Castle's partner

Marksmanship

Ross pov

I open my eyes after a long night of restlessness. That nightmare sent me over the edge. I know Ryan would never do that but I have to admit, it scared the hell out of me.

I stand up and for the first time since I got shot, the pain isn't excruciating.

I slowly walk out to the kitchen, enjoying this moment of pure bliss where my pain is so minimal I can bear it.

Ryan is already sitting at the table drinking his coffee that has just a touch of creamer and a tiny bit of sugar. The way he likes it.

He doesn't see me, and I notice the expression on his face is weary. It looks like he needs a break and a hug.

So that's what I give him.

I walk up to him just as he sets down his mug and throw my arms around him.

"What's this for?"

"Nothing. Everything."

He doesn't question me further, and instead wraps his arms around me too.

"What do you want for breakfast? I'll make it."

He lets go.

"I can make breakfast. That's my job."

"No." I argue. "Your job is to be brave. Audaces fortuna juvat."

He cocks his head to the side, looking like a confused puppy.

"What does that mean?"

"Fortune favors the brave. It's on one of the old crests of the Sacramento PD. And it applies to you."

"I'm not brave."

"Ryan don't even start. You are, and you know that. Now what do you want for breakfast before I smack you?"

He smiles and shakes his head.

"Ok fine, eggs and toast."

"Hey I make a mean eggs over medium with toast. I always made it for my brother."

"Let's do it!" Ryan exclaims.

I start making everything. I put the bread in the toaster first, knowing almost the exact time it will take to cook the egg is the time it takes to make toast.

I spread a small amount of butter in the hot pan and crack an egg on top. I enjoy listening to the crackling sound as I watch it turn from clear to white. I take the pan and flip it, which is not all that easy. It took a lot of lessons from my dad to learn that one.

I butter the toast just as it pops up and the egg is finished not seconds after that. I place it on top and hand the plate to Ryan.

He takes a bite and his eyes light up.

"I didn't know eggs could taste this good. Thank you. Now what are you gonna have?"

In response, I pick up a piece of bread and wave it in the air-to exaggerate what I'm doing-and place it in the toaster.

I eat my breakfast in silence, watching Ryan slowly finish his.

"Uncle Ryan are you ok?"

His eyes dart nervously to mine.

"Yeah I'm fine."

"Mmm hmm. Well you know what I'm going to do today?"

"What?" His mouth curves into a smile.

"Go to the precinct. Without my wheelchair."

"Are you sure you can handle that?"

"Yep."

"Ok just tell me if-"

"Tell you if I'm in too much pain and want to come home I know."

"Samantha, are you sure you even want to go in today?"

"Of course I do. What kind of question is that?"

We arrive at the precinct fashionably late, as always.

Espo is already there, but I don't see Beckett or Castle.

Espo sees me and he anxiously scratches his head.

"Hey bro can I talk to you for a sec?"

Without waiting for a response he pulls Ryan by the tie into the break room.

Espo closes the blinds, and I soon hear muffled yelling.

Why are they acting so weird?

They both walk out, fake smiles on their faces.

"What's going on?" I ask, suddenly scared of the situation going on around me.

Before they can answer, the elevator doors open, and Beckett and Castle walk in leading him.

Him.

Brandon.

My breath catches in my throat as fear washes over me.

He sees me and smiles. But it's not a normal smile no, it's a smile that turns every vein in your body, every nerve to ice.

It makes me want to scream.

Ryan pulls me behind him protectively, and Espo steps closer to him providing almost a wall in front of me.

Ryan stands in front of me with one arm wrapped behind him, holding my waist.

They shut themselves in the interrogation room and before I can say anything, Ryan pulls me into a hug.

I put my arms around his neck and stare sadly at Espo.

"We aren't going to let anything happen to you ok?"

I let go.

"That's why you didn't want me to come today?"

Ryan nods. "I didn't want you to see that. We all agreed you shouldn't."

"I want to watch."