Page 119 of Love Lessons: Expanded Edition

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.

Thank you,Daddy replied sincerely. That means a lot to me.

And then they walked into the store holding hands. Which was kind of magical all by itself.

Inside the store, Daddy seemed to know right where he was going. Landon honestly couldn’t think of anything they’d need here, but he was willing to be surprised.

When they stopped in front of a tall rack of succulents, he actually squealed. He hoped it wasn’t too loud. Because Daddy wanted to get him plants.

Daddy wrapped his arms around him from behind and moved him over just a little, around the corner, to the display of hanging terrariums.

Air plants! He fucking loved air plants. The way that they could live for years on just a few drops of water and some filtered sunlight, hundreds of feet above the rainforest floor, was fascinating.

And these ones were so beautifully presented, too. The bubbles of glass sparkled even in the flat, industrial lighting and the bottom of each terrarium was filled with colorful rocks.

He’d always wanted one, but they were expensive, maybe five or ten times the cost of the little succulents around the corner in their plastic pots. He would never have gotten one for himself.

You may have one large one or two small ones, Daddy said indulgently.

There were just so many, though. Landon went through all of his favorites. He told Daddy about the things he liked, and some facts about the genus Tillandsia, and wondered when the different varieties would flower and what color the flowers would be.

He thought Daddy would go somewhere, or maybe get annoyed with him, but he just stood there, asking the occasional question or offering an opinion when Landon asked.