Page 98 of Love Limits

That was oddly easy. They parted ways, Zhong mentally cataloguing all of the things that he wanted to ask Ash about later. Whipping, predicament bondage, and whether a Promiser was the same thing as a sub, just to begin with.

But Ash was pulling him toward some door on the side wall so he followed along. Seeing Ash so excited was exciting, too.

They ended up in a locker room. Ash picked out a locker and immediately started tossing off their clothes.

Zhong stepped back a little bit, not quite sure where this was going or what he was comfortable with. Some of the pups in the main room had been covered in some sort of shiny black material from head to toe, but others barely had their genitals covered.

It was Ash’s body, of course, so it was their choice. But he felt like he needed a bit more preparation if this was going to be something overtly sexual.

Ash waved to get his attention. Hey, I’m not going to be naked and you can keep all your clothes on. I was going to wear this, they gestured down at their tight, black tank top, and the undies I have on under my jeans, but I can wear more if it bothers you. I have some sweatpants.

Zhong let out a relieved breath and felt the stress slowly leave his body, the last remnants just a twist in his belly. Sorry to freak out on you. I hadn’t thought about the clothing part. Thank you.

Now Ash looked a little nervous. Some of the other pups might be naked, though. And wearing tails that are… They left the sentence dangling.

That are buttplugs? Zhong smirked. You can say it around me.

OK, but are you going to be uncomfortable if the other pups are naked? They might be aroused, too. They signed “aroused” with a phallic gesture of a finger raising. There wasn’t a lot of subtlety in ASL for words like that.

Are they going to touch me? That was his main concern.

I mean… maybe. If they’re bringing you a ball or something. But they wouldn’t expect you to do anything sexual with them. Honestly, you’ll see some people who are visibly… turned on. But they wouldn’t do anything sexual in the mosh pit. They’d move to a private room. Is that OK?

Zhong took his time answering. To be honest, I’m not sure if that’ll bother me. But I don’t think so. I don’t think sex is disgusting, just kind of incomprehensible and boring most of the time. When there’s kink tied in, it’s at least interesting. The only part that stresses me out is if someone wants me to participate in it.

Ash nodded. Great. That’s your hard limit. If the situation comes up, which shouldn’t happen since you’re wearing a red wrist band, just tell someone No and they’ll respect it. No further explanation necessary.

He seriously wanted a red wristband the next time that he went out for a drink. In that case, I think I’ll be fine with it.

Want to put your stuff in my locker?

Zhong shook his head.

What is it?

Um… just some stuff. Like… puppy stuff?

He suddenly found his arms full of a very enthusiastic, half-dressed Ash. He tightened his arms automatically, both to enjoy their warmth and keep them from falling over.

For me? Ash asked, pressed so closely to his chest that he could barely see them sign.

Zhong eased down to the bench with Ash on his lap. Since their pants were dangling around their ankles, he didn’t trust their balance. He unzipped the bag and pulled out the first thing he could feel.

It was a small blue and green swirled ball from the kids’ section, one of those squishy, fabric-covered ones. He thought it might be easier for Ash to carry with their teeth. If they actually did that sort of thing.

It’s for you. That is, if you want it.

Ash ripped it from his hands and cradled it to their chest. I love it. And there’s… more stuff? For me?

Ash was literally bouncing in his lap, in between looking at the ball, nuzzling against him, and wrapping their free arm around his neck. He wasn’t even sure if they saw his answer.

He’d spent less than a dollar on a cheap toy and Ash was in heaven. It was immensely gratifying. Ash was just so easy to bring happiness to, and he loved it more each time it happened.

He realized then that he could have brought just this ball and it probably would have been enough. Maybe he’d save everything else for later. He got the sense that Ash would respond well to surprises doled out over time.

You’re going to be a great Handler. Ash exclaimed, the ball still clutched in their hand. And I have something for you!

Ash finally stepped away, and predictably almost fell. He pulled them back in close and kept a steadying arm around them as they dug through their bag.