zycalex

[zycalex]

draw these two idiots before i go to bed

[zycalex]

Every time someone mentions Cabenovak I start to ponder the saddest scenario possible I can think of (because I simply can’t see the three of them ever ending up happy together, they’re too selfish and territorial for that) but my favorite is this:

- Alex is Olivia’s first everything; first girlfriend, first love, the first one she finally sees her future with

- Alex dies

- Olivia is obviously devastated, and here comes Casey Novak who reminds her a little bit of Alex but at the same time so, so different

- She holds onto those differences, and Casey begins to notice Olivia looking at her with hunger in her eyes. She folds

- One night, the name ‘Alex’ slips from Olivia’s mouth while Casey is three fingers in

- Casey knows she’s screwed when she finds that she doesn’t mind. She needs Olivia too much, and the weight of her sins for praying to God that her lover will someday be able to look at her without seeing another woman lays heavy on her soul

- And her prayers were answered. Because Olivia doesn’t look at her that way anymore. She doesn’t look at her at all.

- Because the great Alexandra Cabot is back. And Casey realizes, the woman whose shadow she lives in, is so, so incredibly beautiful

- Alex feels her attraction to Casey. This fiery young woman who challenges her icy nature. Somehow, she knows they were made for each other

- But she remembers Olivia, whose name once slipped out of her mouth during her time with a man that calls her Emily.

- And she is still so, so in love.

- In the safe house, Olivia and Alex find themselves in each other’s arms once more, though Olivia tries to stop and finally lets out, “Alex, this isn’t right.”

“What do you mean?” Alex asks.

“I can’t do this to Casey.”

Alex freezes. Her voice is small when she asks, “You couldn’t wait for me?”

Olivia sighs. “Alex, that’s not fair, I didn’t know when you would–”

“Please leave.”

- And then the trial happened, and during the entirety of it, Alex can’t keep her eyes off Casey. There is no animosity, only surprising adoration and admiration. Casey Novak had saved her life.

- And then Alex is gone once more.

- Casey is not surprised when Olivia’s number shows up on her phone screen, while she’s licking her wounds with a shot of whiskey.

- Their arrangement, for lack of a better word, continues, even when they keep arguing about cases in front of everyone to the point that nobody wants to get near them during their heated discussions. Casey knows this happens not only because Olivia blames her for Alex leaving, but also because Casey blames Olivia for Alex leaving the second time.

- Until Olivia goes too far and uses her trauma about Charlie against her. Casey finally realizes she deserves better treatment, and ends their arrangement. On the outside Olivia is like “yeah lol ok who cares” but on the inside “God, please don’t leave me too. Why does everybody keep leaving me”

- And then Casey gets suspended.

- Alexandra Cabot enters the stage once more. But she’s... Different. Even in a room full of ‘New York’s best detectives’, no one has asked if she’s alright. Not even Liv.

- And Alex is angry. Angry at the men who stole her life, at men in general for the law they have created that inconveniences victims, at herself for letting herself lose

- Then Elliot asks if she can check on Casey. (See: Puppydog by @iwoulddieforher )

- In the morning, while they eat breakfast together, Casey asks, “Are you okay?” Alex immediately bursts into tears. Casey holds her in her arms for hours.

- Their relationship begins.

- And now, the shadow Casey lives in transforms into the shape of Olivia Benson.

[zycalex]

Alex jumping back from perps makes me 🥹

[zycalex]

hiya :))

masterlist, of sorts. it's all calex.

stuff I've written, so you don't have to scroll thru everything:

Masterlist for asks: You can find here

Shorter works:

Nadel in mein Herz | angst comfort panic attack whump

Pondering Temperature | pre-relationship drabble

Necktie Negotiations | they just kiss

Casey cannot speak Latin | gentle whump, kissing

↓↓↓ full length works (6k+ words) ↓↓↓

(told me ur new man don't make u- what?) That's a Damn Shame

🔞, includes sex: homicide bureau chief! alex & svu ada casey

Alex and Casey have become fast friends, and when Alex struggles to figure out why she's doing what she's doing, Casey shows her exactly how much she understands her.

cont of the same premise, except Casey had now been suspended, hurt no comfort with a tw for suicidal ideation & drug usage

Liebmichallee

-

🔞, includes sex: casey's suspension has elapsed, but she hasn't returned- svu ada alex goes looking for her, but when she finds her, she can't contain her frustration.

Homebound (Homeward-bound, Housebound)

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pure fluff fic, svu ada alex feels uncomfortably stiff in her own skin, and envies the way her colleague, casey novak, can relax so easily. she wants to be able to relax for a night- will she?

