The Intelligence team was out at a local bar celebrating the closing of their last case. It had been weeks, three long weeks of working hard on this case. A CI had been lost during the case but they finally put one of the biggest drug dealers behind bars. It was also a big day for Adam Ruzek. He was celebrating that his divorce was finalized. He had been married for over 5 years with a 4 year old daughter Elizabeth. His wife decided she wanted a divorce after Adam was shot in the line of duty. He was devastated at the time but realized he was happier without her. "Okay so a toast to the hard work on our last case! And a toast to Ruzek! Enjoy your life again! Celebrate the new found freedom you have from the chock hold on your life. We are so happy for you!" Erin held up her beer as they all cheered. "Thanks Linds! I'm happy to have it put behind me. I needed this put behind me so now I can focus on Izzy and just rebuilding my life. I'm just so thankful for you all standing beside me through this all. I wouldn't have made it without you all." He hugged his friends, his family.
"What was the agreement that you guys worked out?" Kevin asked knowing it was contentious at time. "Well I got the apartment, she had to get an apartment in the same school district so Izzy stays in the same school district always. No child support, no alimony. We have 50/50 shared custody. Wednesdays are the exchange days and even that day one will drop her at school and the other will pick her up from school. I told her that we will split holidays for now but I want us to go to therapy together so we can co-parent and not have to do split holidays. She wasn't thrilled but the moderator was on my side. Stating it was best for the minor child. We also agreed to no bad mouthing the other in front of Izzy. So only time will tell how it all goes." He shrugged a bit knowing it was a lot.
"Are you ready to move on?" Jay asked knowing Adam was happier without his wife and probably shouldn't have married her at all but he did the right thing when she got pregnant. "Yeah I don't know yet. Maybe. Maybe I just need to get laid. I have no clue!" They all laughed knowing it couldn't hurt. "Alright well cheers to Adam getting laid!" Antonio laughed but they all cheered together. The team continued to hang out together enjoy the time. They had a few days off to recoup from the hard case. So they planned to enjoy the night fully. Adam was looking around the bar checking out all the woman around the bar. Looking for anyone who caught his attention. "Whoa! Smoking hot brunette at the bar!" Adam was stunned looking at her. They all looked over to see who he was looking at. "Which one?" Jay asked seeing several. "The one with the tight pants, high heels and the black sheer shirt. She's stunning!" Adam couldn't take his eyes off her.
"Jay uh don't you know her?" Erin asked looking at the woman. "Yup. We should go say hi Er." He took Erin's hand walking towards the mystery woman. "Sergeant Burgess!" Jay stared as he came up behind her. She turned looking shocked. "Staff Sergeant Halstead! Omg good to see you again." Kim hugged him tight. "It's good to see you too! You remember my girlfriend Erin right?" Jay asked pulling back to stand next to Erin again. "Of course! We met three years ago at a reunion. It's great to see you again too!" Kim hugged Erin excited to see people she knew again. "It's great to see you. When did you get back? We heard you were deployed again." Erin inquired. "I have been home about a month now. I got a medical discharge after spending almost 6 months in Germany rehabbing." She shrugged a bit knowing it was a much longer story. "That's horrible! I'm sorry you were injured that gravely." Jay was shocked. "Yeah it's pretty insane." Kim shook her head not really wanting to talk about it.
"Where's your fiancé?" Jay was confused about that. "That asshole? He dumped me in text after he heard I was injured. It's such a long story. But it's over." Kim nodded trying to stay in control of her emotions. "Wow what an asshole! Okay so come sit at our table! We are celebrating closing a big case, our friends divorce and now you being back. Come on!" Erin escorted her to the table. "Guys this is Sergeant Kim Burgess. Not just Army Sergeant but also CPD Sergeant. We go way back." Jay introduced her. "Kim this is Kevin, Antonio and Adam." Kim shook their hands before taking the seat offered by Jay. "So what district are you working out of now Sergeant?" Antonio asked knowing of her but never having met her. "CPD is still trying to figure that out. Since I got a medical discharge from the Army CPD hasn't decided if I'm medically fit to return. So I wait." Kim took a deep breath feeling the emotions coming up.
