Page 17 of Love Unlimited

Ash snorted. I mean… not weirder than anything else. Those two– Ash waved their two fingers in the general direction of the stairs –are about to have explosive sex because Lena’s “in trouble” for flirting with me, which is perfectly healthy since they’re both into it. If you’re enjoying how I look because I’m thinking about that, then that’s OK, too. Kind of a vicarious voyeurism. I won’t watch them though, if it bothers you.

Zhong shook his head slowly. I think I really don’t mind. Do you want that though? I mean, did you want to go with them? His whole body went stiff while he waited for the reply.

And that was the most important reason that Ash had turned Dustin and Lena down last month and would probably continue to do so. Would I enjoy it? Yes. Do I feel like I’m missing out because I don’t have it? Not a bit.

Zhong still didn’t look convinced.

Ash had said it in as many different ways as they could, and they’d just keep saying it. Zhong was enough. They didn’t need sex. Especially if Zhong finally arranged some puppy play for them. They’d been waiting and waiting and waiting to do it again since that first time.

Maybe it would be a good time to talk about all of that. Let Zhong know just how perfect he was for them, and figure out when they could dive back into the kink that Daddy most connected with.

Would it be awkward if we hung out here for a while even though Dustin and Lena left? Ash gestured at the couch.

Ash knew that Zhong used to live here and sometimes spoke as though he still did, but they didn’t want to make assumptions. They also didn’t want to get into the car yet for the drive back to Zhong’s place when their Daddy needed some reassurance and cuddles first.

Nope. We can stay. A mysterious expression played across his face.

Ash pulled Zhong, tugging at his hand. He settled onto the couch with a laugh and they climbed into his lap, straddling him.

Hi Daddy, they started, grinning.

Hi Ash, he grinned back, playing along.

It was silly and cute. In ASL, it was rare to call anyone by name, because by the time you were talking to them you already had their attention. Names were used to identify people outside a conversation. But this was just about Ash reminding Zhong that he was their Daddy.

Did you know that I have never been happier than I am with you?

Zhong swallowed, clearly moved. Thank you. I hope I’m a good enough Daddy for you.

What part about “happier than I’ve ever been in my whole life” didn’t make sense? Ash replied teasingly.

Alright, Zhong relented. Is there anything else you want, though?

Yep, they replied instantly. Puppy play.

Zhong blinked. Ash knew that hadn’t been what he was expecting, but sex just wasn’t their highest priority right now. A range of expressions ran across his face. The first was surprise, and then something almost like apprehension. I’m sorry. I was waiting to take you to the puppy mosh at Escape.

Ash made a face. But puppy night is only once a month! They’d already missed two of them because of Ash’s work schedule. That did make sense though, if that’s what Zhong was waiting for.

OK, um… Maybe we could find some time to play somewhere else. Now he looked even more nervous. That was rare for him.

Ash ran their hands down his shoulders before they replied. I think you’re overthinking this. All I need is a ball to chase and my Handler to give me belly rubs. They rubbed their own belly to demonstrate, sticking out their tongue and panting with exaggerated enjoyment.

Daddy rubbed their belly for them with a soft look in his eyes. Alright, puppy. Is there anything else, though?

Ash knew he was still pushing about sex, specifically with other people. But Ash was still just thinking about their Daddy. It was time to bring up another topic they still hadn’t quite worked out. I was wondering… you said you would look up punishments. If I was being naughty.

That seemed to take him by surprise. I did some research. If you want to see.

Ash knew that the notebook in his back pocket would be full of lists, and one or two would probably have options for punishments.

I only need to see it if you want to show me. But what have you been thinking about it?

Zhong’s face fell. I don’t think I can do it. I mean… if you want me to make you sit in a corner I could do it, but I think I would feel horrible. Hitting you sounds even worse.

Ash felt their own stomach sink. A part of it was because punishment felt like an important part of having a Daddy. But most of it was because they could feel how guilty and wretched their Daddy felt about not being able to provide it for them.

They cupped his cheeks and gave him a soft, closed-mouth kiss. He was still looking mournful when they pulled back to sign.