Dear Readers, our story continues. Our couple beginning a new chapter, more to come. Enjoy the ride, Love the comments
Always, my story is better because of my wonderfully gifted Betas-Bree, Marjo, and Stella
"Morning, Beautiful." Castle murmured as his lips lightly touched Kate's forehead.
Kate's eyes were still closed as she replied, "Morning", reaching her hand out and stroking his arm, she loved the feel of his skin.
Placing the latte under her nose, Castle suggested "Thought you might like some of this. Steve said you could start drinking caffeine again."
"Hmmm, don't tease me." Opening her eyes, she saw the foam of the latte and quickly tried to sit up, but was stopped by the ongoing pain in her left side. Ouch, Kate's eyebrows furrowed in frustration as again the thought ran through her mind, I'm sick of this!
"Take it easy Kate, it's just coffee."
"Maybe to you, but I've been deprived for weeks. It's a wonder I haven't died from lack of caffeine."
"Oh so dramatic, maybe I should take this away", pulling the cup out of reach his eyes twinkling in merriment.
Kate growled. "Don't make me shoot you, hand it over. Now!"
"No need to be so mean," Castle sheepishly replied, handing over the cup.
After taking her first sip, she leaned back and closed her eyes, thinking this is what heaven must taste like. She had missed this so much, or was it who delivered it that she had missed? As her eyes opened, she ran her finger around the rim of the cup and recalled how coffee had become their ritual. Kate had understood for a while now that each time he brought her coffee he was saying I love you, but neither had been willing to admit it. They had lost so much time.
"Gimme a kiss, Rick," she said, smiling at him.
As their lips met, both felt the connection and power of the moment. Castle backed off, aware that physically Kate was still too weak. He would have loved to lie next to her all day, but they had too much planned for today.
"Alexis is making breakfast - your favorite egg white frittata, though how you two stomach those I'll never understand", Castle stated, ending with a look of disgust.
"At least, we know you won't eat all of it," she shot back.
Standing up, Castle reached his hand out to Kate. She started to push him away, but realized that she was still a little off balance and weak. Taking his hand and clutching her left side, she climbed gently out of bed and headed to the bathroom, her lips pursed in annoyance at her continued weakness.
"Hey," Castle called after her. "Wait till you see what I've set up for you today, you'll love it."
"I seriously doubt it!" she retorted, immediately suspicious.
"Come on, Kate, have a little faith."
She was in no mood to play, yet on seeing Castle's puppy dog eyes looking hopefully for praise and adoration, her tone softened, "Let's see the surprise."
Entering the bathroom, Kate noticed that there was a chair in the shower.
"What's that for?" She inquired.
"Thought you might like to have a real shower for a change."
"Funny, Castle. You know I can't get this wet." Kate looked down and gesturing towards her tube.
"No, No, I'm serious. Look I changed the shower head, its completely moveable, sprays in every direction."
"Every direction?" She asked seductively.
"Kate, I'm trying to help. Keep your mind on the task at hand."
"Really, Castle, it is a lovely thought, but I can't have a shower. Doctor's orders, remember?"
"I talked to him and all I have to do is wrap some plastic around you. Do I have your attention yet, Detective?" he replied smugly.
"More than you'll ever know." Kate responded sighing.
As Castle helped Kate wiggle out of her top, she was soon standing naked in front of him, surprisingly unembarrassed. Surveying her body in its current condition broke his heart, as Castle was struck by how painfully thin Kate had become. His resolve to activate his plan only intensified, he was determined to help her regain her strength and physical toughness.
Wrapping plastic around her middle, he turned on the water, and then took off his clothes.
"What do you think you're doing?" Kate noted with astonishment.
"You can't do this alone. I'm your body wash boy, like a cabana boy only better." Clearly pleased with himself, he pulled her into the shower.
A little while later sitting in the chair, Kate realized Castle was right, she wouldn't have been able to stand by herself. She would never admit it to him, though it would only make him more insufferable.
The warm water ran over her body for the first time in weeks. She tried washing her left side, but was making a mess of it. Castle took the washcloth gently from her.
"Kate, let me. It will be faster and more enjoyable." He said hesitantly.
When she didn't protest, he quickly and expertly cleansed her body. Having his hands all over her body was nearly more than she could bear, but what thrilled her most was having her hair shampooed. The memory of the first time he shampooed her hair brought back such delicious memories.
Not wanting those feelings to end, Kate kept her eyes closed only opening them when the flow of water stopped. Reaching down and kissing her shoulder, he spoke softly to Kate. "Time to get dry, breakfast should just about be ready."
Leaving the shower, Kate's legs began to shake and noticing her tremors, Castle guided her to the edge of the tub and quickly dried her off. He followed suit and soon both were dressed and ready for breakfast.
