Page 36 of To Cuddle A Gremlin

They held hands until the last curtain call when everyone stood and cheered the cast. Sebastian swallowed the lump of emotions clogging his throat. This was his biggest dream come true. No one got hurt, physically or emotionally. He was happy, and he had a good time. All his worries had been pushed to the side, and it was so nice. Isadore squeezed his hand tight. “Please let me take you home. I miss seeing you every day.”

“But the sidewalk, your leg. I don’t want to chance it and then there’s Charles. He doesn’t deserve me dumping him.” Sebastian wavered. He liked hanging out with Charles, but this was Isadore, who soothed him and stirred him simultaneously.

“You are a dear, being concerned about everyone’s happiness. As long as I keep a steady pace, my leg will be fine. Besides, we’re going to meet with Charles and Harry in the lobby.” Isadore stretched his leg out before standing. “I was waiting 'til the theatre was a bit emptier before we attempted to leave.”

“How is your leg doing?" Sebastian asked. "You’ve never actually said.”

“It’s fine. Lord Typhon did a fantastic job. Though, the fucker aches when the weather changes. Walking can be a bit hazardous. Like my ankle will roll at any given moment.”

“See! This is the exact reason why I don’t want you to come home with me. What if–”

“Shh, Sebastian. I’m fine. It’s okay.” Isadore patted Sebastian with gentle touches.

“I’m sorry. I just worry.” Sebastian hated bringing Isadore down. And this was supposed to be when he, himself, was carefree. “I’ll get better with the stress and anxiety. You won’t have to do your thing.”

“Sebastian, you’ve already made such amazing progress. You’re fine as you are. And I love how caring you are. If you want to become happier or more settled because it’s your goal, good. But don’t change because of me.”

“I’d like to be more confident,” Sebastian mumbled. He’d love it if he was the self-assured man Isadore was. Then he wouldn’t feel so awkward and ready to hide every moment.

“You will. Takes time and positive thoughts. Like me. I am positive that soon you’ll invite me over to your place for a stay-at-home date.” Isadore looped his hand through the crook of Sebastian’s arm, and they walked together toward the lobby.

“I don’t think I’m ready.”

“Not for a true-true stay-at-home date, like the kind you’re thinking of, but a milder one, for sure you are.” Isadore’s unfazed smile was astounding, but Sebastian believed him. Sebastian gave him an awkward side hug and prayed Isadore understood the message.

“If that’s what you believe.”

“I do. Now, let’s say hello to Charles and Harry. They look like they’re dying to chat with us.” Isadore’s pace changed to a hurried walk as they approached his best friends.

Charles held Sebastian’s coat in his hands as he joined the circle. Harry was talking a mile a minute about the set decor and the actors themselves. A faint expression of pride was evident. Despite his comments earlier about Harry ruining his evening,Charles appeared content. “How was the rest of the play, Sebastian?”

“Well, my date left me in the middle and then this strange guy sat beside me,” Sebastian teased, though he braced himself for the fallout. Sometimes, he hit the wrong note in the conversation and people didn’t appreciate his humour.

“It seemed like you hated the attention.” Charles laughed.

“He totally did. Tried to escape. Huge ordeal.” Isadore elbowed Sebastian in the side. Everyone chuckled, including Sebastian. This was what he'd prayed for, dreamt about, and now Sebastian was part of a friend unit. This was the blessing of perseverance. He stared at the ground for a minute, a little overwhelmed with the concept of this new world. The patterned carpet helped steady him.

“Oh, ho! Run, Sebastian, while you still can. This gremlin has ideas and then it's all downhill from here for you!” Harry, the bigger man with the on-point clothing choices, hooted. Charles glanced at him with a raised eyebrow before he settled down.

“Ignore him. Harry has no tact,” Isadore ordered. “What are you two up to now?”

“We were going to go to the café and then head home. Harry has an early day. And you?” Charles asked.

“You know Isadorable wants to come with us and hang out. We are the better part of his night. Why, just before you decided to do the ol’ switcheroo, he was telling me?—“

“Harry, shut up,” Both Isadore and Charles said together. They smirked as their eyes met. Sebastian chuckled, but the camaraderie between the trio was strong, and he was feeling like a fourth wheel.

“We’d love it if you stayed with us for a bit. I don’t think we’ve had a proper conversation with Sebastian without one of you having to run off to work. Unless you have other, more nefariousplans?” Charles asked, meeting both Sebastian and Isadore’s eyes.

Sebastian’s cheeks heated up. Charles’s suggestion riffing off what Isadore asked earlier was unexpected. He didn’t know how to answer, and he didn’t want to be wrong.

“Sure, we’ll come. I’d like to hear your opinion on the show. They did a good job?” Isadore asked, removing the pressure from Sebastian.

“Oh definitely.”

Sebastian blinked at how easily they segued into a different conversation without jeering commentary or hurtful words. Maybe hehadbeen hanging out with the wrong people.

“What? Wait, hold up there, Isadorable. We’re kidding.” Harry stopped them in the middle of the wide sidewalk. “This is your fancy date. Don’t let us ruin it for you.”

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