FIC: Forever Home - Chapter 93 of 100
Title: Forever Home - Chapter 93 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 5,000 words this chapter. About 422,000 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 92
CHAPTER 93
Gabriel greeted Adam, Kurt, and their guest at the door, then brought them into the kitchen, where Julia was baking cookies.
“Julia, Adam and Kurt are the first to arrive, with their friend.”
Julia introduced herself, and smiled at the other woman, as Adam introduced her.
“The cookies smell really good!” Kurt said, sniffing the air appreciatively.
“They’re sugar cookies,” Julia told him. “Just the slice and bake kind. I didn’t really have time to make any from scratch.”
“Those are good, too,” Kurt agreed. “My dad used to make them. He never had time for home-made either, but they were always good. Except when he burned them.”
Gabriel asked them to move as many chairs as possible into Artie’s playroom, since it was larger than the living room. Adam suggested they put the leash over Kurt’s shoulder for now so they’d both have their hands free and be unimpeded. Kurt told Gabriel about his father’s suggestions for the cart for Artie.
Gabriel was impressed. “I really haven’t had a chance to get anything from a store yet. If you’d like to try an put one together, I’ll pay for the materials.”
“What if it doesn’t work out?” Kurt asked anxiously.
“Then we’ll adapt it. Or if there’s no way it will work for Artie, we’ll donate it to someone else, or a store that has a hybrid who can use it. It won’t go to waste.”
Artie stayed out of the way, in his bedroom, until Gabriel asked him to come out.
The other members arrived shortly, a group of five carpooling, and a few people driving solo, so it wasn’t long before they were all there.
In addition to the chairs, there were also an inflatable sofa, and some pillows on the floor. The hybrids all wanted the pillows, though Artie agreed staying in his wheelchair made more sense. They all had their leashes on, but the owners were holding the other end loosely. Before everyone was seated, they were all encouraged to take some cookies and a beverage from a large tin cooler filled with ice. There were bottles of water, cans of diet soda, and fruit juices. Julia brought cookies and drinks to the hybrid owners, who couldn’t carry everything plus hold their pet’s leash.
When they were all seated as comfortably as possible, Gabriel cleared his throat. “Since there are quite a few new members, let’s introduce ourselves. First name only, if you’d prefer. You may state your occupation if you wish, and who referred you. We might have some discussion later about what specifically brought us all here, if anyone wants to talk about it. Also, I’m going to give my pet, Artie, permission to speak to any of you in the group, or individually later this evening, if you’d like.”
Adam gave permission for Kurt so speak, and the other pet owners did the same.
Gabriel spoke up again. “Let’s just go around the room. I’ll start. I’m Dr. Gabriel Hanover, and I’m a veterinarian and doctor for hybrids, as well as a psychiatrist.” He glanced down at Artie, who was in his wheelchair next to him.
“Hi. Um, I’m Artie. I’m a hybrid, as I guess you can tell, and I belong to Gabriel.”
Gabriel frowned, but didn’t correct him.
On Artie’s left, on another pillow, Kurt sat up a bit straighter.
“I’m Kurt, I’m a hybrid, and Adam is my owner.” He turned his head to his left.
Adam held up a hand. “Hello, I’m Adam. I’m…primarily a writer, at the moment.”
They guest Kurt and Adam brought was next, to Adam’s left. “I’m Lily, and I’m here with Adam and Kurt. We’re friends and neighbors. Adam explained what you’re trying to do, and I’d like to help. I have some experience with organizing large groups, fundraising, and publicity, for another organization. If you think you can use my expertise, please ask.” She sat back comfortably in her chair.
She glanced to her left, where a young, red-haired woman sat with her fingers clasped, clearly trying to keep her hands under control. “I’m Nancy. Adam invited me. I do housework for him, and Lily. And I’m here for my sister.” She smiled down at the hybrid sitting next to her.
Gabriel had to strain to hear her voice.
“My name is Donna. Nancy is my sister - half-sister. And I’m here with my owner, Jerry. We were invited by Adam.”
Jerry sat next to her, on the inflatable sofa. He held up one large hand in a brief wave. “Hey, y’all. I’m Jerry. I’m co-owner of a gym downtown that caters to hybrids, and the people who own them. We have some other members, but they have to be cool with hybrids or we kick ‘em out.” He reached down and took Donna’s hand.
The slightly older man next to him on the sofa coughed loudly, and glared at Jerry. “I’m Daniel, the other owner of the gym. And it’s true, we welcome hybrids, and enforce our zero tolerance for harassment of any of our clients. I’m also here with my pet, Carl.” He smiled fondly at the blond man sitting on a pillow to his left, who looked a few years younger than him.
“Hi. I’m Carl, and yeah, I’m here with Daniel. Adam invited us, too.”
The gentleman to Carl’s left spoke. “My name is Hugo. I own a clothing store, and Adam has been a customer and friend for years. I would like to tailor more suits for hybrids, but I don’t have that many customers looking for that.” He paused a moment, then continued. “My son is a hybrid. I don’t know where he is now, since, of course, he was taken from me years ago.”
The guest Gabriel had invited, whom he wasn’t sure would show up, was next. Although at first she’d been hesitant to sit in the chair without cleaning it, Gabriel grabbed a clean towel from the bathroom and let her drape it over the chair. “My name is Emma, and my husband and I have a hybrid pet store.” She looked around the room, as though waiting for people to say rude things. So far no one had. “My husband doesn’t know I’m here. I don’t think he’s quite ready for this yet. I don’t like keeping secrets from him, but I think we’ve made some mistakes, mostly out of ignorance.” She looked over at Kurt, then Artie, and smiled at them. “But I’d like to see what can be done to correct that, and to try to get our remaining pets into good homes. I think after that, we might be going into a different line of business.”
“Does your husband know about that? Changing businesses?” Daniel asked.
Emma looked startled, but handled it well. “Not yet. But I think by that time we’ll both be ready for a change of pace. Oh, I’m here because Gabriel invited me.”
She glanced to her left, where a short blonde woman was sitting. She reached over and patted Emma’s hand, then looked around the room. “My name is April, and I’m an actress and singer. I’m a friend of Adam’s, and Kurt is my favorite hybrid in the whole world.” She grinned at Kurt, who blushed and looked down at his hands, though he was smiling. “And Artie is another real sweetheart. I’d just like to help in whatever way I can.”
They’d come almost all the way around the circle.
