They arrive at Ruth's

Okay, bronchitis, then trip and hurt ankle, so I'm trying to update at reasonable pace, but need to step back and see where I'm going.

They arrived at Ruth's house. The old Ruth would have fumbled with the keys, new Ruth had greater confidence. They stepped across the threshold into her home. It was the first time Harry had been there for any length of time and he glanced around wondering where the bedroom was. Ruth reading his mind said, the kitchen is this way, do you want tea or something stronger?

"I'll opt for something stronger." Harry wasn't sure where this was going. Ruth knew where she wanted it to go but wondered if Harry has yet had enough time to change from the man he once was.

Ruth decided they'd both have scotch. Her drink of choice always is wine, but tonight she felt he might need a bit of extra courage.

There was an awkward silence as they had moved to her sitting room and were seated beside each other on the sofa. Ruth decided to see where he would lead.

"I suppose you already have tomorrows threat assessment halfway prepared in that brain of yours." Then Harry winced at choosing such a neutral topic for discussion with the lady he'd spent the evening with.

Ruth realized that Harry was trying to make small talk but wasn't sure what to do with her. "Maybe I should leave," said Harry.

Then Ruth reached out her hand to cover his. "Wait. You don't need to go." The look from her eyes were clear to Harry that she was making a very specific offer to him. She saw the acceptance reflected in his beautiful brown eyes.

"Ruth I don't want anything awkward between us should something go wrong."

"Trust me Harry, when things go wrong, we'll know how to handle them. Would you rather wait a decade to discover if we're compatible, or find out now?

Harry swallowed. It was decision time. At first he started to pull his hand away from Ruth's then he turned and gripped hers and pulled her to him and they kissed. There was no hesitation, nothing was chaste in this kiss and both were participating with equal amounts of passion. Both were starting to let their hands roam over each other's body.

"I think we should take this to the bedroom," said Ruth barely able to pant the words.

"I couldn't agree more." This was not the Harry 10 years older, this was a Harry 10 years younger, Ruth thought about what the night would hold for them as they climbed the steps to her bedroom. At her door they stopped. Harry pulled her to him and started aggressively kissing and nipping at Ruth. It was a teenage thought, but Harry told himself he would leave his mark on her tonight. Everyone will know she's mine.

They made it to Ruth's bed, both undressing each other quickly. There was no thought of protection. Harry only though about what he wanted and he wanted Ruth.

Ruth knew she wanted this Harry as much as she wanted the Harry 10 years from now. The passion burned hot between them. Harry had tried to hold on as long as possible but almost as soon as he possessed her he found he could not control his release. It had been too long for him. He'd been celibate for many years following his last affair. Although dreams of Ruth had of late led to uncontrolled release when he had not control. Yet here he was with Ruth and the same was true. "I'm sorry Ruth," he panted, "It was just so wonderful. I couldn't hold back. I'm so sorry/"

Ruth pulled him to her and kissed him gently. It's fine. I'm sure round two will slow you down, she smiled as she looked at the expression on his face. It was a cross between joy and doubt he could withstand a second round with Ruth.

This time Ruth initiated the contact after having cuddled with him for about an hour. She started working her way with her lips all around his body, his scares, areas where she knew he might have scars in the future if she didn't prevent them. Suddenly he flipped her on her back and penetrated her. This time taking it slow and ensuring her satisfaction.

Later they fell asleep in each other's arms. Harry knew he had no plans to leave that night and had sent his driver home hours ago.

Ruth awoke first, loving the fact she was in Harry's arms and all that happened last night. As she turned, Harry was already awake watching her.

"I think we need to start making our way to the grid," said Ruth.

"Why not take the day off?" It was Harry's question.

"Nope. We are not going to take advantage of your position." As soon as Ruth said it, she knew it was the wrong choice of words.

"I very much want to take advantage of our positions right night." With that Harry began to make love with her again and this time they were satisfied together. Harry also knew that his heart was completely owned by Ruth Evershed. He never wanted to look at another woman. He knew that he was made for her and she him.

Finally Harry suggested, "well we can conserve water by showering together." Of course this led to another round of love making, ensuring they arrived late on the grid together. What Ruth failed to notice in her afterglow was that Harry had left his mark on her neck and the top she was wearing revealed it to everyone. She was so concentrated on readying for work, she'd failed to see the mar.

Of course others on the grid would not. However, they would have little time for teasing her as another crisis was about to develop. Ruth was thinking it was almost time for Oliver Mace to appear and she felt he had to be taken out of the picture, even if it meant assassination. Ruth wasn't sure this was all a dream, a coma or her death, but she was going to make the most of it as she had no other options.