Disclaimer: Don't own it. Never will.

A/N: This stemmed from a rather interesting little conversation with my dear friend, Sunshine (aka Burlesque) so thank her for the idea! It's common knowledge we were ROBBED at the finale of S4 but take Mel out of the equation, and Reddie are still together, so a little AU magic and voila! We have our favourite couple jetting off to some exotic location in the sun! The holidays are officially on. What I'm planning to do is a series of snapshots from the holiday, the "best bits" as it were. I'd appreciate any opinions, please!

Summary: Eddie promised her the holiday of a lifetime. He always makes good on his promises. Reddie.

For Spoons300's birthday, because she's the most incredible beta reader and has the Australian outback's worth of talent. If you're not reading her fic "Losing Track" then YOU SHOULD! *Chivvies in direction of spoonfiction* Will be updated every day until finished (that's the plan anyway) to make her birthday last as long as she deserves!

The Holiday Of A Lifetime

Part One: Leaving everything but them behind...

Rachel slid gratefully into her allocated plane seat, her hand-luggage safely stowed away under the seat in front of her as she leant back into the pillowed headrest, her eyes slipping closed for a few moments. She was remembering, again, why she hated airports, and baggage, and waiting areas. Then, a few grunts from the side of her interrupted her musings, and she felt a smile tip her mouth up as she tilted her head to the side of her, where Eddie was stretched upwards, sliding his bag into the overhead locker, looking as impatient to just go already as she felt. She smiled and waited for him to finish before leaning forward and watching him take his seat.

There were butterflies flitting around inside her, making her pulse jump, and it had nothing to do with nerves, and everything to do with the man sat beside her. This was it – their first holiday together. The first time they would be able to spend an entire week just with each other. Alone. No school, no distractions, just sunny days, balmy evenings and their little villa. Rachel would be lying if she said the prospect wasn't an extremely appealing one.

Eddie took his seat and stowed his book – one of the Bernard Cromwell series that she'd bought him for the trip – in the seat pocket in front before turning to her and smiling. And she couldn't help but grin back, the knowledge that this was really going to happen, they were going to have their much-needed time away lifting her mood in a completely unique way, lighting her entire expression. Leaning across, he pressed a kiss to her lips, gentle and happy, and she returned the movement, no longer feeling the pressures of anyone they knew watching them or having to keep up the facade of Rachel-the-Headmistress-and-made-of-stone-Mason. This term had been so trying, for both of them, but with that kiss, it was put behind them. This week was solely about them.

"Only a two hour flight between us and sun, sea, sand and sanctuary." He murmured against her lips, before drawing back, his expression a little blissful, and she smiled even wider, her eyes grazing gratefully over his familiar, handsome face, the features that leant her such comfort now. Flecked brown eyes that were a shade darker than her own and seemed to see into her soul on occasion. Then she leant back into her seat again, her body protesting at the awkward position. A family of what looked like three excited and fairly young children and two, rather harassed looking parents trouped by their seats and Rachel empathised as she turned to look out of the window, watching the dreary grey of the Manchester sky and the various men in fluorescent jackets darting around on the tarmac.

The next few minutes were spent quietly, waiting for the rest of the plane to board, Eddie already deep in his book and Rachel watching suitcases being loaded, enjoying the fluttering of almost childish excitement at the thought of flying – she'd only flown once before, for a school trip with a grammar school – they'd been to Germany for a few days, as part of a languages trip. Not what she'd call a holiday, but not an unpleasant experience either. She was looking forward to this time – she loved travelling, loved watching out of the window as the world flew by – but she was looking forward to arriving just as much on this occasion.

When Eddie had proposed the idea, he'd already looked into it, and had shown her the brochure – the second she'd laid eyes on the villa he'd picked, she'd known it was perfect. Private, but not isolated, with a pool and veranda, and a couple of shops about a ten minute walk away, on a little island off the coast of Spain – she couldn't think of anything that would suit them better. They would pick up the hire car at the airport, and from there, they were literally on their own for a whole week. As much as the prospect should have alarmed her – she'd never done this before, with anyone, no relationship had been serious enough – Rachel could barely stop herself from shivering with gladness.