Rigid

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casey novak, back when she was working for white collar, was being courted by alexandra cabot and it resulted in them sleeping together. alex gets shot, and although she doesn't go into witsec she doesn't ever call casey back- until she turns up as a defense counsel, with perfect timing to see what a wreck casey has turned into. alex wants casey to be okay.

Softball to the Ribs (Kiss it) ← Casey's perspective

↑↓↑↓

Kiss it (Softball to the Ribs) ← Alex's perspective

-

married au calex fluff (requested)

Mandarin Oranges

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after returning from her suspension, casey struggles to readjust, and to resurrect her torn reputation. she lacks the support she used to have- until alex appears in a blowout argument between casey and olivia

Birds of a Feather

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🔞 includes drug usage, alex is requested by elliot to go investigate casey's late night activities since being suspended because he is worried about her, and casey fails to understand anything in her haze

Puppydog

[zycalex]

resolve

“Limes?” Casey looked amused, like she knew she’d caught her.

calex. explicit. ao3. 2.3k words.

Alex knew that this would eventually have to stop, that there was a deadline looming. That being said-- she was not trying to do anything to accelerate that eventuality. Casey was under her, rolling her hips up into hers. Her hands gripped Alex’s waist as she threw herself into their kissing, eager, yielding, responsive. She liked this part of Casey, her informal submission. She never demanded Alex’s dominance, but rather requested her guidance, like they were dancing. Casey made an mmph noise that helped Alex’s pulse as it was already starting to race. Alex took that opportunity to explore Casey’s soft mouth further, to slip a hand from where it rested on her shoulder under her sweatshirt.

It was going to have to stop because Alex knew that a) neither of them had time for this, and b) they were going to be sharing a bureau chiefship in about a week. McCoy had begged for them both back, said he had a vision to “revamp” Sex Crimes (whatever that meant) and that he wanted two heads. The offer had been interesting, appealing, and they were both willing to try. But, they both knew that they shouldn’t keep sleeping with each other if they were going to be working that closely together. It just didn’t make any sense.

Something about making the most with the time they had left had them fucking like they really meant it. Every day for the last three had seen them in one of their apartments, much like this. Alex had always liked having someone who let her have her way with them, who encouraged her to make the plan and see it through. It satisfied her urge for control without her ever having to take over. Casey, for her part, always seemed to enjoy the ride as much as Alex liked driving. She hissed and then moaned when Alex nipped, then kissed at her neck.

Alex hummed in satisfaction. Casey was so demonstrative, so clear. Alex thought that might make working together easier, once they couldn’t do this anymore. ‘This,’ now was Alex’s hand reaching up from where it rested on Casey’s ribs to catch a nipple gently between two of her fingers, and Casey sighing. Alex kissed her lips again, and wondered how much more teasing Casey would take from her tonight. She had never quite found a limit. That patience of hers worried Alex sometimes. She knew it translated into stubbornness. Alex would be crossing that bridge when she came to it. Besides, patience was not particularly among her virtues.

The unlikeliness of their circumstances occasionally would strike Alex, surprise her. She had slept with so many women she went to law school with, she had slept with plenty of colleagues, and many friends, some of them often-- none of them so consistently yet so casually as Casey. She was undemanding and enthusiastic at once.

“I wish we didn’t have to go into work tomorrow,” Casey said

“Why are you looking at the clock?” Alex replied. “Focus.”

Casey exhaled. “I know, it’s just,” she started. She was interrupted by a moan when Alex flattened her palm and squeezed, “less time for this.”

“It is a shame,” Alex said, “we really have been doing a lot of ‘this,’ haven’t we?”

“It feels like we’ve been fucking for seventy-two hours straight, yeah.” Alex grinned. She kissed Casey, then spoke.

“A little less than that.” Alex sat back, beckoning Casey to follow her. “We didn’t see each other until noon on Friday.” Casey laughed. That had been a long lunch indeed. Alex had vowed to come in early Monday to make up for that and the early evening they’d called. Looking at the clock now, that was seeming less and less likely. She begun taking Casey’s crewneck off and let her finish that job. Alex stretched her neck. She ran her hand along Casey’s collarbone and smiled when that got her a twitch.

“One more week…” Casey trailed off. Alex felt herself pout. “We’re going to be so busy.”

“I know,” Alex said. “Too busy for ‘this,’” she grazed the skin of Casey’s pale breast with her lips. Casey let out an exaggerated sigh. “Not to mention…”

“I know,” said Casey.

“It’s too bad,” said Alex. “Why did we take the job again?”

“Make a difference,” Casey said, unconvinced. Alex laughed, nothing more than an exhale.

