FIC: Forever Home - Chapter 81 of 100
Title: Forever Home - Chapter 81 of 100
Author: Shadowc44
Fandom: Glee
Pairing: Kadam (Kurt Hummel/Adam Crawford)
Rating: R
Spoilers: 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: Mention of past abuse (non-sexual) from other canon Glee characters. This fic is not particularly kind to most canon Glee characters.
Length: About 5,700 words this chapter. About 355,000 words so far.
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Glee characters in this story; they're owned by Fox. Any non-Glee characters are my own invention
Chapter 80
CHAPTER 81
The next day, Kurt spent some time sewing. He worked on his project for Adam, simply telling him it was a surprise. Adam respected his wishes, and didn’t ask any questions, just left him to his own devices.
Kurt wasn’t entirely happy with the results of his former vest. He’d wanted to make something special for Adam, but it hadn’t come out right. He thought about ripping out the stitches and starting over again, but that wouldn’t really solve the problem. He tossed it into the trash can next to his desk, and went to get Lily’s dress.
After working on it for a couple of hours, it was almost finished. As much as he’d like to finish it and know it was done, except for Lily trying it on and any last-minute adjustments, he really didn’t want to rush. He was pretty sure they still had two weeks before she needed it.
Adam came over from wherever he’d been, looking good in gray jeans and a black henley. Kurt greeted his boyfriend with a kiss, and looked at his outfit more critically.
“Have you thought of wearing a scarf with that? Maybe something with a splash of color?” he suggested.
Adam tapped his chin with one finger while he thought about it. “Not really. I’m not that cold at the moment, so I don’t think a scarf is necessary.”
Kurt rolled his eyes in fond exasperation. “As a fashion statement,” he explained.
“And what statement would I be making?”
Kurt narrowed his eyes and tightened his lips. “That you are a man who knows what looks good on him.”
His boyfriend grinned and touched Kurt’s nose lightly with his fingertips. “No, I think it would say that I’m a man whose boyfriend knows what looks good on me.”
“True.” Kurt bent a bit awkwardly and kissed Adam’s palm. “Maybe my violet scarf will -“
Adam glanced down and interrupted him. “What’s this?” He bent his head in the direction of the trash can.
“Oh, nothing, just an experiment that didn’t work out.” Kurt shuffled his feet nervously, not wanting Adam to laugh at his piteous attempt to create something.
“May I see it?”
“Um…uh…” Kurt tried to think of a good excuse, but he couldn’t think of one that would make sense. “If you want,” he sighed, resigned to hearing laughter.
Adam bent down and retrieved the blue and green tartan material. He smoothed it out, and examined it from all angles. “At first I thought this was your vest that your dad brought, but - “ He inhaled lightly. “Kurt, is this -- did you turn your vest into a beanie for me?”
He didn’t sound like he was going to laugh. If anything, he sounded almost reverent.
“Yeah. But it didn’t come out right,” he apologized. “It’s not perfectly round.”
“Ah, but neither is my head,” Adam pointed out, “especially with this hair.” He tried it on, checking himself out in the mirror in the bathroom. He adjusted the angle slightly, and Kurt had to admit, once it was on him, it looked good. One would probably have to look carefully, and maybe even know it was flawed, to realize it was asymmetrical.
“I love it,” Adam declared. “You seem disappointed in it, but I really do want to keep it. May I?”
Kurt blinked, not sure he’d heard right. “What do you mean? Of course you can, if you want, everything here is yours -“
“Stop right there, please.” Adam’s expression turned serious.
He took Kurt’s hands in both of his and looked directly into his eyes. “Kurt, your things are yours. Anything I’ve given you, or your father brought you, belong to you. Besides, what I meant was, if you really would be upset for me to wear this, if you really think it belongs in the trash, I’ll respect your wishes, even though I’d be disappointed. But if you can bear to let me wear something you’ve made, that might seem less than perfect to you, then I would be proud and delighted to wear it.”
“Oh, well, if you’re going to be like that,” Kurt sighed, but he let his lips turn up a bit. “I’m glad you like it. And it does look better on you than I thought it might.”
