FIC: Forever Home - Chapter 90-B of 100
Title: Forever Home - Chapter 90-B 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 3,000 words this chapter. About 406,000 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.
A/N: This is the second part of Chapter 90.
Chapter 90-A
CHAPTER 90-B
Adam let the other two enter the room first, then shut the door. Kurt couldn’t believe it. When was all this planned? He recognized the woman easily, though he’d only seen a few pictures.
His father spoke first. “Hey, kiddo! Bet you didn’t expect to see me again so soon!”
Kurt threw himself at his dad, but kept turning his head towards the woman standing next to them. She was biting her lip, looking nervous.
“Kurt, let go of me, I need to breathe.”
He reluctantly stopped hugging his dad.
“Son, this is Carole. She’s been wanting to meet you. Honey, this is Kurt.”
Adam quickly threw in the requisite invitation for Kurt and Carole to speak to each other freely. “And you can hug or shake hands or whatever,” he added.
Kurt noticed that Carole had her purse over one arm, but her fingers were pressed against her sides, twitching. It reminded him a bit of Jessica and Tessa for some reason.
As soon as Adam had given his permission, she threw herself at Kurt and wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug. Kurt was startled, but he found he didn’t mind. He cautiously returned the hug, gingerly putting his arms around Carole’s shoulders.
“Oh, Kurt,, I’ve been wanting to meet you for so long! Let me look at you!”
Carole held him at arms’ length, and Kurt tried to stay as still as possible. He knew he looked okay, unless her hug had wrinkled his suit.
“You are so handsome! We have got so much to talk about! Come on, let’s sit in here and talk.” She sent a pointed look to Burt, who took Adam by the arm and started talking about the fundraiser, leading him out to the kitchen.
“It’s nice to meet you, ma’am.” Kurt still wasn’t sure what to call her.
“It’s just Carole, honey. I can’t tell you how happy I am to have a stepson!”
“But I’m a hybrid.” Surely she had to know that…he knew his dad had told her.
“Kurt, that doesn’t matter to me. You’re human to me, and your father loves you. Thank you so much for that lovely note, by the way.”
He’d almost forgotten about that. “Oh! You’re welcome! Thank you, again, for knitting the scarf, and for giving Phoebe a bath and trying to make her pretty again. You did a good job,” he added.
He didn’t know why that would make her cry, but her eyes filled with tears.
Kurt tried really hard to not react negatively, in any way that would show, to her dress. It fit her, but not as well as it could. And the dark blue really wasn’t her color. She was pretty, but could be prettier with the right clothes and make-up.
He tried to focus on what she was saying.
“Kurt, I want us to get along really well. Not just for your dad’s sake, but for ours. I know I’ll never take your mother’s place, and I’m not trying to, I just want you to know that I’m here for you. If you need someone to talk to, a mom-type of person, I’m here. You can call me any time -“
Kurt shook his head, overwhelmed.
Carole stopped, and held her breath until he spoke up.
“Miss Carole, if you’re saying what I think you’re saying, thank you. I want to think of you like a step-mother, though I’m not sure you technically are. But I think that’s what Dad wants, too.”
“He does,” she confirmed, “and so do I. And please, the Miss isn’t necessary.”
He frowned. “I’m not sure - should it be Mrs. Carole instead? We called Mr. Will’s wife Miss Emma even though she was actually a Mrs.”
She sighed. “Maybe we need to talk to Burt and Adam and see what they think, but I’d be happy if you’d just call me Carole. Or even Mom, if you want to.”
He nodded, and swallowed, trying to keep his emotions under control. “I’d really like that. I mean, I don’t know about “Mom” yet, or what Adam wants. And I need to talk to him to see if it’s okay for me to call you - on the phone, I mean, but I don’t think he’ll say no. I’m really lucky that he wants me to be in touch with Dad, and you, and that you both want that, too. It would be a problem if you didn’t.”
He didn’t mean to emphasize that “you” quite so strongly, but Carole didn’t take offense.