“Yeah,” said Alex, “I guess.” The two of them knew how important this opportunity could be for them, to say nothing of how good they would be at it. Right now, though, with her friend of many years half-nude in front of her, Alex questioned her sanity. Casey idly slid a hand through Alex’s hair. She arched and hummed when Alex circled her tongue around, like she always did. She saw the clock against her will, and resolved to hurry up a little. She ghosted her hand over Casey’s shorts, at her hip, then between her legs.

It wasn’t that Jack McCoy would care that they were having sex, and it wasn’t that Alex thought it was inherently wrong to sleep with your coworkers. They were just going to be completely enmeshed in each others’ work lives. And she could acknowledge that when they weren’t in the same bed. Casey’s body responded to the gentle pressure. Alex removed her own shirt. Casey reached a hand up and took one of Alex’s in it. She kissed her knuckles. Alex appreciated the sweetness of the gesture.

It was chilly. It had almost hit 70 today, but the night was reminding her that it was still only March. Her open window had been their only exposure to the beautiful day, having only left the rumpled bed for coffee, breakfast (Casey had insisted on at least some food), and breakfast for dinner. The newspaper was on the floor, as well as several rounds of clothes, a detective novel that Casey was reading (weird choice in Alex’s opinion), and a few errant work files. There were two glasses of ice water on the side table, and Alex took a sip from one, which could have originally been hers or not.

Casey made an eep noise when Alex’s cold lips touched her stomach, then lower. She slipped two fingers on each hand under the waistband of Casey’s shorts and pulled. They had easily discarded the need for undergarments days ago, and Alex sat up to take in a favorite, familiar sight of hers, Casey nude on her back in the moonlight, the curls of her ample red bush, her hard nipples. Casey smiled up at her, and Alex went back to where she was. She took in the scent she knew so well.

“You know,” she said, resting her head against Casey’s right thigh for a moment.

“Hm,” said Casey, who never seemed to mind Alex’s propensity for having full on conversations during sex.

“I am going to miss getting to do this with you.”

“Me too,” said Casey. She wiggled a bit, getting comfortable. When Alex finally touched her, tasted her wetness, her tongue ever-so-light against Casey’s clit, her sounds of pleasure filled the room like fragrant smoke. “I’m going to miss it too.”

---

Their three-day marathon turned out to have been a smart move, because they saw almost none of each other during their last week in separate bureaus. Alex got swept up into her last case in Homicide, Casey had to put out several of the bureaucratic fires she was eager to leave behind in Appeals (she had expressed to Alex on more than one occasion just how ready she was to get out of there). The most they managed was happy hour on Thursday, and that hardly counted— Rubirosa and Cutter had been there too.

What’s more, Alex had come down with a (mid-spring? It was unfair) cold the next day, which had spoiled their plans for one last hurrah. Casey, germaphobe that she was, had dropped off a quart of chicken soup with rice (the kind she made when someone really needed it, that turned to jello in the fridge) on Alex’s stoop with a note that read get better before Monday, or else. It had made Alex laugh. She sent Casey an angry text in response, blaming her for a coughing fit that sent her back to bed.

She did feel better Monday morning, and came in energized and ready to take on their new challenge. From the moment she walked in, Casey projected that hard-won, unshaken confidence that Alex knew she had in her. Casey knocked on her open door, box in hand, just a minute or two after Alex started unpacking.

“You look good,” Casey said.

“Good morning to you too, Casey,” said Alex, putting down a paperweight.

“No, I mean,” Casey said with a smile, “you don’t look sick.”

“That’s very nice of you to say,” said Alex.

“Good morning, Alex.” Casey said, grinning now, starting over. Nobody else had arrived yet. Alex wasn’t surprised that they’d had the same idea. She look a deep breath.

“You ready?” Alex asked.

“As I’ll ever be.” Casey shrugged and nodded towards her office across the hallway.

---

Casey leaned back in her office chair, hands above her head. She puffed out her cheeks and closed her eyes. Their eyes met when she opened them, and Casey raised her hand in a half-wave, holding her fountain pen. Alex put down the journal she was reading and walked across the hall. She perched on the arm of the blue couch against the other wall.

They had never really worked together before. It really felt like they were collaboratively building the department from the ground up to their specifications. They’d been brought even closer in a matter of weeks. They were usually the first ones in and the last ones out.

“Do I need to kick you out?” Asked Alex.

“You do not have that authority,” said Casey.

“Sorry,” said Alex, “do I need to encourage you to leave?”

Casey took a deep breath. “That depends,” she said.