After another ten minute wait for everyone to be seated and for the regular checks to be made, Rachel finally heard the low hum and high whine of the engines starting, and the Captain's introduction began over the speakers. She turned to Eddie, feeling her eyes gain a glint of excitement as they were told the plane was about to take off, and saw with a flicker of concern that he looked a little... tense. He was still looking at his book, but he didn't seem as engrossed as earlier. Reaching out, she brushed his arm, drawing his eyes up. She didn't need to ask – he knew she'd noticed from the way her eyes had been on him, and he looked around, smiling a little bashfully.

"It's the take off. Always makes me a bit nervous. But I'm fine." He said, and Rachel gave him a soft, understanding look in return before adjusting her back in her chair and slipping a hand out, down his arm, entwining their fingers and drawing his hand into her lap. She could feel the slight tension in his muscles as she moved him, and felt him watching her, wondering what she was doing, but she knew he trusted her enough not to question yet. Looking down at the arm she'd effectively stolen, she turned it over, and began stroking her fingers down the back of his hand, up and down the tendons, ever so lightly, but making sure he could feel it. It took a few minutes, for him to concentrate on what she was doing rather than thinking about the plane, but he relaxed into the touch soon enough, and she turned her head to look at him, smiling softly as the plane was pulled away from the gate and directed out, onto the run way.

Eddie was gazing back, his eyes full of warmth and care, and he leant across to kiss her again, a wave of emotion and meaning flowing between them. It made such a lovely change for Rachel that she could be the one to help Eddie – he always seemed to be the one lifting her up from problems, defending her to the hilt, and she loved him for it, but to be able to return the help was a welcome feeling for her. Just then, the engine noise increased and a shake went through the plane, signalling the build up to take off – but Rachel didn't care. One hand abandoned his hand for his cheek, holding him against her, exchanging a long, much needed, kiss.

It was warm, and deep, and contained so much emotion – no matter what had happened, they were still here, and they still had each other – neither could explain fully through any other way just how much that meant. She felt a larger hand glide into her hair, tucking a portion behind her ear, before stroking through the golden bob, as they leant further into each other for a little while longer. Then the slight feeling of weightless came, as the plane lost touch with the ground, and they drew back, an edge of breathlessness to their smile. Without needing a word, he pressed a gentle murmur of thanks to her forehead and leant back into his own seat, reaching for his book once more.

Rachel smiled brilliantly again and went back to her window, but their hands remained in her lap, the connection welcomed. His thumb would stroke along hers subconsciously, and she would graze her fingertips across his knuckles, the mere act of touching drawing them closer.

Part Two: It's everything she's ever wanted, and so is he...

After a few wrong turns, and a couple of curses from Eddie regarding having to drive "on the wrong side of the road", they finally did arrive at their villa. It was quite late – they'd left the UK at half seven, arrived at Mahon air port around ten o'clock local time, coupled with the drive, it was nearing midnight. Even later by their body clocks. But as the car drew to a stop, and Rachel looked up the terracotta steps to what would be their home for the next week, she knew it'd been worth it. The light was on by the front door, a gentle, yellow glow that lit up the orange colour surrounding it, the wooden green shutters were drawn over the windows, and as she opened the door to get out, the sound of cicadas greeted her.

Enchanted, and completely distracted from everything else, a light inside her, all the tiredness forgotten, she drifted up the stairs to their villa, eyes wide and looking around, the glow from a couple of streetlamps enough to appreciate the colours, but not detract from the naturalness of the scene. The sound of insects, faint buzzing and those unconquerable cicadas, filled her ears as she went to the front door and found the keys in an envelope, along with a welcome letter, tucked behind the shutter where it was supposed to be. Then a pair of strong, warm arms encircled her from behind and a familiar chin leant to rest against her little shoulder.

"Everything ok?" Eddie's lowered voice murmured into her ear, and she nodded, her breath catching.

