Chapter 21
"A woman knows the face of the man she loves like as a sailor knows the open sea." - Honore de Balzac.
"Yes. Yes Oliver Alexander Benson, I will marry you." Alex chokes out.
Oliver takes the ring out of its box and picks up Alex's left hand. He slips the ring around her ring finger and kisses the ring before he let go of the blonde's hand. When Alex looks down she gasps as she sees the ring. Two beautiful pear shaped blue sapphires set in a platinum band with a beautiful centered diamond.
"Oh Liv, it's beautiful." Alex whispers.
Alex looks at the ring again before she looks back into the beautiful brown eyes she loves so much.
"You asked me to marry you. We're getting married!" Alex squeals out loud.
Even though Abby knew that Alex would say yes, the Texan runs into the living room as she hears the younger blond squealing. Just in time to see Alex jump up from the couch and kneeling in front of Oliver clasping her hands around his face and kissing him tenderly on his lips. Before she pulls back and leans her forehead against the Detective's and stares into his eyes. They look at each other for a few seconds before they look aside and see Abby standing beside them.
"Told ya she would say yes, Benson." Abby smiles.
Oliver smiles widely as he gets up with the help from Alex. As soon as he is back on his feet Abby pulls him carefully in a big hug. After Abby let go the tall brunette pulls Alex in a bone crushing hug.
"Hey Carmichael, be careful with my fiancé." Oliver says.
Abby steps back and looks at them both.
"Congratulations guys. I'm so happy for the both of ya. Now let me see your ring Alex! Our big bad Detective here wouldn't let me see the ring. I could come with him into the store but that was it. Told me that no way in hell I would see the ring before ya." Abby says.
Alex looks at Oliver who grins sheepishly at the blonde. Alex shakes her head and smiles. The blonde holds up her hand and immediately Abby grabs it and pulls it brunette gasps too when she sees the ring.
"Damn, Oli. Ya sure know how to win a gal's heart. This ring is beautiful. And the sapphires are matching Alex's eyes." Abby says.
"I know that's why I chose it. The moment I saw it I knew it was the one because of their color." Oliver says softly.
"You're one lucky gal, Cabot." Abby smirks.
"I know. I have the most wonderful and caring fiancé in the world." Alex answers while looking at Oliver, the love clearly in her eyes.
"Get a room you two. There is only so much cheesiness I can handle." Abby jokes.
"Seriously, I'm really happy for ya. Oli here needed a few encouraging words, but it was his own choice to step into that store and buy an engagement ring for ya, Alex." Abby says softly.
Hearing Abby's words Alex looks surprised at Oliver.
"She didn't drag you into the store?" Alex asks.
"No she didn't. She only told me you had said that if it was up to you that you would have said yes if I asked you to marry me. That's all. That sneaky weasel had talked with me first when you were in the shower this morning. And my best guess is that she talked with you when I was in the bedroom resting. Anyway, When we were passing by the jewelry store we were talking about our relationship and I knew that it was no coincidence that we were walking there at that time. I stopped walking and after Abby told me what you said I thought about for a minute and decided that I didn't want to wait. We never did anything normal so why start now? So I walked into the store and bought your engagement ring." Oliver answers.
"You're amazing. Don't take this the wrong way, but I think I want to wait till you have your name changed legally. I want to marry you when you're legally Oliver Alexander Benson." Alex says.
"I want that too, Lex. I want to marry you when my names are official. If we are lucky we don't have to wait for that too long. One of the nurses in the hospital said that should I decide to keep my testicles and wanted to get a surgery, I could change my name legally already because I don't have a uterus anymore. She didn't say anything about having my testicles and if that would give problems or not but we can find that out." Oliver says.
"Well it looks like we have some things to look up then tonight. If you want that too of course. Maybe we could find out what to do and how you process goes too." Alex answers.
"I think that's a good idea. If it's alright with you, Abs. You stay here so we could spend a weekend with the three of us. Not to look up stuff and find things out." Oliver says.
"Are you kidding me. I would love to do this. Learn more about how the process works and learn about your transition. And I certainly want to know for sure if you can change your name or not legally. So I'm game, Benson." Abby says.
