#kaitycole 1k event

[kaitycole]

Hi, congrats on 1000!! Could I request Movie line #8 and whichever genre you'd like to do with Tendou? Thank you! (lmao sorry im so indecisive)

Thank you so much for sending this request! I hope you enjoy it! (:

Title: from Paris to...?

Summary: Tendou shares big news and through that he learns more about his relationship.

Pairing: Tendou x reader

Word Count: 607

Warning: Light angst to fluff.

Tendou didn’t realize he’s messed up until you throw your arms up, saying you couldn’t even look at him anymore before you storm out of your shared apartment. Your hand tightly grabbing the doorknob before yanking it behind you, hoping the slamming noise rattles him like his words had you.

Tendou didn’t realize that his “what’s another year?” remark was so controversial until he watches your heart break through your eyes. Until he sees the pain that washes over your expression, the way your hands, your arms, tremble as you wrap them around yourself as if trying to protect yourself.

Tendou didn’t realize the way you had interpreted his words, that they had been taken ahold of by emotion and all the logic had been squeezed from them. That you weren’t thinking rationally because the possibility of spending even more time as a couple in two different time zones is enough to crimple you.

Tendou didn’t realize just how eagerly you have been counting down his time in Paris, counting time when good mornings would be said face to face rather than text messages, that ‘I miss you’ would be said after just moments apart instead of weeks between trips to each other and that your apartment would be filled with the sound of his nonsensical singing everyday rather than during random visits that sometimes only lasted 24 hours.

Tendou didn’t realize when you saw the smile on his face after telling you that he was offered a yearlong fellowship in England, you didn’t see what an amazing opportunity for him, but something that could make him happier than you. That to you, it felt like he just wanted more reason to be away from you, wanting distance rather than proximity.

Tendou didn’t realize that your love for him rivaled the depth of his until you showed back up, pounding on the door, demanding him to open. Your cheeks tearstained, the faint scent of booze on your breath, choking out something about accepting a drink from some other man. You grab him, fistfuls of his shirt in both hands as your bloodshot eyes meet his.

Tendou didn’t realize how much his news had burdened you and until you tell him, “I don’t even remember what it was I was mad about and I don’t care. Whatever it was that you did, I forgive you.” Because you’d rather spend another year in differing time zones than spend even a night without him as your partner. That you’ll take a year of being a couple through the phone rather than spending a lifetime searching for him in another.

Tendou didn’t realize what he was doing until he saw your expression completely change, a soft gasp leaving your lips as a hand covers your mouth. He didn’t fully realize the words that came out of his mouth until he played them back, suddenly feeling like he was watching the events rather than living them. Until your head became that of a bobblehead, nodding repeated before saying ‘yes’ repeatedly. Yes, you’d follow him to England and yes, you’d marry him.

Tendou didn’t realize how oblivious he had been, how blinded he had been until the chance of your relationship ending became a possibility. That it didn’t matter how many fancy internships or fellowships he got, how many praises he got around the world for his confections, or how many chiefs knew his name. You are what matters most to him, that while he may have been doing all things for you, to provide the best life he could for you, none of it matters if he doesn’t have you beside him.

[kaitycole]

...but couldn’t make it work

Part Two

Summary: Liam and Drake throughout the years, trying to make their broken relationship make sense again.

Pairing: Drake x Liam

Word Count: 3728

Warnings: Angst. Suggestive content/Smut. Adultery. Language. Mention of gunfire. Character death. 

A/N: This is for @bobasheebaby​ and @bebepac​ who both picked “I wish I knew how to quit you.” for Driam as part of my 1k event!

34 years old

It’s been a long day, a day filled with talking to various diplomats and smiling so much that his face hurts. Over the years he’s heard several times that he was the proper choice for king, that Leo abdicating was the best thing for Cordonia and sometimes he accepts that, but on days like today he doesn’t want to.

He leans his head back against the headrest, imagining what it would be like if the town car he’s in was taking him home to Drake. Taking him to the other half of his heart where he’d listen to Drake complain about the new farmhands they hired for the ranch, muttering about how it’s too hot for September, and then finally giving Liam a welcome home kiss. Liam let’s himself think about the family they’d have had together; the two children they talked about adopting, a boy and a girl, Liam’s heart melted thinking of Drake with a daughter. And he couldn’t forget the golden retriever that Drake talked about their kids growing up with.

