"Kim your phones ringing." Adam nudged her awake. She grabbed her scared for who it was. "Hey boss! What's going on?" Kim asked. "Hey sorry to wake you but I wanted to let you know our rapist from the last case was just murdered in prison. It's obviously not the justice we would have liked but it's over at least." He heard her sigh heavily. "Thank you for letting me know. It's not perfect but it's over. I do appreciate the call. I will see you later." Kim sighed as she hung up. "What was that?" Adam was confused since Kim was getting up and his phone hadn't rang either. "Um our perp from the last case was killed in prison. I would rather have him in jail to suffer. I'm not sure he deserved this. He was super uneducated and just fell for all the crap he was spoon fed by the fake news. Even with what he did I'm not sure he deserved this." She rolled back in to Adam's arms. "Oh man. That sucks. But at least Bella is safe now. And so are all the other kids. I wish this would bring just as many headlines as the fake news gets. But I know it won't. Just know if you want to cry just let it out." He offered not sure where her mind was at.
"I'm not sure that's necessary. I hope this is a lesson for all those like him. I wonder if his family can sue for all the fake news that is spewed on tv every day. This didn't need to happen to anyone, let alone a child. Can we just try to sleep a bit more?" Kim asked sounding drained. "Of course. Just sleep." He felt her drifting back off. He waited till he was sure she was asleep before he fell asleep again. Hours later he woke feeling her body weight on top of his. He opened eyes seeing her still asleep just literally on top of him. He smiled moving her hair from her face. He loved her and was getting used to the shorter hair. She kept it long enough so he could still run his fingers through it. He was actually surprised how much he loved her haircut when he first saw it. Literally pulling her into a deep, passionate kiss. It was crazy to him, to her but they both enjoyed the night.
He saw her eyes starting to flutter open. A soft dreamy smile came over her face as she realized she was lying in him. "How did this happen?" She asked laughing a bit. "Not really sure. But I'm definitely enjoying it." He smirked knowing she loved his smirk. "Me too. So we need to start moving. I have a doctor's appointment this morning. It's literally only 15 minutes but I have that before work. Are you sure you are okay taking the kids to school?" Kim asked wanting to double check. "Yeah that's fine. What appointment do you have today?" He wasn't sure she told him. "It's my yearly mammogram. I hate it but it's for the best." She sat up some till on top of him though. "Well sounds important. We both know that. So let's get moving." He helped her move off him safely before following her to the bathroom.
He watched her in the shower for a minute before joining her. Her eyes were closed as she washed her hair. He then saw her eyes pop open. "What?" He was confused by her sudden change. "I just realized I never told you something super important." She shook her head slightly but kept washing, "Okay what did you forget?" He was completely confused. "So the friend I talked to yesterday." She watched him nod. "So her daughter, who's 8, is my god daughter. And I'm her legal guardian if anything happens to both her parents. That really affects you too." He stood close as she explained. "Hey that's cool. Doesn't bother me at all. Just more proof of your large heart. So let's talk about that later. You have places to be." He kissed her softly as they finished showering.
It was a flurry getting the kids ready for school and the couple ready as well. But neither would change a thing. Kim kissed both kids goodbye and giving Adam a very hard kiss before she headed to her appointment as he took the kids to school. He loved this part of the morning, the kids happy and dancing in their seats. Once the kids were safely inside he headed to work. He saw Kim had arrived at her appointment and was waiting to be squished. He laughed but felt bad for her. He could only imagine how uncomfortable it was for any woman let alone one he loved. He arrived shortly after heading to the break room right away. "Where's Kim? Is she okay?" Jay asked confused as they normally arrived together. "She had a quick doctor's appointment this morning. She should be here shortly." Adam shrugged it off. "But is she okay? She's at the doctors and you are here?" He questioned further.
