AU Meeting Castle!Fanfic
A/N: In a world kind of around season 4 and KB is still a detective. Beckett never got shot in the heart. Montgomery is still alive but he retired so Gates is the captain...but that doesn't really matter actually.
Will post the full prompt at the end of the story
Two months. That's how long she's been in this room. The thin curtains the only barrier between herself and the moans of the people around her. Two months since she's had a good night's sleep. The constant beeping and whirring of machines, people always talking, keeping her awake. Two months since her life changed forever.
The distinct scratch of metal on metal forces Kate out of her reverie. She's half glad; being lost in her thoughts too long often initiates the breakdowns.
The nurse interjects with nondescript "Good afternoon honey. I'm just here to check on your–"
"Yes, yes I know. Geez, why do you guys repeat everything? I've been in this damn room two months." This repetition is what really gets her - being told the same thing every day. Are they trying to make her feel like she is losing her mind? She is - was - a damn NYPD Detective for crying out loud.
"I'm sorry Kate but you should know better than anyone why we do this," Kate moved her gaze to her, rather ashamed by her outburst. "Now, let us get you ready for your move."
The nurse grabs the IV stand, making sure everything is hooked up correctly and ready to go. Kate unsurprisingly rejects her proffered hand so she merely watches as she sits up on the bed.
"My…my move?"
"Yes honey, your move. Remember? You're being moved to the private ward. Get a little more space. It's a two-person room. The other fella should be arriving soon so we want to get you prepped before he gets in." The nurse speaks without looking at her, just continuing on with her duties. Hands moving swiftly, changing over files, gathering up Kate's belongings and placing them on the back of the– oh, no way!
"I can walk Heather, I don't need this wheelchair," she flicks her hands in disgust in the direction of the wheeled atrocity.
The nurse looks at her with disdain – really? She isn't a damn child! – her arms folded over her chest, brow arched and looking over the top of her glasses, the epitome of condescension.
"Okay. Fine." Voiced like a child conceding to her parents. If Heather wants to treat her like a child, then she'll act like one.
"Attagirl. Maybe, if you're good on the trip up, I'll give you a lollipop."
"Thank you. Yes, that's perfect. Great! I'll see you soon. Bye." He ends the call and places the phone back in his pocket. Crouching over to pick up his Globe-Trotter suitcase (the James Bond Special Edition), a hand bracing his lower back, he lets out a grunt, the pain almost unbearable now.
"Here Richard, let me." The older red headed woman announces, exasperated. She pries the handle from his weakened fist; swatting it away as his hand reaches out, attempting to refuse her assistance. "Come on! Just let me grab your bag. I feel so helpless here!"
Castle notices the slight quaver in his mother's voice. His gaze softens as he looks into her blue eyes. He forgets how hard this must be for her. Letting go of the bag he places a hand on her slumped shoulder. She stills for a moment collecting herself, although with much less enthusiasm than the Martha Rodgers she was only a few months before.
"Mother," he sighs, a soothing quality to his voice. She covers the hand on her shoulder with her own delicate one and looks at her son with emotions witnessed too frequently nowadays. "You are not helpless. I'm so sorry you're feeling that way. Just being here with me, you are helping so very much. Your understanding of my decisions and encouragement keep me going. I need you to know that." He moves towards her, pulling his mother in for a reassuring hug.
Martha pulls back to look at him, to study his face. "You know, you're a great man. I am so lucky to have been able to raise you to be who you are today." She pats him on the back.
"Well actually, I kind of raised myself. So thank you for the compliment. What, with you off on Broadway–"
" Hey! Don't ruin my moment," she quips, flicking his ear. "But yes. I suppose you did a wonderful job of growing up. Finally." She adds with a small smirk.
Castle raises a hand to his chest and lets out a gasp in mock indignation. "I will have you know that… "He stops, screwing up his face in thought. "… Actually no, you're probably right."
Martha lightly whacks his shoulder. "Of course I'm right darling. When will you ever learn?" Amusement is laced in her tone. She walks back, turns around to pick up the suitcase and heads over to the front door. "Make sure you've got everything you need kiddo," she utters over her shoulder.
"Yes Mother." The monotone answer leaves his mouth with the syllables drawn out in the way a child acknowledges their parent.
He turns on the spot, breathes in the loft. His home. The place he invested the royalties from publishing his first book, the table where he played the first of many poker games with his writer buddies, the office where he started his journey with Derrick Storm, his bestselling series of books, and the stairs where his life changed forever.
Remembering where he has to be, Castle treads over to his bookcase and grabs a few of his favourites. He walks into his office gazing around for a moment too long. This isn't the time for reminiscing, he tells himself while picking up his laptop and placing it in the bag he left on his desk earlier, adding to it a few pens and notebooks. He fastens the bag and tosses the strap over his shoulder. Taking in a deep breath he allows himself one more glance around the room before heading for the front door.
He steps across the threshold, gently closing the door behind him. He stares at the closed door for a few seconds then follows his mother over to the open elevator. Once inside he leans against the wall sighing, calming his heart, and telling himself that this is the right thing to do.
A/N: I love to read your reviews. Good or bad. They help me become a better writer.
Awesome cover image created by Prosemeds (Thank you bud!)
Stay tuned for chapter 2!
