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
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
************************************************************************************/
Chapter 14
Mt Sini Hospital
New York
Later Same Day
Marlene convinced Kate to wait until she had taken a short nap before she exerted the energy moving from the bed to her new bathtub. Rick had found it somewhere and had customizations made to it, one panel, was removable, allowing Kate to simply walk into the tub, and then the panel was replaced, secured and the waterproof seal placed on it. That man, he thought of everything, even how she would be able to get in and out of the tub without steps or a ladder.
He sat next to her, after the meal, just holding her hand, rubbing small circles, their work kisses and I love you until he kissed her, and she was out like a light. Marlene was right, even though Kate would never admit being tired, she was acting as her voice now, and took her job seriously to get her well as quickly as possible.
"Rick, where did you find such a tub? I mean whoever made it could really clean up, no pun intended, I don't think I've ever seen anything like it? Marlene asked as she examined it closely, checking for any slip hazards that could cause Kate to slip or worse fall.
"I know a guy", earned him a glare, as he revised, "well a friend of mine loves to improvise and problem solve, so when I told him what I wanted, we purchased the top of the line tub from a Medical Supply store then, he went to work and made the changes. He's a genius when it comes to things like this" Rick smiled,
"I hope he patented it, I mean this could be a goldmine Rick, with our population growing older, this would be ideal for so many individuals, even assisted living facilities since he included a self-sanitizing wash cycle," Marlene smiled,
"He did, and they go on sale next month, with all profits going to his foundation, he made me promise not to mention his name but he and his wife run a huge foundation that does nothing but provide for those who are in need. If you ever used a computer, well not Apple, but a computer you know who it is." He smiled, knowing his friend would bristle at any publicity, he never did anything for praise or glory.
"Oh my God you mean"
"I can't say, so why don't you take your lunch break, I'll sit here with my wife, I love to watch her sleep when she isn't in pain," Rick said softly,
"She always sleeps better when she's holding your hand, and her vitals are always much better when you're around. For two people who spent so many years dancing around the issue, you are sure made for each other. I'm glad she found happiness, she completed you and your daughter, and to hear her talk you would never know she didn't give birth to her, she loves her so very much"
A tear came to Rick's eye, "Alexis loves her as well, if she had her way, we would have been together 4 years ago, but like always adults playing stupid games cost us valuable time, the main thing is we're together now and nothing is going to break us apart."
"I know Rick, I'm sorry I overheard her talking with Lanie, and I was so glad that she got her to see what her good intentions would have done to your family, to you. I spoke to Dr. Duhigg, and if and when she's ready we have a psychologist who is trained especially in depression in women, Postpartum, and in medical crises like this, where they feel less than a woman. I hope I didn't overstep, as I said, it's only if and when she's ready." Marlene said hesitantly,
"You talked to the doctor Marlene? Thank You, I know she's fine, 80% of the time, but those times when it hits her, I don't know how to fix it, I'm sure the doctor would, so thank you. Just a warning, she might bite your head off if you bring it up to her, but don't back down, she needs this, we as a couple need it to make sure she enjoys every minute of the life we have left.
"I went through a period in my life, twice actually, when I really didn't care if I lived or died, I wasn't the type to harm myself, but when I was flying, I really didn't care if we took off or landed, it made no difference to me.
"I know how much that hurt Alexis now, but at the time, I just didn't see it. There was a void, and I crawled into it, along with a bottle of whiskey. I don't want Kate to face one minute of those times, I'm lucky, I recovered stronger than ever. I want to be there for her, whatever she needs or wants, I want to give it to her."
"Is that why Alexis is so protective of you, hell Kate as well, she acts far more mature than her age, you should be proud of her."
Rick smiled, "From an early age, back when it was just my pumpkin and me, Hell I had no idea of how to be a Dad, much less a Mom and remember this was the age before YouTube, so I used to read the help books while she was in school.
"I taught myself how to cook, even how to braid her hair into a French braid, when the money started rolling in, I didn't want to lose the closeness of how it made me feel to my little girl, so we kept up the tradition, just her and me against the world. She was always more mature than her age, but I think she saw me go through trials and wanted to fix it.
"She invited one of her classmates' mother over for dinner once when her friend told her that her parents were getting divorced. She tried to fix us up, we laugh about it now, but Paige is still her best friend, and her Mom now on husband number three. Alexis thought that if I had a wife, I wouldn't have to work so hard to help her, then we had the talk about why I did what I did, and since that day, she's been my defender and my sounding board."
