Hybrid Hearts

An Awkward Introduction

Today I brought the hybrid home.

As I walked into the underground parking of the Institute and towards Adam, I knew history was happening. Three days ago Adam had assigned me to take the hybrid with me. I had spent the time since studying up on everything in the file I was given, preparing myself for this moment stood in front of the only car in the entire lot, where he was waiting.

"Here's the key," Adam said, handing me a set of car keys. "The hybrid is already in there."

I took the keys and peered into the car. The windows were tinted more than I believed could be legal. Then I remembered how the hybrid had come to be in that same car was definitely illegal. If my awful driving got us pulled over, dark windows would be the least of my problems. 

I could see the outline of the hybrid sitting in the driver's seat, but couldn't make out much else. A question that had been plaguing me all morning slipped from  my tongue. "Is he... clothed?" I asked, feeling my face turn red. I had a blanket stuffed in my duffel bag just in case.

Adam chuckled. "Yes, Wren. He's wearing clothes. And let me tell you, getting him into them was only half the battle. First I had to customise an outfit that could even fit his particular features."

So he had never been in clothes before? I felt flustered. Hopefully the hybrid wouldn't be needing any help from me with getting dressed in the near future. I took a deep breath and opened the car door, sliding into the passenger seat. As soon as I sat down, the hybrid shifted as far away from me as he could get within the limited space.

"Hi, I'm Wren," I announced, steadying my voice to sound confident. "You must be the hybrid that Adam asked me to take home."

Those furred, pointed ears twitched. It was strange to see.

"Were you informed about what is happening today? Do you know who I am?" 

The hybrid slumped even further into his seat, his eyes firmly staring out the window and away from mine. He was a peculiar sight, with a mix of fox and human features. His face was mostly human, but his ears and tail were distinctly fox-like, covered in thick fur. I couldn't help but stare, despite trying to be respectful.

"I'm sorry if I'm making you uncomfortable," I said, feeling my approach might be too blunt. "I've just never met someone like you before. I want to know you understand the situation."

The hybrid shrugged, still avoiding eye contact. "I-I-It is okay," he mumbled, his voice quiet and hesitant. "I-I am used to it."

The first words I had ever heard from him, and my heart sank at them. I hadn't let myself dwell on what he had been made to become 'used to' in the lab and I wasn't sure I would ever be ready to know. At the same time, I felt this compulsion to learn everything I could about him. To know him. I was determined to make this hybrid feel welcome and comfortable under my care. But I couldn't keep thinking of him as 'the hybrid'.

"Do you have a name for yourself?" I enquired.

He offered no response, yet I found it difficult to believe he had no name whatsoever. Even if the Institute had neglected to name him, his tribe must have referred to him by something. And even if he had forgotten that too, I would think he would have named himself during his captivity.

Despite his silence, I was determined not to let the conversation die. "I was researching potential human names for you actually. Something that would sound legitimate in public or around people if the situation arises. Do you mind if I suggest you a few ?" I asked, hoping to make him feel a little more at ease.

He glanced at me, his eyes holding a glimmer of curiosity. "A human name?"

"Yes, exactly. I was thinking something like C-A-I-L-L-E-Y. It means 'from the forest' which seems appropriate. Or maybe S-I-L-V-A which means 'to live in the heart of the forest', that could suit you too." I said, offering him a small smile.  

The hybrid tilted his head to the side, thinking. After a few seconds of silence, he spoke up. "I like Silva."

 "Silva? Yeah I like it too, it's unique." It occurred to me then that it was so unique I had never met anyone by the same name. "On second thought, perhaps something simpler would be better. Like James, Ben or Luke. We can keep Silva as your surname." I conceded.

Again he was silent, longer this time, before he quietly asked found the courage to ask for my help. "I...I am not sure. You did not explain what those names mean, how do I choose?"

"Unfortunately I don't really know what those names mean myself. But they are common and popular. Any should be fine."

He gazed at me with a blank look, still clearly hesitant to decide.

"There's no rush. Why don't you think on it a while longer, its going to be some time before I can organize getting identification for you. You don't have to pick a name until then, okay? I can just call you Silva for now."

He shook his head, "No, you choose for me."

"Are you sure? I really think it should be your decision, I can't even remember what I suggested."

More silence, and this time I was confident he wouldn't break it no matter how much I prodded at him.

"Luke was it? Or did I say Lucas? I muttered, testing out the names on my tongue. "Lucas Silva. I like that. Lucas it is, then."

A small smile, more like a twitch at the corner of his mouth really, graced the hybrid's lips, making me feel like I had accomplished something good. Whether or not he had a real name before, I had given him a real, human name now. It was a start. And if he ended up hating it, there was still a while until I would be able to get him some kind of identification anyway. There was time to change things still.

"So, Lucas?" I said, as I started up the car. "Do you want radio?"

He turned to look at me, his expression now a mixture of hesitation and confusion. "Radio?" he repeated.

"Yes, radio. Music. Sounds that people make with instruments and their voice. It can be really fun to listen to," I explained, feeling a little silly.

"Oh," Lukas sighed softly, looking down at his hands in his lap.

"Well, I want the radio on. You can choose the station. Just turn the dial - like this see - to change it until you find something you like."

Lukas looked at it, his eyes wide with wonder. It was a small gesture, but it felt like the beginning of something new. Something that might just make a difference in both of our lives.