But instead, he’s been taken to some over the top hotel that his wife demanded they stay at, where his sons will crash into his legs as he opens the door, bouncing up and down as their voices overlap, telling him about everything they saw. Instead of ranch talk, he’ll hear his wife talk about how she hates the diplomats’ wives and listen to her bring up for the millionth time how cute Leo’s daughters are and how she wishes she’d had one, not so subtly hinting at wanting to try again even though they agreed long ago to just have two.

He runs his fingers through his hair, absentmindedly walking into the hotel lobby, glancing down at his phone that’s just alerted him of a text message or an email, he wasn’t too sure, but definitely not paying attention to the wall he’s about to run into.

“Li? LI!”

Liam’s head snaps up, turning to see who grabbed his arm, who pulled him off to the side, his security team immediately rushing towards him. He holds up a hand, unsure if he’s dreaming or maybe it was true that if you thought about something enough, it’d come true.

“Drake?”

** Liam’s trying not to stare, but he can’t help it, the man in front of him had changed a lot in six years. His skin’s tanner, evidence of long hours spent in the sun and that he still refuses to wear tank tops since when he stretches his arm he has a “farmer’s tan,” he’s grown out a little bit of beard or maybe it’s from not shaving for a few days and his hair’s a bit longer that he used to wear it.

“What are you doing in New York?”

“We came up for a weekend trip, mini vacation.” It’s when Drake lifts his glass that the silver band catches the light and Liam’s eye, a sinking feeling in his stomach.

“We? Oh, uh, who’s the lucky…” Liam trails off, not really wanting to know, but also wanting to seem polite and adult about it.

“His name is Sawyer Oakley, met in Montana, I went up there for the rodeo and he was competing. He offered me a job on his dad’s ranch and I didn’t have any reason to stay in Texas, moved up there, he eventually took over his dad’s ranch, and the rest is history. We never took a real honeymoon, so here we are.” Drake swallows thickly, hating his tendency to ramble when he gets nervous and his knee is close enough to brush Liam’s, so he’s extremely nervous.

Liam downs his drink, signaling for another that he swiftly knocks back before turning to Drake. “I’m here for business, diplomatic dinners and such.”

“Savannah mentioned something about that, I guess her and Riley are fairly close.”

“Our boys are pretty close with Bartie and love their Uncle Max.”

Our boys. The thought makes Drake nauseous, it wasn’t that he didn’t know Liam had children, Savannah mentioned it, but hearing it from Liam hits harder somehow. “Do you wan—”

“Daddy! Daddy!”

Both men turn from the bar, a little boy who looks just like Liam did as a kid comes running up to them essentially dragging a younger boy who looks more like Riley, behind him. Liam hops out of the seat, squatting down to wrap them both in a hug and Drake feels bitter that she was able to give Liam something that he couldn’t.

He stands up, holding the younger one, Arthur, on his hip while his bouncing spitting image proudly tells Drake he’s Charles, but he could call him Charlie. Riley calls for Liam, reminding him that he promised the boys ice cream tonight, taking Arthur from him.

“I should let you go, I’m sure your husband is wondering where are.” Liam’s smile is bittersweet, “oh, what did you want to ask me? Before the boys came up.”

Drake takes the last swig of his whiskey, a straight smile on his face, “nothing, nothing important.”

Liam excuses himself with a nod, Charles tightly holding onto his dad’s hand, eagerly naming off the different flavors he wants to try. Drake can’t help but smile when he sees the young boy has to take five steps to match just one of Liam’s. The weight of a hand on his shoulder brings him back to reality, the smile on his husband’s face makes him realize how selfish his unasked question was.

Do you want to get a room?

*                      * 45 years old

“Fuck.” Drake sharply sucks in air between his teeth, tilting his head back against the wall behind him. He can’t think clearly and when he sees Liam looking up at him, the head of his cock between Liam’s lips, his mind goes completely blank. The only thing he can think of, only thing he can feel is the warm sensation that washes over his body.

When he opens his eyes, he panics, Liam licking his lips, smirking up at Drake, “you’re probably the only one who’s ever lived after seeing a king on his knees like this.”

Drake rolls his eyes, pulling him by the tie into a sloppy kiss, one of them bumping into a broom, knocking it over.

“Careful, I don’t think you want to be seen in a broom closet, pants unzipped at your age.” Liam teases, pressing his forehead against Drake’s.

