Chapter 14

Saturday 22 September 2001

It was just after seven when the doorbell rang. Rick mumbled as he rolled out of bed but smiled as he considered who was insane enough to come to the loft at this hour of the morning. It had to be Kate. By the time he opened the door his grin was wide but it quickly fell from his face.

"Meredith?"

"Why didn't you call back Rick?" Meredith asked, accusation clouding her voice as she wafted past him into the loft.

"What… what are you doing here?" Rick followed behind her, stumbling into the kitchen.

"I've come to get Alexis of course." She said it like it was nothing; like it happened every day. She behaved as though she had the right to stroll in and take his daughter away from him with no warning whatsoever. He supposed legally she did, but he damn well wasn't going to sit idly by. "She's in her room?" Meredith was already at the stairs.

"Just… Meredith, come back in here. Wait a sec, come talk to me for a moment. Please." Rick begged, willing himself into alertness.

Meredith let out a frustrated sigh but conceded. "You know, if you'd called me back…" she trailed off.

"How'd you get here Meredith? Planes are still grounded, aren't they?"

"I drove." The red-head answered simply.

"You drove from California to New York?" Rick asked incredulously.

"Well I didn't, my driver did."

Rick nodded. Go figure.

"Okay Meredith, I need you to actually think through what you're trying to do here."

"I have Rick. I thought that surely you of all people would understand. I know I haven't been around much but I love Alexis and I want what's best for her. Don't you want that?"

"I always want what's best for Alexis but I don't think moving her to California is going to be good for her." Rick replied calmly, doing his utmost not to snap at Meredith.

"It's dangerous in New York at the moment Rick. Maybe in a few years we'll come back but I want to keep my daughter safe."

"New York is just as safe as anywhere else." Rick bit out.

"Were you not watching eleven days ago? How is that safe?" Meredith demanded.

"It could've happened anywhere! It happened in Washington too. You can't control what other people do. It could have just as easily have been California." Rick countered.

"But it wasn't. It happened here, in New York."

"But Meredith…" Rick tried to reason but his ex-wife was past the point of reason now.

"No Rick, I'm going up to wake my daughter, help her pack and leave." Meredith affirmed.

"Meredith." Rick called as she started to ascend the stairs. "Meredith, she's not…"

"Shut it Rick!" Meredith snapped as she reached the platform at the top of the staircase.

Rick sighed and bowed his head in resignation.

"Three, two, one…" he murmured. When he reached one Meredith screamed from their daughter's bedroom.

"Rick she's gone. Gone! I told you it wasn't safe here! I told you but you didn't listen and now Alexis is missing! Why aren't you upset, you heartless bastard?" Meredith yelled.

Choosing to ignore the comment about being heartless when it came to his daughter, Rick replied calmly.

"She's not here."

"I can see that! Where is she?" Meredith demanded.

"She's at her friend's place and she's perfectly fine, I assure you."

"You don't know that Rick."

"Meredith, you're being paranoid. Kate's a great person, a fantastic mother, and I trust her. She's a cop." Rick told her.

"So she's what? Hanging with your girlfriend?" Meredith's voice was filled with disgust.

"No, she's hanging with her best friend, Alyssa." Rick replied, deciding to drop the girlfriend comment.

"Alyssa? I though Alexis' best friend was Gracie?"

"Gracie moved to Kansas six months ago. We've been spending a lot of time with Kate and Alyssa over the past few months. The girls are pretty close."

"And you and Kate?" Meredith questioned sceptically.

"We're close too." Rick replied vaguely.

"And when it ends?" Meredith was playing dirty now and they both knew it.

"Who says it will? And if it does, Kate and I love our daughters too much to let it affect them. We've talked it through."

There was silence for a moment before Meredith spoke. When she did it was low and calm and completely unlike her.

"I'm taking her Rick. You can come or you can stay, but I'm taking her with me."

"Well she's not here right now so leave. Just go. I've got some calls to make." Rick said, calm on the surface but seething underneath. He crowded her out the door and slammed it behind her, falling to the floor against the door with his head in his hands.

