#calex fluff | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

saurgaeee · 10 months

Link

I read a post where it says about someone scoffing whenever somebody told him that he liked the girl and yet he looks at her first just to see if she was also laughing when someone cracks a joke, and an idea just came to my mind. Enjoy! xx

The first time Casey met Alex, she felt inferior next to her. Casey doesn’t fold, she never cowers— but with Alex, she, well, kind of did.

But, who doesn’t, right? It is THE great Alexandra Cabot. Plus, she was her predecessor.

“ You know, We’ve gone over all my questions. I think you’re ready, ” Casey uttered.

As if on instincts, Alex asked “ Are you? ” and if Casey was offended, she did great hiding it, because she just gave Alex an empathetic look, instead.

It was too late when Alex realized that she was below the belt but she couldn’t do anything about that so she just did what she knew was best to do. Apologize.

“ Casey, I’m sorry, that was out of line, ”

And Casey, being the most ever empathetic person that anyone she’ll encounter would ever meet, she showed Alex a reassuring smile, as if telling her that it’s okay, she understands.

“ It’s gotta be hard to be on that side of the desk, ” Casey uttered in which Alex agrees.

The first time Alex met Casey, she was taken aback just a little bit… Okay, fine, a LOT. She knew Casey, she heard about how great she was in homicide, and if there’s something Alex Cabot respects and looks up to so much— it is being great at what you do.

But, of course, she wouldn’t admit it. She’s THE Alexandra Cabot, after all.

But Casey is THE Casey Novak. Although different from the one that she used to know and the one that people who were working with her knew, it did not changed the fact that whichever unit you place Casey into, she will rise.

“ So, Casey Novak, ” Alex uttered, breaking the silence.

“ What about her? ” Olivia asked.

“ She was the one who replaced me. Is she even worth the position? ” Alex asked.

Olivia’s brows furrowed at that and her jaw tensed.

“ Casey’s good at what she does, in fact, she’s just as great as you were, if not better, ” she defended.

Alex’s shoulders relaxes a bit at that but the slight shock in her face didn’t passed Olivia’s eyes.

“ Wow. You’ve bonded with her, ” Alex stated.

Liv smirked as she nods her head. “ What are you now— jealous? ” she asks, teasing.

Alex’s jaw clenched as she fixes her eyeglasses. “ Oh, please. ”

The first time Olivia met Alex after the incident, Alex looked so lost. Before, she always shows up prepared, but that day, she wasn’t.

There really was a difference between being a victim and being the one defending the former; and that day, Alex was the victim.

So if she has the upper hand, she doesn’t have any idea.

“ When I was a prosecutor, I never went to court without a plan, ” Alex uttered, sighing.

Elliot give Alex an empathetic smile before replying “ you've never been the victim. ”

Alex just sighed at that. “ I should be trying the bastard who shot that little boy. ”

Elliot chuckles lightly as he shakes his head.

“ Casey would be. She knows what she’s doing, and she’s really, really great at it. You should trust her, ”

Alex blows out some air out of her mouth.

“ I do. It’s just that… ”

“ She took your job, I understand. If ever someone took after my position, I wouldn’t trust them to be as great as I am, too. ” Elliot reassured.

Alex was the one who gives respect to someone who does a very good job at what they do, but she wasn’t the person who trusts someone, especially if it’s her job that they would be doing.

Or she wasn’t the one who easily trusts, at least.

The first time Olivia met Casey, she finds her… pretty annoying.

But if Casey were anything, she wasn’t that. In contrast, she was very passionate, and compassionate— which each and everyone from the squad loved about her.

Especially the ice queen herself.

“ It looks like pharmaceuticals to me. It’s in the warrant, bag it. ”

“ Who the hell are you? ” Liv asked, sounding annoyed.

“ That’s our new ADA, ” Elliot answered instead. “ Casey Novak, Olivia Benson. Olivia, this is Casey Novak, ” he introduced the two with each other, gesturing them.

And Casey can be a bit cocky, too.

“ Do I know you? ” Casey asked.

“ Yeah, shortstop, cop's team, ” Elliot replied, gesturing Casey to come with him. “ Come here. ”

Casey smirked and squint her eyes. But nevertheless, she followed Elliot. “ Oh, right. Didn't recognize you when you weren't covered in my dust, ” she fires with a smug grin plastered on her face.

Elliot could only answer “ that's very good. ”

The second time Olivia met Alex, she seems disappointed. It’s as if she’s looking for something, expecting to find it, yet, she didn’t.

Well, she is.. looking… for someone.

“ Did you find it yet? ” Olivia asked Alex who’s obviously roaming her eyes around.

Alex stopped and looks at Liv. “ I don’t know what you’re talking about, ”

Liv chuckles. “ Okay. But you will never find her. Nor see her, not right now, at least, ” she uttered.

“ What happened? ” Alex asked, concern is evident in her voice.

“ Censure, ”

Alex felt her knees weakens. “ Oh, my, ”

The second time Liv met Casey, was the second time Alex has literally met her, too. It was after her censure. And for the first time in forever, Liv saw a glimpse of light in Alex’s eyes.

“ So, you’re back, ” Alex says, breaking the ice.

Casey give Alex a small smile as she nods her head.

“ It seems so, ” she then shrugged. “ I still have to prove myself, tho, ”

Alex wasn’t the one to smile wide. That’s why she had perfected this signature look of her: the half-smile-half-smirk that everyone knew.

But that day, Liv saw what her genuine smile is.

All because of Casey.

“ I wish you the best on that, then, ” Alex responds. “ Kick their ass, ” she added.

“ Thanks, Alex, ” Casey smiled sweetly. “ Have a safe trip on your flight to Congo, ” she added, tapping Alexandra’s shoulder.

“ Thank you. I’ll be going now, ”

Casey nods. “ Yeah, don’t let us take a hold of you for long, ” she replied, chuckling lightly.

The third time Casey and Alex met each other, they shared a case.

They always say that you couldn’t put fire and ice together because it wouldn’t just work. And, oh, boy, was it true.

Or so we thought.

Alex is an ice queen, and just like an ice, her moves were calm, careful, and calculated. Contrary to Casey, the fiery redhead, who was like a fire— hot, unpredictable, fierce. Two different attributes, but both were just as dangerous.

And so they clashed. Why wouldn’t they, fire is the opposite of ice. You can’t place a fire together with ice in a same room, because one of them will just always end up burning.

But, we were, gladly, proven wrong. As the popular saying goes by: opposite attracts.

“ What the hell is your problem? ” Casey asked, a little bit annoyed.

“ Your techniques, ” Alex answered nonchalantly.

Casey’s brows furrowed at that. “ What about them? ” she asked.

“ They’re.. kind of reckless, ” Alex uttered.

Casey squint her eyes then shakes her head. “ So I’ve been told, ”

“ Maybe tone it down a little bit and calculate your moves, instead? ” Alex suggested with a soft voice.

Casey just shakes her head eagerly, saying “ no way. I like it the way that I do, thank you very much, ”

Alex could only sigh at that.

Casey nibbled her bottom lip then heaves a sigh before opening her mouth to speak.

“ Alex, you have to trust me. You need to try to, at least, ”

Alex creases her forehead. “ I do trust you, ” she defended.

“ No, you don’t, ” Casey replied, shaking her head. “ I’m trying, really, to win this case the way you want it and yet you can’t see it. What you can only see is me, being reckless. I know I was, well, I still am. I got censured, for damn sake. But haven’t I proven myself enough again already? ” she then asks.

