Page 9 of To Cuddle A Gremlin (Monsters in Love Side Stories #1)

CHAPTER 9

Kazmier: OMG. I have to tell someone.

Crash: Tell what now

Kazmier: So today, I went out in the real world and hung out. It was fantastic.

Crash: Oh, that’s cool. Did you have fun?

Kazmier: We did. It was a low-key date. Nothing extravagant, but it made my day, no, weekend.

Crash: I’m so glad for you.

Kazmier: I’m gonna be riding this high forever.

Crash: Yay. But take it easy, alright?

S ebastian shoved his phone in his pocket. This queasy feeling at the bottom of his stomach irritated him. Kazmier having a date was fine. Hell, he had one too. And it wasn’t as though Kazmier was his. They chatted through a game and made no other attempts at communicating. Sebastian groaned as he fell over on his couch. Was this normal? Feelings were such a strange concept, and to have such intense ones for two different people was interesting. Sebastian understood that he’d have to choose or make a decision, but for the moment, he sank into the sensation. Someday, he could be the person someone wanted to keep by their side. And in a pipe dream, he had this idea Kazmier would be the first person he could trust. Because this ephemeral connection he had with Isadore might break. They were still so new, but with Kazmier? Oh, Sebastian dreamed. They’d meet in real life, and if this chemistry was one-sided, well, at least Sebastian would have made a friend. Maybe he could befriend Isadore in the game, and the three of them could chatter. Kazmier would like Isadore. They had the same vibe. Sebastian sighed. He could make it happen.

He was almost at work. Texting and walking at the same time was dangerous. He almost ended up on the road when he last tried. Stop dwelling on the negative. Worry about the day ahead . Sammi would be at the door, eager to hear how his weekend went, and he’d tell her the whole story, even when his cousin attempted to ruin Isadore’s opinion of him. Isadore was so amazing when he'd refused to give Meggz any inches. Sebastian wished he had been able to tell Meggz off. And then Isadore had been so cool afterward, getting them a drink. He never flinched or made excuses, which gave Sebastian conflicted feelings. He wanted to be like him, but he hated that Isadore stood up to Meggz.

As he approached the staff entrance, Sammi waited outside the door, her hands stuffed in her coat pockets, bouncing around.

“So how was your date? It must have gone well. You’re standing tall and happy.”

“I had a good time. A lot better than lunch. Though… for a brief minute, I thought shit was gonna happen. We ran into Meggz,” Sebastian shared, anxiety tightening his throat. His shoulders hurt from the tension of waiting for a message or something from his family, complaining about how rude he was.

Sammi's face was dark as a thundercloud as he described with minimal detail about what Meggz said and tried to do. “If I ever run into any of your family, I will kick their asses.”

“They stay on their side of town. They’d never even think about coming into the library.” Sebastian laughed as he swiped his fob to enter the library. Sammi’s scowl remained on her face while she hung up her coat and scarf in the staff workroom.

“They don't deserve you. Anyway, Meggz is just jealous you managed to snag a hottie like Isadore.” Sammi sniffed. “Does she still act like a prostitot?”

Sebastian raised his eyebrow. Meggz always dressed to impress, and her clothes were meant for someone half her age. She tried so hard to be attractive to all men that she often missed the mark.

“Okay, fine. Dumb question.” Sammi popped a pod into the coffeemaker and lounged against the counter. “How are you though? I know seeing even a cousin can be a challenge.”

Sebastian’s mind went blank. The insults and gaslighting would've had him flustered for a while after, however, with Isadore’s calm help, he managed to shake off the doubt and fear faster than usual. The resulting sensation was different, but a good different. It was freeing. “I’m fine. Isadore stopped her from being her bitchy self. He was so firm with her.”

“Good. It’s about time someone had your back.” Sammi patted his arm before turning her attention to the patrons entering the library.

The day flew by with queries from patrons and no opportunity to zip out of the library for a snack. No one was sure why the library was busy, but soon enough, five o’clock was there, and Sebastian could go home. His brain buzzed with the interactions from screaming children to older adults needing to fax something. When Isadore popped his head inside the library, Sebastian discovered how quickly his afternoon had disappeared. Isadore’s cheeks were pink and rosy, while his toque covered his pointed ears.

