A/N: An update on both my current fics on the same day? It's a Christmas miracle! Seriously, thanks for the continued interest in this story. It's so gratifying as a writer to know what you put down on paper (or virtual paper) is read and enjoyed by so many. So, please continue to read, review and let me know what you think of our favorite couple and their family!

Kate slept for most of that evening. The shower and the wheelchair ride had really sapped her energy. Rick spent the evening writing. He left Kate sleeping while he grabbed dinner and called home. Alexis had texted him earlier to call her that night.

"Hi Dad."

"Hi Pumpkin. How's New York?"

"The same. I miss you guys. How is Kate doing?"

"She's sleeping right now. She gained about a pound and took her first shower. We went for a wheelchair ride this afternoon down to the gift shop and the cafeteria."

"That's great dad! She gained weight!"

"Yeah, and Dr. Hill said if she keeps this up we might be able to be discharged in a few days."

"Wow. Have you decided what you're going to do from there?" Alexis paused for a second then before her dad had time to answer she jumped back in. "I guess you'll probably stay in D.C. to be close to her doctors." She sounded resigned.

"Actually pumpkin, I wanted to talk to you about that. Kate's officially left her job and Dr. Hill gave us names of high risk OBs that she knows. We both want to be back in New York. I think it'll be better for her, being surrounded by people she loves and who love her. However, she's really weak. We're going to need help. We could always hire people, but…"

A squeal interrupted him before he could finish.

"Dad, you know we're all dying to help you guys. I'll coordinate with Lanie and we'll get a plan in place. How are you going to get her back here?"

"I've already contacted a charter flight for us; it's on standby until we know exactly when. There's no way she could make it through a commercial flight and a drive would take too long."

"What will you need set up here?"

"Well, we'll be discharged with the feeding pump. We'll need the formula and supplies for the pump, but that will all be arranged with a home care company. She'll need her medications, but those I'll fill here initially and transfer the prescription later. She can't walk alone and even then it takes a few steps before she's done, so I think we'll need a bedside commode like they have here in her room. And a bedside table would be nice too, one that wheels under the bed and can be moved around easily. I'll text you a list if I think of anything else."

"Ok dad. Are you going to have your service pick you up at the airport or take a cab?"

"I was going to use the service. That way they can drive out to where the plane stops. Are you planning to meet us?"

"It really depends on the day. If she keeps doing as well as you're describing she'll be discharged on the weekend and I can meet you. If not, I'm sure Grams or Jim will want to be there. Will it be overwhelming to have us there?"

"I love you for asking. I think it will be ok. She's looking forward to being home and a lot of that is just being with all of you. I don't think having her family there would be an issue."

"Great, I'll let them know. Text or call me with more news when you have it."

"I will sweetheart. Take care of yourself."

"You too dad. Give Kate and the babies a big hug and kiss for me."

He rang off and returned to their room. Kate was still sleeping.

She had a new nurse tonight, a kind but very young looking woman named Ashley. She came in and gave Kate her Zofran in the IV without waking her, introduced herself to him and then left the room.

Kate still hadn't woken up by the time he decided it was time for him to get ready for bed. He brushed his teeth and changed in the bathroom and was just about to climb into the rollaway cot when he heard her stirring.

"Rick?"

"I'm here Kate."

"What time is it?"

"Almost eleven."

"Wow. I slept that long?"

He'd moved to her side by now. Brushed her hair gently away from her eyes as he bent down, cupping her cheek and giving her a quick kiss. "My sleeping beauty."

She gave him an eye roll. It was first he'd seen her do since she'd been sick. She really was feeling better.

"Do you need to get up?"

"Yes. Is Patti back?"

"No, it's a new nurse. Her name is Ashley. She looks like she's all of twelve."

Kate gave a snort. "Twelve? Really?"

"Hey, just wait until you see her. I'll collect my winnings in the form of kisses." It felt so good to be teasing her. She shoved at his chest, but the movement had no real force behind it. This was them, nearly back to normal now. He swallowed back the sudden tears that threatened. He'd been so afraid for days that they'd never be here again.

"Do you need help up?"

"Yes." A simple admission. Monumental when it came from Kate. She no longer questioned her reliance on him.

He helped her up, still quite shaky on her feet. A few steps to the bedside commode. She'd not have made it without his significant assistance. He helped her get situated without any comments. She remained silent as well, a faint blush on her cheeks. This kind of help was the hardest for her to accept, even from him.