Erin threw her arm around Kim holding her a bit. "Hey it's okay. We will figure it out." Jay felt horrible for her. "It's okay. I'm okay. Just still trying to work through it all." Kim nodded a bit just trying to stay in control. "Okay let's get her drunk!" Adam laughed ordering another round of drinks. The team laughed too appreciating the lighter moment. "Drink up Sergeant!" Adam handed her a drink hoping she would take it. When she did his eyes lit up. "Alright now it's a party!" Adam slammed his shot watching her drink the beer he got for her. They all laughed throughout the night as they shared stories. Kim was pretty tipsy and struggling with walking. "Kim we need to get you home. Let me drive you." Jay offered seeing her a mess. "Nope I'm not ready to leave. I still want another drink!" Kim was adamant about staying. Jay looked conflicted. Erin was in need of going home. "I got her. I will make sure she gets home okay." Adam offered. He had been drinking water for a bit now. He had hoped this would happen. He wanted to get to know her better.
"Okay. Thanks Ruzek. Just don't do anything stupid." Jay shook his head. "She's drunk. That's not happening. You don't have to worry about that." Adam watched Jay nod as they left for the night. "Alright Sergeant! Only one more then I have to get you home. So let's do this before I have to carry you." He watched her laughing a bit. He got her one more drink and returned to sit with her. The bar was pretty empty at this point. "So Sergeant how long have you been back?" Adam asked watching her roll her eyes. "Stop calling me that! It's Kim!" She rolled her eyes again. "Okay Kim how long have you been back?" He laughed as he asked again. "About a month. I'm staying in a hotel currently." Kim smiled. "Well that sucks! We got to find you a new home." He watched her drinking her beer. "Well all my shit is in storage so I have some time to figure it out. But I would love a place to call my home again. A place I belong again. I came home to nothing. No job, no family, no asshole, no home." Kim chugged her drink. "Well you aren't alone anymore. You got Jay and Erin. You got me, I know I'm new to you but you seem like a cool chick. So let's get you back to your hotel so you can sleep off the booze!" He helped her up and helped her to the car.
She told him which hotel and they headed out in silence. When they arrived her jumped out to help her out of the car. "What room? I need to see you inside safe and sound before I leave." He asked watching her unsteady. "1402." Kim sighed leaning against him. "I got you." Adam held her up as they moved to her room. He helped her into the room making sure she was safe before he left. He watched her drop on the bed kicking her shoes off. "Comfy?" He asked watching her. "What's your story?" She asked as she rolled over. "Well it's a bit of a sad story." He sat on the bed next to her. "Well bring it on!" Kim pushed him a bit. "Okay well I'm officially divorced as of today. I share custody of my 4 year old daughter with her mother. My ex asked for a divorce after I was shot in the abdomen. I was barely out of recovery when she dropped that bomb on me." He sighed but saw the shock on her face.
"I was just out of a medically induced coma of six weeks when I saw my phone that my fiancé dumped me. He couldn't take it either." She reached out to take his hand. "Well he's an asshole for dumping you. I don't even know you well and I know that. To be a Sergeant at your age makes you amazing. Don't let him take that away from you. Ever!" He watched her smiling a bit. And crying. He pulled her up into a hug. "Tell me what you are thinking." He whispered holding her. "That I could have died. That it's a miracle I'm walking. When I woke up I couldn't walk. I had been on a ventilator for 6 weeks. I'm still healing mentally and physically. But emotionally I'm drained. I'm in therapy, a PTSD support group, it's been a lot to deal with. But I think tomorrow is going to be a turning point. I get my dog back tomorrow. He stayed in the hospital with me the whole time. They tried to make him leave but he cried till he was returned to me. They gave us a larger bed so he could sleep next to me. It was just hard getting him out of the military and back to me. I can't wait to see my boy." Kim smiled brightly.
"That's great. He will help you without a doubt. How long were you in the hospital?" Adam asked trying to learn more about her life. "About 6 months." Kim shrugged she wasn't sure if she was ready to show the full damage or to relive what happened. "You don't have to tell me. I get it. It's too hard to talk about. To relive right?" He watched her nod. "I get that. How about you get some sleep okay. I will give you my card. Call anytime." He saw her nod but she grabbed his hand. "Do you want to stay?" She asked shyly. "Sure but only to sleep next to you. You are too drunk for anything else." He watched her nod smiling a bit. "Do you want to change?" He asked her. She nodded getting up and headed to the bathroom. He wouldn't see her scars this way. When she returned he was already in the bed under the covers mostly naked from what she could see.
