The next week passed uneventfully. Beckett was getting stronger every day, and Castle was doing his best to let her decide for herself what she could and couldn't do on her own. While there had been some annoyed glares and sarcastic responses, the two hadn't fought about it. Castle had a feeling that luck would run out eventually, but for now he was enjoying it. They had settled into a good routine and surprisingly, the days passed rather quickly. Tomorrow was her follow up appointment and testing with Dr. Kovacs already.

"We should probably go to bed early tonight since we will be out all day tomorrow," Castle suggested as he and Beckett got settled on the couch after dinner.

"And I will be poked and prodded incessantly," she mumbled.

"Hey, it won't be too bad." Castle reassured her as he slung his arm around her and gave her a nudge to lean into him. Beckett angled herself into his side and put her head on his shoulder. It was so much easier for her to move and turn than it had been just days before. She figured that would all end tomorrow though when Dr. Kovacs lowered her pain meds.

"I'm kind of excited to go somewhere actually. I just wish it wasn't the hospital I was going to."

"I know you hate not being able to do anything, but it will be better soon. You have gotten so much stronger since we've been home."

The word home stuck in Beckett's mind. Was she home here? Castle didn't even seem to notice the implications in what he had just said.

"Oh, uh, yeah," she stuttered.

"You'll probably start physical therapy soon too. At least that will be something to go and do."

"PT sucks though I would rather stay in the loft," Beckett chuckled choosing to ignore his previous word choice for now. "It's a necessary evil."

"Speaking from experience?"

"Not with anything this bad. I broke my ankle in high school and had to go for a few weeks after I got my cast off."

"What did you do?"

"There was an unfortunate incident with a trampoline."

"Ouch"

"Yeah, but PT was by far the worst part. Every stretch and exercise hurt like hell for the first week. Some of them hurt every single time I went."

"I want to tell you this time it won't suck, but I'm pretty sure it will."

"It will," Beckett grimaced.

"Well we'll just make sure to keep stocked up on ice packs and Advil."

"The sooner I put my time in, the sooner I can go back to work. Eyes on the prize, I guess."

"It's only been 3 weeks since the shooting. It might be a little early to think about going back to work."

"I have to start somewhere." Beckett shrugged.

"True," Castle agreed. He was surprised she didn't snap at him for saying that.

"I'm not good at doing nothing. I'm going to get really bored soon."

"I know, but we will try to keep as busy as possible until you are ready to go back."

"Actually, I will probably have stuff to do once it gets closer. Along with PT, I have to pass a psych evaluation so there will be appointments for that, and they will probably make me re-qualify to get my gun back. Plus, I'm sure the department will have other hoops that I haven't even thought of yet."

"That's ok. Eye on the prize, right?"

"Right."

The next morning, Castle and Beckett were both nervous for her appointment, but neither would admit to it. One of the security guys drove them to the hospital. Beckett made a mental note to ask Castle how much longer they were staying. There hadn't been any threats or concerns so it probably wasn't necessary to have two guards outside the loft at all times. In a way, she was glad they were there though. Despite the fact the she hated feeling this way, she was scared that her shooter would try again. As a cop, she realized they would have tried by now if they were going to, but she couldn't shake the fear.

When they got to the hospital, their first stop was the lab to get her blood drawn, and then they made their way to the outpatient cardiology ward. The receptionist was obviously having a bad day and did not seem like she felt like working at all. She practically threw a clipboard of paperwork at Beckett and barked at them to take a seat.

"So pleasant here," Castle laughed as they walked away from the desk.

"I wasn't expecting this place to be so busy," Beckett said looking around the packed room to find 2 chairs together.

"Let's just take that one. I'll stand," Castle said point to a single open chair on the end of a row.

"You sure?"

"Yeah , it's no big deal."

"I hope we don't have to wait all day," Beckett sighed.

"The whole department uses this waiting room. Who knows how many of these people are here to see Dr. Kovacs, it could be a quick wait."

"That's true."

It was about a half an hour later, when a nurse came out and called Kate's name.

"Do you want me to come back with you?" Castle asked quickly. He had just assumed he would, but then he realized it might be kind of intrusive.

