A/N: After watching SVU last night had to write a story where Olivia was there when Casey returned not Fin. I originally planned for it to be a one shot but it looks like it will be a multi chapter. I am coming to realize that one shots are not for me. I hope everyone enjoys and as always reviews are welcomed.

For the readers looking for the sequel to Not again I am working on the first chapter and will hopefully have it posted soon. Thank you for your patience and continued reading of my stories.

Olivia sat at her desk frustrated. The current case seemed to be blowing up in their face. The victim had identified the wrong suspect and now they were having to start all over again.

"Do we know who the temporary ADA is yet?" her partner of twelve years, Elliot Stabler, asked as he took his jacket off.

"No" Olivia sighed out of frustration "I'm afraid of who it will be this time."

"Will an ADA back from the dead work" A voice said from behind them.

The voice that Olivia fell in love with over seven years ago. The voice who she gave her heart and soul too. Only to have it ripped out of her chest two years ago when she left New York. Her only reasoning was that she couldn't stay and not do the job she loved. Olivia turned in her chair and saw the strawberry blonde with emerald green eyes that still held her heart to this day. Casey Novak.

"I thought you were disbarred?" Elliot said pulling Olivia from her thoughts.

"Censured for three years. The DA is giving me a second chance." Casey said allowing her eyes to meet Olivia's for the first time since she walked in the squad room.

Olivia stood "Nice to have you back, Novak" the words dripping with sarcasm. Olivia walked around Casey and headed to the coffee pot.

Elliot glanced between the two ladies and shook his head. He knew Olivia was still madly in love with Casey. He also knew Liv well enough to know that she would do everything in her power to make Casey feel the pain she went through. One look into Casey's eyes told him that she still loved Liv and was hurting just as much as Liv was.

"Give her some time Casey. She's a little hurt." Elliot said placing his hand on her shoulder giving it a squeeze.

"A little detective. If she could kill me and get away with it, she would."

"True but she won't."

They, more like just Elliot, briefed Casey on everything they had so far. Once she was brought up to date they left to re interview the victim, Catherine. Elliot used this time to lecture Olivia about giving Casey a second chance. That she could deny it all she wanted but she was still madly in love with the ADA. Olivia had politely told him to mind his business which he ignored and continued to lecture her until they reached the victims apartment.

They returned to the precinct with the new suspect, a man that delivered fresh fruit to the school she worked at. Fin was in the room interviewing the suspect when a tall black man wearing what looked like a thousand dollar suit walked up.

"I'm Deputy Distract Attorney Decker of Los Angels office. This is my client."

Casey extended her hand "I'm ADA Novak and this is detective Stabler."

"I'm aware of who you are." Decker said looking at Casey "I want all the evidence and discovery packet by five pm today. Oh and make sure it's stamped correctly. Wouldn't want history to repeat itself."

Olivia had walked up behind Casey and had overheard what Decker was saying. No matter how much Casey had hurt her no one was going to be talking to Casey in that tone.

Olivia quickly stepped between the two

"We haven't met but I'm detective Olivia Benson. Casey Novak is an outstanding Attorney and I will not have you talking nor taking that tone with her."

Elliot smiled when he saw the protectiveness emerge from his partner. She can deny that she still loved Casey all she wanted but her actions told everyone otherwise.

"I believe her record speaks for it self." Decker replied unfazed by Olivia's tone

Olivia took a step forward "Yes it does. She had one of the highest convictions rates in a SVU. These aren't easy crimes to prosecute."

"But at what cost?"

Olivia had enough of this smug bastard who thought he was better than everyone else.

"Go see your client or leave our squad room NOW." Olivia growled through clenched teeth.

Decker quickly backed away and left. There was something in her tone and manner that told him not to push the issued anymore. He did wonder why she was so protective of the ADA. He made a mentally note to check. Especially if it would help him get his cousin off.

Olivia turned and faced Casey with concern etched all over her face.

