She pushed the heavy wooden door open with one hand, depositing her multi-coloured wicker handbag on the small black table as usual. She took a minute to check her reflection in the gilt mirror before stepping into the living room. A small squeal escaped her lips as she spotted Darren sitting on the edge of the sofa. He stood up just in time for a pair of arms to be slung around his neck, Eleanor pulled back just far enough so she could brush her lips against Darren's. He held her tightly, his fingers gripping onto her back almost desperately. When they parted Eleanor pushed Darren back onto the sofa and took in his appearance properly. After all he had been away for the last month, and somehow Skype just wasn't enough for her to make sure he was all right. She noted the way he sat, leant forward resting his elbows on his knees, noted the tired expression he was trying (and failing) to hide, the strong smell of coffee she had tasted only moments ago.

"Babe, you look exhausted and I thought you said you'd be out of town until Friday? Not that I'm complaining!" She twined her elegant fingers with his and pulled him back so she could rest her head on his strong shoulders.

"Well we wrapped filming early and I thought I'd surprise you – mission accomplished?" A grin flashed across Darren's tan face as he raised an arm to pull Eleanor closer.

"Hmm, I missed you – and you have clearly been working too hard! Don't even try to pretend you haven't!"

"You know me, a second spent not doing something productive is a second wasted." Eleanor raised an eyebrow at this, knowing all too well that her allergic to sleep boyfriend could have chosen to go to Chicago and help his Starkid friends with their latest musical rather than spend this time with her.

"Oh, so what does time spent with your girlfriend count as then?"

"Definitely productive, you're my therapy – I get to recharge my batteries while I spend time with the most beautiful woman I've ever seen!"

"Cheese!" Eleanor smiled up at Darren as he pressed a stubbly kiss to her forehead.

"Mmm, well I thought we could spend the rest of the day being lazy here, and then I have some plans for Thursday, which leaves Friday free to do whatever you want."

"What plans? I know you Darren, whenever you plan something it's either a practical joke or it ends up going wrong!" Eleanor raised her deep green eyes warily to gaze at the mock indignant expression painted on Darren's face.

"Oh ye of little faith! You'll like it I promise, no I'm not telling you what it is, now can I just relax with you for a bit?" Darren pre – empted Eleanor's questions and decided the only way to stop her from bugging him all afternoon was to occupy her mouth – with his.

Eleanor's hand instinctively found it's base on the back of Darren's neck, God she had missed this. She twirled a soft curl around her index finger and decided she could barrage him with questions later – she couldn't have Darren thinking he had won after all.