A big thank you to my Beta Robert Nielsen, I told you he needs a Beta cape he was lighting fast with that last chapter edit.
Thank you for reading
P.S. the reviews are great too.
Paula took one look at the resolve on the face of Kate Beckett, quickly she threw her hands into the air and exclaimed "I come in peace."
Kate ignored her, she was focused solely on getting Rick into bed, and wisely Paula stayed the hell out-of-her way.
Rick broke the tension by saying "Paula, I am not going …."
His publicist stepped closer to him and said "Do not worry about a thing, I've already released a statement canceling the tour." She stepped back when she saw the look on Kate's face. It had Back off clearly written on it.
Satisfied with the retreat Kate Ignored his publicist for now, she concentrated on helping Rick climb in bed, after pulling the blanket over him she placed the cannula in his nostrils. He'd been walking and talking a lot. His eyes were drooping, he was tired. He needed the outing, but right now he needed rest.
"Babe," Kate kissed his forehead. He leaned his face toward hers and puckered his lips. She couldn't resist she leaned over to gently brush her lips across his.
He surprised her when he grabbed her and kissed her soundly. "I got the all clear from one of the nurses, the infection is gone, I'm not contagious anymore," he waggled his eyebrows.
Kate laughed, "I'll be right back-I want to talk to Paula. Get some rest Writer boy" she leaned over and whispered in his ear, "I have plans for you, you're gonna need lots of energy."
First Ricks face showed surprise, and then he broke out in a goofy grin. He had a surprise for her to, the doctor was going to release him tomorrow, with stipulations.
Kate waited at the door for Paula to follow, she led her to the waiting room down the hall, Kate closed the door and stood in front of it. Paula felt like a deer caught in the head lights. She didn't know which way to run.
Kate waited for a moment. She used the same technique in interrogations. When the perp started squirming or some other sign they were on edge she would begin. Paula was way past the point. "What in the hell were you thinking, you nearly killed him?" She let her have it.
"I-he didn't say anything-about not feeling..." Paula stopped talking after realizing the seething was only increasing in the detective's eyes.
"Superman couldn't keep up with that schedule." Kate was livid. "His career is established, he doesn't have to show up at every venue to promote his books."
"I turn down hundreds of offers every day." Paula was scrambling, it wasn't often she was on the defense. Rick's muse was a fireball. Wow, she felt empathy for anyone else who faced off with the detective.
"Yea, well in the future you will be turning down even more." Kate was not one to be ruled by emotion, but when it came to Rick, her heart was all over it.
"The demand for him is only going to get worse when it gets out that the two of you are…" Paula froze, when she saw Kate Beckett heading straight for her. She braced. Oh shit.
Kate did the last thing she expected she lowered her voice, and stopped inches from Paula's face. Her voice was menacing. "If you breathe one word, it will be the last thing you ever promote." Kate's eyes moved back and forth like a cat stalking their prey, in this instance it was the face of the publicist standing before her, she stepped back only when she felt Paula understood she meant every word.
Paula nodded slowly, she was afraid to move. She'd read about the fierce nature of the detective in the 'Heat' books but holy-hell seeing her in action was another story. "I've arranged for Black Pawn's jet to fly you home-so he won't have to wait in crowded airports and planes. She waited for a reply.
"Good Idea, I'll text you when I receive his release date."
"Will he need anything for when he goes home?" Paula was trying her best to defuse Kate's anger toward her. She realized she was the gatekeeper for Rick, and she would be dealing with his muse from now-on.
Kate shook her head "I'll take care of it. Right now I need to check on Rick."
Paula moved back to allow Kate plenty of room to exit. Kate left the room without a backward glance.
When Kate walked into Rick's room, he was restless on the bed. She thought he must be having a nightmare. When he cried out her name she moved by his side, stroking his cheek she whispered "I'm here" soon he stopped thrashing and settled into an even breathing pattern. She kept watch while he slept.
She sent a text to her dad, Alexis, and Martha, giving them an update. Alexis text back and asks if her dad could call when he woke-up, she just wanted to hear his voice. Kate read her text and smiled, she knew the feeling. She replied "k"
Later
Dr. Casey came in to his room.
