Page 38 of To Cuddle A Gremlin

“Isadore.” The chiding tone was delightful. “Why didn’t you say something?”

“Because being with you is so much more important than my leg. It’ll heal… eventually, but being with you, laughing with you, I can’t ever get that back.” Honesty was important. Explaining to Sebastian why he’d suffer in the cold to be with him required a bit of finagling. Sebastian’s desire to not cause waves was a challenge, but Isadore could help him. “Tell me about Tiger.”

The ride up to Sebastian’s floor was filled with stories about Tiger and his need to create nests in every room. Isadore was giggling by the time they got to Sebastian’s door. Loud meows could be heard in the hallway as they approached.

“He’s very bossy. His food bowl probably has a bare spot in it,” Sebastian explained. He fumbled with the lock before peeking at Isadore. “The key gets stuck.”

“I'm fine. No rush.” His words released the tumblers, and the door opened. “Oh hey, magic.”

“Was that you? I’ve never actually seen you do things as a gremlin.” Sebastian used his foot to block Tiger’s attempt at escaping. The action was so smooth, Isadore almost missed it.

“I have grey skin and pointy ears. I work with solving computer problems. That’s pretty much it.” Isadore shrugged. Being a gremlin was the least interesting part of his life.

“Huh, if you say so. But Bale is a full-on demon, Hawk is a Mothman, and then there are dragons and vampires. And you’rehappy being a gremlin?” Sebastian shook his head as he led the way into his home. A brown fabric couch dominated the room with a small kitchen off to the one side and a bedroom on the opposite. Books and blankets covered every available surface. This was Sebastian.

“I’ve never wished to be a hero or to be the centre of anyone’s attention. To be happy here, I only needed to sort of fit in, and that’s what I did.”

Sebastian hummed in agreement before disappearing into the kitchen. “You can be yourself if you want. You don’t have to act like a human around me.”

Isadore sat on the couch and stroked the velvety fabric. Sebastian’s words were heartfelt and seemed to be deeply personal.

Minutes later, Sebastian came out of the kitchen with two glasses of wine and a small tray of cheese and crackers. Tiger could be heard in the kitchen chewing on his dinner and making squeaky sounds. “I hope you don’t mind me assuming, but I thought this would be nice for a little post-show snack.”

“I am all for snacks and drinks. Never worry about that. You feed me, and I will be your love slave.” Isadore waggled his eyebrows and grinned as Sebastian shook his head. After Sebastian settled down beside Isadore on the couch, Isadore leaned over and brushed a light kiss on Sebastian’s mouth. “Thank you for your thoughtful acts. You are a sweetheart.”

“Do you need anything else? Tylenol or a pillow?” Sebastian made an attempt to get up once more, but Isadore used his incredible strength to keep him in place. “Am I being too much?”

“I realize you’re nervous, but you don’t have to be. Tell me about your time with Charles. Was it everything you expected?” Isadore grabbed his wine and crackers before lounging. The slight blush on Sebastian’s face was delightful. “Ohh, something happened. Share with the room.”

“Are you like this with Charles and Harry? It feels gossipy.” Sebastian picked at the fabric on his couch before continuing. “He’s a great guy. I hope he finds a person that treats him as well as you treat me.”

“He had someone in mind?” News to Isadore. Charles had never said anything about dating or the like. Isadore had assumed love wasn’t in the cards. “Did he mention a name?”

“Uh, no. No names, just someone from the theatre group. I think his crush may be a cryptid too? He didn’t tell you?” Sebastian cocked his head to the side. It was adorable. But then everything Sebastian did when he was relaxed was sweet and perfect. Stars, Isadore had it bad. “What is it? Do I have something in my teeth?”

“No, it just dawned on me that I really, really like you. These dates, these times I get to spend with you, are the happiest in my life,” Isadore stated. The blush brightened on Sebastian’s face as he tried to look everywhere but at Isadore.

“You have low standards.”

“No. I know a good guy when I see one. And you, my dear, are one of the best.” Isadore kissed the back of Sebastian’s hand. “You bravely went on a date with a stranger and–”

“Had my date switch midway through because of this guy who’s a bit of an odd duck. No warning…nothing.” Sebastian slashed the air. “But the show was so much fun. I enjoyed both acts a lot. I need to do this more often.”

"You had to find the right people to do this. So the timing wasn’t correct until now.” Isadore caressed Sebastian’s cheek with a shaky hand. He'd given the positive experience to Sebastian, which had caused a light switch to flip on in Sebastian’s soul. He smiled more. He was more relaxed. “Do you forgive yourself for not breaking my leg?”

Sebastian stared at the limb in question. Silence reigned as he considered. Isadore worried this might have been too soon toopen that wound. “I guess? I still feel bad. I shouldn’t have taken you?—“

“So not a curse?” Isadore interrupted the damaging tirade. They weren’t going to tread that ground again.

“No, not a curse.”

Isadore flung himself into Sebastian’s arms and pushed him to the couch’s seat. He smiled triumphantly at Sebastian with his gobsmacked look.

“What the hell, Isadore?”

“Couldn’t help myself. You admitted—finally—that you’re not cursed, and now I want to celebrate.” Isadore peppered soft kisses over Sebastian’s face, ignoring how he was sitting on Sebastian’s lap. His ass rested comfortably over Sebastian’s groin, and the press of his cock was delicious. Sebastian’s expression was doubtful. He wasn’t on the same plane as Isadore. To get him there would require a bit of finesse and understanding. Some people weren’t interested in physicality, which Sebastian had to discover for himself. That was okay. Isadore could work with helping Sebastian find his place.

“You have this look on your face.” Sebastian brushed a hand over Isadore’s mouth. “It’s like you’re hungry.”

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