Starry Nights

Couples:

John/Casey

Elliot/Olivia (eventually)

Summary

John Munch is tired of being alone. He asks Casey out on a date, and they quickly fall in love. Just as everything is going great for them, something happens that will push John to the limit.

Disclaimer

Dick Wolf owns, I covet. But clones are welcome, as well as money.

Casey Novak walked into her office where there was a red rose on her desk, along with an envelope. She smiled, happy but confused, as she sat down and smelled the rose. She opened the envelope and read:

"Dear Casey,

I don't know if you know this, but I have always admired you. The way you look, the way you act, your smile. I would love it if you accompanied me to dinner tonight.

I understand if you decline, because I may not be able to be all the man you need. But please reply at least.

Awaiting your reply,

John Munch"

She smiled wide. He seemed so shy. If only he knew…

John Munch sat at his desk, unable to concentrate. His partner, Fin Tutuola looked at him with a cocked eyebrow. "What's up?"

John looked up as though startled out of a trance. "Oh. Uh…nothing."

"Bullshit. You're nervous."

"Maybe." John looked up as an officer walked up. "A woman dropped this off for you, Detective Munch."

John took it quickly and unfolded the letter:

"Dear John,

You don't have to be so shy. I'd love to join you for dinner. I'm actually glad you asked. You probably don't know this, but I admire you, too. The way your salt-and-pepper hair and black suits make you look so handsome, your over-the-glasses stare.

Tell me where and when, and I'll be there with bells on.

Awaiting your reply,

Casey Novak"

John grinned. Fin caught it. "Okay, you're smiling. Now I know something's up."

He chuckled and put the letter in his coat pocket. Fin let it go, but filed the thought away for future reference.

John wore his usual black suit, awaiting his dinner with Casey. It had gone far better than he had expected. He couldn't believe that she could feel the same way.

He was taking her to a nice restaurant uptown, hoping to show her a good time. Despite being jilted four times, he was always a hopeless romantic at heart. Maybe he would show off his French skills as well, that usually worked.

He walked up to Casey's office, seeing her standing there in a slimming black evening gown. She looked gorgeous. "Good evening, counselor."

"Good evening, Detective." She smiled. "I'm happy you asked me to join you tonight."

"Avec plaiser." John said warmly. Casey walked up and took his arm. "Where are you taking me tonight?"

"You shall see."

Soon, Casey and John were at a lovely restaurant. Candlelight, merlot, and soft jazz music. They ate and talked and laughed, Casey was absolutely enchanted.

"So, Casey…why did you accept my invitation?"

Casey smiled. She knew he had to be thinking she did out of pity. He bared his soul, time for her to bear hers.

"John, I accepted because I care about you. You just seemed so…hurt. It was a while ago that I realized I had feelings for you. When you asked me, of course I said yes. I just didn't hope you felt the same way."

She took a bite of her salad. John had an incredulous look on his face. "Casey…I never thought…" He shook his head. "Casey, I know this seems great, but we must take this slow. I don't want to get hurt, but…I don't want you to get hurt more. Baby steps, okay?"

She squeezed his hand. "Of course." They had a great time the rest of the night. John dropped Casey off at her apartment. "Thank you for a great time, John. Can we do this again sometime?"

"How's next Friday sound?" He asked.

She smiled. "That sounds great. Good night."

She kissed him on the cheek gently and walked into her apartment. John touched his cheek gently and went to his car with a smile.

-TO BE CONTINUED-