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Rebuilding the Nest: Chapter 3 - A Really Good Day

Chapter 3: A Really Good Day on AO3

Summary: Kurt has a really good day. All the happy feels.

Author’s Notes: Thanks to notenoughtogivebread for hashing things out with me and offering inspiration. To avengerco for being my beta. To all those who have left kind comments, kudos, and hits - you keep me going. :) On a more somber note, the brown and black striped pride flag is an important symbol in our home because of our gay, POC son. It felt right to include a hybrid version in this story. Parts of this story are those of my family, not just that of the stray cat who likes to take shelter under our porch.

Read the first chapter on AO3 or Tumblr.

Read Empty Nest, the first in the verse on AO3 or Tumblr

Verse Summary: Kurt is a runaway, homeless feline hybrid. Burt and Carole are empty nesters who see him sleeping under their porch.

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Kurt felt like an idiot. It was just a bowl of cereal that Carole had tossed. Not even a full one; only the scattered remnants, soggy in the little puddle of milk that had collected at the bottom. He'd gotten up to go to the bathroom and she, assuming he was done, had scraped the leavings into the trash and put the bowl and spoon into the sink. The very same kind of food bits he used to eat out of their garbage and recycling. Intellectually, he knew he didn't lead that kind of life anymore. The instinctual, emotional, psychologically damaged part of his brain hadn't gotten the message yet. So he'd grabbed the box of cereal and stormed off in a huff, leaving the house and hiding out in the abandoned lot, eating to the point of painful fullness and heaving near some someone's prized rose bushes. Come the Spring thaw, they'd be in for a unfortunate surprise.

Embarrassed, Kurt returned home and placed the box of cereal back in its place. He was going to make this up to her. Seeing the bowl still in the sink, he began loading the dishwasher.

"Kurt, a package arrived for you. It's from Canada."

Curious, Kurt stopped the task and washed his hands before heading into the living room. He took the pair of scissors Carole had brought out, and paused, afraid to look her in the eye. "I'm sorry for before."

"For what? Being normal? I'm the one who should be apologizing. Sweetie, I can only imagine a fraction of what you've been through and I forget sometimes that this is all new to you. I know better, but I forget."

Kurt gave her a weak smile. "I forget sometimes too."

"How about we call it a draw and start the day over? Open up that box and let's see what you got!"

"Okay." He carefully cut open the seals and opened the top flaps. "I don't know anyone in Canada."

"It's from Aunt Anne and Aunt Dani. They said to expect a box, but not to tell you because they wanted it to be a surprise."

The hybrid frowned at the package. "It doesn't smell like cheesecake."

Carole laughed. "It's not cheesecake. I have the recipe though. We can make some this week if you'd like."

"Yes, please!" No longer disappointed, Kurt finished opening the box and removed the layers of bubble wrap. He pulled out four bundles wrapped in white tissue paper which were further protected by plastic bags. "They weren't holding back on the packaging were they?" He liked that Carole laughed at his joke and continued to try and unearth the hidden contents, getting more and more curious by the minute. When at last he had the first item free, he discovered folded layers of the softest deep green cloth. Kurt held the item up and looked closer at the label. This wasn't just a piece of hybrid clothing, this was designer. Maybe not this year's seasons or even last's, but definitely designer. Eagerly he unwrapped the remaining packages, practically dancing with excitement.

Curious herself, Carole inspected each garment after Kurt had. "The girls wanted you to have something of your own. Something new and nice to wear that was made for hybrids instead of Burt and Finn's hand-me-downs. Do you like them?"

Kurt nodded his head with enthusiasm, his eyes wide, and voice a higher pitch from the exhilaration of it all. "This is too much."

"Oh, Sweetie, I think this is exactly what you needed. New clothes for a new life or fresh clothes for a fresh start if you prefer. Are they the right size? I had to guess. Dani included a gift receipt in case any exchanges needed to be made."

He shrugged and held up one of the shirts to his torso. "I think so. Most of the clothes you've given me have fit, and they look about the same size as the ones I've acquired myself."

"Well go try them on! I'll take some pictures and we'll send them to the girls."

"Okay." Kurt retreated to his room, the bundle of clothes in his hands. This was all so surreal and overwhelming. He knew that in such a small and racist town like Lima, it was too dangerous for Carole to buy him hybrid clothes at the local Walmart. She'd heard of those of his race trying to shop there and getting harassed by customers and staff. Burt had heard the similar stories from his hybrid customers who were having to drive hours away or order online, taking the risk of their packages being stolen or messed with. To have something of his own that he didn't make or modify, that wasn't a Reformatory jumpsuit or the castaways of others, that was right out of the pages of Vogue...It wasn't his life. It was a dream he'd only rarely let himself indulge in.

