Page 16 of To Cuddle A Gremlin (Monsters in Love Side Stories #1)

CHAPTER 16

Kazmier: So I have a confession to make.

Crash: What do you mean?

Kazmier: I might have figured out who you are.

Crash: Again, huh?

Kazmier: We’ve met in IRL.

Crash: I would know if we did.

Kazmier: Kismet and the world of mates say otherwise.

Crash: Kazmier, you’re confusing me. I gotta go. I have a guest over.

I sadore wasn’t one to be struck speechless. He always found words when the silence grew uncomfortable. To be on the receiving end of this potential confession was mind-blowing, and he had to speak soon before Sebastian froze.

“You are pretty damn amazing yourself. You’ve changed since we met, and you’re like… fractal frost on the river, spreading and shifting with every moment.”

“That’s really…”

“Hey, man, you just opened your heart to me, and I wasn’t expecting your poetry, so you gotta roll with my joy.” Isadore pressed his lips together as he stared at Sebastian with his black toque and scarf tied around his neck. His cheeks were rosy-red, either from the cold or embarrassment, but his eyes… Oh, his eyes said so much. They were clear and honest, still a bit fearful, but removing anxiety would take time. He laid his heart out for Isadore, and Gods, Isadore ached at the bravery.

“I’m sorry.”

“No apologies. You make me happy. You really do. And I am thrilled .” Isadore cupped Sebastian’s cheeks and kissed him hard on his surprised mouth. The taste of sugar and Sebastian was perfect.

As they approached Sebastian’s apartment building, Sebastian began glancing at him and looking away.

“What is it?”

“I was wondering… If you want…I mean, you don’t have to or anything.”

“Spit it out.” Isadore braced himself for whatever had Sebastian stumbling. The shy glances gave him hope that the evening wasn’t over, but he didn’t dare say anything.

“Did you want…would you like to come up and meet Tiger?” The whisper-soft question at the end was covered by Isadore’s whoop of excitement.

“Yes, love. Absolutely yes. I have been waiting for this day since forever.” Isadore raced over Sebastian’s words. The wide-eyed look on Sebastian’s face caused Isadore to stop and consider what he had said. “Err, sorry. A little too much?”

“Yeah, a bit.” The sheer sincerity from Sebastian was a surprise. Isadore bowed his head in apology. “It’s okay, though. Just unexpected. Anyway, we’ll take the elevator?”

“Yes, please. You were right about the walk. I should have listened.” Isadore confessed. He had been trying to plow through the mild pain, but in his excitement of being with Sebastian, Isadore had forgotten to rest, so now he had to depend on Sebastian’s kindness.

“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’re happy 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 to open 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.”

“I have you in my sights. I want to take a bite of you and never stop,” Isadore answered. Hopefully, that wasn’t too over-the-top. Terrifying Sebastian was not part of his agenda. Isadore only hoped to open his mind up to possibilities.

“Is that a gremlin fetish?”

“Uh, no, don’t think so?” Isadore sat on Sebastian, the wind taken out of his sails. “I was trying to be sexy.”

“Ahh, I see.”

Isadore blew out air and leaned forward, resting his elbows on both sides of Sebastian’s head. He could see the striations of many colours in Sebastian’s eyes and the nerves Sebastian tried to hide. “Nothing is going to happen that you don’t want. But I am going to push a few boundaries.”

Sebastian swallowed audibly. “Okay… I guess?”

“It will be, and they’re teeny tiny ones. Like I’m gonna kiss you now.” Isadore kissed Sebastian, feeling the rapid breathing. He kept his touches light and airy so as not to scare Sebastian any more than necessary. “How did you like that bit of affection?”

“Somewhere around a twelve—mmmph.”

Isadore dove in and swept his tongue inside Sebastian’s mouth. The rich taste of wine and Sebastian made his mind swirl. But the most important thing he noted was how willing Sebastian was. He had relaxed into the cushions and held tight to Isadore’s hips. His grip was supportive, helping Isadore instead of barring him. Sebastian trusted Isadore to do what was best for them. And Stars, Isadore prayed he was up to the task. Sebastian deserved it.

Isadore remained chaste in his kisses and his touches. Sebastian had to find pleasure in this. Sebastian’s moans were delightful, but not sinful. He was enjoying what Isadore did, but the sounds weren’t the ones of a person ready to take things further. Still good enough for Isadore to continue playing.

“Bastian, you having fun?” Isadore whispered, needing to know he was on the same wavelength.

“I think so? Kissing is nice, but I’m trying to understand why you’re all breathless and stuff.” The query in Sebastian’s voice answered one of Isadore’s unspoken questions.

