92 Days

by Castlefan6

Authors Note: This is Totally AU; Beckett has left the hospital after her shooting, This describes the activity of each, during those 92 days without contact, both in the hospital and out. It blends some Canon dialog, courtesy of Dust Jackets Dot Com, then goes quickly and completely AU. What were each up to during this time, Taking Literary License to fill in the blanks.

I don't own Castle; I use the characters for amusement purposes only, except the ones I create.

Also, we take liberties with the timeline from Canon and use events to make this a more believable fiction, thanks.

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Chapter 9

Beckett Cabin, Upstate New York

Day 28

Kate's POV

Jim Beckett tried to hold his shocked expression in, but his daughter was so out of character, she wanted to do want? Apologize? Talk to her Dad? Not as the Detective, but as her daughter? Things didn't sound right, but hey, he was open to seeing what was going on.

"I'm not sure I heard you correctly Kate, what did you say?" Jim asked shyly,

"Dad, I said it, I should have said it much earlier, I need to apologize, really apologize, and talk to my dad, not as the detective, but as his daughter, if he has some time". Kate said,

"I want to talk and please let me finish, God knows this is hard for me, but I'm beginning to see how much I hurt people, especially those who love me the most and only want the best for me. I know Mom wouldn't stand for the way I've treated you if she were here, and you're right, you're not the same man you were when you were captured by that disease.

"I guess I got used to taking charge, even if that's a lousy excuse, it's still not an acceptable one, so Dad, I'm truly sorry, for this time, and really for all the times I know I have hurt you terribly since we lost mom. I promise I'll try harder, if you'll promise not to let me get away with it, OK?"

Jim pulled out a sheet of paper where he had written;

House Rules, no matter How Old You Are,

This is my home, you don't get a vote on decisions

You're welcome to stay provided you remember rule #1

I won't be spoken to as a child, or some old man who has lost his marbles, if you want my help, you'll ask for it, in a polite way, as you would your friends

Don't mistake my love for weakness, I will throw your ass out of my house if you don't obey the rules, you see, you got that hard-ass part of your personality from me. Your mother changed me, but believe me, it's right on the edge, don't try me.

If you have private business, keep it out of MY house, anything spoken about in this house is Family business.

If you don't want to discuss something, merely say so, POLITELY, and I won't ask again.

YOU are an adult, your care, your prescriptions, and your time of medications is YOUR responsibility

If you try to violate Doctor's orders and drive, I won't try to stop you, BUT I will call your captain, and perhaps you will be arrested for driving under the influence of strong albeit Prescription drugs.

In short, you are about to meet the mean Son of a Bitch Johanna was able to tame, but Katherine, you have pushed it to the limit. I know you're sorry, so am I, but I don't know if you ever really respected me after we lost your Mom. She was your Mom, she was half of me, and you wonder why I tried to drink my memories away. Grow Up, it's far past time.

Kate read the rules and slowly understood what her Dad was talking about. She had often wondered how she could be so hard-hearted when both her parents were so loving, so now she knew, her Dad could be, and was about to be a real hardass. She looked up when she had finished, to see her Dad holding a pen, offering it to her.

"Sign it Katherine, you see I'm a lawyer, and I want to be able to prove to others that when you screw up and need to find a new place to rehab, you were warned. I'm Dad, but I'm also a man, perhaps you should remember that in your own personal life. Badge or no badge, there's only so much any man will endure, no matter how deeply they love you," Jim said, sounding more like a recital in front of a courtroom than speaking to the daughter he loved so dearly,

"What if I don't sign it?" She asked, forever having to be badass, she was sorry the moment the words were out of her mouth,

"See that ambulance at the end of the drive, almost hidden by the trees? That's your ride back to the city and the rehab center of your choice," Jim said, the same tone, his eyes now looking like balls of fire,

"You wouldn't dare, I mea"

"Katherine, I hope you're not stupid enough to try me, but yes I would. Like Rick, I've had enough of you, God only knows how he stuck it out every day with you is beyond me. I love you, BUT I don't like the person you've become. Sign the rules, or prepare to find your own way.

"I remember a speech someone gave me, something like and I quote 'this is the last time I'm doing this; I love you but if you don't care I can't either anymore, I just can't'. Do you remember those words, Katherine? You should, I was in the hospital for what you assumed was another bender, when I had appendicitis which burst and I almost died.

"I remember every word, Katherine every word, even when you told me I was lying that I had been drinking. Then even before surgery you pulled this out of your purse and made me sign it," he produced a worn copy of house rules she had written many years ago, complete with her Dad's shaky signature,

She took the pen, signed the document, knowing things between them had hit an all-time low, and the gentle Jim Beckett, was now gone. She didn't know what replaced him, but certainly, he was acting like nothing she had ever seen before.

