A/N: This is Part 3(ish) to the "Choosing to Stay" chapters. Also, I'm so sorry it took so long to post (at least it's a long chapter!). You probably just want to get to the story, so feel free to skip ahead if you'd like. :)
Just a few days ago, I got back from a wonderful trip to Alaska. It was seriously the best! However, on that note, a majority of this chapter was edited on an hour and a half of sleep (because apparently sleeping on planes isn't my thing). I've tried to review and re-review everything, but as always, all mistakes are mine, so let me know if you find any. :) Special thanks to everyone who's been reviewing/favoriting/following, this story is starting to get a little difficult to come up with plots, but you guys drive me to finish it when I want to procrastinate. Thanks for that, and I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Kate stood against the kitchen counter, a warm cup of coffee in her hands as she finished making Madeline and Max's lunches. She'd been back at work for a little over a week since her injuries. So far, things had been going well. Arriving home on time and being there for every dinner and bath and bed story. They were happy.
"Hey," Rick greeted as he wrapped his arms around her, hugging her from behind.
"Hey," she said, smiling back at him. Recently, since the effects of her injuries were finally starting to fade, she was resuming her role as the earliest riser in the family. Today, she was planning on heading to the precinct in an hour to follow up on a few leads for their latest case.
"How are you feeling today?" Rick asked.
Pulling out of the embrace, she disposed of her mug in the dishwasher and entwined their fingers. "Good," she finally answered. "Much, much better than a few weeks ago."
"I'm happy to hear that," he said, his warm smile conveying the extent of his relief and joy.
"How are you?" she asked.
"Great. But, that'll probably change later today when I have to leave for my meeting with Gina."
His comment elicited a laugh from Kate. "You'll be fine."
"I don't know, Beckett. It's like they're vultures. Plus, I haven't finished that draft they've been asking for."
Rising her eyebrows, she quipped, "Castle, wasn't that due, like, two weeks ago?
He shrugged, mumbling excuses about never getting around to it.
"You were right then. You're so dead."
"What?" he grabbed her from behind, jostling her good-naturedly while remaining cautious of her still-healing ribs. "No sympathy or moral support? You're not going to use some of your authority to protect me? Isn't that your job?"
"Sorry, babe, you're on your own this time," she teased. Yet her hands told a different story as she pulled Rick's between hers, rubbing them softly. The action assured him that she was on his side. That she always would be.
"How serious of injury do you think it'd take to get out of this?"
"Castle!" Kate scolded as sunlight danced across the room, reflecting off the fresh snowfall that coated the street. "You'll be fine."
"Maybe," he finally reasoned. "But promise me one thing?"
Her eyebrows quirked upward.
"If they kill me, you'd find my body, right? You'd catch them?"
Kate rolled her eyes, suppressing the sliver of ice cold that knotted in her stomach as images of a life without Rick surfaced. It wasn't something she ever wanted to consider.
"Always," she told him, emphasizing the word. Their word.
"That's good hear. We all have to get going soon—want me to wake up the kids so you can get dressed?"
"That'd be great. Thank you."
She pressed a kiss to his cheek before they exchanged "I love you's." Rick paused as he reached the top of the stairs, perching on the penultimate step as he fidgeted, seeming almost nervous.
"Hey, Kate," he called back down, pulling her attention. "I just wanted to say you've been doing a really great job lately at everything. And thanks, you know, for being there and trying. It means a lot to me, and the twins too. We're glad to have the Kate we know back. I'd really missed you for a while there. It's good to see your smile again."
Lightness warmed Kate and suddenly the distance between them seemed far too vast. They'd been living in a thin glass box of tiptoeing and finally it shattered. Everything became apparent and simple as it basked in the light of honesty and kindness that only partners could share.
Without a word, she left her position of wavering in the doorway. She bounded up the stairs and crashed into him, almost knocking them over as she flung her arms around his neck.