“Then it’s settled,” Adam agreed happily, gently squeezing his hands. “And this gives me enough color that I don’t need a scarf, right? Don’t you think I look good enough to pass muster for April?”
Kurt gasped. He’d almost forgotten his idol would be visiting that day.
“Adam, you can’t wear that! The shirt and pants are fine, but you need to wear something else - put that beanie away, where April won’t see it. What if she sees it’s wrong?”
Adam sighed, not letting go of Kurt’s hands. “Darling, it’s not wrong. It’s right for me, and I want April to see what you can do. She knows you’re a marvelous singer, but I so much want to share with other people all the other things you can create, and improve. If it really upsets you, I won’t wear it, but I think it makes me look smashing.”
“It does,” Kurt conceded, tilting his face up just a bit to kiss Adam. “But I need to figure out what I’m going to wear.”
“What’s wrong with what you’ve got on?” Adam asked.
Kurt rolled his eyes. “This isn’t what I’m wearing when she comes over. But I can’t quite make up my mind.”
“Would you like some help? Or at least another opinion?” Adam offered.
“Yes, please!”
Kurt opened his closet door and they went through the clothes that were still there. Some had been moved into Adam’s closet. Kurt pulled out all the potential outfits, and he and Adam spent a good half-hour going through the various combinations, before he was satisfied.
“Thank you, Adam. I think you’re right, this will work best.”
“Good. Now that we’ve settled that important question, let’s fix lunch, and you can tell me if there’s anything I can help you with before April gets here.”
<><><><><><><><><><>
Kurt knew he shouldn’t be all that nervous. He’d met April already, and she’d been nothing but kind. He didn’t think she would judge him harshly if he wasn’t dressed nicely enough, or the apartment wasn’t clean enough. When he tried to talk to Adam about it, his boyfriend laughed, then hugged him reassuringly.
“Kurt, if she doesn’t like the place, it’s going to reflect on me, not you. I’ve lived here for years, and I don’t think she’ll expect you to have taken over to the extent of redecorating things. Though apparently you’d like to reorganize the kitchen.”
Kurt gasped. He hadn’t put that in his mental “later” box. He’d been annoyed by things not being right, but he’d forgotten that he’d intended to ask Adam to change it.
“I do want to talk about that some other time,” Adam continued. “Let’s see what we can do so we can both find what we’re looking for in the kitchen.”
He liked these kinds of compromises. Adam wasn’t saying, “No, it’s my kitchen, and I’ll do what I like with it,” he was just looking for a way they could both be satisfied.
Kurt looked at Adam when he realized he was still speaking.
“ - had a short nap, not a proper one, so do you want to take one now? Or have some cat time, before April gets here?”
Kurt blinked as he processed the words. “No, thank you. If I change now, I’ll need to get out of these clothes first, then shower and get dressed again…no, there’s not enough time. But thank you. I’ll either wait till April leaves, or if she wants me to change, that will work, too.”
“Good, because she should be here soon, so you’d better get dressed.”
Kurt continued talking to Adam while he changed clothes, and now Adam didn’t seem to feel as awkward being around him as he used to.
He knew he was ready for the visit, but…maybe Adam wasn’t?
“Is there anything I can do to help you?” he asked, feeling guilty he hadn’t thought of it before.
Adam smiled reassuringly. “No, thank you. I’ve got everything printed out, in case April wants to read through her part of the book, and I have the videos to show her. Are the appetizers ready?”
Kurt nodded. “I’ve got some that can be eaten right away, and more that just need to go in the oven for a little bit. I’ll put them in as soon as April gets here.”
“Good. Come here.” Adam held his arms open, and Kurt melted into them, feeling safe and loved. Adam held him tightly and just swayed for a couple of minutes, calming them both down.
“How did you know I needed that?” he whispered.
“Lucky guess.” Adam squeezed him again, then let him go. He looked at Kurt’s outfit, and obviously approved. “You look fantastic. And your hair is perfect.”
It’s not that Kurt didn’t believe him, but he still wanted to check for himself. He knew the variegated blue Alexander McQueen sweater, newish blue jeans, and black sneakers looked good, but he had to make sure they looked good on him, right now. And he suddenly needed to pee.
