Page 42 of Love Limits

Zhong: Seriously.

Zhong was happy to be Dustin’s support, but it had worn on him, too. He could only imagine it was the same for Ash.

Zhong: Would you like to come over?

Ash was supposed to have other plans, but they’d been vague about them. They were probably busy, but it was worth a try.

Ash sent back a picture of two kids jumping on a bed. The words PAJAMA PARTY were written across the top.

Zhong smiled despite himself. Ash’s bubbly energy was just what he needed right now.

Ash: i was supposed to go on a date tonight, but i already cancelled it.

Ash: too much going on with landon.

Ash: so i’m freeeeeee!

Zhong felt his heart swell. Ash had cancelled their date tonight to hang out with him. Well, not quite. They’d cancelled it for Landon. But they could have set it up again or just gone home, but now he got to see them instead.

Even if Ash just wanted to hash through all of the craziness with Landon and Dustin today, he was still excited at the prospect. Even better if they didn’t want to talk about it. A pajama party?

Zhong sent a smiley face.

Zhong: Perfect. I’ll text you when I’m on my way home.

And maybe he should get Ash a key. If they were going to do this more often, Ash shouldn’t have to wait outside. Was that weird? Probably weird. It wasn’t like Zhong had the same kind of relationship with Ash that he did with Dustin, where they’d lived together for years.

But there was something similar, that easy way of just being around together. Any time he could spend with Ash would be something to treasure.

Now Zhong was both itching to get out the door to see Ash and worrying over Landon’s arrival. He kept an eye on the large bay windows and hurried to open the door when he saw Landon drive up.

Landon looked miserable and hesitated when he saw Zhong instead of Dustin.

Zhong stepped aside just enough to let him in, but he wasn’t quite ready to let him through.

They stared at each other awkwardly, Landon looking less and less confident the longer he stood there.

Zhong didn’t know what he wanted to say, but he felt like something needed to be said. Dustin’s a really good person, he finally settled on.

Landon swallowed and nodded. I know. There was another long pause. Landon looked destroyed. I messed up.

Zhong nodded curtly. He wanted so desperately to keep Dustin happy and safe. To protect him from anyone who would harm him. He’s a really special guy. If he’s committed to you, he’ll give you everything. Just don’t hurt him.

Now it was Landon’s turn to nod, still looking wide-eyed and worried. He raised his hands to sign, but left them hovering there. Finally, he asked, Can I go see him?

Zhong felt himself caving. Landon looked so distraught, and everything that Ash said echoed through his mind. That Landon was responsible and caring, but scared to journey into the unknown. He wasn’t fucking around, just confused and nervous like the rest of the planet.

Zhong finally stepped back. It wasn’t exactly like he was Dustin’s keeper. He gestured toward the living room.

Landon looked like he was marching toward his doom, frightened and maybe even nauseous.

Even if Zhong was pissed, he hated seeing anyone that way. He grabbed Landon’s arm, just enough to get his attention. Just remember that Dustin likes who you are. Be honest and be yourself. Well, that was either a quote from a shitty inspirational poster or some good advice, but it was all he had right now. He smiled and got a wobbly smile from Landon in return.

Good luck, he signed, and then let himself out the door.

Fuck, that was intense, and it wasn’t even his relationship. Except, of course, that anything that had to do with Dustin always felt like it was his relationship.

And maybe it was. Wasn’t that what Dustin had said? That they were in some sort of poly relationship in college, even if he hadn’t known it at the time?