Pneumonia and flu have left our home. And my husband is home safe from the ICU from the blood clots. Back to trying to survive life and manage the blows.
Kim awoke before Adam the next morning. She was well rested from the Xanax but still reeling from what happened the day before. She watched Adam sleeping next to her. It amazed her that he just kept taking her shit and never let her fall. She decided she wanted to wake him up. She was careful in her pursuit of waking him. Gently placing kisses all over his face. She felt him starting to move, his eye lashes fluttering right before his eyes opened. "Well hello darling!" He smiled seeing her awake and looking content. "Morning! I wanted to snuggle before we had to get up." She smiled softly. "I'm good with that. I'm always happy to snuggle with you. How are you feeling this morning?" He asked pulling her closer. "Um I don't really know. Like I'm angry still. But thankful. It's a lot to process. But I slept well so that something." Kim shrugged a bit. "Well I'm glad you are well rested today. And I agree it's a lot to process. Somehow that seems normal considering. Truthfully I could have lived without seeing that myself. But I know it was harder for you since he's your friend. So today we start working through what you saw and how you feel. You have scheduled therapy after work so that's perfect timing." He reminded her.
"Yeah good timing for sure. Wish it were easier than that you know. I think knowing people know this time will help. We told no one the first time so I literally was alone dealing with it. But I have you, the team, our friends. I think it might be easier this time. Maybe that's wishful thinking but I have to have hope." She kissed his neck softly. "We all have you. And we all love you! I love you more than anything. How about we snuggle a bit longer while you call the hospital. See how he is doing this morning." He felt her move to grab her phone. "Oh lovely! Missed a text a 3:30 am letting me know he has the flu as well. But no Covid. No wonder he was so sick." She sighed calling him right away. "Morning!" Michael answered. "How are you feeling this morning?" Kim asked trying to stay calm. "Like shit. They gave me some if those stupid cough pills that don't work. The tissues sucks. My nose keeps bleeding from the dry oxygen. I hate this place but nothing I can do. Oh and the food sucks!" Michaels grumbled. "Well nothing we can do to change this. Just have to prevent it from happening again. But I will be nice and get the good tissues delivered to you." Kim wasn't really having it. "I do appreciate that. Thank you." He replied Adam watching her the whole time.
"How about thanks for saving my life again? How about sorry I lied to you? How about I will never be such a stupid fucking asshole again? Maybe you could try taking this seriously! You are in the fucking ICU! Do you not get it? You could have died! Again! This nonchalant attitude is pissing me the fuck off! Look I know you are tired and talking takes a lot out of you. So rest up and I will call you later." Kim hung up and tossed her phone on the floor. She didn't need or what to see a reply. She did look at Adam to see a slightly amused face. "What?" She asked confused. "Well good job telling him how you felt. But it was kind of passive aggressive. I know you are angry but you could have put that nicer." He knew she wouldn't take offense. "He's lucky it was passive aggressive. The last time the doctor told me if it happened again to beat him with a bag of oranges since it won't leave bruises. I could have done that. He's lucky I'm sending him the good tissues." Kim bitched.
"Okay let's not get all riled up now. Let's just try to relax a bit longer before we have to get up." Adam replied knowing she was fired up. "Oh I know but still! I want to kick his ass. He deserves that and more!" Kim huffed. "Darling I get that but I need you to relax a bit. Getting worked up isn't going to change anything. So let's just order the tissues for delivery and then get in the shower." Adam got up to start the shower as Kim placed a DoorDash order to the hospital. She joined him shortly after hugging him tight while the hot water ran over their bodies. She held him not wanting to let go. "I got you darling." He took his time washing every inch of her body. He watched her enjoy the feeling of his fingers runner over her body. So returned the favor spending extra time on his abs and v line. She loved touching his body, she loved the feeling of his muscles under her finger tips.
