She knows. I can't believe she knows and she never said anything. He shook his head as he dashed out of the precinct. Every night, that was his last thought as he left the job. Left her. "I'm done. That's it. Just done"
"Hey bro – what'd you say" Javi shouted as he walked over. "Let's get a beer. Ryan's meeting us at The Old Haunt. We won't take no for an answer" Grinning, he pulled Castle along. "You're not blowing us off like you do her dude" he mumbled.
Castle strolled along, making comments under his breath without making sense, as Esposito kept up the chatter about the zombies. "They're just creepy. Absolutely"
The door creaked open, and Castle raised a hand to the bartender. They joined Ryan at a booth in back corner. "How about them zombies?" Castle greeted, somewhat off-handedly.
As they drank a few beers, they sensed Castle relaxing. Time for ganging up on him, as Esposito kicked Ryan. You start. "Hey Castle – what's with the 'I will treasure these special moments we've shared. What's going on?" They watched as Castle looked down at the table. He remembered watching Kate after he said that out loud. I won't be able to see her like this for much longer.
"Nothing. Just don't like the guy, you know. Lanie's cooler" he smirked. He glanced up and then stared off to the side as he took a long drink. "How about zombies? No one believes me – you'll all see. You saw it Ryan – that was a zombie!"
Ryan just glanced at Esposito. Not me, your turn. Esposito sat up and leaned forward. "Bro, what the hell is going on? You stop hanging out after shift, you barely talk to anyone. Then that mess with Slaughter? You done with your book, so you're done with us? Come on, man up!"
Castle finished his beer and slammed it down to the table. "I need another one. Be right back". He slid out of the booth quickly, figuring one more beer, then home. He hung at the bar, waiting for some beers. The guys watched as he downed two shots of something real quick, drinking his beer as he slowly walked back. "My head's good. My belly's full. I'm outta here – drinks on me guys."
"Hey – " Ryan grabbed Castle's arm. "What's going on?" He caught his breath as Castle whipped his head around – the guys couldn't believe it. Writer-Boy was mad, and his eyes looked lost.
"I love her. . . "
"We know." Esposito grinned, "I mean, we figured that last year, so-"
He whispered, and they strained to hear, with no success. "She heard me. . . and she didn't tell me. . . .I can't do this. . ." A bit louder, his grin firmly in place "Gentlemen, it's been good working with you. I'm off to win at Laser Tag!" he turned and lurched towards the door. They looked at each other; some of the anger they've felt went away – not all of course, can't treat your guys like that. It makes sense now.
"Castle!"