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.
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A/N: Please consider giving the best Christmas present anyone could ever receive,
(REMOVE THE SPACES) VISIT Be The Match dot Org no spaces
When I began this fanfic, I had no idea that a friend and one of my biggest supporters would now be facing her battle against Cancer. I dedicate this story to her, no names listed, for her privacy, but if you pray, say one for S. Hopefully we can all love you through this, till then, stay strong. Tim
Chapter 17
Presbyterian Hospital
New York, New York
Rick Rogers Suite
Kate's Room, Immediately following a visit to Serena
Karen had given Kate the warning when the time approved for visiting was up she would point to her watch Serena would stay up talking for as long as she was needed. Dr. Long, or Doctor Sarah as everyone on the floor called her, was adamant about the rules she set up for her patients and would not tolerate any of them being bent or broken.
Kate returned to her suite, and as she entered she noticed a man talking to Karen at the desk, then pointing in her direction. She didn't think much about it at that moment but when the man in the expensive suit knocked on her door, then opened it slowly, she knew what was coming.
"Ms. Katherine Beckett?" The gentleman asked and waited for her to respond,
"I'm Katherine Beckett, but you're looking for Special Agent Katherine Beckett, aren't you" she said, willing herself to be strong.
"Yes, sadly I am, I take it that is you, Special Agent? I need confirmation, and please speak loudly, this conversation is being recorded per HR Policy." He said,
"I am Special Agent Beckett, at least I am for the next few minutes," she said sadly,
"I'm sorry Ms. Beckett, my name is Special Agent Carter, and I am here to advise you of your revised employment status. It has been decided that you are now officially medically retired from the AG's office.
"You have 30 days to appeal the ruling, and 90 days to appeal any monetary settlement that may be included in your package. You have one year of paid hospitalization, and your service years will include the entire time you have been absent from work on both short and long-term disability, as well as all unpaid accrued sick, and vacation accrued during your illness." He said, sadly as he laid a manilla envelope with the security seal she was so used to seeing on her side table.
"Everyone at the office wishes you a speedy recovery, but we all know the prognosis is not good for you to be able to resume your duties within the window of time required, retirement is the only way to allow you to receive the pension and benefits you earned by risking your life for the agency for so long.
"I understand Agent, and for what It's worth I expected this when I first informed HR of the final diagnosis, so I am not blaming anyone. We all know one weak agent weakens the entire force; I don't want to be that agent." She got out before her bottom lip began quivering before she bit down on it to make it stop, or at least hide it from the Agent.
"Thank you, Agent, can you sign the acknowledgment please, it merely states I explained the right to appeal, and indeed did deliver the envelope to you personally. I'm sorry, my wife is at mass and is lighting a candle for you this evening," he said, his eyes, becoming full,
"Please thank your wife, and thank you for the professionalism as well as your empathy, you could have made it much tougher," she said, as she scribbled her name and date on the bottom of the form.
"I will, and Kate, Good Luck, you're in many people's prayers" as he turned and walked out of the room. She sat looking at the envelope and her copy of the delivery acknowledgment form, she didn't hear the knock or the door open. Karen was with someone,
"Kate, I'm sorry, but no one was allowed in your room, well, as," Karen started, Kate turned to look at her,
"Hey Karen, it's OK, who are you hiding behind you," she asked, as Alexis Castle stepped out behind her,
"Hi Kate, I wanted to be sure you were up to having visitors, Karen told me you had just gotten some bad news, look, I can go, I"
"Alexis, PLEASE STAY," she said, more desperate than she intended,
"Are you sure Kate, do you feel strong enough?" she asked.
"I'm sure, I can use some company from my family or as close as any family member I have left," she said, Alexis smiled and pulled the smaller chair close to the bed.
"Kate, Dr. Barnett wanted the labs repeated so the blood tech will be in to re-draw blood, not using the port, I'm sorry but it has to be from a vein, doctor's orders," she said,
"Thanks, Karen, I'm not going anywhere, I don't know how much time Alexis has but she's had blood taken before, so tell them to do what they have to do," she said, gone the fighter who would tell them to come back when she was ready. It had dawned on her, these people were saving her life, or at least trying, not just there to piss her off.
"I just have to see Serena a little bit, Dad's over there now, so I thought I'd see you, to give them some quiet time alone. He wanted me to ask if he could see you, he'll be back with Serena to spend the night, but he wants to see for himself that you're doing so much better" she said,
"Of course, he can Alexis, I had a great conversation with Serena earlier, and I think I'm finally getting it," she smiled,
A few minutes later Kate's blood was on the way to the lab with RUSH, STAT, STAT, marked on the orders encoded on the charge sheet. Henry was worried about something and wasn't waiting one minute more than he had to before attempting to mitigate the issue.
