Page 123 of Love Unlimited

His own worry seemed to nudge her out of her timidity. I know. You never need to do anything more. But please kiss me, Daddy Zhong.

Zhong reverently touched her forehead, her cheek, that delicate place where her ear met with her neck. Then he pressed his lips to hers, letting the pleasure of the moment build, then slowly moving his mouth, brushing and nipping as he softly kissed her again and again.

She was completely different with him than she had been with Ash, responding eagerly but letting him lead.

When he drew back, he felt her sigh against his cheek before she opened her eyes.

Wow, Ash signed from behind her. That was beautiful.

It was, Dustin agreed. So, we’re really doing this? He looked radiant.

Zhong was sure that he did, too. It looks like we are. What does that mean, though?

I think it can mean whatever we want it to, Ash suggested. I honestly don’t think many things are going to change.

I can think of two things, Zhong interjected. Well, three things.

Everyone nodded for him to go on.

Sex, discipline, and living arrangements. No, there’s more. He pulled out his notebook but didn’t open it. Even holding it helped him remember. What we tell people about our relationship and if we want any sort of symbol or event to recognize it. I have a longer list.

Ash climbed into his lap, taking the knee that Lena wasn’t leaning on. It was delightful having them both in his arms. Can I say something Daddy?

Zhong’s hands were too full to reply, but he nodded eagerly. Ash was so much wiser about this.

You just thought of five things, but there are going to be hundreds of them. And they’re going to keep coming up. Some of them will have easy answers, and some will require a lot of soul searching. There are going to be things that we instantly agree on, and things where someone says something that feels instantly wrong, and we all have to find ways to make it work. I will say that our polycule–they fingerspelled the word, bringing a smile to Zhong’s lips when he figured it out–has been far less stressful to negotiate than most of the others I’ve been in, but that doesn’t mean it will always be that way.

I attribute a lot of that to you two, Ash indicated Zhong and Dustin, already having such an enduring relationship that involved living together. We’ve also done a lot of work on each couple’s relationship, but there will always be more. So some of those things we might be able to answer tonight, but if anything’s too complex, then I think we should let it go, give everyone time to think, and come back to it. Tonight we should just focus on enjoying each other.

Zhong nodded again. Do you want to leave all of the conversations for later?

No, I think we should have some of them now. It’ll help everyone feel more settled. They looked around, getting nods of confirmation. And if I could make one more suggestion… I know we went to a wedding today, but I think we should hold off on talking about any sort of commitment ceremony for a while. They paused dramatically. But I still want my obstacle course.

Everyone laughed.

Of course, Zhong assured them. He kissed their cheek, just because he loved them so much. He was going to build them the grandest obstacle course they’d ever seen. What else?

My next suggestion is that we agree to tell people different things depending on who they are. We can be two couples who live together or a foursome, depending on who asks. If we’re not sure about telling someone, we talk about it. I’m proud of my family, but it’s just not everyone’s business. They looked around to see nods of agreement from everyone, then went on. Regarding living arrangements… What have you all been thinking?

Dustin replied first. This probably isn’t much of a secret, but I want all of you under my roof. I have the space for everyone. And we can figure out individual rooms for everyone or sleep together or… anything really. I just like having everyone there. Like a family. Maybe not now, but if that was something you all could see happening in the future… The longer he talked, the more nervous he seemed. He didn’t usually babble.

Zhong wanted to tell him yes immediately. Yes, a thousand times. But it wasn’t just his choice to make. He turned to Ash, but it was Lena who answered.

I want to give up my lease. Zhong could see how much it took for her to admit that. For him, moving in with Dustin would be settling back into what he’d always wanted, but for her it was a leap of faith.

Dustin looked like he was aching to have Lena in his arms, and Zhong nudged her to get up and go to him. Lena giving up her lease was a big moment for Dustin, but also for all of them. Once she was standing, she ran over to him for an exuberant kiss.

When she was settled by Dustin’s side, he turned back to them. What about you two? I mean… would you consider it? Maybe some time in the future?

Ash’s eyes sparkled as they answered. I could see that happening now, actually. I mean, if Daddy wants to.

Zhong nodded, choking up.

I never even visit my apartment any more, Ash continued. It was a safety net for a while but… I feel good about us. About this. I suppose if I needed some space I could live with my mom for a bit, but this feels stable. Not really because of tonight, though. But because you two, they indicated Zhong and Dustin, have such a strong foundation. I feel like we’re building on something solid instead of starting something new.

Dustin nodded. I think I’ve missed having Zhong around every day that he wasn’t there. I just didn’t want to admit that to myself. I can’t tell you how happy I’d be to have both of you there. Even when I’m working, I like knowing that you all are in another room or coming home.

Now Zhong felt like he could give his own vote. But he was at a loss for words. I missed you every day, too, he finally responded. Your house has always been my home.