Phillip walked into his office and crossed the floor to his desk before he saw it. A large heart shaped box was on his chair, festooned with ribbons and lace, almost hidden by the elaborate bows.

With a smile he picked it up and lifted the lid, expecting rich chocolates to fill his senses with the promise of their lushness. After four years this was becoming ritual, and he had yet to find out where George got them.

This time there was no chocolate, no foil wrapped treats lined the box. Instead there was a folded piece of paper.

"Happy Valentine's Day, Phil.
This year I have foregone the pleasure of watching you eat decadent chocolate in favour of something else. Meet me at my shop by noon.
G."

Intrigued, Phillip cancelled his lunch meeting and started walking. When he got to the new studio he let himself in and blushed a little when Stephen, the clerk, smiled at him knowingly.

"He's in the back," Stephen said as he turned the closed sign and left.

Phillip went into the back shop, past the tables and bolts of fabric, directly to the design area. George greeted him with a smile and outstretched arms.

"This time," George said into their kiss, "this time it's me whisking you away on business." He pressed tickets into Phillip's hands and waited patiently.

Phillip looked at the tickets, schooling his expression. It wasn't easy for him to get away, ever. These things took time and weeks of planning, and he didn't want to see George's face when he had to tell him no. He opened the folder by way of delay and gasped.

Japan. Two weeks.

They would fly out in eight months.

"Think you can arrange for time off?" George said with a grin.

"I think I can, yeah," Phillip replied. Then he pounced.