Okay so I received a very interesting request with very little information but it intrigued me enough to write this. The message had one line…"Olivia. Amanda. Undercover, go." I'm a little nervous because I don't know where to take these two characters, not my usual ship, definitely out of my comfort zone but I like a challenge. I hope you like it and feel free to leave suggestions, I'm open to it. This story is set in season 13 let's say a few months after Scorched Earth but no other episode storylines after has happened. Enjoy!

Amanda Rollins had just recently been transferred to the 16th precinct of the Manhattan Special Victims Unit from Atlanta, GA. In only a short time, one of the unit's newest detectives had been tasked with the biggest case of her career. It wasn't an ordinary case and she wasn't going to be working alone. Rollins was more than ready to prove herself to her new squad to let them know that they had a valuable asset in her. The eager detective listened closely to the experienced doctor prepare her and her partner for the case, determined to bring down the city's current serial rapist.

Olivia Benson was a senior detective in the Special Victims Unit and was heading into her thirteenth year as a sex crimes detective. Stability and familiarity was something that Olivia had been missing ever since the sudden retirement of her former partner. Spiraling down into a black hole of depression, this case was a blessing to keep her from the ledge as well as a curse due to innocent women being targeted. The other problem was that she would be working with one of the newbie detectives that she didn't know or completely trust. This case, however, would force the senior detective to put her pride and ego aside to catch a violent perpetrator that had been victimizing women across Manhattan.

"Your cover stories need to be airtight. You also need to spend some time together getting to know each other better in the characters that you're going to be playing. People, especially psycho and sociopaths, can spot inauthenticity easily," explained Dr. George Huang. "This rapist is a sadist who likes to take away power from strong women, especially those who feel that they don't need a man, i.e. lesbians, particularly power lesbians. He's narcissistic, charming even and believe that he's irresistible to women; a ladies man. Being rejected by one of the women is probably what started him on this vicious path. He's dangerous and very intelligent; you have to be committed one hundred percent to catch him."

Olivia and Amanda exchanged a look, a look that spoke volumes without words. They knew that they had to do whatever they could to catch the perp that had been targeting powerful lesbian couples. Six women, three couples, in the last two months had been in their squad room disclosing their harrowing stories. The violence and sadism that the rapist displayed during his attacks proved that his next victims would be on a slab visiting Dr. Warner in the morgue instead of in the squad room disclosing their ordeals.

The two detectives that were assigned to this case barely knew each other and to act as a loving power couple would be challenging to say the least. The two female detectives of the Special Victims Unit had barely shared a cup of coffee together let alone anything else. The thought of being undercover together as lovers, nonetheless, unnerved both of the ladies although neither would be willing to admit it. The senior detective wanted to appear un-phased by the difficult challenge to keep her badass persona in check and the new rookie detective felt that she had to prove her worth to the squad, especially to the only other female detective with the impeccable reputation.

Olivia was absorbing everything that Dr. Huang was saying, mentally preparing herself for the most difficult undercover operation of her career. Sure Detective Olivia Benson had seen her fair share of terrible undercover stints; let's not even mention Sealview but this operation would be with someone that she hardly knew. Also with someone that she wasn't completely sold on being capable of watching her back let alone capable of convincing a sociopath that they're a legit couple. This just didn't feel right to Olivia and she was going to voice her opinion.

"Captain, with all due respect…" began Olivia before Captain Cragen cut her off.

"The precursor before a slew of disrespectful things usually leave one's mouth or before my judgment is about to be questioned. Which one is it Detective?" asked the Captain with a bit of an edge to his voice. All of the other detectives as well as Dr. Huang sensed the tension between the two, leaving everyone feeling rather uncomfortable.

Olivia was already walking on thin ice with the Captain due to her piss poor welcome and lack of interest in helping the new detectives get settled in. Their arrival brought out a side of her that no one liked; the condescending and moody Olivia Benson was a pain to work with. Benson flashed back to Cragen's warning of either helping out or leaving, knowing that leaving wasn't an option she chose her words wisely. The job was one of the few things that she had left to keep her semi sane.

"Neither Captain, I was just going to say that Detective Rollins and I aren't that familiar with the ins and outs of our characters and we have a lot of info to take in. I was hoping that we could spend some time with Dr. Huang alone so that we could work on our profiles a little more in depth," explained Olivia as she looked around the squad room of stunned faces except Fin and Munch, who weren't buying her bs but was impressed with the clever save.

