*shrugs* I know what I'm doing with this. I just thought Tariq deserved a little more than a line here and there

Disclaimer as per usual. I own nothing blah blah blah.

P.S: Ruth and Harry is on its way!

Harry stood at the entrance to Thames House for quite a while, debating on whether to stride onto the grid and pronounce himself alive and well, or whether to go home within the confines of his four walls and place a feeble phone call to Tariq explaining the full extent of his rendezvous with Lucas, and that he would be taking the rest of the week off before meeting with the Home Secretary.

Having decided his course of action he moved briskly, waving his ID card at anybody who cared to pass a glance in his direction. Harry Pearce wasn't approachable at the best of times, but with a gash on the side of his head and a very strained and dishevelled look, nobody dared question him as he strode through the reception area.

He gave himself a quick check over in the brief reflection of the pods doors before entering quickly, praying to the stars above he would be able to get to his office uninterrupted. He knew, deep down however, that even if he made it to his office, he would no doubt be interrupted before he'd even had a chance to get to his alcohol cabinet.

The moment he reached the other side, the deadly silence hit him smack on like a train. He felt several pairs of eyes staring deeply into his soul, and he coughed slightly before daring a glance in his team's direction. Although pleased with what he saw, Harry was a little disheartened when he looked up to find only one pair of eyes trained on him.

Harry looked around briefly.

"Where is everyone?" The confusion was evident in his voice, but the harshness of his tone was enough to make Tariq squirm in his seat.

"Dmitri and Beth are on their way back from the station with Alec," Tariq mumbled, twisting himself in his chair slightly to make himself more comfortable.

Harry merely raised his eyebrows and nodded in response.

"And, um..."

"Ruth went for a walk," Tariq clarified quickly, gesturing to the empty chair that was perfectly positioned next to his own.

"Oh, right." Harry stood still for a moment, debating whether he too should go for a walk, or whether he should get straight back on the formalities and sort out the remaining reports that lay untouched on his desk. Undecided, he loitered aimlessly on the spot.

Silence enveloped the grid once before Tariq shifted awkwardly in his seat and gestured hesitantly to his eyebrow.

"What happened there?" He asked quietly, hoping that if he spoke quietly enough, his boss might not snap at him to mind his own business.

"Oh," Harry breathed a laugh gingerly. "I was hit." He touched the gash tenderly and assessed his settings once more. "I have some reports that need finishing," he muttered quickly, as he started to walk backwards to his desk. "I'll be in my office for the rest of the evening." He turned his back and walked the remaining steps before placing his hand firmly on the handle. "Oh, and Tariq?" He turned back to face the young man. "I'd appreciate it if I remained undisturbed."

Tariq nodded feebly before hearing the unmistakable sound of Harry's office door opening and slamming shut again.

TBC.