Ruth hates formal events. She's not a girly girl and she hates dressing up. She never wears make-up and she rarely fusses with her hair. She knows she looks beautiful when she puts in the effort, but she can't see the point on a day to day basis. The invitation to the next Home Office gala for the Security Services is quietly tucked away. She'd like to pretend she never got the invitation.
Harry groans when he opens his invitation. He hates these events. They're always so boring, but he's missed the last few, so he supposes he'll have to attend this one. He wonders if Ruth is planning on going. He suspects not, but it would be a lot less boring if she were there. Ruth always looks so beautiful when she's dressed up.
Ruth goes into the kitchen area to make tea for herself and Harry follows her. "Would you like some tea, Harry?"
"Yes please, Ruth. That would be perfect. Have you gotten your invitation to the Home Office gala yet?" Harry asks curiously.
Ruth moves around the kitchen considering her answer. Does she want to be honest and see why Harry asked about it or does she want to fib so she doesn't have to go? "Yes, I did get my invite."
"Are you going to go?" Harry asks accepting his cup of tea from Ruth before he leans against the counter.
"Probably not. I never enjoy those events. I hate dressing up and I don't walk well in heels. What about you? Will you go?" Ruth asks after she sips her tea.
"I think I'll have to go. I've missed too many of these events recently. I hate to go alone though. I'll be bored." Harry sighs heavily.
"You have managed to weasel your way out of some of these formal events recently. I'll say this: better you than me." Ruth teases.
"Oh, come on, Ruth! If I go you should come! The Home Secretary mentioned that he hasn't seen you at a formal even for a while either." Harry challenges Ruth.
"The Home Secretary wouldn't know me if he fell over me, so don't fib. He has no idea who I am." Ruth prefers to be invisible. She hates to be noticeable at all.
"That's not true. The Home Secretary is well aware of the excellent work that you do. You don't give yourself enough credit. He's been very impressed with the cases you've managed to solve. He sees every case file that we deal with." Harry tells Ruth.
"I just don't like those formal events. If I can get out of going I will. It's not my natural environment." Ruth grumbles.
"God, if it's anyone's natural environment then they're unnatural. No one actually enjoys those events. They're terrible for everyone. You should come. The food and drinks are always very good." Harry smiles at Ruth.
"How can I refuse when you put up such a compelling argument? I wouldn't want to go to that even by myself though. It would be uncomfortable for me to be there on my own." Ruth admits to Harry.
"It's hard to go to an event by yourself. If I go will come with me?" Harry asks seriously.
"Don't you think that'll just start more rumours about us? I don't think I should come." Ruth considers carefully.
"No, I don't think that will start any more rumours about us. Come on, Ruth. Most women would love an opportunity to go shop for a gorgeous dress and have her hair and nails done." Harry says teasingly.
"I'm not most women, Harry. I'm not a girly girl. I like a massage, but I'm not one to go get my nails done." Ruth loves being able to banter with Harry like this.
"You're definitely not most women, Ruth, but I wouldn't have asked just any woman to come with me. I asked you. Come with me." Harry is almost pleading with Ruth.