Dancing Within the Flames
By: Liv-x-Lex4Ever and E. Scribbles
Chapter 5: Family Structure
The next day…
Olivia sighed, watching Casey hang up the phone, and lay it on her bed having gotten no information whatsoever on her stalker. "We'll find him," she said, laying her hand over top. "I'll-I'll have Elliot go talk with them."
"Oh yeah, that will go down well. I'm sorry that me talking to you didn't get you to tell me something you may or may not have done, but here, talk to this guy who looks like he's going to kick the shit out of you."
Olivia tried to hide her amusement. "Alright, look, I can't go, obviously, so who do you want me to ask?"
"How about we just move to Alaska. Or Australia. Or the Amazon. And forget about it. Do they still have coffee in the Amazon? Maybe not the Amazon. Maybe Canada."
Olivia squeezed her hand. "Casey, how far do you expect to get before this crap gets to you again? I mean, he's not giving up."
"Your right, maybe the Amazon is best."
She laughed. "Yeah, living with natives in loincloths. Leaving nothing to-to imagination..." she trailed off into a fantasy of Casey in minimal animal skin. Skin tight. She swallowed hard. "I-I'm sorry. What were we talking about again?"
Having the same thoughts about Olivia but less easily pulled from her thoughts, she murmured, "You...in a- oh. Ah, perhaps it's time we went for breakfast?"
"It's 11 A.M. try lunch," she supplied standing up.
Casey nodded, continuing to imagine Olivia, skin glistening from sweat, the heat making sweat trickle right down- "11? Oh shit, shit, shit! I have somewhere to be!"
"Calm down! Court?"
"No! Oh god, do I? No, I don't think so." Casey rummaged through her closet, looking for something to wear
"Then," Olivia began, stepping up behind her, "where do you need to be?" she asked, breathing down her neck.
Casey took a deep breath. "I can't think when you're that close dammit. I have a lunch. With my dad."
Olivia stepped back. "Your dad? He doesn't live here, does he?"
"I spoke to him on the phone the other day. He knew I was upset and said he'd come down for a few days. "
She nodded. "And you're going to lie? Because if you're not then...well, you're going to have to admit...certain things...people...sometime."
Casey blushed, then said softly, "He knows about you. He's been urging me to tell you how I feel for ages."
She smiled, brilliantly. "Oh really now? Even that I'm a detective?"
"Even that you manage to drink more coffee than I do. He says you should cut down by the way. He even gave me a study to give to you on the effects of too much coffee on people who work long hours. But I thought giving it to you might be...weird."
She laughed a bit. "So he's okay with me...and you?"
Casey nodded, finally coming across the shirt he'd given her the Christmas before and pulled it on, trying to straighten the creases with her hands as she searched for her shoes.
Olivia smiled. "Cute, for your dad, but..."
Casey smiled, pulling on her shoes. "Yeah, I know," she replied, looking at the clock. "Shit! I'm really, really late for lunch."
"Would you like an escort?" Olivia asked, grabbing her car keys. "I don't want to intrude or anything. I've got nothing to go by for that special bond after all, so um, I'll just let you have your time."
"You could come. If you want to. He'd really like to meet you. He seems to think you single handedly fight crime while all the other cops eat donuts."
Olivia couldn't help laughing. "Oh really? And where would he get that impression from? A certain redhead maybe?"
Casey gave an embarrassed smile, but then threw over her shoulder as they exited her apartment, "Well, I've never seen you eat a donut."
"You don't see me every hour of every day," she answered. "Is there anything I absolutely need to know about him?" she asked, as they got in, as Casey had told her where to go beforehand.
"He likes to embarrass the hell out of me. His name is Liam. He loves football and will shake your hand until you think your arm is going to fall off."
Olivia smiled. "Anything else? Like stuff I shouldn't mention?"
"Oh god, if that's him by the window, please don't mention his shirt." The man sitting in the window wearing a pink bowling shirt with 'Team Novak' written on it turned, caught sight of them, and gave a hearty wave.