“Maybe I am still a little nervous,” he confessed. “I’ll be right back.”
Adam nodded, and Kurt ran towards his bathroom, before he remembered most of his things were in Adam’s - their shared bathroom. He veered off in the other direction, lamenting his slow human legs.
While he was in the bathroom, he heard the phone ring. A minute later, Adam stuck his head in the bedroom and told him April was just a couple of blocks away.
“I’m going to meet her downstairs and bring her up. You still have a few minutes.”
“I’ll be waiting by the door,” Kurt told him.
“Kurt, you don’t -“ He heard Adam sigh quietly. “Alright. See you soon.”
<><><><><><><><><><>
Adam got downstairs and outside the building just in time to see April pull up. She was directed to guest parking by the security guard. Adam walked over and told the guard she was his guest, and escorted her into the building. He was relieved to see she was wearing expensive-looking jeans and a pretty pink blouse, and bright pink sneakers with neon yellow laces. Maybe Kurt would feel more relaxed once he saw her.
“Wow, fancy place!” April commented, looking around the lobby. “I keep thinking I want a house, but I’m just not home all that often right now, so it makes more sense to keep renting.”
She was very impressed when Adam pressed the elevator button for the penthouse floor.
“My third ex-husband had a penthouse suite, but we were married such a short time, I really didn’t stay there long.”
Adam bit his lip to keep his questions at bay.
“So, where’s your sweetie-pie?” April continued. “Waiting for us, I hope?”
Adam smiled down at her. She really was tiny. “Yes, I’m sure he’s making a last-minute check of everything. He’s so nervous. I tried to tell him to relax, but -“
“Oh, dear, I hope he’s not too stressed. I didn’t mean for either of you to go to any trouble.”
“It’s not trouble, really. Kurt and I do like to serve nice meals or snacks to guests. Let me warn you, there are a LOT of snacks. Please don’t feel obligated to eat any of them, or try all of them. Kurt is an excellent cook, but he may have gone a bit overboard.”
April giggled. “Oh, shoot, I wouldn’t hurt his feelings by not eating anything. But I do have to watch my waist, so the costume department doesn’t have to make any last-minute changes to my costumes.”
“Ah, that’s a reason he’ll definitely understand.”
Adam wasn’t sure it was necessary to try to make extra noise so Kurt would know they were there, but thanks to April’s continued conversation, he was sure Kurt would know they’d arrived.
He unlocked the door, and ushered April inside. She was immediately greeted by Kurt. Adam had told him it would be okay to shake hands, but with a glance over her shoulder to get his approval, April hugged him instead.
Kurt squeaked in surprise, but returned the hug. April looked tiny next to him as well.
<><><><><><><><><><>
April hadn’t been mistaken; Kurt was every bit as adorable, and hot, as she remembered. But still gay, and taken. Definitely her loss. He looked so good in his black jeans, and a blue sweater that she was sure was Alexander McQueen.
“Kurt, I’m so happy to see you again! You look fantastic.”
“Me too! I mean, happy to see you again, too!” he added quickly, his cheeks pinkening in embarrassment. “You look lovely,” he added quietly.
“Oh, you’re so sweet!” She waved her hand in the air dismissively. “Now I’m thinking maybe I should have dressed up more.”
“No, no, you’re fine!” Kurt insisted.
Adam closed and locked the door. “April, would you like a brief tour, while Kurt is finishing up the appetizers?”
She had to admit, she was curious. What she could see of the place was charming, and she suspected Kurt could use a minute alone to compose himself.
“Sure thing, darlin’. I love the piano, and the bookshelves.”
Kurt took the opportunity to scoot out of sight, presumably to the kitchen. She followed Adam as he showed her the dining room, then the other side of the apartment, including a TV room and laundry room.
“The guest bath is in Kurt’s room,” Adam pointed out, “if you’d like to freshen up.”
“I should wash my hands,” she agreed.
Adam opened the door for her and stayed in the hall.