They agreed that Abby would look on Alex's laptop and that Alex and Oliver would look on Oliver's laptop. Abby would search for what Oliver needs to be able to change his name and Alex and Oliver would look for information about his transition. After an hour they made up the balance. Alex and Oliver agreed that they needed to get the correct information via a gender team because they had found information how things would go normally but they couldn't find it for Oliver's situation. Now it's Abby turn to tell Alex and Oliver what she'd found.
"If you have a letter from the hospital confirming that your uterus has been removed, you can start the procedure to change your name immediately. You need a copy of your id or passport, a letter from the hospital, a copy of your birth certificate and a form of good behavior. You take all of this to a lawyer and they start the procedure and it should be done in 8 weeks till 3 months. After it's changed legally you can get a new id or passport a new driver license and then you can change your name and gender at the police department, insurance company and everything else that is needed. So basically if you want it you can start the procedure Monday if you have that letter from the hospital, Oli." Abby explains.
"I do have that letter from the hospital. So I can get the other forms and start it as soon as we want. What do you think, Lex?" Oliver asks.
"If you take it easy tomorrow, we could go to NY Monday at the end of the morning or early afternoon if you want. But if we do that we stay at your or my place for the night. It will be too much to go there and back and take care of all the forms on one day. We can come back here on Tuesday. But that depends on what you want, Liv. If we do it like I just said than I'm ok with going on Monday. If not, we go when you're further with your recovery. Physically. So it's up to you." Alex answers.
"Maybe it's for the best to stay in NY and come back here on Tuesday. We need to talk with Liz and Cragen too. About our engagement and about my transition. I would like to go Monday and start the procedure to change my name. On the other hand, if I go change my name, I need to talk with the guys too." Oliver says.
"You don't have to tell them about your transition immediately. From what Abby says it takes 8 weeks at least for changing your name, assuming you start it on Monday. We could talk with Liz and Cragen together, I mean with Liz and Cragen at the same time. That way you only have to tell your story once. And we can tell them we're getting married too. We have time to figure out when and how you want to tell the guys it. We already agreed not to get married before your name is changed legally." Alex says.
"You're right. I want for you to have your dream wedding, Lex. It takes time to get everything planned. Everything you want you can have it. The only thing I ask for is not to get a huge wedding with 2000 guest or something like that." Oliver answers.
"I won't do that to you. I know you would hate that. It's your special day too, Oliver. Not just mine. We are marrying together. What you want is equally important. So how about we go to NY on Monday to start the procedure for changing your name and talk with Liz and Cragen and come back here on Tuesday and we go from there? We don't know when the trials are yet. If we're lucky and Abs won't get a motion for a speedy trial on Monday or Tuesday morning, we can go back. If not it depends on who the Judge is and when they plan the date to start the trials." Alex asks.
"Alright, let's go to NY on Monday. I only hope that Liz has time on Monday. It's on the last moment when we call Monday. If they don't get a new case Cap. should be able to make it as far as I know. But then again I don't know what they got in the past week." Oliver says.
"What time is it?" Alex asks.
Oliver looks on his watch.
"8.30 PM. Why?" Oliver asks.
"I call Liz now. If she can't make it Monday perhaps we skip everything to Tuesday." Alex answers.
"It's Saturday evening, Alex. It's not that urgent that we need to disturb Liz in the weekend for this." Oliver says.
"Nonsense. I'm sure Liz won't mind if I call her now. And it is important, Liv. For you and for me it is and therefore it is for Liz." Alex says.
"Alright. But don't put it on me when she does get mad." Oliver answers.
"I know for sure she won't get mad. But if she would, I won't hold you responsible for it." Alex answers.
Alex walks to the coffee table where her smart phone is and calls Liz. As Alex said Liz wasn't mad that the younger blonde called her on Saturday evening. The first thing she asked was if the Detective was alright. A couple of minutes later Alex hung up.
"Monday at 3 PM Liz is expecting us." Alex says.
" Alright, good. Should I call the Cap. or do I wait till Monday morning?" Oliver asks.
