Page 63 of Love Lessons: Expanded Edition

Dustin lost the game horribly, which he had known he would. He was only surprised to discover that Ash won the game instead of Zhong.

After that, they put away the food and got out dessert. Ash and Zhong chose a new game, Codenames: Duet.

Since they were playing on teams, Dustin got to pull Landon in next to him, and even feed him a bite or two. He was totally tanking the game, since he couldn’t focus for long enough to think of useful combinations of words. And he kind of didn’t care.

Since it wasn’t their turn, he gave Landon a deep kiss, just one. Landon just melted into his arms, all soft lips and eyes fluttering shut. That made the night complete.

Landon was in his lap and Zhong was nearby, and Ash fit right in with everyone, lightly flirting with all of them and bringing in their own brand of bubbly energy. It was exactly what Dustin had wanted for the evening.

He slipped a piece of banana, free of chocolate coating, into Landon’s mouth and then kissed his nose.

Something hit him on the cheek, though. You guys are disgusting, Ash complained good naturedly.

Landon picked up the crumpled napkin and lobbed it back. I told you I saw him first.

Yeah, but if I knew he was going to go all Daddy and keep you instead of being a one-night stand, I would have fought you for him harder.

Dustin could feel Landon tensing up in his arms. Dammit. But what had set him off? The one-night stand? The Daddy part? He didn’t even really understand the Daddy thing. But he was sure going to before he saw Landon again.

Poor me,Ash was carrying on, to Zhong’s amusement.

But Dustin had eyes only for Landon. He held his chin and waited until he had his full attention. He didn’t care if anyone observed their conversation, but he was glad to notice from the corner of his eye that Zhong had distracted Ash.

You get to decide what this is, he told Landon. Nobody else. There’s no pressure, remember. You’re teaching me about kink and we both get to explore some new things together. I like you a lot, and I want to spend more time together, but it’s your choice. Don’t worry about Ash.

He just wanted Landon to be confident and safe. And know that he was treasured.

Eventually Landon nodded, but he didn’t reply. He seemed a little relieved, though, so hopefully some part of that had been helpful. They were really going to have to talk sometime, but maybe not until they had a few more dates together. Right now, Landon still felt like a flight risk, and Dustin didn’t want to spark the jets.

He pulled Landon back against his side, and this time he came willingly. He pressed a kiss to the top of his head, elated when he just snuggled in closer.

Ash sighed dramatically. I think you two should stop cuddling out of respect for the single people in the room.

Landon stuck out his tongue. Dustin thought it was cute, but mostly he was just glad Landon hadn’t stressed out again. He suspected that Ash didn’t realize how difficult this might be for Landon or they wouldn’t have teased.

But Zhong’s eyes lit up. Dustin gave a subtle nod, encouraging him.

Dustin always felt guilty when he was dating someone, or at least obsessing over them like he was with Landon, and didn’t get to spend enough time with Zhong. Having Ash to cuddle with him would be perfect.

Zhong leaned over to the chair where Ash was sitting and touched their knee to gather their attention. If you’re looking for cuddles, I’m always open.

Really? Ash seemed excited, but just a bit hesitant.

He’s a cuddle slut, Dustin interjected. Go for it.

That seemed to be all it took to overcome Ash's reservations. They crawled into Zhong’s open arms, barely squeezing into the narrow armchair together. The pair wore matching smiles.

After that, it was even harder for Dustin to pay attention to the game. Because Ash was flirting with Zhong, and Zhong… was maybe flirting back? He’d never seen him watch someone with such careful attention. Or smile so much.

Was it just that he’d finally realized that he might be romantic as well as asexual? Or was there something special about Ash? Dustin could definitely see the appeal—Ash was funny and cute, and if he weren’t so caught up in Landon he might have been interested.

Do you think they would notice if we stopped playing the game? Dustin signed subtly to Landon.

No, don’t stop the game. They need it for a cover to keep snuggling.

Dustin laughed. Zhong would totally give them his number just so they would come over and snuggle.

That’s cute.