Kurt pulled off his sweatpants, OSU hoodie, and T-shirt, shivering a bit at the chill in the room. He tugged on the pair of pants that were at the top of the pile. The stretchy, thick fabric was woven into a subtle geometric pattern of rich browns and navy. They hugged his legs, butt, and thighs in wonderful ways. The arms and legs were pieced together with extra seams that permitted the greater range of motion for the flexible joints of hybrid physiology. Best of all, the closure at the back was a decorative, practical snap. Finally, no Velcro! Velcro was an evil used by cheap manufacturers who never had their fur ripped off by it, nor cared about the hybrids forced to sew it onto clothing, let alone wear it.

He chose the matching sweater next. It was just as warm, cozy, and fashionable. Before, he had thought having new underwear was amazing. This was a hundred times better. Wanting to see how he looked in a mirror and to thank Anne and Dani for the clothes, he hurried out of the room, relishing the feel of the fabric against his skin as he moved.

Carole held her hands to her chest, trying and failing to contain her excitement. "Kurt! You look wonderful! Do you like the clothes? How do they fit? Hold still so I can get some pictures."

"I love them." Kurt laughed at her reaction. Carole was an easy person to like. He turned and posed as picture after flash-lit picture was taken. He even allowed her to take a short video of him showing off the clothes and waving at the phone.

"I think we have enough of this outfit. Go try on the next one!"

Kurt indulged her, not that he minded at all. He only wished that Blaine was here to see him or a way to send him the pictures. There was always an in-person fashion show he could put on for him another day.

He picked up the long-sleeved shirt and pulled it on, loving the slit at the end of the sleeves that he could slip his thumbs through, preventing the length from riding up and offering extra warmth without the need for full gloves. He loved that the hood was without openings for his ears. He hated that some human manufactures, and humans, treated animals and hybrids the same. He could hear just fine and his head was far less cold while covered. Same for snow pants with tail holes. If it wasn't safer to hide his tail and take advantage of appearing human in winter, he'd make his own pants with a sleeve for his tail. Shaking off such negative thoughts, he returned to his present, happy reality. Running a hand along the plush pile of forest green, he discovered that the color changed to a smoky blue. The shirt was the color of his eyes!

"You alright, Sweetie?"

Apparently, that squeal of delight hadn't been inside his head. "I'm fine, Carole. Almost ready."

He pulled on the equally transforming chestnut and beige pants. He was wearing himself, without all the horror movie creepiness.

Kurt's entrance was as well received as the last had been. There was applause, squealing from both of them, and even more pictures taken than before. He permitted Carole to brush the fabric along his arm, surprised that the touch didn't make him flinch. "I think this outfit is my favorite."

"Mine too. Though both suit you well."

"They're amazing. Make sure they know, please. I can't thank them enough."

"There was something else in the box for you."

Kurt's ears perked up in shock. "What?"

Carole unrolled a small flag. The rainbow stripes were familiar to Kurt, but not the one at the top. It was single stripe made up of smaller vertical ones in black, brown, beige, gray, and white. "They said it's the new symbol of the LGBTQIA+ hybrid community. It started in Philadelphia and has spread to other larger cities in the U.S. and Canada. They picked it up at a store in Toronto."

Kurt took the item with reverence and blinked away the tears forming in his eyes. "There's a flag just for me?"

"There is, Honey."

"This is a really good day."

"You deserve all of them." Carole opened her arms, hoping, but not expecting to be taken up on her unspoken offer.

Kurt leaned into the hug, relishing the comfort it provided him. It was a really, really good day.

* * * * * * *

"Glad you're home, Kiddo. Do you mind comin' into the shop for a couple of hours and trying out those upholstery repair skills? Mike and Tina's kids got into a fight and tore up the backseat of their car. They agreed to be our guinea pigs before we start officially offering the service. I closed up the shop early, so you'll be safe. The guys were happy to take a break."

"Sure. Let me change first."

Burt smiled at the kid's reluctant sigh. "I take it you like the fancy duds Anne and Dani sent you?"

Kurt couldn't help the grin that spread across his face. "They're perfect."

"I'm happy to hear that. You look real nice. It suits you. I promise you can change back the minute you get home."

"Okay." Kurt left for his room and returned shortly wearing the most worn and grease-stained clothes he owned. He'd refused the offer of a set of Hummel Tires & Lube uniforms; he was done with jumpsuits forever. A shop T-shirt and pair of sturdy work pants he could handle, but the other brought back too many bad memories.

