FIC: Forever Home - Chapter 5 of 100
Title: Forever Home
Author: Shadowc44
Fandom: Glee
Pairing: Kadam (Kurt Hummel/Adam Crawford)
Rating: R (PG-13 for now)
Spoilers: None. AU. If you’ve seen Kurt and Adam interact, you’re good.
Summary: Adam is bored, and realizes he needs a companion. He decides to adopt a hybrid human/cat.
Warning: Mentions of past abuse (non-sexual) from other canon Glee characters. This fic is not particularly kind to most canon Glee characters.
Length: 3,500 words this chapter.
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in this story; they're owned by Fox. Any non-Glee characters are my own invention.
A/N: This part is still PG-13. The first part is here: Chapter 1
Chapter 4
CHAPTER 5
Adam felt he had enough information for the moment, and he really needed to think about all the ramifications of adopting Kurt. It would change his life in a number of ways, to be sure; his and Kurt’s as well. He had no doubt Kurt would be better off with him than if he stayed in the store, or if he were to be adopted by certain types of clients.
Once he was home, he had a late dinner, then read all the pamphlets. Some simply amused him, but others made him furious. He didn’t like the concept of some of the things he read, for any of the hybrids he’d met that day, but he knew realistically he couldn’t adopt them all. His main concern had to be Kurt.
One of the main things that concerned him was the idea that Kurt had been taken away from his parents at such a young age. And what about his parents? Weren’t they worried about him, or did most of the parents just think of it as fostering? It wasn’t like they got the babies from elsewhere and raised them.
Nobody knew where the hybrids had originated, or how long they may have been around, living in secret for fear of discovery. Nowadays, the government knew all about them, and felt that any child of a human and a hybrid, who would apparently always be considered a hybrid, was property, rather than an individual. So either Kurt’s mother or father would have been a hybrid, and they must have known ahead of time what would happen.
Adam had never given any thought to having children. He’d known he was gay from an early age, and it had never bothered him that he likely wouldn’t be carrying on the family name. His parents, on the other hand, were very bothered, and essentially exiled him to the States. They’d given him a trust fund with enough money to likely last him the rest of his life, but he’d had to legally change his surname to his mother’s, so there would be no question of his younger (and very straight) brother, actually continuing the bloodline and inheriting the bulk of the family fortune.
But still, what if he someday did want a child of his own? He was only 23, he supposed it was possible he could change his mind about that. He could have one with a surrogate, or even adopt, but nobody would try to take the child away. If he were straight, however, and fell in love with a woman who happened to be a hybrid, and had a child with her, as soon as the child turned 13, the government would take it away and give it to a place similar to New Directions. There his child would be trained to be a good, obedient pet. And what kind of person wanted another as a pet, even one who could turn into an animal? So what did that say about him?
Now that he had met Kurt, even though he’d spent relatively little time with him, he considered him more human than animal, but it was clear that by the legal definition, Kurt was considered more an animal than a person. And he’d chosen to spend a good portion of the last few years as an animal, to avoid being tormented as a human, by his fellow hybrids. God knew what sort of treatment he was in for when he was adopted.
Adam knew he couldn’t save all the hybrids, but he could at least keep Kurt from being adopted by someone who would be horrible to him, who might mainly want him for sex.
He had to question his own motives, though. He did want a companion, a friend, someone to spend time with, to talk with, someone who might read what he wrote, maybe be a writing partner, someone to sing with…there was nothing wrong with that. But now that he’d met Kurt specifically, he couldn’t deny that he wanted more.
A part of him wanted to shelter Kurt from anyone who wanted to hurt him, who would want him just for his body, either for sex, or to show off a well-trained, handsome animal. But another part of him wanted to have sex with Kurt. Was that wrong of him? He supposed the main question was, what did Kurt want?
He knew himself well enough to know he would never force Kurt. If he didn’t want sex, they wouldn’t have sex. He’d eventually find a boyfriend…but what would happen to Kurt? Would that mean he’d never have a sex life with anyone else? If a boyfriend moved into the apartment with them, how would he feel about Kurt? Would he treat him well, or treat him as an animal? Would he want Adam to get rid of him? He knew if that were the case, the boyfriend would be out on his ear, and Kurt would stay. But still, did he want to put himself or Kurt through that?
On the other hand, did he want to commit to a lifetime of taking care of Kurt, providing for him…even if he treated him as an equal in every way he could, they still barely knew each other. It wasn’t like adopting a pure cat, who would likely live around 20 years, at most, if adopted as a kitten. So far, hybrids seemed to have only a slightly shorter life span than humans, 10-20 years less perhaps.
Since his parents had essentially disowned him for being gay, how would they feel about him adopting a hybrid, and essentially treating him as a partner? On the other hand, did he really give a rat’s arse what his parents thought, if they ever even found out? He didn’t care what they had to say, it wasn’t like they could take the money back now.
But really, what in the hell was he getting himself in for? Adam knew he would get very little sleep that night.