“So I was wondering if I could walk you home?” Isadore leaned on the standing desk and smiled brilliantly at Sebastian. Isadore gave Sebastian a slow glance over, sending a shiver down Sebastian’s spine. Sammi clasped her hands together and swooned. Sebastian blushed at her antics, embarrassed at being caught speechless

“Sure, yes. Let me grab my stuff.” Sebastian led Isadore to the staffroom as he ignored Sammi’s whistles. He refused to meet Isadore’s eyes while Sammi called out her goodbyes. What would Isadore say once he learned they’d been talking about him the whole day? Sebastian wasn’t ready to meet his knowing smile.

Pausing at the touch of Isadore’s hand, he blinked at Isadore, who adjusted Sebastian’s collar and tightened his scarf. “Is Sammi always like that?”

Sebastian’s ears burned at the question. Of course Isadore would ask why Sammi whistled at him. He was a curious fellow, and he had this irritating quality of understanding when the topic was about him. “Most of the time? She likes to cause trouble. She also wanted me to tell you that you’re gorgeous.”

Isadore arched an eyebrow. “Oh, really now? What about you? What’s your opinion?”

Sebastian sucked in air and choked on his spit. Of course, his way of getting back at Sammi would backfire. This was why he never played these games. He was terrible at them. “Yes, maybe? I think so.”

“You’re going with maybe?” Isadore bumped his shoulder against Sebastian’s. “My heart is breaking. It’s lying there, cracking under all that faint praise.”

“Wha–what are you–I didn’t mean–I’m sorry. I mean you are–It’s just–Shit.” Sebastian stopped talking and moving. He hadn’t meant to insult Isadore. Because Isadore was so handsome, especially when he smirked at Sebastian, as he was doing now.

Isadore cupped Sebastian’s head in his hands and tugged down before kissing Sebastian’s forehead. “Breathe there, Bas. I’m teasing.”

The nickname caused the butterflies in Sebastian’s stomach to explode into flight. “You’re always so touchy-feely. Why?” The words out of his mouth were snarly and the exact opposite of what he wanted to say.

“Because it connects me to you, and you lean into it every time. Despite your weak protest, I will continue.” Isadore pecked Sebastian’s lips before cocking his head to the side. “Unless, of course, you are upset. Then I will stop.”

“I–uh, I’m not sure,” Sebastian stuttered. He cursed his inability to string sentences together. And he was sure Isadore was flirting with him. Clearing his throat, Sebastian tried once more to get his point across. “No. Yes, yes, I do. I do. Maybe? Shit.”

“Well, that was clear as mud.” Isadore stepped close enough to brush against Sebastian but not stress him out. It was like he understood Sebastian’s needs more than Sebastian himself. How could he read him so well? “I’ll take that as a win.”

“Someone has to.” Sebastian sighed. He had to stop being so nervous around Isadore, otherwise Isadore would think he was a loser, and honestly, this was the first time Sebastian hoped that he could get beyond the initial hump. With his apartment coming into sight, Sebastian panicked once more. He’d like to invite Isadore upstairs, but what would they do? What would Isadore expect? Was this an actual date? Did Isadore expect some sort of sex thing? Oh my God, this was why Sebastian never had second or third dates. This lack of clarity would be the death of him. And his indecision or inability to make his own boundaries clear was always a death knell.

“Bas, Bas, you’re worrying way too much.” Gripping Sebastian’s coat, Isadore brushed his cold nose against Sebastian's, shocking him out of his spiralling thoughts. “This was a walk home. Nothing more, nothing less. This was not a date, and it definitely wasn’t what you humans call a 'date three.'”

Sebastian paled at the mention of date three. He knew what that was. He’d read books and consumed enough media to understand date three meant sexual congress. “What? Date three? How? I’m not ready for that!”