"Perfect." She whispered back, leaning her head briefly against his, before turning around and holding out the keys. His eyes were shining in the light from the front porch lamp, and he turned her back around, directed them both over to the front door, his hands gently resting around her hips. With trembling fingers, she singled out the key and fitted it into the lock, pushing down the handle to let the door swing inwards. Inside, the same terracotta greeted them, with the end of a sofa just visible, and the edge of the kitchenette surface, while straight across from them was a sliding glass door, with a gauzy curtain drawn across. Rachel felt Eddie's arms squeeze around her a little, to share the tingle of happiness that went through both of them.

"Ours. For the whole week." Eddie said against her neck, drawing her back into his chest, and Rachel shivered in anticipation, taking in the way the moonlight was straying through the glass doors and filtering across the floor, milky and beckoning. A tremulous smile crept up over her, and she tucked her arms over Eddie's, before brushing a kiss to the side of his head.

"Come on. Let's get the bags in." She slipped from his arms, back down to the car, and he followed, both of them eager to get inside and stay there. Together, they lifted the rather large suitcase and various pieces of hand luggage – Eddie had grudgingly agreed to let her bring the laptop, on the understanding it was not under any circumstances for work, but to keep in contact with Philip – before hauling them up to the front door and depositing them by the sofa, inside. The suitcase Eddie took to the bedroom, while Rachel put the food - a packet of crisps and some chocolate - they'd saved from the plane, along with a bottle of water each, into the fridge.

Their tiredness was catching up with them now, and Rachel didn't wait for Eddie to come back down – she followed him, up the stairs – theirs was the only bedroom, and the only room on the second floor of their villa. He had already opened the suitcase and was rooting around, looking for pyjama bottoms Rachel would guess and she almost rolled her eyes as she went over and retrieved them before he could cause any more disruption to her wonderfully ordered and well-folded clothes. He gratefully took them and they both changed, eyes now barely open, clinging to consciousness as they moved around the unfamiliar room.

Too tired to contemplate searching out her wash bag, Rachel slipped her nightgown over her head, a little slip of thin material for the warm weather, and pulled back the sheet on the bed, just as Eddie laid out on the other side – still on top of the sheet. Half sighing, but half-smiling too, she got into bed and laid the sheet lightly over her, before Eddie scooted closer and scooped an arm around her waist. The sense of being home compounded, Rachel turned on her side and spooned against him, her smile only growing as he pressed a kiss to the back of her neck. They had fallen asleep like this only a few times – what with Philip to think about, and time with Michael – but made it so much more special when they could just curl up together. Rachel knew Eddie enjoyed being able to hold her, and she had to admit, when he wasn't there now, she missed him.

And now they had a whole week in front of them to enjoy moments like this. They would swim, and walk, and kiss, and enjoy every single second. Because they knew how precious time was.

Rachel didn't want to close her eyes, didn't want to lose a moment of enjoying him next to her, but she was tired, having been up for eighteen hours now, and it was far too soon that the darkness crept across her mind and claimed her consciousness for the night.

Part Three: First time in paradise...

Rachel normally considered herself an early riser, but the previous day had caught up with her and both of them had slept until around midday. After the wonderful feeling of waking up to find Eddie wrapped around her, snoring lightly and adorably, his bare chest cushioning her head, Rachel hadn't wanted to move far, her finger tracing patterns across his skin as she slowly came to herself and waited for him to do the same, taking pleasure from having the time to enjoy his presence and not having one ear constantly on the rest of the house. After a while, of course, practicalities had ensued – they'd unpacked (well, Rachel had unpacked, Eddie had carried things) and then gone shopping.

Arriving back with several plastic bags, they'd dealt with those swiftly, Eddie fixing them some lunch while Rachel wandered around the villa, taking in the outside and the pool, and basking in the warmth from the sun. They'd had sandwiches and fruit, and then Eddie had noticed her glancing longingly at the pool and suggested they go for a swim, overriding her protests about having to wait half an hour, saying they'd just sit in the shallow end for a bit. Giving in to temptation, Rachel agreed but said she would clear the plates from lunch while he went and got changed. Understanding flashing in his eyes, he nodded and went to change.