“No, honey, I understand. I really have been dying to meet you. It’s not just because you’re so important to your father, but I want to get to know you for your own sake. You’re a big part of your father’s past, and his future, too. You’re also a part of my life now. I’ve heard so much about you, I can’t wait to really get to know you.
“I also care about hybrids, and want all of you to have things so much better than you do now. I want you to be treated like people, and to learn the same things as other people. You should be able to stay at home as long as your parents want you to, or you want to stay, and be able to get a job and support yourself when you leave. Same as with other children.
“You shouldn’t be taken away from your family, and given to someone else to train, and then another stranger to keep you like a pet. You’re not pets.”
He wondered for a moment at the anger in her eyes, then realized from the words that she wasn’t angry at him, but at things she couldn’t control.
That was an interesting concept, that regular humans had things they couldn’t control, but he’d have to think about it later.
“Yes, I am. A pet,” he clarified. “We are.” He took a deep breath. “I’m sorry to contradict you, but that’s our purpose in life.”
“No, it isn’t, sweetie.” Her brow creased in concentration. “Okay, legally, yes, and the way things have been for decades. But I don’t think, just because you are an animal some of the time, that should make you suitable to be someone’s pet.
“I’m so glad you found Adam, or he found you, but so many hybrids wind up with someone who doesn’t really love them or treat them well, and I hate to see that happen to any of them. As mean as I heard some of the other pets at New Directions were, I’d hate to see any of them treated badly when they’re finally adopted.” She frowned, then her face cleared up and she hugged him again.
“If they’re adopted,” he added automatically, then blinked. “I mean, I really do hope they’re all adopted, too. But sometimes we’re not. As weird as Mr. Will was about a lot of things, he and Miss Emma never put any of us down while I was at the store, and I was there from almost the beginning. They’ve tried really hard to give us these extra skills, to make us more attractive to a potential owner, and sometimes it’s paid off.”
He hesitated, then continued. “I know Dave is back there now, and he’s over 18. Maybe 19 or 20, even. He was adopted, then sent back maybe a year later. I think some stores would just put him down as not worth the trouble to re-train, and others, like New Directions, will give him a chance. Mr. Will and Miss Emma, I mean, not the actual store.”
He could feel his cheeks burning, and wished he could express himself more clearly.
Carole nodded. She wasn’t laughing at him. “I understand. I think they’re good people, at heart, and are trying to help you, even though it might not always seem that way.”
She took a deep breath.
“Kurt, I really haven’t met that many hybrids. I’ve seen a lot, but I think you know that most owners don’t encourage their pets to talk to other people, and neither do the parents when their kids are young. I really want to get to know you, not just what your father has to say about you, or Adam, or other people. What they say is important, but I want to form my own impression as well. Is that okay with you?”
“Sure, but…” He bit his lip. “I don’t know how that’s going to happen.”
She shook her head and smiled gently. She started to reach her hand out toward him, then pulled it back.
“I’m sorry, I know Adam said it’s okay, but I need to know you don’t mind if I hold your hand.”
He nodded, and wondered why he was starting to get tearful. “Please,” he managed to say, before reaching for a tissue.
When he’d wiped his face, she took his other hand. “Honey,” she sighed, “it takes time to get to know anybody. It’s going to take longer with us, because your dad and I are so busy, and are travelling between Ohio and Washington. I don’t know how much time we’ll be able to spend with you, and a lot of that depends on Adam. But I’d like us to be friends, at least.”
Kurt still found this such a strange concept, that any human would want to be his friend. On the other hand, he’d met so many people who not only weren’t annoyed by him, but seemed to actually like him. Maybe it wasn’t as weird a thing to be friends with people as he’d thought.
“I’d like that,” he admitted.
“Good. Another thing I’d like - I’ve discussed it with your father, and he’s fine about it, but I know I need to talk to Adam, too. But I’d really like it if -“ She bit her lip and looked down at her clothes.
