AU: I'm so sorry to all my followers on this story. When I originally wrote this story I had every intention of continuing this story, but somehow I must have got distracted. I was checking the reviews on one of my other stories yesterday and found the link to this one. I had completely forgotten about this story, and upon reading it I was surprised to find it was some of my better work. So in the absence of Castle episodes and with the presence of new found inspiration I give you the next chapter of Promise Me.

Enjoy!

The room swirled around him as he attempted to stand. He was in a dark room with few objects visible. He could see a small light coming from the furthest corner in the room and despite his weariness he was determined to reach the soft glow. As the room slowed its spin he managed to stand and move a few steps towards the light. His head was pounding, his arm a constant throbbing pain reminding him of his current condition. He had been in this dream like state for what felt like a month, perhaps more. At first the trance was rather enjoyable, as he was entertained with images of the beautiful NYPD detective, and his fondest memories of his time with Alexis and Martha. But this soon changed as the images began to darken and twist, sucking up the light and love in the room.

Rick soon found himself being thrust from the comfortable bed where he once laid, into a world that was cruel and ruthless. More than once he had to escape hidden terrors that threatened his life. The world reminded him of his encounter with Wilson. The hatred in the crooks eyes, the fear in his own frequently flooded his brain as he made his way through uncharted territory. He had no idea where he was going or why, but he had this feeling in his heart. Something, or someone was pleading for him to wake up, and his heart seemed to be tugging him towards the room he now stood in.

It had been a long journey, but he had made it to this dank desolate room. He was exhausted physically, and mentally he wasn't fairing much better. The only thing that kept him going was the light. It emitted only a soft glow from a distance, but the closer her crawled the brighter it shone. As the light grew and illuminated his face he felt its warmth and comfort overwhelm him. As his hand touched the surface blocking the light he discovered it to be a large wooden door, thick with dust and grime. He groped around for some sort of latch his hands closed around a sturdy brass knob.

Suddenly his mind was flooded with images, speeding thorough his brain like lightening. Quite literally his life flashed before his eyes; all the good, bad, heartbreak and loves his thirty something years had contained. He was knocked to the ground just as one image was finishing its flash. He was in bed once again, but one much more familiar. His room was filled with fresh summer air, stirring the curtains around his bedroom's open window. As he turned in bed he discovered a figure sleeping next to him, the smooth skin of a shoulder peeking through a too big t-shirt. Her delicate features were partially hidden by the spread of shiny auburn hair covering her face. As sun flooded the room the figure shifted in bed to look at him. A smile graced her lips as she found his gaze upon her. Not believing his eyes he leaned in closer to face, their lips now inches apart. He breathed her sweet scent in, bringing his hand up to cradle her face. His aqua blue eyes stared into her greens ones, conveying so much with one single look. Her mouthed moved forming the words he had wanted to hear since he had met her, "I love you".

As he opened his mouth to respond the room began swirling around him again. Like dust in the wind the room and its contents disappeared, leaving only the woman he loved and him. He held on to her for dear life, not wanting to give her up. Tears began to fall down her face as she began to disintegrate into the wind. "Kate! Wait, please don't go, I can't lose you! I...I...love" and she was gone. Rick fell to his knees, sobs shaking his body. He loved her, he always had, but she wasn't going to be around forever. Neither was he for that matter. He should have realized this when Kate had cradled him in her arms, pleading for him to hold on. His life wasn't complete without her in it. He wanted more than anything to hear her saw those words, to repeat them back to her, but he had to wake up first in order to do so.

Wiping his eyes, he looked up to find himself back in the dark room, the wooden door before him. Grasping the handle once more he opened the door, releasing blinding white light that flooded the room. Refusing to shield his eyes from the brilliance he stepped through the doorway, allowing the light to swallow him whole.

It had been a month since Castle had lapsed in a coma, and every day grew harder for Kate. The first week or so had still held hope that he might wake up and be the smiling man-child she loved. But as the days grew on it became harder for Kate to go about her life. She kept her promise to Castle, actually moving in to his place for a few weeks to be with Alexis while Martha was away. The child had been the only thing keeping Kate from losing her mind. Alexis' persistent nature kept Kate from wallowing in her doubt that he may never return. She no longer felt a passion for her work. Though it served its purpose of passing the time and earning her money, she felt no joy in solving cases. She had tried to bounce theories off of Ryan and Esposito, but it just wasn't the same. Her solve rate hadn't dropped since the incident, but everyone could tell she empty inside.

