Part of Me, Part of You
by Castlefan6
Authors Note: Sequel to Girl from Yesterday, No Time Lapse, the story picks up where we left off. This is AU; Beckett has left for D.C. and the Feds. This describes the activity of each during the time away from the other. It blends some Canon dialog; courtesy of Dust Jackets Dot Com and then goes quickly and completely AU. This will describe what our friends have been up to, Rick and Kate WILL NOT END UP TOGETHER! Taking a Literary License to fill in the blanks.
A/N: THIS IS NOT A CASKETT ENDING: THIS IS NOT A CASKETT ENDING.
I don't own Castle; I use the characters for amusement purposes only, except the ones I create.
Also, we take liberties with the timeline from Canon and use events to make this more believable fiction, thanks.
**************************************************************************/
A/N: I had almost given up on this story because of all of the issues with Fan Fic sight. I'm not sure who is still out there, readers or even my fellow writers but Thanks to MrsChabie, Sylvie who encouraged me to continue. I hope you enjoy it, I had to change the original direction, (a slight change to Dr. Rucker Specialty) since once passion is lost, it's gone for good, at least for me. Hopefully, I can complete this without too much delay. Thanks for your understanding and support. Tim
Chapter 6
Tide Mill Basin,
Kirby Lane,
Rye, New York,
8 Months Later
The weddings, both Serena and Rick and Lanie and Doctor Paul Rucker, went off without any issues at all. If Kate Beckett was upset about Maddie catering the receptions, she didn't let it show. It was Rick and Serena's gift to the new couple as well as the use of the Hamptons Home for the wedding and reception.
She quietly moved back to New York and found a condo about three blocks from the Loft, three weeks after Lanie's wedding. The big difference was that it was now occupied by Mike and Alexis, who had patched things up and were busy planning their wedding. It seemed the lie Alexis had caught Mike in was a lie BUT for a good reason.
FLASHBACK TO HER TALK AT THE NEW HOME
Mike had used his friend's Dart Tournament as an excuse for not visiting her that evening as usual, one problem, he never told his friend Andy the reason or to back up his story. Karma being what it is, Alexis ran into Andy the next day and surprised him when she asked how the tournament went, which she could tell he had no clue of what she was asking.
He gave her the generic answer they could have done better, but there was always the next week. Mike had told her it was the last match of the year, a complete lie, and very hurtful to her. Her thoughts raced to the worst-case scenario, while in reality, Mike was visiting Richard Rogers Castle, and his new wife Mrs. Serena Rogers Castle to ask permission for their daughter's hand in marriage.
Serena was aware of the "LIE" Alexis had told her about but was also sworn to secrecy by Mike, so she had to do the dance when she talked. She tried to get her to allow Mike to explain, "Honey, I'm sure there is a reasonable explanation, just give him a chance, you would want that wouldn't you sweetie?" She pleaded with the young lady, trying to stay true to her oath of silence.
"You're right Serena, it's just that when you trust someone completely it hurts like hell, just the thought that they would betray you, I know why Dad hates lies so much now. Oh my gosh, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought that up" She blushed and placed her hand over her mouth.
Serena pulled her into a hug, "Alexis, listen to me. Your dad and I are fully aware of each other's pasts, so you don't have to skirt any issues. I know about Kate, her habit of not being honest, and how much she hurt your Dad, but Honey, you don't have to walk on eggshells. Not when you are discussing anything that happened before we got together. Just say what's on your mind, and I promise you I'll do the same. You won't hurt me if that's what's worrying you." She hugged the young girl a little tighter.
She noticed the tear tracks on the young lady's face and gently wiped them away with a tissue, "Thanks Serena, I see why Daddy fell in love with you, he couldn't resist your compassion for all of us. Hell, I love you and I've only been around you a little while. You have a way of making me feel important, and so very special. I know Dad was afraid I would see you as a competition, but really, I'm so freaking happy for you both." Serena hugged her tighter,
"Look, I know I'm late to the game, you have a birth mother and a Mom, and I won't interfere with either of those relationships, just know that I'm here for you, in whatever role you need me to be, OK?" Alexis sniffled and wiped her nose, before finally saying, "OK, you know it's nice to have a woman who I can talk to about things, Daddy is great, but well,"
Serena finished her thought, "But he's a man, I understand. Anytime you need me, I'll be here for you."
It was the start of more than a friendship, almost a reverence as a second Mom, and Gina made it clear that as long as Alexis was happy, she was glad to have the help. They worked out the details for the new home and wedding, and eventually, Alexis confided in her that Mike told her everything after he proposed.
She thanked her for not ratting him out, it was the most romantic evening of her life, made special by her future husband. Mike was also surprised that his secret was kept, even though Serena knew the truth, so the bond between the young couple and the new wife started strong and got even stronger.