"Rick, thank you that was sweet, I-I really appreciate it." Kate spoke reticently, hating the fact she had to rely on anyone for help. He looked away, smiling as he knew exactly what she was going through.
"And it was fun too", he grinned and received a smack for his efforts.
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Sliding the frittata out of the pan, Alexis turned saying, "Just in time."
"It smells wonderful Alexis, thanks", Kate said, giving her a hug before sitting down.
Alexis had come to mean a lot to Kate over the last few weeks, and she liked to think it was the same for Castle's daughter.
"I'm really looking forward to getting this torture device removed and heading back to work. I've fallen behind and hate not being in the middle of a case." Kate declared without comment from either companion. Wow, how interesting, Kate thought, noticing that neither of them said anything, they didn't argue with her nor agree. Just silence, what was going on?
After breakfast, Castle suggested Kate rest before they left for the appointment. Kate gave him one of her narrow angled stares, the one that usually froze him, but not today.
"Be reasonable. You have two hours before we have to leave for the doctors. Don't you want to look your best and impress him with how well you're doing?"
Stopping momentarily, Kate was acutely aware that her morning activities had tired her out, but wouldn't admit it. Maybe a little nap wasn't such a bad idea.
"Ok, but only in the nest."
"Sure," he chuckled.
The nest had become Kate's safe haven. It's where she spent most of her waking moments, talking with friends, reading, napping, and watching TV. As she was settling down, Castle sensed her restlessness and continual pain, and tried to hand her a couple of pills. "Here take these," he said.
"No Way." Kate pushed his hand away. "I don't need those."
"Kate, we can do this the easy way or the hard way, though the hard way could be fun", a slight smirk appeared for a moment before he returned to serious. "It's going to be a long hard day. So take them. Please."
Remembering that smirk, and vowing to knock it off his face when she was stronger, she answered him. "Okay, you win, unfairly, but you win." With that she downed the pills and settled in, busily watching Castle and Alexis clean the kitchen as her eyes closed.
"Kate, Kate, time to get up. Dr. Steiner will be waiting." Rick gently rubbed her arm, trying to wake her.
"What time is it?" She asked, blearily opening one eye.
"You have about 15 minutes to get gorgeous and then we have to go to the doctors."
"Damn it Castle, I need more time than that."
"This is not a formal occasion," he reminded her. Castle was maddening, but right.
Alexis' hand appeared and Kate grasped it, then they disappeared into the bedroom. Within a few minutes they reappeared, Kate dressed and her hair braided.
Watching Kate coming into the entry with her hair braided, Castle was blown away at how young and innocent she looked, taking his breath away.
"Castle you're staring. Do I look that bad?"
"No, no," he hurried to reassure her. "You just took my breath away for a second, have I told you today that I love you." As their eyes met, their feelings for each other merged, leaving them both smiling.
"By the way, no boots today, flat shoes only. You need stability, not height. Give me your hand, Cinderella."
"Castle, you're such an idiot." Kate responded, but allowed him to support her as she slid her feet into the shoes.
Sitting on the doctor's exam table, Kate's nerves were getting the best of her and the reality of her condition was setting in. Initially she thought that once the tube was removed that she would be free to resume her life, but her continuing weakness and discomfort told a different story. The backless gown let in cold air and she started to tremble. Without a word, Castle wrapped a blanket around her and attempted lay her down. Initially a complaint rose in her throat, but was never spoken as she looked up into his hardened gaze and decided to succumb instead, permitting him to assist her to a reclining position.
When the door opened, she reached for Castle's arm to sit up.
"Kate, stay there, I have to examine you anyway, " the Doctor stated as he gently turned her to her back, uncovering her left side and carefully removing the dressings, to begin his exam. Her side had lost most of its fiery redness and projected less heat. He waited a moment and then pressed firmly onto her side, and Kate was taken by surprise, flinching and uttering a gasp. Gripping his arm, she remarked, "I wasn't ready for that, you surprised me." Both men smiled, of course, Kate couldn't help but offer an excuse for her reaction.
Once the Doctor was done, he covered her back up, and they helped her to a seating position. Castle sat next to her, providing her with physical support that he knew she needed as she leaned into him.
Dr. Steiner clasped his hands, preparing himself for the conversation to come.
"Ok, it's not completely healed, but its better. Want that tube out?
"Of course, that's why I'm here." Kate replied with a sneer.
"Then we need to talk, I told you…"
"If it's better what is there to talk about? Take it out and I'm gone." Kate's ire was growing, as she just wanted to get on with it.
"It's not quite that simple." Dr. Steiner replied, not backing down.
"You put it in, how hard can it be to take out?"
Castle wrapped his arm around her. "First, let him take to tube out, then I'll help you get dressed and he can talk to us".