The Captain wasn't a fool either but he was glad that she seemed to have remembered their little chat. "Ok Detective today is Tuesday and your first outing on this undercover stint begins Friday, given the fact of the rapist preferring weekend attacks. You and Detective Rollins' only job is to fill in the gaps with the help of Dr. Huang and prepare, I don't want to see your faces until Friday. I will talk to Dr. Huang daily to discuss your progress, if he doesn't think that you two can pass then we will have to look for alternative options, dismissed."

Everyone broke out into different directions as they got busy with their respected orders. Detective Amaro would ghost the women inside of the different bars and night clubs. He initially thought that he would stick out in all lesbian bars until the victims informed the detectives that they weren't attacked after leaving lesbian bars but high end establishments. Dr. Huang then went further into the analysis explaining after the rapist's initial rejection he then singled out powerful lesbians at sophisticated institutions. Munch and Fin were going to be the outside eyes and backup. Benson and Rollins had the starring roles and they knew that the weight of this case lied heavily on their shoulders.

Rollins was already nervous enough but the added pressure of partnering with someone that wasn't particularly easy to work with was another obstacle in itself. However, Rollins knew of the senior detective's outstanding reputation for going over and beyond the call of duty to get the job done. She knew that Benson would do whatever to bring the perps to justice, give closure to the victims and that was the only hope that she had that this crazy operation would actually work.

"Hey Detective Benson, can I talk to you for a minute before we go in with Dr. Huang?" inquired an uncertain Rollins.

Olivia felt her eyes beginning to roll but stopped herself before she answered Rollins. "Uhm sure, just give me a minute, I will be right back."

Olivia left the squad room floor and headed for the ladies' room to give herself a much needed pep talk. The weary detective looked at her reflection in the mirror and did not like what was staring back at her. Exhaustion, hurt and lines clung to her face, she knew that she was going through a rough patch but she wasn't aware that it was bristle pad rough. Benson took a few deep breaths, washed her face and decided to let everything go and focus on the task at hand. He left, he's gone. It's time to grow up, stand on your own two feet and stop being a bitch to everyone because of what he did. A new energy coursed throughout her body as she exited the restroom headed to have what she was sure would be an uncomfortable talk with Rollins.

Rollins was now convinced that there was no way in hell that this was going to work. Benson couldn't even pretend to like or respect her, how she was going to pretend to be in a loving, committed relationship with her baffled the blonde detective. Doubt and frustration were slowly beginning to take a back seat to Rollins' anger; she hadn't been anything but pleasant toward Benson trying to understand what she was going through in losing her partner of twelve years. But it was now time out for pleasantries, women lives were in danger and they had a job to do. Rollins decided to level with the brunette and let her know that she wasn't thrilled to be partnered with her either. Rollins spotted Benson re-entering the squad room and beckoned for her to follow her into the cribs. After the senior detective entered, Rollins closed the door behind her and proceeded to get some things off of her chest.

"Look, you don't know me and I don't know you. One of the many differences between us is that I've tried to put forth an effort and you haven't," drawled Amanda without taking a breath. "When I first got here it really mattered to me that you liked and respected me but it's been over two months now and I really don't give a damn anymore. We have a job to do and I know that you don't want me as partner, and well the feeling is mutual but we're the only chicks here, so we have to suck it up and deal with it. So I would appreciate you putting aside whatever problem it is that you have with me and do your goddamn job!"

Olivia was taken aback by the feistiness that Rollins displayed. Her lips curled into a devilish little half smile, amused at the young detective's bluntness. The pleasantly surprised brunette closed the distance between them and looked Rollins directly into wide blue eyes full of rage for a long while before simply saying, "Let's do this, Detective."

What was that? Amanda was definitely not expecting that response. She had prepared herself to go twelve rounds with the senior detective. Feeling her tough exterior beginning to crumble, Rollins decided to find Dr. Huang before she lost her edge completely. "Glad that we understand each other now let's go and find out who we are."

