5. Drake

Chapter five

Drake

I stretch my arms over my head as I come awake. The spot where Ash slept was still warm to the touch. Usually, I'd be worried if it was anyone else, but I'm used to Ash tip-toeing around me to make sure he doesn't accidentally wake me. He's such a sweetheart. I've always had issues sleeping, but as I lay there in bed with the warmth of Ash still lingering under the comforter and the birds chirping just outside my bedroom window, it dawns on me—I had a full night's sleep.

The cutest little squeal and giggling comes from the other room, and I grin. Is he as happy as I am over everything that happened between us? After chatting with Ash over dinner, and even on our walk home, I started to relax. I might not be a Daddy, yet, but I know Ash, and I know what he wants. The guys in the group chat were right; I was practically already Ash's Daddy before he confessed he was a little. I just never had the title. The more I thought about it, I think to some degree, I've always known about him. I might not have known to call him a little, or that he actually likes age play, but there have always been signs.

And I've always felt this need to protect him. To care for him. To love him.

From here, I can hear Ash chatting on the phone, and like always, my tiny little apartment carries sound. I don't mean to eavesdrop, but my shoulders relax when I hear Ash talk about me. I believe Ash when he said he didn't have feelings for Daddy John. But could he have feelings for me?

As Ash continues to talk to John as he makes his way into the kitchen, I give them privacy to chat by getting into the shower. The hot water soothes my skin, relaxing me further as I recall last night's events in my head. Ash mentioned wanting to pull out all his stuffies to display them in his room. My mind immediately went into problem-solving mode and I thought of all the ways it might be possible.

If I had my own place and was allowed to do anything to the walls, I'd build a shelf that wraps around the perimeter of the wall inside his room. If grown adults could have video game rooms, man caves, and hobby-themed rooms, why couldn't Ash have his own toy room? Or even a playroom like I read about in the article Jules sent me. Would Ash like that?

After a quick shower, I can still hear Ash in the other room gushing about an amusement park, and curiosity has the best of me. He briefly tells John he can't afford it before heading out the door. I tug my jeans on and pull out a nice button up. Ever since my boss, Robert bought the travel agency we work for, the dress code has become more casual, and the employees have become a second family.

In the kitchen, I see Ash's mail scattered on the counter. A brochure catches my eye. The adult theme park is celebrating a soft opening with the theme of adults embracing their inner child. No wonder Ash was sad to miss out on it. The soft opening is for two weeks from now. I pull up the park's website and check out the prices. It's a little expensive, but close enough that we could take the train or drive.

Too bad his boss wouldn't let him take the time off. I hate knowing Ash feels stuck at his job. I'm pretty sure the woman is homophobic or something, because I know Ash is a hard worker. We'd worked at several jobs together as teens and throughout college. We even majored in business together while he minored in art. It's not in his nature to slack off. So there really isn't any reason why she should be so damn rude.

An hour later, I'm walking through the sliding front doors of the Olivia Cove Travel Agency, located downtown and just a short walk away from the ocean.

"Hey there, Ruthy," I greet my coworker, placing a pastry bag in front of her as I walk toward my office. "Happy Fiftieth Birthday."

"Oh shush. You know I'm sixty today, but thank you, Drake, honey." Ruthy lifts a hand and blows a kiss my way from reception. She's already surrounded by a pile of gifts and balloons.

"A pretty woman like you shouldn't be here on her birthday."

She chuckles, tucking a strand of gray hair behind her ear. "Well, someone has to keep you guys in line. It would be a madhouse here without me."

"And we appreciate you," I call out as I walk down the hall and into my office. My office. I beam at the tiny room that's already decorated with pictures of me with Ash, Joshua, and my other friends. There are a few congratulatory plants in the corner, and I have to admit, the room looks pretty good. Inviting. I sit down in my chair and turn on my computer when I hear a knock at my door.

"How does it feel to have your very own office?"

Hudson is standing there, leaning against the doorframe in a tailored suit, ankles crossed. He's handsome, in that take him home to mama, boy next door kind of way. But even though he has a very sweet demeanor, he always radiates dominance. I never saw it before, but yeah, Hudson has total Daddy vibes. No wonder my friend Rowan is so smitten.

"Hud Hud!" I tease, using the nickname he secretly loves. "It's great. It's kind of surreal to think that just a year ago you were teaching me the ropes."

"Trust me, the promotion is well deserved."

His words light me up. Hudson and I didn't get off on the right foot when we met, but now we are good friends, even sometimes hanging out with mutual friends outside of work. "Any chance you wanna get lunch together? My treat."

Hudson chuckles. "Don't go spending all that extra money right away."

"No need to go somewhere pricy." I laugh. "If you're free, I wanted to pick your brain about something."

"Is it the Baton Blue account?"

"No." I beckon him closer and wave my hand, signaling for him to close the door for privacy.

"What's going on?" Hudson sits across from me.

"Okay, this is kind of awkward." I bite my lip. "But, uh, Rowan told me you were a Daddy."

He barks out a laugh and leans back in his seat. Crossing his legs so that his left foot rested on his right knee. "That little brat has some explaining to do."