She tried again. “I heard from your father that you’re designing some clothes for your neighbor, the one Burt talked to about this event tonight.”
“Yes,” Kurt agreed. “I made the dress she’s wearing tonight. Unless she changes her mind and decides to wear something else.”
“Kurt, I haven’t seen any of your designs, but I saw some of the clothes you used to make. I helped your dad pack them up, and honey, they were beautiful. I’d really like it, if it’s okay with Adam, if you could maybe give me a make-over. Maybe we could go shopping together. There probably won’t be time this trip, but I’d really like it if we could do that sometime.”
Kurt could keep the grin off his face, thinking of Adam’s likely reaction to another shopping trip. “You’ll have to ask,” he agreed, “but I’d love to help.” His mind was already racing with ideas.
“I think - all this Washington stuff is new for you, right, and these fundraisers and things?” he asked.
She nodded. “I’ve been to rallies, but I could never afford the fundraising dinners and things. I haven’t had much reason for really fancy clothes, and since I’m a nurse, I wear a uniform. I know my style is a little out of date, and I’d really like to look appropriate when I’m with your father at different events.”
“He needs some work on his wardrobe, too,” he muttered, then his eyes went wide as he realized what he’d said. “I mean - I shouldn’t be critical of him, but just about the only time I’ve ever seen him in a suit, before today, was at my mom’s funeral.”
“Oh, honey.” She squeezed his hand, and put her other hand on his shoulder. “I’m so sorry she couldn’t have the kind of funeral your dad wanted. I want you to know, he still keeps your mom’s ashes on the mantel, in that beautiful container.”
He nodded. “He let me help pick it out, ‘cause he said he had no idea what she’d want. He was so upset about everything right then, and trying not to cry, so I just tried to think about Mom, and looked for the prettiest one they had. The salesman thought we might want something less expensive, but Dad got mad and said that Mom deserved nothing less than the best. I think it was really expensive.”
“I’m so glad you and your dad were both there for each other.”
“Yeah, it helped to have him there. I’m glad he’s still got the ashes. They wouldn’t let him bury her…not like, in a regular graveyard, and they said we couldn’t bury her in the back yard, either.”
Carole bit her lip. “She wasn’t a pet. Not to your father. She shouldn’t have been buried like one. He’s honoring her in the best way he’s allowed.”
“I know,” Kurt sighed. “I wonder if - if something happens to me first - and it probably will, ‘cause we don’t live as long as you humans - but I wonder if Adam will want to keep me in an urn? I mean, cremate me and -“
“Kurt, shhh. Don’t worry about that now. Maybe you can talk to Adam about it, and let him know what you’d like, and he should let you know what he wants, in case something happens to him first. But let’s not think about sad things like that right now.”
Kurt nodded, knowing she was right.
They heard loud laughter coming from the kitchen.
“Well, I’m glad your dad and Adam are getting along so well.”
“Me, too. Oh! I’m sorry, did you want something to drink, or eat?”
Adam called out, as he and Burt came into the room, “We’ve got that covered, Kurt, thanks.”
He was carrying a tray with glasses of iced tea. Burt was carrying a plate of cookies. Kurt was embarrassed that they were store-bought, but he and Adam had been too busy to do any baking, and somebody had neglected to tell him they were having guests.
In a few minutes, they were all chatting easily about the fundraiser.
“Speaking of which, I need to get ready. Kurt, you look marvelous. I love the tie! Is mine -“
“It’s on the hanger, with your suit. I laid it out on the bed, along with everything else you’ll need.”
“Including socks and underwear, I suppose?”
Adam’s tone indicated he thought he was joking.
“Of course,” Kurt smirked. “I didn’t want you to waste time trying to make up your mind.”
“Thank you,” Adam sighed, sounding only slightly exasperated.
Adam squinted, looking at Kurt’s eyes. “Is that - are you -“ then changed the subject. “I still need to get ready.”
“I’m ready,” Burt declared firmly, as though to stave off any suggestions that he get ready.
