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Thanks for your support. You guys rock! This chapter is a bit longer. Enjoy. Reviews are love.

Disclaimer: Castle is not mine :/

[Chapter 14]

Day 5

The sound of someone knocking on the door interrupted Rick and Kate's Wii tournament, both letting out identical groans of protest and annoyance because they had to pause their game.

They had gotten so wrapped into it that the day had passed by rather quickly, and before they knew it was nearing six o'clock. So they ordered dinner from a local Chinese restaurant on the boardwalk that Rick claimed was the best. And while they awaited their food to be delivered, they continued on playing.

Rick had a bin full of various Wii games, giving the duo various options to choose from. After much deliberation and discussion, they picked the third Guitar Hero. Needing the guitars and drum set, Rick dashed over to the hall closet and yanked it all out.

Kate was on the lead guitar and Rick was on the drums. And that's where they currently found themselves when the food arrived.

"I got it," he told her, standing and walking over to the kitchen to swipe his wallet off the marble countertop. He made it to the front door and opened it to reveal the deliveryman.

Paying the man, Rick soon shut the door and slowly made his way back to Kate in the living room. Arms full, the brown paper bag covered his entire chest, the warm food heating up his body. Once the cartons were out, the couple began to dig in, their game put on hold as they ate.

They sat on either side of the couch, each of them taking up a cushion. Kate had her back pressed against the armrest, a pillow propped behind her while her knees were raised and her feet rested in Rick's lap. Rick on the other hand sat cross-legged, the open section of his legs creating a small circle for Kate's feet to sit in.

That little act of having her feet on his lap gave them a connection. It may have been a small one- a small touch- but it was a connection nonetheless. It acted as a sense of security, the knowledge that their other half was there and wasn't leaving.

And, if they were being honest with themselves, neither Rick nor Kate could deny the fact that they always seemed to have some part of them touching, whether it's a fleeting brush of a hand on one's back or hips rocking against one another in a sweet, sweet rhythm.

Connected. They were always connected.

Kate gazed up from under her long lashes to watch the man in front of her, the tugging of her lips curving into a smile she couldn't control. Not that she cared.

He had a bit of sweet and sour sauce dripping off the corner of his mouth, just out of reach of his tongue. Shaking her head and rolling her eyes, Kate leaned forward and swiped the sauce off with the pad of her thumb. This small maneuver surprised the writer; he obviously wasn't expecting that.

Sucking on the digit, a low moan escaped Kate's lips as her eyes shut tight in pleasure. Damn, that was good. And Rick just watched her, unable to focus on anything else. When her lips wrapped around her finger, his heart stopped entirely. He could only think back to this morning when she had used her mouth to-

"Earth to Castle."

"Hmm? What?" His eyes were partially glazed over with tampered down arousal, his mind fuzzy. "What'd you say?"

Knowing of the power she had over him, Kate had the glimpse of a smirk flash over her mouth before it vanished. "I asked if you'd like to watch some TV or maybe a movie. I don't know about you, but I'm done playing the Wii. We have been playing it all afternoon..."

It took him a second to register her words. "I- uh, yeah. Yeah."

Rick cleared his throat, setting his carton down on the table before striding over to the TV, and ultimately the Wii, which he quickly powered down. He pressed a button on the side of the flat screen, the red Netflix menu popping up. Remote in hand, he joined Kate back on the couch.

"Pick your poison," he offered, handing her the remote.

After going through the endless choices, Kate landed on one of her favorites. With a click of a button, the film loaded on the screen and was soon playing. A long, contented sigh fell from her mouth as she snuggled into her boyfriend's side, her knees tucked up into her chest.

The feel of a strong, solid arm wrapping around her shoulders made her burrow into Rick even more, needing the contact- that connection.

"Back to the Future," Rick began, his words mumbled into Kate's hair. "Excellent choice."

"I knew you'd approve."

By the time the end credits were rolling, Kate was passed out against Rick. She had shifted positions halfway through the movie, her head now resting in his lap. Eyes shut, hair strewn about, and mouth agape, she never looked more beautiful.

Rick gazed lovingly down at her as she slept, enamored in her stunning beauty. She didn't have any make-up on, completely natural, and Rick believed she looked gorgeous without all of that stuff caked on. Not that she wore a ton of make-up in the first place; it's just that she didn't need it. She was stunning regardless.

Reaching over her, he plucked up the TV remote and shut it off, the screen going black and covering them in darkness. Crap. He should've turned some lights on before they started the movie, now he can't see a thing. Getting her upstairs was going to be interesting.