“I think it’d be worse for the king to be found like that, don’t you think?” “But I’m…” Liam’s words trail off, watching as Drake drops to his knees, teasingly running his fingertips up the backs of Liam’s legs.

** “Feeling a bit out of place?”

Sawyer rubs the back of his neck, feeling it heat up from embarrassment. When Drake mentioned making the transatlantic trip to see his Bartie’s titling ceremony, he was thrilled to meet his husband’s family, but the glitz and glam, it’s a lot to take into. “That obvious?”

Riley’s wearing a polite smile, grabbing a glass of champagne from one of the serving trays passing by. “Only a little, but I was the same way.”

Sawyer listens to her tell him her backstory, how she came to Cordonia as just a waitress from New York, winning the heart of the country and king. He immediately starts apologizing for not speaking more formal, offering to bow, but Riley waves him off, telling him it’s nice to just be normal for a few moments.

“Who are you looking for? Maybe I can help.” Riley offers when she watches Sawyer’s eyes scan the room for the third time in the last few minutes.

“Drake Walker, ma’am.”

Riley’s known since she first met Liam that he would never be in love with her like she is with him. That while the king had love for her, cared for her, his heart belongs to Drake. She knew that when he packed his own suitcases for business trips, that it was just a poorly coded way of saying he was going to see Drake. She’s grown used to that, used to watching her husband run off to see his lover at least twice a year, sometimes more, sometimes less, but knowing something doesn’t always mean you can handle it.

So even with everything he’s given her, with the lavish lifestyle, her two beautiful children, she couldn’t help but grow a little callous. But looking at Sawyer, the way he so affectionately says Drake’s name, the way his eyes have hearts in them as he looks around the ballroom for him, it’s clear he doesn’t know. It breaks her heart because she at least knew a bit about what she was getting into, whereas he’s been in the dark.

“When in doubt, look by my husband’s side.” Riley knows it’s petty, knows it’s hateful, but he had a right to know, no matter how long he’s been ignorant to the affair.

“I’m sorry?” Sawyer looks confused, sure he knew that Drake grew up with Liam, he had always been told they really weren’t that close.

“See for yourself. I should make the rounds.” Riley presses a comforting hand on Sawyer’s forearm, watching as he grabs his glass a little tighter. She always told herself she wasn’t bitter about the arrangement she had with Liam, but tonight shows her that she may be bitter after all.

Sawyer watches his husband walk back into the ballroom, unsure of when exactly he had left, the reason he had been standing at the bar was because that’s where Drake said he was heading. He takes a step forward, getting ready to walk towards Drake when he sees the king come up behind him, his hand gently resting on the small of his back.

The gesture is short lived, ending just as quickly as started, most likely lost on those around them, but it’s the comfortableness of it, the way Drake seemed to lean into it as if it’s the most natural thing, that has Sawyer questioning everything.

** “Sawyer? Where are you going?” Drake tries to grab his husband’s arm, trying to stop him from packing, but he’s overpowered.

“Did you mean any of it?” He looks back at Drake, eyes bloodshot, nose red. “Or was this all just some game to you?” “I clearly missed something.” He sits on the bed, pulling Sawyer down next to him. “You gotta tell me what’s going on.”

Sawyer scoffs, telling Drake what Riley said about where to find him, how comfortable Drake seems to be with Liam’s touch, telling him that suddenly the frequent trips to Texas he made didn’t really add up anymore and for him to stop treating him like an idiot.

“I never meant to hurt you.” Drake squats down in front of Sawyer, grabbing his hands. “I didn’t want to hurt you.”

“But you didn’t mind lying to my face, spending our money to go see him,” Sawyer snatches his hands away from Drake when he has the nerve to mention that Liam paid for everything, as if that alleviated any guilt on his end. “You didn’t want to hurt me yet you still fucked him behind my back.”

“Sawyer…”

“When did it start? And don’t bother lying.”

“Technically, it never ended.” He finally tells Sawyer everything, starting from the beginning of their relationship, the reason they broke up and Drake returned to the states, all the way to tonight and Sawyer looks like he’s about to puke.

“I…I don’t want to look at you.” Fresh tears slip down his face, grabbing his suitcase, “ya know what makes this all worse, if I had just known from the beginning, I wouldn’t have made you choose.” “Plea…”

“I’ve been waiting 13 years for you to love me like I love you, so you have to pick. Me or him.”

