Page 4 of To Cuddle A Gremlin

Perking up, Isadore did his best not to rub his hands together like a villain would. Sammi’s tidbit helped Isadore with some possible plans. Though Isadore preferred to discover the information from the person themself, Sammi was proving to be a perfect spy. “Really? That’s amazing. I can work with this.”

“Gee, thanks, bestie. Appreciate the love.” Harry turned to look at Sammi. “Maybe the lunches have been a little quiet without the random sighs of adoration or play-by-play. Do you have an idea when we can expectthingsto be back to normal?”

“I don’t know. Geez, I'm not Sebastian’s social planner.” Sammi elbowed Harry before wrapping her scarf around her neck. “Just be gentle. He’s not like most people.”

“I’m discovering that,” Isadore admitted. She left, and the bell on the door jingled. Isadore rolled his eyes at Harry obviously peering into the kitchen. “It’s the afternoon, Harry. Tony’s doing paperwork.”

“Still looking at the menu board.”

“Still hasn’t changed,” Isadore returned. He pushed away from the table and stood. “You are no help. You realize that, right?”

“Never said I was.” Harry said. “Hey, where you going?”

“Just having a chat with the manager of the joint. And you should get to your shop before the comic geeks take the new issues.”

“They wouldn’t—yes, they would. Dammit. Listen, Issie. Relax when it comes to your young man. If it’s meant to be, something will happen.” Harry clapped Isadore’s shoulder before giving the kitchen one last longing look.

“Back at ya, pal.” Isadore smiled at the server at the counter before heading to the office beyond the kitchen. When Isadore and Tony came to Granite, Tara had welcomed them with open arms. She hated daytime and much preferred the stillness and cover of darkness to work. Tony had chosen to be a brownie at puberty rather than a gremlin. He was happy as anything to cook in a perfect kitchen without the responsibility of dealing with people and their need to thank him.

“Anthony! Where you hiding?” Isadore called as he sniffed the air. Rich aromas came from every corner. As long as he stayed away from any preparation station, he was allowed to visit his brother.

“What do you want? I don’t have time for your bullshit today.” Tony popped his dark head out of the office. Inkmarks dotted his cheeks, and his hair was sticking up everywhere. Tony’s attitude rolled off Isadore’s back. His brother was constantly grumpy and hated being interrupted during paperwork time.

Isadore sprawled in the office chair across from Tony’s desk and wrinkled his nose at the amount of receipts and paper on the desk. “I don’t have bullshit. I just wanted to say hi to my favourite brother.”

“Seriously, Is. I can’t right now. The computer is screwing up. Tara needs my order before tomorrow, and I lost sight of what I was doing.” Tony glared at his brother with pale green eyes. They were similar in appearance, with the exception of Tony’s dark brown hair and muscular build. He'd taken to the humans’ desire for honed muscles, where Isadore shuddered at the idea. Tony picked up a sheaf of papers before returning them to the same spot. Isadore sighed and straightened the mess on Tony’s desk.

“How many times have I told you to stop pressing buttons? The machines are delicate beasts and require a soft touch and gentle words of encouragement.” Isadore came around the desk and shoved his brother away from the keyboard. “I wanted to see how you were doing because you usually drop by the table to grumble at me.”

“I was working on my supply order, which is important, and I already dealt with your ‘woe is me’ attitude about that guy you like.” Tony dropped his head back on the office chair. “You said?—”

“Whatever. I also told you to stop clicking everywhere. You have like ten workbooks open.” Isadore wiggled his fingers over the keyboard, using both skills and literal magic to clean up his brother’s chaos. Normally he wouldn’t spell the computer to do certain tasks, however Tony’s snarly frustration with electronics had Isadore tempted.

“No I don’t.” Tony tried to push Isadore away, but Isadore was too stubborn and intent on making his brother’s life easier. He ached to talk about Sebastian with his brother, but Tony was at his limit. Maybe another day and not when they were in the diner.

“Yes, you do. Just let me do this,” Isadore growled. Creating a foolproof Excel file for Tony was the least he could and gave him some control. His emotions toward Sebastian weren’t so easily managed. But one day, he’d learn how to maintain calm.

“You gotta have patience, little brother. If this guy likes you, he’ll figure out something. Just takes time.” Tony squeezed Isadore’s shoulder once before passing him a magically appearing cookie.

CHAPTER 3

Kaz sent Crash a gift

Crash opened gift and received a shiny unicorn.

Crash: Thank you. You didn’t have to. It’s too much. You can’t afford this

Crash: Kaz? How’s it going?

Crash: You haven’t been on in a bit.

Crash: Are you okay?

Sebastian stood in his closet, trying to decide what to wear for work. The week had been long, and all he wanted to do was flop out on the couch and snuggle with Tiger, his big orange tabby. But landlords needed rent, and Tigers required food. Slipping on a pair of dark blue slacks and a button-down shirt with tiny dragons, Sebastian nodded at his mirrored self. The dragons were subtle, allowing him a secret thrill. No one would be able to see what they were unless they stood close.Today was the day. He was going to stop hiding at the library and resume his lunchtime at the diner.

Winter had begun to make its appearance as the air became brisker and the hint of snow threatened. Sebastian grumbled as he squished the black toque over his head and pulled on his thicker gloves. Stepping outside, he shivered and picked up his pace. The cold walk would get his blood moving and warm him up.

Sebastian ducked inside the busy café so he could purchase a Friday treat for his coworkers. Becky was pouring coffee for the dining room guests, and the other morning server, Ren, stood at the cash register, ready to make the to-go coffees for the takeout guests.

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