Page 22 of Love Lessons: Expanded Edition

He was a mature adult with a solid job and a beautiful home. That just wasn’t the vibe that he gave off at the munch. Or, honestly, right now. There was clearly a lot more to him than sex, and Dustin couldn’t figure out why he presented himself this way.

Was it self-empowerment, going for what he wanted? Or was he hiding himself behind nameless encounters?

You like to cook? Dustin finally asked.

Landon laughed nervously, a rough, rasping sound of someone who couldn’t hear himself. That’s what you want to talk about right now? He gestured down at all of the lovely golden skin that he’d put on display.

Yeah, I do. Dustin wasn’t making small talk. He was genuinely curious. What’s your favorite thing to make?

Landon sat up a bit. He shrugged. Usually I just make what’s quick and easy. Either something big like a stew or lasagna that will give me days of leftovers, or a stir fry when I want something fresh for dinner. It’s not much fun cooking for one.

Dustin was starting to get the sense that Landon was more lonely than he wanted to admit. He wanted to know more, but he started with a compliment. That’s very responsible of you. I bet it’s delicious, too.

Landon gave him a shy smile. Had no one complimented him on anything but his body? What about his friends? Do you have friends over much?

I have parties every few months. I love having lots of people over, but it’s too much work to do more often.

I totally agree. Dustin hated large parties, though he could see how Landon would thrive on them. But parties weren’t friends. How about dinner parties? Maybe with a few people? Or movie nights with a friend or two?

Landon slowly shook his head, as though the thought had never occurred to him.

I like to cook with my friend Zhong,Dustin offered. My ex loved it when he would come over because we’d make all of these elaborate meals.

That sounds nice. Landon looked wistful.

I know you said you don’t want to date, but we could still make dinner together sometime.

Dustin couldn’t figure out all of the expressions on Landon’s face. He looked tense, but beyond that it was a mystery. Maybe he’d been pushing too hard. He was just about to withdraw the offer when Landon replied.

Yeah, I’d like that.

Good. Maybe next weekend or something.

Landon nodded but didn’t commit. And that seemed to be the end of the conversation.

Dustin looked around the room again, knowing that he was stalling but not quite sure how to move things along. I see you like comic books.

To his surprise, Landon looked embarrassed. When he’d asked about cooking it had felt like awkward small talk, but this looked like something much more personal.

Dustin had just been looking for a topic of conversation but now he was intrigued. What’s your favorite? He hadn’t read many comic books since high school, but anyone who kept so many in such good condition had to be a serious collector.

Oh, I read a few different things. Some classics. A few newer things. He shrugged.

Dustin wondered if Landon had been teased before for liking comic books, or if he was just that uncomfortable opening up. He’d seemed so open at the munch that seeing him nervous and defensive at home was a surprise.

Dustin found that he really wanted Landon to feel more comfortable. Like what? What’s your favorite old one and favorite new one?

Landon watched him for a moment, assessing, before answering. For old stuff, maybe X-Men. New stuff, probably Young Avengers. Something sparkled in his eyes when he said it. Like he was excited but trying to play it cool.

I haven’t read Young Avengers. I’ll have to check it out. He would, too, if it meant this much to Landon that he wanted to protect it. I always loved Wolverine. He actually couldn’t remember that many characters. There was… Storm, maybe? Professor X. He remembered one of the movies better than the comics, and even then, just had a vague impression of a shape-changing blue woman.

Landon relaxed marginally. Everyone likes Wolverine.

Who’s your favorite X-Men character?

Beast.

Memories slowly trickled back. He’s the quiet, scholarly one with blue fur?