#jonbernthaledit

Not when you were here.

He slid under the covers slowly, mindful not to wake you—until you shifted and mumbled, still half-asleep, “You smell like blood.”

Frank huffed a soft laugh. “Y’ain’t wrong.”

Your hand reached out and found him, fingers curling into his hoodie like you were afraid he might vanish if you let go. “You okay?”

“Been worse.”

You finally cracked one eye open and gave him that look—the one that said don’t bullshit me, Castle.

“Ribs’re fine,” he muttered. “Stitches are holdin’. Just wanted to see you.”

“Liar,” you yawned, nuzzling into him anyway. “You wanted the bed.”

He smirked, then leaned in and kissed the crown of your head, voice low and almost shy when he murmured, “Missed you.”

You looked up at him, sleepy and soft. “I’m right here.”

“Yeah. I know.” His rough fingers brushed your cheek. “Just... ain’t used to this. Comin’ home to someone. Wakin’ up next to them instead of bein’ in some alley with a busted lip.”

“Well, tough luck,” you whispered, threading your fingers through his. “You’ve got me now. No take-backs.”

Frank let out a small exhale. The kind that felt like surrender. Safe.

He tucked you tighter against him, resting his chin on your head as your breathing slowed again.

“Yeah,” he whispered. “No take-backs.”

----------

MARVEL Taglist: