Chapter 1
"I don't have a home."
"Yes you do. It's a secured building with an extra bedroom and people who care about you."
"Thank you Castle, but I couldn't."
"You can and you will."
As she looked at his serious demeanor, Kate could see the genuine concern etched in Rick's face and the sincerity in his eyes. She didn't like the idea of them living together in such close quarters, but what other options did she have? Her apartment was in ashes, along with all of her belongings. She had no other choice than to acquiesce to his demand.
Ugh, we'll be seeing each other literally 24/7. I already see enough of him at the precinct and while he's following me around for his 'research.'She mentally groaned to herself during the drive to his apartment. Kate started to consider things practically and look at the positive side. I guess it won't be too bad. He's doing me a big favor by letting me stay with him. And his place is pretty big,she rationalized. At least it won't be lonely in his apartment. With him, Alexis, and Martha dropping by frequently, it may actually feel like a home, she thought with a small smile. And it's only temporary…
Kate didn't realize how tired she actually was until she stepped into Rick's cozy and inviting apartment. Cases like these tended to do this to her—send her on an adrenaline-fueled frenzy to catch the killer, even kicking her into overdrive for days on end if need be. This particular case had her on edge even more than usual, as she was the object of the psycho's obsession. As a cumulating result of days without sleep, Kate was both physically and mentally exhausted, and wanted nothing more than a hot bath and a good night's sleep.
"Umm, Kate…" Rick started to explain something when he noticed suitcases and boxes near the door. He knew they belonged to Martha, who was supposed to be moving into her new boyfriend's place. If his mother's things were still at his loft, that probably meant that she was still here too.
Kate sighed heavily. "Not now Castle," she interrupted. "Don't. Please? I just really need a warm bath and some sleep." Her eyes and voice were both weary, worn out by overuse and a substantial lack of rest.
Rick read the signs haggardness in her face, sensing that she was thoroughly exhausted. He understood Kate's condition and wanted to give her space. "Sure. You know where my bathroom is. Towels are in the closet. Call me if you need anything else." He said gently, aware of her fatigued state.
"Thank you," she said in a whisper-like tone, and headed to his bathroom.
Stripped of her worn clothes, Kate stepped into the shower, allowing the warm water to cascade over her body. She closed her eyes and just stood there in the shower, letting herself unwind from the struggles of the day. The heat of the steam soothed her body and helped evaporate all the stored up tension. Despite her need to constantly be working on cases, she knew that some time off would do her good, both mentally and physically. The water droplets raining down from the shower head relaxed her overly taut muscles, and she felt safe for the first time in days. She felt the stress trickle from her, streaming into the drain along with the water.
After washing her hair and body, Kate turned the shower knob to stop the water and grabbed the towel she set aside. As Kate was drying herself, she ran into a dilemma. She had no clean clothes to wear. Crap, she thought. What am I going to wear?
Kate wrapped herself in the towel and sought to find some wearable or decent apparel. Just as she opened the bathroom door, Rick stood there holding a bundle of garments, as if he was about to knock.
Rick looked stunned by her sudden appearance. "Oh, I was just checking if you were done…" he explained.
"Um, yeah I am. But, uhh… I don't have anything to wear," Kate admitted ashamedly, feeling bashful since she was clothed only by a towel in front of him.
"I brought clothes for you." Rick motioned to the garments cradled in his other hand. "These are some of my clothes. I tried to find something small that could fit you better… and you're either going to have to borrow my boxers or go commando…" he elaborated awkwardly.
"Uh, thanks." Kate said gratefully, taking the clothes. She turned back into the bathroom and closed the door to get dressed in private.
Kate put on her own bra and slipped into his boxers along with a very loose-fitting red t-shirt he gave her. Doing so, she took a deep breath and caught a whiff of his scent from the shirt, a smell she had grown to like over the past year. The top of the shirt hung well below a modest level, so Kate had to let it hang off one shoulder. Although it was a loose fit, Kate was comfortable. She hugged herself and took another deep breath again to inhale his scent.
Feeling refreshed but still quite weary, Kate exited the bathroom and searched for Rick to inquire about her living and sleeping arrangements.
She found him in his bedroom and peeked past the frame of the door. "You have an extra bedroom for me to stay in?" Kate asked, referring to his earlier statement.
"Umm… about that." Rick stopped arranging the pillows on his bed and went to the doorway to meet Kate. "Apparently things fell through with Chet, and Martha decided not to move out." Rick stated meekly.
"Oh that's unfortunate," Kate fretted. "So where can I sleep then?" she questioned.
Rick knew how exhausted Kate was, so he wanted her to feel as comfortable as she could tonight. He was more than willing to give up his room to her until he could figure out alternative sleeping quarter options. "I know you're really tired," Rick began gently. "And there are no other empty rooms, so you can have my bed for tonight."
Kate fretted. "But where are you going to sleep? I feel bad for being the guest in your house and making you sleep on the couch."
Rick had another potential solution, but suspected that Kate wouldn't be pleased with it. "Well my bed is quite large, if you don't mind sharing… it's definitely big enough for two," he offered.
Kate considered his proposition. It wasn't ideal, but she was in no position to argue at the moment. She really just wanted to get some sleep. "Fine by me," Kate assented. "As long as you stay on your side of the bed," she qualified.
"Deal." He smiled.
"Thank you, Castle. For everything," she sighed. With that, Kate mustered up her last ounce of energy to brush her teeth and then retire to his bedroom. She collapsed onto his bed, falling asleep instantly, not even bothering to situate herself on the bed nicely.
Rick went into the bathroom to get ready for bed as well. He put Kate's worn clothes aside and mentally reminded himself to wash them later. After brushing his teeth and changing into pajamas, Rick retreated back to his room to find Kate fast asleep on his bed.
He approached the bed and moved to tuck her in properly. Rick dragged the comforter over her body so that she was snugly wrapped in blankets. He paused for a moment, watching her sleeping form. She really was adorable when she slept. Smiling at her occasional snores, Rick noticed her position on the bed. Smack dab in the middle. So much for staying on our own sides of the bed… he thought to himself.
Rick slowly slid into the right side of the bed, the side he always slept on. Rick attempted to get comfortable, making a special effort not to wake her, with no avail. He tried to distance himself from her body, but couldn't because of the small amount of space that she left him on the right side of the bed.
"Kate," he whispered. No response. "Kate!" He whispered louder. She snored back at him. She was out cold.
Rick tried pushing her over a little, but Kate just groaned and moved back to the middle of the bed. He resolved to just snuggle up to her and enjoy her presence next to him. Within minutes, Rick was fast asleep, with Kate pressed against his warm body.
Come home, come home
'Cause I've been waiting for you
For so long, so long
