Page 95 of Love Lessons: Expanded Edition

He could still tell that Dustin was wary about inadvertently hurting him, and was feeling either protective or insecure. Landon didn’t mind protective, really, as long as it was the right type of protective. He wanted growling desire, strict rules, harsh punishments, and maybe, just possibly, all-day cuddles when it was over. What he was getting was vanilla dates, a few rough touches when he got lucky, doting check-ins on his projects and health, and long sensuous showers.

Not that he was complaining about the dates or the showers it was just… he wanted more, too. More of what they’d been building toward. Not this halfway place where Dustin was afraid of hurting him, and he was afraid of suggesting anything.

He decided to text Ash. Ash always understood. They’d both spilled secrets, and they’d become a lot closer in the past month. It wasn’t just hanging out at game night, but they’d started texting each other, too, and even hung out a few times without their Daddies.

Not that Zhong was really Ash’s Daddy. But Ash would sigh and giggle about him like he was. The two of them seemed happy together even though Ash was still trying to date other people. But that was too much for Landon to think about right now.

Landon: Hey!

Ash: hey

Landon: What are you up to?

Ash sent back a picture of a game board. It looked like a world map and it was covered with brightly colored pieces. Someone’s hand was moving a piece, presumably Zhong since the two of them were inseparable.

They added a picture of a happy puppy, tail wagging. Ash loved GIFs and never communicated anything in words that they could say better with a puppy GIF. It looked like they were having a relaxing day hanging out with their not-Daddy.

It was nice seeing how well those two worked together. It seemed like things were just so easy for them. Why was everything Landon did so hard?

Ash: how are you?

Landon sent back a few emojis. Ash kind of brought it out in him. Sad face. Frustration. Anger. Exhaustion. There weren’t enough little yellow circles for all of his emotions right now.

Ash returned a GIF of a cute, little creature hugging a sad one who turned happy with a kiss and little hearts flooding out.

Ash: school board stuff? or dustin stuff?

Landon: Both?

Landon: I had to talk with parents today about how the district is taking away their children’s services.

Ash: i’m so sorry. that really sucks

Ash added a puppy licking another one’s face to cheer it up.

Ash: tell dustin to make it better.

Landon: It’s not working.

Ash: i thought things were going well

Ash: u 2 are always so happy at game night

Landon: Ugh. I know. We are.

Mostly. Almost.

Landon: Being vanilla is really hard.

Ash: u don’t have to convince me

Ash: why are you doing it?

Landon: I told you. He wants us to get to know each other first.

Ash: that sounds fair, but misguided. ur a sub. he’s a dom.

Ash: you should get to know each other in kinky ways, too.