Whew! Two more chapters to go! I hope to get them done before SVU resumes. Wish me luck! As always, the longer the review, the more motivated I am to continue! Suggestions are welcomed!

Chester Lake's Apartment

Brooklyn

Monday, December 17

Detective Chester Lake finished another beer. After tossing the bottle with the rest of the pile, he laid back on his couch, looking at the cracked ceiling. No mater how much he tried, he couldn't get Agent Cooper's bloody head out of his mind. It was more then just seeing Cooper blow her brains out, it was more…much more.

Cragen had insisted that Chester take at least Monday off and see the department psychologist. Chester took the offer without hesitation. Yet instead of seeing psychologist, Chester gave himself some good old fashion Indian medicine: booze.

Of course, his collages called him over the weekend: Cragen, Benson and even Fin. However, Chester didn't want to talk to anyone. The only company he wanted was the bottle. Chester almost answered his cell when he saw that Casey called. Yet after realizing it was probably a pity call, Chester threw his cell under the bed. That was on Saturday, and he hadn't looked at his phone since. Chester was about to drift off to sleep…again….when he heard a loud knock at his door.

"Go away.." Chester rolled around, burring his face into the pillow.

After what seemed like the fourth time, Casey Novack knocked on the door of Lake's apartment. She continued to bang not caring if the noise was bothering the neighbors.

"Chester? Chester, I know you're in there!"

Determine to get Chester's attention, Casey screamed: "Chester, if you don't come out, I'm going to get a warrant and have your place search!!" Of course, there would be no probable cause for a search, but Casey hoped Chester wouldn't realize that before he opened up the door .

Chester groaned as he rolled. His body hit the floor hard. Chester's head wasn't clear enough to realize that Casey's threat was idle. Chester only knew one thing: If Casey Novak could get a warrant for Dr. Rankesh Chanoor's office, then she sure as hell could get a warrant for his apartment. With much effort, Chester got off the floor and walked over to open the door.

As soon as Chester opened to door, Casey knew that Chester had way too much to drink. The smell of alcohol was very present and Chester's eyes were beet red. .

Casey also noticed that Chester was wearing the same outfit as Friday. The only difference was Chester's mental belt was unbuckled and his black button down shirt was unbuttoned, revealing his white tee. Casey bushed when she saw the outline of Chester's chest through his white tee. . She forced herself to look at Chester's beet eyes and not his muscular body.

"Can I come in?" , Before Chester could say no, Casey walked in quickly.

"Sure," Lake answered sarcastically closing the door behind them. Casey took a look at Chester's apartment. It looked the same as the last time she was there: the wooden table, the old couch in front of the small TV set. The only thing different was the dozens of beer bottles on the floor and the box of moldy pizza that laid on the TV set.

Casey looked on the coffee table and noticed a few faded photographs. The picture showed men and women in an open area. They had similar features to Chester so Casey assumed that they were family. Why didn't she noticed them before?

"What are you doing here, Casey?"

Casey was so distracted with the pictures, that she almost forgot that Chester was still in the room. She turned to look at Chester, who was leaning on the door frame with yet another beer in his hand.

"You didn't return my phone calls or that of your collages."

"I was busy."

Casey scoffed. "Yeah, I can tell."

Without warning, Chester smashed the bottle on the floor, causing Casey to wince. The beer oozed out of the cracked bottle and ran towards Chester's shoes.

This wasn't the Lake Casey knew. Her Lake would try to make the best of every situation. However he had just seen a fellow cop blow her brains out.

"You know Casey, just because we went out once doesn't mean…"

"That what? I'm not allowed to care what happens to you?"

Lake sighed and rolled his eyes. "Look, you were the one who said our relationship couldn't continue, and I respect that."

"But that doesn't mean I don't care what happens to you," Casey said softly. She put her hand tenderly to Chester's cheek. He pushed her hand away and then looked down as the liquid beer covered his shoe. Had he really smashed that bottle on the floor in front of Casey? Chester looked away, ashamed.

"Hey, don't shut me out!" Casey protested. "I know how guilty you must feel…"
"You weren't there!" Lake screamed, finally letting all his frustration out.

"You didn't see the blood ooze from her head! You didn't…you don't know what I feel guilty about." Lake collapsed to the floor. He covered his eyes with his hands, breathing hard.

Casey crotched down to his level. "What do you feel guilty about?"

Lake removed his hands and stared into her green eyes.

"That maybe…maybe killing the Woodsman was the right thing." And of my cousin, who is in Attica for something I did, Chester thought.

Casey was shocked and started to back away. "Right? Right that she killed someone?"

"He was a rapist!"
"Who still had a hostage we could have saved."

"I know," Lake whimpered. He put his hands on his head. "I know." Casey felt that there was still something Lake wasn't telling her; however she was ready to let it go for now.

"You were right, Casey," he said with a chuckled, motioning to the messy room. "I suppose we can't be together. You were right: I'm not good enough for you." .

A wave of guilt washed over Casey.

"I never said you weren't good enough for me, Chester." She glanced at the window, overlooking the city. It's now or never, she thought. "Truth is I never wanted to break up with you."

Chester looked up, wide eyed.

"Then why the hell did you, Casey?" Chester asked, standing up, walking towards her. Casey felt the familiar chill go down her spine. With a sigh she answered: "It had to do with my late fiancé."

Casey told Chester the whole story about Charlie. Chester listened intensely. When she was finally done, Chester whistled. "Wow, what an ordeal for you."

Casey only nodded.

"I think I understand why you don't want to be in another relationship, but despite my behavior today, mental illnesses doesn't run in my family," Chester said with a small smile. Casey smiled back.

"I know. It's just… I'm afraid of being hurt again." Lake walked closer to Casey. With his pointer finger, he raised Casey's chin. They were practically nose to nose. Casey felt her heart beat. Easy, Casey thought to herself, easy.

"But isn't it better to take a chance then living your whole life with regret?" Lake asked softly, gently kissing her cheek.

Immediately, Lake pulled back, embarrassed. What the hell did he kiss her for? Had he listened to ANYTHING Casey said? He felt his face turn red.

"God, I'm sorry Casey."

"You should be," Casey snapped. With both hands, she grabbed Chester's face. With a smile, Casey added:

"You missed," .

Chester grinned. Despite the week he was having, he couldn't be happier. He and Casey were together…finally.

For the first time in a long while, all seemed right in the world according to Casey and Chester.

Ok, the next chapter was actually the first chapter I started working on in May, and is my favorite.

This, my dear fans, is where I need your help:

1. Should chapter seven take place on Feb. 14th or the day before Lake goes to Philly (which would take place right before "Cold"). EITHER WAY, THERE WILL STILL BE A 8TH CHAPTER WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE DURING "COLD".

2. What episodes took place during Feb. and March?

3. I'd love to tell you why I'm choosing March or Feb. but that would entail giving away some spoilers. Yet if you want to know why, e-mail me.

Thanks!

longer and very upbeat!