Love You Through It
by Castlefan6
Authors Note: SnowKing1701 PROMPT REQUEST - They get together early in the series and a health scare tests their love, but not separate them. We may take liberties with the events and timeline from Canon and use events to make this a more believable fiction, Warning THIS IS AU, with only brief flashes of Canon. MAJOR CHARACTER ILLNESS, NO DEATH PROCEED WITH CAUTION, SENSITIVE SUBJECT MATTER
Thanks for the Prompt SnowKing1701, I hope I do it justice.
I don't own Castle; I use the characters for amusement purposes only, except the ones I create.
Previously
Kate tried but couldn't hold back, she pulled her into a hug and cried, "Baby, you have been a Godsend, not only the wedding, but taking care of everything for us, I know it's seldom said, but please know I love you as my own. Thanks for accepting this, especially after my past royal screwups," tears flowed from them both,
Alexis was the first to recover, "Mom if you make me cry when I get my makeup on, I swear, I'm going to hide Dad's Xbox for a week," she said laughing, "I love you too, and just get well, for us all, now let's get back to be sure everything is going to schedule. By my time, you'll officially be my Mom, in 3 hours and 55 minutes, so we have to get ready."
She turned but left her arm wrapped around Kate's waist, as did Kate to her. It was a beautiful sight, Lanie, and Martha were standing behind a curtain upstairs and were smiling at how close the two had become so quickly.
************************************************************************************/
Chapter 10
Castle's Loft
Four Days Later,
Day before Surgery
Rick and Kate had spent four days away, neither would say where they had been since they only considered it the down payment of the real honeymoon, Rick's terminology. Alexis knew, she, in fact, made the reservations for her Dad and new Mom, first-class flights to Panama then back to New York three days later. It at least gave them time out of the spotlight, something that would change quickly now that they had returned.
Rick had instructed Paula to issue a total blackout to the press, with the caveat that the agency that had heeded his wishes would be granted the first sit-down interview with him and the new Mrs. Rick Castle in the near future, others would be dealt with, including being prosecuted.
It only took one incident where a paparazzi snapped a photo of Kate, looking weak and tired at the airport, on their return to understand his 'dealt with' when a security team member of Rick's picked the paparazzi up by his throat, threw him against the wall, stripped the film from the camera, then smashed the expensive camera to pieces with his foot. All while the paparazzi was fighting to breathe while being forced against a wall, his feet completely off the ground.
The guard finally released the man, now a beat red and gasping for breath,
"What part of Dealt With didn't you understand Scum Bag? He picked up the camera, well pieces of it, and then turned back to the camera's owner and picked him up as well, both were deposited in a nearby recycle bin, with the parting words, "Next time, I won't recycle" leaving thoughts of all types of human pain the then camera owner's mind, "Spread it around, scumbag, you got off easy, next time I get rough" and turned and walked away.
The word spread quickly, Rick Castle was serious about his family and if you didn't want to lose expensive equipment or worse bodily harm, stay clear and allow the family their privacy. This all happened without Kate's knowledge, Rick knew she wouldn't approve of the roughhouse tactics, but after dealing with these parasites for as long as he had, knew what measures he had to take to protect her and their privacy.
He winced when he remembered that he needed to have the conversation soon, what about Nikki and Kate? Fans were going to find out about Kate's condition, no matter what lengths he went to maintain her privacy. The multitudes of young ladies that had become the Nikki Heat fandom reaching worldwide would certainly attempt to do something to help. Kate had made great strides in embracing his lifestyle but even he wasn't sure that he was ready to put the entire story out for public consumption.
They were laying on the couch, watching an old chic flic, Love Story, God why had he agreed to watch such a sad movie. Was this somehow a message to him from Kate, he had only seen parts of it before, but by the time Jenny died, he was as much a mess as Kate was. They lay together in silence no words needed to be said, both knew what each other was feeling. Finally, after a long time, just lying together, he heard her tiny voice,
"Rick?"
"Yes Babe" he replied as he held her just a bit tighter,
"You know that if things don't go as planned, I don't want you to be alone, you've been lonely far too long and Babe, if I can't be here, please promise me, you'll look for love, you have to promise Rick, this is important to me." She had tears in her voice
"Kate, NO, I mean I'll give you anything you want, but please Babe, don't make me promise that please? You just don't know, do you? You're not just my love, you're my world and we won't even talk about that, Doctor G is so positive sweetie, you have to be as well." His voice cracked with emotions,
She raised up, kissed the tears from his eyes, and laid her head on his chest, "I love you more than I ever thought I could love anyone or anything, but Babe, I don't want you to go on with just a memory if things go south" she was holding back the tears that were surely going to fall soon,
"Kate, I promise you, you're not holding me back from anything, my world begins and ends with you, and Babe, I won't tell you a lie. You told me you were looking for your one and done, well I can say you are my done, nothing compares to you, or ever will."
She turned to put her face in his chest and sobbed, as he held her, slowly rubbing her back, finally her choice of this movie was her way to tell him to move on with her blessing if something happened, what an ass he was.
