My baby (this story) is two months today! I hadn't realized it until I went to post this chapter. Crazy how time flies! Thanks for all of the support along the way. It has been greatly appreciated.

Morning came quickly for Kate and Rick. They fell asleep shortly after their mini make-out session. It hadn't lasted long, it left them both nearly aching for more. Kate had been the one to pull away first. She, for some reason, decided it would be best to cool it down before it became too heated. They didn't need to confuse their feelings with physical ones at the moment. Plus, they were in a freaking hospital bed. Not the best place to start making out.

For once Rick was awake before Dr. Marshall came around to his room. He was anxious to hear if can officially leave today. He was ready to leave this room, get back into his own clothes, and in his own bed. In a weird way he was glad he had this experience. It had brought Kate back to him, and they were on a fast track to being better and stronger than they had ever been before. He had hope and excitement, when before he was empty and gray. However, he was ready to get the hell out of here.

Castle figured they would release him before noon. He had texted Alexis and asked if she could pick the two of them up. She agreed, and even offered to stalk the loft with plenty of food. He had specifically requested ice cream. Lots of ice cream. After all, he had been shot. He deserves as much ice cream as he wants. (Luckily, Alexis agreed with him. Kate probably would allow it for a day, but his daughter had been trained well. She will let him eat as much as he wants.)

His anxious tossing and turning caused Kate to wake up. She stretched while yawning. It was apparent she hadn't remembered she was in a bed with another person because when her arm hit Castle in the face she jumped and let out a screech.

Castle chuckled. "Good morning, Detective Beckett."

"Shut up, Castle. You scared me." Kate pretended to pout. "It's not Detective Beckett anymore."

"Uh… Good morning, Agent Beckett?" Castle didn't really like the sound of that. He wasn't sure why he felt so awkward all of a sudden.

"Nope, just Kate." She said, almost proudly.

"Well, just Kate, good morning. Man, you are a lot of work when you wake up."

"Good Morning, Mr. Castle." She smiled and leaned up to kiss his check.

At the last second he turned his head and kissed her. They shared a brief, but sweet kiss. They both pulled back with huge grins on their faces. Kate, nervously bit her lip and looked down. It felt like the beginning of a new relationship between them. It was silly, considering their history and the discussions they've had the last few days, but that is how kissing him made her feel.

"Would you mind helping me to the bathroom? I want to get myself ready before the Doc shows up."

"Sure. Just… don't get your hopes up too high, ok? There is a chance he won't let you go today." Kate stood up from the bed and began to help Castle get off the bed.

"Kate. Look at this face," he said while pointing his finger to his million dollar smile, "there is no way I can't talk my way into being released today." He replied as best he could, trying to fight through the pain of standing and walking.

"You think very highly of yourself, Castle."

"Don't even try denying it, Beckett. I know my charming wit and ruggedly handsome looks turn you to mush. You are lucky to have me."

She barked out a laugh. "Sure, Rick. Whatever you say…"

"Ah ha! You didn't deny it!"

"What's the point? I'm not sure you could even hear what I'd say past that ego of yours."

"You love it." He said with the biggest smile on his face. It felt good to joke with her.

"I love you. I'm not sure why…" It was a struggle to keep the grin off her face.

They had finally made it to the bathroom. Kate had tried to keep his mind of the pain by joking with him. She knew from experience how stiff and sore it was to make your body move after being immobile for an extended period of time. She had been so stubborn by refusing to take any pain meds. She wouldn't let Castle be that foolish. It accomplished nothing, and she could have saved herself needless pain.

20 minutes later, both Rick and Kate had used the bathroom to get ready for their day. Castle was back in the hospital bed, Kate in her chair, waiting for Dr. Marshall to show up. They were sitting there, in a peaceful silence, thinking.

"Good morning, Castles." Dr. Marshall said to announce himself. "How are you feeling this morning, Rick?'

"Ready to get out of here, Doc. It's been great to see your smiling face every morning, but I'm ready to get home to see my daughter."

"Well… I see in your chart that you were able to successfully make it the bathroom and back a few times yesterday, with assistance of course. How did that go for you?"

Castle looked to Kate, "It wasn't that difficult. It hurts to get up, and I'm stiff from lying down for so long, but for the most part it's fine. The pain is manageable."