"I'll go find Ashley," as he started to leave the room. Once they were in New York one of them would have to help her with the toilet; empty the container. Or perhaps it would be easier for them all if they just carried her into the bathroom. They could have the bedside commode for emergencies, but he thought she'd be less embarrassed if no one had to physically remove her waste from a bowl.

Ten minutes later she was back in bed. He reentered the room quietly, trying not to disturb her. He started back to the rollaway when he heard her softly call him.

"Rick?"

"Yes babe?"

That earned him another snort and probably an eye roll if he could have seen her eyes. She had her back to him currently.

"Could you lay with me for a while?"

"Of course."

He carefully climbed in behind her. As soon as he was in the bed she scooted back into his embrace. He felt her sigh, contented, and relax into his arms as he held her tight.

"It's going to be hard on you when we're home."

"What do you mean Kate?"

"I'm so weak. And I'm going to feel uncomfortable with people trying to help with things like just now. I'm worried it will all fall to you."

"That's what I'm here for. You need to know that I'll do anything I need to in order to make you feel better and keep you safe. If that includes emptying bed pans then that's what I'll do."

She turned slightly towards him, wanting to be able to see him.

"Really? Why?"

For a brief second he was almost angry with the question. How could she doubt him after all they'd been through together? However, the look in her eyes wasn't of doubt. It was embarrassment. Her insecurities about deserving him had come back in full force, especially as debilitated as she was.

"Katherine Beckett, I love you. I love you when you're strong and capable and I love you when you're weak and needy. I know we haven't stood before our family yet and pledged ourselves to each other in front of a judge, but in my mind we are linked forever. There is no part of your life that I don't want to share in. I love you, no matter what happens. You and I together made these babies," his hand reached down and cradled her lower abdomen. "I wish with all my heart I could take some of the burden from you, take away the nausea and vomiting. But I can't do anything but give you all my love and support to help you through this hyperemesis. I'll do anything for you Kate. Anything." He bent down and kissed her forehead, then moved to her eyes and finally her mouth.

"I love you so much," she whispered when he finally broke the kiss.

"We're two separate pieces of a puzzle; put us together and you have the whole. We're doing this together, one hundred percent. I want to experience everything with you, the good and the bad."

She nodded; snuggled in closer to him. "I've never let myself be so vulnerable with anyone Rick. You're the only one. You're right, we are whole together. Thank you for putting up with me."

"Right back at you baby."

He laughed when she gave him a half-hearted eye roll. He felt her breathing even out soon after and followed her to dreamland a few minutes later.

The next few days were remarkably similar. Kate gained between 500 grams to a whole kilogram each day. The formula was working well. She had her ups and downs with nausea. However, since the feeding tube was so deep, she only brought up bilious stomach juice when she vomited. More time was spent simply dry heaving.

They transitioned her to the oral Zofran without much change either way in terms of the nausea. Dr. Hill felt that was a positive sign, though both Rick and Kate would have preferred less nausea of course. Dr. Hill had spoken with Dr. Lobato, who agreed to take her on as a patient. They would meet with her early next week.

Kate did gain some strength, along with the weight. However, she still couldn't walk to the bathroom or shower without being wiped out. They'd done a few more wheelchair tours in the afternoons but she was nowhere close to being ready to walk on her own.

Friday afternoon Dr. Hill let them know she'd release Kate the next morning unless there was a serious setback. Rick called the charter company and arranged for a car service to pick them up from the hospital. He also texted Alexis to let her know that their plans were still on track for the next day.

Saturday dawned as a bright sunny day. Rick was up early, excited for the next step and to get back home. Michelle was their day nurse again, after having the last two days off. Rick had spent part of the previous night out buying some gift cards for the nurses that had treated them like family. He'd even arranged for the whole unit to get some fresh bagels this morning.

Kate woke up around 8 am. She was excited too, but very nervous as well. She hoped that she'd tolerate the flight and the car transfers. However, more than anything she just wanted to be back home so she could live through anything that would get her there. Michelle got her up to do the daily weight first. She'd gained 800 grams this time. Then Rick took her into the shower. They both washed up, ready to get dressed and get on their way as soon as possible.

Michelle hadn't given her the next dose of Zofran yet; they'd decided to wait until it was nearly time to leave, hoping it would ameliorate any motion sickness she might experience in the car and plane. Unfortunately, she was feeling its absence. She had to close her eyes and really concentrate on controlling her stomach after the shower.

"Kate? I can tell you're not feeling well. Do you want me to dress you?"