"Babe, I'm slow, and I'm sorry, but I just figured out why you chose this movie, but I won't let you leave me, not after fighting for so long and so hard to get you, I'll be damned if something is going to take you from me, from Alexis and from Mother.
"It's OK to be scared, I'm scared for you, for me, and for all of us, but Babe, you're going to beat this, no matter how hard it hits you. You don't quit, you don't give up, and as I promised you when you're tired, I'll be here to carry you. Let me, Kate, please let me help you, let me love you through this because if something happens to you, my world ends."
She collected herself a bit, raised her head, and just smiled through her tears, and mumbled, "OK"
"There is one thing I need to know how you want me to handle Kate, and I'll do it any way you want, so just le*"
"You want to know about the Nikki/Kate connection and how to handle it, should we announce that I have cancer, knowing the fans are going to try to help, no matter how many times you ask for privacy.
"I've thought about that Rick, and you know, let's draft a press release and have Paula publish it. You always told me that staying ahead of the press was the art of staying out of the really scandalous ones."
"Kate are you sure, I mean I can beef up security to protect your privacy, I mean*"
"Babe you can't keep throwing paparazzi in the recycle bins after breaking their cameras, there will be a time when we can use them," she smiled as his face turned to shock,
"It's OK Babe, I know why you did it, and how much you love me, but we need to be realistic, so I think if we release what we want to tell, there is no story for the rags, the mainstream will publish what we draft taking away the edge for the scandals they like to promote in the Grocery Store checkout line displays." She smiled tears still in her eyes,
"OK Kate, whatever you want, you know that" Rick agreed,
"Well, I couldn't sleep so I made a draft for you to wordsmith, you're the master of words in this family" she patted his hand as she handed him a sheet off of a legal pad.
He held her hand, then kissed her gently, "I love you, Mrs. Castle, I'll never get tired of saying that or calling you by my last name. I still think I'm dreaming sometimes," he smiled,
Kate had been turning her ring, a habit Alexis first noticed, and now with the double band, she stared at her finger in awe, "I know what you mean Rick, I'm still amazed, but you know what, after what we went through, Cancer can bring it on. I just needed a reminder I guess of what I'm fighting and who I'm fighting it for, nothing is going to take me from my family, nothing"
He began to read the statement,
"To all fans of Nikki Heat, Jameson Rook, Richard Castle, and his beloved muse, now know as Detective Kate Beckett-Castle, we wanted to inform you of a development in our family. Some may have heard, or guessed, but the rumors sadly are true, Kate Beckett-Castle is undergoing treatment for Breast Cancer.
"At the time of this release, Mrs. Castle has undergone successful radiation therapy to reduce the tumor, and will be having surgery at Mount Sini Hospital on Thursday to remove the balance. Please honor her and the family's request for privacy, although your prayers and well wishes are both welcomed and appreciated. Please follow this channel for all official update, and disregard any unofficial news or rumors,
Thank You, with much love,
Rick and Kate Castle."
Rick's eyes teared up as Kate handed him a red pen,
"What's that for? It's perfect just the way it's written. I had just hoped the first time your name, Kate Castle appeared in print, would have been on a happier occasion." He whispered,
"Hey it is, it's the start of the rest of our lives, and it's our fight to help so many of your readers to face their own battles Rick, I thought about how much you influenced me when Mom was killed. I decided that if my story could help someone on the fence about treatment, or even encourage women to get examined, then it would be worth the lack of privacy." She was back, her eyes clear and sharp, and holding her husband, no place she would rather be.
Xx
The next morning was just an extension of the previous night, Kate content to cuddle with Rick until Alexis came down, and the two became three lying together. Rick had spread some heavy blankets out on the floor in front of the couch, and all three were lying holding on to each other, just cherishing each moment. Kate heard sniffling and turned to see her daughter fighting hard to hold her tears in, but losing the battle,
"Oh Alexis, it'll be OK baby, I will be home in a few days, and then we can talk about your next project for school, OK?" she pulled the young lady into her arms holding her as the damn burst, and the tears flowed.
"Oh sweetie, it's OK, I got you, I'm right here if you need to cry, you go ahead, I'm right here, baby." Kate didn't see the strong young take charge lady of just a few days ago, rather a little girl frightened and holding on to her for dear life.
Kate glanced at Rick who was still holding her, he just nodded to indicate, you got this Mom, you're who she needs now.
"Alexis can you tell me what has you so upset sweetie, Are you afraid of something?"
"I've waited all this time to get you as my Mom, for Daddy to finally have someone who truly loves him, and us, and you have to have surgery, it's not fair, Mom, it's not fair." Alexis sniffled,
"Oh baby, this is a life lesson that will go with you forever, life is never fair, we just do the best with what God gives us. I'm lucky sweetie, I found it early, the treatments already shrunk it some, and I have the best family in the world who loves me, what more could I ask for?" she tried to reassure her new daughter,
She held her for a while, then heard Alexis say,
"Dad, I'm coming with you and Mom tomorrow, I don't want to hear any arguments, because I won't be able to concentrate on school, and I need to know she is OK, so don't try to argue with me, please"
"OK, pumpkin, I'm sure Mom will love to have you with us, she was worried about you and how you would be away, during her surgery. I know better than to argue with one, much less two Castle women." He tried to smile, as his arm reached out and pulled Alexis and Kate close to him, praying there would be more times like this, trying to stay strong, but afraid out of his mind.
