pianokeysandbowties

michael.

“Nope.  Her owner’s out all day, just like basically all of them.  Second perk to the job is I can basically do it whenever I want so long as the dogs get exercise at some point.” Still Michael always took them all in the earlier half of the day, making sure they’ve eaten, gone to the bathroom once or twice.  The second job of the day was easier when he had a few hours of a nap beforehand.  Not that much made it easy per se but given how used to it he was, the extra sleep couldn’t possibly hurt given how late he would be out for it.  

Apple paws at Michael’s leg and he finally takes his eyes away from the other man, lifting the small dog and despite just how easy it would be to carry her with one hand he holds her to his chest with both as if she were an infant, even going so far as to pat the pup’s back lightly a few times when she licks the side of his face.

Attention caught again, Michael gives a softer smile to the explanation going along with the other’s offer.  “Sure.”  His initial guess that he was holding up someone in a rush seemed to be so far off base Michael might be embarrassed if he had been speaking his thoughts aloud. Glad to keep that one to himself, he stands upright all the while scratching Apple behind the ear for a moment to appease her constant need for attention.  “Don’t think anyone’s bought me a coffee for tripping them with a dog before.”

Seeing Michael standing in front of him, holding the dog the way he was, Blaine couldn’t help the way his smile wobbled into something more bewildered and adoring.  Michael was an attractive guy.  You’ve have to be completely blind to not notice.  But.  Well.  Heck.  Watching him cradle the dog and give her a pat on her back?  That was beyond adorable in so many ways that the stupefied look happened before he could shut it down.  Good job, Blaine.  And there came the telltale warmth over the bridge of his nose that told him it was, definitely, time to head to the coffee shop before he thought about making it stop before it spread further over his cheeks only to have it backfire and make it ten times hotter.

A lean of his shoulder in the direction of where they were going later, Blaine continued down the street with Michael and Apple at his side.  Laughing at the comment, he shrugged and watched the lines in the pavement passing under his feet.  “First.  I think it’s hilarious that you’re supposed to be walking the dog and seeing the princess that she is,” his attention went back up to Michael and Apple, “you gave into carrying her the rest of the way there.  Second?  I don’t think I ever bought coffee for anyone who tripped me with a dog before.  Today’s a day of firsts for both of us.  Maybe Miss Apple too.”

Or has she almost splattered someone on the sidewalk by running under their feet before?”  His eyebrows shoved together forming a wrinkle of mock suspicion on his forehead.  “Wait.  Did you talk her into that?  Because I would have got you a coffee if you just let me spend five minutes snuggling the fluffball.”  Smiling bright, Blaine lit up as he teased the taller man finishing with a huff of a chuckle and a shake of his head.  “You didn’t have to go that far.”