Page 48 of Love Limits

Ash gave a little salute and bid him goodnight. They still had to put a dozen notes into the computer, but then they were free to flip their phone back on and see what Zhong was up to. And, they supposed, confirm with Maj.

Surprisingly, the next text they got wasn’t someone they expected, but still made their heart beat a little faster.

Landon/Lena: hey. just wanted to say thank you for yesterday.

It had been sent twenty minutes ago, so they replied back right away.

Ash: np. thanks for letting me crash your trip to the museum. i had fun.

It had been emotionally intense, but they’d enjoyed the kids and the exhibits as well as the chance to get to know Landon better. Getting a little peek inside his head had only increased their crush, even if it dimmed in comparison to the way that Zhong filled all of their waking thoughts.

Landon/Lena: my niblings are already asking when they can see you again.

Ash: ooh! i’d love that. and i’d love to hang out again sometime.

Hopefully that wasn’t too forward. They really wanted to spend more time with him.

While they were waiting for a reply, they texted Zhong a picture of a sleepy puppy.

Zhong: All done? How was your day?

Ash: pretty good. someone made me an adorable lunch.

Zhong: Was it good?

Ash sent back a cartoon dog rubbing its bulging belly with a goofy smile on its face. It wasn’t just the food, though they were certainly eating healthier. It was knowing that Zhong made it just for them. They buried that away for now, though, a special treasure to take out and polish later.

Ash: hey, do you think i could host a game night? like for dustin and lena/landon?

Zhong: That depends. Can I come too?

Ash: dork. obviously u too.

Zhong: Then yes. If the two of them are done being ridiculous.

That made Ash smile. The couple certainly was tumultuous, but Ash thought they were getting somewhere. They didn’t expect the drama to end any time soon, though.

Ash flipped back to Landon’s thread and asked about a game night. They didn’t have Dustin’s number, but they figured the message would get through.

Then they started the car, though the text conversations were tempting them. The phone kept flashing on the seat beside them and lighting up the car. Every time they got to a long light, they checked it.

Landon/Lena: yes! just tell me when and where.

Landon/Lena: i’d like to hang out with you, too.

Ash felt themself blushing. Landon wanted to hang out with them! OK, so clearly not like a date or anything, but it was kind of like the cool kid asking you to sit at their lunch table.

At the next light they switched threads.

Zhong: Dustin says yes.

Zhong: He says that Landon enjoys RPGs and longer games, even though he was distracted last time.

Zhong: Dustin tolerates them sometimes, but he’s always down for shorter games.

Zhong: He’s happy to host or switch places.

Zhong: I want to see where you live, though.