“I’d like to freshen up a bit,” Carole said.
“You can use my bathroom,” Kurt offered quickly. He frowned as he realized something. “Where are your suitcases?”
Carole and Burt looked at each other, and Kurt had the impression they were having a conversation without words. Not fair. Carole smiled at Kurt and stood up. Adam told her where to find the bedroom and bathroom.
“I’m sorry, buddy,” Burt explained, “but I’ve got an early meeting in Washington in the morning. We’re going to get a red-eye flight, and if we’re lucky, we’ll have time to change before my meeting. I’m gonna be spending more time in Washington now than I used to, but I still need to live in Ohio. I’m not sure if we’re going to try to rent an apartment or what, because the hotels are expensive. Carole’s going to talk to a realtor and see what we can find out.”
Kurt knew what that meant for him was he’d likely see even less of his dad than he’d thought. But he was going to be doing important things, so he wasn’t about to complain.
“I wish you could stay longer, but I’m glad you’re going to be here now,” he said, feeling relieved that his voice was steady.
“If anything changes, you know you’re welcome to spend the night here,” Adam offered, “but I know that’s not the plan. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’d better get my shower and all that.”
Kurt grinned at his father. “You look really nice, Dad.”
“Thanks. That’s mostly due to Carole.”
“That reminds me.” Kurt crossed one leg over the other, and put his hands around his knee. “Carole asked me if we could go shopping, and if I can do a make-over on her.”
Burt rolled his eyes. “Kurt, there isn’t time! We’ve only got a couple of hours, at most, before we have to be there.”
“Not today,” Kurt chided him, “sometime later. But is it okay?”
Burt shrugged. “It’s fine with me. You’ll need to see if Adam minds. But I’m going to give you a budget, and Carole will make sure you stick to it! Don’t go overboard with all the fancy designers, now.”
Kurt smiled broadly. “Don’t worry, I’ll manage to stay within budget. And maybe I can make one or two dresses for her.”
Burt shook his head. “Check with Adam. It sounds like you’ve got a lot of projects going on.”
Kurt nodded. “Oh, that reminds me! I wanted to show you the designs I came up with for my friend Artie’s cart.” He was in the process of explaining when Carole came in the room. She had repaired the minor damage from all the hugging, and re-done some of her make-up, but she wasn’t wearing any eye make-up.
“Sorry, boys, but I have an urgent question.”
“Go ahead,” Burt invited.
Carole looked at Kurt and said, “Honey, I love that eyeliner. I wish I had some in that color. I don’t suppose - it might not be a good idea, but, could I maybe borrow some of yours? It might go with my dress.”
“Eyeliner?” Burt muttered.
“Of course! Let me wash the brush first. I don’t have any kind of eye infection, so I think if I wash it really well -“
“Sweetheart, I’m a nurse,” she reminded him gently. “I think I can sterilize the brush with soap and hot water, before and after I use it.”
“Eyeliner?” Burt repeated, as though he thought anyone was listening to him.
“That’s great! Oh, wait, it’s in our bathroom, and I think Adam is showering now. Let me go get it, and we can work on it in my bathroom. If you want some help, that is. Not that you need it -“ Kurt realized he was babbling, and stopped.
“I’ll meet you in there. Burt, can you entertain yourself for a few minutes, while Kurt helps me out?”
“Sure,” he agreed, “just as long as nobody gets any ideas about putting any eyeliner on me.”
“Don’t worry, Dad, it’s definitely not your color,” Kurt assured him with an impish grin.
“Smart-ass,” Burt muttered. He picked up the designs to look through again. “Hey, this is the one you said you all thought was the best, right?” he called out.
Kurt looked back and nodded.
“Why don’t I write out a list of parts you’ll need, in case you do decide to make it? Adam can get this stuff at any hardware store, I think.”
“That would be great! Thanks, Dad!”
Kurt hurried into his and Adam’s bathroom, and grabbed everything he thought would be useful, that Adam wouldn’t need. They could start with the eyeliner…
Next: Chapter 91
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 3,000 words this chapter. About 406,000 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.