"What was that for?" he whispered into her hair, chuckling slightly and returning her embrace.
"I'm just feeling really grateful right now. I couldn't have done any of this without you. None of it. Not a single thing. And I don't say thank you enough, but I want to say it now. So thank you, and don't forget it, okay? Thank you so much for sticking with me when it seemed hopeless. I'm so grateful, Castle. And I'm so lucky."
"It's my pleasure."
Closing her eyes, she squeezed tighter, never wanting to forget his touch.
…
"Whom are you calling?" Kate asked as Rick entered the bedroom, fingers hovering over the buttons.
"Gina."
Buttoning up her shirt, she turned around. "What for?"
"Max is sick. I'll stay with him so you don't have to miss work."
"Are you just trying to get out of your meeting?" Kate teased, sending him a smirk across the room.
"Honestly, as much as I'd love to miss this meeting. I've already rescheduled it twice and each time I do Gina grows more homicidal. But Max isn't looking good."
As if on cue, the little boy walked into the room looking bleary eyes and tired. A golden retriever stuffed animal named "Goldie," hung from Max's loosely closed fist. Kate knelt down with open arms. He stumbled against her stomach, wrapping his legs around her waist as she stood up. Immediately, he nestled against her side, pressing his face into the crook of her neck. The heat readiating off his forehead sent concern coursing through her body.
"What's wrong, baby?" she asked, bouncing him slightly.
"Don't feel good," he mumbled against her as a funny feeling rolled in his stomach. "Please no bounce."
"I'm sorry," Kate said, pressing a kiss to his forehead and hugging him against her.
She turned toward Rick and took a deep breath. This was her chance; her turning point.
"Hey, Castle, you don't have to call Gina."
"Why's that?"
"I'll stay home with Max."
He didn't want to make a big deal out of the situation but he was so proud of her.
"Aren't you in the middle of a case? Don't you have stuff to do?" he asked, needing to hear her answer. By the little smile blooming across both of their lips, he knew exactly what her response would be.
"Maybe. But this is more important."
He hoped Max heard her say it too. Rick was practically beaming when he caught Kate's eye. His gaze conveyed the happiness he felt. He really couldn't explain it. Lighter somehow, and he could tell Kate felt it too. There was a brightness back in her eyes, her smile, her whole being lit up with the glow. It was beautiful. She was beautiful. Inside and out.
There was a familiar, returning fire in her eyes, flames of determination sending out brilliant sparks. That was his girl, his wife, his partner, and she was completely and utterly back. She'd fought, and now, after suffering and falling and piecing things together again, she'd emerged victorious. She was happy and stronger than before. Rick couldn't be prouder.
"Sounds good," he said. "I'll go check on Maddie. She's eating breakfast now."
The pair shared one last warm, loving look before parting ways.
"You want to lay down?" she asked Max.
"With you."
"I have to call Captain Gates real quick and say bye to your sister before she goes to school. How about you get under the covers and I'll be back in a minute?"
Shaking his head, he clung to her, tightening his arms around her neck and burrowing closer.
"All right, then you'll stay with me?"
Sleepily, he nodded against her skin. His eyes already drooped shut. Kate called Gates, who happily granted the day off, especially since the Captain was still hesitant about Kate's health after the incident. She couldn't have one her best detectives dealing with long term injuries any longer than she had to.
After finishing the call, Kate gently lowered him into her and Rick's bed and tucked the blankets around him.
"I'll be right back, baby," she whispered, kissing him softly.
In the kitchen she was greeted by the scene of a teary-eyed Madeline arguing with Rick. He saw Kate and she watched as he stood up, leaving their daughter at the table as she ate cereal.
"She doesn't want to go to preschool today," Rick explained as he approached Kate.
"Why?" Her brow furrowed. The whole scenario was strange. Madeline was generally easy going and she loved preschool. It was rare to see her arguing with either of her parents, especially about something like that.
