The very next morning everyone returned to work tired but still high from last nights game. Though it wouldn't last. They were called to a crime scene that patrol had originally been called to but after hearing all the details it seemed better suited for a specialized unit. The IU got the call though patrol didn't that. They kept the peace till the detectives showed. One there more drama was about to break out when Kim realized the responding officer was none other than Roman. He hated the IU and Kim hadn't spoken to him since she told him she was pregnant. This would not be fun.
Trying to be the adult Kim decided to speak first to find out what was going on "What do we have here Roman?" Simple, basic, nothing personal. She's a professional, she can do this.
"Good to see you too Kim, hows our son?" He replied knowing she would get pissed. Anything to work up her team. Halstead and Dawson step in to block her, they knew it would get ugly.
Halstead replies "Funny I didn't know you had a son. Kim does but you have no rights, you are basically a sperm donor. So don't mention him again and answer the question. What do we have here?" He was trying not to deck him. But he hated the guy for not stepping up.
"Called for a domestic but when we got here it seemed political, cultural and wrong. Arranged marriage with a 14 year old. Sounded out of our league so we called for back up" with that he left.
They all went inside seeing 3 adults and one teenager. Lots of arguing in a foreign language that none of us spoke. But when calm they spoke a English and we learn 2 were the parents and the other man was the husband to be. The daughter who was 14 screaming and crying not to allow this to happen to her. It was sad and sick that it could happen in this day and age but some cultures still believed in it. Though Kim wasn't going to let it happen. After everyone was calm she asked the parents a question, one no one thought should be said like this but she was pissed. Not just from Roman but this. "So let me get this straight, your daughter is not old enough to consent to sex but yet you are willing to allow her to ,array this much older man so he can legally rape your daughter/his wife? Does that make sense to anyone? Okay we are heading to Med then to the district "
"You can't do that! You needs parents consent to speak to her. Her mother yelled.
"That's on,y if she is a suspect. But she's a victim. Let's go hunny." With that Kim walked her out the door. She got the girl settled into her car before driving to med. it was going to be a long day. After several long hours at med it was confirmed that she had already been raped but her husband to be. After getting her statement and looking at her text messages the case was as good as closed. They all the proof they needed to send him away. The arrest had not been easy as he gave chase but they caught him and he's in jail awaiting his trial.
Kim couldn't wait to get home and talk to Adam see how his day went. It could only be better than hers because today had sucked. She picked up dinner on the way to pick up Jackson from the sitters. He was excited to her and they headed home for dinner and a movie snuggled on the couch.
Adam called shortly after she arrived home already knew it was a bad day. No debate was given "I'm going over. I will be there shortly. ". He said bye and drove to the store to pick up flowers and some ice cream. He wanted to fix whatever it was but somehow he didn't think it would be all that easy. He never heard that tone before, sure it's only been two months but still this seemed especially bad.
He parked outside her place gently knocking in case Jackson was asleep. She smiled as soon as she saw him but he could tell the tears were coming. He pulled her into a hug and closed the door. She finally let out all the pent up emotion. Crying until she could no longer. He put the flowers in a vase and grabbed two spoons and moved her to the couch. He wouldn't force her to speak just yet. The ice cream was gone sand still nothing. "How about a nice hot bath?" He offered maybe that would do the trick.
She just nodded. She started the water making it nice and hot but not too hot. He even used a bath bomb thing that he knew she liked. As she started to get in she tugged his arm, the look in her eyes said everything. She didn't want to be alone. He got undressed and slid in behind her. Holding her close, her breathing becoming more relaxed.
"I saw Roman today at a crime scene. He asked about Jackson. He doesn't know his name but he said our son. Halstead and Dawson stepped in between and Halstead ripped him a new one. The case was awful. 14 year old child bride, being forced to marry a man that was raping her. It was just a horrible day. Thank you for being here. ". She finally had spoken and he was right it was horrible. No wonder she sounded so down today. He just kissed the side of her head. "No where else I would rather be."
When the water was cool they decided to get out. She still wasn't 100% and he could tell something was still on her mind. The way she was biting her bottom lip like she was contemplating her next move. He kind of knew what she needed but knew she might not ask. "You need a physical release don't you? I understand I hit the gym hard after a tough case. Come on, to the bedroom."
Several hours later and several rounds they were trying to catch their breaths. Sweaty and spent but feeling so fully blissed out. It was exactly what she needed. She felt the need to speak to let him know how she was really feeling in this moment. "You know it's truly never been like this before, never felt so comfortable and so good. I think I know why I just needed the right person and to know that what I feel for you has grown past liking you to loving you. I love you Adam. I feel like you are my other half, my soulmate. I know it's early but I do I love you."