Alex winced when she saw pain in Casey’s eyes, then fixed her eyeglasses to help her compose herself.

“ I’m sorry, Case.. It’s not that I don’t trust you. It’s just that.. ”

“ What? ” Casey asks but Alex just kept mum.

For the very first time, Alex was speechless.

“ We’re both tired, we’ve been going through this case since the morning at it’s close to midnight now. Good night, Alex. I’ll just talk to you tomorrow, ” Casey then give Alex an understanding smile before she turned her back and make her way out of their shared office when she felt fingers wrapped around her arm.

“ Casey, wait, ”

Casey turns to face Alex again.

“ I’m sorry. I trust you. Okay, we’ll talk tomorrow. But, please, let me accompany you home? ” Alex pleaded with a hopeful smile.

Casey contemplated for a second but when she saw the way Alex was looking and smiling at her, how can she not say yes?

“ Okay, ” Casey said softly, nodding her head.

Alex’s smile grew bigger. “ Okay? ” she repeated. “ Okay, ” she then nods her haid. “ Just give me a second to fix my things, I’d be just quick— ”

“ Alex.. ” Casey held Alex’s hand to forearm to stop her. “ Hey, sweetie, stop. You don’t have to panic. Take your time, I’m not going anywhere, ” she then smiled sweetly which made Alex, too.

“ Okay… ”

“ Okay. ”

Everyone can see the chemistry that radiates off Casey and Alex, and Alex will always huff whenever someone will tease her about it, or she’d just hear someone mentioning it.

But every time the squad gets out together, and someone will crack a joke, her eyes will always find Casey in the room of people just to see if she was laughing, too. Every time Casey would be out of Alex’s sight even just for a second, she would worry and would look for her. When Casey’s talking about something that really interests her, Alex was the one to pay the most attention, as if taking a mental note of it, afraid that she might forget it and she might hurt and/or disappoint Casey if ever that happens.

And, Casey.. well, Casey would just dismiss the idea of it and laugh it off. To quote her exact words: “ Stop it, you guys. There’s no way. It’s just.. there’s no way. Way too impossible, ”

Yet, every time she will look at Alex, you can see the admiration in her eyes. Every time hers and Alex’s eyes will meet, she will have this flustered face. And every time she will see Alex being “ touchy ” with someone else, you could see the fire in her eyes, saying that she was hurt, and feeling envy of that someone, whoever they were, and jealous.

And they could go on forever about denying their feelings for each other, but they wouldn’t last seeing one another being held by someone, and that someone wasn’t them.

Olivia can go on and on and on in telling us how many times Casey and Alex have met, and what were they like,

And Elliot might not shut about how many times I have met Alex and Casey and the things that I kept on noticing about them every time we meet, and I know that all of you would never get tired hearing them all…

But that’s enough for now. Today, we’re meeting, and it doesn’t matter if it’s our first time meeting each other, or if it’s eternity, but one thing’s for sure, we were all meeting for the first time to witness a great love story unfold before our eyes.

“ Casey, Alex, things hasn’t been so easy for the two of you, but you’ve got through with it, stronger. I’ve seen lots of kinds of love and yours is one that I really look up to— unbreakable. Stay whipped, Case! ” Elliot, Casey’s best man, ended his speech, raising his champagne glass, gesturing it as a salute to the newlyweds.

“ If there’s someone who deserves to be that happy, “ Alex’s best man, Liv, gestured at them before continuing “ it’s the two of you, Counsellors, ” she then smiled and raises her glass of champagne. “ It’s such an honour to be one of those who have witnessed how the love story of you two develops and grows from being Alex’s simple crush towards Casey, to colleagues, friends, and now, as each other’s confidant and lover. May your love continues to grow as you grow old together while growing as an individual beside each other. And, oh, Alex; my dear Alex, my ever-smitten-to-Casey friend, Alex, may you always stay that way. Cheers! ” Olivia then take a sip of her champagne causing the crowd to went wild. Elliot then clank a utensil lightly on his glass, which everyone mimicked while shouting “ kiss! ” in which Casey and Alex are both happy to obliged.

#calex #alex cabot #casey novak #casey novak x alex cabot #casey x alex #olivia benson #elliot stabler #law and order svu #svu #fluff

19 notes · View notes

serenasoutherlyns · 25 days

Text

cherry baby

“I give them about a month before they’re dating.” “How would you know?” Asked Rollins. “Oh,” said Olivia, “I just do.”

calex. teen. ao3. For @allergictocanon-- I wrote you some fluff!

Sharing SVU was much easier than Alex thought it would’ve been. Casey, it turned out, was very easy to be around, and they’d clicked naturally. After a month or so of going out for drinks after work, they had taken to working at Casey’s on Friday nights, splitting a bottle of wine between them. A reward for the week, a tradition, cheaper and cozier than a bar. Things became so easy between them, passing papers, pens, glasses. Then they started to touch each other, casually, friendly. A squeeze of the hand, an affectionate pat on the thigh. It spilled over into work, it felt like they were in one another’s offices as often as their own. On some level, she had anticipated exactly the opposite to happen when they were both assigned to SVU. She knew Casey’s reputation, and she knew her own. Neither were known for their ability to share. Casey seemed determined not to let conflict happen, though.

April brought cold rain to New York. They rushed inside Casey’s apartment but still found themselves damp. Casey’s hair stuck to her forehead. She turned up the heat as the two of them shivered.

---

“They’re getting close,” Olivia remarked to Rollins upon leaving Alex’s office. Without hardly looking up from their work, Alex had handed them one warrant, Casey another.

“I’m glad they get along,” Rollins said. “It would be a huge hassle if they didn’t.”

“Yes,” said Olivia, “I think it’s a little beyond that.”

“Meaning?” Said Rollins.

“I give them about a month before they’re dating.”

“How would you know?” Asked Rollins.

“Oh,” said Olivia, “I just do.” Amanda caught the hint. That was interesting, she thought.

---

Casey sat down on the couch after changing into dry clothes. She gave Alex her nicest, yet still ratty, sweatpants and long-sleeved tee. She looked amazing casual like this. She even took her hair down. The rain picked up.

“I don’t feel like working,” said Casey. “I don’t have much to do anyway.”

“We don’t have to work,” said Alex. She opened the bottle of wine. Alex knew where her corkscrew was. “Do you want to order Thai food and watch a movie?” Alex stretched her arms above her head and Casey’s eyes were drawn to a sliver of exposed skin at her hip.

“That sounds amazing.” Thunder rumbled outside. Alex paled. “You okay?” Asked Casey.

“Fine,” said Alex unconvincingly. “I don’t like thunderstorms,” she admitted.

---

“Here, let me carry some of those,” Casey said, taking a stack of files from Alex’s arms. Olivia watched them from her desk as they entered the precinct. Alex gave Casey an affectionate look that Olivia would recognize anywhere. She wondered if the two of them had caught on to each other yet. She shot Rollins a smug look. Rollins rolled her eyes back.

“Counselors,” said Rollins. “We’ve got your suspect.”

“So we heard,” said Casey, “What room?”

“Five,” said Olivia.

“Got it,” said Alex. “Amanda, do you want to do the talking? Olivia and I can observe from outside, and Casey can sit in for the lawyer cred.”

“Sounds like a plan,” said Amanda. She gestured to Casey to follow her.

Olivia knew Amanda had this under control. She turned her attention to her colleague, who seemed to be observing someone other than the suspect. Alex bit her lip watching Casey. Olivia remembered that well. It took a lot of self-control not to laugh.

