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Tommy sighed as he was guided into the car. His social worker gave him an awkward smile, clear deceit behind it.
Who she was trying to trick, herself or Tommy? He couldn’t be sure.
“This house is going to be better.”
Tommy could not imagine what house he could possibly be put in that was good. He had a bad record. He was only 7, he was a hybrid, and he was labeled as a dangerous hybrid.
What good and loving family could possibly want him? He had been stuck in the group home ever since he accidentally caused a small rash to appear on his former foster parent.
They didn’t listen when he told them that he couldn’t kill people. Just that when he was startled, he could let out a little bit of poisoned material!
No biggie.
Tommy was a leaf slug, AKA sea sheep. He had long rhinophores that extended from the top of his head. Others may know such things as antennae. Though his were softer and looked more like feathers. And the amazing “benefit” of being a hybrid of one of the smallest creatures on earth… He was small too. He stood at only a measly 1 foot and 4 inches.
On his back sat the “leaf” part of his name. These were called cerata. They were bundles of leaves that extended out of his back like he was a palm tree, expanding similar to a peacock. This helped him photosynthesize. He didn’t need much to do so, but the humans weren’t keen on letting him outside much. They didn’t let him go to recess with the other kids for fear of them getting hurt. And they certainly didn’t have enough people to keep an eye on him.
To make sure he didn’t run away.
So, Tommy was stuck eating the algae they provided him. Which wasn’t much, but it did the job.
Tommy sighed as he got in the car, buckling his seatbelt.
What human would want a mess like him?
After a few minutes, the car pulled to a stop in front of a decently sized house. Nothing super fancy.
Tommy watched as his social worker walked around the side of the car, opening the door and letting him out. She handed Tommy his bag, smiling nervously. “Here is your stuff. I’ll do a quick check in with the uh… lucky foster parent.”
Tommy rolled his eyes, stepping close behind the social worker. But not too close. Didn’t want to “poison” her.
She lifted her fist, tapping it against the wood.
Footsteps sounded from inside, the door opening.
A large man stood in front of them, shaded sunglasses on his face.
Who wore sunglasses indoors?
“Hello! You must be Ms. Puffy, yes?” The man questioned, though he didn’t put his hand out for greeting.
She nodded. “I am. And this is Tommy!”
The man looked down, not quite reaching his eyes. “Nice to finally meet you, Tommy.” For him, the man put his hand out.
Tommy shook the man’s hands with ease, feeling a type of fuzzy and prickly feeling from the man’s palm. Tommy looked up to the man’s face, tilting his head when he saw something twitch.
There were… big black ears poking out from his head.
Tommy nearly squealed with excitement, wanting to bounce on his toes. Another hybrid!
He hadn’t met another hybrid before!
“My name is Wilbur, why don’t I show you inside.”
Tommy nodded, following after the man. As the man turned, Tommy noticed the fluffy white tail the man had. It had black spikes on the edge. Strange looking bunny. The social worker gave him a smile before the door shut.
As soon as he was inside, he realized just how dark it was. There were no lights on, except for tiny little night light looking objects along the walls. They emitted a soft, glowing purple color. Tommy felt… nice. It was dark, but it was cozy.
Wilbur walked him further inside, Tommy looking over the light blue painted walls. There were colorful trinkets set out that looked like all kinds of different textures. They almost looked like pieces of coral. All the windows were shut and curtains were pulled over them to ensure no light was let in.
Wilbur stopped in the living room, turning to look at him.
“I apologize for the low lighting level. I have to have it for my condition.”
Tommy tilted his head. “What do you mean?”
Wilbur took off his sunglasses, revealing eyes with no irises. The only thing he could see was the whites of the man’s eyes and a small black dot inside each.
“My hybrid species doesn’t have eyes. So when I was born, they didn’t quite develop properly. They can still take in light, but I can’t quite adjust to higher light levels without causing pain. If it would make you more comfortable, though, I can turn the light on and just keep my sunglasses on.”
Oh. Wilbur was blind. Now Tommy felt rude for the sunglasses comment.
Tommy shook his head before realizing Wilbur couldn’t see that. “Uh… That’s fine. I mean, it’s fine. You don’t need to turn the lights on.”
Wilbur smiled. “It’s alright, Tommy. I can’t exactly see… But my hybrid type has other ways of taking in their surroundings. Did you feel the little pricks against your skin when I shook your hand?”
Tommy nodded, opening his mouth to answer before Wilbur interrupted him.
“They’re little… hairs. Somewhat. They help me feel the changes in the air around me. They are also where a lot of my senses are stored. I get my hearing and my sense of smell from there too. They are quite useful. I use a type of echolocation in a way. I can get around pretty well, though, if there is a lot of stimulus at once, I tend to get overwhelmed.”
Tommy smiled, tilting his head slightly. He did have another few questions, but he wasn’t quite sure if it would be rude.
Wilbur seemed to sense his confusion, or at least was prepared for it. “You can ask me any questions you have. Even if you think they may be insensitive. I want you to be comfortable here, and being unsure of things can be very anxiety inducing. I promise it’s nothing I haven’t heard before.”