He zipped up his coat, tucked his tail under it, and tugged on his hat, gloves, and scarf, ready to leave through the front door and get into the truck, looking as human as possible should any neighbors be about.

It didn't take long for the pair to arrive at the garage. Burt performing their usual routine of driving into the shop, closing the large door, and making sure all blinds were shut before Kurt left the vehicle and removed his disguise. He found Tina's car easily enough and retrieved the keys from the rack they'd been placed on.

One thing Kurt liked about Hummel Tires and Lube - it was orderly. The office was a bit of a mess and the shop was greasy, a hazard of the trade, but it was a well-run machine. After his own interactions with Burt in "boss mode," it was easy to see why the majority of his staff had stayed on for years. The man expected you to do your job and do it to the best of your ability. If you didn't know how, he'd teach you, and was always on hand to help out. Best of all, he treated you like you mattered, and that meant the world to him.

Kurt heard a familiar voice when he was an hour into his work, carefully sewing up the tears so that the stitching couldn't be seen. It wasn't perfect, but it was far better than it had been before. Only if you looked closely could you see where the fabric had been stretched or a knot of thread tied. He sealed up the last of the holes, a bit of work still needed on it, and knotted the end of the thread before snipping it off. He tucked the needle and spools of thread into their case before stopping.

"Hi, Burt. Is the car ready or is your mechanic going to need more time?"

"Let's ask him."

As the footsteps approached Kurt tried to get into a position where he could see their owners as opposed to the odd sprawl he was currently in, wedged between the seats and halfway out the open door.

"Kurt? Is that you? I told Mike I thought I smelled you before, but he said I was imagining things."

Beaming, the previously-scented hybrid maneuvered his way out of the car and hugged his friend.

"You two know each other?" Human and hybrid questioned Kurt in near-unison.

Kurt laughed at them both, replying to Burt first. "Tina used to sneak me pizza when the manager wasn't looking." And then to his friend. "Burt caught me sleeping under his front porch and took me in."

"Aww, that's sweet. I always knew he was good people."

"So were you. I would have starved some days if it weren't for you."

Tina returned her friend's hug. "It was nothing, Kurt."

"It was everything for someone who had nothing."

"Kurt..." She smiled sadly at the young man before turning a bright smile onto the older mechanic. "I wouldn't have had a car if it wasn't for Burt...and apparently you."

Kurt shrugged the compliment off. "I do what I can to be useful."

"You do more than that, Kiddo. Nice work on the upholstery. What do you think, Tina?"

"I think you'd never know two boys were fighting over who got the biggest McDouble and most fries from the McDonald's drive thru."

"From the stories Carole has told, it sounds just like Finn and his friends when she'd take them out for a treat."

"So having an only child wouldn't have helped?"

Burt shook his head and shrugged. "Nope."

Tina sighed. "Can you build me a giant barrier to separate them?"

Human and hybrids laughed at the shared joke.

Burt gave her a sympathetic shake of his head and leaned on the car. "Do you mind if I take a closer look at your work, Kiddo? It'll give you two some time to catch up."

"I can redo anything that's not right." Kurt grabbed his sewing kit from the back in order to get it out of the way.

Tina peered inside and brushed her hand along the seat's back and bottom cushions. "Kurt, it looks amazing."

"Thanks, Tina, but if it's not perfect, the customers won't pay. It was my idea and his money, so..." He waved his hand in the direction of the office. "Do you want some coffee? Burt buys the good stuff and I made a fresh pot when I got here." Kurt smiled at the laugh of his overheard enthusiasm.

"Sure."

As they walked to the other end of the garage, Kurt put a comforting hand on his friend's arm. "I'm sorry that you lost your job."

"Thanks." Tina poured coffee into a disposable cup and imaged her former boss drowning in it. "The owner was a racist ass. Always cutting my hours, changing my shifts at the last minute, making rude comments about 'my kind.' The guy had six kids from four different women, yet I was the over-breeder for having two while married to the same man."

"Hypocrite. I hope his business goes to shit. The Hummels go to the other pizza place now." Kurt fixed his own cup, adding a generous amount of milk and a dribble of vanilla syrup he'd not so subtly suggested and convinced Burt to buy in order to "make the coffee even better and give the crew a nice sugar buzz."

"In this town? Wishful thinking if you ask me." Tina blew on her coffee to cool it down. "It was rough for awhile, but I have a good job now. It doesn't pay much, but they only hire hybrids and those of us that homeschool can bring our kids there. Have you heard of Millie & Marley's?"

