Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Adopting a cat can have its perks, but adopting a hybrid that does not know how to cat is challenging. Soo-Young is always up for a challenge, but walking into the hybrid centre, she did not know what she was signing up for.

The air in the centre felt cold, but the temperature was warm. A girl at the counter, chose to file her nails rather than tidy the reception. Rubbish and crumbs from kids eating were still under the chairs, which was also on the kids' parents too, but it was also a worker’s duty to make the main entrance, the main attraction, warm and inviting. Soo-young could even see the stock needed doing, but the girl behind the counter thought she was in no position to do such things as she hummed to herself while tending to her manicured nails. Announcing her arrival by clearing her throat, Soo-Young watched how the girl glanced up through her eyelashes. Her bored expression morphed into the usual fake, rather be anywhere else type customer service expression.

“Good morning. How may I help you today?”

The girl’s voice seemed forced, almost robotic, to Soo-Young. Hye-Jin. The name read on the name tag as she stepped closer. Her long, brown hair was pulled into a high pony, cascading over her left shoulder, her smile kind, overly kind, but something in her eyes gave Soo-Young a different vibe.

“I am looking to adopt a hybrid.”

Soo-Young spoke confidently as she walked up to the counter, her own blonde hair bouncing behind her with every step. Her shoes clicked on the vinyl flooring of the reception area.

“Fill this form out before seeing the hybrids.”

Hye-Jin loudly placed a clipboard on the counter with the form attached to it before slamming a pen next to it. Soo-Young fought the urge to pull a face at the worker, who clearly shouldn’t be in a job like this. Taking a deep breath in, Soo-Young filled in the form.

“Okay, all done,” Soo-Young spoke, matching her fake, high-pitched service tone.

Soo-Young capped the pen and gently placed it on the page before looking up at Hye-Jin with a graceful smile, tilting her head slightly to the side. Sighing, Hye-Jin took the clipboard in hand. She quickly flashed her eyes over the form.

“Follow me.”

Hye-Jin, to Soo-Young, seemed like the type of worker that was only here because her parents were the owners and let her do what she wanted. Soo-Young watched the girl walk towards the double doors, not checking if Soo-Young was behind her, but she followed Hye-Jin.

“What hybrid are you looking for?”

Hye-Jin kept her focus straight ahead, steps wide and quick. Soo-Young almost had to run to keep up. From the fleeting glances and observations passing by, she took note of the hybrids in small, confined cages. Some called out to Soo-Young, others merely peered up at her and watched her walk passed with pleading eyes, and the rest didn’t move at all. A hybrid leaving here today would be a blessing in disguise, Soo-Young thought.

“A cat breed, if possible.”

Soo-Young followed as Hye-Jin took a quick turn, seemingly towards where they kept the cat hybrids.

“Here’s a cat hybrid. Huening Kai.”

Soo-Young wished that Hye-Jin would be more compassionate towards the wonderful ray of hybrids the shelter offered and that the shelter looked after them better. A cage was no place for a hybrid. A soft smile appeared on her lips as she watched the small hybrid rolling a dark blue ball along the filthy floor, smiling as the boy giggled to himself as he reached a bit too far and almost toppled over.

“He’s adorable.” Soo-Young cooed as the hybrid looked up at her with a bashful grin.

“Handle full, this one.”

Paying no mind to Hye-Jin, the tall, blonde hybrid was now standing in front of Soo-Young, the blue ball completely forgotten. His ears had little fur on them, and his tail was matted and dirty like no one had taught him how to care for his counterpart. Soo-Young knew that kittens need more attention and training than adults, but neglecting such an innocent soul is still not a valid reason to make assumptions.

“Hi, I’m Kai. What’s your name?” The boy beamed, taking quick steps towards her, gripping the cage wire and pressing his face against the cage.

“Soo-Young.”

“Come closer, please. I want to ask you something.”

Soo-Young leaned closer, facing away from Hye-Jin, who was taking no notice of the pair.

“Can you get me out of here, Soo-Young? I don’t like it here.” Kai whispered, keeping his eyes and ears on Hye-Jin, a few feet away, “it’s so messy.”

Soo-Young was not shocked to hear this, not in the state and size of the cages. She can’t imagine what it would be like being locked up like this. Though, she already knew who would adopt this adorable boy. No questions asked.

“I have a friend who I think would love you. I can tell him to come tomorrow if you would like, Kai?”

