Dear Readers,

Here is the 7th Chapter of my story. This has some medical sections. I believed that we were "cheated" of some parts following Kate's shooting. So, I have taken the liberty to add some. I am an experienced Trauma ICU nurse, some my sections are based on real experiences. Please enjoy, and comment.

As, always, my thanks to those three wonderful, Beta Babes-Bree, Marjo, and the queen of traffic lights Stella. They make me a better writer and encourage me to continue.

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Chapter 7

Martha had a tight grip on Kate's unconscious body and she had no intention of allowing her to fall to the ground. Pulling Kate into his arms, Espo carried her into Castle's bedroom where he gently laid her on the bed, all the while Kate never stirred or uttered a sound. Everyone had followed Esposito into the bedroom, and they were staring at their friend, watching her labored breathing, and noting the paleness of her skin as the severity of the situation registered with them.

"When did she get so sick?" Martha demanded as they left the room.

"We're not sure. This case is a tough one, and she's been at the precinct nonstop since Castle left. She takes these types of cases personally, always driving and working herself 10 times harder than anyone else. Castle's absence only compounds the problem and every morning she's been more irritable. Beckett thinks she can do everything and won't let us do anything for her." Espo shrugged as he finished speaking, obviously frustrated.

"I know, we've tried to take care of her, but she's not easy to help. Kate's too independent and stubborn for her own good!" Ryan added.

"No man, she's pigheaded!" Espo interjected. Ryan elbowed him and Espo glared back at Ryan "Well, she is. Her side has been bothering her more than usual, she can hardly turn or get up. Geez, Ryan tried to help her up and she pushed him away then nearly bit his head off!"

Martha patted both their faces. "You two are great friends, no wonder Richard speaks so highly of you. I don't want you to worry, Dr Steiner should be here shortly."

"Okay, call us if you need anything."

Returning to the bedroom, Martha saw that Alexis had begun removing Kate's clothes, and looking up at her grandmother, she remarked, "Grams, I'm really worried about Kate. What's wrong with her?"

"I don't know dear, but first lets get her into bed."

Kate was vaguely aware that her clothes were being removed, but was powerless to react. She recognized that her body was being supported and she was leaning against someone. She was being held up as her top was removed. Try as she might, she couldn't keep her head from rolling from side to side or open her eyes. Defenseless and unable to brace herself, she was soon naked and returned to the lying position. Feeling hands running over her scars, Kate heard a gasp. Castle was the only person who had seen and been allowed to touch the scars, but now someone else was exposed to her shame. Struggling, Kate was finally able to narrowly open her eyes. Seeing Martha and Alexis above her, she cried out, "No, please don't, Alexis, I'm so sorry, forgive me." The enormity of what they had just seen and experienced was as excruciating to Kate as the physical pain itself.

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Their efforts to comfort Kate proved unsuccessful. Now in one of Castle's shirts, words eluding her, Kate extended her hand, grasping Alexis' fingers, her eyes pleading for the young girl's forgiveness before descending back into the darkness.

Martha started speaking before Castle finished answering his phone.

"Richard, there's a problem with Kate. She's fainted twice today, she's burning up and her left side is hot and red. Lanie said Kate nearly leapt off the couch when she was examined. She threw a fit when Lanie tried to send her to the hospital and refused to go so Lanie called Dr Steiner, and he'll be coming over after he finishes surgery."

"How long has she been sick? And why didn't anyone notice?" Castle was clearly agitated.

"Richard, you know better than anyone that Kate is a private person, and she'd never want to admit she wasn't well, even to us."

Castle calmed down, knowing she was right. Kate had a knack for keeping things to herself, often not in her own best interests.

"Let me talk to her."

"Ok, but she's not making much sense, between the hallucinations and nightmares, it's a little scary."

Martha lightly shook Kate, "Darling, Richard wants to talk to you,"

Desperately, Kate tried to hold the phone but it fell from her hand. Martha put the phone to her ear. "Ri-Rick, hey" Kate trying to sound tough, "I love you, when you coming home? I...I miss you." Kate's voice weak, her words slurring so badly he could barely make out what she was saying.

"Kate…Kate!" he yelled into the phone but there was no response, and fear overpowered him.

"Richard, she's out again. Her temperature is sky high. While we wait for the doctor, Alexis and I are going to try and cool her off." Martha responded.

"Call me after Steve comes. I'll be there as soon as I can, even if I have to highjack a plane. Mother, make sure she knows I love her and that I'm on my way."

Martha heard the terror in his voice. "Of course, darling."

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Alexis overheard the conversation and had gathered everything they would need to cool Kate off. Shuddering, Alexis remembered from her own childhood all too well how uncomfortable but necessary this process was. When everything was in place, they uncovered Kate and removed her soaked shirt. Once her shivering body was on the bath sheet, the cold, wet towels were briskly rubbed over her entire body causing Kate to gasp and try to elude the torture while begging them to stop.