"I had to get the kids to school. And it wasn't exactly an appointment I could go in with her for. She said it should be 15 minutes or less so I'm not overly concerned." Adam tried to explain without giving out all her business. "Oh I go with Erin to the gyno. I'm surprised she's didn't want you there." Jay was shocked that Adam wasn't there. "Nope. It's a mammogram. Guys aren't allowed back in that area. I support that fully. It's already uncomfortable for them without random men walking around." Adam watched Jay turned shocked almost sick. "Wait she has a lump?" He tried not to yell or scare anyone. "No calm down! She had a scare when the twins turned one. It turned out to be nothing but the lump was removed and she tests yearly Incase. I just didn't want to spread her business." Adam shrugged again. "Sorry you are right. I shouldn't have pushed. Just know we all care about her and would be very upset if she was sick." Jay watched him nod and left him be.
Kim arrived shortly after going right to Adam for a hug. "Sucked that bad huh?" He asked seeing her in pain. "God it's horrible! They say the denser the breast the worse the pain and lord knows these things are heavy as hell." She laughed a bit. "Anything I can do?" He wasn't sure as he never had a girlfriend who had to do this. "Nothing. But just know I will be sore for a bit." He lessened his embrace so he could kiss her forehead leaving her be for now. She grabbed a tea before heading back to her desk. Voight stepped out to address the team. "Alright. As I informed Kim in the early morning hours yesterday's offended was murdered in prison during the night. Obviously we still need to file all the paperwork to close all the loose ends. I will let you guys know if we catch another case." Voight headed back to his office.
"So Kim how does this work for the victim then?" Torres asked unsure of how that worked. "So obviously they don't have to relive it by taking the stand. But they don't get the ability to accuse their offender. That's a key part of the healing process. It's key to taking back the power. Fortunately Bella seems to have a good social worker and good foster parents so hopefully that means lots of support and lots of therapy. The thing to really understand is just because the offender is dead doesn't mean it's over for the victim. Some take years to move forward, some take decades and some never do. My job with these victims never ends. I will always be here to support them no matter what." She was passionate and they all knew it. "That's intense. So you follow up with them all?" He asked trying to understand better. "Um not all of them after the trials are over. But till then yes. It allows us to intervene if needed before something really bad happens." She paused for just a moment.
"Finding that victim you didn't check in with dead from a drug over dose or from slitting their wrists is something you never get over. But helping someone who is 'pink clouding' to get help and deal with the emotions heals parts of your broken soul." Kim tried to explain. "What's pink clouding?" Al asked having never heard of it before. "So it's when the victim pushing all the bad emotions down, sugar coating how they feel. It's almost like a euphoric feeling for some. They have drastic changes in their appearance, they completely change their living space, doing anything and everything to avoid the feelings. But it almost always ends with them taking their lives when all the feelings crash over them. Missing the warning signs could cause them to leave this earth. And that is heartbreaking." Kim saw everyone looking at her.
Adam looked amused smiling wide. The rest looking impressed by her knowledge. Or inspired by her passion. "Sounds rough for sure. Why did you choose SVU?" Torres asked. "Well it seemed like the place I could do the most good in this world. And I have always been passionate about woman's rights. It's scary as hell right now for sure." Kim tried to explain though she wasn't sure really either. "Was your family passionate about it as well?" Antonio asked but just side eyed Adam who scuffed. "No. I'm not sure my parents can spell liberal." Kim rolled her eyes thinking about them. "I'm not sure they can spell family." Adam mumbled under his breath. Kim glared at him, "You may be right about that but no need to be douchy." Kim gave him a very knowing look. "Sorry. Your family is a sore subject for me, for us." Adam knew he was out of line.
"I know my family sucks. And yes it was rough growing up surrounded by mouth breathing, knuckle dragging republicans. Especially ones who believe all the fake news. But I chose to overcome from that. And I chose to make the world a better place. Even if they don't approve." Kim explained trying not give too many details away. "Sounds like an environment you can't live in. Nor thrive in. It's better you are here where you can make that difference. While I may not agree with all the liberal stuff, I do agree people can be who they are without it effecting me. I may not understand all this non binary stuff but I know it doesn't affect me so who cares if that makes them happy." Al replied knowing things were hard to understand right now and the world was crazy. "Thank you for understanding that." Kim smiled at him. Kim broke the conversation when her phone dinged. She saw an email with her test results.
