Just Out of Reach

By: Liv-x-Lex4Ever & livsgirl

Chapter 21: Bonding

Two months later

It had been almost three months since that day they *hashed* things out.

After about a week, she finally confessed to Olivia that she had planned that. She knew the only way to have Olivia lose control and not treat her like a china doll was to piss her off and push her past that point. That in itself had Olivia stewing for a good day and when she got home they argued again which led to another night of pure sex. Which pleased Casey and irritated Olivia even more.

Even though the doctor had told them to feel free to experiment as long as she was comfortable. still meant being extra careful to Olivia. Casey understood her reasoning and she would do nothing to jeopardize their children, but there were times she just needed the raw Olivia and nothing else would do.

Casey jumped when she felt a sharp pain in her stomach and instantly covered it with her hand. She began to rub circles over her stomach when she felt it again. That was when she realized what was happening and she had to get Olivia to the office immediately. She dialed her number, but was disappointed when it went straight to voice mail. She left a message on the voice mail for her to come to the office immediately.

She had just slammed the phone down when to try and call Elliot when Alex ran flying into the room. "Come on, let me help you to the couch. I'll have EMS here immediately." She said as she flew to Casey's side.

"HEY, HEY!" Casey shouted as she pushed Alex's hands off her. "What are you doing?"

Alex knelt beside her. "I heard the voice mail you left Olivia as I was passing by. What's wrong?"

"They're kicking," Casey said smiling realizing where the confusion had come from. "I wanted Olivia to feel it. It's the first time. Would you like to feel?"

She smiled, nodding. "Are you okay then?" she asked extending her hand.

"Other than not being able to get a hold of Olivia, I'm fine," Casey said as she guided Alex's hand to where they were kicking her stomach "Amazing, isn't it?"

"It feels like a...a ball or something. Yeah it is, really. I wonder if this means they like me? Do you want me to stay until she gets here?"

"Alex relax," Casey said laughing. "I'm sure they love you because both of their mothers love you. If you don't have some place to be right away I wouldn't mind the company."

She nodded, leaning against the desk. "Do you know what you've having yet?"

"No, we find out next week. That is if they are in a position where we can tell. If not, we get to play the guessing game 'til they decide to show us or birth. Hopefully they will show us first."

"You really shouldn't buy too much yellow of anything. Facts say that babies cry more in yellow rooms."

"Really?"

"Yeah, try like a dark or baby blue. Light pink if it's a girl. And babies love all kinds of textures too, mostly soft. Yes, I've been reading in my spare time."

"I was about to ask if you were hiding some big secret from us. Why wasn't I the first to know?" Casey said as laughter laced her voice. It had amazed them how much of good friends they had become. Alex had become her confidant and vice versa. She was always there to lend a helping hand whether it was to Olivia or her.

"..I wasn't sure how much of my advice you would take to heart. Especially on this, such an...a personal, family matter," Alex replied.

"I'll take any advice anyone has," Casey told her. "Please don't be scared to share with me. It is a family matter, but we happen to have a very large family."

Alex smiled. "Yes you do. We all do. Everybody has your back, our backs. That's what I've missed about being here. I'm glad to be back. Do you need anything? Coffee, tea, water, maybe something to eat?"

"I'm good, but thank you."

She nodded. "Okay, I've got about an hour free. Is there anything you'd like to do or need help with?"

"Actually, I think I'm good, unless you just want to kill some time. I'm always up for that because I am so sick of paperwork it's not even funny."

"We could go to the deli. You could pick something up for later? It would get you out of here for a bit. You wouldn't have to be on your feet much."

"Don't have to tell me twice," Casey said standing as quickly as she could for as big as she was starting to get. "Not to mention I'm always hungry now."

Alex grabbed Casey's jacket and helped her put it on. "Maybe you should let Olivia know? You know, in case she comes looking for you."

"I'll text her on the way, hopefully she will get it soon. She must be interviewing a perp or victim. Her phone is turned off."

Alex nodded, donning her own jacket. "Walking a bit will be beneficial. Just need to be careful not to overdo it," she said as she opened the door for them. "I'll try not to be as overprotective of her, but, really in essence, I envy you. I really do. So, that being said, I'll help you any way I can."