"Whatcha doing?" He asked with a smug smile. "Nothing really just enjoying my fingers on your skin." Kim shrugged like it was nothing. "Oh really? Huh that's interesting. See the way your fingers are going looks very much like you want something to happen but you haven't decided if you are going to take control or not yet." He smirked knowing he had her dead to rights. "Oh really? Is that a challenge?" She asked with all the confidence in the world. "Yes it actually is! So what are you going to do about it?" He loved a challenge and so did she. The fire in her eyes when she was up against something. She never answered him. She simply pulled him down to a bruising kiss as her left hand got to work stroking him. He groaned allowing her to slid her tongue inside his mouth. He wanted her to take control so she was. She loved how he was losing control under her touch. His body reacting hers in ways she wasn't sure she had felt before.
He broke the kiss only when he needed air. His lungs on fire but his forehead was on her shoulder. She heard every moan, felt every ragged breath. When came it was muffled only because he was biting on her shoulder to keep the volume down. But it wasn't any less powerful. She allowed him to relax before removing her hand and washing once more. As she started to step out of the shower he pulled her back for another long passionate kiss. "Thank you." He watched her wink and step out. He smiled shutting off the water and jumping out after her. "You know the look on your face, the determination in your eyes, looked like the confidence you show at work. That version of you is starting to show herself more and more at home. And I love it! We need to let her play more often." He kissed her quickly before heading out of the bathroom. He wanted to get dressed before heading down to start breakfast.
"I like that version of me. I like that I can let her out here more. I wish that was always me. And it will be with more time. Just stay by my side always." Her eyes were bright but he could see a slight fear in the background. Years of mental abuse wore her down. "Always. Finish up so we get the kids moving and then off to work." He pressed one more kiss on her forehead before he headed out the room. He heard the kids talking already but he just laughed. They were too cute to get in trouble for playing in their rooms. He popped his head back in Kim's room. "Just so you know. The kids are awake and sound like they are playing already." He watched her shake her head slightly annoyed with them. "Thanks for the heads up." Kim,sighed as she finished getting her outfit together. She walked to their room as Adam heading down the stairs.
"Well good morning my babies! Playing already? Isn't it too early for that?" She asked as she sat down with them. "No! Not tired!" Milo yelled as he hugged Kim. "Alright well let's go potty babies then we can go see Adam for some breakfast okay?" She watched both kids run to the bathroom. She smiled knowing they were happy and excited to see Adam. Downstairs Adam was making an easy breakfast for the kids as well as himself and Kim. Kim loved them eating oatmeal but he truly didn't like it. So he made yogurt and granola for himself. They all had fruit and turkey bacon. He also had made Kim a hot tea and himself a coffee. The routine was easy, simple but it worked. He heard his family coming down the stairs. Once the hit the floor they were off running to Adam who had their breakfast ready and waiting. "Morning kiddos!" He picked them up hugging them before putting them in their high chairs. "Morning Adam! Thank you!" Mia stated as she dug into her meal. "Well you are very welcome!" They all ate while the kids talked a mile a minute. It was cute but hard to keep up.
Once they finished Adam took them upstairs to pick their outfits and get dressed while Kim made their lunches. He really was trying to learn on the fly and be the dad his wasn't. Ti this day the only time he felt like his dad was proud was when he graduated from the academy. And even then he wasn't happy Adam was placed into the Intelligence Unit. It had been a sore spot and it still is. After they were dressed he helped do their hair and brought them back down for the day. "We are all set." Adam showed that the kids looked presentable. "Perfect timing. Let's head out." Kim got the kids settled in the car while Adam grabbed the lunches and their work bags. Both had their badges and sidearms already. As Kim drove the kids talked the whole way about school. Kim realized quickly that they really needed to set up some play dates with the kids friends. She still hadn't met most of them due to her schedule but she was going to make an effort going forward. It would be good for the kids but also get to know some people outside of law enforcement.
