Page 39 of Love Limits

Zhong: I’m headed that way anyway. See you in a few!

The line was obviously false and Dustin might eventually remember that Zhong was supposed to be hanging out with Ash this afternoon. But he could sort all of that out later.

The drive usually took twenty minutes, but he made it in fifteen, grateful that the Saturday morning traffic was light. As he parked the car in Dustin’s driveway, he wrote to Ash again.

Zhong: Anything else you can tell me?

Zhong: I don’t want you to break Landon’s trust, but is there anything I need to know?

Ash: yeah. you know what subdrop is?

Zhong: No.

Ash: extremely low level of endorphins after an intense scene. makes people feel crappy. it can last a couple hours or a couple days. i can explain the biochem to you later if u want

Despite everything, Zhong smiled a bit at that. He liked that Ash had a dorky side and knew he’d be interested in it. That still didn’t explain what was going on, though.

Zhong: OK…

Ash: so landon’s having subdrop, but he didn’t tell dustin bc he’s not used to being in relationships

Zhong felt a little annoyed on Dustin’s behalf, but he could understand feeling out of your comfort zone. And subdrop sounded terrifying, like the lows people hit after being on drugs. He wouldn’t want to make decisions while he was feeling that way.

Zhong: Dustin would have helped him with that.

Ash: i know. i think landon knows too.

Zhong: Should I tell him?

Ash: let me get back to you… need to see how landon’s doing first

Zhong: Where are you now?

Ash: taking him to the science museum w his niblings. gonna give him some time to get through it and try to talk w him about communicating better.

Ash seemed like they had it all in hand, and Zhong was once again impressed with them. They gave off this playful, artistic vibe that seemed a little scatterbrained, but they were also clearly competent and resourceful when it counted.

Though, really, that should have been obvious. Ash was a competent nurse, responsible for handling patients’ health. This was just the first time Zhong had really seen that side of them.

Zhong: Thank you. I’m going to check on Dustin. Do you think I should encourage him to try again with Landon?

He waited, realizing as he did that he trusted Ash’s opinion. He wasn’t Landon’s biggest fan right now, but if Ash thought it was a good idea, he’d follow it.

Ash: i know it doesn’t seem like it, but i do. landon’s scared right now, but he’s a good person. he feels terrible that he’s screwing this up, and he doesn’t want to get hurt. he’s not playing games.

Zhong: OK. Good. I’m going to hang out with Dustin, now.

Ash: i’ll keep u posted

Zhong: Sounds good. Thank you!

Ash sent back a picture of an adult dog licking a sad puppy to cheer it up, which made him chuckle. How did they even find all of these GIFs so fast?

Zhong pocketed the phone, then let himself into Dustin’s house.

Dustin was pacing back and forth across the living room in agitation, but when he saw Zhong, he melted into his arms.

Want to talk about it? Zhong signed one-handed.