Martin sunk back into the sofa and picked up the TV remote control.

"More wine?" Kate called from the kitchen.

"Yes, please." He called back, and couldn't help smiling.

After the Madrid trip they'd had a couple of unexpected days off due to a cancellation. Martin was secretly quite glad, because it had meant that he could do a couple of extra jobs with the van, which would earn him a little more money.

It also meant that he had spent the last two days and nights at Kate's flat, only stopping home for a change of clothes. It was an odd feeling spending so much time with someone; he was so used to being on his own. He was a little worried about outstaying his welcome, but Kate seemed to like having him around and he even felt quite comfortable in her flat now; or at least not as awkward as he had before.

Kate came back into the room carrying two glasses of wine and took a seat next to him, placing the glasses on the coffee table.

"Anything on?"

Martin shook his head, flicking through the channels. "Not unless you want to watch a documentary on fly fishing."

"I think I'd rather stick pins in my eyes."

Martin chuckled. "I might actually like fly fishing."

Kate looked at him a beat. "Martin, I will put up with your obsession with airplanes, but I really draw the line at fishing."

He laughed again. "Just as well I don't then."

"Thank God." Kate grinned back at him.

There was a pause in the conversation and a worried thought crossed Martin's mind.

"Do you really think I'm obsessed?"

"Mmm?" She distracted took a sip of wine, watching as he continued to flick through the channels.

"With flying. Do you think I'm obsessed?"

She put the wine down again and turned to look at him. "Martin, I was only pulling your leg."

"I know. But really...am I? I know I talk about aviation all the time...and...I don't really have any other hobbies."

She leant back into the sofa alongside him. "You're not obsessed, no. You're just passionate about it, that's all."

Martin took a while to think about it, flicking through a few more channels before turning to her again. "But am I boring?"

"Boring? No, why would you think that?" She looked at him incredulous.

"Because all I really talk about is planes and...well...flying. And I know that some people have found me boring in the past..."

"You're not boring." She told him firmly. "I like that you're enthusiastic about it."

"But it could get boring...you know...in time." He still wasn't convinced.

"Oh Martin!" Kate appeared to be exasperated with him. "You could say the same about golf, or cricket...or fly fishing!" She paused. "Although to be fair, those are already pretty dull to start with. I honestly don't think I'd get bored with you talking about flying. I'll admit some of the references you make go over my head at times..." She paused. "Besides, it's your job, not just a hobby."

Martin smiled at her. "Really?"

"Yes, really. Given the choice between a boyfriend who is obsessed with fishing or one who is passionate about aviation, I'd go for the latter everytime!" She chuckled at him and snuggled into his side. "Now...do me a favour and find something to watch."

Martin put his arm around her happily and hopped through the channels with the remote, stopping when he found something interesting. Kate gave him a playful slap when she realised that he'd settled on a documentary on Spitfires on the History Channel.

"You said it wasn't boring." He mocked her. Neither of them could help giggling.

They settled into a silence watching the rest of the programme, which even Kate had admitted was pretty fascinating. As the credits rolled Kate's phone beeped with a text message and she sat up reaching forward to grab it from the coffee table.

She read the message, smiled and turned to Martin. "You busy on Saturday?"

Martin thought about it for a second, trying to bring up a mental image of the MJN schedule and van work. "Um...no. I don't think so. Why?"

"It seems my friend, Julia, is holding an impromptu birthday party. I've just got an invite. Was hoping you might want to be my date?"

Martin swallowed self-consciously. "Y-y-you want me to come with you?" He stuttered.

Kate smiled at him. "Well, that's generally how it works."

Martin's mind started racing. She wants me to meet her friends? Really?

"Your friends will be there?" He asked trying to mask the nerves in his voice.

"Yes, most of them, I think." She paused, looking him with amusement. "I'm pretty sure you'll like them."

Oh, I'm not worried about me liking them. Martin thought. I'm more worried that they won't like me.

"Oh...I'm sure I will. It's just...well..."

Kate cut him off. "And they'll like you."

Apparently Kate was beginning to know him a bit too well. He smiled at her with what he hoped was conviction. "O-o-ok...I'd like that."

She seemed to search his face. "You don't have to. I won't be offended. If you think it's too early..."

Martin interrupted her. "No...really...I want to." He felt a little more confidence. After all, she was inviting him to meet her friends. That must be a good sign. That must mean she was serious about this, otherwise she'd just keep him hidden away, like Emma had done.

"Do they..." He hesitated. "...do they know about me?"

Kate nodded. "Of course." She stated, as if it was obvious, before smirking slightly. "I've even warned them about you boring everyone talking about flying."

Martin picked up the cushion next to him and hit her over the head with it.