Blake Carlyle

Andy let out a small chuckle, at Blake’s response to his joke. He kept the smile on his face, as he looked at Blake. He was just so sweet, helping him like this, getting the ice pack, and talking to him. Even if it was different than what Andy had with Luke, Andy thought it was just as nice, if not better. As Blake mentioned Jack again, Andy’s grin disappeared for a moment. He didn’t like that they were disagreeing about this one point, but he was glad that it seemed like Blake didn’t want to discuss it anymore. If it really was a problem, then they could discuss it later. Right now, Andy just wanted to relax, and get his mind off the fight. It still made him feel rather embarrassed, though Blake was helping him, by distracting. Especially as he spoke again, calling Andy handsome.

Blake's eyes lit up as Andy placed his hand within his, their grips entangling with one another, and he waited eagerly for a response. He felt Andy's lips on his and he smiled into the kiss but as his fiance pulled away he could do nothing more than blush. Andy was already taking him to their bedroom and it was more than enough for him to know where it would lead to. He had wanted it, both to make Andy feel better and because there was something about his fight with Sam that had his blood pumping. Although his ulterior motive had been upfront in his mind, and elsewhere, he hadn't expected for Andy to bring it up. 

Andy couldn’t bring himself to return Blake’s smile, which was so sweet and comforting. He appreciated the way that Blake was happy to support Andy, though, letting him cry in his arms. Andy closed his eyes, as Blake wiped away his tears, letting the man touch him so gently and kindly. Andy realized that no matter how this was, no matter how much pain he was going through, having Blake here to hold him would just make it easier to get through. If anyone knew Andy as well as Luke, it was Blake, and he knew how to make Andy feel better, even if he didn’t realize it. “I love you too.” Andy said, his voice heavy with emotion. It meant so much to him that Blake had been willing to come to his home, to comfort him.

Blake's stomach spun as anticipation crept over his entire body. Every second that Andy didn't speak felt like a lifetime. Once the words left his mouth, Blake could only pull away and try to compose himself. Andy may not have outright said that his brother was dead but it was heavily implied. It wasn't long before Blake pushed himself close to Andy again and wrapped his arms around him. His lips parted but he didn't say anything, he could only listen to Andy's request to leave and he nodded approvingly. He would wait until they were out of the house before he gave out any verbal comfort. Blake didn't want to force his fiance to endure the pain of his childhood home more than he already had to. 

Yeah, of course. It’s no problem at all. A puppy? Oh, okay… are you sure you want a dog so young? If so you might not have as much of a selection at the animal shelter, well I mean if that’s where you were thinking of going. I mean, they have young dogs there but not usually real young like months old. Well, not usually. 

Yes, I'd prefer a puppy rather than an older dog because then we can raise her (or him) together. I'm willing to look beyond a shelter.

Yes, you may. Request away, Blake. What can I help you with?

Do you recall the conversation we had about pets during our lunch? I've been heavily considering getting a dog for Andy and I'd appreciate your help. Lola is magnificent and I wouldn't want anything less for him.

Andy gave Blake a small smile, when he spoke. “Yeah, a lesson. I don’t think I like being punched in the face.” He joked, before wincing again as he shifted the ice pack. “I will do better, though. It’s just been hard, not having Luke around, to talk to. He always made me feel calmer about these sorts of things. But talking to you is good too.” Andy quickly added, looking up at Blake. He didn’t want his fiance to think he preferred the company of his twin brother over him. It was just hard to explain the way that Luke and Andy could easily talk, and understand each other. Not that Blake couldn’t do the same. As Blake mentioned the swelling, Andy smiled again. “Good. I don’t want to walk into the garage tomorrow looking a mess. I don’t want to have to explain to Jack what happened. It’s not fair to get Sam in trouble for this. It was stupid for both of us.”

"I don't believe that anyone does." Blake stated lightly, trying to keep up with Andy's softened tone. Blake's expression remained still, he wasn't sure if he should be frowning or smiling at his fiance's comment. There was no point in competing with Luke, he shared a different bond with Andy, but there was a sense of victory that washed over him upon hearing that Andy wanted to talk to him. It wasn't against Luke. He just liked knowing that he was important too, that their relationship was moving in a good direction. A sigh left Blake's shoulders rolling but he tried not to draw attention to himself, "He's your brother. I'm sure that Jack will understand. I have faith that he'll assess the situation with an open mind." Blake wanted the fight to be dealt with appropriately and he hoped that Jack would make the right decision on both Andy and Sam's behalf.