"If you think he has time Monday at 3 PM than you don't have to call him now. But if you want to be sure you could call him now." Alex answers.
"I think I'm gonna call him. I don't want to worry all day tomorrow if he can make it or not? Besides if he can't make it we need to pick a time with him." Oliver answers.
Oliver takes his smart phone from his belt and calls Cragen. They talk for a couple of minutes and Cragen can make it at 3 PM at Liz's office. After Oliver hangs up he let out a sigh. Everything they could do has been done for now. He is nervous about Monday and both ADA's see that Oliver is worried.
"Hey Oli, it's gonna be alright. Don and Liz both care for you and for Alex. I really doubt they'll react badly. To tell ya the truth I think they may be surprised that you and Alex are gonna get married but they both will be happy. As for your transition, do you really think he's gonna react badly? Of course I don't know Don as well as the both of ya do but I really think that he'll support ya too. Sure he will be surprised, maybe a bit shocked but in the end all he wants is for you to be happy. He isn't a man with a short sided vision. He's pretty open minded. I really think that you are more worried than ya have to be. I know it's easy talking for me, I'm not the one that has to talk with him and going through the process. But I sincerely doubt he won't support ya and let ya down." Abby says.
"I know that you are probably right. But still it scares the hell out of me." Oliver says.
"Do you really think that I let either of them fall out against you? I'm right at your side Oliver, where I belong. I won't let them badger you. I agree with Abs, I don't think they will react badly neither but should they do that I'm there for you. And trust me my wrath will get a whole new level should that happen and for some reason you're not able to defend yourself. Hell even if you do defend yourself I still will kick their asses. They may be our bosses but I won't accept that behavior from nobody and if I won't do it, Tex here will. Granted Carmichael will probably kick their assess literally and I won't, that's your department. But I'm not sure what they would prefer. Abby or I." Alex says.
Abby snickers, knowing perfectly what they would prefer.
"I know. They rather get their ass kicked by me than to be at the end of your wrath, Cabot. And now that you and Oli are getting married I'll bet my life on it. Speaking of a wrath. Everyone we know chooses the both of us together over Detective Badass here for the same reason. Anyone in their right mind knows that they're playing with their lives. And every person who still wants to try it has a death wish." Abby smirks.
"Alright. Enough serious subjects. How about we watch a movie before we go to bed?" Oliver asks.
"I think I could go for that, how about you Abs? Which movie do you want to see, Detective?" Alex asks.
"Yeah I'm in." Abby answers.
"The hot chick." Oliver answers.
Abby and Alex roll their eyes.
"Really, dude? Y'all are all the same. Of course ya choose a movie with a title like that." Abby says.
"Calm down Counselors. It's not what it sounds. I promise. It's a chick flick, sort of. So it's not a 'dude' movie at all. Trust me the both of you are gonna like it. When the movie has ended and one of you still don't like it, I'll watch toddlers and tiara's with both of you for two weeks." Oliver says.
"You're pretty sure of yourself, Detective. Toddlers and tiara's huh. Fine, deal. But you're gonna watch it for a month every possible day. And that means no excuses." Alex says.
"Leave me out of it, Cabot. You can watch it with Oli here, but I sure ain't gonna watch toddlers and tiara's for four damn weeks. But I do agree with the deal." Abby says.
"Fine, four weeks. Now let's watch the movie." Oliver answers.
The three of them made themselves comfortable and watched the movie. At the end of the movie Alex and Abby had to give in and agreed with Oliver that it was not what they thought it would be. After the movie they all went to bed, Abby in the spare room again. Alex and Oliver talked for a little while before they went to sleep too. This time Alex snuggled up against Oliver. And although he still had a nightmare. It was a better night than the onces before.
