Kim woke excited this morning. It was losing day on her house. She finally cutting the last tie with her ex husband. She was finally free from paying for two homes. One in rent and one a mortgage. It was strangle hold on her so this felt like a new level of freedom. Thankfully her landlord was fine with a month to month lease knowing the situation she was in so she could start home shopping right away. She just wanted to have the money in hand before she started shopping, just in case. She was also thankful that she could sign everything electronically and didn't have to fly to New York to finalize the deal. The closing was set for 8am eastern time so 7am for Kim which was fine. Adam had stayed over to help with the kids while Kim finalized the sale of the home. Her agent did want to talk through things over zoom before she signed so they needed space to work.
And things had been a bit more difficult since April decided to move to Missouri. Her father had a stroke and her mother was still recovering from her own medical issues so April had to move once more. Leaving Kim in a bind but it was understandable. Since a sitter would only be required at night Erin and Jay had suggested a friend in the academy that could help after the kids got out of school. It was a huge blessing to Kim. Knowing the kids were safe but also with someone who passed the academy requirements was huge for them. She decided to allow Adam a bit more sleep and jumped in the shower hoping to calm the nervous energy. He heard the shower on and was confused. He reached out feeling her side still warm, she hadn't been gone long. He jumped out of bed right away strolling into the bathroom to join her. As soon as he entered the shower he wrapped his arms around her hugging her. "I missed you." He whispered just before it place a kiss on her cheek. "I didn't mean to wake you. I was to excited but also nervous for today so I decided to get an early start." She turned in his arms giving him a proper good morning kiss.
"Well I can help you with both if you like?" His fingers roaming her wet skin. "Well I mean I do love when you make me feel something other than nerves so I think we can work that out." She smiled wide looking up at him. "Well I do aim to please. Literally and figuratively." He didn't give her a second to think twice before scooping her up and pushing her against the wall. Kissing her hard like their lives depended on it. He adjusted their bodies before thrusting hard inside her. The kiss swallowing the moans. She broke the kiss desperate for air. "Baby!" Kim moaned as he started to thrust. "I know! Crazy good!" Adam thrusted fast but not too hard. He wanted her to feel good but he didn't want it too rough. Neither had done this before so it was new but exciting for both of them. They also knew it wouldn't last long but it didn't matter. Kim moaned each time he thrusted, Adam groaning as Kim dug her nails in holding on for the ride.
"Baby! Almost!" She never finished her words as her climax hit hard biting into his shoulder to muffle the sounds coming from her mouth. Adam followed right behind her throwing his head back as he groaned in pleasure. Holding her tight till the tremors subsided. Only once he thought she was steady enough did he place her down. They groaned at the loss of contact but he didn't go far. Kissing her lovingly again, his arms wrapping around her body once more. "I love you, always." She whispered breaking the kiss. "I love you too, forever." He wasn't ready to let go. He loved feeling her body against his. But in these moments where she was warm and vulnerable, he never wanted to let go. She was most beautiful in these moments. He loved her more in these moments.
"Feeling any better?" He asked knowing the answer already. "Amazing! Thank you." She didn't wait for a response before kissing him again. This morning felt like they couldn't get enough of the other. But they knew it would come to an end as they had work and Kim had a call before hand. "Let's get you washed. You got to look fierce for your call in a bit." He winked as he started to clean every inch of her body. Cleaning her core expertly before moving to clean himself. Kim focused on washing her hair as it took longer. Once he was finished washing himself he stepped out while she shaved her legs. He did watch as he dried off but he had a mission of getting the kids ready and that was no easy task. He dressed rather quickly before heading to their room. He could hear their voices before he even opened the door. "What are you guys doing this morning?" He asked smiling down at them. "We playing!" Milo yelled back. "I can see that. But you are supposed to be sleeping still." He tried to look stern but the smile on the kids faces made it hard for him.
