FIC: Forever Home - Chapter 79 of 100
Title: Forever Home - Chapter 79 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 5,600 words this chapter. About 343,000 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 78
CHAPTER 79
On Friday morning, Kurt and Adam spent a long time in bed, but when they finally got up, Kurt was energized. They showered together to save time, but Adam thought it actually took much more time than it would have for two separate showers. He wasn’t about to complain, however.
After a quick and light breakfast, Adam made a list of the items Kurt found in the refrigerator and cupboards that he wanted to use in the salad. He hoped it would save time later, so they didn’t have as much to do at the last minute.
As he was looking through the refrigerator, calling out things for Adam to write down, Kurt started humming. Adam instantly recognized the melody.
“Kurt, how familiar are you with that song?”
“What song?”
“The one you were just humming.”
“I wasn’t - oh, guess I was. I’m not sure what it’s called.” He thought a moment. “Something about time, spending time with you, something like that.”
Adam asked him a question he’d been wondering for a while. “How much do you remember, of things that happen when you’re a cat?”
Kurt stopped what he was doing and shut the cupboard door. “It depends. I remember things like, I played in Buckingham Palace, I did exercises with you, I remember whether I ate or not, things like that.”
“Do you remember me singing that song to you? Time In A Bottle?”
“Oh, is that the title?” He concentrated some more. “I vaguely remember sitting near the piano, listening to you play and sing, but I don’t remember what the songs were. Was this one of them?”
“It was. I’ll sing it for you again sometime when you’re human and can remember it.”
“Okay. The memory thing, it really depends. Like, if you tell me to do something, like, “Sit over there and don’t move,” I’ll know what you mean, but I won’t necessarily remember it later. So if there’s anything really important that goes on or you want me to remember, remind me after I change, okay?”
“Will do.”
Adam sighed quietly. There were so many complications to owning a hybrid pet. But Kurt was worth every single one of them.
Kurt wanted to listen to the radio while they prepared the salad. Adam sampled various stations until they found one that seemed to specialize in show tunes. They sang along and found their movements to avoid bumping into each other were turning into a sort of choreography.
“We should dance together later,” Adam suggested. “I’ll put on some Sinatra or Johnny Mathis, something like that.”
Kurt bit his lip. “I think I’ve heard a couple of things by Frank Sinatra, but who is Johnny Mathis?”
“An American singer, most popular in the 1950’s and 60’s, I believe, though he’s still recording now. He’s mostly known for romantic songs, though he covers quite a lot of styles. He’s got a very smooth, mellow voice. And a lot of his songs are perfect for slow, romantic dances.”
“I love the way you say ‘donces’,” Kurt admitted, mimicking him.
“You love everything about me,” Adam teased.
“Yeah, I do.”
Kurt said it so easily, Adam stopped and looked at him. “I was joking,” he said.
“I know. I wasn’t.” The look on Kurt’s face was so open and guileless, Adam had to hug and kiss him briefly.
“Thank you.”
<><><><><><><><><><>
Kurt did the best he could with picking things up and cleaning. He knew Nancy would be there to do that later, but he wanted everything to look nice. He had very conflicting feelings about Jesse, but he wanted to make the best impression he could, and that included the state of the apartment. Adam tried to get him to stop, then attempted to help him, and finally sat down and made himself busy doing something else when Kurt snapped at him that he could take care of it himself. A few minutes later, Kurt came over and started to apologize.
“I’m sorry, Adam, I shouldn’t have talked to you like that. I’m really nervous, but that’s not a good reason to yell at you.”
Adam’s shoulders were stiff, but he slowly relaxed a bit. “I know you’re nervous, but I was trying to help you, so you could get it done faster, and wouldn’t be as anxious.”
“You’re always looking out for me,” Kurt pointed out. “I’m sorry I’m so much trouble.”
Adam didn’t deny the ‘trouble’ part, though he didn’t object all that much. “I don’t mind trying to help you. And you help me as well. But I don’t want you being unnecessarily worried and upset, when there’s no need to be. It’s going to be fine. We don’t have to see them again after today.”