“I’m Julia, and I’m a lawyer. I specialize in hybrid law, especially hybrid rights. My hybrid companion, Mandy, isn’t here tonight. She’s very, very shy, and I’m hoping if she does come in the future, you’ll all make her feel welcome, without overwhelming her. But she wouldn’t have been comfortable around this many people, not yet anyway. Adam is the one who originally spoke to me, and to Gabriel, about getting together to discuss these sorts of issues.”
“Before we begin,” Gabriel said, looking around the room, “does anybody have any question? And I mean anyone, shy hybrids included,” he added with a soft smile.
Donna raised her hand.
“Yes, Donna?”
“This isn’t…illegal or anything, is it?” She looked around the room cautiously. Jerry squeezed her hand gently, and she relaxed.
Gabriel smiled as reassuringly as he could. “That’s why we have legal counsel here. Julia?”
Julia nodded, and leaned forward. “I’ve looked into it, and while I’m sure the Office of Hybrid Control wouldn’t be too happy about it, it’s not actually illegal. Probably because it wouldn’t occur to them that anyone would hold this kind of meeting. But we are trying to be discreet. We don’t want any new laws restricting your rights to be put in place. Please be careful who you talk to about this, if anyone.”
Donna nodded, and relaxed back into the pillow she sat on.
Emma raised her hand, and when Gabriel nodded to her, she wetted her lips nervously. “I’m sure you were all asked here because you were trusted. I just want to reassure anyone who might have reason to doubt me, that I do want hybrids to be treated better. I’m not sure complete independence is the answer, but that’s why I’m here, to learn more about the ideas and suggestions. I can admit it when I’m wrong, but I might also have a different perspective than some of you.”
Artie rolled his eyes, but Gabriel wasn’t about to criticize him for it. He thought Kurt might have caught it, judging from the slight smile playing about his lips.
Gabriel nodded. “It’s true, Emma, aside from myself, and possibly Julia, you’ve probably spent the most time around different hybrids, and have had a good opportunity to observe their behavior. And to see what does, and doesn’t work, in the way they’re currently treated in pet stores.”
Emma bit her lip, then spoke again. “Yes, although I have to say, not all pet stores are run the same. I know ours is a bit unusual in some ways, but in others, it’s probably typical in the way the pets are treated.”
A few attendees looked uncomfortable.
Gabriel held up one hand. “Before we go any further, I’d like to establish some rules. First of all, what’s said in here, stays in here. No one should try to coerce anyone else to talk about what was said, or to contradict what they said, outside of here. I’ve been debating about whether we should take notes, or record the meeting.”
There was a loud murmur of voices.
Gabriel held up his hand again for quiet, before putting it down. “I think we can agree, we can all speak more freely if we’re not being recorded. That being said, if anyone has any sort of recording device, please turn it off now. I already asked you all for cellphone silence, but it’s very important that we can all trust one another.”
Everyone looked around the room at the others, but no one reached into a pocket, purse or bag.
“All right. I do think we should have some notes, though, if there’s anything we don’t want to forget, or to keep track of who may be volunteering to do different things. Nobody is going to be coerced into volunteering, and don’t worry that if you miss a meeting, someone else will “volunteer” you to do something. But if we’re going to make any progress, we’ll need to start taking a more active part in what’s going on.”
Adam put a hand on Kurt’s shoulder. Kurt leaned his head down against Adam’s hand for a moment, then seemed to remember they weren’t alone. He lifted his head, but Adam kept his hand where it was.
“Does anyone want to be the club secretary?” Gabriel looked around the room.
Nancy raised her hand. “I can try.”
“Thank you.” Gabriel passed down a legal pad and pen, then sat up straight.
“Is everyone comfortable? Let me rephrase that. Is anyone uncomfortable with the group as it stands now?”
No one objected to anyone else, which Adam thought was an excellent sign.
Gabriel briefly went over what they’d discussed at the first meeting.
“I think it’s encouraging that we’ve increased our numbers so quickly. There are going to be people who won’t like what we’re doing, and who might try to interfere if they knew. We don’t want to put anyone at risk, but we’re also trying to prevent future risk to hybrids who are still in stores, or even still at home.”
Jerry raised his hand. “I’ve got a question. What about the hybrids who don’t want to be independent, or if their owners don’t want that?”
Gabriel nodded. “I’ve been giving that some thought. This change isn’t going to happen overnight. It might take a couple of generations, even, before hybrids are given independence. I think it will be a gradual process. It’s not likely that in a couple of months, or years, hybrids are going to be released from the stores and told to go out and support themselves. It’s going to have to be gradual. Coming generations of hybrids are going to need to go to school longer, and be taught more practical skills. Whoever adopts them will need to help them to cope with finding what they want to do. Eventually, hopefully, hybrids will have the same rights as full humans.”
Emma sighed, and didn’t bother to raise her hand. “I’m not sure that’s ever going to work. I know there are exceptions, but some of the hybrids I know just don’t seem like they would ever make it out in society, competing against humans - people who have the advantage of always knowing they can go out and live their own lives, who might be better prepared.”
Gabriel heard her out. “That’s why we need to start training them now, to show people that it can be done. It’s possible that some, or maybe even a lot, of the current generation of hybrids, would have difficulty being independent, because they’ve never been told they could be. All their lives they’ve been told they’re only good for being someone’s pet, they need someone to take care of them, they can’t do this, that, or the other thing that other people do. It’s got to be odd to go to a store, for instance, and look around, and see so many people who look like you, except they’re not wearing collars or leashes. They’re sometimes alone, or maybe in a group or a family, but no one is telling them, ‘If you’re lucky, you’ll be adopted by someone who is kind and won’t hurt you.’ That’s got to be very difficult to overcome.”
He looked at Kurt, to see how his words were affecting him. Kurt looked thoughtful, but not angry. Some of the other hybrids were nodding in agreement.
“Carl, if I can ask you some questions?”
The blond looked startled. He glanced up at Daniel, who shrugged. “Up to you, man.”
He swallowed, and shifted around a bit on the pillow. “Um, sure. What did you want to know?”
“You look like you’re the oldest of the hybrids in this room,” Gabriel observed. “Can you tell us what you think about this issue of independence? Or what your experience has been like?”
Carl didn’t look too happy to be singled out, but he thought for a minute or so before answering.
“Daniel lets me run some errands for him, like at the gym, going across the street to get coffee. Me and Donna spend a lot of time at the gym, and we help or supervise the hybrids who come in to relax or nap, or if someone has a question about the equipment or something. We make sure there are plenty of clean towels stacked up at the front desk. They get cleaned at a laundry service, they pick them up for cleaning, and deliver them, and me and Donna make sure we don’t run low on them.
