21st(ish)

Author's Note: Does anybody even pay attention to these? Nevertheless, instead of working on the 5+ papers/projects I have to turn in in the next two weeks, this little number popped into my head and wouldn't leave. So here it is.

Disclaimer: I'm just a poorly lonesome college student who isn't going to survive until summer. How I wish I owned Castle; I wouldn't have to deal with school and being in debt anymore, yay!

"What did the card say?"

He sighs at the question, seeing as how he was in quite a precarious position, he really does not want to stop.

"Seriously?"

"Seriously."

"You're asking about this now? I kind of had other plans," he reminds her as he moves lower and lower…almost reaching his destination before two hands on either side of his head stop him. He looks up at her and arches an eyebrow in question while resting his chin right below her navel.

"I want to know."

"Alright, I guess I can multi-task." He rises up enough to sneak his hand up her inner thigh but Kate smacks it away.

"Castle," the glare she tries to accompany the tone with comes across as part annoyance and part arousal. That look does it for him; she's absolutely beautiful, completely naked, partially worked up and the spark of curiosity is lingering in her eyes.

God he loves this woman. Before he knows it the words come spilling out.

"You are beauty." He emphasizes as he places a kiss to her navel.

"Passion." Another kiss, except this time atop her scar. This beautiful patch of skin that means she's still here with him, that showcases her determination and strength.

"And fierce intellect," he mumbles as he presses his lips right where her collarbones meet.

"Be my Valentine." He finishes as he places a final kiss to her lips before he pulling back to rest her forehead against hers. She blinks up at him trying to stop the tears before they fall.

"I love you." She whispers and she swears the responding smile lights up the entire room.

"I love you too."

"Thank you."

"For what? Your present was so much better than mine, even foregoing the giving it to Gates debacle."

"For the words," she continues at his confused expression. "Your words saved me long before I even met you."
"Wha-" she cuts him off with a finger to his lips.

"Another story for another time, as for right now, I'm going to need you to finish what you started."

Thanks for reading kids.

Much Love,

- Anna Lee