“I know, I’m not that worried, just -“
The phone rang, and a minute later Adam told him he’d be right back. “I just have to let them upstairs. If you want to finish up the salad…”
“Can I do that after they get here? I need to wait at the door,” Kurt reminded him.
“I thought we were past that? I guess not,” Adam concluded, seeing the hurt look on Kurt’s face. “That’s fine, darling, do whatever you need to do. I want you to be calm and relaxed. Remember, this is your home, they’re just visiting.”
“Okay.”
“Do you want to go to the bathroom now?”
“Oh! Good idea.”
“Okay. I’ll be back in about five minutes or so.”
Kurt nodded. He raced to the bathroom, and came out again in time to get into position near the door. He didn’t know why he still did this, but it still felt necessary. At least, right now it did.
The food would be okay. He’d already put the salad and the other perishables in the refrigerator, and now he just needed to add the finishing touches.
He tried Miss Sue’s trick of deep breathing, and it helped. From what Adam had said the day before, there was no way he was going to try to get back together with Jesse. And hopefully, whoever Jesse was bringing over was someone he wanted to stay with.
Kurt had dressed carefully, in his tightest jeans, with the yellow shirt and yellow sneakers. They were still a bit too big, but not that bad. It wasn’t like they were going to fall off his feet.
He did some stretching exercises while he waited, and started thinking about some new moves to incorporate into one of his song routines. It didn’t matter if no-one but Adam ever saw it, but it was always good to be prepared for unexpected performances.
<><><><><><><><><><>
He heard Adam and two others walking up to the door. Even through the door, he could smell Adam, and Jesse, and…well. Now that was interesting!
Adam opened the door and gestured for his guests to go inside. Kurt stood far enough away from the door that he was out of the way of anyone coming in.
He saw the stranger, and they locked eyes, both wary. Even though he was in human form, Kurt felt his hackles rise. If he’d been in cat form, his back would have been arched, his fur standing up, and his claws extended.
But the other wasn’t threatening. He was meek, cowed, and clinging to his owner like his life depended on it.
“Kurt, you remember Jesse, don’t you?”
“Hello, Mr. Jesse,” Kurt forced himself to say.
“Just Jesse is fine.”
Adam continued his introductions. “And this is Jesse’s hybrid pet, Chandler.”
“He’s a cat, too,” Jesse added unnecessarily. “He has my permission to answer either of you if you speak to him.”
Kurt thought Chandler was at least a couple of years younger than him. He didn’t really need to assert his alpha status, or his ownership of Adam. Or, well, perhaps he had that backwards, but nevertheless, he was suddenly more at ease. He relaxed, physically and emotionally.
“Hello, Chandler.”
“Hello, Kurt.”
The boy’s voice was soft, but pleasant. He looked down at his feet, and it made Kurt uncomfortable. Yes, this was his home, and he would be considered the alpha, of the two of them, but it seemed odd to have anyone act subservient to him. Misty was a cat; he expected her to respond differently to him. But Chandler was another hybrid, so why was he --
His thoughts were interrupted as Adam said, “You can leave Chandler’s leash here, if you’d like.”
Jesse hesitated.
“It’s up to you, of course,” Adam added, but Kurt detected a note of disappointment. “I thought he’d be more comfortable with it off.”
“If you don’t mind. I usually leave it on when we’re visiting people, because he gets a little nervous otherwise. You okay with the leash off, Chandler?”
The other hybrid nodded, not looking up. “Yes, sir. I think I’ll be okay.”
Jesse removed the leash, and hung it up in the closet, over the rod. The leash was braided leather, medium brown rather than black. It matched Chandler’s collar.
Adam strode further into the room. “Lunch is almost ready. If you gentlemen will take a seat at the table, please? Unless you’d like to freshen up first.”
“No, thanks, we’re fine,” Jesse answered for both of them.
