The few pieces of leftover pizza had long grown cold and the case of beer reduced to two cans. It had been an unusual maneuver on Beckett's part, but Castle had to admit that it seemed to do wonders pulling Ryan out of his anxious state.

For the first time in what seemed like weeks, the young detective relaxed visibly, able to take a much-needed break from the disturbing reality of their case, even if it was only for a precious few hours. As such, the three of them were gathered by her set of matching plaid couches, talking about anything from high school memories to favorite foods and potential vacation spots.

Castle had to admit that the break had done him some good too, never even realizing just how much that constant tension and pressure had begun to affect him. Ironically enough, he was starting to appreciate what it must be like working under these conditions out in a battlefield. No wonder many of those soldiers returned scarred, completely shellshocked and disillusioned.

"Yeah, I am gonna make sure to give you some of that moisturizing crème before you leave. It'll do wonders to your hands. Matter of fact, I'll grab it real quick before I forget.", Beckett promised cheerfully, the three cans of beer having done a fine job in getting her to release the professional sternness and reveal that amazingly attractive personality hidden underneath all those thick layers.

Ryan seemed to appreciate it too and leaned back against the couch, arms stretched out to either side, his tie loosened, and the top few buttons of his grey dress shirt opened as he allowed himself to relax.

Nobody would ever know just how much Castle wished for time to stand still during precious moments such as these.

Then again, perhaps it was the cruelty of fate that forced them to take a long hard look at the good and bad and pay more attention, live deeper during those memorable moments; especially since they all shared an occupation that made it hard to foresee just when that sand would run out.

On her mission to retrieve the salvation to any man's moisturizing needs; Beckett got off the couch, tip toeing her way through the apartment before disappearing behind the doorframe to her bedroom where he heard her rummage through some drawers.

"You know, this was a great idea. Thank you so much.", Ryan admitted once he was sure she was out of earshot.

"It's what friends are for.", Castle countered and took another sip from his beer, contemplating opening one of the last ones shortly, hoping to guilt trip Ryan to do the same and stay on the sauce for just a wee bit longer.

"I just wish…I just wish this whole mess would be over with by now. I feel like we're on the eve of disaster and there's nothing I can do about it."

"You'd be surprised to know who told me the exact same thing today…"

Their eyes met in mutual understanding before Ryan returned his attention to his can of beer, twirling it between his hands several times before speaking up again.

"You know, I've gone through every single scenario in my head on how…how this whole thing is going to unfold. I've gone over things I want to say and do once we find Javi. I even thought about what would happen if he…if he winds up dead somehow; the things I would say at his service and how I would help his mom cope and clear his apartment. It seems so unreal and terrifying to think about this. As a matter of fact, it feels like I am betraying my best friend but I just…I just want to be prepared for the worst-case scenario."

"Which is a perfectly natural thing to do. But thankfully, so far, it seems that we don't have to worry about him dying quite yet. If anything, I think he's returning to his old self. Just…just give the man some credit. He's a fighter, even Lafayette noticed that. He will come out of this with flying colors."

"It's sickening to me that the very man Javi sought out for help was the one who turned on him, picking him out of a pool of potential patients to experiment on because of what he's been through. And it's perfect too. He lives alone, not married, no kids, presumably nobody who would worry about him. I just can't imagine the suffering he's been through these past few days. And now that Lafayette is dead, how can we ever be sure of what exactly he programmed him to do. How will it affect him long-term? Will he wake up someday and begin remembering all this?"

Pursing his lips as he searched his vast databank of pep talk material for the appropriate thing to say; Castle leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, feeling the alcohol dull his sharp mind a little more than usual.

"Esposito has a hell of a support network in you and Beckett. I have no doubt that whatever happens, he's going to be alright.", Castle finally said, then checked his wristwatch, "Speaking of which, Beckett's been gone for a long time looking for that cream."

Leaning forward to get a good look at the mirror in her bedroom, he squinted trying to see what she was up to.

Once he did, the beer in his hand crashed to the floor, leaking its contents all over the carpet.