It was Adams first day back to work. He was excited but also bummed out since he had enjoyed spending so much time with Kim over the last week. As he arrived he smiled seeing Platt yelling at Patrol officers. It was amusing to him. He entered the bullpen with a smile on his face. "Holy shit! Look who finally came back!" Kevin called out laughing as Adam dropped his things at his desk. "Yeah it's good to be back. Kind of!" He laughed hugging his friend. "Only kind of? Ouch that hurts!" Kevin laughed pretending to be hurt. "Well yeah spending everyday, most of the day with Kim is where I would rather be." Adam shrugged knowing they all understood. "How was Paris?" Erin asked knowing he was excited about going.
"God it was beautiful! So much to explore, so much history. It was amazing. I hope we can go back again. I want to see more and I'm sure Kim would love to go back." He was holding back details but it was better. "Did you get to see everything you wanted to see?" Jay asked. "Yeah for the most part. And I was thrilled Kim got to go with me to see a lot of them. We had a great time exploring together. Here I have tons of photos." Adam handing them his phone with all the photos loaded. He watched the team go through all the photos smiling. "Looks like you guys had a great time. What did you do with your extra days?" Antonio asked since they all knew he was supposed to be back Monday. "Well so Sunday we went to a baseball game with her friends. I thought she was going to get arrested as she was threatening the umpires and a pitcher. But she wasn't the only one so it worked out. After the game we went to an outdoor market. Shopped, snacked, watched the water. Then I beat her at mini golf, which she had never played before. Then I taught her how to roller skate. Which she had also never done before. So it was great. We then headed back to the hotel ordering food as we went." He paused sipping his coffee.
"Then on Monday we got up for breakfast. Kim drove without using GPS. She ate a crazy amount of food but super sugary. Salted caramel banana French toast. Crazy! We then started to drive north to visit her friend Jim. We stopped about an hour in to use the bathroom, get coffee and donuts. Then we dove north again. She stopped with probably 20 minutes left since she could see I was going stir crazy in the car. We walked around Main Street for a bit before heading to see her friend." He really didn't know how to explain how bad it really was. "While I was expecting the crazy big house and all the fancy stuff I wasn't expecting how bad his condition was. Physically he's doing better from the stroke but mentally it's pretty bad. And it was a bad day so that made it worse. When he saw her he literally said 'where the hell have you been'. She tried explaining that she lives in Chicago and that he lives in Pennsylvania. But he flat out told her she was wrong because he lived in Jersey. And got riled when she mentioned it looked like his PA house." He shook his head.
"Then he got upset when she introduced me. Saying 'fuck you that's not Adam.' He apparently has a friend named Adam so he was confused. I tried to make conversation but he told me nothing I had heard was true. I did laugh at that. He swore he had gone to the shore over the weekend, which he hadn't. We eventually took him out for lunch where he was not focused on anything other than food. When we went to leave Kim paid the bill which pissed him off. Telling her to fuck off. It was insane. On the way home he was confused about where we were and where we were going. It was beyond rough watching that. She was crushed. Pretty shut down after that." He got quiet again. They all looked at him sadly knowing it was hard for anyone to see someone they loved losing their minds. "How is she doing now?" Al asked. He liked Kim a lot and thought she was a good match for Adam.
"Um she's okay. They talked a bit on the phone and he seemed better. More aware. Still not all there. He told Kim he was driving the Jag, which he doesn't own anymore. And he doesn't have a valid license. He still insists he was at the shore but he seemed to realize where he was living at least. He couldn't tell her the address but he at least knew the development he was in. And the fact that the house is on the 18th fairway. So that was good. She didn't ask about the car though. She said that when she asks a lot of questions he gets frustrated with her. Probably because he doesn't have an answer for her and that must be frustrating for him." He knew not everyone had dealt with someone like that before so it was hard explaining the toll it takes on those around them. "Sounds rough. But at least he's doing better. I remember her saying he was on deaths door with 15% heart function so this is good." Al tried to stay positive about it.
