A Long Way Home
by Castlefan6
Authors Note: Another What If based on the episode, COUNTDOWN, what happened if Rick didn't return to the precinct after leaving after seeing Kate in Josh's arms? It starts with Canon dialog, courtesy of Dust Jackets Dot Com, then goes quickly and completely AU. The journey continues with a new Kate and Rick, hope you enjoy!
I don't own Castle; I use the characters for amusement purposes only, except the ones I create.
A/N This may or may not end up as a Caskett fic, if that bothers you, please wait for updates to see which direction the story goes. Respectful comments are always welcome, trolls will be deleted.
Also, we may take liberties with the timeline from Canon and use events to make this a more believable fiction, thanks.
Previously
Rick had only been back to New York once since he left, to see Alexis graduate with honors, a full year early. Nothing would stop him from that milestone. Beth had accompanied Rick, her task to keep the work tasks moving, as Rick spent a few days with his family. Gina noticed how comfortable the two had become, but said nothing after all this was what they had talked about before he left.
The four days flew by, and as they were leaving the loft, he thought he saw Kate jogging, but then he thought, no, she doesn't even run this way. He kissed Gina goodbye, then held Alexis for the longest time, then after Beth hugged them both, he helped her into the car. What he hadn't seen was the Detective inside the doorway observing it all, and thinking about days gone by, If Only.
Kate had seen Beth, close enough to see how much she seemed to care about Rick, and Gina, letting him go, what the hell was that? Why didn't she fight for him, hell everyone knew they loved each other? She made her way back to her apartment just in time, the rain began to fall outside, ironic, it matched the rainstorm falling from her eyes on her couch, no matter how hard she fought them.
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Chapter 16
Castle's Loft
Two Days Later
Rick, Beth, and Gina had arrived in New York the previous day, but with the time difference, and jet lag, all went straight to bed for a long and deserved nap. Later in the day, they brought Alexis, and Paula up to speed, Martha, finally figured out how to use SKYPE and joined a family call from her touring company appearing in Japan. Paula and Alexis had grown closer over the last several weeks and decided to have brunch ready for them when they awoke. They, well Alexis was doing more teaching Paula than her helping, but they managed to get a great brunch prepared.
Gina had taken the far Guest Room, allowing Beth to have the only other room on the first floor, next to Rick's bedroom. She would be going home as soon as they had eaten and worked out some type of schedule of what they wanted to do for the next 28 days. Lord Barrow had urged them to forget work, to relax.
Beth was almost star-struck as they pulled up to the loft, then when she discovered the entire top floor was all Rick's Loft. Rick was glad to be home, to be with his little girl, and the feeling was mutual,
"Beth, whatever you do, NEVER and I mean never make Rick pick someone or something over his daughter, they will lose every time" she looked so sad,
"Eh, oh, Thanks Gina, but as I said, he doesn't know I'm alive unless we're working, and I see what you mean about Alexis and him, have they always been that close?"
"Yes, and I made the mistake of thinking I could come between them, don't get me wrong, they both love me, BUT there's a bond between them that no woman can compete with, just wanted to spare you from the same mistake I made. As I said, he's noticed you, just keep doing what you're doing, it's good for him, and don't try to rush it, I know that was my biggest mistake."
A few hours later Gina left, agreeing to meet up in a couple of days. Alexis was going to take Beth sightseeing, and Rick had some business he had to take care of with the lawyers, so the next few days would be like ships passing in the night.
Alexis and Beth had just left when Rick's secure cell phone rang,
"Castle" he answered
"Hey Rick, my sources were right, they told me you were back in town, how long you got this time buddy?" Mayor Weldon spoke to him as his best friend, not a political leader.
"Hey you old Dirtbag, still keeping your name out of the scandals I see, good to hear your voice, Bob. We'll be home for 4 weeks then we have to go back for a while, you know in and out,"
"Yeah, Yeah, top-secret I know Ricky, hey do you think you'll have time to meet with me at the office in the next few days, you know we haven't been to lunch in what seems forever."