The first thing she noticed was that the bed had been moved against the wall, near the door. There was a night stand, a desk and chair, and a humongous structure that could only be some type of cat play jungle.
“Adam, what is this?” She had to ask, and hope he would explain it to her.
He came into the room. “Ah, that’s Buckingham Palace.”
He told her a bit about his search for the perfect play area for kitty!Kurt.
“Well, this is the best one I’ve ever seen,” she admitted. She glanced at the stuffed animals sitting on various perches. “And these are -“
“Kurt’s babies. Friends. I’m not quite sure what to call them. Perhaps he’ll introduce you, later.”
Adam’s voice was teasing, but fond. There was a hint of warning in there, but she wasn’t about to make fun of Kurt, in either form.
“They’re precious,” she declared.
“Well, I’d better let you wash your hands. I’ll be in the living room, if you can find your way back okay.”
“Sure thing, honey.”
April felt a tiny bit guilty for snooping as much as she had in Kurt’s room. She hadn’t intended to, but that Buckingham Palace thing was just impossible to ignore.
She hurriedly washed her hands, admiring the bathroom. It wasn’t absolutely clear to her if Kurt stayed in this room, or shared Adam’s. But then, it was none of her business, either. She just hadn’t often heard of people giving an entire room and bathroom over to their pet. A few did; she knew some who were incredibly indulgent with their pets, but it didn’t seem quite the same as Adam and Kurt. Of course, if she had a pet, she’d probably go crazy spoiling him.
When she returned to the living room, Adam stood up. He had been sitting in a chair opposite the sofa.
“Where would you like me to sit?” she asked.
“Wherever you like. Kurt will be here in just a moment. By the way, would you like tea, or coffee?”
She shook her head. “Too late in the day for me, for coffee. Even decaf makes me jittery after about two o’clock, for some reason. But if you have some lemonade or diet soda, any kind, that would be fine.”
“I’ll fetch you a lemonade. Be back in a jiffy.”
She took a seat at one end of the sofa, nearest Adam’s chair. There was a tray of raw vegetables: carrots, celery, and radishes exquisitely carved into flowers. She saw small squares of cheese, and she longed to try each kind. There were several kinds of dipping sauces in bowls next to the veggies, as well as three plates, and tiny forks.
Adam returned with a glass of lemonade. “Kurt made this fresh this afternoon. Our next-door neighbor gave him the recipe.”
“This is all so lovely!”
“Please, help yourself.”
The carrots and celery were of a uniform size, each piece about the size of her little finger. She had no doubt who had prepared everything.
“I wanted to help him,” Adam confided quietly, “but he insisted he had everything under control. And there’s more coming in a moment.”
“Shouldn’t we wait for Kurt?” she asked, not wanting him to feel left out.
“No, he said to please go ahead.”
April hesitated to destroy one of the lovely radishes, but they were meant for eating. Even if they looked more like artwork. She took one of each veggie, and a couple of the most enticing-looking cheese squares. She dipped the radish in what she assumed was ranch dressing. Yep, that was ranch, but she was going to have to ask what brand it was, because it was the best she’d ever had.
“Oh, this is fantastic! Adam, what brand is this ranch dressing?”
He shook his head as he helped himself to some appetizers. “You’ll have to ask Kurt.”
“Ask me what?”
April turned to see Kurt standing at the edge of the room with a serving tray in his hands. She couldn’t see what was on it, but it smelled divine. He looked nervous.
She asked him about the dressing, letting him know she loved it, and was amazed to learn he’d made it from scratch, from a recipe he found online. The new appetizers he brought in were baby quiches, but she could tell after one bite they weren’t frozen.
“Kurt, did you make these from scratch, too?”
He nodded shyly, looking at her hopefully.
She didn’t disappoint him. “These are delicious! I can’t believe you went to so much trouble for me! I love it, but you shouldn’t have.” She hoped she hadn’t confused him, remembering that most hybrids were very literal in their interpretations.
He looked upset for just a moment, and glanced at Adam, then his face cleared. “Oh, thank you! I wanted to fix something nice, and Adam said it would be alright.”
She looked up at her host and smiled. “Thank you both.”
