Summary: Part 4 of a 4 part series chronicling the months before Drake left for college and his relationship with Liam.
Two weeks at the cabin flew by. Liam and Drake didn’t leave often, being too preoccupied with each other to care about doing much else. Drake had initially thought giving in to Liam both physically and emotionally was a mistake, but now he was starting to see things differently. He didn’t just fall in love with Liam. He had always been in love with Liam and was just to stubborn to see it. He started daydreaming about what it would be like if he stayed and went to university in Cordonia. Maybe he could still explore his own path in life, play football, and be with Liam too.
August came all too fast and Drake knew if he was going to change his mind about about leaving, he had to act soon. He was to be leaving in 2 weeks to start practicing for the football season. He didn’t want to say anything to Liam, so as not to get his hopes up, but Liam never stopped trying to persuade Drake to stay.
“I think we’ve taken the term ‘roll in the hay’ far too literally this summer.” Liam chuckled as he lay beside Drake in the barn once again.
“It’s not my fault you can’t wait until I’m done working to jump on me.”
“How am I supposed to resist you when you are out here without a shirt on trying to seduce me?” Liam trailed a finger down drakes bare chest.
“It’s August in Cordonia. What am I supposed to do? It’s hot! Besides, you don’t even have any business being anywhere near the stables.”
“Sure, sure, Drake. I know you’re always hoping I come out here and gawk at you. It’s like an epic love story – charming prince swept off his feet by ruggedly handsome stable keep.”
Drake kissed Liam tenderly on the forehead. “I don’t think that’s how fairy-tales normally go.”
Liam looked at Drake with hope in his eyes. “It could be ours Drake. We could make our own kind of fairy-tale.”
“Liam…” Drake was torn. His head and his heart were at odds and he didn’t know how to respond.
Liam sighed. “I know Drake. You are leaving soon, and this summer was just for fun. I just thought maybe…I had hoped with everything that’s happened, maybe you’d changed your mind.”
Drake held Liam close, but didn’t say anything more. Liam was killing him. It had long passed being just fun for Drake, and deep down Liam had to know this too. Drake was using all the strength he had not to tell Liam that he’d changed his mind and he would stay. He needed to talk to the only other person he trusted as much as Liam before he made a decision that could completely change his life.
–
Drake knocked on the door to Bastien’s office and heard his voice say “come in” from behind the closed door.
“Drake! You’ve been scarce all summer. To what do I owe the pleasure?”
“Oh nothing much…just saying hi.” Now that he was here, Drake was having second thoughts about saying anything to Bastien.
“I know you better than that Drake.”
Of course he did. Drake had to come out with it now. “Well, I’m sure you’ve noticed Liam and I have been spending a lot of time together.”
“Uh huh.” Bastien replied with a straight face.
“And well…” It was harder to say out loud than he thought it would be. “We um…”
Bastien’s stone-like facade broke, and he laughed out loud. “As fun as it is to watch you sweat, I’ll let you out of your misery. I know Drake. I’m not blind. I see the way you look at each other and touch when you think nobody’s watching. Why do you think I agreed to leave you two alone at the cabin?”
Drake let out a deep sigh of relief. “I figured as much. Maybe you can help me figure this out then. I’m thinking of staying here for college.”
Bastien crossed his arms and his expression grew serious once again. “Drake, I’m not sure it’s a good idea to change your plans just for Liam. I know you care for him, but-”
“It’s not for Liam,” Drake interjected. “Not just for him at least. I can do everything here I could do there, and then I don’t have to leave him.”
“Drake, when we discussed your options the first time, your list of reasons for leaving and going to Hartfeld was five times as long as your reasons to stay. I think this whole thing with Liam is making you forget all the reasons that leaving is the best choice for you. I’m going to miss you more than you’ll ever know, but I don’t want you to be stuck here. Things with Liam seem great now, but what if that changes? You need to experience life outside of Cordonia and the palace to know if this is the kind of future you want.
Stuck. Interesting choice of words for someone who made the choice to live and work at the palace. “You’re here. Aren’t you happy?” Drake questioned.
“The answer is not as simple as yes or no. I love my job and what I do, but relationships with members of the royal family aren’t easy, and I should know.”