My eyes widen as Hudson smirks. "No, it's nothing bad. I'm just exploring my options and could use some advice."

Hudson studies me for a moment. "Alright, if you don't mind the brat himself, Rowan is joining me for lunch, too."

I nod. "Actually yeah. That'd be great." The phone rings on my desk. I check my watch. Since we aren't open to the public, yet, it has to be our boss.

I pick up the phone and cradle it between my shoulder and my ear. "Hello? Drake speaking."

"Drake, son. Got a minute? I need you to come to my office," says Robert.

"Yes sir. I'll be right there."

Hudson stands. "Good luck."

It's not like Robert to call me into his office first thing in the morning. "Damn," I reply. "I hope I don't need it."

I knock before entering Robert's modern-looking office. Just behind his desk is a huge floor-to-ceiling window, displaying a gorgeous garden just beyond the glass. The room might look elegant, like it's made of money, but it's also peaceful.

"Robert, how can I help you, sir?"

Robert points at the plush chair on the other side of his desk, and I sit. "You're on a roll, Drake." He taps away at his computer and flips the screen. "Do you know what I'm looking at?"

I lean across his desk and scan the numbers on the monitor. "Those are the clients I've helped recently and all the sales I've sold." Even I can hear the pride in my voice. I worked hard to give all my clients the best deals and book the best vacations.

"That's right." He beams at me before flipping the screen back toward him. "But can you tell me what Hudson's numbers look like?"

My smile falls. "No, sir."

"There's a reason Hudson has been the number one sales associate in this location for years, even before I bought the company. Can you tell me why he's so good?"

I'm sure there's some cookie-cutter answer I'm supposed to give, or some sales tactic I should have memorized, but from everything I've seen, it isn't some magical phrase that Hudson says or an aggressive close. "It's because he gets to know his client, their wants, and needs. Then he works hard at finding them the best deals, and it shows."

"And what do you do?"

My mood drops a little more. "Well, sir, I'd like to say I do the same thing. I'm passionate about my job and my clients. Hudson himself has taught me everything." I worked my ass off and hoped Robert would see it. Even if I didn't beat Hudson, I did a good job. I know I have the promotion and fancy new office to prove it, but damn, Robert is a hard man to impress.

Robert leans forward, making eye contact. He's a handsome man in his fifties. Like Hudson, he is one of the only guys in the office to wear a suit, rather than adapting to the new casual wear policy. But unlike Hudson's expensive blond highlights, Robert's silver strands are natural.

A wide smile spreads across his face. "And what's that saying, Drake? Something about the student surpassing the teacher?"

Excitement zips through me.

"Congratulations son! You are the top sales associate this quarter!"

My mouth falls open. "Are you serious?" The amount of pride and happiness radiating through me leaves me speechless.

"I am. Serious as can be." Robert stands, holding his hand out. "This is a big deal, Drake."

I'm so happy, I want to hug my boss. Is that weird? I want to run out of the office to tell my friends, and then I want to tell Hudson. I need to call Ash and celebrate with him. I feel like I got a promotion all over again.

Meeting Robert halfway, I stand and shake his hand. He waves at the door, and we start walking out. As soon as I open the door, streamers and confetti fly into the air. Melissa, Ruthy, and Hudson are right in front, all cheering.

Hudson claps, and I throw my arms around him.

"Great job, Drake!"

"You knew? And you're not mad I beat you?"

"No! Of course not. It's about time I have some damn competition in this office."

Several people laugh, and Hudson spins me around, arm still slung over my shoulders like a big brother. "You know what this means, right?"

"What's that?"

"You get to go home early. After lunch, you'll get an email from HR. You'll get to build your own free vacation for you and a guest."

Growing up with parents who just didn't give a shit about me is probably the reason why I try my absolute best. I want to prove myself, and I want people to notice. The only time I've ever had any kind of acknowledgment growing up was from Ash. He's always made me feel worth it. But standing here with people I care about, in a job I love, I feel seen. And I know exactly who I want to take on vacation with me.

The only person who has always seen me.

Pulling out my phone, I type out a message to Ash.

Drake: Hey you! Guess who has some amazing news?

"Are you looking for something specific?" Hudson asks.

We are sitting at a delicious burger joint near our work as we wait for Rowan to show up. I got the email from HR early. Inside, it congratulates me for being the top sales associate while listing several different options for building my own vacation. Perks of working for a travel agency.

"Yeah, have you heard of Chibico World?" I ask.

"Chibico? Isn't that the anime with all the cute little creatures?"

An image of Ash in his cute little Chibico tank top while Nelly sits between us as we colored pops into my mind and causes me to smile. "Yeah. Some are cute, while others are kind of badass. It's similar to Pokémon. Anyway, the creator of the anime is opening up an adult-themed amusement park. Ash really wants to go." I brush a hand through my brown hair. "I was kind of hoping I could create my vacation around it."

"Oh my god! No way!" Rowan squeals, sliding into the seat next to Hudson. "You are planning a trip to the new Chibico World with Ash? He is going to freak out."

