Page 37 of Love Unlimited

Zhong’s expression made it clear how ridiculous that was. He loves everything that you do. I can’t see inside his mind, but I don’t think he distinguishes as much as you do between sexual and non-sexual. It’s more like he’s watching you all of the time, trying to figure out what you need and supply it as soon as you need it. I mean, that’s kind of what being a Daddy is like for me.

Zhong continued, listing out the points. In fact, it’s not too different from me and Ash. When you act disobedient, Dustin gets stern. When you act seductive, Dustin turns things sexual. And when you’ve had a rough day, Dustin steps in to pamper you and take care of you. I think you just haven’t figured out how to ask for that part without having a bad day first.

Landon just stood there, stunned. How had Zhong even seen all of that? Because it was absolutely true. He knew how to be a brat and a flirt, but he didn’t really know how to be a good boy. He could only do it when Dustin stepped in.

And, he realized with a sinking feeling, that often only happened when he was having a bad day or when Daddy bought him a gift and coaxed him into it.

How should I do that, then?

Zhong shrugged. I don’t know. I think the way Ash asks for things might not work for you. Or maybe it would? You should ask Ash, I guess.

Thanks, Landon sighed. You’ve given me a lot to think about.

Same, Zhong agreed, thumb and pinkie finger extended as he drew a line between them to show the connection. He wiped his brow. It’s hot out. Wanna grab something for lunch and then work on the peonies?

Sure.

They washed up with the garden hose and stepped onto the porch. Wherever Zhong had hidden the puppy toys, they weren’t visible now.

Hey, um… Zhong paused just outside the door, hands stilling in the air as he tried to plan his thoughts. I got you something.

Yeah? Zhong had gotten him a present? He was dying to know what it was. Thank you. You didn’t have to, he replied automatically. He was already trying to see around Zhong’s broad shoulders and into the kitchen, though.

Zhong laughed. It’s OK. You can just say “give me my present!”

Landon laughed too. Sorry, was I that obvious? He felt embarrassed, but only a little. They’d shared a lot today and he was just feeling… very close to Zhong. And there was a present for him.

Zhong gave him a fond look. Yes, and you looked exactly like Ash does. I know you don’t do age play the same way, but I think Daddy presents are pretty universal.

Oh, well… is this a Daddy present? And what did that mean? It was alright getting a present from his friend’s Daddy, right? It seemed pretty special.

Zhong considered. It wasn’t supposed to be. I got it to say thank you for helping me with everything. But now… I’d say yes. It’s a Daddy present. Go ahead. Zhong gestured through the door to let him in first. It’s on the counter.

Landon raced in. There was a pale pink gift bag with a glittery silver bow, and he couldn’t help but notice that while Ash might have liked something like this, too, it felt like it had been picked out especially for him. A gift bag for Ash would have had something weird and artistic on it.

He peeked inside. Cacti! He pulled the terra cotta bowl out carefully. There was a cluster of little succulents nestled in it. A hen and chicks plant with its plump smooth leaves; a round, prickly barrel cactus, a fuzzy feather cactus that only looked soft but hid sharp spines, a bishop’s cap like a fat five-pointed star, and a dangling burro’s tail with its tiny pale-green balls.

He hugged the very edge of it carefully to his chest. I love it!

I hoped you would. So, I heard that you name your cacti. Does this one get one name or five?

Five. But I need to get to know them first. He considered. Unless you want to name one?

Zhong looked startled. I’m not very good at names or anything creative like that. You’d have to ask Ash. But maybe… that one could be Elf? He formed two pointy ears by the side of his head to sign in. It was a good name. The hen-and-chicks leaves looked like elf ears.

You’re good at this.

No, Ash was just playing an Elf game the last time we were in the kitchen so I was thinking about it.

Well, it’s a good name anyway. Thank you.

Zhong gave him a warm smile. Almost the same one he would give to Ash. It wasn’t the same as getting a smile from his own Daddy, but Zhong was still a Daddy, and a pretty special one. It felt good.

And he hadn’t needed to fight and scream for any of it.

Now go show it to your Daddy, Zhong prompted him.

Good idea. Landon carefully picked it up. Bye!