Chapter 2
SO I'M GOING THROUGH THE EPISODES STARTING AT SEASON 13 WHEN AMANDA ROLLINS JOINS THE CAST. AMANDA AND OLIVIA WILL BE TOGETHER, SO THAT MEANS I HAVE TO CHANGE SOME OF THE EPISODES ANYWAY. I WILL GO THROUGH THE EPISODES BY MENTIONING SOME AND FOCUSING ON MY FAVORITES. I WILL CHANGE SOME DETAILS TO MAKE IT THE WAY I WANT IT TO GO.
NO CASE JUST FLUFF, BUT HAD TO THROW IN NICK, SINCE I SKIPPED HIS SHOW.
Amanda had been living in a hotel for weeks. She was tired of living out of her suitcase but just hadn't found the right place. Finding something cheap and close to the precinct was difficult, but today she got the call she was waiting for, "Yes I definitely want to look at the apartment. I'm a detective with the NYPD and I should be able to swing by at lunch time. Please just hold it for me." The landlord agreed, it was the perfect price and fit for her being alone.
Since joining the squad, Amanda had bounced between partners. She was paired with Fin one day, then Olivia another, she even had a chance to spend a day with Munch. Cragen kept an eye on things and even though Olivia had straightened up, he still wasn't sure they were the best fit together like he had hoped.
They were also still short staffed. "Captain, I think I found the perfect apartment. They are holding it for my viewing. I know we're still short staffed, but can I please run by at lunch to check it out?" Cragen looked up from his desk, "Sure Amanda the sooner you're settled, the better. We are actually getting a transfer from the Narcotics Division, so go ahead now." Amanda told him she would hurry back, but he said, "If you sign the lease, at least move your things from the hotel."
Amanda had a truck, over the first weekend after finding out she was staying, she returned home, packing her truck with anything that would fit. Fin was so helpful, he actually found her a storage unit and helped move it. "Hey Fin, I think I found a place." Fin smiled, "That's great Amanda! If you want to move your stuff after work let me know. It will only cost you a beer and dinner." He said with a wink. Olivia never looked up from her files and Amanda headed out to see the apartment.
Fin looked at Liv, "Are we ever gonna talk about why you don't want to give her a chance?" Liv looked at him, "I've been nice." He laughed, "That's what you call that?" Liv sighed, "I don't like it ok. I already lost El and now I'm losing you. I figured we would be partners now. Cragen wants me to team up with her and I only want to work with you."
Fin sat back, "Great I'm 2nd to El." Liv tilted her head, "Do you remember when we went undercover in prison?" Fin shook his head, "How could I forget." Elliot may have been my partner and yes I'm sad, but I'll never forget that you protected and saved me." Fin smiled, "Liv I have your back, partners or not. Hey, I mean it! Then, now, and always. Things change Liv. Elliot never wanted to leave you, but he shot and killed a girl, his daughters age. Do you know the pain he's living through? He left because he knew he could never be the same. Liv he could never protect you the way he could before. He left to save you Liv. I know you don't see, but you will someday."
Olivia knew he was right, she was so hurt, she never thought about it that way. "Liv, I need you to give Amanda a chance. She looks up to you. Did you know you were a big reason why she wanted to come here." Liv shook her head, "She hasn't had an easy life and I think she could use a little love from all of us. Come Liv, you've been there."
Just then Cragen and Munch walked out, "I just told Amanda, but we're getting a transfer from Narcotics, Nick Amaro. He comes highly recommended. I know everything is changing and that makes two new people at the same time, but we need help. And I need help from all three of you. So as of now, we don't have "partners", you go with who I send you with. Anyone have a problem with that?" They all agreed, being the senior detectives, it was their job to bring the new people up to speed. Olivia stood up, "Captain, we have your back and we have the best unit." He smiled and returned to his office. "Thanks Fin, I needed to hear it."
Amanda thought the apartment was perfect, the space and the price. It was a one bedroom, one bathroom. The kitchen and family room was one big open space. She signed the lease and put down the security, 1st month, and paid the 2nd month. That put her ahead. Amanda actually had quite a bit of money. Her last gambling expedition in Atlanta was a success. She promised herself a new beginning though, gambling was a thing of the past, just like all the hell she had been through.
