Page 56 of Love Lessons

Poor me, Ash was carrying on, to Zhong’s amusement.

But Dustin had eyes only for Landon. He held his chin and waited until he had his full attention. He didn’t give a shit if anyone observed their conversation, but he was glad to notice from the corner of his eye that Zhong had distracted Ash.

You get to decide what this is. Nobody else. There’s no pressure, remember. You’re teaching me about kink and we both get to explore some new things together. I like you a lot, and I want to spend more time together, but it’s your choice. Don’t worry about Ash.

It would have been harder to tell Landon that this was all his choice, because Dustin frankly wanted to apply all the pressure he could until Landon was his. And then keep applying that pressure just because he could.

But even more than that, he wanted Landon to be confident and safe. And know that he was treasured.

Eventually Landon nodded, but he didn’t reply. He seemed a little relieved, though, so hopefully some part of that had been helpful. They were really going to have to talk sometime, though probably not until they had a few more dates together. Right now, Landon still felt like a flight risk, and Dustin didn’t want to spark the jets.

He pulled Landon back against his side, and this time he came willingly. He pressed a kiss to the top of his head, elated when he just snuggled in closer.

Ash sighed dramatically. I think you two should stop cuddling out of respect for the single people in the room.

Landon stuck out his tongue. Dustin thought it was cute, but mostly he was just glad Landon hadn’t stressed out again. He suspected that Ash didn’t realize how difficult this might be for Landon or they wouldn’t have teased.

But Zhong’s eyes lit up. Dustin gave a subtle nod, encouraging him. He always felt just a bit guilty when he was dating someone, or at least obsessing over them like he was with Landon, and didn’t get to spend enough time with Zhong. Having Ash to cuddle with him would be perfect.

Zhong leaned over to the chair where Ash was sitting and touched their knee to gather their attention. If you’re looking for cuddles, I’m always open.

Really? Ash seemed excited, but just a bit hesitant.

He’s a cuddle slut, Dustin interjected. Go for it.

That seemed to be all it took to overcome Ash's reservations. They crawled into Zhong’s open arms, barely squeezing into the narrow armchair together. But they wore matching smiles.

After that, it was even harder for Dustin to pay attention to the game. Because Ash was flirting with Zhong, and Zhong… was maybe flirting back? He’d never seen him watch someone with such careful attention. Or smile so much.

Was it just that he’d finally realized that he might be romantic as well as asexual? Or was there something special about Ash? Dustin could definitely see the appeal--Ash was funny and cute, and if he weren’t so caught up in Landon he might have been interested.

Do you think they would notice if we stopped playing the game? Dustin signed subtly to Landon.

No, don’t stop the game. They need it for a cover to keep snuggling.

Dustin laughed. Zhong would totally give them his number just so they would come over and snuggle.

That’s cute.

Yeah, actually… come help me put some of these plates away in the kitchen.

Landon raised an eyebrow. OK, so it was a terrible excuse, but he was going with it. We’re going to clean up for a minute and then come back to finish the game.

Zhong and Ash both acknowledged him, so Dustin picked up a few plates and wandered into the kitchen.

What was that all about?

Dustin peaked back toward the living room. Yeah, Zhong and Ash weren’t missing them at all.

But Dustin did need to share a bit about his relationship with Zhong if he wanted to continue things with Landon. Hopefully he’d take it the right way.

I’ve told you before that Zhong’s my best friend. We’re really close.

If you’re about to tell me that you fuck sometimes, no judgment, responded Landon quickly, though it seemed a little forced.

Actually, kind of the opposite. He’s asexual. We actually tried it once, well, I whacked off, and he watched me. But it was like he was watching mating habits of the sea manatee on the Nature Channel.

Landon raised his eyebrow. So you identify as a sea manatee?