Page 41 of To Cuddle A Gremlin

“What? Tonight? No way, man.” Sebastian’s vehement denial was quick. He reared back and blushed. “I didn’t mean it like that.”

“No worries.” Isadore laughed. Someone had reached their limit. “I’m happy I could show you another aspect of having a boyfriend.”

“I had fun tonight. You’ve been so amazing. And you never gave up,” Sebastian said. Isadore’s heart jumped at the sincerity in Sebastian’s words. “You make me happy and confident.”

“Aww, Sebastian.” Isadore shook his head as he tried to wrestle his emotions into submission. He hadn’t expected Sebastian to be so open now, especially after a vulnerable moment. “You do the same for me. Seriously.”

A loud chirrup from down the hall interrupted their deep conversation. Sebastian perked up and lasered in on the dark space. Another impatient meow beckoned them.

“It’s past my bedtime. Tiger likes it when I’m in bed at a specific time. I don’t have to be sleeping, just under the blankets. Would you like to join me?” Sebastian never met Isadore’s eyes. His hands were clenched on his thighs, as though the question was pulled from his body.

“I think maybe I’ll go home. You’ve had an emotional evening, and having me here will add to your stress. So howabout we meet up at the café tomorrow morning with Charles and Harry?” Isadore had jumped internally at Sebastian’s invitation. However, Sebastian wasn’t comfortable yet. Isadore could read the anxiety in his body language. Sleepovers were a step too far in their relationship. One day though, he’d be there. But not today.

“Sounds good. I’d like to talk to Charles about his part in the show. So, are you okay with leaving? You don’t have to.”

“Bas, love, thank you for a lovely evening.” Isadore stood and grimaced at the cold, wet fabric clinging to his skin. He walked to the front hallway and drew on his coat to hide the stain. Sebastian didn’t need any more pressure.

Sebastian followed him to the door and passed him a hat and mitts. His hair was tousled, and his full lips were bruised and delicious-looking. Isadore had done that. He had debauched Sebastian, and it was glorious.

“So… does this mean we’re boyfriends or partners or whatever?” Sebastian asked, his cheeks blazing a bright pink.

Isadore blinked at the question. He hadn’t thought about terms and definitions. Their relationship was special, and he hadn’t wanted to label it in case Sebastian needed a bit more time. For gremlins and their family, mates were decided when that first spark appeared. “I would call us that. If that makes you happy.”

“I’d like that. That sounds great. Thank you.” Sebastian tugged on his ear, but his smile, while small, was bashful and blissful. This was what he wanted. Isadore hadn’t coerced him. Gods, he was a hero.

“So tomorrow at the café?” Isadore asked brightly, proudly. Nothing could dim his joy now.

Isadore gave into the urge and snaked his arms around Sebastian’s neck and pulled him close for one more kiss. He longed to sleep with the taste of Sebastian in his mouth.Sebastian sighed as he sank into Isadore’s embrace, his fingers holding tight to the sleeve of his coat. “See you tomorrow.”

“Okay.”

CHAPTER 17

Crash: You’re Isadore?

Kazmier: Yes? Is that okay? I didn’t figure it out 'til recently.

Crash: I guess. I’m not sure what to do with this information.

Kazmier: Treat me as you always did. I’m the same person.

Crash: Stop buying me stuff then. It’s not necessary.

Kazmier: That’s definitely not gonna happen.

Crash: Why not?

Kazmier: Because it makes me happy to see you happy.

Crash: Dammit. I am not fond of this information.

Sebastian woke up in the morning with a fat cat on his chest purring away. Tiger had forgiven Sebastian once Isadore left. Last night’s revelations had been shocking in a good way. Never had he expected sex to be pleasurable or have a partner who’d agree to his terms. He hoped everything would remain the same when he went to have breakfast with Isadore and his friends. God, he’d die if Isadore lied about anything. No, Isadore wouldn’t lie to him. He'd admitted he was Kazmier in the game when he didn’t have to. That was a show of honesty. That message startled him when it arrived an hour after Isadore left the previous night.

Sebastian had matured as well. When Isadore replaced Charles at their date, Sebastian didn’t have a meltdown, like he thought. The sensation he'd experienced was joy and relief. Not that he didn’t like Charles. He was a great guy. He just wasn’t Isadore. This epiphany had Sebastian inviting Isadore over and falling into his arms.

Isadore’s kindness in leaving Sebastian’s place was unexpected. When Sebastian was alone, he did a quick cleanup on his house and sat on the couch, processing everything. It was like he had told Isadore. Physical intimacy had always been a stumbling block because he didn’t understand the need.

His phone made a twinkling noise, letting him know a text had been received. Grabbing it from the bedside table without disturbing Tiger was easy. The lump was content to stay where he was until Sebastian made the motion to get out of bed.

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