"Come on let's get you some sleep." He watched her get into the bed. He opened up his arm so she could snuggle next to him. He held her long after she fell asleep. He had so many questions about this woman in his arms. So many question about where life would go from here. Would she be a friend? Did she want more? Did he want more? He was only officially divorced not even 24 hours. Was it too soon? Of course it was. Wasn't it? He was spinning but he was exhausted so he drifted to sleep still spinning about what's to come.
He woke the next morning feeling a woman in his arms he kissed her head not realizing who was in his arms. He woke up more looking around realizing it was Kim in his arms and he had kissed her. It was a habit from when he was married. But it hadn't felt wrong. He got up slowly not wanting to wake her and headed for the bathroom. He took a moment to sighing a bit before he started to pee. He was mid stream when the door opened shocking him. "Omg! I'm so sorry!" Kim blushed and hesitated before she ran out of the room. Adam while shocked hadn't made a mess. He finished up and washed his hands leaving the bathroom unsure how to proceed. "Um I uh am not sure how to handle this right now. Um do you remember last night?" He asked kind of afraid to sit down. "Um yes I do. I guess I forgot that you stayed. And I'm sorry for walking in on you. And staring a bit. I'm very embarrassed by my actions." Kim looked back seeing he was fine.
"Hey it's no big deal. I'm not worried about it at all. Especially since I'm a cop and change in front of people all the time. Normally it's not woman though. But I'm not upset. How about you go use the bathroom while I get dressed. I can take you to get your car from the bar." He watched her nod and head into the bathroom. He dressed quickly still unsure of what to do. It was kind of like a one night stand but they didn't have sex. He sat waiting for her to come back out. "I'm just going to change in the bathroom quick." She was looking at the floor. "Okay. Take your time. I'm off all day so take your time." He stood up to hug her. He rubbed her back feeling the scars under his hands. He felt her stiffen when he touched them. "We both have them." He lifted his shirt to show her his scar. He even took her hand letting her feel the scar. It was only fair.
"See it doesn't change who we are in a negative way. It's literally our battle scars. Proof that we made it out alive." He watched her process his words. "You are the first person who has touched them other than doctors. I don't want people to see them. I feel like they are ugly. That they make me ugly." She whispered softly. "You are smoking hot! No scar could change that!" He sat down in front of her. "Look I don't have a clue if I'm ready to move on after my divorce and you are fresh out of a relationship. But I definitely attracted to you. So how about we hang out more when we have time. If you even want to do that. We work on our issues together. Like a support system. And then see where it goes. What do you think?" He watched her thinking. "It sounds like a good idea. That way we can learn more about each other. See if we are even open to being in relationships again. I know I'm attracted to you too. And what I saw earlier was impressive too." She smiled laughing with him.
"I could be so smug and such a douche right now but I won't. So go get dressed now." He hugged her before letting her get dressed. She returned a few minutes later ready for the day. "Ready to get your car?" He asked seeing her fully dressed. "Yeah let's go." He dropped his card on her table as they walked out next to each other. His shoulder brushed against hers several times as they walked. As they rode in silence Adams phone rang, he saw it was his ex. He groaned but answered it. "Hello?" He was trying to sound upbeat. "Hi daddy! I miss you!" His daughter giggled loudly. "Oh my sweet baby I miss you too so so much! But I will see you Wednesday and you can call anytime you want. I love you so much baby." He was overwhelmed with love in that moment. "Okay daddy! I love you too so so much!" Izzy giggled again. "My sweet girl be good for mommy today okay. I love you to the moon and back." Adam smiled loving talking to his daughter. "Okay daddy love you to infinity and back!" Laughed loudly. "Bye my sweet." Adam smiled fondly as he said bye and hung up.
