Work Text:
Tacit
/ˈtasɪt/ , adjective
Understood or implied without being stated.
Ryan had thought it would’ve been difficult keeping their relationship on the down low at the precinct. He was well aware he couldn’t make out with Esposito in the breakroom, or scream that he loved him for everyone to hear, but that wasn’t necessary. There were other ways to say I love you while you were in a room full of people who didn’t know. So they never say I love you while at work.
Instead, Esposito mocks him about how sweet his coffee always is, but makes it just the way he likes it nevertheless. Or he gives Ryan a smile from the other way of the room. Or he says ‘nice police work’ when he actually means ‘Damn, that was fucking hot’ . Or he gives him the room to tell Beckett about the break in the case, even though Esposito had been the one who found the evidence. Or he laughs out loud when he makes a bad joke. (Even though that one made even Castle raise his eyebrows). Or he puts his hand on Ryan’s shoulder for comfort during a tough case. Or he cracks a joke on his own behalf when he sees Ryan is down. Or he calls him a dork with the most beautiful twinkle in his eyes.
Esposito always finds something to tell Ryan that he loves him, even without actually saying it. And when they come home, they fall into each other’s arms and show each other how much they love each other one more time.