---

They picked Pride and Prejudice, Casey’s suggestion. Alex wasn’t the biggest Austen fan, but she would’ve watched whatever Casey wanted. The storm didn’t let up the whole time. Alex did her best not to show it, but she jumped and trembled with every thunderclap. Casey noticed despite her best efforts and placed her hand over Alex’s white knuckles. That did not slow down her heartbeat.

“Mrs. Darcy, Mrs. Darcy, Mrs. Darcy,” said Matthew McFadyen. As the credits rolled, Alex realized she was pressed into Casey’s side completely. It would be so easy to simply turn her head, her lips would be inches from Casey’s. She coughed and made some space between them, slowly withdrawing her hand. Casey stretched her arms forward. It was almost nine o’clock, and still storming. Alex dreaded going out in this, even if she could call a cab right to the apartment.

“Another one?” Asked Casey sleepily.

“Yeah,” said Alex. “You pick.”

“Are you sure about that?” Said Casey.

“Mhm,” said Alex. “Whatever you want. You’re the one with the DVDs.”

“Good point,” said Casey. “Emma it is.” She grinned. “More popcorn?”

“Please.”

---

At drinks, Olivia was surprised the two of them weren’t making out at the table. Casey leaned into Alex’s space and Alex returned the favor. Olivia wouldn’t be surprised if they were holding hands under the table. She wondered if they had consummated the obvious sexual tension yet. If they hadn’t it would be a matter of days. This was so entertaining. Casey went to grab another pitcher and Alex watched her the whole way to the bar. They shared a carton of peanuts, ignoring the brushes of their fingertips. Casey whispered something in Alex’s ear, and they laughed, Alex tilting her head back. It couldn’t hurt to fuck with them a bit.

“Okay,” said Olivia, “Casey, truth or dare?”

“Oh, come on,” said Casey, “how old are we?”

“That’s something only boring people ask,” said Rollins, catching on to Olivia’s tactics.

“Truth or dare, Casey?”

“Fine,” she said, annoyed at having her attention drawn away from Alex, “Truth.”

“When was the last time you got laid?” Olivia asked. Casey blushed.

“Uh,” she said, “Three months ago.” Alex’s eyes widened, in surprise or jealousy, Olivia couldn’t tell.

“Damn girl, save some for the rest of us,” teased Rollins.

“Whatever, I’m busy. Olivia, truth or dare?”

“Dare,” she said.

“Kiss Rollins,” said Alex. Rollins reddened, but Olivia retained her composure.

“I’m her superior,” said Olivia.

“Who cares? It’s just a kiss.” Amanda apparently agreed. She shrugged and kissed Olivia herself. Damn, thought Olivia. That was fun.

---

When Emma ended, it was eleven. The streets were flooded, but the storm had stopped. Casey was relieved at Alex’s relaxation. But, like hell Casey was letting Alex go home in this.

“I should be going,” said Alex. Casey looked at her like she had three heads.

“What are you talking about? In this weather?”

“I don’t want to intrude,” said Alex.

“It’s not intruding if I’m inviting you,” countered Casey. She held Alex’s hand in her own. Alex looked at their interlaced hands.

“Okay,” she said.

“But,” said Casey, “Do you want to listen to some music?”

---

This was the fifth time Alex had brought up Casey tonight. At dinner. At the dinner where the two of them were supposed to be catching up. Olivia now knew that:

a) Casey was great at her job b) Casey was close with her mom c) Casey loved thriller novels d) Casey was a Godsend in the office e) Casey looked great in her softball uniform.

And Alex had the audacity to pester her about Amanda after that. She was almost ready to trap the two of them in a closet and wait for them to figure their shit out.

---

Casey put on the new Chairlift album. Alex liked it. It was time, Alex thought around track seven. If she didn’t do this now, she wondered if it would ever happen. Casey was saying something, and Alex was taking none of it in.

“Alex?” Said Casey. Apparently, it had been silent for a while.

“Casey,” said Alex, “I.” That was not a sentence with an ending. Casey looked at her wide-eyed, and Alex kissed her. She did what she had wanted to for months. It was everything she wanted and more, Casey’s muffled surprised sound before she kissed her back desperately. Their hands roamed. Casey pulled away.

“Finally,” she said, “finally.”

---

Olivia entered Casey’s office to find the two of them on the couch, equally focused. They were holding hands. Olivia doubted they even knew they were. Finally, Olivia thought.

#calex #casey novak #alex cabot #svu #svu fic #sficx

24 notes · View notes

maximoffcarter · 26 days

Text

Okay so, I wanted to come in here to let yall know that I am working on the requests that I got, and for the upcoming stories.

Upcoming:

Drunk Alex

2 Alex x reader

2 Casey x reader

Calex fluff

To be written:

Casey x reader focused on ‘Cold’ episode (9x19)

Casey x reader focused on ‘Night’ episode (6x20) (I actually got two of these but the other is with Calex🫢)

Calex fluff

College AU Calex

And I think for now those are it…? I think so😂 I got myself some homework to do and I’m excited to write all these. So those who send me asks, please know I am not ignoring your requests, I keep them so I remember the request and then I’m able to answer it once I post it.

If you got any more requests, go ahead and send them my way, I’ll gladly take any ideas or requests for Calex, Casey or Alex✨ And thank you guys so much for reading my work and hyping me up, it feels so good to be back🥹

#casey novak #alex cabot #alexandra cabot #casey novak x alex cabot #casey novak x reader #alex cabot x reader #calex #svu fic #law and order svu #svu

26 notes · View notes

baubeautyandthegeek · 1 year

Text

Burning Shame

A/N; Calex fluff with a side of burnt cookies. Written as part of @storiesofsvu ‘s Holiday Bingo.

“Nonono….” Casey enters the apartment to burnt sugar scent and Alex’s desperate attempts to clean up the mess. It’s another cooking disaster but Casey can barely hide her smile as she moves to clean up behind Alex, waiting until Alex puts the cookie sheet down before pulling her closer, kissing her softly. “Maybe we should just order in?” “Order in cookies?” “Well, unless you want to ask Greylek?” “Mmm, maybe tomorrow.” Alex murmurs, barely hiding her blush when Casey laughs, kissing her again. “At least you didn’t set the apartment on fire this time.” “Yet….” “Yeah, yet.” Casey teases. “It’s fine ‘Lex… not all of us can be Liv… little miss cooks, cleans and competent cop work.”

#law and order svu #law and order special victims unit #law & order svu #law & order special victims unit #casey novak #alex cabot #calex #storiesofsvuholidaybingo2022

26 notes · View notes

storiesofsvu · 3 years

Text

Two Broken Halves

Casey Novak x Alex Cabot Warnings: language, very minor angst/lots of emotions. Covers the “Love Somebody” by Maroon 5 square of storiesofsvuoneyearbingo

When Alex returned to New York she was worried, still a little scared, she wasn’t sure how to act, how to be or cope. She was apprehensive about returning to the D.A’s office right away, if she even wanted to. Part of her wanted to seek out her old friends, get comfort in familiar times, but every time she thought about picking up the phone she remembered the look in Olivia’s eyes, the one that had changed, that saw her as a victim. She knew Olivia couldn’t help it, it was the way she tried to help trauma survivors through their coping, but it stung. The entire time she’d been back for the Connors trial that hidden guilt never left those brown eyes. Alex wanted to feel like she was back where she was supposed to be, waltzing back into the precinct with her attitude held high, smirk on her cheeks and then she’d remember that it had been four years. People changed, life moved on, she’d been so out of touch she had no idea what had happened in that time frame for any of her old friends, and she knew some of it probably wasn’t an easy update over a drink. It was a long time, a lot could have happened, a lot did happen and she wasn’t ready to confront that bridge yet.

