The next morning Kim arrived to the district right on time. Normally she was early but she had ridden Blackjack that morning again so she was running behind. "Morning!" Kim stated as she sat her items down at her desk. She heard several mornings from different people as she headed the break room for coffee. Unsurprisingly Adam followed her. He stood next to her slowly and softly touching her hip. "So...Are we gonna act like nothing happened?" He asked as he topped off his cup. "Um no. But I would like to keep things professional at work. And maybe on quiet side for now. Just till we figure out if this is going somewhere for real. I just don't want everyone in our business." Kim looked up hoping he understood. "I'm good with that, for now at least. But it's going to be tough not kissing you now that I know how good we are together." Adam smirked at her. "Yeah I know, me too. But it's for the best. We still have so much to learn about each other. And we have so much baggage to unload, or at least I do. It's all part of the snails pace." Kim smiled as her fingers grazed his arm.
They were pulled from their conversation by a knock on the door. It was Voight motioning for them to join the morning briefing. "Alright. Few things this morning. First finish your paperwork till we get a case. Second there is a seminar that I want you all to attend, it will be a paid day so attendance is mandatory." Voight paused listening to the group groan in disgust. "What is the seminar about?" Al asked. "Um some class raising awareness of sexual assaults. I don't know but it sounded important so you have to go." Voight paused for more complaints. "Um yeah can I not go? I mean I took those seminars all the time in New York." Kim looked hopeful. "Sorry your in. Lastly I wanted to let you all know that Mouse is rejoining the unit starting today so let's all welcome him back." Voight watched as everyone cheered for their friend who just returned from war.
Kim was waiting to introduce herself but didn't have to wait long as he moved towards her. "You're Detective Burgess, correct?" Mouse asked holding his hand out to shake. "I am. Have we met before?" Kim shook his hand slightly confused. "Ah no. I saw a seminar you spoke at about 4 years ago here in Chicago. I um snuck in looking for a warm place to hang and heard your speech." Mouse started shyly. "Your a public speaker?" Adam asked watching the interaction. "Occasionally. Not in a couple years since the kids were born. But yeah I gave speeches about Sex Crimes and Sexual Assault." Kim nodded like it was nothing. "Yeah the speech you gave was about male rape victims. And how people don't understand that rape can happen to anyone including straight men. How it goes widely unreported as its hard to prove and people just don't believe it's possible. It was very eye opening and educational." Mouse explained excitedly. "Well I'm glad to hear you got something out of it. It hard enough getting people to understand rape of females and children let alone males. More importantly straight males. But it can happen to anyone." Kim shrugged as she made her way back to her desk.
"Well I guess you don't have to go to the seminar now. That explains a lot. So let's get back to work. Mouse head down to your station and get it back to your standards." Voight orders as they all got back to work. "Do you have your speech on video? I would love to see it, I'm sure we all would." Dawson asked. "Um maybe. I can take a look. I'm pretty self-conscious about it but I will look for it." Kim looked down embarrassed. "Sounds amazing! Badass! I hope you can find it so we can all watch you educate us." Erin offered as she watched Kim blush looking down at her hands. "Alright we will let you be. But please look for it." Kevin added as they went back to working on paperwork. As the morning continued on the team finished up the paperwork from the last case. Once they finished they all headed to lunch as a team to congratulate Mouse on rejoining the unit.
Kim enjoyed the lunch a lot. She learned a lot about Mouse and more about the team. She loved watching them all laughing together. It really did look like a family. Adam sat next to her during lunch and made sure they were touching the entire time. Nothing more than slight touches but it helped keep Kim connected and present. Adam knew Kim still wasn't fully comfortable in Chicago with the team since it's still so new to her but she was doing well making this family hers as well. "So Burgess. When did you move to Chicago? I thought you lived in New York." Mouse asked not knowing the story. They all looked at her wanting to see how she answered. "Um yeah. I moved here less than 3 months ago. I'm starting fresh here with my two kids. Both a little over 2 years old. And as of yesterday I'm officially divorced and we are all officially Burgesses. No longer Casteanos." Kim stated. The group cheered for her. "Wait your ex husband was Hispanic? How did I not know?" Adam asked.