After a time, her temperature was down slightly and the intensity of the shivering slowed, so they tucked Kate back into bed. Her breathing was getting worse and she coughed violently, spitting up rust colored sputum.

The doorbell rang, and Alexis ran to greet Dr Steiner and directed him to the bedroom. As his examination of Kate proceeded, he spoke, "Lanie called me and told me what she had found, and I think I know what's wrong. It's not uncommon in the months following such a severe injury to their chest, that victims can suffer a relapse. Kate's chest is filling with fluid which we refer to as a pleural effusion. It's very infective and must be removed as soon as possible. On top of that, her breath sounds are coarse ending with a squeak showing she's developed pneumonia with pleurisy." The Doctor smiled and shook his head recalling what a difficult patient Kate had been. "Believe me, I remember all too well her response to being hospitalized. The last time she left against medical advice. "However, we can do everything she needs right here, but I'll need your help."

Martha and Alexis nodded vigorously.

"Good, I figured as much. Firstly, I'm starting an IV. Alexis, I need you to hold her left arm still, she's very dehydrated and we need to get these IV fluids into her."

Kate's mind was spinning. She was unable to distinguish reality from fantasy. Someone was jabbing her side, some of the touches gentle but most awakened the pain. She vaguely could make out Martha's form, Alexis was stroking her face, what was this man doing? Oh my God, it was Dr Steiner! She was unable to move away, yet kept wriggling as much as she could. What,…ow, suddenly she was uncovered, her arms pulled over her head and secured to the headboard sending panic coursing through her body. Her struggling increased, to no avail. Was she back in the hospital? Her fear elevated to terror, and she tried to kick her attackers, but her legs were pinned. She opened her mouth to scream but she could only whimper. Alexis' face floated into view, "Shhh, we have to get fluid out of your ..." Sharp pain in her left side distracted her and Alexis' words were lost. "Oh God!" She moaned, begging for the pain to stop. When the pain became too much, darkness again swept over her.

Her panic necessitated heavy medications, both relieving the pain and sedating her. With Kate now immobile, the doctor injected a small amount of local anesthesia into her left side above the 4th intercostal space. He explained each step as he performed it for Martha and Alexis. Believing that the local had deadened the tissue, he took a scalpel to her side and made a small incision approximately 1 inch in length and taking forceps he spread the skin open for better visualization. Selecting a 10 inch long catheter with a stylet that kept it stiff, he stuck it into Kate's side.

Explaining that he would be able to feel when he entered the fluid filled area, a smile emerged as he found the spot he was looking for. Asking Martha to hold the catheter in place, he withdrew approximately 400 milliliters of purulent, old bloody fluid from Kate's chest. He finished the procedure by closing the incision, suturing the tube in place and capping the end of the tube. Residual drainage was cleaned from Kate's side and the area covered with gauze. Now the procedure was complete, her restraints were released, and the three of them clothed her and tucked her in. After administering the first dose of antibiotics, Dr Steiner showed Martha and Alexis the additional medications and dressing supplies they would need, explaining to them.

"You both need to understand, she's very sick,. While I hope we got this in time, the next 36 hours are vital. Keep her still, drug her as much as you need. That tube can't come out. Good luck, as Kate is not a very cooperative patient. If you need me, call"

Martha's phone buzzed, and as she answered, she handed it to the doctor, "Rick wants to talk to you." Immediately, Steve could tell that Castle was frantic, so he spoke as calmly as he could. "It is serious," he said, "but I think she'll be okay with time."

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Later, Kate roused and tried to sit up. Each movement caused groans to slip from her lips and Alexis prevented her from getting up. Her eyes glassy from the sickness, pain and medications, and Kate tried to speak, but her words were garbled. Seeing her frustration rising, Alexis' tried to explain, however her efforts only made Kate more agitated, so Alexis resorted to deadening Kate's senses with drugs which returned her to the abyss.

Kate's next sensation was the overwhelming urge to pee. She began to peel off the covers, her body shaking from the exertion. Kate felt hands holding her back and through dry lips, croaked out, "Bathroom, please!."

With considerable help, she was up on very wobbly legs. She wasn't sure she could move, but to her surprise her body moved towards the bathroom, her eyes slightly open but still unfocused. Once in the bathroom, she sat down and leaned against the edge of the counter. After she finished peeing, it became apparent that between the tubes and her weakened state, she couldn't clean up. A sense of helplessness overtook her and tears welled in her eyes and slowly began to fall down her face. How she made it back to bed eluded her.

The next 24 hours were a blur to Kate. She intermittently felt hands lift her top and drain more fluid from her side which culminated with more pain. Fortunately, the painful events ended with a sense of floating as the drugs she was given took effect. Instinctively, she knew she was in good hands and safe.