"No. Should I have?" Kurt set down his cup and wiped his hands on a rag tucked into his back pocket. He'd only done upholstery work tonight and yet still he somehow managed to get grease on them.

"They've been trying to get the word out to the hybrid communities. Millie and Marley, I mean. They're a mother and daughter that started the store for those afraid to shop in brick and mortar places or need things that they don't carry. Mostly, it's mail order, but they'll allow you to pick up from their warehouse or do drop offs if you live within a two hour range and pay for gas. Right now most of their business is coming from Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Tennessee, and parts of Pennsylvania. Orders are coming in from all over all though as word gets around. It's not safe to advertise."

Kurt couldn't help his body's natural instinct to flatten his ears and thrash his tail in barely contained anger. "How could they be safe at all around here?"

Tina sympathized with her friend's situation and tried to make her voice sound as reassuring as possible. "They run out of an old farmhouse about an hour outside of Lima and have a human couple fronting for them - Santana and Brittany's Sensual Skin Care. If you click on their cat's ad for Lord Tubbington's Fondue Master Class, it'll lead you to Millie and Marley's."

"I think I know her, Brittany, I mean. She gives Blaine fish sometimes. Blonde hair, pale skin, tells you that you were a dolphin in a past life?"

"She told me that I was a vampiress, daughter to a great ruler of vampires. Maybe it's because of how I dress?" She tugged at the skirt of her long, black, brocade and lace velvet dress. It was warm and stylish without making her feel old and "momish." "So who's Blaine?"

Kurt pointed to his faded Hummel Tires and Lube T-shirt and tan work pants and then to his ears arched with the same sarcasm as his voice. "Do I look like a dolphin to you? "

"No, you look like someone trying to avoid a question." Tina gave him a sly look noting the flush on her friend's face when she said the name again. "Who's Blaine?"

"Just a friend." Kurt widened his eyes to appear as sincere as possible, but his nervously twitching tail betrayed him.

Tina hummed. "It's okay, Kurt. Your secret is safe with me. I'm glad you're happy."

"Thanks. I am." He changed the subject as quickly as he could. "So what's the website?"

"Let me write it down for you." She silently thanked Kurt when he went to the office and brought her out a piece of paper and a pen. "You won't be able to miss their cat. He's...unique."

"Thanks." Kurt took the note, looked at it, then folded it, and stuck it into a front pocket along with the pen. "I'll check it out and spread the word. Most of the hybrids I know don't have money to spare, or money at all for that matter, but it'd be nice to have some essentials that were made just for us. Humans don't get how evil Velcro is."

"Try having kids. Velco is on everything! Even stuff made just for hybrid babies. I'd like the greedy bastards to try explaining to a crying infant caught in the stuff that it was cheaper to use than a couple of snaps or buttons."

"Humans are idiots." Kurt giggled with embarrassment when he heard a gruff clearing of a throat. "But of course, not all of them are."

Tina laughed, "Of course not. Some are wonderful." She made room for the equally amused human so he could pour his own cup of coffee. "How's my car looking, Burt?"

Burt handed the woman her keys. "You're all good to go. Thanks for letting us work on it. We should be able to offer the service by end of next week."

"Thanks for not charging."

Kurt interrupted the man's reply with a random blurt of his own, holding up his hands and shaking them. "Gloves!"

"What?"

"Put gloves on the kids' hands. That's what my mom said she did with me when I was a baby and then as a toddler when I went through a destructive scratching phase. Two pairs if you have to. They'll learn pretty quick how annoying they are and stop, or at the least will swat at each other and the furniture with less damage."

"That's a brilliant idea, Kurt. I'll try it out the minute they start up again."

"No problem. I hope it works."

Tina tossed her empty coffee cup in the trash bin and gave her friend a long hug. "I have to go, but I'll see you around. I'm glad you're doing better, Kurt. You deserve it."

"You too. Go take the business world by storm."

The woman grimaced. "I fill orders and pack boxes."

Kurt rolled his eyes at her dismissal. "Then take that by storm. And keep the blue streaks in your fur. They look great on you."

"I will. Bye." Tina got into her car and carefully backed out of the shop, after the door was raised for her, offering a quick wave before she left the lot.

Burt waved back and scanned what was visible of the outside, ever protective of the young man standing beside him. "I'm glad that you got to catch up with your friend."