"That was sweet. You have a lovely bond. You said she's four?" Kim asked as she watched him smiling. "Yeah. Her mom got pregnant while we were dating so we got married. I thought it was the right thing to do. But we were never really happy together. I know that the more we are apart. But I don't regret my daughter at all. She's just sunshine, full of life and laughter. Full on energy. I just love her more than I thought was possible." He saw Kim smiling out of the corner of his eyes. "That's really awesome! She sounds sweet. What's her name if that's okay to ask?" Kim knew people were closed off when it came to kids. "Elizabeth but I've always called her Izzy. She's the best thing I've ever done." He smiled wider than ever talking about his daughter. "I'm happy for you. I hope I find that happiness one day. Right now life seems overwhelming." She sighed softly. "I get that because I've been there. It will get better. It takes time. But I promise it will get better." He reached his hand offering her a hand to hold in this sad moment.
"Thank you. Really. It's just been a lot coming back here. It was last time too but I had my job at least. Right now I feel lost. I feel lost at sea. I need an anchor right now. Something to hold me in place. Something that can keep me here." Kim looked out the windows. "Well like we talked about this morning we do this together. Let me be that anchor for you. Let me, Jay, Erin be your anchor. We got you." They arrived at her car. He got out to offer her support. He helped her up and hugged her tight. "Can you let us support you?" He whispered as he held her. "Yeah I think I can. I felt safe all night. I felt comfortable talking with you. Someday maybe I will open up more." She never tried to break his grip. She just felt safe and she hadn't felt that in months. "I'm so happy you felt safe all night. And I will hold you strong any night you need it. It might be harder on days I have my daughter but I will help any day I can." He let her stay in his embrace till she was ready to move. She started to pull back looking up at him. "You know you could have put your number in my phone and not left your card." She laughed a bit. "Well I didn't want to be presumptuous about it. So I left the ball in your court." He smiled a bit.
"Okay well when I get back from getting Ranger I will put your number in my phone. I promise I will text you later." She kissed his cheek as she started to get in her car. "Sounds like a good plan. Enjoy your time with your boy again." He winked as he got in the car to leave. He felt good as he left. He had no idea where this was going but he felt good finding a friend in her. Someone who knew what he was going through. Especially since they were going through it too. He felt like he had a met a match in life. Where it went he would only know with time but he was feeling good today. They drove in separate directions. Adam headed home to shower and rest up. Kim headed to the airport to pick up Ranger. She was excited to get her best friend back, her protector back. She loved him very much and couldn't wait to hold him again. As Adam was driving he heard his phone ringing again. He saw it was Jay. He laughed knowing what was going to happen. "Yes dad I spent the night and no I didn't have sex with her." Adam laughed a bit but was kind of annoyed about it. "Well thank you son for not doing something stupid!" Jay laughed knowing how he was coming across.
"So what happened then?" Jay asked unsure of what transpired. "Well not a ton. We talked, we realized our lives are very much in common with some things. She asked me to stay but I told her it was only to sleep since she was too drunk for anything else. She opened up a bit more before falling asleep in my arms. She walked in on me in the bathroom this morning which made for an awkward conversation. She feels alone, lost. We decided to work through our trauma together. See where things go. We both admitted we are attracted to each other but neither is ready to even think about moving forward. When I dropped her off at her car she was headed to the airport to get Ranger." Adam explained as he drove. "Wow sounds like an intense night. Im excited she's getting Ranger back though. He will be good support for her." Jay was excited to see him too. "He apparently never left her side when she was in the hospital. They tried to remove him several times but he would cry till he was returned to her. They even got Kim a larger bed so he could sleep next to her. I think this will help her a lot." Adam arrived home as they continued to talk.
"Well that's good. They had an incredible bond during our first tour. But it sounds like that didn't diminish over time. Hopefully we can all get together again soon." Jay was happy for his friends. "Alright man I just got home. I need a shower and some food. Talk to you later." They got off the phone after that. Adam entered his apartment starting his day properly. Kim arrived at the airport excited for the reunion. She parked her car and headed straight to the area where she was meet the Army handlers. Kim paced as she waited hoping to see her boy soon. As she saw the handlers came forward her dog was on a crate. "Sergeant Burgess good to see you. Are you ready to be reunited?" The handler asked. "Absolutely I'm so excited. I need my boy back." Kim cried as they opened the crate. Ranger ran out over to her jumping all over her and licking her face. Kim was laughing and crying the entire time. Kim had no idea it was being filmed.
