Page 39 of Love Unlimited

Landon only held out his phone screen looking, well, at least not angry. It was more like a smirk. Like he’d done something and was just waiting for the reaction.

Dustin looked down at the phone. There was a picture of the two of them tangled up on the couch. Zhong looked peaceful. The little he could see of his own face was positively blissed out.

But was that… in a text? It was. To Ash.

Dustin grabbed the phone to read the dialogue below the picture.

Landon: Awwwww….

Landon: Look what you’re missing out on.

Ash: daddy cuddles!!!!

Ash: omg heading over now

Ash: send more pics!

Zhong nudged him and he handed it over.

So that’s… OK? he asked Landon.

Of course. That was adorable. Landon plopped onto his lap, knees out to each side. You told me about your relationship with Zhong practically the second we met. Why would it bother me?

Maybe because if I’m spending time with Zhong I’m not spending time with you? And we’re pretty physical with each other.

Landon just shrugged. I wasn’t here. And I know you’re both cuddly people.

But are you jealous? Dustin knew he was pushing, but they’d promised to get better at communicating. It seemed like for every conversation they had, another one came up. There were still some major holes, especially when it came to Zhong and Ash.

Not jealous at all. Landon answered without any hesitation. You’re still my Daddy, right?

Always, Dustin promised, one finger drawing an infinite circle in the intimate space between them. He hoped Landon could see in his expression just how much he meant it. Always.

Landon drew his index finger in for a kiss. Then he turned to Zhong. And you’re still Ash’s Daddy?

Always, Zhong mimicked with a mischievous grin. Dork.

So there isn’t a competition or anything, Landon concluded. Anyway, we can all hang out together, right? Or I could even make some time for you and Zhong to be together without me. I mean, he was kind of here first and I don’t want you to neglect him.

Dustin was about to object, to state that it didn’t matter who was here first and that he never wanted to push Landon away. But then the rest of the statement caught up with him. Had he been ignoring Zhong again? After he’d promised himself not to?

He turned to Zhong, who was looking at him impassively. He’d known his best friend long enough to recognize that his lack of expression could mask an ocean of hurt.

Dustin addressed both of them. It doesn’t matter who was here first. And I would love for all four of us to spend more time together. It was happening anyway, but he wanted to say it out loud. You’re both very, very important to me. That brought back most of Zhong’s smile.

Dustin turned to Landon. I can’t tell you how much it means to me that you accept Zhong as part of my life. So, I guess, if it’s OK with you, maybe I’ll find some time to spend with him, too? His chest felt tight even asking for that. He’d declared last year that he’d fight for Zhong with anyone new he dated, but now that it was happening, it was still nerve-racking. He didn’t want to push Landon away either. Just having Zhong here with Ash should be enough.

Of course you can spend time together. That’s exactly what I just said. Landon gave him a look like he was being ridiculous.

Dustin felt a flow of relief through his body. The two people who he cared about most were both happy about him spending time with the other one, and that made all the difference in the world.

He cupped Landon’s jaw, which was just starting to get rough, and then, slowly, reached for Zhong’s hand.

Landon snorted and grabbed their intertwined fingers, pulling them into the air. You hereby have my official blessing, he announced solemnly, fingerspelling the archaic word, to cuddle on the couch.

They all laughed aloud. Dustin reveled in the sound. Both of their laughs were rusty, a bit atonal and wheezy in the way that was so common with people who couldn’t hear their own laughter. But that just made them more special. He would recognize either of their voices raised in happiness anywhere.

He might need Landon to assure him a few more times, but this did feel official somehow. He and Zhong could cuddle on the couch. And hopefully overcome the past few years of drifting apart.