"That explains a lot, hey, I'm going down to grab lunch do you want anything Rick?"
"Thanks, Marlene, but I have everything I need right here, so enjoy your lunch" he smiled,
Rick sat just looking at his wife, in awe that she was now Mrs. Richard Castle, and how tough she really was. He hadn't said anything but Jim had filed suit, and frozen Josh's assets in Miami, pending proof of paternity suit by Marlene's friend, and the suit of malpractice, and attempted harm on a domestic partner.
Even though they technically didn't live together, Jim found a piece of mail that he had listed Kate's address as his place of residence, that was enough in the eyes of the law. Jim was a quiet man, but to say he was on a mission, was an understatement.
Josh had already been fired by his hospital, the model dumped him when he had no money, and he couldn't sell his boat, or two cars, and was facing foreclosure on his beachfront home that he was already over his head with. He would be lucky if he had enough money to buy a bus ticket home to his parents' home in Iowa.
About thirty minutes had passed, and Rick felt eyes on him, he looked down to see Kate staring at him, with such love, he leaned down and kissed her gently. "Hi, did you have a good nap?" he leaned in and captured her lips gently, she wanted more, so did he, but he reluctantly pulled back.
"Babe, soon, I promise you, when this is all over, you and I are going to go someplace, wherever you want and make up for all the lost time." She smiled at him then tears came to her eyes,
"Kate, what's the matter are you hurting, should I get the nurses, tell me babe?" he was panicking,
"No Rick, please, Babe, come here, and please listen, promise?" he nodded still panicked stricken,
"I'm sorry, I overheard part of your conversation with Marlene, I didn't mean to but I woke up just to make sure you were still here, and when you were talking there was such hurt in your voice, I had to know what was going on, I'm so sorry.,"
"Oh Kate, God you scared the Hell out of me, Sweetie, ask me anything, I didn't mean to try to conceal anything from you, I know you are going through hell now, and well, we were going to let you get your strength back a little. What part did you hear, I mean I said something about not caring about life"?
"Babe, you told her there were two occasions that, even though you wouldn't harm yourself you didn't care if the plane landed or crashed, I caused that, not once, but twice, and I'm so sorry Rick if I could only go back"
"Hey, hey, your blood pressure is spiking, you don't want nurse Cyclops to come running in, calm down babe, it's OK, it's all in the past, forgiven and forgotten. I mentioned it when she said something about your case."
"Rick, I know I have depression, and I know you have a psychologist lined up, just waiting for me to throw my typical temper tantrum, then accept the help, Babe, no tantrum, I think I need it, but can I ask you something?"
"Anything Kate, say it and it's yours, you know that"
"Will you go with me to the sessions, even when I get out of here, I mean I don't have the right*
A gentle kiss stopped her, "Of course I will, Always. We need to talk to Marlene and figure out what is best if we stay here for the first treatments, especially with nausea, we can't have you popping a stitch when you're retching over the toilet.
"We don't know how you're going to react, and Kate, I know how much you hate hospitals, so Thank You for being such a trooper this time. You know Alexis and I will be right here, right by your side."
"Rick, I don't mind being anywhere, just as long as I have my family with me, that's always been the missing ingredient, I missed the one, I loved so very much."
Rick hung his head, feeling guilt creep into his soul, "Babe, there's something you haven't told me, I know, so please sweetie tell me what's on your mind now. What is so terrible that you are almost crying?" Kate asked gently,
"Well, I have a confession as well, the other day, I got here a little earlier than when I walked into the room, I overheard your conversation with Lanie, and*"
Kate pulled his head down kissing him with more force since she was hospitalized, "Babe, that was so stupid, please, forgive me, I know it must have hurt you terribly, I don't know what I was thinking, I'm so ashamed of even thinking those things"
"Hey, it's OK, I also heard you say the end, that you would never walk away if roles were reversed, you were pretty adamant about that with her." He smiled as he kissed her tears away,
"Rick, I love you, and if I ever say something stupid like that, even think it, have Lanes come over and smack the hell out of me, promise me?" she laughed through her tears,
"I will, but I think if we both see the Doctor Marlene found for us, then we can get these issues out in the open. Just remember, YOU ARE WORTH IT, you'll always be worth it. There can never be any flaws, any scars, any sickness that would diminish my love for you. YOU, Kate Beckett Castle, are my life, my world, and as long as we're together, nothing else matters, OK?" his tears fell from his eye, slowly down his cheek,
Kate gently wiped it away, and kissed his eyes, "I will Babe, I will, and when I fail, please help me and forgive me, OK?" He gently hugged her being careful of her stitches, just as they heard a little more noise than usual as Marlene entered, meaning she had heard but didn't want to interrupt them. Of all his employees, Rick really liked the way Marlene had fell right into putting his family first, it meant a lot to him.