*                      * 53 years old

He saw it as it came across the screen as breaking news, his 7am program interrupted by the broadcast, a baby-faced reporter announcing that gunfire erupted during a press conference in Cordonia. His eyes scan the screen as he takes in the details, it was a terrorist group, one wanting the monarchy to be abolished, mentions that the Queen and Princes weren’t there but had been taken to a safehouse, his hands grip the armrests waiting to hear news about the King, about Liam.

Just as the reporter start to mention Liam, his phone starts ringing, it’s Savannah and he already knows, has already predicted her words at the sound of how shakily her deep breath is, the way her voice cracked as she said his name, but in order for something to be real, you have to actually hear it, have to have it said aloud.

“Drake. It’s about Liam.”

He wants to focus on her words, but the birds chirping outside his window seem to chirping louder than normal. He usually thinks the song of the Western Meadowlark is beautiful, but right now it’s rather annoying and distracting.

“He was shot at the press conference.”

He watches as the reporter presses against the ear piece in his ear, a solemn expression on his face, opening his mouth to say what Drake’s sure Savannah is about to tell him. “It’s with great remorse that I report…”

“He…he didn’t make it.”

*                      * The regret of his last words to Liam weigh heavily on him as he stands there, in a sea of black and grief, listening to a pastor or someone talk about how much Liam would be missed. For years, the two of them had exchanged letters, the ones from Liam were filled with pleas to make plans with various dates he was free while the ones sent back were full of nothing but empty excuses for why Drake couldn’t – wouldn’t – visit.

It’s not an excuse that is dragging him deeper into his remorse, but instead it was the contents of his last letter to Liam, the one that only had four words, the one he sent back when Liam tried scheduling plans five months in advance, giving Drake a long list of dates, he had cleared, one of them being the day of the press conference.

“Please stop writing me.”

Drake’s eyes land on Charles, barely 23 and already king, looking more like Liam that he had before, knowing that once the service is over the young ruler will be expected to simply forget the loss of his father and rule.

He thinks back to when they were that age, a year after both their lives had been turned upside down, when they were both still hurt and confused, still thinking it was safe to find comfort in each other’s arms.

** Drake told everyone that he was back in Cordonia to get a few things, things that he wanted and left behind, but what he really wanted was to see Liam. He just wanted to make sure that he was at least okay, telling himself that if Liam was happy, he would shoulder the burden for the both of them.

Instead he found Liam locked away at Applewood Manor, refusing to do any duties related to the Crown Prince title, telling everyone that he was never coming out. Liam had tried to send the servants away, saying that he didn’t need anything, that he didn’t want anything if he couldn’t be with Drake. Constantine refused to indulge in his son’s antics, telling everyone that eventually he’d get over some meaningless fling and rule because that’s what he was meant to do.

Drake found himself outside Liam’s door, wanting to leave, thinking that might make it better, but he couldn’t because the two of them were like magnets, constantly being pulled to each other. When he opened the door, Liam’s back was to him and when he turned around, getting ready to dismiss whoever it was, Drake’s heart broke.

It was evident that the Crown Prince had lost weight, his hair unruly and long enough to be pulled back into a small bun. Liam looked pale or maybe that was just the lighting, but he could see that his eyes were bloodshot, probably from a mix of lack of sleep and crying. He left to avoid this, thought that without lingering Liam would be able move on, clearly, he had been wrong.

“Drake? Drake, is that you?” Liam ran his fingers through his messy hair, dragging his sleeve across his face, wiping away tears and snot as he sniffled.

“Yeah, Liam, it’s me.” He made shushing noises as he pulled Liam into his chest, the broken prince buried his face into Drake’s shoulder, fresh tears dampened the side of his neck as broken cries filled his ears.

“I thought I lost you forever.” Liam grabbed fistfuls of his shirt, refusing to let go because if this was a figment of his imagination, he didn’t want to let go.

“C’mon, let’s get you a shower.” Drake tried to pull Liam off of him, the mix of booze with lack of constant showering was a bit overwhelming, but Liam wouldn’t budge, muttering something about not wanting him to disappear again, so instead he half dragged Liam beside him to the bathroom.

** Drake pulled the blanket over them, Liam freshly showered, curled up to his side, a decent amount of tension now gone from Liam’s shoulders. For a moment he thought that the Crown Prince had fallen asleep, his breathing was finally even and eyes closed, until Drake felt his hand tighten around a fistful of his shirt.

