The morning after can be awkward... sometimes; but Rick and Kate fell easily into a morning routine, almost as if the last four years was practice.
They had built up an ESP/Synchronicity over the years and not surprisingly it translated to the bedroom without a hitch.
Kate ran the back of her hand down Rick's side; just as he pushed her bangs out of her eyes, caressed her cheek and pulled her close for a long passionate kiss.
She moaned, enjoying the bliss. Kate thought to herself "I could stay here forever".
Rick could always sense a mood change in Kate; it was just like his uncanny ability to come up with annoying theories.
He rested his hand on her shoulder and asked "What's wrong? Can't have been anything I did, my moves are designed to please..."
She rolled her eyes (like she had many many times before) but her face suddenly turned a mixture of concern and sadness, again he asked in a more serious tone.
"Kate, it's okay, you can tell me anything" but he couldn't resist getting one last Rick Castle classic in before she took his hand and held it tight "After last night, judging would be like asking if we could use the cuffs every time..." he giggled at his own joke and finished by saying "which by the way, I will not bring up around OUR friends"
She squeezed his hand tighter and said in a whisper "Rick, I resigned"
Kate tried to turn away but held Rick's gaze.
She wanted to know what he thought... and where they stood now.
He looked at her awhile, searching for a sign or maybe just gathering his thoughts, which scared her and undid the tension release they worked on so very hard ALL last night.
Rick shifted a little, looked at her again.. this time harder; she felt him bore into her soul, he stared at his bedroom ceiling and sighed.
Kate let his hand slip from hers and emotionally braced for their first fight (which she was sure would be his fault and much further into their relationship), however Rick made a move to take it back, intertwining their fingers.
He turned his face towards hers and said "Is it really what you wanted?"
She let out a huge breath, wondering how he did that; made her calm, when she didn't think it was possible.
"I mean really really wanted... or were you angry and backed into a corner? asked Rick.
A question that led to a lengthy discussion about her decision, and which came to the conclusion that it was the right one... for now.
They heard the front door to the apartment open.
"Alexis" Rick called out, clearly he wasn't thinking.
Kate's face fell, and she started to freak out.
She tried to cover his mouth with her hand but knew it was futile, he moved her hand and mouthed "What?", while throwing his arms up in confusion.
Kate put her index finger to her mouth and mimed "Shh.." but that only made Rick speak louder (with a twinkle in his eye), overtly mocking her need for privacy.
She pounced on him in one last ditch attempt to quiet the man she finally admitted she loved; but gravity had other plans, Rick fell backwards onto the floor tangled up in musty bed sheets with Kate landing on top of him and all was for naught because they both cracked up. He lifted his head up and kissed her.
She was straddling him to keep balanced, so he put his arms around her waist clasping his hands at the small of her back and said "Nice move! Who's up for breakfast? I know I am"
Kate stood over Rick in just her underwear, gestured to his closet and asked "May I?"
"Oh, please wear my Green Lantern shirt..15yr old me would be soo proud" said Rick, thrilled beyond belief.
She gave him a coy smile as she slipped his green lantern t-shirt on and exited his room.
Rick got back into bed replaying the events of the night before, he didn't realize his trip down recent memory lane was so intense until he saw Kate saunter back in with a tray of breakfast goodies, saying "Breakfast in Bed!"
He smiled and then questioned her about Alexis coming home.
"I didn't see her, but it's entirely possible she went up to her room. Didn't you say she pulling an all nighter? Or maybe you just thought you heard the door, a little too eager to tell everyone, are we?" she replied gently poking his bare chest.
Kate cuddled up close to Rick, while they sat in silence; eating fruit, pancakes and THE bacon and sipping their matching glasses of OJ. It was a sweet moment (perfect actually) momentarily paused by Kate looking around the room and locking down clothing item locations.
It was then she realized she wasn't wearing her fathers watch anymore; obviously it had come off in the heat of passion, but she'd always felt a little naked without it on. She squirmed in the bed, making long sweeping motions with her arms "nope not in the bed" she thought, at this point Rick wanted in on the treasure hunt so he asked "What are we looking for?"
"My Dads watch" came her quick and worried response.
"Don't you know who your partner is by now? I found it under my pillow while you were still sleeping this morning and after it's last trip to the watchmaker, I've been keeping an eye on it...in other words, I put it in my bedside table drawer" said Rick with is trademark eyebrow flourish.
She reached out and touched his lips "Thanks"
"I should go, I need to grab a change of clothes and.." Kate said as drank the last of her orange juice.
"Noo stay, come on. We have a washing machine here and we could actually start the infamous John Woo Double Feature" protested Rick, holding onto her arm.
"Well, I'd hate to miss that but can we do it tonight?" smiled Kate.
Rick relented (afraid to push too hard), watching as she put on last nights clothes and left his apartment.