Castle came back into the loft holding a package and wearing an expression of glee.
"It's here," he declared, running with excitement through his study towards his fiancée, who was sitting up in his bed reading.
"What's here?" she asked with mild interest.
He chuckled.
"Wouldn't you like to know?" He opened it and pulled out a shiny brand new bright blue bullet proof vest with Writer written on the front in white letters, holding it in front of his chest.
"Huh?"
Beckett stared at him blankly.
"Huh, what?"
"What do you think?"
"I... don't know. What am I supposed to think?"
"Of my new vest. It's here. I couldn't keep using the old one. It's been irreparably damaged since I was heroically shot in the line of duty.'
"What duty?"
"You're right, Kate. I'm not a police officer. I was not duty-bound to enter that building. I volunteered. Which was even more heroic. But now," he laughed in delight, looking down at his vest, "now I'm free to go back out into the world, defending the innocent, writing wrongs. Get it? Writer?"
Beckett gave a small smile, nodded, put down her book and crawled to the end of the bed, kneeling and pulling him down to kiss her.
"I'm glad you're ready to come back with me, Castle. But just..." She traced her finger lightly over his chest. "Keep in mind, this vest doesn't make you indestructible."
"I know. But the only reason I was shot is because you weren't in there with me. We're going to be working together again, Kate. And you're going to have my back, like always."
She nodded.
"Ok, as long as you..."
"I do," he said, no trace of humour or sarcasm in his eyes.
She nodded.
"Good." She grinned. "Looks like we're back."
He grinned back and joined her on the bed.
"And better than ever."
She squealed as he climbed on top of her, covering her with kisses.