Rick shrugged. "I don't know. She won't tell me. You want to take a shot?"
"Sure. Max is asleep in the bedroom, I'll go check on him when I'm done with Maddie. Could you go grab her backpack?"
"Of course. Good luck with Maddie."
"Thanks," she sighed as she turned toward the kitchen table where Madeline was angrily swirling her spoon around her bowl.
Kate pulled out the chair beside her daughter and slid next to her.
"What's going on, baby bird?" Kate asked as she smoothed some of Madeline's hair.
"I don't wanna go to preschool," she said without looking up.
"And why is that?"
The little girl shrugged.
"Come on, Maddie," Kate urged, running a hand over her daughter's back. "You can tell me anything."
Madeline looked up at Kate for the first time that morning. The twin shook her head.
"Why won't you tell me?" Kate asked gently, negative scenarios already swirling through her head.
Maddie sighed. "My reason is dumb."
"Hey, don't say that," Kate said, softly guiding her daughter's chin to look at her. "Nothing you ever have to say is dumb, especially if it's something that's bothering you, okay?"
The little girl gave a brief nod before Kate continued. "And even if you think something you have to say is dumb, you can still tell me and I promise I won't make fun of you. Got it?"
"Yeah," she said as she pushed away her cereal and climbed into Kate's lap, snuggling against her mom's chest and breathing in her cherry scent. Madeline loved it.
"Why don't you want to go?"
Burying her head into Kate's neck, she took a deep breath before quietly mumbling, " 'cause Max isn't going to be there."
Oh. That made sense actually. This wasn't a problem they'd seen coming today, but now that the issue was making an appearance it seemed obvious. Of course Madeline would be hesitant—upset even—about separating from Max. Kate and Rick had made a significant effort in assuring that the twins formed their own identities and had things they did without the other, but Madeline and Max consistently gravitated toward each other. They were usually happier in a pair than separated.
Madeline was still talked, spilling her concerns. Genuine worry and sadness bursting from her small form.
"And I've never gone to school without him."
"But your friends will be there. You won't be all alone."
Madeline heaved an exasperated sigh against Kate's neck. "They're not Max. It won't be any fun. I won't even be able to concentrate. Lunch won't be any fun because we always eat lunch together. And we can't play dinosaurs or spies on the playground. I won't have anyone to be my reading partner… we won't be able to share crayons when we color."
Kate loved that her kids were so close, but her heart ached as she witnessed Madeline's distress at separation. The parents would have to work on that.
"You need to go to school, Mads," Kate began as Madeline protested.
"I can't, mama."
"Yes you can," Kate said, shifting Madeline so their eyes were locked. "You know how I know that?"
Pouting, the little girl shook her head.
"Because you're brave and you're smart and I've seen you do awesome things on your own, so I know you can do this," she finished and tickled Maddie's sides
Immediately, the girl's frown disappeared, replaced by shrieks of laughter as she gasped for breath and begged Kate to stop.
"I did kind of want to go to school today," Madeline said as she wiggled off the seat. "We're doing a science experiment with crayons and the sun."
"See that sounds like fun" the detective started as she slipped Madeline's hand into hers. "You're going to have a great day."
"I know," Madeline said softly.
"There you go!" Kate smiled. "Say it again, once more like you mean it."
"I know I'll have fun!" Madeline shouted, wearing her famous bright grin. The one that made Kate's heart feel like it would burst. She never knew it was possible to love someone so much, but every day Rick, Max and Maddie taught her that it was possible.
"That's my girl."
…
Kate spent the rest of the day with Max. The morning consisted of snuggling in bed as Kate managed to bring down his fever a bit. At one, Kate slipped out to meet Rick before he left for his meeting. After dropping Madeline off at preschool, he'd spent the next few hours feverishly cramming in a couple thousand words before the meeting.
"Hey," she said, leaning up against the doorframe. "How'd you do?"
"Not bad."
He finished putting his laptop into its case. "I might actually survive this meeting."