“You ever wonder what things would be like it we met in a different life?”

“What?” Drake pulled Liam closer to him, pressing his lips to Liam’s temple.

“Like if we weren’t the son of a king and son of a guardsman. Just two people who stumbled across each other on a college campus.”

“Depends, tell me more about college us.”

“You’re studying animal science with the goal to be a veterinarian that specializes in livestock.” Warm tears ran down Liam’s cheek as he toyed with a button on Drake’s shirt, “I’m studying political science so I can go to law school to be a civil rights attorney.”

Drake smiled, he loved that no matter what, Liam always had a goal of helping others, it’s part of what he loved so much about the prince. “How do we cross paths with such different majors?”

“It’s in the plaza, I’m passing out flyers for some upcoming protests, trying to get people to come.”

“And I walk by…”

“More like shove past me, scowl on your face, trying to look intimidating.”

“I can be intimidating.”

Liam leaned up slightly, kissing Drake, “as intimidating as a puppy. I just follow you until you turn around, acting like you’re about to rip my head off.”

“But I stop myself,” Drake placed a hand on Liam’s face, thumb caressed his cheek, “because no matter where we meet, which universe it’s in, I’ll always fall in love with you at first sight.”

** “Mr. Walker?”

Drake turns around, he had assumed he was the last one at the cemetery, just needing a moment to gather his thoughts. “Cro—King Charles,” he bows his head a bit.

“Please, Charles is fine. It sounds kinda lame saying this here,” he motions to the tombstone, “but if I have that title, it means I have to accept he’s gone. I’m not ready.”

“I get that and just Drake is fine too.”

“I…my dad talked about you, ya know.” Charles shifts his weight between his feet, clearly nervous, “our bedtime stories were ones of you two growing up. I could tell that you were really important to him.”

“Oh, uh, I…” “I don’t know any details and don’t think I want to.” The pair share an awkward laugh, “but uhm, the night of the press conference, I went into his office, guess I thought he might be there, I mean he was always there. I found this letter, it was in the top drawer of his desk, I’m not sure why he didn’t have it mailed, but I think he’d want you to have it.”

Drake reaches out with a shaking hand, tightly grabbing the envelope. “Thank you.”

Charles nods, “Dad also had a box, locked in his safe, it had a few pictures and letters from you in it. I want you to have that, I can have it delivered to Uncle Max’s if it’s too much to come to the palace.”

“I’d appreciate that, if it’s not too much trouble.”

** Drake found a nearby bench, Liam’s eternal resting spot still in close proximity, fingers gently unsealing the letter. Tears begin to pool in his eyes, Liam’s elegant handwriting filling the lines of the paper, telling him that he shouldn’t be writing this since he had been asked not to write anymore.

All I’ve ever wanted was to give you what you want, any and everything that you desired, I wanted you to have, but how am I supposed to give you that? It’s selfish of me really and I know that, I know that we both have lives of our own, but it’s hard.

I’ve tried to let go, Drake, I swear that I have. I just…I wish I knew how to quit you.

I have a newly scheduled press conference to give tomorrow, but I’ll be traveling to Applewood Manor the following day and plan to be there for a month. This letter will go out today, hopefully get to you within the week, I’m demanding it gets sent express guarantee or whatever it’s called and I hope that you come. If you don’t, I’ll accept that things are over, but until then, I hope it’s okay that I’m a bit selfish and hold you in my heart for just a little longer.

Behind the letter, he finds a plane ticket, Liam’s way of making sure Drake didn’t have an excuse and he laughs, he laughs until he can’t stop crying, until it finally hits him all over again that Liam’s gone, that this is the last thing he’d ever hear from him, that he’d never see him again.

“I hope it’s okay that I hold you in my heart a little longer too, Li.”

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Part One

[kaitycole]

We loved each other...

Part One

Summary: Liam and Drake throughout the years, trying to make their broken relationship make sense again.

Pairing: Drake x Liam

Word Count: 2690

Warnings: Angst. Suggestive content. Smut. Adultery. 

A/N: This is for @bobasheebaby​ and @bebepac​ who both picked “I wish I knew how to quit you.” for Driam as part of my 1k event!

18 years old

“Your Highness.” A voice calls from the other side of the young prince’s room, just before it’s opened, “oh, uh, it seems you’re already awake, sir.”

