Page 75 of Love Limits

He hopped out, grinning, and walked around to let Ash out. It took a couple of minutes to figure out what they needed to do, but eventually he had one sapling and one bemused Ash standing beside him.

Ash pulled him into a hug and he squeezed back, just savoring the moment.

He looked forward to the first planting day of spring all year. The bright colors, the rich smells of soil and greenery, and visions of the finished effects all pulled at him. The air was still chilled, but it would warm up soon under the clear April skies. He couldn’t wait to pull out the trowels and get his hands dirty.

It also felt like everything was new again with Ash beside him. They swore they had a black thumb, but they’d been happy to join him at the garden supply center. They were enamored by the colors and shapes of the flowers, bubbling over with the excitement and convincing him to buy an even more ridiculous quantity of plants than he planned to.

Usually the role of bemused-but-supportive companion would have fallen to Dustin. Zhong had even asked him to come, but apparently Landon had slept over last night and was going to be hanging around this morning.

After those first weird months, things seemed to be going well between the two of them, and apparently they’d just figured out a bit more of it. Zhong hadn’t quite followed all of Dustin’s explanation, because he thought they were already dating and already being kinky. But apparently now it was different. Zhong was happy for them.

Zhong was getting to know Landon better through their weekly game nights. As he’d opened up a bit, he was friendly, passionate about his students, and fun to hang out with. He could be a bit snarky, which Zhong found he enjoyed. Meanwhile, Dustin doted on Landon and looked as happy as a clam.

Predictably, Dustin had less time for Zhong, though. Like this morning.

Usually plant shopping was something special they did together. Dustin had only missed it twice in the past decade and both times it was when he was dating someone new. The last time, it had stung and Zhong had pushed back the feelings of rejection.

This time he’d had a few moments of missing Dustin, but Ash had more than taken his place with their enthusiasm for the excursion. They were still cuddling in his arms now, surveying the overflowing greenery in the car.

It was like Zhong’s center of gravity was shifting the closer he came into Ash’s orbit. It wasn’t quite like Ash had pulled him away from Dustin, but he was more… balanced, maybe? Like a planet in a binary star system, he mused.

Zhong opened the back door and directed Ash to start carrying the trays of annuals over to the porch while he unpacked the trunk. He tossed a few bags of mulch on the driveway and hefted a bag of garden soil over his shoulder. Just as he turned, two figures ran up the driveway.

Dustin and Landon were both sweat-soaked from their run, even in the chill air. No, not Landon. Zhong noticed short pink shorts, purple running shoes, and a stretchy white shirt with thin straps. With the flouncing ponytail to top if off, this must be Lena.

Hey, he waved with one hand. He let the soil fall with a thump near the front garden bed and turned back. Lena was poking her head into the car. Dustin was admiring her ass.

She pulled her head out and turned to him. Ooh! Peonies. I love peonies. They’re going to be beautiful in a few years. And is that a peach tree?

Nectarine, actually. He was impressed that she’d recognized it from just the leaves.

And… calla lilies? Are those calla lilies? She must be looking at the bag of bulbs that was buried somewhere on the floor on the other side. Maybe some of the package was visible.

Yeah. I was going to do calla lilies with dahlias and gladiolus behind them along the porch. I’m trying more bulbs this year. You like to garden?

I love it! Lena kissed her fist exuberantly. Can I help? I mean, would that be intruding?

No, that would be great. Zhong found himself grinning. Dustin usually sat on the porch and kept him company, but having someone who was excited about gardening with him would be fantastic.

Dustin looked on with amusement. I can see that I’m not going to get any attention from either of you for the rest of the day, am I?

Zhong shook his head. Nope. But you can sit on the porch and hang out.

Maybe after a shower. He turned to Lena. Come shower and change into something you can get dirty.

I’m already sweaty. I can stay out here. Lena put her hands on her hips, squaring off with him.

There was a charge in the air between them. It couldn’t have been more obvious that they both enjoyed Dustin making these decisions for her, at least part of the time.

Zhong was continuously fascinated watching their relationship. Sometimes little bits of it came out during game night, but this was the first time he’d seen their full dynamic on display. It was kind of cool that Lena felt safe enough around him and Ash to do it, actually.

He turned to find Ash watching them too, a dreamy look on their face.

I don’t think so. It’s too cold for those clothes outside and you’ll be frustrated if your running shoes get muddy. So come inside now. He looked stern but not angry.

She appeared to consider it, still glaring at him.

Dustin’s lips quirked. If you come inside now, you can join me in the shower.