A soft smile of amusement flickered across her face. An overwhelming wave of appreciation filled her. The feeling was soft and warm and heavy as it spread from her heart to her finger and toes and everywhere in between. It was as if she could feel her heart beating in time with his.
"Well that's good, because I kind of like having you around."
"The feeling's mutual," he replied as he moved around his desk, computer tucked under his arm and phone in pocket. "How's Max feeling?"
"I gave him some medicine when you took Maddie to school, and he's been asleep since."
"Poor little guy. He looked pretty bad this morning."
Kate nodded. "I'm not even completely sure what's wrong with him. He's been sleeping so much. I'll have to wake him up in a few minutes for more medicine."
"I'd honestly love to stay with you two, but I have to head out," he said as he glanced at his watch. "I'll see you in a little bit."
They exchanged a quick kiss, echoing "love you's." far too soon, he was out the door.
Kate returned to the bedroom with a small cup of medicine. She sat on the edge of the bed and placed a hand on Max's shoulder, rubbing softly until his lashes began to flicker, dancing across his pale skin until they parted. Bloodshot, glassy eyes were revealed, before hiding beneath a long blink.
It took a record one second for his wide eyes to register his mother's presence as he peered up at her. Lethargically, he moved into her lap. Wordlessly inserting himself into her arms, wanting nothing more than his mom when he felt icky.
"How are you feeling?" she asked, her lips brushing against his cheek as he nestled closer.
Rising in a lazy shrug, his shoulders conveyed his response. He didn't feel like talking, he just wanted hugs from his mom. And maybe to watch Lilo and Stich or Scooby Doo. That never hurt either.
"You have to help me out a little, buddy," Kate said as she repositioned him and put the small cup of medicine on the nightstand. "What hurts?"
Her breath tickled his skin slightly and he pressed his face into her neck. "My head and my tummy." He looked at her through pained hazel eyes and she wished she could take his sickness away. In a heartbeat she would take it on herself, if it would provide him even a little relief.
"Everything feels bad," he finally admitted.
There were multiple things that could have conveyed that to Kate; the fact that he'd taken his medicine without more protest than a halfhearted glare—something he may of accidently picked up from his mom. In the moment, it might have been comical to Kate, if her baby wasn't hurting. Then, she could have considered that he'd refused lunch, even when she offered to make his favorite meal of mac 'n' cheese, dinosaur chicken nuggets and apples.
…
When Rick finally whirled through the front door with Madeline in tow—happily chatting about her science experiment—Kate was infinitely happy and relieved. At this point in parenthood, she'd handled enough sick days to manage and comfort her ill kids. But, she struggled to figure out when it was necessary to take her kids to the doctor, and when it was overbearing.
However, having raised Alexis, Rick was a pro at determining when a medical trip was needed. It was a skill Kate hoped she'd soon acquire.
Madeline was still bursting with excitement as she walked around the living room, hands moving in animated gesticulations to accompany her school day spiel. Their girl could really talk when she wanted.
"Max!" Maddie said, jumping around, little feet shuffling in a flurry of uncontainable enthusiasm when she spotted him on the couch.
The poor boy woke with a start, glancing around groggily. Madeline carried on conversation quietly after her parents reminded her about lowering her voice. Moments later though, neither Kate nor Rick missed the sight of Max's eyes lighting up as Madeline relayed the day's events, telling her brother how much they'd all missed him and that she'd figure out a boy named Daniel was also "good at playing dinosaurs," and another kid, Sara, made an "awesome spy." The parents would never tire of watching their twins interact that way—all smiles and giggles and sentences stated so quickly—rushed by excitement—that only the other twin could understand.
…
After dinner was finished, Madeline had set herself up on the counter and was happily drawing, while Kate and Rick joined Max on the couch where he'd taken residence. Max sleepily raised his head to look at them before curling back up. Reaching from beneath his blanket, he slipped his hand into Kate's.