Drake’s jaw dropped. “What is that supposed to mean?”
“There were a lot of rumors going around at the time, but you and Liam were probably too young to notice. I was in love with Liam’s mother…we were in love. Of course I had dreams of taking her away from everything, but that was never going to happen. I loved her enough to accept that I would only ever have part of her, but I want better for you. Look at me. I’m almost 40, and have no family and no life outside of my job in the guard. I want you to go experience everything the world has to offer, without Liam, so you can make an educated decision about what you want in life. I’m afraid if you don’t go, you’ll end up like me. If I had known things would get this serious with you and Liam-”
“Don’t, Bastien. No matter what I decide, I wouldn’t change the time I had with Liam for anything. You’ve given me a lot to think about.”
“I really do want what’s best for you Drake, but I’ll support whatever decision you make. Just try and think clearly about what’s best for both you and Liam.”
“Thanks, Bastien. I know you care, and it means a lot.” Drake hugged Bastien before letting himself out. As informative as the discussion was, Drake was no closer to a decision than when he went in. Or was it that the choice was clear, but not what he wanted it to be.
–
“Is another party really necessary?” Drake whined. “We just had one for graduation.”
“That was three months ago. We can’t let you leave without a proper sendoff.”
“It’s my last night here. I would rather just spend it with you Liam.”
Liam laced his fingers between Drake’s. “I know Drake. I would love that too. But I would never hear the end of it from our friends. As much as you think they don’t care, they do.”
“I think they are just saying that for your sake, Liam, but if you insist…”
“It’s not going to be a big thing like graduation. Just us, Maxwell, Olivia, Tariq, Savannah, and a couple of her friends from school. We’ll probably just sit around the fire pit and drink a few beers. Your flight is early so you’ll have an excuse to retire early, and then I’ll find an excuse to leave shortly after and come join you.
As difficult as it was, Drake had made the decision once and for all the day after speaking with Bastien that leaving was what he needed to do. He had never told Liam how close he had been to changing his mind and staying, so he never really had to break the news that he had made a firm decision to leave. As Drake’s departure date got nearer, he could sense Liam’s hope fading by the minute until he finally reached acceptance. He had stopped bringing it up to Drake, and although they continued to spend all their free time together, all the good times were tinged with an air of sadness.
Drake had packed up and shipped most of his things in the days prior, making it all more real. Just before the going away party, Bastien, Savannah, and Drake had one last family dinner. Drake may have appeared stoic on the outside, but he was a pile of mush on the inside. He didn’t let many people in, but those he did meant everything to him. Even though he still had more chances to say goodbye, and he would be back again, the dinner felt final – the last time with the three of them together acting as a little family unit. He tried not to get choked up as he and Savannah left to join their friends at the bonfire.
“Oh, you did show up. I was starting to hope you would blow off your own party.”
“Wouldn’t want to miss my last chance to ruin your evening Olivia,” Drake quipped back.
Olivia shrugged. “Respectable comeback.”
“Wow, I think I should just leave right now and quit while I’m ahead. I don’t think I’ll ever get bigger compliment from you.” Drake grabbed a beer and sat down next to Liam by the fire.
“Don’t tease me like that if you aren’t really going to leave.”
“Okay you two.” Maxwell jumped in. “This night is about celebrating Drake before he heads out on his big adventure. Let’s try something. Why don’t we all go around and say something we will miss about Drake.”
“I’m leaving the country Maxwell, not dying. I really don’t think this is necessary.”
“Come on Drake,” Maxwell pleaded. “It will be fun.”
Liam clapped a hand on Drake’s back. “I think it’s a good idea.”
“Fine,” Drake reluctantly agreed.
“Okay,” Olivia spoke up. “I’ll go and get it over with. I’ll miss having some who is so easy to make of. That’s about it.”
Drake rolled his eyes. “Thanks Olivia, really feeling the love.”
“Me next!” Maxwell excitedly rose his hand. “I’ll miss having someone around to talk me down from all my bad ideas.”
“Heh.” Drake chuckled. “You might as well call me a dream crusher.”
