ofanescapist.

He was far beyond the point that much could embarrass him per se, but he has to admit there was a certain amount of discomfort that came with comparing his own slightly tattered appearance to the other man’s. He was clean and put together- though admittedly he did seem rather tired as well. Michael on the other hand was in jeans so old that the ends of each leg and the knees were beginning to wear away, his shirt with a band logo from the 80s on it likely originated from a grown man’s closet before ending up at the Good Will Michael got it from, and the mess of curls on his head was just barely tamable.

“Not really.” Mentally Michael shakes his head at himself for comparing to a stranger to begin with, even if it was no more than a moment of his time. At least the other didn’t see to be thinking the same way that Michael did, instead doing the one thing that could get the small dog to stay in one place; petting her. “Apple. Not my idea, for the record. I just walk her.” Though he did think it was cute, in complete honesty.

Blaine didn’t seem to notice how different he and Michael were put together. Honestly, it was because it hadn’t.  It was the dog he noticed.  Obviously.  Because she nearly tangled his legs up past the point of any sort of graceful untying he could’ve done even with Michael’s help. AKA. On the ground with his legs a mess trying to salvage his pride because a tiny furball took him out.  Well.  It would be a lie to say he didn’t notice anything about Michael.  His smile was sweet.  And his help freeing him from his little new best friend was endearing because he was so concerned over absolutely nothing.  His clothes?  Or their differences?  Didn’t really register.

“Apple?”  His heart melted.  Who names their dog Apple?  However.  Two seconds of looking back at her and he couldn’t imagine anything better.  Soft eyes brightened with a spark that didn’t seem to want to fade as Blaine laughed and decided to sit down on the sidewalk (he could waste a little more time..why not?  he’d just rush to catch up later.) beside the fluffy cutie and let her paw at his lap.  Coffee put to the side, now both hands were free to rub her head and give her ears a scratch.  “I think that’s about the cutest name I’ve ever heard  How long have you been walking her?  And, God, how do you give her back?  Maybe this is just a sign I really need to get a dog…,” he mused with a hum, “I keep thinking about it but never took the plunge and just live vicariously through strangers on the street.  I think I’m going to get the reputation of creeper-dog-petting-guy soon.  Serial Dog Lover?  Is that a thing?  I might make it one if it isn’t.”  Queue more lighthearted giggles as he met Michael’s gaze and shrugged helplessly.