Harry has lots of old flames on the show so this idea sort of materialised...
Thanks to Kate for looking at it for me and Em for saving me from commiting a POG crime, spelling Harry's surname wrong. hangs head in shame In all fairness I was jetlagged at the time!
Fire Extinguishers Can Be Very Useful On Dates
Ruth looked stunning, and so very Ruth. There was no other way to describe her really; she encapsulated every part of her in one outfit even down to that bloody necklace. How he would love to see her in it wearing… His muse was interrupted by the arrival of a familiar face leaning into his personal space.
"Oh Harry how marvellous to see you with your date" She hesitated on the last word.
"Juliet, what are doing here?"
"Former cripples can have dates too Harry, actually I'm here with the foreign secretary. Far better shag than you Harry, goodbye"
Ruth giggled at Harry's complexion which had turned a new shade of maroon.
"Ruth!"
"Harry" She smiled mischievously, "anything else you fancy telling me before we eat".
"What would you like to drink?"
The date continued wonderfully, until the starter was delivered. "Mr Pearce, your soup" an attractive older waitress interrupted.
"What are you doing here?" He hissed.
"MI6 still give me a job on the side attracting the more sophisticated clients, even you once surpassed to my charms Mr Pearce. I'm working on the guy sitting at table four"
With that she left Harry floundering and Ruth looking bemused. "A prostitute Harry?!" she whispered loudly.
"No, she… I give up; let's just say its ancient past, surely you have had some more dubious liaisons?"
"Would you like a larger shovel down there or are you okay with one you've got? I can always find you a JCB, sounds like you've done enough manual labour for a lifetime."
Harry had been so hopeful; by the time the dessert menu arrived things were deteriorating very quickly. The conversation was pleasant and Ruth seemed to be enjoying his company when surprisingly enough, yet again, his past came back to haunt him (it was becoming a bit of pattern), on the arm of Jools Siviter. "Ah Harry old chap, how are you doing?"
"Brilliant" He murmured.
"Lucia Smith" he indicated towards his guest.
"We're already, acquainted, aren't we Giles, sorry my mistake, Harry." She purred.
Ruth choked on her wine.
"Enjoy you're evening Harry" Jools said while leading his leggy brunette Russian companion away.
"Harry?!"
"She was the wife of a target I had to gather intelligence on, a long time ago."
"Oh how very James Bond of you; shall I order a Martini, shaken not stirred?"
"Do I detect a note of sarcasm there Ruth?"
"No of course not Pearce, Harry Pearce" She placed her hand over his on the table.
He reluctantly moved it away as Malcolm walked past with a woman. Ruth leaned in and whispered "Techy over at MI6, been together for about four months from what I heard by the water cooler" Or that's what he thought he said, he was far too distracted by her proximity and the sent of her perfume. The next bit however was crystal clear, "Don't tell me you've shagged him too Harry."