He was so shocked but beaming. A smile so bright you could see it from space. "I love you too Darling! And I love Jackson. So much. You guys are my family now and forever as long as you'll have me. But I also need to agree with you. I have never felt this type of connection before, it's electric. I feel a magnetic pull towards you. That first day I couldn't take my eyes off you. I knew in that very moment you were the one."
The love confessions left them both beaming with nothing but pure happiness. And decided one more round to celebrate before going to sleep. They both needed to be up early for work and a training session before a quick road trip. They back home together.
A few weekend later the family of three had fallen into a pretty good routine. Consisting of family meals whenever possible and Adam reading a bedtime story to Jackson every night, even when he was working. They definitely were loving FaceTime since it helped them stay connected when far apart. They celebrated their three month anniversary with dinner at home with Jackson than curling up on the couch for a movie. No one outside their inner circles knew they were together and that was on purpose. Kim needed to work undercover and you can't do that with your face in the paper so they still didn't go out to eat but they loved this even more. Adam tried to be the dad his dad wasn't. Supportive and just plain around. He knows he has a long way to go since he wasn't actually a dad but he could be a father figure. And that was good enough for now.
The all star break was right around the corner and the teams would be announced soon. Adam was a nervous wreak waiting to hear if he made it or not. It a tough competition and something every player dreams about. They knew it would be announced while Kim was working he only hoped they didn't have a long case today. Either way he would need Kim with him.
Kim on the other hand was working a case, nothing too crazy but watching pod footage while waiting for a search warrant to be signed. She kept an eye on the clock knowing the announcement would come today but she needed to focus. She saw Voight come out his office and walk to the stairs to greet two people. She turned to see Kenny Rixton who had worked with them before and a blonde who she recognized from the academy, Hailey Upton. This was not good. But she was a professional. She got up to greet them before Voight announced these two would joining the IU. After all the introductions Kim was called into the office.
"Yes sir?" She was confused as to why she was being asked into the office. But went in.
"Close the door please and relax you are not in trouble. I just want to know how you know Upton? You never worked together." He saw her relax and then tense again. But he waited for her to speak.
"Um I know her from the academy. She was tough and didn't mind getting her hands dirty. " She tried to play it cool. Like it wasn't a big deal but he could see through her.
"What aren't you telling me? Before you say nothing I can see it in your eyes and in your demeanor. Please let me help." He really needed to know so he could protect this team. If Upton wasn't the right fit then she would have to go.
"She wanted to top spot and wouldn't let anyone stand in the way. Do you remember reading in my file about a broken wrist and sprained ankle during the academy?" He nodded "Well that's because she was supposed to be helping me over the climbing wall but purposely let my hand go so I would fall and no longer have a top spot. It was reported but she denied it. I can be professional and make it work. Just not my partner please."
"Thank you for being honest. You gave me a lot to think about. I want to shuffle things around for a few weeks to get others feedback on her before I make a decision. But she won't be with you, I promise." He looked shocked a little and upset that the report wasn't in her file. He would have never brought Upton up here if he saw that.
"Thanks Serge." With that she left and noticed the clock. And went to her phone to live stream the news.
She found the channel quickly and most of the team came over to watch as well. The two newest members were confused as to why everyone cared so much but said nothing at first. The American League was announced first and then the National League. Kim held her breath as she waited for his name to be called. It seemed like forever until they finally announced that Adam Ruzek had made the team. Everyone was cheering and hugging. Upton and Rixon finally asked "I don't get it? Why is everyone so excited that this Ruzek person made the team?"
Kim blushed and calmly replied "He's a very good friend of mine and he knows the team well. We all hang out together." She got lots of looks over that explanation but they all went with it. Apparently they understood she wasn't ready to trust Upton and Rixon with this news. It was too important to her.
Voight walks out sharply with an announcement of his own "Starting today we will be switching up partners on a temporary basis. I want to see how you all work together. This first week with Rixton and Upton will help me determine the pairs going forward. So Lindsey and Upton, Dawson and Rixton and Halstead with Burgess. Any questions?"
"Um why can't I work with Jay?" Upton asked. Voight already annoyed at being questioned groaned and replied "you will get that chance but not today. And it's Detective to you or Halstead. Also known as my son in law and daughters husband. There is no be no flirting during work hours does everyone understand?" Everyone nodded. Upton knew she was busted checking out Halstead butt but she didn't think she would be call out for it.
"Now that we have that all settled everyone get the new members up to spend on the current case and follow up on leads. Burgess take five and make that phone call. I can see your dying to make it. Tell him I said congrats and I'm proud of him." Voight said before retreating to his office again.