“At home, Daniel lets me do what I want a lot of the time. I listen to music a lot, but I do get bored easily. I like to be in the same room as Daniel, even if he’s busy with the computer or something. I help him with the housework, and cooking, things like that, and the grocery shopping. The only time I go out by myself, like I said, is for short errands. I can’t drive, of course, but I know how to take the bus to the grocery store, if we just need a couple of things. I can walk to the coffee shop near the house, and I know how to get to the gym, and I can walk to Jerry’s house. I’m supposed to call Jerry, or go get him, if anything happens to Daniel. I don’t know if I want to do much more than that, without Daniel there. What if something goes wrong? Who’s gonna take my word about anything, if Daniel’s not there to back me up?”
He stopped talking, and Gabriel waited to see if he was gathering his thoughts, or was done. Carl finally said, “I think that’s it.”
“Daniel, do you have anything to add? I’m trying to get an idea of the differences between the four hybrids, their various levels of independence.”
“I see. I think Carl has it right. It’s a little different if we go to visit my parents, in Oklahoma. They don’t like to come to New York, so every year, I take a couple of weeks off. Me and Carl drive to see the folks, then come back here. But when we’re out of New York, I guess things are a little different. Carl sticks closer to me, I don’t send him off on any errands, and -“ He looked thoughtful for a moment. “I treat him differently when I’m around my folks. They’re kind of old-fashioned, maybe a little bit what you’d call redneck. Carl doesn’t talk much when he’s there. They mostly kind of want to ignore him.” He looked down at Carl and squeezed his shoulder briefly.
Carl spoke again. “It’s easier for all of us if I just stay in my dog form most of the time. Then Daniel’s parents relax a little, they talk more freely, and I can go outside on the porch and take a nap, or run around the yard. I don’t ever try and go off their property, though, or any place where Daniel can’t find me. I don’t want to upset his parents, and I think it’s easier for them to forget about me. Not that they don’t - you know, they keep hybrid dog chow there, and there’s a dog bed in Daniel’s room - not that I sleep in it - and sometimes his mom will kind of forget and pet me, until she remembers I’m not a real dog, as she puts it.”
Daniel’s brows lowered. “Sometimes I think maybe it’d be easier to just tell them I can’t come out this year, we’re too busy at the gym, but you know, they’re getting older. I can’t really expect them to change the way they think, which is that hybrids shouldn’t exist at all. I’ve tried to talk to them, and I thought if they got to know Carl, they’d see he’s nothing like what they think hybrids are.”
“But hybrids do exist,” Jerry interrupted. “Just because some people don’t like them, it’s not going to make them go away. And as long as people keep wanting to adopt them…” He stopped and thought about his words. “What if they keep breeding hybrids, and nobody wants to adopt them? They’re not all getting adopted, some of them get -“ He bit his lip, and bent down to kiss the top of Donna’s head. “Well, what would happen then?”
“That’s a good question,” Gabriel sighed, “and one of the things we need to think about, if we’re ever going to present a case before the Hybrid Control Department, or the public in general.”
“How about giving them back to their family?” Kurt suggested, his voice tinged with bitterness.
“If the family still wants them,” Artie added.
“I would love to have my son back,” Hugo interjected. “I suspect most parents would.”
“But what if the kids don’t want to go back?” April asked. When everyone stared at her, she blushed slightly. “Sometimes the parents might not want the kid back, and maybe sometimes the kids don’t want to go back. If the parents were only raising them for the money, or something like that, they wouldn’t have the same bond that people might have if they love their partner and wanted kids.”
Gabriel brightened at the thought. “That’s a great idea, though, to see if they could go back. If the hybrids and the families were given the chance to both decide. If either side didn’t want to reunite, other arrangements would have to be made. Maybe the government will have to think about the way it compensates parents for raising a hybrid child for 13 years. They may not want to pay for more than that, but some families might be willing to take their hybrid children back, even with no subsidy.”
Kurt nodded rapidly. “I’m sure my dad would have taken me back, if I hadn’t found Adam. Or he hadn’t found me.”
“Slow down, please,” Nancy begged. “I know some shorthand, but I can’t write that fast.”
“You don’t have to take everything down,” Gabriel suggested, “Just the most important issues. Anything we might want to remember later.”
Nancy nodded as she continued to scribble as fast as she could.
Gabriel thought it might be time to change the topic. “Before I forget, I think Adam has something he wants to announce.”
“Before you start worrying, it’s something good,” Adam assured them. “I’d like to start a small class, unofficial, no cost, but I’d like to help you hybrids with your reading skills, if any of you are interested.”
He saw several surprised faces, and heard some quiet murmurs, but wasn’t sure if anyone besides Kurt was receptive to the idea.
“Artie,” Gabriel began, “this is up to you. You don’t have to make a decision right away. None of you do. But Adam is willing to spend an hour or two a week helping you, so that you’ll be better able to entertain yourself when you have nothing specific to do. Your owners, of course, have the final say about it, but we thought we’d present this opportunity.”
“I think it’s a great idea,” Jerry said. “I’ve never been much of a reader, I like to work with my hands more, but Donna, if you’re interested, we can find you some books you might like.”
Adam nodded. “To clarify, I was thinking of starting with some simple children’s books. You all can let me know if they’re too easy for you. Something like Dr. Suess, perhaps, and work our way up perhaps, before trying other authors.”
Adam continued, looking at the various reactions. “I’d be happy to recommend some books, once I learn more about your individual tastes and reading level. I’ve been helping Kurt with the first book in the Harry Potter series, for instance.”
Donna and Carl both nodded vigorously.
“I’d like to read that,” Carl said wistfully. “Whenever I saw ads for one of the movies, they looked like fun.”
“Me, too,” Donna said. “But some of the later ones looked kind of scary.” She drew a little closer to Jerry, who reached down to put an arm around her. She visibly relaxed.
“Yes, the series gets progressively scarier, as the characters grow up and learn about all the things out there that can hurt them, or want to keep them docile - calm,” Adam corrected. “It’s about a group of children learning they have more power than they imagined, and that they can use that power to fight the evil in the world. They have to make decisions, about doing the easy thing, or the right thing. About staying safe and protected, or going out in the world to see what they can do to improve it. There’s more to it than that, but for me, that’s the heart of the books.”
He saw that they were all thinking about his words.
“Are we going to start with the easy books, then work out way up to Harry Potter?” Artie asked thoughtfully. “Because I did read a lot before I was sent to the store. I read the first three books in that series. I might be a little more advanced than some of the others, but maybe I can help you?”
“That’s an excellent idea,” Adam approved.
“What about the movies?” Carl asked. “Is there any way we can see the movies?”