"How's our patient?" She smiled at Kate.
"Much better."
Casey already read his chart. His infection was cleared. The newest x-ray showed the pneumonia was gone from his lungs. Over all his condition was improved enough for release. She originally planned on releasing him tomorrow, but she didn't see any reason to keep him, Dr. Casey signed the paperwork. She turned to Kate "He last scan was clear, the infection is gone." She checked the latest blood tests. "It appears he blood work is clear, too. I'd like to send him home with an additional ten day treatment in pill form." He still needs rest, plenty of fluids, normal diet. He just needs to regain his strength."
"What's up doc?" Castle said sitting up in bed.
Kate rolled her eyes she couldn't believe he went there. Dr. Casey laughed and said "well it's better than some of the things I've heard with a last name of Pepper."
Dr. Casey turned to address Rick, "I was just relaying to your partner, I see no reason to keep you any longer, provided you have someone to assist you. I find most of my patients recover quicker at home."
Castle's mind was spinning, he would be alone at the loft with Kate, well his mother and Alexis would technically still be there, but Alexis had school and his mother, well she saw more action than GI Joe. Finally alone with Kate …Sex… ooh he'd better ask. "Umm, Dr. Casey is there any activities that I umm, am not allowed to participate in?" That was terrible.
Dr. Casey knew he wanted to know if he could have sex with his lovely partner, but turn-about was fair play. She used her best authortative voice "Such as?"
Kate could see she was messing with him. She kept a straight face. He deserved this one. She was looking forward to seeing him get out of this one.
"Well, I um…I just….I didn't know if I could….umm." Rick looked at Kate with help me written all over his face.
She gave him I don't know where you're trying to go look.
Rick grimaced. Shit! He had nothing.
Casey let him off the hook "Sex?"
Rich shook his head a little too enthusiastically, he instantly regretted it.
"Keep in mind you are still recovering, sex is fine." Casey couldn't help but smile. She locked eyes with Kate and they both nodded.
"Thank you," he looked at Kate who was still feining her innocence.
Kate broke out laughing, "Babe, you set yourself up on that one."
"I just need to give the staff the discharge papers, and get you on your way." Casey saw their lunch trays being carried in. "Perfect timing, I should have you signed out by-the-time you finish lunch."
It was Kate's turn she stepped out to the Doctor and shook her hand. "Thank you."
Casey noticed the tears welling in her eyes, she meant it. She nodded at Kate and left the couple alone.
Kate wheeled the tray over to the bed, Rick swung his legs over and sat on the edge. Kate joined him and removed the covers. She sent a text to Paula and let her know they needed the plane today.
Her phone dinged with Paul's reply: will send a car to take you directly to the airport.
The woman had skills pulling this off with such short notice. Kate was impressed.
Kate sent: Great thanks
Paula: no problem.
"Paula is sending a car to take us to the airport, private plane ride home." Kate filled in Rick as she removed the cover from her lunch, baked fish with grilled vegetables, side salad, fruit cup and slice of cake. They sat beside each other and ate their lunch.
"Kate"
"Hum,"
"I assumed-hoped you were coming home and staying with me at the loft?
Kate laid her fork down and took his worried face between her slender hands. "The captain gave me two weeks off, if you need more, than I will take off as long as need me." She smiled
I need you everyday he thought, he smiled back at her "thank you."
"Finish your lunch, we have to get you dressed and ready for pictures. Your fandom awaits." Her eyes were smiling this time.
He was looking forward to being home, especially now he knew for certain Kate was coming home with him.
By-the-time Rick finished taking pictures, he was ready to ride down in a wheel-chair. He'd signed books and took photos with cell phones. (He was getting quite good at them) The nurses had been wonderful. He wanted to do this for them.
Paula sent a text to Kate's phone: Car is waiting
Another text: When you are ready. No hurry.
Kate texted back: On our way down now.
Paula: perfect.
"Oh you need to call Alexis, she text while you were asleep. Kate dialed Alexis's number and handed the phone to Rick. "Hey Pumpkin"
"Dad, you sound better."
