The following morning was an adventure in itself. Just getting out the door of the hospital became an ordeal. With her arm linked around Castle's, Beckett led the way out the door. He leaned on her slightly for support. He was still in a fair amount of pain.

The two were immediately greeted with a hoard of reporters. Press members surrounded them from all angles. Cameras flashed all around. Luckily Castle had thought to ask the doctors to help him into a suit. He was dressed for the photos.

Despite the surprising attack, Castle was his usual charming self. After answering many questions about his well-being and having to repeat that no, he and Ms. Beckett are NOT dating nearly 100 times, they were able to make it to Beckett's car.

He slid into his usual seat on the passenger's side and sighed in relief. "Want to bail yet?" He asked, glancing over at Beckett who was clearly flustered.

"No. I'm in this." She said simply, fiddling with her seat belt. She didn't sound entirely sure. Reporters were quickly flocking to the car and snapping photos of the two together.

"Imagine the headlines," Kate muttered.

"Richard Castle and his own muse, Katherine Beckett, had finally realized their deep sensual connection. The two were spotted leaving the hospital… together!" He ended dramatically. "It's all got a nice ring, don't you think?"

"Sensual connection?" Beckett rolled her eyes and started the car. It was going to be a long two days.

Castle grinned at her from the other seat.

In his apartment Castle was greeted by another crowd of people. This group was much more welcome than the reporters.

Everyone from the precinct and of course, Martha and Alexis welcomed him home. They even had a cake which affectionately read "Get well soon, Writer Boy."

Beckett could tell Castle was tired already but he continued to be just as personable as always. He was laughing with Ryan and Esposito when Lanie approached Beckett and pulled her aside.

"Girl," She said loudly. "How could you not tell me that you are staying here, with Castle, in his house for 2 days?" She demanded.

"Lanie, it's not a big deal." Beckett started to explain but was quickly interrupted.

"No big deal? You're going to be alone with Castle for the majority of two days. Hell girl, that's a weekend together! Who knows what will happen." Lanie smirked and nudged her friend playfully.

"I'm just here to make sure he doesn't push it too hard. We couldn't do anything if we wanted to."

"So you DO want to do something!" Lanie jumped at Beckett's slip of tongue.

"No, I didn't! I didn't mean… I'm here to change bandages. That's all!" Beckett said loudly.

"Bandages located on Richard Castle's bare chest…" Lanie mumbled.

Beckett pushed her friend playfully aside, flipped her hair over her shoulder, and walked away. Stupid Lanie and her stupid, crazy, ridiculous ideas.

A nagging voice in her mind reminded her that she still had no idea about sleeping arrangements. Now what would Lanie say if she knew that?

When everyone finally cleared out of the apartment it was nearly 5 in the evening. Alexis had hurried away to her room due to boredom hours earlier. Even Martha had retreated from the living room.

This left only Castle and Beckett in the room. Immediately after the last guest left, Castle had collapsed onto the couch. He was clearly exhausted.

"Well, that…" He said lightly. "Is not what the doctor's meant by, 'take it easy',"

Beckett looked pointedly at him. She had approached him earlier about pushing himself too far on his first day home but, of course, Castle had stubbornly brushed her off.

He chuckled slightly at her annoyance and tried to hide the cringe from his pain. "I have got to get out of this suit," He said, standing shakily to his feet and heading for the bedroom.

Kate walked into the kitchen and curiously opened the fridge. If she was staying here she'd have to find some decent food. Her search was interrupted by Castle's weak voice from the bedroom.

"Beckett," Castle called.

On instinct Kate reached towards her gun and rushed into the room. She was relieved to find the man sitting on the bed, out of danger. He had already changed into sweatpants but his suit jacket and shirt were still on. He held a white T shirt which Beckett assumed he was planning on changing into.

The usual confident writer looked utterly defeated when he looked up to meet Beckett's eyes. "I know this is weird... I would ask Alexis but she's, well, I don't really like her seeing me like this. And my mother… she'd cause a fuss. The thing is, I can't," He struggled to find the right words and held the shirt in his hand up a bit.

"Castle, here." Beckett mumbled and automatically stepped forward to help. She didn't even think twice before pulling off his suit shirt and sliding off the jacket. She gingerly held the fabric so not to hit his wound.

"Just hard to lift my arms up…" He mumbled, avoiding eye contact.

Beckett ignored his words and found herself staring at the large bandage that covered a portion of his chest. And okay, she might have been admiring his shirtless body. Maybe. A little bit.

Her eyes were always drawn back to the bandage though. She had come so close to losing him. To losing her partner. Everything.

"Kate," Castle said softly, drawing her from her thoughts.

She looked up at him momentarily in panic. "I… sorry." She quickly refocused and grabbed the other shirt to help him put on.

"Oh, it's quite alright," Castle said, instantly lightening the mood with one of his signature, childish grins.

Beckett tried to ignore the warmth growing on her face as she slipped from the room with speed after finishing with the shirt. She would get food. Yes, now was a good time for food. Anything to take her mind of Castle's unbelievably attractive muscular body in the other room.

Author's Note: I need your help here, readers! Do you want me to drag these two days out? I could easily write several chapters just on specific things that happen, much like this one. Or would you rather the days be… say, a chapter each? It's all up to you guys. If you want to read it, I'll do my best to write it! Please let me know and as always, review with your opinion of the chapter. Thanks everyone! :)