"Yeah that and Italian. And I don't talk about him much. I don't want and or need to. He's the past, you all are my future. Being free and safe is the future." Kim smiled wide as she got encouragement from her team, her family. "Well if he left you he must be a douche." Mouse offered up. "Oh no. I left him. After he beat me. And tried to rape me in front of our kids. I left that night with the kids and never looked back. Moved out if the state first chance I had. But you are correct, he's a douche." Kim smiled as they all laughed at the douche comment. The team finished up and headed back to the district. Luckily they hadn't caught a case so the day ended earlier than normal.
As Kim packed up she felt Adam beside her. "Heading home?" He asked softly not wanting the world to hear. "No I'm heading to the stables to ride Blackjack again. He's been sad and lonely with his rider hurt so I'm trying to go often. You should come with. I think you would like it." Kim suggested not sure if he even liked animals let alone horses. "Sure sounds good. I would love to see you ride." Adam winked allowing the underlying suggestion linger as he walked away to get his things. They followed each other out to their cars and to the stables. Adam had never been there before. Even as a kid his father never took him to see the horses. The stables themselves were magnificent to look at and the inside was more barn like. Kim walked right over to see her new buddy. "Hey my buddy! Are you ready to ride?" Kim reached up to pet him and allowed him to nuzzle closer to her face. "Hey there buddy. She's my chick!" Adam laughed watching the two. "You can pet him. He won't bite unless you threaten him." Kim watched as Adam seemed hesitant to touch the massive horse.
He was larger than Adam had expected. Both in height and weight but he was gentle with Kim and that was most important. The stable hand came over to assist in getting the horse ready to ride. Kim walked the horse into the arena area before mounting the horse. Adam watched in amazement as Kim rode the horse with ease around the arena. He watched as they switched between walking, galloping and trotting. He even took out his phone to video his girl on the back of the horse that could kill her with one stomp. Kim made it look easy but he knew it was far from simple. She rode for about an hour before coming to a stop by the gate. Her dismount was smooth and effortless as she took the reins and led Blackjack back towards his stall. Kim brushed him a bit and gave him some small treats before he was put in his stall for the night.
As she finished loving on Blackjack Adam continued to watch the two. It was simple, easy, content and it was love. Kim loved this horse and though she may not be his normal rider he doubted she would stop riding him after this weekend. The sparkle in her eyes when she rode gave him an insight in to the future. What he can expect but what she looks like when she's truly happy. He waited close by for her to finish giving her time to say goodnight. As she walked away from the horse Adam held out his hand to her. She took it happily as they left the stables. "I got to say watching you ride was impressive. You made it look so simple. I know it's not but you made it look easy. Maybe you could teach me sometime?" Adam suggested as he moved her closer to his body. "I think we could manage that." Kim winked as she leaned up to kiss him.
"Will you come out with us tonight? We are celebrating the return of our favorite tech analyst, Mouse." Adam held her close as he spoke. "I don't know. I have the kids to think about. I'm not sure I'm ready to leave them alone at night. They've been through hell. Maybe you can over after the kids go to bed? We can talk more." Kim asked shyly. "Kim I know the kids have been through a lot but you also need to have fun as an adult. Not long just an hour? Then you can head home to the kids." Adam pleaded hoping she would come out with them. "Maybe. I need to make sure they are okay with it as well as April. I don't ask her to watch them at night unless it's for a case. I don't want her to feel used." Kim gave in knowing he was right. And it had been 10 months or so since she left her husband. She did deserve it. Plus the kids seem to have adjusted well to the move. Nightmares coming less often.
"That's all I ask. Either way I want to hang out tonight. Just the two of us. I love spending time with you. Love getting to know you better. Love building this, whatever we call it together." Adam smiled as he leaned down to kiss her passionately. When they were desperate for air they broke apart. "I should get going. Need to wash away the smell of horses in case I'm come out tonight." Kim winked as she started to leave. "Before you go. Just one more kiss." Adam pulled her back into his arms kissing her softly. "You can go now but please come out tonight. I really want to spend some time with you outside the home. So if not tonight maybe this weekend after the parade?" Adam asked almost begged. "We can talk about it later tonight. Either way I will see you later." Kim blew him a kiss as she got in her car and headed home. Adam watched till he couldn't see her car anymore.
