Kate couldn't shake the nagging feeling that Castle wasn't telling her something, as if to protect her. She didn't need protecting and its inherent walls, she needed honesty. Everyone at the precinct gathered in cheerful celebration of the holiday season. Each laughing and smiling as though without a care in the world. Not Castle. His joy was an attempt to veil what was weighing on his mind. Despite the fact that he had told her that everything was fine, she knew it wasn't. She could sense the empty tension that seeped into his eyes and saturated his body, then radiating to hers. She began to mull over reasons for his change of character and how she could ease into a conversation with him about it.

Was it the poem? She thought, feeling her insecurity bleed into the back of her mind.

Maybe it didn't live up to the Castle family tradition? See - this is exactly why I hate committing my thoughts to paper.

Kate forcing herself to consider possibilities beyond her self-doubt. She thought over the day with her husband, it tore her apart to see him in this sullen mood, a stark contrast to his boyish optimism.

"Hey…" She said in subtle tone, "I don't know about you, but I'm tired. I would prefer to celebrate with my charming husband in a more intimate setting." She expected him to return her banter with one of his usual quips, but instead gave a weak smile.

"As long as I'm with you, Kate, I couldn't be happier." Rick answered taking her delicate hand into his and interlocking their fingers.

"You read my mind." She hummed.

"You're a man of many abilities, Mr. Castle." She teased, brushing her nose against his before acaressing his lips with hers in adoration. She lost herself in the moment as the awe of their love washed over her. Even after seven years the sight of Richard Castle makes her giddy. Each time he touches her it evokes chills and her heart skips a beat. "Come on. Let's go home." She smiles, still grasping his hand.

Once home, Kate decided that now is as fitting of a time as any to ask Rick the truth of what was on his mind.

"Hey, babe?" She inquired with slight hesitation in her tone.

"Yes?" His replied with love.

"Back at the precinct you said that everything is okay, but I know it's not… " She implored holding his face in both hands, "Please, let me in. Tell me what's going on."

Castle's eyes met Kate's, which exuded devotion, then released a burdened sigh and rested his forehead on hers.

"I didn't mean for this to happen, Kate. I'm so sorry. I didn't know." His voice riddled with disappointment.

Though she didn't want Castle to know, she had a fear of what words may follow. "What's happened, Castle?" The concern in her voice only for him.

"Gates broke the news to me just before you came to read your poem to me."

She offered a blank stare as she held her breath.

"Kate, I… I'm no longer allowed to work with you at the twelfth." His voice faltered.

"Wha… What do you mean?"

"When Detective McBride was in transit to Central Booking unknown assailants gunned him down. After the DA found out about my cooperation with Dino - I'm so sorry, Kate." He confessed, his head bowed as emotion overcame him.

"Hey… shhh… Castle." Kate placed her hand beneath his strong chin, lifting it so his eyes could join hers. "We'll figure this out, we always do. You should know that after everything we've been through together. None of this is your fault, you didn't have a choice."

"I know, I just… "

At loss for words, Kate kissed her husband with an ardent ferocity. "It'll be okay, everything always is with you as my partner." She whispered into his ear. "Now come, Mr. Castle, as I mentioned before I want to celebrate with my husband."

Much to her delight, a boyish smirk returned to Castle's face. Kate knew that having everything out in the open had rejuvenated him. And with that they proceeded to their bedroom, Castle following her lead.

Two months later, with his P.I. days behind him, Castle managed to finagle into the good graces of the D.A. Allowing him to resume his work beside his wife.

Life at the precinct had fallen back into its familiar pattern. After two months consumed by Castle's absence Kate was more than grateful for his return. The Twelfth without his charming quips and outlandish theories proved hollow and procedural. The only opportunities she had to bounce ideas off of him was after a long day of stolen glances to his vacant chair beside her desk. In truth, he was her rock. He added a zest to each day and each case. Before his leave, Kate had was unaware of just how well Castle complimented her natural skill as a detective. They were a rare, unstoppable combination. It amazed her to reminisce over her years without him. As much as he annoyed her in the beginning, she couldn't imagine where her life would be if it weren't for him.

Kate's phone pierced the dark silence of their bedroom. Through her fog, she reached over to her nightstand knowing it was a body drop. She was though, unaware that this case would soon leave a haunting and indelible impression.