“Because I'm turned on. Can you feel me?” Isadore placed Sebastian’s hand on his hard cock. He winced at the sensation. His desire for Sebastian was strong, and having Sebastian caress him, even unintentionally, brought him close to climax. He exhaled heavily through his nose, steeling himself to Sebastian’s innocent exploration.

“You’re warm, almost hot.” Sebastian wiggled on the couch as he frowned at Isadore. “In the books?—“

Isadore began shaking his head at Sebastian’s words. Romance novels were not the best teacher. “Books don’t always get it right. As much as we both love them, in this instance, they’re a hindrance.”

"But not every single one of them can be wrong. I mean, there has to be some truth to what the authors put out there.” Sebastian’s voice grew high-pitched the more he spoke. Everything Isadore had done to bring Sebastian down to a mid-level of arousal disappeared.

“Shh, it’s okay. Sometimes they get real-world romance wrong. Writers don’t understand that not everyone wants the same thing. But we’ll find our own path. Like me, casually petting your side and you, relaxing into my touch. That’s good, right?” Isadore wriggled his way to lying beside Sebastian on the couch, their bodies pressed together from stem to stern. The pressure of Sebastian’s nervous self against Isadore gave him a barometer of how Sebastian felt and allowed him to change course at a moment’s notice. In this moment, Sebastian needed Isadore’s reassurance about everything they did.

“This is why no one comes up here because they have expectations from me or about me! And I just want to drink stuff and learn more about them. You—you…why does this have to be all so damned confusing?” Sebastian’s frustration came to a boiling point and exploded out in a torrent of words and gestures.

“Because life is like that? Do you want to lie here and snuggle? Sounds like a perfect activity. I like having you close to me.”

“But you’re hard! And that means that you’ll want sex, and I don’t think I can give it to you.” Sebastian tried to wrestle into a sitting position, but Isadore refused. If they sat up, Sebastian’s anxieties would have won.

“Yes, I am, but I can live with the pressure. It’s kinda pleasant. Don’t worry about me, love. This is for you. All for you.”

“But that’s not fair. It shouldn’t be about me. I need to suck it up and?—“

“Absolutely not.” Isadore captured Sebastian’s chin in his hand and stared deep into his eyes. “This is not one of those situations where you take one for the team. You have to enjoy this in order for me to as well.”

“But why?” Sebastian whined. He attempted to cover his face, but Isadore wouldn’t let him. Isadore had to see Sebastian’s expressions to make sure they were still on the same page.

“Because I get more pleasure if you are, and if you’re faking it…” Isadore trailed off before kissing Sebastian on the mouth.

Sebastian returned the kiss with fervor. His fingers curled around Isadore’s waist and pressed harder. His breath deepened as they continued. They were on the same page, but Isadore kept his touch slow and easy, which worked like a charm for Sebastian. And a happy Sebastian was a happy Isadore.

They kissed for a while on the couch. Isadore loved every minute. This was worth waiting for. Isadore could stay on this couch, with dim lights and Sebastian cozied up, kissing him forever and a day. Sebastian’s body language told Isadore the same thing, his hardening cock pressing alongside Isadore’s own. Gently, tentatively, Isadore slid a hand down between their bodies, caressing Sebastian on top of his clothes before finding the waistband of his jeans. With a deft twist of fingers, the button released, giving Isadore access to the warmth hiding there. Sebastian’s breath hitched for a moment and then settled.

Isadore continued moving his hand toward the target and wrapped his fingers around the silk-covered prize. Sebastian’s cock was stiff, despite what Sebastian said. He stroked the length, memorizing the feel and the heat. Sebastian’s breath was unsteady, and when Isadore met his gaze, his eyes were dark and tense. Not the combination Isadore was looking for, but he had pushed Sebastian’s boundaries. Sebastian was new to this, likely unused to strangers caressing his most sensitive spot.

He kept the kisses seductive and teasing, making sure Sebastian was still enjoying himself. Raunchy kisses at the moment weren’t in the plans. Sebastian had too much bullshit going on in his head for Isadore to go all-out with bites and saliva. Getting him used to another person’s touch, as well as his own desires, seemed to be the best idea. And from what Isadore could tell, Sebastian was enjoying himself. The noises Sebastian made delighted Isadore. They were joyful, eager, and aroused.

“Sebastian? I’m gonna caress you now. Is that okay? Tell me and I’ll stop.” Isadore stroked the long length of Sebastian’s cock with his thumb, loving the sensation of steel wrapped in soft, silky fabric. He ached to feel the bare skin under his fingers, but he had to confirm Sebastian was still on board.