She headed back to the precinct driving her truck, because Fin promised to help her after work. The apartment actually was in walking distance, which was perfect, she didn't exactly like the city driving yet. "Fin I did it! I signed the lease." Even though Olivia was sitting there, she still gave her a cold shoulder a lot, so Amanda didn't interact with her unless Olivia initiated it. "Alright, I guess I'm helping and you're buying dinner."
Olivia saw an opening to maybe fix what she had already damaged, "How about I help? The more people, the faster it will go and I'm not totally against you buying me dinner either, but I rather have wine, than beer." Fin and Amanda swung around shocked and Olivia giggled to herself. Amanda smiled, "I would love the help." Olivia stood up, "Great, we'll leave after work."
They were all sitting around when Nick Amaro made an entrance. Cragen saw him enter, "Detective Amaro I'm guessing?" He shook Cragen's hand, "Yes Sir. I'm Nick." Nick had long hair and a rough looking beard. It was hard to believe he was a detective. "Fin, help him with a haircut and change of clothes." He glanced at Nick, "This isn't Narcotics Son." Fin shook his head, "Don't worry I've got a guy who can fix you up. He said the same thing when I transferred.
Fin introduced him to everyone. This is Olivia Benson and Amanda Rollins. And that senior citizen over there is the great Sergeant Munch, he taught me everything I know." Munch stood up, "Hey watch it! Nice to meet you kid." When Nick came back, he looked great, Amanda was impressed. "Nice look Nick." He smiled and sat down at his desk, which was across from Olivia. Amanda sat across from Fin and Munch had his own section.
The day was easy and light, no new cases, just closing out some easy files. Around 3:00 everyone got to head out, Cragen said he and Munch had the rest. Amanda pulled out her keys, "Fin do you want to drive, because I'm still getting used to the city." Olivia laughed, "We need to get you some lessons." Amanda smiled and Fin grabbed the keys. Amanda climbed in the middle and Olivia was next to the window, next to her, "Yeah I totally didn't see you as a pick up truck person Amanda."
Fin thought this was good, Olivia was coming around. They headed to storage, Amanda didn't have much. Fin pulled out the bed frame for her king size and headboard. Next, was the chairs. "Ok guys, I need help for the couch." They all lifted and Fin organized and tied stuff down. Olivia was concerned, "Amanda is this it?" She shook her head, "Yeah, I couldn't bring everything. I need a mattress, TV, sheets, towels, dishes, you know stuff like that, but I'll manage." They climbed in the truck and headed for the apartment.
They both thought it fit Amanda perfectly. Olivia pulled paper and a pen out of her purse and sat at the kitchen bar top. "Guys how about I order Chinese for us? I can grab wine and beer at the store on the way." They both agreed, and Fin took the cash and went to pick it up, "I've got it, don't need y'all walking around at night."
While he was gone Olivia made a plan, "Amanda come sit here. I started making a list, mattress, towels, dishes, sheets…" Olivia sounded like a mom dropping her kid off for college. "I'm also thinking you should come stay with me until your mattress arrives."
Amanda felt uneasy about that, "Olivia, I can sleep on my couch. I don't want to put too much on you. I'm happy you are finally talking to me, so I definitely don't want to ruin it." They both laughed, "Amanda I'm sorry I wasn't kind to you. I've been through a lot lately. I won't push you, but you are welcome to stay if you would like. I have a guest bedroom all fixed up." Amanda smiled, "If it doesn't come within the week, I'll take you up on it. In Georgia I slept on the couch most nights. If I slept that is." Olivia's eyes shot up at those words and Amanda realized she said something she didn't mean to. Olivia didn't push, but something was there that she wasn't saying. She wondered why she wasn't sleeping.
"Dinner's here! Let's eat!" They enjoyed dinner together and Amanda thought maybe she would be ok here. When Fin and Olivia got ready to leave, Amanda felt sad. She enjoyed the company, because the silence and time alone was never good for Amanda, but things seemed good. Anywhere was better than the hell of Georgia.