The evening came around far too quickly for Harry's liking and he soon found himself standing in a line next to his junior officers as David was leading the warm up. He looked over towards the bench to find Ruth engrossed in her book. She was clearly still upset by his angry outburst earlier on in his office and he hadn't had the chance to apologise. When David announced for the pre training break, Harry saw his opportunity and trudged over to where she was sitting.

"Ruth," He mumbled, as he took a seat next to her.

Lowering her book onto her lap, she turned to face him and raised her eyebrow questioningly.

"Yes?"

"I'm sorry I snapped at you earlier, I just... You were right," he sighed.

"Right about what?"

"About me being upset about being chosen last yesterday, I just, I don't even know. It just annoyed me greatly."

"Oh Harry,"

As Harry had trudged over to Ruth, Malcolm had also set his sights on a particular female sitting on the spectators bench. As he approached, Ros met his eyes, and smiled warmly as he finally made it over and sat next to her.

"You're really enjoying this," Ros smiled, handing him his water bottle.

"Well, it's been a long time since I've played any kind of competitive sport, so I'm quite excited to start the actual training now," Malcolm smiled in return.

"Let's just hope Harry isn't picked last again," Ros whispered, leaning into Malcolm as she spoke. "He's had a face like a smacked arse all day."

Malcolm stifled a laugh and placed his water bottle on the floor.

"Hopefully, better dash David's calling us over!"

Giving Ros a final smile, he rose from the bench and made his way over to join the rest of his colleagues.

"Right," David called out across the hall, clapping his hands together. "I think we should start with the basics. Short and long passes."

A loud groan echoed across the hall as David began to place cones around the hall.

"OK, guys listen up! I want you to get yourselves into pairs,"

Zaf quickly grabbed hold of Adam's arm as Malcolm edged his way over to Colin, leaving Harry standing red-faced and alone for the second time in two evenings.

"Looks like you're with me then Harry," David smirked, walking him over to the blue cones placed over in the corner.

Standing by the cone opposite Harry, David turned to face the other pairs and instructed them to mimic the positions of himself and Harry by the remaining four cones.

"All you have to do is pass the ball from one person to the next. I want you to stop the ball with your left foot and pass with the inside of your right foot. After five minutes I'll instruct you all to swap feet."

Pausing briefly to locate the balls, David spotted what he was looking for and called over to Adam.

"Kick us over a ball please mate!"

Adam did as obliged and kicked the ball over, a little too hard and a little too high. Harry wasn't paying the slightest bit of attention as to what was going on, too engrossed in slyly staring at the brunette on the bench opposite. Ruth looked up just in time to see the football connect forcefully with the side of Harry's head, causing him to sway slightly after being knocked off balance. The whole hall fell silent and Zaf had to put his fist in his mouth to stop his sniggering being overheard.

Harry stood shock still, his hand massaging the place where the ball had connected with his face. His cheeks were a crimson red, mostly from embarrassment at being hit purely because he couldn't stop staring at Ruth. The anger he felt was mostly at himself and kicking his cone away in frustration he made a move towards the changing area.

David quickly instructed the others to start their training and followed Harry quickly, finding him slumped on the bench by his locker. Closing the door firmly behind him, he sat himself opposite the older man and leant forward cupping his hands together.

"It hasn't been the best few days for you has it?" David sighed sympathetically.

"I'm the head of Section D what the hell you do you expect?" Harry snapped back, suddenly feeling angry at having being forced into such a ridiculous position.

"You did really well in training last night Harry and despite Zaf and Adam's constant teasing, I have got every faith in you and your team. You're leading them out onto that pitch next week so don't let it all get too much. Besides we're playing a game in a minute so you can get your revenge on Adam," he laughed; smiling as Harry finally looked up and met his gaze before standing and making his way to the door.

"Just make sure you focus on the ball Harry, Ruth won't be going anywhere any time soon."

Please review! Yes, it's being a little slow at the moment, but I'm just trying to introduce about five relationship pairings so it's taking time! Will get there eventually!