“You’re welcome.”
As they ate some of the appetizers, Adam told her about some of Kurt’s other accomplishments, including his beanie. She glanced at Kurt, who seemed to be caught between preening, and trying to hide in embarrassment.
“Kurt, do you want to show April the dress you’re making for Lily?”
“You don’t think Lily will mind?”
“I don’t think so. But I’ll take responsibility, if she does get upset.”
While Kurt was getting the dress, Adam explained that Lily was their next-door neighbor, and told her a bit about the charity event.
She thought it sounded great, but wondered why she hadn’t heard about it before.
“I don’t know, maybe it hasn’t been advertised that well,” Adam sighed. “But I bought tickets for myself and Kurt, and an extra one. I was wondering if you’d like to attend?”
“Oh, honey, I’d love to, but I can buy my own ticket. You might want that for somebody else, who maybe can’t afford it as well as I can.”
Adam thought he could probably find someone who can use it.
“Besides, I think I’d like to go on my own, see if I can maybe meet my 5th ex-husband there…I mean, husband,” she giggled.
Kurt returned to the room, carefully holding Lily’s dress. He held it against his body, so April could see the full effect.
“Honey, that is beautiful! Did you design that, too, or is it from a pattern?”
Kurt’s cheeks turned pink, but he smiled as he answered, “I designed it.”
“I love it! You know, I have so much trouble finding dresses that fit me, ‘cause I’m so short. Would you be willing to design some dresses for me, if you have the time? I can pay you - or find something to trade,” she sighed. She glanced at Adam to see his reaction.
“I think Kurt has rather a lot on his plate right now with various things he’s doing for people, but it’s up to him,” he said.
Kurt cleared his throat. “I’d love to make some dresses for you, April. I’m just not quite sure when I can do it.”
“I can wait,” she insisted. “Can I see some of your designs?”
He brought in a sketch pad, and she went through it with him, more impressed with every sketch she saw.
“Kurt, this is really stunning work. I love it.”
He sounded hesitant as he said, “I’m not sure I should use the same designs for you as for Lily, but you probably would want something a little different anyway.”
She nodded vigorously. “I totally understand wanting to have a unique design, but if you can come up with some things for me - no hurry, but when you have a chance, I’d love to see them.”
She took a deep breath. “Okay, from what Adam’s told me, and I’ve seen for myself, you can sing, in a wide range. You can dance, do choreography, sew, design clothes, cook, bake, work on cars…honey, you are amazing! Are all hybrids so multi-talented?”
Kurt looked startled, then bit his lip. “Um, I don’t know. The other ones I really got to know could also sing, some could dance, some did choreography, but Mr. Will discouraged that. I didn’t see them outside the store, so I don’t know what other talents they might have.”
Adam added, “I think some of it had to do with the way Kurt was raised. He was on his own a lot, maybe more than he was supposed to be. He also helped his father a lot, because his mother died when he was young.”
April was afraid Kurt might be upset, but he was taking it pretty well, it seemed.
Adam changed the subject. “How is the show going, April?”
“It’s fine. I love it, but I’m getting a little tired of playing the same character all the time. I was thinking I’d like to branch out a little.”
“Really?”
“Mm-hm. But I’ll tell you more about that a little later. I wanted to talk to Kurt a little bit. I have some friends who have hybrids, but I never got to talk to them much. They were always really shy, even in human form. That’s why I was so amazed you were willing to sing for me. You express yourself really well, and don’t seem as nervous as the others I’ve met.”
“Kurt is even more confident most of the time. He’s a bit nervous because you’re here.” He ignored Kurt’s glare and clarified. “He admires you so much, and he’s probably worried what you think of him.”
He winced as Kurt sent him a look of betrayal.
“Oh, honey,” April soothed, patting Kurt’s hand. “Don’t worry about that! I think you’re incredible!”
Kurt smiled, but April’s own smile faltered. “I’m sorry, Kurt, I shouldn’t have touched you without asking Adam’s permission.”
Adam rolled his eyes. “Oh, for God’s sake! I know you’re not going to hurt him, and you’re not making sexual advances to him, so as long as it’s okay with Kurt, you can touch him like that.”