The kids wanted Adam to drop them off inside today so he walked them in with their lunches. It was uncomfortable at best. He felt like a fresh piece of meat with all the ladies staring at him. He couldn't wait to get back to the car. Once the kids were safely inside the classroom Adam jogged back to the car. Kim noticed he was almost running. "What's wrong?" She laughed. "My god those mothers have no idea how to be subtle. They were making it very obvious they were checking me out. I felt like fresh meat and they were all sharks! Next time we go together." He shuddered thinking about it. Kim was laughing at him. He was being ridiculous but she did some of the mothers pointing towards him as they walked by. "Can we please leave?" He begged. "Yeah let's go!" Kim laughed but she could understand his discomfort.
They rode to work in silence but it was comfortable. Lots of soft touches, little glances hoping they weren't caught checking the other out. It was cute and playful. Kim parked the car before they shared one last kiss. As they walked towards the district they heard his name being called. It was a woman that much Kim knew but she had no idea who it was. And really she didn't need the drama. She had enough going on right now. She felt Adam tense up beside her. His posture rigid and the look on his face cold. "What do you want?" He barked out at the woman. "Adam I was hoping we could talk baby." The woman noticed Kim but ignored her. "Really? Well yeah let's talk then. This is Kim, my girlfriend. And you cheated on me. Is there anything else we need to talk about? Yeah didn't think so." Adam started to walk away again, Kim following close behind. "Really! You moved on? Already? Don't you think it's quick? We were together not that long ago!" Wendy yelled out. "First off you've been gone for well over a year! Kim knows all about you. If you are trying to split us up, it's not going to happen. Just leave me alone. I told you that before and I will say it again, leave me alone! I don't want or need you in my life! I'm happier without you!" He turned back to Kim seeing she looked fine. "Come on darling we are going to be late." Adam placed a hand on her back as he led her into the district.
"Well that was fun!" Kim half smiled as they entered the lobby. "More like a drain on my energy. So could have done without seeing her again." He stopped for a minute pulling Kim closer. "We are good right?" He suddenly got scared. "Yeah baby! We are good! We got this, together!" She pecked his lips before heading towards the bullpen. "Morning!" Kim placed her things down as she looked around the room. "Morning. How's your friend?" Erin asked knowing it was scary yesterday. "Um bitching up a storm. The food sucks, the tissues suck, the cough meds don't work, the oxygen makes his nose bleed. It was dramatic. I got passive aggressive and then hung up with a promise to send proper tissues which I have done and a call later." Kim sighed heavily. "Well hospital food does suck. And the tissues might as well be your hand so I get that. But I don't blame you for getting nasty. I'm sure he needed to hear it." Erin knew Kim was probably over the top about it but who could blame her. "I do see his point but if he had been taking his meds the clot wouldn't have happened. And if he went to the doctor days ago like I said the pneumonia and the flu would be under control already. This didn't have to happen." Kim shrugged and Erin nodded in agreement.
"Alright we have a new temporary replacement. I did lots of background checks and had Mouse do a deep dive before I even extended the offer. So welcome Officer Dante Torres. After your introductions we have a video for you all to watch. I'm sure you will all be excited to watch this video. So do your thing and in one hour video time." The team was confused by that but decided to make the most of the hour talking with the new guy. Everyone made sure they took time to introduce themselves and gave him some background on themselves before showing him around a bit. "Kim. I brought some cookies in!" Adam waved the bag in front of her. "Oh! I want one!" Kim grabbed the bag happily munching on one of her cookies. "Did you bake?" Kevin asked. "Yeah with the kids a couple of days okay. My take on an oatmeal raisin cookie. You want to try?" She offered it to everyone knowing it was a very popular cookie for her. She heard all the moans of happiness and just smiled. "So good! We will need more of these for sure!" Jay looked incredibly happy eating the cookie. "That can be arranged." Kim smiled as she took her seat to wait for this video.