Liam gives a strained nod as he takes a deep breath, “yes.”

The maid doesn’t pick up on the prince’s flushed cheeks or how his voice cracked when he answered, instead she walks over to the window, prepared to draw the curtains.

“WAIT!” His voice is now ragged, face red while raven-colored locks stick to his dampened forehead.

“Your Highness? Are you alright, you look feverish.” She abandons the curtains, swiftly marching towards the door, “I’ll get the physician.”

“It’s fine, just a litt—ah!” His voice falters again, “hot.”

She doesn’t look all too convinced, but instead of pushing things, she simply bows and excuses herself, making sure to quickly mention that breakfast is in an hour. Once the door clicks shut, Liam lifts up the comforter, glaring at the smirking brunette who is positioned between his legs.

Liam feels his neck heat with a mix of embarrassment and arousal, watching his lover flick his tongue over the tip of his cock, wiping the cum off before licking his lips.

“How can you look so handsome while doing such a lewd thing?”

There’s a coy smile on Drake’s face as he snakes his way up Liam’s body, laying his chest against the prince’s before kissing him deeply. Liam wraps his arms around Drake’s shoulders, pulling him closer to deepen the kiss, shivering as the brunette’s hand travels down his side.

“Care for something sweet before breakfast?”

*                      * 20 years old

“You have the best horses in the country and still want to ride ones meant for the servants, why?”

Liam beams a goofy grin at Drake, who just rolls his eyes at the prince. “If a royal horse is missing from the stables, the guards will be sent to find me and then what’s the point of sneaking out for late night excursions?”

“If you say so.”

The two rode for roughly a mile before coming across their desired location, dismounting and tying the horses to the post that Drake had put up after the third time they came. It was a place, close but not too close to the palace, one of the few places where the two could truly be alone. He made a promise to the commoner and he meant it, even if it required the pair sneaking out at an ungodly hour to a seemingly random field for just a few stolen moments together.

“Here.” Drake reaches out, grabbing the other side of the blanket Liam is currently trying to lay out, the wind clearly winning by twisting it up. He teases the royal, something about needing servants to help with such simple things, Liam just sticks his tongue out at him.

It’s quiet, nothing but the sound of cicadas chirping making an almost buzzing sound as the two lay out, Drake tucking himself under Liam’s arm. He’d never openly admit it, but he enjoys the amount of comfort and safety he feels from being “little spoon.”

“One of these days,” Liam’s voice trembles, “I’ll proudly and publicly claim you in front of the world. No more sneaking around, no more whispers, I swear it.”  

“Claim me? Am I a possession now?” Drake cranes his next upwards, raising an eyebrow.

He snorts, shaking his head, “you know what I mean. I just want the world to know it’s you that I love and want to be with forever.”

“I love you too.”

The prince picks up on the soft sigh that follows Drake’s words, “what’s wrong?”

“I just wish...” He chews on his lower lip, trying to choose his words carefully, “it’s just…sometimes I worry that day won’t ever come. I shouldn’t be so greedy.”

“No!” Liam clumsily rolls on top of Drake, hands pressed next to his shoulders as he leans down, their noses brushing against each other. “I meant it when I said forever, when I told you that we’d grow old together. So be greedy, take all of me, everything that I have because you’re the only person I want to give it all to. Only you.”

Only you.

What a beautiful promise that could have been.

*                      * 22 years old

The ballroom is filled with various nobles, laughter and soft notes from the instruments being played in the background. There’s been a bit of buzz that King Constantine would be stepping down, that his eldest son, the Crown Prince would be taking over, even though he hasn’t bothered to show up.

“I heard he was on a cruise!”

“With someone that’s not Lady Madeleine at that.”

“Ahem.”

The two noble women look back horrified to see a blonde woman with an unamused expression staring at them. “Lady Madeleine, I…I meant no harm….”

Lady Madeleine leans closer, keeping her tone hushed, ”perhaps those in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones, hm? Surely you wouldn’t want your indiscretions to be talked about?”

“I see Mads is her usual self tonight.” Drake teases, tipping the metal flask towards Liam before taking a large sip, watching as both women pale and quickly excuse themselves.

“It’s Lady to you.” She turns to Liam, “honestly, Liam after all these years he’s still not trained.”

Liam covers his mouth, trying to muffle his laughter when the brunette shoots him a glare as Madeleine walks off.