“The Harry Potter movies?” At Carl’s nod, Adam continued. “I have them all. If it’s okay with your owners, I’d be happy to have a screening. Hopefully we can all squeeze into my - our place. Your owners are welcome, too, of course. I was thinking, perhaps after we finish the first book, we can watch the first movie. Then go on to the second book. That way, the book will be fresh in your mind when you see the movie.”
Daniel spoke up. “I think it’s a great idea, and I don’t mind if Carl wants to see the movie. But I was thinking - Julia, you said Mandy is really shy? Do you think she might be too scared? ‘Cause maybe if there were a bunch of us watching, it might not be as scary.”
Julia looked thoughtful as she slowly tapped one finger against her knee. “I think if you go slowly enough, and make sure everyone’s sort of at the same level, about being able to read, it will help. And I think Mandy will enjoy the first movie. Maybe the first three. We’ll see how it goes. If she’s going to watch, I should probably be there with her. At least for the first movie, and certainly for the first reading lesson. I hope she’ll be comfortable enough with all of you without me being there all the time, once she gets to know you.”
“Where are you going to have the class?” Daniel asked.
Adam sighed. “Well, I was thinking at my apartment. But it depends how many people are going to be there. If all the owners want to be there while their pets are learning to read - well, it sort of defeats the purpose. I was thinking it could be like a pet-sitting situation, if anyone asks.”
Daniel pursed his lips and thought about it. “I’m not sure if that will work. How about this? We can offer a new class at the gym. It’s not physical fitness, but more maybe mental fitness. If a pet is tired or bored or doesn’t want to exercise, they could have the option of joining this reading class, for an hour, a couple of days a week. We’d hire you on, Adam. It would be free for members, but anyone who’s not a member can pay a small fee. Let’s say, something like $5 per session? That way it shouldn’t break anybody’s budget.”
Jerry added, “We’ve already got things set up there where pets can be off the leash, or away from their owner for a little bit, to take a nap or rest, so it shouldn’t be a problem.”
“It sounds almost like a hybrid day care,” Julia observed. “I’ve never heard of one, but it makes sense to me.”
“I like that idea,” Gabriel offered. “You’ve got a lot more space there at the gym, and that way we could reach out to more hybrids. It might be too early to talk to them about our gardening club just yet, but if we can give them something to do in their free time, they’d probably be happier, and it might be a relief for the owner, as well.”
“What if the pet wants to read, and the owner doesn’t want them to?” Artie asked.
“Well, we can’t insist,” Daniel explained, “I think all we can do is maybe come up with a flyer or something that explains the program and the benefits. Maybe when they know more about it, the owners will decide it’s a good idea.”
“We need to be careful,” Gabriel interjected, “to not end up disappointing the pets who aren’t allowed to read, or to improve their skills. But I think it’s a good stepping stone on the path to greater independence, and happier hybrids.”
Artie nodded vigorously and pumped his fist in the air. “Preach!” He looked around at all the startled faces and blushed.
Kurt giggled, and Emma laughed out loud.
Kurt explained to the others, “Every time Artie really agreed with something, and that wasn’t too often, he’d do that. It annoyed Mr. Will, but Miss Emma usually grinned before she had to look serious again and tell Artie to settle down.”
Emma blushed, but didn't disagree.
“Don’t be afraid to express yourself, Artie,” Gabriel advised. “At least, not at home or when you’re with friends.”
“This might also be a good time to mention,” Adam interjected, “I’ve been writing a book about Kurt’s and my adventures into hybrid adoption. It’s well on it’s way to being a full novel. I’ve been trying to phone everyone and make sure you don’t mind if you’re mentioned in the book. I have no axes to grind, I just wanted at first to remember all the things I never expected. And then it occurred to me, maybe others could benefit from seeing things from my point of view, or Kurt’s. Either current owners, potential owners, parents of hybrids, or just regular people who don’t know much about hybrids and what it’s like to live with one.”
There were a few questions, but soon the all agreed Adam could use them as characters, using their real names at his discretion.
“Julia will be reading the entire thing before I publish it,” Adam mentioned quickly, “to make sure there’s nothing really inflammatory in there, or anything that could get anyone in trouble. There’s a possibility the book may become a play or musical, as well.”
Adam didn’t look around, but Gabriel noticed that April winked at him.
“What about these meetings?” asked Artie. “Will they be in the book?”
Adam shook his head. “I think not. Maybe I’ll do an expanded edition later, but I think for now, even leaving this out, there will be plenty for the readers to try to digest as it is.”
“Do you think -“ Carl stopped and took a deep breath, “maybe someday we’ll be able to read your book for ourselves?”
“Well, I’ll certainly see you get copies of it, if you want. If I find a publisher. Or I may just publish it myself.”
Kurt suggested, “Maybe that can be one of the books Adam uses to teach us to read, or he can, you know, read it aloud to us or something? I’ve read parts of it, but there’s been so much going on, I’d rather listen to it without any distractions. Then I can try to read it on my own later.”
There was much discussion after that, but Gabriel felt they’d covered enough ground. He didn’t want the hybrids, in particular, to be overwhelmed.
“Okay, I think it’s time to adjourn this meeting.” Looking at the confusion on a few faces, he added, "Time to end the meeting."
Hugo, April, and Emma left shortly after that. Julia offered to help clean up, but Gabriel said she’d helped enough earlier, and he didn’t want to keep her from Mandy too long. Nancy had plans with her boyfriend after the meeting, but the others in her group wanted to stay a bit, so Julia offered to drive her home.
Daniel said, “I was thinking, maybe Carl and Donna should get to know Artie a little better. They already know Kurt, but they haven’t had a lot of time to spend around other hybrids.”
Gabriel thought it sounded like a great idea. “That’s fine. Maybe you can all visit with each other down here. Er, do you want to visit as people, or in your animal form? What do you think?”
“Can we do some of both?” Artie asked.
The owners all agreed.
“Just don’t anybody start any fights,” Daniel warned. “I don’t want anybody to get hurt. But be aware, if any of you starts a fight, I will end it.”
“He has my permission,” Gabriel said. Adam nodded. Gabriel was pretty sure neither of them would have to worry, but it was good Daniel was aware it might be a possibility.
Adam and Lily insisted on helping with the chairs, but it went much faster when Jerry offered to help. “Donna will be fine here, won’t you, honey?”
She smiled up at him as she said, “Sure, I’ll be fine.”
Daniel ended up being the only full human left downstairs with the hybrids, but he’d seen the bookshelf outside, and found a Western by Zane Grey to read, to give the pets at least a modicum of privacy.
