shi-no-toge:

“Sir, I’m not feeling well. ” he said softly, standing before the other man’s desk. William looked at him over his spectacles. “What would you like me to do Humphries?” He said impassively. “May I please go home for the day?” He asked. “I’ll take my paperwork with me and complete it there… I just don’t feel up to being in a public setting right now.” William paused a moment, then nodded. “Very well. See to it you don’t fall behind.” Alan noded. “I won’t sir.”
He turned and left the office, stopping by his cubicle to pick up his papers. He ported home and set them on his desk before trudging down the hall to his room. He pulled off his suit and put on his nightshirt, then crawled in bed.
He didn’t feel like being awake.

Eric had plenty of responsibilities at work. But the moment he’d heard that Alan wasn’t feeling well, he knew that he’d need an excuse to sneak away. Or at least to leave undetected by the watched eyes of none otther than William T. Spears. 

So, at the soonest opportunity, he flitted out of the office and made the familiar walk to his lover’s flat. Using the spare key, he unlocked the door and moved inside. 

It was dark. 

The last time he’d entered this place in these circumstances, they’d fought. Now, things were different. Everything was different. So why hadn’t Alan come to him? Did he want to spare him? Keep him from worrying? 

As Eric considered the worst of possibilities, he moved through the living area and called out softly, “Alan! Ye there, burd?"