"How are you feeling, buddy?"
"Still hurts," he mumbled breathily, twisting against her side, soaking up as much warmth and love as he could. And there was no better place to do that than from his parents. He shivered again and let out a soft whimper, squeezing himself even tighter between Rick and Kate.
"I'm sorry," Kate said while she brushed hair off his hot, clammy skin, a thin sheen of sweat covering his forehead.
"You'll feel better soon, Max," Rick said. "We'll be back to beating Mom and Maddie at lasertag in a little bit."
"You wish!" both of his girls stated in unison, and he bit back a laugh as Maddie's voice carried from the kitchen, mixing with Kate's.
His smile disappeared, however, as he and Kate shared a look of concern over Max's lack of amusement or any response really. A few minutes into the movie, Max stiffened. His exhausted body straightened up. Immediately, Kate and Rick looked at him.
"What's wrong?" Rick asked.
Tears welled in Max's eyes. "I don't feel good, I—"
Before he could finish, his stomach heaved, expelling its few contents, mostly small amounts of liquid that Kate had convinced him to drink throughout the day.
"Sorry," he said once his shoulders stopped shuddering from vomiting, now they shook with tears, feeling guilty for making a mess on the blanket, and feeling physically horrible.
"Hey, it's okay, Max, no big deal," Rick said, picking the little boy up and wiping his tears. "Let's go get you cleaned up and then I think we're going to take a quick trip to the doctor." Shooting Kate a glance, he received an affirmative nod.
After transporting the blanket to the washer (it was the only thing he'd thrown up on, thank God), Kate washed her hands and walked over to the kitchen.
"Come on, Maddie, time for bed," Kate said, running a hand over her daughter's hair.
Madeline sighed and started packing up her markers before following Kate to bathroom to shower and brush teeth. Once they were finished, Madeline got dressed while the detective slipped out to send Rick a quick text to see how everything was going at the after-hours pediatric care. Returning back to Madeline's bedroom, Kate saw the pajama clad girl already snuggled up in bed. A small pile of books had assembled on her nightstand, and a very large cluster of stuffed animals nearly hid her face. Her favorite—a small, worn pug, named "Puggy"—was sitting on her shoulder, touching her cheek as her right hand held it. At some point while she was in bed, the thumb of her left hand had gravitated toward her mouth, a habit Kate and Rick had been trying to break.
"Don't suck your thumb, honey," Kate gently reminded as she settled onto the bed.
Madeline dropped her thumb and cuddled against Kate's side, preferring her mom anyway. Seven pages into Maddie's favorite Dr. Seuss book and she was fast asleep, her soft breath steady and warm against Kate's skin. Once the mom was entirely sure her daughter was asleep, Kate slipped off the bed and turned off the bedside lamp. After leaving the door cracked, she tiptoed out of the room.
Fifteen minutes after her own shower, the door of the loft peeked open. Rick entered, a sleeping Max slumped on his hip and against his shoulder.
"It's the flu," Rick mouthed, motioning to Max. "He just fell asleep."
Kate nodded. "Let him sleep with us tonight?"
"I was thinking the same thing," Rick said.
…
It was only a few hours later when the door creaked open, soft gold light spilling in, casting long shadows across the bedroom. The movement woke Kate and she shifted upward, her eyes adjusting to the darkness.
Standing in the doorframe, Madeline wavered, her lips formed in a pout.
"You don't feel good, sweetie?" Kate asked, knowing how her kids reacted to being sick, and knowing that when one twin was sick the other was usually just a few hours behind.
Madeline nodded, as tears gathered in her eyes.
"Oh, don't cry, Maddie, it's not a big deal. We're going to make you all better." Kate slid out of bed and gathered the girl in her arms, taking her to the kitchen to get some medicine.
And that's how Kate and Rick woke up six hours later, the four of them snuggled up in bed. The parents knowing that the only thing they would change was their kids' sickness.