Page 35 of Love Limits

Dustin, meanwhile, had been sucked in. He seemed to be alternately entranced, curious, confused, and wrestling with himself internally. He kept asking Zhong for advice, but all that Zhong could suggest was to talk about it with Landon, maybe consult with someone who knew what they were doing, and try it out.

Hopefully it would work for the two of them. Because Zhong was pretty sure that Dustin had found his kink.

It was all very fascinating.

Chapter 8

Ash

Ash arrived at the munch only a few minutes late and gave a cheery wave to the folks who were starting to take off their coats and find their seats. They attended as much to see Landon as to see the rest of the group, but the familiarity of the kinky crew and the restaurant with its excellent brunch options was always something to look forward to. Since they often worked weekends they couldn’t attend every month, so having a Saturday off to be here was a nice treat.

Bruce, who co-organized the group with Landon, waved them over. The room was quiet enough that between the hearing aids and the lip reading, Ash could make out most of what he was saying and guess the rest.

“Hey, Ash.”

“Hey Bruce. Good to see you!”

“Good to see you, too. Just wanted to let you know that there’s a new guy here. He’s Deaf, and I was hoping you could say hello and introduce him around, especially since Landon appears to be late.”

Huh. That was surprising. Landon usually got there early. Hopefully everything was OK.

“Sure. I’d be happy to.” Ash looked around and said quick hellos to the handful of people that he already knew. There was only one person left, so he headed over to him.

Hey, he dropped readily into sign. Nice to meet you.

The man’s face lit up. He was so handsome that he was almost pretty, with his dark hair and Latino heritage. When he stood, he was only a few inches taller than Ash, but he moved with confidence. Hey! I heard there were Deaf folks at the munch, and I can’t tell you how nice it is to be here. Are you Landon? He fingerspelled the name.

Nope, I’m Ash. Ash introduced themself and their pronouns.

I’m Marco. The man glanced around quickly. And I’m trans, too.

Oh, sweet! We have a whole contingent of trans kinky Deaf folks, then. Landon’s genderfluid. She goes by Lena sometimes.

Awesome.

Ash dropped into a seat across from Marco and moved the menu out of the way. They already knew what they wanted to order. Marco sat back down in unison.

So what brings you here? Are you new to kink? Looking for a new group?

Marco laughed easily. Definitely not new to kink. One hundred percent Daddy Dom over here.

Ash felt their pulse flutter. A Deaf Daddy Dom had just been dropped into their lap. Or across the table at least. That knowledge was all it took for their perception of the man to go from attractive to swoon worthy.

I just moved to the area, he continued. My application just went through at Escape, so I’ve been a couple times now.

Damn. Maybe Ash should have gone back a bit more often. I’d be happy to introduce you around. To the city and the kink community. They gave him what they hoped was an alluring smile.

Even as they were doing it, though, they were thinking more about Zhong than Marco. They’d gone over to his place on Thursday for, what… the fifth time in three weeks? It was drizzly and gray outside, and Zhong had suggested an evening of curling up under a blanket to play games on the tablet so he could snuggle them and keep them warm. He’d even wrapped them back up with the cozy blanket when he got up to make dinner.

Talk about a perfect Daddy.

But the whole point of the Disastrous Dating Club was to find Ash a partner who wasn’t Zhong. Marco seemed like a good candidate so far.

The dark-eyed man smiled back, oblivious to Ash’s inner turmoil. I’d appreciate that. How about you? What are your connections here?

Well, I’ve lived here most of my life, except for a few years at Gallaudet and then traveling. I’ve been a part of the kink community here for… I dunno. Five years? This is a great group and they’re pretty used to having Deaf folks around.

Ash leaned in a little closer. This was the moment when they had to give this a shot. I’m a sub, a little, and a pup, they announced, but I don’t have a Daddy right now.