A/N: Well here I am. Didn't think I'd write again but I just can't seem to stay away. So this is my new pen name, previously mamzalini for those that have read my other stories. It's still me. ;) The title speaks for itself. AU 10.6 ending fluff. Forgive the flashback. Hope it's not too lame. :/

Anticlimactic

He's been in this room before. The metal chair, the bright florescent lights, the gray concrete walls, all very familiar to him. The only problem is that he's the one to be interrogated. So he sits, waiting.
He's tired, more than he cares to admit. He wants to go home but the CIA are insistent on this and no amount of strings the Home Secretary has can be pulled hard enough to get him out sooner.

So he waits and waits some more.

His hand on his chin propping his head up, his eyes close and a chill runs over him thinking of the day. All that could have gone wrong; all that did.
His minds eye sees her standing there so beautiful. Just as she always has been to him. And he thinks of her hand in his, the warmth from her fingers and the reassuring squeeze that they were in fact going to be okay. He can count only a handful of times they've touched, each time with so much meaning. This time meant everything to him.

Sasha was to put a kink in their plans. Though thankfully he had been graced with competent officers that did their job, containing him as a threat before anything tragic could happen.

The gunshot sound in his mind makes him jolt at the memory. The boy was fine and so was he...so was Ruth...his Ruth.

He wants to see her. He needs to see her. But he can't so he sits and waits and lets his memory of their last encounter fill his brain.

Shaken from the 'excitement' that Sasha brought on he held her close to his side, his hand grasped at her waist. She wrapped her arms to him and huddled closer into his body. His lips brushed in her hair and words of comfort were whispered. A sigh of relief washed over them as they bundled into the SUV. He relished the moment when he held her close knowing everything was finally working in their favor.
It was a long drive back to Thames house. But he didn't mind, not in the least.
Talk of what to say about the 'retrieval' of him was discussed and their stories were set straight for any and all questions.
He undoubtedly would be questioned and then released and they would go from there. Knowing full well the Americans would want their blood. Though they would have to settle for the cold blood of a Russian minister's wife.

Yes, the ride back to London was long but worth it, having Ruth fall asleep on his shoulder, her hand in his.

He knows if he doesn't get up and walk around he's going to fall asleep or go mad.

He stands up and starts walking the small space.

When the door opens.
And she is there.

They stand staring, 'You're pacing,' she states.

'Yes, well, only in a good way, I hope.'

'Oh yes, a good way indeed.'

Their smiles and eyes mirror each others. Absolute adoration is silently spoken.

'So, any news?'

'Yes,' she grins. 'You're free to go.'

'Just like that?'

'Well, for you, yes, 'just like that'. For me it was a little more involved,' clearly pleased with the outcome.

'So you're to be my savior?' he takes two steps closer to her grabbing her hand.

She blushes, 'Well, erm...not directly, no. That would be the Home Secretary.'

'Ah, well, I know how you work and how you refuse to take any of the credit,' rubbing his thumb over her fingers, 'so I think I'll thank the 'middle woman' this time round,' and with that he gently kisses her cheek.
'Thank you, Ruth. I don't know where I would be without you.'

With a glint in her eye, 'Well for one you'd still be sat in that chair behind a locked door,' grinning cheekily.

She pulls his hand and leads him out.
'Come on. Let's get out of here.'

I have another chapter if you like. Reviews are cherished.