The longer she sat the more she wondered if Voight found one of her speeches. She had a sinking feeling but it was good education for them all know. The hour was up. A large tv screen was wheeled in front of them. The video started and Kim gasped. They all looked at her then the screen. Adam gasped next when he saw her on stage ready to speak to a crowd of hundreds of people. "Mouse pause it for just a minute." Adam asked he walked closer to the screen and then looked back at Kim. "Definitely not fat! Definitely not ugly! Cutest baby belly ever!" He watched her eyes well with tears knowing that he picked up on the baby belly that no one else saw. But also knew that she had been told how fat and ugly she was during pregnancy.
Once Adam was seated again Mouse started the video again. They all watched as she worked the stage, gave statistics, gave real life examples and spoke from experiences she saw in the field. The three hours flew by for the team but they were left feeling impressed but also more empowered in their jobs and abilities, "Girl! That was awesome! Totally badass!" Kevin was so proud of her. He hugged her tight beaming with pride. "Thank you. I'm actually going to start doing speeches again. Helping to educate all Officers and Detectives about SVU. I'm excited to get started. It's long overdue but it's happening." Kim hadn't told really anyone yet. Adam knew because he was in the room but no one else knew. "That's great! You should be proud!" Antonio stared from his desk. "Really it's all Adam. He said I have a fire in my eyes when I talked about these types of cases and how they need to be handled. How education here is lacking, SVU is needed. He encouraged me to talk to Voight. I did. While no one is sure we can get SVU started here or that we can get courses created and scheduled any time soon the Commander agreed to seminars at least." Kim was smiling wide and saw Adam beaming with pride.
"I told you that night I would hate for you to leave here, this unit. But you are meant for SVU. And I will never stand in your way. I will always be by your side supporting you." He walked over to hug her knowing his words were causing tears of joy. She had never been supported in a relationship so this was overwhelming but good for her. She truly loved this man. "We all agree! Do your thing! You are amazing!" Jay spoke up knowing it needed to be said. "Thank you, all of you!" Kim laughed through her tears as she heard her phone buzz. Adam picked it up off her desk and handed to her. She smiled again. "Something good?" He asked. "The good tissues with Vicks were delivered and the unhappy patient is more pleasant now." They all laughed knowing hospitals sucked. Voight walked out seeing his team happy. "Okay so I hope you all found that educational. Going forward we will be taking more rape cases. Even if that means only two people work the rape while everyone else works the other case. But they need to be solved and they need trained people handling those cases. You will all be receiving extra training to help out with these cases. So be prepared and be ready to learn. For now we have a case!" The team suited up to head out towards the crime scene.
The teams all headed to the crime scene, vests on, sirens blaring as they arrived at the address. The teams all entered the home seeing the dead bodies but also all the drugs and guns. This was massive and they all started taking inventory of the evidence. "Jay? You hear that?" Kim asked softly. He stopped moving listening intently. "Holy fuck! Everyone exit the house now!" The team started running out of the house as fast as possible. Kim and Jay being the last to leave as the bomb exploded throwing them off the porch. Both landing face down on opposite sides of the yard. "Kim! Jay!" Adam yelled running towards them. He rolled Kim on to get back looking for a pulse. He found one quickly but she was unconscious. "We need two ambos stat!" Adam yelled out as Jay was assessed. "Both have a pulse!" Kevin yelled out. Neither were moved further till paramedics arrived on the scene. Kim had started to wake already groaning in pain but seemed steady. Jay had taken more of the blow and suffered a head contusion.
The partners were loading into the waiting ambulances. Adam riding with Kim, Antonio riding with Jay. Voight calling Erin right away to let her know what happened. "Kim darling. I'm right here. You are going to be fine." Adam watched her nod her head slightly. The paramedics worked on her but she didn't seem to need that much. "Jays awake again. He's pretty dizzy and his ears are ringing. Just try to relax." He saw her relax a bit after that. "Heard noise. Didn't know what it was." Kim sighed. "It's okay. You did great! Because you heard it and Jay confirmed it we all got out alive. And you two will be fine." He squeezed her hand lightly. She nodded tears falling slightly. He knew it was the adrenaline wearing off. As they arrived at the hospital Adam waited in the waiting area for any news. He watched Jay come in next follow3d by the rest of the team. "Do we know what happened?" Voight asked obviously knowing it was a bomb but the time leading up to that. "I don't know much. I just heard Jay yelling for us to get out of the house and quick." Dawson answered. "Kim said something about she heard something. Jay confirmed what it was by telling everyone to get out. They saved our lives." Adam shook his head. "Everyone else okay?" Will asked looking towards the team. They all agreed they were fine. Shaken but fine.