She instead found herself in a bar around the corner from her new apartment, the one that felt too cold, too bare as her things lay in packed boxes on the floor. She wasn’t ready to figure out who she was yet, she figured she could avoid it as long as possible if her old things stayed hidden out of view. The bar wasn’t her typical choice, then again, she wasn’t her typical self anymore. She’d sat herself against the side wall at a high table, a spot her subconscious deemed safe, one where she could see the front entrance and the exit to the kitchen, nothing behind her. It was one of those things she didn’t even realize she did. Half sulking in her drink as she tried not to get lost in her self sympathy a flutter of movement up at the bar half grabbed her attention and her eyes widened slightly at a familiar face looking back at her.

Casey’s hair was longer, blonder with a slight strawberry tinge to it, and in the past four years she’d aged perfectly. Though Alex could sense that the level of confidence the prosecutor had held in the Connors case was completely diminished, she looked a little lost herself as she hesitantly approached the table.

“Am…I allowed to say hi?” Casey’s brow furrowed, she hadn’t heard anything about Alex being back yet and didn’t want to risk something blowing up. Alex huffed out a laugh,

“Yeah.” She sucked back some of her drink, letting out a heavy sigh, “I’m myself again…or at least…I’m supposed to be.” Alex gestured to the spare chair, “have a seat.”

“Thanks.” Casey smiled gently, taking in the shrunken frame of the blonde, “are…you back at work?” Alex looked up at that, a look of confusion splayed across her features.

“Wouldn’t you already know that?”

“Uhu..” Casey huffed a small laugh, swigging back on her scotch, “not exactly…” she mirrored Alex’s shy glance up at her, not really wanting to admit to such a renowned prosecutor, “I got censured four months ago. My licence is suspended for three years.”

“Who’d you piss off?”

“Petrovsky. Donnelly. For a start… I think I was already on my last leg.”

“What was the straw that broke the camel’s back?” Alex watched as Casey’s features grimaced, and she nearly snorted, “c’mon, it’s not like I’m at the office, I’m not even talking to anyone from that crowd. I can’t press someone for gossip.” Casey’s features softened in surprise at that her eyes widening at the blonde before she pursed her lips and answered.

“A fucking brady violation.” She swung back her drink, “I…stretched the truth about lab reports. It was a cold case, the DNA had been comprised but the bastard…he deserved to go down. You don’t get to rape two little girls and kill one and just keep being a cop. It shouldn’t work like that.”

Alex’s resolve softened at the way she watched a hint of frustration tears gather in Casey’s eyes, the way her voice both hardened and nearly choked at the same time. Even from their short trial time together, she knew Casey took her cases seriously, and wore her emotions on her sleeve, that she was deeply passionate about getting justice for the right people. Her hand slid across the table, squeezing at the other woman’s forearm softly.

“I’m sorry.”

Her voice was softer than Casey had heard before, hell it was softer than any voice she’d heard over the past few months as those last few arguments replayed constantly in her brain. How upset Elizabeth had been with her, someone who was her mentor, who had looked out for her for years, completely irate with how Casey had played with the law.

The small sentimental moment was broken by a pop echoing through the bar, Alex jumped, her entire body stiffening as Casey watched panic fly through her eyes as they darted through the room.

“Hey…” Casey’s voice was impeccably quiet, her hand feather light on Alex’s wrist to grab her attention without spooking her further, “it was just a champagne bottle…”

“Sorry…” Alex felt her cheeks flush as she stared into her drink, her heart still racing in her chest, “I just…” she shrugged, feeling the start of embarrassment tears prickling into her eyes, not ready to look up yet.

“I know.” Casey squeezed her wrist softly, “I still triple check the locks and I can’t sleep unless the hall light’s on.”

“What?” She murmured, her brow furrowing when she glanced up at the other woman. Her first surprise was that there was no look of pity in the green eyes that stared back at her, Casey wasn’t looking at her like a victim, but as a friend.

“A story for another time.” She gave her a small smile, “we all have our own baggage. If you ever want to talk, I’m here.”

“I don’t even know where to start, I’m just a little…lost…”

“So am I.” Casey let out a heavy sigh, her shoulders weighing her entire body down.

Suddenly Alex could see the exhaustion in her face, the heavier bags under her eyes that certainly weren’t from staying up all hours doing trial prep. The emptiness within her from not knowing what to do now, having no idea where to go without the job she was so passionate about. She knew exactly how Casey felt, surviving in a place where your life once thrived, feeling like you no longer belonged in a place you’d called home for nearly your entire life.

“Would you…want to get out of here?” Alex asked quietly. Casey’s head shot up to hers, curiosity on her face and Alex faltered, “not, like that…at least not now.” The second half of her statement was barely above a whisper, so quiet Casey thought she’d imagined it, “just…to talk I guess? I still get kinda anxious being out for too long, but my apartment just feels so fucking empty.”

“Yeah.” Casey smiled, “that sounds great.”

That’s how it started.

An innocent run in in a city they both knew like the back of their hand but one that now made them feel completely disoriented with no idea which path they were supposed to take.

Casey and Alex found solace in each other. While the situations that lead them here may not have been the same, they both knew the world they’d left behind, and as the days bled into weeks, they started to uncover each other’s traumas, little habits one had to a full blown admission. A small coffee meet once a week turned into lunch or drinks every second day. Casey helped Alex unpack her apartment, helped her go through everything, deciding what she would want to keep and what wasn’t part of who she was anymore.

By the end of the first month, the two were completely comfortable with each other. Most nights they’d grab dinner somewhere in the city, never planning on staying too late, followed up by a movie or bottle of wine at one of their apartments before splitting ways. Alex still panicked about being out at night, knowing this, Casey usually chose restaurants closer to her apartment, and encouraged the after hangout there instead of her own place.

Thursday nights were their favourites, a lot of places had specials on, and the air felt like it was a weekend, but nowhere was as busy as it would be on a Friday or Saturday. Tonight, had been one full of joy, laughter as they exchanged horrifically embarrassing stories of their days at Harvard, how hard they’d bombed their first court appearances. Alex was laughing so hard at the comical way the other woman was telling her story there were tears streaking across her aching cheeks. Mid story Casey glanced over, the sparkle in those sapphire eyes so evident that it made her heart swell. She took immense pride in knowing that she was able to be the one to make Alex smile so brightly in a time that had previous been so dark. Alex noted the way she paused, the wild grin still on her face as she wiped away a tear.

“What?” She laughed out. Casey smiled, shaking her head.

“Nothing.” She pushed up from the couch, “more wine?”

“Please.”

Alex smiled, watching the way she easily moved through her apartment as if it was her own, as if she belonged there. Maybe the realization hit in that moment, maybe it had been lingering in the back of her brain for longer than she’d known, but that was the night she registered the fluttering in her chest as not anxiety, but the adoration of having Casey around. It wasn’t her body kicking her into fight or flight mode, it was her heart trying to get to notice what was right in front of her.