Kate grinned uncontrollably as she hung up the phone after speaking with her father. After almost four months of medication, rest, and light cardio exercises the doctors had seen a noticeable improvement in his heart's swelling. It was great news and she knew exactly who she wanted to share it with.

She could hear the girls waking up down the hallway as she tugged her phone from her pocket and hit speed dial 3.

"Rick." His voice was deep and gritty as he answered the phone. She really should have known better than to call before 8am, especially when Alexis wasn't around to wake him up.

"Hey, sorry, didn't mean to wake you. Forgot what time it was." Kate said guiltily into the phone, her smile contradicting her words.

"Didn't. What's up?" He sounded distant but she was too excited to really notice.

"Dad called a few minutes ago. He went for tests again yesterday and the swelling of his heart has gone down."

Rick scrubbed a hand down his face and forced a smile to overpower the emotion settling in his gut.

"That's fantastic Kate, really. I'm so happy." He hoped the forced smile would change his tone enough to be passable for happy.

"Yeah, wait, did you say you were already awake?" Kate's brow furrowed. He was never awake at this time of morning unless he was coming over.

"Uh, yeah, I was." He replied simply.

"Oh, why? Where you going to come over? I though you had a phone interview at ten?"

"Yeah, I do. Was going to come over just after."

"Is everything okay Rick?"

"Uh, it will be? Maybe? I don't know. Can we talk about it later?" Rick sighed.

"Sure um… did you want me to bring Alexis back?"

"No!" Rick said, startling Kate with the loudness of his voice. "Sorry, I just mean don't bring her back yet. I'll um, I'll explain later. I didn't mean to yell."

"Oh, that's okay. Well, I guess I'll talk to you later then. I'm here you know? It's not all one way."

"Yeah, I know. Thanks. Bye Kate."

"Bye." And then he was gone.

At one-thirty she received a text from him asking when she started work. Kate replied in kind, hoping more communication would follow but she found herself disappointed and went back to making lunch for the girls. She wasn't working until the next day so she was okay to look after Alexis but she'd hoped she'd see Rick today as well.

He knocked on the door at five, looking even worse for wear than when she'd left him yesterday afternoon. His hair was amuck, with tufts sticking out every which way. He was wearing a suit and tie which was rumpled and out of place for the activities he had supposedly undertaken today, namely phone interviews and emails. His eyes seemed like they were about to close of their own accord and his step as he walked through the door was unsteady. As he went passed her so she could shut the door, she noticed his eyes were bloodshot as well.

Rick kept walking into the apartment at a slow, uneven pace until Kate caught his hand and turned him around to face her.

"Hey, what's going on? Are you okay?"

Rick stared at the ground for a moment and then clenched his jaw several times before looking back up at Kate, fresh tears glistening in his eyes, threatening to fall. Almost imperceptibly he shook his head no. Kate took the two steps necessary to wrap her arms around him and even with the height difference she turned into the soothing mother, rubbing his back and guiding his face into her neck. She began carding his hair with her fingers, hoping to calm him.

"Shhh…" Kate soothed quietly. She still had no idea what was going on but he was in no shape to see his daughter. After a few minutes, Kate pulled back and took his hand, gently guiding him into the confines of her bedroom and locking the door. She pushed him to sit on the edge of the bed and came to a crouch in front of him, her hands resting on his knees, thumbs rubbing soothing circles over his knee cap.

"Rick, talk to me. What's happened?" Kate asked softly.

"I, sorry, just give me a moment and I'll be good to go and take Alexis off your hands." Rick murmured taking a deep breath before and after the statement.

"Uh uh, nope, that's not how this works and you know it. Come on, fess up. What's got you in such a mess?" She was using the tone she usually reserved for when Alyssa was upset about something at school but didn't want to tell her about it. It was light but firm.

Rick exhaled a sigh. "Meredith." he stated, not looking at Kate.

"Meredith called again?" Kate moved one hand up to stroke his cheek, guiding his eyes to hers. Rick chuckled mirthlessly.

"Not exactly. Guess who's in town?" It came out dry and filled with angry sarcasm. Kate had to momentarily remind herself that it wasn't directed at her.

"But I thought she lived in California? Aren't all planes still grounded?"

