I'm finding the first person an enjoyable challenge to write and several people asked for more so I thought I'd give it a go. This takes place about a month after 10-4 and the events in Thinking It Over, and I'm editing 10-5 and 6 as needed to make things better for our favourite couple!

Harry

I'm standing at the door to my bedroom, admiring Ruth in the early morning light. I've been sleeping in the spare room almost every night as I challenge even the heaviest sleeper not to be disturbed by how much Ruth tosses and turns, but I always make sure we have some time in the mornings for both of us to be intimate. Her eyes flicker open, out of focus for a few moments before her vision lands on me. "Get in bed," she says simply and I don't hesitate. I drop my dressing gown and lie next to her, enjoying the warmth of her body as I wrap my arms around her and kiss her neck, lying side by side.

"Morning," she says, her voice thick with sleep.

"Good morning," I reply. "Sleep well?"

"Mm," she says, pushing herself towards me, nestling her bum in the hollow of my thighs and I groan, making her laugh. God, she feels so good against me and all she's wearing is a T shirt. My hands glide along her thighs and she moans quietly.

I never expected the physical side of our relationship to be this good. I knew she felt something for me, and I hoped she loved me, but I never expected to feel this desired again in my lifetime. Of course I did when I fantasised about her, but not when I was thinking about us realistically, because why would she want me? I'm middle aged, or honestly a bit older than that and I'm overweight so why would this beautiful, intelligent woman nearly twenty years my junior ever want me? But she does, and I'm so grateful that she seems to find me as attractive and desirable as I see her.

"I have to go to the Home Office this morning," I say. "Early meeting, and I've managed to avoid him for a few weeks as there hasn't been any terror attacks lately. And he's been safely closeted away in talks with the Russians."

"No," she moans. "I like this here."

"So do I," I say. "Very much." She turns in my arms and kisses me lightly. I love the feeling of her lips against mine, soft and beautiful. "There's no need for you to get up, though," I say. "Stay in bed as long as you like. And I insist you get naked in my shower."

"Oh, do you?" she says, smiling. She's so obviously happy and content and I feel lighter than I have in months. Ever since Ruth came over that night a month ago, I've felt much more human than I used to. It's so refreshing to have someone in my life that truly cares whether I make it home at the end of the day. "We could shower together?" she suggests, a cheeky grin on her face which I never expected to see.

"Oh, we both know that will make us spectacularly late," I say.

"Yes, but we'd have fun doing it," she says, laughing beautifully.

"God, I love you," I say as I stroke her hair behind her ear. "But I have to get dressed and go."

"I know." I kiss her, long and lingering and then she sighs back into bed, closing her eyes and rolling over. I smile again as I dress quietly. By the time I'm ready to leave, she's shifted five times and seems comfortable. I lean over her and kiss her cheek. "Set the alarm when you leave."

"Mm," she agrees. "Love you." I will never get tired of hearing those words from her, they always make me smile.

"See you later."

"Hmm." She closes her eyes and I leave for the Home Office. Knowing that Ruth is sleeping in my bed, wearing only a T shirt is a mental image I like to hold on to.

Towers looks bleary eyed as I sit opposite him, and I know I'm more well rested than he is right now. "So, what do I owe this early morning meeting to?" I ask.

"The Russian partnership," Towers says. "The terms are being finalised and it'll be signed within the week."

"I suppose the correct response is to say good?" I say.

"Look, Harry, I know you're…"

"Sceptical," I suggest. I am. I feel this partnership is a disaster waiting to happen, but no politician cares about my opinion.

"Yes, sceptical of the Russian partnership, but I feel you need to be kept informed."

"Well, thank you for that," I say. It didn't require this early morning meeting, but I've been avoiding him since myself and Ruth became intimate, so I'm not going to point this out. I also know full well that he's going to mention Ruth at some point, because he was unsuccessful in poaching her for his staff.

"How is Ruth?" he says predictably.

"She's fine," I say, treading carefully. I'm not sure how much I want Towers to know about our relationship, though I'm sure he's assumed something. She turned down significant progress for her career and a considerable pay rise. All to stay with me, and I really don't think I'm worth it. In fact, after I was sure she wouldn't leave me personally, I persuaded her to go, thinking it'd be good for her. But she refused, not wanting to leave the grid, or me. I don't know if that was the right decision, but it was never my choice to make.

"You know, I can't believe she chose to stay at Thames House. She could have been brilliant here. Don't throw her away, Harry."

"She is brilliant," I say. "And my personal relationships are private."

"Okay," Tower says with a shrug. He opens a thick file and we turn our attention back to the Russians and the boring details which have been hammered out so far that I need to know.

More soon. Let me know what you think! Thanks for reading.