“On?” Said Alex, slipping into the banter they’d always saved for private places.

“On what I get if I do,” Casey replied, “because I really need to finish this opening statement.”

“You have a couple days still,” said Alex, “I’m the one who has court tomorrow.” She checked her watch. It was almost ten o’clock.

“And I know for a fact you finished yours three days ago.” Casey set down her pen. Alex bit her lip and saw Casey’s eyes dart there. Alex thought for a split second about slowing this down.

“Maybe,” she said instead. “What you get… do you want whisky or wine? Because I have both.”

Casey raised her eyebrows. “Shame,” she said. “I’ve been daydreaming about a gin and tonic.”

“I’m sure that could be arranged,” Alex said.

---

“You know, I thought you would take me somewhere a little classier,” said Casey as they walked in to the brightly lit store. Alex looked back at her. She cocked her head to the side.

“They have the actual good stuff,” she said.

“I see,” said Casey. She brushed her hand against Alex’s. “Always looking out for me.”

“You know me,” said Alex, locating the Botanist. She got the shop attendant to unlock it.

She would be lying if she said she hadn’t found certain aspects of her new position challenging, frustrating even. Casey’s emerald green sweater was on the list, as was her silver necklace.

It wasn’t like they hadn’t gone long periods of time without sleeping together before. Even without Alex’s time away or the monogamous relationships they’d both been in, they had gone months before, because of circumstances (once, because Casey had taken a temporary vow of celibacy). It had never taken a great amount of willpower before, but she was having a little trouble not kissing Casey in the fluorescent light of this liquor store.

“Alex,” said Casey. “Did you want something else?”

“Hm,” she said, “no, no. I have some tonic.”

“Limes?” Casey looked amused, like she knew she’d caught her.

“They have them at the register.” Alex double checked she’d gotten the right bottle. Casey placed her hand between Alex’s shoulder blades and turned Alex that way. Alex’s skin tingled.

---

“I promise I tried,” Casey said. She leaned forward and put her glass down on Alex’s counter, having only had a couple sips.

“Oh?” said Alex. “Tried what?”

“Not to do this,” she said, and took Alex’s hand, pulling her towards her, then touching her cheek with the other hand, kissed her.

“Yeah,” said Alex, inches away from Casey’s lips, “me too.” The hand that was on Alex’s cheek laced into her hair. The kiss grew deep and hungry.

“It’s hard when you’re across the hallway,” Casey said. “My resolve wears thin.” Alex’s chest rose and fell with a deep breath.

“Tell me again why we thought this was a good idea,” said Alex, playing with Casey’s necklace.

“I don’t remember,” said Casey. “We’re the best people for the job,” she revised.

“Ugh,” said Alex. “The curse of the competent.” Casey laughed.

“You do know what you’re doing,” she said. Alex raised her eyebrows.

“I do,” she said, “don’t I?” Casey rolled her eyes. Alex dropped the necklace and playfully pushed away from her. “You’re not so clueless yourself.” Casey pulled her back.

“Yeah,” she said. Alex kissed her this time and felt Casey smiling into it, parting her lips. “Not my fault you look at me like that.”

“Guess so,” said Alex. “My apologies.” Casey smirked.

“You sound very apologetic.” She said.

“Deeply,” said Alex. “I missed you, Casey,” she said, honesty winning over sarcasm.

“I missed you, too,” said Casey quietly, warmly, and kissed her again.

---

It was different in the morning. Alex made them coffee like she always did, early riser she was. The air smelled like spring, the morning sun shone through her window, birds cheeped.

Casey emerged from her bedroom in a pair of her sweats and a tank top. Alex looked at her and saw her friend, her colleague; and when she wished her a good morning, smiling at her fondly, something entirely new.

[zycalex]

every time alex cabot comes back she’s somehow hotter

[zycalex]

she can rail me disrespectfully idc im on my knees 🫡

[zycalex]

Rewatching Alex’s and Casey’s SVU seasons make me feral. So… here comes a long winded worm vomit about them.

Alex’s first episode where she calls Uncle Bill and her politics talk with Cragen clearly establishes her as an ambitious privileged ADA.

Casey, right from the start, coming from a different bureau and only vouched for by Branch, clearly establishes her as an underdog.

Alex wears suits in muted colors.

Casey wears bright as fuck random outfits (her long skirts with thigh high boots makes me shake my head and feel feral at the same time).

Alex feels like she just comes and goes and crushes it at trials.

Casey quite literally inserts herself even during investigations.

The way judges keep berating Alex and call her “Alexandra” like a petulant child makes it feel like these judges have weekend lunches with the Cabots, headed by Uncle Bill.