"Ready to go home buddy?" Kim asked as he barked. "Okay well let's go then." Kim thanked everyone who made this possible as they headed out. Kim decided to hit the park first to let him run around a bit. She was sure he was stiff from the crate so this was perfect for him. He also loved to run around and have fun. So this was great for them both. When they arrived Kim helped him out of the car as they headed to the open area in the park. She let him run free a bit but he stayed close loving the attention. She ordered food for him and some bowls to have delivered to the hotel. The hotel knew she had a dog coming and that he was former military soldier they were fine with him staying with them. They headed to the hotel an hour later. Kim had also ordered some lunch for herself to be delivered when they arrived. It was simple, it was easy and she loved every minute of the day so far.
They arrive outside the hotel to get her food and move to her room. The hotel staff had taken the dog items to Kim's room already for her. She was shocked and surprised but also thrilled. It definitely made things easier for her. "Okay buddy this is just a short term thing. We will find a real home soon. But I'm so happy you are here with me." Kim sat down to eat and put some food out for Ranger with some water knowing he was probably hungry and thirsty after a long trip. She saw Adam's card sitting there. She picked it up looking it over. Was this something she wanted? He seemed like someone who could be a good friend. They had been through the same thing. However she really needed to focus on fixing herself before she could think of anything else. She knew that. Did she want a relationship with him? She just wasn't sure how to proceed. It was a good thing she had therapy. And that he flat out said he wasn't ready for anything else either. He wants to be friends and support. He wants to be her anchor.
She decided to test the waters. She saved his number in her phone and then sent the video of her being reunited with Ranger. She hoped he would love it and enjoy it. As she waited for it to send she ate her lunch watching Ranger as he laid on her bed. He looked comfortable and happy. She knew she would have to get him toys and a bed but for now she was happy having him on the bed with her. She also took the time to look for a new apartment. It would be difficult considering she doesn't have a full income at this point. She just had her medical discharge pay. She did have the money she saved for military housing while she was away so that could be used for a few months if not more. It was more about finding a place that was vacant.
She found a few that she wanted to look at though she wasn't sure about the neighborhoods they were in. She wanted to check them out and see if the areas would work for her and Ranger. She wanted to find dog parks, outdoor restaurants that were pet friendly but overall safe. She decided to send them to Jay asking for advice. She was actually happy to have found him and Erin again. While she didn't know Erin well at all she was still thrilled to know she wasn't really alone anymore. She had friends and that was something. As she cleaned up from lunch she heard her phone ding. She headed back towards her phone seeing it was a text from Adam. "Love seeing you both so happy together. He's adorable and overly excited but the love is clear as day on both your faces." He was smiling wide as he watched the video. He got a text almost right away with a photo of Ranger passed out on the bed. "He looks at home even just in a hotel." Adam loved that she reached out to him. Sharing such a beautiful moment in her life.
"I took him to a local park to run around a bit. It was a long flight from Poland cooped up in a crate. So I knew he needed it. I'm so in love with him." Kim replied enjoying the text conversation with him. "Poland? Why was he there?" Adam was surprised by that. "It's where I was stationed but when I was injured we were transported to Germany. Most military personnel go to Germany when gravelly injured." Kim knew it would cause more questions. "Poland sounds scary as hell right now considering what's going on over there. I assume from your scars it was a bomb?" He asked kind of already knowing the answer. She was sad that he asked but she opened the window for it by mentioning Poland. "Yes. My body was so weak and needed so many surgeries that they had to put me in a coma. It was the only way to let my body heal enough. I was on a ventilator for 6 weeks. I still have issues breathing. I still have shrapnel in my back. Hence why CPD isn't sure I can return to work." She cried a little but that was okay. Crying was healing.