She took a deep breath opening the results. She had to read it twice before it clicked in her head that she was clear. No abnormalities. She was thrilled. She sent the screenshot to Adam showing him the results. She watched the smile cross his face. They could both relax now. The team returned to work trying to finish the paperwork though it would never make it to court. It was boring and tedious but that was the job. Kim headed to the bathroom a while later. Adam waited a few minutes before he followed her. He didn't hear the chuckling happening in the bullpen. "He knows this looks planned right?" Kevin laughed. "I'm sure he does. But did anyone notice whatever happened on her phone had her smiling and then he was smiling shortly after?" Erin asked hoping everyone saw it. "Yeah I saw it too. She did have a doctor's appointment today so the results was probably good. They seemed to relax afterwards." Jay knew what was happening so he was happy they looked calmer now.
Adam found her leaving the bathroom. "Hey! I'm so excited with the results." Adam hugged her tight. "Me too! I feel a weight lifted off me that I didn't realize was there. I was scared seeing the results so quick. But no phone call within 24 hours is good news. And that result message was just a relief. I'm ready to continue the day now." They shared a kiss before heading back to the bullpen. Pure laughing breaking out when they returned together. "What did I miss?" Kim asked confused. "Did you guys really just head out to make out in the locker room?" Kevin laughed at them. "No! I had to pee! Did we share a hug and a small kiss sure but I really did have to pee." Kim rolled her eyes walking to her desk mumbling children under her breath.
"Well you both look super relaxed now so whatever happened is all good." Antonio replied. "Yeah I'm feeling good. Relaxed, lighter." She smiled wide returning to her work, Around 2 Voight came out to dismiss them for the day. "Anyone want to learn how to ride today?" Kim asked knowing they had all talked about it. "Yes! I'm in!" Antonio jumped up. Adam agreed as they all headed out. Kevin wasn't sure yet. Torres agreed to come along to see what they were doing. Jay was excited to ride again. Erin had to sit out but was happy to be outside watching. They all arrived at the stables heading inside. "Okay guys this is Mathew. He's going to show y'all how to ride today!" Kim got super excited when her eyes saw her favorite horse. She literally ran to him. "Hey my buddy! I'm so happy to see you!" They watched as he nuzzled her face. "Oh you missed me too! Where's your rider?" Kim asked confused. "He's on vacation this week." Matthew answered her. "Please call me anytime his rider is away. I love this horse!" She saw Matthew take her card for the future.
Kim worked to get Blackjack ready to ride while Matthew worked with the team to get horses for them to ride. Kim enjoying the extra time with her buddy. Adam was surprised by how hard riding actually was. He and the team struggled with riding at first. Even just getting the horses to walk was hard for them. Kim was watching amused to the least. She walked towards Erin to check in but never left her horses back. "How are you doing Erin?" Kim asked knowing it was hard being pregnant and a cop. "Okay. I'm struggling with how my body is changing and little control I have over the situation. But I don't want to make the same mistakes my mom made so I'm working hard. Jay has been a blessing that's for sure. He just keeps working hard to show me that I'm still beautiful even when I'm crying for no reason. We are moving in together soon. We want to live together when the baby gets here." Erin explained.
"Yeah I understand all that. But you are so lucky to have Jay. He really is a great partner. So I can only imagine how great he is as a boyfriend. And as a father. You are both amazing with my kids. You both got this! But I'm always here to help. Call me anytime. Even if it's just crying for no reason. We got you and you got this!" The girls shared a half hug as they saw the team walking close looking sore. "I take it y'all are in pain?" Kim laughed. She heard them all grumbling. "Alright let me say good night to my sweet boy and then we can head out." Kim laughed seeing it was less than an hour. She dismounted and headed to the stall. Adam followed watching the love between the two. He noticed she was talking with Matthew as well but wasn't concerned. After a few treats and a few soft kisses Kim walked away from Blackjack. Adam could tell she was sad.
