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

"They said it had been leaking at least a month, so they and I thought that the radiation caused the damage, but Dr. Duhigg pointed out that the original surgeon used the wrong sutures when he first starting repairing the wound from your gunshot. He said you were fortunate that he only had time to place 2-3 sutures, that's where it leaked, then when Doctor Kovacs took over, he used the correct sutures and type of material"

"Rick, are you saying that Josh used the wrong material causing my valve to leak, and cause this new surgery? That son of a bitch, now I do have the incentive to get better, we're going to own his ass when I get well enough to sue him" she started coughing, and Alexis beat Gayle to her to hold her pillow against her chest.

"Sweetheart, just get better we'll deal with everything else once you are back on your feet. I know you rehabbed in the cabin the first time, well I hired three nurses for around the clock care, and the gym in our loft will be there for your PT when you are ready."

"Rick, I'm so sorry, Babe, I put you through Hell back then, and now you have to relive it, all I do is bring you pain, I'm so sorry"

"MOM, stop it, you don't bring us pain, this time you have us, your family and you won't be alone in any of this, I promise you that" Alexis stepped in at just the right time, Rick was struggling with his words, now,"

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Chapter 13

Mt Sini Hospital

New York

Two Days Later

Kate had passed the threshold, 72 hours had come and gone and she was now on the way back to recovery. It had come with a price, she did suffer bouts of depression, something pointed out by Marlene, the nurse Rick hired as lead nurse. It proved to be one of the wisest decisions he ever made, Marlene talked to Kate from a woman who had been there, not just seen it but lived it.

She noticed the signs of depression first and mentioned to Rick that she was going to alert Dr. Duhigg who for now was the lead doctor on the team. If she could continue to progress at the rate she was going, her cancer treatments, chemo, and radiation, even though modified to lower dosage over a longer time frame could begin on schedule in 10 days.

Rick had barely left the hospital, only to go home and pack new clothes or review the mail and he was back at the hospital. He was surprised and touched when he read in the N. Y. Times, a modified version of the original press release. It had to be Paula's doing, even if she was a pain in the ass most of the time, he knew she loved him and his family.

He ran his fingers over the column,

"To all fans of Nikki Heat, Jameson Rook, Richard Castle, and his beloved muse, now known 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 emergency surgery for complications suffered during her scheduled cancer surgery. We are delighted to report that she is well, and although in the CCU unit continues to improved daily, 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."

Paula Haas, Director of Communications RCE Enterprises.

Rick pulled out his phone and sent a quick text to his Agent,

"Paula, just saw the revised press release, thanks from Kate and I both, we appreciate it, keep you updated as I can"

RC,

He then took a decent shower, he missed the powerful jets pounding out the tensions and stress on his body, he knew Kate would give just about anything for her hot bath. That's when he got the idea, yeah it might be crazy but if it made his wife happy then he would do anything, absolutely anything to please her.

He made a few calls, the first to Dr. Duhigg, who after some conversation, "you want to what, are you crazy, your wife is just out of the danger zone," then after he heard the full plan, he replied,

"You're absolutely crazy, you know that, BUT if Kate wants to, and you can get the nurses to agree to my stipulations then OK, and Rick, just because you build a wing on the hospital, even you have limits on what the hospital will allow"

"I know, I know, I don't pull the powerplay often but when it comes to Kate and my family nothing, they want is going unfulfilled." Rick replied as he rushed, "Sorry Doc, got another call, appreciate your help."

A few hours later everything was in place and he had to get back to the hospital and to Kate. When he was at the edge of the door, he heard her talking to Lanie, sobbing actually.

"Lanie, I can't, I just can't let him take this on. It's like a fucking nightmare that won't end, first I hook up with Josh, the pompous ass almost killed me, now that we look back but why the hell was I with him anyway?

"Because I got jealous when I paraded Deming in front of Rick, and he asked Gina to the Hamptons. I played the injured role, everyone even Roy gave Rick such a hard time when he came back and worse, I wanted him to hurt like I did every fucking night that summer just thinking of him and Gina in bed, God what a juvenile move.

"Josh was always meant to be just someone that I could prove to Rick that others wanted me as well, I was so fucked up, I didn't even realize that I hurt him so badly. Then, and this is what kills me, even now, was me disappearing after telling him I needed a few days.

"Do you think for one second that he wouldn't move heaven and earth for me, and I treated him like shit. I just got used to the fact that he does love me, that's what going to make this so hard, but for once I'm going to do something for someone other than myself, I have to Lanie, he can't be stuck with damaged goods the rest of his life. This wasn't what he signed up for," she burst into sobs as Lanie held her,

Rick took a few minutes to compose himself, allowing Lanie to try to talk sense into her, what the hell was she talking about, was she going to dump him now? After all the fighting they did to get together, he had never heard her sound a forlorn as she did now.

