Page 52 of Love Limits

Sure. It’s kind of a mess, though. They looked doubtful, but led him inside anyway.

It was true, in a way. Every surface was covered with fabrics and sketches, with more art pinned up to the walls. A mannequin was fitted with a half-sewn suit and there were not one but three sewing machines on the long desk that stretched across one wall. Another section seemed to hold paints and brushes, as well as some other artist-y stuff that Zhong didn’t know how to categorize.

There were stunning glazed pottery statues and wall hangings everywhere, though not a sign of the clay used to make them. Maybe Ash went to a clay studio?

Zhong looked around the corner and saw a cramped but neat kitchen. A few plates rested in the drying rack and everything else put away.

It was exactly how Zhong had imagined it.

It looks like an artist’s studio, he told Ash, which is what it is. It’s not messy. Just busy.

Ash smiled, so that was clearly the right thing to say. You can look around the rest if you want. Bathroom’s over there, then my bedroom is at the end.

Zhong shrugged. He wanted to see Ash’s space, but mostly because it was Ash’s. There was plenty to look at in here for now. I’m sure I’ll see it later. Dinner first or game?

Ice cream? Ash asked hopefully.

Zhong gave them a look. After dinner. That’s not food.

Ash gave a cute little huff but put it in the freezer anyway.

Are you hungry now?

Yeah, a bit. Maybe we can put in the order now and then start the game.

It took them only a few minutes to clear off the couch, then settle onto it to debate whether to order a little too much or way too much. They finally got an appetizer and four entrees, so there would be plenty of leftovers. Zhong was planning on paying for half, but he was determined that Ash would go to work this week with healthy lunches.

Of course, once they’d put in the order, Ash wouldn’t let him reimburse them. You’ve made me four delicious meals, plus all of the lunches. I think it’s only fair that I pay when we eat out.

Zhong held up a hand, ready to protest. He wouldn’t have ordered so much if he realized.

Nope! Amendment to the charter of the Disastrous Dating Club. Zhong does all the cooking and Ash gets to pay for restaurants.

He supposed he couldn’t very well argue with that logic, especially since Ash was assuming they’d be spending more time together. He didn’t get a chance to answer anyway.

That reminds me! Hang on. Their soft curls bounced as they raced down the hall, practically skipping in delight.

Ash returned, holding a few pieces of cardstock. I forgot to show you these!

What are they? Zhong took one. Wow! These are amazing.

Ash had made their own Disastrous Dating Club Bingo Cards. The lettering was quirky and vibrant and little cartoons illustrated the squares.

Zhong read through a couple. “Painted werewolf claws.” “Uses small words so you can ‘hear’ them better.” “Thinks the new Star Wars movies were good” was followed by “Doesn’t know what Star Wars is.” These were great.

Dotted around were a whole series of squares for a date who didn’t read part of your profile, like the part that said you were kinky. Or Deaf. Or asexual. Or genderqueer. Or looking for a long term relationship.

Ugh. Zhong could only imagine. But it was kind of fun seeing his identity and stories mixed in with Ash’s. So we’re doing this together? Zhong asked.

Yep! We’re a team.

I don’t think I’m going to get too many more squares. I only have one more hypothetical date planned.

With that other guy from the ace group?

Yeah. His name is Mick, but that’s all I know about him.

Ash frowned. We should get you some more dates. You need to sign up for a dating app.