Casey’s poker game interruption and sheepishness (and subsequent cringey dream admittance) makes it feel like she really was just a random lawyer to these people.

Alex may seethe at times but she always remains restrained.

Casey, on the other hand, fights just about everyone. The detectives, people at the DA’s office, the judges, and heck even the military.

Alex loses, too, but sometimes, she doesn’t mind doing so as long as she can move forward the case law.

Casey loses, too, but she always minds. Always.

Alex depends on Olivia a lot.

Casey depends on Elliot a lot.

Huang has both their hearts.

These two are so different and yet so alike. They are both intensely passionate and yet so many things about their attitude and actions make them different.

I love them so so much.

Also, these similarities and differences just make them all the more fated to be with each other.

CaLex, you will always have my heart.

[zycalex]

LAW AND ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT

4.11 Damaged

[zycalex]

some svu tweets i made while i was bored part 2

[zycalex]

Days are slow

Alex Cabot x Reader

Summary - Alex has fun playing a video game with you.

Alex had a long night at work, she is happy to go home. She packed her stuff and left her office, she noticed it's late and all the restaurants are closing up. She takes a cab home and you are home sitting on the couch playing on the Nintendo Switch. You hear the door open and you looked up and it's Alex, you smiled at her.

You watch her take off her jacket and heels. You paused the game and stood up, you walked towards her and she kissed you on the lips.

“Long day?” You asked.

She nods and kissed you again. She sighed

“Yeah, a very long day. The detectives think I can magically change the law with the snap of my fingers. They messed up and there was a mistrial” Alex sighed again.

“Oh, that's tragic. I picked up dinner, get comfortable and I reheat the food” You said.

“Did you get wine?” Alex asked.

“Yes, your favorite one,” you said.

“Good” Alex smiled.

Alex went to the bathroom and she takes a shower. You are reheating the food, later she comes out of the bathroom wearing her pajamas. You and Alex start to eat dinner and she drinks wine. She talks about her day and you do the same.

✯ ⭒ ✫ ✯

You and Alex are on the couch, she has her legs on your lap. She watches you play Pokemon shield

“What are you playing?” Alex asked.

“Pokemon Shield,” You said.

“Pokemen?” Alex asked.

You laughed and looked at her.

“It's called Pokemon. Try it, I think you would have fun” You said.

“I never understood, why everyone is obsessed with Pokemon,” Alex said.

Alex has seen your Pokemon card collection. Sometimes she would surprise you with a Pokemon cards booster pack.

“Come on, try it you would like it” You smiled.

“Okay, I will try,” Alex said.

She sat up and moved closed to you. You give it to her, Alex has to catch her first Pokemon

“That's the name of the Pokemon?” Alex asked.

“His name is called Mimikyu. I don't have him and I need to catch him. But you can try” You said.

“How I will catch Mimikyu?” Alex asked.

“You have to use a Pokeball,” You said.

You explain to your girlfriend, how to use the Pokeball and catch a Pokemon. On the first try, it didn't work, but Alex wanted to try again.

On the third try, Alex caught her first Pokemon, and she smiled. She gave you a peck on the lips and you smiled back at her.

Now, you have to teach Alex what to do in a Pokemon battle. She lost gym leader Opal, she did pout and you found that cute.

“Y/n, this is helping me feel a little better. I kinda like it” Alex said.

“Glad it made you feel a little better, babe,” You said.

“One more game?” Alex asked.

“Sure” You smiled.

---

A couple of nights later, you started to play another game called Resident Evil Village on the PlayStation 5. Alex did play with you but stopped in the middle of the game because of the baby monster.

“I would rather play Pokemon not this one” Alex said.

“You got scared?” You asked.

“Y/n, I didn't get scared. It creeps me out, this game didn't catch my interest” Alex said.

“We don't have to keep playing,” You said.

“Maybe we can cuddle?” Alex asked

You kissed her on the lips and you agreed to the cuddle.

You turned off the console, you follow Alex to the bedroom. You and Alex cuddle on the bed and watch tv.

[zycalex]

TIME AND TIMING. calex one-shot

SUMMARY: A routine morning at the precinct takes a turn when Alex confesses an unexpected new interest—astrology. Casey humors her at first, but when Alex asks for her birth time, the conversation suddenly feels a little more personal than she expected.

The hum of activity in Manhattan's 16th Precinct squad room was more than just noise—it was a living, breathing entity. Like any creature of habit, it had its own distinct rhythms: the staccato percussion of computer keys clicking in irregular bursts, the bass line of shuffling papers, the occasional crescendo of a detective's voice rising above the din to request a file or share a breakthrough. Phones chirped their digital songs at random intervals, creating a chaotic harmony that somehow made perfect sense to those who worked there.

