The distance between two

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One moment – A thousand words

A challenge to see if I could create a linking scene between each Season Five episode.

One chapter a day until Season Six arrives.

Wish me luck.

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5x01 – 5x02

After the Storm – Cloudy with a Chance of Murder

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Disclaimer: The words maybe, the rest; Not mine!

Standing at the window, Beckett paints a perfect picture of isolation. The moon light combines with that from the city streets, and it leaves the area surrounding her body a glow–as she remains in the dark.

A lone figure that blocks the light, that stands against the city.

Her satisfaction at being back at the Precinct, even in spite of her suspension, disappeared with the sun. Now all that's left is emptiness.

She remains fixated on the images outside of her window, thoughts heavy and unwanted; body slumping forward, until the glass catches her momentum.

A sigh seeps out, drifts into the screen and her own fatigue is echoed back, touches her lips, and she breathes it in. She wishes she had the ability to wipe her mind clean, use an eraser as if it's one of her white boards.

Mainly she just wishes she could sleep.

Minutes pass by without her realizing, until footsteps can be heard, softly breaking the stillness that's been enveloping her. At first they move hesitantly around her bedroom and as they seem to gain confidence, she hears him approach.

Closing her eyes she attempts to push the melancholy down, to bring forth a strength, that in this moment she no longer feels. Everything inside her screams that her reservoir's been too far depleted. Her confrontation with Bracken seems to have stolen the last remaining fragment and she can't help but wonder if there's any left.

Her closed off appearance must look as horrific as she feels. His footsteps become hesitant again, until they come to a complete stop. She hopes the distance between them isn't a metaphor. Everything appeared okay when they'd returned from the Twelfth, when she showed him how one could spend days with nothing to do, yet she of all people knows that looks can be deceiving.

"I'm fine." As she says the words she almost cringes, what a way to reinforce that deception. Shrugging slightly she tries again. "I will be fine."

Her acknowledgment is the signal he's been waiting for, and he closes the remaining distance between them. His large frame stands behind her, strong and steady. Doing his best to let her know that he's here–when she's ready.

She knows if she was more coherent, there'd be some wonderful subtext in regards to him always having her back. This thought at least has her subconsciously moving away from the window and into his body. His well-defined arms lift and encompass hers completely.

This time her sigh is one of contentment.

His lips brush the top of her head and curve upwards, enjoys how this position highlights their height difference. "You're short."

Rocking her head so that it gently bumps into his chin, she volleys back, "I thought I was tall?"

His chuckle is the only reply she receives, and he appears to be seeking her lead. Reaching up, she holds onto the arms that still surround her and wills herself to let him in. After all, letting Castle in – in other ways – has certainly paid off; it's time she starts letting him into her mind as well.

"I'm worried that it's not enough. That Bracken's going to realize that I have no file. I stood there and bluffed my way out of another execution."

Her choice of words leave him without oxygen. Memories invade the moment and it's all he can do to remain standing.

Squeezing her hands against the tense muscles of his forearms, she takes a deep breath for them both and continues, "But I've been here before, looking over my shoulder, and I can't repeat the same mistakes again." She thinks of all the work she's done. The countless hours sitting in Doctor Burke's office, chipping away at the wall, attempting to be enough. Now there here, she doesn't want to destroy it before they even get a chance to be more.

He tries to inhale, air struggles to get past his constricted throat. Allows her words to wash over him, hears her silent apology for all that's happened. For the lies that were told, the words that had remained unspoken.

Letting her arms drop, she pivots in the small space. Turning so that they are now facing each other, choses her words carefully. "I ran and hid last time Castle and I can't. I won't do it again. Not from you." Her mouth brushes his, and she hopes her actions of late are proof of these words. "I chose you and it means–in this moment it means everything. That when I showed up at your door–"

He has no control of his lips, the need to stop her words too overwhelming. He wants to remind her, remind them both of what was chosen that night. That the issues they'll soon have to confront; keeping their new status quiet, how to handle their differing worlds, what it will do to their partnership now they're in a relationship. These things are nothing compared to all that's been gained.

Kate pulls back reluctantly, but the need to finish her speech is too important, "–I'm still flawed and I'm not good at this. I'm going to screw this up at some point. Probably lots of points, but I need you. I want you." Her words purposely echoing the ones that led them here.

Laying his forehead against hers, he hopes she can see the resolve in his eyes. Wants her to understand all that he's about to proclaim. "When the times comes, I'm going to do my best to remember this moment–"

Eyes close as they share this milestone, and she allows his promise to settle over her.

"–and I'll do all that I can to let you know that I'm here. That you're here. That we don't have to run from each other again." His words, firm and clear, replace the darkness.

His declaration leaves her shattered and whole all in the same moment. Leaves her wanting to state just how much she loves him. How much she's right here with him. Yet as her mouth opens, her mind recalls her earlier mood and she can't help but feel it would all be tainted. With everything that's happened, it would touch and destroy those three beautiful words.

Capturing his mouth, she puts all that she can into showing him, hoping he feels what she won't say today. That her actions speak as loud as any words could. Trailing her hand down, she interlocks their fingers; recreates memories of their first time, as she pulls him towards her bedroom.

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Due to the fact that I had this idea a week again, it's all without outside editing, so please PM me any mistakes you see!

Your comments are valued!