"Kate, Kate, I'm here, it's going to be okay, I love you. Don't leave me again, please".

His tears fell on her face, and he wiped them away, as he dropped his forehead to rest on hers.

Castle's voice pulled her from the darkness, he was here, and her eyes opened slightly, a contented smile appearing. Her trembling hand reached up, and touching his cheek she whispered "Castle", before her eyes closed and she slipped into unconsciousness again. Lifting her into his arms, he realized he had nearly lost her again. Why did this keep happening to them? Continuing to clutch her to him, he feared that if he released her, she would fade away. Burying his face into her hair, Castle inhaled deeply, even sick, her smell made him tingle, she was his Kate.

Softly he laid her down, stroking her head, he turned to his mother and daughter, pulled his hands through his hair yet words failed him. He tried, but just couldn't express his gratitude towards these incredible women. The reality he had been holding back settled in, and his sobs started. Drawing both of them into his arms, they all wept as Martha and Alexis painstakingly told him everything. Describing Kate's nightmares, and screams. How they had to restrain her in order to care for her reliving how she had been at their mercy. Tears still falling, Martha told Rick how many times Kate had begged for him to forgive her, though they had been unable to ascertain what for. They'd never left her side, and Alexis had resorted to lying next to her in order to comfort her through her agonizing times. Kate's sleep was restless, only drugs bringing tranquility to her vanquished soul.

Martha and Alexis went to bed leaving Castle lying next to Kate, his arm brushing against hers. He was afraid to get to close and cause further pain, yet yearned to squeeze her tight. In the middle of the night, he woke and knew it was time to drain her tube. He was frightened of hurting her, but knew it had to be done.

He started the procedure by injecting her pain medication and sedation then carefully withdrawing the fluid until the flow stopped. Kate grimaced the entire time, griping the covers, taking deep breaths through her nose, but never uttering a word. This woman was tough, without question He performed this procedure every 4 hours for the next 2 days, Kate lying in bed, being pumped full of medications and the poison being pulled from her. Her drugged state prevented her from realizing the extent of what was being done for her. All she knew was that Castle was home, she was safe, and she could endure anything for him.

The Doctor came by and re-examined Kate, stating "She's better. This may take a while, are you guys still ok with doing this? It's a lot to do."

Castle looked to Martha, Alexis, and Lanie, all nodding in complete agreement.

One morning, not long after this visit, Kate woke up and tried to turn on her left side. Not having any success, she grumbled and wondered where everyone was? She really wanted to get up, but it wasn't going to be easy. After what felt like forever, she managed to struggle to her feet, and she was struck by how weak she had become. She tried to open a drawer to get some pants and socks, but there was no way she had enough strength. Kate frowned, deciding to forgo the pants and socks as she turned and began her trek towards the voices in the kitchen. Slowly she made her way out of the study. Murmuring "Hey", she was stunned at how weak her voice sounded, certainly not the badass cop she normally was.

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"Hey, Babe, coming in to see us?"

"Trying," she snorted. Three sets of eyes watched her progression. Kate had her left arm tucked against her side and reached for furniture and wall sections with her right hand to support herself. Castle started to rise and assist her.

"I got this" she barked, a look of determination etched on her face.

She continued slowly, but then ran out of items to help her. She chewed on her cheek and looked around as she tried to decide her next move, realizing continuing without some physical assistance was unlikely. Looking up, her eyebrows raised, she asked "Help?"

Jumping up, Castle was by her side in an instant. Kate slapped his arm as he tried to lift her.

"No, just let me hang on to your shoulder."

"You sure?" Castle asked.

Kate chuckled, " Actually no, but let me give it a try!, okay?"

After what seemed like an eternity, she made it to her destination and collapsed in the chair. Noticing Kate's scantily clad body, Castle mouthed to Alexis, get some pants and socks. Returning from the bedroom, Alexis handed Castle the items. Observing the pass, Kate raised an eyebrow in a query.

So you don't like my attire?" she asked coyly.

"Just think you could add to it." Castle knelt in front of her on one knee, this made her heart jump and her eyes widened in astonishment.

"Relax, I'm not proposing, although" he laughed as Kate smacked him "Seriously, I have to get some clothes on you, remember you're sick?"

Sliding the pants up over her knees and slipping the socks on, Castle brought her to her feet as Kate protested, "wait… not in front of everyone."

"Kate at this point, everyone has seen all of you so let's get it done, Okay?"

Blushing, she acquiesced and they got her pants in place.

"How does a smoothie sound?" he questioned gently.

"I'm not hungry." she replied determinedly.

"Let me rephrase that, you haven't eaten anything to speak of in over a week, so eat now or we'll have problems, understand?" Castle was not going to let her win this battle.