Less than twenty minutes later, Karen knocked on the door, looking upset, and then Henry and Paul followed her, both looking very serious.
"Kate we have some bad news, and I," Dr. Paul started and quickly stopped when he noticed Alexis in the room,
"Paul, whatever you have to say, can be said in front of Alexis, or any member of the Castle family, I mean"
"OK, Kate. You have an infection, Henry caught it when reviewing your afternoon lab tests and just confirmed it with the latest samples. At this point, I'm afraid your quarantine or isolation starts tonight," He said shyly, then added, "You can have five names on your visitor log, but each will need to suit up, wear masks, and have temperature checks before they are allowed in to see you.
"Sadly, that also means you are off the good food, and now will be getting meals from the isolation kitchen on this floor, I'm so very sorry," Paul said,
"Well, that just put the capper on an otherwise fantastic day, I'm officially medically retired from the AG's office, and now, well, you said Five people. The only one I can think of is Lanie, or possibly Rick if he wanted to,"
"Kate, put me down, I'll be here, Dad has Serena, let me be here for you, please?" she asked,
"Alexis, are you sure, honey? It's not going to be pleasant or pretty to look at, nor I to be around, and"
"Kate, I never forgot the time you took to help me, when you lived with us, both times. First your apartment bombing then, well the other time" not mentioning when she deserted not only Rick but the Castle family, whom she loved dearly.
"OK, Alexis, only one condition, it's approved by your Dad AND Serena. I've already inserted myself into their lives much more than I would have ever tolerated, so"
Rick walked through the door, "Kate, Alexis has our permission, and you haven't inserted yourself into anything. I'm glad you and Kay, eh, and Serena talked this afternoon. Isolation starts so put down all three of us, Serena, me, and Alexis, Lanie can use her medical credentials, or her hubby's pull to get to see you." He smiled,
"Now, I'm just going to sit here while Alexis runs next door to inform Serena and visit with her for a few minutes. I'm sleeping here Kate, so if you need anything, day, or night, regardless of the time of day or night, CALL ME.
Kate looked up at him as Alexis kissed his cheek, "I won't be long Daddy," she whispered, as he kissed the top of her head, just as he had done hundreds of times when things, well when the world was right.
"OK, Kate, I know you don't want to talk about it, but get with someone, anyone that will have your back. Alexis loves you, and she respects you, even if she was very hurt. I forgave you, and one talk with Serena and she forgave you as well." He said, quietly,
"Rick, she's a young lady, It wouldn't be right to put that on her" Kate argued back, looking into his eyes she knew she was losing the battle, "OK, if she is willing, but Rick, if it gets to be too much for her, tell her to walk away, let my estate lawyers manage it," she said,
"I heard that part, Kate, Serena told you that you were family, and no family member ever goes through anything as serious as this alone. I got her Dad, Serena is tiring fast, you may want to get over there to kiss her goodnight, she's fighting to stay awake." Alexis smiled,
"Well call me if you need me, either of you," he leaned down and kissed Kate on top of the head as he would do Alexis, confirming Serena's message earlier, "He was in love with his wife, and stayed true to her, no matter what"
A few minutes of total silence, and then Alexis spoke,
"Kate, I know you're hurting, but when you chose the job, Dad had a tough time, Serena saved him, for me, for all of us. She loves him and I think you can see with your own eyes that he worships the ground she walks on. They are happy, and with the little one coming, it just brought them closer, if that was possible" Alexis said, gently,
"Thanks Lexi, I see it, and believe it or not, I love him enough to say, I'm glad he's happy. He deserves to be," She said, fighting the tears back. Just then the team of nurses arrived to place her in isolation, "I'll be back Kate, I'm just going to say goodnight to Serena, while they get you set up."
Kate turned to the window, and let her tears fall gently, now the hard part was coming. Where would she be without the Castle family? Alone, and afraid, she vowed then to make it up to them somehow,
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10 days Later
Kate was undergoing both Chemo and Radiation, administered to her in her suite. She only saw Karen, three other nurses, one per shift, and the Radiologist, the food, although better than normal hospital was a far cry from what Rick had spoiled her with.
Alexis was there every day, as was Lanie, and of course Henry and Paul. It took almost the full ten days of IV antibiotics, along with the other treatment to finally kill the virus, but on day ten, she was declared free of the germ, meaning she could accept the donor blood at any time now, provided the infection did not reoccur.
Rick stopped in, even if it was for only five minutes every day, suited up, had his temperature checked, and went through the screening just to spend a few minutes with her. Serena was the one who usually told him to go check on her since she wasn't in a position to video call anymore, Doctor Long had her on complete bed rest now, the baby could come at any time.