The Special Victims Unit occupied this space like a family might inhabit an old house, each member knowing instinctively which floorboard creaked, which drawer stuck, which corner offered the best refuge during difficult moments. They had worn paths into the industrial carpet between their desks, created their own territories marked not by walls but by coffee mugs, family photos, and the occasional stress ball.

It was early December, and winter had settled over New York like a wool blanket—heavy, slightly scratchy, but ultimately necessary. The precinct's ancient heating system fought valiantly against the cold, producing a persistent mechanical wheeze that had become as familiar as a roommate's breathing.

Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Cabot stood by the coffee machine, a relic from what appeared to be the late Paleolithic era, watching steam rise from her cup in lazy spirals. The machine's location—tucked into a corner between a filing cabinet and a bulletin board plastered with wanted posters and departmental memos—had become an unofficial sanctuary, a place where conversations could happen away from the intensity of active investigations.

Alex's appearance, as always, was meticulously curated. Her navy blazer, tailored to perfection, suggested authority without demanding it. Pearl earrings caught the fluorescent light, tiny moons orbiting the sharp planes of her face. Her blonde hair was swept back in a style that looked effortless but likely took considerable time to achieve. Everything about her projected competence, control, and an almost architectural precision.

Which made what she was about to say all the more surprising.

Casey Novak approached the coffee station with the determined stride of someone who had learned to move quickly through life, lest it move too quickly past her. Her auburn hair was pulled back in a practical ponytail, and her suit, while professional, spoke more of functionality than fashion. She carried a legal pad covered in her characteristic scrawl, evidence of a mind that worked faster than most people could keep up with.

"Please tell me there's still coffee," Casey said, already reaching for a cup. "I've got three motions to file before noon, and Judge Petrovsky is not in a generous mood today."

Alex's lips curved into a smile that held more warmth than most people got to see. "There's coffee," she confirmed, "though I make no promises about its quality or legal standing as a beverage."

Casey poured herself a cup, the dark liquid steaming like a witch's cauldron. "At this point, I'd drink motor oil if it had caffeine in it." She took a sip and grimaced. "This might actually be motor oil."

"I've been thinking about taking up astrology," Alex said suddenly, her voice carrying the slightly hesitant tone of someone testing unfamiliar waters.

Casey's head snapped up so quickly she nearly spilled her coffee. She studied Alex's face for signs of a joke, finding none. "I'm sorry, what?"

"Astrology," Alex repeated, more confidently now. "The study of celestial bodies and their influence on human affairs."

"I know what astrology is," Casey said, amusement creeping into her voice. "I'm just trying to picture you plotting star charts between cross-examinations."

Alex's expression remained serene, but there was a glimmer of something playful in her eyes. "There's a lot about me you don't know, Novak."

The use of her last name—so formal, yet somehow intimate in Alex's mouth—made Casey's stomach do an unexpected flip. She covered it with a smirk. "Clearly. Next you'll tell me you're reading tarot cards in your office."

"Don't be ridiculous," Alex said, taking a deliberate sip of her coffee. "Tarot cards would be completely unprofessional." She paused, then added with perfect timing, "I keep those at home."

Casey laughed, a genuine sound that drew brief glances from nearby detectives before they returned to their work. "Alright, Madam Alexandra, what's my sign then?"

Alex's gaze became analytical, reminding Casey of the way she looked at witnesses on the stand—searching for truth beneath the surface. "Well, I know your birthday's coming up, but for a proper reading, I'd need to know exactly when you were born."

"The time?" Casey raised an eyebrow. "That matters?"

"It's crucial," Alex said with mock solemnity. "It determines your rising sign, your house placements..." She waved a hand vaguely. "Very technical stuff."

Casey found herself leaning against the counter, mirroring Alex's posture without realizing it. "Okay, I'll bite. December 12th, 4:57 PM."

Something flickered across Alex's face—satisfaction, perhaps, or triumph—but it was gone before Casey could properly identify it. "Interesting," was all she said.

Before Casey could press further, Detective Olivia Benson's approach cast a shadow over their corner. She moved with the measured grace of someone who had seen too much but refused to let it show, her dark eyes holding the weight of countless cases. The file in her hand might as well have been made of lead for all the gravity it carried.

"Sorry to break up the coffee klatch," Olivia said, though her slight smile suggested she wasn't entirely sorry, "but we need both of you on this one."

The moment dissolved like sugar in hot coffee, sweet but ultimately unsustainable. They were professionals first, always, and the work that brought them together was the same work that kept them apart.

