The Wall that Wasn't
Disclaimer: I don't own them—I just like to take them out and play with them.
A/N: This is my first Castle fan fic, in fact first fan fic in a very long time. It's very short and pretty much just fluff. Just trying to get my feet wet here. It hasn't been Beta'd so all mistakes are mine and mine alone.
"Can I ask you something?" Rick inquired, running a finger up and down Kate's arm as they cuddled on the sofa.
"I believe you just did." She teased with a smirk, then squeezed his knee and said, "Ask away."
"Why do you almost always call me Castle? I mean, you use my given name very seldom. Even during our more intimate moments it's usually Castle rather than Rick."
Kate looked up at him and bit her bottom lip, a habit she had, he'd discovered, when she was feeling vulnerable. It was one of those little things that she did that he found utterly adorable and strangely erotic at the same time.
"Honestly?" She said. "It probably started as a way to put some distance between us, a way to try to keep our relationship purely professional. And believe me, I needed that reminder every once in a while." She glanced away, and he could practically see her struggle for the words she wanted. But she didn't pull away, her hand stayed on his leg, her fingers tracing the inseam of his jeans just above his knee. "Over time though? It became my endearment for you. Like some people use Honey or Sweetheart? For me it's Castle." She paused for a moment and when he didn't respond she asked, "Do you know what a Castle is?"
"aaahhh…yeah. A big, cold, stone building with a moat around it," responded Rick still very confused.
"Actually, at its core, it's just a home. Where you feel warm. Where you feel safe. Where you don't have to pretend to be strong when you feel like you have no strength left. Where what you say, or do, or who you are doesn't always have to be perfect. It's where you feel loved. And for me, that isn't the precinct, or my apartment, or even here at the loft. You are my Castle. Whenever I'm with you I'm home."
Rick felt the most amazing feeling of love wash over him and in that moment he knew. It might be a while before she could say the words, but right then he didn't need them because he knew without a doubt that she loved him.