Hey everyone! I loved last night's episode. Best season premiere so far. Anyhow, I thought there wasn't enough of Espo and Ryan's bromance. Come on, Espo's the kinda guy who wouldn't melt on a single 'Sorry'. Just a tag to the frickin' awesome episode! 'Cuz the plot bunny wouldn't stop nudging me.

Enough rambling! Enjoy!

A/N: Castle belongs to Marlowe and ABC.


Mending Bridges

Esposito set the storage box on the desk, noticing the woodtop was wiped clean. He was aware of one Kevin Ryan almost burning a hole through the side of his head.

Deliberately, he ignored him as he set went about, re decorating his desk. He slowly and meticulously placed each item back. Had it been only yesterday that he'd thrown all of the things in that very box, wondering if he was seeing the desk for the last time. He had been seething with anger.

At Ryan; his partner. His partner was supposed to have his back, not sneak around, telling on him. Watching him beside Gates as she suspended them, he had barely stopped himself from smashing that Irish face in.

"Javi," Ryan said, stepping into his peripheral vision and looking slightly nervous. Esposito looked at him without a word.

"Yeah?"

"I was just heading out. Wanna grab a few drinks?"

Esposito almost declined, but seeing his partner's slightly hopeful face he said, "Sure. But you're buying." Ryan nodded, obviously relieved. Espo almost felt bad for shutting him out.

:::

The pub was half filled, and they settled in an empty booth in one corner. The waitress left two bottles on the table before sauntering away with a smile. In another time, Esposito would've checked her out.

Ryan spoke first. "Are you still mad at me?"

Esposito took a swig from his bottle and replied, "I was ready to break your frickin' arm if you'd made that call to Gates at the fundraiser. I meant it."

Ryan flinched. Ten squared his shoulders and said, "Javi, I'm sorry. Yesterday I was scared that you or Beckett would do something stupid. I was just looking out for you. I'm your partner; I don't want something happening to you or Beckett. She's like my sister. And I know how close she is to this. When you guys left to hunt down Maddox, I couldn't reach Castle. So I turned to Gates. I didn't think she'd erupt like a Vesuvius. Man, I'm sorry."

Esposito sighed. Ryan could've gone into theatre. He would have been a success in a emotional scene, he thought.

"Look man, I admit, I was pissed. Well homicidal. Gates isn't the first person I'd think to trust when it concerns Montgomery. But- but you're right. Beckett almost died. You saved her. For that I guess she's already forgiven you. By-the-book wasn't what I pegged you for. You're paranoid and full of weirdest facts, annoying at times. But at the end of the day, you are my partner. Someone's gotta keep you outta trouble."

Ryan smiled, lifting his beer bottle. "Likewise, bro." Esposito chuckled.

"So truce?" Ryan asked, holding out his hand. Esposito shook it. Then he added, "What, no pinky swear?"

"I'll leave that to Castle," Ryan replied. His eyebrows crinkled in apparent confusion and added, "Speaking of which, I still can't figure out what was Castle doing at Beckett's place at six-thirty in the morning."

Esposito grinned.


There ya go! Don't forget to review! Constructive criticism are greatky appreciated. English isn't my first language, and this piece hasn't been beta-ed, so all mistakes are solely mine. Looking for a beta actually.

Let me me if I should continue!