Olivia waited, grabbing Casey's wrist. "What have you told him about me as far as background information?"
Casey frowned. "What do you mean?"
"My family, Casey," she asked a bit disheartened, "any good father will ask for details."
"Oh. Yeah, he knows. You'll find you have a lot in common with him there."
"What does that mean? I'm sorry. I'm just nervous. I don't usually tell people."
"I'm sorry. I didn't think you'd mind me telling him. His mother was 16 when she had him. She was raped on the way home from school. He went off the rails a bit, and I think that's why he seems to love you so much, because you haven't let it get to you. Hi dad!" Casey was pulled into a tight hug by her father, along with Olivia as they walked up to meet him.
Olivia had to struggle a bit to breathe. He was strong and very muscular and had let Casey go first.
Casey saw her eyes fluttering a bit, She pulled on his arm. "Daddy! Daddy! You're squeezing the life out of her!" she said, freeing Olivia, who leaned against her for support, a bit disoriented.
"Sorry! Sorry, just so pleased to finally meet you. It's an honor. It really is." He reached forward to shake her hand, shaking it vigorously. "I've heard so much about you."
She smiled. "Yes, yes, I've been told. Uh, Casey, how do I—"
"Oh right. Daddy, I think her arm is gonna go numb."
He pulled back. "Sorry, Liam Novak, pleasure," he said, extending his hand for—what she hoped—was a formal introduction.
She smiled, taking it. "Olivia Benson."
Casey smiled. "Shall we go? I hope you don't mind, Daddy, but I asked Olivia to join us."
He just beamed at her. "Not at all. I finally get to meet the infamous Olivia Benson my daughter's been crushing on for years."
Olivia smiled.
Casey blushed. "What did I tell you?"
"I haven't let anything out of the bag have I? She does know? Please tell me you know Olivia, this one has been driving me mad with all her 'Oh I love her, I love her' speeches at home." As they walked into the restaurant, he put a friendly arm around both of them, looking proud.
Olivia looked at him. "Oh yes, I-I know, not until just recently, but I know."
As they sat, Casey covered her face to hide her blush."Can we discuss something else now. Anything else. Ask Olivia about her work."
What ensued was an hour long discussion, Liam showing real interest in Olivia's work, making all the right noises in all the right places, doing exactly what Olivia had always imagined a proper father would do.
Olivia sighed in content. Then she looked at Casey. "Can I adopt him as my dad too? He's so...caring and interesting..."
Casey laughed, her feet playing with Olivia's under the table. "Wait until you see his present giving at birthdays and Christmas. You'll change your mind then."
Olivia laughed. "Well, seriously, anything's better than..." she couldn't say it. At one time, she'd been positively obsessed with finding her own father, but now that urge wasn't there and she found herself extremely envious of the woman beside her. Casey held onto her arm and rested her head on her shoulder as he returned from the restroom. "What did I miss?"
"I was telling Olivia about the excellent presents you give."
"Ah! Just as well because I've brought you one today Olivia. I saw it, and I had to get it for you." Casey gave a quiet groan as her father put the package on the table.
Casey covered her eyes, muttering that she couldn't look, but when all was quiet, she lowered her hands to see what the present was. Inside the small box was a beautifully made locket. Inside, a note said simply, "Not all of us are born with families, but we're the lucky ones, we get to pick those who are special enough to walk side by side with us forever…"
Olivia's mouth dropped. "I-it's beautiful...thank you."
"Here," Casey said, "let me help." She unclasped the chain and slid it around her neck and reclosed it, holding it gently in her hand.
"Gee, and here I am, trying not to be too envious. I spend half of my time, on every case, trying to avoid my genetic demons... It's hard...sometimes."
Casey's arms wound around hers. "You never told me that."
She smiled at her. "Thankfully, I haven't been so down and out that I needed to, but I have a feeling someday..."
Casey smiled and squeezed her hand, then turned to her dad. "Why does Olivia get this on her first meeting but I've known you for hundreds of years and all I get is a shirt that don't think I don't know you got from a charity shop."