Next - Chapter 94
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 5,000 words this chapter. About 422,000 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 92
CHAPTER 93
Gabriel greeted Adam, Kurt, and their guest at the door, then brought them into the kitchen, where Julia was baking cookies.
“Julia, Adam and Kurt are the first to arrive, with their friend.”
Julia introduced herself, and smiled at the other woman, as Adam introduced her.
“The cookies smell really good!” Kurt said, sniffing the air appreciatively.
“They’re sugar cookies,” Julia told him. “Just the slice and bake kind. I didn’t really have time to make any from scratch.”
“Those are good, too,” Kurt agreed. “My dad used to make them. He never had time for home-made either, but they were always good. Except when he burned them.”
Gabriel asked them to move as many chairs as possible into Artie’s playroom, since it was larger than the living room. Adam suggested they put the leash over Kurt’s shoulder for now so they’d both have their hands free and be unimpeded. Kurt told Gabriel about his father’s suggestions for the cart for Artie.
Gabriel was impressed. “I really haven’t had a chance to get anything from a store yet. If you’d like to try an put one together, I’ll pay for the materials.”
“What if it doesn’t work out?” Kurt asked anxiously.
“Then we’ll adapt it. Or if there’s no way it will work for Artie, we’ll donate it to someone else, or a store that has a hybrid who can use it. It won’t go to waste.”
Artie stayed out of the way, in his bedroom, until Gabriel asked him to come out.
The other members arrived shortly, a group of five carpooling, and a few people driving solo, so it wasn’t long before they were all there.
In addition to the chairs, there were also an inflatable sofa, and some pillows on the floor. The hybrids all wanted the pillows, though Artie agreed staying in his wheelchair made more sense. They all had their leashes on, but the owners were holding the other end loosely. Before everyone was seated, they were all encouraged to take some cookies and a beverage from a large tin cooler filled with ice. There were bottles of water, cans of diet soda, and fruit juices. Julia brought cookies and drinks to the hybrid owners, who couldn’t carry everything plus hold their pet’s leash.
When they were all seated as comfortably as possible, Gabriel cleared his throat. “Since there are quite a few new members, let’s introduce ourselves. First name only, if you’d prefer. You may state your occupation if you wish, and who referred you. We might have some discussion later about what specifically brought us all here, if anyone wants to talk about it. Also, I’m going to give my pet, Artie, permission to speak to any of you in the group, or individually later this evening, if you’d like.”
Adam gave permission for Kurt so speak, and the other pet owners did the same.
Gabriel spoke up again. “Let’s just go around the room. I’ll start. I’m Dr. Gabriel Hanover, and I’m a veterinarian and doctor for hybrids, as well as a psychiatrist.” He glanced down at Artie, who was in his wheelchair next to him.
“Hi. Um, I’m Artie. I’m a hybrid, as I guess you can tell, and I belong to Gabriel.”
Gabriel frowned, but didn’t correct him.
On Artie’s left, on another pillow, Kurt sat up a bit straighter.
“I’m Kurt, I’m a hybrid, and Adam is my owner.” He turned his head to his left.
Adam held up a hand. “Hello, I’m Adam. I’m…primarily a writer, at the moment.”
They guest Kurt and Adam brought was next, to Adam’s left. “I’m Lily, and I’m here with Adam and Kurt. We’re friends and neighbors. Adam explained what you’re trying to do, and I’d like to help. I have some experience with organizing large groups, fundraising, and publicity, for another organization. If you think you can use my expertise, please ask.” She sat back comfortably in her chair.
She glanced to her left, where a young, red-haired woman sat with her fingers clasped, clearly trying to keep her hands under control. “I’m Nancy. Adam invited me. I do housework for him, and Lily. And I’m here for my sister.” She smiled down at the hybrid sitting next to her.
Gabriel had to strain to hear her voice.
“My name is Donna. Nancy is my sister - half-sister. And I’m here with my owner, Jerry. We were invited by Adam.”
Jerry sat next to her, on the inflatable sofa. He held up one large hand in a brief wave. “Hey, y’all. I’m Jerry. I’m co-owner of a gym downtown that caters to hybrids, and the people who own them. We have some other members, but they have to be cool with hybrids or we kick ‘em out.” He reached down and took Donna’s hand.
The slightly older man next to him on the sofa coughed loudly, and glared at Jerry. “I’m Daniel, the other owner of the gym. And it’s true, we welcome hybrids, and enforce our zero tolerance for harassment of any of our clients. I’m also here with my pet, Carl.” He smiled fondly at the blond man sitting on a pillow to his left, who looked a few years younger than him.
“Hi. I’m Carl, and yeah, I’m here with Daniel. Adam invited us, too.”
The gentleman to Carl’s left spoke. “My name is Hugo. I own a clothing store, and Adam has been a customer and friend for years. I would like to tailor more suits for hybrids, but I don’t have that many customers looking for that.” He paused a moment, then continued. “My son is a hybrid. I don’t know where he is now, since, of course, he was taken from me years ago.”
The guest Gabriel had invited, whom he wasn’t sure would show up, was next. Although at first she’d been hesitant to sit in the chair without cleaning it, Gabriel grabbed a clean towel from the bathroom and let her drape it over the chair. “My name is Emma, and my husband and I have a hybrid pet store.” She looked around the room, as though waiting for people to say rude things. So far no one had. “My husband doesn’t know I’m here. I don’t think he’s quite ready for this yet. I don’t like keeping secrets from him, but I think we’ve made some mistakes, mostly out of ignorance.” She looked over at Kurt, then Artie, and smiled at them. “But I’d like to see what can be done to correct that, and to try to get our remaining pets into good homes. I think after that, we might be going into a different line of business.”
“Does your husband know about that? Changing businesses?” Daniel asked.
Emma looked startled, but handled it well. “Not yet. But I think by that time we’ll both be ready for a change of pace. Oh, I’m here because Gabriel invited me.”
She glanced to her left, where a short blonde woman was sitting. She reached over and patted Emma’s hand, then looked around the room. “My name is April, and I’m an actress and singer. I’m a friend of Adam’s, and Kurt is my favorite hybrid in the whole world.” She grinned at Kurt, who blushed and looked down at his hands, though he was smiling. “And Artie is another real sweetheart. I’d just like to help in whatever way I can.”
They’d come almost all the way around the circle.
“I’m Julia, and I’m a lawyer. I specialize in hybrid law, especially hybrid rights. My hybrid companion, Mandy, isn’t here tonight. She’s very, very shy, and I’m hoping if she does come in the future, you’ll all make her feel welcome, without overwhelming her. But she wouldn’t have been comfortable around this many people, not yet anyway. Adam is the one who originally spoke to me, and to Gabriel, about getting together to discuss these sorts of issues.”