"I am better, in fact we're on our way home right now. We should be home," he looked at his watch "in time for dinner, not that I want you to cook." He added quickly "we can order in."
"That's great Dad, Kate is going to stay?"
"Yes…" He wanted to ask if it was a problem, he didn't want to ask with Kate standing next to him.
"Oh, good I am in charge of our study group for physics, and I have a project due for chemistry. I won't have to reschedule. You will be in good hands. She is a keeper Dad, you'd better cement the deal, you know, before someone snaps her up. Oh and the housekeeper just left so everything is tip-top, fresh sheets, everything is good to go."
His daughter let him know that she was okay with Kate staying with him, and sharing his bed.
He didn't have women, other than ex-wife's spend the night and Kate was the only women he wanted in his bed from now on.
"That's great Pumpkin, we will be home soon, I love you."
"Love you, bye Dad."
Rick hung up and handed the phone to Kate. He squeezed her hand, and she knew Alexis was okay with her coming home with him.
She gave herself a quiet moment, this was huge. Alexis was an important part of his life, his whole life until Kate showed up. She didn't know how she was going to fit in their tight group. Acceptance is a beautiful thing.
They arrived downstairs, a limo was waiting under the portico
Paula stepped out of the car.
Okay, she'd just dodged one bullet, she can do this. "Thank you for arranging everything on short notice. She smiled at Paula and she meant it, she really appreciated not having to try and schedule a flight and wait at the airport. They needed to be home, and Paula made it happen.
The driver loaded their bags. Rick insisted the ladies enter the car before him. He slid in next to Kate, and immediately reached for her hand. He slipped on his shades, (his blue eyes were light sensitive,) and they headed to the airport.
"I can catch another flight if the two of you would rather be alone." Paula offered
"There's no need for that, we can all fly home together." Kate didn't want her to have to wait around an airport either, but if she ever tried to pull a stunt like this last tour, Kate would kill her and Lanie would help her dispose of the body.
Rick shared his experiences of his tour in Ohio with Kate.
Paula watched the couple from behind her sunglasses. She was tying to give them privacy, but the chemistry between the two was hard to ignore. They were so in tune with each other. She'd never witnessed the phenomena of 'Caskett' until now. They were just talking, but their was something magical about the way they connected. The way they looked at each other. It melted and broke your heart at the same time. You were left yearning for the same in your own life. She saw with her own eyes their love was real. The hardened publicist hastily wiped a tear.
Kate felt bad about him not being able to finish the tour, she knew thousands would be disappointed, but she was not going to lie, she was so happy to have him with her. She leaned her head on his broad shoulder while they rode to the airport.
Rick closed his eyes, he felt Kate's head on his shoulder. She was coming home with him, he wanted to go home, but only if she came with him. He knew they would both be more comfortable at the loft.
Everything was going smoothly, and Paula was thankful the plane was waiting for them when they arrived at the airport. Their bags were quickly transferred to the plane. The pilot and co-pilot greeted them as they boarded.
The flight was smooth, Kate encouraged Rick to recline and get some rest, He was getting stronger but he'd had a busy day. She slowly rubbed slow circles on the back of his hand and ran her fingers up and down his massive arm. Soon he relaxed and was fast asleep. The chairs resembled a recliner in your den, plush oversized, very comfortable. Paula chose to sit a row behind the couple. The jet would hold around sixteen people comfortably. Kate noticed she busied her self with paper work. Kate was lost in thought, watching as the clouds float by underneath them. She was startled when the Captain came over the intercom and announced they would be on the ground in ten minutes. She woke Rick up when she jerked her hand. "Hey"
"Hey" he smiled
"So, we are almost home?"
Kate nodded, and without another word spoken, they both leaned in and shared a kiss, knowing the other wanted to connect.
"Thank you" that simple phrase encompassed her admitting she love him, consummating their love, and coming to him when he needed her, and lastly for coming home.
Kate knew he was saying so much with the simple words. She saw the emotion transform his face as he thought of all they'd experienced when she stepped on a plane and flew into his arms. She decided to respond with the one word that belonged to them "always."
The captain landed the plane and smoothly brought the plane to a stop in front of the hanger that housed a limo.
They were home.