PRESENT DAY
Kate may have relocated to the New York District Office of the AG, but other than location not a great deal changed. She did work on more delicate cases and made time to keep in touch with her Dad, stepmother-to-be, Lane, and Paul, mostly by phone. She had reached out to Jenny and Kevin, and spoken a few times, there was still work to be done on that front. She even had double-dated with Paul, Lanie, and Terry DiCenso, a cute associate of Paul's from the hospital.
It was a fun evening, but just fun, nothing to build on other than someone to have dinner with or catch a show. They both knew that careers had and would take priority, so it was nice not to have to play the games. She had been feeling tired and getting fatigued much more often than usual. She mentioned it to Lanie, who immediately scheduled a complete physical at the hospital's outpatient clinic.
Lanie looked concerned when she saw the red blotches of skin, that seemed to just appear, as well as a bruise with the slightest touch of the skin. She talked to Paul, who insisted that she get her into the clinic for tests and some blood work. It could be a variety of things, but it could also be quite serious.
"Kate, have you been more fatigued lately? How long have you been getting those bruises with the slightest contact with your skin?" Lanie asked when she took her out to lunch, a ruse to get her to the clinic where the appointment had been made for her.
"What are you talking about Lanes, I mean," then she noticed the eye roll and the stare down from her friend, "Well if you must know it started my last month in DC, so about 5months," She replied,
"Did it ever occur to you to go see a doctor, you know the funny people that wear white coats and diagnose real medical conditions? I mean I cut dead people open which is what you will be if you don't start taking better care of yourself. "Lanie said, she was worried, that it could be a terrible condition, but wouldn't even allow herself to think that far, at least not until the lab results came back.
"Lanie, I'm fine, I have just been putting in a lot of hours, and maybe I do need some time off to rest. I have been going full tilt since I got back and am tired." She confessed,
"Well, we have an appointment at the clinic next to the hospital where Paul works in 45 minutes, so don't say a word, you're going if I have to knock you on that skinny ass and drag you. Now are we going to do this the easy or the hard way?
"Oh, and don't forget, I can call your boss and have it mandated as a member of the medical team employed by the state of New York. Don't make me play dirty Kate Beckett, you'll thank me when it is over." She said,
"Damn it, Lanie, that's rotten, even for you to use your position to force me to go to a doctor, you know how I feel about them and hospitals" Kate whined,
"Yes, I know how you feel, but how do you think your Dad and those who love you would feel looking at you on my table, I'm serious Kate, you can't just put your head in the sand and think shit will blow past you," Lanie said as she handed her the coat from behind her chair. "Now come on, we don't want to be late. Don't worry about work, they know you're going for your annual physical follow-up as mandated for ALL federal employees in your pay grade." She said as Kate just let out a whimper,
"Oh, all right. The quicker we get there the quicker you'll see there is nothing wrong with me and we can talk about something fun." Kate whined,
RJC Enterprises
Park Avenue
Same Time Frame
Rick had consolidated several offices, and divisions of his companies and now owned the entire top floor of a modern office building on Park Avenue, with a great view of the park. Serena was named a Vice President of the company and assisted in strategic planning and encouraging minority firms to enter the National Defense arena.
She was a natural, and with her clearance, it was easy to use both her and Rick when a couple was needed for assignments for intelligence gathering. She had promised Rick, no more art retrieval, it was too risky and too dangerous for both her and the clients.
They were trying to "retire" but several attempts always got interrupted when they were needed for just one more matter, for the preservation of our National Security. Finally, Rick gave notice, that this was the last mission, or he would go public, the ruse worked, and they were given final security briefings and followed protocol when an intelligence asset left active duty.
Now she could focus entirely on encouraging minority firms on how to apply for government contracts, the bid process, and some of the do's and don't when dealing with the machine known as the U.S. Government. She had just come out of a meeting when she saw her husband deep in thought in his office, she slipped in, put her arms around his waist, and kissed his neck.
"Hey what the hell are you doing, my wife is going to kill you" By that time he had pulled her around to see that it was his wife. "OK did you get the response you wanted?" he smiled,
She kissed him deeply, one of the advantages of being one of the owners, "I sure did, and thank you Love, it made my day." She smiled,
"Well, if you're going to sneak in here, why don't we make sure the curtains are down and doors are locked next time" he waggled his eyebrows,
"No baby, that's why we have that expensive mattress in our bedroom at home, you can't hurt your back, I need you in action." She laughed as he blushed,
"Well, maybe I can sweet talk the boss into letting me leave early to take advantage of that mattress, what do you think?" he laughed,
"Rick, you are the boss, who do you need permission from.?" She asked with a puzzled look on her face.
"Sweetie, I'm CEO and COO, not Executive Vice President of Operations, that would be you, the office we're in right now, she needs to approve" He was interrupted mid-sentence by Serena's lip lock.
"Let's get the hell out of here, I have plans for you Mister Castle." She pulled away and was already shutting down the computers, as Rick smiled, and followed her lead.