“Before we begin,” Gabriel said, looking around the room, “does anybody have any question? And I mean anyone, shy hybrids included,” he added with a soft smile.
Donna raised her hand.
“Yes, Donna?”
“This isn’t…illegal or anything, is it?” She looked around the room cautiously. Jerry squeezed her hand gently, and she relaxed.
Gabriel smiled as reassuringly as he could. “That’s why we have legal counsel here. Julia?”
Julia nodded, and leaned forward. “I’ve looked into it, and while I’m sure the Office of Hybrid Control wouldn’t be too happy about it, it’s not actually illegal. Probably because it wouldn’t occur to them that anyone would hold this kind of meeting. But we are trying to be discreet. We don’t want any new laws restricting your rights to be put in place. Please be careful who you talk to about this, if anyone.”
Donna nodded, and relaxed back into the pillow she sat on.
Emma raised her hand, and when Gabriel nodded to her, she wetted her lips nervously. “I’m sure you were all asked here because you were trusted. I just want to reassure anyone who might have reason to doubt me, that I do want hybrids to be treated better. I’m not sure complete independence is the answer, but that’s why I’m here, to learn more about the ideas and suggestions. I can admit it when I’m wrong, but I might also have a different perspective than some of you.”
Artie rolled his eyes, but Gabriel wasn’t about to criticize him for it. He thought Kurt might have caught it, judging from the slight smile playing about his lips.
Gabriel nodded. “It’s true, Emma, aside from myself, and possibly Julia, you’ve probably spent the most time around different hybrids, and have had a good opportunity to observe their behavior. And to see what does, and doesn’t work, in the way they’re currently treated in pet stores.”
Emma bit her lip, then spoke again. “Yes, although I have to say, not all pet stores are run the same. I know ours is a bit unusual in some ways, but in others, it’s probably typical in the way the pets are treated.”
A few attendees looked uncomfortable.
Gabriel held up one hand. “Before we go any further, I’d like to establish some rules. First of all, what’s said in here, stays in here. No one should try to coerce anyone else to talk about what was said, or to contradict what they said, outside of here. I’ve been debating about whether we should take notes, or record the meeting.”
There was a loud murmur of voices.
Gabriel held up his hand again for quiet, before putting it down. “I think we can agree, we can all speak more freely if we’re not being recorded. That being said, if anyone has any sort of recording device, please turn it off now. I already asked you all for cellphone silence, but it’s very important that we can all trust one another.”
Everyone looked around the room at the others, but no one reached into a pocket, purse or bag.
“All right. I do think we should have some notes, though, if there’s anything we don’t want to forget, or to keep track of who may be volunteering to do different things. Nobody is going to be coerced into volunteering, and don’t worry that if you miss a meeting, someone else will “volunteer” you to do something. But if we’re going to make any progress, we’ll need to start taking a more active part in what’s going on.”
Adam put a hand on Kurt’s shoulder. Kurt leaned his head down against Adam’s hand for a moment, then seemed to remember they weren’t alone. He lifted his head, but Adam kept his hand where it was.
“Does anyone want to be the club secretary?” Gabriel looked around the room.
Nancy raised her hand. “I can try.”
“Thank you.” Gabriel passed down a legal pad and pen, then sat up straight.
“Is everyone comfortable? Let me rephrase that. Is anyone uncomfortable with the group as it stands now?”
No one objected to anyone else, which Adam thought was an excellent sign.
Gabriel briefly went over what they’d discussed at the first meeting.
“I think it’s encouraging that we’ve increased our numbers so quickly. There are going to be people who won’t like what we’re doing, and who might try to interfere if they knew. We don’t want to put anyone at risk, but we’re also trying to prevent future risk to hybrids who are still in stores, or even still at home.”
Jerry raised his hand. “I’ve got a question. What about the hybrids who don’t want to be independent, or if their owners don’t want that?”
Gabriel nodded. “I’ve been giving that some thought. This change isn’t going to happen overnight. It might take a couple of generations, even, before hybrids are given independence. I think it will be a gradual process. It’s not likely that in a couple of months, or years, hybrids are going to be released from the stores and told to go out and support themselves. It’s going to have to be gradual. Coming generations of hybrids are going to need to go to school longer, and be taught more practical skills. Whoever adopts them will need to help them to cope with finding what they want to do. Eventually, hopefully, hybrids will have the same rights as full humans.”
Emma sighed, and didn’t bother to raise her hand. “I’m not sure that’s ever going to work. I know there are exceptions, but some of the hybrids I know just don’t seem like they would ever make it out in society, competing against humans - people who have the advantage of always knowing they can go out and live their own lives, who might be better prepared.”
Gabriel heard her out. “That’s why we need to start training them now, to show people that it can be done. It’s possible that some, or maybe even a lot, of the current generation of hybrids, would have difficulty being independent, because they’ve never been told they could be. All their lives they’ve been told they’re only good for being someone’s pet, they need someone to take care of them, they can’t do this, that, or the other thing that other people do. It’s got to be odd to go to a store, for instance, and look around, and see so many people who look like you, except they’re not wearing collars or leashes. They’re sometimes alone, or maybe in a group or a family, but no one is telling them, ‘If you’re lucky, you’ll be adopted by someone who is kind and won’t hurt you.’ That’s got to be very difficult to overcome.”
He looked at Kurt, to see how his words were affecting him. Kurt looked thoughtful, but not angry. Some of the other hybrids were nodding in agreement.
“Carl, if I can ask you some questions?”
The blond looked startled. He glanced up at Daniel, who shrugged. “Up to you, man.”
He swallowed, and shifted around a bit on the pillow. “Um, sure. What did you want to know?”
“You look like you’re the oldest of the hybrids in this room,” Gabriel observed. “Can you tell us what you think about this issue of independence? Or what your experience has been like?”
Carl didn’t look too happy to be singled out, but he thought for a minute or so before answering.
“Daniel lets me run some errands for him, like at the gym, going across the street to get coffee. Me and Donna spend a lot of time at the gym, and we help or supervise the hybrids who come in to relax or nap, or if someone has a question about the equipment or something. We make sure there are plenty of clean towels stacked up at the front desk. They get cleaned at a laundry service, they pick them up for cleaning, and deliver them, and me and Donna make sure we don’t run low on them.