"Kate Beckett Castle, you listen, and you listen good. If you want to kill that man, just go ahead with that stupid plan to try to get the marriage dissolved. You think you're doing something that would set him free from what do you call it damaged goods?

"Let me tell you something, and I'm not pulling punches, when you were gone, Rick was a mess. He never knew I saw it; I visit a shrink over on the other side of town, I have since, well you remember the incident in college, it's getting better, but I still need counseling now and then. Anyway, one day I'm headed to the office, and I see Rick coming out.

"I talked to Alexis and she said she found him drunk on his desk, for weeks, and one day she couldn't get him to wake. She called Gina who came over and drove him to the hospital, then insisted he see a psychologist, he wouldn't do it for anyone else, but when Alexis told him if he didn't, she was moving to California with her mother, he did it for her.

"I guess he was so depressed, he, well eh, anyway Kate, you can't do this or you're going to kill him for sure this time. The act you think that is so noble, is not, it's going to kill a family. Alexis will never be the same if something happens to her Dad, hell if something happens to you.

"If you want to destroy everyone that loves you, that makes your family complete, that will be with you regardless of what comes, then go ahead, but Kate. I won't be here, nor can I be your friend, tell me what it's going to be, and I mean now." Lanie was past the point of pissed off

Kate began to sob, then Lanie pulled her into a hug, "Girl, let that man do what he was put on this earth for, to take care of you. You know he worships the ground you walk on, and Kate, let me ask you, would you cut and run if Rick were laying in that hospital bed?"

"Lanie, HELL NO, Always, in sickness and health, that was my vow to him, Oh my God, I see what you just did, thanks Lanie, I would have hurt him terribly even if he knew I thought about this, regardless of the reason, I do love him, I would die for him or Alexis."

"Then let him do for you, it's not a burden to him, it's a joy Kate. Watch his eyes when he does anything, just like the ice chips, when you first came around, you wouldn't believe what a wreck he and Alexis both were.

"Kate, I know you think you can do things for yourself, and if you can do them. Rick has three nurses to help you recover from both the cancer and the heart, listen to them, do as you're told, for Alexis, and for Rick. I love you but I can tell you this, you are a terrible patient, absolutely the worst. Change that, for your daughter, and your husband, OK?"

"OK Lanes, I love you girl, what would I do without you?"

"Fuck up the best thing that ever happen to you, no more of that, or sick or not I will smack you" she hugged her back,

Rick felt bad, listening to what was going on, but he wanted Kate to be happy. At first, he was deeply hurt she would even consider trying to end their marriage, then he listened as she told Lanie what she would do if roles were reversed, it was because she did love him and Alexis. She just had to accept he loved her, no matter how many or where the scars were. Something for him to work on, he cleared his voice loudly and walked in to see Lanie hugging Kate,

"Ladies, how are things going since I left, anything changed," Rick asked,

"Yeah writer man, we re-wrote War and Peace, and Kate translated it into French, hell Rick you've been gone less than three hours what did you think happened." She smiled,

"You never know, I may have a few surprises that will make my wife happy, but I need you here Lanie, can you stay just a bit longer." He asked, sounding more like a little boy on Christmas than a grown man.

"Sure, I can stay, but you're having lunch delivered. Our girl here is now clear for normal food so I'm thinking Remy's strawberry shake will help kick start her taste buds, and of course, I could use one myself." She laughed,

Kate smiled, even thru her pain it was a legitimate smile, and she replied," I'm so glad my best friend can read my taste buds, but she's right, it does sound delicious.

"I'll be right back", he said as he darted out the door, returning a few minutes later.

"Rick, where did you go Babe? I mean we're married now, so I can ask, right?"

He started laughing, "Of course you can ask, that's a lot better than stay out of my way or I'll shoot you" and then Kate started to laugh, but it hurt her stitches.

"I'm sorry Babe, rest, but I think you'll like what I have coming in now."

Rick went to the door and said "OK Guys, you know what to do, " In walked a crew of well built and strong me carrying boxes and some attachments, in a matter of minutes, Kate was staring at a portable bathtub, complete with an attachment that would draw water from the tub for her hair, she could wash her hair. God this was better than anything he had ever given her.

Marlene came in and said, "OK Kate, you went for your walks yesterday, I know they hurt like a bitch, but we couldn't let Rick bring this in until you passed the first test. Now, this is how this works, I know you like your baths scalding, well, sorry Dr. Duhigg has the temperature set to no greater than 90 degrees and for no longer than 5 minutes on the chest area, but you can soak as long as you choose.