Adam turned his attention back to him. “Kurt, would you please finish up lunch, and bring it out here. I’ll entertain our guests.”
Kurt was fine with that. Adam had already set the dining room table, with some of the fancier place settings. Since they were only having salad and bread, there weren’t a lot of confusing pieces of cutlery to memorize.
It took only a couple of minutes to finish the salad and bring it in. There was a bottle of sparkling cider on the table. Kurt took the empty seat, the one on Adam’s right. He was sitting across from Chandler, who still seemed very subdued. Kurt assumed he wore glasses all the time. Jesse helped himself to some salad and bread, then added some for Chandler. Adam moved the bowl so the serving tongs were in front of Kurt, and he served himself a smallish portion and a piece of bread. Jesse and Chandler looked curiously at this turn of events, but didn’t say anything. Adam served himself last, then opened the bottle of cider. He poured some in each of the wine glasses he’d put out.
Adam and Jesse were talking easily about mutual acquaintances from school, it sounded like. Chandler had his head down, focused on his food. Kurt noticed he was eating rapidly, and had his free hand wrapped around the bowl, as though to protect it from a predator. He understood the impulse, and assumed the other hybrid hadn’t had an easy time at his pet store, either.
Jesse turned to Chandler and spoke quietly, but Kurt could hear every word. He was encouraging him to slow down.
Adam was looking at them both curiously, then glanced at Kurt.
Adam cleared his throat.
“So, Jesse, how long ago did you adopt Chandler?”
“About a year and a half ago.”
Chandler looked up warily when he heard his name, then focused on his food again. He did slow down a little.
Jesse continued. “I thought about getting a pet at New Directions, because they train them to sing there. I assume that’s where you got Kurt?” he asked.
Adam nodded. “Yes. I saw the ad, and decided I’d rather have a pet that sang than one that didn’t. I really didn’t know much about hybrid ownership at the time.”
“I thought I knew a lot, but there’s a lot that you kind of have to figure out as you go along.”
Kurt noticed Chandler’s shoulders were tense. He wasn’t sure whether he should speak to the other hybrid or not. It seemed like he and Jesse had a very different relationship than he and Adam.
“I heard the pets at New Directions were more expensive than at most other stores,” Jesse further explained, “and I didn’t think, in this case, the singing was necessary.”
“Did you go to New Directions at all?” Adam asked. “I’m curious to know what you thought of the owners.”
Jesse rolled his eyes. “I did go there one time, but I didn’t like the owner’s attitude. He was the only one there right then, but he came across like a used car salesman. I looked at some of the pets, but I’d already made up my mind I didn’t want to give that guy any of my money.”
Adam nodded. “I might have felt the same, but luckily, I dealt mostly with Emma, his wife, who seemed a lot more concerned about the pets and finding them the right owner. And after I saw Kurt, well, I couldn’t just leave him there.”
He exchanged a fond look with Kurt. “I did think about it overnight, but it wasn’t a hard decision to make. I just hadn’t done nearly enough research ahead of time, or it might have been an easier transition for both of us.”
After a moment, Jesse raised his voice slightly. “I wanted to make an announcement. As I told Adam on the phone, this is a celebration.”
Adam tensed slightly, but Kurt rubbed his nearest ankle with his foot, and Adam’s shoulders lowered.
“What’s the occasion?” Adam asked.
“I think it’s time I start letting people know that Chandler and I are in an exclusive relationship.”
Adam raised an eyebrow, but didn’t interrupt.
“I’m not planning on dating anyone, or bringing anyone home or anything like that. I think I’m better off with Chandler as my boyfriend, than having a more conventional relationship. I figured you two might appreciate that more than most.” He glanced at them again. “Unless I’ve misinterpreted - you did introduce him as your pet and boyfriend.”
“That’s correct,” Adam agreed. “Kurt and I are exclusive. I see no reason to look elsewhere for companionship.”
“Exactly!”
Kurt watched Chandler’s reaction. He seemed pleased, but wary.
