The hours fell away from them, and they found themselves back at the B and B at the end of the day. Ruth had paid for an extra night, now she was glad that she had, so she could say her goodbye to Harry in private. Her case was packed and she was dreading this conversation. They'd decided that Harry was going to avoid the airport and CCTV camera's as he was meant to be in the middle east with Catherine. It could raise awkward questions which neither of them wanted. So they were both standing in her small room, wondering what to say. "I really… don't want to leave you," she said quietly. He kissed her gently, a hand around her waist as he was unwilling to let her go.

"I know," he said. "I don't either." He pressed a kiss to her cheek gently and then moved to take out something from his pocket. "This is for you. Open it on the plane."

"Well, thank you," she said, taking the small wrapped up box and putting it in her pocket. "Whatever it is. And when did you have time to get it?"

"This morning," he said, smiling. "When you were… at the cemetery. I am so sorry for your loss."

"I know," she said. "Kiss me." He did, passionately, his arms tight around her, pressing her body against his. She bit his lip delicately. "Kyoto," she whispered against his lips. "Flat 3, block 4, Miyagawa street. 605 0801. Write to me. Please Harry. I need some contact from you."

"Say it once more," he said, wanting to commit it to memory. She did, sucking on his earlobe gently, now knowing that he shivered when she did that. Seven years after she first met him, and she'd finally found his weak spot. She smiled at the thought.

"What?" he asked, seeing her smile unexpectedly at this sad occasion.

"I just like knowing your weak spots," she said, smiling even as her eyes filled shone with tears. She touched his earlobe gently once more.

"I know a few of yours too," he said. He reached for her ribcage, stroking gently. An unremarkable patch of skin except for the fact that last night when he'd stroked her there, she'd started to shake with delight. Sure enough, she closed her eyes and moaned under her breath. He chuckled at her reaction and kissed her briefly. "Take care of yourself."

"And don't get shot," she replied, voice soft with memory.

"Not until I see you again," he said firmly. "I promise."

"Not even then," she replied. "When I next see you, I want you in one piece."

"Sounds fair," he agreed.

She smiled, then looked at her watch. "I really have to go," she said. "I can't miss my flight."

"I know you can't," he said. He kissed her deeply, knowing it was going to be a long time before he saw her again. Soft lips caressed each other wonderfully, exquisitely.

"Ruth," he said breathlessly when they parted. She shook her head and covered his lips with her fingers gently.

"Don't say it," she said. "Not yet. Not now." He kissed her fingertips, then smiled at her.

"Go."

"Goodbye Harry," she said softly.

"Goodbye Ruth." He sealed the sentiment with a brief kiss, a peck more than anything else, then he let her go. She wheeled her suitcase out of the room without looking back. The door shut with a soft click and Harry moved to the window. He pulled apart the curtains slightly, watching the street below. Ruth had called a taxi which was waiting for her and the cabbie was leaning against the car, having a cigarette, which he quickly scuffed under his foot when Ruth came out of the building. The driver took her case and put it in the boot while Ruth hesitated. After a moments consideration, she looked up at the window. She smiled at him and he smiled back, even though she probably couldn't see him from his position inside. Then she got in the car and within moments was out of sight.

Harry breathed out in a heavy sigh and sat down on the bed. And then he sobbed.

Ruth had managed to hold herself together as she got to Exeter airport. She hadn't let herself think of Harry while she went through security, or while waiting for her plane. It was only once she'd taken her seat on the plane and was waiting for take off that she allowed her mind to turn to him. She tried hard not to cry in public, but she still ended up gasping for breath with tears falling down her face. She found it difficult to breathe and unfortunately someone sat down next to her and the woman was looking at her with concern. A pretty twenty something blonde. "Are you okay?" she asked.

"I'll be all right," she gasped, wiping her eyes and trying to stop.

"Nervous flyer?"

"No," Ruth said. "I…" she sighed heavily. "I'm leaving someone behind." Never would she normally be so honest to a stranger, but right now she was too emotional to care.

She managed to pull herself together by the time the plane took off. Once the seatbelt sign turned off, Ruth reached into her pocket and got the box Harry had given her. She unwrapped it and wasn't that surprised to find a jewellery box. After a moment of contemplation, she opened it. The first thing she saw was a folded note which she took gently, but didn't read. She wanted to gather herself first. Beneath the note there was a beautiful silver necklace, with what she hoped wasn't a real diamond, but it probably was.

"Oh, you stupid sentimental man," she said under her breath. It looked beautiful and far too expensive. She spent a long time looking at the diamond, her fingertip touching it delicately. It was stunning.

"Do you want a hand with the clasp?" Ruth turned to see the woman next to her nodding at the necklace.

"Oh. Yes please," she said, grateful for the help. She turned and after a moment or two, the necklace was in place. "Thank you."

"Your man has good taste," the blonde said. Ruth smiled, touching the necklace gently. He did have good taste in jewellery indeed. She felt a wave of grief and longing rush over her and she fought it aside to read the note.

R

I wanted to give you something to remind you of me, whatever happens and wherever you end up. The gift is beautiful so it should suit you perfectly. I know you have to leave, but that doesn't change how much I will miss you and long for you. I will see you again one day, I promise. I can't accept any other outcome. But the memory of your face last night will make the separation between us a fraction easier to bear. You will always be in my thoughts throughout my long and heavy work days and my lonely nights. Have a safe flight.

Yours, H x.