"Me too. She was there for me when..." Kurt wanted to say more, but couldn't bring himself to just yet. It's not as if Burt hadn't heard what he and Tina had talked about. The garage wasn't that big. There was more, of course, but wasn't there always? He shook the thoughts off, poured the last of the coffee into his cup, and began cleaning up the machine so that it would be ready for tomorrow morning's shift.

Burt ran a hand over his head and adjusted his cap, wishing for the millionth time he could offer the boy a hug or simple pat on the back, but knowing that he wasn't there yet and might never be. Words and other deeds were all he had. "You ready to go home, Kiddo?"

"Okay. Can I bring my coffee?"

"Have I ever stopped you before?"

"No."

"Then there's your answer." Burt laughed as he pulled on his coat. The kid was something else.

* * * * * * *

Kurt had barely shut and locked the front door behind him when Carole stepped out of the kitchen and started walking towards them, wiping her hands on a towel. The cuffs of her jean jacket were rolled up as were those of the yellow, long sleeved knit shirt she wore underneath it. Her feet were clad in thick, blue slippers, and a spot of tomato sauce had splattered onto her gray sweatpants. He smiled at the "momness" of it all. It was a comforting familiarness he was enjoying getting used to.

"How'd it go, boys?"

Burt kissed his wife on the cheek before removing his coat. "Kurt did great. Seat looked almost brand new."

Kurt grimaced at the praise. He knew every mistake he'd made and areas he wished he'd gone back to improve. "It wasn't that good."

"That's why I said 'almost'." Burt laughed at his joke, glad that his charge took the teasing well.

"How does spaghetti and meatballs sound for dinner?"

"Sounds great, Honey."

"Kurt?"

"It's fine."

"Just fine or you'd prefer something else?"

The hybrid grinned at the woman's "don't lie to me because I can spot bullshit from a mile away" look. She should patent it. "Meatballs are always fine."

Carole laughed. "I'll remember that."

Kurt walked past her, coat and winter gear already stripped off, and opened the door to the back porch in order to hang them up. "Do you need help cooking?"

"Thank you for offering, but I'm good." Carole joined him in the kitchen and rummaged through the freezer until she found the red, black, and clear plastic bag that she'd been looking for. "I thought you knew my secrets by now. Frozen, pre-cooked meatballs, jarred sauce, and boxed pasta. Dinner in thirty minutes or less. Tricks I learned years ago as a single, working mom that remain useful to this day."

Kurt held up his hands. "You'll get no judgments from me. My mom didn't make much from scratch either. Not that I remember. And then there was the food at the..." He cut himself off and retreated to his room. This was supposed to be a good day. He was reluctant to change back into his new clothes, wishing he could shower first, but still uncomfortable doing so when others were around. Returning to the kitchen, still in his shop clothes, he was pleased to see that Carole hadn't taken offense at his abrupt departure. "If you don't need me, can I use the computer to check out an online store for hybrids that my friend works at?"

Carole finished filling a large pot with water and put it on the stove; turning on the gas burner to start heating the water to a boil. "Of course, Sweetie. Do you remember the password?"

"Buckeyeswin42."

"That's the one. Have at it. You know you can use it anytime as long as you follow the rules." Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Kurt watching her fill a microwave safe bowl with meatballs. She retrieved another and did the same. The kid was hungry, but too reticent to say so. Mentally, she kicked herself for forgetting to feed him lunch. Finn had always been the opposite, always hungry and always willing to say so. Kurt's quietness was different, but at least he'd become more forthcoming in writing down a few things he'd like to eat, even if they so far only included coffee, cheesecake, and protein bars.

"Thank you." He hoped she understood his reply on multiple levels. He knew she knew he was watching her. He liked that she added more meatballs and opened up two jars of sauce. The meatballs were great without a doubt, but having control over how much sauce went on the pasta was a pleasure he'd never realized he was missing. Now he could have as much as he wanted and it wasn't watered down to the point of tastelessness, barely clinging to overcooked noodles. And there was always an open shaker jar of Parmesan cheese too; again, allowed as much as he wanted. This was the way spaghetti was meant to be eaten.

Kurt pulled his eyes away from the food and walked to the desk in the living room where laptop was already turned on and a tab opened to one of Carole and Burt's YouTube playlists of 1980's music. While he could freely admit that A-ha's "Take On Me" video was cool, some of the couple's other selections were downright cringe-worthy as were the clothes and make-up. While he could probably rock a knit tie, paisley, and black leather, the neon pastels were a crime against fashion. Carole's continued embracement of denim was at least a look that fit in with the rest of modern day Ohio.