She gave a tight nod, not trusting herself to speak. She heard him picking up the clothes they'd laid out the night before. He guided her through the whole process; she kept her eyes closed and breathed slowly in and out through her mouth. It seemed to help and by the time he had her in the yoga pants and t shirt she'd picked she felt she was going to be able to fight through this bout of nausea.

Lying back on the bed helped. She must have dozed off because when she next opened her eyes Dr. Hill was there.

"Good morning Kate. I see you're ready to get out of here." She waved her hand towards Kate's clothing.

"Yes, I hope so."

"Well, let me do a quick exam and then we'll talk."

Dr. Hill did her usual perfunctory exam and seemed satisfied with everything. She turned and grabbed a chair, pulling it up so she faced both Kate and Rick, who was sitting in a chair next to Kate's bed and holding her hand.

"So, you've gained weight well; better than I'd hoped. I know the nausea is still a problem, but the oral Zofran seems to do as good a job as the IV form did. I understand you're meeting with Dr. Lobato next week?"

"Yes we've got an appointment with her on Tuesday." Rick had taken care of all the arrangements.

"What about all the equipment?"

"My daughter called me last night and said it had all been delivered."

"Great. Well, the last thing I'll caution you about is this upcoming trip. I think the way Rick has arranged it with the charter flight and all will be the least stressful of all the options. However, it is still going to take a toll. Michelle told me you wanted to wait on taking the Zofran, which is a good idea. However, there is a good chance you're still going to be quite ill. As soon as you get home I want you in bed. I know all your friends and family are going to want to see you and you'll want to see them, but you have to have time to recover from the trip."

Kate just nodded. She couldn't even shower and go on a wheelchair ride without being exhausted. She had no doubts that this trip was going to sap her of most of her strength. She also knew without a doubt she'd have Rick to lean on and support her. She just wanted to be home.

"Thank you for everything you've done for us Dr. Hill," Rick was speaking. "We realize that things could have turned out much worse than they did. We feel everyone here has treated us like a member of their own family and we truly appreciate everything you've done."

Dr. Hill stood up to go and Kate reached her hand out, trying to catch her. When the doctor approached she grabbed her and gave her a big hug. "Thank you for everything," she whispered.

"You're very welcome. Send me some pictures of these two feisty babies you've got after they're born."

Kate nodded and then she and Rick were alone again. He looked at her with a big grin covering his face. "We're almost home," he said, enthusiasm for the prospect coloring his words. She couldn't help but grin back at him. Neither could wait until they were safely back in the loft.

An hour later and all the paperwork had been completed. Michelle gave her the last dose of Zofran before they got to New York and then gave her a big hug, followed by a big hug for Rick too.

"You take care of her now. And you better make sure I get some pictures of these babies!"

They both laughed, promising they would. Then it was time to get in the wheelchair. Rick went ahead of them with the suitcases while Michelle wheeled her down to the entrance.

With Rick's patient assistance she made the transfer from the wheelchair to the backseat without too much trouble. He grabbed a pillow for her to lean on and then from a large bag produced one of the ubiquitous emesis basins.

"Just in case."

She smiled at him, hoping against hope that she wouldn't need it but knowing he had everything planned in case she did. He shut her door and gave Michelle a wave before settling down next to her. She leaned into his body and let his strength wash over her.

"We're on our way." He was excited, bouncing with the prospect.

"On our way home." She closed her eyes and tried to ignore the minute vibrations and swaying the car was giving off. The airport was a forty minute ride from the hospital; a Saturday departure meant a little less traffic than a weekday, though any day around D.C. had traffic issues.

She felt warm and comfortable in Rick's arms and managed to doze off. She woke when the car stopped.

"Are we there?"

"Yep, we're here."

The entrance for the charter flight area was on the opposite side of the airstrip from the main terminal. The car was able to bring them up to the hangar where the plane had been prepped and was waiting for them.

Rick jumped out and introduced himself, leaving Kate to snuggle with the pillow. He didn't want her out of the car until it was time to board the plane. He followed the pilot back into the hangar office to finish up some paperwork. That took about twenty minutes, then they were ready to load the plane. He grabbed the luggage and handed it to the pilot to stow where he wanted it.

Opening the door to Kate's side of the car, he saw she'd fallen asleep again. He hated to wake her up, but there was no real helping it. The car was as close to the plane as it could get, but he'd have to carry her most of the way.

He gently shook her shoulder.

"Kate. It's time to go. I'm going to pick you up, ok?"

She stirred a bit, and then nodded her head.

"Ok."