"Yeah, you're right Bob, tell you what, let me check the family plans and I'll text you, what days are you open and for how long, you're the Big Shot, running a city and all"
"You're the same old ass you always were, tell you what, let's do Wednesday or Thursday next week, gives you time to cancel on all the broads lining up to welcome you home"
"Yeah right, I wish my sex life was half as good as you guys think it is, who's the Ass now, that sounds good, I'll text you what day, say around noon till 3:00 PM?
"Great Ricky, looking forward to seeing you buddy" as the Mayor disconnected.
Xx
Behind the scenes, Mayor Weldon was going to surprise his friend with the award he had been sitting on since the bomb incident. He planned a simple ceremony, Alexis, Gina, and Beth, along with Roy, Beckett, LT, Karpowski, Ryan, Esposito, and those who Rick worked with from the 12th. He planned on calling Alexis to solicit her help to keep it a surprise and to get the folks from home there. Rick shrugged it off, but it was a life-saving event that he was going to be recognized for, whether he liked it or not.
He pulled his phone out and called his God Daughter,
"Hello Uncle Bob, is everything OK? Is Dad OK, is Aunt Mary OK? What's going on?" Came rushing out all in one breath,
"Whoa, Alexis, EVERYONE is fine, slow down sweetie, I have a favor I need from you, and it won't take much for you to help old Uncle Bob out, OK?"
"You know you sound just like Dad before he gets me to promise something, he knows I will hate" she laughs, "Oh Uncle Bob, I have you on speaker, Beth, Dad's Administrative Assistant is visiting from the UK, so be polite."
The ladies heard a huge roar of laughter, "Of course Sweetie, welcome to New York Beth, you let me know if you need anything or if anyone mistreats you, that includes Alexis's Dad, and my best friend."
"Thank you, Mr. Mayor, that is very sweet, Alexis has already told me so much about you."
Bob Weldon explained, well as much as he could that Rick had performed a heroic deed, the last day he worked with Detective Beckett, one that saved hundreds of lives, and he left before he could be recognized. Alexis was scrunching up her nose, as the Mayor spoke and outlined, he wanted the 12th precinct to share the honor, as well as having Gina, Paul and of course his God Daughter and the new friend of the family.
"Uncle Bob, I know you can't tell me much, but would this deed Dad performed, well would he have been extremely cold, like stuck in a freezer cold for hours, can you confirm that at least? It would explain some of his behavior, he looked so sad, and kept the temperature higher in the loft than he ever had."
"I can confirm that he did sustain some exposure to a cold environment Alexis, but baby please no more questions, the big thing is can you find out what day works for your side, then I'll send an order to Roy to have those we want present in my office as a surprise. I know, I know, he hates surprises but it's the only way I can get him here to accept the award."
"Sure, Uncle Bob, let me get on it, and I won't tell Grams if she calls, she's out of the country anyway. If you want to spoil a surprise just let her know it's a secret." As they both laughed, I'll text you when I find out, WED or THUR, Good talking to you Uncle Bob, be sure you bring Aunt Mary around some time,"
"I will, I promise. I have to run, another meeting let me know as soon as you can" and then the dial tone was heard.
"Alexis, I never knew Rick was so connected, I mean, I'm absolutely floored. I lived in Philadelphia for almost three years and couldn't tell you who the Mayor was, you have him as your God Father, WOW"
"Dad and Uncle Bob have been friends since College, to me, he's just my Uncle, he's always been in our lives, he's like Dad, no big ego, no look at me. I think that's why they get along so well."