Sebastian blinked owlishly at Isadore. His hair was pointing in every direction, and his fair skin flushed, but he wasn’t scared or trying to escape. “If you’re sure.”

“This will be good. I promise. You’ll like it. Money-back guarantee.” Isadore pressed his lips to the side of Sebastian’s mouth before tipping back.

“Yeah, but…” Sebastian didn’t finish, though the grimace said a million things, and all of them Isadore would dispute.

“May I?” Better get their activities on track before the negative thoughts in Sebastian’s head began firing up once more.

“Of course…” The hesitancy was more curious than not, so Isadore jumped in.

He slid his hand under the waistband of Sebastian’s underwear, soothing the contracting muscles before discovering Sebastian’s cock. The silkiness was better than a dream. His shaft was thin but firm in Isadore’s palm. Made sense considering Sebastian’s lanky frame. Isadore gave the length a gentle tug and smiled as Sebastian hissed and pressed into his hold. Isadore stroked Sebastian’s cock, feeling the liquid pool along the top, providing him some slick to pleasure Sebastian with rather than a dry rub. Everything about this situation was telling Isadore Sebastian was aroused and getting pleasure. The panting breath, the hard-as-a-rock cock in his hand, and Sebastian’s hips lifting upward. Taking a chance and needing to see what Sebastian tasted like, Isadore pushed Sebastian’s pants down his hips and shoved his shirt to his chin.

“Okay, so you’re going to stare at me?” Sebastian asked as he sat up to see what Isadore was doing.

“No, I’m going to blow you. Is that okay?” Isadore asked, caressing the thin skin around Sebastian’s hipbones.

“What? Why?” Sebastian tried to scramble away from Isadore, but with his weight on Sebastian’s spread legs, he couldn’t get far. Yes, this was mean, but Isadore was still fighting against an unseen demon.

“You liked it when I stroked your dick, right? Nothing scary happened?” Isadore slid his hand up and down his cock, and the breath caught in Sebastian's throat.

“Well, yeah, but that’s different, isn’t it?”

“Way better. Let me show you.” Isadore adjusted himself quickly. His own cock throbbed, and he was ready to come. He ignored the pleasurable agony though, because right now, Sebastian had to discover the goodness that came from someone else.

He licked the mushroom top, tasting the nectar pooling at the slit. It was sweet and salty, a perfect beginning. Sebastian’s heartfelt moan made him smile as he began taking his cock into his throat. Despite being thin, Sebastian’s cock filled his mouth. Isadore licked the base of his shaft with his tongue and pulled back as Sebastian shuddered. He was ready to come. Every minute Isadore hummed and sucked was one second longer than he expected. Isadore worshipped Sebastian as best he could, delighting in every flavour he discovered.

Sebastian chanted Isadore’s name while he held tight to Isadore’s head, forcing him into place. He was beautiful in his pleasure, and Isadore was going to give him more.

He licked and sucked hard on Sebastian’s cock, feeling the inevitable contraction, warning him that Sebastian’s climax was imminent. Sebastian became still as a board as his body prepared itself. Isadore petted his stomach, telling him Isadore was there.

“Isa, Isa!” Sebastian panted as he pushed Isadore farther onto his cock. Isadore began swallowing as Sebastian exploded. His come was thick and plentiful. Isadore kept his cock in his mouth until Sebastian was done spurting. He reached down to adjust his own aching cock. With a hard rub, he grimaced as he came. Not exactly how he wanted to do this, but oh well. Right now, Sebastian’s pleasure mattered. Isadore had an inkling that if Sebastian was uncomfortable or unhappy, they’d never get this far again. Once he was sure every drop had been cleaned up, Isadore released him with a pop and crawled up to snuggle close. A convenient afghan was there to cover them and protect them from the cool apartment air.

Isadore grimaced as he adjusted his own damp pants. He had come when Sebastian did. With desire, he had a hair trigger as well.

“You didn’t like it. I knew it.”

“I did so. Feel this.” Isadore grabbed Sebastian’s hand and pressed his fingers against the wet patch in his pants. “That is the evidence of me really enjoying seeing you fall apart.”

“Oh. Oh !“ Sebastian patted the area once more before gaping at Isadore. Realization dawned. “I’m sorry.”

“No, don’t be. Consider it an honour. I got a lot of pleasure out of yours. But how are you?” Isadore stroked the side of Sebastian’s face, happy as ever, thrilled that Sebastian was staring at him with an adoring look. No fear, no doubts echoed in his eyes. Clarity shone back at him.