<><><><><><><><><><>
The next morning, Kurt had to be wakened by Emma, who was shocked he’d overslept. She combed and brushed him, and it felt like she was taking more time than usual to do it. Finally she stopped and sighed, carefully petting Kurt’s head.
“There. We want you to look as nice as possible when - well, just in case - It doesn’t hurt to try to look your best, right?”
Kurt wondered for a moment, if she remembered who he was. He wasn’t one of those slovenly hybrids - like some in the store he could name - who didn’t give a damn what they looked like. But he appreciated Emma’s concern, so he purred extra loud for her, and butted his head against her hand. He knew better than to lick her hand in gratitude, the way he was tempted. Miss Emma had a Thing about germs, something they all learned quickly when they first came to the store. Time had not mellowed out her fear.
“Are you going to stay like that, or change back to human?” Emma asked him. “I really think that’s - “ She sighed, and seemed relieved she didn’t have to argue or force him. He changed back to human without any further prompting. He had put on pajamas after his shower the night before, so now he just needed to put on his exercise clothes. He didn’t want to mess up his hair or get sweaty, but maybe Miss Emma would let him take another shower before his owner - potential owner, he reminded himself, got there.
During their exercise time, a couple of the others started to tease him about scaring away another owner, but Santana hissed and threatened to scratch them. Since Santana’s nails in human form were even longer, and bigger, than in cat form, the guys backed off.
He ran around the yard a few times, pulled himself up on the bars, and did a lot of stretching, before returning inside to use some of the exercise machines. Nobody talked to him, but they weren’t teasing or harassing him, either, and nobody even tried to get him off the treadmill so they could use it.
He was pleasantly exhausted when the bell rang, indicating it was time to go back inside. The usual procedure was a quick “shower” with the hose, before drying off and changing into their clothes for the day, but Emma took Kurt aside and let him take an actual shower inside, instead.
<><><><><><><><><><>
While Kurt was getting ready for the day, Puck and Blaine complained to Emma that it wasn’t fair that Kurt was getting special treatment. She really wasn’t in the mood to listen to it. Kurt had been waiting long enough for someone to be so interested.
“Never mind, if someone is thinking about adopting you, you’ll want to look your best, too. Kurt has been here longer than any of you. I would think you’d be happy for him that somebody finally wants him.”
The two dog hybrids looked at each other and shrugged.
“I guess there’s no accounting for taste,” Blaine said. “But do you really think that guy is going to come back?”
“I don’t know, and it’s not really any of your business,” Emma snapped. “Now go to your cages, please."
“But I want to be in the window again!” Blaine complained.
“You had your turn yesterday,” Puck griped, “It’s my turn.”
“No, actually, I think it will be Brittany, Sugar, Artie and Mike today.”
“Why them? Nobody wants them,” Puck muttered.
“And nobody’s wanted you yet, either.” Emma immediately felt bad for pointing it out, but she wasn’t going to apologize. They needed to learn to get along together, instead of being jealous each time someone else was adopted.
“Maybe you need to work on your attitude, and you might be more likely to find a home,” she added. “Now go!” She pointed to the direction of their cages. They grumbled, but didn’t try to argue further. They didn’t seem to think it was likely that the man would come back for Kurt.
<><><><><><><><><><>
Despite only getting a little sleep, Adam woke up early, his mind firmly made up. He had a quick breakfast, then cleaned up the apartment. He put fresh sheets on the guest bed, and decided he’d wait till Kurt could see his room for himself, so they could figure out what else he might need.
He checked the cupboard and refrigerator, and started making a grocery list. He resented the time it would take to do the shopping, but he didn’t want to overwhelm Kurt with going too many places on his first day.
He recalled how thin Kurt had looked, and added a few more items. It wouldn’t hurt to add a little Ensure to his diet for a bit, he could probably use the nutrition. He’d mix it into a milkshake or something, then it might seem more like a treat than something that was good for him.
When he was finally certain his place was ready for another occupant, he grabbed his checkbook and left. He’d already seen the prices the hybrids went for at New Directions, and while he was sure his parents would be appalled at the amount of money he was going to spend, he wasn’t concerned. He could afford it, and felt he would be getting a bargain at twice the price. The thought of actually buying Kurt, as though he were an actual cat, made him wince, but there was nothing to be done for it. If he didn’t buy him, he’d either stay in a place he was miserable, or possibly end up even more miserable if he were bought by someone else.
He managed to get to the store shortly after it opened. He hoped Kurt hadn’t been getting too anxious, worrying he might not show up.
He noticed a different group of hybrids in the window, and they all looked at him hopefully, but he couldn’t take all of them home, as much as his heart went out to them. He just wanted to get Kurt out of there as quickly as possible.
<><><><><><><><><><>
As soon as they recognized the man from the day before, the hybrids in the window started talking to him.
“Are you back for Kurt?” Brittany asked. “Are you sure you don’t want me, too? I’m a good girl, Santana says so.”
Adam paused, barely inside the door, then went over to the window.
“I’m sure you are, dear, but you’re not my type.”
Adam hurried over to Emma, who smiled brilliantly at him.
