Disclaimer: Not my characters, much to my dismay.
Summary: Five times Harry and Ruth could have found each other again.
A/N: Thank you delgaserasca for the beta.

And there's no mountain too high no river too wide
Sing out this song and I'll be there by your side
Storm clouds may gather and stars may collide
But I love you until the end of time

("Come What May", Moulin Rouge soundtrack)

1. Rendezvous

The café is small and intimate, designed for lovers to meet. She arrives early, a habit she cannot break, and chooses a table in the back, far from the window where passersby might see. The waiter brings her a glass of wine and she knows she shouldn't drink on an empty stomach, but it gives her something to do while she waits and wonders if he's going to come.

He shouldn't. This is a stupid, reckless idea, and it's going to get them into trouble.

She downs the rest of the wine and stands, preparing to leave. She hates herself for running, but she's been running for so long it seems that it's all she knows how to do.

"I've not kept you waiting long, have I?"

She turns, startled at the sound of his voice because despite how fiercely she'd hoped she never thought he would actually come.

Blinking back sudden tears, she touches his arm to steady herself – and perhaps for reassurance that he's real. When she can speak again, she says, "You're right on time."

He smiles, and it occurs to her that maybe he had doubts she'd be here.

"It's good to see you, Rachel."

She's carried the name for almost a year but this is the first time she likes it. He says 'Rachel' the same way he'd said 'Ruth', and she no longer feels like somebody else.

When it becomes obvious he is waiting for her to speak, she laughs. "It's good to see you, too."

Over dinner he tells her about Zaf and Ros and Jo; the barest of details, using different names. Then he holds her hand, his thumb gently stroking her palm, and she focuses on that in an attempt to control her tears. She will not grieve yet. This time with Harry is precious, and when he is gone she can cry for everything that has been lost.

"Do you fancy a walk?"

She nods, and before long they're strolling arm-in-arm along the bank of the Seine.

"I don't want this to be the last time, the only time—" She bites her lip. She has no right to ask Harry to continue compromising himself just to see her.

"It won't be."

"It's not safe—"

He puts a finger on her lips to shush her, and his smile is gentle but determined. "There are so many things I regret. You're not going to be one of them."

"Harry—"

He kisses her, and she loses all will to argue with him. She begins to cry and he looks at her with an expression of bewilderment. "What's wrong?"

She shakes her head. "Nothing. I'm just – happy. I'd forgotten what happy felt like."

"Me too," he says.

"My flat's not far from here." Suddenly shy, she looks away.

"Lead the way."

She looks at him, sees his love for her, and smiles. "All right. Follow me."

"To the ends of the earth."

She rolls her eyes, and they begin to walk.