He gathered the paper and went up to shower and go about his day. He had already told her he was leaving in a few days; she was trying to process what had just gone down. She was lost in her thoughts when there was a knock at the front door. It was a girl that looked familiar to Kate, but the last time she had seen her was almost 7 years ago, she was playing with dolls. She called out to come in rather than stand and walk, not just yet,

"Detective Beckett, I'm not sure you remember me but I'm Sherry Posey from just down the road. I'm a senior in high school and well, your Dad and Mr. Castle have hired me to clean the cabin and look in on you, run errands, or whatever you need." The girl smiled, her teeth perfect, Kate remembered sharing the horror story of the years she had to wear orthodontic braces as well with the young girl, God was it seven years already.

"I remember you, Sherry, you were wearing braces and playing with dolls, you said you were a senior in high school now? Wow, you're a beautiful young lady and I see the braces were worth it, your teeth are perfect when you smile." Kate smiled,

"Thanks, Detective, I remember I was pretty bummed when I had to first get them, and you told me you wore them, it made me feel better. I never forgot the pretty lady cop from the big city had to wear them too. I'm glad I did, now, so"

"Well, Dad's upstairs, he'll be leaving in a few days, so I guess it's the wash and some of the dishes if I lose my strength to stand long enough to cook and clean," Kate said,

"That's no problem, I have a checklist I'll make sure that the cabin is spotless before I leave and you have what you need, Mr. Castle sent me a complete set of autographed novels just because he was so nice," she said, with the typical young girl swoon,

"Yes, he's being very nice to me and my family as well, so I didn't get a chance to do much, well, to tell"

"Detective, you're not supposed to do anything, let me get to work, I'll wait for Mr. Beckett to come down before I got upstairs to clean." She smiled as she began her tasks, and Kate once again thought about her partner, and what he was doing now.

Would you like the TV on, even if it's just for noise, Detective?" Sherry asked,

"That would be nice, I haven't watched it in I don't know how long, maybe, I can catch up with one of my soap operas."

Sherry turned the TV on and handed Kate the remote as Entertainment Tonight was just coming on. She thought she saw Rick then when she turned the volume up, she heard the personality say,

"Good Evening, we're following the story in Los Angeles where Rick Castle has been on site of the filming of his book Heat Wave. Our sources tell us that the studio is already pursuing the rights to his second book, Naked Heat to be released sometime later this year, in the meantime, it appears as if our favorite writer is keeping busy as they showed film clips of a collage of pictures of him kissing both Eva and Ellie.

"You may have recognized the one actress, as Ellie Monroe, who we have confirmed has replaced Natalie Rhodes in the lead role as Nikki Heat. The other young lady that Mr. Castle is showing his gratitude to is one of the producers of the film. You know what they say, happy workforce, happy life, so we know of at least three happy members of the cast and crew of Heatwave, Back to you in the studios, Jim " Just as Kate found the button to change the channel.

Well, now she knew what Castle had been up to, was there any surprise, she scolded herself for thinking he was anything but the playboy she originally thought. Deep inside, she knew that was a lie, hell just consider what he was doing for her, even after she had thrown him out of her life, or tried to.

XxX

Eva's Condo

Day 29, 8:45 AM

Rick's POV

Rick had been up for hours, gone for his run, workout, and showered, changed shirts at least three times, before he decided it was just coffee and a picnic lunch, nothing serious. He had walked past Eva's front door twice as he paced, and then the door flew open,

"For gosh sakes Rick, get in here before the coffee's get cold," she laughed as she gently tugged his one sleeve, and kissed him on the lips gently.

"Well, to be honest, Eva, it's one coffee and your Earl Grey Tea, I got you a couple of those plain cake doughnuts you like as well," he looked down shyly, the little boy look that drove Eva nuts.

She giggled, and kissed him again, "now aren't you just the sweetest thing in the world, remembering what I like, thank you, Rick," as she kissed his cheek and directed him to the small table and chair on the balcony.

"This is a beautiful place Eva, how long have you been here?" Rick asked as he sipped on his coffee, and enjoyed watching Eva try to keep every crumb of the doughnut on the table napkin she had spread out.

"Well, it was 5 years ago this month, I had just left acting and wasn't sure really what I wanted to do. I was totally fed up with the perverts and had enough of the hands, and crude remarks, don't get me wrong, I'm not a prude, but I'll tell you when I want your hands on my body. I certainly won't prostitute myself for a role, so that's when Roy Reith suggested I join him as his Casting Director. I tried it and enjoyed it, so much I've been doing it ever since." She smiled

"Roy is a good man, but I think he's lost his drive, you know him better than almost anyone Eva, what happened?" Rick asked,

"Well, this stays between us, please. You're right, Roy is half the EP he was when I worked for him as an actress then as my role as the casting director. He and his wife were married over thirty years, she got sick, and well, it wasn't long until she was gone. Roy tried to come back far too soon, figuring work would be his cure, but he wasn't ready and it hurt him more than helped.

"He finally took off for a year, but when he came back, he was still empty inside, his heart wasn't in it anymore. He doesn't need the money; people don't know it but he is from a wealthy family who left him very well off. He fiddles with screenplays, trying to write them, and what he's done that I've seen are very good." She said with a sad tone in her voice,

"What do you think about him adapting the next Heat Book from book to screenplay Eva? Would that be too much for him, or do you think he could do it? I mean he knows the passion it takes to make a film that will sell at the box office, it all starts with the writing. I don't want someone to re-write my work, just augment it to fit the big stage," Rick said, as Eva kissed him,

"That would be brilliant Rick, I think he would actually welcome the change, and if he were given time and resources, I'm sure he'd make you proud." She said as she pulled away from his lips, her eyes sparkling.