When the bottle of wine was drained, and the movie was over, the two were noticeably closer to each other, Casey’s arm nearly thrown around Alex as it rested on the back of the couch. The blonde shivered slightly as Casey’s hand tickled over her bare shoulder as she stood, moving into the kitchen. The t.v quietly droned into a commercial break and Alex couldn’t help but follow her to the other room.

“Just rinse ‘em” she stated, referring to the glasses when Casey went to pick up the soap. She raised a brow to her, but did as was asked.

“I guess I should head out.” She sighed.

“You could always stay…” Alex dared herself to say it, stepping an inch closer to her, letting her hands drop to her sides, “if you wanted?”

“Al..” She felt her chest tighten, worried that the blonde just wanted company, didn’t want to be alone in the dark, “is that a good idea?”

“I’m right in front of you, asking you to stay.” She hesitated, her hand curling into Casey’s, “I care about you…I guess more than I thought at first.”

Casey’s hand tugged Alex to her, her other hand softly cupping at her cheek, thumb stroking at her skin while green eyes searched blue. She wasn’t sure what she was waiting for, lost for words as she lost herself in Alex’s eyes before the blonde nodded ever so lightly. Alex tilted her head in Casey’s palm, lips meeting as the gap closed between them. A soft and gentle kiss to break the ice, warm the potentially chilled waters of the past. The hands that had been holding slid around waists, tugging bodies tighter together, lips dancing with grace, only breaking when the need to resurface for air was dire.

Casey held her tight, resting against her forehead as her eyes still fluttered shut, breathing deeply as she tried to ground herself in the situation. Alex’s body was warm against hers, it was welcomed, it felt as if she’d finally stepped off the edge of a cliff she’d been toeing for years.

“I don’t know if I can do this.” She whispered out, her eyes squeezed for a moment, attempting to shove her emotions back deep within her. They flickered open at the soft feel of Alex kissing the tip of her nose, her gentle fingers coming up to rest on Casey’s cheeks.

“I’m not him…” Alex replied, the reassurance apparent in her eyes, “I promise I won’t hurt you. Not like that, Case I could never. You’re the most important person in my life, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

The softness of her words, the feather light way her hands traced across Casey’s skin, along with the gentle pleading written across her face brought the emotions out. Casey felt a tear slip from her eye, it was met with a gentle sweep of Alex’s thumb, instantly drying her cheek.

“I’ve got you.” She murmured, pulling Casey into a warm hug, “and I don’t want to let go.”

“Neither do I.” Casey spoke and Alex felt a small shudder run through the other woman’s body, “but if I fall for you, I’ll never recover.” She pulled away slightly, her fingers tipping Casey’s chin up to gain her gaze.

“I am not going to break you Casey Novak. You’ve already helped put so much of me back together, you’re a part of me now. If you want that part to stay as just friends, I understand.”

“I would love to be more than just that part of you.”

“Then stay.” Alex kissed her forehead, “fall.” She kissed the tip of her nose, “you’ll never have to recover, because I’ve got you.” She waited for Casey’s lips to twitch up in a smile, the tiniest of nods before she kissed her lips, her own curving up in a smile as Casey’s arms tightened around her.

“How does that saying go?” She murmured, “two broken halves make a whole?”

Alex chuckled, kissing her gently once more.

“Something like that.”

___________ @charabs @natasha-danvers @ineedafinghug @billiedeannovak @stardust-galaxies @laurenhope13 @randomthingssss @farahs-faeling @beccabarba @imlike-so-gaydude @thatesqcrush @altsvu @gay-ass-bitch @whimsicallymad @oliviaswifey @mysticfalls01 @cmmndrwidw @bumblebear30 @enduringalexblake @denpine @wosoimagines @snowsgay19 @nocreditinthestraightworld @Aprylrxse @screenee @lawandorderimagines @imaginaryoperagloves

#Calex #casey novak #alex cabot #casey Novak x alex cabot #Storiesofsvuoneyearbingo #law and order svu #svu #calex one shot #calex fluff #calex angst #Angst with fluff #casey novak one shot #Alex cabot one shot

118 notes · View notes

bumblebear30 · 2 years

Text

Needle in a Haystack

Casey Novak x Alex Cabot,

Warnings: Fluff, emotional hurt / comfort (minor), grilled cheese, ice cream and existential crisis, mentions of baking gingerbread.

About 5K words so if you’d prefer to read on AO3 it’s here

A continuation of the Welcome Home Surprises and Five Times Calex ‘verse

Needle in a Haystack

There was a thing about working long hours that Casey just inherently understood – like, legitimately. She had no leg to stand on if it came to pontificating on the benefits of getting home in time for dinner – even when making that a late dinner. But even she knew to not let the habit stretch on for too long. With the kind of work they put themselves through, taking some time away from it was among the most important things to do – a lesson she had very much learnt the hard way.

As had Alex, supposedly.

But as Casey sighed quietly into their too-silent apartment, alone for yet another night in a string that had gotten so long she’d stopped keeping count, she couldn’t help but feel that lump of concern growing heavier as the mounted clock in her study ticked later and later. Finally, just as she was about to throw in the towel with the damnable tort reform article she’d been trying to edit for several days now, the sound of the key sliding home in its lock instantly caught her attention – each tumbler rumbling and clicking to announce their owner’s arrival home.

Finally -home.

Quickly crossing the hallway Casey was there as Alex finally stepped through the threshold. She’d been bundled up in her heavy winter coat, the scarf Casey had gifted her last Christmas slowly uncurled to reveal the face she knew so well, loved so well, looking tired and drawn, somehow even paler than usual. Even once the jacket was shrugged off of her shoulders and been hung up in the closet the blonde looked as if the weight of the world remained sat on her shoulders.

And yet, as blue eyes finally found hers in the dim lighting of the hall Casey saw a lighter spark flash through them. Answering with a soft smile of her own she took a few steps forward, automatically reaching out to steady Alex as she precariously attempted to wriggle her foot out of her boots. Getting to touch Alex, feel the soft warmth of her skin as her jumper rode up, letting Casey’s supportive grip curl round her hip in an all too familiar way, elicited such a strong feeling in her gut that Casey was caught off-guard with the intensity of her own reaction.

She floundered. So uncharacteristic of her these days, suddenly too overwhelmed to know how to even broach greeting the woman who was standing now, holding onto her forearms – her best friend, the love of her life – who looked as if a stern glare would knock her over. How was Casey supposed to ask any more of her, try to explain she missed her, had waited for as long as possible to share dinner together just as they’d promised they would, without adding to the Sisyphean workload and guilt that she knew Alex already took on every day.

So, swallowing heavily and holding Alex’s gaze as she curled a hand around her elbow Casey fell back on to what had always come most naturally to her. Caring for Alex,

“Can I get you some food?”

After having placed a quick peck to the side of Casey’s cheek Alex was already stepping away from her with a soft shake of her head,

“No.”

“A drink then?” Casey tried to keep her voice light – a veiled attempt at hiding her underlying worry, worries, from Alex. The blonde sighed tiredly, tipped her head back to the ceiling as she seemed to try to fill her lungs and expel the way the day had dragged her down.

She finally turned back to Casey with a wry smile,

“Yes, but too much, so no. Thank you love.”

“Alright,” Casey trailed her hand across Alex’s waist as she headed back to the kitchen to put the leftovers away. She called back over her shoulder as she went “Do you want me to run you a bath or get the shower running for you?”