He just crossed his arms. "What's so wrong with wanting to make a good first impression?"
She smiled. "Nothing, I guess. You two are a lot alike, after all."
Towards the end of lunch, Casey went to the bathroom, and Olivia took the opportunity to ask about John. "Funny you should mention him. Haven't heard from him in a few years, then all of a sudden he called me a few weeks ago, asking about Casey."
"What did he ask? Specifically?"
"Where she was working. I told him, he asked for the phone number and I gave him her mobile number, then he called a few days later sounding quite annoyed, wanting to know if I knew about the two of you."
She leaned forward, interested. "What did you say?"
"I said I knew of you and I didn't think anything else was any of his business unless either you or Casey chose to make it so. He just hung up."
"Did he say why he wanted to know?"
"No. Has something happened? Is this why Casey was upset when I called her?"
Olivia hesitated, but upon seeing his genuine concern, she figured she should come clean. "Yes. I—well, me, my boss and her boss—think someone's stalking her. She's been getting pictures of—me with another woman, who's only a friend, mind you. Anyway, they're making her quite uncomfortable. Casey swears John and his entire family would never do that, but love has a tendency to blind people from the truth. Someone's trying to break us up, but please, please, don't tell her I told you about the photos. She's...kinda sensitive."
He nodded, then asked, "Alexandra Cabot?" Seeing Olivia's shock, he added, "We share a lot. She was very nervous about taking over from her, always thinking people would compare the two of them." They both grew silent as Casey sat back down
"Okay, I'm glad I was gone for that little conversation the two of you obviously had," Casey said. "Don't bother trying to cover it up, Olivia. In these instances, you're a horrible liar."
Olivia sighed, shaking her head.
"What did she tell you?" Casey asked.
He looked to Olivia, then answered hesitantly, "We were just talking about John."
Casey sighed and closed her eyes, rubbing her temple. "Dad—"
"Casey he's called me too. If Olivia is worried, then I am too. I know they've been like family, but even family can do bad things, surely you know that."
Olivia's brow rose. "Can I ask how she knows that?"
Liam looked towards Casey who just shrugged. "Time for coffee."
Olivia sighed, laying a hand on Casey's. "I won't force you to tell me, but if there's something—anything—I can ever do to help, you let me know."
Liam grabbed the coffee, pouring three cups.
Olivia decided to change the subject. "Are you a lawyer too?"
"Yep. Sorry. Not as good as Miss Novak here though." As Casey went to protest, he waved her words away. "She's always wanted to be one. I decided to be one after about 20 different jobs."
"So, do you look up to your father as your role model, Casey?" Olivia asked, but she remained silent. "Casey!"
She jumped. "Oh I'm sorry. What were you saying?"
"I was asking if your father was the reason you became a lawyer."
"Mmhmm. Liv, is that the guy...from the restaurant? Boatshoes man." She made a subtle hand gesture towards the doorway.
She chanced a glance in the direction. She sighed. "God yes. Let's just hope he doesn't notice us... Wait, Case...is he...?"
Casey nodded, looking down. "He keeps looking this way."
She took a breath. "Great. Just great," she pulled her phone out, texting Elliot the situation. He replied he'd be there in five minutes seconds later.
"Ready to see the showstopper?" she asked.
Casey nodded, her gaze uneasy. "Liv..."
She shook her head. "Relax," she said under her breath, "I'm carrying," she replied as she walked over. "This seat taken?"
"Not if you want to sit down it isn't. Can I get you a drink?"
"Uh, I'll take an iced tea."
He nodded, ordering one, before smiling and leaning towards her. "What's your name then?"
She smiled. "Olivia. And you?"
"Tom. Tommy to my friends. And what's the name of your little friend over there?"
She smiled, hearing the door close, turning around casually noticing Elliot walking over to sit beside Casey. "Does it matter? Last I saw you, she thought you were interested in me."
He smiled, resting back in his seat. "You noticed me then? I was hoping you would. I think you're a very pretty lady."
