Words. Easier said than written. Richard Castle, famed mystery novelist could certainly attest to that. After being informed that his next Nikki Heat novel was due in three months' time, Rick knew he was in trouble. Big trouble. His writer's block, like an old, bad habit, was seemingly back with a vengeance and not shaken easily. 'Damn you James Patterson and your stupid ten novels a year' Rick thought bitterly with a sigh, absent-mindedly watching the blinking cursor on the computer screen. Despite being hoarded in his office for the last week, a few ideas scribbled on bits of paper and his scruffy appearance, the Master of the Macabre had nothing. Zilch. Nada. He was tired, irritable and frustrated. To further exacerbate the situation, he was also concerned about his nine-week pregnant wife chasing after dangerous criminals.
He did not notice Kate leaning against the doorframe, observing him. She knew that he was under pressure – his behaviour the last few days after the meeting with Gina was proof of that. She also knew that he worried about her – constantly. Turning up at the precint to 'bring her lunch' or to 'do research' or to 'provide his expertise'. In reality Kate actually found his protectiveness sweet and endearing, but she was aware that it was affecting his ability to get some work done. She was suppose to be his muse, not distraction.
"Hey," she said softly stepping into the study, startling him from his trance of exhaustion. Rick looked up and gave her a tired smile.
"Hey," he responded wearily. "I thought you were asleep." He glanced down at his watch, noticing that it was usually the time when Kate would be sound asleep. At this, he felt a faint pang of guilt.
"Couldn't sleep," Kate replied, slowly walking towards his desk, her hands casually clasped behind her back. She had started to show a slight bump, but it was barely noticeable. People who didn't know about her pregnancy would probably not suspect that she was expecting.
"So... any progress?" She ventured catiously. Rick rubbed a hand over his face, letting out a laboured breath.
"Nothing. I. Have. Nothing." He fixed his a blank gaze on the laptop in front of him, before looking up at his wife.
"What can I do to help?" Kate perched herself on the edge of the desk, placing her feet on his chair. His mouth flickered up for a moment.
"Wweeelll... a kiss would be nice." Rick arched his eyebrows as a teasing smile spread across his features.
"I could do that," Kate replied with smile. She lent forward and gave him a soft, sweet kiss that lasted several seconds. "Feel better?" She asked with a grin; now sitting on his lap with her arms loosely draped around his neck and shoulders.
"A little... but you know what would cheer me up even more?" Kate noticed the typical devious Castle glint in his eyes and narrowed hers, deciding to humour him.
"What?"
"A little lap dance followed by a striptease." He waggled his eyebrows suggestively with a sly smirk. Kate only rolled her eyes, trying - unsuccessfully - to keep an amused smile from her lips. Getting up with no reply, she moved over to the cd-player.
"I have something better in mind," she said while finding one of their favourite songs.
"What could be better than what I suggested?" Rick teased, watching his wife curiously.
Ignoring his reply, Kate stepped towards him while Elvis Presley's voice filled the room.
'Ooohhhh my love, my darling...'
"Dance with me." She held out her hand towards him. Rick's expression softened as a small smile pulled his lips upward. Kate Castle always found new ways to surprise and intrigue him. 'Another layer of the Beckett onion' the thought rushed through his mind as he took her hand standing up.
He drew her closer to him and resting his cheek on top of her head, they swayed slowly and silently to the music.
'I need your love, I need your love. Godspeed your love to me'
"I love this song," Kate sighed as they barely moved to the music.
"Mmm-hmmm... Probably because of Ghost," Rick mumbled into her hair. "I bet you cried your pretty little eyes out while watching that sob-fest," he continued with a smirk.
"Yeah well, at least I wasn't the one who sobbed like a 10-year old girl while watching The Lion King now was I?" Kate retorted softly, continuing their casual, playful banter.
"When did I do that?" Rick tried to sound indignant, but his voice was far too relaxed to indicate indignation.
"Last week." Kate smiled against his shoulder, closing her eyes momentarily as she listened to the music. Silence once again descended as they swayed rhythmically to Elvis' rendition of the classic love song.
'Lonely rivers flow to the sea, to the sea. To the open arms of the sea. Lonely rivers sigh 'wait for me, wait for me' I'll be coming home, wait for me'
"Oh my love, my darling... I've hungered for your touch." Rick softly started to sing along, whispering the lyrics to his wife. Kate smiled at this and pulled back to look at her husband.
"Feel better now?"
"Mmm-hmmm, much better," Rick replied with a relaxed grin. "Thank you Mrs. Castle." He took her face in between his hands and leaned down for a sweet kiss.
"Don't mention it," she replied playfully, smiling at him.
"Well, honey, I think you and lil' Castle here need some sleep," he said, tenderly placing a hand on the slight bump of her stomach.
"You too..." Just as he started to protest, Kate placed a hand over his mouth. "No arguments. You need to get some rest," she said with serious concern. Her expression, however, changed quickly with her mouth converting into a smile.
"Besides I - we - need someone to spoon with."
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