"That's good. The PT writes that he thinks you can handle being released as well. When you are filling out your discharge papers you will be given a prescription for physical therapy. It is very important to go, and to listen to what they tell you. If you want to heal, 100%, you need to listen to them. Got it?"

"Yes, sir!" Rick said with a salute. He was happy with the way this conversation was going.

"I take it you have someone to stay with you. Correct?" Dr. Marshall looked towards Kate.

"Yes, he is forcing me to stay with him." Kate finally piped in.

"Excellent. Well, let me examine the wound site, and if that looks fine then you will be free to go, Rick."

"You are my favorite person today, Doc." Castle replied while leaning forward.

"Replaced so easily." Kate muttered.

Dr. Marshall laughed while pulling Castle's shirt back down. "I wouldn't take it personally, Kate. I get this all the time. Misplaced emotions is all it is."

"Don't worry, dear. I still love you." Castle said in an overly sweet voice.

"Oh no, don't try to sweet talk me now, dear. Maybe I should just leave you here with Dr. Marshall."

"Actually… it looks like he will need to stay here for another day." Dr. Marshall cut in to their banter.

"What?" Castle couldn't believe it. His heart sank.

"No, I'm kidding. You are free to go, Mr. Castle. Follow the directions in your discharge papers, and you will be good to go. I'll want to see you back in here in two weeks."

Kate laughed. She stood to shake the doctor's hand. "Thank you, for everything. We really appreciate it." Her voice had grown serious. She would always be thankful to this man for saving Castle.

"No problem, Kate. Take care, ok?"

"Thanks!" Castle called out as the doctor left the room.

They turned to look at each other. After a moment of silence, a smile stretched across both of their faces. He was free to go. He was going to be ok. Kate was going home with him.

"I'm going home!" Castle finally half shouted while fist pumping the air. He immediately regretted the movement, but didn't let the sharp pain detract from his celebrations.

"WE are going home." Kate emphasized. That felt great to say.

"Yes." He smiled bigger, if that was even possible. "Finally."

They both knew his finally extended to more than just this hospital trip. They were going home together, after a long 4 month separation. This was right.

"Castle's." Kate said after a moment. A soft smile on her face.

"Hmm?"

"He said Castle's. Not Rick Castle and Kate Beckett."

"Oh…" He wasn't sure if this was a good thing or a bad thing.

"I like it." She declared.

Castle smiled. Big.

After an exhausting two hour wait for the discharge paperwork, and countless directions from the nurses, Kate and Rick were on their way home. Alexis had the car service pick them up instead of driving herself. That had worked out best because he needed both Alexis and Kate to steady him during the drive home.

Castle had been so focused on getting home that he hadn't thought about getting from the hospital to the loft. The excruciating pain had caught him completely by surprise. Every turn, every bump, every break caused pain. His back wasn't used to sitting in that position so the stitches and muscles pulled even when they were still. It took everything in him not to scream.

Once they reached their building, Alexis hoped out and grabbed the wheel chair she had waiting for them. He wanted to deny it, be strong enough to walk himself to his own damn door, but he had nothing left in him. So, he sat down, humiliated. This was not what he had envisioned when he thought of coming home. His life was going to be different, at least for the next little while. He hadn't realized that until just this moment.

"Castle?" Kate finally asked once they were in the loft.

"What?" He grunted out.

"Can I help you from the chair to your bed?"

"Fine." He didn't feel like talking. He was too embarrassed and in pain.

Once in bed, settled and ready to rest, Castle released a breath. He could feel his eyelids closing and for once he wasn't going to fight it. He was exhausted and upset. Sleep was all he wanted at this point. Before he had completely drifted off he heard Kate approach.

"Listen. I know you are tired and about to crash, but I need you to know something. Rick, you were shot. It was a big deal. I know you are hurting, and pissed about it. You had expectations of your homecoming, and reality has slapped you in the face. Just don't forget… you are doing great. You are stronger than you think and it will get better."

Castle listened intently. He could tell this was her talking from experience. It helped just a little to know she had gone through something similar. He didn't know how she handled the 3 months they were apart. Kate never talked about it.

"Don't be mad. Just… acknowledge that it sucks, but don't let it consume you."

"Ok." That was all he could muster. He had nothing left.

Kate bent down, and kissed his forehead. "Sleep, Rick. I'll see you when you wake up."

With that, Castle drifted off to sleep.