later," Tom interrupted his thoughts. "I know that Shari doesn't always do well in social situations and I know that I'm not always the most attentive, getting too caught up in conversation to remember. She really made things much easier for her tonight."

"Beckett's pretty awesome like that," he said, smiling.

"You don't call your girlfriend by her first name?"

His girlfriend?

"Huh?"

"Kate…your girlfriend…why do you call her Beckett?"

"She's not my girlfriend. We're just really close friends."

"Close?" Tom's voice held too much innuendo for Castle's comfort.

"Yeah close. We've saved each other's lives, been there when the other was going through a rough time. There's not much I wouldn't do for her, but we're not dating."

"Why not?"

Did this man seriously think they were going to discuss his love life like they were a couple of teenage girls?

"I'm sorry Tom, but I don't really feel like discussing this with you. I hope you can appreciate that. I'm not trying to be irritable, but it isn't really any of your business."

Tom looked apologetic.

"I'm sorry, that was forward of me."

Anxious to regain the easy atmosphere, Castle rushed to reassure him that no harm had been done.

"It's alright. Let's discuss a more mutual topic. Ashley and Alexis have been dating for a couple months now."

"I know. Alexis has been wonderful to have around. She's a very sweet girl."

Castle was ready to burst with pride. Always anxious to talk about his exceptional offspring he tried to keep himself from gushing.

"She is, isn't she? She's terrific. She practically raised me."

"I'd say I don't understand what you mean, but that would be a lie. She is a very mature young lady."

"She's been very happy and, while no father ever wants to admit that he's been replaced, your son has been very good to her."

'Well then at least we can agree on one thing: Whatever our shortcomings we really do have outstanding children."

"Amen to that."

Unfortunately for said children, they chose that moment to enter the clearing, which had unadvisedly been chosen for its seclusion and privacy, that they were making out in.

. . .

"I think we're going to turn in for the night," announced Tom around ten o'clock.

"Yes, it is getting very late," said Shari.

"Alright," said Kate, who had clearly slipped into the role of the hostess for the weekend. "It was very nice meeting both of you today."

"You as well, Kate." Shari gave the younger woman a genuine smile and once again Castle felt so much affection for her. If anyone could make this weekend run smoothly it was her.

Man, did he have it bad or what?

Castle watched as the older couple disappeared into their tent and then glanced over at his daughter who was staring dreamily at her boyfriend as he serenaded her with his guitar.

"C'mon," he said, motioning to Kate to follow him.

She immediately stood up, a shocking move on her part, and joined him at the edge of the woods.

"Where are we going?"

"Well, when we were out searching for firewood I noticed the perfect clearing for stargazing and you can't go camping without going stargazing?"

"You can't?"

"It should be a crime."

As they made their way into the forest Kate felt Castle's hand brush against hers. She knew what he was up to, but quietly reached for his hand anyway. The more time she spent with him the more his little games became endearing as opposed to annoying. She laced their fingers together and gave him a soft smile before turning her head to take in the moonlit scenery. It really was incredibly romantic and she could feel herself succumbing to its spell.

Castle squeezed her hand gently, not wanting to halt the progress she was allowing them to make, but man did he ever feel good!

"Here we are." He tugged lightly on her hand; causing her to stop.

He sat down on the ground and gently pulled her down beside him.

As she settled on the ground she looked over at him, The moon lit up his warm blue eyes and she smiled.

"It was a good night."

"It was, wasn't it? It went much better than I expected. You really were amazing with Shari. Thank you." He squeezed her hand again and the warmth of his palm travelled up her arm.

"I really didn't do anything. She's just one of those people that take a bit more effort. We had a very nice conversation after you two left."

"Really, what did you talk about?"

He could see her blush in the bright moonlight.

"You. It appears that her husband is very intrigued by you."

He threw her a cocky grin. "I have that affect on most people."

She laughed at his words.

"I actually told her the exact same thing."

"Really?" He slipped into one of his favourite personas; the rogue. "Do I intrigue you Detective? Do you want to solve the mystery that is Richard Castle?"

She chuckled.

"It's too late Rick. I've already got you figured out."

He looked at her a bit more seriously.

"Do you Kate?"

"I think I do."

"Then enlighten me."

"You just like talking about yourself." She waved him off.

"Kate." His voice was low and she couldn't help but shiver. He put his arm around her before he continued and she wondered if she'd be able to concentrate on a word he said, but his demeanour suggested that what he had to say was important and so she tried to give him her undivided attention. "Earlier you said you couldn't take relationships as lightly as I do."

She winced as she remembered implying that he adopted a cavalier attitude toward his relationships.

"If you really know me, then you know that's not true."

At that moment she got a glimpse of the insecurity and vulnerability that Castle hid underneath all his bravado and cockiness.

"I do know Rick. There are moments when I have my doubts; when I think you really are the man you pretend to be for your fans, but I know how much you love your daughter, and despite all protests, your mother. I see how you look out for Ryan and Esposito, in your own way…and me. I know you care about me Rick. I know the capacity you have to care about others. It's one of the things I admire the most about you."

Wow, he thought. She really did know him.

"Admire implies respect, you know."

"I do know. I've always respected you on some level, for the way you were with Alexis. At first that was it, but the longer we worked together the more I realized that yes, you can be ridiculous, arrogant, annoying, but you're genuine and you really are very helpful…that's why I let you stick around."

He leaned close. "Is that the only reason?"

She shook her head and bit her lip.

"Maybe I just liked having you around."

His heart felt so full in that moment that he couldn't hold himself back. He dipped his head and kissed her softly on the forehead.

"I liked being around…that's why I never left."

With that he lay back on the grass, pulling her down to lay next to him.

After that chaste kiss all she wanted was to feel close to him. She pressed against his side and laid her head on his shoulder.

With her warm breath on his neck and soft hair brushing his cheek he wanted nothing more than to roll her onto her back and kiss her senseless, but things were going so well, and he knew they would get there eventually if he just had patience. He could give that to her. He would simply enjoy where they were now and really, that wasn't very hard to do.

They didn't move from that position until much later when they finally made their way back to the campsite.

She smiled up at him, suddenly shy after the intimate position they had spent the last hour and a half in.

"Thanks," she whispered, wary of waking the others. "That was fun."

"It was," he agreed, giving her another peck on the forehead before slipping into his tent.

Kate let out an audible sight, giving the sky full of stars one last glance before making her way over to her own tent.

As she slid into her sleeping bag she wished the sleeping girl next to her a silent good night before wondering if she was going to get any sleep at all knowing that the man whose kiss still lingered on her forehead was only sleeping a few feet away.

TBC