Page 35 of Love Unlimited

Yeah. I mean…. He sighed again. I only like the age play because Ash likes it. It’s growing on me, because they really are adorable and I like watching them relax and have fun. But I mostly think of it as symbolic.

Symbolic? Landon couldn’t begin to fathom what that meant. The rest sounded like every Caregiver he’d ever met describing their little.

Zhong nodded, seeming eager to talk now. I just think of it as symbolism, even though that’s probably not right. Ash’s pacifier symbolizes relaxation. Brushing their teeth symbolizes taking care of them. Putting food into their mouth symbolizes intimacy. Watching them play symbolizes joy.

Zhong’s analytical mind was constantly fascinating to Landon. He hadn’t realized that Zhong actually brushed Ash’s teeth, but that was the cutest thing ever. In a way, the fact that Zhong did it just because Ash enjoyed it made it even sweeter.

Landon supposed that all of those things were symbols in a general way, but it was such a different approach to seeing the world. When Landon was with his Daddy, he just felt things. The big important thoughts got pushed aside. So you don’t actually feel those things? he asked. The relaxation and caretaking and intimacy?

Zhong didn’t answer right away, but Landon didn’t press him. Taking time to mull things over seemed to be his nature.

A row of broccoli went into the dirt before Zhong signed again. I do feel all of those things. I definitely feel the intimacy. And I enjoy taking care of them. I feel relaxed when Ash is relaxed and happy when they’re happy. In fact, having the visible symbols is a lot easier than sex for me, since I know I can give them exactly what they need and feel close while we’re doing it.

It sounds like you’re doing it exactly right then, Landon commented.

I think I’m doing it mostly right. And I’m feeling it mostly right. It’s more that if Ash didn’t want to regress ever again and I just got to be intimate with them and take care of them and help them relax as an adult, I wouldn’t miss it. I mean, I enjoy it because Ash enjoys it, but I don’t get anything out of it beyond that.

Got it. Landon waved his fist up and down, thumb and pinky extended, to show his understanding. So you actively enjoy being Ash’s Daddy when they’re an adult, and you’re neutral about age play.

Yes. Zhong seemed relieved that Landon understood. Is that bad?

Landon shrugged. I can’t tell you that. But I think Ash is pretty lucky to have a Daddy who loves taking care of them so much that he’s happy to do some age play just because it makes them happy. It doesn’t sound too different from Dustin playing board games with us even though he hates them.

Zhong laughed. Yeah, it’s exactly like that. God, we should really make Dustin stop pretending to play the games and just hang out with us. But yeah, I’m happy to do some age play because it’s important to Ash. But I wouldn’t on my own.

That’s completely allowed. And what about puppy play?

Zhong’s eyes grew dim. We’ve only done that at Escape.

Hang on… really? That was months ago. Landon had heard all about it because it was the final event that pushed Ash and Zhong into a relationship.

Yeah. I wasn’t sure how to get it started.

Landon squinted his eyes. He’d kind of assumed that was part of their regular dynamic now. And Ash hadn’t said anything.

I don’t think it’s that difficult, Landon suggested. I think if you just toss a ball, Ash would probably chase after it.

Zhong’s lips turned up a bit. I think all the toys we got today will help. He still looked nervous, though.

Hang on, you like it, right? Being Ash’s Handler?

I think so…

That wasn’t what Landon had heard from Ash. Tell me what you liked about it. At Escape with puppy Ash.

Zhong thought for a minute, his eyes going dreamy at the memory. Whatever his fears were about, it didn’t seem to be from Zhong’s lack of interest.

Well, first, Ash’s eyes were so happy. From the moment they put on the hood, it was like this bundle of joy with a tail. He continued listing off the reasons, numbering them on his fingers. Second, they loved chasing the ball. He reenacted their delight in chasing after it, one hand hopping around like a puppy. You’d think they’d get tired of it, but they just kept coming back to do it again.

Third, he signed sheepishly, I thought being licked would be gross, but it was different when it was puppy kisses. And they put up their paws for tummy rubs. That’s four. Oh, and five. They had so much energy playing with the other puppies. You could tell they all looked out for each other. Like a real community. You could even see who was new and who already knew everyone, even though they didn’t talk.

What number was I on? Six? Seven? Well, Ash was so adorable when I fed them. The treats were even better. Their eyes just lit up every time, even for a tiny piece of candy. Their little tail wagged and they were just so excited.

And eight, well, I guess I liked being their Handler. Even though I didn’t know what I was doing. It was just… there was something so pure about their happiness and I got to facilitate that.

By the end of that recitation, Landon was grinning at Zhong’s infectious enthusiasm. And the fact that he’d numbered it. It sounds like you’re kinky after all.

Yeah, Zhong gave a wry smile. I think I might be. I mean, that counts as kinky, right? Giving them puppy treats and throwing the ball? Plus the Daddy stuff? Is that kinky enough?