Page 99 of Love Limits

They pulled out a t-shirt and presented it with a flourish. It was solid black, almost identical to the one he had on. Sparkling plastic jewels spelled out Ash’s name in fancy script. Below that, HANDLER was printed in white block letters.

When had Ash even had time to make it? It must have been right after they’d messaged yesterday and before Ash came over. He could practically feel the excitement emanating from the letters. Maybe Ash was just happy to have someone to enjoy pup play with, but to Zhong, the symbolism of the t-shirt was overwhelming. Even if it was just for a night, Ash was claiming him.

Ash tucked it under their arm. Sorry. You don’t have to wear it if you don’t want to.

Oops. He’d waited too long. He pulled it away from them. I want it. I would be proud to wear it. He was keeping it. Forever.

He shucked off his old shirt and pulled the new one over his head. It was a size smaller and hugged his shoulders and abs, but it still fit. Presumably it was the only size that Ash had sitting around.

Then the two of them stood there, grinning at each other like fools.

Until Ash almost fell again. Take off your pants before you fall.

Ash batted their eyes. I thought you’d never ask.

Zhong gave them an exasperated look, but it was funny because he knew he was safe. It was amusing to joke about sex because Ash wasn’t going to expect anything to actually happen. Dustin flirted with him like that, too.

Once Ash was safely down to their tight black boxer shorts and matching shirt, they started removing objects from a canvas bag and putting them on the bench. Zhong observed, intrigued.

The first thing was a puppy hood, which, fortunately, wasn’t as intense as some of the ones that Zhong had seen online, where the person’s head was completely hidden and he wasn’t sure how they could even breathe.

It was made out of that stiff, foamy material that made Zhong think of athletic equipment instead of leather, with patches of fur for highlights and a few jewels that he was almost certain Ash had added themself. It looked like there would be plenty of open space to see Ash’s bright eyes and their mop of curly hair.

The color was mostly black, though the inside of the ears and some of the highlights on the face were teal. It made the whole thing seem soft and playful.

It would figure that Ash’s puppy would have teal ears.

I’m a Pomeranian, they announced proudly.

Are those the tiny ones with the huge fur? He puffed out his cheeks to demonstrate.

Yup.

I knew someone who had one. Lots of energy, but smart and adorable. She loved people. A lot like Ash, actually.

That’s me!

Of course it was.

Next were a pair of knee pads, and what Zhong realized after a moment must be mitts for their hands. They were bell shaped and had teal paw prints on the bottom to match the hood. The last item was an everyday black leather belt with a fluffy, curvy tail attached, predictably black with teal highlights. Ash would be one color-coordinated puppy.

Zhong reached toward the mask and then drew back. This was pretty personal, and he didn’t want to overstep. He looked at Ash, who was looking nervously back at him.

Do you want to put it on me? Ash finally asked. If you don’t want to, that’s fine, they added quickly. I can put it all on myself.

Oh, he very much wanted to. He wanted the full experience. And even more, he wanted Ash bouncing and happy.

Zhong sat on the bench and pulled them into his lap. He might not know a damn thing about puppy play, but he knew about Ash. I would love to. I just wasn’t sure if I was allowed to touch anything.

Ash beamed up at him. You can touch everything.

Is that the Handler’s job?

Usually. Now he had his cuddly Ash back.

You’ll have to tell me what to do. What goes on first?

They pointed out the knee pads and stood so he could strap them on. He tried to make sure it wasn’t too tight or too loose, but mostly it was just Velcro, nothing too exciting about it, except the symbolism of being the one to help Ash in that way.