Xx
Mt Sini Hospital
6:30 AM
Kate, Rick, Alexis and Lanie Parish were sitting in the waiting room, waiting for Kate to be called back to be prepped for surgery. The plan was for her to be in the hospital for 2-3 days, receive her first chemo treatment and one radiation session to monitor her tolerance to the drugs. She knew nausea was a huge side effect and was trying to prep herself as best she could for what was about to come.
Lanie was at the hospital when they arrived, and there was no talking the ME out of staying for as long as she was needed,
"Lanes, thanks for coming but you really shouldn't have, I know you burned a vacation day to be here. I'll be OK, really I will."
"Really? Well did you ever think I came for Rick, who's going to explain the medical jargon he's going to need a translator to understand, plus, I love you too, even if you are so damn stubborn" she said quietly, not full of the energy Rick was accustomed to,
A few minutes later a nurse called quietly, "Kate Beckett", Kate using her maiden name until the press release was printed,
Rick stood, took her hand and helped her to her feet, followed by Alexis and then Lanie,
"Sorry ladies, just the patient, and her spouse for a little while, we'll come and get you when she's prepped, and before surgery, OK?" The nurse said sweetly,
Alexis rushed past her to hug Kate, "See you in a few minutes Mom, and Dad, don't play with anything back there, you could hurt Mom" Kate smiled as Rick flushed,
Lanie hugged her quickly, "I'll see you in a few minutes," turning quickly so she could maintain her tough exterior.
Rick assisted Kate getting ready, uggggh that dreaded gown, but again it had the breastfeeding bra design, after she was dressed, or undressed she thought, the parade of doctors started coming in. Many of the same questions over and over, God she hated hospitals, but soon this will be over she thought as she did her best to be patient.
Finally, she saw Doctor Richardson walk in, next to a smaller, slightly older gentleman dressed in scrubs, and his mask down.
"Hi Kate, Rick, I'd like to introduce you to Dr. Jorge Benavidez, he's done every surgery I've been associated with for the last 15 years, so you have the dean of surgery doing your work today."
They exchanged pleasantries, Kate was impressed with his resume, but more so with his bedside manner, he looked like her Dad, except smaller stature, kind eyes, soft voice, and a big smile. He gave then all the time they wanted to ask questions, and then he said, "We'll take good care of her Rick, my wife is a huge Nikki Heat fan, so I can't mess this up." He smiled and over his shoulder, he said, "See you in a few minutes, Kate,"
Rick was trying hard not to show it, but the fear was really beginning to set in, he was glad Alexis and Lanie would be there with him, this was worse than if he were going through the surgery, hell he wished he could take her place.
"Babe, I'm fine, I'm going to be fine, look at the doctors I have, we couldn't ask for better," she squeezed his hand, "Hey you better kiss me like you mean it, our daughter will be back here soon," so he did, and the kiss helped calm him more than Kate.
Just as they broke, Alexis and Lanie were back, they were only allowed to hug her and say goodbye then they started to wheel her out of the room. Rick walked with the cart, holding her hand until they reached those double doors with the sign Authorized Personnel Only, No Admittance. The cart stopped, Alexis hugged her,
"We love you Mom, we'll be here when you wake up, and I'll watch over Dad" then she kissed her cheek, and turned quickly away tears streaming down her cheek,
Lanie patted the young girl on the back then slipped into the place she just vacated,
"Hey, don't be so stubborn in there, you hear, we got you out here, and I'll help Alexis take care of Writer Man, you just let the doctors take care of you," she hugged her,
"Thanks, Lanes, I'll see you soon" Kate said, beginning to relax from the IV,
Finally, Rick stepped in and kissed her, "Babe, we'll be right here, just let the doctors do their thing, OK? I love you more than life itself, remember that, I'll see you soon"
"Always" she whispered as she kissed him and then the cart was wheeled through the double doors, leaving Rick alone.
He leaned against the wall, and finally let his tears flow, he had been holding them in for since the wedding dreading this day. His shoulders shook, even though he was quiet, he was sobbing, harder than he had since he was a boy.
He felt an arm go around his waist after a few minutes, "Come on Dad, I got you" as Alexis led him to the waiting room and the quiet time that he hated so much.
TBC
A/N Thanks for all of the responses, just a heads up, things are going to get rough, I promise I will do my best to leave you with hope and promise, but this disease is something that destroys families, friends, and even workmates, not to mention the victim themselves. It isn't pretty in life, I won't write the gore, but be aware, it's not going to be a walk in the park, Thanks, Tim
