Fly-by Hugs
The hand seems to come out of nowhere, grabbing her wrist, swinging her around until she's stumbling into the supply closet, the door falling shut behind them.
"Castle," she yelps in surprise, her voice carefully held at a whisper but then his arms surround her, his hold strong as he engulfs her in his embrace. She sags against him with a sigh, didn't even realize how much she's needed this until he was folded so tightly around her. She inhales his scent, her face pressed to his sternum as she wraps her arms around his torso, savoring the strength, the inherent safety of his arms.
"I just really, really needed to hug you," he sighs, his arms tightening around her even more, almost lifting her off her feet.
"We hug all the time," she murmurs into his chest, her fingers running a soothing path up and down his spine.
"Not like this. I needed a real hug, not one of those fly-by hugs."
She grins, lifting her head just slightly so that she can look up at him. "What's a fly-by hug?"
"You know," he grumbles, almost pouts and she has to bite her lip not to grin, finding him utterly adorable. "One of those we give in passing, quick arm hugs and a peck to the cheek, when we're too busy to linger, too hurried to just hold on…"
"I'm sorry," she sighs, her expression sobering as she trails a hand up his chest, curls her palm around his neck because he's right, they've been so busy, hurrying through the whirlwind of their days and suddenly she misses him with an ache that is entirely absurd when he's standing right here with his arms around her. "This case…"
"…and all the wedding planning. I know, it's been hectic," he says, nothing but understanding in his voice and warmth spirals through her limbs.
"Just wanted you to know that I miss you…" He leans in, his lips lingering over her forehead.
"And need you…" He kisses her cheek.
"And want you…" His teeth graze her jawline teasingly, and her knees buckle just a little bit but he's got her tightly around her waist, holding her up. Castle caresses her chin, his fingertips tipping her face up to him before he kisses her, his lips slow and sweet and gentle.
"And I love you."
Her exhale sounds suspiciously like a whimper when Kate throws herself back into his arms, her face pressed into the arc of his neck as his palms rest broadly against her shoulder blades and the curve of her rear, and she marvels how safe and calm and happy she feels in his arms, how much she needs this, needs him.
And she vows to herself - no more fly-by hugs.
