Thanks so much for the encouragement. For those who asked, I'm planning to keep writing up to 5-5. Then we will see where I go! Enjoy.
Harry took the phone call in his office, keeping a wary eye on Zaf. Once he'd ended the call (bloody CIA) he called Zaf, and asked for him to come to his office.
"Harry?" he said politely, with a tilt of his head implying he knew exactly what this was about.
"Lets not pretend you didn't see that earlier," Harry said calmly. "I would appreciate it if you didn't mention it to anyone."
"Not exactly ethical though, is it?" Zaf said.
"I'm not using her," he said calmly. "And she's not sleeping with me to advance her career. It's private."
"Harry, it's not private when you're on the roof of Thames House together, is it?" Harry sighed.
"I guess this means I'll be heading back to six with my tail between my legs? Unless I keep my mouth shut?"
"Of course you've got the transfer to section D," Harry said. "No matter what you say about Ruth and I, it doesn't affect your ability to do your job. That is, if you want to work here," he added fairly. "If I did anything otherwise, that would be an abuse of power, don't you think?"
"I won't say anything," Zaf said finally. "But you have to find somewhere more private, otherwise I won't be the only one who knows." Harry nodded, taking the point.
"Thank you," Harry said. Zaf nodded and left his office. He didn't think Zaf would gossip, but he didn't know him that well. Well, they would see.
It was late when Ruth knocked on Harry's door. After a minute or two, he answered. She opened her mouth to say something, then lost her train of thought. Harry was dressed in only a dressing gown and she felt somewhat distracted.
"Come in," he said. She did, still a little speechless at his state of undress.
"Sorry, I… time got away from me. I didn't realise how late it was."
"It's fine," he said.
"Were you sleeping?" she asked. "Oh you were. Sorry, I should have thought…"
"Ruth, it's fine," he said, grasping her hand to stop her from rambling. "You can always come here, whenever you need to."
"Zaf?" she asked.
"I don't think he'll say anything," Harry said. "But if he did…?"
"I wouldn't like it," she said. "But it wouldn't change my mind. I meant what I said about not running. Our co-workers talking about us wouldn't drive me away from you."
"Good," he said. "Danny?"
"It was good to say goodbye," she said. "I needed to do it." He noticed the dark circles under her eyes and knew she needed sleep.
"Do you want to come up to bed? To sleep," he added at her look. "You look exhausted."
"If I'm not in your way, and you wouldn't mind?"
"Of course I don't mind. You're more than welcome." She smiled and leaned against his chest as he held her. "Let's go to bed," he said.
In the morning, Ruth awoke first. Harry's hand was on her hip, his face towards her. His even breathing filled the room and she tried to focus on his face, the lines and planes of him. She had a feeling of mild panic which she was trying to head off. Waking up entwined with another person tended to make her feel disorientated, and today was no exception. She knew she needed to stay here though. Harry needed to trust that she wasn't going to bolt. She had no intention of leaving him, not now. His hand started stroking her hip and she knew he was waking.
"You're here."
"I am," she said. His hand didn't slow, still stroking her hip.
"Are you staying here?" he asked, slightly warily.
"Well, until I'm needed at work," she said. "Or a little earlier to get a change of clothes."
"Mm," he said. "It's nice. Waking up with you." She agreed, kissing him deeply. His stubble scratched her cheeks and she gasped at the friction.
"You need to shave," she said lightly.
"I know. Sorry." He moved his hands, sliding under her T shirt. "Can I?" She nodded and his hands rose on her stomach, making her eyes flutter closed. He reached her breasts and his touch was so gentle that she groaned. "Is this…"
"Don't stop," she said, interrupting him. He smirked slightly at her reaction and caressed her breasts, planting a kiss on her neck as he did so. He squeezed her nipples and she moaned again, arching into him.
"Oh, please go away!" she said in frustration as is phone started buzzing. The poxy bloody grid. He sighed and dropped his hands from her body before answering it.
"This better be good," he said gruffly. She pulled her T shirt back into place, watching as Harry pinched his nose. "I need half an hour." Another pause. "Well, you'll just have to wait then." He ended the call and looked at her.
"I'll catch the tube home," she said. "Get changed and come back onto the grid."
"Okay," he said. He kissed her briefly and got out of bed. Ruth stayed where she was, admiring Harry's legs. He'd worn an old T shirt and boxer shorts to sleep in, probably because she was in bed with him, and she was enjoying watching him move around the bedroom. He looked back at her, catching her eyes. She smiled, only a little embarrassed at having been caught ogling him.
"I was admiring the view," she said lowly. He came back to the bed, leaning over her and kissed her.
"Fair's fair, then," he said, raising her eyebrows. She giggled and did as he suggested, getting out of bed. She rather enjoyed Harry's gaze on her legs, sliding up her skin. She'd much prefer it if it were his hands, or even better his lips, but she didn't get near enough voicing it before his phone buzzed again.
"Unfortunately, we have to go," he said.
"Yes, we do."
Ruth sat at her desk, catching up on some paperwork while Harry tried to placate politicians on the phone. She purposefully didn't look up at his office, aware that Zaf would most likely be watching her behaviour. He was new to the grid, and she didn't want to give him any reason to think that she was either incapable of doing her job, or using Harry so that she could be lazy at work. Neither was true. When everyone was busy, and not paying attention to her, Zaf leaned over her.
"A word?" he said quietly.
"Zaf, I don't want…"
"I'm not here to cause problems," he said. "I know you're good at your job. Just… be careful."
That seemed an odd thing for him to say. "Why are you telling me this?" she asked.
"Because I've seen this before," he said. "It rarely ends well for the person in your position." Ruth looked around and made sure no one was listening.
"Zaf, it's not like that between Harry and me," she said. "He's not taking advantage of me." She surprised herself by how much she believed it. She had no hesitation in genuinely believing that Harry wasn't using her, that even Zaf saying it didn't alter anything.
"Okay," Zaf said. "Fine." She knew he didn't believe her, but that wasn't important. Not now. She looked up and saw Harry watching her. She nodded slightly to say everything was okay and went back to her work.
I know I'm changing Zaf's character a little, but I had to to get this to work the way I want it to! Hope no one minds too much!