"Alright potty time then getting you guys dressed for school okay?" He knew they would comply so it wasn't an issue. He smiled happily as the kids got up and headed to the bathroom. They were both really good about using the toilet but they still had pull ups at night just in case. As they finished he helped them wash their hands and they back to their room for getting dressed. Adam let them pick their clothes for the day each time. If he didn't match he would encourage something different which normally worked. But they had their own style that was for sure. Once dressed they were headed down the stairs for breakfast. Adam could hear the blow dryer going letting him know Kim was out of the shower and progressing in getting ready.
"Kiddos play for a bit while I make your breakfast okay?" Adam asked watching them head over to their play area. He moved to the kitchen starting breakfast. He heard Kim moving around and running towards her phone. He heard the zoom ringer going off. He smiled going back to cooking. It was an easy breakfast, fruit, turkey bacon and oatmeal. A glass of milk on the side. As the kids happily ate he made their lunches trying to take things off Kim's plate. The kids were chatting away about school as they ate. Adam listening to every word, he loved this. He loved spending time with the kids. Listening to their days, playing with them, taking care of them. He was putting in the work, the effort he didn't have as a child. He was bound and determined to be the father he didn't have. Even if the kids called him Adam. He saw the kids were finished so he placed them down again allowing them to go play again while he fixed breakfast for himself and Kim. He knew the call shouldn't last too long since she was the seller and that was less paperwork to fill out.
15 minutes later he saw her coming down the stairs. She was smiling wide, looking lite and relieved. "Good morning babies!" Kim saw their eyes light up as they ran for hugs. "Morning mommy!" They yelled. "Wow you guys are happy this morning!" Kim laughed loving how happy they were. "We had breakfast!" Milo yelled laughing. "We love Adam here!" Mia yelled loudly. His heart burst. Kim heart melting. "I love him being here too. And I'm happy you guys ate already. We have to get going soon. Let me eat quick okay." Kim headed to the kitchen seeing Adam beaming with pride. "Thank you for taking care of them this morning. And thank you for making breakfast for me." Kim leaned in to kiss him again. "You never have to thank me for any of that. But I do appreciate it." He kissed her back before whispering close to her ear. "Congratulations! I'm so happy for you!" He watched her cheeks blush.
"Tonight we celebrate." She winked before eating the breakfast that was so lovingly prepared for her. He just smiled cleaning up the kitchen before joining her at the table. "Are you ready to head out?" She asked looking at him lovingly. "Yeah let's get moving. Love you!" He picked up her plates putting them in the dishwasher before grabbing their things to leave for the day. Each kid had their backpack and lunch as they headed out. The car ride was full of laughter and the kids chattering away. It was a great way to spend the morning. After dropping off the kids the couple proceeded to work, happy and so in love. They arrived in the bullpen seeing they were the first ones there. Kim placed her things down and headed to the break room for a tea. Adam followed for a coffee before heading back to his desk. He saw an envelope on his desk. He had no idea how it got there and he didn't recognize the hand writing. Kim walked over watching his confused face. "What is that?" Kim asked. "I don't know. Just found this. Open it with me?" He asked scared of what was inside. "Of course." Kim stood next to him as he opened the envelope.
He gasped loudly when he saw the contents. Kim was speechless. "How? Why? I don't get it." Kim was shocked tears streaming down her face. "I don't know either." He stood dropping the photos to hold her close. The team was trickling in seeing the couple in an embrace as she cried. No one knew what happened but it was obviously hurting them both. When Voight walked in he looked confused asking for information. Adam just handed him the photos before leading Kim in to the break room. He closed the door before anyone spoke. "Looks like someone found Kim's file with the pictures from her attack. This is our only priority right now. Find who did this. If it was a cop they are fired!" Voight called Platt up as well as Mouse needing all hands on deck to fix this.
