Page 74 of Love Unlimited

Zhong considered. Are there some that just focus on serotonin and oxytocin?

Ash and Dustin joined them, probably noticing that the crowd was starting to thin. What are you talking about? Ash asked as they leaned against Zhong. That looked really nerdy.

Landon chuckled. Zhong was asking the geeky equivalent of what kink acts make people feel relaxed and loving. Landon turned back to Zhong. I definitely have some articles, though those two hormones will usually be produced at the end of any scene, as well as after sex. Something like that throughout the scene would usually be something like sensory play. Or, you know, getting your little dressed for a playdate.

Ash and Zhong exchanged a tender look. Landon was only surprised to see Dustin looking at them with equal tenderness. It made sense, though. Seeing Ash in little space with Zhong watching over them would probably get all of Landon’s serotonin and oxytocin running, too.

It sounded dreamy and relaxing just thinking about it.

Dustin turned to Landon next. It was fun watching you teach. You really shine in front of an audience.

Landon tried not to blush at the praise. There was something about the way Dustin said it that was just on this side of a compliment from Daddy.

Thanks, he said quickly, deflecting. I don’t think I did anything special, but I love teaching. I think it’s really important to get this information out there, so that people who are new to the scene are comfortable, knowledgeable, and safe.

Dustin gave him a look that he was sure would have ended with a kiss if they were somewhere else. That’s why you’re a magnificent teacher.

Landon gave a little shrug, but it did feel really good. There was something so different about being complimented by Dustin than anyone else, the way that Daddy seemed to take into account both everything that he did, and who he was as a person.

But that still didn’t mean that he was good at accepting compliments gracefully. So, what should we do now? I feel like we’re all in the city so we shouldn’t waste it.

Dinner at Whirlwind? Ash suggested. Daddy still hasn’t been.

Sounds good to me, Landon agreed. Whirlwind was the queer bar around the corner from Escape. Landon loved the atmosphere there, a relaxed burgers-and-beer place that had both trivia nights and drag performances. Half of their staff was trans and their whole clientele was very queer, so it always felt homey and comfortable being there.

Dustin nodded and Zhong added his agreement. Perfect. I’ve been looking forward to it. And Ash has work in the morning, so we can have an early night.

Landon tried to let go of the pang of disappointment. Zhong and Ash had been coming over so often that he just assumed they’d be spending the whole evening together. It was only five-thirty.

Dustin wrapped an arm around Landon’s shoulder, signing one-handed toward Zhong. Didn’t you want a second opinion on that thing with your shower? We could stop by for a few minutes afterward.

Good idea! Ash proclaimed. Daddy, they need to look at your shower, they added, nodding seriously.

Is that so?

Yes! There are lots and lots of drips. They used their spread fingertips to show the water falling. And then we can make milkshakes and smoothies for dessert. It’ll be like a sleepover.

Zhong shook his head fondly. I don’t think it qualifies as a sleepover if they don’t actually sleep over. And for that we’d need another bed. But we do have plenty of things for smoothies and milkshakes.

Landon nuzzled into Daddy’s arms. Can we go?

Daddy kissed the top of his head. Of course. We’ll stay until bedtime.

Landon hid his face in Daddy’s shirt. That sounded perfect.

Chapter 12

Ash

“I’m walking on sunshine, whoa. I’m walking on sunshine…” Ash sang as they walked down the hall, pushing the cart. “Hey Mr. Isling,” they called out as they knocked on the door. When he answered, they danced in and got everything ready to test his blood pressure. “I’m walking on sunshine, whoa, and don’t it feel good!”

The songs that Ash’s mother had played during their childhood, before their hearing deteriorated, were always the ones that they came back to. Inside, they could still faintly hear the lines of each instrument fitting together.

“You’re in a good mood,” Mr. Isling observed, each word slow and weathered by time. Like many of the residents at the facility where Ash worked, his voice was so quiet that Ash relied more on lip reading than their hearing aids. He’d adjusted his bed so he could sit up and read, the book settled on a pillow wedge, and his eyes were bright in his lined face.

“I’m in an excellent mood,” Ash agreed, still humming as they attached the oximeter to Mr. Isling’s wrinkled finger.

“It’s that boy of yours, isn’t it?”