He carefully minimized the tab and brought up a new one. Kurt knew the rules by heart. There weren't many and he wasn't about to go on *those* sites. When he'd first been allowed on the Hummel's computer, he'd discovered from Finn's not-so-secret files that he'd been a frequent visitor though, and had saved a bunch of videos and pictures. Apparently, the guy had a fondness for human brunettes in lacy, pink lingerie and other things Kurt wished he had brain bleach to erase. And why there was a file called 'Think of the Mailman,' he absolutely did not want to know.

After loading up Santana and Brittany's Sensual Skin Care's page, he was bombarded by more images that he didn't want to see. There was so much human female skin and so many tongues. Why were there tongues on a skin care site? He was too mortified to be triggered. His past hadn't included things like a video of Santana rubbing Lustful Lavender Oil on Brittany's...he wasn't even going to think the name of that body part...that started to autoplay just as Burt walked by.

"Hey, Bud, I thought we talk about not looking at inappropriate things being one of the rules."

Was dying of embarrassment a thing? Because he was pretty sure that was happening right now. "I wasn't! Not on purpose! I swear!" He fumbled for the piece of paper with the website's address and shoved it into Burt's hand, going back to the computer, and pointing the mouse onto another section of the site. "I'm trying to find the cat. Tina said find the cat and it'll lead to the hybrid site. I swear I didn't know about the other stuff! I don't want to see it either." After discovering that the tab led to pictures of parts he did know the name for, he gave up and clamped his hands over his eyes. This was starting to not be funny.

"Is that it?" Burt tried not to laugh as Kurt opened his fingers just enough to see through a slit in them.

"You try it. I give up." Kurt shut his fingers and began to hum a random tune hoping to drown out any sound should another video start playing. He stopped when his arm was nudged.

"Lord Tubbington's Fondue Master Class. That matches up with what the note says."

"But that's not a cat." The creature pictured next to the link surely had to be a genetic experiment gone wrong because not even mixed race hybrid-humans, nor any cat he'd seen, looked like that.

"Be brave, Kiddo. I'm right here with you."

"Because that makes it less embarrassing." His grumbled sigh turned into one of relief when the real site loaded. It had a simple, easy to navigate layout, and the only videos he'd seen so far were user-choice, G-rated product demonstrations.

"I'll leave you to it, Kurt, and see if Carole needs any help with dinner."

Kurt directed the mouse over to a promising looking link, praying to gods he didn't believe in, that there would only be thumbnail pictures. "You're going to tell her what happened, aren't you?

"Aw, Kid, I wouldn't be a proper parent if I didn't. Come get me if you need help again. What is it kids say these days? If I die, delete my browser history."

"Very funny." He accepted the tease with the fond humor of which it was intended, and focused his full attention on the site. For such a small company, he was amazed at all that was offered - everything from skin and fur care products to clothing and foodstuffs.

Kurt checked out the personal care section first. He longed for the more expensive creams, shampoos, conditioners, and other toiletries, but settled on the cheapest ones. Basic was fine if it meant he could buy a pair of quality boots made for hybrid feet, which was the section he checked out next.

He longed for footwear that was his size and meant for hybrid physiology. No more cramming his feet into human shoes and stuffing them full of paper or rags to fit. Or the same with tossed or purloined hybrid footwear that was always too big or too small. He'd had to go without for months after escaping from the Reformatory and getting attacked, yet again, by Lima's roving hybrid gang. The rich brown, leather boots he chose weren't the most expensive nor cheapest, but they were highly rated. That they'd fit and would compliment his new clothes was the biggest draw.

He looked at grocery section next. The Rooster O's cereal looked promising, though the product description didn't say if they were chicken flavored or not. The deer jerky was locally made, but too expensive to waste money on. If he honestly wanted deer meat, there were ways of getting it within the homeless community. Burt sometimes accepted it in trade as well. This was rural Ohio after all. The cookie varieties looked good though, as did a cookbook entitled, "Cooking for Mixed Families." It promised "dinners and desserts everyone can enjoy, from hybrid to human."

He moved on to the clothing department and immediately added a package of underwear and socks. He would always be more than grateful for the briefs Carole had given him, but these had a fastener at the back and the edge of the cut-out "U" for the tail was edge-stitched for comfort. There wasn't that weird, folding fly in the front that humans had either. He added another package and two packages of socks. Blaine deserved a good day too.

Kurt looked at the total in the cart. It was nearly half of what he'd made working for Burt. More than he wanted to spend, but nothing he couldn't easily justify buying. He had the money. The new clothes from Canada had made him realize how much he missed wearing clothing that was designed for his race.