"I'm so sorry you had to endure that. But I'm so thankful you are still here with us." He really was happy about that. He was really enjoying this. He felt lighter than he had in months. He knew part of that was that he was free from his ex but also this new friendship he was creating with Kim. He really felt like this was a positive thing in his life. His new life as a single father, an ex-husband. But he was excited for all the possibilities ahead for him and his daughter. Kim sat on her bed curled up with Ranger as she kept texting with Adam. After a month back in Chicago she was starting to see light ahead. She didn't know if it was because of Ranger, to reconnecting with friends or because of this new friendship with Adam. But she was feeling a bit more alive. And while that was exciting it was also terrifying. She had been to hell and back before and she could do it again. She was more positive about that than ever.
It was hours later when Kim decided to take a huge leap of faith. She picked up her phone making a call. "Well hello! This is a nice surprise. Whatcha doing?" Adam smiled wide at her calling him. "Well I'm kind of bored and I really wanted to spend time with you if you are available?" Kim asked nervously. "Well how about you come over? You can bring Ranger. I'm sure he'd like the space to move around." He offered wanting to see her again. "Sounds like a good plan. Text me the address." Kim smiled. "Bring some clothes and food for your boy if you want to stay over." Adam offered almost smirking. "Maybe I will. See you soon." Kim laughed as she hung up. She saw the text coming over so she packed an over night bag. "Hey buddy you want to go visit a friend?" Kim asked knowing he was obedient enough to follow her. Ranger got up and followed her out the door. She packed food for him as well so they would be set for the night.
She was beyond nervous but she missed him already and that felt strange to her. She wasn't sure why that was. They barely knew each other. As she drove over Adam cleaned up his apartment a bit. It truly wasn't a mess but he still wanted to tidy it up before she got there. He wanted a good impression upon her arrival. He also wanted a space where her dog could rest without him on the couch. While Ranger was welcome he wasn't sure about the dog being on the couches. So he grabbed an extra comforter that was left behind by his ex to be bed for Ranger. He even grabbed an extra pillow for him to use. He was excited to get to know her more. To understand where she came from but also how she got so far in her career already. It was kind of insane how successful she was at her age. Though he wasn't exactly sure her age and it's rude to ask. He anxiously awaited her arrival not knowing she was just as anxious. She tried to mask it well as she arrived outside his building.
Kim got out grabbing the bags and Ranger as they walked into the building. It was nice, clean, well taken care of. She headed to the elevator then to his floor. They walked to the door her nerves on edge but she was so excited too. To have her anchor again. She knocked on the door and waited for him. He opened the door moments later with open arms and a warm smile. "Welcome! Come on in!" He hugged her tight as she entered, Ranger right next to her. "Thanks for the invite. My room felt lonely and while I need to learn to deal with that i don't tonight." She shrugged. "You are more than welcome here. You know that. Not sure how to explain this to my daughter or when I will be ready for you two to meet but you are welcome here. So is Ranger. I made a bed for him." Adam moved to show her the bed he made. "That's so sweet of you. Thank you." She hugged him again. "Ranger it's a bed for you. What do you think?" They watched as he sniffed it and walked in circles on top before he laid down to sleep. "I think he likes it. Thank you for being so sweet." They hugged a bit longer before moving to the couch.
"So what do you watch?" He asked. "Documentaries but not the boring ones. The real life crime ones." She smiled since she loved them so much. "Okay well let's find one to watch." Adam turned on Netflix giving her the remote to find one to watch. "Daughters of a Cult. Sounds interesting." Adam wasn't sure but would give it a shot. "5 parts all about polygamy. This is how I learn so I can help more people. The more sick things you see and learn the more you can help the world. I want to learn as much as I can always." Kim mentioned as she watched the episode. "Makes sense. Is that how you got be a Sergeant so young?" He asked watching her more than the show. "Maybe. I had a good closure rate, never said no to an assignment or undercover assignment. Working extra hours. It was insane but I fought to get there. I needed to prove my worth since my family didn't see it. Public service was beneath my family. But I didn't care. I felt a calling to be a better human being." Kim looked over seeing him watching her.
