Page 25 of To Cuddle A Gremlin

“What you have planned will be a lot better because you’re the one who’s putting thought into it. I trust you to know what the heck will give you the most joy. And I am a firm believer of what makes you happy will make me happy.”

Isadore’s reassuring words soothed some of the spikes of anxiety, which had become jagged after talking to Sammi and his patrons. Of course, Isadore would understand. He’d been there when Sebastian had fallen apart, and he was still ready to catch Sebastian. How had Sebastian managed to catch this awesome guy? His heart swelled with this unthinkable emotion, and he longed to laugh with buoyant joy.

“Well, I hope you enjoy what I have planned, but I don’t expect you to be over the moon.” Sebastian hedged. The sidewalk was a bit slick, so he held tight to Isadore.

“Sebastian…” Isadore’s exasperation echoed through the gloom of evening, but hiking wasn’t everyone’s favourite thing, and Sebastian accepted that. However, he had to show Isadore this side of himself.

“I’m not trying to put myself down. Seriously,” Sebastian insisted. “Physical activities aren’t typical date material from what everyone’s been telling me…”

“I will like it. I promise. Tell me about this date of yours. What’s on the agenda?”

“Hiking?” Sebastian lifted his hands. He hadn’t thought about what to do once they arrived at the trailhead. He knewwhich trail he wanted to use and the surprise at the end. But he hadn’t expanded beyond Waite’s Falls because of the negative reactions from everyone else.

“Which will be delightful, I imagine. What makes the area so special?” Isadore slowed their walk, his hand lingering on top of Sebastian’s. The soft encouragement was enough to launch Sebastian into sharing the many inspiring details about Waite’s Falls.

As they approached Sebastian’s apartment building, he realized he had been leading the conversation. Isadore had been attentive, and for the first time, he’d been comfortable chatting. Was it possible this was one of those changes he’d heard about? Maybe he wasn’t as cursed as he thought.

That right there was the biggest epiphany he’d ever been hit with.

“You have this look on your face. Share.” Isadore pulled them to stop and tipped his head to the side.

“You’re a really great guy.” The words were less than what Sebastian wanted to say, but he was overcome with disbelief. “You let me talk.”

“Yeah, and? I like listening to you chat, and what you said fascinated me.”

“It’s just… people never mean that when they spend time with me.”

“I was going to say something trite about hanging out with the wrong crowd, but that’s not what I mean. You’ve made me so curious to know what the Falls looks like. You’ve described it beautifully.” Isadore smiled.

“I’m thrilled you want to see it as well.” Sebastian relaxed.

He was good, and this was good. Finally, things might be looking up.

CHAPTER 12

Isadore hadn’t realized how out of sorts Sebastian had been or how much he’d been holding himself back until Isadore asked him about their date. The man blossomed before his eyes. A fountain of joy and knowledge exploded before him.

What had happened to Sebastian that a simple question or listening ear lit him up? He thought he could be mischievous and tease Sebastian about their outing, but seeing Sebastian expound on his choice changed his mind. Isadore would do whatever he could to keep Sebastian animated.

“I am so excited to do this with you. We’re gonna have the best day ever.” Isadore pushed up on his toes and brushed his lips against Sebastian’s soft ones. His quick intake of air gave Isadore the boost he needed. “You are so fucking sweet, I can’t even.”

“Oh, stop.” Sebastian huffed before glancing at the apartment door. Isadore had discovered this tic whenever Sebastian became too overwhelmed. He began looking for a way out of a situation. Isadore hoped Sebastian would become comfortable enough with him that escape would be the furthest from his mind. Sebastian’s trust would come with time, but Isadore was impatient.

“Never!” Isadore looped his arms around Sebastian’s neck and kicked his leg out. “If I can get you to smile or talk with me, I will do whatever I need to continue seeing your happy face.”

“You’re so odd.” Sebastian kissed him on the mouth before stepping backward near the building. Isadore remained as still as possible, thrilled to have received a bit of affection from Sebastian. He didn’t know what prompted Sebastian to kiss him, but he wasn’t going to question it either. “I have a cat.”

“And he needs to be fed. I get it.” Isadore sighed. Keeping himself from Sebastian was hard, but this was Sebastian’s show, and he’d already made the move to retreat. “I will see you tomorrow then.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“Yes, Sebastian. Best part of my day is seeing you light up, and I will walk you home again. I will continue to do so until it becomes second nature. And even then…”

“If you have other things to do, you don’t have to.” Sebastian waved Isadore off.

“Uh huh. Listen to me, Sebastian. Get this through your head. I like you. I want to hang out with you. So you’re stuck with me. Unless something terrible happens, I will be waiting for you outside the library or I will let you know.”

Isadore hoped this continued push and pull would stop. The prickles surrounding Sebastian were fading. Only once in a while did Sebastian’s instinct to protect himself come to the fore.

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