Soo-Young questioned carefully but need not worry, seeing how Yeonjun beamed with pure happiness, she was sure she had not seen a bigger smile than the one in front of her.

“Would you really?”

Huening-Kai would scream if he could as Soo-Young nodded, his blonde hair flopping around his face as he bounced on his feet.

“You have my word. I'll tell you a secret, he lives with two hybrids who are the biggest kids at heart and would love to be your best friends.”

“Does that mean I’ll get to see you again because of your friend?”

Soo-Young couldn’t deny the look on his face, his eyes big and round, only just meeting her and already never wanting her out of his life. Soo-Young felt something soft tickle her hand and soon realised his tail was creeping through the wire to hold her wrist.

“Yes, it does, cutie,” Soo-Young smiled, causing the kitten’s cheeks to redden.

“Okay, moving on.” came Hye-Jin's bitter voice, damping the pair’s happiness.

Hye-Jin gave Soo-Young no time to protest. Mouthing a see you soon to Kai, she caught up to the worker. The next cage was a few feet away, of a similar size to that of Yeonjun.

“This one is Jimin.”

Hye-Jin stated as she stopped beside the cage, not waiting for Soo-Young to catch up. Once she did, she peered inside and passed the chicken wire. The hybrid, Jimin, was sitting on a bed, brushing his long, fluffy tail. Making no sound or movement of acknowledgement that he knew they were there, but he knew, could smell them in the air, hear their footsteps. He looked so small; maybe it was how he was sitting cross-legged on the bed, curling in on himself as he tended to his tail. His silvery hair shielded his face from the two girls standing at the gate.

“What can you tell me about him?”

The hybrid never looked up from his position, preferring to keep brushing his tail. His left ear twitched on the top of his head at the new voice, but he chose to stay focused on grooming his tail.

“We suspect he has had a rough past. He stays quiet about it and keeps to himself. He doesn’t cooperate with us, so we just leave him be.”

Suspect, meaning they never took the chance to sit and talk to the hybrid or make any move getting to know him. The thought made Soo-Young’s chest tighten.

“What type of person are you looking for to adopt him?”

Soo-Young kept her eyes on the hybrid, taking note of how his ear twitched towards her without looking away from his tail. She could tell that he wasn’t listening to anyone else. It would look like he was in his only little bubble, but Soo-Young quickly saw the subtle hints that he was at least a little interested in her conversation with the shelter worker.

“We would say he’d need someone who would be home most days, who would be patient with him especially the first few weeks. Someone who he could rely on to help him move forward, bring him out of his shell. Are you interested in adopting him?”

Soo-Young watched how the hybrid picked his head up even the slightest, drawing his eyes up to the wall before him, his hands froze on his tail and his ears alert. Jimin felt like his stomach was in his mouth, his nerves skyrocketing as he prepared himself for her answer as the hybrid held his breath. From her few words, he liked the soft sound of her voice and her floral scent.

“Yes. May I meet him?”

Yes. One word, one small word, was enough to draw a smile from the cat before he even realised it had appeared.

Hye-Jin opened the gate roughly, startling the hybrid, almost purposely in Soo-Young’s eyes. The hairs on Jimin’s tail fluffed up, making it look like a feather duster as he moved to the furthest corner, hugging his knees to his chest. Soo-Young barely suppressed a giggle, stepping through the wire. She had to get him out of here, Soo-Young thought.

“Hi Jimin-ssi, I’m Soo-Young.”

The hybrid never moved his wide but curious eyes away from her, watching her every move, preparing for the worst for getting scared. Then, slowly, she stopped a few feet away from him and crouched down, so he was above her, showing his animal counterpart that she meant no harm.

“It’s alright, I’m not going to hurt you.”

She held out a hand towards him, offering him a gentle smile as she waited for him to make a move. Tentatively, Jimin lowered his knees and leaned forward, braced himself on the edge of the small bed, his tail slowly behind him in hesitation. He brought his nose an inch away from her open palm, softly breathing in her floral scent. Soo-Young observed how the cat hybrid's eyes closed softly, how his arms started to shake and how a small and barely noticeable purr rumbled within his chest unwillingly. Soo-Young barely had time to process anything before she blinked at the hybrid now pressed back in the corner, eyes blown wide, fear written clearly over his whole being. His ears flattened against his head as he gripped his tail tightly against his chest.