"You can visit him again tomorrow." He hugged her but she shook her head. "What's wrong?" They all gathered around her. "They are going to retire him. He will be sent god knows where. And not sure I can still see him." Kim explained. "Well maybe you could adopt him? I don't know how that works but it's a thought." Dawson offered. "Maybe but even if I could boarding is expensive, feeding them is expensive, vet bills are expensive. I'm not sure I can afford that but it's something to look into at least." Kim was bummed they could all see that. "We will look into that. Maybe he could continue to stay here since you are a cop?" Kevin offered seeing how crush she was. "Maybe. I don't know. It's like year away so I'm worried over nothing right now. Just don't want to lose him. I don't know." Kim shook her head a bit but they got it. "Alright let's get the kids and head to the beach. Not too many days left we can do this." Adam knew the weather was starting to change as fall was setting in. "Sounds good. Stretch well guys or it will hurt like hell tomorrow." Kim laughed a bit.
"It will work out darling! I know it!" He hugged her helping her into the car. "Yeah I know. I just love him. I know I'm being emotional right now." Kim sighed looking at her phone as Adam started to drive towards the school. "Any idea why you are being emotional today?" He asked wondering if she knew they why behind it. "I hadn't realized it all day but I just looked at the phone and realized. It's September 23rd." Kim sighed heavily. Adam didn't even need to ask he knew what today was and that was the issue. He just squeezed her hand. As she walked into get the kids he texted the team letting them know why she was so emotional earlier. It was Paul's birthday today. Just another day she had to face where he was sure she put out tons of effort with no care given back. It was a light bulb moment for them all.
Adam saw the kids running for the car excited to see him. He jumped out to hug them both. He lifted them up hugging them tight. He loved hearing them laughing. "Well hello kiddos! You both look happy today!" Held them close while Kim just watched smiling at them. "Beach time!" Milo yelled. "Well let's go then!" Adam laughed placing them down helping them into the car. Kim finished getting the kids settled before getting in as well. Adam drove them straight to a local beach they all liked. Kim said it was like the beaches in Queens that the kids were used to so Adam made a point to take them there each time. The kids talked the whole way bringing Kim out of her funk. By the time they arrived Kim looked more herself again smiling with the kids.
The kids found a spot they wanted to relax in while Adam carried the blankets and toys. Kim stayed close making sure they didn't fall and get hurt. Adam set up camp while kids started to build a sand castle. Kim looked for sea glass as she walked. Adam played with the kids happily but kept an eye on Kim just in case. She wandered back after a bit with a few small pieces to add to her jar. She sat next to them showing him the pieces she found. It wasn't much longer till the small family was interrupted by the sound of barking. Adam looked around right away making sure it wasn't a dangerous dog. They saw right away it was a small German shepherd. It looked overly excited but on a leash. Kim quietly gasped. "What?" Adam was confused why she gasped. "It's a dwarf! It's a German shepherd with dwarfism!" She jumped up wanting to see the dog for herself. The kids followed excited to the small dog. Adam followed unsure of the situation.
They were all pleasantly surprised to see he was part of a K-9 unit in training. "Hey I'm Detective Burgess, this is Officer Ruzek and my kids. Can we pet the dog?" Kim knew the rules with dogs in training. "Yes of course. To be honest I'm not sure this one will make it. He's way too sweet and looks a little dopey. Not sure he will be able to scare anyone." The man laughed looking at the small dog. "He looks like a dwarf. Am I correct?" Kim asked seeing the kids petting the dog. "Possible. He's smaller than the rest so that's possible. Never thought about that." The man was surprised. "Yeah it would explain why his paws are so huge. But he's definitely sweet." They watched the dog rolling around get rubs from the kids and from Adam as well. "I hate to say this but if he is a dwarf we can't use him. His size won't fall into the guidelines." He watched the small family loving in the dog. "That's really too bad. But like you said he's too sweet for this job." Kim sat next to her family loving up on the dog who was now licking her face. Adam cracking up as Kim tried to direct the attention.
