Chapter Text
“And The Voice of Season 4 is... Amanda!!!!”
Adam leapt clean out of his seat, a good three feet in the air, and screamed.
“YES! WOOOO!” Bounding up to the stage, he wrapped Amanda’s petite frame in his arms, lifted her off the ground, and spun her around. The roaring of the crowd sounded out the rest of his exclamations as they rejoiced together, Amanda crying and Adam completely ecstatic.
Blake sat there, shocked but happy all the same. He honestly thought he was going to win a third time in a row. But he couldn't be upset if he tried his hardest, knowing his contestant, Michael, was going to get somewhere far in the music industry anyways. And there was no way he could put on a frown when his best friend was just that happy. It was impossible, like Adam’s joy was contagious to him.
Being the judge and coach that he signed up to be, Blake joined Adam, Amanda, Carson, and Michael onstage and gave Michael a hug. He turned to face the audience as Carson began speaking again, his arm around his guy’s shoulder.
“Congratulations, Amanda. You were wonderful, and deserved this very much. How are you feeling?”
She shook her head, still crying but smiling broadly. “I have no idea. I can’t believe this is really happening right now. Thank you so much everyone for all your support and thank you Adam for your help and coaching. None of this would have been possible without any of you. Thank you so much!” Carson took the microphone back and spoke to the audience and cameras while the four of them continued rejoicing.
The show went off air minutes later, and the audience filed out as the judges and Amanda went into the back to be congratulated by everyone. Blake went into his dressing room and grabbed his coat and bag, looking around the room knowing he was going to miss it. He turned around just as there was a soft knock on the door.
“Come in.”
He half expected it to be Shakira; she had been giving him quite a lot of attention the past few weeks. He figured it was from nerves. He had always been told his calm nature attracted those who needed comfort and solace.
The door opened to reveal Adam’s lanky figure, complete with his legendary grin and all. Blake couldn't help but grin back. He and his best friend were looking to their summer fun together, as always.
“Ready for vacation to start? I know I am. How long did you say Miranda was going to be gone?” As he talked, he strolled over to Blake’s couch and plopped down, putting his feet up and his arms behind his head.
Blake chuckled at the goofball. “Adam, what are you doing? And yes, I’m ready for vacation to start. She will be gone for three weeks. A majority of June and part of July. Plenty of time for us to be idiots together. Happy? Now get outta here. I gotta say goodbye to everyone and get home. Miranda is leaving in the morning and I plan on spending her last night with her.”
Adam faked looking morbidly disappointed and Blake went over and snaked his arm around his waist, yanking him off the couch and plopping him on his feet. He was a good half of foot taller than Adam, and loved pointing it out.
“Fine.” He walked slowly to the door, then turned around when he was halfway out. “I’ll be waiting for you. Two o’clock tomorrow, my place. Better be there. I can’t have a drinking party or do inappropriate things all by myself.” He wiggled his eyebrows, causing Blake to throw his head back and laugh loudly. Adam disappeared and Blake stood there a moment, staring at the doorway and shaking his head, a smile still plastered to his face. He sighed and took a step forward.
In that same moment, a blonde head poked around the doorway, fastened with a bright smile and large eyes.
“Going so soon Blakey?” She strolled into the room, stopping a few feet from him and cocking her head to the side like an innocent child. His large frame towered over her petite one. He couldn't help wonder if he was ever going to get out of there.
“I gotta get home. It’s Miranda’s last night before her tour on the east coast.” She put on a pouty face, and he rolled his eyes.
“Okay...but I want a hug first. I don’t know when I’m gonna see you next.” She put her arms out and Blake put his stuff down, folding her small body in his. They stayed like that for a bit, then Blake pulled away. He didn't miss the sad look in her eyes as he picked his things back up.
“See ya later Blondie. Don’t party too hard.” He grinned good naturedly at her on his last comment, conjuring up a smile from her. He really did want to stay and chat with everyone, but he had to get home. He walked out the door, Shakira trailing behind him. He waved into Usher’s dressing room, the door open exposing Usher, Adam, and Carson talking together in hushed whispers. They all stopped talking when he appeared. Blake stopped and raised an eyebrow.