"Yeah," Beckett smiled grabbing his hand. "You will probably have to step out at some point though. I assume he will want to check my incision." Castle had been there for everything in the hospital, so what's the difference now? She was nervous and wanted him there.

"We are going to do some testing first, and Dr. Kovacs will see you in about an hour or so," The nurse told them.

"Ok," Beckett nodded. She knew that was coming. She was actually surprised they were going to do everything in one day. Most of the time people had to come get the tests done a few days before they saw the doctor.

"Are you ok to walk? I can get a wheel chair," the nurse asked.

"I'll be fine. Thank you though," Beckett smiled.

"It's not far, but let me know if you change your mind. "

She lead them down a hallway and off to the right. The room they entered was painted a stark white, and there was a few machines on carts against the wall. Beckett took a seat on the edge of the exam table that was in the center of the room, and Castle stood beside her.

"So you're going to be having an EKG and an echocardiogram today. You've had those done before, correct?" The nurse asked.

"Yes, a couple of times," Beckett answered.

"Good. The technician will be able answer any questions you still may have, but it should be fairly simple at this point for you," the nurse said as she reached into a cabinet and pulled out a gown. "We'll need you change into this on top. You can leave your pants and shoes on."

"Ok," Beckett accepted it and placed it on her lap.

"Alright, just pop the door open a crack when you are changed and ready. It will probably been 15 minutes or so before the tech is ready for you."

"Thank you," Beckett said as the nurse walked out. The nurse probably assumed Castle was her husband, and she wouldn't mind changing in front of him. That was a problem considering Beckett wasn't sure she could actually get her shirt over her head and off by herself. Lanie had always been around to help her or Martha one time in a pinch.

"I'll just wait in the hall," Castle headed towards the door.

Beckett nodded and let him go. Once the door was shut, she attempted to get her shirt off without raising her arms too high. She might have been doing better moving around, but lifting her arms pulled through her ribs and hurt like a bitch. After two failed attempts, she had to stop and take a deep breath. The pain was fierce.

"Castle," she called out.

"Oh, you're not changed," he said as he came in. He assumed she had called him because she was done.

"I need help," Kate said looking down at her lap.

"No big deal, I'll go grab the nurse."

"No can you just… I don't really want to admit to another person that I can't even take my shirt off myself."

"Do you… um.. do you want me to help you?" He asked hesitantly.

"Promise to keep your eyes closed."

"I promise."

"This is not going to be the context in which you see me top-less for the first time."

"So there is be going to be another occasion?" He smirked.

"Trust me, Castle. You are not going to be able to handle it when the time comes."

"I don't doubt that. I promise there will be no sneak peeks. Although, this is probably a good place for me to have a heart attack."

"Castle," she scolded.

"Right, sorry. So how can I help?"

"I can't really lift my arms too high."

"Ok, well I think your t-shirt is loose enough for us to slide your arms out of the sleeves with them still low. I can help move your sleeves around so you don't have to move your arms that much. Your shirt will still be down, so you'll be covered and then if you keep your arms at your sides, I'll close my eyes pull your shirt straight up and over your head."

"Then, I'll pull the gown up as high as I can, and if you stand behind me, you should be able to pull it over my shoulders and tie it without seeing my front. It should be big enough that I'll be well covered anyway."

"Sounds like a plan."

It wasn't exactly easy, but Castle and Beckett worked well together and got the job done. It was relatively painless for her. Beckett really wanted to preserve the first time he saw her fully exposed. She wanted it to be special. They would always remember that the first they told each they loved each other would be in the context of her dying as would the first time they kissed for real, but she wanted to save as many moments as she could for happier times. Everything about them becoming a couple should not be wrapped up in her shooting.

"Now we wait," Castle said as he pulled a chair up closer to the exam table.

"Now we wait," Beckett repeated looking down at him from her seat higher up.

Castle reached up and snagged her hand. "You nervous?"

"A little," she admitted. She had been trying to hide it from him all day.

"Me too, but everything should check out. You've been doing really well," he said giving her hand a squeeze.

"Except for when I passed out."

"The ER doctor and Dr. Kovacs agreed that it wasn't a big deal."

"Yeah I guess."

"We should do something to celebrate your good check up tonight."

"I haven't even seen the doctor yet, what if it isn't good?"