They noticed the trainer making some calls but weren't worried about it at all. Figured as long as the dog was happy he could do his business. When he returned he sat next to them. "Okay so we looked into it and he is a dwarf. No way we can use him. We would hate to take him to a shelter where we know he would probably get adopted quick because he's a love. But we are willing to give you guys the option first. What do you think?" They all heard Kim gasp. Adam looked over to see tears in her eyes. She wanted this. Maybe more than anything else. "I think that's a yes." Adam laughed seeing Kim in tears hugging the dog. "Perfect what district do you work out of? I will get his papers sent over to you there." He asked watching the love clear on their faces. "We are both in the 21st, Intelligence." Adam spoke knowing Kim couldn't at this point.
"That's great. While it's not official for him. He is trained in drug sniffing so I'm sure that will help out with your team." The man lived this dog going to a loving family but also a team where he could still work some. "That's great! I'm sure Voight will be thrilled. Does he have a name?" Adam asked still watching his family. "Yeah his name is Gunner. You notice his ears perked up hearing his name. He's very well behaved. Potty trained which is a bonus with two small kids. But you can take him home tonight. I'm not sure you could break this love fest up if you tried." They laughed seeing Kim holding the dog while the kids pet him. "Yeah no. It's been a rough day for her so this is perfect. Thank you so much for this." The men shook hands. "Okay Gunner. This is your new family okay. I promise you will be loved forever. You be safe buddy." The man left after that petting the dog one last time.
"Okay my buddy you want to walk over to our things so we can head to the store to buy some supplies?" He got up right away hearing walk. They walked over to their things picking up and walking back towards the car. Both kids walked next to the dog the whole time. Once the kids were settled back into the car with the dog sitting between them the couple headed to the pet store to get the things they needed for the new member of their family. This was not how either expected the day to go but they were thrilled. By the time they arrived at the store the kids were hungry and tired. Kim made a quick run through the store grabbing a few quick essentials before heading back to the car. The kids cheered as they headed to grab something quick to eat on the way home. The kids couldn't wait to get in the house to eat their dinner. Gunner running behind them excited to look around his new home.
The kids were settled and started to eat as Kim set up the dog's food and water. Adam got drinks for everyone before joining the kids in eating, Kim not far behind them. The family ate talking about the new dog the entire time. Kim loved how excited the kids were but also how happy they were on a shitty day. She was thankful they didn't seem to remember. After dinner Adam took the dog outside to use the bathroom and letting him learn the property lines. Thankfully it was fenced in. When they returned inside he heard the kids upstairs with Kim getting bathed and ready for some quiet time before bed. Adam was surprised that Gunner followed the sounds ending up in the bathroom with the kids. Luckily for them all he didn't get in the tub with them.
He waited patiently watching them the whole time. As Kim got the kids out of the tub Adam dried them off before leading them back to their room. Gunner following close behind them. He seemed like he was guarding them but he was gentle and loving. The kids were dressed for bed and led back down the stairs to play a game before bed time. But all they wanted to do was play with the dog so that's what happened. The kids crashed out around 8 which was perfect for their bedtime. The couple carried both kids to bed with the dog in tow. He settled in their room for the night so the door was left open in case he needed to leave during the night.
The couple settled on the couch for the night exhausted from the day. "This has literally been the craziest day." Adam chuckled thinking about it. "Yeah. This is not how I thought this day would go but I love it. That dog literally brought so much happiness to this family." She snuggled in his arms closing her eyes. "You know I always wanted a German shepherd with dwarfism. Im sure that sounds strange but they just look so cute and dopey." He felt her snuggle closer. "Well he is both of those things. But he seems to fit in well. He loves the kids that's for sure. And probably most important thing." He let the silence build for a bit. After a bit he asked a question that was on his mind. "How are you feeling about today being Paul's birthday?" He felt her stiffen a bit. "Um I was good all day till I realized it. Like something was plaguing me all day but I didn't realize it was that. I brushed it off as a bad day. But what makes me happy is that the kids don't seem to remember or care that it was his birthday today." He felt her relax again.