Sera settled into her chair, after removing her coat and purse to hang them on the back of her chair. She scooted into her place and smiled over at Blake as he kindly dismissed her apology. She was glad to know that he wasn’t upset by her tardiness but in truth, she hadn’t really expected him to be. Blake always seemed like the kind and understanding type. She rested her arms lightly atop the table, finally allowing herself to relax from having rushed over to the restaurant in an attempt not to be later than she would already be. Luckily she was only a few minutes passed the time they agreed upon so she didn’t feel too horrible about having made him wait. 

A soft smile formed across Blake's face as he listened to Sera talk about how comforting her dog had been. He was happy that she had been able to receive help, even if it was from an unlikely source, and it further made him interested in getting a pet of his own. Only, it would belong to both him and Andy. It did seem as though it was the next step to take their relationship in. They had already moved in together, although Andy had been spending time at his mom's house since Luke's passing, and were engaged. His engagement was something he tried not to think about though. He wanted to get married but it wasn't the time. Having heard positive things about Sera's experience as a pet owner made him feel as though getting a dog would be good for Andy. "I think you've convinced me to get a dog." He chuckled, "I hope Andy doesn't mind."

Sera was actually rather happy to get out of the house and spend time with Blake. With everything that was happening in her life, with Luke’s death and all, the redhead had been incredibly lonely. She didn’t like the feeling of being cooped up at home, stewing in her thoughts and emotions all day. She tried to occupy herself with work but even then, as she tried to write, her mind just went to dark places and bad memories. So this time to spend with her best friend’s fiance was a happy distraction.

Blake adjusted the watch on his wrist before checking the time. It had been a gift from his parents a few years ago, a rather nice one, and while he usually found it a convenient addition to his wardrobe there were times when it could become a nuisance. He decided to put his arm out of sight while he waited for Sera. It wasn't that he was running out of patience it was merely the fact that he couldn't stop himself from looking at his watch. He had started to make up games revolving around the ticking on his wrist and he was feeling childish because of it. Sera was hardly even late. He just found it an excuse to ignore his thoughts. Of course, when she did walk into the dining area, he refused to look down at his watch but he knew that it had only been a matter of minutes. 

Andy was glad to see the food arrive. It seemed as though the relief of telling Blake’s parents, and knowing that they approved of their plans for marriage, had caused Andy to suddenly regain his appetite. The anxiety was gone, and so Andy felt like he could relax around Blake’s parents. They actually approved of him, wanted them to get married, and that was more than Andy had ever hoped for. He wanted to celebrate, and was glad to eat. He respected the comfortable silence that followed, though, knowing that Blake’s family was a bunch for few words. He didn’t mind the quiet, feeling that it was only fair to respect the Carlyle’s habit of silence. He knew that most families weren’t as rowdy as his were, and he knew he was probably going to be spending many more meals with his future in-laws.

Along with his fiance, he thanked his parents for paying for the meal. Blake could have afforded it, along with Andy's too, but he was rather glad that his parents had gone ahead and paid for it. He didn't want Andy to feel guilty or anything of the sort when it came to money. It was something they would always deal with, he supposed, unless Andy got a higher paying job. He didn't have to though, Blake wasn't interested in being with someone based on their wealth. Also, Blake wasn't exactly struggling. He had been living on his own since he left for college and had always been able to make ends meet. If anything, having Andy around just made finances easier. It was a topic he preferred to avoid but every now and then he felt that he needed to remind Andy that he didn't have to worry about money. They would be alright. 

Andy shifted in his chair, pulling the ice pack away for a moment, to wipe gently at his cheek, trying to keep his hands busy. He didn’t like thinking about this anymore. He felt sick to his stomach, reliving it all for Blake. He knew he had messed up, that part of it was his fault, and he felt ashamed by how far he had gone. He breathed in and out, knowing that he had to own up to the words he had said, but still feeling guilty. But Blake didn’t seem as upset as Andy had expected, to hear the story. He was putting his hand on Andy’s shoulder, and then pulling him close. Andy didn’t resist the touch, feeling relieved at being embraced, at knowing that Blake was going to stick with him, despite the whole fight.

Blake didn't like feeling as though he was scolding his boyfriend. He was older than him, though not by much, but that didn't mean he was in the right place. Everything he had said needed to be heard though and he was glad to have it off of his chest. He was sorry that his fiance had been hit in the face but it could have been a lot worse. "I think you've learned your lesson for the day." Blake smiled softly, he thought if he didn't react strongly to the situation that it would help Andy calm his nerves. He scanned Andy's face for a moment, his eyes lingering over the injury, "I think the swelling is starting to go down." Blake couldn't say it for certain but he wanted Andy to believe that it was true. 

Right. A lot of people switching their tires, getting ready for winter.

It's great for business. I do feel terrible for the people who don't get their cars serviced right away though. It's doing very well, thank you for asking.