"I'm surprised she hasn't made you swear to making sure I don't do a thing," Casey said as they stepped on the elevator. "Zapata took a lot from you didn't he?"

She nodded. "The life that I knew, my career, my friends. My own mother passed away while I was gone an-and the US Marshalls wouldn't even let me go to her funeral."

"That had to be rough. How did you survive all those years in wit sec? That is, if you don't mind me asking?"

She turned to look at her. "Honestly? Her. I-I didn't plan on being gone that long. I used to think we'd pick right back up, you know? I'm not angry at you. I'm glad she's happy, that you make her happy. She moved on because...I told her to. And it hurt that I had to tell her that. I'll never hurt your relationship with Olivia, Casey. That's not who I am. As long as I'm...still allowed to be part of her life, I'll be okay."

"I know that Alex," Casey almost whispered as she placed a hand on Alex's arm. "I'm thankful you two have been able to rebuild your friendship. She needed that as much as you did."

She smiled, placing a hand on hers. "I'm...extremely envious though. Do you need any help with anything?"

"I think I've got it. Thank you. I can only imagine how you feel. To be loved by someone like Olivia and then lose it."

Alex opened the front door for her, walking out after her. "Anyway, on to a better topic. What are you hoping for?" she asked as they made their way down the steps.

"Honestly, after what we've been through, I'll take anything as long as they are healthy."

Alex nodded, understanding, as they made their way to her car. "I know it's not very far, but I did promise her so..."

Casey groaned. "I figured as much. She probably has everybody at the office on alert."

She smiled. "Better to be over than under considering your past medical history though."

"I know and we all know she is overly cautious. I can't remember the last time I did anything at the house. I feel so bad because she's working so many hours and then comes home and takes care of everything."

"Well, if you ever really need the help, and she's not around, I could probably make the time."

"Alex, you are a God send, you know that?"

She opened the door for her, closed it, then got in the driver's side. "Yeah, some people have told me that, just never on a personal level, not that many get that far with me," she said, buckling her seatbelt.

"You should let them Alex," Casey said buckling her seatbelt. "I know and understand why you're so guarded, but you should take the chance."

She sighed. "I know, but with this job, people...they want to advance, use me to get ahead. You're lucky to have Olivia. I know I never used to have to worry about that with her."

"Hell, if it isn't the advancing it's the, 'I have a friend who got arrested could you help him?' I think I was about year into the career when I learned to date officers. Of course there is that added bonus of looking so good in a uniform."

Alex smiled. "Yes, I...remember that. Fondly. Her in her dress blues. God, what a sight! Did you date anyone before her?"

"Yes, those dress blues. Lord, I love seeing her in them, but hate the reason why when she puts them on. I did. A few officers, but not that much. What about you? Did you date anyone before Liv?"

She nodded. "A few 'enemies' as Olivia once called them. Defense attorneys, but...men just never...stuck with me, you know? One-night-stands for blackmail and to tell co-workers to knock me down a few pegs. Olivia and I worked well together. Drinks after a case and we'd talk for hours until, gradually, it led to more. Of course, Liz found out right away, but we were always professional and discreet at work, so she didn't have a problem."

"Yeah I understand how men didn't stick," Casey said laughing. "Olivia is the first officer I've dated and had to work with. I used to have a strict rule about mixing business with pleasure."

"Now it's a little different though. Maybe it's not always pleasure as personal or family business, but they understand. I know I used to have a rue like you did too, but...one night it went to the dogs, let's put it that way."

"One drink too many and the next thing you know you're in bed with a hot brunette detective?" Casey asked with a smile. "Trust me, I know."

"Oh no! Not just "a hot brunette detective", "THE hot brunette detective"," she said, laughing. "And, trust me, I didn't plan it. But I've never regretted it either! Should we go in?"

"Yeah let's," Casey said laughing as well. If anyone could hear some of their conversations, they would truly wonder about them. She would have to say if she was on the outside looking in she would too. She didn't know anyone that could become such good friends with their girlfriend's ex and openly talk about their time together. Swap stories if you will.

Alex killed the engine, taking the keys and getting out before closing the door and walking around to Casey's side to open her door and offer her hand. "I'll say this much, she taught me chivalry isn't dead," she said with a smile.

