Author's Note: This is just a simple 5x04 one-shot. I was inspired by one I read on Tumblr written by the marvelous Polly Lynn. This isn't really what I had in mind, but this is what poured out of me. I didn't want to do a complete re-write because fans will still like it. I can always write another one.
Tangled sheets and limbs. Candlelight dances on their skin. The fire continues to flicker. The room is bathed in warmth, and the sheets hardly cover their bodies. The tiny black nightie she wore lays forgotten on the floor, having been cast aside during their passionate recreation. A couple pillows have slid off the bed. Their first round was frantic and needy; their second was slow and tantalizing. Then he surprised her with his gifted tongue. "To make up for lost opportunities," he had claimed. She couldn't refuse. They stayed aware of the candles in their frenzy, and now the candles provide a soothing atmosphere.
They continue basking in the afterglow together. Has it been minutes or hours? Neither of them knows. Neither wants sleep to take them, but she dozes off for some minutes. His gaze flicks to her, and he smiles at her sleeping form, knowing he's the reason she's sated and worn out. He looks to the ceiling, seeing the dancing light, and then glances at her to see the same dance on her beautiful skin. He can't look away and rolls onto his side. He nearly reaches out to touch her, wanting to trace the dance with his fingers, but he doesn't want to disturb her.
She awakens anyway to find his eyes on her. "Were you watching me the whole time," she asks softly.
"Almost. Your skin entranced me, how it glows in the candle and fire light, how the flames dance on you. Mesmerizing."
His poetic words catch her off guard, and her tired eyes turn a little misty. She runs a hand over his cheek and brings her lips to his, returning his affection with a kiss. "Thank you for our romantic weekend," she whispers, lying on her stomach with an arm thrown over him.
"Was hardly romantic," he reminds her. His fingers graze her arm.
"Yeah, but we made the most of it."
"We certainly did tonight." He waggles his eyebrows.
She chuckles. "Yes, we did. Too bad we couldn't try out the pool again."
"Mmm, next time. After I've drained it of all the dead body germs. We'll have many more weekends here. If you want."
"I do want," she admits. They have a moment staring into each other's eyes, imagining their future together. "But no more murders," she adds.
He chuckles and wishes he could guarantee that. "No more murders," he repeats. He drags his fingers up over her shoulder and down her back. "I'll try my best."
They're silent for a few moments, savoring this quiet intimate time alone. Her fingers absentmindedly trace circles on his back. She smiles and appears a little bashful, and he looks puzzled. She explains, "You know, sometimes I think this is all I need."
"What is," he replies, delighted about her opening up to him.
"You." She props herself up with her arms. "You and me, and nothing else. Well…maybe a bed to be comfortable. Some lighting is good too because I kind of like looking at you. But that's it, and I'm…" Her face lights up. "I'm happy."
He's grinning like a fool, but he is a fool in love. "I'm happy too." They lean in and meet for a kiss. She glides on top of him during their kiss, making him moan. "So," he says, breaking the kiss, "No need for clothes either?"
She laughs and bites her bottom lip. "No clothes because being naked with you, I feel so free." She kisses him again.
"Free is good for the soul," he murmurs between kisses.
"Mmhmm," she moans, planting one last full kiss on him before scooting down to lay her head on his chest. One of his hands comes to rest on her back while the other massages her scalp. "Mmmmm, this is cozy," she says softly.
They're silent a couple minutes, and then he hears her yawn. "You should blow out the candles and put out the fire," she tells him. She makes no motion to release him.
"How do I do that with you lying on top of me?"
"Hmm, that is a problem." She still doesn't make any attempt to move.
"Beckett," he draws out her surname. She groans, not having any desire to move. "You don't want to burn up in a fire, do you?"
"No," she groans and reluctantly scoots off of him. "Now was that so difficult," he wonders, leaning down to kiss her head before easing out of bed. "Yes," she states, rolling onto her back to watch him tend to the fire and blow out the candles just as he had watched her light the candles hours earlier.
"Damn, it's dark," he comments as he finds his way to an armchair, retrieving a large blanket, and returns to her.
"Not completely," she responds, referring to the moonlight creeping in, casting a different glow on their skin.
He takes a long glance of the moonlight on her, committing the image to memory. He notices she shivers. "Here." He lays the blanket over her and climbs underneath with her. "Warmer than sheets."
"So soft too. Softer than the comforter, even." She snuggles up to him and kisses his neck. "Perfect," she whispers.
He holds her to him and kisses her temple. "Very cozy," he whispers.
"Mmmhmm," she agrees, her eyes closed and sleep beginning to consume her.
"Goodnight, Kate."
Serenitatem is Latin for 'serenity'.