Alexis called Gina, who patched Paula into a conference call, and it was decided that Wednesday was the better day. As far as Rick was concerned it was lunch, just like those he had enjoyed with his friend for years, little did he know the plotting going on behind the scenes. It was confirmed when Rick asked if anyone had plans for next Wednesday or Thursday, and Alexis, ruled out Thursday, saying she and Beth had a full schedule and tickets purchased. Rick took out his phone texted his good friend,
"We're on for Wednesday, see you next week, Big Cheese, then a smiley emoji, RC"
Xx
Wednesday Mayor Weldon's Office
11:30 AM
Kate, along with her team, and half of the 12th precinct was in a large meeting hall in City Hall, all they had been told was it was a mandatory meeting with Mayor Weldon, and anyone with any brains would be there, especially since Roy also made it mandatory.
The Captain had been distant, almost like he was troubled by something greater than normal. Kate noticed, so did the boys and Karpowski, but no one could get him to talk about it. The last time this had happened, Rick took him deep-sea fishing for an afternoon, and whatever had troubled him, was gone when he returned. He had been depressed that his daughter was leaving for college, well there was no Rick now, so perhaps that's what he was missing.
"Anyone got any idea what this is all about?" Javi asked, trust him to be the one to poke the bear.
"No, and if you're smart you won't try to get any sneak previews Esposito, the Mayor is still pissed at us, usually this is for something big, like an awards luncheon or to announce, Oh Shit, maybe that's it, maybe Roy's finally retiring. Everyone has seen how down he's been, no matter what he's still in that depressed mode" Kate said with a look of shock on her face,
"I thought of that Kate, I checked with my friend in HR, nothing in the works for that, at least that was open to the general viewing"
"Your friend in HR is that the one you were getting cozy with at the Haunt the last time we all went out," Javi asked,
"Esposito, shut your face, do us a favor go find a corner and sit in it before you piss off someone that will give us grief, and to answer your question, he's a friend the same way you and Lanie are friends, Asshole" Red flushed the faces of both Lanie and Javi, and both made a quick retreat. Roz always told it like it was, Javi would learn someday, maybe.
At 11:50 AM everyone was ordered to take a seat, and remain quiet until the lights came back up. There was some activity in the very front, but Kate couldn't make it out, several new guests were shown to their VIP seats, whatever this was, it was big. Finally, ten minutes later her heart jumped into her throat and she felt as if she were going to pass out, the lights came up and there standing between Roy and the Mayor was Rick, looking every bit as surprised as the crowd.
Gina walked up and gently took his hand and guided him back to his seat of honor between her and Beth. He had the look of a lamb being led to slaughter, then he realized that there were more people behind him, he didn't dare turn around or he would lose it.
Mayor Weldon motioned and the lights came all the way up to reveal one side of the conference room set up as a buffet and the other with chairs for guests. Rick was catching on quick now, and he gave his friend a look,
"Good Afternoon All, At the risk of bodily harm, or at least a few poison pen letters I am braving this to do something my dear and best friend absolutely detests, pulling a surprise on him. Rick, I'm sorry but it's the only way we could get you here to present to you something that has been sitting in my desk for a few months now.
"If you could look around you would see your friends from the 12th precinct who have made their presence here today to congratulate you, and to share your moment of fame. To all those who don't know, a few months back our city and its citizens were in danger, grave danger. Details can't be disclosed but we saw heroic actions from several people that day, today is the day we recognize those actions. Captain Roy Montgomery, Lead Detective Katherine Beckett, and Detectives Kevin Ryan and Javier Esposito, can you come forward please."
As they were filing into the front of the room, Rick's pulse shot up, and Gina's reassuring grip on his hand was supplemented by her other hand gently rubbing circles behind his thumb, she could feel the pulse start to return to normal, and Rick was doing a great job of not letting on anything was bothering him.
"Each of these individuals played a key role in the prevention of loss of life, limb, and property to the citizens of this city and are hereby awarded this proclamation and award." He slipped his reading glasses on and read the following
Meritorious Conduct Medal: The Meritorious Conduct Medal shall be awarded to department personnel who distinguish themselves by meritorious achievement or meritorious service. Meritorious actions are those which clearly surpass that which is normally required or expected. The degree of merit need not be unique but must be exceptional and superior.