Rachel piled up the plates absentmindedly, thinking of her swimming costume and the implications that came with wearing so little. She knew Eddie wasn't repulsed by her scar, had told her on several occasions that he looked on it as a badge of how brave she was, and always took special care to pepper it with kisses when it was exposed to him, the thought of him seeing it didn't bother her anymore. For the most part. But this was the first time she'd worn anything that showed it, even a little, and she couldn't deny she was a little nervous. She knew it had faded – it was just a slightly pinker patch of skin, which was a little more wrinkled than the rest, and a little more tender – and over more time, it probably would get better.

Deciding to trust Eddie as he trusted her, she left the dishes by the sink and went in search of her lover. He was standing at the top of the stairs just as she reached him, complete with ludicrously bright orange swimming trunks which ran nearly to his knees. Rachel stopped almost dead still on the step and just looked at them, a little dazzled and trying desperately not to laugh. He would see the way her lips were folding inwards, and how her hand leapt up to cover them, but she tried anyway. After she'd finished taking in the shorts – and there was a lot to take in – she raised her eyes to his and attempted to contain the glimmer of giggling glee in her caramel pools.

"Yeah, go on, laugh. I forgot these were the only pair I had, alright? They're for when I go swimming with Michael, on weekends, so he can always see me in the pool." Softening, Rachel glided up the remaining steps and trailed a hand up his lusciously bare chest, to rest on his cheek tenderly.

"I think they're brilliant. And I don't just mean the colour." She couldn't resist the tease, but her words were heartfelt – this man was so caring, of her, of his son, of Philip, she valued that side of him as much as anything. He pouted a little, but ended up smiling down at her, brushing a kiss to the hand by his mouth. Rachel sighed happily up at him, before his eyes darkened fractionally with worry and she could see him thinking about the implications of the activity they'd chosen for today. "I'm fine, Eddie. I'm just going to change. I'll see you down there." He nodded, empathy reaching out to her from deep within him, and she felt it in the lingering hold of his hand as he slipped past her to give her some space.

Taking a breath for herself, Rachel passed into their bedroom and looked around, remembering where she'd put their swimming things. She had a few to choose from – tankinis, one pieces – but she'd set her heart on wearing the soft, coral-coloured halter-neck one piece she'd bought before the fire, and it was that costume she retrieved from the drawer, not pausing to look at herself in the mirror before fetching a beach towel for both of them and heading downstairs to join Eddie. As she descended the stairs, she felt a strange sense of peace. Closure, perhaps? If so, it had been a long time coming, but she welcomed it. Rounding the bottom of the staircase, she gave the room a beaming smile.

Eddie was stood by the glass door, now slid open, rubbing sun block into the tops of his ears – Rachel couldn't help but find the sight extremely endearing. She remembered from previous discussions of his holidays to Blackpool that the only places he burnt usually were the tops of his ears and back of his neck – otherwise his skin for the most part resembled old leather. Rachel still wished she could boast of the same advantage. Her fair skin was very susceptible to the sun – but if she didn't burn for the first few days, she would go golden brown. So she wasn't taking any chances, as far as sun cream went. Not to mention the fact having Eddie rub cream into her back would be a rather enjoyable way of teasing him.

He caught sight of her, standing the doorway, and she felt his eyes sweep over her, taking in the flattering shape of the swimsuit, appreciation for it evident in the colour of his cheeks and flash of his eyes as he trailed the glittering look up her long, elegant, marble legs, skirting her little waist and dancing across her chest, before finding her eyes. She smiled, actually taking pleasure from his admiration rather than feeling embarrassed and sashayed a little as she walked over to him, the towels over one arm, her gaze locked with his. He almost gulped and she giggled a little as she came to stand in front of him. He still had the sun cream in his hand, so she turned slightly and lifted her hair out of the way, so he could apply some to her back and neck.

Instead of the cool of the cream meeting her skin, it was the heat of his mouth she first felt on her shoulders, as his hands smoothed down her arms, as if he were showering her with the compliments he knew usually made her blush, telling her just how in awe of her he really was. And she smiled breathlessly. A few more brushed kisses along her hair line, and then he applied the cream, and she quickly realised that as much as this would be winding him up, it wasn't doing much for her own composure either. The contrast of the cool, smooth cream and the slight friction from his skin was making her tingle all over and she had to take a few, steady, even breathes. She could feel him doing the same against her hair. Once he'd finished, he leant around from behind as pressed a kiss to her cheek, whispering "Done."

