Page 28 of To Cuddle A Gremlin

“What was that? I didn’t catch what you said.” Sebastian spun around, pushing Isadore toward the snowy bushes.

“Nothing! Just a silly rhyme, like we’ve got things to do or whatever.”

“Nah, it wasn’t that. It was… it was…” Sebastian huffed before starting up again. His feet were steady on the slick ground. If anyone was a cryptid, Sebastian was with his practical prancing along the trail. “I can handle snide comments, you know. If you said something sarcastic or worse. I’m not fragile.”

“Sebastian, I would never insult you on purpose. My comments might be unruly, a bit uncouth, and possibly a bit untoward, but never cruel.” Sebastian’s sensitivity toward words was a challenge, and Isadore did his best not to poke the bruises left by previous friends. As much as he was a sarcastic fiend, he’d never turn his harsh tongue on Sebastian. “I might have been a bit coarse.”

“Promise?” Sebastian held out a hand with his finger up. Isadore studied the finger before imitating the gesture, unsure of the meaning but hooking his own pinkie with Sebastian’s.

“Always and forever, sweets. Can we move? I’ve started losing feeling in one of my favourite body parts.” Isadore bounced on his toes, trying to stay warm. The day had started out nice, but now it was like an ice cloud descended, stealing the bright sun and warmth.

“Isadore! You could have said something.” Sebastian rolled his eyes and led them deeper within the woods. Rocky outcrops replaced the bushes as pines tried vainly to grow with little dirt. The distant roar of water became louder. He was intrigued and a bit unnerved. The sound was scary, but there was no way Sebastian would lead him to a dangerous location. Though Sebastian was a safety-conscious person, Isadore hoped he could throw some caution to the wind. Isadore liked the challenge of the unknown.

CHAPTER 13

Crash: Kaz? I need to talk. I think I did something and now I can’t take it back.

Crash: Kaz? It’s been a few days. Are you okay?

Crash: …

Sebastian led the way through the snow-muffled woods. Occasionally, a dusting of snow fell from the trees onto their heads. The shock of sudden cold added to the atmosphere. As the tension from the work week and fear of Isadore’s opinion unravelled, the knots in his back dissipated. His breathing evened out with every step, and he could lift his head to the sky and take a deep, clearing breath. Their conversation dwindled until all he heard was chattering chickadees and angry squirrels. Every once in a while, Sebastian cautioned Isadore about a slippery rock. Any other person would get annoyed, but not Isadore. He thanked Sebastian as he followed Sebastian’s suggestions. Isadore’s acceptance of Sebastian’s warnings opened Sebastian’s eyes to the dangers of toxic friends and family. God, when had he become such adoormat? Things had to change, and it appeared Isadore would be with him every step of his journey.

Pausing at the bottom of an incline, Sebastian cocked his head to smile at the sound of water. Soon, they’d be at his favourite spot. “The falls are up this way, a few more minutes. It’s going to be a bit slick as you go up, so watch your step.”

“I can see the incline, Sebastian. You don’t need to tell me every time,” Isadore snapped. Sebastian flushed with embarrassment. He struggled to nod and try to get over the rock and roots. However, Isadore caught his hand and stopped his ascent. “I like you taking care of me. It’s sweet and adorable. I’m just… well, I’m enjoying our path to something more.”

Sebastian kept his mouth closed and agreed with Isadore. Isadore had growled at him. Of course, he was annoying. Isadore had the grace to smile it off and not tell Sebastian. He’d keep his warnings to himself. Isadore was a grown man. He could navigate the climb as well as Sebastian. All Sebastian had to do was place his feet carefully and pray that Isadore would copy him.

Waite’s Falls roared louder with every step. Sebastian itched to run and take in the sight. Seeing the water always restored his equilibrium, and today’s hike was supposed to be his answer. He loved the rush and sweeping away of his emotions. This was nature. This was perfect. Stepping on to the first flat surface, he approached the viewing platform to soak in the view of the ice-covered water. Isadore lumbered behind him, his breathing uneven from the unfamiliar terrain.

“Dude, you have the energy of a rabbit. How the hell did you get up here so fast?” Isadore bent over, his hands on his knees as he caught his breath. Straightening up, he flung his head back, his toque falling to the ground. Strands of hair escaped hisbraid and framed his face beautifully. Sebastian swallowed hard and crossed an arm across his body, unsure of himself and even Isadore. “This is amazing. Thank you for sharing.”

Sebastian led him to the viewing platform and leaned against the railing, basking in the icy mist. Isadore snuggled in and slid his arm through Sebastian’s, holding him close. Was this a moment? Could Sebastian rest on Isadore and not get yelled at? Taking a chance, he laid his head against Isadore’s and relaxed. The power of the water, the significance of being here with Isadore, and nature in general erased the anxiety building up and turned off the noise. Standing with Isadore beside him and listening to the sighs, Sebastian accepted he was just as comforting to Isadore as Isadore was to him. When people threw out insults in the past, their words had nothing to do with him but everything to do with them. People enjoyed his presence. They wanted to be with him, and they accepted his quirks.

Isadore dropped his arm and wrestled with his pockets, his face contorting with puzzlement and confusion. After a minute of worry, Isadore whipped out his phone. With a waggle of his eyebrows, he pulled Sebastian close, nipping his ear, and when Sebastian turned his head in admonishment, he stole a kiss. The shutter of the camera clicked as their lips met. Grinning at his deviousness, Isadore pressed another kiss near the edge of Sebastian’s toque. “A perfect picture for our perfect day.”

“You’re so odd,” Sebastian grumbled, tugging his hat over his ears. Sebastian brushed the frost off the guardrail and crossed his arms, trying to hide his embarrassed pleasure.

“I think you’re irresistible and sweet.” Isadore stepped close behind Sebastian and rested his chin on his shoulder. “You underestimate how kind and good you are.”

“As you might have noticed, I am resistible. Other people have managed to be repelled by my charms quite well.” Sebastian grouched as he stared at the icy falls. The mistgathered, causing a chill to settle over them. Shivering, he curled his shoulders in, bringing Isadore closer to him.

Isadore hissed at Sebastian’s movements. “Okay, darling, unless you want to get more closely acquainted, you gotta stop moving.”

“Why?” Sebastian turned to face Isadore and gasped as his front grazed Isadore’s. “Oh.Oh!”

“Exactly. You turn me on.” Isadore pulled Sebastian tighter into his embrace and stared hard into his eyes. The cool grey of his skin highlighted the green flecks in his eyes, drawing Sebastian in. “Those people who tossed you aside knew you were waiting for me to find you and tell you, you’re perfect just as you are.”

“Oh, come on.” Sebastian tried to pull off sarcasm, but a catch in his throat caught him by surprise. He gazed at the foamy icy pool and blew out the air. “You…you made my day. Thank you.”

“Thank you for sharing your favourite spot with me.” Isadore rested his head against Sebastian’s and sighed. They watched the mesmerizing view until their toes turned to blocks of ice and their stomachs began to growl.

“I brought some snacks, like a light lunch. If you want some?”

“My excellently prepared hero.” Isadore patted Sebastian’s ass, shocking Sebastian with his familiarity, before sitting at the slick bench on the opposite side of the viewing platform. Sebastian grimaced at the damp before pulling out a fluffy towel from his pack and wiping the seat down. Isadore peered at the loaded pack with interest. “What tasty treats will sate our hunger?”

“Well, I packed something that travelled well. It’s just plain, boring–You know what? We don’t have to eat this crap. I’m sure there’s something–”

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