Ruth was trying desperately to extricate herself from her current situation. She should have known this was coming when Anna was so insistent she come to The George for drinks tonight. To be fair, she had done a good job – the man who had been introduced to her and now had her cornered at the bar was handsome and quite charming. In fact, if she hadn't already been occupied with a certain fellow spook, she may have given him a chance. Pleading a headache, she left as soon as she reasonably could and grabbed a cab outside of the pub.
She reached her destination, and rang the bell. It was not too late to snatch an hour or two together. The lights were on - a mutual agreement between them that it was alright to come around. He was a bit surprised but glad to see her.
"You didn't have fun?" Harry asked.
She rolled her eyes at him. "Do I look miserable to you?"
"I'm not sure I'm allowed to comment. Why?"
"Anna tried to set me up tonight. It's the second time in a month."
"Was he handsome?"
"Devastatingly so." She couldn't resist teasing him. "But I happen to have my heart set on someone else."
"Glad to hear it." She leaned in and kissed him playfully at first, then more deeply. After a bit, Harry pulled away.
"What is it?" she asked with a twinge of regret.
"I feel sorry for that poor guy…"
She pondered the strange predicament she found herself in. She was in love, and for once, the object of her affection loved her back. It had been a surreal two weeks, trying to get used to being with Harry Pearce. Their work was such that it was usually difficult to spend much private time together, and combined with the fact that both were intensely private people, it was a gradual process of learning each other. They had known each other for years, but there was a difference between the "work" Harry and the "boyfriend" Harry. She marveled at his ability to unwind after work; it was if he could just shrug off the stress like he was taking off his overcoat. The gruff, uncompromising Harry known to Section D could be surprisingly gentle and funny. She couldn't help but smile when she thought of how hopeless he was at cooking.
Harry, for his part, was pinching himself. It was as if some previously unknown burden had been lifted from his shoulders. He was also absolutely terrified. It had been a long time since he had been in any kind of serious relationship and couldn't help worry about his past track record on such things. He told himself that he wasn't the same person he was twenty years ago, and he hoped to God that Ruth understood that as well. He was having fun learning all of Ruth's little quirks. He had thought by this time he would've known all of them, but he realized he had barely scratched the surface. Harry wondered, not for the first time, how she could be so brilliant and beautiful and be so blissfully unaware of it.
The next morning when Ruth arrived at work, she was confronted by Anna.
"So, who is he then?"
"Who do you mean?"
"Your new boyfriend. Don't try to deny it. You've actually been leaving work at a reasonable hour lately, and since you didn't rise to the bait of Ian, I can only conclude you've been holding out on us."
"What if I just didn't fancy Ian?"
"Not a chance. He had "I'm Ruth's type" written all over him. So, tell us. What is he like? When did you meet him, and why haven't we heard about him?"
By now, most of the Grid had been, covertly or otherwise, aware of the conversation. Ruth was well-liked amongst her coworkers and they wanted to see her happy. In addition, most had a pretty good idea that Harry had feelings for Ruth and were intensely curious to see how their leader would react to this situation. Ruth, for her part, gave thanks for Harry's plan and reminded herself never to play him at chess. Anyone who could strategize like him would tear her apart in no time.
"His name is Simon, and we've known each other for a few years now. " Ruth had decided to make things easy on herself, and stick to the truth as much as possible.
By the time Harry arrived on the Grid after his JIC meeting, the gossip surrounding Ruth's new boyfriend was at a fevered pitch. Harry conceded to himself that maybe Ruth had a point about keeping their relationship a secret. He hadn't been entirely convinced that the secrecy was necessary, but then again, by nature of his position he wouldn't be the one bearing the brunt of the inevitable good-natured teasing. Ruth had memorized the legend as well as a field officer, and he was absurdly proud of her. The night before he had come up with a simple but effective plan to fend off any speculation:
"Make a legend for me."
"What?"
"Write a legend of your boyfriend. You'll be able to answer any questions, and avoid any repeats of this evening. That way, you can hum with happiness on the Grid all you want."
"Do I hum with happiness?"
"I certainly hope so."
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