Page 124 of Love Unlimited

Well, come home then.

It was that simple and that perfect. Zhong nodded, thinking that Dustin felt like he was too far away. He wanted to feel Dustin’s lean chest against him and brush kisses across his cheek. But Ash was sitting in his lap, their slender arms wrapped around his neck as they squeezed him in delight. He didn’t want to let them go, but now he was greedy to be close to everyone at once. Sitting around the fire seemed like the perfect idea, but now even that small distance seemed too far. I’d like that. I can move next week.

Actually, Ash interjected, I was thinking that we might want to keep Zhong’s apartment if we can afford it. For all four of us, that is. It’s hard for me to commute out to the suburbs when I have back-to-back shifts, so maybe we could do a few nights there sometimes?

Lena nodded eagerly. It’s closer to my new school. And if we wanted to have an evening out in the city, we could sleep there. Especially if we went to pup night, she winked at Ash, or some other event at Escape, we’d be right there.

Zhong considered. His apartment had always felt distant and isolated, away from the warm home where he wanted to be. A space for one. But Ash had transformed it with their brilliant fabrics and cluttered projects that were slowly creeping in. If he was always there with someone else, if it were something shared, it would be completely different. Joyously overcrowded, with everyone bumping into each other, but perfect nonetheless. He checked around the circle. Everyone seemed good with the plan. So, it would be like our… city apartment?

Ash giggled. It would be our sleepover adventure apartment. We can pretend we’re camping.

Zhong planted a kiss on their upturned lips. Alright, sleepover adventure apartment it is. I’ll keep it.

No, we will keep it. Dustin corrected him with a wink. Oh, one more thing. He turned to Ash. I’ve been thinking that the attic room where Zhong keeps his workout equipment would be a good art studio for you. It’s much bigger than Zhong needs, and we could put in some built-in shelves for your...

Dustin didn’t get to finish because Ash was already racing around the fire to pounce into his lap. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Yes, please! I love the light, and I’ll try not to make a big mess. Oh, thank you!

Dustin looked enamored. I know you’ll keep it clean, he booped their nose, because otherwise you won’t get your stickers.

Zhong grinned as widely as Ash and Lena. He was all alone on the log on his side of the fire now, but he still felt completely connected. Maybe he should wander around the circle too, though.

So we’re really doing this? Lena asked.

Ash sprawled into her lap as well, signing upside down and sideways. We’re doing this! We’re going to live together. And I’m going to love you.

Cool. I guess I’ll… move the rest of my stuff then. Um… should we talk about the other things?

Dustin looked dazed. I can’t even remember what else we wanted to talk about.

Lena looked down at Ash, then gave Dustin a wicked smile. Sex and discipline.

His eyes widened and Zhong could see the ideas racing through his mind.

Zhong knew he wasn’t excited about this part for the same reason the rest of them were, but he was eager for the conversation anyway. This was important.

Dustin looked down at Ash. Is this your way of saying that you want a sexual relationship? Does this feel like the emotional connection that you wanted?

Ash sat up, giving the moment the seriousness it required. It does for me if it does for both of you. Or, really, either of you separately.

I would be honored, Dustin told them sincerely.

Lena was still a bit more hesitant. Zhong could see now what Dustin meant about sex coming so easily to her, but emotions being harder. She answered again with a subtle me too, but that was enough to have Ash grinning.

Now, about discipline. Ash put on their most innocent expression. Since I’m never naughty…

Zhong laughed, breaking into their conversation. I believe you have several months of spankings saved up. And I know a Daddy who’s been dying to give them to you. He was actually looking forward to this. Maybe not the action itself, but the culmination of this thing that everyone had been teasing about and wanting for so long.

What? Ash was aghast, but they were grinning behind it.

Who was sneaking into my bed this morning? Lena asked.

Ash looked around. I don’t know. Who? Maybe your Daddy or…

Lena started tickling them. They covered their belly trying to fend her off. Both of them looked deliriously happy.

So is that a yes on the discipline? Dustin asked over their heads. Ash was tickling Lena back, and both of their limbs were flailing wildly, with Dustin’s body caught in the middle. He looked delighted, too.

You know what I’ve always thought about it, Zhong answered. It’s important to Ash and meaningful to you. It would make me happy for you to give them that, and I think it’s the right thing for our dynamic all together.