"Are you all right Case?" Olivia asked as she gently secured a few strands of hair behind Casey's ear.

Casey looked at her with her bottom lip trembling. She was trying hard to control her emotions but was failing miserably. She reached out and grabbed Olivia by the jacket collar pulling her to her. She laid her head in the crook of Olivia's shoulder, as she had done so many times before when she was scared or nervous. She inhaled deeply noticing that Olivia still used the same laundry soap, body wash, and cologne. She hadn't changed that and Casey was thankful.

"Hey" Olivia whispered as she encircled Casey in a tight embrace and rubbed soothing circles on her back "He's gone and ignore what he said. You are an outstanding ADA." After a few minutes Casey stepped back from Olivia instantly missing the warmth and care of her embrace.

"Thanks Liv. You realize he's probably wondering why you are so protective of me and is searching for that reason now."

Olivia understood the full meaning behind the words. They had both gotten the impression that Decker would play dirty. Which meant if he found out that they were once a couple it could spell disaster.

"Stay here" Liv ordered as she walked towards the captain's office.

Olivia knocked on the captain's door and entered. Once he looked up he could tell something was wrong. He just prayed it wasn't having to work with Casey again. He knew she took the break-up rough.

"What's wrong?" He asked in a fatherly voice.

"I would like to be excused from the case."

The request shocked Cragen to the core. Even when she was the target she still wanted in on the action.

"Why?"

"His attorney seems dirty enough to research our past. If he finds out that me and Casey had a relationship he may use that to toss the case."

Cragen was shocked. Olivia was voluntary stepping down. There was more to it and he knew better than to push it. He just prayed that she wasn't doing this to avoid Casey.

"Have you talked to the suspect?

"No Fin was doing that when he requested an attorney. Elliot read him his rights. I walked him in and put him in the interview room."

"Fine partner with Munch and help him tell Stabler he's with Fin now."

"Thank you, sir" Olivia said as she walked toward the door.

Olivia walked out and noticed Casey was missing from the spot she left her. Her heart sank. Maybe she had read the look Casey was giving her all wrong. Maybe Casey was over her? That was until she saw Casey sitting at her desk as she had for years while waiting on Olivia to finish. There had been times Casey had fallen asleep while waiting for Olivia.

Casey looked up when she heard the captain's door open. She couldn't help but stare at Olivia when she walked out. Her hair was slightly longer now and it seemed a shade darker. Her clothes hugged her in all the right areas. There were new lines of worry and fatigue etched on her face though. She seemed to look haunted even more now than when they first met and started dating.

Olivia walked over to her desk and grabbed her jacket.

"El you're partnered with Fin now. I'm off the case."

Elliot looked up at Olivia shocked she seemed to be taking it well. Years of working together gave them the ability to read each other and hash things out without words. He glanced from Olivia to Casey then back to Olivia. His eyes spoke volumes when he looked back at Olivia.

She smiled and simply nodded telling him everything was ok. She raised her eyebrows at him and he laughed. She was thankful they were able to say what needed to be said without words. She didn't want Casey to know she had stepped down for her. She knew she needed this win more than anything and if Olivia had to transfer from the 16 for her to get it she would.

Olivia leaned down and whispered in Casey's ear "I would be honored if you would join me for lunch."

Casey shuddered as Olivia's breath caressed her ear. She had to swallow hard and prayed that Elliot's ever protective look was else where at that moment.

"I would love to."

Olivia extended her hand for Casey to take and held her jacket open for her to put on. As they walked toward the door Olivia placed her hand on the small of Casey's back in a possessive manner.

Elliot knew from watching them walk out that Olivia was for once going to take his advice. He hoped the small lecture he gave Casey while Liv was in the Captain's office would be heeded to.

"Hey where are they going?" Fin asked as he watched the two women leave

"With any luck to kiss and make up. You're stuck with me."

"If it will get her to relax and go home some I will work with you for the next year." Fin stated tossing a file on his desk.

Elliot couldn't help but laugh "I agree man. I agree."