Rachel turned and gave him as calm and grateful a smile as she could manage, and he nodded, before turning and letting her apply the rest, slipping out of the villa and into the sun. She followed him soon after, lathered in cream and feeling almost excited. She hadn't been swimming in a long time, and the way Eddie had been looking at her had laid to rest forever the doubts about her scar – he couldn't think any less of her for it, not with such passion and want in his eyes. The object of her affections was sitting on the pool's edge, dangling his legs in and looking much more at peace than he had a few minutes ago. Rachel gave him a warm look and headed for the steps at one end, slipping slowly into the welcome cool of the water. Eddie joined her soon after, wading from his spot where he'd slipped in, to press a deep kiss to her slightly wet lips.

Grinning up at him, she flicked some water at him, and then smoothly ducked under the water, swimming as fast as she could to the other end of the pool. When she resurfaced, he'd finished spluttering and was giving her a playful glare.

"You shall be paid back for that, Mason."

"You can try, Lawson."

It was the start of a wonderful holiday.

Part Four: It's just us tonight...

Eddie had insisted that their first night here would be a night in – he had something planned. And Rachel had no reason to argue – she loved the old-fashioned romantic in him. By around seven in the evening, she'd been chivvied upstairs and told not to come back down until she was called. She read her book, showered, dressed, applied the little make up Eddie seemed to like and then hovered around the room, listening to the sounds that floated up from the kitchen, trying to discern what he was cooking from the smells, and generally allowing herself to feel as excited as she had been on their first date. It was a curious thing about Eddie – no matter how much time she spent with him, each new venture was still deliciously wonderful.

Rachel went over to the window and pushed back the shutters gently, looking out over their pool and the tree-filled wilderness that backed onto their home for the next week. There were pine trees as far as the eye could see, the ground a dusky light brown from the needles covering it, and the evening light filtering through the trees in a way Rachel considered quite perfect. The two villas either side of the were apparently occupied, there were cars on the road outside them, but Rachel had yet to see their neighbours and wasn't going to make a special effort – this week was just for her and Eddie, they didn't need to make any friends. It was so refreshing not to have to think politically about these sorts of things.

"Rachel?" Starting slightly, she found Eddie watching her from the doorway, his expression warm and gentle, probably having been there a few minutes. She turned and went over to him, the loose skirt of her dress flowing around her, drawing his eyes up and down her, feeling the heat from him pressing against her as she slipped her arms around his neck. "Dinner's ready." He said, a little proudly, and she laughed. Sometimes she wondered why she'd been blessed with this incredible man.

Taking her hand, he led her downstairs, making her pause as they got to the bottom step and covered her eyes with his hand, guiding Rachel out into the main room, while she chuckled lightly at his theatrics. Once he'd stood her in the centre of the room, he took his hand away and made a hand movement that just screamed "Tada!" If she hadn't been so taken aback by her surroundings, she may have teased him while giggling to herself. There were tiny tea lights placed on surfaces all around the room, lit and flickering in the waning sunlight streaming in from the glass door, while the scrubbed wooden table was littered with all her favourite cold dishes – pasta salad that she knew he'd put together himself, cold meats, all kinds of fruit that could be bought from the local supermarket, potato salad, a bowl of fresh lettuce, carrot, cucumber and tomato, along with her favourite dressing – everything she could have wanted.

Slightly choked up that he had gone to so much effort, on their first night, just to please her, she turned to Eddie and curled a hand around his neck, drawing him down to her and pressing a long, meaningful, thankful kiss to his lips. He seemed relieved, and wrapped his arms around her, gliding over the fabric of the dress and lingering along her mouth. She let loose a low moan, knowing he was teasing her, most likely payback for her sun cream idea earlier. Then they both eased away, looking around at the food again, before Rachel murmured in a low voice,

"It's amazing Eddie. Thank you."