“No Drake, it’s a good thing,” Maxwell assured him. “You are one of the few genuine people here who doesn’t just say what they think people want to hear. I appreciate that about you.”
“Well thank you Maxwell.”
Tariq was next in the circle and tapped his chin thoughtfully. “I’ll miss having a friend around who never threatens to dress better than me.”
“Such kind friends I have. Maybe there will be people who appreciate me more in the US.”
“Mine’s nice, I promise,” Savannah stated. “I’ll miss how protective and caring you are, even when I don’t appreciate it. You are my brother but you are also one of my best friends.”
“Thank you Savannah. You already know how much I’ll miss you.”
“Oh, and my friends will miss drooling over my hot older brother.” Savannah’s already tipsy friends both giggled.
“Okay then, moving on…” Drake wanted to change the subject fast. “Looks like you are the last one Liam.”
“What can I say Drake. You’ve been by my side day in and day out since we were kids. You’ve always been a true friend, and have literally saved my life when I needed you. I’m probably going to be lost without you, but I really wish you the best. Just don’t forget about me.”
“Liam are you crying?” Olivia squinted from across the fire, trying to get a clearer view.
“Hush, Olivia!” Maxwell hit her lightly on the shoulder.
“What? You are crying too now? Over Drake? You Cordonian men are all weak.”
“Well that was….something. Thank you for all the kind words and whatever else was said. Now let’s do something normal.” Drake was more than happy to get the focus off of him and was hoping he could make his exit soon. They played a couple of drinking games, while both he and Liam nursed their drinks. Neither of them wanted to get wasted on their last night together. When everyone was just drunk enough, Drake found his opportunity to slip out. He got hugs from everyone, even Olivia, and went to Liam’s room and waited.
Liam showed up 15 minutes later. “I think they were all drunk enough to not even realize I left.” Drake noted Liam’s gaze scan up an down his body, Drake already clad in only his boxers.
“I did have fun, but I’m glad to have you all to myself now.” Drake grabbed Liam by the wrist and pulled him down on top of him on the bed. Liam kissed Drake and pulled his own shirt over his head. “How do you know I wasn’t just planning on cuddling with you, Liam?”
“Because I know you much better than that, Drake. But if that’s all you want -”
Drake flipped Liam over, straddling his hips and pinning down his wrists. “Nah, there’s no way I’m wasting my last chance to be with you before I leave.” Drake kissed him hard and move down his neck, biting and sucking with intention as Liam moaned and writhed beneath him.
“Careful, Drake. I’m going to be all marked up by the time you’re through.”
“Exactly.” Drake flashed a devilish grin. “I want to leave you something to remember me by.” Drake continued on down and removed Liam’s shorts and underwear, grabbing the base of his rock hard shaft and taking it in his mouth.
“Drake, wait. I kind of had another idea for tonight.”
Drake looked up at Liam. “Oh? What’s that?”
“It’s okay if you say you don’t want to, but I’ve been wondering what it would be like to, um, to fuck you. I’ve been a little afraid to bring it up, but it’s my last chance before you leave, so…”
In all their time together, it had always been Liam who was the confident one pushing things forward. Drake found it pretty adorable how shy Liam was about asking him this. He had never considered reversing the roles, but what did he have to lose? Maybe it was time to see why Liam liked it so much. Drake laid back up beside Liam and caressed his cheek. “If this is what you want Liam, of course we can do it.”
Much like Drake had been with him, Liam was gentle with Drake, easing one than two lubricated fingers inside to start. Even with the first, the sensation was unexpected – a little bit painful, uncomfortable, but also inexplicably pleasurable. Then the pain subsided and Liam slipped his fingers in deeper, curving them to press against Drake’s prostate. “Fuck, Liam!”
“Is everything okay? Should I stop?”
“No it’s good. Really good.”
“Okay, are you ready for me then?”
“Yes, please.” Drake got on all fours and waited as Liam prepped himself. Drake’s cock twitched in anticipation. He felt the pressure of Liam’s tip against his rim, trying to ease past the resistance. Liam pushed a little harder and slid inside, stretching Drake fully, the pressure and feeling more intense than with just his fingers. Liam thrust in and out gradually increasing speed.
