Page 109 of Love Limits

So maybe we could do it again here?

Dustin’s backyard would be much better. You could race around and get into things. He could already see it. There was already a tall fence and he could build a few structures for Ash to climb in or over. We could put a beanbag on the porch.

A doggie bed. A real one. They’re comfy.

Alright, then. Would you want a real dog house, too?

Ash looked hesitant for a minute. Maybe that was a step too far. Wouldn’t Dustin think that’s kind of odd?

I can’t imagine why. I mean, it would be if Dustin wasn’t kinky. But I can’t imagine that he’d be shocked.

No, I meant because it’s his house.

No, that wouldn’t be weird, he answered automatically.

Unless Landon made it weird. Zhong knew he was moving in for the summer. Would he want Zhong out of his space? On the other hand, Ash and Landon were friends, and they all got along so well on game night and in the group chat.

But was Landon the jealous type? He was certainly fiery. Did that mean he was possessive, though? And would it matter if Zhong had Ash? That had to mean Zhong wasn’t competition, right?

Ash smoothed a hand over his brow. We can ask, OK?

Sounds good. He would leave this one to think of later. He didn’t want this to ruin his joy today. He still loved Dustin deeply. Just not most of all like Ash.

Oh, Dustin would be so excited to hear his news. He’d probably tease him mercilessly.

What are you thinking? Ash asked.

Dustin’s going to tease me. He said that you had a crush on me after the first night.

He was right.

I know that now.

Did you have a crush on me?

Zhong thought about it. I don’t know. I just… wanted to be with you all the time. My chest gets all warm and full and fluttery when I see you. I like to do things so that I can see your eyes when you smile. Is that the same?

It sounds like it. You feel all warm and fluttery for me?

Yeah. He grinned. Saying it had made Ash’s eyes just glow with happiness. Is it OK that we don’t have sex, though?

Of course, Ash replied without missing a beat.

He needed more than that, though. Maybe Ash had already thought about it, but it wasn’t quite that black and white. Can we… actually talk about what that means, though? Because there are some things I can do.

Like kissing? Because that was amazing. Though I just sort of assumed… if that’s not an everyday thing for you, that’s OK.

That was a relief. Ash was taking this so much better than he’d subconsciously expected. I’m glad to hear that because I’m not always in the mood for it. But definitely sometimes.

That will just make it more special then.

Ash was just so sweet to put it that way. I’m glad you think so. And also…

Zhong hesitated before saying anything. But this was Ash. He trusted them. He was almost certain that he wanted to make the offer. I can… support if you want to do something sexual. Sorry, I’m not quite sure how to explain that.

Just talk it through. What do you mean by support?

If you wanted to touch yourself, I could be next to you. I could touch you at the same time.