Page 62 of Love Unlimited

They knocked on Dustin’s office door and tentatively peeked their head in. He was hunched over his keyboard, exhaustion laced across his features.

Ash knocked again. Sometimes Daddies needed someone to take care of them, too.

Hey! Dustin’s face brightened the moment he saw them. Can I help you with something?

You could eat lunch with me!

Oh! Dustin looked pleased, like the thought had never occurred to him. I could come down in maybe fifteen minutes, but it’ll be quick. Did Zhong make something? He gave them a second look. Did you make something?

Ash laughed, holding up the paper bag that was hooked over their elbow. Better. I bought something.

Oh! That’s really thoughtful. You didn’t need to. And now I wish I had more time to eat it with you. Dustin’s eyes flickered over to his monitor, and then looked back pleadingly at Ash.

That was what they thought. He needed a break, even if it was a small one.

No worries. Ash grabbed the bean bag pillow from the hallway. They’d dragged it from Landon’s office, figuring he wouldn’t mind. You keep working. I’ll just eat over here. They plopped the cushion at the edge of Dustin’s wide desk. It’ll be like a picnic.

Ash presented Dustin’s meal to him, then settled onto the floor.

Dustin blinked. Don’t you want to hang out in Zhong’s office?

Ash shook their head resolutely. Nope. I like it here and you need me more. If I won’t be bothering you, that is. I’ll be quiet.

Dustin’s eyebrows arched into his floppy bangs. I’m not sure I understand.

Silly Dustin. He was overthinking things. You said you like watching us in the backyard, even when you’re busy. So I thought I’d just come to you. Now you can watch me right here. It’ll be good for your stress levels. Think of me like a lava lamp, but cuter.

Dustin laughed, the tension in his shoulders already melting away. A lava lamp? I mean, no, you won’t bother me. If you’re still sure you want to be here. I mean, it’ll be pretty boring.

Ash pulled their phone from their pocket and waved it at him. I want to be here. It was true. Sitting at Zhong’s feet would have been a different and equally satisfying experience, but this was where they wanted to be. Strengthening bonds.

If that’s really what you want, I won’t say no. Dustin was trying to look unaffected, but they could see in his eyes how pleased he was with their company. Enjoy your picnic.

Excellent. Ash flopped down on the pillow. They were still full from the ice cream, so they set their sandwich down nearby and started a game on their phone. They’d only fudged the truth a tiny bit about the picnic. It was a universal truth that Daddies liked watching their subs and littles relaxing. Everyone knew that.

At first, Dustin kept checking in on them, eyes darting from his screen to his lunch to where Ash was resting. Every time, Ash gave him a winning smile. They kicked off their shoes and snuggled into the bean bag, opening up their online Scrabble games to see what their various friends had posted since they last logged on. It was easy to angle the screen so that they could watch Dustin without having to look away.

By the time Dustin finished his lunch and tossed the paper away, his expression had shifted. He would type for a few minutes with intense concentration, and then glance to the side in gentle affection.

Once Ash was sure it was working, they flipped over onto their belly, kicking their heels in the air. Sometimes, you had to show Daddies how to do things.

Ash played another game, read some news, scrolled through Facebook and Twitter, and sent a text to Landon to update him on their plan.

A few minutes later Lena slipped into the room with her own bean bag. She wore a soft, cozy dress that looked good for cuddling.

Hey! Dustin greeted her.

She climbed onto his lap and turned her face up for a kiss, which he gave her hungrily. Ash could see the moment where Lena gave in. Dustin’s hand tangled in her hair, his mouth devouring hers. She went completely limp, giving herself over to him. It was powerful to watch, and left Ash burning.

The two of them pulled apart, panting. God, did Ash want to be in the middle of that. It was hard knowing that with a single word, they could have that right now.

Well, maybe not right this second.

When Dustin pulled back, though, his face showed only tenderness. How was your day?

Good. Lena smiled brightly. One of my new sixth graders is hilarious, and there’s another one who I know I’ll be working to bring out of his shell. Her gaze softened. Thanks for texting me today, too.

Dustin gave her a light kiss. Of course. Still no subdrop?