After the cameras fade to black in "A Death in the Family" we have...

1. The Break-Up

"It's about your mother."

Time stops. Reckoning residual silence. His words like daggers. She takes a step back. Instantly pain strikes her features, boiling to the top of her.

"For godsakes Castle, what did I tell you?" Fists clenched at her side. She wants nothing more than to beat the life out of him.

"You need to know." He says cautiously, fully aware he had mere minutes to get his point across. He can tell by the flush of her skin, her posture rigid, she is contemplating flight.

"I don't need to know anything. Did I not tell you? Was I not perfectly clear?" Her arms crossed now, she cocks her head, sadness flooding her face.

"You were."

"Then why are you doing this?" The words 'to me' threatening to make their appearance. Tears beginning to well within her.

"Because you need to know."

"Damn it Castle. I can't do this." Her hands brought to her face; she turns away from him, taking initial steps down the hall.

He reaches out to grab her arm, pulling her around to face him. Jerking, she pulls her arm away.

"At least hear what I have to say." He offers leaning down to her, his voice low, inaudible to a nurse who walks behind them.

"No Castle." She says, eyes diverting. She offers a half smile to another passerby. "I'm not going to hear what you have to say. I told you. We're done. Ok? Done."

Hate flowing across her words; they are cold and to the point.

He sighs, heartbeat heavy, watching her walk away, turning abruptly into Agent Sorenson's room.

***

She stands now in front of the Agent, taking a heavy breath, fighting against her sorrow. He had done it; like she knew he would. And now they were over.

His eyes open, Will stares at her, concern in his voice, "Kate? What is it?"

He can see the frustration at the corner of her mouth, the furrow in her brow. Eyes brimming, she takes a step toward him, placing a knee on the bed, lifting herself up, placing her body in line with Sorensen. He brings a hand around to rest carefully on her back, his brow beginning to furrow, as she rests her head carefully on his shoulder, allowing her arm to fall across his waist.

"What did he have to say?" Will asks, finally working up the nerve to say something.

"Nothing," she says sniffling.

"Did he hurt you?" His concern rising.

"No," she lies, nuzzling his shoulder, "I'm just glad you're ok."

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