"It will be," he answered confidently.

"Well it's not like I can really do anything. I'm not supposed to leave the house."

"You don't have to. Alexis asked me this morning if she could spend the night at Paige's and I'm sure my mother has plans, we'll have the place to ourselves. I'll make us a nice dinner."

"Like a date?"

"Um, kinda, I guess. It doesn't have to be," he backpedaled.

"It could be," Beckett smiled.

"Ok, but you don't have to dress up or anything. Let's just have a quiet night just the two of us. Save the big event for when you are feeling better." Castle had been thinking along the same lines as Beckett when he helped her change. Some things should wait for happier circumstances.

"The big event?" She laughed.

"When I take you out, it will most certainly be a big event."

"Whatever you say, Castle."

"You'll see," he said dropping a kiss on her knuckles.

They were interrupted by a knock at the door and the technician coming in to start her tests.

"See I told you everything would be fine," Castle smiled as they walked out to the car together.

"You were nervous too," Beckett defended. Dr. Kovacs had told them that she was healing well and was doing better than he expected at this stage.

"Fair enough."

"So what are you going to make me for dinner?"

"Whatever you want," Castle answered.

"How many things can you cook?"

"Hey, I am an excellent cook," Castle argued as he held open the door to the town car and let Beckett slide in in front of him.

"I know. I'm just teasing. I'm surprised I never would have pegged you for someone who cooked."

"I have many hidden talents, Detective."

"Why do I feel like there are some I don't even want to know about."

"Yes, but there are some you definitely want to experience," he said suggestively.

"I've got plenty of tricks up my own sleeve," Beckett countered.

"Something to look forward to."

"All in good time, Mr. Castle," she said on a yawn.

"Contain your excitement."

"I'm just tired, sorry."

"I know," he leaned over and kissed her head. "Why don't you take a little nap when we get home? I'll run out to get some groceries and pick up your new prescriptions. Alexis will be home if you need anything."

"I don't want her to have stick around just for me. I'll be fine just to sleep for a little bit. You won't be gone long."

"I doubt she is going to Paige's till later. It's only 3."

"Ok, well I don't want her to feel stuck."

"She won't. You know she likes hanging out with you."

"I know, but she shouldn't have to. I'm sure her friends are much more fun."

"She would say something if she had plans."

"I don't need a baby sitter," Beckett snapped.

"Of course not, but until you are a little stronger, I don't really like the idea of you being alone."

"Fine," she huffed.

"Don't be mad."

"I'm not. You're probably right that's what annoys me."

"You heard Dr. Kovacs, you're headed in the right direction," he smiled.

"I just need it to move a little quicker. It was like he said all these great things and everything is healing, but I still have to wait a week before I can start physical therapy, and it's going to take a month before I can even go back to work part-time to sit at a desk."

"I know it sucks, but we'll make the best of it."

"Yeah… ok"

Castle walked her up to the loft and made sure she was all settled in bed before he left to go run his errands. He still was trying to decide what to make. He wanted to do something nice for her. He knew she was bummed out about everything, and he wanted to give her a night where she could feel as normal as possible. She had been amazing about everything and letting him in to her life. Castle wanted her to know how much he appreciated it and how happy he was. He could make his famous pasta carbonara? It was Alexis and his mother's favorite, and Beckett would probably love it too. Normally, he would pick out a nice bottle of wine for the night, but Beckett couldn't drink. He could pick up some grape juice? He didn't know if that would make her laugh or annoy her. He could get the fancy, sparkling kind? Castle walked around the grocery store trying to figure out what to do. Eventually, he decided he should just make up his mind and go for it. It shouldn't be this big of a deal.

Beckett woke up to the smell of something amazing. She looked over at the clock to see it was a little after 6. She had fallen asleep quickly and was completely out, but now she felt good. She got up slowly and made her way to the kitchen.

"Hey," Beckett greeted as she entered the kitchen. Castle had his back to her standing at the stove.

"Hey, how was your nap?"

"It was great."

"Good, Good. Dinner should be ready in about half an hour."

"You've been busy," Beckett said looking around the room. Castle was stirring a pot on the stove, and there was a mess of ingredients scattered around him. There was also a tray of bread that looked like it was ready to go in the oven on the counter. The table was all set complete with two unlit candles and cloth napkins.