"We'll place this clear wrap around the top area, just to keep any water or germs from infecting your wounds or transferring to any other part of your body. I heard you tell Lanie you felt like a forest and needed to shave your legs, well, we can do that for you, it's too much stress on your wounds yet, perhaps in two weeks or so, but Kate, we're here for you to heal in comfort, so don't be shy, please."

"I or one of my partners will help you shampoo and rinse your hair, no lifting your arms over your head, no stress on the chest wounds at all, and then when you're finished, we hit this button, and the water is pumped out, and the unit goes through a cleaning cycle waiting for your next bath"

Rick looked at Kate all excited, and he saw her crying,

"Oh God Babe, did I screw up, I'm sorry I can have it taken down, I mean,"

"Rick, shut up and kiss me, it's the sweetest thing you have ever done. My hair, god you even brought my shampoo and conditioner, you think of everything, I love you, God do I love you." She beamed, as Rick kissed her gently, she pulled him in for another slightly longer one

"Babe, not that I'm not wanting you or missing our times, but I want you to get well, totally well so this will be behind us and when we go back to normal activities, as the doctors say, well they will be our normal," he blushed,

"OK, but I'm keeping score so you better stay in shape because I want payment in full when we kick Cancer's ass, and now Dr. Davison's as well, that bastard."

"Did you say, Doctor Davidson, Josh Davidson by chance?", Marlene asked

"Yes, do you know him, Marlene, not being too nosy," Rick asked,

"Not personally, but he got one of our nurses pregnant, then took off for a mission overseas, Doctors without Borders, so she's been going it alone. I warned her, he had a girlfriend at the time, but she fooled around and she got burned, how do you know him, Rick?"

Kate looked her straight in the eye, "I was the girlfriend he almost killed on the operating table when he was fucking your nurse while dating me" She spat

"He was the ER Surgeon when Kate was brought in 19 months ago with a gunshot wound, he placed the 2-3 sutures that caused the leak before his boss kicked him out of the OR, and now Kate has to rehab all over again because of the pompous ass." Rick didn't raise his voice, but the anger was there

"Kate, I'm so sorry, he was always a CAD, I warned all the nurses to stay away from him. Sorry but that man was in love with himself too much to be able to love anyone else." Marlene said

"How is the nurse with his child, do you hear from her?" Rick asked

"Yes, she's working part-time here and over at County just to make ends meet, she can't afford the attorney to go after him, he's down in Miami now with some Columbian model as his girlfriend." She said

"Marlene, there are cards in the drawer here, can you take one please?" Kate asked,

"James Beckett Esquire, Attorney at Law, someone you know Kate?"

"You could say that, have her call, tell Dad the story, and mention she's a friend of mine, Dad will do the case, Pro Bono, that bastard needs to face his responsibilities." Kate was angry now.

"Thanks, Kate, it would help her out a great deal, I agree, he needs to own his mistakes and make things right," Marlene said

"Can you share the address where he's at, and if she knows where he's working with Dad, your friend's surprise isn't the only one he's about to get, Dad, is suing him for malpractice and attempted danger on a domestic partner, either will get his license revoked, so tell her to get her money quick while there is still some to get."

"Great, and Kate, Thank You," Marlene said

"Hey burgers and shakes are here", Rick announced,

Kate noticed every nurse was walking around with a food bag, "Rick, did you buy for the entire hospital?"

"No, of course not, just this floor, so you better eat it while it's hot Babe, then I know you have your eyes set on that bath. I'll be next door when you do, and you can draw the blinds if you don't want me peeking," he blushed,

"Hell no, I want you to see, and want me as much as I want you and not be able to have you, it just reminds me why I have to work so hard; can you stand that Babe?" She teased,

"Kate Beckett Castle, you can be an evil woman sometimes, but I love you and I will be right here if you will let me. I'm your caregiver, and I want to help you any way I can" he said as tears came to his eyes,

She reached out took his hand, and squeezed it, "You do everyday Babe, just knowing you love me is more than enough, I'm not going to quit, I promise you." Tears in her eyes for what she had been thinking before Lanie talked sense into her,

"I love you Lanes, Thanks, you know,"

"Yeah, I know, love you too, are you going to finish your fries? Changing the subject but getting the message loud and clear.

Rick smiled, acted like he didn't have a clue what they were talking about, but he owed Lanie big time, and when this was over, she would get her reward, she just saved them all from eternal heartbreak.

TBC