Page 97 of Love Limits

Mostly, though, he noticed people’s eyes. Unlike so many of the videos he’d seen, people’s eyes seemed to sparkle here. Some of them were relaxed, pleased to be hanging out with friends. Others were worshipful or adoring. Some were fixed on the ground with a meditative sort of focus. A few held longing or curiosity or burning intensity.

Overall, though, it was much better than what he’d been expecting. This was a community.

Ash curled up under his arm while he looked around, which was grounding. He hadn’t asked for a moment to take it all in, but he was glad that Ash had given it to him.

How are you doing? Ash asked.

Good, he answered honestly. Mostly curious. I can see that they all have their own thing going on.

That’s a good observation. It takes some people a long time to figure that out.

I was just thinking… when I’m at a bar, I have to worry about people hitting on me. Oddly enough, this is a lot less stressful. Everyone’s already absorbed in their own thing. Plus, I have my bracelet to protect me. He held it up, smiling. Why couldn’t real life have don’t-hit-on-me bracelets?

Ash grinned. You’re not the first person to say that. If there’s anything you don’t want to see, you can always, always walk away. It’s never rude to take care of yourself.

Zhong shook his head. I think I want to see all of it. As long as that’s not rude, either.

Nope. It’s not rude. Private rooms are private, but if they’re in a public space, they want to be looked at. For a lot of people, that’s why they come here.

There’s a lot of socializing, too. I can tell that people know each other.

It’s a pretty tight community. Are you feeling comfortable enough to meet some people?

A lot of people?

No, just two. And they’re Deaf.

That sounds great, then.

Ash took his hand and wove through the room. Their destination became obvious when he caught the distinctive motions of ASL, though he tried to ignore their conversation. It was difficult sometimes when you could see words at distances far greater than people seemed to be able to hear them.

A younger man with dark hair and black leather leaned back against the couch, thighs spread, in a pose that combined both Dominance and relaxation. At his feet knelt a much older man, adoration and a bit of humor on his face.

Are you sure it’s OK for us to interrupt them? Zhong asked.

If we’re intruding, we’ll leave. But this isn’t a scene. This is more hanging out.

They got closer and Zhong could see the moment when the man on the couch recognized Ash. He welcomed them over while the other man shifted to face them. The kneeling man didn’t get off the ground, however, and looked serenely pleased being exactly where he was. It was fascinating.

Zhong, Ash made introductions, this is Marco. Marco, this is Zhong.

Nice to meet you. Marco carried on the introductions. This is my partner Greg. He then turned to Greg and told him You may speak.

It turned out that Marco and Ash had only met twice before, but meeting other Deaf folks who shared your interests was always worthwhile. Marco was more outgoing while Greg was quieter and thoughtful. Together, the couple was welcoming, funny, and very much in love.

What are your plans tonight? Ash asked them.

My Promiserdeserves a whipping, Marco announced, then stroked the other man’s head while he nuzzled against his knee. But we’re going to watch a predicament bondage demo first. How about you two?

Pup time! Zhong’s here as a Handler for the first time.

Marco looked him over, and for a moment Zhong froze. Was he going to be called out? He didn’t know anything about anything, and Marco clearly knew his way around.

Before his worries could spin out, Marco smiled. Well, welcome. I’m glad Ash has someone to play with. He squinted his eyes. Are you friends with Landon, by the way?

Yeah. It figured that all of the kinky Deaf people knew each other. He’s dating my best friend.

Marco smiled. His eyes said something to Ash, then he turned back to Zhong warmly. Come find us later if you feel like it.