“Did you want to spend more time talking to Kurt, or have you made a decision already?” She looked so hopeful, he was delighted to put her mind at ease.
“I think we’ll have plenty of time to talk more at home. I’m going to adopt him. I just want to make sure he’s agreeable to that.”
“I wanted to let you know, Kurt slept very well last night. According to the night crew, he didn’t wake up once. In fact, I had to wake him up this morning, and I don’t think I’ve ever had to do that before.”
“That sounds like a good sign.”
“I think it is,” she agreed. “Why don’t you come back with me, and you can ask him?”
When the other hybrids saw Adam coming towards them, they immediately started gossiping amongst themselves about why he was there.
Kurt was pacing nervously in his cage, in human form already, Adam noticed. He looked very nice in black slacks and a pale blue shirt, and a lovely violet scarf. He looked both excited and scared when he saw Adam.
“You came back!”
“I said I would,” Adam pointed out reasonably. “Now, I want to make sure we’re in agreement. You do want to come home with me, don’t you?”
“Oh, yes, yes, of course!” Kurt was nodding so rapidly Adam was afraid he might hurt his neck.
“Good, now that’s settled -“
Emma cleared her throat. “There’s some paperwork to fill out in the office. Why don’t we take care of that while Kurt gathers up his things. We can discuss what other items he might need, and whether you’ll be able to take him home right away.”
“Wait, Kurt is getting adopted before me?!?” Blaine shouted. He looked even more hyperactive than usual, flailing his arms around. “But I’m a better singer than he is! And I’m better-looking, can dance better, and everybody likes me!”
“That’s nice, then you shouldn’t have much trouble getting adopted, hm?” Adam said, as politely as possible.
“Whatever. You’ll probably bring him back soon, ‘cause he’ll get on your nerves in about two seconds!” Puck predicted.
“He hasn’t gotten on my nerves yet,” Adam replied evenly. He resisted the urge to add, “Unlike some of you.” He smiled at Kurt, who was clapping his hands and jumping up and down, his face transformed by the brightest smile Adam had ever seen. He smiled at the boy, and followed Emma, anxious to finish the formalities.
"One thing we need to discuss is sterilization. I think, as has been implied, Kurt would probably not be terribly cooperative if you had any intentions of breeding him, with either a human female, or a cat hybrid female.”
"I would not consider using Kurt as a stud for future hybrids. I agree, he wouldn’t be suitable for that.” Adam was trying his best to be polite, but wondered if Emma could hear the sarcasm.
"Right. So.” Emma took a deep breath, and straightened papers that didn’t need to be straightened. “Will says that in order to preserve Kurt’s voice, if you want him to continue hitting those high notes, he should be neutered so his voice won’t change.”
Adam shook his head. “For one thing, no. For another, no. I’m sure by 18 Kurt has gone through puberty already, so his voice isn’t likely to change any more. And even if it does, it’s not worth mutilating him and ruining any future sexual enjoyment he might have, just to preserve his voice.”
“It’s perfectly safe, if that’s what your worried about, and most people aren’t too concerned with their pet’s sexual enjoyment, and it’s not that expensive, so -“
He could tell Emma was reciting this by rote, and it seemed to be making her a bit nauseous to say it. It raised his estimation of her, and lowered his respect for her husband.
“Thank you for letting me know about the option. No. I’ll take Kurt home with me today, now, unaltered.”
“That’s fine. If you’ll just sign this disclaimer here.”
Emma’s voice was businesslike, but Adam noted she looked relieved.
Adam filled out the requisite paperwork for adoption, surprised that there was so little. It was only a bit more complicated that applying for a library card. He wrote the check without hesitation, but wondered how many people could afford such prices. Of course, the average hybrid pet wasn’t trained to sing, he reminded himself cynically. He didn’t care about the money, but was concerned about the likelihood of the rest of the pets being adopted at such a price.
“Thank you.” Emma took the check and gave Adam his ID back. They’d already done a credit check, early this morning, no doubt, so they knew he was good for the money. “Here’s the file.”
Adam looked over the file, which didn’t seem to contain a lot of papers, considering Kurt had been there for over five years. They included a medical history, of course. Kurt was basically healthy, but a little underweight. Other than that, he was in good shape. His tendency towards poor sleep and nightmares was noted, as well as his reluctance to retain his human form for any length of time. He noticed the surname was blacked out, as well as the parents’ names and contact information. He was annoyed, as he really wanted to talk to Kurt’s parents.
“Will you be notifying Kurt’s family that he’s been adopted? I’m sure they’ll want to know.” He smiled as disarmingly as possible.
Emma nodded. “Kurt’s father asked that we let him know once he’d been adopted. He wanted to know he’d have a good home.”
“I can do that -“
“Oh, no, we’ll take care of that. It’s best if there’s no contact between the adoptive family and the original family.”
Oh really? Adam thought he had a different idea of what was best, but he would ask Kurt what he thought. A revolutionary idea, no doubt, but one young Kurt would have to get used to. There were no doubt a lot of new things for Kurt to adjust to, but hopefully, voicing his opinion on things would be something he could learn quickly.
Next - Chapter 6