“I was just leaving...are y’all planning a government revolt or something?” In response, they all looked guiltily at one another and then back at Blake. Shakira had disappeared. No one spoke. Blake cleared his throat suddenly uncomfortably, then said, “Alrighty then, well, I guess I’ll see you guys later.” He turned and walked down the hallway, lost in thought. What on Earth was that all about? What could they have possibly have been talking about? He planned on drilling Adam about it the next day; he was damned if those three were going to leave him out on something.
Shaking his head, he pushed the back door open into the cool air of the night. He trudged over to his car and threw his stuff in, then walked around the other side and climbed in. He paused for a moment, soaking in the reality that this was his last night for the year at the studio. He realized how nostalgic he was was going to be in the coming few months. It always happened, but for some reason, he knew it was going to be worse this year. He felt like he was about to lose something important, but couldn't figure out what it was.
Attempting to clear his head, he started up the car and pulled out, cruising down the busy city street watching all the people and lights fly by. He didn't want the silence at the moment so he turned on the radio. Adam’s voice floated into the car and a smile broke out across Blake’s face before he could stop it.
You push me...I don't have the strength to...Resist or control you...Take me down, take me down...
He turned the volume up and let Adam’s smooth voice run freely into his brain, twisting its way around his mind. He always enjoyed listening to Maroon 5’s music, but only because of his friend. He made the band what they were. It wasn't just his looks, contrary to what the world believed. His voice made the world stop for a few seconds. Like he knew exactly what to say to pull someone’s heartstrings or brighten their mood. He was intense like that.
Blake realized where his thoughts were headed and stopped them instantly, changing the radio station to something else. His own voice met his ears instead. He listened to himself sing, relaxing into the country lyrics of having pride in our country and kissing his country ass, safe from any unsafe topic involving emotions.
***
“Home so soon? It’s the last night. I figured you were going to hang around for an after party or something involving alcohol.” Blake dropped his things and picked up his wife instead, planting a kiss on her mouth, erasing the teasing look on her face instantly. Placing her back on her feet, he left his arms around her but held her at arms distance, so he was able to look at her.
“Is there something wrong, honey?” He pulled her forward again, not answering her. He laid his head on her’s and closed his eyes.
“No. Everything’s fine. I’m just going to miss you and I’m making sure I don’t forget what you look like.” He felt her laugh rumble within him as he swung her into his arms and carried her up the stairs to their bedroom. They changed and climbed in, holding each other in the quiet darkness.
“Are you going to be okay while I’m gone? I’ll send an extra round or two of paparazzi if I have to. I can’t have you drinking your way to hell while I’m on the other side of the country.” Blake laughed and kissed her nose. He was so happy to have her in his arms.
“Don’t worry. I’ll be perfectly fine. And if any more paparazzi show up there’s gonna be a gun law placed on me next.” He continued through Miranda’s giggles. “And anyway, I've got Adam to take care of. God knows who is gonna keep an eye on that animal when he’s got that much time on his hands. And I have my album recording to do, so that will keep me busy as well. Hell, I might not even notice that you’re gone!”
“Fat chance of that happening. Who’s gonna cook for you?” Blake froze, the problem just occurring to him. The next thing flew out of his mouth before he could stop it. “Adam.”
Miranda laughed. “Let’s hope so. Because you are going to be one hungry man if you don’t learn how to cook for yourself.” She yawned and closed her eyes, snuggling closer to his chest. He instinctively began rubbing her back.
“I love you Blake,” she murmured. He smiled, even though she couldn't see it. “Love you too Miranda.”
He rubbed her back with her head next to his chest for about an hour until she was fast asleep and snoring softly. He turned over and tried to sleep. He watched the clock change from eleven to twelve to one in the morning. He gave up sleeping and slid carefully out of bed, his wife in a deep slumber. He went to the balcony door and opened it slowly, slipping out into the cold morning. He leaned against the balcony staring into the dark neighborhood, his thoughts drifting to his upcoming few weeks.
He did indeed have a lot of downtime, something he wasn't quite used to. He had to record his album and singles, but despite that little time, he had nothing planned. Then he realized that he was going to end up spending most of his time with Adam. His mind flashed back to his thought process in the car and he struggled to forget it. Adam was his best friend. It was just plain weird of him to think of the little guy that way.
I’m becoming soft, he reasoned. His charisma that gets him all of his fans is starting to rub off on me. He accepted this explanation and turned his attention back to the night he was standing in.
God only knows what he’s got planned for tomorrow.