Us? Why us? What was going on here? Suddenly all of the secret looks and silent glances sunk in, and Kate could tell by looking at their faces that she wasn't going to like what he had to say.
"Fine, get it done."
"Kate, I need to irrigate and flush the tube getting the fluid as clear as possible before I can remove it. It will be uncomfortable as well as painful. I need you to take this pain medication.
"Forget it, I'm tired of feeling like a zombie, just do what you need to do."
Dr. Steiner shrugged, "OK, if you change your mind..." she waved him off before he could finish.
Again lying on the exam table, Kate was dreading the procedure, but determined to get through it without drugs. Castle shook his head, she could be so stubborn, but the look on her face brooked no arguments. Her left side was uncovered and her arm secured above her head. This brought a queasy and dizzying sensation; she really did not like being restrained for anything. Closing her eyes and taking some deep breaths, she tried to compose herself. Castle leaned over, whispering in her ear, "I'm here, you can do this," as Dr. Steiner began the procedure.
"Oh God", escaped her lips as the pain and burning hit her. Gritting her teeth, throwing her head back as tears fell down her cheeks, her grip on Castle's hand tightened and her hand became wet with sweat. Castle continued to lean into her face, his voice whispering soothing words she couldn't recall. The words were unimportant, it was the sound of his voice that kept her focused. Finally after what seemed like an eternity, Dr. Steiner was finished and the area dressed.
"When you're ready, I'll meet you in the office," he informed them as he left the room.
Suggesting that she take a minute to recover, Castle recognized Kate's need to regain control and several minutes past before her eyes opened. He could see they were slightly glazed over with pain, but mostly filled with fatigue.
The fatigue was wearing on Kate, which only served to annoy her, who did they think they were? If she was fine she was done with this. What was there to talk about? She'd left once against medical advice, and she could do it again.
Reading her mind, Castle stared her straight in the eye, stating emphatically
"Don't even think about ignoring this or leaving. Am I clear?"
Tears of exasperation welled up in her eyes, and "Yes" was her only response.
Sitting down back in the office, Kate's stomach was again queasy as she wondered what the Doctor could possibly have to say. Castle's hand came over and clasped hers, giving her strength as Dr. Steiner started to speak.
"Kate, I'm not going to beat around the bush. Last year you almost died. Your heart stopped twice. Extraordinary measures kept you alive and pulled you through. You left before you were completely healed and Rick's told me how you have to fight to keep going some days. You weren't ready to go back to work then and you're still not ready now."
"Work is all I know, it's who I am. Without it I'm lost!" Kate's voice was edgy with desperation .
"Kate, your work doesn't define you, you're so much more than that," interjected Castle.
Dr. Steiner continued. "This time, you were so run down you became extremely ill and almost died again. Your fainting was the best thing that could have happened because it alerted everyone to your illness and prevented yet another close call. You are reckless with your health and you take your body for granted. Your white count is still elevated, which means there is still an infection in your system, your body is run down and you are anemic. However, it is your X-ray that remains the most concerning factor. The pleural effusion decreased enough to remove the tube, but there is still fluid in the area which indicates ongoing inflammation with possible long term scarring, and perhaps will be something you will have to manage for the rest of your life. Since I flushed out your pleural space, you need to expect more pain and high fevers for about a week, as irrigating the tube releases micro seeds of bacteria throughout your system. So please, be kind to yourself."
"Kate, you promised that you were committed and here to stay. You need to consider the people that love you. We…I can't lose you, not again," Castle begged her, grasping her hand so tightly it physically hurt.
Moistening her lips, Kate looked first at Dr. Steiner, appreciating his honesty. Remembering how weak she had been when she fled the hospital, how fearful of what Rick had said at the cemetery and how confused it had made her, she understood she had been reckless last summer, foolhardy even. But now everything was different. Her hands gripped Castle's as her eyes rose to see the concern and uncompromising love in his. She didn't blame him for doubting her, she knew she wasn't easy to handle, yet he seemed to have moved beyond that. She sighed and reaching up ran her hand down his jaw, smiling at her writer.
"Okay. I'll do whatever I need to, I promise." Kate stated with resignation, ready now to await her fate. Both the doctor and the writer sighed at her statement.
"First, you can't return to work for at least three months, maybe longer. No heavy exercise for 6 to 8 weeks. I'm giving you another round of antibiotics, and your side will continue to hurt for an extended period of time, so don't fight it, take the pain pills. You need to eat better and gain some weight. You also need to bring your stress levels under control." Dr. Steiner advised concisely.
Three months… Three months was too long. What on earth would she do with herself for three months?
Castle waited patiently as Kate worked her way through the news, and continued to try to come to terms with her situation.