A/N: This is the second part of Chapter 90.
Chapter 90-A
CHAPTER 90-B
Adam let the other two enter the room first, then shut the door. Kurt couldn’t believe it. When was all this planned? He recognized the woman easily, though he’d only seen a few pictures.
His father spoke first. “Hey, kiddo! Bet you didn’t expect to see me again so soon!”
Kurt threw himself at his dad, but kept turning his head towards the woman standing next to them. She was biting her lip, looking nervous.
“Kurt, let go of me, I need to breathe.”
He reluctantly stopped hugging his dad.
“Son, this is Carole. She’s been wanting to meet you. Honey, this is Kurt.”
Adam quickly threw in the requisite invitation for Kurt and Carole to speak to each other freely. “And you can hug or shake hands or whatever,” he added.
Kurt noticed that Carole had her purse over one arm, but her fingers were pressed against her sides, twitching. It reminded him a bit of Jessica and Tessa for some reason.
As soon as Adam had given his permission, she threw herself at Kurt and wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug. Kurt was startled, but he found he didn’t mind. He cautiously returned the hug, gingerly putting his arms around Carole’s shoulders.
“Oh, Kurt,, I’ve been wanting to meet you for so long! Let me look at you!”
Carole held him at arms’ length, and Kurt tried to stay as still as possible. He knew he looked okay, unless her hug had wrinkled his suit.
“You are so handsome! We have got so much to talk about! Come on, let’s sit in here and talk.” She sent a pointed look to Burt, who took Adam by the arm and started talking about the fundraiser, leading him out to the kitchen.
“It’s nice to meet you, ma’am.” Kurt still wasn’t sure what to call her.
“It’s just Carole, honey. I can’t tell you how happy I am to have a stepson!”
“But I’m a hybrid.” Surely she had to know that…he knew his dad had told her.
“Kurt, that doesn’t matter to me. You’re human to me, and your father loves you. Thank you so much for that lovely note, by the way.”
He’d almost forgotten about that. “Oh! You’re welcome! Thank you, again, for knitting the scarf, and for giving Phoebe a bath and trying to make her pretty again. You did a good job,” he added.
He didn’t know why that would make her cry, but her eyes filled with tears.
Kurt tried really hard to not react negatively, in any way that would show, to her dress. It fit her, but not as well as it could. And the dark blue really wasn’t her color. She was pretty, but could be prettier with the right clothes and make-up.
He tried to focus on what she was saying.
“Kurt, I want us to get along really well. Not just for your dad’s sake, but for ours. I know I’ll never take your mother’s place, and I’m not trying to, I just want you to know that I’m here for you. If you need someone to talk to, a mom-type of person, I’m here. You can call me any time -“
Kurt shook his head, overwhelmed.
Carole stopped, and held her breath until he spoke up.
“Miss Carole, if you’re saying what I think you’re saying, thank you. I want to think of you like a step-mother, though I’m not sure you technically are. But I think that’s what Dad wants, too.”
“He does,” she confirmed, “and so do I. And please, the Miss isn’t necessary.”
He frowned. “I’m not sure - should it be Mrs. Carole instead? We called Mr. Will’s wife Miss Emma even though she was actually a Mrs.”
She sighed. “Maybe we need to talk to Burt and Adam and see what they think, but I’d be happy if you’d just call me Carole. Or even Mom, if you want to.”
He nodded, and swallowed, trying to keep his emotions under control. “I’d really like that. I mean, I don’t know about “Mom” yet, or what Adam wants. And I need to talk to him to see if it’s okay for me to call you - on the phone, I mean, but I don’t think he’ll say no. I’m really lucky that he wants me to be in touch with Dad, and you, and that you both want that, too. It would be a problem if you didn’t.”
He didn’t mean to emphasize that “you” quite so strongly, but Carole didn’t take offense.
