Castle and The Originals

Chapter 12

"You missed a spot." Kate licked the dribble of chocolate ice cream from Rick's chin.

"Hey, I was saving that for later."

Kate laughed and kissed his lips. "Blame the babies, no food is safe around them."

Rick jumped from the table they were seated at. They had stopped for a cool snack while waiting for the cab to pick them up. They were currently at the Hapuna Beach State Park. After walking the expanse of soft white sand they both agreed that the location had rightfully earned its reputation as one of Hawaii's finest beaches.

"Good thing the cab is here then, we must get these youngins fed." He pulled Kate up and led her to the awaiting vehicle.

They rode in silence and Kate took in the expanse of ocean beyond the glass. It was the first day since arriving at the tropical locale that they had actually ventured farther than the beach adjacent to their resort. She and Rick were both content to spent the whole two weeks holed up together in the spacious bungalow. In fact if the last few days were any indication of their preferences they were both content to spend the whole vacation in bed. However, should they never venture out, they might find it hard to explain a few things to their friends and family. For example, lack of suntans, lack of souvenirs and lack of pictures. Therefore, at least for the day they would be typical tourists. They had already walked the famous shoreline; they were on their way to the Queen's Marketplace for lunch and a day frivolous shopping before spending a romantic Valentine's Day evening at their Resort's Canoehouse Restaurant. After which Kate was sure they would find themselves back in bed for the remainder of the trip. At least that would be her preference and she was sure she could convince her husband to see things her way.

"Ow!"

Kate felt a twinge of pain and the sudden intake of air between clenched teeth produced a slight hissing sound. She immediately rubbed the spot on her lower right side and waited for it to subside. She had read about round ligament pain at this stage of pregnancy and how it was especially prominent in twin pregnancies due to the rapid growth of the uterus. As advertised it came on suddenly and was isolated to one side. It wasn't terribly painful but its sudden onset had been a bit startling. She inhaled deeply just trying to breathe through what should be only a brief situation.

Rick was on her instantly. "What? Kate, tell me what's wrong."

He rarely saw his wife in any pain beyond a few stiff muscles here and there, so the scrunched up face and awkward breathing scared the hell out of him. He placed one hand over hers as she tried to soothe whatever was causing the distress. His other lays firmly atop of her abdomen.

"It's okay. Perfectly normal. Read about it. Should go away in a few minutes..." Kate managed between breaths.

"Kate do we need..."

Kate's hand on his mouth halted what she had to assume was going to be a suggestion to go to an ER.

"Just give me a minute, please." She continued to breathe in and out while trying to stay relaxed just as the book suggested. After a minute or so the pain went away as swiftly as it had arrived. "Okay, it's gone."

Kate wound her fingers in his even as he continued to rub the afflicted area.

Rick searched her face for anymore signs of pain. "What the hell was that?"

He was surprised when the corners of her mouth turned up in a slight smile.

"I am so going to want to shoot you during labor aren't I?"

"It's not funny. You read about this? Why didn't you warn me?" He was practically in tears.

"Rick seriously?" Kate wanted to be aggravated at him but his concern was so genuine. "The list of possible symptoms in the second trimester is so long I couldn't possibly fill you in on all of them."