"You want to talk about it." He was certain she wouldn't but he wanted to ask. He saw the team working hard in the bullpen. He had gotten a text saying they were looking into it. "What's to talk about. We all know it happened. Just more upset that my happiness can't last long. I would have also preferred you never seeing those photos. And honestly I don't get why? Who would benefit from this?" She looked up at Adam who had just gasped quietly. "What?" Kim asked. "Yeah. Maybe. Think about it. It's a locked ward. No one can get in without the palm scanner or being buzzed in. And you have been having issues with one person. Maybe that person is doing this?" He watched her make the connection. "Get Voight and Platt." Kim stated. He nodded and headed to get the sergeant's.
"What's going on?" Voight asked as he walked in. "We think we know who did this." Adam stated grabbing Kim's hand. "Okay who?" Platt asked looking between them. "Upton. She has been against Kim since she got here. And has been causing issues for no reason. It makes sense." He sighed looking out in the bullpen. "Okay I will have Erin and Mouse look into separately. We will figure this out. I promise." Voight patted Adam's shoulder before leaving again. "Erin, Mouse my office. Shut the door." Voight barked as he left the break room leaving the couple alone once more. Once Erin and Mouse entered the room they closed the door feeling nervous about why they were called. "Look it's possible Upton did this. I want you two looking into this without anyone else knowing. We need this done quickly. Before things get more out of hand. Any questions?" He asked seeing the shocked looks. "No we are on it. I promise no one will know." Erin left right away then Mouse. They headed on different direction both working the same mission.
"You know I wanted this to be such a great day. I was so happy this morning. But it never lasts very long. I know I made the right decisions in my life. Leaving Paul, moving here, blocking my family. But it always comes back around to knock me down. This one just seems unfair, unnecessary, even cruel. I just don't get it." Kim sighed leaning against Adam. Closing her eyes trying to stop the tears. "It's absolutely all those things. You don't deserve this. No one does. And we will get to the bottom of it. I promise you." He wasn't sure what else to say. "Can I ask you something? And I want you to be honest with me." She watched him nod. "Did you ever date her? Or have a one night stand with her? I don't care if you did but it could explain this." While she wanted to know she didn't really care if he had in the past. They all had a past. "Nope. Never. Never even met her before she showed up here. I promise." He was adamant about it. "Okay. Again if you had that was fine, I trust you now that you aren't with her. Just looking for an answer." She was lost again, wanting an answer.
Neither spoke again, they just waited for something anything to tell them why this was happening. Mouse stopped by an hour later waving for them to follow. They all entered Voight's office and waited for Erin to join. The door closed once more as Mouse looked down nervously. "What did you find?" Voight asked knowing it couldn't be good based on the look on his face. "It's pretty sick. Um she has a Facebook page, yes it's from her home IP address. The name on the account is Hailey Ruzek." He paused hearing Kim gasp. "It's fake, I know. But she has photos of the day she 'met' you. Photos of you at a wedding, different event. All pulled from your Facebook Adam. But making it sound like you two are together. Including that you have a child together. It's pretty twisted shit." He showed them the page. Kim looked like she was about to be sick. "I had no idea. I never even met those girls. That photo she posted of meeting me. That was from years ago. I was still in the academy then. She had to have stalked my page good to find it. She needs help big time. And she needs to delete that shit. I won't stand for that crap." He looked over towards Kim. Her face devoid of emotion.
"I'm sorry Kim. I had no idea about any of this. I'm so sorry!" He was crushed for her. He indirectly caused all this pain. "It's not your fault. We both know that. She needs help. She will get help. Mouse here can remove that shit I'm sure. We are fine. I'm not upset with you in any way." They stayed wrapped together while Voight got the commander and came up with a plan to get Upton the help she needed. As soon as the Commander walked in the who,e bullpen went silent. They knew it was bad. She never came around unless it was bad. She stepped in the office and closed the door right away. "Hank what the hell is going on?" Crowley snapped at him. "So apparently Detectives Upton has been having a fantasy relationship with Officer Ruzek online. Creating a facebook page using the name Hailey Ruzek. She has also been verbally attacking Detective Burgess and sought out the police report of her attack and left the photos for Officer Ruzek to find. We need her gone and she needs help. She's sick!" Voight explained.
