Page 14 of Love Lessons

He likes to hop around. He’s a switch. Dustin knew the word, but he wasn’t sure he understood it here. Fortunately, Ash filled him in. He claims he’s mostly a sub--he fingerspelled and then moved one fist below the other to show the sign--but that never stops him enjoying both sides of things. With anyone who moves. Ash rolled their eyes. You can ask him to tell you more--he’s pretty public about it and likes to educate people.

Dustin nodded, absorbing all of that. They were talking about kinky things now. He’d read about all of this, but talking about it, just like any other normal conversation, was a little nerve racking. Even when Zhong brought it up he usually felt a bit flustered.

The things that he’d started to try with his ex, the things that he wanted to do now… they felt private. Scary and exhilarating and not quite something that he could share with a stranger.

How about you? Ash continued. Are you a sub?

No… He hesitated because he wasn’t sure if he was allowed to claim the title. I’m a Dom, I guess.

Ash's eyes widened. Hallelujah! A Deaf Dom! Tell me you’re single...

Dustin leaned back. Had that really just happened? Not one, but two people hitting on him on the same day? Although Ash had been much more direct.

He wasn’t quite sure what to say. Ash seemed nice. They were cute and fun, definitely someone he’d like to get to know better, even if it didn’t go anywhere.

He couldn’t quite believe that this was what munches were usually like, or that he’d suddenly become so popular. He hesitated to respond, not quite sure what to do. He was used to being the outsider, the observer. When he could even be bothered to leave the house. And while he’d been feeling more comfortable than he expected, he didn’t know how to handle Ash trying to pick him up.

Wasn’t that the Dom’s job, anyway? He’d thought that the Dom was supposed to control things like that, but apparently, he didn’t know what he was talking about.

Now that the possibility was on the table with Ash, though, he kind of wanted… well, he wasn’t sure what. He just hadn’t expected to be hit on this quickly, even if it was happening in a playful way. In his whole life, he’d only slept with three people, two of them after being friends first and one after several dates. Maybe he ought to explain that, first.

So, Ash leaned forward eagerly, undeterred by his lack of response. Do you think you’re a Daddy?

Dustin assumed, from context, that they meant “Daddy” in a kinky sense rather than, say, being the father of actual children, since the sign was the same. He wasn’t quite sure what all that entailed. In porn, it seemed to be older men with younger guys, and he wasn’t that old. I don’t think so.

Ash made a huff of exaggerated disappointment but didn’t actually seem that upset. So Ash wanted… a Daddy? Huh.

Just then, Landon returned, plopping back down into his chair, his sneaker casually pressing against Dustin’s. Why did he find that little bit of pressure, through several layers of rubber and fabric, so exciting?

Dustin’s a Dom, Ash reported to Landon.

Sexy! Landon signed with gusto. I saw him first.

Wait. Seriously? Was Landon fighting over him? That just couldn’t be possible. Ash and Landon were clearly joking around a bit, but from their body language, he didn’t think that it was at his expense.

Mind blowing.

They must have some really over-inflated ideas about what he was capable of. I, um, I don’t really know what I’m doing, he finally offered.

Landon threw an arm around his shoulder, drawing him in against his shoulder and making his heart race again. Dustin knew that his muscles were all tight. That he wasn’t leaning into the half-hug the way that he should to show his interest. But it still felt so good with Landon’s forehead pressed against his.

I’d be happy to teach you.

Like… demonstrate? Honestly, Landon seemed so confident and strong, even with his slender frame, that Dustin couldn’t really imagine him submitting to anyone. Which was too bad because his attraction to him was off the charts, and he was sure, well at least pretty sure, that he wanted to be with someone more submissive.

Landon dropped his arm, and then, with some magic of body language, was looking up at Dustin from under lidded, pleading eyes. Yes… and there are some things that you could practice with me. It was a playful submission, but it was submission nonetheless. Damn.

Dustin’s mind immediately filled with dirty images of Landon, populated from his limited knowledge via porn. Landon bound and naked on a bed. Landon bent over his lap. Landon kneeling and looking up at him with those naughty, thirsty eyes. Landon as the sub in that video.

It was hot, but it was overwhelming, too. I… I don’t think I’m ready for anything like that yet.

God, he hated to say that. But it was true. He was feeling way out of his depth.

Landon sat up, back to his old, relaxed posture. I’m sorry if I’m pushing too hard. I’ll stop.

Me, too, Ash added.

Dustin took a calming breath. No, it’s alright. I’m just very new to this.