“Hey, it’s alright Jimin, it’s okay. You’re safe.”

He thought it strange how nothing came. No belt. No cane. Nothing. He thought it odd how the girl sitting on the floor did nothing but offer such kind words. Too kind if you ask him. Realising that nothing was going to happen, Jimin calmed down enough to shuffle a little closer towards her, remaining on the bed.

“You have a beautiful tail, Jimin-ssi.”

The hybrid averted his gaze down to his lap as his cheeks heated up, his shoulders raising to his ears.

“What type of cat are you, Jimin-ssi?”

“Ragamuffin,” Jimin informed softly, picking at the loose fur of his tail.

Hye-Jin scoffed behind Soo-Young. A tell-tale sign that she didn’t know what breed he was. Jimin had spoken with the softest of tones. Soo-Young would not have heard him if she had not been listening so intently as he played with his tail. A sign of nerves, Soo-Young noted.

“He’s perfect.”

Soo-Young spoke the two words to the worker while watching Jimin run a small hand over the fur of his tail, a soft smile on her lips, a deep blush on his cheeks at her indirect praise.

“Really?" Hye-Jin scoffed, a hint of bitterness laced in Hye-Jin’s patronising voice as she spoke, “are you sure? He’ll be a bit hard to handle and uncooperative.”

Soo-young can hear in Hye-Jin's words that she had made no effort to connect with the hybrid. He had been nothing but cooperative with Soo-Young thus far, and she knew Jimin would be the right match for her.

“I’m positive. I work from home, and if I need to go anywhere, he can come with me, if he chooses. There’ll be no separation anxiety in my home.”

It was almost comical how Hye-Jin's eyes widened as she stepped back at Soo-Young's confidence. The power in her tone left no room for argument.

“Jimin?”

The cat raised his head and locked eyes with Soo-Young, his ears alert and giving her his full attention. His eyes were wide and hopeful, biting his plush bottom lip in anticipation of her next words.

“Would you like to be adopted?”

Chapter Text

Was this heaven?

Did he hear her correctly?

He had barely done anything, and she wanted to adopt him. Jimin blinked twice at her, frozen in place. The tip of his tail was the only part he moved as it flicked from side to side. His heart felt like it was going to burst out of his chest. One aspect of him was relieved to hear that he was finally leaving this place, but one small part felt terrified. That part of him whispering ‘what if’s’ in his ear. He didn’t listen to those, she smelled trustworthy, and if she were to have done something, she wouldn’t be asking to adopt him. If she were not trustworthy, she would have kept walking passed his cage, but she had stopped.

Jimin could feel that it was the right decision when he gently nodded at the woman in front of him, a small smile appearing when she beamed with her big, bright smile. Soo-Young heard a sigh from outside the gate, Hye-Jin. It would seem the last thing the girl wanted to do was paperwork; Soo-Young smiled bigger at the thought.

“Come with me then.” Hye-Jin then walked off, not waiting for anything.

Soo-Young presumed she was returning to the reception area, she hoped. She rose and motioned for Jimin to do the same, quickly realising how tall he was next to her.

“Do you have everything, Jimin-ssi?”

The hybrid nodded before his eyes widened; he turned to the bed and grabbed his tattered brush, his hands gripping it tightly to his chest. Then, with one final nod, they left the cage, with Jimin trailing closely behind her.

“I don’t know what has happened in the past, I don’t know who hurt you, but no one will hurt you anymore.”

Soo-Young spoke over her shoulder to Jimin, voice low and out of earshot from Hye-Jin. The hybrid behind her wanted to believe her, but the voice in his ear reminded him of his past. Shaking the thoughts away, he knew he shouldn’t treat her like his previous owners. He was sure that no two people could be the same if her calming scent were anything to go by.

They reached the reception and found Hye-Jin behind the counter, waiting for them. Soo-Young could hear her eyes roll, and she was sure that with Jimin’s sharp hearing, he could hear the puff of breath leaving Hye-Jin’s mouth as she sighed.

“Stick by me, and you’ll be fine.”

Soo-Young felt Jimin step closer towards her as they approached the counter. Once reaching the desk, Soo-Young found a form and pen on top. At least she’s prepared, Soo-Young thought.

“Fill that out and sign at the bottom.”

