Five Ways Casey Novak Never Left New York

5. I saw the light fading out

Casey knew it was cancer before the doctor even said it. She sat in his office, only half listening as he threw around words like neoadjuvant chemotherapy and talks of survival rates. He seems to be cautiously optimistic, but that optimism has faded when she returns six months later

She saw that movie, The Bucket List. This time the part portrayed by Morgan Freeman would be played by Casey Novak.

Propped up in an uncomfortable hospital bed, the IV in the back of her head itching terribly, Casey writes her own list, her writing scrawled.

She's always wanted to see Europe.

It takes her just a month to pack up her life and she books a flight to London.

It's raining in New York when she takes a cab to JFK, and she watches the water trickle down the window, obscuring the iconic skyline.

She checks in and is heading to join the line for security when she hears her name being called across the crowd.

Turning, she spots the distinctive figure of Olivia Benson dodging luggage trolleys and striding towards her. The detective's cheeks are flushed and she plunges her hands into her coat pockets as she stops in front of Casey.

"I thought I was going to miss you," Olivia says.

Casey swallows. "I thought we said goodbye last night," she replies, her voice hoarse. Talking hurts.

Olivia shrugs. "Well, yeah." They had thrown a party for her the previous night, although Casey had begged out early and cried herself to sleep in an anonymous hotel room. "But I wanted to see you. I guess I couldn't accept that last night could be the last time I saw you."

"Is it any easier to accept today?" whispers Casey.

Olivia half smiles. "No, not really."

Casey can't find the words; she's never been able to find the words and she pauses for just a moment before leaning forward to press her lips against Olivia's.

Olivia doesn't respond for a moment, but then she is kissing Casey back and strong hands are grasping at Casey's too slim waist, pulling her close. The rest of the world melts away and it is just the two of them.

Casey pulls away first and even though her heart is breaking and her body aching, she smiles.

"Goodbye, Olivia," she whispers.

Tears are glistening in Olivia's eyes. "Goodbye, Casey."

Casey can feel Olivia's eyes follow her as she joins the security line. She doesn't look back.

Once she is seated on the plane, she pulls out her list and crosses off 'Kiss Olivia Benson.'