Page 13 of Love Lessons: Expanded Edition

I don’t have any questions so far.

So how did you find out about the group?

Dustin rolled his eyes. So… are you sure you want to hear this?

Landon nodded eagerly, eyes shining. Dustin hadn’t told this story to anyone else, but he figured that Landon had probably seen a lot of newbies and maybe he could be at least a little bit funny and get him to laugh.

So… I didn’t actually figure it out myself. My ex-boyfriend did. It had been a disaster, but he wasn’t going to go down that path right now. He wanted to be funny for Landon.

Landon laughed, his head sprawled back and lean, corded neck exposed. And he was vanilla?

Extremely. Which I thought I was, too. But, uh, I think he was right. And then I made the mistake of telling my best friend all about it. So my friend’s been on this mission to get me to, I don’t know, do kinky things. Explore myself.He made a skeptical face as he said it. I think he wants to live vicariously through me. He’s actually the one who found out about this group.

Sounds like a good friend, Landon commented.

Dustin rolled his eyes again. I suppose that’s one way to think about it. I think he just wants to hear all the juicy details.

Oooh… juicy details! Good idea! Landon leaned closer, like he wanted to help create those details. It wasn’t anything he was saying, more the way he was saying it, eyes wide and lips pursed. That was flirting. Right?

I don’t know about that. I’m just—

But before he could get any farther, someone came up behind Landon and interrupted with a tap on the shoulder.

Hey! he signed in welcome, clearly pleased.

The newcomer was an individual of indeterminate gender wearing a filmy wrap skirt that fluttered around tight jeans. Above that was a shirt with creative tears and interspersed splashes of ribbon that could only have been made by a fashion designer.

Landon made introductions. This is Dustin. Dustin, this is Ash. Ash uses they/them pronouns. Ash's namesign was the letter A tapped on the inside of the opposite wrist, a location which usually indicated a medical professional.

Are you a doctor? Dustin asked. He definitely would have guessed artist.

No, a nurse. I work in a long-term care facility and get to chat with all the patients. How about you?

I’m a programmer. I sit in my room all day and chat with my computer. Dustin turned to Landon, who was chuckling again. Why did he care so much about making him laugh? What do you do?

I’m a teacher. I spend all day trying to get twelve-year-olds to listen to me. I love them, but I have to write report cards this week. That part’s wretched. He made the sign for figuratively vomiting.

Landon’s eyes grew stormy for a moment. And I might not have a job next year, but that’s a different issue.

Fuck that was… really bad. And to know that in December and still have half a year to teach must be agonizing.

Landon’s face held both anger and regret, but he quickly transformed it into a smile. Nothing to do about it, though. Let’s talk about something else.

Dustin didn’t feel good letting it go, but it also wasn’t his place to jump in. For a moment, Landon had looked like he needed someone to talk to, like he was holding a lot behind his cheerful demeanor. Hopefully he had other people in his life for that.

Ash patted Landon on the shoulder in a display of comfort and then squeezed around the table to sit on the other side so that they could all see each other.

Trying to jump start the conversation in compliance with Landon’s wishes, he turned to Ash. Did you make your shirt? He would definitely have never worn anything like that himself, but on Ash it really worked.

Yep. I like to think of my body as a piece of art. They made a flourishing gesture. And it keeps me sane, Ash added with a wink.

Dustin nodded. Ash was kind of cute with their irrepressible confidence and enthusiasm. If he weren’t so dazzled by Landon sitting next to him, he might even be interested. Not that he was trying to date anyone or anything. What was with him today?

I like it,he said, simply. It’s not necessarily my style, but I’m still impressed.

Ash beamed. If you stick around, I might make you something. More subtle, of course. Once I know you better so I can figure out what you’d like.

They made me a shirt for my birthday that was amazing, Landon added. Which only made Dustin want to think about Landon in some revealing shirt with bits of skin peeking through.