Soo-Young scoffed slightly as the girl didn’t bother looking at the pair, returning to filing her nails. Then, turning to the form placed in front of her, Soo-Young filled in the adoption form. She was as calm as possible, happy she was saving a hybrid from this place. Glad that she is fabricating a plan to save more as she’s writing. Jimin, on the other hand, is still waiting for something to happen, but he doesn't know what. He kept fidgeting as he stood behind his new owner, looking around the reception area he had only seen once when he was brought here. His ears were flat on his head, bottom lip between his teeth, hands twisting around the brush and tail swaying nervously against his legs as Hye-Jin gave him a look over Soo-Young’s shoulder through her eyelashes.

“All signed.”

Soo-Young’s happy tone caused Jimin’s focus to shift to her; leaning over her shoulder, he watched as Hye-Jin sharply pressed a stamp down on the page, declaring ownership. Jimin was in his own little world now, with little pictures of his new future filling his mind. He jumped when he heard the door announce a new arrival, ears alert, eyes wide and tail like a feather buster. It took him a few seconds to realise that he had grabbed Soo-Young’s arm. Looking up, he found her already looking at him. Concern filled her eyes, but she was not angry for getting scared a second time. Instead, she gently placed her other hand over one of Jimin’s and rubbed that soft skin in comfort.

“He’s all yours,” Hye-Jin monotoned, hoping they would get out of her hair, internally groaning when Soo-Young turned to the hybrid.

“Jimin, did you want to have a look at the tags before we leave?”

Jimin answered her with a slight nod, following as she pulled him to where the tags were. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much stock left, a few collars and bracelets. Soo-Young made a note to visit a hybrid shop once Jimin had settled down.

“See one you like?” Soo-Young questioned before lowering her voice, “just pick one, and we’ll go shopping for a better one in a few days. How does that sound?”

Jimin offered her a small smile, his tail swaying happily behind him before focusing on the few options. Even though there were only four options, Jimin still felt overwhelmed. Finally, he opted for a bracelet, not yet ready for collars. He held the bracelet in his hands, presenting it to Soo-Young.

“This one, please.”

Soo-Young nodded at the hybrid with a smile. Then, taking the bracelet from him, she returned to the desk, her cat following close behind.

“Add the bracelet to the bill, please.”

Soo-Young took too much pride in making the girl work harder than she was used to, but it will only worsen when her plan is set in motion.

It did not take too much longer to pay and be on their merry way. Soo-Young started to walk away, stopping when she was halfway out the door, causing Jimin to bump into her, mumbling a sorry as Soo-Young turned back to Hye-Jin.

“Before we leave, I just want to say,” Hye-Jin looked up from her nails, catching Soo-Young’s stern gaze, “I have a friend who works for Hybrid Welfare, you’ll be getting a visit from him in the next few days, and he won’t be happy. Good day.”

Soo-Young didn’t leave room for an answer from Hye-Jin as she spun on her heel, her hair following the path before swishing over her chest and stepping out the door with Jimin in tow.

Hye-Jin watched the two leave, shock written on her before composing herself, sitting back down on the chair, yet again tending to her nails, thinking it was an empty threat.

Soo-Young sighed contently as she heard the door shut behind them, looking up towards the sky, feeling relief filling her body. She could not wait to tell Namjoon about the state of this place and have something done about it.

“Would you like to go straight home, or would you like to get some food first?”

Not expecting such a question, Jimin blinked at her. No one had asked what he wanted to do before, and it was scary but, in a way, refreshing. Of course, he would like to see his new home, but he can’t deny the rumbling in his belly any longer.

“Food, please,” Jimin answered softly, rubbing his tummy.

Jimin jumped at the feeling of her hand grabbing his and tugging him along with her. However, he recovered quickly once they’d fallen into a steady tempo, with Soo-Young leading the way.

“What do you feel like?”

“Anything.”

“I know a great noodle place that I think you’ll enjoy.”

It seemed like she was reading his mind, he had been craving noodles for what felt like years, and it possibly was years since he had tasted pasta. He can barely remember the last time he had noodles. His previous owner had thought that noodles and pasta were too fattening. She had wanted to keep him thin and lean to showcase him in front of her friends. Her prized hybrid. Jimin felt his chest tighten, his stomach feeling queasy as memories of what she had made him do forced him to do filled his mind.

“They do really good ramyun here. Would you like some, Jimin?

