A/N: I swear (again), I meant to update so much sooner. But everything got crazy at work and this chapter gave me hell to write and just as I wanted to write the last sentence, I lost everything. I hate you, computer.
Also, apparently, listening to the Aladdin soundtrack does not really help writing this kind of scene. Who knew?

She was standing behind the door. They stayed there for juste a second too long, without a word passing between each other.

"Hello."

"Hello."

"Please, come in."

A cold, formal greeting, perfectly ridiculous given the situation. The writer took a step back to let her in. She entered the loft and then hovered, uncertain about what to do or where to go. Meanwhile, Castle was fumbling with his keys and taking forever to close the door. He turned towards her and seeing her hesitation, gestured towards the sofa.

They sat, as far as possible from the other. Now, all they had left to do was decide who was going to break the silence first.

"So."

"So?"

"I left a bit quickly before."

"You did."

An outsider looking at them could have believed they were two strangers exchanging banalities.

"I'm sorry."

"Can I ask, what... What was... Why?"

Well, that was eloquent, Rick.

"I was suprised."

"Surprised?"

What the hell? Was she going to speak in code again?

"Surprised? By what?"

"By what you said."

"That I love you?"

"Yes."

Seriously, was she blind or something? And then, something clicked.

"You were surprised? Oh, right. You mentioned it before. Guys like me can't love."

Incomprehension was giving way to bitter realization. Even if Casytle was still trying to stand his ground, he was beginning to feel that this conversation would lead them nowhere. Nowhere satisfying, at least.

"It's not just that. I was not expecting it."

Castle looked at her blankly, wondering if he was being particularly dim that day or if she was being over-cryptic.

"Plain words, please?"

"OK. The reason I left like this is that I had never considered this possibility and I could not factor it in. I had it all figured out. I was trying to move on and not dwell on this... thing between us because I thought you were just in for the fun. And somehow, you leaving with your ex-wife confirmed what I was thinking. But then, when you said that, it kind of shattered my theory and I had to process this new element. That's why I left, I guess. And I'm sorry I ran. I did not want you to take it the wrong way. I did not mean to hurt you. Because I love you, too."

Even if he could not imagine that she would be so cruel, he searched her face for any indication that she might be mocking him. That was certainly a confusing speech. He found nothing but a faint blush on her cheeks, the shadow of a smile on her lips and utter sincerity in her eyes.

He smiled.

With a sense of relief, Kate's smile grew in response. His smile grew wider and lit up his whole face. His eyes looked even brighter than when he was proudly gauging reactions after one of his witty quips.

Suddenly, all was forgiven if not yet forgotten. Demming, Gina, the Hamptons, the misunderstandings, the tension, the innuendos and the questions. There were just the two of them. And their smiles.

A/N: Man, these chapters are tiny. Final chapter coming... I want to say soon but I'm done making promises I can't keep. Let's say as soon as possible.