Her quiet but continued effort to find some way – any way – to help Alex feel better made the blonde’s heart swell. She knew – very much – how down and awkward she was to live with in general, let alone for the past several months. And yet, despite it all - and her own increasing workload - Casey, her adoring loving and supportive Casey, was still there for her every night; doing all she could to try make her feel better whilst not crowding or smothering her. It was a tightrope which even Alex didn’t know where the edge was and yet Casey seemed to dance across it with increasing regularity.

Honestly if Alex thought about it too much, she felt like she would start crying and she didn't know if she had it in her to be able to stop.

Still awaiting an answer Casey turned back to look at Alex and instantly she could see the battle being waged in front of her. It made her heart ache even more fiercely than before,

“Oh Al,” she curled her hand round Alex's neck and then up to cup the back of her head, encouraging the exhausted blonde to rest her head on her shoulder, which Alex automatically did – just short of burrowing into Casey’s neck where she took several deep, almost heaving, breaths, "Oh sweetheart."

Casey pressed a kiss to the crown of Alex’s head before turning her own head and pressing her cheek there instead. She let the moment of comfort last as long as Alex needed - no more, no less.

When Alex’s breathing slowly evened-out she pulled back, and Casey sought out her gaze,

“What do you need? What can I do right now baby?”

Despite being able to swallow back all the tears Alex still felt the need to wipe at her eyes and sniff heavily, she chuckled darkly at herself and Casey just knew she was trying to wordlessly apologise for looking like a mess. As if Alex Cabot could ever look like a mess.

Reaching out Casey took hold of Alex’s hands as they went to wrap around her own waist, her go to move when she was feeling anxious and vulnerable. Instead, she pressed gentle kisses across Alex’s knuckles till the blonde was smiling softly at her. Seeing the expression Casey tried again,

“Al, honey, what do you need?”

“Right now?”

“Yep, right now. Name it.”

“A nap.” That at least drew a genuine laugh from Casey and she happily tugged Alex along the corridor towards their bedroom,

“Then a nap we shall have.”

***

Casey awoke sometime later to an empty bed.

Slightly concerned given how quietly distraught Alex had been earlier she decided now was not the time to give the blonde more space. Still wiping the sleep from the corner of her eyes she followed some faint rustling noises to suddenly be stopped in her tracks at an altogether unexpected sight: Alex rummaging in the freezer; no make-up on, hair in scooped up in a messy bun, glasses on the end of her nose, and all in nothing else but panties and a singlet.

She watched as the blonde finally freed the small tub of cookie dough ice cream from the clutches of the freezer, an adorably small victorious grin on her face.

Goddamn it she loved this woman.

After letting her earlier anxiousness and worry melt away at seeing the blonde more like her usual self, Casey decided to interrupt Alex’s happy little moment - although the way the blonde was practically dancing on the spot as she hummed happily and waved the spoon through the air really did bring a genuine smile to the redhead’s face,

“You better not just mine out all the cookie dough.”

Alex jumped a bit at the sudden noise but catching the teasing look and how Casey had her hip sassily popped in the door frame made her instantly calm once again. Turning away from the redhead she hopped up onto closest counter top, slowly pulling the spoon upside down from her mouth to ensure all traces of her ice cream were gone before waving it at Casey with an indifferent air,

“That was one time.”

Chuckling Casey pushed off and came to stand in between Alex's knees,

“I'd say that gives me probable cause to at least issue a warning.”

“Oh shush,”

Automatically Casey opened her mouth as Alex, with some apparent reluctance, scooped a (small) spoon for her. She savoured the cold sweetness for a moment or two, simply watching as Alex methodically ate through the ice cream – taking great pains to make sure the cookie dough bits were all eaten first. Typical.

Her legs swung lightly from her perch on the countertop and the movement drew Casey towards, them. She ran her hands up and over Alex’s long thighs – not with any agenda – but rather simply because she wanted to try give some comfort, some reassurance, by being there for the blonde.

When Alex responded by linking her ankles behind Casey’s waist and pulling her closer with a cheeky quirk of her brow and glint to her eye as she slowly eased the spoon out of her mouth once again whilst holding Casey’s gaze? The redhead couldn’t help but laugh. Her princess always was rather incorrigible.

But right now, she was going to be the better person, the better lover, partner or whatever you wanted to call it, and not instantly fall for Alex’s wily charm. Casey was more than aware that Alex had been particularly snowed under at work of late, but what had grown to concern her more was how she’d also seemed caught up in her head so much around Casey recently too: her mouth hovering open at times before she’d click it shut firmly. Oddly unspoken questions in her stormy blue eyes that Casey hadn’t had to experience in such a long time. She knew they needed to reconnect, relax, and just spend some uninterrupted time together again because she wanted to press the blonde about what it was that was bothering her without it seeming like an ambush when she was already so worn out and vulnerable.

Just like earlier, in the hall, Casey knew the wrong word or interpretation could very well break her beloved. Running her hands further up the sides of Alex’s legs they instinctively came to rest around Alex’s waist. Content in the embrace Alex couldn’t suppress another little hum of happiness and she nodded so Casey would open her mouth and be fed some more of the ice cream which Alex actually seemed more than happy to share now she was getting cuddled.

Still the blonde watched her slightly warily, knowing that the way Casey was looking at her meant she was trying to figure out how to ask her something.

She’d gotten more than used to seeing that look when they’d first starting becoming friends – and then more – but it had been some time since she’d been so aware of the redhead being so unsure around her. It made her already heavy heart sink that little bit more, at least finally fortified with some sleep, ice cream, and being wrapped in Casey’s arms, Alex felt she might just about manage to take the bull by the horns as she always did. Steeling herself she placed the carton to the side for a moment and let her arms fall across herself protectively,

“Just say it Casey.”

The arched eyebrow and lifting of Casey chin in response to her tone stirred some warmth within Alex – Casey was always her equal for stubbornness and had long become immune to Alex’s self-protective brashness. With an only slightly deeper than normal breath Casey let some of the sudden tension bleed from her shoulders and she set about yet again gently pulling Alex’s arms from around her own waist as she spoke as calmly as she could,

“You need a break,”

Having prepared herself for recriminations at her attitude and absence the past few weeks – she knew she’d been both physically and emotionally distant from Casey – the softness and care with which she was being met unsettled Alex. Ducking away from the all-too-knowing eyes she glanced around and picked up the ice cream once more, glad she had something to occupy her hands with as she grumbled with no small amount of petulance,

“I’ve had more than enough time off.”

“Witsec doesn't count you know.”

The quick comeback, delivered with a small smirk and crinkling of eyes to soften the blow made Alex both huff in amusement and glare at Casey at the same time. Despite her apparent amusement Casey knew she had to tread carefully.

Reaching up she nudged Alex’s glasses further up her nose to their usual spot before turning her hand just so to gently caress down her cheek and jaw, finishing with playing with some of the stray hair that had escaped Alex’s hasty bun. The entire move had been instinctual, no words had been necessary and the redhead just hoped that Alex would be able to see she was coming from a point of care rather than criticism,

“You're no good to yourself if you burn out, you're gloriously human and I love you.”

Slightly bashful at such open adoration Alex tried to deflect the moment by booping the cold spoon against Casey’s nose, smiling adorably when there is a faintest smear of ice cream left over and Casey instinctively crossing her eyes in trying to see it.

“Come here you,”

Chuckling Alex used her thumb to swipe away the small trace of ice cream before leaning forward and kissing Casey there instead,

“I love you,” she says quietly, earnestly, as Casey dropped back down from her tip toes.

The sweetness of the moment made her smile, particularly in knowing that Alex was not upset nor instantly dismissing her concerns.

