Page 108 of Love Limits

He was just starting to see the full picture now. He still wasn’t sure that he was into Daddy kink on its own. But did he want to be Ash’s Daddy? Enthusiastically.

It had grown on him, this need to make sure that Ash was happy and healthy, to take care of them the way they begged to be taken care of. It had started out as this little thing, packing lunches and zipping coats. But Ash just handed over control so easily, practically offered it up, so that all that Zhong had to do was slip into the role.

The puppy mitts had been the moment when it became crystal clear what that meant. But all along it had been so easy and natural to take care of Ash. They whined to stay up late and he told them to go to bed, immensely pleased when they listened. They begged for ice cream and he made them a healthy meal, satisfied in a way that went beyond his own hunger when they ate it. This whole friendship had been a push and pull of Ash showing him how to become their Daddy, and he hadn’t even realized it.

He probably should have figured it out when he bought all of the toys at the store. Dustin would probably laugh at him.

He just hadn’t let himself imagine the possibility of Ash being all his until they demanded it. His fierce little firecracker.

He opened the notebook where it rested on the couch and flipped to the page, one-handed.

Ash turned to see what he was doing, and they read it again together. It was all the things they already did. He could do this. As long as they were really sure.

He traced over the picture of the puppy with its jaunty ears and huge tail. A Pomeranian.

Ash looked up at him. Will you tell me how you felt about the age regression and pup night? I mean, more than being relieved that you didn’t mess up.

He had to be honest first. So… the age play was kind of… I enjoyed it because it made you happy. It was interesting and kind of fun. I like taking care of you. I just… don’t think I’d want to do it with anyone but you. And if there’s any sort of sexual component to it, I’m still definitely not into that.

Ash nodded solemnly, absorbing that.

I still want to do it with you, though. Honestly, I could do just about anything that makes your eyes shine like that. And I may have bought you a whole closet full of toys.

The puppy play had given him a whole new understanding of it, really. It was still a puzzle to solve, but he was looking forward to solving it now. He had a sense that it would start to click more over time and… he really was excited about giving Ash all of those toys and winning every smile.

Ash squeezed their slender arms around his neck, rocking back and forth. He rubbed their back, enjoying the shape of their spine, their lean muscles, the weight of them on his lap. That hadn’t gone too badly.

They pulled back. Thank you, Daddy, they signed sincerely. That means a lot to me. We can maybe do it less if, well, if you’re my Daddy the rest of the time. I mean, kind of like you already are.

They both grinned at each other. You kind of tricked me into it.

Ash put their hands on their hips, looking adorably offended. I didn’t trick you into it!

Sure you did. You were all “I want more ice cream! Someone make me eat healthy food and go to bed on time!”

It worked, though! I knew from the minute you unzipped my coat that first time.

I don’t even remember that.

Ash rolled their eyes. You unzipped my coat all winter. And zipped it up, too.

Well, that’s just because you always got tangled in it.

I got tangled in it twice! You zipped my coat every time.

Seriously? I don’t even remember that.

Ash pretended to swoon. Natural born Daddy. I’m so lucky.

Zhong’s face would hurt if he grinned any harder. If this was what being a Daddy was for Ash, it was as natural as breathing.

Ash seemed to be thinking about something, maybe with a bit of hesitation. Zhong waited until it came out. So, we talked about the age play. Was the puppy play about the same?

This one was easy. I loved it. I can’t wait to take you back.

Really? Ash was bouncing in his lap.

Yep. I loved the energy there. Everyone’s eyes looked so happy. And you were adorable. There was even a pretty good chance that Zhong was kinky, after all, now that he knew what to look for.