Hi, I'm so sorry it's been so long since the last update, my laptop crashed and I lost everything on it, including all the unposted chapters of this. Another thing is I start art school at the end of next week so it may be a while till my next upload of this but the upside is that I've got a few other stories in planning stages, including the sequel to Guinevere's Terror.

I don't own Castle and am unlikely to ever,

Enjoy!

Kevin doesn't try to begin a conversation with Rick as he follows the man along the corridor, he can see relief deep within the writer's eyes. They stop outside the door where Rick lets out a sigh. He turns to Kevin with a strange look in his eyes.

"Go on in, she's expecting you."

"You're not coming back in?"

"Can't, she's told me she doesn't want to see me until morning."

"Why?"

"I have no idea but no word of this to Alexis."

"Ok, will you still be here when I get out."

"Yeah, we won't leave until Alexis has seen her."

Kevin nods and turns the handle, sending one last look at his saddened friend as he enters the room of another. His breath hitches as he sees her lying there, looking smaller and more vulnerable than he has ever seen her.

She looks up as he enters, a smile appearing but it is tinged with a sorrow the Kevin does not understand. He sits on the bed as she shifts to make space, Kevin can see the iv line sticking in her arm and unconsciously pulls her closer to him. He is the first to speak.

"You scared us today."

"I know, I'm sorry."

"No need, I'm glad you're going to be ok. What's the doc said to you?"

"It was a blow to the head coupled with exhaustion and shock that made me unconscious. No worry of a concussion or anything and they've replaced the blood I lost. The cut wasn't that serious, I just bled a lot. Shouldn't even affect my dancing."

"you asked if it would?"

"Yes, along with asking about active duty. I'm supposed to take things easy for a week."

"And we're going to make sure you do. Now why is Castle looking like someone kicked a puppy?"

"I told him to go home, or to mine at least."

"And you did that why?"

Because I've been with him constantly for days, I need some time alone to figure things out."

"What things? He loves you, you love him. It's time for that happily ever after all girls want."

"Kevin Ryan, it is not that simple."

"Yes it is. Don't go over thinking and running away from this. When he comes to pick you up tomorrow, ignore the fact that he hasn't slept and jump right back into life with him. Same as you have been for days, the injuries may have been faked but the emotions weren't"

"You're a sap, you know that right?"

"Yes, and proud of it. Now will you do as I ask?"

"What if it doesn't work? I can't lose my best friend?"

"It will work, we all know that. I thought you had already dealt with all these doubts. Didn't you make the first move?"

"He kissed me first, but I was the first to say the words."

"You've already said the words, that's great."

"Seconds after he kissed me, isn't that a bit fast?"

"No, you two have been leading to this point for years. Trust your heart this time, it can make good decisions too."

"That's what Dad said."

"I know, we were talking about that while we were waiting."

What else were you talking about?"

The curiosity is all over her features but Kevin can see his words floating around in her eyes.

"How brilliant your future step daughter is?"

"Kevin!"

"It will happen one day, and my bet is within the next year. But I've got to go now, I'm sure that someone else will be desperate to see you."

"Alexis? Is anyone else waiting?"

"Lanie was, but after she grills Castle she'll head off with Espo and see you tomorrow. I dare say your dad will wait till he sees you. Either Espo or myself will phone the Capt. Oh and Jenny sends her wishes."

"That's good, I'm ok so they shouldn't lose any more sleep. I take it you're back in cop mode."

"Yeah, we were getting way to mushy, I'll see you tomorrow but you promise not to over think things with Castle?"

"I promise, You're right, the pace isn't to fast, for us it's perfect."

"I'll send Alexis, Jim's taking them back to his."

"Thanks Kev, not just for the advice but for saving us. I'm just sorry you had to kill him, I know it always hits you hard."

"Alexis has already talked all the guilt out of me, and Jenny'll probably keep an eye on me for a while but I don't regret it. So not another thought about it. Just doing my job."

He shifts and stands during that last sentence, his hand on the door as he says goodbye, his eyes sparkling with emotion as he nods before disappearing.