“Good. And because I love you I am going to tell you you need something more substantial than ice cream right now– shall I make you a grilled cheese to tide you over till breakfast?”

“Please, that would be really great thank you darling.”

“Of course baby, now –,” she shot Alex a cheeky smirk as she started getting things ready across the kitchen, “Am I making this your way or my way?”

“I would hope by now you would make it the correct way.”

Alex aimed for haughty, somehow pulling it off despite her soft appearance. The glares and arched eyebrows they give each other amplified and lasted until Casey broke first and laughed. Without needing further clarification she reached for Alex's beloved cheese slices and started assembling the other ingredients to make Alex her secretly favourite comfort food.

The way she quietly and confidently just puts it all together as Alex watched her from her perch, her feet still sometimes bumping the cabinet below, made the blonde fall for Casey all the more, ‘as if such a thing were possible’ she always admonished herself.. Casey could feel her scrutiny but let her just watch, knowing that Alex was obviously ruminating on something - or just checking out her ass. To be honest Casey was perfectly fine with either scenario. She plated up the grilled cheese and passed it to Alex with a mock curtsy,

"Your food m'lady" It makes Alex snort, which had been Casey's goal,

"You're such a dork." Wordlessly, although with a crooked smile which betrays her intention she hooks her legs behind Casey again so she's 'forced' to stand in between Alex's legs. Such a hardship.

"But you love me."

“But I love you."

A soft smile is shared until Alex leant forward to bestow a gentle but lingering kiss on her redhead. Her lips are slightly greasy from the cheese and Casey can feel crumbs from the toasted bread against her skin, but it still ranks amongst her favourite ever moments in the kitchen, which is saying something.

Even after finishing the kiss Alex refused to move her head further away, taking the moment of being free from Casey’s gaze to finally voice a concern that had been growing in her mind for the past several months,

“Maybe taking the job was a mistake. We live together and work in the same building but even then I hardly ever see you.”

“It comes in waves like that sometimes, and it's as much on me as it is you.”

Having finally broached the topic Alex felt comfortable enough now to lean back to look Casey in the eye. She spoke between bites as she finished her snack, grateful to have something else to physically focus on and keep her grounded,

“I know darling, but it just feels like this wave isn't going to break and I'm on that edge of going under.” A crust is waved dangerously close to Casey’s nose, “I always thought that this is what I wanted - I mean chief of trial division? It’s insane.”

Casey knew to just let Alex rant now she'd gotten on a roll,

"But I can never win you know? There's always another scandal, another murderer, ponzi scheme rip off and corrupt landlord, and all I'm doing is racing around and around. I feel like I'm not achieving anything. I haven't even stepped foot in a courtroom in over a year.”

She stalled, mouth still slightly open, hand paused in the air mid-gesture till she lets it drop onto her own thigh with a defeated thud. She shifted the now empty plate to the side and her expression was just so lost and frustrated and defeated that Casey knew she had to try cheer her up. They could mine down into things later, she just needed to see Alex smile once again,

“Do you know what it is you do want Al? Because I know for one you are a shoe-in for the Manhattan SVU bureau if you step down but are wanting to get back to trials.” She nudged at Alex's hip playfully as the blonde scoffed and rolled her eyes,

“Oh, is that so?”

“Yeah, like, I know who runs it, can put in some good words for you if you'd like. Think she always had a bit of a soft spot for you anyway.”

It pulled a light chuckle from the blonde at least.

Alex let her arms naturally twine around Casey's neck as the redhead continues to giggle lightly at her own joke, simply seeking physical comfort and receiving it as Casey pulled her tighter against her front for several moments,

“Seriously though, there is more out there than the DAs office Lex. If you want to go and explore for a bit they'll always welcome you back with open arms - maybe even give you an even bigger office with an even fancier chair upon your return...”

At her inference Alex pulled back to look at Casey in the eye, but all she is met with is an open honesty that makes her heart thud loudly, a low buzz sounding in her ears. The redhead's eyes crinkle at the side as she gives Alex her most endearing smile,

“I've been in love with you for years. That you've been thinking about running for DA since you started law school is your worst kept secret.”

Alex huffed petulantly and dropped her gaze at being so easily called out. She tried running her hands down Casey's arms to distract her whilst she thought of a usual denial and way of downplaying it, but the redhead caught them gently and entwined her own dextrous fingers with the blonde's, her thumb sweeping soothingly across the back of her hand to get Alex's attention,

“I meant it though sweetheart. If you want a career change for a bit and then come back as an EADA, Bureau or Division Chief or to make a run for the big chair, or never come back at all and completely stay away forever - I will be here being your biggest cheerleader and helping however I can.”

The earnestness makes Alex’s throat go scratchy, she opts for running her hand over her face as a way to escape for a moment and compose herself. But when she opened her eyes again Casey was still there, same endlessly adoring expression painted across her face. Alex’s whole being ached with love for her,

“For a prosecutor you are such a softy Casey Novak.”

Alex kissed her slowly, purposefully, trying to pull in all the belief and love and support that Casey seemed to have infinite wells of just for her. There was a moment when they parted, their eyes still nearly closed but just able to meet, their lips separated but still touching - everything felt so vast and overwhelming and yet not because they're tethered there together, held in each other’s arms, the smell of grilled cheese and the sweetness of cookie ice cream still in the air and the bustling silence of the world out side the glass windows receded to nothing.

It lasts for an eternity; it is less than a second.

Alex wants to ask her then, that question which had been burnt to the roof of her mouth for months, always being bitten back by her insecurity of it not being the right time, the right moment –

Marry me, marry me, marry me.

I can't do this without you.

You are everything.

Please say yes.

But just like every other time, she stalled, her mouth clicking shut.

The words stick to the back of her teeth, her brain tripping over their simplicity, their earthshattering importance.

The response to them had the power to destroy her and that power had her inherent anxiety spiking more than she’d ever felt before. And Casey, just like several weeks ago during the perfectly intimate, romantic and gloriously happy birthday dinner that Alex had arranged, with the determination of asking her then but getting too caught up in the mechanics and then Casey's beauty – her attentive, intuitive and wonderful girlfriend, seemed entirely oblivious to the hold she had; the weight of the moment seemed lost to her, and maybe it had been. Casey’s simple existence often ground Alex's whole world to a halt in the best of ways, she had no guarantee the redhead felt that same heated potential in their every interaction.

Instead, she stood there, wrapped in Alex’s arm and long legs, and smiled softly, almost sadly at Alex, holding her gaze as she ran her hands across the blonde’s cooling legs. The heat of her touch brought Alex back from her spiralling mind and she had to turn her head away to breathe and try recentre herself, to untangle her tongue from the unspoken mantra.

"Do you have any ideas what you might do if you did step away? It's a whole wide world out there..."

The way Casey was clearly trying to keep the serious topic light-hearted for now, as if Alex wasn't juggling with the idea of her professional life and lifelong goals changing like sand beneath her feet as her heart yearned for solidifying that one thing that now was all she wanted, needed, to feel complete. Her own brain berating her for getting scared once more... Goddamn it why did Casey have to be so perfect. There were tears building at her bottom eyelid as she tried to chuckle, having to sniff and swipe at her own face to compose herself once again,

"Honestly?"

"Always,"

"I'd love to travel again."

