Chapter 3: "Stay With Me"

I don't own Castle. Just saying...

Warehouse

Kate, Ryan, and Esposito were bunched up behind a splintering crate as automatic weapons fire snapped passed them. So far the trio were able to take down at least three or four gunmen in this firefight, but the gunmen still outnumbered and out gunned them. The trio was running extremely low on ammunition and they already split up Castle's spare magazines amongst themselves… The gunmen clearly had a lot of ammunition and they didn't seem to be letting off the trigger. Esposito tried to get off a shot but had to duck when the gunmen started to snap bullets inches past his head. Ryan was bleeding from the shoulder but he could still fight, "Javie they out gun us! When they stop to reload that's when we open up!"

Esposito leaned against the crate and looked over at Ryan, "these guys don't seem to need to reload!"

Kate shook her head, "we need to get to Castle! He might…" She couldn't imagine what happened to her husband and she didn't want to imagine. She can't imagine life without him, she needed him and he needed her. He came for her when she needed help, and by all means she'll come for him.

Esposito nudged her shoulder gently, "we'll get him. But first lets take down these ass holes."

Ryan shot his weapon blindly over the crate then brought his weapon back down, "hopefully Castle was able to get the back up!" Hostile fire continued to wiz and snap past the trio causing them to stay down behind the damaged crate. The crate itself probably won't last long either. The thing had more holes than Swiss cheese.

Kate looked at Ryan, "Castle called them. I know it."

Esposito shook his head, "we ain't dying here. We made through worse."

Kate nodded, "damn right. Lets do this." Ryan nodded.

They all took a deep breath then simultaneously got up and exposed themselves to be able to take down the gunmen. Time practically froze as both sides started to line their shots. Kate was about to pull the trigger when she heard a loud explosion come from behind her. The force of it knocked them down onto the ground and temporarily knocking the wind out of them. Kate slowly got up to her knees and put her hand up to her face and cringed. Her head was aching and felt like someone hit her in the head with a hammer. There was more automatic weapons fire echoing around her bringing her back to reality. She grabbed her weapon and leaned against the crate. Esposito and Ryan were both gathering their composure under the midst of chaos. Kate turned her head to the door they came through, and saw something so beautiful that she almost could say it is better than her wedding day.

SWAT teams breached the heavy door with a heavy explosive charge and a team of eight SWAT specialists poured through the opening and caught the gunmen by surprise. They were able to eliminate a number of gunmen before the bad guys could mount an effective retaliation. The gunmen started to fall back deeper into the warehouse as they figured out that the SWAT teams now out match them.

Kate and Ryan screamed for joy as the SWAT team pushed deeper into the warehouse, chasing and firing at the retreating gunmen. Kate smiled but then heard another equally loud explosion but it was heard on the other side of the large warehouse. She peaked over her cover and saw another door blown open on the far side, and witnessed more SWAT teams pour into the warehouse cutting off the gunmen's escape. Kate, Ryan, and Esposito stood up straight now that the initiative is now on their side. More SWAT specialists ran through the door on their side pushing deeper into the warehouse. Another team came through but pealed off toward the trio to speak to them. One SWAT specialist spoke up, "Is one of you Richard Castle?" Kate and Ryan shared a worried glance. The specialist spoke up again, "we were told to find a private investigator named Richard Castle."

Kate couldn't say anything. It hurt too much to think about what happened, instead of answering him she rushed off toward the balcony where Castle was. Ryan instead answered, "he went to the balcony over there. Follow her." He pointed toward Kate. The SWAT specialist nodded and ran with the team to follow.

Esposito looked over at Ryan, "we gotta see if Castle is alright too bro."

"I know… I just don't want to see a negative outcome…" Ryan looked down at the ground. His shoulder wound seeming not to hurt him as much as his internal pain. Esposito got his point, but decided to find Castle with Kate anyway. But before he could he heard their names called.

Captain Gates walked in with a concerned expression on her face, "it's such a relief to see you boys still here."

Ryan nodded, "it's a relief back up came."

"Where's detective Kate Castle?" Gates asked concerned.

Ryan dropped his head. Esposito answered for him, "finding her husband."

Gates frowned concerned, "I'm glad she's okay…I'm actually here for…"

Ryan cut her off, "Sir, I know the rules and that Castle shouldn't have been here. But he saved our lives…he might've given his life for us. He went up there by himself." He pointed toward the balcony.