"Kate, I have a plan."
Kate chuckled as she looked at her partner, "Of course you do and it's probably a whopper."
"I am pretty proud of it, yes. We go to my house in the Hamptons; it's beautiful this time of year and right on the beach. I have a room we can set up for physical therapy and anything else Steve wants you to have. Alexis and mother can come and see us on weekends. Our friends can visit as well. I signed the new book deal, so I'll write, and you can read, critique my work, whatever. Then you'll come back stronger and tougher than before, and we'll come back together. So, what do you think? Cool, huh?"
All Kate could do while he was proudly presenting his grand plan was to stare at him and shake her head. She realized in that moment that there was nothing that this man would not do for her, and the least she could do was meet him halfway.
"Castle, this may be one of the craziest, most bizarre, yet loveliest ideas you've ever come up with. So, now what?"
Both Dr. Steiner and Castle were somewhat taken aback at the ease with which Kate had agreed to the whole situation.
"First, we go to the precinct and talk to Captain Gates." Castle revealed gently.
Kate visibly paled at the thought of admitting to Gates that she needed more time to recover.
Dr. Steiner was the first to speak. "Victoria is a very compassionate person, she will be on board with this. We are old friends and I've already sent her my official recommendation."
"You know Captain Gates?" She asked incredulously.
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During the elevator ride up to the precinct, Kate was filled with trepidation, her eyes closed while she focused on gathering enough energy to get through the coming confrontation. The ding of the elevator announced their arrival to the 12th precinct and Castle used his hand on Kate's back to softly nudge her towards the door.
"Castle, maybe we should come back later."
"Nuh-uh, no turning back now." Noting what little color she had previously had now completely left her face, he whispered, "You're tired, Kate, take my arm and I'll make sure you stay up., Ok?"
"OK," Kate agreed, squeezing Castle's arm.
Ryan and Espo came running over to Beckett. "What a surprise, Beckett, whatcha doing here?" they both chimed together.
Kate's face stilled as her jaw set and her eyebrows rose. "Hi. Sorry boys, looks like I have to take some time off," she stuttered as she continued, "maybe 3 months, so I've got to talk to Gates."
"What? You're not coming back?" Both were obviously stunned. Beckett was their glue, their boss, but they knew enough not to push, particularly after getting the head shake from Castle.
"Check with you later," Ryan expressed.
Esposito was more direct, "Castle you take care of her, you don't want me to come after you."
Then they both disappeared back into the bullpen.
Knocking on Gates door, they heard a brisk "Enter" and Kate took a deep breath, looking up at Castle as her grip on his arm tightened.
As they entered Gates' office, Beckett began "Sir, I need to talk to you."
"Detective Beckett, Mr Castle, sit down please," The Captain said, gesturing towards the chairs.
"That's OK Sir, I'll stand. Ummm, Sir. It looks like I have to ask for another 3 months medical leave, maybe more. I-I'm..." Stammering Kate was barely able to get through the admission.
"Detective, let me help here by saying I really do understand thanks to Dr. Steiner's report. You have been through hell, twice now. I want you back, but only when you're 100 per cent fit to be here."
"Sir, I don't know when that will be…" Kate's voice caught, emotion overcoming her. Taking a deep breath she struggled for control, she couldn't breakdown now, not in front of Gates.
"Enough, Kate, your desk will always be here. Come back when you can."
Kate's mouth dropped open and she was speechless. The Captain's response had stunned her and her only retort was "Thank you, Sir."
Riding the elevator down, all remaining energy drained from Kate as she fell against the handrail, fighting to remain upright. Gripping her waist, Castle whispered "stay with me Kate, stay with me." Kate's face turned sharply to look at Castle, those words again haunting her and her mind fading. It took everything she had to remain conscious.
As the door to the car opened, Kate sank into her seat. She was emotionally and physically spent and her body began trembling as her fever rose and the pain spiked. Watching his love, her vulnerability overwhelmed him and he knew getting his Kate back was going to take time.
Arriving at the loft, Kate was clutching tightly to Castle's arm. Between the fatigue, fever and pain, she was barely on her feet. Castle hesitated, and then leaned down to pick her up.
"Do not pick me up, I mean it." She ground out between clenched teeth. Having broken out in a sweat, Kate was busy eyeing her goal, and her words were hushed, "The nest. Please."
They got there, just as Kate's legs began to fold. Ignoring her plea, Castle lifted her up and helped her get settled. Fighting to stay awake, all Kate could do was shake and think to herself, what a day.
"Here take these" Rick asked as he handed her some pain pills which this time she willing swallowed Castle leaned in, kissed her neck and whispered, "you need to rest love, we'll talk later."
Grabbing his lapel before he left, she murmured "Rick, thank you for today. Seriously."