“Where is Leo, babe?” Drake walks over to Liam’s side of the small table, brushing his fingers against the prince’s. While their relationship is one of the worst kept secrets in Cordonia, both of them know to keep things from the public eye. Begrudgingly, Constantine and Regina have agreed to allow the two to officially go public once Leo and Madeleine were married with Leo securely on the throne.

“I thought I saw him a few days ago, begging Father to look into some contract for a woman he met.”

Drake raises an eyebrow, but before he can speak, the Crown Prince comes traipsing into the ballroom, breezing right by his brother and several nobles who call out for his attention, heading straight up to the stage where his father and step-mother are sitting.

“I know that look, something bad is gonna happen.” Liam sighs, squeezing Drake’s hand before starting his way towards the stage himself, hoping to stop Leo from whatever he was up to. But he’s a few steps too late, his brother grabbing the microphone, proclaiming five words that silenced the ballroom.

I hereby abdicate the throne.

Everything stills, Constantine jumps out of his seat, fire in his eyes as he grabs ahold of Leo’s arm, dragging him out into the hallway while Regina’s fanning herself, nearly fainting from the news. Various whispered conversations fill the ballroom, making an almost humming sound, everyone trying to figure out if it was true or if the Crown Prince was pulling another prank.

Liam scans through the sea of faces, panicked as he pushes through the crowd, looking for Drake, his heart breaking when they finally spot one another. His eyes meet the prince’s, eyes that are filled with tears, the commoner using all his stubbornness to keep them from falling. It was unspoken, but the straight lipped expression and quick nod from Liam signals an understanding. An understanding that their relationship is over, all those years are planning were for all for naught, that all the promises whispered while ling in each other’s arms will never come true.

** “Where are you going? You can’t leave!” Liam cries out, watching Drake stuff, or rather shove clothing into multiple suitcases; Liam has a matching set, they got them for their trip to Greece after Drake’s 17th birthday.

“I can’t stay here. There’s no place for me, Li.” He doesn’t look at Liam, he can’t, if he does, he knows he won’t be able to leave.

“There’s always a place for you! Right by my side, just like always!” Liam stomps his foot down like a four-year-old, frustration rippling off his shoulders, what good was it to become a king if he couldn’t protect the one he loves the most.

“I hear your social season is being planned, you’ll find a suitor soon enough.” Drake knows his words are harsh, but so is this reality, if he wants Liam to let go, he has to hurt him, right? “I’m not going to stick around to be your what, your paramour?”

“…Drake.” Liam wipes tears from his cheeks, not caring that he doesn’t look stoic as a Crown Prince should, he’s hurt and grieving, he’s breaking and there’s nothing he can do to repair things. “Don’t go.”

Drake zips up the suitcases, throwing his backpack over his shoulder, “I’m going home.”

Liam grabs Drake’s hand, placing it on his chest, right above his heart. “Your home is here.”

“Not anymore. It’s somewhere in Texas.”

*                      * 28 years old

Drake can think of a hundred other places he’d rather be than here, in this palace, in this country, in this chapel, sitting too close to the front for his liking. He’s never really fit in here, not even when he had Liam by his side, using the royal as some sort of life raft. Liam was always there, could practically sense when Drake’s “I can’t deal with this royal bullshit anymore” meter was full and he was ready to leave; the prince would just pop up, telling whichever pompous noble was occupying his time that he needed Drake for something or another.

The fabric feels stiff as he pulls at the ends of his sleeves, rolling his shoulders hoping that the suit jacket would sit better. The material makes his skin feel itchy and the collar of his dress shirt feels suffocating to the point he tugs down his tie a bit to undo the top button. He starts to wonder if the suit is actually causing these issues or if it’s more of a mental thing, seeing as how the suit was a gift from Liam, the same one he wore to most royal events, including the one where Leo abdicated.

Savannah, not knowing how to read a room, went on and on to him over the last several months about this Riley Brooks. He knew about how they met, an impromptu trip to New York that Maxwell planned to help Liam get out of his “break-up funk” as Savannah put it. He knew that she was nothing more than a commoner like himself, that most of Cordonia loves her and approves the pair. Savannah told him about how perfect they looked together, how well-suited for they seem to be, and how romantic his proposal had been. Drake can’t help, but feel pathetic as he wonders how selfish it must be to want Liam to be reminded of him when he looks as her brown hair and brown eyes, hating the fact that they share those characteristics.