"Okay. Well I obviously need to see proof of this. Then I will handle it. We don't need that crap happening. Detective Burgess I'm very sorry this happened to you. I promise we will handle it. And secondly I spoke with Hank and we both think you are right about adding SVU to the course studies at the academy, I'm not sure we will be able to make it happen any time soon but we thought maybe some seminars that all officers and detectives would attend. Are you up for that?" Crowley asked seeing Kim's face light up. "Absolutely! Thank you for that! I'm honored! I won't let you down!" Kim shook her hand before they went back to looking at all the evidence against Upton. After reviewing all the evidence the room was cleared and Upton was brought in. The team watched through the blinds. After a few minutes Upton was brought out with Crowley and they headed out and down the stairs.
"Okay so Upton is no longer a part of this unit! And you are all free to head home. Tomorrow you guys can handle the paperwork. Rest up!" Voight offered as they looked on. "So we aren't gonna talk about this?" Jay asked confused as to what just happened. "Upton was stalking Ruzek. Creating a Facebook page using his last name as hers. She the one who got Kim's police report and planted the photos for Adam to find. Why is not clear but she's done here. We will have a replacement shortly. For now go enjoy your day off." Voight sighed as he left the room. The team looked shocked except for Erin, Mouse, Kim and Adam of course. "You guys figured it out? Didn't you." Kevin asked watching them nod. "Look I need to clear my head. I'm heading to the stables. See you guys later." Kim grabbed her stuff to leave. "You want company?" Adam asked not sure where her mind was at. "Sure. I'd like that." They left leaving a stunned team behind.
As they reached the parking lot they noticed the team trying to catch up. "Mind if we join?" Jay asked. "Sure. Im sure we could all use some time to clear our heads." They followed Kim and Adam to stables. Most hadn't spent much time there so this was different for them. Adam always hated the smell but loved watching her ride. Seeing in control but looking at ease. "Kim welcome back. Are you looking to ride today?" The stable hand asked. 'Yes. Whoever is available is good for me. Just a tough day and need some clarity." They followed to the horses Kim was sad that Blackjack wasn't available but that didn't deter her. They found a smaller horse for her to ride before getting him ready. Kim walked him to the outer ring and started to ride. Jay also got a horse and decided to ride some. He wasn't as graceful but he looked at home on the back of a horse. Jay didn't make an hour but Kim did. She hopped off leading the horse back to his stall before brushing him and giving me a few treats. He certainly loved the extra attention. After the horse was settled in for the night the team left and headed to a diner. They all needed to eat even if Kim didn't feel like it.
As they entered the diner they found a round table near the back. "How did it feel riding again Jay?" Kim asked knowing it had been awhile. "Good. I'm going to be sore tomorrow but I think I need to do it more. I forgot just how much I enjoy it." Jay looked towards Erin hoping she didn't mind. "Jay it's fine. I don't mind us doing things separately. It's all good." Erin squeezed his knee letting him know she was okay. "I think we all need to try it. It looks like a good workout." Adam stated knowing Kim really wanted him to learn to ride. "I'm down!" Antonio added willing to try most anything. "Perfect we will find a place and learn." Adam was down for it. "Great! I'm looking forward to it!" Antonio was excited for it. It was new and looked fun. The topic changed to Upton and who they thought would replace her. "I don't care who replaces her I just hope they do a thorough back ground check this time. Prevent all this from happening. No one needed to see those photos. I didn't need to see them again. We were so happy this morning and she ruined it. And for what? Some fantasy that she built up in her mind? God she's like two steps from being a walking SVU case." Kim rolled her eyes though the team laughed.
