Chapter 2 - The Trap

"Novak, it's Stabler."

"I know who it is, Elliot. I do have caller display. And if this is about earlier…"

"It's not. This call is strictly professional."

"Then you may continue," the attorney replied, sitting on the edge of her desk.

"We need some advice on a case. Are you able to come down?"

"Is it really necessary I attend?"

"Yes," the detective answered with a smirk on his face, "So we'll see you soon?"

Casey sighed. "Okay. I'll be there as soon as I can."

When the call ended, Casey pulled on her coat once more. She really wasn't in the mood to see Olivia today, but if it was a case…


"Detective Stabler…"

"Counsellor…" he smiled.

"Where's your suspect?"

"Who said I had a suspect?"

"You said you needed some advice…"

"Oh, I know what I said, Novak."

Casey looked unimpressed. "If you've called me here for something other than a case…"

"But it is a case," Elliot interrupted, steering Casey toward an empty office where Olivia sat on the edge of the table, "A case of love." He pushed the attorney into the room and held the door handle so she couldn't get out.

Casey looked a little panicked, then her eyes finally met Olivia's and she calmed when the detective smiled.

"Hi Casey."

"Hi," the attorney replied softly.

"I'm sorry, this was Elliot's idea. I just wanted to talk to you."

Casey nodded. "About?"

"I miss you, Casey," Olivia replied honestly.

"Olivia…"

"No, let me finish. I miss the way you smile at me over your shoulder in the morning, the way you hold me when I've had a bad day, the way we snuggle on the sofa. I miss the gentle, loving kisses stolen whenever we managed to find a second alone, and the deep, passionate ones when nothing else mattered but us," Olivia said as she reached a hand to cup Casey's face, her thumbs gently brushing her cheeks, then her lips, "But most of all, I miss hearing you tell me you love me. Casey, I wasn't there for you out of guilt, even though I did feel guilty. I was there because I love you, and I didn't want the person I love going through all that pain alone."

Casey gave a soft whimper as tears fell down her cheeks at Olivia's words. "I'm so sorry."

"For what, Casey?"

"Pushing you away. I didn't want to hurt you."

"Hurt me? Casey, you never could."

"But I did, didn't I? When I told you to go, said I didn't love you anymore."

"No. Because I knew you didn't mean it."

"What?"

"I could see the pain in your eyes, Casey. I've been working in this Unit long enough to know when someone says something they don't mean."

"But all the messages, and…"

"I just wanted to make sure you were okay."

"I wasn't. I haven't been."

"Why, Casey?"

"I can't say it," the attorney replied, her expression pained once more as tears now flowed more freely.

"It's okay, we don't have to talk about anything you don't want to," Olivia replied, pulling Casey into a hug and in that moment she knew what the younger woman meant, "I get it Casey. It's going to be okay now."


Thanks to PseudoJ, enchanted13 and bellatisha for reviews. They are appreciated!