Adam held up his glass. “A toast, to Jesse and Chandler! May they have many happy years together.”
Kurt watched what the others did, and tried to touch the rim of his glass to everyone else’s before taking a sip.
Jesse had a question for them.
“How long were you two together before you decided on being exclusive?”
“A few days, wasn’t it, Kurt?”
“I think so, yeah.”
Chandler glanced over at Jesse, then looked down at his food again.
“Oh. Um.” Jesse seemed thrown off as well.
“But our situation is a little different than yours,” Adam added smoothly. “I mean, anyone who owns a hybrid pet does it for all sorts of reasons, wants different things, it’s not the same for everyone.”
“True.” Jesse grabbed onto that like the lifeline it was.
“I was really surprised to see you ushering, rather than being up onstage,” Adam commented with some concern. Kurt was impressed with how smoothly he managed to change the subject.
Jesse shrugged it off. “You know how it goes. I have to do something in between roles. I’m still trying out for parts, but it helps to have something that will bring in a steadier income.”
Adam nodded.
Kurt wondered if Jesse envied Adam for the trust fund he had, but he didn’t sense any real animosity in the other man.
“I think I kind of got myself blacklisted,” he admitted. “Someone’s husband strongly objected to finding me in their bed. Later I realized she was kind of throwing me under the bus, wanting to make him jealous, for whatever reason. Unfortunately, he owns a couple of the bigger theaters, and I think he put the word around not to hire me.”
“So how did you get the ushering job?” Kurt asked, without thinking it through.
Jesse blinked at him a couple of times, as though he hadn’t expected him to speak.
“Uh, well, April Rhodes is a…friend of mine. She was able to pull some strings and get me the job.”
From the slight flush of Jesse’s cheeks, Kurt thought he knew what kind of “friend” she might be, but was determined to not think badly of his idol for her questionable taste in men.
“Well, it’s nice to have friends in this town, isn’t it?” Adam asked.
Kurt was impressed with how calm and cool he appeared to be. He wondered if Adam was faking it, or really was calm and relaxed? He noticed Adam didn’t mention that April was coming to visit them the next day, so Kurt decided not to say anything, either.
Adam changed the subject to a couple of other Broadway shows he’d seen, and he and Jesse talked about them for a while. Kurt wanted to listen, but was torn between that and paying attention to Chandler. He wondered if Jesse was aware just how nervous and uncomfortable Chandler was? Kurt could smell his discomfort and borderline fear. It wasn’t pleasant, but he imagined he might react similarly if Adam was ignoring him in a strange situation with a couple of strangers.
He remembered Jesse had said Chandler was allowed to answer questions, so he decided to risk one, hoping it would put Chandler at ease.
“Hey Chandler,” he started. The other hybrid looked up and stared at him, his eyes wide and lips parted. Damn, he really was scared. His plate was empty, he noticed. “Um, that green shirt looks nice on you.”
“Thank you,” the other hybrid responded quietly. “I like your shoes,” he whispered.
“Thanks!” Kurt turned his attention to Jesse and Adam, who were both silent for the moment as they continued to eat. He’d finished his own meal, realizing it would be easier to finish a small portion. He cleared his throat. “Um, excuse me.”
Both Adam and Jesse looked at him. Adam raised an eyebrow encouragingly. “Yes, Kurt?”
“Ah, I was wondering, if neither of you mind, is it okay if Chandler and I change? I wanted to show him Buckingham Palace.”
Adam nodded in silent approval. “That sounds like a great idea.”
Kurt glanced at Chandler, who looked both hopeful and puzzled.
“Buckingham Palace?” Jesse asked.
Adam explained, “It’s one of those exercise gyms, tree houses, whatever you call them. I got it for Kurt to play on when he’s a cat.”
“Oh, yeah, I got one of those for Chandler, but it’s not one of the castle type things. It’s a little bit more like an actual tree.”
Jesse finally looked over at Chandler and smiled. “Sure, go ahead, if you want to. Just play nice together, okay? No fighting.”
