a/n: Addition to the episode Strain (the one with the gay men doing meth, KILLER written at the murder scenes.). I was watching it again and I got stuck on how exactly Liv ended up being the hooker on that stakeout. So I answered my own question.

Disclaimer: only the idea is mine…oh well

a/n: possible spoilers for Strain, but nothing major

Cragen, Fin, Munch and Olivia were all settled in the diner, talking about the case.

"So, there's another circuit party tonight, down at Euphoria," Olivia said.

"How do you know that?' Fin asked, but Olivia ignored him.

"I think we should stake out the area," she continued.

"And flush out some MKS members," Cragen finished, nodding.

"Munch, could you pass me the salt?" Olivia asked. She reached for the proffered shaker but caught her sleeve on the ketchup bottle, and it fell. "Damn it," she cursed, mopping ketchup up from her leg, "I'll be back."

When she got back from the bathroom Fin didn't waste any time.

"You'll have to be a hooker." Fin said.

"What?" she choked out. Munch and Cragen were both staring intently at their food. Fin continued,

"For the surveillance, you'll have to dress like a pro. How else are you going to pull off standing around in that neighbourhood?"

"Well, I ..." she trailed off, at a loss for an alternative.

"See?"

"Alright fine," she gave in, "but I'll need something to wear."

"What, you don't have the right gear in your bag of tricks?" Munch piped up, "what?"

"Don't you worry, babe," Fin said, "I've got just the thing. I'll meet you guys back at the house."

Olivia couldn't believe she'd gotten herself into this situation. She now sat on her desk, waiting for Fin to return with her 'outfit'. The full implications of the evening hadn't quite dawned on her until she started wondering what he could possibly be bringing for her to wear. Fin barely contained his laughter when he saw her sitting there, trying her best not to look too distressed. He handed her the bag, the very small bag…

"Where's the rest of it?" she asked. He laughed and pushed her into the bathroom.

Once she was alone she pulled the blue dress out of the bag. From the back it seemed pretty long, but then the front... 'Guess sitting down is out of the question…whoa, now that's a plunging neckline.' She heard the guys laughing down the hall and sighed. 'Better get this over with,' she thought to herself and began to strip.

A few minutes later she was staring in disbelief at the mirror, 'they've got to be kidding me.' The bathroom door opened and she reflexively stepped back into the stall,

"Hold your horses, guys, I'll be out soon enough," she called.

"It's just me, Liv," Casey said, heading for the sink. Liv stepped out of the stall and Casey looked up, "whoa, got a hot date...with a john?"

"Well, at least I look the part."

"Let me guess, the surveillance?" Casey asked. Liv nodded,

"The bastards convinced me somehow." Casey nodded absentmindedly, just staring at her. Liv caught her looking,

"What?"

"That's…quite the push-up you've got happening there," Casey said, making Liv look down,

"Yeah, it's uh…it's part of the shirt. I may ask Fin if I can keep it. Feel like I'm defying gravity." They both laughed a little, and then Casey got an idea,

"Do you have a hairdryer?"

"What? Why?"

"You're not finished yet."

Liv was now sitting on the chair Casey had dragged into the bathroom,

"Hey, I'm tall, but not tall enough when you're wearing those boots," Casey'd explained, "where'd the boots come from anyway?"

"I was already wearing them," Liv said, sounding a little embarrassed, which made Casey smile. She wet Liv's hair and played with some gel she'd gotten from her purse. Then she blew it all into place.

"Got another set of earrings in your purse?" Casey asked.

"Just some little hoops," Liv said. Casey pulled some giant hoops out of her bag and handed them over. Then, with some more makeup, she was done.

"Now you look like a hooker."

"I never thought I'd thank someone for saying that," Liv said, her laugh sounding a little weak, she was still trying to hide her unease at the whole situation. She turned to leave but Casey caught her arm,

"Wait, put this on," Casey pulled her long sweater-coat off and handed it to her, "you'll freeze without it."

"You sure?" Liv asked, "It looks expensive."

"Just bring it back in one piece, okay?" Casey said, smiling. Liv nodded and sucked in a breath before stepping out into the hall.

"Alright, now that's what I'm talking about!" Fin hollered when she stepped out. Liv blushed despite herself. Soon everyone was in the hallway, hooting appreciatively, but Olivia quickly found her voice,

"Yeah, well, enjoy it while you can, boys," she said confidently, and proceeded to strut through them down the hall. Casey watched her go, impressed by the transformation from the woman she'd seen in the bathroom just a minute ago. No hint of her fear or uncertainty remained.

"Casey, you do good work," Munch cracked, breaking her reverie. Casey shrugged,

"Thanks, I think."

Cragen appeared then,

"Let's get a move on, people," he called as he headed for the door.

"Elliot's gonna be sorry he missed this!" Fin said as he moved to follow.

"Oh, I'm sure someone's going to tell him," Liv said under her breath.

The end :)