While Kim was at work Adam was hitting the gym trying to work off his nerves. Kevin came into the gym and he knew it was time for announcement. Adam was holding is breath as they watched together, this is what he worked so hard for. This moment would make his career. He hardly even heard it when his name was called. He remembers being hugged and his phone ringing. He hoped it was Kim but it was his dad. He was so excited he didn't even care. He just wanted to scream and celebrate with his little family. His family he thought, it sounded amazing. Moments after he hung up with his dad his phone rang again this time he could help the smile that broke out when it saw it was Kim.
"Congratulations! I'm so damn proud of you baby! I can't wait to celebrate!" Kim screamed when he answered. He laughed at her excitement. And blushed with pride, she was proud of him. Not many people had said that before so this meant even more. "Thanks Darling! I can't wait celebrate with you too. Take out, dinner and a movie with Jackson and then me and you alone, bedroom if you know what I mean."
Now she is blushing. "I can't wait but I better go. We have new team members and I need to make good impression but definitely tonight. Oh and before I go Voight said congrats and he is proud of you too. See you tonight. Love you!" He returned the sentiment and let her go. He knew they were working a case so the fact that she called meant everything to him.
When Adam got home to Kim's place he could hear laughing from inside and something smelled amazing coming from inside. He knocked and waiting. He could hear little feet running towards the door, it was becoming one of his favorite sounds. The door slowly opened with Jackson on the other side wearing his Cubs jersey that Adam had gotten him. Yelling congratulations as best he could. He's three but it loved it all the same. He picked Jackson up and carried him to the kitchen on his hip. Walking over to Kim and giving her a kiss. "Something smells amazing. I thought we were doing take? You didn't have to cook you had a long day."
She smiled before kissing him again. "Well I wanted to show you how proud I was of you so I made Chicken Parm with pasta and garlic bread. And the cheesecake is in the oven as well. I hope you are hungry and not just for food?" She watched him fidget, if he wasn't holding Jackson he would kissed her hard and taken her to the bedroom but he held back and just winked at her.
"So tell me about your day. You said something about new members?" He tried to change the subject. He had to if he wanted to keep control over himself.
"Yeah Voight brought up two new people. One we have worked with in the past, Kenny Rixton. I like him and we have all worked well together in the past so it should be fine. The other I knew in the academy, Hailey Upton. She's the reason I broke my wrist and sprained my ankle during one of the courses we had. She was supposed to help me over the climbing wall, you know team work and building trust, well she purposely let go. She wanted to be number 1 so she did what it took. I was professional today and apparently the report as out what happened isn't in either of our files so we will see." She trailed off. Like there was more but stopped herself.
"How do you feel about working with her now? Is it safe?" He was worried for her. This is a dangerous job, everyone needed to look out for each other. He was starting to be overwhelmed with fear for her safety.
"I don't love the idea. But for now she has to partner up with everyone to see if she's a good fit. So that's good and I won't have to be partners with her since we have history so that's something. I think it's safe. She did get caught checking out Jays butt today that was hilarious. Voight totally called her out on it. Telling her to stay away from his son in law. It was epic!" She was laughing at the end so was he. Though he looked confused.
"Halstead and Lindsey are married and Lindsey is Voight's foster daughter. He took her in at 14 I think. She was living on the street. She had a tough life." Kim kind if knew what had him so confused.
"Okay that was exactly what I was going to ask about. They sound like amazing people. I'm so happy they are part of your family. Do your new members know about me? I mean I know you called from work and you weren't exactly quiet on the phone?" He laughed a little remembering her excitement.
"So no. They think we are good friends. I'm not ashamed of you at all so please don't think that I just don't trust Upton. I don't want more drama you know?"
"I completely understand and I know you are ashamed of me or us. This little family we created. I know your heart is with me and I know you want to protect us always and I'm fine with that. Friends in public is good for me. Hopefully means no press which is good for you. As long as I can kiss you and hold you in private then I'm good. I love you" He knew how she was feeling, the exact reason she hadn't met his dad as his girlfriend or his family. He didn't want the drama. The fewer people who knew the better. They loved the bubble they created.
"With that being said I talked to my dad today and he wants to meet you? I know it's only been three months and if it was my sister I would be fine but after the thing with my dad I don't know if I want to put you through all that. " He put Jackson down as he was getting antsy and they needed to talk without him there.
"Well I assume he called about the all star game? Why would we be so interested in meeting with me? I mean he knows I'm a cop and have a son. He also knows I work with Voight. If you want to meet up then let's do it. ". She adds. Hoping that maybe they can make this happen and keep things on even keel for Adam and his dad.