Jimin was brought back to reality at the soft sound of his new owner’s voice, the memories of his past fading as he took in his surroundings. Mouth-watering smells of food filled Jimin’s lungs with every inhale as he realised they had stopped in front of what he assumed was the noodle place. Jimin blinked at her before nodding, feeling his tummy growling again.

“Are you going to be okay to go in?”

Jimin gave her a nod with a soft yes. Soo-Young uttered a ‘let’s go’, and the pair headed inside.

The cafe smelled of different aromas from the range of dishes they served, and a few customers occupied seats and booths. They had come at the slow hour, the perfect hour. The less noise and commotion, the better. The last thing Soo-Young wanted for Jimin was to panic.

“Hi, what can I get you?”

Soo-Young turned her attention to the young girl behind the counter. A bright smile lit up her face, her tone genuine.

“Two tonkotsu ramen, please.”

The two sat in silence, well as much silence eating ramen can offer. The sound of their slurping made their silence more apparent. Soo-Young asked Jimin small questions between mouthfuls, only to receive smaller answers from the hybrid.

“How long were you at the shelter, Jimin-ssi?”

Jimin looked at Soo-Young from his small bowl of noodles with wide eyes and noodles hanging from his mouth. Soo-Young thought the sight was adorable, but she kept quiet. Jimin held up two fingers in place of speaking around the ramyeon.

“You’ve been there for two years?” Soo-Young was shocked, to say the least; no wonder the boy felt so skinny under his sweater. Jimin nodded slightly before casting his gaze back to his noodles.

After their noodles disappeared into their stomachs, the pair headed home. Jimin felt full yet satisfied, and he had not had a decent meal like that for as long as he could remember. Now, he was on his way to a brand new home. He does not know what awaits him there but hopes it will be better than his old home. Yet, a tiny part of him worries it is going to be the same. His tail nervously swayed behind him as he played with his new bracelet.

The walk was quicker than Jimin had expected. He stood in front of a tall building; he hoped the building was not all hers. He would get lost if it was. The pair entered the building. Jimin scrunched his face at the smell of citrus-scented disinfectant. His sensitive nose twitched before he sneezed.

“I’m not a fan of the smell either,” Soo-Young smiled.

Jimin’s eyes widened; how did she know it was the citrus that caused him to sneeze?

“I tried speaking to the cleaners and the owner to change to more hybrid friendly products, but they have never listened to me.”

Every time Soo-Young spoke, Jimin became more curious about her, many questions floated around his head, but he chose not to voice them. At least not yet. Jimin watched as Soo-Young entered a boxed room with weird metal doors before she gestured for her to follow.

“My flat is on the fourth floor, so we need to go up using the elevator.”

He had heard of those, but his owner never used them, claiming they were lazy people and opted to use the stairs instead so Jimin would stay perfect. Timidly, Jimin entered the elevator, and the large doors closed. The hybrid’s heart sank as the elevator bounced as it moved up. Jimin clutched to Soo-Young as the lift made noises that Jimin did not like.

“It’s okay, Jimin-ssi,” her voice was soft, calming, in his ears as she rubbed his arm, but how much his hands were shaking had her questioning, “have you been in an elevator before?”

“Mistress didn’t like them,” Jimin’s voice was small as he subconsciously sought out her scent, “always took the stairs.”

Soo-Young’s chest tightened at Jimin’s few but significant words. Not allowed to eat and only allowed to take the stairs. What an awful owner, and just to keep him scarcely thin. It made Soo-Young sick. Soo-Young was brought back to reality at the sound of Jimin softly sniffling. Turning around, she held his hands as he refused to look at her, scared she would punish him for not using the stairs.

“It’s alright, Jimin-ssi. It’ll be over very soon. Don’t cry.”

Jimin was happy to be on solid flooring after exiting the awful lift. They ventured passed a few doors with numbers on them before they stopped at a door with ‘13’ on the door. The hybrid’s breath hitched at the shiny numbers staring at him. His birthdate. Is this a bad sign or just a coincidence?

"Welcome to your new home."

Chapter Text

Hello valued readers,

If you thought this was an update I'm sorry. I came to let you all know that I'm not feeling this plot anymore and found a storyline much better than this one and works so much better, so I'll be deleting the two chapters I have around the week end and I'll put up the next and improved version of Solandis.

I hope you guys like the new version as much I do.

-Ariana