Chandler shook his head quickly. “No, sir, of course not, no fighting.”
“I promise, we won’t fight,” Kurt agreed.
“Go ahead, then.”
Chandler removed his glasses, folded them, and held them out to Jesse. “Would you please -“ he started to ask.
“Sure, I’ll take care of ‘em for you.” Jesse slipped the glasses into his shirt pocket.
Chandler stood up, and in moments had changed into a sleek, short-haired, golden-orange cat. Kurt changed, too, and meowed at Chandler, who followed him to Kurt’s room.
<><><><><><><><><><>
“They should be fine,” Adam said. “I think Kurt gets a little lonely sometimes, even though I spend a lot of time with him. He sometimes plays with our friend’s cat next door - a full cat, but it’s not quite the same as a fellow hybrid, I guess.”
Jesse looked thoughtful. “I wonder if that’s part of the problem with Chandler? I hadn’t really thought of setting up any play dates or anything. At least, not the way people usually mean it. And it didn’t occur to me that he might want a friend.”
Adam nodded. “I know Kurt didn’t really like any of the other hybrids at New Directions. Well, there was one he got along fairly well with, but he doesn’t miss most of them. But he spent nearly six years surrounded by at least a dozen others of his own kind, so he had some trouble sleeping alone.”
“Alone?” Jesse echoed, raising an eyebrow in inquiry. “I have a pet bed for Chandler, but when he’s human he sleeps with me.”
Adam tried not to blush. “We, ah, took things a bit slower than I think a lot of people do. I wanted Kurt to have a room and bed of his own, thinking he’d prefer to be alone sometimes, but he hasn’t been comfortable - well, neither have I, to be honest. It works out better for both of us if we’re in the same bed, and know the other is alright.”
Jesse nodded thoughtfully. “Chandler is underfoot constantly, even as a human. He practically had an anxiety attack the first time I left him alone for a few minutes to go to the john. But once he realized I’m not going to abandon him, he calmed down. I try to remember to tell him before I leave the house, or leave him a note. It’s got to be pretty short and simple, but even if he can’t read that well, if he sees a note on the front door, he knows I had to go out. I try to give him an estimate of when I’ll be back, but he’s finally figured out that I can’t predict it down to the minute. He’s almost always waiting for me when I come back.”
“Kurt does the same thing, the waiting,” Adam mentioned. “I decided I should at least put a comfortable chair there for him.”
“Good idea. Chandler doesn’t mind sitting on the floor,” Jesse said. “He’s used to it. But it seems like you really trust Kurt a lot, even after just a short time.”
Adam nodded his confirmation. He wasn’t sure how much he wanted to tell Jesse, so he decided it would be smarter to be prudent. “Like I said, we all seem to have somewhat different relationships. Kurt’s gone from a scared, nervous young man, to one who is much more self-confident and calm.”
Jesse looked at him, an odd expression on his face. “Hm. Chandler seems to be calmest if I’m at least in the same room with him, but he’s pretty high-strung.”
Adam decided it was time to change the conversation again, so he told him about running into Sebastian. Jesse was more than willing to change subjects to their shared arch-enemy.
<><><><><><><><><><>
Kurt led Chandler into his room, and ran over to stand next to Buckingham Palace. His babies were sitting on the highest bridge, but he figured he could protect them if necessary.
Chandler slowly entered the room, pausing to sniff furniture, and took a bit too long sniffing Adam’s hoodie, which was hanging over the chair by the desk. Kurt growled low in his throat, and Chandler slunk away, his tail and ears lowered. Kurt hadn’t meant to scare him, just let him know the hoodie belonged to him. And so did Adam.
Kurt meowed and invited his visitor to come over and see the castle.
Chandler approached slowly, then lifted his head to try to see all the way to the top.
Kurt indicated that he was welcome to join him in playing on and in the castle. Chandler cheered up a bit, and was soon climbing and exploring along with Kurt.
