Title: Dustbunnies and badges
Author: Cindy Ryan
Spoilers: Everything
Pairings: Alexis/Ryan friendship, Castle/Beckett
Notes: Grouping my Alexis/Ryan friendship fics into one spot. Many thanks to kuryakingirl for being a wonderful beta

"Shelter"

The doorbell rang and Alexis Castle crossed the living room to open the door. The teen couldn't help but giggle at the sight that greeted her.
Detective Kevin Ryan stood soaking wet holding a squirming equally wet black lab puppy.

"When you said you needed a favor you didn't mention anything about dog-sitting."

"Glad you find this amusing."Kevin grumbled as he stepped inside. "I think my exact text was: I need you to keep something for me."

Alexis walked to the kitchen and grabbed a couple large kitchen towels. She walked back and gave one to Kevin and took the shivering puppy and wrapped it in one. The puppy instantly licked the teen's right hand.

"Sooo cute….where did you find it?"

Kevin dried off his hands and wiped the back of his neck. "Murder scene this morning. Alley outside a Mexican restaurant. He was eating scraps out of the trash."

"Tacos can't be good for you."Alexis commented to the puppy before looking back at Ryan's soaked clothes. "Why are you drenched? Umbrellas don't fit in police cars?"

Kevin glowered. "There wasn't any rain in the forecast on the news last night."

"Linen closet is the first one at the top of the stairs. Plenty of towels."Alexis stated. "The washer and dryer are across the hall you can toss your jacket in on the steam cycle. You might want to take your shoes off…..setting them on top of the dryer might get them dry enough to wear."

"Thanks."Kevin acknowledged as he kicked off his soggy loafers.

Before he could pick the shoes up the puppy instantly attacked them.

"Hey!"Ryan protested as he tugged one loafer free. "That's a fine thank you."

Alexis laughed as she sat on the floor next to the dog. "It's a dog thing…they like shoes."

"Yeah, well my salary doesn't leave much room for shoes."Kevin replied as he freed the last shoe and headed towards the stairs.

"Don't listen to him."Alexis said softly to the puppy as it climbed into her lap. "He's not always this grouchy."

Kevin returned a few minutes later barefoot and carrying two dark blue towels. He wrapped one around his shoulders and placed one on the floor before sitting down next to dog scampered over to Kevin and nuzzled his head against Kevin's right hand. The detective absently began scratching its ears.

"See, Storm….I told you he was nice."Alexis stated with a smile.

Kevin blinked. "Did you name him Storm?"

"Seemed fitting."

"Yeah, guess it does."Ryan acknowledged. "So you think you can watch him until the pound opens in the morning? Being Sunday they have limited hours today. I'd take him home but Jenny's allergic."

Alexis reached over and plucked the dog out of Kevin's lap. "You can't take him to the pound."

"That's what they're there for."

Alexis held the puppy up so it was eye level. "He's pretty clean for a stray. Maybe he escaped from a pet store."

"Anything's possible."

"Did my Dad see him?"

Kevin shook his head. "He's working another case with Beckett."

"Don't worry, Storm."Alexis said as she sat the puppy down. "You'll win him over."

"Some how I don't think Castle will put up much of a fight once he sees the look on your face."

"Maybe."

Kevin studied the young woman noting the dark circles under Alexis's eyes. He'd been so busy the last few weeks that he hadn't had much time to check in on her. Something he was mentally kicking himself for now.
Some adoptive big brother he was.

"How are you?"Kevin asked quietly. "We never really talked about the Nikki Heat case."

Alexis kept her gaze on Storm. "I'm not jumping every time the phone rings. Or constantly texting my Dad to see when he's coming home."

"Good…..nightmares?"

"Once in awhile."

Storm put his front paws on Alexis's shoulders and licked her face.

"You know I won't let anything happen to your Dad, right?"

Alexis smiled and nodded as she got control of the puppy once more. "I know… thank you."

Kevin nodded as he absently petted Storm. "You have my cell and email if you need to talk about that case or about anything."

Scooting around the puppy Alexis wrapped Kevin in a hug.

"Goes both ways."The teen replied as she pulled back.

Kevin placed a hand on Alexis's left shoulder as he stood. "I better go before Montgomery hits the roof."

Alexis rose to her feet. "Watch our new friend here and I'll get your things."

"Thank you."Kevin acknowledged when Alexis returned with his jacket and shoes.

As Kevin put on his jacket and shoes Alexis went to the hall closet and picked an umbrella off the top shelf. After making sure the puppy hadn't gone in the closet she closed the door.

Kevin shook his head with a smile as he accepted the umbrella. "I'll give it to Castle tomorrow."

"No hurry, it's a spare."

Opening the door Kevin looked down at the puppy which was close at his heels. "Thanks for taking him in."

"He'll be good company."

"We still on for next weekend?"

"Broadway….Rock of Ages… of course….wouldn't miss it. Everybody's raving about it"

"See you later."Kevin stated as he gently nudged Storm back into the apartment with his right leg.

"Bye."Alexis said as the door closed.

Opening the closet once more Alexis retrieved her coat, purse and umbrella. She picked up the puppy.

"Come on, guess we need to go shopping and get doggie stuff. Cute bed, matching collar and leash….ooh maybe a few outfits….sweater."

Storm barked and Alexis laughed.

"Okay, no sweater."

Reaching the door Alexis stepped out into the hallway and locked the door behind her. Once on the ground floor Alexis put her hood up and stepped out into the rain.

end