Tommy bit his lip. “Are you sure?”
The man nodded.
“Do… bunnies not have eyes? You said your hybrid type doesn’t have eyes and I was just a little confused.”
The man stared at him for a moment, lips quirking up. He put his hand over his face, stifling his laughter. Tommy’s face turned red, embarrassment rising.
“What! What did I say?!”
Wilbur shook his head. “Nothing. I’m not a bunny, but you are close. I’m a sea bunny. Very close guess. I’m a sea slug, just like you.”
Tommy gasped, eyes lighting up. “You are?!? That’s so cool!” Tommy bounced up and down, the leaves on his back shuffling happily. “I’ve never met another hybrid, let alone one that was from the sea!”
Wilbur chuckled, reaching down and ruffling his hair. “I have not met a marine based animal either. I think this was good timing. Oh! And I feel as though it’s important I notify you that I am poisonous.”
Tommy stopped in his jumping, crossing his arms. “Do you mean they just said you’re poisonous or—“
“I am just poisonous. I don’t touch others.”
Tommy then looked at his hand then back to Wilbur. “Uh.”
“Ah, but not to you. Don’t worry. Due to being of the same family and you having some poisonous properties as well, you’re not affected. You won’t be harmed whatsoever.”
Tommy let out a sigh of relief, grinning up at the man. “Thank you, Wilbur.”
Wilbur shook his head once more. “No need to thank me. I had been wanting to foster for quite some time. But due to my… condition… the government wasn’t too happy with placing a child in my care. But you were an amazing potential match, so I hope that you’ll enjoy your stay here, no matter how long that will be. Let me show you to your room.”
Tommy felt his insides warm slightly. Wilbur had already been so kind to him so far. He hadn’t had someone just be kind to him in quite some time. He hoped he wouldn’t mess this home up or make Wilbur get tired of him.
Tommy followed Wilbur down another hall, making their way to the edge of it. Wilbur opened the door. It creaked from lack of use, revealing another low lit room.
Tommy gasped, feeling his instincts scream with excitement. The walls were painted with pictures of coral and sponges, decorated with colorful fish. Tommy gazed at it in awe, the purple nightlights giving it a calm and soft glow.
His eyes then turned downwards, pupils dilating slightly. The floor was a fuzzy, thick green. Like algae. The blanket on the bed was made of the same dark green material, Tommy nearly running to it to hide within.
That was the perfect safe spot. The perfect place to curl into and let his cerata expand to soak up all the light while he blended into his surroundings.
“I wanted you to feel as comfortable and safe here as possible. I purchased quite a few coral reef themed decorations, as you can see. Oh! And I can’t believe I forgot to tell you!” Wilbur smiled, pointing at the purple nightlights. “Those are UV. I researched your species quite a bit, and I noticed that you are one incredible creature, Toms. You can photosynthesize! That is amazing.”
Tommy nearly cried. Never before had he heard such praise. He only heard the quiet sneers of humans that found him less than human. And now he was being given the world?
Tommy turned, rushing at the older man. He rammed into Wilbur’s legs, his short stature barely reaching to his knees. Wilbur jumped in surprise before bending down on his knees. He opened his arms, letting Tommy slot himself in just how he wanted.
Tommy nuzzled closer, feeling tears roll down his cheeks.
This was so nice. He had so many things. Wilbur was so kind and generous and he knew it probably wouldn’t last forever but just for a moment this meant everything to him.
“May I close my arms around you, little one?” Wilbur asked.
Tommy nodded viciously.
Wilbur’s arms circled around him, pressing against the leaves on his back. “Just let me know if these are too sensitive.”
“It’s okay.”
Wilbur squeezed tighter, rubbing up and down the cerata with soft motions as if they were fragile petals.
And Tommy began to sob. He was being hugged. No one wanted to touch him before now. No one wanted to hold the supposedly dangerous creature.
It was all so simple. A nice bed, a soft tone, and a space to make him comfortable, and he felt like the world around him was collapsing.
This felt like so much to ask for even if it shouldn’t have been. Even if these were simply his needs.
Wilbur hushed him gently, trying to help calm him down. “Is everything alright? Are you okay?”
Tommy nodded once more before burying himself closer. “J—just not used to this. Never had a custom room before.”
Wilbur made a wounded noise. “Everyone deserves some kind of space to call their own. This is yours, as long as you want it.”
That only made Tommy sob harder. How could Wilbur be so kind?
This was the best home he had ever been in. Now to just not ruin it.
Tommy pulled away, using his sleeve to try and dry the snot and tears away. When he looked up, Wilbur was wiping at his eyes too. The man had a watery smile, laughing breathlessly.
“Sorry, I get a little over emotional. I think… That was the first time I’ve been hugged in awhile too. Isn’t that neat?” Wilbur ruffled Tommy’s hair, trying to make the boy not focus on the slightly sad story he told.
But Tommy could only focus on that.
Wilbur was really just like him! In every way. Well, except height. Wilbur was about 5 times taller than him.
Tommy jumped back at the man, hugging him tightly.
Wilbur hugged back, smiling into his hair. “Thank you, Toms. I hope you enjoy your stay here.”