Adam headed home to get ready for the night ahead. It had been a slow day but he still wanted to freshen up and change his outfit. He wanted to look a little nicer for Kim. He hoped she came out with them but knew he would see her either way. It was the plan and truly it was the routine. As Kim arrived home both kids ran to greet her at the door. She loved coming home to the kids, loved seeing their smiling faces. "Well hello my babies! Did you have a good day?" Kim asked as she knelt down to hug them. "Yes mommy!" The twins yelled as they ran back to the living room. "Hey thanks for watching them." Kim stated as she put her gun in the safe and hung up her jacket. "It's no problem. They are easy. Did you have a good ride? I can smell the horses from here." April laughed as she got closer. "I did. And I have a favor to ask. Would you mind watching them tonight? The team is meeting up to celebrate a member returning from overseas. And I was invited like always. I think this one is important." Kim asked shyly. She hated to ask for more help then she really needed.
"Absolutely! You need to go out some. You know that, you deserve that. Let's make some dinner then get the kids bathed and you showered. You are so going out tonight." April laughed in excitement about Kim rejoining the world slowly. "Thank you I really do appreciate it." Kim hugged her friend before starting dinner for the group. As she cooked the sound of her kids laughing in the background was music to her ears. It was a sound she hadn't heard much in New York but now here in Chicago it seemed to happening more and more. As she plated up the dinner for her children Kim become excited but also nervous for the days ahead. "Kids it's dinner time!" Kim called out hearing the cheers of her happy kids running to the table. Kim and April got the kids in the high chairs and ready to eat. The kids chattered through dinner telling Kim all about their day at daycare. Kim loved hearing all about their day. It reinforced the notion that moving here was the right move for all of them.
After they ate Kim took the kids up to get washed up and ready for bed time. They would be allowed to go back downstairs to play some more but Kim loved bathing her kids. It was a mess and water was everywhere but Kim still loved it. After they were dressed Kim headed towards the shower to get herself ready for her night out. Adam was already at Molly's with the team. He was facing the door hoping that she would walk in. "Bro you keep staring at the door. What's up?" Kevin asked kind of worried. "Oh um I just hope that Kim comes tonight. I invited her like always. She said she would think about it. I just hope she comes here." Adam explained. "So what's the deal with Burgess? Is she seeing anyone?" Mouse asked. Adam laughed and the team looked surprised. "Um yeah. Kim's seeing someone. Me." Adam looked over with a sly smile.
"Oh um okay. Just asking, not trying to get in the way." Mouse stammered. "Look it's fine. We are going slow, she's got a ton of emotional baggage that she needs to work through. I know she has told me a lot of it but I know there is more. Everyday I learn a little more and it's heartbreaking. I just want to be there for her and her kids." Adam explained "Well I think you may get your chance. She's walking it in now." Jay points in her direction. Adam looks towards the door smiling widely at the sight of his girl walking in. He saw her looking around, checking out the place she was in for the first time. She saw Adam and smiled wide herself. "Hey you made it! I'm so happy to see you here." Adam hugged her tight. "You look beautiful." Adam whispered before pulling away. "Hey thanks for the invite and the seat." Kim took the offered seat before turning to see the rest of the team. "Hey guys!" Kim spoke to the team as a round of heys and hellos rang out.
"What are you drinking tonight?" Dawson asked as he stood to head to the bar. "Um just a beer please. Thank you." Kim offered up her card but he declined it. They all chatted as they drank, laughter rang out loudly from the table. Adams hand was on Kim's back the entire time. "Kim is the bracket new?" Erin asked noticing the leather band on her wrist. "Yeah. Well it's new to me but it's used. It's my gift for surviving the divorce." Kim Let Erin check out the bracelet. "Used? Why not just buy a new one?" Mouse asked. "Well the full price is 550 and with two kids I can't justify that. So I got it used for less than half price. Maybe once I'm not paying rent and a mortgage I will treat myself more but for now this works." Kim shrugged. "Well we are all proud of you. Freedom is an amazing thing." Kevin hugged her tightly. "Thanks Kev." Kim smiled.
"Hey I'm gonna use the restroom. I will be right back." Kim excused herself heading towards the bathroom that Adam had pointed to. The team continued to chat while they waited for her to come back. She was taking a fairly long time. Adam scanned the bar seeing her by the bathroom looking rather uncomfortable as she was being spoken to by an unknown person. Adam pointed in their direction and started to head over. "Hey Darling! Making new friends." Adam stated loudly as he moved his arm around her shoulders. He felt her relax into his side. "Not really. Apparently not interested means nothing." Kim stated. "Head back to the table. I got this." Adam kissed her forehead before allowing her to head back to their friends.