Weeks blurred into months, marked by the steady progression of cases through the system. Winter softened into spring, then hardened into summer's unforgiving heat. The squad room's ancient air conditioning unit joined its heating counterpart in a duet of mechanical protest. Through it all, Casey found her thoughts occasionally drifting back to that conversation by the coffee machine, like a tongue probing a loose tooth—not exactly painful, but impossible to ignore.

She didn't mention it again, and neither did Alex. They worked together with their usual efficiency, trading legal strategies and case laws across conference tables, passing each other in courthouse corridors with professional nods. But sometimes, Casey would catch Alex watching her with that same analytical gaze from the coffee machine, as if she were still plotting some celestial chart only she could see.

When December 12th arrived, the squad room had been transformed. Someone (probably Fin, though he'd never admit it) had strung up a "Happy Birthday" banner that had seen better days. The conference table groaned under the weight of snacks, and a cake decorated in surprisingly artistic fashion proclaimed "Happy Birthday Casey" in bold blue letters.

"Alright, everybody gather 'round," Cragen announced, his usual gruff demeanor softened by the occasion. "Let's do this before we catch a case.

The squad assembled with the organized chaos of a family at a holiday dinner. Fin presented his gift first, a vintage law book Casey had once mentioned wanting. Munch followed with a conspiracy theory book ("Know your enemy," he said with a wink). Olivia's gift was practical—a sleek leather briefcase to replace Casey's worn one. Even Cragen contributed, offering a bottle of aged scotch with a gruff "For after hours only."

Throughout it all, Casey was acutely aware of Alex's presence at the edges of the group. She participated in the celebration with her usual grace, but offered no gift, no special acknowledgment of their previous conversation. Casey told herself it didn't matter, that she was being ridiculous for even remembering such a minor exchange.

The party dispersed as quickly as it had formed, the demands of justice never taking a holiday. Casey retreated to her office, diving into work to distract herself from a disappointment she couldn't quite justify.

The wall clock ticked toward late afternoon, its sound suddenly prominent in the quiet office. 4:56 PM.

A knock at the door made her heart skip, though she couldn't say why.

"Come in," she called, proud of how steady her voice remained.

The door opened with a soft click, and there stood Alex Cabot, holding a small package wrapped in silver paper that caught the light like stars.

Casey's eyes darted to the clock just as it changed: 4:57 PM.

"You remembered," Casey said softly, the words escaping before she could stop them.

Alex's smile was gentle but knowing as she stepped into the office, closing the door behind her. The sound seemed to seal them in their own private universe, separate from the chaos of the precinct beyond. "Of course I did. I told you timing was crucial."

She approached Casey's desk with measured steps, her heels clicking against the floor in a rhythm that seemed to match Casey's suddenly accelerated heartbeat. The package she carried looked small in her hands, but it commanded attention like evidence in a courtroom.

"I hope you don't mind that I waited," Alex said, placing the gift on Casey's desk with careful precision. "It seemed important to get the timing right."

Casey stared at the package, afraid to reach for it, afraid not to. "I thought you'd forgotten about all that astrology talk."

"I never forget anything, Casey." The use of her first name, so rare from Alex's lips, felt intimate in the confined space of the office. "Especially not conversations that matter."

With fingers that trembled slightly—though she'd never admit it—Casey reached for the package. The paper was cool and smooth under her touch, like running her hands through water. She unwrapped it slowly, savoring the moment, until she revealed a small jewelry box.

Inside, nestled on black velvet, lay a silver bracelet. Its surface caught the late afternoon light streaming through her office window, making the engraved word dance: Patience.

Casey traced the letters with her fingertip, feeling the slight indentations against her skin. "Why this word?" she asked, though something in her chest suggested she already knew the answer.

Alex moved closer, close enough that Casey could smell her perfume—something expensive and subtle, like secrets wrapped in silk. "Because some things are worth waiting for," she said softly. "Some connections need time to align properly."

Their eyes met, and in that moment, Casey understood that they weren't talking about astrology anymore. Perhaps they never had been.

"Here," Alex said, reaching for the bracelet. "Let me help you with that."

Her fingers were warm as they brushed against Casey's wrist, sending little sparks of electricity dancing up her arm. The bracelet clasped with a soft click that seemed to echo in the quiet office.

Neither woman moved to break contact.

"It's beautiful," Casey whispered, her voice barely audible over the sound of their breathing.

"It suits you," Alex replied, her thumb tracing a small circle on Casey's pulse point.