"Is it always like this?" Torres asked since it was his first day. "We don't get bombed daily." Adam stated seeing Erin running in. She ran right into Voight's arms sobbing. "Er he's going to be okay. They both are. They saved our lives today. Just try to relax a bit so the baby isn't harmed." He hugged her tight. They sat back and waited anxiously for word about Kim and Jay. "Hey Kim. How are you feeling?" Will asked as he entered her room. "Tired but okay. My shoulder hurts like hell and my knee. I think I landed on them. Nothing feels broken though." She closed her eyes leaning her head back. "Alright we will get some x-rays and you should be good to go. You aren't presenting with any concussion symptoms so I'm not concerned about that. Any chance you are pregnant?" He asked knowing last time she flipped a bit. "I mean my birth control stops ovulation all together. But I guess, maybe." She was fairly certain she wasn't but they had to check so she understood. "Alright how about we run a test just be on the safe side?" He watched her nod. The nurse helped her to the bathroom before getting her back into the bed.
She didn't have to wait long for the results, it was negative. They took the x-rays next confirming her shoulder was dislocated. They popped her shoulder back into place and helped her get a sling on to help hold her shoulder better. She was discharged and headed out to the waiting area. Adam jumped up running towards her. "Hey how are you?" He asked holding her but trying not to put pressure on her shoulder. "I'm good. Dislocated shoulder. Bruised knee but I'm good." She looked up letting him see the truth in her eyes. "Okay. We are still waiting to hear about Jay." He watch her nod as she was surrounded by the team hugging her. "Kim can you tell us what happened?" Voight asked. "Um we were clearing a room when I heard a noise. I wasn't sure what it was so I asked Jay. He listened and then said holy fuck and yelled over the radio for everyone to leave. We ran as fast as we could but I guess we weren't fast enough." Kim explained.
"Okay. Sounds like he heard the timing device. Why don't you sit for a bit? Get off your knee." He gave her his seat to relax in. Kim threw her arm around Erin knowing this had to be hard for her. It wasn't much longer till Jay was walking towards them. He had a bandage on his forehead and a wrap on his wrist. He headed right for Erin who was sobbing seeing he was alright. "I'm good Er. Nothing broken. A small sprain and a gash on my forehead. Nothing to worry about. We are good." He held her tight kissing the side of her head. When they pulled apart the team all hugged Jay before he pulled Kim into a hug. "Thank you for hearing it." He whispered. "Thank you for getting us out of there!" Kim cried as they hugged it out. "I'm here to see my child born. I can't thank you enough." Jay smiled even though he had tears in his eyes. "Well you got me home to my kids. So we are even!" Kim smiled harder.
"Alright it's not too late but how about we all head back to mine for take out and some unwinding?" Kim offered up. Knowing they all needed to eat and she had no interest in cooking. "Actually sounds like a great idea. I think we could all use that." Kevin agreed as did the whole team. Adam texted the address to everyone before they headed out. Kim ordered a ton of food to be delivered by the time they all got to her place. Adam didn't force her to talk as they drove home. He just kept his hand on her knee the whole way. As they parked in the garage Adam helped her out of the car. He assumed her knee was killing her by this point. She looked up at him with a smile was it was a tired smile non the less. "Thank you." She whispered pecking his lips and heading inside. Both kids were immersed in an art project when Kim and Adam entered. "Hey kiddos." Kim smiled at them. "Mommy! What happened?" Both kids yelled. "Well mommy got hurt today but it's not bad. I just need to rest my shoulder some and will be fine. Now how about y you guys say goodnight to your sitter because the team is coming over for dinner." She watched the kids cheer. They hugged the sitter good bye before running to Adam who had been watching the scene.