After finishing her smoothie, her reserve depleting rapidly Castle spotted Kate having a hard time staying awake.

"Kate lets get you back to bed."

"No way, I'm not going back in there! I'm done with being an invalid!" Kate was visibly frustrated with her perceived lack of progress.

"Dad, why don't we make her a nest on the couch?" Alexis suggested.

A warm smile spread across his face, "Great idea. Go get everything we need, pumpkin."

Kate was confused, "A nest?"

"You'll love it. Trust me", Castle leaned down, kissed the top of Kate's head.

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The nest consisted of many pillows and blankets all tossed together. Settling into her nest, Kate thought it was heavenly as she drifted into a somewhat restful sleep. Occasionally she woke to peals of laughter, Castle and Alexis were helping Martha rehearse, and whatever was cooking smelled heavenly. Could life be returning to some sort of normalcy?

With each passing day, Kate's condition slowly improved;, the pain less intense, the fevers not as high, and the amount of the drainage decreasing. Of course, Kate was getting antsy, chomping at the bit to return to work. Sensing her frustration, Castle knew he was going to have to make some compromises in order to slow her down.

Kate's brain was starting to clear, and her strength was slowly returning, but she still shook when she got tired. She was intrigued, noticing she was actually weaker now than after her shooting, how was that possible?

One morning, she climbed out of bed, determined to get to the bathroom without help. Her journey was intercepted by Castle's arm encircling her waist for support.

"I got this, Castle, let me go! Jeez, give me a break! I can do this."

He released her but stayed close because she was still pale. Her forehead was damp from the effort, her jaw was set, good God! When did the bathroom get so far away? She frowned, realizing she wasn't as strong as she'd thought. Kate was almost there when her legs gave way and she started to fall. Castle swept her up, and she wrapped her right arm around him and buried her face into his shoulder.

"Okay, maybe I still need a little help," she murmured into his skin.

Castle chuckled, his detective was stubborn, and determined to a fault, one of the many reasons he loved her. Her efforts had cost her and she returned to bed exhausted, quickly falling to sleep.

A few days later, feeling confident of her progress, she asked that the procedure be done without any medication. Reluctantly shrugging, Castle proceeded as Kate requested. The burning started immediately, followed quickly by severe pain. Holding her breath and trying to shut out the sensations, Kate ultimately cried out "stop, please!" In between gasps she uttered, "Bad idea, really bad." Noticing her color paling, Castle was prepared for what came next. Nausea and dizziness overcame her, Castle leaned Kate's head towards the bucket he had strategically placed. Everything from her stomach emptied, she fell back spent and was totally drenched in sweat.

Castle started to berate her for thinking she could do this, but after looking at her face, saw she had suffered enough so he kept quiet. Without another word, he injected her medication. As she relaxed, he cleaned her up, giving her a kiss on the head, and tucked her in.

That night, they cuddled on the couch, pretending to watch a movie. Alexis was out with friends and Martha had returned to the theater. Kate was still weak and shaky.

"Rick, I've lost over two weeks of my life, tell me what happened. I really don't remember much after I passed out in the precinct" Kate asked.

Rick looked into her eyes, knowing she deserved an explanation, but not now. Her pride would take a hit when she was faced with everything that had occurred. He kissed her forehead, "Later, right now there's something more important I want to talk about", at his words and the tone of his voice, her stomach tightened.

"Okay." Closing her eyes she was terrified of what he was about to say.

"Kate, I don't want to live like this. I want you to move in here, lock stock and barrel. We'll change things around, make you some private areas. Whatever you want, but it's time to commit."

"Rick, I thought we were going to move slowly." This whole conversation was making her feel nervous and trapped. Licking her lips, she was trying to decide how to respond. I really need to get up, she thought, though when she tried to stand, her legs collapsed and she fell back on the couch. Castle watched her with a wry smile on his face. Kate could have her side opened up and insides exposed, but couldn't handle making a personal decision. Castle admitted to himself that wasn't fair, not until she was fully recovered.

"Kate, relax. You don't need any more pressure. We'll wait until you're stronger, then I'll get my way." She looked over at him, his smile lighting up his face. His confidence was maddening, but cute.

"Kiss me, Rick."

He reached for her, his hand behind her head pulling her in until their lips met. He was very gentle, careful not to pull too hard. This was their real kiss since her illness and it did not take long for the heat to rise, and Castle was the first to back off.

"Not yet, my hot-blooded Detective. I want you at full strength."

Kate frowned, knowing he was correct.

"Ok, but let's go to bed. I need a serious case of Castle cuddling."

Running her fingers through his hair, Kate winked. Quickly, Castle stood and scooped Kate up. She swung her right arm around his neck, her left arm bracing her injured side as she slid her face into his shoulder.

He buried his head into her hair, "I love you." he said.

"Me too." Kate responded as she started to drift to sleep.