They both tucked into the meal heartily, both enjoying the relatively simple meal all the more for sharing it with each other, the dusky warmth of the evening wafting around them from the open glass door, the curtain billowing a little every once in a while, as they shared low, warm glances over the table. Conversation did filter between them a little – Rachel wanted to plan out their week, make sure they got to see all the sights, while still having days just spent around the villa, enjoying the beautiful place they'd chosen. Eddie did suggest a couple of places – he knew the old capitol, Ciutadella, was most definitely worth a visit, there were some wonderful shops for Rachel to explore, the atmosphere was generally more laid back and he'd espied a rather lovely restaurant he wanted to try. Rachel couldn't think of any better reason.

The whole meal, even though it was such a simple thing for most people, carried a tingling sensation for Rachel – they had never really had this chance, just to enjoy the other's presence and chat about little things that weren't important to anyone except the other person, because they were interested in you. There was always something in the back of their minds at home – Philip, school, something – but here, Rachel found herself completely lost in the moment, enjoying the luxury of reaching out when she felt so inclined and curling her fingers around Eddie's, rubbing a thumb across the backs of them, looking up at him and smiling so widely she thought her mouth would break. For his part, his returned grin was rather goofy and enchanted as well, as he squeezed gently on her fingers, as if saying "I am so glad we're here." They had a week – and they were determined to make every moment count.

Rachel insisted on clearing up after the meal, stacking plates and bestowing him with a light, happy kiss as she made her way around the table and over to the kitchenette, hands full of crockery. She felt the fuzzy contentment of a perfect meal, not too heavy, just enough to fill the right spot, as she rinsed off plates. She heard Eddie blowing out the tea lights around the room and felt a flicker of disappointment – she rather liked the effect they leant to the room, and there was only moonlight filtering in now from the outside. But she didn't turn, intent on finishing her task, her back to the rest of the room. It meant her breath flooded into her lungs sharply as Eddie's hands alighted on her shoulders and smoothed down to her hands, guiding them to set down the plate they'd been dealing with, and drawing them behind her.

Senses in overdrive at the sudden assault of his touch and his presence at her back, Rachel complied, a smile creeping tremulously across her face as she recognised the pattern in his breathing. Their evening was far from over. He stepped forward, placing his chest flush against her back, the heat from him seeping between them, making her heart beat flicker, and he knew it. Although they'd danced this seduction quite a few times since their first kiss, even before that time, it still sent her mind spinning and she leant her head back on his shoulder, closing her eyes as she absorbed the sensations. Eddie's hands dusted up her bare arms, touches feather-light and teasing, before cupping her shoulders into him and pressing a burning kiss to the point between her shoulder and her neck.

Reaching a hand back, Rachel ran her fingers through his short, coarse hair, the feel of it dragging across her sensitised skin heightening an already intense experience. He dragged his mouth up, grazing the tendon in her neck, nuzzling behind her ear, before blowing gently into her hair, raising goosebumps right across her entire skin. Fighting her eyelids open, Rachel turned her head slightly to look at Eddie in the hovering dusk of the room, his expression filled with so many things – desire, care, intense emotion that she knew he could read in her. Turning slightly in his arms, she looked up at him, her eyes smouldering copper in the heat and dark, her skin still tingling, before she took both his hands and led him in the direction of the stairs, her expression lighting up into passion and fire.

He stepped into her and wrapped his arms around her waist, gazing down at her, saying so many things, so many eloquent compliments and metaphors for the beauty she could see he thought she was in his eyes. He didn't need to speak – she just knew. And she tucked her arms around his neck, her smile thanking him for each and every one, knowing that he understood. Leaning down, he at last captured her lips in his, the message for the evening finally clear to her – this was to make sure she understood how special he thought she was. And how lucky he was to have her – oh, how Rachel wished he knew she felt the same. And one day, on this holiday of theirs, she would show him her feelings too.

Swamped by his passionate, commanding kiss, Rachel cupped her hands around him, bringing him closer, wrapped up in the heat, the spark of sulphur in the air from the candles and the wine she tasted in him as they buried their souls in the other's embrace. Surprising her, he broke away and grinned at her, bending down slightly to scoop an arm around her legs, lifting her up in his arms. She let loose a wild, utterly wonderful giggle as she balanced herself in his hold and encircled her arms around his neck, holding him close, tracing a finger down the side of his face as they shared a grin, before Eddie manoeuvred them both to the stairs and upwards, to a night of whispered promises and loving touches, all with the spark of fire that had always been part of them, and the love both of them knew they felt.