"Hey kiddos! I missed you both today!" He had one on each hip holding them tight while Kim got the door. The team had arrived and the food was right behind them. The kids jumped down running to say hi to everyone they knew. Both kids noticed Torres but didn't know him so they walked to Adam to ask. "Adam! Who's that?" They point towards the new guy. "Oh that's Dante. He works with us now. Can you introduce yourselves?" He encouraged them in the home to talk to people but never outside the home. The twins held hands as they walked over towards him. "Hi I'm Mia this is Milo! Nice to meet you!" Kim had drilled into them being polite. "Nice to meet you too. I'm Dante Torres." He shook their little hands. Erin and Kevin had been helping get the food set up who,e Al and Voight worked on setting the table. Antonio offered drinks to everyone. Adam got the door once last time as Mouse arrived to join them for dinner.
"Everyone please dig in. There is plenty for everyone." She wanted everyone to be happy and comfortable. "Thanks for this Kim! It was a lovely idea." Al patted her shoulder as he took his plate to the table. "Well you are all welcome. This is what a family does. Supports each other through thick and thin. You have all made it so very clear I was right in coming here. This right here is the proof." Adam hugged her knowing the emotions were getting to her. "Well I want to thank you for hearing the bomb even if you didn't know that's what it was. We are all here because of that." Antonio smiled towards her knowing she needed to hear it but knowing it was the truth. She nodded softly while taking a bite of her food. The dinner was filled with talk about the team, the new guy and the kids just being crazy.
Once dinner was over the kids were ushered upstairs by Erin and Adam to get baths and ready for bed. Kim put their clothes into soak since the kids were messy eaters. Bibs only helped so much. The team continued to talk as they waited for the rest to join once more. The kids returned dressed in Jammies and they snuggled with the adult. Jay got one kid because he had a boo boo and Kevin got the other because he was the tallest, Milo's words. But the important part was they had fun as a family. A crazy dysfunctional family but family non the less. After the kids crashed out hard they were taken to bed for the night. So Kim decided they needed to lighten a bit. She had a game behind her back and a sly smile. They didn't know what to expect but most were delighted when cards against humanity came out. "Fucked up at its finest! Who's in for laughing till your faces hurt?" Kim put the decks down and the table filled. Voight and Al sat out at first but realized as sick as it was, it was hilarious and they all needed a good laugh.
It was around 10 when everyone started to leave. Exhausted from the days events. After they were alone again Adam helped Kim into bed. He hadn't seen the bruises yet and he was determined not to let go all night. She had scared him again. Though not her fault but scared him either way. "God darling I was so scared when I saw you flying off the porch." Adam pulled her close needing to feel her close. "Me too but I don't even remember that. I remember running and then jumping but that's it. I don't remember hitting the ground. I don't even know how I got on my back." Kim was confused about some of the details. "I yelled to you and Jay. I was closest to you and Kevin to Jay. I rolled you to find a pulse. Though I shouldn't have moved you but the adrenaline was kicking. I was just so scared." He explained not loosening his grip. "Hey I get it. It's so hard to think straight when it's someone you love. I get that. But we are good. I'm good. Just need to rest some. I would like a shower if you could help me, I'm not sure I can wash my hair with my shoulder like this." She looked up shyly.
"Come on. Let's get you cleaned up." He helped her undress before turning on the shower. He kissed her long and slow as the water heated up. He needed this. He needed to have proof she was alive and unharmed. He just needed to feel her skin on his. He took great care in washing her body. Making sure every inch was clean before he helped dry her off and get her settled in bed first the night. He made sure they had been in contact all night and now he definitely wasn't letting go. They had both noticed the bruises only starting to form a d they knew it would be ugly tomorrow but neither could care. They had each other and the kids and no bruise, no bomb was getting in their way.