Gates squeezed his healthy shoulder, "that's why I'm here. I'm here to get him..." she smiled a small smile at him, "go see the medic."

Ryan shook his head no, "I got to get Castle first."

Gates spoke honestly, "Esposito and I will take care of him. Go see the medic." Ryan nodded.

Kate rushed onto the balcony and saw the scariest thing she ever could see, her husband laying on his back in a pool of blood. He had in his right hand Ryan's cell phone bloodied with the Precinct dialed. She approached Castle slowly not believing what she's seeing. Hoping that this was just a bad dream. It brought her a little bit of peace to know that his last action was to save them all. To save her. She got closer to him and then went down on her knees next to him. She didn't know what to do but cry. She put her hands to her face and cried she couldn't believe this. The SWAT specialist that followed her up stood quietly, trying to give Kate her space. Then all of a sudden there was a gasp of air from Castle.

Kate looked up from her hands and saw Castle trying to grasp life. She gasped and leaned forward over Castle, and put her hands on his face, "Rick, babe, stay with me. Stay with me Rick." Her hands started to roam his dying body. His face had a look of pain but his eyes showed relief to see her. She was crying uncontrollably, "I love you Rick. Stay with me please!"

Castle used all his strength to speak, "I love you…Kate…I had to…I…had to try…" he faded away slowly.

Kate grabbed him and shook him, "Babe! Rick! CASTLE!" she shook him again, "STAY WITH ME!"

Captain Gates and Esposito came up and saw what happened. Esposito was speechless. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. Gates grabbed the SWAT specialist by his vest and yelled, "you better get an EMT up here because that man is one of ours!" The SWAT specialist nodded nervously and desperately got on the radio to call an EMT.

Gates approached Kate who was sobbing over Castle. Gates kneeled down next to her and patted her back, "Kate… EMT's are coming. They're going to take care of him."

Kate could barely speak while sobbing, "he risked himself for us sir… he risked everything."

Gates nodded, "I know, if it wasn't for him. We might've gotten here too late… to be fair. I fought for him when the Mayor and the commissioner were reviewing his past." She shook her head, "I'm still fighting for him."

Kate tried wiping her tears, "sir?"

Gates smiled gently, "Don't tell Castle I said this but, he was a valuable asset to the Precinct. And he's an outstanding individual. With a high degree of difficulty…I've been trying to get him back for months…"

Kate smiled while crying, "I don't know what to do without him…" she looked at Gates, "did they get Muszar?" Gates looked at the Specialist. The Specialist nodded and Gates nodded at Kate confirming the kill. Kate shook her head.

The EMT's arrived with a stretcher and started to work on Castle. They had to push Kate and Gates away from him to make room for their work. Esposito and Gates held up Kate as she cried. Ryan came up with his arm patched up and in a sling and saw the EMT's working on Castle, and he joined the group watching. No dry eyes as they watched the EMT's getting Castle onto the stretcher. Even Gate's had a tear…

Esposito looked at Gates, "they better let Castle come back."

Gates looked over at him and responded coldly, "I'll make sure they do…"

Ryan chimed in, trying to maintain his composure, "can we go see him at the hospital?"

Gates nodded, "I'll take care of the paper work. Then I'll join you."

Esposito clenched Kate's shoulder, "I'll drive."

Kate shook her head, "I'll call Martha and Alexis…" she tried to maintain her composure. She took out her cell phone and dialed her stepdaughter, her hand was shaking uncontrollably as she dialed the phone.

Gates took out her own phone to call up the chain to report what happened here. She planned to battle for Castle in this case.

Kate stood tried maintain her composure over the phone but it was obvious she couldn't. This hurt way to bad for her to be a rock. Alexis picked up the phone and she answered happily at Kate, "Hey." Obviously oblivious to what has happened…

Kate took a deep breath, "Alexis…something has happened."

HOSPITAL 3:00 pm

Castle was admitted to the emergency room with a bunch of doctors and nurses. All of them were needed to operate on him to get the bullets out of his body and to stop the bleeding. He was extremely weak to begin with when the ambulance brought him to the hospital he was slipping away rapidly. His condition was worsening by the minute and needed surgery ASAP. The attending nurse had to stop a distraught Kate from following the stretcher into the ER with Kate's disapproval. Kate, Ryan, and Esposito were sent to a waiting room instead to wait for news.

