Ian heard the water running in the kitchen and turned his head to investigate. He had been sitting on the white sofa, watching the news when the sudden absence of his partner struck him. He hated to feel alone, even if it was for a brief moment.

He got up from where he was sitting and approached the kitchen, finding Martin boiling some water. Was it dinner time already? Where had their day gone? He shook his head and smiled, reaching out and hugging the man from behind.

"Whatcha doin'?" he asked, licking Martin's ear, knowing it would wind him up.