I Swear

Katherine Beckett was a complex character. She was strong, beautiful… extraordinary – her powerful exterior. Then there was the underpinning. The gentle, emotional woman she tried to hide to those around her with her poker face, that granite façade.

But right now, that stone-like face that showed little or no emotion was gone. Stripped away.

"I-I can't feel anything." She whispered. Her breath floated around her and Castle, as she buried herself as deeply into his chest as possible, desperate to stay warm. Tears stung her eyes. She was ready to just let them out, but it was so cold in the freezer she was certain they would turn into ice crystals and freeze to her face.

Castle was on the verge of crying, too, but he kept repeating to himself, you have to stay strong. You have to be strong for Kate.

He held her as tightly as he could, but also gently, for she felt so fragile he thought she would break. He rested his chin on her shoulder, desperately trying to keep her as warm as possible. Breathing in her sweet sent, he whispered "It's going to be okay, I've got you Kate. I won't let anything happen to you" in her ear over and over again. He held her hand the same way he held her – firm, letting her know he wasn't letting go, but also gently, because of the fear she would crumble before his eyes. Kate squeezed his hand.

"C-Castle… d-don't leave me… please." She shivered uncontrollably, her voice so weak it was barely a whisper.

This stung Castle's heart. Damn Dr. Motorcycle Boy "Josh", damn all those guys who left her.

"Hey, look at me Kate." He told her gently. He brushed a small strand of hair away from her face as her beautiful green eyes found his. He gazed deep into her terror-filled eyes.

"Listen to me Kate. I will never leave you. Ever. I will always be here for you. No matter the danger, the heartache… I will always be by your side. Always, I promise you. I swear by the moon and the stars in the skies, I'll be there. Like the shadow that's by your side, I'll stand by you. I'll fight to the death for you. Do you understand? Kate, as long as the sun shines in the sky, as long as the rivers keep running, as long as this Earth keeps turning, I'll be right here beside you, with every beat of my heart. Because, Kate. . . I can't live without you by my side."

Kate's lips curled into the smallest smile. She fought with all her energy to stay awake.

"C-Castle, I just wanted you to know how much I lo-" Her eyes fluttered, fighting to stay open, but they lost the battle and closed.

"I love you."

Her body fell limp in Castle's arms. "Stay with me." He shook her gently, but it was no use. She was unconscious.

"No, no no no no! Please Kate, stay with me, I love you . . . "

The last thing Kate heard before the darkness swallowed her was enough to keep her fighting for her life.