Not Falling Apart

Chapter 15

Blake’s POV

Blake had stayed at Adam’s house a little while longer. He didn’t want to leave, partly because he knew what was coming next. Now he was back at his own house, sitting in his truck, working up the courage to go inside and face Miranda. Now or never. He walked up to the front door and went inside. He looked around the house. No sign of her.

“Miranda!” he called. No response. Then he noticed a note on the kitchen counter.

Blake-

I’m sorry about last night. I just had to get away for a little while. I went with some of my girlfriends out for the day. We’ll talk later.

Miranda

This could mean one of two things—she was truly sorry and wanted to work things out between them. Or she was pissed beyond all measure and just giving him a chance to get prepared for the blowout later. He decided now was not the time to think about it. He turned around and headed out.

***

This was a dream come true. Adam was his. They were together. No more hiding any feelings or holding back words. They could be open and honest with each other. He closed his eyes for a second as the warm sunshine streamed through the windshield.

He and Adam were on their way to go fishing. When Blake had gone back to Adam’s to ask him, Adam was all in. A whole day to themselves.

They arrived at Blake’s favorite spot to fish in the area, but no doubt the best spots were back in Oklahoma. They hopped out of the truck and grabbed two poles and a tackle box from the truck bed.

Adam had once admitted to never fishing before, so Blake had invited him to his place to teach him how, among other outdoor activities. He picked up on it pretty well. They had practiced together a few other times. Blake was impressed with the city boy’s skills.

“Last one there has to kiss the other!” Adam shouted as he took off running toward the pond.

Not something I’d mind to lose. Blake ran after him anyway.

Adam’s head start helped him, and he made it to the water a few seconds before Blake. When Blake got there he dropped his stuff and kissed Adam on the cheek.

“No, on the lips.”

“Ew, no, why would I want to do that?”

“You sure didn’t have a problem with it last night.”

“I’m kidding. Come here.” He pulled Adam closer and kissed him hard.

Adam paused to think. “I’ve had better.”

“Yeah right.”

They got to work on preparing their poles. Blake had also brought along a couple chairs and a cooler with sandwiches and drinks. They cast their lines and waited.

Blake was staring off the other direction when he heard Adam say, “I think I got something!”

He looked over and saw Adam stand up out of his chair. His tongue was stuck out of the corner of his mouth, something he did when he was really concentrating. Gosh, he was so cute.

He reeled it in closer and Blake saw what it was even before it was out of the water. Adam lifted his pole to reveal an old, muddy boot.

“Catch of the year goes to Adam Levine!” Blake applauded him.

Adam stuck his tongue out at Blake and pulled the hook off of the shoe and threw it back in the water. “Let the next guy think he got something.”

They were quiet for a while, both of them relaxed and engaged in their fishing. Blake felt a splash of water hit him on the face. He turned his head and saw Adam pretending to be focused on fishing. Blake reached down into the water and flicked some back at him. Adam put his pole down and with both hands tossed more water on Blake, then he took off running. Blake jumped up and followed him.

Adam didn’t outrun him this time. Blake grabbed him from behind and picked him up, carrying him towards the pond.

“Blake, no!” Adam laughed and protested at the same time, but Blake held tight until he reached the water and threw Adam in. He came up and blew water out of his mouth. Blake was laughing so hard that he didn’t realize Adam had come at him and pulled his legs, making him lose balance and fall into the water with Adam. Adam tried to swim away, but Blake caught him and pulled him under. Blake went down too, and they kissed underwater. They came up, and splashed each other in the face. Adam got out of the water, and took off running back towards their fishing spot. Gosh, he runs a lot. Blake was out of breath from the water fight, but got out and ran behind him.

Adam’s POV

“Nice, you got us wet, but you didn’t bring any towels to dry off with,” Adam said.

“I nearly dried off on the run over here.”

Understatement, Adam thought. They were both still soaking wet.

Blake reached into the cooler and pulled out two sandwiches and bottles of water. They both sat on their lawn chairs and ate their lunch.

Adam thought of how good of a day it had been so far, and how good of a night they had last night. He never thought he would be fucking Blake Shelton. It was crazy, but he loved it. He loved how Blake brought out a different side of him. He would never have been able to experience things like this without him. Sure, he wasn't too interested in pursuing every outdoor activity, but it was nice to try new things, especially with someone he loved as much as Blake.

Tomorrow he would have to go back to the hospital though. No more fun days with Blake for a while. He had to keep reminding himself that he wasn’t completely cured yet, and that something bad could still happen. It was easy to forget when he was having so much fun, not feeling any pain. He was more than ready to say goodbye to the hospital for good, and to get on with his life with Blake and get back to The Voice. He missed that too. He missed Usher and Shakira and Carson. Soon, he thought. Soon.

Blake’s POV

After finishing up his day with Adam and making sure he didn’t need anything after he dropped him off, he made it back to his house fairly early, for once. Miranda was once again on the couch watching a movie. He went in and sat next to her.

“Oh, I didn’t hear you come in.” She didn’t sound mad. Yet, at least.

“I’m sorry about how I acted last night. I’m sorry for neglecting you. It was selfish.”

She took it in and slowly nodded her head.  “I forgive you. And I’m sorry too. I shouldn’t have told you that you can’t spend time with Adam. You can, and I want you to. I just don’t want you spending so much time with him that you don’t spend time with me. Promise me you won’t go out as much, or stay out so late.”

The words were difficult to form, but he managed to say them. “I promise.” How true they were, he didn’t know.

She reached over and gave him a kiss, then went back to watching her movie. Everything seemed okay now, but Blake guessed it wouldn’t be over.