Hi folks! Remember me? A little snippet of a scene popped into my head this morning, and I was compelled to try and develop it. I was partially motivated by the fact that despite my LONG absence, I'm still getting some new followers. So thank YOU, new folks, for renewing my faith in my writing ability.

"Yo, Beckett. He's back…" Esposito watched the subtle flinch travel through Kate's body as his words invaded what was, no doubt, a very focused thought process. Alerting her to the return of her injured partner/boyfriend allowed her to prepare herself, at least a little.

Kate looked up. She'd wanted to go to the hospital with him, but since his wounds were not life threatening, procedure dictated that she accompany their perp back to the precinct. Waiver or no, there was paperwork to be done, charges to be filed, not the least of which was 'assault with a deadly weapon'. The scum was damned lucky Castle had dodged in front of the blade as it sliced toward her. 'Assault on a police officer' carried heavier jail time.

Of course, she was really the lucky one. No telling what damage the asshole would have done to her if Rick hadn't gotten in the way. Her eyes traveled his frame, taking in the sling on his arm, the slight hitch in his step.

She stood, but rather than crossing to welcome him, she gave him a brief nod and then retreated toward the break room. On her way past Esposito's desk, she murmured "Javi, can you-"

"Run interference with Gates? You got it," he reassured her.

Castle strode past, the strain of the effort showing in his face.

She was waiting just inside the door, closing it behind him with a soft click.

"What are you doing here? Didn't they tell you to go home and rest?" she demanded. An entirely different script was running through her head. 'Thank you. I'm glad you're ok. Again."

"You know I'm lousy at obeying orders. Besides, I needed to see you," he replied softly.

"You knew I was ok. You saw to that."

"Yes. I did. You're welcome, by the way," he teased. He studied her face. There was something off. Not that he was expecting a medal, but a statement like that should sound like gratitude, shouldn't it? But coming out of her, it sounded chilly, bordering on bitter. She was…was she mad at him?

Her hands were clenching and unclenching. Part of her wanted to hit him, the other part wanted to kiss him senseless. Neither would be wise, on the off chance Gates was watching.

"Seriously, you should be home."

"I'm fine, Beckett, really."

Damn it all, was he being deliberately obtuse or was it just the trademark Castle stubbornness?

"Castle. Go. Home," she said firmly, letting just a hint of edge into her tone. She groaned internally at his expression. Kick a guy while he's down, huh Kate? Still, she pressed on. She had to make him understand.

"What you did was sheer stupidity and…and I…" She took a steadying breath. "I can't have that on my team." She schooled her face to mask her roiling emotions.

He hadn't seen that look on her face since before. In his mind, their time together had two distinct eras, 'before' and 'after', the dividing line being the night she showed up at his door, soaking wet, the metaphorical wall merely rubble at their feet.

Oh no. Fuck, no. The wall was back, stronger than ever. He recognized it now. She was scared of losing him, so she was going to shut him out to protect herself, protect him, too. "No, please…" he began weakly, fear stealing the breath from his lungs.

She opened the door. "Espo?" she called.

He was at the threshold in seconds, inquiry in his eyes.

"Can you see to it that Castle gets into a cab ok? I'm sure it'll be tough for him to hail one with that arm the way it is."

"Beckett. Kate. Please. Don't do this." He could hear the plaintive tone in his voice, could not bring himself to care that it sounded 'unmanly'. He'd be on his knees in a heartbeat if he thought it would help. But they were in a fishbowl, and the questions would be uncomfortable for her.

"C'mon, Bro. Let's get you home, get some rest."

He mulled over what she'd said. 'on my team' was not the same as 'in my life' was it? But the sentinel atop her wall shook its head at him.

That's it for right now. I'll do one more chapter at least, depending on how long the inspiration stays with me.