Another 6x17 one shot

Her half dead body lay their in the damp grass, the cold, night air surrounding her. She didn't have the energy or will power to move or put up a fight. This was the end, they finally did it; they had killed Kate Beckett.

Castle opened the door, Espo still coming to a stop. Running through the fog, trees hitting him in the face, he continued running, not caring about anything but her. "Kate! Kate!" He shouted her name over and over as loud as he could.

Finally, he found her body, nearly slipping over a hill. He kneeled in front of her, moving her hair to see her face.

Her eyes cracked oped. "Castle." She said breathlessly, trying to reach his face.

He grabbed her hand, placing it on his cheek, damp from a mixture of the forest and his tears. He watched as her eyelids slipped closed again, fluttering open slightly. "No, no, please sweetie, I know it's hard, but please keep your eyes open." Her eyes began to close slowly again. "Please open your eyes, please." He could just barely see her chest rising and falling, before he scooped her up. He had to get her put before it was too late.

"Hospital, hospital!" He yelled, back at the car before the boys had even left the perimeter. Ryan opened the back door as fast as he could. He grabbed blankets from the trunk, bringing them to Castle immediately. He slid into the backseat, her on his lap, and wrapped her tightly. "Crank the heat, she's freezing."

Espo did as he was told before turning on the siren, and making his way to the hospital.

She had been checked out by all the doctors. She had mild hypothermia, shock, and mild cuts and bruises, but she was going to be okay. She had slowly regained consciousness, and her awareness was back when they wanted to bathe her; she found it ridiculous that they had to do this. She was being stubborn. "It hurts."

"I know, but we have to get these cuts washed." The nurse used a jug to rinse her hair, but the water splashing her face caused her to panic, flash backs of her torture flooding her vision.

"No, please stop."

"What's the matter, dear?" The older nurse asked.

"I was dunked."

"Okay, I have an idea." The woman used her hand as a shield in front of Kate's eyes as she continued to rinse her hair. "Better?"

"Yes, thank you."

When she had been cleaned up, the nurse let her get dressed and brush her hair. Then, she gave her a painkiller, advising her to get some rest.

"When will I be discharged?"

"Tomorrow morning. You're only here for one night."

"Could you send in my fiance?"

"Sure, dear."

"Can he stay with me?"

"I'm afraid not. Hospital rules." The nurse saw the look of desperation on her face. "I'll see what I can do."

"Thank you."

"Excuse me, Dr. Wickem?" The elder nurse tapped the man on the shoulder.

"What can I do for you, Ann?"

"It's about Kate Beckett."

"Is she okay?"

"She wants her fiance."

"Well, go ahead and send him in."

"Overnight?"

"Let me see her." Dr. Wickem walked into the room to talk to Kate. "Miss Beckett."

"Yes?"

"I can let your fiance see you, but I don't know if I can allow him here overnight."

"Please, Doctor, he makes me feel safe."

***
"Doctor?" Gates approached him.

"Yes, Captain?" He turned to face her, clipboard in hand.

"How is she?"

"Requesting her fiance."

"Mr. Castle." Gates motioned him over with her glasses.

"Yes, sir?" Castle's head shot up.

"She's requesting you."

"I can go in?" He jumped up from his chair, eager to see her.

"Yes, but one thing, Mr. Castle." Wickem added. "There are a few rules."

"Alright."

"We don't usually let people stay over night, but with Detective Beckett's state, you can stay. You can be the only one in the room, you can't leave the room, and you can't wonder the halls. If she needs anything, you call a nurse. Do you understand?"

"I understand." Castle said quickly, ready to finally see her.

"Okay, you may go in."

Castle walked in trying to be quiet. He brushed the hair off of her forehead, kissing her gently. He sat down next to her.

"Castle, where are you?" Her eyes were still closed, her hand extending, searching for him.

Castle grabbed her hand, lacing their fingers. "It's okay, Kate. I'm here. You should get some sleep."

"I can't."

"Just try. I'll be here when you wake up. I promise." He kissed her hand, stroking her hair with his other hand.

"Castle?" She mumbled.

"Yeah?"

"I love you."

He smiled. "Always."