“At home, Daniel lets me do what I want a lot of the time. I listen to music a lot, but I do get bored easily. I like to be in the same room as Daniel, even if he’s busy with the computer or something. I help him with the housework, and cooking, things like that, and the grocery shopping. The only time I go out by myself, like I said, is for short errands. I can’t drive, of course, but I know how to take the bus to the grocery store, if we just need a couple of things. I can walk to the coffee shop near the house, and I know how to get to the gym, and I can walk to Jerry’s house. I’m supposed to call Jerry, or go get him, if anything happens to Daniel. I don’t know if I want to do much more than that, without Daniel there. What if something goes wrong? Who’s gonna take my word about anything, if Daniel’s not there to back me up?”
He stopped talking, and Gabriel waited to see if he was gathering his thoughts, or was done. Carl finally said, “I think that’s it.”
“Daniel, do you have anything to add? I’m trying to get an idea of the differences between the four hybrids, their various levels of independence.”
“I see. I think Carl has it right. It’s a little different if we go to visit my parents, in Oklahoma. They don’t like to come to New York, so every year, I take a couple of weeks off. Me and Carl drive to see the folks, then come back here. But when we’re out of New York, I guess things are a little different. Carl sticks closer to me, I don’t send him off on any errands, and -“ He looked thoughtful for a moment. “I treat him differently when I’m around my folks. They’re kind of old-fashioned, maybe a little bit what you’d call redneck. Carl doesn’t talk much when he’s there. They mostly kind of want to ignore him.” He looked down at Carl and squeezed his shoulder briefly.
Carl spoke again. “It’s easier for all of us if I just stay in my dog form most of the time. Then Daniel’s parents relax a little, they talk more freely, and I can go outside on the porch and take a nap, or run around the yard. I don’t ever try and go off their property, though, or any place where Daniel can’t find me. I don’t want to upset his parents, and I think it’s easier for them to forget about me. Not that they don’t - you know, they keep hybrid dog chow there, and there’s a dog bed in Daniel’s room - not that I sleep in it - and sometimes his mom will kind of forget and pet me, until she remembers I’m not a real dog, as she puts it.”
Daniel’s brows lowered. “Sometimes I think maybe it’d be easier to just tell them I can’t come out this year, we’re too busy at the gym, but you know, they’re getting older. I can’t really expect them to change the way they think, which is that hybrids shouldn’t exist at all. I’ve tried to talk to them, and I thought if they got to know Carl, they’d see he’s nothing like what they think hybrids are.”
“But hybrids do exist,” Jerry interrupted. “Just because some people don’t like them, it’s not going to make them go away. And as long as people keep wanting to adopt them…” He stopped and thought about his words. “What if they keep breeding hybrids, and nobody wants to adopt them? They’re not all getting adopted, some of them get -“ He bit his lip, and bent down to kiss the top of Donna’s head. “Well, what would happen then?”
“That’s a good question,” Gabriel sighed, “and one of the things we need to think about, if we’re ever going to present a case before the Hybrid Control Department, or the public in general.”
“How about giving them back to their family?” Kurt suggested, his voice tinged with bitterness.
“If the family still wants them,” Artie added.
“I would love to have my son back,” Hugo interjected. “I suspect most parents would.”
“But what if the kids don’t want to go back?” April asked. When everyone stared at her, she blushed slightly. “Sometimes the parents might not want the kid back, and maybe sometimes the kids don’t want to go back. If the parents were only raising them for the money, or something like that, they wouldn’t have the same bond that people might have if they love their partner and wanted kids.”
Gabriel brightened at the thought. “That’s a great idea, though, to see if they could go back. If the hybrids and the families were given the chance to both decide. If either side didn’t want to reunite, other arrangements would have to be made. Maybe the government will have to think about the way it compensates parents for raising a hybrid child for 13 years. They may not want to pay for more than that, but some families might be willing to take their hybrid children back, even with no subsidy.”
Kurt nodded rapidly. “I’m sure my dad would have taken me back, if I hadn’t found Adam. Or he hadn’t found me.”
“Slow down, please,” Nancy begged. “I know some shorthand, but I can’t write that fast.”
“You don’t have to take everything down,” Gabriel suggested, “Just the most important issues. Anything we might want to remember later.”
Nancy nodded as she continued to scribble as fast as she could.
Gabriel thought it might be time to change the topic. “Before I forget, I think Adam has something he wants to announce.”
“Before you start worrying, it’s something good,” Adam assured them. “I’d like to start a small class, unofficial, no cost, but I’d like to help you hybrids with your reading skills, if any of you are interested.”
He saw several surprised faces, and heard some quiet murmurs, but wasn’t sure if anyone besides Kurt was receptive to the idea.
“Artie,” Gabriel began, “this is up to you. You don’t have to make a decision right away. None of you do. But Adam is willing to spend an hour or two a week helping you, so that you’ll be better able to entertain yourself when you have nothing specific to do. Your owners, of course, have the final say about it, but we thought we’d present this opportunity.”
“I think it’s a great idea,” Jerry said. “I’ve never been much of a reader, I like to work with my hands more, but Donna, if you’re interested, we can find you some books you might like.”
Adam nodded. “To clarify, I was thinking of starting with some simple children’s books. You all can let me know if they’re too easy for you. Something like Dr. Suess, perhaps, and work our way up perhaps, before trying other authors.”
Adam continued, looking at the various reactions. “I’d be happy to recommend some books, once I learn more about your individual tastes and reading level. I’ve been helping Kurt with the first book in the Harry Potter series, for instance.”
Donna and Carl both nodded vigorously.
“I’d like to read that,” Carl said wistfully. “Whenever I saw ads for one of the movies, they looked like fun.”
“Me, too,” Donna said. “But some of the later ones looked kind of scary.” She drew a little closer to Jerry, who reached down to put an arm around her. She visibly relaxed.
“Yes, the series gets progressively scarier, as the characters grow up and learn about all the things out there that can hurt them, or want to keep them docile - calm,” Adam corrected. “It’s about a group of children learning they have more power than they imagined, and that they can use that power to fight the evil in the world. They have to make decisions, about doing the easy thing, or the right thing. About staying safe and protected, or going out in the world to see what they can do to improve it. There’s more to it than that, but for me, that’s the heart of the books.”
He saw that they were all thinking about his words.
“Are we going to start with the easy books, then work out way up to Harry Potter?” Artie asked thoughtfully. “Because I did read a lot before I was sent to the store. I read the first three books in that series. I might be a little more advanced than some of the others, but maybe I can help you?”
“That’s an excellent idea,” Adam approved.
“What about the movies?” Carl asked. “Is there any way we can see the movies?”