Kurt introduced Chandler to his babies, but the visitor seemed a little confused. Kurt tried to explain that they were resting right now, which is why they weren’t friendlier or more talkative.
Kurt found the bright bouncy ball and knocked it onto the floor. Chandler watched it with delight. He and Kurt raced down towards the floor, and batted and threw the ball to each other. They were having so much fun, it took a while to realize they’d been joined by the humans.
Of course Adam had a camera in his hand, but it was the movie camera this time. He’d apparently moved on from still pictures to preferring moving ones.
“They are pretty cute,” Jesse said. “And this is Buckingham Palace? Man, the one we’ve got at home is more like a tiny little tree house compared to this one. I’ll have to see about maybe getting a bigger one, so Chandler can get more exercise.”
A few minutes later, Jesse called out to Chandler, who immediately ran over to him and sat down.
“Sorry, buddy, but it’s time to go. Adam and Kurt have things to do, so let’s get you home. Then I’ve got some errands to run.”
Chandler’s ears drooped a bit and Kurt heard a tiny whine, but he wasn’t sure human ears would be able to pick it up.
“Come on, let’s go.” Jesse scooped up Chandler and held him under one arm, while he shook Adam’s hand with the other.
“I’ll see you to your car,” Adam offered.
They stopped to pick up Chandler’s leash from the hall closet, and Jesse fastened it quickly.
Kurt jumped up on the chair by the door, and waited patiently for Adam to return. It really wasn’t all that long before he came back.
“Hey, Kurt.” Adam leaned down and scratched his neck under the collar. Kurt rumbled an appreciative purr. “Nancy will be here soon. You can stay like that as long as you like, but if you’d prefer, I’ll ask her to vacuum your room first, and get that out of the way. Then you can play in there, or rest, while she’s cleaning the rest of the apartment.”
Kurt licked his hand and looked up at him adoringly.
“Tell you what. How about you and I spend some time together while your room is being cleaned?”
Kurt nodded.
“We can -“
The phone rang. Adam spoke to Nancy briefly, then reminded Kurt he would be right back.
Kurt sighed to himself and laid down, resting his head on his paws. He liked Nancy, and he wanted his room cleaned. He hoped she would remember to vacuum the castle, but not disturb his babies. But more than that, he wanted to have some time with his human.
He’d barely had time to fall asleep before Adam was letting Nancy in. He sat up and meowed a greeting to her.
“Hi, Kurt!” She smiled, and started to reach out, then pulled her hand back. “Is it - “ She turned to Adam. “Is it alright if I pet him? Will he mind? Or you?”
“It’s up to him.”
Kurt leaned closer to her, so she petted and scratched his head, and stroked her hand down his back. “He’s so soft,” she marveled.
“I was thinking,” Adam suggested, “if you’d please clean Kurt’s room first, then he can stay in there while you’re doing the rest.”
“Sure.”
Adam brought in the rest of her supplies.
“We had a couple of visitors today, and one was another hybrid. He and Kurt spent some time playing in his room, so if you’d please clean and vacuum extra thoroughly, I think Kurt would appreciate it.”
Kurt meeped his agreement.
“No problem.” Nancy reluctantly stopped petting Kurt. “I guess I’d better get started.”
Adam scooped Kurt up from the chair. “We’ll be out here for a bit until his room is ready.”
Adam settled them both onto a recliner chair, and held onto Kurt with one hand as he activated the recliner. It didn’t startle him too much. Once Kurt was cuddled up against Adam’s stomach and chest, being supported by both arms, he relaxed and commenced purring. Adam shifted him slightly so he had one hand free to pet him with.
“By the way, I hope you don’t feel you’re being sent off to your room as a punishment. I was thinking it would be easier on all of us to not have you underfoot while Nancy’s working.”
Kurt meeped, then rested his head on Adam’s chest.
“That’s a good boy. Don’t forget, April is coming over tomorrow, so -“
Kurt jumped in alarm, and Adam barely managed to hold onto him.