His one splurge was a happy, yet sad one. It was a bow tie print graphic tee that reminded him of one he'd gotten for his fifth birthday. He'd always wanted a bow tie, but of course they didn't have the money to spare. So his mom had a taken a black marker and carefully drawn him one on a plain white T-shirt, then added little buttons to the front. "Now you can be a proper young gentleman during our tea parties, my sweet Kurt."

Kurt turned back to the grocery section and added a box of tea and tin of hybrid safe cookies. "In honor of you, Mom." He wiped away his tears and looked at the total in his cart. It was higher than before, but he felt his mom would have approved. Smiling, he retrieved enough money from one of the hiding places in his room, glad it was enough so that he wouldn't have to venture out into the cold for more from another spot.

Burt looked up from the TV to see Kurt with the money in his hand, "You ready, Kiddo?"

"If you wouldn't mind?"

"I wouldn't have offered if I did. You don't have a credit or bank card. I do. It's your money fair and square, to do with as you please. Why don't you go change and get ready for dinner while I take care of it."

"Thank you."

"Not a problem, Bud."

Burt pulled the credit card out of his wallet before sitting down at the computer. The shopping cart's total wasn't much, not nearly enough given what this kid really needed, but it was a lot of money for someone who had previously had none. He noticed the Suggested for You items as well as the Wish List Kurt had set up. If the kid secretly longed for higher quality skin and fur care products, he was going to get them, along with extra undergarments and hybrid specific foodstuffs. The new items nearly doubled the total, but it didn't matter. The kid was going to get what he deserved, not just what he needed. As for the money he'd been handed, it was going into a secret savings account. One day Kurt would be off on his own again and need it. No way was he going to make the boy pay for things he'd freely given to Finn. Kurt was like a second son to him now and had been for awhile. A pair of boots, some jars of fancy cream, and a handful of new clothes wasn't going break the bank and was the least he could do. He and Carole could never replace his mom, but they could give him a home and a family again.

* * * * * * *

Blaine arrived just as dinner was being served, softly knocking at the back door. It was Kurt who heard it first and let him in, pressing a kiss to his cheek. "You're just in time for dinner."

"Oh, I didn't know you were eating. I can leave." Blaine began to re-button his coat and turned back to the door that led to the porch.

Carole would have none of it. "Sweetie, you know you're always welcome. There's more than enough. Do you like spaghetti and meatballs?"

"I love meatballs!"

Carole laughed. "You and Kurt both. Go have a seat in the living room, and I'll get you a plate."

"That's okay. I can get my own."

"And you'll take too little swearing it's enough. I already raised one teenager, Blaine. You and Kurt will never fool me. A parent knows when their kids are hungry."

"Thank you, Mrs. Humm...Carole."

"You're welcome."

Blaine left to join his boyfriend, immediately noticing his new outfit. Kurt put his plate down and preened, spinning to show off every side, describing every detail. Even though he rushed to his room to retrieve his second set of finery, he stopped short of a full fashion show. The smirk on Blaine's face was enough to express the thoughts between the two of them - a more thorough inspection of the clothes and how well they fit on Kurt's body would come later when they were in private.

For once, Kurt ate as neatly as his boyfriend, not wanting to spill a drop on his clothes and using a dishtowel as a bib. Normally, he was a "shove it in quickly before anyone could steal it" kind of guy, though he was trying to break himself of the habit now that he was in safer company and food more readily available. He stopped just barely at the point of fullness, begging off wanting seconds, and giving his remainder to Blaine who needed it more. While he may be guarded around his food, he couldn't stand to see his boyfriend suffer.

Carole, having a rare night off, got to choose the programs they watched. The first was a forgettable comedy that everyone seemed to ignore while eating and chatting about their days. She and Burt exchanged heartfelt smiles, proud of the progress Kurt had made. After three weeks of standing in the doorway watching TV with them, Kurt was on the couch. The edge closest to the kitchen, but still actually on it, curled up with his boyfriend. Only on occasion did he glance around furtively, checking for danger and the best way to escape should it appear. Burt continued to give the boy his space, relaxing in his favorite recliner. Carole tested the brief closeness she'd shared with him today, asking, and receiving permission, to sit on the other end of the couch. They were slowly becoming a family, same as when she and Finn had moved in with Burt. Now it included a beautiful, broken boy, who needed a new one, of which she was more than willing to provide if for. Raising kids was much more gratifying than feeding a stray cat, even if she had to stop herself from teasingly calling Kurt Mister Fluffy Pants from time to time. His loathing of that cat was understandable, if not at times amusing.