"Look I don't know you but she was clearly uncomfortable and uninterested. You need to leave the Detective alone. We clear?" Adam asked sternly. The man nodded and walked off. Adam headed back to the table seeing Kim relaxed and laughing with the team. "Thank you." Kim whispered. Adam smiled and kissed her head softly. The group started to break up shortly after that. "Are you ready to head home?" Adam asked softly. "Yeah I'm ready to head home. You coming over?" Kim smiled slyly. "Hell ya!" Adam smirked grabbing her hand and leading her to their cars. "See you at my place." Kim kissed him as she got into the car. Adam nodded watching as she drove off. Adam jumped in his car and followed closely behind her. He was excited to see what tonight would bring for them.
They arrived at the home and entered hand in hand. "You want a water?" Kim offered as they walked in to kitchen. "Sure. What do you want to talk about tonight?" Adam asked taking the water and heading to the couch. "I don't know. You pick the topic." Kim curled up next to him. "Okay how about we have the uncomfortable sex talk?" Adam offered. "Um okay. Well it's been awhile, a long time in fact. I uh god this is uncomfortable." Kim looked up at Adam. "Hey I get that. What about safety?" Adam asked. "Always safe. And I test often even with the dry spell. What about you?" Kim asked shyly. "Always safe. And it's been months, probably 6 months. How long is the long dry spell?" Adam asked looking uncomfortable. "Well 3 years maybe more. After I got pregnant and the weight came on I was called fat and ugly. I didn't gain that much. The doctors were surprised how little I gained with twins but working out and eating right helped. Anyway he wouldn't touch me. Um pregnancy hormones were out of control and I wouldn't cheat on him. So I had to take care of myself, if you know what I mean. He caught me once. Called me a whore and a pervert. But I'm definitely clean." Kim looked embarrassed. "Hey I completely understand what you are saying. And for the badass cop you are, it's pretty amusing to see you so embarrassed talking about this." Adam kissed her head softly.
"The most important thing is that you are not fat, you never were. You are most definitely not ugly. Also not a whore or a pervert. You needed relief, you got it in the safest way. Nothing you told me is uncomfortable. Angry yes, but not at you. At him for making you doubt yourself." Adam adjusted how they were sitting so he could hold her more. "Tell me about your family? I don't know much about them." Kim asked changing the subject. "Smooth topic change." Adam laughed. "Okay well you know my parents are divorced. And I have a younger sister, Kate. She has a son Sammy. My dad is a cop, works the beat. Going on 30 years now. He has gambling issues, I have bailed him out a few times. Nothing to major but I have. My mom is pretty distant since I became a cop. I think she's afraid I'm gonna turn out like my dad, a cheater. I truly don't talk to them much. It's easier that way. My dad makes me feel guilty about my job though. He doesn't like Voight or Olinsky. He didn't want me in the unit. It's hard you know?" Adam explained as he look into Kim's eyes.
"Yeah I get it. My family hates me being a cop too. So I get it completely." Kim snuggled closer. "This is really comfortable. I wish I could stay all night but I know we aren't there yet." Adam whispered as he held Kim close. "I agree. And I'm not ready but I agree with the sentiment. Hopefully soon. Talking to you helps." Kim moved to straddle his lap. His eyes lit up with fire watching Kim adjust her position. Kim moved her arms around his neck, leaning her forehead against his. Neither is sure who made the first move but their lips met in a passionate kiss. Adams hands moved to her hips gripping them tight. He slid her body closer so they chests were flushed together. Kim moved her head to be at the perfect angle as they made out on her couch. When they broke apart for air Kim laid her head on the crook of his neck. "Definitely not ugly. Definitely not fat! You are smoking hot darling!" Adam kissed her head trying to regain his breathing. "You are so out of my league!" Kim kissed his neck while breathing hard. "No. We are perfect together. I can feel it." Adam whispered.
They stayed wrapped in each other's embrace for awhile longer. Neither had any idea what time it was but they knew it was late. "I think I need to go before I can't leave. This, You makes me happy. I only hope I do the same for you." Adam whispered feeling Kim nod. "If you must I understand." Kim whispered back smiling up at him. "Really? Being sassy? Go to bed darling. See you in the morning!" Adam kissed her as he walked to the door. "Goodnight Adam." Kim whispers as he gave her one last wink before closing the door. She locked the door after his car drove off. She felt lighter as she headed to bed. More free. She allowed that feeling to lull her to sleep easily for the first time in months.