Page 14 of To Cuddle A Gremlin

“Hey, now you’re being cruel. I am trying, okay? Anyway, I found someone else who might be better. He’s on this gaming forum, and he’s decent.” Harry scowled. Ribbing Harry about his all-consuming crush on Tony was automatic. Harry was humanand had fallen for Tony the minute he had stepped through to the Granite side of the dimensional portal. Tony, on the other hand, was adamant about not having anything to do with Harry. Isadore hadn’t been able to pick apart Tony’s reasons. Someday, he’d figure it out. “Anyway, why aren’t we bothering Chuck? Have you noticed his secret smiles when the phone toodles?”

“Don’t bring me into this. I offered my advice. You leave your love interests alone, and maybe, possibly, they’ll return your affection,” Charles lectured, eying both Isadore and Harry. “Honestly, though, Iz, he’s out of his element when he visits, but he comes for you. Let him show you what he wants. Let him lead you, alright?”

“Yeah, I got that impression as well.” Isadore sighed before dropping his head back on the chair. “So, what’s the game here?”

“Which game? The one we’re planning or the one you are?” Harry blinked innocent eyes at Isadore. “Because I need more of a lead-in than what you’re asking.”

“Fuck off, Harry. I’m talking about yours.” Isadore waited a beat before speaking. “Have you made any progress with your forum friend?”

“Not sure. He runs so hot and cold. Always asks me about dick pics and such.” Harry scratched a mark on his document before continuing. “But then he gets on these epic long rants about shipping characters from comics or movies.”

“Don’t be a snob now, Harry. People are allowed to like who they like,” Charles chastised, not even looking up from his task.

“But, Charles, he was telling me things, awful, awful things,” Harry whined, leaning forward. Isadore rolled his eyes and sipped his coffee. He half-listened to Harry complain about his friend while contemplating the best way to woo and win Sebastian, his pretty librarian.

Isadore’s will broke after two days. He had given Sebastian space long enough. As much as he wanted to be a fly on the wall of the library or even Sebastian’s home, Isadore respected Sebastian’s wishes. Of course, it helped that Adam at the Cryptid Centre needed a shit ton of work done on their website and social media presence. That was neither here nor there. Now was about Sebastian. Isadore gazed into the warm library and strengthened his resolve. He liked the idea of being outside until Sebastian left his post. It was his schtick. Sebastian made such fun, soft noises, though if Isadore waiting in the cold truly freaked Sebastian, Isadore would stop.

Shifting on his feet, because holy fuck it was cold, Isadore killed time with the farming adventure game he had discovered. Someone on the same server reminded him so much of home and peace. He had memorized when Crash logged in and tried to be on whenever Crash was. Keeping an eye on the door to the library, Isadore spent some real money on the game and gifted his friend an animal he had missed out on during a previous event. Of course, Crash would complain, but he’d forgive Isadore. All Isadore had to offer was a little sweet talk and distractions. What was it about Crash that made him giddy? Isadore bit his lip. These feelings toward Crash were similar to what Sebastian did to him, but there was no way they could be the same person. What would happen if his instincts were wrong? Could he give up either one? God, what a mess.

Isadore shook his head and smiled brightly as the library door slid open. Sebastian was buried deep in a soft grey scarf, and his hat was pulled down over his ears. His attention wasn’t on the street before him but his bulky crossbody bag. Isadore witnessed the exact moment Sebastian noticed him. His movements slowed, and his eyes became big and excited behind the black frames. Soon, the bright emotions were shuttered behind stoicism and worry.

“Hey, Sebastian. I was wondering if I could join you for a walk?”

“Shit. Isadore. You came? Why?” Sebastian stammered. He glanced at the library before looking at Isadore. “You do realize the library is open to the public and is much warmer than standing out in the dark and cold?”

“Crossed my mind, however, hanging around outside for you is so much more entertaining,” Isadore answered, bouncing on his toes. “I like catching you unawares.”

“But it’s freezing out. How is it fun waiting and getting frostbite?” Sebastian asked. His scowl was endearing as well as his desire to keep Isadore safe. The concern melted some of Isadore’s cheekiness.

“Sweets, it just is.” The endearment slipped out. “Anyway, I wanted to give you space, and now I have to make sure you’re okay. You had a terrible day, and I should have walked you home. I am sorry.”

“It was–I was… Everything was more gross than painful,” Sebastian admitted, ducking away from Isadore.

“It looked uncomfortable. But you could have been burnt or cut. And I just let you go.” Isadore ignored the human societal rules and grabbed Sebastian’s hand. He tugged on him until Sebastian was glaring at him. “I should have stayed with you.”

“It wasn’t your fault. I told you no.” Sebastian huffed in frustration. His expression was so put-upon that Isadore leaned forward and bussed Sebastian’s cool lips. The touch was lighter than a feather, but the taste exploded within Isadore. His heart thumped wildly, and Isadore knew with one gentle kiss Sebastian was more than anything he had ever expected. As he pulled back, Sebastian’s eyes were bigger and darker than ever.

“Why–you–why you kissed me!” His stammer was more pronounced, and his cheeks had grown to a deeper shade of pink.

“I couldn’t help myself. I am so sorry, but you deserved something good,” Isadore confessed. “I won’t do it again. I promise. At least not until I have your permission.”

“No! That’s not it.” Sebastian twisted away before facing Isadore once more. “It’s embarrassing. I haven’t prepared or anything.”

“You think me kissing you is embarrassing?” Isadore had no idea where Sebastian’s train of thought was taking him. “I thought… well, I hoped it would lighten the mood. I’m sorry.”

“No! Please don’t apologize. I didn’t mean it that way. I never expected I’d be the type of person who someone would kiss to help.” Sebastian sighed. “This is why I don’t talk to anyone.”

“Don’t say that. I like listening to you. We’ve caught each other at a bad time, and we don’t know each other quite yet. So trying to find good things to chat about is hard. Please don’t give up.”

“I won’t. However, I need you to understand I will be okay if you don’t–”

Isadore, not wanting to press his advantage, set his gloved finger against Sebastian’s mouth.

Sebastian scowled and spat at Isadore. “Eww, gross. Now I have the taste of wool glove in my mouth.”

“Oops. I’m sorry. Won’t do that again with wool gloves.” Isadore shoved his hands into his coat’s deep pockets. “I was wondering if you’d like to have another attempt at a first date?”

“Like now?” Sebastian’s nose wrinkled. “I can’t. It’s kinda late, and my cat’ll want his dinner. And I need time to prepare.”

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