Kurt cleared his throat. “It’s okay with me, Miss April.”
“It’s just April, honey, you don’t need to be formal with me.”
Adam shot him a worried look. It had been a while since Kurt called anyone Mr. or Miss.
Kurt nodded.
“April, before I forget,” Adam began, “I wanted to tell you about a project I’m working on. I’m writing a book about my life with Kurt, and I’m hoping to get it published, or publish it myself. I do have a chapter in there where I took Kurt to see Wicked, and he met you. I wrote about everything. But I need to get your permission. Is it okay to include that in there, or if I do, should I edit it so you’re not mentioned?”
April blinked rapidly, then smiled at him. “Sugar, that’s so sweet of you to ask! I’d like to read it, in fact I’d like to read the whole thing. I think it would be fascinating. Go ahead.”
“That’s a relief!”
“Miss - I mean, April, why do you want to read it?” Kurt asked.
She looked him in the eyes and explained. “Let me tell you something. I’ve always loved animals, and when I was a kid, I was fascinated by hybrids. I wanted to be one when I grew up, and was so disappointed to find out it would never happen! I thought it would be the best thing in the world, to be able to change into a cat or dog. I didn’t realize at the time, all the things that come along with it. Being taken away from your parents, spending your teenage years in a store, being bought by a stranger, to live with them the rest of your life… I’m so happy you found Adam, and he found you, and I’m sure you know a lot of hybrids don’t get that lucky.”
Kurt wet his lips. “But it sounds like - do you have a hybrid pet?”
She shook her head. “No, honey. In some ways I’d like to, but I’m so busy, and sometimes I go on tour, with Wicked or other productions. It wouldn’t be a very stable life for a pet, even a regular animal. I’ve thought about having a child, and if I don’t hurry up, my biological clock will stop ticking and it will be too late. But again, it’s no life for a baby. I’d have to take some time off work. But as far as hybrids go, I’d like to see you all treated better, and given more rights.”
Kurt and Adam exchanged a look, then listened to her again.
Adam told her about what he hoped the book would accomplish.
“Adam!” April’s eyes lit up. “I just had the best idea! What I came over to talk to you about was to see if Kurt might be interested in volunteering in a musical.”
Kurt gasped, and Adam leaned forward, listening intently. “Go on,” he encouraged.
“Well, I inherited a small theater from my late husband - my fourth - and I just recently finished renovating it. I’ve got some money to invest. I need to find the right play, but I wanted to start up a theater company of my own. It will give me something to do later on, if I retire from the stage.”
“You’re too young to retire!” Kurt burst out.
“Isn’t that sweet! Well, I can’t keep playing Glinda forever. There are still some good roles for women my age, of course, but I thought it would be good to have something as a backup career. I haven’t found the right project yet, but Adam, have you thought about adapting your book to the stage?”
“What?” Adam blinked, not sure he’d heard correctly.
“It might make a great play. May I read what you have of it? I think it sounds like a great story, but I really don’t know that much about it.”
“Well, um…Kurt?”
“It’s okay with me.”
Kurt looked really excited at the prospect, and Adam was only a little more reserved.
But first she really needed to make sure it would be adaptable. “Have you got a printout I can look at?”
“Now?” Adam asked.
She shrugged. “If you don’t mind. I can at least start it and get an idea. I can understand if you don’t want to let it out of your hands.”
“I just wasn’t sure if you had time to read it now. You’re welcome to stay as long as you like, but I was hoping to show you some videos I took of Kurt singing.” He glanced over at Kurt, his brow furrowed. “You don’t mind, do you, darling? I should have asked you before.”
Kurt’s eyes widened and he tightened his hands into fists, then he slowly relaxed them again. “Sure. I don’t - I just wouldn’t want you to get tired of my voice, or take up too much of your time.”
She waved her hand, as though the thought was insignificant. “I love your voice, honey, and I actually do have time today. I’m trying to stay out of my apartment while it’s being painted. It’ll just take them another day or so, but my hotel room is boring, so if you don’t mind, I’d like to sit here and read this a bit. Or maybe watch the videos first, whichever you want.”
