Kim Burgess and Adam Ruzek’s connection was electric. Over the years, their journey has evolved from flirtatious banter and intense passion to heartbreak, co-parenting, and finally—something that feels like real, grounded love. The Chicago P.D. writers have never made it easy for them, but fans have rooted for “Burzek” through every fight, kiss, and tragic twist. Let’s take a look back at the defining moments of their on-again, off-again love story and what makes them one of One Chicago’s most emotionally rich couples.
It all started in Season 1, when Burgess was a uniformed patrol officer and Ruzek was an undercover recruit pulled up to Intelligence by Voight. The chemistry was immediate. Even though Ruzek was engaged to another woman at the time, he couldn’t help but be drawn to Burgess’s charm, grit, and loyalty. Their flirtation quickly escalated into stolen kisses and heated glances, and before long, Ruzek broke off his engagement to pursue Burgess seriously. It was messy, passionate, and undeniably compelling.
Their early relationship was full of highs. They were playful, supportive, and unstoppable when working together. But the intensity of their connection often led to conflict. When Ruzek proposed to Burgess in Season 2, it seemed impulsive and driven by emotion rather than stability. Burgess hesitated, and eventually, the engagement was called off. That decision marked the beginning of a more complicated phase in their journey—one filled with tension, mistrust, and individual growth.
But then came one of the most emotionally significant turns in their story. In Season 7, after a particularly vulnerable moment, Burgess discovered she was pregnant—with Ruzek’s baby. The news shocked both of them. While Ruzek offered his full support and even suggested co-parenting, Burgess insisted on doing it her way. Unfortunately, tragedy struck soon after. In a harrowing episode, Burgess lost the baby after a brutal attack during a case. The loss shattered her, and Ruzek was heartbroken too. Their shared grief brought them closer, but neither was fully ready to confront the pain head-on.
It wasn’t until Season 8 and beyond that their relationship began to take a new, more mature shape. After surviving her trauma, Burgess made the courageous decision to foster a young girl named Makayla, eventually adopting her. Ruzek once again stepped up, not as a boyfriend but as a steady presence—someone willing to help raise a child that wasn’t biologically his. His dedication to Burgess and Makayla, despite their uncertain romantic status, signaled major growth. Gone was the impulsive, hot-headed Ruzek of Season 1. In his place was a man committed to doing the right thing, even when it was hard.
Their new dynamic wasn’t without its challenges. Co-parenting tested their boundaries and communication, especially with the lingering undercurrent of unresolved feelings. But it also deepened their bond. When Makayla was kidnapped in Season 9, it was Ruzek who stayed by Burgess’s side through every terrifying moment. When Burgess suffered from PTSD in the aftermath, it was Ruzek who gently supported her, allowing her space while refusing to let her fall. They were no longer just lovers or colleagues—they were family.
Season 10 finally gave fans what they had been hoping for: a renewed sense of emotional clarity between the two. Though they didn’t jump straight into a traditional relationship, their closeness and shared parenting responsibilities blurred the lines. There was tenderness in the way Ruzek looked at Burgess, and steadiness in the way she relied on him. In one particularly touching scene, Ruzek gave Burgess the keys to his house—not as a romantic gesture, but as a sign that he was always there, no matter what. It wasn’t flashy, but it was real. It spoke volumes about the love he still had for her.
