A/N: Only a little filler really as I'm preparing for university interviews and what not over the next few weeks. I'm trying to get a few more updates out over the next few days so I apologise in advance if they're not as long as you would like them to be! I will make up for it next chapter I promise ;)

Ruth waited until the voicemail cut over the ringing before hanging up and throwing her mobile phone onto the sofa. It had been three hours since Ruth had finally given up waiting and headed home for some much needed rest, but as much as she tried to relax and unwind, mild panic overwhelmed her and she'd find herself tapping Harry's number on her mobile keypad as quickly as her numb fingers would allow. Six attempts, no luck.

-x-

Harry didn't know how long he'd been absent-mindedly staring at the file in front of him, but the familiar sound of the pods whirring gave him an excuse to be distracted. He knew without looking up who was arriving, but as his eyes finally connected with those who were back on the grid he couldn't help but feel a little disappointed that he was right.

-x-

"How is he?" Dmitri nodded his head in the direction of his boss' office.

"Didn't say," Tariq mumbled, his eyes never leaving the computer screen. "He seemed alright when he spoke to me though."

"Right." Dmitri patted Tariq on the shoulder before going in search of his female counterpart.

Beth heard hurried footsteps and quickly turned around. The relief was obvious and Dmitri couldn't help but raise an eyebrow in amusement.

"I thought you were Harry," Beth explained quickly. "I had a feeling he was going to interrogate me on whether I'd been home and seen Ruth."

Dmitri smiled and leant casually against the wall.

"That was exactly what I was coming to talk to you about."

-x-

The shrill ringing of her telephone shook Ruth out of her slumber. She rubbed her eyes warily before grabbing the clock and groaning loudly. It was late. Lifting the phone off the hook, she sat herself up before placing the phone against her ear.

"Hello?"

"Ruth, hi."

Ruth rubbed her eyes and leant back against the headrest.

"Is everything ok?"

Beth held her mobile away from her mouth as she briefly lapsed into a coughing fit.

"Sorry Ruth," Beth croaked. "Yeah, yeah, everything's fine." A pause. "I was just ringing to make sure you were ok."

Ruth smiled to herself.

"I'm fine, well, I will be. I just... Are you still on the grid?"

Beth placed her hand over the speaking and waved her hand frantically trying to get Dmitri's attention. Satisfied she had it, she gave him the thumbs up and nodded to the phone and then to Harry's office. Dmitri smiled knowingly.

"Yeah, we're still here." A pause. "I'll be on my way back soon actually," Beth added quickly. "Will you still be up?"

"I'm already in bed actually," Ruth mumbled, yawning loudly for extra emphasis. "There's plenty of water in the kettle though so you should be able to make yourself a quick tea when you get in."

Beth laughed.

"Cheers."

A brief silence.

"Er, Beth?" Ruth started uncertainly. "Has Har..."

"Yeah," Beth interrupted triumphantly. "He's in his office."

"Oh," Ruth wrinkled her nose. "Never mind."

"Right, well I better get going otherwise I'll never leave here," Beth checked her wrist watch for confirmation of the time and groaned inwardly.

"OK," Ruth yawned. "Say goodnight to everybody from me."

"I will do," Beth smiled. "See you soon."

"Beth, wait!" Ruth mumbled quickly, her eyes widening at the obvious sound of desperation in her voice.

"I'm still here," Beth said slowly.

"Can you ask Harry to check his mobile please?" Ruth sounded so uncertain, so quiet, that Beth had to strain to hear her.

Beth shook her head in amusement.

"Will do, night Ruth."

Beth rang off and strode towards Harry's office with a spring in her step.

"Harry," Beth pulled the office door open after being granted permission to enter.

"I'm off home," Beth smiled slightly.

Harry didn't look up from the paperwork on his desk.

"Goodnight Beth," he said coldly.

Beth nodded slowly, and turned hesitantly on her heel. He clearly didn't want to be disturbed.

Harry shook his head slightly and threw his pen carelessly on the desk.

"Beth."

Beth whipped her head round.

"Thank you, for today." Harry spoke softly. "You did a good job."

Beth smiled fully this time.

"Thank you, Harry."

When Beth didn't turn to leave Harry leant back in his chair and folded his arms tightly across his chest.

"Can I help with you with something, Beth?"

Beth pointed to Harry's coat which was in a crumpled heap on the sofa.

"Check your phone."