Page 43 of To Cuddle A Gremlin

“But I caused this one,” Sebastian whispered back. His stomach was in knots at the discovery.

“No. You did not. Harry took advantage of a weakness, and we’re trying to cure him of the habit. So, please? Smile? For me?”

Sebastian flexed his fingers on his lap to release some anxiety. Isadore was right. He didn’t have to borrow everyone’s issues. He wasn’t at fault, nor was everything always his problem. “I was wondering if after breakfast, you’d like to come to the park with me? I know it’s daytime, but I think it’s still pretty.”

“I’d love to. Sounds delightful.” Isadore bumped his shoulder.

“What is?” Harry asked, stopping his arguing to snoop.

“Isadore and I have plans afterward,” Sebastian shared, though he wasn’t sure he wanted Harry or Charles to join them. He liked the idea of being alone with Isadore in the light.

“Uh huh, but what are they?” Harry bit a piece of a jam-laden waffle and stared hard at Sebastian.

“Plans.”

“But–”

“They don’t include you,” Charles stated. Harry frowned as he switched his gaze between Isadore and Sebastian. Sebastian almost caved at the puppy eyes and pouting lips.

“Put those away and leave them alone. Otherwise, you’re footing the bill,” Tony ordered as he approached the table. Sebastian froze in place, remembering how much Tony distrusted him. He had told Sebastian plainly he didn’t think Sebastian was good enough for Isadore. “What are you hiding from? Sit up straight.”

Sebastian thrust his shoulders back and planted his feet on the floor. Nothing would break. He was going to stay still as a statue while Tony chatted with his brother.

“Relax, Bas. Tony’s not gonna attack. He’s being helpful,” Isadore explained as he jerked his chin toward Harry, who had turned a bright pink and stumbled on his words. He couldn’t take his eyes off Tony.

“That’s who–”

“Exactly.”

“Ohh.” Sebastian nodded while Isadore discreetly threw money on the table.

“Come on. I want my date.” Isadore slid on his coat and helped Sebastian with his. Tony smirked at them while continuing to distract Harry and Charles.

“Aww, you can’t leave right when it’s getting to the good stuff!” Harry managed to turn his attention away from Tony long enough.

“Too bad, so sad, but we are.” Isadore wiggled his fingers and nudged Sebastian to the door. Once outside, he looped his arm through Sebastian’s and heaved a great sigh. “I enjoyed breakfast, but I’m glad it’s just the two of us.”

“I feel bad for abandoning Harry,” Sebastian confessed. He peeked over his shoulder at the café, expecting someone to come bursting out.

“You should be sorry for Charles. He has to deal with Harry’s over-the-top ways and his inability to form a proper sentence when Tony’s anywhere in the vicinity,” Isadore explained.

“Ahh, I see. I think.” Sebastian put the worries aside, though it was a challenge. Their walk to the park was where his attention should be. The town was pretty, with sparkly greenery outside every storefront. Silver and gold buntings added an extra flair while blue snowflakes hung high above the street, waiting for darkness to light up. “I’m sorry we couldn’t come out for LightUp Night. I heard the event was quite spectacular. The ice sprites and winter cryptids, along with humans, did a bang-up job.”

“Sebastian, don’t dwell on the past. It’s okay. Life had other ideas for us. But we’re here now, happy and walking. Enjoying each other’s company.” Isadore stopped in the middle of the street and kissed Sebastian lightly on the mouth. Snow drifted from a wire and dusted them. They were in their own romantic snow globe.

Sebastian gasped at the cold sensation before heating up under Isadore’s lips. He never thought he’d have this moment. Standing in the middle of the street with a man he adored and who adored him back.

“Thank you, Isa, for being there for me. For not giving up. You are the best, and I’m honoured you stuck with me.” Sebastian fumbled with words. His cheeks heated up as he tried to share in an articulate way what having Isadore around meant to him.

“Did you know that you smell like candy and joy? I’ve become addicted to you, so good luck trying to cure me.” Isadore kissed him again in a smacking motion, doing a small jig in the streets.

Sebastian tugged his toque over his ears and stared at the ground. The idea of Isadore kissing him so blatantly in the streets overwhelmed him, yet it was good. He loved the sensation of Isadore’s joy washing over him. This was what happiness was.

EPILOGUE

Crash: Did you see the new creatures that came out?

Kazmier: Of course, I follow them on social media. I thought I showed you the website.

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