Page 106 of Love Limits

They picked up a pencil from the mug on their desk and found an empty page in Zhong’s book. “What Ash Needs” was the title. The list flowed easily. “Zhong. Cuddles. Food.” They sketched a baby bird with its mouth open in the margin, just a few quick lines to indicate the shape of the nest, a curve for its head, and two sharp points for a beak.

“Love. A home. Playing fetch.” They added a suggestion of a frisky dog, nose down and tail wagging.

The page was getting full, since their handwriting was so much bigger, but there were still so many more to add. “Game night. Sleeping together.” They quickly sketched Zhong’s gorgeous face, his eyes shut, next to their own, which was mostly a pile of crazy curls and closed eyelids. They didn’t want there to be any confusion about euphemisms for sleep.

They moved to the page on the right. “Daddy. Klondike bars.” They drew the small quadrants on a wrinkle of foil.

“Commitment. Play time.” They added a shaky column to give the impression of Jenga blocks. “Bath time?” They sketched in a tub overflowing with bubbles. They were pretty sure that wouldn’t be too much for Zhong, and it would be a lovely way to be close.

They had space for about three more. “Rules (not too many).” That was an important one, and hopefully Zhong would think it was cute. Well, serious/cute. “Board games.”

They were down to the last bit of space. “Someone who loves me most of all.” Then, they added in snaking letters up the side, “And someone who I can love most of all, too.” They ended it with a tiny explosion of hearts.

There. That was it. They’d compiled the list as quickly as they could, but it had still taken a few minutes. They turned around, hoping that Zhong was still there.

He was, looking like he was going to jump out of his skin. Maybe they shouldn’t have added so many illustrations.

They thrust the book forward until he had to take it. Can you do this?

They put their hands on their hips, using their conviction to cover all of their insecurities. Zhong had to say yes. They both wanted this.

Zhong read it. Then read it again. Is this really what you need?

Yep.

And you’re sure… about the sex thing?

Ash nodded emphatically. If I kept making that list– They gestured the items in the air, four spread fingers at a time, until there were dozens of lines stretching down their torso. –sex would be somewhere down there. They pointed at the ground. Not important.

You’re sure? Zhong asked again.

Good grief. They weren’t going to keep doing this. Zhong had already had enough time to analyze and now he was being obstinate. They stomped their foot. Stop being stupid and say that you’re my Daddy so we can have cuddles.

Zhong still looked shocked, but they didn’t give him time to react. They launched themself forward, knowing he would catch them. They linked their arms and legs behind his back, clinging to him. If Zhong was going to keep thinking about it, he was at least going to do it with Ash’s body plastered to his chest.

They felt Zhong’s laughter shaking his body. Movement rocked them as Zhong walked over to the couch and settled on the cushion. Ash rearranged their legs and drew back far enough to see.

Zhong gave them a wicked smile. Did you just call your Daddy stupid?

Ash bounced on his lap, the thumb of their open hand hitting their temple repeatedly. Daddy! Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!

I guess I am your Daddy then. If you’re sure.

Yes! My Daddy. All mine. And you love me most of all. They didn’t even make it a question. Zhong wasn’t going to get out of this.

Zhong searched their face, then seemed to come to some conclusion. He cupped their cheeks and drew them into a kiss.

It was just a brush of lips, but it sang through Ash’s soul. They could feel Zhong pouring all of their tenderness and adoration into that kiss, everything that he had been holding back. Ash hardly dared breathe, that delicate touch filling something up inside of them that had been aching for so long.

Then Zhong tightened his grip and pressed his tongue forcefully against Ash’s mouth. Ash let their lips fall open, needing this like they needed oxygen. Zhong explored and teased, dominating with his tongue while Ash shaped themselves to accept everything that he gave.

They hadn’t been expecting this at all. It was sinfully sexy, possessive and seductive. So much more than they ever thought Zhong would want. But he was holding back nothing. Ash moaned, luxuriating in every commanding touch.

Zhong pulled their lower lip between his teeth. With every increase in the sharp pain, Ash melted further against him, their eyes drifting shut. They were pinned by Daddy’s hands and bite, but the rest of their body spun and floated, feeling joyous and free.

Zhong licked over the place he’d bit, and Ash hungrily kissed back wherever Zhong would let them.

At last they drew apart, both breathing heavily.