“Oh my god, Drake.” Liam panted. “Not that I have much experience, but this feels so much better than a pussy.”
Drake chuckled. “I think I’d have to agree with you there. I also think I’m starting to see why you like being on the receiving end so much.” Drake felt bursts of heat and electricity shoot straight through his hard length. There had been a few times when Drake was buried deep in Liam that Liam had come untouched to Drake’s amusement, but now Drake was fighting off the urge himself. “Oh, Liam…” Upon hearing Drake speak his name, Liam dug into Drake’s hips and came inside him, crying Drake’s name.
Liam collapsed on the bed and brought Drake with him. “Wow. I wish I would have asked to try that earlier.”
“I definitely wouldn’t have minded doing that more than once.” Drake climbed on top of Liam, hovering over him. “But now it’s my turn to make you mine. I’m going to fuck you like this so you can see how good you make me feel. Drake prepped himself and then Liam before sinking into him.
“I want you to be rougher with me Drake.” Liam pleaded. “I can take it.”
Drake pinned Liam’s wrists above his head. “Your so fucking hot, Liam.” He moved in an out, quicker and harder, eliciting loud moans with each thrust. He could feel Liam’s cock fill back up again.
“Drake,” Liam uttered breathlessly. “You are going to make me come again already. Drake crashed his mouth to Liam’s and then traveled to his neck to stake his claim once more, keeping up his fervent rhythm the whole time. Liam let out a strangled moan, and Drake felt Liam’s length pulsing as he spilled his seed, his face twisted in ecstasy. Moments later, Drake cried out Liam’s name as he found his release, more intense than ever before.
They cleaned up and held each other close. “You are going to stay with me tonight, right?” Liam asked hopefully.
“Of course,” Drake said as if it were obvious. “I don’t want to leave you any sooner than I have to. I love..” Drake paused, cursing himself internally for almost slipping up, “every moment I spend with you.” The sadness in Liam’s eyes that had come and gone began to return as he realized there were so few of those moments left. They kissed and cuddled for what felt like hours, both fighting off sleep so the night wouldn’t end.
Drake wasn’t certain who fell asleep first, but he felt like only minutes had passed when the alarm on his phone went off. He was supposed to wake Liam up to say goodbye, but he couldn’t find the strength to do it. He knew if he tried, he might never be able to leave. They had an amazing night. He’d talk to Liam when he got to New York and Liam would understand, wouldn’t he? Drake grazed his forehead with a kiss and whispered “I love you, Liam” before slipping out the door.
–
Bastien and Savannah drove Drake to the airport. Savannah cried,and Bastien was stoic as always, but Drake could tell he was hurting too. Drake felt his eyes start to well up but managed to hold back the tears as he said his final goodbyes. He sat at the gait anxiously awaiting his departure when he herd his name.
“Drake, you bastard. You weren’t even going to say goodbye?”
“Liam, what are you doing here? How did you get through security without a ticket?”
“I’m prince of Cordonia. I have connections, but don’t turn this back on me. Why are you such a coward, making me come all this way, so I can have my last words with you?”
Drake was now standing face to face with Liam. He wrapped his arms around him and hugged him tight. “I’m so sorry. I knew if I tried to say goodbye, if I saw your face, I’d change my mind and stay.”
“Then stay, Drake. If that’s what your heart wants, maybe its telling you something. You don’t have to leave me. We can be great together Drake. I love-”
Drake put a finger to Liam’s lips. “Shh. Don’t say it. I can’t let emotions cloud my judgement. If it were as simple as following my heart, I’d stay here with you, no question. But I’ve made my decision for many reasons, and I need to to this. You’ll always be one of the most important people in my life, no matter what. I’ll see if I can make it back for fall break. It will seem like no time at all. Drake wove his fingers through Liam’s hair and kissed him deeply as the rest of the world fell away, only brought back to reality when it was announced that it was his turn to board the plane. “I’ll call you when I get there. Goodbye, Liam.”
“Goodbye, Drake,” Liam choked out as tears streamed down his face.
Drake managed to pull himself away from Liam and turn to walk away before the dam broke. All the tears he’d been holding back came pouring out. He was either making the smartest or dumbest decision of his life, but either way, he was determined to find out.