Part Five: One Spanish summer's day...

Rachel brushed back her hair, looking in the mirror of the restaurant's WC as she slid her sunglasses back over her head, using them like a hair-band to keep the copper weight out of her face. They'd just finished lunch, at the lovely cafe her partner had chosen for them in advance – he'd chosen well. The beer was apparently to Eddie's taste and she'd enjoyed her meal very much, sitting outside in older part of the town, basking in the sun and the lowered bustle of people passing around them. They'd done quite a bit of exploring so far this morning, taking in the town and enjoying the muted atmosphere of activity – unless you ventured towards the main town centre, there were no cars, and the lack of noise was such a pleasant change. Rachel hadn't been able to take her eyes off the beautiful architecture or the enticing shops they'd passed. Now the afternoon was time to enter a few of them, do a little souvenir shopping for Phil and Kim, and wrap herself back in the wonderful cocoon of just being with Eddie.

Satisfied with her appearance, Rachel left the little room and stepped back out into the sun, looking around for where Eddie had chosen to wait after paying for their meal. In the height of the sun, and at the edge of a busy street for shoppers, it took her a moment – then she found him. Smiling, the happiness curling in her stomach at just the sight of him, Rachel watched Eddie hitch his rucksack (which was really only for the map, camera, bottles of water, wallet and keys, but he refused to let Rachel have control over the camera, otherwise, as he had protested earlier, he'd never be allowed to take any pictures of her) a little higher on his shoulder, leaning sideways on the edge of a building on the opposite side of the street, eyes scanning the crowd, his t-shirt making obvious the strong arms she was so familiar with. She suspected he was already starting to go a little brown.

Weaving her way towards him, she let herself appreciate the moment – he was waiting for her, as he always had, a small smile hitching his mouth up and quite obviously happy – she hoped he knew she felt the same. His attention had shifted to his rucksack again, retrieving a drink probably, so Rachel approached unseen and made her way to his side without being noticed. Ducking to the side of him and walking a foot or two, she turned and watched him put the water away, going back to watching the crowd. Something about this man always seemed to call on her playful nature, and she always gave in, knowing it usually made him smile. Carefully, she snuck up behind him and waited for his hand to be free before slipping hers into it and stepped up to his shoulder, giggling at the way he jumped at her touch and before throwing her a playful dark look and squeezing her fingers.

"Sneaky woman." He growled, turning to her, and she grinned innocently back. Shaking his head, that smile that was for her creeping across his mouth, he gave her a look before leaning forward and pressing a kiss to her lips. She smiled under him and returned the movement, her eyes shining under the eyelids he'd coaxed down. As he drew back, his gaze flicked down the street, before looking down at her, and she grinned. "Where do you want to start?" He asked.

"Down there," she pointed to the start of the shops, near the end of the street, "I saw a t-shirt I think Phil might like." Eddie nodded, letting her lead the way, knowing she had a much better memory for things like that. They kept the other's hand in theirs as they joined the flow of people, moving down the sunny street, feeling the sun bathe their faces in warmth, their shoulders rubbing together occasionally and drawing their eyes into the others, sharing their smile. Rachel guided them to the shop she'd mentioned, many different t-shirts, adorned with geckos (which were a trademark of the island) and Mediterranean designs, in mostly dusky blues and greens. Together, they moved around the stands, looking at the clothing, before entering the cool of the shop itself.

Rachel wanted to get Philip something unusual, but not something that he would never wear, and Eddie was keeping an eye out for something he could get too – but the trouble was, the boy wasn't the easiest person to buy for. In a way, Rachel missed her nephew – she knew he was a challenge, but she loved him as family and hoped sometimes he felt the same. She was going to ring him tonight, probably through the computer otherwise it would cost a fortune, check to see how he was doing (and hope her house was still standing). Up until now, she hadn't worried for him – she knew he was capable of looking after himself – he'd done it before, he'd told her – but Rachel couldn't help feeling a little guilty that he was on his own.