Kate sat down and put her hands to her face and continued to cry. Ryan sat to her right and Esposito sat to her left, both were concerned for Castle. Ryan rubbed Kate's back gently, "Kate…we don't belong in there. All we can do is hope."

Kate nodded still trying to maintain her composure. She couldn't keep it together like she usually could. She couldn't fathom it, this was worse when he got poisoned and this was a lot worse than when Castle went missing for two months. When he was missing there was a possibility of him returning, but now he is barely hanging on and in the hands of a few doctors. He saved her life again probably for the millionth time. She couldn't imagine life without him being there, they were going to start something great. He can't clock out now. I can't lose you too Rick. I can't…

Kate slouched, "First my mother… and... What is with life and putting me through all this…"

Esposito interrupted her, "don't count him out yet. You know he's crazy strong… What would Castle do in this situation?"

She smiled through her tears, "not give up and find a way to make things better."

Ryan nudged Kate, "you know, Castle never gave up on you when you got shot all those years ago. He was on a mission to help you. Until Gates through him out."

Kate laughed gently, "yeah. I remember him telling me that. He's pretty amazing when he needs to be huh?" Esposito and Ryan both smiled at her. Kate continued, "I won't give up on him either…" At that moment Martha, Alexis, and Lanie walked through the door into the waiting room. Kate stood up and rushed to them. She hugged Alexis tightly. Alexis was crying and was very apparent. Esposito rushed over to Lanie who was rushing toward him and they hugged. Ryan stood up and gave a gentle smile. His arm still hurt but he wasn't going to complain.

Lanie kissed Esposito gently on the lips. She too was extremely worried about Castle but was relieved to see Esposito in good shape. She hugged him tightly and Esposito kissed the top of her head gently. Esposito spoke softly, "he saved us. He really did. Took a lot of bravery… I don't know if…"

Lanie let go for a bit and looked at his eyes. She could tell he was crying but he was trying to hide it. She kissed him gently again then spoke softly, "Javie… I know he will be fine. I know it. Kate is waiting for him. No way he'd leave her here." Esposito smiled and kissed her forehead. Truthfully, not even Lanie was sure if Castle was going to pull through.

Kate released Alexis. She tried to maintain her composure in front of her stepdaughter but it was clear she couldn't, "Alexis. Honey. I'm… I'm sorry…"

Martha put her arm around Kate and said gently, "Kate, it wasn't your fault. He'd be the first to tell you that." Kate smiled at her and hugged Martha. Martha was also crying but was way better in keeping her composure than everyone else.

Alexis joined and hugged the group, she was able to control her tears temporarily, "Mom. I know it wasn't your fault. Dad enjoyed going through the unknown with you. And he'd do it again with and for you. I just want him to make it…" She began to cry again.

Kate smiled in the group hug and held on tightly to the most important people in her life right now. Alexis is definitely a Castle. Most definitely. Then all of a sudden Kate felt arms over her shoulders. Ryan joined in the hug. Followed by Esposito and Lanie. They all hoped for Castle.

Captain Gates slowly entered the waiting room and saw everyone in a group hug with their heads down. She leaned against the doorframe and watched silently giving a small smile. She too hoped for Castle. Surprisingly the precinct had way better efficiency when he was around, he gave many people in the Precinct a good laugh and made their day-to-day basis a little entertaining. Plus Captain Gates did enjoy toying with Castle and making him freak out. She sure hoped that the news will be soon and be good.

1:00 AM

It has been ten hours since Castle has been admitted into surgery and still there has been no word. Everyone who was waiting for Castle remained in the hospital or in the waiting room. Esposito and Lanie checked out to go grab dinner from the cafeteria, Martha left the waiting room to go for a walk to calm herself down, Ryan had to greet Jenny and his baby girl at the lobby, and Gates had to make phone calls to multiple important people about the outcome of the raid. The only ones who didn't leave the waiting room were Alexis and Kate.

Kate fully intended to be there to hear the news of the surgery. Alexis too wanted to be there but she wasn't awake. She was resting her head on Kate's shoulder as she slept waiting for the news. Her tears can be seen dried up on her face from a very trying day for her. Kate on the other hand refused to sleep; her reason being that she wanted to be awake when the news came. She shook her head trying to keep the positive. Her attention was drawn away when Martha entered the room. Martha sat down next to Kate and hugged her silently. She smiled at her gently trying to keep the positives in the room. Kate returned the smile and slowly put her head on her shoulders, not disturbing Alexis.