The second program they watched was a reality show that seemed to be a cross between The Real Housewives and Survivor. She exchanged secret laughs with her husband at the boys' incredulous faces and snide remarks.

"What kind of idiots did they sign on for this show? That's not how you catch lunch. They're too loud and their aim is clumsy. You need stealth, patience, and a quick blow."

Blaine readily agreed with his boyfriend. "Hope they like eating tree bark because that's all they're going to catch at this rate."

"I've told you a hundred times, Blaine. Humans are id...not as skilled as hybrids at instinctual survival skills." Kurt took another bite of his spaghetti, pointedly not looking at his human benefactors' reaction to his faux pas. He was relieved when there was a costume change after the commercial. "I wore a drab olive and orange jumpsuit most of my life. Trust me, Honey, orange is not the new black, no matter your race."

Blaine chose a different outfit to sneer at, "I always thought Dalton's blazers should be red with blue piping. How wrong I was. That is not a good look."

Kurt's ears flattened against his head and his tail slashed with fury. "Hybrid stripes! Racist much? I wouldn't wear a pelt of hairless tan skin."

Blaine squinted at the TV. "I think that's from an animal a cameraman caught on the island."

Still not placated, the hybrid growled low in his throat. "It better be."

Blaine tried to lighten his boyfriend's mood, pointing out a couple that had just appeared on screen. The heat of the tropical setting seemed to be affecting the inhabitants' sense of decency in more ways than one. A balding man that couldn't have been more than thirty opted for a coconut shell codpiece as his only form of clothing. A choice the censors were having trouble blurring out. Blaine swore he'd seen more nuttage in the past half hour than a squirrel...and he was gay and had a boyfriend. The woman he was with hadn't done any better. The reverse Dalton blazer was bad enough as it was, but cut up and used as a loin cloth with the matching tie not covering her breasts in the least. This was surely going to scar him for life because worst of all, she looked a lot like his mom. "Those two fight just like my parents. Five bucks says she wins."

"You don't have five bucks, Blaine." He tried not to stare at the atrocities before him, but couldn't help himself. At least it wasn't as bad as what he'd seen earlier on the computer.

"Figurative money."

With a lilting tone, Kurt teased a retort as the scene ended. "Shouldn't have said that because I do and the guy won."

Blaine turned to question his partner's viewing comprehension skills. "No, he didn't. Her girlfriend broke up the fight. We both lose."

Kurt patted his boyfriend's arm and shook his head in woeful dismay. "I think everyone watching this show looses, Honey."

The rest of the evening was the spent in much the same way of mindless TV and snarky commiseration at the letdown television programs had become, even if they did secretly enjoy them. That was until the news came on featuring a story about a group of hybrid rights activists being attacked by Pure Race Nationalists while the police stood idly by. Blaine's eyes grew wide with fear while Kurt tensed with barely constrained anger. That this was just the latest of incalculable injustices being made against hybrids was upsetting to all and unfair to the two boys and the millions like them.

Burt reached for the remote and turned the TV off. 'You know, I think it's time for bed. Blaine, you're welcome to stay in Kurt's room. Just, you boys be careful. Nothing too enthusiastic. Air mattresses aren't cheap and I'd hate for it to burst." The boys mortally embarrassed, blushing faces and stammered replies as they scrambled out of the room was just the reaction he'd hoped for in order to lighten the mood. He could hear Carole stifling a laugh behind her cup of tea. Some days parenting was easy and embarrassing your kids was one of the perks.

* * * * * * *

Kurt and Blaine snuggled under the covers, fully clothed, and too aware of every sound coming from the main part of the house to do more than a little light kissing before settling in to sleep. Kurt pulled his boyfriend in closer, his left arm and tail wrapped firmly around him. The room was lit in spots from moonlight peeking in through the edges of the curtains.

Though the back porch was still little more than a storage area and mud room, he was beginning to think of it as his room and becoming more used to the idea of the Hummel's house as his home. He felt like maybe he could fit in here. Carole had forgiven him quickly over the cereal incident and treated him like a son. Burt had shown him only kindness and was giving him more responsibility at the shop. He'd never known his biological dad and the feeling he'd gotten from his mom, that was a good thing. She hadn't dated either. So even though he never had a father-type figure, Burt felt right as one. Neither of them pushed him beyond what he was ready for. They respected his need for privacy, space, and independence. And most comforting of all, they accepted his and Blaine's relationship fully. Kurt fell asleep staring at the hybrid pride flag he'd hung on the wall. Maybe there was hope for his future after all.

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