"Yeah maybe. Some days I think she wishes he had gone then just because it would have been easier than watching his mind go. She was so stressed that we went to a bar after we left for a shot before going to the hotel. Strangely enough she knew the bartender by name and while he didn't know hers he said it was good to see her again. I laughed but asked if she needed to tell me anything and she said that her friends go there a lot. And that was it. It was just crazy I wasn't expecting that either. Yesterday we flew home and then relaxed all day. Just living in the silence before life gets crazy again. I know she has a full schedule of stuff today but it's all easy things so it shouldn't be too hard on her." He shrugged a bit not sure how to explain her mood. Hell he wasn't sure what her mood was and he lived with her.
"Alright guys time to start the day. Ruzek, good to have you back. Glad Kim didn't get arrested. Get caught up in the current case!" The team laughed realizing Voight had been listening. Adam got to work right away getting up to date on the current case the team worked while he was away the extra few days. He hated playing catch up in a case but the extra time away was very important to Kim and really it was for him as well. He finally understood what Kim had gone through earlier in the year with her friend. And while he hadn't seen the worst of it he at least saw this version of bad. And this one he thought was worse. For now he put that out of his mind as he worked the case.
Kim was across town working on the errands for the day but also to get ready for the move the next day. She had already been to the dry cleaners, her waxing appointment and her manicure and pedicure. She still needed to make a few calls, pack, get her extensions out and pay Matt for the work at the house. She was happy that the work was mostly finished except for the generator. It wasn't something Matt could install so they had to wait for someone who could get it installed. They have someone coming in just a few weeks to do the work so that was okay with the couple. Later in the day she planned to talk to the insurance company about re-appraising the house in its current state. Not the condition they purchased it in. Kim wanted to ensure the house was properly insured just in case the worse thing happened.
It was around noon she decided to pay Adam a visit. She was going that way anyway so she got food and drinks for the team and headed over. When she arrived she had her hands full that was for sure. She found the lobby busy but headed for the stairs so she could place things down while she waited. Platt saw her right away. "Kim do you need help with all that?" She asked seeing she was struggling. "Yes please! I can carry it but I'm afraid the bags will rip." Kim shrugged trying not to look weak. "Okay no worries! Roman! Carry the bags for Ms Burgess!" Roman walked over right away to carry the heavier bags. "Thank you officer." Kim nodded as she headed up the stairs. "Kim! Hey!" Erin walked over to greet her with a hug. "Hey! It's good to see you! I brought lunch for everyone." She pointed as Roman placed the items in the break room.
"Thank you! I will call everyone up from the tech room." Erin was excited but watched the officer leave looking Kim over. "I'm sure your husband will be happy to see you." Erin mentioned looking towards that officer. Kim just laughed. "Oh I'm sure." She just kept laughing waiting for the rest of the team to show up. Adam was shocked hearing her laugh, jogging to the room to see her. "Darling! I wasn't expecting you!" He hugged her tight. "Well I had some time between things. And I have to pay Matt for the work on the house so I figured lunch would be helpful." She smiled seeing his eyes light up. "There is enough for everyone. So please dig in!" Kim smiled again knowing they all needed the food. "Thank you Kim!" Kevin was the first to hug her excited for something good to eat. "You are welcome! Need to keep you guys safe!" Kim smiled.
The team filed into the break room to sit together to eat their lunch. Lots of conversations going on but Adam was just happy Kim was beside him again. "How's your day going?" He asked softly. "It's been good. Worked out, got ready for the day, then dry cleaner, waxing, mani pedi. Busy but all good. Now I just have to visit Matt to pay him, get my extensions out and call the insurance company before packing for tomorrow. Tomorrow I will grocery shop after everything is delivered to the house. Still lots to do but I'm in a good place. How's the case going?" She asked knowing it was pretty nasty. "It's okay. Definitely got more work to do to close it out but we are in the right direction at least. Hopefully tomorrow will be a normal day and I could help unpack and set up after work tomorrow." He didn't want it ti all fall on her. It wasn't fair to her to have to do it all. But if this case doesn't wrap up that's what will happen. "It's all good. Our room is the most important the rest can be done over time. Really it's okay." Kim didn't want him upset over it.