Lanie, Esposito, Ryan, and Jenny who was carrying Sarah Grace entered the room after their walks. Gates was still on the phone arguing with someone; no one knew what it was about though. Lanie and Esposito sat across from the Castle's and waited silently with them. Ryan sat next to Martha, and Jenny sat down next to Ryan. Jenny leaned forward (still holding Sarah Grace), "Kate. I'm sure it'll be soon. Rick will make it. I know it." Kate couldn't say anything. All she could do was smile. It has been ten long hours for everyone and especially for Kate.

The clock ticked slowly as 1:00 AM rolled into 1:30 AM. Lanie and Jenny fell asleep on their respective partners shoulders. Martha too fell asleep but leaned her head against the wall. Kate, Ryan, and Esposito remained vigil waiting and praying for good news.

Then at 2:00 AM a clearly tired and sore doctor entered the room and grabbed everyone's attention. Everyone who was asleep was now awake and waited anxiously for news. Kate especially. She was literally about to shoot the doctor if he didn't start talking. The doctor nodded tiredly, but then smiled at the group gently and spoke softly, "After a long surgery. His operation is a success. Mr. Richard Castle is out of surgery and is being transported to another room so he can rest. Overall he is going to make a full recovery." Everyone was speechless. It was still a shock. The doctor realized this and continued softly, "All the bullets he had received are out of his body so he'll again make a full recovery."

The shock wore off and everyone sighed a deep sigh of relief and celebrated amongst each other. The doctor smiled, happy that he saved a life and brought joy to people. Kate broke down with tears of happiness as everyone cheered for the good news. Alexis hugged Kate tightly as both cried their tears of joy. Martha stood up and walked over to the doctor and clenched his arm and smiled, "thank you. Thank you for bringing back my son." The doctor smiled and acknowledged her thanks. He was too tired to say anything else.

Kate stood up and hugged Alexis tightly not saying a word. Lanie and Esposito joined in the hug. Followed by Ryan, and Jenny who was still holding Sarah Grace, stayed on the outside and rubbed Kate's back while the wave of emotion ran its course through the group. Esposito spoke softly to Kate, "I told you. I told you he'd make it."

Ryan hugged tighter, "that magnificent son of a…He made it! He made it!"

Gates walked in after getting off a long phone call and saw everyone hugging. She heard sniffles and heard mumbling. She couldn't tell if this was good or bad. So she treaded carefully and asked, "any news?" The group opened up and not a single dry eye was seen. Esposito was surprisingly balling just as much as Kate. Lanie was smiling for two reasons that and Castle.

Kate walked forward to Captain Gates and smiled through her tears of joy, "the doctor said he'll make a full recovery." Before Gates could answer, Kate turned around and spoke to the doctor, "can I see him?"

The doctor smiled, "just follow me."

Kate turned back to Gates. Gates walked up and hugged her tightly, "I'm so happy for you and him. I'm so glad!" She let go of Kate and held her arms. She began again, "I just got off the phone with the commissioner and the Mayor… after Castle's heroic effort, they unanimously agreed to let Castle return to the 12th."

Kate smiled happily and jumped with joy. Everyone in the room smiled as well, thrilled to hear the news of Castle being able to return. Ryan chimed in, "Sir. What was with the argument earlier then?"

Gates shook her head, "I was trying to clear Castle's history." Everyone smiled at her, surprised that she was doing that much for Castle. Most aren't even sure if that's possible. Gates nodded, "needless to say. Don't get in my way." Everyone laughed. The whole atmosphere was in "feel good" mode.

The doctor smiled happily at the new energized group and said, "Mrs. Castle. He's waiting."

Just outside Castle's room everyone gathered just in front waiting to go in. It was surreal for Kate, she froze just before entering, not being able to comprehend this whole thing. It so close to being over she had to take a moment. Martha stepped forward and put her arm around her shoulder, "Kate. He's real. He's alive. And he's waiting for you." Kate turned to Martha and smiled.

Kate slowly walked into the room still feeling surreal. She couldn't believe how close she was to losing him again. She saw Castle turn his head to see her. He didn't say anything. He didn't need to. He just smiled a gentle and happy smile to her. She couldn't hold it back anymore, she smiled the widest smile she could muster, and rushed to the side of the bed to touch Castle.

