Chip Shop

Harry looked up from his desk as the rest of the Grid seemed to empty. Ruth frowned, oblivious to his eyes on her. The computer screen held her attention as she tapped away at the keyboard.

"Ruth." He muttered under his breath. She still looked tired, haunted by her demons and the affects recent events had taken on her. He knew she was still fragile but the fact they had both got through the weekend was a start. He knew her broken bones would heal in time, it was her psyche he was more concerned with. He smiled slightly as she finally looked up, catching his eye. He got to his feet, heading towards the office door.

"Ruth?"

"You should see this." She turned back to the computer screen. "The contact Adam met yesterday has links with A Q. I picked it up from GCHQ about five minutes ago. He kept it quiet but it's there."

"Ok." Harry leant over her, staring at the computer screen. He closed his eyes as he breathed in her shampoo. Ruth blushed. "Where is he now?"

"Wandsworth."

"Under surveillance?"

"Yes."

"Right. I promised you tea. Chip shop chips, fish and mushy peas." He rested a hand on her uninjured shoulder as she tensed. She nodded.

"Can I skip the fish? I had goldfish as a child. I can't eat fish now. Its like eating cat. There's no way I can do it."

Harry smiled slightly, seeing her reasoning.

"There's a little shop about two streets from where I live. Catherine loves it. Takeaway vegetarian and vegan food. How about that?" She smiled slightly.

"Perfect."

"Well, it's almost six. That can wait until tomorrow." He stepped back, picking her handbag from the floor. "Ruth?"

"But."

"Ruth." Harry looked at her pointedly. Ruth rolled her eyes.

"Ok."

He smiled, glad to have won one battle. He ushered get towards the Pods. Ruth cradled her injured arm, still feeling unsure and desolate but knowing for the first time in months she wasn't alone.

Xxxxxxx

Zaf shovelled chips into his mouth as he left the chip shop opposite Thames House. The sun had begun to set and he knew he should be at home getting some rest before the undercover op he and Adam were starting the next day. He frowned slightly as he realised he wasn't the only spook to be walking away from the Grid earlier than usual. Smiling slightly he watched the older man and the skinny brunette head towards the pub further along the street. He watched as the couple walked past the pub and around the corner.

"Look after her Boss." He mumbled before heading back to Thames house to collect his car. He just hoped the quiet analyst that had accepted him quickly into Section D would accept the help she so badly needed.

Xxxxx

Harry fed the pets as Ruth sat at the kitchen table. It seemed that since her accident and suicide attempt Harry had been less than five minutes away from her. She loved how he cared for the animals; aware that both Fidget and Scarlet adored him. He seemed oblivious to her as he plated up the chips and vegan lasagna Ruth had convinced him to buy.

"Thanks." She smiled slightly as he put the plate in front of her. He smiled, sitting down to his own meal. He could sense Ruth pushing the food around her plate as she are as little as she could get away with. He ate quietly before putting his fork down.

"What is it?"

"Adam thinks his source is reliable."

"I'm not talking about work." Harry stated firmly. "Have you taken your medicine?"

"You know I have." Ruth snapped. Harry winced. "What is going on with us?"

"Us? Right now we seem to be arguing over chips!"

Ruth bit her lip, one eyebrow raised she had no idea if he was being completely obtuse or if he just didn't know what she was referring to.

"Harry."

"We aren't doing anything wrong. Dinner is a perfectly acceptable activity at this time of day. Eat your food."

She picked up a chip, popping it in her mouth as she kept her eye on him. He returned to his own meal, knowing he had won a small victory. Ruth did need to eat, her frame was bordering on skeletal. He wondered briefly how he hadn't noticed her weight loss sooner. He knew a friend of Catherine had been anorexic but it was something he had wrongly assumed was a teenage issue. Now as he saw Ruth struggle to eat in front of him he wondered if it was a part of the depression she was suffering. He looked at her unplastered hand realising her fingers were small, fragile and infinitely breakable. Once again he wanted to scream, to cry for her.

"Harry." She touched his hand. "What is it?"

"I'm not the best with words." He held her hand. She nodded. "You know that."

"Neither am I."

"I don't want to lose you. Ruth, if this depression wins. I saw it with mum."

"You were ten. You told me about her." Ruth threaded her fingers through his. He nodded, avoiding her gaze.

"Yeah. I."

"I don't want to go on feeling like this." She stated firmly. "I hate it. I hate that my brain is fighting against me. But I am not going to give up. Not now."

"Tell me what to do. Tell me how I can make this better." Harry whispered as she blinked back tears, seeing how hurt and lost he really was. She squeezed his hand tightly.

"Be you. That's all I need. My Harry." He smiled slightly as she watched him. "Don't think you can fix me. I have to do that. I know that now. It won't happen overnight but I'll get there." She looked away as her voice broke. "You must think me foolish, immature."

"No I don't." He got up, crossing the small space to where she sat. "You have been unwell and now you are going to get well. I know it's an ongoing condition but I want to help. I don't think I could do what I do, be the man I am without you. Please don't let this horrible illness win."

Ruth nodded, standing she touched his face gently. He closed his eyes as her thumb ran over his five o clock shadow. He sighed as she kissed his cheek.

"I won't." She whispered as he held her. "I won't."

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