"Well no matter what we are sleeping there tomorrow night. We both need it." He watched her smile. He watched her look at her phone. "Oh my new reformer will be delivered tomorrow too." She looked giddy. "What's a reformer?" He had no clue. "The Pilates machine I have is called a reformer. But I needed a smaller one that's more portable for the lake house. So not fancy at all. And doesn't have the top part but it's something it keep my exercises up. If it sucks I will send it back and get a more expensive one." Kim explained showing him the one she got. "Ah you went super low end on it but I see why. The closet doesn't allow for a large machine but I really think you will hate it." He knew her too well to know this was not going to work for her. "Maybe but I'm trying to save a bit of money on it." Kim whined a bit but he just laughing kissing the pout away.
"All right I have to go! Back to work baby!" Kim stood to clean up after herself. "Alright be safe and don't stress too hard today! It will all be good!" He kissed her as he cleaned up the rest of the mess. The couple parted ways heading back to their days. "She does know she doesn't have to feed us right?" Voight asked. "Yeah she knows. But she admits that she likes to feed you all so you are safer and to help keep me safer in the field. She thinks it's a selfish motive but I really think she's just too kind for her own good." Adam admitted not for the first time. "She amazing and we all love you two together. She's not selfish at all. She's doing good. I just don't want her to think she has to bring food every time she visits." Voight explained hoping she didn't feel obligated. "She knows but she likes to do it." Adam just shrugged.
The team got back to work trying to wrap the current case once and for all. Kim had headed out to finish her errands outside the house. It took a couple more hours before she back home starting to pack for the move. She also started doing the wash so the sheets and towels were ready for the new home. She was excited to get moved in finally and start relaxing. To start healing the wounds of the past. To living the full life she never had before. They were both excited for this new chapter in their lives. Excited for all the possibilities that lay ahead of them. As she started to pack she realized all the things she needed to buy for the new home. She never even realized that she didn't have plates, silverware and cookware for the house. So she sat down with the phone pulling up the target app placing a large order for all the items they needed.
She finished up the order texting Adam to see if he could pick up those items on the way home. He responded right away that he was happy to do that for her. Anything to help out. They both worked throughout the afternoon. It was crazy just how much the two accomplished. Adam finished his case and returned home to find lots of boxes and Kim sitting on the floor of their room surrounded by clothes. "Well hello! Looks like you have been busy." Adam noticed she jumped. "Damn you scared me!" Kim jumped up to hug him before getting back at it. "Just trying to get some clothes packed. Trying to decide what to take." Kim shrugged a bit. "You can always come get things you need. Just try to pack comfy clothes for the month of May and June you can revisit what you have. May is not really shorts weather anyway." He watched her nod like she was listening and understanding. "You are right. And I have to come back here for the charity events so I can always pack more. You are right." Kim stood up again going to switch over the wash.
"Alight let's order some take out. You need a break. And I will move these boxes over to the storage room with the furniture so it's easier for tomorrow." He knew she needed a break from everything. "Thank you baby! Washing your favorite sheets and towels now!" She winked knowing he would be happy. "Thank god! I hate sleeping without them and you!" He gave her his best lop sided grin watching her melt. "By the way, you look adorable! I love your hair that way." He walked closer kissing her slowly. "Thank you! It definitely feels lighter. It's a joy having the weight off." Kim loved having her shorter hair. While still shoulder length it was several inches shorter than it was before. It was also thinner than before as the extensions bulked up her hair quite a bit.
The couple continued to pack till the food arrived. Adam got her to sit down while he served up the food. He knew she needed it. The day had been full of errands and packing so now he wanted her to rest a bit. As they sat they passed flirty glances and soft touches. "How was your case?" She asked wanted to know how things ended up. "Done. It was tough but that's not out of the ordinary for us. I'm just happy it's done. Now I can focus on you." He winked at her smirking madly. "Well I'm glad it's done. Hopefully tomorrow will just be a paperwork day. Then to the new house to help unpack and relax." She smiled wide thinking about their new house. "I'm excited for the new house. I'm excited for this place. I can't wait to see you relax more everyday." He watched her smiling.