“The Harry Potter movies?” At Carl’s nod, Adam continued. “I have them all. If it’s okay with your owners, I’d be happy to have a screening. Hopefully we can all squeeze into my - our place. Your owners are welcome, too, of course. I was thinking, perhaps after we finish the first book, we can watch the first movie. Then go on to the second book. That way, the book will be fresh in your mind when you see the movie.”
Daniel spoke up. “I think it’s a great idea, and I don’t mind if Carl wants to see the movie. But I was thinking - Julia, you said Mandy is really shy? Do you think she might be too scared? ‘Cause maybe if there were a bunch of us watching, it might not be as scary.”
Julia looked thoughtful as she slowly tapped one finger against her knee. “I think if you go slowly enough, and make sure everyone’s sort of at the same level, about being able to read, it will help. And I think Mandy will enjoy the first movie. Maybe the first three. We’ll see how it goes. If she’s going to watch, I should probably be there with her. At least for the first movie, and certainly for the first reading lesson. I hope she’ll be comfortable enough with all of you without me being there all the time, once she gets to know you.”
“Where are you going to have the class?” Daniel asked.
Adam sighed. “Well, I was thinking at my apartment. But it depends how many people are going to be there. If all the owners want to be there while their pets are learning to read - well, it sort of defeats the purpose. I was thinking it could be like a pet-sitting situation, if anyone asks.”
Daniel pursed his lips and thought about it. “I’m not sure if that will work. How about this? We can offer a new class at the gym. It’s not physical fitness, but more maybe mental fitness. If a pet is tired or bored or doesn’t want to exercise, they could have the option of joining this reading class, for an hour, a couple of days a week. We’d hire you on, Adam. It would be free for members, but anyone who’s not a member can pay a small fee. Let’s say, something like $5 per session? That way it shouldn’t break anybody’s budget.”
Jerry added, “We’ve already got things set up there where pets can be off the leash, or away from their owner for a little bit, to take a nap or rest, so it shouldn’t be a problem.”
“It sounds almost like a hybrid day care,” Julia observed. “I’ve never heard of one, but it makes sense to me.”
“I like that idea,” Gabriel offered. “You’ve got a lot more space there at the gym, and that way we could reach out to more hybrids. It might be too early to talk to them about our gardening club just yet, but if we can give them something to do in their free time, they’d probably be happier, and it might be a relief for the owner, as well.”
“What if the pet wants to read, and the owner doesn’t want them to?” Artie asked.
“Well, we can’t insist,” Daniel explained, “I think all we can do is maybe come up with a flyer or something that explains the program and the benefits. Maybe when they know more about it, the owners will decide it’s a good idea.”
“We need to be careful,” Gabriel interjected, “to not end up disappointing the pets who aren’t allowed to read, or to improve their skills. But I think it’s a good stepping stone on the path to greater independence, and happier hybrids.”
Artie nodded vigorously and pumped his fist in the air. “Preach!” He looked around at all the startled faces and blushed.
Kurt giggled, and Emma laughed out loud.
Kurt explained to the others, “Every time Artie really agreed with something, and that wasn’t too often, he’d do that. It annoyed Mr. Will, but Miss Emma usually grinned before she had to look serious again and tell Artie to settle down.”
Emma blushed, but didn't disagree.
“Don’t be afraid to express yourself, Artie,” Gabriel advised. “At least, not at home or when you’re with friends.”
“This might also be a good time to mention,” Adam interjected, “I’ve been writing a book about Kurt’s and my adventures into hybrid adoption. It’s well on it’s way to being a full novel. I’ve been trying to phone everyone and make sure you don’t mind if you’re mentioned in the book. I have no axes to grind, I just wanted at first to remember all the things I never expected. And then it occurred to me, maybe others could benefit from seeing things from my point of view, or Kurt’s. Either current owners, potential owners, parents of hybrids, or just regular people who don’t know much about hybrids and what it’s like to live with one.”
There were a few questions, but soon the all agreed Adam could use them as characters, using their real names at his discretion.
“Julia will be reading the entire thing before I publish it,” Adam mentioned quickly, “to make sure there’s nothing really inflammatory in there, or anything that could get anyone in trouble. There’s a possibility the book may become a play or musical, as well.”
Adam didn’t look around, but Gabriel noticed that April winked at him.
“What about these meetings?” asked Artie. “Will they be in the book?”
Adam shook his head. “I think not. Maybe I’ll do an expanded edition later, but I think for now, even leaving this out, there will be plenty for the readers to try to digest as it is.”
“Do you think -“ Carl stopped and took a deep breath, “maybe someday we’ll be able to read your book for ourselves?”
“Well, I’ll certainly see you get copies of it, if you want. If I find a publisher. Or I may just publish it myself.”
Kurt suggested, “Maybe that can be one of the books Adam uses to teach us to read, or he can, you know, read it aloud to us or something? I’ve read parts of it, but there’s been so much going on, I’d rather listen to it without any distractions. Then I can try to read it on my own later.”
There was much discussion after that, but Gabriel felt they’d covered enough ground. He didn’t want the hybrids, in particular, to be overwhelmed.
“Okay, I think it’s time to adjourn this meeting.” Looking at the confusion on a few faces, he added, "Time to end the meeting."
Hugo, April, and Emma left shortly after that. Julia offered to help clean up, but Gabriel said she’d helped enough earlier, and he didn’t want to keep her from Mandy too long. Nancy had plans with her boyfriend after the meeting, but the others in her group wanted to stay a bit, so Julia offered to drive her home.
Daniel said, “I was thinking, maybe Carl and Donna should get to know Artie a little better. They already know Kurt, but they haven’t had a lot of time to spend around other hybrids.”
Gabriel thought it sounded like a great idea. “That’s fine. Maybe you can all visit with each other down here. Er, do you want to visit as people, or in your animal form? What do you think?”
“Can we do some of both?” Artie asked.
The owners all agreed.
“Just don’t anybody start any fights,” Daniel warned. “I don’t want anybody to get hurt. But be aware, if any of you starts a fight, I will end it.”
“He has my permission,” Gabriel said. Adam nodded. Gabriel was pretty sure neither of them would have to worry, but it was good Daniel was aware it might be a possibility.
Adam and Lily insisted on helping with the chairs, but it went much faster when Jerry offered to help. “Donna will be fine here, won’t you, honey?”
She smiled up at him as she said, “Sure, I’ll be fine.”
Daniel ended up being the only full human left downstairs with the hybrids, but he’d seen the bookshelf outside, and found a Western by Zane Grey to read, to give the pets at least a modicum of privacy.
Next - Chapter 94