The statement was simple enough but the strength and alternative meaning behind it hit both detectives respectively. Both were struggling with their identities and finding themselves would be easier said than done. Neither knowing the other's internal struggle left the cribs determined to find their character, because finding themselves wasn't a viable option right now. The duo headed to an empty interrogation room where Dr. Huang awaited their arrival with their new identities laid out and ready to be filled.

"Doctor, Detective Rollins and I are ready for you to transform us into a power couple," said Olivia.

"First thing first, this icy 'Detective' formality has to go. You do know that her name is Amanda right?" asked Dr. Huang.

Amanda chuckled silently because she wondered the same thing. In over two months, Detective Benson still hadn't used her first name while addressing her. "Yes of course I know that," spat back Olivia.

"That's news to both of us Dr.," teased Rollins.

"Ha-ha, very funny. Can we get on with it please?"

"Of course we can," said Dr. Huang getting down to business. "You both are going to keep your names. You've been together for three years and are individually very successful. You're very popular in your communities. We have a very nice condo set up in the upper west side where you two will be living until the investigation is over."

The two detectives exchanged looks, not realizing that they would be living together throughout the case. They both assumed that after the sting that they would both be returning to their respective homes. Dr. Huang picked up on their discomfort and decided to spread the rest of the assignment out for them so that there would be no more surprises.

"In addition to living together, you will also need to practice being out and affectionate with each other in public. You two need to seem like an actual couple, comfortable around each other. Nicknames that only you two use for each other would be a nice touch and more endearing," both detectives rolled their eyes. "Liv and Amy…I wanted to stay as close to your individual personalities as possible. Olivia you're a respected feminist motivation speaker and community activist. Amanda you are a hot, new up and coming artist. We have trained professionals handling your 'jobs' you're just the figure heads. You will be briefed in detail about key talking points of your jobs while out socializing and networking. Just one more thing that…this requires a physical makeover if you will."

"I was thinking that we were going to be alright until your last statement," said Olivia. "What is it?"

Dr. Huang handed them both pictures of the six victims. The detectives weren't sure where he was going with this because they had both studied the individual cases inside and out. "You need to look more like his victims…" he paused. Dr. Huang knew who would be the best person to do this next task but he would let them work it out on their own to keep his hands clean. "One of you will need to get a drastic haircut…"

"How drastic?" drawled Rollins.

"Let's just say that you need to look to part, I will let this be your first major decision of being a couple. I will meet back with the both of you tomorrow at noon. I will see what you both decided then." Dr. Huang left the interrogation room with haste as the two detectives sat staring into space.

After an eternity of silence passed Amanda spoke up. "Look, I've had my share of embarrassing haircuts and styles but I thought that was all behind me now, I'm digging my current look. And I can sense that you're not exactly thrilled to chop off your long waves so let's settle this in a fair way."

Olivia had no clue how Rollins was reading her mind but was happy to know that she picked up on her hesitance. This might work after all. "Ok, I'm listening. What do you have in mind?"

"We should play a game of something that we're both good at and loser has to get the big chop. Deal?"

"Deal but how do I know if you're lying about what you're good at or not," asked Benson.

"Well I guess that you're just going to have to trust me, huh Liv?" The blonde detective smiled at using their assigned nickname, fully aware that was how the other seasoned detectives already addressed Detective Benson.

Olivia smiled her first genuine smile of the day before she said, "I guess I am, Amy. Ok chess?"

"Hell no!" exclaimed Amanda. "Checkers?"

"No. Basketball?"

"Ugh no. Pool?"

"I only play pool good when I'm under the influence," joked Olivia.

"Perfect. I play good when I'm drunk too. Ok, three shots of the same liquor and one game of pool. Loser has to get the haircut of the winner's choice. Deal?"

Olivia studied the blonde's face, looking for some form of deceit but all she saw there was willingness. She extended out her hand and said, "Deal. We still need judges to make sure that you don't claim I cheated after I kick your ass."

"Feeling awfully sure of ourselves, aren't we? Ok, invite the guys. I'm looking forward to having witnesses as I wipe the floor with the great Detective Benson."

The two continued to tease each other. The light banter went a long way to ease each other's unspoken worries. Sure they had a long way to go but progress was being made nonetheless. They studied their characters' profiles thoroughly before it was time to call it day. Benson and Rollins had informed the male detectives of their epic bet taking place later and everyone was excited to see who would come out on top. Fin placed his money on Olivia while Munch put his faith in the newbie. Amaro decided to be Switzerland, keeping in good standings with both ladies. It was show time and the ladies were ready for battle. All of the detectives of the 1-6 gathered around a table at Mulligan's to begin the bet.