On day 11, there was no visit from Little Castle, AKA Alexis, Rick, or anyone, until mid-morning when Karen came in and gave her the news.
"Kate, we've restricted all visitors for the next few days, Serena went into labor at 4:30 AM, and when she delivers you will be whisked away to the surgical suite next door to receive the donation, once Dr. Barnett, Dr. Long, and Dr. Rucker have completed the preparation of the donor blood. Right now we are in a holding pattern, awaiting the news, I'm sorry to take this long to get the news to you, as you can imagine things are a little crazy out there now," She smiled,
"I understand, so Serena, is she OK, I mean, is it normal for her to be in labor this long, I mean,"
"Kate, we can only hope her little one isn't as stubborn as my first, I was in labor for 38 hours with that rascal, but looking back now, I wouldn't change a minute." She said, tears in her eyes.
"How old is he if I may ask Karen?" she said softly,
"He would have been 25 tomorrow, but unfortunately he was a victim of Cancer and died at age sixteen. He fought like hell and had it in remission twice, but it finally caught up and took away his will to fight. He passed three days after Christmas," she said, tears falling gently down both cheeks,
"I'm so sorry Karen, I shouldn't have opened my big mouth, I mean"
"Kate, you are fighting a form of cancer, when you kick its ass, you're doing it for a hell of a lot more people than yourself, my son is included in that victory. The doctors learn more with each case, and who knows, your case could be the case that some brainiac like Dr. B, comes up with the final cure." She said,
"It's an honor to work with such dedicated doctors, that's what keeps me going, that is what Ronnie would have wanted, so that's what I'm going to do. I'll do whatever I can to help those fighting it, celebrate the victories, and yes, sadly cry when we lose one patient." She said, her smile returned,
Her phone pinged with an odd tone, and she stepped outside for a moment, then popped back in,
"Get ready Kate, they are getting close, so if you want to call anyone or say a prayer, now is the time, they estimate within the next hour to ninety minutes you will be headed for your treatment. If you need anything use your call button, I have to go" and she was out of the door.
Kate's thoughts went immediately to the room where Serena was as one nurse put it, on the doorsteps of hell with pain delivering the miracle of life. In this case, it was hopeful that the little creation would be the lifesaving element she needed to stay alive, only time would tell, but she had a fighting chance.
She wanted to convey her thoughts to the Castle family, including the little one still on its way, so she grabbed her stationery and a good pen and began to write a letter.
"Dear Castle Family,
"It would be an understatement to say I don't know where I would be today if it were not for the love and kindness each of you have shown me. I never felt like it was sympathy, I felt loved and for the first time in my life, I think I understand what LOVE truly is. That's a gift in itself, but as I write this, we await the newest member of the Castle family to arrive.
"I don't know if he or she will ever meet me, we pray that the contribution works, but in case it doesn't I wanted them, and you all to know what special people you all are. Rick, I see now how Serena completes you, in a manner that no other human could. Serena, I see the love that Rick, Alexis, and Martha have for you, and believe me you cracked a very tough audience to receive that.
"To Baby Castle, your parents will explain how you tried to save a lady you had yet to meet, one who didn't deserve the love that your parents gave, but a lady who will work every day to prove your gift wasn't taken for granted if given the opportunity. I don't know if the time given to me will be measured in days, weeks, or even years, but I do know now what I want to do with the rest of my life. I truly hope I make you all proud, I am really trying, and I wanted you to know, that regardless of the outcome, I can say I have loved ones. Thank you for that, and for everything,
"I'm waiting and praying for you Serena, I never experienced what you are going through, but from the nurse's description, you are one brave woman. I have to close for now, Karen just waved and has the biggest smile on her face, which means all is well, and I am about to find out if I am gifted the second gift of life. Please know I love you all, and I always will,
Always,
Kate,
Just as she completed the letter the door swung open with a beaming Karen,
"Kate, it's a ********************************"
TBC
A/N: The story had more to tell than I thought, but we are nearing the end. Charlie I know you want to know, you always want to know, but this is teaching you patience, or is it suffering, I promise to update in the next few days, I know one reader will be on the edge of his seat waiting to see what Rick and Serena had, boy or girl.
Secondly, I caught a change in the timing, and place of the proposal from Chapter One, since there was such a time gap, due to the Fan Fic Site being inaccessible, I decided to let the location and description of the proposal from Serena's point of view stand. It's more romantic and fits the storyline better in my opinion. So to all those eagle eye want to be editors, it was a CHANGE, not an error, Thx
Serious note, Please continue to pray for S, she is in an area of the world where medical supplies and treatments aren't as easy to come by as here in the States, all thoughts, positive vibes, and prayers for her are appreciated. Till next time, - Tim-