"I figured as much," she replied, sipping at her iced tea. She noticed he kept looking past her. "What's got your attention?"
"Who's that, just sat down with Ca...ah...your red head friend?"
She smiled. "Oh him?" she replied, standing up and walking behind him as Elliot walked over, but still stayed a distance away. "He's my brother. Now," she whispered into his ear, "remind me, what's that woman's name over there?"
"Casey. You said her name was Casey." He went to stand but was pushed back into his seat by Olivia.
"Actually, I didn't say her name. Now stand up," she said sternly.
"If you don't mind, I think I'll finish my lunch." He watched Elliott closely as he made his way slowly towards them.
"Stand up. You should be a gentleman in the presence of a beautiful lady, such as Detective Benson."
"I haven't done anything wrong. I'm just sitting here having my lunch, admiring the view of a beautiful ADA. You lost your last one didn't you? Shame if it happened again wouldn't it?"
Olivia shoved him against the wall. "Bastard!"
Elliot walked over, stopping her from doing anymore damage. "Cool it. Go sit with Casey, okay?"
She looked back at her, but her rage took over as she bloodied up Tommy's face before walking over.
Several people were now staring as Elliott spoke in a very low voice to the man. Casey reached out for Olivia's hand, cleaning it. "What did he say?"
"'I haven't done anything wrong'," she repeated. "'I'm just sitting here having my lunch, admiring the view of a beautiful ADA. You lost your last one, didn't you? Shame if it happened again wouldn't it?'"
"I thought he was…"
"Yeah, me too. We seriously need to get out of here, Casey."
She nodded. "I know, but first, let me finish cleaning your knuckles.
Olivia nodded. "Sorry," she breathed.
She nodded. "Were you concerned for me too then?"
Olivia sighed. "God Casey! Not here, please."
Casey drew in a shaky breath, but nodded, trying to keep one eye on what was happening with Elliott, and one eye on Olivia's hand as she dabbed at it gently.
Olivia watched Elliot carefully. Something seemed off about Tommy, but she couldn't put her finger on it.
Suddenly, he broke free of his grip and got hold of his gun, while rendering Elliot unconscious. He walked over.
Olivia noticed Casey had stopped dabbing her hand. "Casey," she said under her breath.
"No, I won't run," she promised, taking her hand.
"But Casey-" Liam began before the gun was pointed in his direction.
Olivia turned her head. "Alright Tommy. There's no need to hurt anyway," she said, placing her piece on the table and shaking Casey off her. "I'm going to stand up now." Slowly, she stood up and around. "No need to hurt anyone."
Casey stood up as well, despite her father trying to pull her back into her seat. "It's me you want, isn't it? Just let everyone else leave and we can have a talk."
"Casey," Olivia pleaded, "don't!"
Tommy stepped nervously from foot to foot. "This isn't how it's supposed to go."
"Then tell me how it's supposed to go," Casey urged, stepping forward, trying to inch her way in front of Olivia.
Olivia threw her arm out in front of her. "Don't play the hero, Casey. There's no need."
"But you have no weapon a-and he-he's..."
Olivia wouldn't lower her arm, but Casey pushed it down and walked in front of her. "Casey, think of Liam, alright? Think of me! We don't want you to go out this way!"
"Stop! Move away!" Tommy gestured his at Olivia. "This was all supposed to be surveillance. See what she does. Scare her a little bit. But no, then he decides that's not working. He thinks that's not enough. You know what, I'm sick of you." He pointed the gun straight at Casey's head.
"Who?" Olivia asked. "Who put you on surveillance?"
"Shut up!" He waved the gun towards Olivia, and Casey stepped forward. Drawing his anger suddenly away from the detective…
BANG!
To be continued…
Author's Note: So what do you think?
Sequel "Burning Desire" coming soon!
Thanks to my Beta:Tiger(dot)Lily(dot)Weasley(dot)757
Review thanks to: Delectable Sweetness
Please read & review!
Liv-x-Lex4Ever and E. Scribbles