“And that’s okay, sweet Bas. We’ve had a few shitty beginnings, so I have no assumptions–”

Sebastian inhaled and stepped away from the comfort of Isadore’s heat and closeness. “How could you say that? I accept dating’s hard, and I tried—” He stumbled, fighting to get his thoughts out. Hurt and humiliated didn’t describe how much under the bus he felt at the casual way Isadore threw the words out into the universe.

“Sebastian, I did not say–” Isadore grabbed a hold of the coat’s belt loops to stop Sebastian from leaving. “Listen to me. I did not say that our–”

“Thank you for walking me home.” Sebastian sniffed and fobbed the main door. He slipped inside before Isadore could get over his shock and continue their conversation. Sebastian walked to the elevator, ignoring the vibrating of his phone.

“I wasn’t done.” Isadore pulled his arm and stopped Sebastian from pressing the elevator button.

“How did you get in here?” Sebastian gasped. He thought he could disappear.

“Gremlin, remember? Good with all electronics.” Isadore shook his head and stared at Sebastian, boring a hole through his skull. “Now. Listen.”

Sebastian swallowed and waited for Isadore to explain why continuing their dalliance was a terrible idea. People hated when Sebastian jumped to too many conclusions. Why was Isadore so nice? He should just cut bait and disappear. Sebastian understood when people ghosted him. He could find a new place to have lunch at. The Mothman’s Tea Shoppe would be an okay spot. It was a few doors down from the library. But the decor was so delicate, and what if Sebastian brought his bad luck mojo there?

“Sebastian, focus.” Sebastian lifted his eyes and met Isadore’s stern ones. He didn’t think he’d ever seen Isadore unhappy. The expression made his stomach queasy. “Sebastian, whatever you’re thinking, stop. Let’s sit on this bench and talk like rational people.”

“I was being rational.”

The glare burnt away all of Sebastian’s pithy comments. “Anyway, let’s try this again. I wasn’t belittling you or saying our miscommunication was your fault. Life happens, and you just tend to get trapped by it. However, going forward, we can do our best to circumvent fate, okay? You with me?”

Sebastian took a deep breath and released the air slowly. “I get you.”

“Good. I wasn’t insulting you or trying to hurt you.” Isadore rubbed the back of Sebastian’s hand in a soothing manner. The touch helped clear some of the jumbled mess masquerading as his mind.

“I’m sorry. I was awful. I don’t know why I thought such terrible things. I should–”

“Stop. Take a deep breath and relax. Still not insulting you or berating you.”

“Right.” Sebastian braced himself for the next volley. He could sense the incoming disappointment.

“So, instead of having our next date be the Light Up night, how ‘bout you plan something you know you’ll enjoy and we do that?” Isadore suggested. “The articles you see online or hear others talking about aren't what you and I want. Those concepts don't fit our beliefs or thought patterns. As a gremlin I get confused with human conceptions. The rules and societal etiquette are baffling. Everything is a dance or mating ritual for a specific set of people. Not everyone is built the same. I vote we do what makes us happy. What gives us joy. So tell me, show me in date form, what gives you the best feeling?”

Sebastian tugged off his toque and crumpled the soft wool in his hands. The silence was deafening, but Isadore’s words required his deepest thoughts, and because of that, Sebastian couldn’t rush into anything. “Can I get back to you?”

Isadore blinked. He tipped his chin up and gave Sebastian a thorough look before nodding. “If you need time to think, I can wait.”

“Really?” Sebastian had expected Isadore to be angry at Sebastian’s choice. His acquiescence was a bit of a shock. He didn’t know how to react or what to say.

“Really. I want this to work too. So I will help you find your path. I’m not going to jump down your throat because you need a minute.” Isadore shuffled closer to Sebastian on the bench and rested his head against Sebastian’s. The touch was featherlight but still gave Sebastian a sensation of permanence.

“That’s pretty decent. I can handle this then.” Sebastian relaxed as a whole new world opened up. Sitting with Isadore with their heads touching was almost intoxicating. No pressure or expectation hung over him. He could be himself and not get in trouble. How was this dream possible?