"Well, I see Kate is awake, what say we try out that Cadillac or is it a BMW of a bathtub?" Marlene asked,
"I thought you would never ask, let us know the plan Marlene, but Rick will be here with me, OK?"
"You asking me for permission for your husband, your newlywed husband to check out your goodies? Girl, that's why I'm here to be sure he looks but doesn't touch, not just yet" she laughed, as Rick blushed,
"OK, first step", she locked the door, and closed the blinds to both the outside and adjoining rooms, then walked over to the supply cabinet, and took out what looked like a roll of shrink wrap that would be used in an industrial application,
"I know what you're thinking but this is Medical Plastic Wrap, it's designed to keep areas dry while healing, and is ideal, as she pulled a short length and gently began to wrap Kate's top, as Rick assisted, God she was still hot even as sick as she was.
"See something you like Mr. Castle," she teased,
"I see a lot that I like, but I have to concentrate, my wife needs to get better, then we'll settle the tab, that was the deal. I have to tell you, you still have your way with my desire, I love you and I want you so very badly but"
"Hey, that isn't helping anyone Rick, you got her blood pressure up, and Kate, you got something else up on your husband, now behave" she scolded,
Rick and Kate both turned beet red, and Marlene laughed,
"Do you know how fantastic it is to see two people who love, really love each other as you two do? It gives me hope, love is still out there, so don't stop, just don't pull the physical part till Doctor releases you" she laughed,
Kate stood gingerly, pain in her eyes, but she let the gown fall to the floor and took the four steps to her bathtub, and sat down gently, while Rick was right beside her, holding her gently for support.
"Kate you rest for five minutes, are you cold, or do you need anything?" Marlene asked,
"No, just catching my breath, I'll be fine" she had Rick's hand in hers, looking at the husband so lovingly,
A few minutes later, Kate had caught her breath, so Marlene started the pre-set temperature, the water started filling the tub at exactly 90 degrees, nowhere near what Kate liked, but hell she was on cloud nine, she had her own bath, her husband helping her, what could be better under the circumstances.
The plastic wrap along with a towel applied to Kate's heart and breasts worked fantastically, she soaked for a few minutes, then looked at Rick who had the attachment in his hand to wash her hair.
"You ready for your hair Babe? I have your shampoo and conditioner right here, all you have to do is lean back a little, see where there's the space I had designed for your head, yep, that's it. Is that too much pressure?"
"Rick, it feels great, are you really going to wash my hair, I mean"
"Kate, ask Alexis, I washed, dried, brushed, and braided her hair for the first four years till I thought she was getting too old for Dad, so I hired a babysitter to watch her while I wrote, including giving her a bath and washing her hair. For the first few years, I had no money, no knowledge, so I read how to do things. It was just a guy who didn't know how to be a Dad, much less what a Mom does,"
"You were always a great Dad, Alexis can't stop talking about all you did for her, and she told me, Mom, let him do it for you now, I'm getting old enough to start dating, and I don't want Daddy to be lonely"
Tears come to his eyes, "Hey Rick, did I say something wrong"
"What, oh no, it's the shampoo I got a little in my eye" as he began to gently wash her hair. Kate had never had anyone be so gentle and loving, God she loved this man, and she knew he loved her. She was actually moaning as he massaged her scalp, and then applied the conditioner, and rinsed it completely gently towel drying it before he looked at Marlene and asked,
"Did you get her legs finished Mar?" Kate had been in such a trance with Rick washing her hair, she hadn't even been aware that Marlene had shaved her legs, and had a fresh gown, waiting for her to step into, once she was positive all the water was gone, from her body.
She stepped out, donned the gown, feeling like all of the bad of the last several days were being taken down the drain with the bathwater Rick just pushed the button to empty, the lid came over and noise of a wash cycle could be heard, sanitizing the tub for the next use. No matter how tough the treatment was, she felt for the first time she really was going to kick cancers ass, and then go after that bastard Josh, if he only knew the hell about to reign down on him,
TBC
