Page 40 of Love Unlimited

If only he weren’t working a billion overtime hours on that stupid project. Maybe when he was done he could try to arrange some more time with Zhong. Or before that? It was just that he already felt like by the time his evenings were over, he barely had time for himself and Landon.

That still didn’t mean that Zhong had to take second place all the time. He’d have to figure out how to fix it.

While we’re talking about this, Zhong interjected, can I ask you two something?

Of course, Dustin answered while Landon nodded.

Are you going to fuck Ash? Zhong crashed two hands together, each with two fingers outstretched to mimic the legs of two bodies meeting. He was clearly taking great delight in asking the question so graphically, knowing exactly how transgressive his question sounded and playing with societal conventions.

Even knowing that Zhong was asking the question because he felt comfortable with it, Dustin froze. He felt pulled between two opposing responses and just didn’t know where to go.

The first was a fantasy of Ash, which he’d been thinking of more and more since that game night. He imagined Ash, head thrown back in ecstasy, body intertwined with Landon’s while Dustin’s hands traveled over that smooth, creamy skin. More scenes tumbled forward. Lena standing over Ash with a paddle while Dustin directed her actions. Ash and Landon on their knees, worshiping Dustin’s cock. Ash splayed out on the bed, writhing in ecstasy while Lena and Dustin drew out their pleasure.

The other was a knee-jerk reaction, fear and guilt turning in his stomach at the idea of stealing his best friend’s partner. Even if Zhong didn’t think about it that way.

He knew it wasn’t the right response, but thirty-four years of society telling him that monogamy was the only type of relationship was taking some time to uncoil. The irony that he’d just clarified that his relationship with Zhong was something more than just friendship was not lost on him.

Dustin was trying to formulate a response, something along the lines of being very interested and glad they were talking about it. But Landon, who always seemed to be wiser about these things, replied to Zhong first. Can you tell us what you’re thinking about it?

I think you should do it, Zhong said eagerly. I know you’re both attracted to them. Sex is important to Ash and I can’t give it to them, so I think it would be the perfect solution.

And what did Ash say about your “solution?” Dustin got the sense that Landon was going somewhere with this.

Zhong looked crestfallen. They won’t talk about it. I know Ash wants things to work between us. And I think that they believe, right now, that having a non-sexual relationship is enough. But I also think that they would say that just to make me happy, even if it isn’t true. I mean, I don’t think that they’re lying. But I do think they’re trying to believe it just to make me happy. And… He drew in a deep breath. I just don’t want to lose them. If I can’t give them everything myself, I want you two to do it. You’re close to me, you’re close to Ash… It would solve all the problems. The misery on his face deepened. They told me after last week that they were going to tell you no, though. I was hoping that if I talked about it with you two first you could convince them.

Oh. That was a huge amount to take in.

He had to admit that he was feeling a little disappointed, knowing that Ash wasn’t interested. It felt like there was something exciting simmering between the four of them. Something special that he and Landon could have had with Ash that would be not just fun, but sweet and lovely.

But Dustin had no idea that all of that was going on in Zhong’s mind. It was important for him not to exclude Zhong. But he’d naively hoped that anything that brought them closer—like the flirting and eventually scenes or sex if Ash wanted it—would automatically bring all of them closer. More days with Zhong and Ash at the house. More connections between the two couples. More time for him to spend with Zhong, and explore sexy fantasies with Landon. More opportunities to get closer to Ash, who he was feeling increasingly affectionate toward beyond the initial attraction.

He knew that anything sexual would automatically not include Zhong, but he hadn’t realized it would make him feel like he wasn’t enough for his partner. Dustin knew that Zhong worried about being ace in a relationship with someone who wasn’t, but he’d thought those concerns were mostly over.

Dustin’s horniness had clearly overlooked Zhong’s needs, and Dustin wasn’t willing to let that happen. There had been so many years where it seemed like they could read each other’s minds, but clearly all of that was changing now that Zhong was dating.

Dustin wanted nothing more than to pull Zhong close against him, and this was one of the few times when ASL was really annoying. But communicating was more important. I think that if Ash says that you make them happy, you need to believe them. And from everything that I see between the two of you, you make them very, very happy. Dustin massaged Zhong’s thigh, as though digging in his fingers would somehow telegraph his feelings.

You do, Landon corroborated. They tell me all the time how lucky they are to have you. So we’re not going to convince them to have sex with us. I mean… honestly, that sounds kind of like we’re using each other instead of enjoying spending time together.

Zhong looked startled. I never meant it that way. I mean, I definitely wasn’t trying to use you two. I just thought it would work out well for everyone. Like, you guys would all enjoy it, and then I wouldn’t have to worry about how Ash was going to get sex. He sighed get with two hands closing into fists as he pulled something closer, like sex was something you could pick up and grab.

Landon snorted. You do realize that tons of people who identify as allosexual get into relationships all the time that rarely involve sex, right? Especially after a honeymoon period. You have to trust Ash with this.

Zhong didn’t look convinced. I suppose. It just seems like… something I should make sure that they have.

Landon rested a hand beside Dustin’s on Zhong’s knee for a moment, then lifted it to sign. That’s because you're a good Daddy and you want to take care of them. Just remember that you’re taking care of them in a lot of other ways and that’s enough.

It was exactly what Dustin would have said, but Landon put it so much better.

Thanks. I appreciate that. Zhong looked more thoughtful than relieved, though. No doubt he’d be making a lot of notes in his journal in the coming days.

Dustin was trying to think of ways that he could reassure Zhong as well, but was interrupted by the sound of the front door opening.

I think Ash is here, he told the other two.

They all watched the entryway as Ash walked in, stripping their ID from around their neck and shoving it in a pocket. Hey guys! They paused. Why are you all looking at me? Is everything OK?

Everything’s fine, Landon answered. Dustin heard you come in.