"Seriously though. Enjoy that happiness. Hold on to it. Don't let her ruin it. Don't let anyone ruin it." Kevin had watched the couple during the whole ordeal and saw something different between. It hadn't been a bad something but something was different about them. He could only hope this didn't throw them off course. The left shortly after lunch was finished. The couple returning to an empty home. Kim moved quickly to the deck just wanting to enjoy the outside more. Adam watched her closely. He could see she was thinking things through in her mind. She was spinning that was for sure. He let her be for a bit before he noticed what looked like a panic attack starting. He raced outside trying to get to her before she crashed. "Kim I need you to focus right now. You are having a panic attack. I don't know how to fix it but you have to focus on your breathing. You will collapse if you don't." He watched her try as he sent a quick text to Jay knowing this was something he could handle. He called right away.
"Kim. It's Jay. Can you hear me?" He asked though on speaker phone. "She nodded Jay." Adam replied. "Great Kim we need to get you grounded again okay. I need you to tell me 5 things you can see. Can you do that for me?" He hoped this would work over the phone with her. "Um grass, fencing, trees, the phone, Adam." Her voice shaky. "Great. Now 4 things you can touch." Jay seemed pleased with her. "Um the deck, my jeans, Adam's shirt and skin." Her voice she still shaky. "Great. I'm happy you are wrapped up safe in his arms right now. Now tell me three things you can hear. You really need to focus for this one." He needed her to come down and this was how it worked best. "Um okay I hear birds chirping." She paused. "That's great Kim. What else?" Jay knew she needed to be pushed. "Um I hear the leaves rustling in the trees." Her voice now more calm. "Great one more Kim." Jay encouraged. "Um Adams heart beat. It's pretty loud right now." She almost laughed. "Perfect. Now two things you can smell." This was almost over. "Um I think the neighbors cut the grass. I can smell fresh cut grass. And flowers. I think the ones close to me." Kim sighed almost like she had taken a deep breath. "Great one last thing. Something you can taste. And please don't say Ruzek." He groaned but they laughed. "Nope the water he brought me before the attack." Kim smiled feeling a bit better.
"That's great. Now understand while this is calmer now you may have a nightmare later. This doesn't diminish your progress at all. It's a bump in the road. One I should have seen coming. Now try to relax a bit. Try to take a nap. Your body will need it after that. It's normal to feel exhausted after what you've been through. Call if you guys need anything else okay." He knew they needed alone time now. It was probably very scary for both of them. "Thanks Jay! I appreciate it." Kim walked into the yard needing space. "Thanks man. I think this is going to be a tough day. But I think I can fix it." The boys talked a bit longer before Adam joined Kim in the yard. Wrapping his arms around her tight. "What are you thinking about?" He asked quietly trying not to scare her. "Um that I never wanted you to see that. Any of it. I wanted to be free of it. The house was the last tie for me you know. The court cases are finalized, child support worked out, kids college funds started because of it. Yes I'm still paying off my lawyer but the house was the final tie. I felt ready to move on this morning. And now I feel stuck again. Like the weight of it all is on my shoulders again. I don't feel free." She shook her head trying to hold back the tears.
"But you are free. You are not stuck. It was a moment, one overwhelming moment. That's okay. We will all have them. Especially in this line of work. Don't give him more power over you. He doesn't deserve it. You deserve the world and everything good in it. I know deep in your heart you believe me." He turned her in his arms looking deep into her brown eyes. She leaned up to kiss him. Pouring all her love into the kiss. As she broke free she buried her face into his chest once more. She allowed the words they both wanted to hear leave her mouth. "Move in with us." She whispered quietly. But he heard her loud and clear. Gasping pulling away just enough to look into her eyes. "If you are serious I'm so down for it. Are you sure?" He looked excited but also nervous she might change her mind. "Dead serious! I was going to ask you today anyway. When I said I was ready to move on. Let's find something together. That we both like. Put both of our names on the paperwork. I want this, I want a family with you. My kids want to be a family with you. So what do you say?" Now she was the nervous one.
"Hell ya!"