"I can't wait either. I hope this is the fix for everything. I just want peace in my heart and head. And being by the water always does that for me. I think the dock will get plenty of use." She laughed thinking it was going to be her favorite place. "Yeah I can only imagine. But that's why we had it built. So I would be happy for you to use it daily. Hell you could sleep out there with how big the landing is." He laughed knowing she probably would. "That might happen. Might need to buy an air mattress though to be comfortable!" Kim laughed knowing she would do that, everyday if she could. "We are doing that one night together. It would be fun and romantic." He raised his eye brows letting her know his intentions. "Oh no need to raise your eye brows I know your intentions are not pure with sleeping on the dock!" She smacked his chest laughing.
He wasted no time in scooping her up and taking her to the couch tickling her sides. The couple laughing hard till they couldn't breathe. As they settled back down they cuddled together on the couch together. "I like this! It's comfortable." She sighed contently. "Everyday for the rest of our lives!" He kissed the side of her head as he held her. "Forever. Only you!" She whispered. "Only one!" He held her a bit longer before they got up to pack a bit more. It was crazy how much stuff they needed to pack and thankfully they had stuff from Adam's old place but they had gotten rid of a lot. He even found a few things that should have been thrown out when he moved in with Kim but it was kind of rushed so more things came with then should have. But they could deal with it now. He made several piles for Goodwill and moved those to his car right away so they wouldn't get moved to the new place by mistake.
"Hey darling? Can this get thrown out?" He holds up some random object that looked like a Christmas thing. "Oh absolutely not! I forgot I had that." Kim walked over to touch it. Adam watched her holding it fondly. "What is it?" He had no idea what it was but knew it was special. "Um it's a German Pyramid. They are normally out at Christmas. I found this one over seas. But I put it in this bag because it smelled like my grandmothers house. I don't recall her having these but the smell took me back. I can't even identify the smell it's just there. I don't know." Kim shrugged not knowing how to explain it. "That's lovely. I know it might be strange but can I smell it?" He asked watching her face.
"Um yeah. Sure." Kim smiled handing him the bag once more. She watched as he opened it taking a whiff before closing it again. "The hallway to the guest rooms and bathroom always smelled like that. I have no idea what it actually is." She smiled holding it again. "Maybe we get more of these so we can display them all together over the holidays." He watched her smile but still focused on the bag in her hands. "Yeah we could do that. They are a bit pricey but I'm sure we could find some used ones online. I can't reason with spending over 800 on one Christmas decoration. That's just craziness." Kim shrugged. "Well I agree with that so I will look online tomorrow on my break. Maybe find some good deals for you. Maybe another that smells like that." He smiled knowing it would bring her joy. "This one needs to be cherished. Let's find a better place to keep it." He suggested watching her nod.
"Okay you are getting emotional so let's pause on this for tonight. We packed enough for today. We can do more over the weekend if we need to. You shopped well for the new house. I'm sure we have everything now." He got up leading her back to their apartment making sure all the doors were locked. "Let's just get some rest tonight. Tomorrow is another day." He felt her nod against his chest. He helped strip her and get her ready for bed. He helped her into bed making sure she was comfortable before he got himself ready for bed. He felt her snuggle up closer. Taking deep breaths of his scent to calm her mind. "Just rest darling. I know you are lost in your mind so try to sleep." He felt her breathing evening out as rubbed her back.
The very next morning the couple woke slowly neither leaving the comfort of their bed. "How are you feeling this morning?" He watched her snuggling closer. "I'm good. Just the smell brought me back to better times as a child. Before I became the bread winner. Before I became semi famous. Before all the hurt and pain. I wish she were still here but I know she's in a better place. She was 92 from what I gathered. That's a long life. I'm happy for her. Happier that she's with my grandfather. That gives me comfort." He watched a few tears roll down her cheeks. He wiped her cheeks watching her smile softly. "Sounds like a nice way to remember them. Happy and together." He watched her drifting off in her mind. "Tell me what you are thinking." He wasn't trying to push but it seemed she was lost in the good memories.