“No, honey, I understand. I really have been dying to meet you. It’s not just because you’re so important to your father, but I want to get to know you for your own sake. You’re a big part of your father’s past, and his future, too. You’re also a part of my life now. I’ve heard so much about you, I can’t wait to really get to know you.
“I also care about hybrids, and want all of you to have things so much better than you do now. I want you to be treated like people, and to learn the same things as other people. You should be able to stay at home as long as your parents want you to, or you want to stay, and be able to get a job and support yourself when you leave. Same as with other children.
“You shouldn’t be taken away from your family, and given to someone else to train, and then another stranger to keep you like a pet. You’re not pets.”
He wondered for a moment at the anger in her eyes, then realized from the words that she wasn’t angry at him, but at things she couldn’t control.
That was an interesting concept, that regular humans had things they couldn’t control, but he’d have to think about it later.
“Yes, I am. A pet,” he clarified. “We are.” He took a deep breath. “I’m sorry to contradict you, but that’s our purpose in life.”
“No, it isn’t, sweetie.” Her brow creased in concentration. “Okay, legally, yes, and the way things have been for decades. But I don’t think, just because you are an animal some of the time, that should make you suitable to be someone’s pet.
“I’m so glad you found Adam, or he found you, but so many hybrids wind up with someone who doesn’t really love them or treat them well, and I hate to see that happen to any of them. As mean as I heard some of the other pets at New Directions were, I’d hate to see any of them treated badly when they’re finally adopted.” She frowned, then her face cleared up and she hugged him again.
“If they’re adopted,” he added automatically, then blinked. “I mean, I really do hope they’re all adopted, too. But sometimes we’re not. As weird as Mr. Will was about a lot of things, he and Miss Emma never put any of us down while I was at the store, and I was there from almost the beginning. They’ve tried really hard to give us these extra skills, to make us more attractive to a potential owner, and sometimes it’s paid off.”
He hesitated, then continued. “I know Dave is back there now, and he’s over 18. Maybe 19 or 20, even. He was adopted, then sent back maybe a year later. I think some stores would just put him down as not worth the trouble to re-train, and others, like New Directions, will give him a chance. Mr. Will and Miss Emma, I mean, not the actual store.”
He could feel his cheeks burning, and wished he could express himself more clearly.
Carole nodded. She wasn’t laughing at him. “I understand. I think they’re good people, at heart, and are trying to help you, even though it might not always seem that way.”
She took a deep breath.
“Kurt, I really haven’t met that many hybrids. I’ve seen a lot, but I think you know that most owners don’t encourage their pets to talk to other people, and neither do the parents when their kids are young. I really want to get to know you, not just what your father has to say about you, or Adam, or other people. What they say is important, but I want to form my own impression as well. Is that okay with you?”
“Sure, but…” He bit his lip. “I don’t know how that’s going to happen.”
She shook her head and smiled gently. She started to reach her hand out toward him, then pulled it back.
“I’m sorry, I know Adam said it’s okay, but I need to know you don’t mind if I hold your hand.”
He nodded, and wondered why he was starting to get tearful. “Please,” he managed to say, before reaching for a tissue.
When he’d wiped his face, she took his other hand. “Honey,” she sighed, “it takes time to get to know anybody. It’s going to take longer with us, because your dad and I are so busy, and are travelling between Ohio and Washington. I don’t know how much time we’ll be able to spend with you, and a lot of that depends on Adam. But I’d like us to be friends, at least.”
Kurt still found this such a strange concept, that any human would want to be his friend. On the other hand, he’d met so many people who not only weren’t annoyed by him, but seemed to actually like him. Maybe it wasn’t as weird a thing to be friends with people as he’d thought.
“I’d like that,” he admitted.
“Good. Another thing I’d like - I’ve discussed it with your father, and he’s fine about it, but I know I need to talk to Adam, too. But I’d really like it if -“ She bit her lip and looked down at her clothes.
She tried again. “I heard from your father that you’re designing some clothes for your neighbor, the one Burt talked to about this event tonight.”
