Mai groaned, as attempting to answer a phone while making cookies is slightly harder than it looks.

Ring ring.

"Yeah yeah." Mai muttered angrily, gingerly picking up the cordless home phone and tucking it in between her ear and shoulder, cradling it as she formed small oval lumps of dough that would become cookies.

There was a short amount of silence on the other line, and then someone took a sharp breath, and the way they drew the breath told Mai immediately who it was.

"Yo."

Mai laughed quietly, silently, to herself as she handled another lump of dough.

"Yo, yourself."

There was a small, deep chuckle on the other end that made her heart warm, because that chuckle was reserved for her.

"Making cookies again Mai?" They inquired, and Mai gave a mock gasp, and she could just imagine the man sauntering along the streets, a secret smile on his face.

"If I didn't know better, which I do, I'd say you're watching me," She whispered conspiratorially into the mouth piece as she set the dough onto the tray fondly.

"Maybe I am."

His tone was so serious the brunette was tempted to believe him.

She snorted softly. "I doubt it." She washed her hands, the cool running water feeling pleasant on her dough encrusted skin.

"Maybe I should prove it?" He asked, and Mai could see him smirking in the streets as he turned the corner.

"Mmhm." She grunted sceptically as she slid on the thick oven mitts and slowly put the tray in the oven, closing it up with a loud bang.

Which meant she didn't hear the door open and shut.

"What time will you be home?" She asked the phone, taking it from the space in her shoulder and holding it in her hand.

Sssccchhhhh.

She frowned, looking at the phone. He had hung up on her, or static was crossing the lines.

She shrugged, leaning against the counter and dialling his number.

As the dial tone rang in her ears, she stood up, body language the very picture of impatience.

Then strong arms enclosed her, pulling her close to a muscular, soft and warm chest, and she dropped the phone as it connected, landing on the 'CANCEL' button.

"I'm home now Mai." A soft, but deep voice echoed in her ear, warm breath gently caressing her exposed neck.

"No shit Sherlock," Mai snorted, but the remark had no insult behind it.

They laughed quietly, lips finding the top of her soft brown hair, and pressing into it.

They stayed there for an immeasurable amount of time, though it was probably only a minute or so.

Then the lips moved away, no longer in contact, and they rested their cheek on her head instead, sighing in content.

Though there was silence, there was a slight pause- Mai felt them breathe in deeply.

"Mai…' Their voice was teasing to a degree, and the arms loosened, snaking from around her waist.

They walked forward, into her line of view, and knelt down in front of the oven, glaring through the tinted glass.

Then they looked at her, and the monk's deep brown, warm, eyes gazed at her, before he pouted.

"When are the cookies gonna be ready Mai?"