Gaining some confidence, Rick reached underneath Kate's legs and upper back, her body limp in his arms. Standing up, he carefully found his way out of the living room and to the staircase. So far so good. Now he just needed to tackle the stairs without tripping.

Piece of cake.

He took it one step at a time, wary of Kate as she rested in his arms, unaware of what was taking place around her. It was a slow process, but he finally managed to climb the steps without tripping. He considered that a small success. Now, down the hallway and into the bedroom.

Rick went even slower once he entered the threshold of the master bedroom, he knew there were clothes scattered about the floor, perfect for catching under his foot and causing the two of them to go tumbling down onto the ground. Feeling an article of clothing under his foot- he knew that would happen- he cautiously stepped over it before making it to the bed.

Setting Kate down, he covered her body with the sheet and blanket before heading over to the bathroom to brush his teeth. He squirted some toothpaste onto his toothbrush and began to brush his pearly whites. Hearing a small snore in the bedroom, he peaked his head out and smiled at Kate snoring as she fell into an even deeper sleep.

The feel of his mint toothpaste sliding down his chin pulled him back into the en suite bathroom. Once he was finished with his teeth, Rick hopped in the bed and snuggled up to Kate, who immediately pressed her backside against his front. Their bodies lined up perfectly.

He kissed her on her cheek just as sleep grabbed a hold of him and brought him under.

Day 6

Stride after stride, her feet pounded against the sand and carried down the long stretch of beach. With the hot morning sun beaming down on her, she was dripping with sweat. This run on the beach was just what she needed to start her day, maybe she'd even be able to convince Rick to come with her tomorrow seeing as it's their last day here.

Her heart pounded against her chest and her lungs felt like they were on fire, but, in that moment, Kate never felt more alive. Kate plowed down the beach as she gained speed with each step. She loved the solace of going on a run offered her, it allowed her to recharge her batteries and get the day started.

She could see the house come into view. Deciding to give it her all on the final stretch, Kate picked up her pace even more and barreled down the beach. Sand kicked up underneath her feet, some of it sticking to her shoes and legs. She skipped two steps that led up to the deck and landed gracefully.

Taking in a deep breath, she placed her hands at the back of her head and began to walk around the porch for a minute, trying to calm down her rapid heartbeat. Man, that was a great run.

Once inside, she immediately stalked toward the kitchen, and ultimately the fridge, to produce a bottle of water and an apple. Quickly washing the apple, she took a bite and moaned when the sweet fruit slid down her throat as she then headed up the stairs.

Entering the bedroom, she found Rick still passed out in the bed. A quick glance at the clock on the bedside made her shake her head. He was still asleep at this hour? It was nearing nine o'clock for heaven's sake! That man could be such a child. Not wanting to disturb his slumber- he'd complain and whine if she did- Kate slipped over to the bathroom to take a shower.

Stripping herself of her clothes, she reached in and turned the faucet on, waiting for the water to warm up. Finishing her apple, she tossed the core in the waste bin just before stepping into inviting shower.

The sound of water running roused Rick wide-awake. Sitting up, he looked to his left at the shut bathroom door and listened as the muffled sound of Kate's voice as she sang echoed from within the shower. Practically springing out of bed, he shed himself of his clothes and, as quietly as he could, entered the bathroom.

Steam filled the entire room, the mirror fogged up and the air warm. He could see her clothes piled on the tile floor, as he got further into the bathroom. Coming up to the shower, he grinned to himself. Rick was able to slip inside with almost zero sound, but his presence alone grabbed Kate's attention. She didn't say a word or turn around though. She just stood there, with her back to him, as she continued to sing a song under her breath.

Rick closed the distance between them, his hips pushed against her backside. Kate unconsciously leaned back into him, the strong feel of his chest at her back causing her to smile inwardly. He towered over her, his head resting on top of hers. Perfect fit.

"You go on a run?" He asked suddenly, his voice raspy and rough with arousal.

She stopped singing for a split second to answer his question. "I did. You should come with me tomorrow morning."

He hummed. "Hmm. Maybe. Depends..."

Turning in his arms, she then wrapped her own around his waist. Her breasts were pressed flat against his chest as she held onto him, her eyes locked onto his. "Depends on what?"

He trailed his hands down from her waist to her ass and gave it a squeeze, earning a soft moan in the process. "On what you're willing to do to convince me otherwise."

Flicking her eyes downward, Kate had a crooked grin on her lips as she tilted her head to the side. Her hands mimicked his and they slid down to his hips, but instead of landing on his rear she brought them to his crotch. "I'm sure I'll be able to think of something."

There you go!

Reviews are love. Next chapter will be up some time next week! Until then.

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