Sunday they sat down at the lake. Alex and Abby went swimming in the lake to cool down while Oliver watched them. Well more Alex of course. It was a nice relaxed day. Abby left after dinner that evening. Alex and Oliver decided to call it a night early. They tried the same thing as the night before but unfortunately that night it didn't work as well as the night before. In the morning Alex helped Oliver in the shower. She watched very carefully at the Detective's reaction and stayed behind him. She also skipped his private parts and let him do that himself. After they had eaten breakfast they went back to NY and took care of all the things they needed to do for Oliver's name change. They would visit a lawyer the next morning with all the paperwork to start the procedure. When they were done they went to Oliver's apartment for lunch and to take a nap or at least lay down before they would go to 1 Hogan. Abby called when they were on their way from Oliver's apartment to Liz's office to support Oliver.
"How do you want to do this? Do you want to tell them about your transition first or do we tell them that we're gonna get married first?" Alex asks.
"Maybe it's better to tell them we are gonna get married first. Break the ice a bit. Unless you think it's better to do it the other way around." Oliver answers.
"No, I think you're right. They'll be more relaxed and we'll be more relaxed too." Alex says.
"Alright. Then that's how we're gonna do it." Oliver says.
"It will be alright, Liv. I'm there with you. If at some point you don't know how to say something or want me to tell it, say it. I'm there to help you if you need it. And I'm proud of you, Detective. Very proud about what you're going to do." Alex says.
"I know you'll be there. I don't think I could do it without you. Just having you next to me will help me so much already." Oliver replies.
Alex puts her hand on Oliver's knee and squeezes him softly before she puts her hand back on the steering wheel. They are now at 1 Hogan and Alex drives the car into the parking garage. After she kills the engine she steps out the car and walks around it to help Oliver out of it. After the blonde locked the car she takes Oliver's hand in her own and holds it while they walk to the elevator. At exactly 3 PM they are in front of Liz's office and they both take a deep breath before Alex knocks on the door. They hear Liz calling to come inside and they look at each other one last time before Alex opens the door and walks inside with Oliver following behind her, closing the door behind him.
"Olivia, how are you doing?" Liz asks.
Oliver winches on the inside. After hearing Oliver the past few days it's awkward and a bit painful to hear the name Olivia again.
"Physically it's going alright." Oliver answers.
"That's good to hear. Take a seat, please." Liz says.
Alex shoves one of the chairs closer to the other one before they sit down. Liz and Cragen both see that Oliver is nervous about something but at the same time it seems that Alex and Oliver are glowing.
"Since you both requested our presence, here, together I assume that you have something important to share with us. " Liz says.
Oliver looks at Alex who nods at Oliver telling him to take the lead.
"Yes there are two important things we want to talk about with the both of you. Well more like sharing with you both, or telling you." Oliver says.
"Is there something wrong, Olivia?" Cragen asks.
Oliver turns to look at Alex.
"I changed my mind. I want to do it the other way around." Oliver says softly.
"Alright, Liv. Do what is the most comfortable for you. Do you want to say yourself or do you want me to tell it?" Alex asks softly.
Looking at Oliver, Alex sees that Oliver starts to panic. She stands up and moves to stand in front of Oliver and kneels down.
"Hey honey, it's alright. I'm right here with you. Nothing will happen to you. You're safe here. It's just Liz and Cragen. Try to calm down, take a deep breath, sweetie." Alex softly says while looking into Olivers eyes.
Alex takes Olivers right hand in her own and squeezes it softly. Seeing Alex in front of him and feeling her touch calms Oliver down a bit and he takes a deep breath and slowly blows it out.
"That's it, Liv. You don't have to do this now if you're not ready for it. Nobody is gonna force you if you changed your mind." Alex says softly
"No it's alright. I just panicked. I'm ok now. I just don't know what's the best to do first." Oliver whispers.
"How about I tell it to them and after that you tell them about us." Alex whispers back.
"Ok. Thank you, Lex. No wait, I do want tell them about us first." Oliver says softly.
"What ever you want. It's alright." Alex says.
Alex stands up again and sits down next to Oliver. Still holding his hand to give him strength.
"Nothing is wrong, well not really. I mean besides what happened to me." Oliver says.
"Take your time. We're not in a hurry." Cragen says.
Oliver looks at Alex one last time before he looks at Cragen and Liz and back again at his Captain.
"Alex and I are going to get married and I'm getting a sex changing surgery." Oliver blurts out.