"I agree they seem to think about him less and less. And they seem more comfortable in life. More comfortable in the day to day. And the nightmares seem to have died off." He knew that was huge for them all. "Oh I agree. The nightmares killed me inside. It's been nice just having happy kids. Kids who are learning, growing, kind, loving. It's better than I hoped for." She looked into his eyes. "A lot of that is thanks to you." She smiled kissing him softly. "I did nothing except for what they deserve. What you deserve. Being the man you all deserve. Being the partner you deserve. Being the dad they deserve. And I know I'm not but we are moving towards that. And when they are ready we will let that happen." He watched her nod kissing her more deep.
"So I owe you a talk from this morning." She watched him nod. "So what do you want to know." Kim asked not sure what to say as she gave him the cliff notes version that morning. "Well I understand the god daughter part but it's the guardian part I'm unsure about. Not that I'm asking you to change that. Just unsure how it works." He saw her nod a bit. "Understandable. Um so if my friend Michelle dies her daughter go to Dan, the father and husband. And vice versa. If they both die then I get custody of Nora. And their estate would be set up in a trust for me to use to care for her. Obviously the chances of that are small but that's the deal. Michelle has cancer, ovarian. While it's been removed multiple times it's spreads and some areas that are affected can't be removed. But the medication they have her now seems to be working to keep the tumors from growing at least." Kim watched his face soften hearing her talk about cancer.
"That can't be easy but sounds like it's under control. Where do they live?" He asked knowing she was from the east coast. "York PA. It's an hour outside Baltimore." She knew he didn't know the area at all so it was the easiest explanation. "What do they do for work?" He asked trying to figure out all the angels. "She's an Administrative Assistant and he's a Manager at a cardboard factory. Nothing dangerous." She laughed. "Gotcha! Well hopefully they stay together for a long time but god forbid the most happens we will face it together. I'm not going anywhere, ever." He hugged her tight knowing she needed to hear it. "Thank you I appreciate that. It's been crazy that's for sure. But I think it gives them peace knowing she would go somewhere safe. Who has the same values." She shrugged a bit.
"Not to totally change the topic but I need to soak. My legs are really hurting from earlier." He laughed a bit but knew it would be worse tomorrow if he didn't do this. "Yeah let's head up. After we can check on the dog before bed." She stood and helped him up as they headed to the bathroom. Kim filed the tub with very warm water for him to soak in. "Join me please." He watched her nod as she stripped down to join. He settled in first groaning feeling the warm water already working his body. Kim lay up against him. "Just relax baby!" Kim's hands rubbed his legs trying to help ease the pain. He groaned feeling her working his body but it wasn't sexy, it was painful. But he appreciated her effort to help soothe his pains. He loved this woman who was trying her hardest to make the whole world a better place.
When the water cooled he helped her put first before getting out himself. They dried off quickly before getting dressed again. Adam heads to the kids room finding the dog sitting up looking at him. "Hey boy you want to potty before bed time?" Adam whispered trying not to wake the kids. Gunner followed him down the stairs and headed out to use the bathroom before returning to the kids room for the night. When Adam returned to their room Kim was already in the bed waiting for him. He laid next to her pulling her into his arms. "You have really made a wonderful life for yourself Kim. Im even more proud of you. I love you so damn much!" He kissed her pouring all his love into the kiss. "I love you too! So damn much! You are an amazing man, amazing partner and amazing father to the kids. I see it just not rushing them to make that call. But know i see it clear as day." She kissed him back loving the connection they had together.
He was happy to have her leg wrap around his hip. He looked into her eyes seeing the want clear as day. He said nothing just started to kiss her as he made love her slowly, lovingly, purposefully. The couple came together crying in pleasure. But also crying tears of joy and happiness of the life they built together. The family they created together. It was beyond beautiful to them both. Falling asleep shortly after safe wrapped together.