January 2015. The McKillop house, near Hampton Court, Surrey.

"I sat there for a couple of hours until my friends got back from clubbing. I just had to tell them how well the evening had gone. I can't imagine they were really that happy that I was abandoning them to spend the following day sightseeing with Lee but if they were annoyed they didn't show it.

I couldn't sleep that night, I couldn't stop thinking about him, though there was something else playing on my mind. Japan. It felt like things might happen with Lee but I knew I was leaving the country the following month. In the end I just decided not to overthink it, to just enjoy spending time with him, you know...live in the moment".

"So the next day, you went on your sightseeing date?"

"Yes, we walked around the city together, just talking and taking in the sights. I still remember the moment he held my hand for the first time as we approached Edinburgh castle, the way I got whole of that first day together was perfect. I fell in love with Edinburgh, and even though I'd pretty much only just met him, I'd say that's also when I fell in love with Lee. And the end of our date was perfect".

...

Flashback, Edinburgh, 1995

"What time have you got to be back for your show?", Lucy asked as they finished their coffees.

"I need to be at the theatre by 7pm, so we've got plenty of time yet. There's somewhere else I'd really like to take you, I know you'll love it"

"Where's that?"

"Calton Hill. It has the most amazing views over the city"

"Sounds lovely. Let's go then".

...

Lee and Lucy stood at the top of the hill, still out of breath from the walk. Lucy smiled as she took in the panoramic view in front of them, then turned to Lee.

"Thanks for bringing me here Lee. It's beautiful".

"Yeah it is", he replied, looking deep into Lucy's eyes as he spoke, "it's definitely worth the walk right?"

"Definitely".

"We can sit down and admire the view for a while if you like, there's a bench over there"

"Sounds like a good idea, I need to rest my legs before we walk back down...oh look, quick we'd better run, there's another couple heading towards it".

They won the race for the bench, giggling like children as they triumphantly sat down. Neither spoke for a few moments as their breathing got back to normal and their giggling died down.

"Lucy?", Lee sounded nervous.

"Yes?", she whispered back. They both stared straight ahead.

"I..um...what do you think of Edinburgh then?", Lee asked, not brave enough to say what he really wanted to say.

"I love it", Lucy replied quietly, reaching for Lee's hand, brushing her little finger against his. He covered her hand with his own.

They descended into contented silence then, just sitting, hands entwined for a few minutes, before Lucy spoke again, and they turned to face each other.

"Lee?"

"Hmm?"

"This is going to sound really cheesy but I just wanted to say how much I've enjoyed today. Thanks so much for showing me all the sights".

"It was my pleasure. I love spending time with you".

"Same".

Lee noticed Lucy was shivering. Even though it was summer there was a breeze that made it slightly chilly on the hill.

"Are you cold? You're shaking".

"Only a bit".

"Here, have this", Lee said, taking off his jacket it and draping it over Lucy's shoulders.

"Thanks".

The atmosphere around them was alight with electricity now. Ever since the moment they'd first held hands earlier today and he'd felt a charge run through his veins, Lee had been desperate to kiss Lucy. He knew he had to choose his moment though, and he was worried about misreading the signals and crossing a line. His eyes met Lucy's again, searching, trying to read her thoughts. He found her hand again, linking their fingers. Feeling the heat of Lee's gaze, and his thumb ever-so lightly brushing against her own, Lucy's skin began to tingle and flush.

"Lucy...can I kiss you?"

On hearing Lee's words Lucy's stomach did a somersault, and her pulse raced with anticipation, excitement, nerves. She could feel her throat become dry, but she managed to breathe her answer,

"Y...yes...and you don't have to ask me".

"It's just...I didn't want you think I brought you up here to pounce on you. I'm not one of those comedians who comes to the Edinburgh festival to get laid, because believe me they are out there", Lee was babbling slightly, his nerves getting the better of him.

"I can tell you're not like that. And I've been wanting you to kiss me all day, I wanted you to kiss me last night when we said goodnight".