Adam and Kurt exchanged another look.
Adam spoke up. “April, I don’t want to presume, but - if you can cancel your hotel room, we have a spare room here. We just had our cleaning lady over yesterday, so it’s ready. We’d love to have you here, right?” He was sure of Kurt’s answer, but wanted to ask anyway.
“Oh, definitely!” Kurt chimed in. “It’s got its own bathroom. It used to be my room. Well, it still is, I guess, but I don’t sleep there -“ he broke off and cleared his throat. “Some of my stuff is still in there, but there’s plenty of room in the closet, and Buckingham Palace is at the far end of the room, so it shouldn’t be in your way. And Nancy cleaned it, so there won’t be much cat hair on it - I can go in now and make sure -“
She held up her hand again to stop him, then patted his knee. “It’s alright, sugar, I’ve already seen it, and it looks fine. But are you both sure it’s okay? I’m having a great time, and would love to stay for a day or two, if you don’t mind. I was just going to order room service and stay in and maybe read.”
“You can do that here,” Adam suggested. He hurried on. “That is, it’s no trouble to cook for three instead of two tonight, and you can read whatever you like here. Just make yourself at home,” Adam babbled.
“You’re both so sweet for inviting me. I really didn’t mean to stay with you, but if it’s okay -“
Kurt nodded rapidly, his face still showing shock.
Adam grinned broadly. “Yes, it’s fine. You’re more than welcome.”
“Well, then, if you don’t mind, I’ll go over to the hotel now and check out, and get my suitcase. I’ll be back within an hour. But if you need more time to get things ready, let me know.”
“No, that’s fine. If necessary, I’ll help Kurt clean off Buckingham Palace, but I really think that’s most of what needs to be done.” He could see Kurt was shaking his head, so he no doubt had other things in mind.
“I’ll call you when I get close so you can let me in.”
Adam silently thanked her for giving them a little bit of warning as well.
<><><><><><><><><><>
As soon as April was gone, Kurt heaved a huge sigh of relief. “Adam, what are we going to do?”
“Do you not want her staying here, love?”
Adam looked concerned, so he hurried to reassure him.
“That’s not exactly what I meant. It’s just that there’s so much to do!”
“Like what?” Adam countered. “Nancy just cleaned yesterday. I refuse to believe you and I have gotten the place all that dirty in less than 24 hours.”
“No,” Kurt answered impatiently. “I mean, there’s dinner to plan…”
“I was going to fix steak, potatoes and a salad.”
“But April might be on a diet!”
“Then she can have a small steak. Really, Kurt, I wouldn’t worry too much if I were you.”
“Well, you’re not me, or you would be worrying!” Kurt snapped.
Adam looked startled, then his face closed off, almost like he’d shut a door. Kurt felt terrible.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be yelling at you. I just don’t want to upset her so that she never comes back.”
Adam sat next to him and put his arm around Kurt’s shoulders. “I don’t think that’s likely to happen, darling. Look, why don’t you go do whatever you need to do in your room - the guest room and bathroom, to make them ready. If you need help, let me know. I’ll see what else we have as an alternative to steak for dinner. I think we have some tilapia in the freezer.”
“What’s that?” Kurt asked, wrinkling his nose.
“Fish. It has a rather light, delicate flavor, actually.”
“That might be okay. I like fish.”
“I know you do,” Adam grinned. “Hopefully April will, too. Look, there will be time after she gets here, to figure out what she wants for dinner. We’ll sort it out then.”
“Okay,” Kurt sighed. He hurried into his room, and quickly removed his various toys from Buckingham Palace, and put them in a dresser drawer. He checked on Harriet, Bernard and Phoebe. He told them about their guest, and that they didn’t need to be frightened of her, she wouldn’t hurt them. Phoebe was peeking out of a bedroom window, Harriet on the ledge next to her, and Bernard was sitting on the shelf below them. They were near enough they could talk to each other if they wanted to, but it shouldn’t be loud enough to disturb April. He would introduce her to them later on, so none of them would be nervous.
Next - Chapter 82