At first she didn't do or say anything and her smile faded. Castle didn't say anything either. She slowly touched his face to make sure that this wasn't a dream then her hand made it's way to his lips. Castle smiled and kissed her small fingers. Kate smiled once more and crushed her lips to his in a passionate lip lock. After some time they had to separate for the need of air, Kate still flushed with a huge smile. Castle spoke up softly, "I love you Kate."

Kate kissed him again, "And I love you. So so much." Her left hand rested on his left hand and her right continued to caress his face gently, "I never stopped believing. You didn't give up on me. I didn't give up on you."

Castle smiled tiredly, "thank you…"

Kate clenched his hand, "Baby, you saved my life. You saved our lives." She kissed him gently, "that was extremely brave. I was so scared…Babe, I want to spend the rest of life with you. I…"

Castle said apologetically, "I know. I'm sorry I caused you pain again… But I'd do it again for you and for.."

Kate smiled and said gently, "Babe, I'm not mad at you for doing this. I'd do it too. I was scared."

Castle just smiled, "You're worth every breath." He said it like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Kate smiled widely and kissed him again, "I love you." She paused for a moment as they shared the moment but then she spoke up again gently, "There are people here to see you."

Everyone greeted Castle happily. Martha and Alexis were first to greet him with tears of joy. Castle apologized for his actions like it was his fault for getting shot in the first place. Kate shook her head; technically he wasn't supposed to be there in the first place. But if he wasn't there, she'd probably be dead. So in a way everything worked out. Alexis and Martha dismissed his apology and remained grounded by his side. Next Ryan and Jenny and greeted Castle.

Jenny put Sarah Grace on his chest and said, "Go say hi to Uncle Castle Sarah. He saved daddy today." Castle smiled as Sarah Grace who was getting pretty big and was playing with his facial features.

Ryan patted Castle on his non-wounded shoulder, "thanks Castle. For getting us the back up." Jenny picked up Sarah Grace from his chest and rocked her.

Castle smiled, "you'd do the same if I couldn't." He laughed, "sorry about making you phone all bloody. I probably broke it too.."

Ryan shook his head and laughed, "Meh don't worry about it. I'm alive aren't I?" Yeah. Typical Castle. Good to have him back. Though it has been an intense day. It felt like he's been out for weeks.

Lanie and Esposito stepped forward and greeted Castle. Esposito was trying really hard not to show that he was crying. Castle noticed and said, "Esposito. Are you crying?"

Esposito coughed and shook his head, "I don't know what you're talking about." Everyone laughed at his attempt to guard his masculinity.

Lanie shook her head, "oh he's crying all right." Castle smiled at her. Lanie sat on the bed and touched his arm and said gently, "thank you Rick, for saving Javie and our friends. I hope you get better soon." Castle nodded acknowledging her thanks.

Last but not least. Captain Gates. She walked in and leaned over the end of his bed glaring at him intensely. Everyone was looking at her. The detectives of the 12th thought she was happy that Castle was coming back, instead it looked like she was going to shoot him herself. For Castle, he was about to have a heart attack. He was freaking out and everyone could see it. Was she about to destroy him for interfering with another police case that could've cost the lives of her detective or…

Gates instead smiled and said happily, "good to see you Mr. Castle." Castle's heart practically stopped. Kate could've sworn she saw his heart monitor flat line. Everyone started laughing at what had transpired. Gates spoke again, "you surprise me Mr. Castle. You do most things some men I know won't do." Castle just smiled. Gates looked over at Kate and said, "you want to tell him?"

Kate shook her head, "I think he'd like it better if you told him." Castle had a questioning look.

Gates just smiled, "In light with your acts of heroism, the Police Commissioner and the mayor have lifter their ban on you from working with the 12th. Welcome back to the force Mr. Castle." Castle's jaw dropped and once in his life, he was speechless. Gates continued, "Also the mayor would like to offer you an award for your act of heroism. When you're healthy we can work it out."

Castle was so happy that he was back with the 12th. Kate leaned closer to Castle to kiss him but instead Castle grabbed her causing Kate to fall on Castle. He hugged her tightly. Did that hurt his wounds? Yes it did, but he didn't care. Kate giggled in public. Everyone laughed happily. Everything was perfect in the world to them.

WABLAM! Apologize for some grammar errors and such. And making things pretty corny. But I mean it's Castle! What are you going to do?

ENjoy