Page 21 of To Cuddle A Gremlin

“I’m sorry. I was awful. I don’t know why I thought such terrible things. I should–”

“Stop. Take a deep breath and relax. Still not insulting you or berating you.”

“Right.” Sebastian braced himself for the next volley. He could sense the incoming disappointment.

“So, instead of having our next date be the Light Up night, how ‘bout you plan something you know you’ll enjoy and we do that?” Isadore suggested. “The articles you see online or hear others talking about aren't what you and I want. Those concepts don't fit our beliefs or thought patterns. As a gremlin I get confused with human conceptions. The rules and societal etiquette are baffling. Everything is a dance or mating ritual for a specific set of people. Not everyone is built the same. I vote we do what makes us happy. What gives us joy. So tell me, show me in date form, what gives you the best feeling?”

Sebastian tugged off his toque and crumpled the soft wool in his hands. The silence was deafening, but Isadore’s words required his deepest thoughts, and because of that, Sebastian couldn’t rush into anything. “Can I get back to you?”

Isadore blinked. He tipped his chin up and gave Sebastian a thorough look before nodding. “If you need time to think, I can wait.”

“Really?” Sebastian had expected Isadore to be angry at Sebastian’s choice. His acquiescence was a bit of a shock. He didn’t know how to react or what to say.

“Really. I want this to work too. So I will help you find your path. I’m not going to jump down your throat because you need a minute.” Isadore shuffled closer to Sebastian on the bench and rested his head against Sebastian’s. The touch was featherlight but still gave Sebastian a sensation of permanence.

“That’s pretty decent. I can handle this then.” Sebastian relaxed as a whole new world opened up. Sitting with Isadore with their heads touching was almost intoxicating. No pressureor expectation hung over him. He could be himself and not get in trouble. How was this dream possible?

A phone buzzed, interrupting their quiet time. Isadore jumped a mile before blushing. He pulled the device out of his pocket and stared at the message. “Emergency from Harry. Something happened to his point of sale. So will you text me and tell me what works for you?”

“Of course.” Sebastian wiped a hand across his eyes. The grittiness from the day and emotional whatsit from now made them ache. “Sooner rather than later.”

“Exactly. Remember, no pressure. Just us.” Isadore stood and stretched. “Now off to fix Harry’s problem. Gah.”

Sebastian got to his feet and closed his eyes. Now it was make or break. He liked Isadore. He liked the physical affection Isadore doled out. He wanted to be a part of their relationship as well, to show Isadore it wasn’t all one-sided, even if Sebastian was a bit wishy-washy with his words. He touched Isadore’s shoulder and leaned down. The height difference appeared greater now. Isadore’s eyes were as warm as always, and he was ready to tilt his chin up for whatever Sebastian had planned. How he understood Sebastian was a mystery Sebastian hoped he’d never solve. It gave him shivers, good ones.

The soft brush of their lips was a delight. The swirl of joy was just as perfect as the first time Isadore kissed him. Sebastian had always assumed kissing was a hoax made to get people to procreate. Isadore used his skills to allow Sebastian to enjoy the moment. Sebastian was wrong. The feelings were real. The kiss gave Sebastian an effervescent joy. Their kiss together was what they created and sent his soul singing. He pressed harder, feeling the chilled skin, and the dichotomy between heated breath and cool lips caused him to moan. Sebastian winced at the breathiness of his voice. He was meant to be a sophisticated guy, and to make that sound was embarrassing. Somehowthough, Isadore sank into his embrace, clutching at Sebastian’s forearms. Was this really happening? Sebastian’s mind spun with confusion and bliss.

Gasping, Sebastian lifted his head and gave himself a quick shake. “I didn’t mean… That was so rude of me.”

“No, don’t be taking away my kiss. I need the memory to sustain me.” Isadore licked his lips and hummed appreciatively. “I knew you had it in you.”

“Really? I liked it, but I thought…” Sebastian stopped. This was what Isadore had meant when he said Sebastian put himself down too often. “You’re a good kisser.”

“Thank you. You are too. Remember, this isn’t a race. There aren’t any rules, so don’t do anything you think I would like because the books say so. I want whatyourheart longs for.”

Isadore’s fierce assurances hit Sebastian hard. He hadn’t meant to kiss Isadore because of some societal norms or what other people said. But the way Isadore emphasized the words, he understood he’d been following a script, though he still swore fate was blocking him from having a perfect date.

“You’re right. I just… I don’t know what I’m doing. Everything’s been all so unreal.” Sebastian sucked in air and went for broke. This moment called for honesty, and Isadore hadn’t bailed on him yet. “No one has ever done this. With me.”

Isadore swore. “Goddamnit. I have to help Harry, and I don’t want to. I’d love to finish this conversation, Sebastian. Because you deserve goodness and happy memories. I will give them to you… just not now. Fuck.”

Sebastian smiled, though his muscles refused to act natural. “I get it. You’re a good friend. Harry’s lucky to have someone like you in his corner.”

“And you have me too. There’s plenty of me to go around.” Isadore spread his arms out and spun, encompassing the wholeapartment lobby. “Don’t ever worry no one’s got your back. I do and will.”

“I appreciate your kindness,” Sebastian said by rote. He had friends, but they weren’t like Isadore. Sammi would always be there for him, true. But she didn’t… she had her own agenda. He never understood where he stood in her plans, but Isadore was true to his word. “Would you like to go on a date?”

One of the brightest smiles Sebastian had ever seen lit up Isadore’s face. The pale grey of his skin brightened to a silver while his long, pointed ears wiggled happily. “Of course. Send me the deets as soon as you decide. Tell you what. Text me whenever you want.Whenever.”

Dear God, what did Sebastian do? He'd made a date. He'd done the most random thrown-out thing in his life, and he was pretty damn excited.

CHAPTER 10

Kazmier: So tell me about yourself outside this game.

Crash: Why?

Kazmier: Cuz I'm bored and do mass production. Everyone else is so focused on their own stuff.

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