"Well, what do you say, are you ready for that walk, then maybe a hotdog or something to eat when we feel like it? Rick asked, as he, and his eyes smiled bright enough to illuminate the entire block. She returned his smile and took his hand headed them towards the door.

They enjoyed nature, and Rick actually enjoyed just letting his mind relax. The most strenuous thing he had to think about was would the male squirrel, risk going into enemy territory to try to mate with a female, with a larger male waiting for him. Ahh, the mental exercises he was forced to do.

He was lost in peace when out of the blue, a delivery man on a bicycle delivered a picnic basket, complete with the blanket to spread on the ground. Inside the basket was his two hot dogs, potato salad, and an Iced Tea, he looked at Eva, without saying a word, kissed her gently.

After eating on the blanket, she had spread, she sat and he laid down, his head in her lap, just relaxing, taking in the sounds, smells, and actions of nature, She was content to have his head in her lap, as she gently stroked his hair, in such a soothing way, he actually fell asleep for about an hour. When he opened his eyes, he saw the smile of Eva, locked on his eyes, and gave him a gentle kiss.

"I was going to show you these but you got comfortable, and it made me feel, so, so, womanly again that I could get your mind to relax enough to let you rest, Rick. I hope that was all right?" she said softly,

"Well, that's a credit to how comfortable I am around you; I mean it's been a while since I fell asleep like that," he said,

"You know you talk in your sleep, don't you?" she asked with a coy smile on her face,

"I've been told that a few times if I mentioned a name, I mean, I really,"

She leaned in and kissed him, "You did, and it was my name Rick, I'm not making much of that other than at least I do occupy some of your mind, some of the time" she smiled,

He returned the kiss, "Well, it's hard to lie, or argue with that logic" he said, "What were you going to show me before I passed out on you." He asked, not caring about the pictures in the papers she was about to pull out of the basket, for once he really didn't care.

"Well, almost every paper has devoted some space, a few a whole front page to the kisses we shared, you, me and Ellie, and well, I wanted to know now that they are out there, do you still feel the same?"

Rick took a few papers and looked at them closely, some were of much better quality, others well they were close enough to catch them and identify but not something you'd hang on your hall wall.

"Well, some are actually good, I love this side of you, and was that tongue Eva, I thought it was, but I didn't want to seem to forward last evening."

"Sure, sure, that's your story, Rick," she laughed, you couldn't tell whose tongue it was, that's why you didn't reciprocate, well you did but in such a gentlemanly fashion. Besides, Ellie was trying to rip your tonsils out, I couldn't let her get away with that, especially when the cameras were rolling." She laughed as she locked in on his eyes,

"I knew who I was kissing Eva, remember, it was Ellie who wasn't feeling any pain. Her kisses were more primal, almost like she was trying to say in prehistoric talk, bedroom, now, rip clothes off," Rick imitated a caveman as Eva rolled with laughter,

"OK, I buy that, if Ellie was the cavewoman going after her man, what was I? One of the desperate housewives, trying to find love?" she said, making fun of herself,

He looked at her and gently shook his head no, "Eva, there's nothing desperate about you or your kisses. They were saying I care about you, so much that I don't mind you kissing this other woman, but in reality, you did. Your kisses were sweet, and showed desire, the more we kissed, the more I felt it, even in the short ones. I may be wrong, or totally off, but, well, that's what I felt in your lips, sincerity, and honesty." He said, as he leaned in and kissed her gently,

"You're not wrong Rick, I didn't like you kissing Ellie, but hey, you're free and we talked about this, so I know the situation. I'm glad my message came through just as clear as yours did to me" she smiled, as she began to gather the picnic supplies, and fold the blanket.

"Really, what message did you pick up on if I may ask?" Rick said softly, smiling his cute flirty smile at her,

"Well, your message was don't give up on me, I'm a mess, but I'm working on this broken heart, and I like the message you're sending so please don't give up on us yet," she said, as her eyes were focused on the ground,

Rick tilted her head up, and kissed her short and sweetly, "Got it exactly right, I'm glad we can communicate even when we don't say a word," and smiled as he took the basket in one hand, wrapping his arm around her with the other.

They strolled through the park, and Eva was right by the time they got to her condo the temps had reached a point past comfortable,

He walked her to her door, she opened it, and then placed the picnic basket on the floor, hugged him, and kissed him with her fingers running through his hair, and sending him another message, one they both understood,

"Till tomorrow Eva, thank you for a beautiful day," Rick said,

"Till tomorrow Rick, you can always call or text me if you get bored, I know you're busy, but well, my line is always open to you,"

Neither had been aware of the paparazzi taking higher quality shots of them and after the rush to publish the first ones, really didn't care.

TBC