These group of people certainly met these requirements and more. Although their actions must remain secret, their acts of bravery and service to our city do not, Congratulations to each."
He passed down the line presenting the medals to each, and a proclamation declaring that they had earned the medal for service above and beyond the call, along with a ribbon or lapel pin that could be worn daily. Once he concluded, he turned and asked the audience, to join him in a round of applause for each.
Kate glanced at Rick, who was making every attempt to look anywhere but at her, it broke her heart, this was the award they were supposed to have received together, that pulled their lives together, but it wasn't to be.
After the group had filed back to their seats, Mayor Weldon took the microphone again,
"Now for the tough part, I owe my friend and brother an apology, and ask that he only blame me, Alexis, Gina, and the remainder were only reacting to a request from me, so if you're angry buddy, this is the butt you want to chew, not theirs."
Rick smiled a weak smile but patted Gina's hand as if to say, he wasn't upset, Alexis leaned in and kissed his cheek, whispering, "I'm sorry Daddy" he mouthed silently, "It's OK Pumpkin" and then turned back to face Bob.
"Rick would you come up here please, and remember I do have security if you want to kick my butt, it'll have to wait for a little while longer." Laughter rang out,
"Once again, although the actual deeds cannot be described, nor can we mention the many hours of suffering Rick and Detective Beckett went through to accomplish the feat that saved thousands of lives, our city truly does owe you a debt of gratitude."
"In recognition for actions, by a private citizen, acting in accord and with the NYPD, I hereby degree the honor of Medal of Valor: The Medal of Valor is the highest recognition of achievement presented by the NYPD. The Medal of Valor shall be awarded to department personnel who distinguish themselves with extraordinary individual acts of bravery or heroism above and beyond which is normally expected in the line of duty at extreme, life-threatening, personal risk. Personnel must have displayed extreme courage by placing their own safety in immediate peril in the pursuit of their duties. The actions must clearly be so outstanding that it clearly distinguishes above the call of duty from lesser forms of bravery."
In addition to the luncheon we are serving today, I have issued a proclamation that tomorrow shall be deemed Richard Castle Day, in honor of his selfless acts, along with the NYPD. Now if my friend is still speaking to me, I would ask that he say a few words," as he handed the microphone to Rick.
"Well, I really don't know what to say, well except your ass is grass Bob, the lawnmower will appear when you least expect it, as laughter broke out, Seriously, I was lucky, I did a stupid thing that just happened to be the right stupid thing to do, so as much as you want to think it was bravery, it was really desperation and one last-ditch effort.
"You got the real heroes in the first group of people, the ones that put it all on the line for us day in and day out, Lord knows how many times they have faced death and just quietly done their jobs. They don't do it for fame or glory and looking at some of the wages, they damn sure don't do it to get rich, but they are the ones who deserve this. Thank you all for the award, but more for coming out when I'm sure you all had much better things to do. So, with that said, everyone please follow the young ladies to get something to eat, and mingle for a few hours."
A huge round of applause was heard, and members of the mayor's staff helped direct the lines toward the food.
"So how long did you know Genes?" Rick asked,
"Well, eh"
"Daddy, don't blame Mom, Uncle Bob called me, and it was I who called her and Paula, last week,"
"Thanks, pumpkin I'm not blaming anyone, I just wanted to know how long a secret could stay a secret between Paula and Gina, it looks like forever" he laughed.
Gina and Rick found themselves alone, well mostly Beth was only a few rows behind them, but out of direct earshot,
"Rick, you know you owe her a face to face, this is a safe environment, so please, don't put yourself into that standard, go talk to her Love, she deserves at least that, do it for me, please?"
Rick knew he was defeated, and when he turned around to walk, there she was, less than a foot away,
"Hello Rick, can we talk?"
TBC