He carefully helped her slide to the opening of the car door before picking her up. The only things left in the car were her pillows and the bag that had the emesis basins and some of his things. He asked the pilot to grab the rest and thanked the chauffeur before moving to the stairs to the plane.

"I'm not sure I can carry you all the way," he said to her. "The stairs are really narrow and I'm afraid I'll bang you against something."

"If you could get me to the top step I can grab something to hold onto."

"Ok, let's try that."

She was so light, climbing the stairs wasn't too bad. When they got near the top step he carefully put her down and let her adjust to being on her feet for a minute.

She grasped the door opening with both hands; he kept a reassuring hand on her waist. She was able to take a few shaky steps over the threshold and then he was in the cabin with her. He grabbed her around her waist, lifting her up carefully and shuffled to the nearest chair. She got settled and he retrieved the pillow and bag from the pilot, who proceeded to close the door in preparation for the taxi to the runway.

"Mr. Castle, we'll be moving in a few minutes. Anything I can get you?"

"No thanks. I think we're set."

"Ok, well flight time is just about forty minutes. I'll let you know when we're next in line to take off."

Rick nodded. He sat down in the seat next to Kate and showed her how to put up the foot rest.

"The seat can lie back, like a bed too if you want."

"I'm ok for now Rick, but thank you."

"Ok, here's your pillow and I'll put the basin here on this table?"

She nodded, then reached out and snagged his hand. She had a pinched look on her face and a tight grip, so he knew she was fighting her stomach again. The plane lurched a bit as it started to taxi and she grabbed wildly for the basin. After dry heaving for a bit she lay back again. Rick handed her a moist wipe and a mint; he really was prepared for all contingencies.

"Thanks Rick."

"How are you feeling?"

"Like my stomach is going to tear away and burst through my chest like an alien. Other than that I'm fine." She gave him a tight grin then closed her eyes against the rocking motion of the plane moving over the asphalt of the airport.

Twenty minutes later she was hunched over the basin again, retching and retching. Rick was beginning to wish he'd never gotten her on the plane; they hadn't even taken off yet. Just as he was about to tell them to turn around the pilot's voice came out of the cockpit.

"Mr. Castle, we're next in line for takeoff. Are you guys ok back there?"

Rick looked at Kate desperately. "We can turn around, it's not too late."

"No! It's not going to get better. Please Rick, I just want to get home. Please."

He looked at her, hunched over the bowl, pleading with him. He felt so guilty.

"Ok. I hate that you have to go through this though."

"I'll make it. I can do this. Just keep believing in me."

Rick signaled their readiness to the pilot and made sure Kate was safely strapped in. When they started moving again, picking up speed for the takeoff she started retching again. He'd packed 3 basins and began to hope that would be enough to get them to the loft.

From a technical standpoint the flight was wonderful. The pilot clearly was quite skilled and the takeoff and landing were almost imperceptible. The weather cooperated as well. Unfortunately, once Kate had lost control of her stomach on the taxi to the takeoff runway she found she couldn't regain it no matter how hard she tried. The movement of the plane through the air was slight, but just enough to destroy any attempt at equilibrium she had. So, she spent the majority of the flight dry heaving into the bowl Rick had provided.

They tried letting her lie down; that was actually worse. It was far too early for more Zofran. Rick hovered and fretted, but nothing he did made things better except for the modicum of strength and support she gained from his presence.

"Almost there sweetheart," he said after they landed. He felt a measure of profound relief that they were nearly at the end of the journey, but knew the next hour or so was going to be rough.

They seemed to taxi for an even longer time than they had in D.C., but finally came to a stop. Rick could see a limo waiting for them outside the hangar. Jim, Martha and Alexis were piling out, waving at the plane. 'Oh boy,' he thought. 'This is not going to be a fun trip for them. Guess they'll have to get used to seeing her sick sooner than later though.'

The pilot had opened the door and the stairs were quickly attached. Rick carried out some of the bags and descended into the arms of his family.

"Where's Kate? How was the trip?" They all spoke at once.

"She didn't do too well on the flight. And she's really weak. I'm going to carry her out, but I'll need some help getting her out of the plane door; it's a tight squeeze and I can't do it alone. Can you help Jim?"

Jim nodded; he'd do anything to help.

Rick continued. "She's been dry heaving the whole flight and I doubt being in the car will make things better. I'll understand if you guys don't want to ride back with us. We can call a cab for you."

Alexis and Martha both shook their heads no.

"Dad, we've been around sick people before. We want to help."

Gratefully he gave them another hug.

