"There's a moment, between a glance and a kiss, where the world stops."
August 2015
He's late and he knows it, Castle barges someone out of the way to get to her, calling an apology over his shoulder before he catches sight of his wife where she sits, at their table, alone.
Remy's is full to bursting, everyone in a rush and seeking the warmth and comfort that radiates from within. The temptation of good food, friendly faces and a few moments to sit, relax, forget the world at large, all too tempting to be ignored.
"Fries?" He asks as he shucks off his coat, finding his seat opposite her and biting his tongue so he doesn't laugh.
"Mmmhmm." She grins back at him anyway, slathering the plate in so much ketchup that it looks a little too much like their last crime scene for his liking.
"Again?"
"Mmhmmm," she responds with an innocence totally belied by the threat in her tone, "you got a problem with that?"
His eyes widen, and he holds up his hands in surrender, finally comfortable enough to reach for the menu, "You missed one." He points as if to steal it, but she's faster.
"No, I didn't." Kate aims the bottle, her eyes narrowing at the offending slither of potato and then she drenches it viciously, grinning as she does.
"Remind me again to stay on your good side." Castle tips his head to one side staring at the poor fry as she brings it up slowly to her mouth, gnashing her teeth together as she bites into it viciously, tears it in half and chews with relish.
He gulps when her eyes never leave his, each chew well timed for maximum impact.
"It was in the vows, remember." Kate raises her eyebrows in challenge and pointing with her food for emphasis, sending a glob of red goo flying in his direction, "Oops - thou shall not drive thy wife to distraction -" She winks, the facade falls, and he laughs, wiping the stain from his shirt " - unless it's in the bedroom."
Castle pauses for a second, watches her cast aside the empty basket and reach for the full one, devouring the mountains of fried food, his eyes widening the longer he stares.
It starts as a slow trickle down his spine until curiosity pools low in his stomach. "Fries again?" He narrows his eyes, observing the brief stutter of her fingers.
"Mmm, you said that."
"You had fries twice yesterday."
"Mmmhmm."
"Kate?"
"The baby likes fries." She grins, wide and beautiful and her eyes dance all over his face as she chews on another.
"Our baby?" He stage whispers, pointing dramatically at the press of her bump, firm at the edge of the table, and her eyes roll spectacularly.
"No, Castle, the small infant I have squirreled away under the table is stealing my food." She tries for a look, loses it completely when the food reclaims her attention. She eats a few more and then grabs for his hand though hers is covered in salt and tomato ketchup - the slightly spicey one that she cannot get enough of and oh, yeah okay, that's making a lot more sense now.
"It's a craving." He grins, guessing correctly and stroking the back of her hand when her entire face lights up.
She licks her lips, and they shine with grease yet part around a delighted sounding giggle. She nods, wipes her fingers and drops her free hand to the bump, sighing softly, "Yeah."
"The first one?" Castle's eyes dance as they catch hers for a brief moment. The world seems to hold its breath for a moment while he enjoys it, until he breaks the spell and leans across the table to kiss her in a weird sort of celebration, covering her hand with his own. She tastes salty and sweet and exactly the way he imagines happiness would taste.
"I want more," she mumbles against his lips, laughing as he kisses her again, and again, "fries not kisses, Castle," He huffs and Kate pats his face when he pouts, "The baby needs them," she smiles angelically.
"That child is conspiring against me already."
"Mmhmm, get used to it." Kate pushes her plate and both empty baskets toward him, her meaning obvious.
"Fine," Castle grumbles, sticking out his tongue, "But don't come crying to me if you give birth to a potato."