Tommy smiled. He imagined he would.
-/-/-/-/-/-
Tommy has been loving his stay.
Wilbur had plenty of food for the both of them. Wilbur ate sponges while giving Tommy a plate of algae.
Tommy’s instincts had never been more satisfied too. Tommy often hid away in the blankets and curled into them with happy squeaks and chirps. Whenever they had movie night, Tommy kept his algae-look-alike blanket with him. He would hide in it anytime there was a jumpscare or anything vaguely anxiety inducing. And then he’d tuck himself next to Wilbur with a happy chirp. Wilbur would let his arm fall over Tommy and pull him closer.
And Tommy’s favorite thing to do?
Lay out in the sun with Wilbur. The first time Tommy asked to go outside to lay down for a little while, Wilbur threw on a pair of clean clothes and his sunglasses, smiling at the boy.
“Let’s go!”
Tommy followed the man out, rushing up to the first plot of grass he saw and laying down. Wilbur followed, settling in the lush green as the sun beamed down on them.
Tommy looked at Wilbur, a thought entering his mind. Slowly, he crawled over to the man, making his way up his side and onto his chest. Wilbur raised a brow, using his arms to ensure Tommy was steady.
“What’s up, Toms?”
“Take off your glasses.” Tommy knew Wilbur didn’t really enjoy wearing them, but it was his only option.
Well, not anymore!
Wilbur stares at him for a moment. “I can’t really do that, darling. The sunlight will hurt me.”
Tommy rolled his eyes. “Just close your eyes and trust me!”
Wilbur sighed, doing as he was told with little protest. Tommy let the leaves on his back expand, making a thick umbrella over Wilbur’s face. Tommy got to eat and Wilbur was protected from the sunlight! The perfect plan.
“Open your eyes.”
Wilbur slowly blinked them open, smiling brightly. “Toms, you’re so sweet. Are you sure you won’t get tired?”
“I am actively getting more energy by doing this, yes I’m sure.”
Wilbur chuckled, patting the boy on the head. “Good job, sunshine.”
Tommy giggled. “Sunshine? I’m actively blocking that!” He laughed at the elder’s antics.
Wilbur reached up through the brambles, cupping his face. “Cause you’re all the sunshine I’ll ever need.”
And Tommy cried once again.
-/-/-/-/-/-
It didn’t take long for this to become his permanent home. It only took a few months for Wilbur to offer the adoption papers, only a few seconds after that to call Wilbur “dad,” only a few more weeks after that to give Tommy the official Soot name.
It had been a tiring day. They had to go to the court and get everything finalized.
And when they came home, Wilbur flopped on the couch and held him close. Tommy laid on his chest, fitting easily in Wilbur’s arms.
The man brushed his nose into Tommy’s hair, giggling to himself.
Tommy peeked an eye open before raising a brow at the elder. “What are you laughing about?”
The brunet only chuckled again. “I was just trying to think of a cute pet name for you. I had heard of other hybrids calling their kids names based off the animal. But I couldn't find any names for the sea slugs. So I was just running through a few silly little ones in my mind.”
Tommy hummed, burying his face back into the soft blanket. “Tell me.”
Wilbur grinned, clearly pleased. “Well, another name for a leaf slug is a sea sheep. So, little lamb.”
Tommy found himself smiling at the thought. A sea sheep? That made some sense.
Wilbur then grabbed Tommy’s face, squishing his cheeks. “Or I could call you squish.”
Tommy giggled. “That’s silly.”
“Not as silly as the actual name for baby slugs,” Wilbur laughed.
Oh well now he was curious.
“Well, not you have to tell me!” Tommy complained in a faux annoyed tone.
“It’s neonate.”
Tommy stuck his tongue out. “Ew. I’m not that much of a baby.”
Wilbur poked his cheek. “So you do admit you are at least a little bit of a baby.”
Tommy slapped his hand away with no real force. “I never said that—“
“It was implied~” Wilbur sing-songed. “I could also go the rabbit route. Kit. Or, or! Combine them! Neokit.”
“Now that just sounds like one of those Neopets.”
“How do you even know about those?” Wilbur laughed.
“Hey! I know things. I know lots of things!”
Wilbur pressed a kiss to his forehead. “Sure thing, sunshine.”
Tommy melted back into Wilbur’s warmth, a sense of calm and haziness taking over his mind. His instincts were quite pleased with the constant warmth and sunlight and places to bury himself into to hide. Wilbur always carried the blanket around with them everywhere to make sure Tommy could feel safe at any time.
This was everything Tommy could want. And Tommy knew it was everything Wilbur could want, too. The man finally had someone that could hug him, and oh! He didn’t need those sunglasses anymore when they went out.
All Tommy had to do was ride on his shoulders, and let his leaves surround Wilbur’s face like a blindfold. Tommy got nutrients from the extra sun and Wilbur was protected. And whenever Wilbur’s instincts got overwhelmed by all the smells and sounds, Tommy was there to guide them back home.
They finally got to hug again. They finally had someone who could touch them without feeling fear.
This was what Tommy had dreamed of.
This was home.