Yes, there's more. I have absolutely zero self-control. Reviews are love.

Disclaimer: Castle is not mine :/


You're not in this alone. I'm here. -Richard Castle


[Alive But Barely Breathing Part III]

She's restless.

No way she'll be able to get any more sleep tonight. Not after everything she has gone through.

Luckily, Rick stays up with her. He knows he will not be able to go back to bed if she's up for the remainder of the night.

If Kate's awake, then so is he.

They're in this together. No matter what.

Deciding to move out of the bathroom, because frankly, it is not very cozy, they walk out to the living room hand-in-hand.

Darkness follows them as they trudge into the room, but it's vanquished with a single flick of a switch. With the lights now on, they're able to relax, take a second to become used to the bright lights, and see where they're going.

Kate immediately curls up on the couch, the fur blanket from before back around her shoulders as she raises her knees to her chest and wraps her arms around them, while Rick heads to the kitchen to prepare them something to drink.

It's quiet.

The silence looms over the couple, its presence all too knowing and familiar. Only the sounds of cabinets opening and closing, the clank of mugs against one another, and the ambient noise of the city outside are heard echoing.

Otherwise, it's silent.

Kate remains on the couch, her thoughts all over the place as she focuses on her breathing. Soon, the heat of Rick's body is crowding hers and she is warm again.

"Hot chocolate," he whispers, handing a mug over to her.

Their hands ignite a spark that jolts within their entire beings, and they merely smile at the contact.

It's another small reminder...

She's here and she's safe.

"Thank you," Kate mumbles, already downing a good portion of the hot drink in one swig. She doesn't mind the hotness or its slow burn, it's the warmth she's most concerned and interested about— needs it like the oxygen she breathes.

So good.

"Not wasting anytime, huh?" Rick asks softly. His lays his arm across the back of the couch, creating a small nook for Kate to burrow into.

She shakes her head. "It's just so warm. Exactly what I needed."

"Good."

Not needing to say another word, the couple sit there, occasionally sipping their hot chocolate— well, except for Kate. She finishes hers within a couple of minutes, setting the mug on the coffee table before returning into her space in Rick's arms.

He's so warm. And she's so cold.

The icy chill travels over her body, through her bloodstream, and it's not going away.

The memory of the freezing water burns her lungs still, even though it's been hours since it happened.

Rick feels her body trembling next to his, and he aches for her. Thinking he has got to warm her up some how, he eventually comes up with an idea.

Slowly, he stands but not before kissing her ice-cold cheek. "I'll be right back. You going to be okay for a couple of minutes?"

Kate nods in affirmation, bringing the fur blanket closer to her body as she shivers. "Hurry back," she pleads, her voice cracking slightly.

That alone breaks his heart all over again.

She looks like a little girl as she cuddles up in the blanket— her source of heat. Definitely not like the confident woman he is so accustomed to.

Time to turn that around.

He steps away to the bedroom, disappearing behind the door and out of her line of sight. Straining her ears, she listens to the movement in the room beyond and can't help but wonder what he's doing in there.

Her curiosity diminishes as realization hits when he returns with armfuls of pillows and what looks to be a large sleeping bag.

Sweet man.

"What do you say to spending the night beside the fireplace?"

Kate smiles at him, his thoughtfulness and caring gesture warming her up already.

"Sounds like heaven to me."

Sweet, incredible man...


There you go, folks!

Reviews are love. Will update as soon as possible! (Sorry it's short) Until then!

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