The moment stretched between them like taffy, sweet and fragile and full of possibility. Casey found herself leaning forward slightly, drawn by some force as inexorable as gravity—

A sharp knock shattered the moment.

Olivia's voice carried through the door. "Hey, we're heading to Forlini's for birthday drinks. You coming?"

Casey cleared her throat, trying to remember how to form words. "Yeah, be right there."

Alex stepped back, but her eyes never left Casey's face. The professional mask slipped back into place, but now Casey could see the cracks in it, the places where something warmer showed through.

"Shall we?" Alex asked, gesturing toward the door.

Casey nodded, but as they moved to leave, she caught Alex's hand. "Thank you," she said. "Not just for the bracelet, but for... timing."

Alex's fingers squeezed hers briefly. "Some things are written in the stars, Casey. We just have to be patient enough to read them."

At Forlini's, surrounded by their colleagues and friends, Casey found her attention constantly drawn to Alex like a compass finding north. The bracelet felt warm against her skin, a constant reminder of possibility.

Olivia, ever observant, nudged her gently. "Nice bracelet."

"Thanks," Casey said, unconsciously touching it. "It was a... special gift."

Olivia's knowing smile suggested she understood more than Casey had said. "You know, some people speak louder through gestures than words."

Across the bar, Alex was laughing at something Fin had said, the sound carrying over the ambient noise. As if sensing Casey's attention, she looked up, their eyes meeting across the crowded space.

Time seemed to slow, the noise fading to a distant hum. The word engraved on Casey's wrist seemed to pulse with meaning: Patience.

She smiled, and Alex smiled back, and Casey thought that maybe, just maybe, some things really were written in the stars.

All they had to do was wait for the right moment to read them.

[zycalex]

some svu tweets i made while i was bored

[zycalex]

I know we didn’t see on screen that Alex had any time alone in Casey’s office in Ghost but let’s pretend she did & let’s pretend she saw a book Casey was reading & saw that Casey used a photo of them as a bookmark & got all kinds of choked up over it

It was adorable & heartbreaking as the same time because multitasking haha waaah

My babies!!

🥰 😭

[zycalex]

I know we didn’t see on screen that Alex had any time alone in Casey’s office in Ghost but let’s pretend she did & let’s pretend she saw a book Casey was reading & saw that Casey used a photo of them as a bookmark & got all kinds of choked up over it

It was adorable & heartbreaking as the same time because multitasking haha waaah

My babies!!

🥰 😭

[zycalex]

Daydreaming about Casey taking Alex to the batting cages and teaching her how to hit a baseball just so she has an excuse to wrap her arms around Alex

[zycalex]

calex headcanons

of course i had to add my favorite svu ship 😩😩 my two favorite characters and they’re both IN LOVE!!!!!

casey’s favorite pet name to call alex is honey

alex’s favorite pet name to call casey is baby

alex is more likely to alternate between different pet names. she’s much more romantic behind the scenes and out of the courthouse

alex loves to plan their dates!!! she makes the reservations and keeps casey up to date on the details :)

she also always drives. partly because casey is her passenger princess but also partly because she has a need to be absolutely punctual and she becomes a bit of a back seat driver when she’s not in the driver’s seat

casey wouldn’t call herself a passenger princess though. she would just say alex likes driving, which could be true in some senses. probably both.

they make each other coffee in the morning!! casey makes alex’s favorite alex make’s casey’s 🥺

alex always takes casey out for a drink after a case is closed

oftentimes after a long day at work too

alex tries to pick up the tab every time but casey found a new loophole of stealing alex’s card when she isn’t paying attention so casey gets to pay in the end

casey always stays with alex when alex is having trouble beating her insomnia. even if casey is tired, she always prioritizes alex’s sleep health— sometimes to the point where she becomes exhausted beyond her means

if they ever went out to a karaoke bar, casey would be the one getting alex onstage

any time one of them is present while the other is prosecuting, all they can do is stare

alex, of course, will put on a show

casey will too if she’s feeling bold

they both show off to each other in the court room

they always consider themselves lucky that they’re both prosecutors; they’ve thought of way too many dirty scenarios about them duking it out in the courtroom as prosecutor and defender

they both get into heated arguments with the squad sometimes, but it’s easier for them to keep calm towards the others when they’re working on a case together

they argue with each other over cases too. usually they’re just small back-and-forths, but when they do fight during cases, it’s bad. never physical, but sometimes they get so loud that the squad gets nervous

outside of their offices and the courtroom, their arguments are much more respectful/ considerate. it’s hard for them to be completely reasonable when they’re fighting about a case because they’re both equally as passionate.

THEY CUDDLE EVERY NIGHT!!!!!!!!