“Hey, it’s okay. Don’t worry about it. The place will be nice and clean, and I’m sure you’ve already got something planned for a snack or something.”
Kurt whined.
“What’s the matter, love? Don’t you want to see her?”
Kurt nodded, and moved restlessly in Adam’s arms.
“Ah, are you thinking you have a lot you want to do before she gets here?” he guessed.
Kurt nodded, and thumped his tail for emphasis.
“Well, how about this,” Adam suggested. “You play and run around and do whatever you need to do now to enjoy your cat time. When you’re ready to change, let me know if there’s anything I can do to help, or if there’s anything you want to talk about before she gets here.”
Kurt settled down again, and started purring. There wasn’t much he could do in his current state, but he knew his human side was just itching to take care of things. He yawned, deciding it wasn’t his problem at the moment. Human Kurt could figure things out later, but for now, he was going to enjoy this time with Adam.
<><><><><><><><><><>
By the time Nancy left, Kurt had played in his newly-cleaned and vacuumed castle, and spent some time cuddling and playing with Harriet, Bernard, and Phoebe. They had been shy around Chandler, which was understandable, as they hadn’t expected a stranger to visit. Kurt explained that he hadn’t expected it either. However, Chandler had kept a respectable distance from them, so they weren’t too upset. Kurt ended up napping on the bed, surrounded by his babies.
When he woke, he stretched as far as he could, and ran out to find Adam. He was bored, which meant it was Adam’s job to entertain him. He wondered if he’d sufficiently explained that to him.
He found Adam in his bedroom, wearing his glasses and reading a book. He was in the comfortable recliner in the corner, by the bookshelves. Kurt nudged Adam’s legs, but received only a cursory pat on the head for his efforts. He realized he hadn’t spent a lot of time exploring the enticing bookshelves, so he started to climb them.
Adam started to protest, but after a minute decided to go back to his book. Kurt walked around, balancing easily in the narrow spaces between the books and the edge of the shelves. He found one smallish book, and reached a paw out to the top of it. He started to tilt it, wondering if he could work it free.
“If you drop a book on my head, you’re going to regret it, Fuzzy Face,” Adam announced. He didn’t, however, look up from his book, just turned a page.
What would Adam do if he did drop a book on him? It hadn’t been his intention, but now Adam had put the thought into his mind, he wondered about it. It was small, and a paperback at that. But he didn’t want to take a chance on the book hurting his precious human, so he nudged the book back where it belonged.
“Smart move,” Adam murmured.
How had he known? He hadn’t looked up or even turned his head. Hm, maybe humans had better hearing than he thought. He climbed to the top of the bookcase and turned around three times, then settled down for a brief nap.
When he woke up and yawned, he saw Adam was still exactly where he’d been before. But he’d reclined the chair, so his legs were stretched out in front of him. They might make a decent landing pad. He crouched down, trying to figure out the best angle.
“I wouldn’t try that if I were you,” Adam warned. “Climb down the shelves, the same way you got up there. Then you can get on my lap, from a reasonable height. And keep your claws in, please.”
Kurt snorted, and Adam started to laugh, then coughed.
It wasn’t quite as much fun going down as it had been coming up, but it was a challenge, which he appreciated. He jumped to the top of the recliner, then stretched down so he could reach the chair arm. He debated about laying down on top of Adam’s arm, and keeping it in place under him to keep his belly warm, but he had a feeling Adam might not enjoy it that much. It was easy to get from the chair arm to his owner’s lap. The book was somewhat in the way, but it wasn’t too bad. He saw it was a paperback as well, but much thicker than the one he’d been trying to remove.
Kurt settled down for another nap. It was easier to nap as a cat than a human, and he thought he’d better take advantage now. When he was human, he liked to be doing things.
After a few minutes, Adam started petting him with his free hand, and Kurt purred in response. Eventually his hand stopped, and just stayed on Kurt’s back, keeping him warm and safe.
Next - Chapter 80