A/N: sorry to anyone who is following my tumblr, I've been posting a heap of mini stories and I want to share some here too so there will be a little bit of doubling up. New stuff to come, though!
Let them be confused...
It was overwhelming at times. Her private life exposed in the tabloids. The newfound celebrity and recognition she had gained just by knowing him.
At first, it was pure speculation. The playboy writer and his muse. Surely there was more to the story. Everyone was on their side, rooting for the underdog. Reporters would pry, but they had nothing to hide. It was an inconvenience… at most. And most reporters had long lost interest by the time she and Castle had actually gotten together, so they were able to enjoy some level of privacy.
But once they announced their engagement, once they made their relationship public, it was open season. And she suddenly felt like the hunted.
The world suddenly seemed confused by them. She was dubbed a 'distraction'. A 'break' from the glitz and glamour of his usual life. The distinction between their worlds was highlighted at every opportunity. She was just a cop. He had dated the likes of models and actresses, some of New Yorks most exciting socialites. She could never hold his attention.
With each new article he read, he grew more weary. Her family had their concerns, of course. But Jim had assured him, they're just protective of our Katie. Something he could definitely understand, and would never begrudge anyone for.
But through all of it, her confidence in them remained unwavering. Even with the world telling her she couldn't 'compete', she never actually felt like she was in competition.
Because every time she looked at him, he was already looking at her.
She was the first person he thought of each morning, the last person he thought of at night.
She was his comfort, and he was hers.
If ever she needed reassurance, he was right there.
And the love she felt exuding from him was like no other.
So, no. There was no competition. No doubt. Let the tabloids write what they want.
Let them be confused...