"Thank you," Casey whispered taking Alex's hand as she exited the vehicle.

She nodded, continuing to hold her hand. The sidewalk was broken and extremely uneven. She opened the door, letting go of Casey for her to walk in first. "Do you want to find a table? Are you sure you don't want anything?"

Just as Casey was about to say she was fine her stomach rumbled loud enough for both of them to hear it. She started laughing as she said. "I guess they smelled the food and decided they were hungry. I'll take a turkey club please."

Alex nodded, smiling. "Anything to drink?"

"Just water. Apparently, I have to limit my caffeine intake now. Do you know how hard that is for me?"

"I have an idea."

"What is that?" Casey asked genuinely intrigued.

She shrugged. "Caffeine isn't good for babies. For that matter, alcohol is worse, but I'm sure you know that already."

"Yeah, even Olivia has stopped drinking her wind down beer at night."

"Well, that's good, isn't it?" she said, stepping up to the counter and ordering two chicken sandwiches and turkey clubs. "Go find us a table," she said as she waited.

Casey made her way to the back of the restaurant and found a table where she could keep an eye on both the entrance and the side door where the employees come and go. She couldn't help but laugh to herself when she realized how she chose their table to sit. She knew as soon as Alex reached her, she would realize it too and laugh as well.

Alex turned, tray in hand with their sandwiches and drinks, and walked over. "Watching for the bad guys?" she asked, setting the tray on the table and sitting opposite of her.

"Just a habit and I know you were more than used to it. If not so still."

She smiled. "Yeah, Olivia was like that too. Always watching. It didn't matter where we were. Sometimes, I wished she wasn't so guarded, but - with the job - I understand why."

"I learned to live with it after the first time she was threatened. After that I understood. Actually, to be honest, it's rather comforting to know that she has a weapon on her all the time, especially with how things are now days."

She nodded. "Yeah, but there were times I wished she didn't have it beside her constantly."

"Like the nights you want to have a nice romantic dinner, just the two of you, and forget for about an hour that you're an ADA and she's a detective?"

"Yeah," Alex said as she swallowed a bite, "exactly."

"I was wondering if you could help me with something?" Casey asked as she finished her sandwich.

"What?" she asked, taking a drink.

"I've been trying to get Olivia to go out. You know, enjoy herself. Have a little fun before the twins are here, but she keeps refusing. Do you think you could help me talk her into it? The guys said just let them know and they would take her out. Have a guy's night."

She sighed. "I can try, but I doubt she will being so worried about you."

"This is where you come in." Casey said smiling. "You tell her that you will stay with me so she can go out. She knows you will watch after me. But honestly you don't have to. Just show up, so she'll leave have some fun and then you can go do your thing."

She smiled. "I will, but later, okay?"

"Deal. You ready to get back?"

She sighed, putting the extra sandwiches in the bag. "Sure."

Casey stood and started to take their trash when Alex grabbed it from her. She started to say something then realized it would be useless. There was no way she was going to be able to even carry her trash. She smiled at Alex as she held the door open and escorted her out.

Upon getting back, Olivia was leaning against the desk. "Have a nice lunch?" she asked with a smile.

"Hey baby," Casey said with a huge smile across her face. "We did. Why didn't you call or text? You could have met us."

"I just got out of interrogat—OW!" she wiped her face and saw deep crimson. "Damn!"

"What did you do?"

She sighed. "Prep had a plain blade pressed against his wrist. We didn't see it and he got me. Not bad enough for stitches though."

"You mean to tell me you actually let a medical professional look at it?"

She shook her head. "No, but it's not streaming blood..."

"No of course not!" Casey growled grabbing her coat and purse. "Why would you? You only have twins on the way. Now come on."

Olivia sighed, wrapping an arm around Casey. "Fine, just for you."

"No not just for me, for our CHILDREN!" Casey almost yelled as she spun around to face her.

She nodded. "Okay, I-I'm sorry! I-I'll go...alone."

"No honey, I'll go with you. I didn't mean to snap on you like that."

Olivia nodded again. "Okay, come on."

Author's Note: So what do you think?

Reviews: ladybugsmomma, Kikilia14 & scarey-kid

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Liv-x-Lex4Ever & livsgirl