Page 82 of Love Language

Could they? Maybe? What would that mean to you? What would our relationship look like?

Just… still Daddy stuff. Like, you would take care of me, right? And tell me what I needed to do to please you and take care of myself. And, you know, punish me if I messed it up. Is that… is that what you mean?

Marco felt his pulse leap. The idea of controlling his boy, owning him that way… He had so many fantasies that started with those little texts that Greg had sent him about his to-do lists and polite requests about what to wear. Not to mention the idea of turning him over his knee if he’d been naughty…

Is that what you want? You already said that you have your life figured out.

Greg nodded miserably. I could… un-figure it out?

Marco wanted to laugh, because his boy was so sincere and funny. But the moment was too fragile, and he didn’t want Greg to misinterpret anything. Greg was putting himself on the line.

No, sweetheart, you’re perfect. And I’m proud of you. We’ll find some things to work on together that don’t take anything away from what you’ve accomplished and who you are.

Marco gave himself a moment to sort things out in his head. This sounded workable.

Are you saying that you want me to be your Daddy, but you don’t want to use that term? Like, it’s just the word that bothers you?

Greg nodded emphatically.

OK, that was… that was just fine, actually. It was just a word, really.

So, if I’m not your Daddy, what am I?

Do I need a word? You’re just… you’re my everything.

Something inside him that had been hurting since he met Greg was starting to heal.

“Everything” doesn’t quite have the same ring as “Daddy.” Might get confusing, too. He let himself laugh now, when Greg would know that he was laughing with him.

That wasn’t what I meant! But he was smiling, now. We could come up with another term if it’s important to you.

I… think it would be nice, when we’re introducing each other maybe. But it’s not something I need. ASL didn’t usually use nicknames and honorifics when you were talking directly with someone like spoken languages did, but he still kind of wanted a name in his head.

You take care of me… Greg wrinkled his nose when he realized the implications of Marco being his CARE-PERSON. But you’re not my babysitter!

No, that’s horrible.

Maybe you… keep me? My KEEP-PERSON? My Keep-er? The word for KEEP was only a tiny motion away from CARE, the same handshapes crossed together, but with a tap instead of a circle.

Marco tried it out in his mind. I can be your Keeper. And what about you?

Greg thought, his fingers jerking slightly as he mentally tested out signs without ever forming them.

I… I commit myself to you. The word COMMIT had a lot of meanings. Promise. Devote. Make a covenant. The sign was a word from the lips, spreading out and taking form, then becoming solid as hit his other hand. I could be your COMMIT-PERSON. The way that Greg looked when he said, his eyes upward in supplication and adoration, inflected it with his deep devotion.

God, that was beautiful, watching him sign that. I like that, my promiser. Marco tested it out with his hands. I don’t think you can say that in English, though.

We need more Deaf friends, then.

True. They both laughed. Marco loved seeing Greg so relaxed and free.

Marco pulled Greg into his lap, happy to just hold him there. He stroked over his back, running fingers through his hair. Greg melted, nuzzling into him.

God, today had been fucking intense. But it had also turned out better than anything he could have expected.

Greg wanted him. Greg loved him.

He was Greg’s… well, not his Daddy. But his Keeper. He could work with that. Especially since it was his plan to keep him forever.