Food Stains On The Mouth

When he woke up, Riley had a moment of confusion before remembering he was at Draco's manor. He started laughing and rolling on his bed. He is back in P. Country!

Though his brother may still be looking for him, Riley was happy to be back in such familiar surroundings. Also, if what Draco told him is true, Anton may not have the time to deal with Riley. He would be busy saving their family business from declaring bankruptcy. 

Riley felt melancholy. He never once wished for his brother's downfall. All he wanted was a chance to make decisions for himself. Knowing that the business their father had built is in danger of collapsing brings sadness to his heart.

Forcing himself to release a heavy sigh and dispel any unpleasant emotions, Riley got up and prepared for the day.

When Riley entered the dining room, Draco was already sitting at the table drinking coffee. Mindful of being late, Riley instantly checked the time on his watch, only to find it was just half past 6 AM.

"I'm sorry. Did I make you wait?" Pulling a chair, he sat opposite Draco.

"No. It's fine. Did you have a good rest?"

"Yes. Thank you. I slept as soon as my head hit the pillow."

"Good. You need time to adjust to the time difference."

As soon as Riley was seated, Draco signaled to start serving food. Together, they ate in harmony. After a while, Draco tried to engage Riley in a comfortable conversation.

"Did you talk to the school yet?" Draco asked him about his transfer, dabbing his mouth with a table napkin, about to finish.

"I called them the day before yesterday. I merely need to submit my documents and take the exam." Actually, the exam was only for formality's sake. And for the school assessment, the university was more than happy to accept Riley after looking at his credentials. 

"Hmmm… You still have more than a month before school starts. What are your plans?"

"I want to meet with my friends. The brothers, Lark and Keith. They are also here in A. City. They were the ones who helped me before." Riley still felt guilty not contacting them for so long. When he left that year, he asked Draco Sy to send a letter to him.

He only wrote that he was safe and for them not to worry.

"When do you plan to meet them? I'll have the driver take you."

"Oh no, no need. I can just call a cab when the time comes."

"I insist…" Draco doesn't want Riley to go alone. Even though it is unlikely that Riley's brother would still be looking for him, he would be more at ease knowing someone is with the boy and keeping him safe.

Sensing that Draco would be relentless on the issue and is probably only concerned about his safety, Riley did not refuse anymore. "Fine. Thank you, Draco."

Draco nodded, not mentioning the clumsy way Riley had spoken his name in the end. In time, the boy will get used to it.

Indeed, Riley is feeling awkward about it. He cannot help it. Draco had always been Mr. Sy to him. Formal and respectable. Suddenly calling him more… intimately by his given name, Riley needs ample time for adjustment.

Riley was still eating when Draco excused himself. Then saw him push his seat back and rose to leave.

Waving goodbye, Riley put his attention back to the local dishes in front of him. Riley loves to eat delicious food and craves authentic P. Country cuisine. Faced with a table full of it, he ate with gusto. Riley was so focused on savoring the meal he did not notice Draco stopping on his way out and walking around to his side of the table.

Riley's mouth was open wide for another bite of adobo when he felt tender fingers under his chin, tilting his head up. And in an instant, Riley's eyes collided with Draco's.

He watched as if in slow motion, as Draco produced a tissue and gently wiped his still-greased lips. Everything happened so fast that Riley was not able to react. He just remained still and did not know what to do. 

Draco bent on his waist, had his face directly above Riley's.

"You have food stains on your mouth," Draco announced. Eyes twinkling in amusement, he added, "I did not know you are a messy eater, Riley."

Riley just blinked and watched Draco's retreating back. Then he resumed eating like nothing unusual, except the color of his cheeks and ears were tomato red.

It was mortifying to get treated like a child by Draco. But he was also feeling something else. Like a tickle in his chest. Not something bad. Rather, it was a great feeling.

After breakfast, Riley went around the manor to familiarize himself with the layout. To his glee, he found a big outdoor pool at the back and a smaller indoor one with a jacuzzi. There was also an enclosed courtyard with a glass ceiling and a beautiful garden filled with flowers. Riley loved it. He found it quite lovely; an excellent place to laze around while reading a book.

That was why it was no surprise when Dylan found Riley in the garden with a book in hand. 

"Hey, Little Ry! What are you doing cooped up inside when the sun is up and shining?" Dylan grabbed Riley's book and threw it on the table.

Riley was a little annoyed. He was already at the climax of the story when Dylan snatched it. "What are you doing?"

Unperturbed by Riley's response, Dylan exclaimed, "Come on! Is it not your vacation? Why are you reading? You can do that once you start college. You will have tons of books to read. But for now, you need to enjoy it! Have fun."

Holding Riley's arms, Dylan hauled him up and slapped his back.

"Dy?!" Riley did not hold back from pouting at Dylan.

"Don't be a grouch. Change your clothes, and let's go swimming in the pool."

"Swimming? Under this sweltering summer heat?" It was almost 35 degrees outside. P. Country's tropical sun is viciously high up and blazing.

"Yes! Go! Hurry!"

Practically forced by Dylan, Riley went to his room and changed into his board shorts.

Later, sipping a fresh coconut juice and lying on a rattan beach chair half naked, Riley was glad he let Dylan drag him into this.

It was indeed fun… Well, in a Dylan kind of way. Unplanned and spontaneous.