"Really?...you see I don't just go around kissing women without it meaning something, I'm to old for that malarkey...and...".

"Lee, shut up. Just kiss me". Lucy sounded slightly desperate now, and Lee could hear her breathing was as unsteady as his own.

Lee shuffled closer to Lucy until their knees were touching, their faces just centimetres away. They were so very close now, and it made him feel a little dizzy. For a split second her found himself just studying her, taking note of every freckle and dimple, swimming in the green of her eyes. Her noticed a strand of her hair fall across her face in the breeze, and tenderly brushed it away from her eyes. He watched her eyelids slowly flutter closed, then lowered his gaze to focus on her trembling lips.

Though her eyes were shut Lucy's other senses were heightened now. The hill was quiet, apart from the occasional passing aeroplane and bird singing, and now she could only hear the sound of their breathing and her own increasing heartbeat. She took a deep breath, inhaling the heady scent of Lee's cologne, of citrus and musk and masculinity.

Lucy felt Lee curl his finger under her chin and lift her head, then at last his lips touched hers. He merely grazed them at first, testing the waters. Then finally...finally he began to move his lips tentatively with her own. She responded immediately, sighing against his mouth as she relaxed, feeling herself seem to melt into him.

As the kiss deepened, Lee gently cradled Lucy's face with one then both of his hands. She mirrored his action, then one of her hands found its way to the back of his head, her fingers playing with the soft hair there. They were both lost in the moment as seconds, maybe minutes passed. Eventually they parted, their foreheads still touching.

"Wow", was all Lee could say for a second, his breathing uneven.

"Yeah, I'd say that was a wow", Lucy whispered, her voice slightly horse. It was fair to say that as kisses go, that had been pretty special.

They reluctantly moved from their position, turning to see the sprawling city below them again. It was strange to think of how busy the streets were down there, yet it was so quiet and still here, and right now it felt like no one else existed. Lee put his arm around Lucy, holding her close as she rested her head on his shoulder.

"Do you want to stay here for a while, or should we start walking back?", she asked.

"I want to stay here, but depending on what time is, we might have to go, I have get back for my show, sorry".

"That's okay, you can't miss that. What time is it?"

Lee looked at his watch.

"Blimey, it's five thirty. Time really does fly when you're having fun. We are going to have to make a move I'm afraid. I think I've still got time to walk you back to your hotel though".

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I'll get a taxi to the theatre if I have to".

"Come on then, we'd better get a move on".

Lucy stood up and held out her hand. Lee took it and she pulled him up from the bench. Hand in hand they began the walk back down the hill.

...

They arrived at Lucy's hotel, stopping outside the front door. Lee placed his hand on Lucy's forearm.

"Lucy...before I go there's something I want to say...I know we've not long met but there's something about you...when I'm with you I just feel happy. I'd really like to spend some more time with you, get to know you more, if you want".

"I feel the same. What are your plans for tomorrow?"

"I've got to go to an awards thing during the day. I'd invite you but we're not allowed to bring guests".

Lucy felt a tinge of disappointment but she understood. The show and everything that went with it, that was why Lee was here in Edinburgh after all.

"That's okay, I should probably spend some time with my friends anyway. They probably think I've abandoned them".

"I've got the evening off tomorrow, I'm not doing the show. Would you like to have dinner with me? Perhaps we could go to a show first".

Lucy grinned, "I'd love that".

"Great, I'll sort out some tickets, and a restaurant. Is there anyone in particular you want to see?"

"I want to see Bill Bailey, some people I spoke to yesterday said he was really good...the only thing is he'll probably be sold out for tomorrow. But I trust your judgement, surprise me".

"What sort of food is your favourite?"

"I really don't mind, but Mediterranean maybe".

"Okay. Can I pick you up about six thirty? Lots of shows start around seven or seven thirty. I'll call you if it's any different".

"Six thirty it is then. I'm looking forward to it".

Lee smiled and nodded, "me too".

There was a pause for a moment as they got lost in each other's eyes again. They kissed, all too briefly, whispering a breathy 'goodnight' as they parted.