#castle!reader

How you even met him seemed to be a blur at this point, though you had only known each other for about two years. All either of you knew was that you had to stick together. Frank could keep you safe from the danger that often seemed to come your way. You couldn’t quite figure out what you had to offer him in return, but he insisted that you staying alive was reward enough. Truthfully you didn’t put much thought into it, you were just happy you were able to stay with him.

“Alright, kid, you’ve got Park Place and Boardwalk, how am I supposed to win?” Frank ran a hand through his hair, clearly frustrated with his situation.

You grinned, crossing your arms over your chest, “That’s your problem. Besides, just because I have just those two doesn’t mean I’ll win.”

He laughed at your response knowing that you were technically right. Friday nights were game nights, a tradition that might be short lived, according to Frank, if he kept losing. He picked Monopoly to play for that night and was beginning to regret that as well.

Neither of you had been able to feel so relaxed in quite some time, always on the run. Frank decided it was time to stop. Time to get a place to live, for the both of you, and just live a normal life. It was all he ever wanted for you and all you wanted for him. You were both living in a safe moment of life together, suddenly finding joys in betting one another in a game of jenga or whatever.

Checking the time, Frank let out a sigh of relief. “We gotta put the game on pause, I have to go out for a bit tonight.”

“Tonight, really?” You groaned, “But it’s game night!”

He stood, “I know, but this can’t wait. Promise to finish letting you kick my ass when I get back?”

A mischievous smile spread across your face as you thought of having another victory. While you wished you could finish the game now, you knew it would have to wait. Frank was trying to get out of his old work, trying to make a better and more stable life for you. It was a slow process because he wanted to do it right and be sure that all ends were tied so neither of you would ever have to look back.

“I’m holding you to that,” you leaned back on the couch.

“I don’t doubt it,” he pulled his boots on and began lacing them. “Can’t believe I have to come back to my own home knowing I’m gonna get my butt kicked.”

“I can,” you grinned.

Frank finished tying up his boot, eyes landing on you as if he was going to take your words as a challenge.

“Y’know what? I shouldn’t have to take your crap,” he joked with a smile.

You were trying your hardest to hold back your laughter, even biting your lip to hide your smile. It was all just to poke fun, you both knew.

“And yet,” you began.

“You really gonna keep giving me crap? I haven’t even left yet,” He slipped his coat on, shaking his head at you.

“It is what it is. I don’t make the rules,” you shrugged, “sorry, Dad.”

Frank froze, his back faced towards you and his hand resting on the doorknob. You could feel your heart cave as you processed what you said. Had you actually said that? Out loud? Sure, you had considered saying it before but always decided it was probably a step too far. You knew Frank cared about you, but you also knew what he had been through with his family.

He was still healing, little by little. And he would be lying if he said you hadn’t helped him heal, whether that was intentional or not. The two of you had been through a lot together, especially considering you had only known each other for a few years. You knew the things the other had seen, you knew each other’s pain.

“I’m so sorry,” you sat up, putting your feet to the floor. “I didn’t mean— it just slipped out.”

Frank remained still. The tips of his fingers slowly slid off the doorknob, leaving his hand to hang by his side. His reaction, or lack there of, put a knot into your stomach. Was he mad? Was it upsetting for him to hear?

“Frank, I,” you stood, “it was just...”

You made your way to him and put your hand on his shoulder to turn him. He wasn’t as stiff as usual. His typical upright and defensive-like posture seemed to soften, his face too as he was processing the name. If anything, it made you panic more. He seemed upset, possibly angry at your actions.

“I-“ you pulled your hand away, “I.. it just kind of came out, I’m really sorry. It was so stu—“

Before you were able to finish Frank pulled you into his arms, shocking and confusing you more. So he wasn’t mad.

“Don’t worry about it, kid.” He hugged you closer and squeezed his eyes shut.

You decided it was nice, letting yourself soften as well. All either of you could do in the moment was hold on tighter. You had hugged before, usually only after Frank had saved you. Even then you had only hugged twice, because you both thought you came too close to losing one another.

“I, uh,” he stepped out of the hug, “I just wasn’t expecting that.”

You tangled your arms around yourself, taking a step back as well. “Yeah, no. I guess it just kind of slipped out.” He glanced down as you softly spoke, “I mean, that doesn’t mean I didn’t wanna say it.”

His eyes briefly looked back at you, a small smile forming. Words couldn’t describe how much you saying that meant to him, no words he knew at least. Your heart was pounding, nerves on end as you practically exposed yourself.

“Y’know,” he cleared his throat. “I don’t think I’ll go out tonight. Family’s more important.”

Your face beamed, “Family?”

“Yeah, that’s what we’re becoming, isn’t it?” He shifted awkwardly, slowly taking his coat off.

You were at a loss of words, just nodding in response. Neither you nor Frank were good at talking through moments like this. Both of you just seemed to read one another so well, and were able to use few words to get your point across, nothing much needed to be said.

It was strange, but exciting. It didn’t seem new, it was like you both knew you were family practically since the day you met. At the very least, you both knew there was always a possibility it would occur. To realize that it finally had happened, though, was heart warming.

“Sooo,” you leaned on the heels of your feet. “You aren’t going out which means I get to beat your ass at Monopoly now.”

Frank laughed, “Yeah, no. I don’t think so.”

“Oh, so now you think you can beat me?” You grinned.

He raised a brow, crossing his arms. “Nope, I know I can. C’mon, let’s get your funeral over with,” he walked back towards the game.

It was nice that things were able to slip right back into normalcy. You were glad it didn’t have to be awkward, that he seemed to be happy about the incident. He was holding a smile bigger than you had seen before, maybe because he seemed so eager to beat you at Monopoly though.

“I think it’s you’re funeral we’ll be attending.” You held up your properties with a grin, “I’m buying hotels.”

“Hmm,” he closed his eyes in defeat. “Games not over yet, kid. Just you wait.”