After a long day of tedious paperwork Kate walked into the now familiar hospital room, still decorated with get- well cards and balloons. She pulled up her usual chair and took a seat as close as possible to the man lying in bed. She grasped his hand in hers and began her new ritual. As she told him about her day and the new developments they had made on their latest case, she felt herself beginning to sink into sadness. Soon her melodic speech changed into a cracked croak as she began to cry. She crawled out of her chair and sat up on the bed, snuggled close to his side. After moving him over slightly she lay down beside him, drawing his arm around her.

She lay there for a while allowing herself to cry. As she calmed down she began to plead with Castle to wake up. She said everything she could think of, even attempting to re-create their playful banter, but nothing worked. She took a deep breath to steady herself before speaking once more. "I know I never said this to you Castle, but believe me I've been feeling it for quite a while now. I don't know if you can hear me but, just know that I love you with all my heart."

A small croak came from behind her, as she felt a stubbly jaw move against her hair. Startled she sat up, twisting to look at the man on the bed. His Adam's apple bobbed in his throat as eyes fluttered attempting to open. Kate swiped at her eyes as she watched Castle's mouth move once more. "Kate"

Kate stuttered in disbelief. "Y...yes?"

His took a moment to clear his throat once more. "Don't cry, please." Kate smiled as new tears threatened to fall. Castle reached out for her, inviting her back into her arms. Had this had happened a month ago she would have thought twice about the invitation, but now she thought nothing in it. Once she was settled into his arms once more he leaned down and placed a kiss into her hair. "I love you too you know."

"You...you heard that?" she asked somewhat nervously. A soft chuckle erupted from Castle's chest.

"As I woke up actually. I went through a lot while I was asleep? I guess that's a nice way of putting it. Anyway, I realized something during that time. Kate you're the woman of my dreams. I honestly can't see my life without you every day. We've worked side by side for two years now and have never acted on our feelings. I don't want to wait until something else bad happens to one of us to get together. I love you and I need you now." He took a moment to let his little speech sink in. He watched as Kate's eyes grew wide and filled with emotion. Her breathing had steadied now and she looked comfortable, at peace. Her gaze locked with his before she let a smile brighten up her face. She placed her hand on his cheek and closed the gap between them, bringing their lips together in a tender kiss.

As they pulled away Kate's face took on a playful expression. "As much as I feel the same way, don't think that this is a one way ticket into my pants big boy."

"Ohh big boy? I like that. You'll have to use that one in bed."

Kate rolled her eyes, fighting the grin threatening to surface. "What did I just say?"

By now Castle's face had almost returned to its natural shade, and he was sporting his trademark grin. "Yah, yah I heard you. We'll see how long that lasts once I dazzle you with my charm." He said as he gave his eyebrows a wiggle.

"I've resisted you for two years; I think I can manage a little while longer."

"Touché detective, touché." Just then two familiar red-heads walked in.

"Dad!" cried Alexis running into the room and leaping onto the bed. She wrapped her arms around him squeezing as tight as she dared. Castle hugged her back with all his might as the two woman watched with love. He kissed the top of her head, so glad to have his baby girl in his arms again. They separated momentarily to allow Martha to greet her newly awoken son. The reunion wasn't as dramatic, but full of love none the less. "I can't believe you're awake. When did you wake up?" asked Alexis.

"Just a moment ago actually. You guys have perfect timing." Alexis leaned in to give him another hug.

"I'm so happy you're awake." Alexis then turned to face Kate. "Thank you so much for looking after me while my dad was in the hospital and Gram was away. I really appreciated the company."

Kate smiled at the teen as she felt Castle's hand intertwine with hers. She squeezed it slightly before speaking. "It was no problem at all Lex. Honestly I don't think I could have kept sane during this past month without you."

The group shared a comfortable moment in silence until Castle's stomach rudely interrupted with a deep growl. As the women in the room turned to look at him, his face bore a sheepish look, eyes downcast. "Sorry" he mumbled. "I haven't eaten in a month." With that the group burst out laughing. Tears rolled down their cheeks as they held their stomachs, roaring with laughter. Though the situation wasn't nearly as funny as their laughter implied, it felt too good to stop. After a month of sadness, their bodies were in well need of laughter.

"Come on ladies. Let's go pick up something so writer boy here can eat." Said Kate, a grin on her face. "Any special requests Castle?"

"Pizza!" he cried. "I've been dying for a big ol' slice with lots of gooey cheese, pepperoni, oh and pineapple!" They laughed at him, as Kate rolled her eyes.

"Okay, pizza it is."