"Thank you for being willing I just don't know. Maybe after the all star break? That gives us a few more weeks to plan something. Maybe at my place so that way we don't have to worry about the press and you and Jackson could stay over afterwards. " He offers as a compromise. He knows it needs to happen but he was hoping for more time. Truth be told so was she but they will make it work.
"Sounds like a great plan. How about we eat and then get a Jackson ready for bed time?" She's hungry and can tell he's ready to move on from this conversation. And that's fine. After dinner Adam help Jackson get into his pajamas and then read him his book before going to sleep. He liked this routine and wanted it to continue everyday but didn't want to rush Kim into anything. They finished cleaning the kitchen together before having dessert and heading to bed themselves to celebrate this amazing day. Both excited to see where their future continued to take them.
A few days later Adam had confirmed a date to have dinner with his dad to meet Kim and Jackson and Kim was relieved because Upton hadn't worked out. It took less than a week and she was gone. Much to everyone's delight. The air was heavy with her around and the job was hard enough without her adding to it. Tonight Platt was watching Jackson so Adam could come to Molly's with everyone. He wanted to be apart of her world so he had a night off so here he was. Excited but nervous to hang out with her friends in a public setting.
Adam walks in knowing Kim and the rest of the unit were already there. He found them quickly but couldn't help but notice the stares as he walked through. "Hey Darling! This place is awesome. I see your vest on the wall."
"Hey baby. So glad you could make it. Everyone was glad you could make it. Herman? A beer please?" Kim hugged Adam but reminded him no PDA just friendship in public. It was hard for both of them but they knew it needed to happen for now. Herman walks over with a beer shocked but introduced himself to Adam. Before looking at Kim like he could believe Adam was friends with her and he didn't know. Adam blended into the group quickly. Like he was always part of it. They were all having a great time till two drunks got into a bar fight and the unit stepped in to break it up. Kim took a punch in the process which pissed Adam off and he was about to punch back when she pulled her weapon on him while Halstead cuffed the guy. Dawson had called patrol to pick the guys up and put them in lock up. Adam asked for an ice pack but noticed she was bleeding. He knew it didn't need stitches but ask for the first aid kit to clean it up.
Will Halstead walks over at this point just getting off work and saw Kim cut up "Kim we have talked about ducking. Are you okay? What happened? Oh hold up your Adam Ruzek of the Cubs?" He looked surprised and didn't know what was going on but looked at Kim like she needed to help him understand.
"Adam this is Will Halstead, Jays brother and doctor as Chicago Med. Will it's not that bad. Took a punch breaking up a bar fight. Jay and Antonio are with patrol now. I promise I'm good. I do need to work on my ducking skills though." They all laughed as the men shook hands and Adam finished patching her up. Even with the fight it had been a good night. Somehow during the night everyone figured out they were together but kept it quiet knowing Kim's job and it wasn't their place to say anything. At the end of the night he was invited back anytime he wanted.
As they leave the bar Adam has his arm around Kims shoulder when all of a sudden camera flashing start going off all around them. He moves her face into his chest to protect her but it's too late. The paps got the photo they were looking for. At some point someone called the paps about Ruzek being at the bar and looking chumming with a women. The questions were flying around them and Kim couldn't see because of the flashes. So he carried her to the car while yelling for them to back up. As soon as they reach the car the press surrounds their vehicle so Kim calls Lindsey who is still inside for back up. Everyone from the bar rushes outside the clear the way. While the police work to remove as many SD cards as possible to lessen the blow. By the time they get home it's all over the news and Platt is pissed. Not at them but for them. Can't people just be left alone? Apparently not.
"We are all here for you both whatever you need. It will be okay. Try to have a good night?" Platt left after that. Adam was already on the phone with a Kevin trying to do damage control for Kim's sake. And really for Jackson too. Neither one needed this.
"Kevin how do we stop this? I mean they want me that's fine but not her and not them. I want my family protected. This can't happen again." Adam is being irrational, he can't prevent it all the time. They can't live behind close doors all the time. But this should be different.
"I'm already working on it but it's already in the news. I can't stop it completely. We knew this would happen eventually it just happened sooner than we hoped. She looked cut up, is everything okay?" Kevin hadn't spent a lot of time with her but he knew she made Adam happy and that was all he cared about.
"She's okay. Got hit breaking up a bar fight. Pulled her weapon on the guy. It was kind of hot, I cleaned up her face. No stitches needed. The guys were arrested and charged with assulting an officer of the law. But I think she is more freaked out by the paps than anything. You know?"
"Alright we'll get some rest and we will talk tomorrow " Kevin went back to work trying to keep Kim out of it