"Yeah well I had some time," Castle shrugged. In reality, he had been running around like an idiot since he got back trying to set up and cook.

"I should go get ready then."

"You don't have to do anything."

"I can at least put some jeans on instead of yoga pants and run a brush through my hair. Well attempt to," she laughed self-deprecatingly .

"Yell if you need help. You know I would not mind getting the chance to play with your hair."

"I'll keep that in mind."

Beckett headed off to the bed room. Lanie hadn't packed her anything nice because there was not really a reason she would need it. It has been all about comfort. She pulled out a pair of jeans and found a simple button up top. If she could get her t-shirt off, she could manage to put it on and button it alone. She hadn't noticed how hard changing alone was till today. Lanie had come by every evening to change her bandages and helped her shower and change her clothes. Thankfully she really didn't need much help except with her shirt and drying off her back. It had been really embarrassing the first few days but they found a good rhythm. Lanie was kind and helpful. She didn't give Kate a hard time or make the situation any more awkward than it had to be. Beckett tried to get her shirt off, but had to admit to the same defeat she did earlier, so she gave in and called for Castle. He came in a few minutes later and was a perfect gentleman about it. After she had her other shirt on, Castle softly brushed out her hair as she sat on the side of the bed. It felt amazing. He was like scary good at it, blaming his skills on raising a daughter by himself. Kate didn't even care what his reason was. When he was done, she headed out to the table so he could have the room to change too.

The candles on the table were now lit and there was a large dish of pasta, a salad, and bread set out. The overhead lights were dimmed, and there was music playing quietly. It looked beautiful. Castle had really tried to make their night in special.

"You didn't have to do all this," Beckett said when he came out.

"I wanted to."

"How did you even do it so quickly?"

"It was easy. Plus that smile you're giving me right now was pretty good motivation." He went to the fridge and grabbed the bottle of sparkling grape juice that he had put in there earlier.

"I can't drink with the pain killers," Beckett said quickly as he came over. He purposely had the label turned so she couldn't see it.

"I know," he replied and turned the bottle around with a flourish.

Beckett laughed when she read it. She felt like a 13 year old on New Year's Eve who was excited to pretend to drink like a grown up.

"I'm glad you like it," he smiled as he poured them both a glass.

"That was really sweet of you, Castle."

"I thought it would add a layer of normalcy."

"It does, thank you."

"Wow, I'm not the only thing that's sweet," Castle said when he took a sip of the juice.

Beckett took a drink as well, "Yeah, no wonder I loved this stuff as kid."

"It shall give us some youthful energy," he smiled.

The conversation flowed easily and happily. That was one of Beckett's favorite things about Castle. She never had to try or act like someone she wasn't around him. Spending time with him was just fun. There was no worry now since she could let her words and feelings out unguarded. She didn't have to try to hide her feelings for him or worry about implications if she flirted with him. Yes, there was still concerns about where they were really going, but for tonight at least she didn't care.

"Want to head to the couch and watch a movie?" Castle asked when they were done eating.

"Dinner and a movie? Original," she laughed.

"Maybe I just want to cuddle on the couch."

"Hmm your true intentions come out."

"What can I say?" He shrugged.

"Lead the way, Rick," she standing up.

"Oh, 'Rick', I like it."

"I think it sounded kinda weird."

"It did," he chuckled.

They settled down on the couch, and Castle tucked Beckett into his side.

"What do you want to watch?" He asked.

"I don't care. There's probably not much point in putting anything on, I don't think we will be watching it," she said softly and reached up to gently kiss him.

"Not watching is good too," Castle answered and pulled her closer kissing her firmly.

A/N: Thoughts? Thank you so much to everyone that got caught up on this story! And to all the readers that have been around since I started! I loved all the reviews and new follows. I know I had said I was only planning like 5 more chapters, but it might end up being a little longer. I have more things I want to include than I thought. It seems like everyone is enjoying it so I'm just going to keep going lol Next chapter should be up on Monday. I've got something planned for it that I think is going to be really good. I don't think I've seen this scenario in any post-knock out fics so I'm excited about it. I'll leave you with that little teaser.

Disclaimer:I obviously own nothing

Meagan