His heart aches when he sees Liam walk to his place at the altar, wondering if he’ll look around to find him or if it’d been easier for him to look at the ground. The question is answered when heartbroken eyes meet his and what other’s will take as a loving gesture, Drake knows the tear the King wipes away is one full of sorrow. Drake bites the inside of his cheek, trying to keep his own tears at bay, forcing himself to not just leave, but for a split second wondering if he did, would Liam follow?

There have been many times within the last six years that he’s thought his heart had been broken. The first had been when he left both Cordonia and Liam behind, another had been the time he went to reject someone, to tell them that he had a partner only to be hit with the bitter realization that he was single. But it’s here, it’s now, when he’s listening to Liam and Riley exchange vows, promising to love each other forever, that his heart completely shatters.

** Liam swiftly makes his way to the opposite side of the palace, ducking around corners to avoid servants coming and going from various wedding guests’ rooms, such an unfitting behavior of a king. This isn’t exactly what he thought he’d be doing on his wedding day, although he also didn’t think he’d be marrying someone other than his childhood best friend either. When he finally reaches the door he’s been heading towards, he taps on it four times, pauses for two Mississippi seconds, followed by six more knocks. There’s a surprised expression on the brunette’s face, staggering backwards as Liam charges into the room, lips aggressively pressing into lips, shaking hands grabbing at clothing.

“Li…”

“Mmm?” His hands slip under fabric, tugging off the shirt that’s in his way, gently pushing the brunette backwards until both of them fall onto the bed, Liam landing on top.

“Li, let’s stop.” Drake mumbles against Liam’s lips as they crash into his again, his hands press against a firm chest, trying to separate the two.

“Don’t…wanna…” The King’s lips trail down his ex-lover’s neck before his gently bites across the top of his shoulder, drawing a groan from Drake.

Drake’s fingers fumble with the buttons on Liam’s shirt, getting impatient before ripping it open, happily admiring the sculpted chest above him. Liam’s hands sliding up the sides of Drake’s thighs before his fingers hook over the waistband, pulling both his gym shorts and boxers down. There’s an eagerness in Liam’s actions as if one of them will disappear when the clock strikes midnight.

Drake finds himself staring up at loose raven locks, seeing the top of the King’s head inch down his chest until a groan leaves his lips, the warmth of Liam’s mouth covering his erection. Drake’s muttering incoherently, arousal washing over him as he bucks his hips into Liam’s mouth, his cock pushing deeper down his throat.

“Li—” He says between gritted teeth, watching Liam smirk as he straddles his lap, leaning back to sink down on his ex-lover, realization that Liam prepared himself before coming to his room causes Drake’s mouth to dry. It’s a bit shocking to him that Liam’s being more aggressive than usual, they would equally take the lead, but this is a different side of Liam and Drake’s not sure he wants to know where he learned it from.

Drake knows this is wrong, that they shouldn’t be doing this, but the disheveled expression on Liam’s face, the way he falls apart as he raises and lowers himself onto his cock causes Drake’s mind to go fuzzy and reason escapes him. It’s when Liam’s fully taken Drake that something snaps; the brunette quickly switching their position, pressing Liam into the mattress.

Liam gasps, trying and failing to catch his breath as Drake repeatedly pounds into him, his thumbs caressing the soft skin behind Liam’s knees furthering weakening the King’s resolve. A series of whimpers and whines fill the room, Drake slows his thrust, focusing on pushing deeper while his hand wraps around Liam’s erection, pressing his thumb on the head.

“Dra…cum…plea…” He’s panting, face flushed as teary eyes look up at Drake.

He wanted this moment to last forever, the two of them tangled in each other’s arms just like all those years ago, all those broken promises ago, but the way Liam’s clenches around him, the sound of his name falling from the King’s lips, Drake feels his composure crumble. Trusts become sloppy, his eyes squeeze shut as he chases his release, spilling inside Liam before collapsing on top of Liam, the King’s own orgasm covering their chests.

** Drake wakes up alone, the only evidence of last night’s affair is the piles of dirty linens by the door. He tugs on a t-shirt from his suitcase, he hadn’t bothered to unpack knowing there’d be no need, as he walks across the room. He glances out the window, heart sinking as he watches Liam and Riley waving to those seeing them off, their honeymoon tour starting today.

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Part Two