Title: Define
author: Cindy Ryan
Notes: Way back in 2010 I wrote a Castle fic titled Detectives and Dustbunnies. It centered around Alexis and Kevin's friendship. Followed by a sequel Price of Fame. This story continues that but will have to be an AU. In this universe Kevin and Jenny are married but no kids, Kate and Castle are married but he never disappeared and Javier and Lanie are romantically involved. Alexis was kidnapped and taken to Paris. Several years have now passed and Alexis has finished with college and grad school and is living in D.C.

The heavy gray sky threatened rain at any moment. That didn't stop the birthday celebration at one of New York City's outdoor cafes Alexis Castle smiled at the man who sat across from her at the table for two. Homicide detective Kevin Ryan had been one relationship that Alexis had never been able to define. Big brother? No. Best friend? Yes but there's always been an under current of something else. Chemistry yes Alexis had a crush on Kevin early on. That had faded with age.

"If you don't open that it'll get wet along with everything else."Kevin prompted.

Alexis looked down at the rectangle shaped brightly wrapped gift and smiled. She was turning twenty-six today. Her father was planning a family bash that Saturday. His latest book tour had him traveling this week. Alexis ripped away the paper to reveal a wood picture frame. She turned it to see the image under the glass. Alexis felt tears as she recognized the photo. In high school she'd done a short internship at the 12th prescient. It was how her friendship with Kevin had started. The picture was with everyone in front of Kevin's desk on her last day. Her Dad and his now wife Detective Kate Beckett, the late Captain Roy Montgomery, Alexis standing between Kevin and his partner Javier Esposito.

"Thank you, Kevin."Alexis commented.

She blinked away teas and rose to her feet. Alexis enveloped her friend in a hug. Then after a moment she sat back down.

"It'll have a place of honor in my new apartment."Alexis declared looking once more at the picture.

"Glad you liked it. Did you get everything moved?"Kevin asked with a smile."Javi and I can come down next week."

"Thanks but everything's in but if you want to come paint..."Alexis offered with a smile.

"For you Yes."Kevin responded."Don't have many plans these days anyway."

Alexis cringed inwardly. Kevin and his wife had been having problems. They'd tried marriage counseling but things were still strained.

"Jenny still at her sister's?"Alexis asked gently.

"Yeah becoming a more permanent arrangement."Kevin said sadly.

"I'm sorry."Alexis replied.

"Being a cop takes it's toll on marriages."Kevin stated,"Divorce rate skyrockets."

"She loves you."Alexis insisted."It'll work out."

"Maybe."Kevin agreed as he glanced at the sky."Let's go in and I'll pay. Then we can do the other half of your birthday celebration."

Alexis had started to stand then stopped and stared at her friend in surprise. They'd only planned lunch.

"Kevin..."Alexis protested.

A genuine smile crossed Kevin's face. He placed an arm around her shoulders and escorted Alexis to the door.

"Did you think an Irish man would only celebrate halfway?"Kevin asked with a grin.

Alexis laughed as she shifted her purse and present to her other hand. After they stepped inside Alexis rested her head on Kevin's right shoulder.

"I've missed you."Alexis said quietly.

"Missed you too."Kevin replied."Happy birthday."

The second half of Kevin's gift was an afternoon of window shopping along 5th Avenue. Even with her father's success some of the prices made Alexis do a double take. Still she had fun trying thing on. Alexis was relieved that Kevin was having fun too. She was happy she could give him a break from the job stress and his troubled marriage.

After shopping they stopped by Castle's apartment so Alexis could drop off her purchases. Alexis also took the opportunity to change. Kevin had told her they were having dinner near the station. He didn't say who with but Alexis suspected Javi was joining them. After changing she rejoined Kevin in the living room to find him playing with Storm.

The black lab Kevin had found at a homicide scene so many years ago still had his puppy energy. Alexis smiled as she watched the two play fetch.

"Ready?"Kevin asked.

"Yes."Alexis replied as she reached him."Thank you for today; it's been wonderful."

"You deserve nothing but happiness ."Kevin said softly.

Alexis met her friend's gaze and her breath caught. The intensity in his blue eyes was something she'd never seen. Such a mixture of emotions. Some of which Alexis couldn't place. Kevin reached out to tuck a stray hair behind Alexis's right ear. His fingers grazed her cheek and lingered a second too long. Alexis found she didn't mind. No one had ever looked at her that way. Too soon Kevin cleared his throat and the spell broken.

"We should get going."Kevin suggested.

Mentally shaking herself Alexis called Storm and put him in his kennel. She said goodbye and patted the dog's head. Alexis rejoined Kevin and he offered her his right arm. Smiling Alexis put hers through the crook of his and they left the apartment.