"Ok, if you two can help the driver get the luggage squared away, Jim will help me with Kate. Ready Jim?"

The two men climbed back up the stairs. Kate hadn't moved, was still intermittently retching into her bowl. Jim knelt down next to her, caressing her head.

"Hi Katie. I'm glad you're back. I'm going to help Rick get you to the car, ok?"

Kate kept her eyes closed but nodded slightly. Rick could tell she was using all the energy she had to maintain what little control she had.

"Jim, if you'll help me get her to the door, then hold her while I get outside? I'll grab her and then if you could just duck in front of me and help me get turned around I can carry her down."

Jim nodded and Rick leaned down and scooped her up. She held on to the basin tightly, afraid she'd puke on him.

They got to the door and transitioned fairly smoothly to the stairs. Martha and Alexis were waiting anxiously at the bottom. Rick picked her up again and carefully turned so he could descend the stairs walking forward.

"Darling, there are 11 stairs total," Martha cried out.

"Kate, please try and relax a bit. It's harder to walk with you so tense."

She didn't reply, but he did feel her melt into his arms and that helped his sense of balance tremendously. He was terrified he'd fall with her, but now with Jim in front of him and his mother counting out the stairs he found it wasn't as bad as he'd expected.

Once he was at the bottom, the walk to the car was quite simple. Alexis ran around to the other side of the car and helped slide Kate onto the backseat. Rick got in beside her and pulled her to his side as best he could. Martha and Jim grabbed seats to the sides and they were ready to go.

Kate still hadn't opened her eyes but Rick knew she wasn't sleeping. He gave her a squeeze against his shoulder, letting her know they were about to start moving again. She made a small assenting sound but no more than thirty seconds after they started moving he felt her tense up and start shaking.

The basin was still in her lap, hands clutching it. She jerked visibly then started retching again. The violent noise startled the other three; they hadn't been around her much when she'd been puking and the small confines of the car made the noise that more explosive.

Rick rubbed her back, trying to comfort her.

"Poor darling, isn't there something we can do for her?" Martha was wringing her hands, anxious to help.

"We just have to get back to the loft. She'll be due for her next Zofran at the top of the hour and between that and getting her settled in bed it should help calm her stomach down. The motion is what's bothering her."

Kate continued her miserable retching the whole trip, as Rick had suspected. He noticed she was crying too, but didn't say anything in front of the others. He gently wiped them off her face and rubbed her back, letting her know he was there for her.

They pulled up to the loft about an hour later; traffic had not been great. The others jumped out to grab the suitcases then Jim helped Rick maneuver Kate out of the limo. He picked her up again and carried her quickly through the lobby and to the elevator.

"Almost home," he whispered to her as they waited for the elevator to descend.

She sighed, moving her head slowly up and down on his chest.

Once the elevator arrived it was just a matter of a few minutes before he was carrying her into the loft, then directly into the bedroom. Alexis had run ahead and turned down the bed on Kate's side. He found all the equipment they needed ready and waiting.

"Do you want to change into a gown or are you ok in these clothes?"

" 'm ok."

He laid her carefully down, being sure to put her on her side with the bowl in front of her. He then noticed the bedside table had her prescriptions standing on them; it was time for the Zofran, thankfully. He measured out the dose and uncapped her feeding tube in order to flush it in.

"Kate, I'm giving you the Zofran now. I'm going to let you settle down then I'll restart your feeds."

"Nooo, please Rick. I don't feel up to it."

"Sweetie, I know you don't but let's give the medicine a chance to work. You need some fluid in you; being off the feeds while we traveled was ok for a few hours but we have to restart them soon."

She just groaned miserably and he felt guilty again.

"Can you hold me?"

"Absolutely. Let me tell them you're ok then I'm all yours."

He stepped out of the room; the others were sitting in the living room looking a bit shocked after their ride to the loft.

"I got the medicine in her; hopefully it will work quickly. She wants me to lie down with her for a while. I'll probably be back out in an hour or so. Maybe later tonight or tomorrow I can show you all how to work the pump and give her the medicine?"

They nodded and he slipped back into the bedroom. She wasn't retching as much, but still had the urge every few minutes. He slipped out of his clothes down to his underwear and climbed into bed behind her. As soon as she felt him wrap himself behind her she relaxed. The nausea was slowly ebbing and his presence helped chase the remainder away.

"We're home Kate. We're all finally home."

She allowed a small grin and then felt the siren call of sleep pulling her down. She was safe and warm. With him. Home.