Page 22 of To Cuddle A Gremlin

Crash: I’m not that interesting.

Kazmier: Aww, come on. Talk to me. Talk to me like I’m one of your French people.

Crash: Please don’t quote Titanic. You are no Leonardo DiCaprio.

Kazmier: You ruin all my fun. So what’s your favourite thing to do? Like outside this game?

Crash: Hang out with my cat. Low-key stuff.

Isadore pondered the screen. The niggling he had earlier about who Crash was had blown up into something more tangible. He needed a bit more proof before he could declare his hypothesis a success. But now, Crash was being cagey, and Isadore didn’t like it.

“They need people to help hang up the festive frippery. I suggested you could connect the wireless to the internet. That’s what your job is, isn’t it?” Tony asked as he came over to Isadore’s table, holding a mug of something steaming that smelled delicious. “Apparently this light show is a big deal.”

“They’re trying to take back what the bastard demon did a few years ago,” Isadore explained. “Are you going to give me the drink or stand there and torture me?”

“Depends on how you answer, of course. What’s got you all in a huff? I thought you’d be in a good mood cause you walked your loverboy home.”

“You’re being an ass,” Isadore growled. He made grabby hands for the drink and sniffed the rich, minty scent. Best part of this human world was the new flavours. Never in his burrow would he expect such taste combinations. “I told Adam I’d help them. So you didn’t need to ask.”

“See, I didn’t know that.” Tony hovered for a moment before sliding into the seat across from Isadore. “Why are you grumbly? I thought your courtship was going well.”

“It has nothing to do with Sebastian. He’s fine. I walked him home and at the moment he’s planning our date. This is something else.” Isadore wrinkled his nose. Sharing anything about what Isadore enjoyed with Tony was useless. He didn’t like technology and was up front about certain things. He’d expect Isadore to be the same way.

“I’m not a complete asshole. Talk to me. You used to tell me about your day.” Tony leaned forward and laced his fingers together. His posture told Isadore he was willing to listen. Nowwas not the time to accuse him of being dismissive of Isadore’s interests.

“There’s this person?—“

“So you’re dangling two people at once. Geez, Izzy, that’s gross?—“

“Dammit, Tony. I am trying to share, like you wanted. And what I was going to say is I have a sneaky suspicion that the online guy and Sebastian might be the same. So what do I do? How do I find out?” Isadore pulled on his hair, trying to keep his frustration level low.

“Oh. Oh, wow. That’s not. Hmm.” Tony scowled in contemplation. “I think if you were to confront either one, then you might hurt them.”

“Right? And I absolutely will not embarrass them. But I don’t want to bait him and make him feel awful that I discovered the truth.” Isadore sighed. “Why is courting humans so damn hard?”

“This is why we don’t play games. Just go back to the burrow and find a mate the traditional way. There’s a bunch of fairies who’d jump at the chance to be with you,” Tony reassured him, which didn’t help because Isadore wanted Sebastian, only Sebastian. He hoped one day Sebastian would overcome his anxiety and be with him as well. Their few interactions together showed Isadore that Sebastian was opening up, becoming comfortable in Isadore’s presence.

“You’re no help. The families back home don’t want to explore this realm. They are content to be trapped inside the icy burrows. They have no desire to see how we’ve adapted. I’m honestly surprised you left with your staid stick-in-the-mud ways.” Isadore poked back. This was not what he wanted to do. He wasn’t supposed to argue with his brother. He promised himself he wouldn’t. “Anyway. That’s where I’m at.”

Tony pursed his lips. “Okay, fine. That’s a shitty situation. The thing I can suggest is to drop massive hints. Be obvious. He might realize what you’re trying to get at. Though, you’d think?—“

“Fucking hell, Anthony.” Isadore stood up, annoyed at his brother and the situation. Obviously, Tony wasn’t going to be of any use, and Isadore was a fool to believe he would offer something positive. “I’m going home. I’ll see you whenever.”

Sitting in his small basement apartment attached to one of the houses purchased for any cryptids to use, Isadore contemplated the video game he supposed Sebastian also played. He didn’t start the game. Chatting with Crash while he was feeling so out of sorts would wash him in unwanted emotions. Isadore was spontaneous, and he had this feeling he’d confront Crash without considering the consequences. He’d already seen what had been done to Sebastian. He’d curl up and become an impenetrable fortress.

Tony was useless as older brothers were. Harry had hearts in his eyes and would want to be around for front row seats. Isadore had a feeling Harry imagined a romantic come-together moment between him and Tony as opposed to what Isadore expected to happen. Gods, he hoped he wasn’t behaving like Harry in regards to him and Sebastian. He had to be more mature about relationships.

Pulling out his phone instead, Isadore opened a text window and shared a library meme with Sebastian. Isadore hoped his gambit paid off. Start subtle and see where everything went.

Sebastian: That’s adorable. And so very true.

Isadore: Right? I thought of you and had to send it. How’s your night going?

Sebastian: Pretty good. I’m just watching some movies at the moment. Trying to figure out what to do for our date.

Isadore: No pressure. Absolutely no pressure. Whatever you decide will be fun. I’ve enjoyed every single one of our outings.

Sebastian: …

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