As if Eddie sensed where her thoughts had turned, he gave her hand a gentle squeeze, smiling gently down at her as her eyes swept up to his.

"Philip will be fine, you know." He said, and Rachel ducked her head, warmed and a little unnerved that Eddie knew exactly what she'd been thinking.

"I know. I just... after everything he's been though..." Rachel smiled weakly, the thought of school seeming very distant just then, but concern for her nephew still very present.

"We'll handle that when we get back. I promise, Rach, Philip will be the top priority. But for now, that's us." She nodded, looking up again and giving him a warm smile, knowing he was right. They had the summer to spend time with Philip, to help him and get to know him a little better. But at this moment, now, they were on holiday, a whole precious week to be with each other. And Rachel was determined to enjoy every moment. Eddie brushed a kiss to her temple, her concerns receding back again with the touch, and she smiled again, her eyes lifting – and spotting the perfect t-shirt. Her expression lighting up, she tugged Eddie towards it and showed him. There were dotted gecko footprints scrawled all over the front, in little criss-cross shapes, ending with a little outline of a gecko on the back, near the shoulder. It would suit Philip brilliantly.

Eddie agreed and after a few minutes debating the right size, Rachel headed for the till, euros in hand, while Eddie slipped outside with the camera to take some photos. Folding the t-shirt so it would fit in her shoulder bag, Rachel contemplated which shop to head for next, thinking of a rather gorgeous, expansive shoe shop that was just a little further up the road, when she remembered the silver shop her heart had leapt to when they'd walked down this street the first time. It may be the perfect place to get something for Kim, and Rachel knew there would be a few things to catch her eye, the designs were exactly her choice.

Leaving the shop, she swept her eyes around, looking for her partner, before the hairs on the back of her neck prickled – someone was watching her. Stepping out into the sun, where she had a clearer view, she turned her head sharply, trying to get a view of Eddie, only to hear the snap of a camera and find him a few feet away, camera held triumphantly in her direction. She threw him a light glare, knowing he was aware how much she hated it when he did that, but he only chuckled and approached, putting the camera back in its case. Rachel lightly bumped into him, another displeased expression passing from her to him. He pouted a little and stole her hand again, moving them away from the shop.

"Rachel, whether you like it or not, I am going to take pictures of you. You look absolutely gorgeous, and in ten years time, we will want to show people pictures of our first holiday and I will want to show people show beautiful you are." Flushing from the bottom of her neck to the top of her cheek, Rachel tried to ignore him, fighting how touched she was by the thought that he imagined they would still be together in ten years time, until he drew her hand up to his mouth and kissed the back of it lightly. Feeling herself give in, she turned and gave him as exasperated look, which he only grinned at. "Where are we going next?" He asked, and she almost shook her head before gesturing towards the jewellery shop ahead of them.

They spent at least twenty minutes in there, eventually picking out a long necklace with an amber stone in for Kim, before Rachel spotted the most beautiful ring. It was pure silver, with a middle sized band, with flared out at the top into branches of a delicate plant, tiny flowers curling around the top of the piece, subtle and complicated, but utterly stunning. Eddie noticed her staring at it, and urged her to try it on, which she did. Eddie told her it looked beautiful on her, and Rachel had to admit, part of her had already decided she wanted the gorgeous piece of jewellery. Then she'd seen the price. Of course, being pure silver, it was going to be expensive, but as much as she adored it, she wasn't sure. She said she'd think about it, and they left, wandering further along the street and stopping for ice cream to satisfy Eddie's never-quite-full stomach, although Rachel had to admit the range of flavours tempted her into having a scoop of lemon sorbet.

They'd found a bench and after tasting each others, had settled against each other to finish off the iced treat, glad of a little shade and the close proximity. Rachel couldn't quite shake the thought of that ring – it had been the most gorgeous thing she'd seen all day, but she tried not to let her distraction show and took full advantage of Eddie tasting like the mint ice cream he'd just scoffed as they finished their dessert. After sharing a long, teasing kiss, Eddie ducked off to the loo and Rachel wandered around a trinket shop, full of very tourist-ish items and bought a beaded bracelet she thought would suit Kim. She also found a t-shirt for Eddie that she would surprise him with later.