"Just thinking about Christmas in front of the fireplace sitting on the bench as we opened our stockings. I loved it there. They lived in a smaller neighborhood full of people their age. But it was on a river. I used to love walking the neighborhood everyday. Several times a day but I always went to the water. I have always felt drawn to it." She paused thinking back to that time in life. "They lived near a train line. I would lay in bed waiting till i heard the train whistle before getting up. It's like it was the permission to get out of bed. It was super rural there. Just like Ellicot City but I loved it there." She smiled thinking about their home and the small town that she actually liked to visit. "Sounds like a good place to live for them. Peaceful and small in their older age." He loved learning these things about her. Learning what made her who she is.
"It probably was. They used to have a large group of friends and a camper. They traveled around the country in the camper. I hated camper trips with them but really it was a break from dancing. But I still hated it. Camp ground bathrooms are pretty gross! And the water never stayed on long so it was torture to a kid who loved a long shower. But at least I got some time with them before things got out of control. I'm not even sure if she fully understood what happened while I was gone. The things I went through. Obviously my parents had jaded views of that time in life. And apparently my father never knew the full truth. But I can't change any of that. I just have to move forward. Make peace with it all. It's hard as hell but I need it. Only way I can truly move on from it." It wasn't the first time she had that realization. "Well after we visit her you can have that. You can tell her everything. Grieve her loss and move forward. And we will do it together." He watched her smile again.
"How about a little sweet release before we get moving?" He offered knowing it had been a few days and they could both use some love. "Sounds lovely!" Kim leaned forward kissing him slowly, sweetly. Adam returned the kiss moving her body so he was hovering over her. He made love her slowly. Pouring every ounce of love into her. Leaving her with no doubts in her mind on how he felt. When their breathing returned to normal he lifted her carrying her to the shower. The couple both feeling emotional after their love making. Neither wanting to be too far from the other. They washed each other loving every moment of the joint shower. As they finished the shower Adam helped dry Kim before drying himself off. He watched her moving to dry her hair.
"I'm gonna start breakfast before the movers get here." He kissed her head as he moved out of the bathroom. "Thank you! I appreciate it!" Kim kissed him back. He left her to get ready. As he finished up breakfast Kim was walking out ready for the day. She was dressed super comfy but that worked with the day ahead. "Are you excited to come home to the lake house tonight?" She asked as she ate. "Absolutely! I can't wait to see it finished in person. She how you got it set up. I'm really excited about tonight. What about you?" He already knew the answer. "I'm stoked. It's super exciting. I can't wait to get started. I'm itching to start!" She giggled loudly. "Me too! Just remember you don't have to do it all today. Take it easy on yourself." He watched her nod. "I know. I want our room done. And the living room at least. That should be super easy. Since I just have to have them place the items down. But it needs to be done for comfort." She knew he would understand.
"Sounds like a plan. The dining room area should be easy too. And the bathrooms are pretty much done. I think the kitchen will be the most work. But I will help with that tonight. So just work on the three most important spaces and then relax some. Sit on the dock for a bit. I know the outside furniture doesn't come till this weekend but you can take the camp chair from my jeep with you." He saw her getting more excited for the house. "Well the movers should be here any minute. So let's clean up so we are ready." He helped her clean up and hugged her tight as she shimmied with excitement. He laughed loving this side of her.
Adam answered the door when the movers showed up. He showed them to all the items that needed to be moved into their new home. While it wasn't the largest amount of things it was all the heavier things that Kim couldn't move on her own. The couple watched as all the furniture moved out onto the truck. He stayed as long as he could before leaving for work. After he left Kim watched all things being moved to the new place. Once the last box was on the truck the crew headed to the new place with Kim leading the way. 30 minutes later they pulled up in front of the new home. The movers worked hard to get all the furniture in first. The mattresses would be there by noon so the bedroom sets needed to be placed first. Kim worked to get all the items from her car brought into the house. It was mostly clothes, sheets and towels but it was all things that needed to come in sooner than later.