"You would?" Blonde locks brushed Casey's own shoulders as Alex nodded before leaning back, seeming more put together as she put voice to the ideas swirling through her mind,

"Yes. God, I want to drink good cheap French wine and walk-through fields of lavender in Provence even though you'll complain it'll make your eyes itch the entire time. I want to eat so much Italian pasta and pizza that you'll finally realise how disturbing it is to be sat opposite you during thanksgiving -,”

She ignored Casey's plaintive attempt to defend herself whilst also quietly laughing at the memory of Alex's horrified face during their first festive holiday with Casey's extended family – it was not her fault that her mum's turkey and stuffing was the best in Casey’s opinion and she had to eat her copious portion quickly otherwise her brothers would steal it from her plate like little trash panda thieves.

Alex's plate was always safe because she was a guest (and secretly because Casey's whole family was slightly intimidated and in awe of her). Casey, being the youngest and being the only girl, had never had such a luxury. Alex also laughed lightly at the memory they were both obviously thinking about, her hands tangling in a teasing tug and pull with Casey's as she hit her stride,

"- I want to go island hopping around Greece where you can get feta cheese on everything and we can never get the sand off of our feet or out our hair. Drinking ouzo out of the bottle as you eat olives even though you always claim to hate them."

Her exuberance was making Casey really smile now, loving seeing Alex so enthusiastic and animated once again,

“I want to go see the northern lights as we sip gluhwein and eat gingerbread and I can use you as my own personal space heater.”

The way Alex now licked her lips and canted forward just slightly had Casey’s pulse instantly racing,

“I want to go out clubbing in Berlin and Amsterdam, have too much tequila and dance with you and not care because no one else there will know us,"

She tugged Casey even closer to her, the redhead’s most recent chuckle getting caught in her throat as she became aware of how tightly their hips were pressed together, the heat there where they touched, and how Alex's face was so close to her own, the proximity getting even more charged with want and desire with each shallow breath the subtlest of movements as Alex's licked her lips as if she could taste the salt of Casey's skin from the sweat of dancing together already.

She swallowed heavily, and Alex seemed to lose herself as her gaze followed the movement of Casey's throat. She blinked slowly, almost languidly, and took time to extricate herself from whatever vivid imaginary scene she'd gotten lost in with a quiet sigh and Casey couldn't figure out if she was relieved or disappointed.

The blonde was almost sheepish as she leant back, her legs also relaxing their hold on Casey as she settled onto the counter top once more (why she couldn't have had this existential crisis on the comfortable couch or in bed was just another idiosyncrasy that she would be annoyed about were it not for Casey being there with her.)

"So," Casey's slightly husky voice broke the charged stillness but the effect was muted after she had to clear her throat again given how dry her mouth had somehow gotten, "after this grand European food tour," her down-playment made Alex smile, "what then?"

"I, I don't know -," Alex tried to hide the quiet vulnerability of her own words by reaching out to tuck some of Casey's hair back in place,

I don't care as long as you’re with me.

"-I know I'll want to do something. Something that helps people. Whether political or legal I'm not sure but that's where my strengths lie."

The response was so Alex that Casey wanted to kiss her again, repeatedly, but she knew they were making progress, finally, on this long overdue conversation,

"You could always go into private practice you know? You wouldn't even have to work for offers to land at your feet and you know it. "

The way Alex sighed and then rolled her eyes let Casey know she had at least thought about it already,

"I hate so many of the usual suspects though, I'd have to be a named partner or set up my own firm and that seems so ridiculous,

"Oh I don't know, Cabot Solicitors always sounded quite striking to me," Casey couldn’t help but run the flat of her hand over the top of Alex’s thigh, as if warming her cool skin would also warm the blonde to the idea.

But I'll need you with me.

Be brave Alexandra.

"Hmm, Cabot & Novak sounds better though, two names is always punchier don't you agree?"

She tried to play it off with her best teasing smirk, hoping that it would hide the jumping of her pulse, and that the redhead would pick up on her inference anyway and let Alex off the hook...

"Nah, it'd have to be Novak & Cabot or nothing, my papa always said if I ever got made a named partner to ensure Novak came first,"

Her smile was wide, playful like the gleam in her eyes, and now was the moment for Alex to push over that line, let Casey know what it was she was really trying to ask,

It could be still be one name. Cabot-Novak?

It'd be so easy for her to say, to draw Casey into that little world she was creating for them in her mind, in her heart,

Just say, just ask.

She opened her mouth.

"Is this the same Pappy who insists on me having a brandy before breakfast with him every morning when we visit? Still calls you his 'little Caseycat' and has a video of your kindergarten dance recital that he made me digitise for him? That papa? "

Bottled it once again.

Casey hated that Alex could make her blush so easily and she tried to hide it by blustering in mock offence,

"You promised you'd never speak of that,"

"I think you'll find I simply mimed zipping my mouth shut and throwing away the key. Not the same."

Safety in teasing. The familiar back and forth verbal sparring was like a comfort blanket,

"Privileged information shouldn't be used during a serious negotiation. Then again maybe it reinforces that you should go into politics instead."

The sassiness and smile meant the sting of the critique never landed and Alex found herself tilting her head back, once again laughing - both at Casey's defensive embarrassment and at herself. When she finally looked back at the redhead again, she allowed herself to feel that blush of happiness inside her.

Trust Casey to be so kind and unwaveringly supportive that Alex was finally able to feel like her professional life wasn’t going to drown her for the first time in months. She'd obviously been looking brighter as Casey started to tug at her arms,

"Come on, let's go to bed, there's plenty time for plotting career development after we've been able to rest this weekend."

Alex let herself finally slip off the counter, Casey automatically reaching out and steadying her as her legs wobbled having gone a little numb being on the cold surface for so long,

"Can we sleep in? I'd like an easy morning just wrapped up with you."

"Of course, but how about a walk around the park later on? Some fresh air and reminding you of what the world outside your office looks like might do you good?" Alex slipped under the covers, turned on her side, watching, as she waited for Casey to also settle so she could cuddle up onto her shoulder,

"That sounds nice,"

I'd go anywhere, so long as you’re with me.

Marry me, marry me, marry me.

Casey turned her face just enough to press a soft kiss to Alex’s temple, just like she always did,

“No more worrying about the future till Monday okay?”

My future is you, please.

“’kay,”

“And whilst I may not have that fancy wine, we could always try make some gingerbread tomorrow?”

The look of incredulity that Alex shot Casey as they settled under the covers, the blonde instantly seeking to rest her head on Casey’s chest, made Casey smirk knowingly,

“I’ll do the baking, even you can’t destroy the kitchen decorating gingerbread cookies sweetheart.”

So as she huffed – both at the never-ending but entirely accurate dig at her lack of cooking skills but also that her chosen pillow kept on moving as Casey failed to suppress her laughter at Alex’s expense – Alex thought that actually she felt better than she had in weeks, maybe months.

All because of the woman next to her – managing that dance of space and persistence so astutely that Alex finally knew that whilst there was a tidal wave of life choices coming her way faster than she necessarily wanted, there was a life raft within her reach, already under her cheek actually.

Just before sleep finally claimed her she resolved herself – as Alex Cabot only could – that tomorrow, well tomorrow she was going to ask Casey to marry her. That, and she would decorate those gingerbread cookies so good. They would be the best damn fucking cookies Casey had ever seen. Besides, what damage could she really do with icing sugar?

#casey novak x alex cabot #Calex #established calex #Casey Novak #Alex Cabot #fluff #domestic #law and order: svu #law and order ladies #fanfiction #my writing #I solemnly swear i will write part 2 super soon

39 notes · View notes