“Yes,” Kurt agreed. “I made the dress she’s wearing tonight. Unless she changes her mind and decides to wear something else.”
“Kurt, I haven’t seen any of your designs, but I saw some of the clothes you used to make. I helped your dad pack them up, and honey, they were beautiful. I’d really like it, if it’s okay with Adam, if you could maybe give me a make-over. Maybe we could go shopping together. There probably won’t be time this trip, but I’d really like it if we could do that sometime.”
Kurt could keep the grin off his face, thinking of Adam’s likely reaction to another shopping trip. “You’ll have to ask,” he agreed, “but I’d love to help.” His mind was already racing with ideas.
“I think - all this Washington stuff is new for you, right, and these fundraisers and things?” he asked.
She nodded. “I’ve been to rallies, but I could never afford the fundraising dinners and things. I haven’t had much reason for really fancy clothes, and since I’m a nurse, I wear a uniform. I know my style is a little out of date, and I’d really like to look appropriate when I’m with your father at different events.”
“He needs some work on his wardrobe, too,” he muttered, then his eyes went wide as he realized what he’d said. “I mean - I shouldn’t be critical of him, but just about the only time I’ve ever seen him in a suit, before today, was at my mom’s funeral.”
“Oh, honey.” She squeezed his hand, and put her other hand on his shoulder. “I’m so sorry she couldn’t have the kind of funeral your dad wanted. I want you to know, he still keeps your mom’s ashes on the mantel, in that beautiful container.”
He nodded. “He let me help pick it out, ‘cause he said he had no idea what she’d want. He was so upset about everything right then, and trying not to cry, so I just tried to think about Mom, and looked for the prettiest one they had. The salesman thought we might want something less expensive, but Dad got mad and said that Mom deserved nothing less than the best. I think it was really expensive.”
“I’m so glad you and your dad were both there for each other.”
“Yeah, it helped to have him there. I’m glad he’s still got the ashes. They wouldn’t let him bury her…not like, in a regular graveyard, and they said we couldn’t bury her in the back yard, either.”
Carole bit her lip. “She wasn’t a pet. Not to your father. She shouldn’t have been buried like one. He’s honoring her in the best way he’s allowed.”
“I know,” Kurt sighed. “I wonder if - if something happens to me first - and it probably will, ‘cause we don’t live as long as you humans - but I wonder if Adam will want to keep me in an urn? I mean, cremate me and -“
“Kurt, shhh. Don’t worry about that now. Maybe you can talk to Adam about it, and let him know what you’d like, and he should let you know what he wants, in case something happens to him first. But let’s not think about sad things like that right now.”
Kurt nodded, knowing she was right.
They heard loud laughter coming from the kitchen.
“Well, I’m glad your dad and Adam are getting along so well.”
“Me, too. Oh! I’m sorry, did you want something to drink, or eat?”
Adam called out, as he and Burt came into the room, “We’ve got that covered, Kurt, thanks.”
He was carrying a tray with glasses of iced tea. Burt was carrying a plate of cookies. Kurt was embarrassed that they were store-bought, but he and Adam had been too busy to do any baking, and somebody had neglected to tell him they were having guests.
In a few minutes, they were all chatting easily about the fundraiser.
“Speaking of which, I need to get ready. Kurt, you look marvelous. I love the tie! Is mine -“
“It’s on the hanger, with your suit. I laid it out on the bed, along with everything else you’ll need.”
“Including socks and underwear, I suppose?”
Adam’s tone indicated he thought he was joking.
“Of course,” Kurt smirked. “I didn’t want you to waste time trying to make up your mind.”
“Thank you,” Adam sighed, sounding only slightly exasperated.
Adam squinted, looking at Kurt’s eyes. “Is that - are you -“ then changed the subject. “I still need to get ready.”
“I’m ready,” Burt declared firmly, as though to stave off any suggestions that he get ready.
“I’d like to freshen up a bit,” Carole said.