"Ladies and gentlemen of sex crimes welcome to HairGate 2012," opened Munch to cheers and whistles coming from their table as well as a few others. "Our two contestants tonight are playing to keep their hair flowing and fabulous. In the blue corner we have the luscious chestnut waves of Olivia Benson on the chopping block, pun definitely intended. Although I'm a little confused as to why Liv won't just bring back the Hilary Swank look that she rocked in 2002, which was a personal favorite of mines," said Munch with a little wink for Olivia who was very amused with his colorful commentary.

"But I digress," continued Munch. "In the red corner we have the straight, long blonde locks with the chic side bang of Amanda Rollins avoiding split ends—"

"Oh my God, Munch! Man shut the hell up with all of these lame ass jokes and just get on it with it man," interjected Fin with claps and whistles in tow agreeing with his statement.

"Fine, I see that my crowd has forsaken me so I will just move it on along. Each contestant will down three shots of Jameson at the same time. After boozing it up, the last and final part of the competition will begin. One game of classic billiards, loser gets the haircut of the winner's choice. Ladies are you ready?"

"Hell yeah," said Amanda.

"Let's do this," followed Olivia.

"Bartender! Nine shots of Jameson please and a pitcher of beer," shouted Nick. Everyone looked at him, wondering why he ordered so much alcohol. "What? We're going to drink too, right guys?" The two male detectives looked at each other before Nick said, "It's on me."

"Yeah, we're drinking with you man, always," said Fin.

"Yeah that's what I thought." The bartender lined up all of the shots and placed the pitcher in the middle of the table with only three glasses. After everything was set up, they each grabbed a shooter. "To HairGate 2012, may the best woman win," toasted Nick.

"To HairGate," everyone else responded in unison. Even some of the other patrons were caught up in HairGate 2012 and drank in camaraderie and placed secret bets on the two women.

The sting of the Irish whiskey burned going down for both women but neither would let it show. They grabbed the second shot and threw it back with stoic expressions. That one burned a little less than the previous one but the heat from the liquor coursed throughout their bodies, both feeling the effects. They both remained unbothered on the outside while their insides were starting to feel all warm and fuzzy. They held up their last shot and crashed their glasses together before downing it. Yeah the third one was rough and Olivia thought for a second that it was coming back up, grateful that she didn't embarrass herself before the contest got off and running. Amanda spotted the first break in the usually unbreakable detective and felt her confidence boost.

"You alright there Detective?" asked Rollins in a sarcastic tone.

"I will be when I wipe that smug little grin off your face," replied Olivia without missing a beat.

"Here we go! That's what I'm talking about, nice trash talking ladies, I like it," said Fin.

"Coin toss to see who gets to break," said Munch. "Call it Rollins."

"Heads."

"Heads it is, good luck ladies have fun," said Munch as he saw the looks that the women were giving each other.

"They look like they want to kill each other, how in the hell are they going to convince anyone that they're a loving couple by Friday?" asked Fin.

"I don't know man. I was into the idea of them being together, the images in my head were nothing like this anger and coldness. I'm not a fan."

"I don't know, I kind of dig it. Beautiful, feisty chicks that aren't taking their anger out on you is kind of hot," chimed in Nick. Fin and Munch both looked at him and shook their heads. "Plus they're not angry with each other. They're just putting on their game faces, both hate to lose."

An hour later and the champion of HairGate 2012 was crowned victorious. Bets were settled and congratulations rendered. The two women were both extremely buzzed from the shots plus the beer that they decided to include into the game. Their earlier tension was long gone after the game ended; the liquor had them in their happy place. It was now time to decide on the haircut that the winner wanted her 'lover' to rock.

"Ok I think I would like for you to get it cut like that actress that plays Snow White on that weird TV show. That would work for you, I can see it," slurred the Detective.

"I have no clue who or what you're talking about but ok. I'll make an appointment in the morning. Another shot?"

"Hell yeah!"

"See, I told you that they were going to be just fine," said Nick with a satisfied look on his face.

This was fun lol. Feedback is what's up.