This feels a little like revisiting old ground but its the inbetween-ish chapter before Ruth turns up on the grid. Thanks for al the suggestions and reviews, and I hope this isn't too disappointing. (Trying to avoid this slipping into M rated territory too.)

Ruth was semi asleep on the sofa, trying to find the energy to move into her bed when a quiet knock on the door disturbed her. Slowly getting up, she opened it, not all that surprised to see Harry there. She smiled and the smile became even broader when she saw the bunch of flowers in his hand.

"You didn't have to get me anything," she said.

"I wanted to," he replied. She took a sniff and the flowers smelt heavenly. "You look exhausted," he said as she put the bouquet in water.

"I was just about to go to bed," she said. "Which actually sounded like a cheesy pick up line, but it wasn't."

"I'll go. I shouldn't have come so late, I've just finished work and wanted to see you."

"Good," she said. "Look I can't keep my eyes open, you're more than welcome to join me, but I'll be asleep in about five minutes. But I would… like you here," she admitted.

After a minute he nodded and agreed. "Okay."

Harry felt very relieved when he awoke several times during the night. Because each time, she was still touching him. Ruth kept shifting closer to him in her sleep, completely without reservation as if this was the first time she had truly accepted that he was meant to be there with her. He kissed the top of her hair and she moaned quietly with happiness. "I love you," Harry whispered. Her hand suddenly dropped to his chest and she stayed that way for the rest of the night.

Ruth awoke feeling Harry's hand on her breast. But unusually for her, she didn't panic. He was touching her softly as if it was the most natural thing in the world, and she loved it. Briefly looking at the clock she saw it was five to six. If she were lucky Luke would have another hours sleep. Moving across him she kissed the hollow of his throat. He stirred slightly but didn't wake. She got a slightly wicked smile on her face as her hand drifted from his chest, to his stomach and lower. As her fingers wrapped around his length he jerked awake. "Hm?" It took him about ten seconds to realise what was happening. "Ruth, what are you doing?"

"I thought it was obvious," she said with a smile, her hand moving over him.

"You don't have to do that," he breathed, half hearted at best as he was already reacting to her touch.

"I know I don't have to," she whispered in his ear. "I want to." He groaned quietly under her touch, knowing he wouldn't last long. Sure enough he quickly climaxed and moaned as she kissed his cheek.

"Morning," he said a few minutes later when he'd come back to his senses. He kissed her briefly and saw that she was smiling. "You seem happy," he said.

"I am," she replied. "Very. You make me feel very… loved and safe. That's not a small thing, Harry."

He smiled at her and pulled her into his embrace. After a long and soft kiss Ruth parted from him reluctantly. "I've been thinking about returning to Thames House. Maybe a day or two a week? Something like that?"

"Are you sure you want to come back?"

"I could use the money," Ruth said. "And even though there were things about the job I didn't like, I did appreciate that I made a difference everyday. So, if its okay, I'd like to come back."

"That sounds good," Harry said honestly. "It'd be nice to appreciate looking at you from across the grid again. I'll get your security passes put through today."

"Thank you," Ruth said. She kissed him again, smiling against his lips. "I like waking up with you next to me."

"So do I," he said. "Next to you I mean." She kissed him again and then sighed as Luke started crying over the baby monitor. "I'll get him," Harry said. "You go and have a shower, he'll be fine with me."

"Are you sure?" Ruth asked. Harry nodded and quickly got dressed before going to Luke who was still crying. Ruth watched him leave and heard him over the monitor.

"Come on then handsome man," Harry said. Ruth heard the creak of the cot and knew that Harry was picking him up. "Gosh, you're heavy. Now I know your mum, and she won't rest until you stop crying okay? So be a good boy and be quiet for me. Please?" Ruth waited with a smile on her face as Luke quieted down, crying now turned into gurgling. "That's a good boy. Ruth, I know you're listening and stop worrying. He'll be fine with me, wont you?" Luke gurgled quietly and she smiled and quickly got in the shower, leaving the only person she trusted, other than herself with her son.

By the time Ruth had got dressed she found Harry tickling Luke's stomach as he laughed delightfully. Harry looked at Ruth with her damp hair and his breath caught. He had to stop thinking dangerous things in that direction because he didn't have the time.

"I need to go home before work," Harry said. "Get a fresh change of clothes and all that. I'll get Malcolm to do your security clearances."

"Thank you. I might turn up tomorrow. If that's not too soon?"

"Its perfect," Harry said. He straightened up and kissed her softly. "See you tomorrow."

"Yes," Ruth said. Their intense eye contact was broken by a loud "Gah!" from the floor. Luke was looking up at them confused from being ignored. Ruth was about to pick him up when Harry beat her to it.

"Take care of your mum for me handsome.

"Ba?"

"Good boy," Harry said with a smile. He handed the child over to Ruth, kissed her once more and then he was gone. Ruth sighed. At times it felt like Harry was a whirlwind in her life, but definitely not in an unpleasant way.