"Yup, but cars aren't."

It was Kate's turn to sigh. "What happened?"

Clenching his jaw again Rick replied. "She came by at seven this morning. Waltzed right in when I opened the door, demanding Alexis, fully prepared to walk up the stairs and just take her. Just take her away Kate."

"Rick…" Kate tried to console him.

"Then, when she realized she wasn't there and I told her she was at a friend's… I've been with custodial lawyers all day. You know what they said? I don't have a leg to stand on when it comes to getting full custody. She's Meredith's daughter too and Meredith's never done anything to make her an unsuitable parent, at least not on record anyway. Meredith loves Alexis but… I think Meredith would have trouble looking after a dog, let alone a child, hers or otherwise." There were angry tears traitorously running down Rick's cheeks now.

Kate rose up from the floor and nudged Rick's clenched fist so she could sit on his thigh. Rick stiffly straightened his fingers out and brought them to rest on Kate's hip. Kate brought her hand behind his head again, pulling him in so that their foreheads rested together.

"Hey, you'll get through this. You and Alexis both. Do I need to take Meredith in for interrogation or anything, scare her a bit?" Kate joked lightly and elicited a chuckle from Rick. "You know I could just arrest her, take her down to lock-up and hold her for twenty-four hours."

"On what charges?" Rick whispered.

"Threatening to break apart a family, my family, and making my boyfriend cry." Kate giggled and Rick grunted his disapproval.

"Not crying." He muttered.

"Of course not. It's just something in your eye, right?" Kate mocked again.

"Shut up." Rick was trying to tamp down the smile threatening to break through.

"Or maybe it's just been raining on your face." Kate was laughing now and it wasn't long before Rick joined her, wrapping both arms around her to hug her to him tightly.

"Thank you." Rick managed to choke out once he stopped laughing.

"Welcome." Kate smiled at him before leaning in to place a gently kiss on his lips. "So, where to from here?" Kate asked, getting back on topic.

"Meeting with Meredith and the lawyers and then if she doesn't change her mind, the courts."

"Well then, we'll deal with those steps when we get to them alright? Ready to go see your daughter?" Kate knew this was probably going to be a long, hard battle, but as a single parent she knew you do what you have to for your kid.

"Yeah." Rick's mouth tugged into a small smile as he stood, Kate having just removed herself from his lap.

He grabbed her by the waist as she opened the door to the bedroom. He spun her round and placed a firm kiss to her mouth. Both smiled as they pulled back and walked out hand in hand.

The clock on the wall read eight o'clock and the chatter in Alyssa's room was finally non-existent. Kate and Rick were cuddled up on the couch as the credits rolled from the movie they had just finished watching.

"So, tomorrow…" Rick started, hoping Kate would simply finish the sentence for him, tell him what to do.

"Tomorrow?" No such luck.

"I was thinking I may take the girls out, save them from hurricane Meredith in case she decides to pass through again."

"You think she will?"

"Yeah, but its okay." Rick commented quickly, hoping Kate wouldn't be concerned for Alyssa's safety while she was with him. "We'll figure it out. I promise I won't put Alyssa in the middle of anything."

Kate immediately realized that he'd interpreted her concern the wrong way.

"No, don't worry Rick, it's not that. Never that. I trust you." She grabbed his hand between both of hers. "I was just thinking maybe you could stay here at my apartment for the day. Longer if you need to. Meredith doesn't know where I live. How about you head home tonight and grab a few things and come back at the usual time in the morning. I'll get an extra key for you after work and then, you know whatever you need…" Kate trailed off, suddenly a bit nervous.

"I can get a hotel or something." Rick read the nerves as doubt and gave her an out.

"Rick." Kate's tone was one of scolding and disapproval.

"It would really be okay if we stayed here for while?"

"On one condition." Kate said, smirking evilly now, "You get to cook dinner when I have to stay back at work."

"I do that anyway."Rick chuckled.

"True, but this way I get to keep the leftovers."

Rick laughed again. "I should go home and get some stuff for Alexis. And me. What time tomorrow?" Rick asked, still showing no sign of moving off the couch.