"Yes Mrs. Castle, I understand, and I think I have a surprise or two for you as well." He laughed, knowing Serena loved presents but hated waiting, once she knew he had something for her.
"I am going to torture you when I get you home, you know how that drives me crazy," she smiled and stole a kiss as they started out the door.
Presbyterian Medical Clinic
New York,
45 minutes Later.
Kate reluctantly went into the building along with her best friend, Dr. Lanie Parrish. She knew better than to try to blow the appointment off or try to shut Lanie out, there would be hell to pay. Dr. Emilio Cortez, an Internist who was part of Dr. Rucker, (Paul's) practice was going to do the initial examination then Paul was going to review the preliminary findings and discuss them with Kate.
Lanie was well aware of Kate's fear, or apprehension of doctors, so she had already cleared it with Paul to be with Kate during the exam, as long as Kate wanted her to be.
Lanie felt someone grab her hand, and then saw fear in Kate's eyes, "Lanes, this is stupid, I mean I'm a grown-a woman, but would you come into the exam with me, you know"
"I already cleared it with Paul and Milo, as long as you wanted me to be with you they don't have a problem." She said as she squeezed her hand and saw the relief fill her eyes.
"Thanks, Lanie, I don't know why I'm so damn afraid, but"
"Hey, it's OK, just never put one of those big ass spiders around much less on me, Girl I will use those sharp instruments on your skinny ass. I know your fear, it's normal we all are afraid of something." Lanie smiled,
The exam started with a technician drawing blood, a total of 14 tubes, so when Lanie said her husband wanted a thorough workup, she wasn't kidding. The young lady apologized for having to take so many vials, but she said, "Dr. Paul is the most dedicated doctor I ever met, if you have anything wrong with you he will find it and get you on the path to wellness." She said,
"You like the good doctor don't you," Kate asked.
"You bet I do; he saved my Mom. She had been to at least five different doctors who all told her it was psychological, but not Doctor Paul. She started just like this; a lot of blood tests and he found her problem. She had thyroid problems, eventually a tumor was removed and she's as healthy as can be now." The young technician, Kate saw her badge and name Cassidy, said.
"That's a great recommendation Cassidy, and makes me feel much better, he's married to my best friend,"
"Dr. Parrish is your best friend? Why didn't you say something, she could have drawn this blood before you came, and we would have had the results of most of the tests by now." The young lady said,
"Well, Cassidy, you see she didn't know she was coming to the appointment until I sprang it on her at lunch, she has a phobia about hospitals, so she would have been so wound up, that we would have had to sedate her" Lanie laughed,
"Oh my God, you're Doctor Parrish, I'm so sorry, I didn't put it together until just now" she blushed,
"Cassidy, it was nice to hear the words about your Mom, Paul is a great husband, and now I know his reputation has been earned one patient at a time, he does care about all of them," Lanie said,
"Not only the patients Dr. Parris, but his staff as well. I bet he's the only doctor in this clinic who knows every employee's birthday as well as if they are going through any problems in their home life. He always wants us to be our best because he cares so much about our patients and us." She said as she placed the cotton ball on the area she just removed the needle.
" Press hard for a few seconds Miss Beckett, as I wrap it with this compression wrap." Kate obeyed orders and Cassidy said, "I'll put a rush on these, so Dr. Paul can have some information when he speaks to you. It was nice meeting you, and Dr. Parrish, I'm so sorry, I should have recognized you from the pictures in Dr. Paul's office", and then she was out of the door.
"You see Kate, I got lucky, I got a great husband and a great doctor," there was a knock on the door, and it opened to see a good-looking doctor in his late 30s walk in. Kate thought to herself that he could have passed as Emilio Estevez's brother, he was more than eye candy, he was gorgeous. Stop it Kate she thought.
"Miss Beckett? I'm Dr. Emilio Cortez, I'm the Internist with whom Dr. Paul works within his medical group so I will be starting your examination. I must ask, do you approve of Dr. Parrish being present as we review your medical history and I do the preliminary examination?" He asked,
"Yes I do, Doctor, she's here by my request. I have a phobia about hospitals and sometimes it extends to doctors as well." She said,
"Interesting, you were a cop, getting shot at, knives pulled and I'm sure more than your share of guys who thought you were a cream puff on the streets, and you're afraid of a white coat. Here, I'll take it off. Kate so you know, it's commonly referred to as "White Coat Syndrome" so let's start over as we allow your blood pressure to resume its normal reading, shall we?" he smiled
Kate smiled, and began to relax, the doctor understood her fear, even knew the name for it, and he was correct, without the lab coat, he was just another man, and she did begin to relax. Maybe she had nothing to fear after all.
TBC
A/N: Updates will be sporadic, but I promised to not leave any work unfinished, and I truly am attempting to keep that promise. As always your comments are welcome as long as they are respectful, I'm not sure how many readers are still out there, but hopefully, we have enough that still are interested enough to make this fandom stay alive. Till next time, thanks Tim