Title: Many Meetings
Genre: Angst DISCLAIMER: DON'T OWN IT, NEVER WILL.
Summary: Harry meets up with Tom at Harrods while shopping for presents for his family.
Many Meetings
Harry had finally found the perfect present for Ruth, after endlessly searching Harrods. He had arrived at the department store at noon after having lunch with her, and had only gotten done shopping for his family right now.
He had found a beautiful diamond necklace for Ruth. Three small stones were fastened together in a line. It had cost him quite a lot, but he found that it was worth it.
For Catherine he bought a pair of sapphire earrings that he knew she would adore.
He thanked the cashier and turned to leave. He couldn't help pitying the young woman who had to deal with the swarms of customers doing last minute Christmas shopping. Just before he stepped outside, a familiar voice greeted him.
"Who's the necklace for Harry?" He turned around to come face to face with a slightly older looking Tom Quinn. He never would have thought that this was where they would meet for the first time in four years.
"For Ruth. We're married now." Harry's ears reddened a bit, but Tom just smiled.
"Good for you two."
Harry nodded in thanks and then changed the subject. "So how are you Tom?"
The younger man looked away briefly before replying, "Good, really good. Christine's good too, if you're wondering."
Harry nodded and noted the wedding band on Tom's left hand. "What about you Harry?"
"I'm fine."
There was silence for a while. Harry clutched the bags in his hands, wondering which of the million things running through his mind he should say.
"Are you doing anything for Christmas?" Tom asked.
"Ruth and I are having Catherine over. It's just going to be the three of us, and then Catherine's going back to Tel Aviv on the 31st." Harry let go of the door handle and stepped back inside the shop.
"Sounds nice. It's just gonna be me and Christine this year."
Harry observed Tom carefully. His demeanor was relaxed and content, and for once Harry realized that leaving the service was probably the best thing Tom Quinn could do for himself.
"Ruth's pregnant. Seven months." He didn't know why he said that, but Tom congratulated him anyway.
"Do you know the gender? Do you have any names?" Tom was grinning like the Cheshire cat by now. When he worked for five, he was one of many who were under the impression that Harry felt way more than friendship for a certain intel analyst.
"It's a girl. We're thinking of Kara." Harry's voice and eyes softened when he thought of Ruth, and her belly swollen with child.
Tom nodded and smiled again. " Kara. Kara Pearce.Well, I hope it all goes well Harry. I've gotta go, Christine's expecting me for dinner."
"Right. It was good talking to you again."
"Yeah, same to you. And tell Ruth I said hello." Tom passed Harry out the door and Harry watched until he disappeared into the hordes of people walking down Basil street.
Snow fell gently as he hailed a cab to get home to his wife. He thought of Tom once more and whispered before hopping into the cab:
"God bless you Tom Quinn."
END
A/N: Completely and totally random. Couldn't help it, LOL! R&R.