“A little weirded out. I didn’t expect to… you know.” He covered his face with an arm and groaned. “You must think I’m the biggest loser?—“

“I do not. You’re perfect and sweet and just right for me. I loved this. I loved being able to share this moment with you.” Isadore pulled Sebastian’s arm away and kissed the soft cheek, noting the tear tracks. He hadn’t realized Sebastian had been crying. “Hey, are you sure?”

“What do you mean?” Sebastian asked.

“You have tears. Are you sure you’re okay? Did I go too far?” Isadore swiped the stain with his thumb. The joyful bubble was deflating quickly as Isadore noted the spiky eyelashes and red rims. Here, he’d been proud as punch that he got Sebastian to come and the man was crying.

“No! I didn’t know. I’m fine. Really. But… can I sit up? I’m kinda thirsty.”

Isadore rolled off Sebastian, wincing at the cold sensation. Sebastian rearranged his clothes before rearranging himself on the couch. His behaviour wasn’t familiar to Isadore. He was used to more cuddling and less of whatever Sebastian was doing. He grabbed his wine and knocked back most of the glass. “Oh geez. I had sex.”

“You did.” Isadore sipped his own wine and eyed Sebastian. Trying to follow Sebastian’s thoughts was difficult. “Congratulations?”

“Thank you.” Sebastian picked at a loose thread on the couch. “It was more or less what I expected, I think. Glad I did it, but… no offense, nothing to write home about.”

The simple phrase gave Isadore the definite aha moment. Sebastian was someone who could take sex or leave it. He had friends who were similar to Sebastian. “Aww. Would you want to try again? See if I can make it better?”

“What? Tonight? No way, man.” Sebastian’s vehement denial was quick. He reared back and blushed. “I didn’t mean it like that.”

“No worries.” Isadore laughed. Someone had reached their limit. “I’m happy I could show you another aspect of having a boyfriend.”

“I had fun tonight. You’ve been so amazing. And you never gave up,” Sebastian said. Isadore’s heart jumped at the sincerity in Sebastian’s words. “You make me happy and confident.”

“Aww, Sebastian.” Isadore shook his head as he tried to wrestle his emotions into submission. He hadn’t expected Sebastian to be so open now, especially after a vulnerable moment. “You do the same for me. Seriously.”

A loud chirrup from down the hall interrupted their deep conversation. Sebastian perked up and lasered in on the dark space. Another impatient meow beckoned them.

“It’s past my bedtime. Tiger likes it when I’m in bed at a specific time. I don’t have to be sleeping, just under the blankets. Would you like to join me?” Sebastian never met Isadore’s eyes. His hands were clenched on his thighs, as though the question was pulled from his body.

“I think maybe I’ll go home. You’ve had an emotional evening, and having me here will add to your stress. So how about we meet up at the café tomorrow morning with Charles and Harry?” Isadore had jumped internally at Sebastian’s invitation. However, Sebastian wasn’t comfortable yet. Isadore could read the anxiety in his body language. Sleepovers were a step too far in their relationship. One day though, he’d be there. But not today.

“Sounds good. I’d like to talk to Charles about his part in the show. So, are you okay with leaving? You don’t have to.”

“Bas, love, thank you for a lovely evening.” Isadore stood and grimaced at the cold, wet fabric clinging to his skin. He walked to the front hallway and drew on his coat to hide the stain. Sebastian didn’t need any more pressure.

Sebastian followed him to the door and passed him a hat and mitts. His hair was tousled, and his full lips were bruised and delicious-looking. Isadore had done that. He had debauched Sebastian, and it was glorious.

“So… does this mean we’re boyfriends or partners or whatever?” Sebastian asked, his cheeks blazing a bright pink.

Isadore blinked at the question. He hadn’t thought about terms and definitions. Their relationship was special, and he hadn’t wanted to label it in case Sebastian needed a bit more time. For gremlins and their family, mates were decided when that first spark appeared. “I would call us that. If that makes you happy.”

“I’d like that. That sounds great. Thank you.” Sebastian tugged on his ear, but his smile, while small, was bashful and blissful. This was what he wanted. Isadore hadn’t coerced him. Gods, he was a hero.

“So tomorrow at the café?” Isadore asked brightly, proudly. Nothing could dim his joy now.

Isadore gave into the urge and snaked his arms around Sebastian’s neck and pulled him close for one more kiss. He longed to sleep with the taste of Sebastian in his mouth. Sebastian sighed as he sank into Isadore’s embrace, his fingers holding tight to the sleeve of his coat. “See you tomorrow.”

“Okay.”