"My sister and I were raised by a nanny. Who was undocumented. She only spoke Spanish. So naturally we learned it too. It became almost our first language not second. We would spend all weekend with her because our parents couldn't be bothered with raising us. I guess I wanted to be better than that. To prove I could be a better person than them." She went silent watching the show in front of them. Adam allowed her to just enjoy the show letting her learn all she could from it. He wrapped his arm around her letting her be comfortable and safe as he had done the night before. During the second episode Ranger came over them he hadn't really paid attention to Adam before but now he wanted to check him out. He sniffed him several times before getting pets from Adam. "Buddy do you need to potty?" Adam asked knowing Kim was watching her show. He barked lightly. "Okay let's go outside. Let your mom watch her show." Adam grabbed the leash and took Ranger outside to potty leaving Kim to relax.
When he returned he found the show paused and Kim in the bathroom. When she came back out she sat down with Ranger petting him and snuggling with him. "Thank you for taking him out. I appreciate it." Kim smiled at Adam. "You are welcome. He's a sweet boy. You want something to eat, drink?" He asked watching them together. "Yeah sounds good." Kim smiled again. This was very easy and Kim was enjoying it very much. "Alright let me order some food and then we can continue your show." Her eyes lit up getting up to watch the show again. "It's pretty intense I have to admit. Brainwashing and mind control to kill your rivals is crazy. But it seems more like fear and kill or be killed. I can't imagine feeling like that was the option in life. It's unbelievable." Adam watched shocked by what he was hearing and seeing.
"Right? This is why I watch these things. Learning what is possible by coercion and fear. What people will do when they have no other options in life. A lot of people we face in the military are similar. They are children following orders or be killed by their leader. Gangs work the same way. I have a lot of empathy for these people." Kim kept watching interested in the show. "I can understand completely. I do feel pity for kids who murder since they don't really have a choice. I've seen boys kill so their moms and sisters don't get raped. It's insane. I completely understand." He wrapped his arm around her again holding her tight. "This is nice." She leaned into his embrace. "It is. I agree." They stayed quiet watching the show till dinner arrived. Adam grabbed the food from the door and headed back towards Kim placing the food on the coffee table.
"So I got several options unsure what you like." He saw her looking over all the food. "All good choices. I think I will get a little of each." Kim smiled happily. They settled into silence again eating their dinner together while watching the show. As dinner ended Kim placed her dishes down and snuggled into Adam more. Her head resting in his chest. He was shocked but was loving it. His marriage never felt this good. Never felt this comfortable. He knew now for 100% certainties that his marriage was wrong and doomed to fail. He still didn't regret it since he got his daughter out of it and their bond was unbreakable. His arms wrapped around her holding her tight. "What about your parents?" Kim asked while still watching the show. "Um they are divorced. I think I was 9 when they divorced. The fought constantly. They still do. My dad's a cop, Patrol Officer. Never moved up stating it was so he could be at all my events. It was bullshit. He has gambling problems. Hates the people I work with. I have little contact with them." He watched her a bit longer.
"I'm starting therapy soon with my ex wife so we can work on fixing things so we can raise our daughter together without all the fighting. I don't have any interest in having more than a partnership with her but that seems important for Izzy. I only want the best for her. Not split holidays, no two birthday parties, no contentious hand offs. I'm trying so hard to be better, to do better than my parents were." He felt her hand moving up his chest stopping just over his heart. "I already know you are better than them. The way you are with me, a person you barely know, shows me everything I need to know about you." She looked up seeing him humbled by her words. "Thank you. I really appreciate that. It means the world to me." He watched her smile then rest her head watching the tv again.
It was getting late Kim was falling asleep in Adams arms. "You want me to put you in bed." Adam asked feeling her nod. "Okay let me get you settled then I will clean up and join you." He carried her to his bed letting her comfortable before he headed to the living room to clean up. He then took Ranger out to use the bathroom before he returned to his apartment. He found Kim still partially awake waiting for him. "I figured you would be out cold already." He watched her smile. "I wanted to snuggle with you as I slept. I don't know what's happening but this feels good." She smiled as he stripped down to join her. "Same. Let's just continue to enjoy the flow. Let's heal together and continue to grow what ever this is. But I absolutely agree this feels right. I just want to make sure we do this right so it lasts if that's what we both want." He felt her nod against him. "I agree completely. I just wanted you to know how good it feels together." She snuggled up placing her hand over his heart. He held her tight as she fell asleep next to him again. He loved every second of it.