Disclaimer: Don't own Castle boo!

A/N: Okay so my loyal readers may realise that this first chapter is very similar to my other story 'Stop Running' that's because it is lol, I didn't like the way I began that story so I have deleted I've been working a while on this story because currently having writers block. When it comes to my other current story 'That Kiss', anyway I hope you enjoy it :)

thanks! Oh and please review! :)

-Chapter One-

She felt like she was being suffocated, there was something that felt like it was choking her, and there was something warm wrapped around her hand and as crazy as it sounds she almost felt safe just by the feeling of whatever it was wrapped around her hand. She started to slowly open her eyes squinting at the bright lights she started to become restless she was not one to like being held down and not in control.

She turned to her left and her breath caught in her lungs she tried to say his name but the lack of fluids had made her voice dry and the tubes didn't help either for talking at least. She wanted to just reach up and tilt his chin so he was facing her but he had his head leaning in his free hand was he crying, why? What happened where was she…

Oh right the shooting, the blood, she nearly died she thought back as her memory slowly came back. She used all her strength to move one of her fingers that was being held in his hands and thankfully this worked she slowly looked up his eyes filled with guilt and remorse still filled with tears she couldn't help but wonder how long he had been crying for.

"Kate" he couldn't believe it this has been the longest four days of his life, he thought he had truly lost and he couldn't, not when he was so in love with her that it hurt him to see her dying on the ground because of him. Sure he never pulled the trigger but he was the one that convinced her to reopen her mother's case, so he was the reason why she nearly lost her life why she was laying here recovering from nearly dying.

"I'll get the nurse" he quickly pressed the red button his hand still firmly holding onto hers slowly running his thumb in circles on the back of her hand. When the doctors and nurses finally entered they pulled Castle away from Kate so they could check her vitals and fluids Kate couldn't help but notice just how sick and tired Rick looked just how long had he been sitting there she thought. Before she knew it the nurses had told her that she was doing well and just needed to rest once the nurses and doctors left Castle moved back to Kates side he gave her a weak smile tears forming back in his eyes.

"Hey did you want me to get your dad, I haven't seen Josh yet but I can find hi.."

"Rick, I… if you could find my dad that would be good" she cut him off she didn't want to see Josh they had, had another argument the night after Castle had left and after his speech to her about hiding behind men you don't love! God all she wanted was for him to say something different that night she wanted him to tell her how he truly felt.

"I… I'll go grab him" he took a deep breath and with all his confidence he leaned in and lightly ran his thumb across her cheek she took a deep breath and felt her eyes trickle with tears at his touch "I'm so glad you're okay Kate" she lightly touched his hand and smiled "me too" she whispered.

*CB*CB*CB*CB*

Castle walked out to the hallway where he saw Jim, Lanie, Espo and Ryan he had sent his mother and Alexis home earlier and told them to come back once Alexis had finished school for the day.

"Jim, sir Kate would like to see you" Castle told the older man as Jim rose from his seat he gave Castle a hug thanking him for staying with his Katie, Castle just smiled as Jim walked to Kates room. The minute Jim was out of view Castle collapsed against the wall he was mentally drained Lanie quickly moved down next to Castle "Hey Castle" she place her hand on his shoulder to show him that she was there for him.

"God Lanie I nearly lost her" he blurted out covering his eyes with his hands "look at me I'm here sooking while she's in there god Lanie! What if she hates me I mean…"

"Hey, hey writerboy listen to me Kate could never hate you if anything she loves you Castle! And she's just too damn stubborn to realise but don't for a second blame this on you this is because of that arsehole who tried to kill our girl!"

"I told her I love her" he whispered only for Lanie to hear, Lanie signalled at Javi and Kevin that they were alright and to just give them a minute once the boys left Lanie started talking in a hush but serious tone.

"Castle what I'm about to say Kate may not want me to but under these circumstances it's the right thing" he looked at the M.E questionably and nodded for her to continue.

"Castle, I've known Kate for a very long time and since you've walked into her life I have never seen her so happy, care free and she has you to thank for that. No matter what she says about you I know deep down she really truly loves you too and before you say something, I'm not just saying it because you told her. I know trust me the way she lights up when she sees you even when she mentions you these other guys are just her safety net I honestly think she's scared… that she will lose you like her mother. What I'm saying is just wait, wait for her Richard Castle because that girl loves you and if she doesn't admit it soon I'll end up smacking her head against the wall knocking some sense into that brain of hers."

Castle pulled Lanie in for a hug thinking over what Lanie had just said could Kate really love him god he just needed to talk to her see if she remembers anything. "I'll wait forever if I have to Lanie".

*CB*CB*CB*CB*

"Oh Katie bug!" Jim came around to Kate' s side lightly brushing away a loose strand of hair.

"Hi dad" she whispered

"How are you, you scared me there"

"I'm good the doctors and nurses said I'm recovering well. I'm so sorry dad"

"Hey no, shh it's okay you're here now and safe and like you said the nurses and doctors said you are okay"

"I know and I have Rick to thank for that he saved me dad" she whispered as a tear broke from her eyes Jim smiled up at his daughter lightly running his thumb along her knuckles.

"You know he's been sitting in this very chair since you came out of surgery two days ago I think he might just love you Katie I can see it that look in his eyes is the one I had whenever I looked into your mothers eyes pure love."

Kate just smiled weakly and nodded she couldn't believe he had been sitting there for two days straight. "Hey dad if it's okay could I uh just speak to Rick for a moment? I promise I'll see everyone I just need to talk to him for a moment"

Jim smiled as he stood up leaning over to give her a quick kiss on the forehead "of course sweetheart".

Jim made his way out back to where the gang was "Hey Rick, Katie would like to see you" the older man smiled as Castle stood up incredibly fast he could feel the blood rushing to his head but made his way to her room.

A/N: So what did you think? I have a few chapters written so I'll update during the week if all goes well with the interest of you fellow readers :)