Page 68 of Love Limits

Ash took a moment to study Zhong’s face. He hadn’t batted an eye about Ash’s paci. He accepted their gender identity and their kinky desires with support and respectful curiosity. And the more time they spent together, the more clear it was that Zhong wanted to make them happy.

They finally gathered the courage to ask. Can we play Candy Land?

Zhong cocked his head to the side. Are you asking to be little?

Ash nodded. They needed it right now.

Are you going to… act differently?

Yeah. Probably. I mean, I’m still me but… I just don’t want to be an adult right now. I want to live in a world where the most important thing is getting the Queen Frostine card and if I can drink my juice with a straw.

Zhong’s brow furrowed. He looked like he was trying to figure out a nice way to tell them no.

Dammit. This was another good reminder that Zhong was not their Daddy. They just had to get it through their skull.

Sorry, that’s probably too much. Forget I said anything. They buried their face in Zhong’s collar, breathing in his scent. They should enjoy what they could get and appreciate him for the friend he was.

Zhong tilted up their face, then pulled back to sign. No… I think I’d like to try it. It’s important to you. They stroked a hand down Ash’s cheek. And you’re important to me.

They were about to die of the sweetness.

Do you want to do it, though? You shouldn’t feel pressured and this has to be something you think you’d enjoy, too. If not, we can still play board games and hang out, and I would love to do that with you.

This is about you relaxing, right? Being silly and letting go?

Yep.

So you want to be… how old?

Maybe three? Five? It changes, I think.

What else do I need to know?

Um… mostly that I’m trusting you to take care of me and keep me safe. Like, it’s an actual responsibility. And if you want to stop, I’d ask that you give me time to adjust.

Ash could practically see all of the gears turning in Zhong’s head. Was he making lists? Asking questions? Freaking the fuck out?

Zhong took a deep breath. OK, I think I can do all of that.

He still looked nervous and serious, lost in thought. And that made Ash feel nervous, too. The most important part of having a Daddy, or at least a temporary-kind of Daddy, was getting all of his attention. Do you want to tell me what you’re thinking? they finally prompted.

Zhong’s face finally cleared. It was like he could see Ash again. He stroked one hand down their neck. You just caught me by surprise. I really want to do this right.

There was still some hesitation. Ash signaled for him to go on.

I don’t have Candy Land, he finally explained. I think you remember that from Dustin’s house. And I’m not sure if I have any straws.

Ash laughed, collapsing back against the wall. The relief pouring through them. They’d been so certain that Zhong was going to turn them down, and he was worried about straws. I don’t need straws, they managed to sign, still giggling. Just you.

That was all it took for Zhong’s face to change from concern to merriment. It was like the sun coming out.

He took a step toward them, closing the slight distance with a mischievous look on his face.

A second later, they figured out why. He tickled their ribs, squirming his fingers around to get their belly when they covered their sides and their neck when they covered their belly. He kept going until they were gasping for breath.

The laughter and those devious fingers cut through all of the tension of the day and left them feeling bouncy and free.

They twisted away and ran through the living room, Zhong right behind them.