"Mmm." Kate snuggled into his side a bit more. "You really should go."

Rick groaned as he untangled himself and stood up.

"No! Come back! You're warm." Kate complained.

"Oh, I see how it is. Just want me for my heating abilities."

"Well that, and your daughter." Kate retorted. Rick feigned hurt before relaxing his features again and extending his hands to help her up.

"So what time do you start tomorrow?"

"Eight, but if you swing by at six-thirty there'll be breakfast."

"Hmm that's early."

"It is, but I'll make it worth your while." Kate promised.

"Will you just?"

"Mmmhmm, there'll even be waffles." She leaned up to kiss him. "Now go so you can come back."

"Okay, and Kate…"

"If you thank me for this I may have to slap you."

Rick grinned but then his face turned serious.

"Kate, I love you."

"I, Rick, I…" Kate stumbled over her words at his latest confession.

"I know it's early in the relationship but I'm in this for keeps Kate. You know that right?"

"I, yeah, I know. I am too." Kate replied, feeling dumb.

Rick intertwined their fingers.

"You don't have to say it if you're not ready. It's okay, I just thought…"

Kate smiled and pulled him in for a tight hug.

"I'll see you tomorrow." Kate said, walking them towards the door, still wrapped in each others embrace.

Rick kissed her cheek, then her nose, and finally her lips. He untangled himself and put a hand on the door knob.

"Tomorrow, bright and early."

Kate nodded and let him go. Rick opened the door and stepped out. Kate stood in the door way and watched as Rick got onto the elevator. Suddenly she felt something welling up inside her chest and she couldn't keep it in. Just as the metal doors were closing, she called out.

"Rick! I love you too!"

The elevator doors closed and Kate smiled, closing and locking her front door, feeling as though she was floating. Hearing her phone ding from the next room she went in search of it.

'Glad to hear it. :D' the message read. Without replying, Kate walked into her room and prepared for bed.

Rick walked into the lobby of his building still on cloud nine. As he caught the elevator to his floor he whistled a tune unknown to him. He was so caught up in the feelings of bliss that came with requited love that he almost tripped over the person on his doorstep.

"Meredith." She was sitting on the floor, legs outstretched in her designer clothing that would have cost a few thousand dollars.

"God Rick! Where have you been? I've been waiting for hours! I've been sitting on the floor!" She was outraged. "And where's Alexis?"

"Sleep over." Rick said simply, pushing her out of his doorway. As he stepped over the threshold he blocked Meredith's way in and started to close the door.

Just before the latch clicked into place he heard Meredith's proclamation.

"I'm suing you for full custody!"

A/N: Hey guys, sorry for the wait. I was on prac for four weeks for uni. It was hectic but fun.

This chapter was intense to write... I hope it comes across intense to read :P My Beta brought some things to my attention and I just want to clear them up here before continuing. I did a bit of research (and by a bit I mean I went to the site I always go to for my info on Alexis) and it says that Rick and Meredith both agreed that Alexis was better off with Rick. It makes no mention of whether or not he has any legal custody.
Hopefully any other questions you have will unfold within the next chapters. I still have a bit of research to do on custody battles seeing as I have no first hand experience.

The next chapter is already in the works but I don't know when it will be finished. Sorry.

Thanks to my awesome beta, LadyAilith, who not only edits my work but also gives me things to think about when it comes to the progression of this story.

Thanks also to the 239 people reading this fic regularly! That feels so great as an author to know you have such a big audience.

Special thanks to my amazing reviewers from last chapter too: Rhyolight04, merder96, jasnrob, firefaerie15, KeepCalmBandBAreHavingABaby, gg123, Docnerd89, JasmineBelle7, mysticgirl101, twinzy, SyaRaven, TrishCastle, Alex Beckett, fanka77, Gemini96, Danzjaron, phnxgrl, KB-RC23, TheWrittenRebel, Miniwriter305, Chkgun93, and NCISchick. You guys are awesome! I love hearing from you.

If you have any experience in custodial battles, either from a child's or an adult's perspective, and you're willing to share some insight, feel free to PM me.

Sacha

P.S. HOW AMAZING WAS ALWAYS?