disclaimer - I don't own Spooks. All copyright belongs to Kudos and BBC television. No copyright is intended nor should be inferred.

Second sight

Ruth stared at her reflection in the bathroom mirror. Knowing that Harry was in the field and wouldn't be home until his op in the prison was over worried her. She just hoped Adam and Zaf could keep an eye on him, knowing Harry hadn't been in the field for almost five years. Then there was the silly argument before he had left, resulting in her storming from his office and ending up on her own in the bathroom.

"Impossible man." She huffed, glad that she was alone in the bathroom. "Stubborn, foolhardy? Pig-headed, stubborn."

"You said stubborn twice." She closed her eyes as she heard a familiar voice.

"Well. He is."

"Yeah." Ros agreed. "Why are you talking to yourself? Should I call Tring?" She smirked as Ruth shot her a death glare.

"Harry."

"Well I guessed it wasn't Tariq you were angry at."

"He's going to get himself killed."

"Ruth."

"Then the stubborn, arrogant pigheaded man asked me what I saw in him! How can he ask me that?"

"You need your heads banging together. Do I look like ask Deirdre to you? He asked because he's not arrogant and you know that." Ros looked up to see a familiar face behind her. "I have to get Calum and Beth up to speed. Sort it. You pair don't work apart."

"She's right." Harry placed both hands on her shoulders as her eyes met his in the mirror. She swallowed hard, trying to stay angry. Trying to ignore how the way he said her name made her heart beat a little faster.

"Harry."

"I am all the things you said. Guilty as charged." Ruth closed her eyes. She hadn't meant him to hear her. "I know my failings, Ruth. You've merely pointed them out."

"I'm scared." Ruth whispered. "That's all."

"I know." He stepped nearer. "I'll be fine."

"But"

" I did ok in Iraq."

"We were both younger then." Ruth sighed. "It was so much easier in some ways."

"Easier?"

"Before Gracie & Nick. It didn't matter if I died." Harry tightened his hold on her.

"It mattered Ruth."

"The kids weren't a consideration. They need me now. They need you." She shrugged him off. "Then you ask me something stupid like what do I see in you."

"I'll never understand it."

"You don't have to. As long as I do." She bit her lip. Harry nodded.

"You're just as stubborn. More so."

"I know." She smirked "mule."

"No." Harry brushed her hair behind one ear

"My mule." He kissed her gently. His hands pulling her closer still. Her hands found their way to the hair on the nape of his neck as he pulled away. Ruth kept her eyes closed as he peppered her face with kisses.

"See? This is what I see in you. This is why I can never stay angry. You."

"What?"

"You are stubborn. Foolish, impossible but you are also kind, loving, honourable and.."

He kissed her neck, not caring one of the others may walk in.

"And?"

"Incredibly sexy." She smiled as he pulled back

"Now I know I need to send you to Tring." He watched as her eyes widened. "Ruth, once upon a time I was a catch; you know my history."

"Exactly." She held his gaze as deathly serious as she was on the Grid. " You were the kind of man I'd have avoided, shied away from. You've changed. So have I. And I'm sick if these lies. The secrets we keep. Harry we are made of secrets and subterfuge. Even our daughter was a concealed pregnancy."

"She's a spy's daughter."

"Yes but believe me when I tell you what I see in you. Believe me when I say you are cantankerous, infuriating and stubborn. But believe me when I say you are funny, kind, gorgeous and I love you!"

"Ok." He smiled as he pulled her back into his arms. She rested both hands on his chest as he held her.

"Harry! Is there anything you want to say?" He paused for a moment before taking her hand and pulling her towards the shower room at the back.

"Actions speak louder than words and I've put the 'out of order' sign on the door" Ruth laughed as he kissed her, knowing she may be a little delayed getting back to work.

xxxxx

A/N tempted to leave it there. May be a part two if people like. This is a companion piece to Alone.