The four of them step away from the alleyway the body was found in and walk back to their cars for a little privacy. Kevin slumps down against his and sighs deeply. His head is hung low, eyes firmly shut, trying to breath in and out, and in and out. He wills the stench to leave his nose and his lunch not to make its way back up.
His focus is on his shoelaces as a firm hand lands on his shoulder. He doesn't have to look up to know it's his partner checking up on him. He nods his head faintly to indicate that he'll be fine and takes another deep breath in.
It takes a couple minutes but he gets his bearings again and straightens up. Javi is right beside him, a neutral look on his face, but Kevin can see a little crack pierce his facade. His eyes are angry. Angry at anybody who could do a thing like they just witnessed the aftermath of.
Beckett and Castle had followed them but stayed a little ways back. If it was to give him some space or to process it between themselves, he doesn't know. They have been working together for so long now that they all instinctively know what the others need.
The two of them aren't talking with words per se, but he can see the silent conversation play out in front of him, as he has so many times before.
Beckett, like Javi, is trying to keep it cool, to not let anyone show how the scene has affected her. Castle is looking at her with such sadness on his features. His hands are twisting at his side as if he is fighting the urge to grab her closer, hug her to his chest, and tell her to let it all out. It might be what he needs right now but they all know she likes to stay focused and to not let her feelings show to anyone.
They're staring each other in the eyes. Castle asking her if she's okay with just a look. The right corner of her lips lift a little bit, assuring him she'll get through this, grateful of him checking in on her, though.
She questions him back with a tilt of her head. How are you doing?
He closes his eyes and seems to lean a little bit into her. Please stay with me. Don't leave my side.