Author's Notes:
This is my second post here on FF, this story is a reposting of one I did on another Castle site.
I hate the format I'd used but I was thinking of the story from the point of view of how one would 'script' it.
This is my second fanfic ever, "Birthday Brooch" was first, and I was, and still am, quite green about writing like this.

Story Notes:
This story takes place after Season 5, Episode 5, Probable Cause.

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

Scene: Inside a busy bar, possibly the "Old haunt", after work hours.

Castle stands at the bar nursing a drink. In walks Esposito and Ryan.

Castle: It's about time you guys got here.

Ryan: Yea, had to finish reports.

Esposito: Whatcha drinkin'? Bartender! Another for him and two beers for us. (Pause) On him (pointing to Castle.)

Castle: Ah. (To bartender) I guess we should start a tab.

Ryan: Castle, there's something I've been wanting to say to you since this most recent 3XK case.

Castle: Say no more guys, I appreciate your support and won't ever forget it.

Esposito: No, that's not it.

(Castle looks at Esposito then at Ryan with that child-like "I don't know what you mean" look.)

Esposito: We know you were set up.

Ryan: But we have to tell you something else and we think we should just get it out in the open and move on.

Esposito: Yea. (Takes short sip of his beer.) We just wanted to make sure you were clear on something.

Castle: Sounds good. Does this involve my Ferrari again?

Ryan: (Ignoring what Castle said) That woman had a lead projectile shot through her heart. It hurt. We know it hurt her and it hurt us all, you too. And we like you. You know that.

Esposito: But, I have never seen anyone so badly hurt as when she saw those emails. We know they were faked but the pain it caused her heart was very very real.

Ryan: We just want you to know. If you ever, *EVER* hurt her like that intentionally...

Esposito: We will enjoy making you bleed. Badly. We can assure you, it will hurt you a lot more more than us, or her.

Ryan: And a medical examiner who can almost be guaranteed to call it an accident or "self-inflicted".

(Castle looks at the two men silently.)

Esposito: Are we clear?

Ryan: Castle?

Castle: (Choking a little on a dry mouth.) Yes. Clear.

Esposito: Ok, then, you have to buy us another round, Ryan, let's find us an open pool table.

(Castle stands there numb, digesting what he heard, takes a slow drink from his glass and realizes how lucky he is. And how scared he is.)

(Long shot as Ryan and Esposito head to the back of the bar chatting about something else.)

(Fade out)

### The End ###