As the movers worked Kim set up both bathrooms with everything they needed including toiletries. It really was the easiest rooms to set up. After the last box was placed inside Kim paid the workers and locked the door behind them. She headed to bedroom right away to get the bed set up for when the mattress showed up. She headed to the door as soon as she heard it. The mattresses were being delivered. She took them to each room showing them where the different ones went. They got a nicer one for their room since it would see more use. The others were more basic and affordable. She stood back as they brought the items in. She smiled wide seeing it coming together. By 1 the delivery people were gone and Kim was left waiting for the next round of deliveries. She headed straight to their room to get the bed made.
Kim sent plenty of pictures to Adam showing him all the progress in the house. The area rug was placed down knowing the couches were arriving soon. The couple had decided on an outdoor area rug for the living room so if it got wet it was t a big deal. Neither wanted mold growing in the house. She was surprised when food showed up at the door. She hadn't ordered it but assumed Adam had gotten food to make sure she didn't forget to eat. And she would, he knew that. After eating she watched as the couches were placed in the living room. She could see the house coming together. It was almost there, almost done but she knew she needed to keep moving. With the couches in place she moved the coffee table and end tables into place before she headed down the dock. She was tired but she knew things needed to be done but she also needed a break.
She took the camp chair and heads down the dock to the porch area. She loved it right away even without furniture. It was perfect. This was everything to her. She didn't even realize that she had spent several hours there. She was only made aware when Adam arrived finding her entranced. "Thought I would you here." He watched her jump out of her skin. "God dam you scared me!" Kim yelled laughing at him. "Well you haven't answered your phone in a bit but this seemed like the place to find you. Looks like you found your peace." He watched her walking closer wanting a hug. "Oh definitely!" Kim leaned in to kiss him. "You want me to show you around?" She asked looking into his eyes. "Yeah let's head in. I came right here when you didn't answer. Might need to put cameras in so I can find you easier." He poked her side making her laugh a bit.
They walked hand in hand to the house entering through the deck door. "Oh wow! It looks amazing and it's not even decorated. Kim you did such a great job pulling this together. I never thought it would look this good. It's incredible!" He hugged her hard. It was more than he imagined. "Thank you baby! I'm glad you like it! That makes me happy!" She hugged him back leading him to their room. "Wow! Kim! This looks crazy good! I know it's not done but it looks amazing already. You ready to work on the kitchen for a bit?" He was amazed already. "Yeah. I want to make the beds in the other rooms too since the beds are together already." She watched the shocked look come over his face. So she led him down the hallway to see the other rooms. "This is crazy! I can't believe you got all this done already!" He was shocked. "Well the movers placed everything where I wanted it. Then the mattress people placed them on the bed frames for me. So it wasn't that hard really." She shrugged knowing the movers did the hard work.
"It's still incredible. I'm so damn proud of you!" Adam was just pleased with the progress. He didn't imagine she could get this much done in one day. "Thank you really! I'm gonna start on the other beds if you want to start on the kitchen boxes." Kim asked watching him smile knowing this was the biggest room to set up with the most work. And he knew she would rearrange everything so he worked to just unload the boxes letting her pick where she wanted things. It wasn't long before she joined him in the kitchen. "I left everything out since I knew you would be picky about where you want it to go." He watched her try to be offended but ended up laughing together. He noticed as they continued Kim was keeping a list of things they were missing.
It seemed a bit much but if it made her happy then he was all for it. Some of the items seemed over the top but he was happy to buy them to keep her happy. "Do we really need an immersion blender?" He was confused as to why they needed it. "Yes! If I want to make pastina, yes." She laughed watching him being confused. "What is that?" He asked. "It's an Italian soup. It's referred to as the Italian penicillin. It's so good when you are sick." Kim shrugged smiling a bit. "Well okay then! So I guess I see some soup in my future." He winked in her direction. "Probably." She hip checked him while laughing. "Let's get this finished so we can head to bed in our new home!" He wiggled his eye brows letting her knowing exactly what they were doing that night. "Well let's do it then!" Knowing the double meaning behind it.
It wasn't much longer till the couple fell into bed together. For the first time in their new home. Celebrating the place where all their dreams would come true.