Page 28 of Love Lessons

He hadn’t meant to mention that at all. He’d meant to keep the fantasy he’d described pretty typical while giving the evening some direction. This was a lesson.

But then he’d gotten invested, somehow, said things he didn’t mean. There was just something about Dustin that kept throwing him off. It wasn’t that he was inexperienced with D/s--that part he’d expected. It was more that he kept trying to peek inside Landon’s mind.

First with the conversation about the comic books. Landon could have gone on about the X-Men all day, and it seemed like Dustin would have listened. Landon would have been comfortable chatting about something else, like his niece and nephew, but that felt unexpectedly private.

Then, Dustin had just asked to feel the power exchange between them instead of something more specific, and although things had gotten a little awkward, Landon had felt precious. There was something about the way that Dustin had nervously petted his hair before pulling it that was unexpectedly intimate.

Landon had trained both Doms and subs before and it had always been pretty… removed. They were there to learn. He was there to teach. They told him which techniques they wanted to try, he answered questions, and, usually, everybody got to come.

When Dustin kneeled on the floor with him, though, it was different. He’d been asked about his fantasies before, but more as a casual question to get things going. Dustin seemed to really want to know.

With all of the other Doms he’d been with, novice and experienced, the parts where they were taking care of him were always a bit more… routine. Like they were reading from a script.

With Dustin it felt like it was about… Landon. Not about the kink, somehow, though of course it was still about the kink.

Dustin just kept going off script. Or acting like he didn’t even know there was supposed to be a script.

It was sweet. Kind of amazing actually. But it was also the sort of sweet that had Landon running after men who seemed available and then left him to cry in his pillow. Definitely better to stick to lessons.

He would let himself enjoy what they did tonight, and maybe have a few follow-ups, but he needed to remember that it wasn’t anything more than that.

Stand up, Dustin commanded, taking him out of his head. Right. Now wasn’t the time to worry about anything except the next hour.

Dustin got to his feet and then offered Landon a hand. Let’s try some of what you suggested. Where’s your bedroom?

God, was he sexy when he was confident. They would still need to go over the new scene, but gaining that confidence was as much a part of the training as any actual techniques.

Landon took his hand. It was one of those little things that belied Dustin’s inexperience; most Doms would give him a command and make him follow, but this was charming.

Landon led the way down the hall. He made sure to stay a few steps in front so that Dustin could get a good look at his ass.

The scene finally seemed to be on track, which meant he could step back into the role of teacher where he was more comfortable.

Do you know where it’s safe to spank someone? he asked.

Ass, thighs, shoulders, and chest, Dustin answered quickly. Avoid the spine, belly, and lower back. He looked chagrined. You’re also supposed to avoid the face, but I wasn’t thinking of it that way.

Landon repeated his reassurances. It really had been fine; the worst part had been that it seemed to break Dustin’s confidence.

Landon kept them moving forward, pulling open the two drawers under his bed to show off his toys. He’d expected Dustin to come over and take a look, but he hadn’t expected Dustin to come up behind him, circling him with his arms and nuzzling into his cheek like a lover. He was warm and strong, his body still coiled with that rigid, commanding posture, and yet so gentle.

It felt dangerously comforting.

Show me the things from your fantasy.

Right. Landon leaned forward and Dustin followed his movements, like a blanket or maybe an exoskeleton. It felt sexy and safe, which didn’t usually blend together for him.

He grabbed the handcuffs that he liked and the less flexible of his two crops. As he stood up, his motions a little awkward, Dustin supported his weight. It seemed like there was some subtle message there, like Dustin would help him find his balance again. Not that he needed anyone for that.

He turned in Dustin’s arms and handed him the toys, which caused him to back away so that they could communicate.

Landon launched into a lecture, ready to set the tone. These are some of my favorite cuffs. They’re comfortable to use for a long time, won’t leave a mark--which is important since I work with children and can’t be out about D/s, and have a quick-release latch as well as a key.

Dustin listened intently, but not with the worry he’d shown earlier. Why do you need the key if you can release them with the latch?

This was something that Landon had explained before at demos and when guiding beginners. He loved this type of education. He described how he loved to feel the helplessness and security of being bound, but also had to be realistic about his personal safety. Not to mention that keys could get lost or jammed.

Then, he took the cuffs from Dustin’s hands, leaving him holding the crop. The crop isn’t as difficult to use as some other toys, but it still requires more practice than, say, a paddle. The more flexible a crop is, the more it stings, and longer crops are more flexible than shorter ones made from the same materials. This one is shorter and less flexible which makes it good for a beginner. It also requires less space to use it.