A phone buzzed, interrupting their quiet time. Isadore jumped a mile before blushing. He pulled the device out of his pocket and stared at the message. “Emergency from Harry. Something happened to his point of sale. So will you text me and tell me what works for you?”

“Of course.” Sebastian wiped a hand across his eyes. The grittiness from the day and emotional whatsit from now made them ache. “Sooner rather than later.”

“Exactly. Remember, no pressure. Just us.” Isadore stood and stretched. “Now off to fix Harry’s problem. Gah.”

Sebastian got to his feet and closed his eyes. Now it was make or break. He liked Isadore. He liked the physical affection Isadore doled out. He wanted to be a part of their relationship as well, to show Isadore it wasn’t all one-sided, even if Sebastian was a bit wishy-washy with his words. He touched Isadore’s shoulder and leaned down. The height difference appeared greater now. Isadore’s eyes were as warm as always, and he was ready to tilt his chin up for whatever Sebastian had planned. How he understood Sebastian was a mystery Sebastian hoped he’d never solve. It gave him shivers, good ones.

The soft brush of their lips was a delight. The swirl of joy was just as perfect as the first time Isadore kissed him. Sebastian had always assumed kissing was a hoax made to get people to procreate. Isadore used his skills to allow Sebastian to enjoy the moment. Sebastian was wrong. The feelings were real. The kiss gave Sebastian an effervescent joy. Their kiss together was what they created and sent his soul singing. He pressed harder, feeling the chilled skin, and the dichotomy between heated breath and cool lips caused him to moan. Sebastian winced at the breathiness of his voice. He was meant to be a sophisticated guy, and to make that sound was embarrassing. Somehow though, Isadore sank into his embrace, clutching at Sebastian’s forearms. Was this really happening? Sebastian’s mind spun with confusion and bliss.

Gasping, Sebastian lifted his head and gave himself a quick shake. “I didn’t mean… That was so rude of me.”

“No, don’t be taking away my kiss. I need the memory to sustain me.” Isadore licked his lips and hummed appreciatively. “I knew you had it in you.”

“Really? I liked it, but I thought…” Sebastian stopped. This was what Isadore had meant when he said Sebastian put himself down too often. “You’re a good kisser.”

“Thank you. You are too. Remember, this isn’t a race. There aren’t any rules, so don’t do anything you think I would like because the books say so. I want what your heart longs for.”

Isadore’s fierce assurances hit Sebastian hard. He hadn’t meant to kiss Isadore because of some societal norms or what other people said. But the way Isadore emphasized the words, he understood he’d been following a script, though he still swore fate was blocking him from having a perfect date.

“You’re right. I just… I don’t know what I’m doing. Everything’s been all so unreal.” Sebastian sucked in air and went for broke. This moment called for honesty, and Isadore hadn’t bailed on him yet. “No one has ever done this. With me.”

Isadore swore. “Goddamnit. I have to help Harry, and I don’t want to. I’d love to finish this conversation, Sebastian. Because you deserve goodness and happy memories. I will give them to you… just not now. Fuck.”

Sebastian smiled, though his muscles refused to act natural. “I get it. You’re a good friend. Harry’s lucky to have someone like you in his corner.”

“And you have me too. There’s plenty of me to go around.” Isadore spread his arms out and spun, encompassing the whole apartment lobby. “Don’t ever worry no one’s got your back. I do and will.”

“I appreciate your kindness,” Sebastian said by rote. He had friends, but they weren’t like Isadore. Sammi would always be there for him, true. But she didn’t… she had her own agenda. He never understood where he stood in her plans, but Isadore was true to his word. “Would you like to go on a date?”

One of the brightest smiles Sebastian had ever seen lit up Isadore’s face. The pale grey of his skin brightened to a silver while his long, pointed ears wiggled happily. “Of course. Send me the deets as soon as you decide. Tell you what. Text me whenever you want. Whenever .”

Dear God, what did Sebastian do? He'd made a date. He'd done the most random thrown-out thing in his life, and he was pretty damn excited.