Rowan places a kiss on Hudson's lips, and I can't help but smile. Rowan was my first boyfriend. When I was in high school, Rowan was the only out and proud kid in our grade. My feelings for Ash confused me, especially since I thought he was straight. And like any other dumb teenager, I asked Rowan out, hoping to bury my feelings for Ash. Ironically, Rowan went out with me, hoping to make Hudson jealous. Funny how life has come almost full circle.

I launch into my story about how Ash and I had a wonderful night before I woke up this morning and overheard Ash talking to John about the amusement park.

"That's so romantic!" Rowan lifts a hand to his forehead and fake swoons. He swoops a hand over his perfectly styled blue hair, as if making sure a strand isn't out of place. "Do you think Robert can add Chibico World to the approved lists of employee vacations?"

"Fuck, that would be amazing!" I grin, my eyes bouncing back over to Hudson. If I could surprise Ash with a trip to this new park, it'd mean the world to me. I can already picture him jumping with joy. We can figure out a way to convince his boss that he needs some time off later.

Hudson holds up an index finger. "Let me look this place up. I gotta check location and prices."

Rowan and I munch on our burgers and fries as we wait for Hudson to tap away on his phone. The combined tastes of sharp cheddar cheese, grilled onions, and a perfectly cooked burger patty burst on my tongue.

Finally, Hudson looks up at me, eyes sparkling. "Consider it done."

"What?" I yell, unable to fight my grin from turning into a huge smile.

"No need to ask Robert. I'm the one in charge of the employee vacation packages. I just added the park to the list of approved locations."

My phone beeps, but I ignore it and walk over to Hudson's side, lean down, and hug him.

Rowan playfully kicks my thigh. "Hey! Get off my man."

"Thank you, Hudson. I'm going to plan the perfect trip for me and my boy."

Rowan squeals again. "Yes! Get ‘em, Daddy."

Crossing the street as I leave the restaurant, I pull out my phone, eager to do a little shopping. Usually, I wouldn't bother with a half-day at work, not when that time could get me new clients, but I'm on a high after my promotion, my night with Ash, and winning sales associate of the month. All I want to do is get home and work on surprising Ash.

Rowan might have been joking when he called me Daddy, but the more I think about it, the more it feels right. I got to drill both Rowan and Hudson about their dynamic; seriously, my friends are the best. Hudson was newer to the kink when he started dating Rowan, and even though they have a Daddy/boy dynamic, rather than a Daddy/little, everything was very helpful.

Roommates Supporting Roommates Group Chat.

Friday: 1:01 PM

Drake: Okay, I fell down a rabbit hole of articles of Daddy material. (Thank you, Jules!)

Jules: You're welcome.

Alec: And…

I rub my sweaty hands on my pants. God, why am I suddenly feeling so nervous? It's not like I'm coming out. Although, I guess in a way I kind of am.

Drake: I think I want to give this Daddy thing a go. Hell, I'm pretty sure Rory was right; I already act like Ash's Daddy.

Jules: I'm so excited for you, but I have to ask… if Ash wasn't in the picture, would you still consider Daddy kink?

Stumbling over my feet, I pause my trek and think about it. Everything happened so quickly, but reading those articles and chatting with Hudson this afternoon felt like discovering a piece of myself. I never imagined exploring this kink without Ash, which is damn presumptuous. Who knows if he even wants me as a Daddy? Sure, I might want to take care of Ash and give him what he needs, but this is for me.

Drake: Yeah, I think I would. Last night felt good. I only got a taste of what it felt like to purposely take care of someone like that, but it was a good feeling.

Drake: Like I said, I already act like a Daddy, but last night I took care of Ash while actively knowing that's what I was doing and we both wanted it. I didn't have to stop myself and wonder if I was being too much or overbearing. Ash let himself go, and I was there for him. He trusted me enough to know that I'd be there.

Rory: It's a wonderful feeling. I think you'll make a great Daddy.

Rowan: I'm still walking back to work with Hudson, but he wanted me to let you know, "You got this." Neither of us has ever seen you like this, Drake. The more and more we talked, the more you lit up. You asked all the right questions, and, most importantly, your heart is in it.

Ah, fuck. I'm feeling so damn emotional.

Drake: Thank you.

Rowan: Now, stop delaying. Go spoil your boy like we know you want to!!

Feeling inspired, I walk further down the street until my eyes land on my destination. Olivia Cove's toy store is surprisingly huge for such a quaint town. As soon as I walk in, I feel a little overwhelmed by the sheer size and the number of colorful aisles.

A sales associate with a name tag that reads ‘ Penny , She/her ' appears by my side. "Hi there. Did you need any help with anything?" She tucks her blonde hair behind her hair and looks at me nervously, making me wonder if this is her first job.

"Hi. Where can I find your stuffed animals?"

"Lots of them are spread out all over the store, but we also have a bulk of them down this way." She waves a hand and I follow her to an aisle with floor-to-ceiling plushies.

I grin. "Thanks. And by any chance, do you have any rainbow rugs?"

She tilts her head. "Actually, we do."

"Perfect."