Page 2 of To Cuddle A Gremlin

“Yes, please. Gosh, that man sure cranks the stories out. He’s so handsome, so pensive. Is your diner friend like this? Have I met him?” Mrs. Wilde stretched to place her books in a well-used canvas bag, her hands shaking as she gripped the spine of a thick hardcover. “I’m sure you’d snag him with that beautiful smile of yours.”

“Do you need any help to your car, Mrs. Wilde?” Sebastian asked, distressed about Mrs. Wilde’s unsteady gait. Her desire to butt into his social life was less important than her safety. Sebastian worried about his older patrons and the slickness of the sidewalks in the early winter. He shifted to go around the circulation desk, but Mrs. Wilde waved him off.

“Don’t concern yourself with me, Sebastian dear. This old girl has been carrying books for many years, and I’ll continue for another hundred.” Mrs. Wilde rested her heavy bag in the crook of her arm and, with careful steps, walked out of the main portion of the bustling library.

“You do have a pretty smile, Sebby.” Sammi snickered. Sebastian considered tweaking one of her many braids, but his action would encourage her, and he didn’t need her subtle pokes.

When the evening librarian arrived to take over the desk, Sebastian dropped his shoulders in relief. The amount of people and cryptids coming in was greater than he expected, and he was desperate for quiet. He enjoyed the cryptid folk, as they were endlessly curious about what the building represented and the stories housed here. Some of the braver shifters asked about adding their books to the library’s collection so everyone would have a story to read. Sebastian’s boss was enthusiastic and agreed. The year after the explosion of light in the neighbouring park had been challenging as humans and cryptids tried to find ways to live side by side without fear or prejudice.

As the sun was setting and the streetlights flickered on, otherworldly beings came out from the shadows. They knew the library was a safe place and visited often. Sebastian smiled at a tall and narrow female with snakeskin as she unwound a scarf. Her sigh of relief was heartfelt. Ontario weather was not a blessing to a lot of the cold-blooded newcomers.

Sebastian tugged his wool toque over his ears and stepped outside. His first moment in the cold dark was interrupted as he bumped into a warm body. Strong hands on his sides steadied him. Sebastian sucked a deep breath of cold air as he pinwheeled and grabbed onto the leather coat of his saviour. The smell of coffee and vanilla wafted over him as Sebastian lifted his gaze and met the piercing blue eyes of Isadore. His happy expression shone through the gloom of the street, causing Sebastian to return a smile. A shadow of stubble graced his jaw, and his dark auburn hair was hidden under a grey toque.

Blinking at the abruptness of Isadore’s arrival, Sebastian fumbled his greeting. “I’m sorry. I didn’t—I mean, hello?”

“Hey, I didn’t mean to run into you.” Isadore’s voice was rough velvet, which sent shivers throughout Sebastian. This visceral reaction was so unusual and raw, Sebastian fumbled.

He opened his mouth and snapped it shut. Words refused to come out. “No, I’m fine. I didn’t see you. I should have been paying attention. It’s no problem.” Talking to Isadore should have been easy. Sebastian had just exited his job. His work personality was still in play. But Isadore holding him and smiling at him was too potent and too near. Nothing had prepared Sebastian for this moment, so his throat locked up, keeping the sentences from forming.

“Shh! It’s okay. I startled you. You don’t need to apologize.” Isadore released Sebastian once he righted himself. Sebastian peeked at Isadore’s beautiful eyes and blushed. “Are you sure you’re alright? You seem a bit off.”

“I’m fine. I’m fine. Peachy keen. Yeah. Anyway, I’ve gotta go. I’m sorry.” Sebastian rolled his shoulders once and skipped to the side, avoiding Isadore’s outstretched hands. His cheeks flamed from his word vomit.

“Hey, man. No worries, eh? I’ll catch you at the café sometime then?” Isadore called and winced as Sebastian tripped over air. “You okay?”

“Yes! Totally! Completely A-OK.” Sebastian waved off Isadore’s help and straightened his coat as though he didn’t just trip over nothing.

Best impression ever. Good job.Sighing, Sebastian ignored the urge to peek behind him and tried not to react to the cough-snort from Isadore.Story of my life. Every person Sebastian ever tried to impress laughed at him at one time or another. Why would Isadore be any different?

His walk home was filled with imaginings of new towns and better jobs. He had his master's in library science. Better places than Granite could use his skills. As long as he didn’t talk to anyone. Maybe in a year or three, he could return to his home and no one would remember who he was. Maybe he’d even learn to not trip on air? That was a pipe dream. To avoid Isadore and his embarrassing faux pas, Sebastian would brown-bag his lunches from now on. He’d save face and money. Totally a win-win situation.

However, he wouldn’t be able to get his fix of Isadore and his wonderful laugh. Which made Sebastian sad. He liked watching Isadore joking with his friends.

Maybe a good night’s sleep would put the world to right and no one would remember his gaffe. Sebastian stepped into his apartment, shocked at how quickly he made it home. His big orange tabby wound himself around Sebastian’s legs, a loving welcome and harsh demand for food. The familiarity calmed Sebastian’s racing thoughts.

Best to put the problem to bed and relax for the rest of the evening. Sebastian would face his problems—or not—in the cold morning light.

CHAPTER 2

Kazmier: You okay? You’re awfully quiet.

Crash: I’m fine. Long day. Just tired.

Kazmier: If you need to talk, I’m willing to lend an ear.

Crash: Thanks.

Kazmier: So, out with it. What happened? You never did a run-by of my farm.

Crash: Think I just want to focus on my own farm. I've got a whack of gachapons and <3

Kazmier: Lucky duck. You got mad skillz. The maddest.

Crash: How do you talk to someone you like?

Kazmier: Carefully? You had an encounter, I’m assuming?

Crash: Well, this person I like dropped by my work.

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