Kate cuddles with her partner, they've barely even gotten into their bedroom before they were in each other's arms in the bed. And not in the fun way, not today. They didn't really get to strip and change into pjs before they just cuddled down on top of the covers. She was still wearing her bra and pants while he'd also just gotten rid of the shirt before he'd seen her discomfort and told her to come to him and lay down with him. She hadn't even hesitated, just wanted to feel the warmth of him embrace her. They were quiet for quite a while, just placing their focus to listen to each other's breathing and heartbeats, both just so relieved to hear the signs of both of them still living. Now, not being able to be quiet anymore, she parts her lips and lets go of her reaction to this whole day.
"Another close call." She bites her lower lip and lets her fingers move into his hair. Everything just to feel him being right there with her. "I don't like this."
"Me neither," he confesses and she sighs with despair.
"I don't know how to fix this Castle, I don't want us to keep getting into these situations but I also don't want to stop being a detective. I'd prefer you not being my shadow anymore but not even that would work," she tells him her inner thoughts and she can feel him shake his head discreetly.
"No, it wouldn't. If I hadn't been with you today…" he stops and she can feel him shudder, so does she.
No, if he hadn't been there today then she would've most definitely taken another bullet to her heart. And she's not sure she would survive another one.
"What should I do?" she groans with frustration and she feels his hands hold her a bit tighter before one of his hands wanders and his fingers starts massaging the bottom of her hair. She can't stop the slight moan at the tension slowly relaxing.
"Just relax, we're still here," he whispers into her hair as his lips find their way to her forehead, kissing her gently. "We're still alive."
She hums, feeling herself getting sleepier by the minute. It had been a rough day, a long day, but it is indeed finally over. And they got out alive.
"I'm still here, and you're here too. We've survived too much to leave without a fight. You and me, we're in this together. Forever," he whispers and she smiles at his optimism.
"And always," she mumbles, lifts her head in order to kiss his lips sweetly.
Once they pull apart Kate lets her head fall on his chest again, eyes closing.
"Sleep tight, Kate. I love you," he whispers, kissing her forehead once again.
"Love you too, Rick."
THE END