I was having a bit of writers block with "In the End" and this story sort of materialised from a draft of another chapter. I really enjoyed writing this one so hope you enjoy reading it too . I have mot of it written so updates shouldn't take too long!

He couldn't hold off much longer. He had said his goodbyes to Beth, Dimitri and Tariq and he now found himself alone in his office. The familiar four walls seemed to mock him and his dilemma. They had shut him in for so long now that he had been unable to clearly see what was right outside the door, or in her case, usually barging in through it. Now it was too late. They would be coming for him any moment now and then it would be too late. She hadn't been there to see him. Her mind was obviously made up.

"Hi." He spun around to face the familiar voice. She gave him a weak smile, and quickly averted her eyes from his prominent gaze. "Sorry to just barge in."

"Why break a habit of a life time?" His coy response forced her to glance at him and her heart murmured at the sight of his soft and warm eyes. She smiled again.

"I suppose old habits die hard." There was a silence, during which he became unpleasantly aware that this would be the last time he would see her. He watched her, closely pleading with himself to remember everything about her. The way her hair wisped around her face and intensified its beauty. "Harry". They way her lips curled with warmth and suppressed desire as she said his name. "You're leaving." It wasn't a question, but he felt the need to answer it all the same.

"Yes." The way the depth of her blue eyes intensified with tears as memories held and froze between them. "I haven't got a choice" he justified, needlessly.

"Harry, I need to say… I need you to know that I'm sorry. I'm sorry for everything." Her wringing hands caught his and she gripped them tightly. "I'm sorry… I'm sorry you're leaving." The tears that had shone so mesmerisingly in her eyes now fell tragically down her cheeks. He tilted his head slightly, now too transfixed on her eyes to allow his mind to remember much else.

"You are?" Her answer came in the form of a sudden sob and a nod of the head. He hugged her close to him as his own tears fell slowly and landed mingled in her hair. "But you should be happy Ruth. You won't have to endure anymore mule like remarks, for one." The humour in his intention was betrayed entirely by the sorrow in his voice. Gently he bent and kissed the top of her head, as she muttered deep into the crook of his shoulder, "Not the time Harry."

"It never is." She lent her head back from him, but allowed his hands resting on her back to keep her close. "Timing is everything" she remembered with a twinge of guilt and remorse. "Harry." Her eyes widened suddenly with an urgency and importance. "You know that I think you're a pompous prat at times, don't you?" He couldn't help but smile at the insult.

"Thanks" he mocked, wiping a tear from her pale cheek.

"And that your decisions can be rash and sometimes just plain right ridiculous."

"Ruth- there are ways of sugar coating it you know." She didn't return his smile. Instead she reached her arms around his neck and lent closer into him.

"But, I need to you know Harry, I lo…"

"Sir Harry?" The sound of the deep voice at the door made them spring apart in surprise and unarguable rage.

"For God sake! Can't you see your interrupting? Get out!" Harry's anger boiled over into his scarlet cheeks and flaming eyes.

"I'm sorry Sir. It's time."

She was looking at the floor, unable to stop the tears from falling anymore. Slowly he moved towards her and bent his head close to her ears. "I know" he whispered painfully. She closed her eyes as she felt his lips soft against her cheek. And then he was gone.

This story will move quicker than some of my others I promise. Please review and let me know what you think