Just a quick note of thanks to all the people who've read this fic, especially the very lovely people that have added it to their story alerts/favourites. I thought only my fiancé would read this so you pleasantly surprised me. Reviews, prompts etc are all welcome. Thank you, and on with the chapter.
Martin was his usual early self; waiting outside the plane for Carolyn to come with the key. After waiting about half an hour (yes, he was that early), he saw Arthur walking towards him from the airport.
"Hello Skip. Mum's filling out some paperwork and said to bring you the key." There was a moments pause as Martin waited for Arthur to give him the key.
"So are you actually going to give me the key?"
"Oh sorry yes, how silly of me." Arthur pulled it from his pocket and handed it to Martin while he continued to speak. "Martin, did you hurt your neck this morning?" Martin's hand instinctively went to his neck.
"No, no I didn't. Why?"
"Just that you've got a funny sort of bruise thing and I wondered if you were okay." Martin frowned, then sighed as he realised Irene must have given him a love bite. Brilliant (as Arthur would normally say, though he wouldn't say it sarcastically) – now Douglas and Carolyn had ammunition for their sarcastic remarks, which would probably continue for the whole of the flight.
"No, it's urm, nothing, I'm urm fine." Martin hastily turned and entered G-ERTI before Arthur could pursue the subject.
...
Neither Douglas nor Carolyn had said anything about the love bite – they'd settled for giving him funny looks instead. Until, that is, Douglas said his usual line:
"Post take-off checks complete Captain." Then sat back in his chair to gaze at Martin. "So, Martin, I take it that you found the love of your life last night."
"Urm well urm I wouldn't quite urm put it that way, Douglas."
"And think of all the lovely ladies who'll be disappointed that Captain Crieff is no longer available."
"Well I urm.."
"Coffee chaps." Arthur entered, carrying two steaming mugs (though it may not have been nice and it may not have been coffee, it was hot this time), followed by Carolyn. Martin and Douglas accepted the mugs but didn't say anything.
"I hope my two pilots haven't argued, but if they have they'll be provided with lots of support throughout this 'very difficult time'." Carolyn paused "However, none of that support will be provided by me. Now if you'll just..."
"Captain Casanova was telling me about his latest love affair." Douglas interrupted.
"His what?" Carolyn was shocked. Arthur, however, was just as cheery as ever.
"Aww that's brilliant Skip. What's her name?" Martin sighed in exasperation before answering.
"Her name is Irene, she introduced herself when we met near my house, she's about 5 years older than me, she has dark hair and is rather controlling. I think I've answered all your questions. Thank you now please leave."
For once Carolyn did as Martin said.