Page 97 of Love Lessons

But as soon as he started, he stopped. Wow. You really are hard, aren’t you? Daddy smirked. Go find your shoes.

He was… That was… That’s not fair!

You’re telling me you don’t want your rewards, Danger?

No, he really wanted his rewards. And he liked his nickname too. He didn’t think he’d had a nickname before, since they weren’t used much in ASL, but he could definitely get used to it. It made him feel a little bit naughty and very cared for.

He’d already put on his shoes and was tugging on his coat when his sleeve caught on his leather cuffs.

Reluctantly, he took them off. He needed to take off the makeup, too. And probably put on a different shirt. And jeans. And...

Daddy caught him as he turned. Hey, what’s wrong?

It’s nothing. I’m just going to wash my face and then we can go. He tried to say it like it wasn’t a big deal.

Daddy looked him over. Tell me what you’re thinking.

I can’t actually go out like this. I’m not actually a teenager and I look like I’m going to a club or something. And I’m honestly too old for that, too, if it’s not Escape. He’d worked so hard on feeling comfortable as Lena, and he knew that this shouldn’t be as big a deal, but somehow it was. It was like he was starting all over again.

Daddy pulled him into his arms and rocked him back and forth until he felt calmer. He was starting all over again, but with Daddy this time.

Daddy finally took a little step back. I won’t push you on this until we’ve explored more, and I know what pushes you need from me. But I am always honored to have you at my side, no matter how you present yourself.

I think I want to take off the makeup. It was too personal, and he wasn’t quite ready yet.

That’s fine, Danger. But I want to see those cuffs back on your wrists. I might have plans for them later.

Landon grinned. Daddy really didn’t want him to be able to walk normally when they went out.

He quickly rubbed at his eyelids and ran back to where Daddy was waiting to put the cuffs on his wrists. It felt completely different this time, with Daddy putting them on there. Like a promise and a claim.

In the car, Landon finally remembered to ask where they were going.

To get your present.

Landon was starting to realize why teenagers rolled their eyes so often. It was because adults were assholes.

A few blocks later, though, they pulled into the parking lot of a big box hardware store.

Wow, Daddy, I didn’t know we were this kinky.

Daddy pulled him across the center of the car and gave him a luxurious kiss. That’s a lie. That’s also not why we’re here, though you’re definitely giving me ideas.

They both hopped out of the car and Daddy slung an arm over his shoulders.

You know we look really gay like this, right?

What? Daddy asked innocently. I’m just showing my boy some manly things like hardware. What could be straighter than that?

Oh, God. That was horrible. Are we really buying hardware? And are we going to be super gay?

Daddy stopped in his tracks and turned Landon to face him. I will always do what’s necessary to keep you safe. I know that you’re not used to having a boyfriend, but I’ve been to this place with exes and with Zhong, who probably touches me more than any of them ever did, and no one has ever said a word.

I promise you that if we walked in there holding hands and asked for the heavy-duty eye hooks and asked what gauge of rope I’d need to suspend about one hundred eighty pounds, they’d just point us in the right direction. But if you’re worried about it, we can pretend to be straight dude bros.

Landon cracked up, as Daddy had intended. And just like that, he wasn’t worried any more. Because Daddy knew what he was doing and how to take care of him.

He reached for Daddy’s hand on his shoulder and laced their fingers together. I trust you, he signed with his other hand.