“You can use my bathroom,” Kurt offered quickly. He frowned as he realized something. “Where are your suitcases?”
Carole and Burt looked at each other, and Kurt had the impression they were having a conversation without words. Not fair. Carole smiled at Kurt and stood up. Adam told her where to find the bedroom and bathroom.
“I’m sorry, buddy,” Burt explained, “but I’ve got an early meeting in Washington in the morning. We’re going to get a red-eye flight, and if we’re lucky, we’ll have time to change before my meeting. I’m gonna be spending more time in Washington now than I used to, but I still need to live in Ohio. I’m not sure if we’re going to try to rent an apartment or what, because the hotels are expensive. Carole’s going to talk to a realtor and see what we can find out.”
Kurt knew what that meant for him was he’d likely see even less of his dad than he’d thought. But he was going to be doing important things, so he wasn’t about to complain.
“I wish you could stay longer, but I’m glad you’re going to be here now,” he said, feeling relieved that his voice was steady.
“If anything changes, you know you’re welcome to spend the night here,” Adam offered, “but I know that’s not the plan. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’d better get my shower and all that.”
Kurt grinned at his father. “You look really nice, Dad.”
“Thanks. That’s mostly due to Carole.”
“That reminds me.” Kurt crossed one leg over the other, and put his hands around his knee. “Carole asked me if we could go shopping, and if I can do a make-over on her.”
Burt rolled his eyes. “Kurt, there isn’t time! We’ve only got a couple of hours, at most, before we have to be there.”
“Not today,” Kurt chided him, “sometime later. But is it okay?”
Burt shrugged. “It’s fine with me. You’ll need to see if Adam minds. But I’m going to give you a budget, and Carole will make sure you stick to it! Don’t go overboard with all the fancy designers, now.”
Kurt smiled broadly. “Don’t worry, I’ll manage to stay within budget. And maybe I can make one or two dresses for her.”
Burt shook his head. “Check with Adam. It sounds like you’ve got a lot of projects going on.”
Kurt nodded. “Oh, that reminds me! I wanted to show you the designs I came up with for my friend Artie’s cart.” He was in the process of explaining when Carole came in the room. She had repaired the minor damage from all the hugging, and re-done some of her make-up, but she wasn’t wearing any eye make-up.
“Sorry, boys, but I have an urgent question.”
“Go ahead,” Burt invited.
Carole looked at Kurt and said, “Honey, I love that eyeliner. I wish I had some in that color. I don’t suppose - it might not be a good idea, but, could I maybe borrow some of yours? It might go with my dress.”
“Eyeliner?” Burt muttered.
“Of course! Let me wash the brush first. I don’t have any kind of eye infection, so I think if I wash it really well -“
“Sweetheart, I’m a nurse,” she reminded him gently. “I think I can sterilize the brush with soap and hot water, before and after I use it.”
“Eyeliner?” Burt repeated, as though he thought anyone was listening to him.
“That’s great! Oh, wait, it’s in our bathroom, and I think Adam is showering now. Let me go get it, and we can work on it in my bathroom. If you want some help, that is. Not that you need it -“ Kurt realized he was babbling, and stopped.
“I’ll meet you in there. Burt, can you entertain yourself for a few minutes, while Kurt helps me out?”
“Sure,” he agreed, “just as long as nobody gets any ideas about putting any eyeliner on me.”
“Don’t worry, Dad, it’s definitely not your color,” Kurt assured him with an impish grin.
“Smart-ass,” Burt muttered. He picked up the designs to look through again. “Hey, this is the one you said you all thought was the best, right?” he called out.
Kurt looked back and nodded.
“Why don’t I write out a list of parts you’ll need, in case you do decide to make it? Adam can get this stuff at any hardware store, I think.”
“That would be great! Thanks, Dad!”
Kurt hurried into his and Adam’s bathroom, and grabbed everything he thought would be useful, that Adam wouldn’t need. They could start with the eyeliner…
Next: Chapter 91